Strained and Flexed Bridges

by YukiSN

Sven's Past (Part I)

Chapter 12 - Sven's Past (Part I)

"What do you mean he's not a 'normal' pony? He's just a unicorn isn't he?" Rainbow Dash asked. Princess Celestia sighed, stepping through the portal and into Twilight's room. Spike and the cyan pegasus bowed before returning their attention to the subject at hand.
"It's hard enough to explain to you in words, perhaps a visual is required instead," Princess Celestia replied, her horn glowing brightly. A white orb soon engulfed Rainbow Dash and Spike.
"What's going on?!" Spike exclaimed.
"I'm going to take you back to the past. To see how Sven became how he is today," Princess Celestia explained.
"What about the others?! The chaos in Ponyville right now?" Spike asked, worried about the other ShadowHawks and his friends.
"I have Luna watching over them at the moment. She'll intervene if things get out of hand but I sense everything is settling down," Princess Celestia replied, Spike and Rainbow Dash hesitantly accepting the thought that everything would be fine.

"Now, let us watch Sven's past to understand his present. Let us go back, to when he was first born into this world. As an older brother. As a foal. As a normal colt," Princess Celestia spoke solemnly, white panels of Sven's past suddenly whirling around the three before one solid image was presented before them. A spectral pony created from pure light soon stepped forth, the three forced to shield their eyes from the intensity. In a booming flat voice, the entity spoke.
"Let us begin."

A silver white mare trotted through a kitchen, making her way to the sink to pour herself a glass of water. Her hooves clopped softly on the tiled floor while an afternoon breeze floated through an open window. Her name was Silk Dancer, a unicorn who had made her living in Canterlot as a dancer at a popular bar, The Ink & Parchment. She had a silky smooth black mane that blew freely with the simplest breeze. Her eyes were a warm amber yellow color that enchanted all who gazed upon her. On her flank, her Cutie Mark showed a strand of red silk that wove freely around. Upon hearing the smooth voice of his wife, a unicorn stallion trotted into the kitchen. Brushing his wild messy electric blue mane out from his calming ruby red eyes, he smiled at his wife. His name was Frost, a courier for the Canterlot Royal Court.

Frost had spotted Silk Dancer at The Ink & Parchment a few years ago and instantly fell in love with the mare. After a few weeks, he finally worked up the courage to ask the mare out on a dinner date after her work shift. Four dates later and the two unicorns had openly declared themselves a couple. Six months later, Frost had finally decided pop the question, proposing to Silk Dancer during her shift by requesting a song to one of the musicians. Two months later, they were married in the eyes of Princess Celestia. Nine months later, they gave birth to two foals, one a mare and the other a colt. They named the mare Silver Flare for her beauty, as Frost would say, "she's almost as beautiful as her mother." However, the colt was given the name Sven, rather than a traditional pony name as requested by Silk Dancer.

"Why name him Sven? I thought you'd name him with a traditional pony name," Frost asked, perplexed by his wife's choice.
"Well, you see I met this fortune teller and she told me grave things about our son's future. So I thought, maybe something unconventional would be best. You know? Best let him feel slightly different now rather than later. Don't get me wrong, we're still going to love him with all our hearts," Silk Dancer explained, receiving a soft kiss from her husband.
"Of course we will. And Sven is a wonderful name, quite interesting as well," Frost chuckled, looking at the bawling foal.
"He'll grow up to be a strong as his father," Silk Dancer smiled, Frost blushing lightly at the compliment. The two parents glanced lovingly down at their two foals, drawing up bright futures for both of them… well, one of them.

Six years had passed and the little foals soon became fillies. Learning to walk and talk. Silver Flare was the first to learn how to use her magic, her discovering coming from reaching for the cookie jar that Silk Dancer hid atop of the refrigerator. Sven had yet to discover how to use his magic. It was a lazy Sunday morning when Frost returned to his small house, his wife smiling at him but soon looking at him with concern.
"What's wrong dear?" Silk Dancer asked, Frost floating a letter from his day pack to his wife before sitting down at the kitchen table, his eyes never leaving the oak surface. Confused, Silk Dancer opened the letter and began to read the contents.

Frost The Courier,

As you are aware, this upcoming month is the time for experimental tests to create superior ponies. All citizens and residents of Equestria are noted in a ballot and your number has been drawn as of today. You have a month left before four Royal Guards will escort you to the labs. We do not expect you to show up to work for the time being until the month is over. Spend the rest of the month with your loved ones.

Please understand that I am very sorry for your situation, being just married recently and raising your fillies. Please know that your mortgage will be covered by the Royal Court, courtesy of Princess Celestia of Equestria herself as well as double your salary being delivered to your wife Silk Dancer. I can only image the pain that you are experiencing at the moment for I have fillies of my own. Please understand that your sacrifice will benefit future generations of ponies, perhaps even your own fillies. Thank you for your cooperation.

Signed,
Quill, Pony Genetics CEO

Approved By,
Princess Celestia of Equestria

Silk Dancer looked at the letter and then at her husband who was gazing out the window and then back to the letter.
"No… No! This can't be true! There has to be something we can do!" Silk Dancer screamed, throwing the letter aside and rushing to her husband's side.
"There's nothing I can do… It was in my contact when I took the job as one of the Royal Couriers. I have no way out of this," Frost sighed, using his magic to float him a wine glass and some red wine.
"Horsefeathers there isn't something you can do! You have to try! What about Silver Flare?! What about Sven?! What about me?!" Silk Dancer cried, holding Frost tightly.
"What do you suggest? That I kill them?" Frost snapped.
"No… I just… I just don't know what I'll do without you…" Silk Dancer sobbed, holding Frost tightly. Tears began to leak from the couples eyes before Frost picked his wife up and carried her to bed.

"Hey mom! Is it okay if I go out with Cloud Chaser? We're going to meet up with Dusty and Buttersnaps to go to the movies," Silver Flare called out. The mare had grown considerably within the past six years. Already in middle school and top in her class along with Sven, Silver Flare truly did make Silk Dancer feel proud.
"Okay dear, just be back before it gets too dark please!" Silk Dancer replied from the living room of their home. Upon hearing the sound of the door shutting, Silk Dancer sighed, glancing towards a pair of stairs she could hear the heavy beats coming from Sven's room. Trotting up stairs she knocked gently on the door before opening the door to find Sven shadow boxing. The colt had learned how to stand on his hind legs, though it seemed to come almost as natural as standing on all four hooves. Being ridiculed and teased for this by his peers, Sven often kept to himself, rarely ever reaching out to make friends or socialize like his sister. He was often picked on for being the outcast of the school along with still not having his Cutie Mark. However recently he had began to make some friends, specifically one mare, Vinyl Scratch.

Silk Dancer smiled as she remembered how Sven had returned from school one day, his cheeks flushed red and his breathing heavy. Before Silk Dancer had a chance to ask what happened, Silver Flare soon came gliding into the room, teasing Sven.
"Sven and Vinyl sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” she sang while playfully poking Sven in the shoulder.
"Quiet," Sven replied before hurrying to his room and locking the door behind him.
"What happened?" Silk Dancer asked, directing her question to Silver Flare.
"You won't believe this, so Sven was getting shoved about again in the halls and then Vinyl came in, pushing the other colts away yelling at them. When one of the bullies asked why she was getting in the way, she yelled, and I quote, "Because I bucking love him!" before turning around and kissing Sven!" Silver Flare giggled.
"Oh! My little Sven is in love! So precious!" Silk Dancer cheered happily, "He's never been to social so this is just so exciting! What happened next?"

"Well, one of the bullies pushed Vinyl into a locker, hurting her shoulder and then Sven knocked him out with a single punch. Then Octavia came over and reported the bullies to one of the teachers," Silver Flare sighed. She loved her brother with all her heart but sometimes she hated how he often resorted to physical aggression. Silk Dancer sighed at the same thought too, but her sadness was replaced with happiness that Sven had found someone to love. Dismissing Silver Flare, Silk Dancer watched as the mare trotted up to her room, closing the door behind her. Turning around, she glanced at a portrait of her and Frost when they got married. A tear trailed down her eye as memories flooded her mind.
"Oh Frost… how I miss you. If only you could see how much Sven and Silver Flare have grown. Sven's even found a special somepony already!" Silk Dancer sighed. Pushing the memory out of her mind, Silk Dancer now turned her attention to her son and the present.

"Sven, dear. How are you doing?" Silk Dancer asked, the colt stopping his barrage of punches and turning to face his mother.
"Fine," he replied flatly.
"Have you finished your homework?" Silk Dancer asked, trying to keep a conversation going, seeing how ever since Frost had been taken away, Sven rarely ever spoke to her. According to reports from his school, he was distant and often seemed to be in his own world, despite the fact that he was in the top ten of his class, his sister being number two.
"Yeah," Sven replied, turning back to his punches and evasion steps.
"Is Vinyl coming over?" Silk Dancer asked, noticing a faint blush on Sven's cheeks.
"Later tonight, yeah," Sven murmured, now hiding behind his mane.
"Don't you think that you should cut your mane? It's kind of long, almost like a mare's," Silk Dancer chuckled.

"I like it the way it is," Sven growled, now revealing a bruise beneath his right cheek.
"Sven! Did you get into another fight?" Silk Dancer asked, starting to move towards the colt only to have him turn and glare at her.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss? I'm busy," Sven growled, his emerald eyes piercing through his mother's heart.
"N-n-no, that's all. I love you son," Silk Dancer quickly replied before closing the door and leaving Sven alone. Inside, Sven resumed his punching and evasion moves before hearing a plink at his window. Glancing outside, he spotted a white mare with an electric blue mane.
"Vinyl!" he chuckled, opening his window and throwing a rope down, said mare climbing up to his room.

"Sup babe? Ready for some new mixes?" Vinyl chuckled, kissing Sven gently on the lips. Sven blushed, still trying to get used to the feeling of a kiss from another mare.
"Of course, I've fixed your equipment too and enhanced your subwoofers," Sven smiled, pointing to a corner.
"Thanks babe! So.. I was thinkin' care to head to my place for once? Not that I mind coming here but I just kinda want you to meet my folks," Vinyl asked, shuffling nervously in place.
"Sure, I'll just let Silk know that I'll be out," Sven smiled, kissing Vinyl's horn before trotting out downstairs.
"Hey, mother? I'm going to go over to Vinyl's. I'll be back later tonight," Sven informed, Silk Dancer nodding before handing him a few bits in case they would order pizza.

Trotting back upstairs, Sven found Vinyl lying on his bed, looking over a few drawn up designs that Sven had created during class.
"These are really good! Ever consider being a graphic artist?" Vinyl complimented.
"Not really, it was more or less something to keep me entertained," Sven chuckled, helping Vinyl out the window again. Using her magic, Vinyl was able to transfer some of the equipment down to the ground, Sven picking up a few other pieces and placing them in his day pack and trotting downstairs.
"Have fun," Silk Dancer called out as Sven closed the door.

Sven and Vinyl soon began to trot down the streets, soon arriving at Vinyl's house. Noticing a note on the door, Vinyl quickly levitated towards her with her magic and read over the contents.
"Huh, looks like my folks aren't gonna be her tonight after all, something about an important meeting today," Vinyl murmured, her eyes suddenly donning a mischievous glow. This did not go unnoticed by Sven.
"What are you thinking?" Sven asked. Vinyl pulled Sven inside, quickly dropping her equipment before pressing him up against he door, kissing him passionately. Sven responded with the same gesture, pulling Vinyl close to him. Vinyl began to lead Sven to her room, shutting the door behind her before pushing Sven down on her bed. Rummaging through her dressers, she pulled out a familiar item, a circular shaped object wrapped up in a heavy duty plastic packet. With a mischievous grin on her
"So… wanna give it a shot?""

"Hey Vinyl! I heard that you and Sven broke up! Why?!" Octavia frantically asked. It had been a week since the DJ's and outcast's breakup, both growing considerably over the past four years. Vinyl smiled sadly at hearing her ex-coltfriend's name.
"We kinda decided that it wouldn't work out the way we wanted too. You know? I'm going to become a famous DJ and he's going to join the Royal Guard. It just wouldn't work out," Vinyl cried softly, hearing the sound of said stallion trotting down the halls.
"Hey Sven! How's daddy doing? Oh yeah! He's dead!" one of the hoofball players laughed, receiving Sven's signature glare. Spotting Vinyl at the end of the hall, Sven quickly made a detour to the lounge, finding a corner, sitting down, and putting on his headphones.
"Hey! Vinyl! Octy!" Silver Flare called out, trotting over to the two mares.
"Have you seen my brother today? I can't find him! I've got to give him a piece of my mind for joining the Royal Guard!" Silver Flare growled.

"He's in the lounge, but I don't think he really wants to talk to anypony," Octavia replied, Silver Flare ignoring her warning and quickly making her way towards Sven's location. Trotting into the busy lounge, Silver Flare quickly spotted her brother, smoking to her shock.
"Sven!" Silver Flare yelled, smacking the cigarette out of Sven's magical grasp.
"I wasn't finished with that," Sven muttered, his emerald eyes staring up at his sister.
"What's gotten into you?! Joining the Royal Guard?! What about mom?! What about me?!" Silver Flare screamed, drawing the attention of other ponies.
"You can take care of mom, you've always been more successful than I anyway. Besides, I doubt Canterlot will miss their signature freak if he dies anyway. Might as well speed up the process," Sven grumbled, pushing past his sister and making his way to his classroom. Silver Flare was frozen in shock. Did her brother really think of himself in that way?

It had been a year since Sven joined the Royal Guard. Vinyl Scratch would often write to him, still good friends with the stallion. Within the year, she had began to date Octavia, Sven smiled softly as he remembered when Vinyl admitted she may be a fillyfooler, how nervous she was. Training life for Sven had been tedious and annoying, all of the
"Hey! Blank Flank! Commander wants to see you in his tent stat!" one of the many captains of the Royal Guards yelled in the mess hall. Knowing who he was referring to Sven slowly got out of his seat and trotting out of the room.
"What is it this time?" Sven muttered to himself, knocking on the wooden door that read: COMMANDER RAIN RUNNER.
"You wanted to see me sir?" Sven asked, Rain Runner motioning for Sven to take a seat in a chair. As Sven sat down, Rain Runner produced two envelopes.
"One contains bad news, the other good news. It's up to you to chose which one you read first," Rain Runner spoke gravely, trotting over to Sven and placing a hoof on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry son."

After Rain Runner had left, Sven glanced at the two envelopes, one addressed from Princess Celestia herself and the other addressed from his mother. Deciding to go with royalty first, Sven tore open the envelope, reading the letter.

Royal Scout Sven,

As you are aware, this upcoming month is the time for experimental tests to create superior ponies. All citizens and residents of Equestria are noted in a ballot and your number has been drawn as of today. You have a month left before four Royal Guards will escort you to the labs. We have spoken to Commander Rain Runner and he given you an honorable discharge. Your family has not been informed of this change because we feel like this is something that you should inform them of. Enjoy a month with your family and loved ones. We are truly sorry for the way things have turned out. Thank you for your cooperation.

Signed,
Quill, Pony Genetics CEO

Approved By,
Princess Celestia of Equestria

Sven held the letter in his hooves, trembling gently before taking a deep breath and placing the letter down before opening up the envelope from his mother.

Sven,

Hi, how are you doing lately? You rarely write back home. Have you forgotten us here?  I should hope not! Anyway, when can you come back home? We miss you, your sister and I. Silver Flare says hi. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and remind you that we love you. Vinyl came back with Octavia. It was quite nice of you to give up your room so both of them could live there after their parents kicked them out for loving each other. Love you son.

Love,
Silk Dancer

Sven's mind was racing with emotions, unsure of how to handle the situation. He was going to break the news to his mother by coming back and showing her the letter. However, now he was even more unsure about returning home. Rain Runner trotted back into the room.
"I've informed your captains and team. They understand the situation and have pooled together to give you this," Rain Runner informed, handing Sven a bag of bits.
"There's one hundred and twenty seven bits in there, mine included. It should cover train fair and any other luxuries you wish to have before the month is over. You were one of my best scouts and I hate to see you go," Rain Runner spoke.
"You've got four hours to say goodbye here and pack your things. Attention!"

"Sven! You're back! Vinyl! Octavia! Silver Flare! Sven's back!" Silk Dancer exclaimed happily, hugging her son.
"Hey mom," Sven weakly chuckled.
"I think this is the first time you've ever called me mom rather than mother," Silk Dancer smiled, mussing up Sven's mane.
"SVEN YOUR BACK!" Vinyl screeched happily as she tackled said stallion to the ground, Sven laughing while he mussed up Vinyl's mane.
"Welcome back Sven, how's the Scout life treating you?" Octavia asked politely, slowly trotting down.
"It's okay I suppose. It can get rough," Sven replied, now spotting his sister.
"Hey sis'" Sven smiled, Silver Flare leaping atop of Sven and Vinyl laughing.
"Sven! You're back! Why didn't you reply to mom's letter?!" she giggled, helping Vinyl up.

"Actually… there's something I need to tell you all," Sven sighed, trotting over to the kitchen table, the mares in tail. As soon as he was sure that everyone was seated, he pulled out the letter from Quill and Princess Celestia and placed it the center of the table. Vinyl and Octavia were oblivious to what the letter meant but to Silver Flare and Silk Dancer on the other hand…
"No! No! Not my son! I lost your father to the same ballot and I won't lose you too Sven!" Silk Dancer screamed throwing the letter aside and slamming her hooves on the table.
"Sven, you have to leave Canterlot! There's no way I'm letting them take you too!" Silver flare yelled.
"Mother, they'll just hunt me down like an animal," Sven replied calmly, his eyes still fixated on the old oak table.

"Wait, what's going on?" Vinyl asked, greatly worried now by Silk Dancer's reaction. Silk Dancer explained to Octavia and Vinyl what happened to Frost and that it was the same letter that Sven had received.
"No! Sven you can't go! You're our friend!" Vinyl yelled, tears leaking from her magenta eyes. Octavia held her marefriend's hoof tightly.
"I agree, there must be some way out of this. Perhaps a request or something to the princess," Octavia suggested.
"No use… I've got a month and I might as well live it out the way I've wanted to," Sven sighed, leaving the table and walking out the front door, leaving Vinyl, Octavia, Silver Flare, and Silk Dancer shocked and crying.
"Damn it," Sven growled.

"Today's the day Sven… Just… go with it and it'll be over quickly," Sven muttered, looking at himself in the bathroom mirror. Outside, Vinyl, Octavia, Silver Flare and Silk Dancer were waiting for him, four Royal Guards standing next to the four. Sven soon exited the bathroom, looking at the guards dead in the eyes.
"Sven… please… don't. I don't want you to go…" Vinyl sobbed, hugging Sven tightly, Octavia joining in the hug.
"I still say there must be something we can do. Some sort of formal request to the princess to make her reconsider this," Octavia whispered, holding back her own tears. She had to be strong for Vinyl. Breaking the hug, Vinyl placed a soft kiss on Sven's lips.
"That's to remember me by," she smiled weakly.
"Sven… I know we never really did get along to well. Me being too social and never actually spending time with you. But I just wanted to let you know that I love you," Silver Flare smiled, hugging Sven tightly as tears leaked from her eyes.

"Thanks sis'. I regret not being a s social as you and never really spending time with you too," Sven assured, hugging his sister back. Soon Silk Dancer stepped forth.
"I've lost my husband to this Quill person and now I'm about to lose you too. I love you so much Sven. It's going to be a bit more lonely around here now but I'm sure once Silver Flare gets a coltfriend, it'll be a tad bit more lively. It just won't be the same," Silk Dancer sobbed, pulling Sven into a bone crushing hug.
"Can't… breathe…" Sven coughed, Silk Dancer lightening up on her grasp.
"Thanks mom," Sven smiled, feeling the light pull of two of the Royal Guards.
"It's time to go Sven," they spoke in unison, bowing to the four mare who watched Sven go, as a former lover, a son, a brother, and a friend.

Four months had passed since Sven was taken away by the Royal Guards. Vinyl and Octavia had finally settled in with jobs to help Silk Dancer around the house and to help pay for Silver Flare's tuition. Both mares had landed their dream jobs, Vinyl becoming a professional DJ and Octavia landing a spot in the Canterlot Royal Orchestra as the cellist. Silk Dancer had aged considerably, suffering from a serious back injury when she slipped off stage. Her manager had given her a few months to get surgery and recover and Silk Dancer was in her recovery stage.
"Silk Dancer, we're back!" Vinyl called out from the threshold of the front door as she and Octavia entered their home.
"Welcome back!" Silk Dancer replied, greeting the two mares.
"Here's the paper," Octavia smiled warmly, trotting to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of tea. Smiling, Silk Dancer opened the paper and gasped.
"Vinyl! Octavia! Come here quickly!"

Meanwhile, Silver Flare had just finished her afternoon classes trotting out of her last class with a yell of happiness.
"Finally! We're done for the day!" she exclaimed happily.
"Yeah, no kidding! I thought Iron Mane would never let us out of gym!" Dusty laughed, catching up to Silver Flare.
"Hey! Silver! Principal wants to see you immediately!" one of the many teachers called out from the teachers lounge. Sighing in frustration, Silver Flare waved goodbye to her friend before trotting over the principal's office. Upon arrival , she noticed two Royal Guards standing outside, both of them looking intensely at her. Extending their wings outwards, they blocked Silver Flare's path to the office.
"Who goes there?" one of them asked.
"Silver Flare, I'm supposed to report here," Silver Flare replied nervously, the guards permitting her to pass.

Upon entry into the office, Silver Flare found Princess Celestia and her principal talking quietly, four Royal Guards at each corner of the room.
"What's going on here? Why is Princess Celestia here? Did I do something wrong?" Silver Flare asked, her voice full of worry now.
"No Silver Flare, you see, something has come up that Princess Celestia thought should be brought to your attention and I think you'd be quite happy with the news," the principal smiled, motioning for Silver Flare to turn her attention to Princess Celestia. Smiling, the sun goddess motioned for one of her guards to bring her something, an envelope. Levitating the envelope with her magic, she pushed the item towards Silver Flare, a warm smile on her lips.
"How would you like to see your brother again?"