The walk through the corridors of Canterlot Castle was silent, even the guard's armour making no noise. They passed Alec's office, a bunch of ponies going in and out. The words 'AB & Pip's Builders & Painters' was written over their overalls. Spear realised that this was where the explosion came from, and Alec went into a door on the opposite side. This led to Luna's private library, where he opened a secret passage.
After around another hour of walking, which had to be slow due to the shackles, they emerged on a balcony over looking Canterlot. Spear flinched when he felt something near his hoof, and then blinked in surprise as the shackles were removed. The guards stepped back and stared at him. “That will be all, you can go now.”
They glanced nervously at each other, then one saluted, closing the door as they left. Alec gestured with a hoof to one of the seats, and Spear sat down, worried about what was going on. No pony was around, so this might be it for him. And he wouldn't run. “Drink?”
“Why are you being nice to me? I... tried to kill your daughter. I tried... to kill you. It doesn't make any bucking sense!”
“So, cider then.” A bottle was slid over the table to him, top already off. “Don't worry about trying to fly away. If you get two hundred metres away from here, you'll hit an energy net, loosing the ability to fly. And it's a long way down without wings, I know from experience. Now then, how was Earth?”
“Dismal. It rained nearly everyday. The place I was in was ridiculously wet.”
“Where were you?”
“Initially, a place called 'Plym-outh', but that was a bust. I spent most of my time in 'Lon-don'.”
“You... saw Plymouth? What kind of state was it in?”
“It was more of a tomb than a city. Nearly every building was levelled. Why do you ask?”
“Because that's my home town. Damn. Okay, so what about London?”
“Full of humans, most of whom wanted to eat me. There was one tribe that seemed to worship me though. Gave me food and shelter for a month until others burnt the building down with us inside. I couldn't save any of them.”
“And why would you?”
“I... have already stated that I am no longer that pony. I had... come to care about them. In a way, I was adopted into their family. It was something I yearned for, but you know how he bucked it up.”
“So what made you come back here, other than them reclaiming their world.”
“I... don't know. When there, I just hoped it would be over quickly. But around the two month point, there was something else... something in the back of my mind, willing me to survive. I can't explain it any more than that. I know you don't believe me, but I don't believe it myself. As for returning to Equestria... the only other worlds in their database were already inhabited, or not suitable. This was my only choice.”
“Okay. Why did you present yourself to Luna and I as soon as we returned?”
“I knew my presence here was detected, so I thought it would be best to find you before you found me. I am honestly surprised to be alive right now.”
“But you don't sound relieved about it. Why?”
“Because my punishment was death, and I am still here.”
“Well, finish your drink. We're about to find out if you have really changed.”
“What do you mean?” Alec said nothing and motioned to the cider. Spear was a little hesitant at first, but slung it back. Once finished Alec waved him over to the balcony and began to glide to the gardens, so he followed. Once there, he saw a sqaud of guards ready, and six mares. Five had on gold necklaces and one had a crown on, all in the shapes of their cutie marks. “The Elements Of Harmony? How will they help?”
Again Alec said nothing, walking over to Twilight and having a quick conversation. Spear stood fast as she closed her eyes, the jewels beginning to glow. Her eyes opened, themselves being completely white, and a rainbow beam shot forth, impacting his chest and sending him skidding. His vision was filled with black spots which slowly became whole as his body collapsed.
A doctor ran over and gave him a check, nodding to say he was still alive. Some guards came over to pick him up, but the doctor gave a start and called out to a nurse for Spear's notes. He scanned them quickly and then looked between Spear's rear legs. Alec came over and spoke to the nurse. “What's got him worried?”
“Well, this stallion's notes say he is gelded.”
“So?” The doctor lifted one of his rear legs up.
“Would a gelded stallion have these?” Alec's eyes went wide with surprise at something that should not be there.
“Blazing Petal, front and centre!” The mare marched out and snapped to attention, throwing up a salute and then bowing in front of Celestia. “Rise.” She did so, focusing on the bottom step, not the pony on the throne, who she knew was about to address her.
“Blazing Petal, you stand accused of attempting to break Warding Spear out of the dungeons. How do you plead?”
“Both guilty and not guilty, your majesty.” There was a hush of surprise through the guards, which Celestia stopped with a stamp of her hoof, culling them back into silence.
“Do not make a mockery of me! Explain yourself this instant!”
“I am guilty of attempting to break a pony out, but not guilty of trying to free Warding Spear.”
“Yet there was only one occupant of the dungeons at this time. So who else was it?”
“He has no name, your majesty, even if he inhabits the same body.” One of the legal aides approached and had a conversation with Celestia, who shook her head.
“I have just been informed that unless you can give an alternate name, the charges still stand. Did he tell you one?”
“No, he did not. But if I may?”
“Go on.”
“He didn't want to escape. In fact, he pushed me out and locked the door from the inside. Tell me, would the Warding Spear you know do such a thing?” Before she could answer, a multi-coloured flash came through the windows.
“We will know soon enough if he speaks the truth. But that is not why we are here. You have admitted guilt for trying to break Ward... this stallion out of prison, and yet I quote from this transcript of his previous trial. On the day in question, I asked how you felt about him, and your reply was 'he is dead to me'. If that were true, why would you try this now?”
“I may have... lied about that.”
“I know.” Celestia smirked at the shocked expression on Petal's face. “Cadence isn't the princess of love for no reason, you know. And I believe that is what we have here, a crime of passion. I am also aware that you are currently unemployed?”
“Yes your majesty, I have enough savings to survive for at least six years. Hopefully I'll have something by then.”
“It will not be needed. For your punishment, you will be remanded in custody here at the castle. If you refuse your task, you will suffer the correct punishment for your actions. Do you understand?”
“Yes, your highness.”
“Good. Now your first task. Head to the infirmary and ensure that the stallion formerly known as Warding Spear has a wash. He stinks. And if he refuses, you are to do it forcibly.” The guards started snickering, and Petal's head dropped, realising how far she had fallen.
“And what are you two doing up still?”
“We're being monster hunters!” Alec said nothing as Flame and Sky continued to creep around the room, checking every nook and cranny. He was about to ask what kind of monsters when the curtain twitched and snapped Flame up, causing him to squeal with laughter. Sky moved away and was pulled under the tablecloth, having the same done to her.
They were replaced by Scootaloo and Rumble, who sat on the couch opposite Luna. Alec sat next to her, soon followed by the twins. “Excuse me, Mr Luckes?”
“Yes Rumble?”
“You know those pills... where can we get more?”
“We've been gone just over a month, and you've run out all ready?” The colt swallowed nervously at the piercing glare.
“It's not my fault, Scoots really likes it when we... have our special cuddle.” The fact the foals were listening made them choose their words carefully. Alec had a whispered conversation with Luna before she rose and took the foals to their room.
“Scootaloo, I'm not trying to run you life, it's just that you've got plenty of time for a foal, and I want you to have some fun first.”
“I understand, Dash didn't have Prism till she was twenty three. Even then, I don't when I'll be ready.”
“You'll know, Scoots, trust me. Anyway, two more things. Firstly, the pills. Ask in the infirmary, they'll give them to you.” Scootaloo bounced in place, pressing closer to Rumble, who just looked confused.
“But I thought you had to be eighteen to purchase them? I know that's how Spike got them.”
“True, but what responsible adult would allow a child to do so unprotected? I'd rather mine was using protection, instead of an unwanted child. Not that those two are going to ever going to get in that situation.”
“So, that's cool. What's the other thing?”
“Ah yes, that. I was meant to give this to you on your birthday. Before you say anything I did not use my position to get this for you, I merely showed them a video of you two practising.” He passed a white envelope marked with blue wings and a lightning bolt. This made them both nervous and excited. For Rumble, it meant a chance to spend more time with his big brother, and for Scootaloo a dream come true.
They cracked it open and Scootaloo began to read it. “'Dear Miss Scootaloo Dash and Mr Rumble Lane, after reviewing footage of your acrobatic skills, it is my displeasure to inform you that we cannot accept you into training for the Wonderbolts'. Hey, what kind of joke is this?” She waved the letter at Alec, who's smirk clashed with her glare.
“Just keep reading.”
“'Such moves are inspiring, but not what we are currently looking for. That said, we would like to offer you both a place on the Juniorbolts, out Wonderbolt Youth Team. You will be taught alongside older recruits, but will not have the same rigorous training.' We're... going to be Wonderbolts?”
“No quite, you've still got to prove you've go what it takes. Now I have a wife that I need to talk to, and you two have packing to do.” They jumped down from the couch and walked towards the door, Rumble holding it open for Scootaloo, who brushed her tail across his muzzle on the way out. Alec let out a little chuckle as his wings flapped out of sync. “Oh, Rumble, on more thing.” The colt turned his head, but not his eyes. “The infirmary is the other way to your room for the evening. I trust you know which way to go first.”
He tore out the door in the opposite direction to Scootaloo, who laughed at his eagerness, which trailed off the further she got. Alec got up and headed to a closet, where he pulled a pillow and blanket out, using his magic to close the door and then laid down on the couch. He closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep, not noticing Luna approach, until she slipped under the blanket and lay on top of him, looking down with a grin. “So my dear husband, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“Well, you know that gelded stallion... he may need to be gelded again.”
“But... that's impossible! What the buck happened out there?”
“Well... your mother might or might not have suggested using the Elements on him to see if he really has changed. The only thing that did is that he now has a ball bag once again.”
“I... see. Do you know of the punishment Celestia has given Blazing Petal?” Alec shook his head and shrugged. “She has become an indentured servant at the castle for three months. I believe she is currently tasked with looking after Warding Spear's needs. Stop smirking like that, I do not mean like that!”
“Like what, exactly?” She bent her head down close to his muzzle, dropping a hoof down and pressing it firmly on the base of his wing, causing him to let out a gasp.
“Like that... still sure you want to sleep on the couch?”
“You know, I've got two thing to say about that.” She brought up her hoof again and ran it through the fur on his chest.
“Please, tell me.”
“Well, why don't you join me?”
“And the other?”
“If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?” She had already felt the other reaction taking place, and dove in with a lick to his horn, causing him to scrunch his eyes in pleasure. “Oh, so that's how it's going to be?” He flipped over so that he was on top and lunged forward, taking a small but firm bite on her ear, causing her to pull him close with her hooves wrapped around his neck.
Flame awoke and glanced at the clock, noting he had only been asleep for twenty minutes. His throat was rather dry, so he hoped out of bed to go get a drink. He cracked open his door and crept along the shadows, making it to the kitchen without being seen by those in the light. After a drink, he tried to return, but his mother's breathless voice bid him pause. “Oh...buck....yes! I... do... so love... your tongue!”
Curious, he trotted over and peeked round the couch, not comprehending what was going on, so, like any inquisitive colt would do, asked. “Daddy, why are you lying under mommy the wrong way?” The stallion looked up in shock, his muzzle wet for some reason, before he covered them both with a blanket.
“Flame, go to your room, I'll be there in a few minutes and we'll talk, okay?”
“Okay daddy.” He slunk back away, and they waited until the door latched before uncovering themselves.
“Well, that could've gone worseaahh.” Luna had suddenly bitten down on him, a sign that he should continue. Instead he rolled her off of him, draping the blanket over his back, and another over Luna. “That was evil. You, on the bed, waiting.” She poked her tongue out, dropping the blanket and swinging her tail as she walked away, swaying her hips. Alec tried his best to collapse his wings and stop his horn glowing. “Stupid, sexy Luna.”
He entered Flame's room and sat on the bed, pulling the colt next to him. This was a little too young for him to be told, but Alec couldn't out right lie. “So, Flame... what have you learnt in you extra studies?”
“Cousin Twilight has been teaching us about the animal kingdom.”
“And has she reached where they come from yet?”
“Yes, but she went all quiet and pink when I asked about foals for some reason. Do you know daddy?”
“Yes, and that is what I want to talk to you about. You see, ponies and animals, in this regard, are not that different. Where we are is that we enjoy it. Animals... well, nopony has found out yet. But what Twilight has taught you isn't everything we can do. What you just saw...” Ten minutes later Alec left the traumatised colt to try and get to sleep.
He entered his room where a blindfold was levitated over his eyes. "I am not quite ready. Give me a moment. So, how did he take it?”
“He is going to need therapy for the rest of his life. Oh, and if we go for dinner in a restaurant, don't say 'we're going to eat out'. It might give him nightmares.”
“Hmm, eat out? That sounds like a good idea. Come, you may take that off now.” He did so, looking over to the bed, but seeing nopony there. “Over here.” He turned his head to the side, seeing Luna in front of a roaring fire, letting his mouth curl in to a grin, and his wings to spread.
“Yeah, this is going to be good tomorrow when we meet their new teacher. 'What are those marks?' 'Carpet burns.' Yeah... that's going to go well. Ah, screw it.” With that he pounced on Luna, rolling her over to carry on.
Warding Spear slowly came awake to a strange sensation. He was laying on his front, legs splayed out, and his left wing felt damp. Then his right wing was soaked, followed by something brushing through it. Once done, a towel was placed on it and rubbed vigorously. After having no such stimulation for years, and considering what had happened to him, the other sensation he had was not possible. He sat up and looked between his legs. “Well, there's something you don't see everyday.”
“I used to.” The mares voice made him yelp, and he pressed back against the mattress, looking over his shoulder to find Blazing Petal with a wash cloth in her hoof. “Anyway, roll over so I can wash you front.”
“No.”
“This is an order from Celestia, not a request. If I don't do this, I go to jail. Now, roll over!” He did so, but snatched the cloth away and washed himself, before covering up with a blanket. “Fine, if you want to be that way! It's not like I haven't seen it before!”
“But that was him, not me.”
“Right, of course. Mr bucking bi-polar! Don't you... remember anything about us?”
“I know you're important. I only had two dreams whilst there, one a nightmare, and the other was peaceful, complete darkness with just a set of beautiful orange eyes. Your eyes.” He dropped his gaze, staring at his lap in shame whilst waiting for the door to open. Instead he felt a hoof over his, and looked up to see Petal's muzzle inches from his own. “What... what are you doing?”
“Hush now, this might help.” She pressed her lips against his, humming happily whilst his hoof came up and caressed her cheek. She pulled away and then climbed on top of the bed, making sure to stay on top of the blanket.
“And what... are you doing now?”
“Well... my first task is over, and I haven't been told what to do next, so I'll just wait here. You know, to make this bed a bot more comfortable. But I'd really like to know what to call you.”
“I don't have a name.”
“No. You see, what happened before wasn't the real Warding Spear, something changed in him. This right here...” she placed one hoof over his chest and let the other stroke his cheek. “... this is the real Warding Spear.” She pressed against his side and sighed as a reluctant hoof wrapped around her.
Neither of them saw the two smiling white alicorns standing at the door.
Celestia nudged Luna awake and motioned her to follow. They trotted to the throne room and sat upon their thrones. Luna knew this was important by the way they were facing each other. “Why did you wake me Tia?”
“I need your help. Mother and I want to see his dreams, but you are the one who possess the ability.” Faust came out of the shadows and placed a cushion in the floor. “We are asking, not telling. If you do not want to do this, then please tell us.”
“No... I shall do it. But if things become uncomfortable, I will remove us.”
“That is fine Lulu, let us begin.” They touched horns and Luna let the magic flow....
They followed him through the corridors of Canterlot Castle, his armour polished to a high shine. The sound of laughter hit their ears, and they turned to see a blue alicorn filly with a magenta mane staring up at him, a grin on her face. “Good evening, Princess Sapphire. How are you?”
“I'm fine thank you, lieutenant. Tell me, have you seen my brother?”
“I'm afraid that I do not know the current whereabouts of Prince Flame, but rest assured, I will keep an eye out for him.”
“Oh, that won't be necessary.” Before he could reply, something landed on his back, knocking him to the floor. His hooves reached round and sent Rising Flame scampering with a few tickles, looking over to see the filly smiling.
And then things changed. Her face became a fearful one as they watched, and bars appeared between them. Flames sprang unbidden, surrounding the filly. They could see him trying to work out how to help.
An alicorn stallion entered, pulling her to his chest. She'd be fine... and then more bars appeared behind and to the sides of them, a solid sheet of metal clanking down on top. They were trapped, and their magic wasn't working. He tried to reach a hoof through, but the heat was unbearable. The stallion made no noise as he held his sobbing daughter, telling her things would be all right.
A noise behind them made them turn, seeing Princess Luna and prince Rising Flame... out in the garden? Warding Spear tried to get their attention, but they instead remained in place, tears coming down form their eyes as they looked at... two gravestones.
A creaking made them turn back to the cage just in time to see it fall to the floor, throwing up all kinds of items. His face was split down the middle, one of glee and one of horror.
Before Luna could disconnect, the dream reset, beginning the same way except this time he was accompanied by Blazing Petal. They let it play out, and when the first bars appeared, they worked together and got the filly out, just as the floor collapsed. Alec, Luna and Flame appeared, taking Sky and thanking the pair.
Once more the dream changed, this time to complete darkness. A set of orange eyes approached, followed by the face of Petal, who trotted over and nuzzled against Warding Spear. “We will get through this. Together, we will find the strength.”
And with that they found themselves in the throne room once more. “Luna, what was wrong? Why did you end it?”
“I didn't, that was the end. Now if you'll excuse me, I want to check on my foals and be with my husband.”
“Of course, good night Luna.”
“Good night.” With that she left, leaving Celestia and Faust to talk about the events they had seen.
