//------------------------------// // Recitativo 7 — A Fresh Perspective // Story: Sketchy Salad Serenata // by Sketchy Sounds //------------------------------// Consciousness seeped into Blacklight’s head, his eyelids flickering as his mind resurfaced from the dull murk of a dreamless sleep. He winced with a sharp intake of air as his wing reminded him of exactly what had happened to him the other night. Still, wherever he was, at least he was on something soft. His eyes began to adjust to the dim light of the room, and he lifted his head to look around. His surroundings were familiar: the orderly but sparse décor, the odd few Royal Guard posters and, most tellingly, the golden armour hung on the wall assured him he was in Freeze Pop’s apartment—or more specifically, her bedroom. As he turned his attention on his own body, it became clear what it was that had him feeling a little uncomfortable around the middle. A tight wrapping of gauze tape and bandage looped over him and the injured wing, fastened so snugly that the sprained limb was immobilised. He let out a sigh and took a glance underneath him. As he’d suspected, the frost-white pegasus had left him asleep on her syntheticloud bed, something he was quite grateful for. Granted, it was not quite as comfortable as the real thing, as it was somewhat less pliable, but it was still by far and away the next best thing. According to Freeze Pop, the bed was a more recent concoction from one of the more ingenious members of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The only problem with them, she’d told him, was that they sometimes condensed or evaporated completely, waking you up either in a puddle of water or a foggy mess. He yawned and stretched out, his good wing flaring out to one side, and then settled more comfortably. His ear then twitched as he heard the door open, followed by a short gasp. “Oh! You’re awake! Thank goodness!” Freeze Pop’s unmistakable voice declared, before the mare herself hurried over to the cloud bed. Blacklight was a bit taken aback as she then leaned in and pressed her forehead to his, her eyes closing as she rubbed her head somewhat affectionately against his. “I was so worried—” she continued softly, before her mind caught up to her body. She pulled back from him a bit, a pink glow decorating her cheeks. “Uhm... pardon me.” she apologised, her sentence punctuated with a small cough. “How are you feeling?” “Much better.” the black stallion replied, feeling a warmth rise in his own cheeks. “So uhm... it’s not too serious, then?” Freeze Pop’s face creased with consternation. “Define serious.” she replied, failing to completely mask the upset in her voice. “You won’t be flying anywhere for at least the next few days, that much is certain... Your wing’s broken, Blackie. It has to stay as rigid as possible while it heals up. Doctor’s orders.”   Blacklight’s ears drooped as he took in this information, his gaze dropping to the floor.  “...oh...” was all he said. It sent a pang of sadness through his companion, and she was quick to continue on. “Ah, but don’t worry, though! I mean... you’re in a good place to recover. Canterlot is home to some of the greatest minds in magic and medicine. Anywhere else, it’d take longer for you to be back in the air. Weeks, even.” she stated in what she hoped was  a comforting tone. She paused. “...and, I’ll look after you.” she added in a quieter voice. It was certainly enough to lift both the stallion’s spirits and his head, and he smiled back at the white pegasus with a more obvious blush to his face. “Thank you.” he said in an equally hushed tone. “I really appreciate it.” A smile soon adorned Freeze’s face as well as she looked back at the smaller black pegasus. “Well, considering this is my fault, it’s the least I could do.” Blacklight’s ears folded back again as that remark hit them. “It... it’s not your fault. I miscalculated, that’s all...” “Well OK, maybe,” Freeze agreed, “but it’s still my fault for bringing you there in the first place.” she stated a little too firmly. The stallion shrank back a bit from her. No, it’s not your fault. You couldn’t’ve possibly known this was going to happen. he mentally countered, but hearing her tone put him in no mood to argue. Still, his reaction wasn’t lost on the mare, and she checked herself. “Sorry... I’m a bit, well, bossy sometimes.” she apologised, her tone a little sheepish. She let out a sigh, and the tension fled her muscles along with her breath. All that was left on her face was simple relief more than anything else. “I didn’t mean to be all... in your face about it.” she went on, parking her rump on the floor alongside the bed. “That’s OK. But, don’t blame yourself. Honestly, you couldn’t have known...” Freeze Pop nodded, fighting her desire to argue that point. “...alright. Yes, you’re right. I didn’t know... I couldn’t have foreseen it.” she smiled, resigning herself to that simple truth. “I’m no fortune-teller, nor seer, nor am I a Princess.” She leaned her head down towards his, stopping with her face a mere few inches away. “I am definitely going to shoulder the burden of helping you to recover, though.” she stated in her no-nonsense tones, though the smile she wore was a large and playful one. “Thank you for that, Freezy.” Blacklight replied, the smile on his face growing as he gazed back at her. “You’re welcome. Is there anything I can get for you?” “No, not for the moment...” the stallion replied, stifling a large yawn. “Still feeling kinda tired...” “Mmm. Hardly surprising, Blackie. Your body’s working overtime to fix up that wing, after all.” Freeze noted, gently setting a forehoof atop his head. “If you need to rest, then rest. You’ll probably have a huge appetite later.” “Mm... probably...” the stallion agreed, his eyelids sliding shut under the weight of his fatigue and the mare’s comforting gentle touch. Freeze lifted her hoof from his head, then leaned her head in and planted a gentle kiss where her hoof had lain. She giggled softly as she saw the black pegasus’s cheeks turn slightly purple once more as she leaned back. “Let me help you on your way.” Blacklight had only a few moments to wonder what she meant, before he heard the mare’s dulcet voice chime with the sound of a gentle lullaby. It was one he’d heard before, as it was quite a well-known song usually saved for rambunctious foals at the end of a long day. Still, it had the desired effect, as he felt his consciousness slip from him once more. He had no idea how many hours passed, but the black pegasus found himself stirring again some time later. There was still a dull ache in his wing, but the rest of him felt somewhat more energetic. He stretched and rose from the synthetic cloud bed, letting out a yawn as he did so. “Freeze?” he called, trotting over to the room’s door. Hearing no answer, he pulled the door open and headed into his mare friend’s living room. In so doing, he learned why the guard had not answered his call. He had to suppress a laugh at the sight of Freeze Pop: a picture of ladylike grace, she was sprawled out on her sofa with her legs hanging every which way in a disorderly fashion. Her tongue lolled out of her wide-open mouth, out of which she was issuing some impressive snoring. Blacklight grinned to himself, reaching out and gently poking the dozing mare’s shoulder. “Freeze?” The sturdy white pegasus responded with a snort interrupting her snoring, and a mumbled “Mnrgh... ‘few more minutes...” “Alright, Freezy.” Blacklight snickered. “I suppose I can wait a few more minutes...” With that, he parked his rear on the floor before the sofa, watching his companion expectantly. “Mmm... good...” the large pegasus murmured, settling back down somewhat. She lay still for only a scant few short moments before her mind caught up to what her ears had fed it, and her eyes popped open. A sheepish look spread across her face. “Oh! Uhm. Err... ‘morning, Blackie. I, ah, guess I fell asleep on the couch.” “You did. And you didn’t look very Royal Guard-like.” Blacklight grinned, suppressing another snicker. “Thhpbpbt!” Freeze replied eloquently, sticking her tongue out and grinning. “And I still don’t look it right now, I bet.” she went on, sitting up and organising her limbs into a more comfortable and ordinary arrangement. “...oww... my everything aches. This thing was not designed with sleepy ponies in mind.” she muttered, jerking her head sharply to one side, then the other. It made a brief crick-crack as she did so. “Or at least, not in this shape. How’d you sleep?” “Good. Though it sounds like you could’ve slept better.” the black pegasus frowned. “Eh, I’ve had worse. Definitely had better, though. Brought it on myself mind, so I can’t complain.” Blacklight rose to his feet, pushing his face up close to hers. “Hey. Stop blaming yourself for that. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s when ponies blame themselves for things they have no control over. We could sit here all day, pointing hooves and getting nowhere, or we can just accept what happened, acknowledge that it was really nopony’s fault, and move on. Besides, it could have been a lot worse. I could be dead, or my wing could be—” His sentence was cut off by his muzzle colliding gently with the the large mare’s generous chest, as her forelegs had wrapped themselves around him and pulled him close. “I meant that I brought the aches on myself from choosing to sleep on the couch, you daft creature.” she softly chided. “But you’re absolutely right that beating ourselves up over it won’t solve anything, so hush.” Blacklight relaxed, returning her embrace. “I’m just glad that we’re both OK. More or less. That, and that I should be back in the air soon enough.” “Me too.” Freeze agreed. “You’re right, it shouldn’t be too long at all. Mercy said she’s certainly seen far worse injuries, in her time. That and, with the healing accelerant they applied, it should only take days rather than weeks before you’re good as new. Though we do need to make sure you’re properly fed and watered... that glamour is assisting your healing process, but it’s also making it run at a faster rate. You’ll use up more energy than you would ordinarily.” “Makes sense.” the stallion nodded. “But I’m not feeling it right now. if anything, I feel kinda... I dunno, energised? I want to go out and do something. I don’t know what, just... something. I want to get outside, get some fresh air in my lungs. Maybe go for a gallop around somewhere.” A small giggle escaped Freeze Pop’s muzzle as she pulled herself up from the couch, noting her friend bouncing in place a bit. “I can see that. You’re almost as lively as a foal right now. How about we go get some breakfast?” “Guess I’m feeling a little foalish.” Blacklight chucked, nodding his head. “Breakfast sounds good.” “We’ll head on down to Graze, then.” the large mare nodded, pulling herself up off the sofa. “And then I suppose I could show you around the city some. You barely had enough time to take it all in, last time you were here.” “I didn’t, no.” Blacklight agreed, falling in step behind Freeze Pop as she headed for the door. “Well, there’ll be plenty to show you, then!” the mare smiled, picking up a small satchel and deftly hooking its strap over her neck. “This way, sir.” she added, pulling the door open. She headed out and held it open with a hind hoof, letting it click shut behind her smaller companion. Pausing briefly to be sure the door was properly locked, she turned towards the stairs leading up. She then checked herself as she remembered her companion’s current condition, and made her way down instead. Blacklight followed after her, the two making their way down several flights of stairs to reach the bottom of the apartment block. The weather outside was typical for a late summer’s day: the sun rode high overhead across a backdrop of blue sky, and the occasional fluffy white cloud drifted lazily through the air. The stallion flashed a small smile to his companion when she glanced back to make sure he was still following her, and soon he drew alongside her. “You remember Sally’s place, of course?” “I don’t think I’d forget it any time soon, Freezy.” “Mmm, of course not. Sally does tend to stick in the minds of most. Or rather, her talent for making good food does.” “There’s that, and there’re other reasons to not forget it too.” Blacklight pointed out. He resisted the urge to scratch at an itch he felt under the gauze wrapped around his body. Having to walk everywhere and put up with this is going to get old fast... these next few days are really going to take some enduring. “True, very true.” Freeze Pop’s voice intoned, cutting through his annoyances. His gaze turned towards her, and a smile found its way to his face again as he saw the look on hers. I suppose it could be far worse. There was a cheerful tinkle of bells as the two entered the sandwich shop, followed by an equally cheerful chime of their sandwich making friend. “Hey there! Mornin’ Freezy! Hi Blacklight!” Salad called, her cheerful tone growing as she noticed the black pegasus accompanying her friend. “‘morning, Sally. We’ve come for some of your delicious breakfast, if you wouldn’t mind.” the sturdy white mare smiled. “Well uh course Ah don’t mind!” Salad beamed. “An’ if you don’t mind ma sayin’ so, it sure is nice tuh see yuh both again. Specially seein’ as Ah ain’t seen Blacklight in—ma stars, hon, whut happened?” Blacklight inwardly sighed a bit, having his mind returned to the cause of his grounding. “Oh, this? It’s, um, a long story.” “Ah see... well, if’n yuh’d rather not talk about it, that’s fine, sugarcube.” the blonde-maned unicorn assured. “Ah won’t pry. But... are yuh gonna be OK?” Blacklight nodded. It wasn’t that he was avoiding the question, so much as it was that he simply didn’t want to think about being grounded right now, though he didn’t say as much. “Yeah, I should be fine in a few days. In the mean time, Freeze is giving me an extended tour of Canterlot.” The look of concern the unicorn had been wearing melted into one of relief. “Well that’s good tuh hear, hon. And hay, if yer gunna be stuck on the ground fer a few days, yuh might as well make the most of it. Ah can think of plenty a place that’d be far worse. There’s plenty tuh see ‘n’ do round here.” She glanced to her larger friend and then back at Blacklight. “Anyways! That aside, what’ll yuh have? It’s on her, Ah reckon.” Blacklight considered that for a moment, having seen his companion just smile and nod at Salad’s assumption. “Well, I’m not that hungry just yet. Maybe just a small salad?” The unicorn’s face lit up with a grin, as the opportunity for a joke presented itself. “Ah’m a small Salad!” she happily punned, eliciting a groan from Freeze Pop. “But Ah know what yuh mean. Any perticular kind you were after?” “Um... not really. So long as it tastes good and is nutritious...” “Ah gotcha. Ah’ll whip yuh up somethin’ good. An’ how ‘bout you, Freezy? Just yer usual? Ah’m guessin’ you ain’t too hungry yet, either.” “That’d be right, Sally. Just the usual. Thanks!” “Gotcha. Go take a seat then, you two. Ah’ll be over in a short little while.” “Thank you.” Blacklight nodded. “Yeah, cheers Sally.” Freeze added, turning to find a table. She seated herself, followed by Blacklight. “You know, this is one of my favourite places to come eat. And not just cos it’s where one of my best friends lives, either.” “She lives here?” “Yep. Her and her folks live upstairs, above the shop. Have done for several years now.” “How long have they been here?” Blacklight asked. “Her family, I mean.” “Hmmm... since before I was born, I know that much.” Freeze mused, her gaze moving to the ceiling as she mulled it over. “Sally was born here in Canterlot. Her family are very tight-knit, though. Her extended family,  I mean. And Sally travels around quite a bit, visiting them when she can. It’s probably why she sounds more like a down-home country gal than a city-born snob.” Her gaze returned to her companion’s face a grin spreading on her face. “I have to say though, I love how she sounds. Makes a change from listening to the nobles all day, for one.” “I can imagine that getting tiresome, certainly.” “Like you wouldn’t believe. But, like I said to you before, being in a position where you’re allowed to completely ignore ponies is great for dealing with them, sometimes.” the mare snickered. Her comment elicited a giggle from Blacklight, as his mind painted a picture of the sturdy white pegasus stood stoically in her armour, her gaze set unblinkingly forward, and surrounded by red-faced and fancily clad ponies complaining to her about all kinds of trivial issues. “...and I can tell you’re imagining what that must be like, I see that grin.” Freeze smiled, a snort of laughter escaping her as she relaxed in her seat. “Oh yes, I am. Why, I bet you’re very good at being the perfect stoic guard. You know,” he went on, lowering his voice, “looking the complete opposite of how I found you this morning.” A somewhat noticeable red tint coloured Freeze Pop’s white cheeks, and she swiftly put a hoof to her mouth to suppress her giggles. “Oh, stop!” she grinned, shaking her head. It was at this point that Salad arrived, the pair’s breakfasts held aloft in her telekinetic grip. “Here yuh go, folks. Enjoy!” she smiled, setting their food down on the table before them. “Thank you.” Blacklight replied, sitting back in his seat. “Yer welcome!” the unicorn nodded, trotting back off behind the counter. Her other pegasus friend gave her a brief nod and smile of thanks, before turning her attention to the sandwich that had been brought for her with a hungry look. “Right, I’m gonna get stuck in here. I’m hungry as a horse.” she said, flashing a smile at her companion before taking a big bite out of her sandwich. “To be precise, you’re as hungry as a certain very generous, blue-maned and blue-eyed pegasus pony. Which you are.” Blacklight commented, a playful smile on his lips. Freeze Pop’s eyebrows went up, as did the temperature of her cheeks at his open compliment. “Charmer!” she managed with a coy look, after hastily swallowing her mouthful of sandwich. “...says the pony who enjoys making me blush because I’m... what was it? "Far too adorable when flustered"?” the stallion teased. “Well, you are!” Freeze giggled. She didn’t seem to notice her wings unfurl of their own accord to either side of her—or at least, she didn’t notice it until she caught sight of the stallion opposite her casting a brief glance behind her, and then back to her face with a rather amused expression. She cocked her head in a puzzled fashion, before taking a glance herself. “...oh, gosh!” she exclaimed, her cheeks and muzzle burning. She closed her eyes and took in a breath, then let out a slight cough as her errant appendages folded back in against her body. “Uhm, yes. Anyway!” she added, hastily taking another bite out of her sandwich and looking anywhere but at Blacklight’s face. Mercifully, the stallion kept his mirth mostly in check, managing to suppress all but the most insistent of giggles as he turned to the task of demolishing his own meal. It was the larger of the two ponies that was done eating first, what with her having had a considerable appetite to satisfy. She sat and idly watched her companion as he scoffed down the last of the leaves from his salad bowl, before glancing up to her with a smile. “To your taste then, sir?” she chuckled, getting a nod in reply. She rose to her feet at that, turning towards the door. “Come on then. Let’s go see what Canterlot has to offer!” she smiled, heading out the door. Blacklight was quick to follow, and the two were soon stood outside in the middle of the road, where Freeze Pop had halted. “So... where are we going?” the black pegasus asked. “I was about to ask you that, Blackie.” Freeze chuckled. “What would you like to see first? The Grand Central Plaza? The Royal Gardens? Or perhaps the cliffside reservoir?” “All of them, of course!” the stallion replied eagerly, then he paused for thought. “Oh, which one first? Umm... how about the plaza?” “Okey-dokey! That’s en route to the other sights anyway.” the large mare nodded, turning and starting off downhill at a trot. Her companion soon drew alongside her, matching her pace as she threaded her way through the busy streets lined with old-looking buildings hewn from stone, and along cobbled roads. It was somewhat of a change of pace for her, as she was more used to just using her wings to get from A to B rather than walk everywhere. As for Blacklight, his eyes were roving to and fro as he trotted alongside Freeze Pop. Like her, he was more used to flying to get around, and Canterlot was both large and unfamiliar to him. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get to know it a bit better, especially as I’m stuck on my hooves for now. His internal musing was cut short, however, by Freeze Pop’s announcement. “Here we are.” And indeed, there they were. The Grand Central Plaza was aptly named: a wide, circular clearing in the middle of the city, the ground was paved with smooth but hard-wearing quartz, kept clean and polished. Dotted around the plaza were a number of huge marble columns, each of them bearing a statue of a famed figure from Equestria’s history. Right in the centre of the plaza sat a large decorative fountain, carved entirely from a single piece of stone and detailed with assorted precious metals and gems. It had a tiered design, with the largest tier at the bottom balanced on the backs of many ponies of all tribes, followed by the next tier balanced on the backs of the six famed founders of Equestria, and the tier on their backs housing the two royal sisters. Rising from the top of the fountain were the two celestial bodies under the control of the two sisters. All in all, it was quite the sight – one which Blacklight tried to take in all at once as he strode forward, turning around this way and that as his eyes took it all in. He’d seen the plaza before, of course, but the last time around he’d been a bit too nervous to really take it all in. “...wow...” was all he had to say. “We don’t have anything like this back home.” “It sure is something else, ain’t it? There’re some amazing ponies remembered here. Star Swirl, Commander Hurricane, a whole load of heroes... y’know, some day I’d love to have my own statue sitting around here. Doubt that’ll ever happen though. I mean, heck, I’d say the most likely candidates for that kinda accolade are the current Element bearers.” “I can see why you’d want that, though!” Blacklight said, craning his neck a bit to look up at one of the statues. “I bet lots of ponies would like a place up there.” “I reckon so too. But.. well, not everyone wants to be remembered forever, though. Some ponies are happier living their lives in obscurity, touching the lives of others quietly. I know a few like that myself.” Blacklight simply nodded his head at that, as Freeze continued on. “If I’m ever immortalised, I want it to be because I did something that really deserves it, you know? The Princess’s student and her friends honestly do. I’ve heard first-hand accounts on how it went, as I was on duty when the record-keepers were noting things down. It must’ve taken nerves of steel to face down Nightmare Moon herself in single combat.” Blacklight’s attention returned to his companion at that, a thoughtful look on his face. “You’re right... what you say makes sense though. I can’t think of much more a pony could do that could be more worthy than that.” “Too right! Though I’m happy to say it isn’t something I think I’ll ever get a shot at.” “Hm?” the stallion blinked, looking a little confused. “But, you were just saying...” “...taking on Nightmare Moon, I mean!” Freeze Pop clarified, a grin spreading on her face. “Sorry, I don’t always stick to the same path in a conversation.” “Ah! Yeah, definitely want to avoid that!” Blacklight chuckled, mirroring her expression. “The closest you’d get these days would be Princess Luna. And you can trust me when I say she’s not a thing like her alter-ego.” the snow-coloured mare giggled, a fleeting thought of one of the younger Princess’s practical jokes passing through her memory. “I’m sure she isn’t. Somehow, I can’t picture the legendary terror of the dark having a taste for harmless pranks.” “Nor can I.” Freeze agreed. “I didn’t picture Luna being that way either, mind. That was quite the surprise when I experienced it. Anyways, there’s not really a lot to see here. Well, unless you’re into your history, of course.” “I can’t say it’s my favourite topic.” Blacklight admitted. “Though it was certainly worth coming to see. Uhm... you mentioned something about a reservoir?” “Yep! The cliffside reservoir. That’s well worth a visit too, if only because it’s nice to look at. Well, that and it’ll be nice and cool in this weather, plus it’s out of the hustle and bustle. I’ve been posted there every few days over the past few months.” “A bit of peace and quiet sounds good.” “On we go, then.” Freeze nodded, setting off at a trot once more down one of the many lanes leading away from the plaza. “...as it happens, you have actually seen it before. Well, briefly. Remember that large pool we flew over the other night?” Blacklight nodded. He certainly recalled the glistening water they’d flown past, right before they’d flown down the side of the mountain and in behind the waterfall. That particular memory had been rather well burned into his mind, not least as that entire evening had been somewhat pleasant. Well, up until the end of it. “That was it?” “That was the one. That big pool is essentially an additional water store for Canterlot. Well, and by extension, the rest of the kingdom, if there was an emergency of some sort. You only saw the watery bit, though. It has its other features worth some appreciation, though.” “What sort of features?” Freeze Pop flashed the stallion a grin as she moved toward a thick wooden door set into the city wall. “Well, you’re about to find out.” she replied, raising a hoof and rapping firmly on the door. It was opened a few moments later by a Royal Guard clad in the familiar golden armour, who proceeded to eye the mare suspiciously for a moment before a look of recognition crossed his face. It was met with a similar smile from Freeze Pop. “Hi there Nimbus! I’m just paying a little visit with my friend here.” she said, glancing briefly towards Blacklight. “You don’t mind if we go downstairs, right?” The older-looking armour-clad stallion took a thoughtful look at Blacklight, then back to Freeze Pop, and then just smiled and shook his head. “No problem, young ‘un.” he replied, pulling the large door fully open to let them in before turning around and walking back inside himself. “You kids have fun.” he added, situating himself back behind the small desk just beyond the door. “Thanks, sir!” the white mare smiled, leading the way through the small office-like enclosure and onto a staircase with shallow-cut stairs leading downward. The passage had been cut through the mountain itself, and it was lit with torches set periodically on the walls. As Blacklight followed his larger companion down, however, he found himself stewing over a thought. The other night it was “my coltfriend”, now it’s just “my friend”... what are we now, really? Freeze Pop apparently noticed the distracted look on his face, as she glanced back in his direction a few times before slowing a little to draw closer to him. “I’ll let you in on a little secret...” she said quietly, leaning her face over so her mouth was closer to his ear. “I really like being posted here... and I have a feeling it was done on purpose.” “On... purpose? What do you mean?” the stallion asked in an equally conspiratorial tone. A quiet giggle left Freeze’s throat as she continued. “Well, contrary to what a lot of ponies might think, Luna and Celestia both take a vested interest in their guards... I’ve often got the impression that, really, they only maintain a royal regiment of bodyguards because it’s expected of them, and it fits the image a lot of ponies have of them. Cos to be perfectly honest, barring exceptional circumstances I don’t think there’s anything they couldn’t handle that I could.” “Uh huh.” “Anyway... I don’t know exactly when it was they noticed, but somehow they found out about my taking singing lessons. See, it was only in the past few months I started being posted here regularly, and one of my colleagues pointed out, in passing, that the acoustics down here are pretty spectacular. And then not long after that, Celestia asked me how my sessions with Golden Voice were going. That’s my teacher, by the way.” That was enough to elicit a laugh from the smaller pegasus, as he tried to picture the mare going from stood stoically still to singing her heart out. I suppose that whatever we are currently, she’s still happy to be around me. And I know I’m happy to be around her... I can’t call it one way or the other yet. They rounded a bend in the passage, and both ponies found themselves blinking a few times in rapid succession as they emerged into a cavern that rapidly widened into an opening leading out into daylight. The ground underfoot was now level once more, and the sound of rushing water was audible from up ahead. It was accompanied by the sight of a cascade of water tumbling from high above to crash into an otherwise calm and somewhat expansive pool of clear water. As they drew closer to the pool, the far edge could be seen, where water flowed out and over the edge of the cliff, and down towards the rivers hundreds of feet below. Blacklight’s eyes widened as he took in the size of the large pool. It was pretty obvious that it held more than enough water to satisfy Canterlot’s thirst for perhaps a good few months. “Wow... what kind of emergency would ever need this much water?” Freeze Pop shrugged. “Hopefully, we’ll never know. What I do know is that they originally built this reservoir back when they first made Canterlot, and back then it was much more likely that the city could come under siege, like the Siege of Many Summers when the elks were still a major nuisance. Apparently when that was going on, things did get a bit rough. But the Canterlotians never had a need to leave for want of water, nor much else. The elks never did figure out how we could survive just fine up here, and they eventually gave up and went home. Or so I’ve read.” “Huh. I guess a big pool like this could also be used for weather factories as well, like over in Cloudsdale?” “Oh, certainly.” Freeze nodded. “Heck, there’s a weather research facility here in Canterlot, happens to be where my parents work. That all said, this place has some significance to me personally, seeing as for one thing it’s where I met back up with Sketchy for the first time about a year or so ago. More precisely, he fell in here in the middle of a thunderstorm and I pulled him out.” “He mentioned that.” Blacklight nodded as the two of them made their way across some stepping stones to a small island at one side of the pool. “Heh heh. Other main interesting thing about this place for me personally, though, is that it’s probably one of the best places I’ve found for practicing my singing when I’m on duty. It’s wide, expansive, and the noise from the waterfalls mostly drowns me out during the day to anyone up there. I can be pretty loud and not bother anyone.” “How loud is ‘quite loud’?” Freeze Pop’s eyes narrowed a bit as she grinned at her companion. “Shall I show you?” “Sure!” Blacklight replied, his expression soon mirroring hers. I wouldn’t have thought she’s that loud, after all. “Alright then...” the mare nodded, trotting over to the water’s edge. “Oh, I advise staying to one side or behind me. That is, if you want to keep the use of your hearing.” Blacklight raised an eyebrow at her warning, though he heeded it regardless as she breathed deeply in and out a few times. He guessed she was just preparing her lungs for her little demonstration, as she then closed her eyes and began to draw in a longer breath, her chest expanding slightly as her lungs filled with air. He wasn’t prepared for what came next though, as the mare opened her eyes and mouth at the same time and brought her head forward. A long, tremulous “A~a~a~a~a~h~h~h!” issued forth from her, reverberating around the whole reservoir and even causing a ripple in the water surrounding the island they stood upon. As Freeze Pop closed her mouth and turned to look at her companion, she was rather pleased to note the stunned look on his face. “I’d ask if you were impressed, Blackie, if it weren’t already obvious!” she snickered. Blacklight shook his head, a smile growing on his face. “Freeze Pop, you never cease to amaze me.” he stated truthfully, eliciting a bright smile from her. “Why, thank you Blackie!” she replied, trotting back over to sit beside him. “I try.” Her companion’s face gained a mild purple tinge, eliciting a further giggle from her. She then glanced towards the stairway they’d emerged from beforehand, as though she half expected to find someone spying on them. “Y’know... I’m pretty sure I’m going to see a bit more teasing soon. I don’t think I’ve fooled Nimbus too well.” Blacklight blinked. Nimbus? Wait, that was the guardspony upstairs... fooled him into what?   “Um... fooled him how?” “Well... with what I said when we came in.” Freeze replied, her cheeks turning a bit pink. “I mean, I told him about you before, and all. And I think he figured something out then, maybe before I did.” “Figured what out...? I don’t get it. I mean, all you said when we came in was that we were just paying a visit. That is what we’re doing, unless I’m mistaken.” Freeze giggled slightly, but the glow on her cheeks remained. “That’s not what I’m getting at. I mean, you’re right, we are, but I wasn’t trying to fool him with that.” “Well the only other thing was... you said I was your friend. And... well, I am, right? Or, I mean, well...” he trailed off, seeing her head turn back towards him. There was a deep and soulful look in her ice-blue eyes, the likes of which he’d never seen before. “You are, Blackie...” she replied, her face drawing close to his. She paused, barely an inch separating her muzzle from his, her eyes locked on his chocolate-brown ones. Is this too much, too soon? Should I really do this? I mean... what if I scare him? Heck, what if I scare me? ...why the heck is this so much harder than all the split-second decisions you have to make in a fight!? her mind yelled all at once. And yet throughout, she saw no sign of apprehension in his eyes, and she felt less of it inside of herself in turn. And there it is. That’s what you were looking for. Confirmation. “...Freeze?” Blacklight ventured, the purple hue on his face intensifying a bit. Why is she just staring at me— His thought process was rather abruptly interrupted, however, as Freeze Pop’s head moved through that final inch. Her eyes slid shut as her lips pressed firmly onto his, without giving him a second to react. Contrary to her name, though, her touch was both soft and warm, nothing at all like the motto she had regarding herself. It was over in no more than a second, however, as she pulled back with the same look in her eyes, still. There was something more besides, though: a feeling of vulnerability, as though she had just shown him her greatest weakness. As for Blacklight, his good wing had flared out the moment she kissed him. He regarded her with a shocked look. Did... did that just happen!? And what’s wrong with her now? I... I’ve never seen her look this way... “...I realised something, Blackie, the other night. When... when I was looking for you, when you were... y’know. Injured... For a few horrible moments, brief as they were, I thought, maybe I might have... might have lost you...” Freeze began, pausing for a moment to stop the faltering tone in her voice. “...I couldn’t bear that thought. Not when we’d only just begun to truly know each other better... and, well... not when we were getting on so well...” Blacklight’s only response was to blink as he continued to simply stare at her, though it was clear enough that he wanted her to continue with what she was saying. She smiled somewhat sheepishly. “So... uhm... I, well... I decided to seize the moment... carpe diem, you know? ...I really like you, Blacklight. A lot. And... well, I’m done skirting round the issue.” Her gaze fell to the ground for a moment, before returning to meet his. “I... guess what I want to know is, uhm... how do you feel... about me?” How do I feel? Blacklight thought. ...how do I feel? I don’t even know!  Her sudden act of affection, coupled with what she’d just said had really thrown his mind into chaos. It took him several seconds to process some of it, and when he finally opened his mouth, the first thing out of it was “F-Freeze... you kissed me, Freeze...” Freeze Pop blinked a few times, and then her mouth curled into a small smile. “I... suppose I should take that as a good thing...?” she questioned shyly. Blacklight shook his head rapidly, trying to clear the pile-up of thoughts and emotions that were making a mess in there. “I’m sorry... I’m just not thinking... er, logically.” “...you liked it, then?” the mare inquired, the pink glow on her cheeks growing. “I...” Blacklight began, the blush on his own face threatening to engulf his entire muzzle. Her words were echoing in his mind. I decided to seize the moment... I really like you... I’m done skirting round the issue... “...oh gosh... Freeze, I...” How do you feel... about me? “Freeze... I...” Are you sure about this!? “I...” You can’t take this back once you say it! Blacklight closed his eyes for a moment, and slowly took in a deep breath. When he let it out, his eyes opened, meeting the ice-blue gaze of Freeze Pop once more. A small smile creased his features. I can do this. “...I love you, Freeze.” Freeze Pop’s eyes went wider than Blacklight had ever seen, and her wings flared out in an instant. She stared at him for several long moments, as though he’d just said the most unexpected and shocking thing in the entire history of ponykind. “...d-do you... really mean that...?” she squeaked out in a voice barely audible over their surroundings. “Yes. I do.” Blacklight replied. There was more conviction in his tone than she’d ever heard from him before, and a greater confidence in his expression than she’d previously witnessed. Her heart started to thump harder in her chest. Without warning, she threw her forelegs around his shoulders and hugged him tightly, remembering just in time to avoid toppling the smaller pegasus so he wouldn’t land on his injured wing. She couldn’t speak, as her mind was flooded with an emotion such as she’d never experienced. He loves me. He loves me. And there I was thinking I’d scare him off or worse... I shouldn’t have worried. Heck, I should have just believed in him more... but it doesn’t matter now. Sweet Celestia, now I understand why Sketchy was so happy. This feeling... I can’t even... Her train of thought halted for a moment, as she realised that, right now, she was clinging to him without having said anything back to him after his confession. Though it’s probably obvious anyway, but... heck with it, this is something that has to be said. “Blackie...” she began, but the words caught in her throat as her emotions finally got the better of her, and she had to suppress a sniffle. Well, at least he knows for sure I’m not invincible now. she thought, as she saw her own tears roll down her snout. She buried her face in his mane as she finished her sentence with a whisper. “...I love you too.” Blacklight’s embrace around her tightened at that. She welcomed it, letting herself fall into the comforting feeling that, for a change, she was the one being cared for, the one being held safe and warm, rather than her having to be the fearless and stoic protector of other ponies. Presently, though, she slowly let go of him, lifting a foreleg to dry her eyes with a polite “pardon me” in the process. She couldn’t shake the huge smile that spread across her face, however, even if she’d wanted to. It was an expression that he shared as he looked back at her, the slight dampness under his eyes telling her that she wasn’t the only one whose emotions had been a little overwhelming. “So, ah... did you still want to check out the Royal Garden?” she asked, her usual confident nature beginning to re-assert itself. “Sure.” the stallion replied. There was a look of understanding in his eyes, one that said volumes about what he now realised about his companion. You’re really not so different from me, are you Freezy? It’s just that you hide your heart with a different sort of covering. “C’mon then.” Freeze instructed with a fond look back over her shoulder at him. “It’s a bit of a walk, but I just know you’re gonna love it!” The two made their way back towards the stairs, though at a slightly more leisurely pace. Blacklight smiled to himself on noticing that, as they made their way back up the stairs, Freeze Pop deliberately matched her pace to his and walked alongside him. She stepped ahead of him as they neared the top of the stairs, however. Her colleague noted her entrance, and moved to open the door for them both. “Have fun?” the older stallion asked in a nonchalant tone. “As always, Nimbus. Thanks.” Freeze replied with a courteous smile. “Mm. See you later, then.” Nimbus nodded, taking a glance from the mare to her companion and back. There was the faintest trace of a smirk on his features as the two passed him by. “...yep, he’s onto us.” Freeze stated a few minutes later as the pegasus pari made their way down the road, side by side once more. “He hides it well, though.” Blacklight noted, eliciting a giggle from his taller companion. “Of course he does,” she said, nudging his shoulder gently, “it’s part of the job. If folks can’t tell what we’re thinking or feeling, they can’t manipulate us.” “Makes sense. You think he’ll tease you later?” “Goodness me, yes. Captain Nimbus is absolutely awful when he’s not on-duty, and I say that with the greatest of respect for him.” Freeze chuckled. “Well, so long as he doesn’t over-do it...” “Oh, he won’t. He’s a tease and a scoundrel at times, but he’s a good pony. He knows when to shut his mouth. He’s married, after all. He’s learned how to stay on the good side of us ladies.” “That’s good.” Blacklight chuckled. A thought then occurred to him as they continued on uphill, in the direction of the Royal Palace. “Hang on, aren’t the Royal Gardens generally off-limits?” “They are.” Freeze replied with a shrug. “What of it?” “Well, then... how are we going to get in?” Blacklight asked, raising a laugh from his companion. “How? We’re going to walk up to the gates, I’m going to ask them to let us in, and they’re going to let us in.” she said matter-of-factly. “Working for the royals has its perks, you know.” “...oh! Right, you work for the Royal Guard...” Freeze Pop leaned her head over and nipped the stallion’s ear playfully. “Yep, so I’m allowed to wander about the gardens at my leisure, more or less. The only exceptions are if the gardens are booked for a function, or there’re foreign dignitaries visiting. And I know today has neither of those.” “So it’s fine for you to wander about in there.” “Sure is, and you as well so long as you’re with me. I only have to let the guards on-duty know I’m in there and when I’ve left. See, the Princesses don’t see the point in having such lovely surroundings around their home if no-one else is ever allowed to enjoy them as well. That’s why they allow garden parties and the like, and why their friends and those in their service are given leave to roam at almost any time.” Freeze stated succinctly. She giggled a bit as she went on. “And if you ask me, I think that last bit is to allow them a bit more social interaction.” “You mean, more opportunity to talk to us ‘ordinary’ ponies?” “Something like that. Just remember if we do happen to bump into either of their Highnesses to adhere to protocol.” “As in, referring to them by the right honorifics and so on, right?” “Yeah.” Freeze nodded. “But in all honesty, I don’t think we’re that likely to see them. They’re both a bit busy currently.” The two approached a large set of ornately crafted gates, with a pair of guards stationed either side. The armoured ponies stepped forward slightly at their approach, eyeing the two closely. “Who goes there?” the one on the left inquired. “Sergeant Freeze Pop of Their Majesties’ Life Guard.” Freeze replied. “At ease, gentlemen. I’m just here to take a stroll with my companion here.” The guard on the right eyed Freeze Pop a bit more carefully, and then a look of recognition spread across his face. “Why, so it is. Good to see you, Sarge. By all means, head on in.” he said, turning and opening the gate behind him. “After you, Blacklight.” The black pegasus trotted through the open gate, followed shortly thereafter by his white-coated companion. They walked along a path bordered with neatly trimmed hedges, some of which had been cut into shapes of ponies of assorted tribes. Everywhere they looked, there were bright summer colours adorning the trees and flowerbeds; the air carried both the mingled scents of freshly cut grass and blooming plants and the sound of birds chirping away in the foliage. It felt a million miles away from the bustling city outside. Indeed, Blacklight had come to a halt after walking only a short way in, looking every which way. “Where... are we?” he asked. “The Royal Gardens of Canterlot, of course.” Freeze replied with a smile. “I know, it’s hard to believe, isn’t it? There’s nothing else like this in all of Canterlot... maybe not even in the entire kingdom.” She took in a deep breath, filling her nose with the fresh air and the assorted scents it carried, letting her breath out once more in a contented sigh. “Always so refreshing...” Blacklight followed suit, closing his eyes for a moment as the air filled his lungs. The noise from outside the gardens seemed to die away as they continued onward, and he opened his eyes again to gaze at all that was on display. I can’t think of anything more beautiful... he thought to himself. His gaze then landed on Freeze Pop once more. Well. I can think of one thing possibly more beautiful... His compliment went unheard by Freeze though, as she was not gifted with the ability to read minds. She continued on along a narrower hedge-lined avenue, winding her way up a small hill. They emerged from the end of the hedgerow into a small grassy clearing. There was a single bench sat in the middle of it, overlooking many of the flowerbeds below. She headed over to the bench and sat herself down, turning to look over her shoulder at her companion. “Come, sit with me a while.” she invited, a warm smile on her face. Blacklight needed no second invitation, and he soon joined her on the bench. “This place really is beautiful...” he mused, looking out over the expanse of colour below. He blinked as he felt the side of Freeze Pop’s body press gently against him, followed by her head coming to rest against his. “It is.” she sighed. “And now, I have somepony I can share it with.” Blacklight said nothing, though he felt a rush of blood to his face. “Mm... are you blushing, Blacklight...?” Freeze questioned in a playful tone, having noted his silence. “Well... I... um...” the smaller pegasus replied in a stuttering voice, his face growing hotter by the second. “That’s a yes, then.” the white-coated pegasus giggled, nuzzling at the side of his head gently. “You’re far too cute sometimes, you know that?” “I... thanks...?” Blacklight managed. “You’re welcome.” Freeze Pop sighed out, leaning more of her weight against him, and resting her head gently atop his again. Her eyes slid shut slowly, her hearing attuned to nothing but the ambient sounds of the garden, and the quiet sound of her companion’s breathing. Blacklight too had lapsed into silence, content to just be where he was, with her by his side. This beats watching the waves at Cape Sunrise any day. The sun had already passed its peak in the sky by the time they had arrived at the gardens, and by now it was beginning to sink towards the horizon. A small sigh escaped Freeze Pop’s lips as she shuffled a bit in her seat. “Much as I hate to say it, Blackie, we’ll have to get going soon. It’s starting to get late.” “All good things must come to an end. It’s an annoying saying, but it’s true.” Blacklight responded, straightening up from where he had been leaned against the larger mare’s frame. “It is.” Freeze agreed, getting up from the bench and stretching herself out. “We’d best be on our way. If we hang around for too long, we may make ourselves a target for Her Highness’s sense of humour.” “I think we’d be better avoiding that, right enough. Pranks are funny, certainly, but not so much when you’re on the receiving end.” “Yeah, that’s true.” Freeze Pop nodded. “And I’d rather not dampen the mood. Let’s head on back to mine. We’ve been out all day and I dunno about you, but I’m starting to feel it.” Blacklight hopped off the bench and stretched a bit. “I’m not too ti—” he began, but his sentence was interrupted by a wide yawn. “Uh-huh.” Freeze giggled, poorly hiding the amused smirk that crept onto her face. “OK, so maybe I am a little tired. But just a little!” the smaller pegasus insisted as he tripped over his own hooves, barely catching himself. Freeze Pop shook her head, stretching one of her large wings across his back and pulling him close to her side. “If that’s your idea of just a little, I’d hate to see you when you’re thoroughly exhausted.” she chuckled. “C’mon, let’s be on our way. You can lean on me as much as you need.” Blacklight couldn’t find the heart to argue, as he had to concede that he was perhaps more tired out than he had realised. He leaned some of his weight against the mare’s sturdy frame, leaning his head against her shoulder. He caught a breath of her scent, and something else mixed in with it. “...Freeze... why do you smell of mint...?” The mare let out a laugh at that, as she began leading the way down from the hill. “Because, Blackie dear, I have a terrible habit.” “What... sort of terrible habit...?” “One that rots my teeth. Ahaha, I kid. It’s far from that terrible. Take a peek under my wing there.” Somewhat intrigued by her instruction, Blacklight lifted his head and peeked under the mare’s outstretched wing. Tucked neatly under the base of her wing was a small drawstring bag. “What’s in the bag?” “Something minty.” Freeze replied with a giggle. “Mint imperials, Blackie. They’re good for keeping the airways clear, and that’s important both for when I want to sing, and in general when I’m on duty if I have to spring into action. That and, well, I like mints.” “Well, there are definitely worse habits.” the smaller pegasus chuckled, returning his head to rest on her shoulder. The pair made their way out through the same gate through which they’d passed earlier. “Do you think you’ll see some teasing from them, too?” Blacklight questioned, after they’d made their way along the road out of earshot of the gate guards. “Those two? Nah, I doubt it. I outrank them both for one.” the off-duty guard smirked. “They wouldn’t dream of it. Well, not much, anyway.” “So you’ll still get a bit of ribbing, then?” Freeze Pop looked round at her stallion companion with a smile. “Oh, most definitely, Blackie. But it’s nothing I can’t handle. And besides, a little teasing is nothing compared to my happiness.” Blacklight blushed rather profusely at that, earning him a giggle from the mare. “Let’s not worry any further about it, or you’ll force me to say even more sappy stuff.” “You make it sound like there’s a problem with sappy...” the black-coated pegasus chuckled, though it was interrupted by another yawn. “Oh, there’s no real problem with it, I guess.” Freeze replied, gently guiding him to her apartment block and towards the stairs. “Though these stairs could be a problem if you don’t keep your eyes open.” “I’ll manage.” The two of them slowly climbed their way up the stairs, with Freeze Pop keeping a careful hold of Blacklight the entire way. They reached her apartment door and made their way inside, the smaller of the two stumbling a few times on the way in. “I think somepony is ready to sleep.” Freeze noted in a soothing tone, gently rubbing the side of her head against Blacklight’s as she guided him towards the bedroom. “Mmm...” the black pegasus agreed in a semi-conscious mumble as he let out another wide yawn. He squeaked a bit as Freeze Pop delivered a playful shove to his back end with her flank, causing him to flop down harmlessly onto the synthetic cloud bed. Freeze Pop smiled to herself, seeing him instinctively curl himself up on the cloud. She lowered her head down to whisper softly in his ear. “Blackie... will you be alright if I sleep next to you tonight?” “Mm...? Yeah... sure...” the stallion replied, his already-fading consciousness barely registering her words. He was dimly aware of her mass plopping down on the cloud alongside him, followed by her legs wrapping loosely over his body on the side of his good wing. He gave out a soft sigh and snuggled up closer to her. It wasn’t long before he’d succumbed to unconsciousness. Freeze Pop sighed happily to herself, her consciousness lingering long enough to see her companion drift off, before she too fell into a deep and contented sleep.