The Angel of Equestria

by Robobrony


Chapter 14

Chapter 14

“Sir, we almost have a lock on the signal, it is definitely coming from another dimension.”

“Interesting, how long before you get a full lock? I want that subject found as soon as possible.”

“It will still take some time, we’re talking about crossing worlds here after all, once we get a lock, we can begin construction of a way to transport soldiers and equipment to where the subject is.”

“Excellent, keep me informed of any updates. Are the scientists that headed the project on board with all this?”

“Yes sir, they were quit adamant about being included.”

“Keep up the good work.”

***

Charles had just now emerged from the woods with his four escorts. “Thank you for showing me the way out.” He said to them.

“We are grateful to you for dealing with that accursed dragon that threatened our territory, you have our support.” One of them said. Before the timberwolves could leave, a shout was heard.

“Charles! Look out!” A ball of flame came flying at one of the timberwolves. Charles saw it coming and quickly deflected it with his staff. The call came from captain Lightning Thrash. The flame came from Black Cloud’s flame thrower.

Charles saw the two guards along with Stunner and Storm Chaser. Charles’s six friends were also there with the guards.

Charles called out to them. “Stand down, don’t attack!” Charles had his free hand up towards the guards and the staff towards the timberwolves.

Storm Chaser called out. “Don’t attack?! They’re timberwolves, what are you waiting for, attack!”

“NO, STAND DOWN, THEY ARE NOT A THREAT!” This caused the ponies to pause. Charles turned to the wolves. “You four better get back to the forest, it will take some time to spread the word of our alliance.”

The wolf Charles defended spoke. “Thank you for saving me from the flame.” Charles gave a nod and the four wolves headed back into the forest.

From the pony’s perspective, they just heard a few snarles and growls from the wolves after Charles spoke. The captain finally spoke up. “Private Charles, what is going on? Applejack comes bursting into my office with her friends saying you were taken by timberwolves and now you come out with a group of them just to let them go?! What in the name of Celestia is going on?!”

“Sir, please calm down, I will explain everything.” Charles then explained all that happened during his time in the forest. Needless to say, the group was stunned at the end of the story.

Once Charles finished his tale, there was a moment of silence before Storm Chaser spoke up. “So let me get this straight. You met with the king of the timberwolves and the king of the manticores, defeated a dragon threating to take over the forest and Equestria, killed the dragon, and secured an alliance with the manticores and timberwolves?”

“Pretty much.” Charles simply answered. Another moment of silence.

Rainbow Dash broke it this time. “That….is so…..AWESOME! You actually beat a dragon?”

“Eyup.” Charles simply answered again with a smile.

“Charles, this is incredible, nothing like this has ever been heard of!” Twilight exclaimed. “But how did you speak with them, timberwolves can’t talk, yet Applejack said one of them did during the incident with Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.”

Charles answered. “She’s right, one of the timberwolves we first encounted had a weird symbol on its chest, it said the symbol gave it the ability to speak like us, they led me into the forest to speak with their king, one of them gave me this necklace…” Charles held up his new necklace to show the ponies, “…so I could understand them, it lets me be able to understand any animals.”

“Celestia needs to be made aware of this right away. Come on, let’s get back to the library and send a letter to her.”

Charles held up his hands to stop Twilight. “Whoa Twilight hold on, before we do that, there’s someone I need to talk to first.”

“Who?”

Charles winced a little as he said the name. “Discord.”

The ponies looked at him curiously. Rarity spoke up. “Why do you need to speak with Discord?”

“Because he can be of help with whatever is coming, and I need to see if he’s even aware of it.”

“Well, all right, if you’re sure.” Twilight commented. The group made their way back to Ponyville.

Along the way, Charles was at the back of the group with Applejack. He spoke low to get her attention so the others wouldn’t hear. “Hey Applejack.”

Applejack looked to Charles as she was walking right next to him. “Yeah Charles?” She spoke low as well, just enough so only he could hear her.

“How is Applebloom and her friends holding up? I imagine they’re pretty shakin up after that incident with the wolves.”

“They are a little shakin up, but they’ll be fine, thanks fer askin.”

“So who were those two other fillies with Applebloom?”

“The little unicorn was Sweetie Belle, she’s Rarity’s little sister, and the little Pegasus was Scootaloo. Those three are real good friends, even formed a club calling themselves the cutie mark crusaders.”

“That’s nice, maybe later I can come by and see if I can cheer them up or something, I’d like to meet the other two.”

Applejack looked up at Charles with a bit of a surprised look. “You’d do that?” She then smiled. “Well shoot, that’s real sweet of ya Charles, I just know those three will appreciate it, might even help take their minds off what happened to them.”

“So anyway, I remember you were trying to ask me something before this whole mess started, what was on your mind Applejack?”

Applejack turned away slightly and blushed a little. “Well Charles, I was just wonderin……I’m real grateful fer yer help with the harvest today and I was wonderin…..if’n ya’ll had the time…..maybe you and me could get tagether fer dinner er somthin’ just the two of us.”

“You mean like…..a date? I don’t know Applejack, I mean, I think I might be starting up a relationship with Rarity. Don’t get me wrong, you’re a real fine mare and all, but….ugh, why am I so bad at this.”

Applejack caught on to his confusion and laughed a little. “Heh heh, Charles, don’t ya know? Stallions can have more than one marefriend and partner, isn’t that how it worked where yer from?”

Charles did a light face palm. “Oh right, Twilight was telling me about that while I was in the hospital.” Charles pulled his hand away from his face. “No, that’s not how it worked on earth, there are so many humans there, in most parts of the world, such a thing like what you have here in terms of relationships, a male having more than one partner is frowned upon, even illegal.”

“Gosh, how many of ya critters are there?”

“Pfft, heck if I know, last I heard, it was somewhere in the billions, or somewhere around that, probably a lot more than that.”

“Golly, that is a lot.”

“Anyway, back to your first question, about us going out…….I…..um.” Charles started to blush a little himself. “….sure, I’d love too, gotta say, this whole relationship with a pony would also be frowned upon on earth…….GREATLY frowned upon.”

“Why’s that?” She asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“Because back on earth, now don’t take this the wrong way, but ponies on earth were just animals, they are used on farms as work animals and some are treated as pets, not as intelligent as you ponies here. Humans are the only sentient life forms on the planet.”

“That is so fascinating.”

Applejack and Charles turned ahead to the new voice, it was Twilight looking at them over her shoulder. Charles responded. “T-Twilight, how long have you been listening in?”

“Well it was kind of hard not to when Applejack asked you out.” Twilight answered. “In fact, we all heard.”

Fluttershy commented. “I think it’s sweet. It was very nice of you to help her today.”

Rarity then chimed in. “Personally dear, I have no problem with you going out with her on a date, as long as you can handle the two of us and give us both an equal amount of attention. In fact, why not make it a triple date, you Applejack and me. Would you both be all right with that?”

Pinkie giggled. “OOOH, this is just so super-duber fantastic, three of my best friends are dating. I’m just so happy.”

Charles then spoke up. “I know I’m happy about this, I can’t believe TWO girls…….or in this case, mares, are actually interested in me.”

Twilight then commented. “Well, given your recent heorics, I’m not surprised.”

Charles smirked. “So does that mean that you might have a crush on me too Twilight?”

Twilight then blushed. “WHAT, no, I mean, I’m far too busy with my studies to get involved in a relationship.” She defended frantically.

Pinkie chimed in. “Oh come on Twilight, you know you like him.”

Rarity then added in. “Besides dear, one is never too busy when love is concerned.”

Lightning Thrasher interrupted the conversation. “All right you girls, that’s enough, if she wants to ask Charles out, let her do it at her own pace, don’t be trying to pry it out of her.”

Charles then brought the conversation back to the date. “So, when shall we have this little three way date?"

Rarity answered. “Let ‘s see, today is Wensday, how about this Friday night?”

Applejack answered. “Works fer me, how about you Charles?”

Charles answered. “Fine by me, I’ve got nothing else to do.”

Rarity perked up. “Then its settled, the three of us shall enjoy a lovely evening together on Friday night.”

The group finally made it back to Ponyville and the guards returned to their posts while Charles and the girls began to look for Discord. “So how are we supposed to find Discord anyway?”

Pinkie answered. “That’s easy, watch this.” Pinkie stepped forward in front of the group, cleared her throat and put a hoof to her chest. She then overdramatically spoke. “Oh, I am so bored, if only there were someone who could liven things up with a bit of chaos.”

In a flash, Discord appeared. “Did some pony say chaos?”

Pinky immediately perked up. “Hey Discord ol buddy.”

“Pinkie, don’t tell me your actually bored, I’ve never known you to be bored.”

“Nope, I just needed to get you here, sorry for tricking you like that, but it’s kind of important.”

Discord raised an eyebrow as he looked down at Pinkie. “Oh, what is it?” Pinkie pointed a hoof at Charles. Discord frowned. “Oh, it’s you, what do you want?”

Charles stepped closer to Discord, inhaled deep through his nose, and exhaled out his mouth. “Discord, I forgive you for the prank you pulled on me at the party, and I’m sorry for not forgiving you sooner, I just don’t like being laughed at.”

Discord perked up a bit. “Really, you forgive me, well that’s interesting, I guess you’re not such a sour puss after all.” He said with a smile.

Charles continued. “I would like it if we could be friends, I just don’t want to be pranked on.”

“Very well then.” He said with a bigger smile. “We shall bury the hatchet.” Discord made a hatched appear in one hand and a shovel in the other. “Here, you dig the hole and I’ll drop the hatchet in it.”

Pinkie giggled at Discord being literal. Charles looked at him confusingly as the shovel was placed in his hands. “Um, I don’t think that’s meant to be literal.”

“It’s not, oh well.” Discord made the shovel and hatchet disappear.

“Listen Discord, I know this may not be easy for you, but I need you to focus, there is something serious I need to talk with you and the princesses about, I’m going to send a letter to them to inform them that it is important I meet with them. Can you please be there with me when I speak with them.”

“If it is a matter so important that you would need me to know about it as well, I suppose. Very well, I’ll come around when the princesses do, or go with you to the castle if they want you to come.”

“Thank you Discord, I really appreciate it.” Charles said with a smile.

Discord smiled back. “Hey, what are friends for, put er there chum.” Discord put his lion paw out for a shake.

Charles was about to grab it but then stopped. “Hold it, you’re not going to try THAT trick again are you?”

“What, me, pull the same trick twice, puh-lease, give me some credit.” Discord said as he held up his lion paw, and in it was a bigger hand buzzer.

Charles smirked at Discord. “Nice try, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Girls, I believe you should all go about your buisnesses now, I need to head back to the library with Twilight and inform Celestia of today’s events. Rarity, Applejack, I’ll see you two Friday night, if not sooner.” The girls but Twilight said their farewells as Twilight, Discord, and Charles headed back to the library.

Upon arrival, Discord, being as tall as he is had to slink in behind Charles as he followed Twilight. “Spike, I need you to take a letter please.” Twilight said as Spike was busy with a bit of dusting.

“Hey Twilight, sure…..thing?” Spike saw Discord in the library with Twilight and Charles. “Um….Twilight, why is Discord here?”

“There is something of great importance that the princesses need to be made aware of and Charles thinks it concerns him as well.” She explained.

It didn’t ease Spike’s nerves, he just nodded and ran off to fetch a quill and parchment. “Ready when you are.” He said upon his return.

Charles began. “Dear princess Celestia and princess Luna, I have achieved and learned something today that is of the utmost importance that you be made aware of. This is too important to reveal through a letter, I must meet with you face to face to discuss the matter, it also concerns Discord so he will be with me when we meet, please respond at your earliest convenience. Your loyal Ponyville guard, Charles.”

Spike finished with the last of the letter, rolled it up and sent it on its way in a puff of green flame and smoke. “So, what’s going on, Applejack came in here some time ago acting all frantic, something about timberwolves or something?”

Charles looked to the little dragon. “It’s kind of a long story, I think I should inform the princesses about this first, if they come here, you can be present for when I tell them about today.”

“Fine, I’ll wait.” Spike said with a bored sigh.

Charles then started rubbing the back of his neck a little nervously. “So Spike, you’re not….still upset at me about……dating Rarity, are you?”

Discord perked up at this. “OOH, Spike is upset at you for dating Rarity, Do tell.” Then in a flash, everyone in the room was on pillows with curlers in their hair….rather, those who had hair had curlers in them. Discord even went so far as to have a bowl of popcorn and everyone in pajamas. “Now tell me all the details Spike, or Charles, don’t leave out any of the juicy parts.”

Charles was just confused at the sudden change Discord made, while Twilight and Spike were just annoyed. “Discord, that is between them.” Twilight scolded.

Discord gave a ‘harumpf’ and the pillows, pajamas, curlers, and popcorn was gone. Spike finally had a chance to answer Charles’s question. “Well, I guess not, I am still a little down about it, but it seems I may have a secret admirer.”

Twilight went a little wide eyed at this bit of news. “Really Spike, who is it?”

“I don’t know, that’s why they’re called a SECRET admirer.” Before they could say anymore on the subject, Spike belched out a letter. Spike picked it up and began to read it out loud.

Dear Charles,

I understand that you feel this news is important, and I am curious as to what it is that you need to tell me in person, however, myself and Luna are too busy with our duties today to speak with you, we will come to Ponyville tomorrow to meet with you so you may tell us what is going on.
From, Princess Celestia.

Discord was the first to comment. “Well then, looks like I can be on my way, I’ll be seeing you all tomorrow.” Discord then disappeared.

Charles then spoke up. “Guess I should be on my way as well and get back on the job.” His stomach then rumbled. “Um, after lunch. Do you know of a good place to eat around here Twilight, I just received my pay today and would like to try one of the local eateries.”

Twilight thought for a moment. “Why don’t you try Sugarcube Corner, I’m sure Pinkie would be more than happy to serve you.”

“Sounds good to me, I’ll see you two later this afternoon.” Charles took his leave and made his way to the bakery.

On his way, he took notice it was very cloudy now, and the tempature was still rather low. “Brr, good thing I have a coat. What season is it here?” He thought out loud. During his walk, he saw Rainbow Dash flying overhead. He figured he might as well ask a friend about the season. “Hey, Rainbow Dash, you got a minute?!”

Rainbow stopped in her flight and looked at Charles. “Hey Charles, sure, I got a minute!” She answered back and flew down to meet him, she continued to hover next to him as he walked. “What’s up Charles?”

“What season is it around here, what month is it?”

“It’s October, almost time for Nightmare Night.”

Charles cocked an eyebrow as he looked at her. “Nightmare Night, what’s that?”

“Only one of my most favorite holidays of the year, it’s when we dress up in costumes for fun and games, the fillies and colts go around from door to door asking for candy, it actually got started because of how Luna turned into Nightmare Moon.”

Charles continued to look at her with a confused expression. “Who’s Nightmare Moon? And wait, Luna turned into some one……er, some pony else?”

“Oh right, you don’t know about that do you, you’ll have to ask Twilight about it sometime.”

“Huh, well this Nightmare Night sounds a lot like a holiday back on earth we humans celebrated. We called it Halloween. Despite what I had been through in life, it was my favorite holiday, as long as I didn’t use my wings or magic, I could just say I was in a costume, that my wings were fake.” Charles got a little more somber by this point. “It was really the only night of the year where I felt like I fit in, I didn’t have to worry about people messing with me.”

Dash picked up on it. “Hey, you don’t need to worry about that anymore, sure you’re a different species than us, but so far, you’ve been fitting in pretty good haven’t you? Just forget those jerks from your world and try to make something of yourself in this one, I’d say your off to a great start so far.”

Charles smiled at Dash’s words. “Your right Rainbow Dash, all that stuff is in the past, this place is so much better. Thanks for talking with me. I guess you were busy with something so I’ll let you get back to it. I’ll see you later Ok.”

“Sure, see ya later Charles.” Dash then took off and went back to whatever she was doing.

Charles reached Sugarcube Corner and entered through the door, causing the little bell hanging over it to ring.

He was greeted by Pinkie at the counter. “Hey Charles, didn’t think I’d see you so soon, what’cha doin here? Not that I’m not happy to see you, I’m always happy to see my friends.”

“Hey Pinkie Pie, thought I’d come by for my lunch break. I seem to have worked up an appetite today.”

“I’ll bet, with everything you went through, you must be super-duper hungry, so what can I get ya, it’s on me.”

Charles put a hand up. “That won’t be necessary Pinkie, I got paid today before I started my job. I can pay for my food, I insist.”

“Well, OK, so what do you want, we got all kinds of great things.”

Charles thought for a minute. “You know what, I’m in the mood for something I haven’t had in a long time, I don’t suppose you all serve pizza here do you?”

Pinkie looked at Charles curiously. “What’s a pizza?” Pinkie asked as she cocked her head to the side. Then she smiled again. “Oh oh, is it some kind of dessert, or maybe a new kind of bread I never heard of? Wait I know, It’s a-“
Before she could finish, Charles put a hand over her mouth.

“Easy Pinkie, just stop talking for a moment please.” Pinkie nodded, still with a smile. Charles took his hand away and began. “So you ponies don’t have pizza huh, well I’ll just have to change that.”

“Really great, because I really want to know what a pizza is, it sounds interesting.”

“Pizza is only the most delicious thing in the world, at least in my opinion, let’s see.” Charles thought for a moment on how to tell Pinkie what Pizza was. “Well, I can tell you how it’s made, sort of.”

Pinkie smiled bigger, if it were possible. “Really well come on, tell me, don’t leave me in suspense, how do you make a pizza?”

“I doubt this bakery has all the ingredients for a pizza, but here goes.” Charles then did his best to describe how one makes a pizza, the bread dough, the tomato sauce, the cheese. “And after that, you can just leave it like that, or you can add anything else you want on it, my personal favorite is when it has red and green peppers with onions, but you can also put pineapples, or olives or any other vegie style stuff, though some humans like to put certain kinds of……..you know what, let’s stick with the veggie stuff. Then you bake it for a while until the crust is a nice golden brown. What do you think?”

Pinkie started to lick her lips at the end. “MMM, that does sound good, oooooh, I can’t wait to try it out, you just have to help me make it when I have all the stuff together. Please say you’ll help me, please please please say you’ll help me.” Pinkie was begging Charles.

“Well, sure ok, I can help, when do you want me to come by, I’ll be free later this evening.”

“GREAT, I can’t wait to try this out. This is going to be so much fun.”

Charles then got another idea that he knew she would just love. “Say Pinkie, since you ponies have never heard of pizza before, I’ll bet humans have something else you’ve never heard of before either.”

“Really, what?” Pikie asked, still smiling.

“It’s a kind of party you never heard of.”

Pinkie gasped. “There’s a kind of party I never heard of? But how can that be, I’m Ponyville’s number one party ponie, how can there be a kind of party that I never heard of?”

Charles smiled a little devilishly. “Because it involves the thing I just told you about, the party I’m talking about, it’s called a pizza party.”

Pinkie’s monstrous smile returned. “A pizza party, that’s a GREAT IDEA! How does it work? What do you need for it? How many-“ Pinkie was cut off again by Charles’s hand.

“Pinkie, it is simple, a pizza party is just a party where pizza is the main thing served at it, you can serve other things, but the pizza is the main thing. So this evening, once I’m off duty, I’ll come by and help you the best I can to make a pizza and, as I’m sure, come up with a time to throw a pizza party, you want to put one together right away don’t you?”

“Well yeah, of course I do, this is HUGE, I can’t wait to get started, thank you Charles!”

Charles chuckled at Pinkie. “You’re welcome Pinkie.”