//------------------------------// // Con Amore // Story: Ace of Hearts // by blowngasket //------------------------------// Chapter 24: Con Amore "...Where the heck am I..." "Will ya shut it...splitting headache..." "You have to have...a brain for that..." "And they are fine." Perry stood over the no longer unconscious bodies of Catacomb and Shining Armor, along with Fluttershy who was finishing up on dressing Shining Armor's wounds. The two were inside of what looked like a medical war tent. They were both on fold out cots, a short distance from each other. They looked around, spotting Perry, Fluttershy, and Discord, who was unsurprisingly dressed like a general. He walked over to the two and saluted them. "Fine effort, soldiers. Your valor shall be remembered for all generations to come. We will leave out the part about the woman scorned though...history books and all." Discord's accent reflected stereotypical general, hard exterior with a caring for his men. "Oh yeah..." Catacomb said, memory of what transpired. "Why...didn't you just take us to the hospital?" "Because...I am a royal guard captain... and you're a changeling...can you imagine the questions...?” Shining said, starting to sit up. Catacomb followed suit, rubbing his jaw with his blackened hand. He took a second, looking at his hand before he actually remembered turning back. He gulped, looking over at Perry and Fluttershy, not really caring about Discord. "I...I..." Catacomb said stuttering, unable to find the words he was looking for. "Yeah...gotta say black really does suit you." Perry said. Fluttershy approached him and patted his head. "I think he looks cute." she said, Perry chuckling from behind her. "Your love for the lesser creatures than ourselves is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you." Perry spoke, half mocking half serious. "I'd resent that... but it hurts to resent..." Catacomb joked...laughing before clutching his side and doubling over in pain. "Be careful, you still have a few fractured ribs. I wasn't sure if I should have wrapped them until you were back in your normal form." Fluttershy said, her tone quiet and a bit embarrassed. Catacomb nodded and complied, shifting into his normal form minus the upper body clothing. "Cata..." Shining said, looking at him while Fluttershy began her work. "I would like to talk to you, once she is finished." "Yeah, I get ya." Catacomb said, holding back the groan as Fluttershy put pressure on him slightly. "So where is everyone?" Catacomb asked, looking over at Perry. "Most of them are setting up a party for you and Twilight, while those young girls and Applejacks brother are outside waiting. Your little stunt had raised some serious questions that you're going to need to take care off. You should pray that those three girls can keep a secret." Perry said. Catacomb nodded, realizing that his identity could be seriously compromised. Big Mac was one thing, but it was hard to deny that he probably succeeded in terrifying those poor small girls. ---------- ---------- ---------- "Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" Catacomb was instantly mobbed the moment he walked out of the tent, surrounded by Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They were still inside of the stadium, just on the middle of the field. As the girls seemed eager to talk to him, Catacomb stood there, dumbfounded by their actions. "Ummm....hi?" Catacomb said, unsure of how to respond. "Can ya do it again?!" Applebloom said quickly, approaching Catacomb first. "You were like super cool! Not as cool as Rainbow Dash, but like super close." Scootaloo said, slightly pushing Applebloom. "I like your shell!" Sweetie Belle said, squeezing in between the girls. "Umm Catapillar...are ya crying?" Applebloom asked. "Don't worry...body still hurts...that's all." Catacomb was a terrible liar. He had never been that easily accepted by anyone before, not to mention ever getting this emotional before. It was a stereotypical happiness, but Catacomb did enjoy it. This feeling was short lived, as Big Mac made his approach, the three girls moving out of the way. "So...you're a changeling..." Big Mac asked, looking at Catacomb with seriousness in his eyes. "Eeyup..." Catacomb said, perfectly mimicking his voice, causing the group of girls to giggle at his response. "You're not here to cause any trouble?" Big Mac continued, staring Catacomb down. "No more than the usual quality of trouble." Catacomb said, answering truthfully. "Yer okay with me then." Big Mac said, holding out his hand. Catacomb nodded and shook it, regretting it instantly as he immediately lost feeling in his hand. If Catacomb didn't know better, he would have assumed it was on purpose, but that is just the way he was. Big Mac walked towards the exit, probably where everyone was waiting at the time. The girls approached Catacomb, asking him to do impressions of just about everyone they knew. Catacomb chuckled, a bit overwhelmed with all the attention, before remembering that he had something important to say. "Hey girls, can I ask you for a favor?" "Sure Cata, what do you need?" Sweetie asked politely. Applebloom and Scootaloo stopped talking as well waiting for the question as well. "Umm...could you not tell anyone I am a changeling? I think it is awesome that you are all so cool with it, but I don't think everyone would be quite as understanding." They all nodded and smiled, speaking at the same time. "We Pinkie Promise. Cross our hearts, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in our eye!" They all operated in sync, including accidently hitting themselves in the eye with the last bit. "Thanks. When I get better, I will do a few impressions for ya, but for now, I got someone else who needs to speak with me." Almost on cue, Shining walked out of the tent, fully dressed in his armor, sword at the side. They all nodded and bounced off, leaving the two alone. Catacomb slowly walked towards the side of the stadium, being followed by an equally slow moving Shining Armor. Leaning against the side, Catacomb slowly slid down, taking a seat and catching his breath, his body still sore. Shining looked equally pained, doing about the same right next to him. They sat in silence, waiting until it was a good time to speak. "Cata..." Shining said, turning his gaze to look over him. "Yeah?" Catacomb asked, not making eye contact, gazing up into the sky. "You're serious, right?" Shining Armor said, his tone without much emotion, most of it being spent in their earlier ordeal. "I dunno, maybe." Catacomb said, still staring off into space. "It's like, how do I put it? A man is homeless and broke, but suddenly becomes a millionaire overnight. He may be rich, but he doesn't know how it feels to be rich yet." "Catacomb, that was one of the dumbest things I have ever heard come out of your mouth." Shining said, turning his gaze away and towards the sky as well. "But I think I understand. Sort of, anyways." Catacomb chuckled lightly, not trying to hurt himself too much. "You know, for as much grief as I give you, you're a whole lot smarter than you let on." "Really now? And what gives you that impression." Catacomb asked, grinning somewhat. Shining looked down at his feet. "The way you spoke before. It wasn't like me. Everything went my way from the day I was born. Loving parents, a great sister, and a wonderful girlfriend who became my wife. My abilities with magic helped me soar through the academy and into my position at an age where most men would still be trying to get through basic. I am not saying I didn't work hard, but I always had a natural talent to be what I am." "You do a good job, though." Catacomb said, smiling. "I know a dozen or more people who would let that power get to their heads. It usually lead to their downfall. You, though, don't press the issue of command, more or less than lead by example." "Thanks. That does mean more than you would think." Shining Armor said, humbled by Catacomb's remark. "That's what I mean, though. You have had to learn everything you know from each mistake you have made. You know what not to do because you have already done it before. A lesser man would have snapped, but you somehow retain that positive outlook on life, that even I have a hard time seeing." "Thanks, though hitting the bottom of the barrel can do that to you. It is hard trying to be who you are when you are an outcast to two different societies. I sometimes wonder who I even am." Catacomb said, starting to laugh. "It's kinda funny, actually. A changeling with an identity crisis." Shining paused for a few moments, letting Catacomb's words sink in, before he start to speak again. “You said I don't know anything about you before. I know what is in your file, but that is really about it. So let me start with an easy one." "You cannot stick your fingers in my holes." Catacomb said flatly. It was silent for a moment before Catacomb grinned, speaking again. "That was a joke. Loosen up a bit." Shining chuckled a bit, shaking his head. "Don't know anyone who would want to do that." Catacomb smiled wickedly, looking over at him. "Your sister did." This response earned a whack from Shining, though both groaned from the sudden hit. "We will talk about that after...but firstly, my question. Why do you choose that form? You can look like anyone in the world, but you go with that look. Why exactly?" Shining asked, looking over at Catacomb seriously. "I don't even remember." Catacomb said, staring up into the sky. "Comfort I guess. I wouldn't feel like I belonged if I just made myself look different on a whim. It helps me retain my sense of self in the end. Makes me feel...like I am like everyone else." "You don't want to be like everyone else, Cata. Fitting in is one thing, but who you are, you should never change that. Just do what you know you should do with life." Shining said, staring back up as well. "My sister, does she really like you?" Catacomb nodded, though not connecting his gaze. "And you are not just taking advantage of her..." The tone of this question was more serious, but not angry like he was before. "I hope not. She really does deserve better than me, though." Catacomb said, though slightly sad. "It confused me, ya know? I am not even sure if I can feel love. Maybe, maybe not. I feel like I want to try and see where this goes, just to know for myself, but I don't want it to be her if I find out it won't happen." Shining looked back at Catacomb, his eyes showing sympathy for him. "I...I feel like I want to repeatedly bash my head against a door." "Sounds like love to me." Shining said nonchalantly. Catacomb looked over, obviously confused. "Anything with a brain and a heart can feel love, you nitwit. What you're describing is definitely that, as much as I wish to say otherwise." Shining said, groaning lightly from his own words. "Sounds too cheesy to be true, personally." Catacomb said, smiling. "Usually is. Knocked me down when I least expected it, must be even weirder for you. I would know though, my wife is kind of the goddess of love, so if I didn't know the signs, she would be severely disappointed." "You know, you're taking this a lot better than I thought you would." Catacomb responded, making his own statement. "Well I doubt she would listen to me at this point, and killing you has proven harder than I thought, so I should at least make sure you don't mess it up." Shining Armor said, starting to laugh. Catacomb joined it, both of them laughing now. "Seriously...don't mess it up." Shining suddenly stopped, causing Catacomb to freeze mid laugh. "You do anything to hurt her, I will destroy you." "I love you too, bro." Catacomb grinned and looked away. Shining wanted to respond to that, but it was a comment he didn't see coming. "So, just getting the facts straight, you no longer have any problem with me and Twilight?" "I have every problem imaginable with it, from meeting my parents to the possibility that your relationship will be successful. Every fiber of my being screams to kill you and hide the body, but in your defense, I would most likely be like this with anyone. You just got the special duel option added in as a bonus." Shining said, a slight smile on his face. "In my defense, she was at least wearing underwear." Catacomb said, Shining immediately covering his ears. "Don't want to hear that lalala I can't hear you!!!" Shining said as he moved away from Catacomb. "Whatever." Catacomb said, chuckling and slowly getting up. Shining stopped his immature actions and watched. "I got places to go and people to see." "Don't make me regret not killing you." Shining Armor said, smiling towards Catacomb. "And...well..." "You better not be coming on to me, because I am in a relationship now." Catacomb said, Shining Armor simply staring. "Go away..." And with a wave, Catacomb did just that, leaving Shining to rest where he was. Looking over, the tent was suddenly gone, most likely because it was no longer needed. Perry waited over by the exit for Catacomb, who limped quickly to meet up with everyone. “...You're all right, for a changeling." Shining said quietly and to himself. He doubted he would recover from any of this, but as long as Catacomb made Twilight happy, then there was nothing to really complain about. His resolve spoke for itself, today. Catacomb fought because he had something he didn't want to lose. If he hadn't been blinded by anger, he could have seen he had no chance from the beginning. ---------- ---------- ---------- Catacomb slowly walked over towards Perry, who waited patiently for him. Catacomb looked back, Shining simply waving him off. He smiled and waved back before approaching Perry, flashing a stupid grin. "So, it looks like all is well with the world again. Now it is my turn to challenge you to a duel." Perry said, looking over at Catacomb. All the color from his face left at once, Catacomb gulping nervously. Perry stared quietly before letting a little chuckle slip from behind his mask. "If you could see your face, I almost wish I could have taken a picture." Catacomb frowned, simply hobbling past Perry. "Oh come on, I thought it was funny." "Keep on laughing it up, chucklehead..." Catacomb said. Perry grabbed his shoulder, Catacomb turning around to see what he wanted. "You almost forgot these." Perry's chuckling finally subsiding. He held out a pair of rune guns awkwardly, not really sure how to hold them in the first place. Catacomb smiled, and took them both. He shifted a pair of holsters onto his belt, not wanting to mess with his chest region anytime soon. Placing them into the newly created holsters, Catacomb gave a grin towards his friend. "Thanks a bunch. I am just glad this mess is over with." Catacomb said, smiling. "Not exactly. You still have one more person to deal with. When you're done, meet us all at Sugarcube corner." Perry said, patting Catacomb lightly on the back. "Let me guess, finally hosting my funeral, eh?" Perry shook his head, walking ahead of Catacomb. "Another time, perhaps. But with Pinkie, there is..." "Always a reason to party." Catacomb said, finishing Perry's sentence. Catacomb chuckled as he watched Perry exit through the other end of the tunnel. He could have sworn he heard Perry say 'He's all yours', making Catacomb's smile only grow. He slowly made his way down the dark tunnel, heading for the light at the end. It was almost too corny to be real, but Twilight stood there at the other end as Catacomb approached. He could see her smiling slightly, staring at the ground and back at him. "Sorry about before..." Twilight spoke softly, making eye contact with Catacomb. "So...are you and Shining...umm..." "We are cool." Catacomb said, leaning lightly against the edge of the tunnel. "That's good. I was nervous that you wouldn't talk to each other. With how you two were...I am not going to lie, it was terrifying." Twilight said, trying to stay strong, even though Catacomb could tell that the pressure was getting to her. "You can say that again. It was scary for all of us, me and Shiny included." Catacomb said, staring off into space. Twilight looked at him, a smirk developing on his face. "Would I do it again...as many times as needed." "It is still stupid to fight over me like that. I can make up my own mind." she said, frowning. "A bit egotistical much?" Catacomb said chuckling. Twilight pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "It was more than that. This was a long time coming, and you were just the trigger. We have never really gotten along, even if we did act like it. It took today for him to finally see me as more than another nightmare in his life." "So, you become better friends...by killing each other." Twilight said, unconvinced. "Long story short, yeah. That's really all there is to it." Catacomb said nodding his head in agreement to his own statement. "We like to call it, manly bonding. You women have your socials and spa visits and gossip, we have bars and brawls." "You and my brother both are morons, but you two are my morons, so please don't fight like that again." Twilight said, her face showing signs of concern. "I can't promise you anything, but I will not start it at the very least." Catacomb grinned. "Fair enough. Is Shiny okay as well, though?" "He's a soldier. As far as injuries go, his pride will need nursing, but he will be back to normal in a day or so." Catacomb commented, helping Twilight feel at ease. "You know that he only did this because he cared, so don't be angry with him." "He tried to slice my new boyfriend in two. I am going to have a good long talk with him at the very least. As for you...what you said out there before you fought. You only fought because of me?" Twilight asked, blushing. Catacomb nodded, looking away from her. He wasn't very good at hiding his own embarrassment, as it shown clearly on his face. "I am still trying to figure it all out, but from what I have been told, I think I do love you." "You...think?" Twilight asked somewhat hurt and confused. "Well, I can't say I actually know for certain if I can feel love, but according to just about everyone else, I do. I would like to take their word for it, but I also don't want to lie to you without knowing for certain if I do." Catacomb said, trying his hardest to explain his jumbled up emotions as best as he could. "I understand..." Twilight said. Though it upset her, she felt he was right, and would rather he be sure himself. "Thank you...for being honest with me." "No no no, no getting upset or anything like that!" Catacomb said, starting to get nervous. "I won't feel right for days if I upset you, so come on. I am still not leaving, and if you start moping on me, I will annoy you until you stop." Catacomb declared. You didn't have to be a changeling to know that Catacomb really did care about Twilight that deeply, and even Twilight herself could tell that. It made her happy to know that he really was trying for her, and not just saying he would, even if it was in his own weird little way. Her saddened frown couldn't stay down any longer, and she smiled sincerely. Catacomb watched her smile, and it really did feel good inside to know that he was the reason for it. A good distance away, Shining had made his way into the tunnel, catching the latter half of the conversation. Just from watching the way Catacomb treated her, Shining started to believe himself that he really could make Twilight happy. It was all he really cared about, and with witnessing this, all of his prior fears and skepticism was officially washed away, replaced with legitimate happiness for the new couple. Everything would work out fine.