//------------------------------// // Interlude Chapter 10: Back to Normal? pt.2 // Story: Emblem of Harmony: The Blazing Sword // by icebraker //------------------------------// Mark let out a sigh. Currently he was laying in the shade on a hill overlooking Sweet Apple Acres. It had been a couple of days since his return to Ponyville and he was having bittersweet feelings about all of it. As he expected, things were peaceful as usual. But spending a month prepared to possibly die made peace like this a bit surreal since he didn't really have to do anything. ‘Man. I expected peace, and it’s nice and all, but it’s a bit...’ ‘Weird?’ ‘Yah. I mean I already informed the princesses about Ninian’s warning and now I don’t really know what to do. If Bassy wasn’t busy with some kind of important business somewhere, he’d at least do his best to train me to fight. I don’t even feel like pranking somepony. At least Rarity fixed my cloak up yesterday.’ Mark thought, examining his repaired cloak. ‘Maybe you should figure out a way to improve it, fire-proof, chainmail, whatever works.’ ‘Problem is, I don’t know how to do any of that stuff, and fire-proof spells last only so long. I wish I could ask the girls for some help but-’ ‘-they’re busy with their own stuff.’ ‘Yup. A zebra named Zecora needed help from Flutters and Twi, AJ’s cleaning up after her family reunion, Dash was practicing the moves we saw yesterday at the Wonderbolts show, Pinkie’s being Pinkie, and Rarity’s spending as much time as she can at the spa today since the owners are going on vacation later this evening. ‘Well Discord said to be prepared for whatever is happening in the future.’ ‘True. But if I constantly fuss about the future, I’ll miss out on the present.’ ‘And your thoughts keep wandering elsewhere, wink wink’ ‘Yah, I miss Lyn.’ ‘When do you plan on returning to Elibe?’ ‘Why do you ask me these things? You’re me, you already know.’ ‘But since you’re the one in control, I’m reminding you of you’re priorities and whatever so you don’t forget.’ ‘I don’t think I’ve honestly thought too hard about it. I mean, I've got a few responsibilities here and the next time I see her, I want to impress.’ ‘What, leading a small group of 13 (not including yourself) against an entire realm wasn't enough for you?' 'I mean I want to become a better pony and tactician. Somepony that really deserves her affection.' 'That's surprisingly mature of you.' 'Yah, I get philosophical when I'm bored out of my mind.' Mark closed his eyes and began to meditate just like Bastion had taught him. Maybe if he cleared his thoughts, something to do would come to him. ‘..........This isn’t working.’ ‘Shut up. I’m trying to meditate here.’ ‘Well I guess you’ll never find out what’s making that racket.’ ‘What rack-?!’ Mark snapped out of meditation, his ear twitching when he heard the sound of grinding and creaking followed by a familiar filly’s voice. “Are you guys sure about this?” “Of course I’m sure. If this doesn’t help me to fly then maybe we’ll get our siegecraft, gliding, or science-y thing that deal with this, Cutie Marks.” “It’s Physics.” “What are you, a dictionary?” “Oh stop you two. Ah don’t want nothing flying until we do a test launch first anyways.” Mark got up and rounded the tree he was using as shade to see what was going on. His eyes widened at the sight. ‘Is that a-?!’ ‘Yes. Yes it is.’ Pulling a almost fully sized trebuchet was Sweetie Belle, followed by Applebloom who was carrying a couple of clipboards on her back, and an orange pegasus filly with purple hair, aviator goggles, and carrying three backpacks on a wagon. ‘How can Sweetie even pull that thing?’ ‘I’m more worried about how they managed to get one.’ ‘I don’t think it matters much at this point. I need to make sure that they don’t get themselves or somepony hurt.’ Mark thought as he walked over to the three fillies. By the time he got to where they were, they seemed to have already set it up where they wanted it. “Hey girls, you mind telling me what your up to?” Mark asked. “And who are you supposed to be?” The orange filly said defensively. Applebloom smiled at seeing Mark, “That’s just Mark. He was workin’ on our farm fer awhile after he accidentally burned down our applecart a few weeks ago. He showed me magic tricks when Applejack wasn’t looking.” “And he hangs out with Rarity sometimes.” Sweetie Belle added. Mark gave the three an incredulous look, “The real question is, who are you supposed to be? And how the fu-, how in blazes did you girls manage to get a trebuchet?” “Oh, we made it together! Applebloom drew a blueprint, Scootaloo gathered the supplies, and I was in charge of moving it. And this is Scootaloo by the way.” Sweetie Belle said, gesturing to the orange pegasus filly. “That’s nice and all but...what were you planning on doing exactly? I mean this trebuchet is very well done.” Mark asked as he closely examined the siege weapon, “This thing could probably launch something up to 300 pounds.” “See, ah told ya it could throw something that heavy.” Applebloom told the girls with a triumphant grin. “But neither of us even add up to 300 pounds.” The filly named Scootaloo said flatly. Mark had a stern expression as he asked again, “And what did you girls plan on doing?” “We were gonna use it to help me learn to fly and to launch stuff.” Scootaloo said before the three fillies inhaled a deep breath and said in unison, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SIEGECRAFT MASTERS!” Mark winced at the volume they had shouted, before going back to being strict, “No. I can’t in good conscious let you girls operate this alone. No matter how well made it is, you’ll get either yourselves or somepony else hurt.” The fillies faces fell before Applebloom spoke up, “But Mark, we painted a tree with lotsa leaves in the Everfree as a target. Ah don’t see how it could hurt anypony else.” Mark sighed, putting a hoof to his head to quell the incoming headache. ‘Is this how Bastion feels when I pull my hijinks?’ ‘Oh nonononono. Your much, much worse.’ ‘Shut up.’ “Girls, accidents happen when you least expect it. Mostly around children or those who act childish.” ‘The pot said, as it called the kettle black.’ Ignoring his subconscious Mark continued, “Which is why I’m not letting you do this unless you girls have permission and supervision.” “AWWW! But Mark we already worked so hard on this.” Applebloom said. “No.” Mark said. ‘THOSE EYES! THOSE EYES!.’ Mark grit his teeth as he averted his gaze from Applebloom looking to Sweetie Belle. “What if this is how we get our cutie marks though?” Sweetie Belle asked, almost on the verge of tears. ‘NO, I MUST RESIST!’ ‘NO MORE! PLEASE, NO MORE!’ Scootaloo slumped, “But without a cutie mark, I’ll never be as awesome as Rainbow Dash.” ‘AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!’ ‘DAMMIT! WHAT WOULD ONE OF MY FRIENDS DO?!’ Mark groaned as he slumped to the ground in defeat. At that particular moment he wanted to slam his head into something several times. “Fine. I’ll supervise you girls. Just stop with the faces, I don’t think my heart can take it.” ‘Next time I’m bringing a fucking blindfold.’ “Thanks Mark!” The girls shouted in unison, their expressions the epitome of happiness. ‘Well lets look at the bright side, those faces probably just saved your soul from eternal damnation with the sheer happiness that's radiating from them and you have something to do now.’ ‘True, and with me supervising, I don’t think there’ll be any problems.’ ‘.....Are you serious?’ Mark let out a sigh for being dragged into this, “Alright girls, first rule I can think of, listen to me and follow my instructions, and second, no launching or aiming at living things. Anyways, what are we launching first?” Scootaloo looked to Mark with excitement, “Well we were gonna start with a rock.” Mark looked around until he spotted a large filly-sized rock in the ground, using his magic (and a lot of effort) he managed to yank it out and set it carefully on the trebuchet’s sling. However, it wasn’t on quite right, so Mark started moving it around with his hooves. “Alright girls you’re almost good to go, just give me a sec to-” “You heard him, we’re good to go, ready, set, FIRE!” Yelled Scootaloo in excitement as she pushed the lever. “NO I- AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!” Was all Mark was able to get out before being launched along with the rock, towards the Everfree. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle stood there, eyes wide and mouths agape at what just happened (and how quickly that just escalated) as Scootaloo obliviously looked around, “Alright what’s next? Mark? Hey, where’d you go?” ******************************************************************************************* Mark groaned in pain. ‘Ow, my everything hurts. What just happened again?’ ‘Well, you got launched by a siege weapon three little fillies managed to make, crashed through some brush, skipped along a pond, and ended it with crashing into a tree. So overall I think you’ve earned yourself a 10.’ ‘This isn’t a competition.’ ‘And now I’m gonna have to dock you down to 9 for the attitude.’ ‘I’m lucky I’m not dead.’ ‘Well that may change, judging by the fact you’re in the Everfree.’ Mark slowly picked himself up and got a look at his surroundings. He was currently in a wetland area within the Everfree. ‘Let’s see...I was launched south-ish...I’m in a some kind of wetland...there’s a lot of frogs... this must be Froggy Bottom Bog.’ ‘Good thing you didn’t land in any of the deep water.’ ‘Hey, I can swim given the right conditions!’ ‘Going into a pond covered in flotation devices doesn’t count as swimming.’ ‘Whatever.’ “Now which way is north?” he said to himself as he rummaged through his mind for the geography of Equestria. There didn’t seem to be too many paths in and out of the bog due to the large amount of water. Deciding on a path he started walking down it to exit the bog. Once he eventually got out of this area, he planned on climbing a tree to find any landmarks or indications to where Ponyville was. ‘It’s good that you have a grasp of how you’re going to get home, but you’re forgetting one important thing.’ ‘And what’s that?’ ‘Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that this forest is inhabited by all sorts of things ranging from timberwolves to dragons to plants that will eat you. Don’t take this “walk” lightly since you could be attacked at any moment.’ The unicorn’s breathing hitched and he shivered as he remembered... **************************************************************************************** "I’ll hold it off, Mark you need to run NOW!" "NO! I won't-" "MARK, GO!!!" **************************************************************************************** ‘I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to remind you of that.’ Mark frantically shook his head to clear the memory. ‘I-It’s fine. You’re right I could be attacked at any-’ Mark’s ears perked up and he instinctively crouched as he heard something rustle in a nearby bush and then a splash. Mark gulped. Slowly and quietly, he crept towards the sound, his heart beating faster as he closed in on the continued splashing that now occurred behind the bush. He looked around the bush he released the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. ‘It’s just a lizard.’ ‘Never seen a lizard like that. You know doesn’t it look like it’s-’ ‘Drowning? Nah, I mean it's just swimming I think. Lizards swim, right?’ Mark watched as the lizard’s head finally sunk below the water line. ‘Ok maybe not.’ He thought before his horn glowed. With a small pop, the lizard was lifted out of the water in a yellow bubble and placed on the ground. After a brief cough and regurgitating of water, the lizard looked at the yellow unicorn with curiosity and Mark returning the look. The lizard was small with cerulean scales. It was almost Gummy’s size if Mark recalled the baby alligator’s size correctly, with small dark yellow dorsal spines running down its serpentine neck and down its back but ending just before the tail. Mark jumped a bit when the lizard hissed at him. It wasn’t a threatening hiss though, based off the tone. The lizard saved, Mark continued on his way scanning his surroundings for any dangers. After taking a few steps he heard pattering and turned around to see that the lizard wasn’t far behind him. Seeing that Mark was looking at it again, the lizard gave a small hiss. Mark shook his head again and walked, but once again stopped when he heard the pattering of tiny claws. “Now the lizard’s following me.” Mark said with a sigh, before turning to the lizard again and receiving a small hiss. “Okay, you’re thankful, I understand. Now why don’t you go elsewhere.” He said with small shooing motion. The lizard just tilted it’s head before answering with a slightly louder hiss. ‘I get the feeling it wants to come with me.’ ‘Marked Defiance, the lizard whisperer.’ ‘Least I’m not some voice in a pony’s head.’ ‘Touche.’ “Fine you can come with, but no funny business, you hear?” he said. The lizard hissed in response. Mark rolled his eyes as he picked the lizard up and placed it on his back, however, it decided to crawl up his neck and get comfortable in his mane. “I shall dub thee, Lizzy the Lizard.” Mark told it, receiving a cheery hiss in return. ‘Creative.’ ‘I know right?’ Mark then continued on his way, Lizzy’s head poking out of his mane as he traversed the bog. The brief silence though was interrupted when Mark’s stomach let out a growl. “Heh, that’s right, haven’t eaten lunch yet.” His fur stood on end as he then heard several deeper, louder growls directly behind him. “Please tell me that was you Lizzy.” The lizard just hissed in response as Mark turned his head around, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks at the sight of four large reptilian heads looking at him with hunger in their eyes. ******************************************************************************************** “Sperze, the ‘Laughing axe’... it’s been too long, though I wish that you hadn’t threatened to beat every guard that got in your way into a bloody pulp.” Said the old, scarred, and greying griffin captain as he walked besides Sperze. “Hey, it’s their fault for trying to stop me after I’ve been flying for days. Besides this is a favor for a friend.” Sperze said with a shrug. The captain raised an eyebrow, “Armored Bastion?” “How’d you know?” Sperze said with a grin, he already knew. “He’s probably the only other creature who can deal with your crap besides me. You know, if you weren’t my cousin I’d have thrown you in the dungeon for barging into the palace like that.” “Lay off Zander, this has to do with the Equestrian situation and those attacks on your outposts. Also, stop threatening everyone with the dungeons, I swear every time you do it someone is screaming like a little girl somewhere.” ***************************************************************************************** Mark wasn’t proud of that scream but frankly he didn’t care right now as the hydra began to close it’s distance. ***************************************************************************************** “Which is the second reason why I haven’t thrown you into the dungeon. What do you know about our outposts? They are bordering Equestria so we can only speculate that ponies are behind the attacks.” “Do you really believe that or is this just the fact that the ‘kaiser’ is a stubborn ass?” Sperze said, doing air quotes for the word kaiser. Zander looked at Sperze before returning his gaze forward, “No, but it’s my job and duty to follow the kaiser’s orders. Something that you wouldn’t really understand.” “We both know I have issues with authority. Besides your doing a great job as captain, I mean look at you, you have the situation under control, mostly, and you stopped me from beating the living shit out of your men, that’s a win in my book.” Zander just rolled his eyes as he lifted his talon indicating for Sperze to stop here. In front of them was the great door that was entrance to the throne room. “I will inform the kaiser you wish to have an audience for now just-” Sperze had already opened the door with a kick and walked inside. “-wait here.” Zander finished with an exasperated sigh. Kaiser Veloran sat at his throne. Recent reports of attacks on the empire’s border outposts had put him a bit on edge since there were no survivors reported, and that the incidents were close to the Equestrian border didn’t sit well with him. The fact that a familiar griffin with an axe had barged into his throne room didn’t help either. His eyes narrowed and he clenched his beak before speaking, “Sperze. What are you doing here? Didn’t I make myself clear last time that I didn’t want to see you again?” Sperze smiled wickedly, “Are you still mad about me kicking your ass, Kaiser Broom-tail?” If looks could kill, Sperze would have died a very slow and painful death right then. “What do you want?” Veloran said, his rage starting to build. “I’m just here doing a favor for a friend. You see, ponies aren’t the ones attacking your little outposts.” Sperze said. The kaiser’s eye twitched, “I swear, if you tell me you were the one-” Sperze finally put on a serious expression, “No, I enjoy a fight, not slaughter.....specifically. It was changelings who have been attacking your outposts. A friend wanted me to explain this to you so you don’t do something stupid like start another pointless war.” “Those Zebricans were in lands that rightfully belonged to the empire. Why should I even believe you? What do changelings have to gain from attacking our outposts?” The kaiser asked skeptically. “Well I think we can both agree that Princess Celestia isn’t a pony you’d like to get on the bad side of, and let’s face it, most ponies are so peaceful that it makes me sick.” Veloran reluctantly nodded in agreement. “And as far as the changelings go, I have no idea. I just know that after they infiltrated the outpost they attacked from both inside and out.” Veloran’s eye twitched again, “So you were there?” “Investigating, yes. I could probably have killed them all but Red said it wasn't smart and to withdraw. And here I am now.” Veloran rubbed his beak in thought. If what Sperze was telling him was true, then war with Equestria wouldn’t only be dangerous, but misguided as well. The danger not being only from Celestia but this ‘friend’ Sperze mentioned. The only name he could think of related to that would be the (in)famous mercenary known as, Bloody Red, whom was known to work with the griffin mercenary years ago. Veloran thought that he had retired. The kaiser waved a talon, and a nearby servant immediately came to attention. “Send an envoy to Canterlot. I want to discuss the changeling situation with the princess.” Veloran told the servant who nodded and immediately left to do as instructed. “Glad you grew a brain.” Sperze said in an antagonizing tone. Kaiser Veloran glared at Sperze, “And now you have no reason to stay. A pity.” the griffin ruler said with false honesty, “Captain Zander, escort him out of here. Now.” The griffin captain who had been grudgingly silent during the exchange saluted before placing a talon on Sperze’s shoulder. “Come on Sperze, time to go before I’m ordered to kill you.” He shrugged off Zander’s talon and began to laugh as he walked toward the door. Before exiting, he turned his head to the griffin ruler, a dangerous gleam in his eyes, “You should train more guards, sending only this much against me would hardly be a challenge.” *************************************************************************************** Mark backed up slowly as he faced the hydra. He was at a dead end against a rock face. 8 large reptilian eyes looking him up and down as if trying to decide what the best way to cook him was. That is, if they didn’t just eat him raw. Mark’s flank touched the cold rock face behind him. ‘This doesn’t look good.’ ‘How do you keep getting into situations like this? Seriously! You’re like a magnet for this crap.’ Suddenly, Lizzy popped out of Mark’s mane onto the cliff face, and crawled up it with surprising speed. Mark watched the lizard go disappearing from sight. “Well fuck you too, Lizzy.” He said to himself before turning his attention back to the hydra. ‘Though totally understandable given the circumstances.’ Suddenly one of the heads moved back before using the momentum to strike like a cobra. Mark saw it coming and ducked beneath it causing the hydra head to hit the rock face hard. Mark took the opportunity to desperately scan his surroundings for anything he could to his advantage. He saw the opening. The bad news, it was the gap between the Hydra’s legs. ‘Think I can make it under that thing’s legs?’ ‘Don’t have much of a choice do you? It’s do or die, and frankly, I prefer do.’ Suddenly Mark felt something thump his head, and heard a familiar hissing followed by a crunching noise. ‘Ok, Lizzy’s back.’ ‘And eating a rock on top of your head.’ ‘Well at least I don’t feel abandoned now, and if this doesn’t work one of us dies on a full stomach.’ ‘How does this lizard even eat rocks? Lizards aren’t supposed to from what I know.’ The hydra head from before shook off it’s daze, and looked at it’s fellows with a nod. This time all the hydra’s heads moved back, readying to strike. ‘And were getting off topic in a life or death situation. You ready?’ ‘Ready.’ Mark scowled at the hydra as he stamped his hoof about to charge for his escape. But before Mark could spring his desperate plan into action he heard a high pitched voice from behind the hydra.  “HEY, YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE YOU BIG BULLY!” yelled the voice. Mark quickly looked to see that the CMC were there trying to hide behind a set of trees. Sweetie Belle had a first aid kit strapped to her back, Applebloom with a map and pony-sized wagon, and Scootaloo was on her scooter wearing a helmet. “YAH, YOU’D PROBABLY PREFER SOME CHICKEN!” Applebloom added. Scootaloo gave Applebloom a cross look, “I’M NOT A CHICKEN!” Mark didn’t waste anytime as all the hydra’s heads turned to the fillies direction. He galloped and slid underneath the hydra’s legs, he thought he heard and felt Lizzy release a large burp but didn’t dwell on it as he continued to the fillies.  “GIRLS RUN NOW!!!” He shouted, closing the distance between the CMC and himself. Mark heard the hydra roar and didn’t need to turn around to know that it was pissed. The fillies didn’t need anymore incentive either, as they turned and began to run (except for Scootaloo who used her scooter). Mark trailed slightly behind so that if one of them fell, he would pick them back up. The ground shook a bit and Mark risked a glance back, what he saw confused him but didn’t stop his pace. The hydra was on its stomach, having fallen. Three of its heads glaring after them as one of the heads examined it’s left leg, which now looked like had the color and texture of the cliff Mark was backed against earlier and let out one final roar after it’s escaping prey. After running and weaving through the trees, he and the girls had stopped to catch their much needed breath. “Celestia dammit girls. I had it under control, and you came into the Everfree without anypony else, what were you thinking?!” Mark managed to say between breaths as he slumped against the tree. Applebloom lay across one of his hind legs, while the other two leaned on his left and right side. “We thought we could’a gotten our cutie marks if we rescued ya and bandaged ya up. We didn’t know about the hydra till we got there. We’re mighty sorry fer launching you Mark.” Applebloom said sadly. Scootaloo turned her head to Mark’s, “It didn’t look like you had it under control though. And was there another pony? I thought I heard a mare scream earlier.” “Uh...must have been your imagination. That doesn’t matter though, I don’t ever want to see you girls do anything that dangerous ever again, do you understand?” “Yes.” The three fillies said sadly in unison. Mark looked at Sweetie Belle, who was still shaking a bit from what happened. He patted and ruffled her mane softly, “Sweetie, are you ok? I know it was scary but it’s alright now.” “Y-yes. I’m alright.” She said, her large green eyes holding back tears at what almost happened. ‘I’m glad she didn’t have to go through what I did.’ ‘No shit. You were a mess five years ago, in fact I’m still picking up pieces here and there.’ ‘It was definitely a close call....’ Mark let out a sigh before looking at the tired fillies with a smile, “However, now that I got the scolding out of the way, I want to thank you for coming and saving me. If you didn’t distract that hydra, I probably wouldn’t have come out of there completely whole. ‘Or at all.’ and that trebuchet actually fired me farther than I thought was possible, good job on that.” Upon hearing this the CMC’s faces lit up with a smile and they looked to their flanks for their new cutie marks. Unfortunately, they were still blank. “Awwww, I thought for sure we had it that time.” Scootaloo said in disappointment. Mark rolled his eyes and checked their surroundings, “Come on girls, we really should get out of this forest. We don’t want to meet anything else like that hydra and you can only get your cutie marks if you aren’t eaten.” Lizzy hissed in agreement. The fillies nodded profusely as they got up and stretched their little legs. Mark saw Applebloom’s wagon and had an idea. Tying his cloak to the wagon’s handle, he then used his magic to lift the fillies into the wagon and began pulling it towards where Ponyville should be. Applebloom spoke up in confusion of what was happening, “Mark what are you-” Mark interrupted her, “Girls, you’re still a bit tired from running, as well as in shock from almost seeing me get eaten by a hydra. I think you deserve a free ride.” “Even after we launched you?” Sweetie Belle asked. “It was an accident and I’m actually kinda tough.” He said as he pounded his chest. Mark grinned, “And I’m sure you’ll make it up to me somehow, right Scoots?” The orange filly avoided eye contact, “Yah, hehe.” She laughed nervously. Mark looked towards the sky, it was already in the early evening. “Lets get a move on, I’m sure all your loved ones are worried about you.” “What about you Mark?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well, my teacher cares for me, but he’s currently busy with something important. Otherwise I would have seen him already.” Scootaloo tilted her head in confusion as she looked at the back of Mark’s head, “Your teacher? What about your mom and dad?” Mark almost stopped at that, but continued his walk. “I...I don’t have either. I grew up in an orphanage until I eventually just...left.” ‘More like ran away.’ ‘The caretaker was corrupt, and the other kids were either bullies or victims.’ ‘Still, you could have waited until you were older.’ ‘Hindsight is 20/20... and besides, even at age six I was pretty awesome.’ ‘You became a pickpocket.’ ‘Which was how I met Gambit and...and... you’re right. I should have never left. If I didn’t maybe he wouldn’t have-’ ‘Don’t start with this again. He chose to join the guard. He decided to go on that mission. There was nothing you could do.’ ‘EXACTLY! I COULDN’T DO SHIT!’ “Mark are you ok? Ya’ve been frowning and staring forward fer awhile now.” Applebloom said, making Mark jump out of his thoughts. “Sorry, just...thinking about something.” Mark said, his voice sounding a bit empty. Sweetie Belle tugged a bit on Mark’s cloak, “What happened?” Mark let out a small humorless chuckle before replying, “Got a tough and cool older brother, then grew up.” “What’s he like? Is he as tough as Big Mac?” Applebloom asked, excited that she now had two friends that also had older siblings. This time Mark did stop. The girls only able to see that he was looking at the ground as they sat in the wagon waiting for a reply. He then let out a small cough to clear his throat, “Why don’t I tell you about my adventure instead? It’s pretty cool, even Rainbow Dash thought so.” Sweetie and Applebloom looked to each other in confusion about the change in subject, but upon hearing her idol’s name Scootaloo jumped with excitement, “REALLY?! Then what are you waiting for? Tell us!” The unicorn smiled at both her excitement and the ease it was to change the subject, “Well, it started after testing Twilight’s spell. I woke up and...” Mark began, as he started walking and pulling the wagon again. He proceeded to tell the girls the condensed version of his adventure in Elibe, he toned the violence down too, so the three fillies wouldn’t have nightmares or anything similar. As he told his story he made sure to keep alert of their surroundings for any dangers, however, his caution was surprisingly unfounded. In fact the only sign of life was the field of beautiful blue flowers that he was currently walking through. He glanced back and found that the girls were too busy staring and listening to him in awe to take in the scenery as well. ‘Their loss.’ ‘But why is there this nagging feeling....?’ ‘Cause I haven’t eaten.’ ‘Right, that’s probably it.’ By the time he had finished the story, he had left the field of flowers a good distance behind and could make out Fluttershy’s cottage in the distance. “And here I am again, any questions?” “Do you think we could get a cutie mark in sword fighting?” Scootaloo asked excitedly. “Only if you try with wooden swords, and that I’m there to supervise you.” Applebloom looked to Mark in confusion, “Why does it have to be you?” “Because I’ve seen swordplay from Lyn and though I am entirely inept at it, I’ve practiced with my teacher, so other than a royal guardpony I’d say I’m your best bet for knowing the proper form and techniques. Anything else?” “Is Lyn your special somepony?” Sweetie Belle asked. Mark’s eyes widened as he looked at the girls in shock, his cheeks beginning to flush. “How-you-What makes you say that?” Mark asked, sputtering a bit at first. “Well, whenever you said her name, you’d smile and give a far off look, like Rarity used to whenever she thought of Prince Blueblood.” 'It's funny how children can notice things adults can't.' “Sure, but it’s- wait a sec. Rarity crushed on Blueblood?! Oh, I’m so gonna rib her on that one, hehe.” “Yer gettin distracted. What were ya gonna say?” Applebloom said in annoyance. “Um, well...” Mark hesitated and looked around to make sure no one else was listening, he then spoke in almost a whisper, “Yes. Lyn and I wanted to try and have a relationship. In fact, I was planning on going back to Elibe in...” ‘Crap, this is what I was thinking about earlier today.’ ‘Before you were sent flying, yah I know, I was there.’ “...a month? Yah, a month sounds good.” Applebloom and Sweetie giggled as Scootaloo just rolled her eyes since the conversations seemed to be turning all mushy. “But don’t tell anypony else, please. It’s not that it’s a secret...but that doesn’t mean I want it being gossiped about either, especially by Rarity. Ok?” The CMC nodded, Applebloom and Sweetie vigorously with large grins on their faces. Mark thought he heard some voices in the distance and perked his ears up. Turning his head in the direction he saw that Twilight and Fluttershy were walking in their direction as they conversed with a zebra. ‘That must be Zecora.’ he thought as he began walking towards the three. ****************************************************************************************** “I thank you again for the assistance moving the mare, I just hope she gets better in the hospital’s care.” Zecora said gratefully to Twilight and Fluttershy. “I hope she gets better too. I can’t imagine what must have happened to receive all those cuts and bruises.” Fluttershy said in a worried tone. Zecora noticed movement coming out of the Everfree and towards them. To her surprise, rather than one of the Everfree’s many dangerous creatures, it was a yellow unicorn in a green cloak pulling a red wagon. She noticed three familiar fillies’ heads as they moved and said a few things before one with a big red bow looked towards her. “Hey, there miss Zecora!” Applebloom called out happily as she began to wave at the zebra. “Hello there Scootaloo, Sweetie, and Applebloom, that pony is your friend I assume?” Zecora called back with a smile. “Yes, that’s Mark. He’s uh... relatively...somewhat new in town.” Twilight said a bit awkwardly. It was true though, Mark had only stayed in Ponyville for three weeks before he was accidentally sent to the other world, and it was only a few days since he had gotten back. The CMC laughed in delight as Mark picked up the pace to a run and reached the other group. “Hi there. You must be Zecora. I’ve heard about you. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I’m Mark.” Mark said as he held his hoof out. Zecora held out her own hoof and shook Mark’s in greeting. “The pleasure is mine, but why have you walked past the Everfree line?” Zecora said as she referred to the edge that seperated Ponyville from the forest. The CMC gulped and started nervously shifting around. Once Mark told Zecora, Twilight, and Fluttershy what they did, they were gonna be in so much trouble. “I was helping teach the girls all about physics and the need to stay healthy.” ‘Healthy? Don’t you mean “not dead”?’ ‘Yup, but they don’t need to know all those nasty little details.’ Mark glanced at the CMC who were giving him very thankful expressions, before he returned to the conversation. Twilight raised an eyebrow, “The Everfree isn’t a place to be teaching those things Mark. Next time why don’t you teach them in the library, it’s much safer.” Mark gave Twilight the flattest look he could, “You mean the same library where your currently holding and still testing all those magical tomes and items I gave you? The ones that could be incredibly dangerous if used by the wrong pony? And you want me to bring these three there?” “Um, why don’t you borrow some books instead?” Twilight corrected with a sheepish expression. Mark grinned triumphantly, “That’s what I thought.” Suddenly Lizzy popped her head out of Mark’s mane and gave a friendly hiss. “Oh my! I’ve never seen a lizard like her before.” Fluttershy said as she moved in closer to look. Lizzy, noticing her, jumped from Mark’s mane and into hers. “Hehe, oh stop silly, that tickles.” Lizzy just responded by popping it’s head out and nuzzling her affectionately. “Yah, I’ve never seen a lizard like him or-” “Her.” Fluttershy corrected. “-or her, before either. Though I would have thought you’d know Fluttershy.” Zecora examined Lizzy closely before her eyes widened and he looked towards Mark, “The lizard that resides in your mane, the fact that it is with you is most insane. ‘Does she always rhyme?’ ‘Two can play at this game!’ ‘.....I don’t think you’ll win.’ Mark thought quickly for a second before giving the zebra his reply, “I don’t see how she could be a problem. I found her in a pond, sinking to the bottom.” Zecora raised an eyebrow at his change in speech, “The point I’m trying to make is that you may be at risk. For that little lizard is a baby basilisk.” “Why would I be in any danger? Uh...We’ve bonded, no longer a...stranger.” Mark said, wincing at the terrible rhyme. ‘You’re already starting to lose.’ ‘I’m not out of it yet!’ “A basilisk’s breathe can turn to and from stone, in fact I’m surprised it’s mother left it alone.” Zecora thought for a moment before letting out a sad sigh, “That being said, the only conclusion is that the mother is dead.” Fluttershy compassionately petted the basilisk in her mane. “Oh, you poor thing. Don’t you worry I’ll take good care of you, and you can make plenty of friends at my cottage.” Hearing this, Lizzy perked up and climbed to the top of Fluttershy’s head before making a dive into Mark’s cloak. Popping her head out, she gave a small hiss, before hiding back in the cloak and somehow popping out of Mark’s mane. “I don’t think that she wants to go, even if I said no.” Mark quipped, happy at how easy that rhyme had been. Zecora gave the unicorn an unsure look, “If that is the case I’ll leave it to you, but be careful you don’t take more than you can-” Lizzy sneezed, turning a portion of Mark’s mane to stone and unbalancing the unicorn briefly. “-chew.” Zecora finished flatly, reaching a hoof in her saddlebag. ‘Well...this is a predicament.’ ‘Do I go to a hair salon, or a chiseler?’ Mark thought as he felt the part of his mane that had now become solid stone. Producing a bottle with purple liquid from her bag, Zecora poured a few drops onto Mark’s mane before handing it to him. Mark could feel the hairs in his mane return to normal “Please, take this, I keep it in case of a cockatrice. Just pour some on the affected area, and it should avoid any future hysteria.” “Thanks Zecora, though I may need more, is there a place I can get this other than your....s....crap.” Mark said in defeat as he lost the rhyme. Zecora chuckled, “It is alright Mark, just practice and time. Then eventually you will match me in rhyme.” Mark let out a small chuckle as well. “Seriously though, thanks for this. I’ll pay you back and buy more in the future if Lizzy here can’t control herself.” Mark said, the last part directed at the blue basilisk on his head who just responded with a low hiss. “Unfortunately it will have to be another day, since tomorrow I leave for my home far away." This was the first Twilight had heard of it, “You mean back in Zebrica? Why?” The zebra nodded sagely, “Yes, there seems to be trouble, and I’ve been asked to return on the double. That is why the mare was moved to be healed, since being alone in my hut, her fate would be sealed." Zecora said grimly before looking towards the sky. It was approaching early evening. "I’m sorry, but now I must get back, for there is much to pack.” Zecora said as she walked past Mark and the fillies, “It was good seeing friends old and new, let us hope that my days away are few.” “Well, she’s friendly.” Mark said absently “Sure is, but you shoulda been here when she first came to town. Everypony was scared‘a her.” Applebloom said. Mark let out a large yawn, “How about you tell me the story at the library tomorrow, after I’ve gotten some rest and eaten. Today has really knocked it out of me.” “Really? But you told us that you were taking today off.” Fluttershy said. Mark gave the pegasus a tired smile, “Well Fluttershy, things don’t always go as planned.....” ****************”************************************************************************ He sat at his throne. Finally, it was really his to sit in. The symbol that he was a ruler, other than the crown he had literally been born with. Unlike the ‘lesser’ changelings of the hive, he was royalty. Born bigger, smarter, and stronger than other changelings, why his mother, Queen Thorax, hadn’t made him her successor he would never know. It should have been HIM to begin with, not his sister. He smiled wickedly as he remembered the look on his younger sister’s face. The fear, she had displayed at his newfound power. The anguish, as he used that power to destroy all but two of her personal guard who had managed to escape with her. The only price for this power. Conquer Equestria. Something that he had already planned on doing with it anyways. And once Equestria was taken care of, he might as well move onto the rest of the world. He grinned, as he imagined it, his fangs taking an eerie glow in the greenly lit room. His inner revelry was cut short however, as he saw two changelings walked into his throne room. One was only slightly taller than the other but showed more fear than the short one. “Y-your highness.” The taller changeling gulped before proceeding. “Sh-Sh-She escaped.” That was all that needed to be said before the new king’s horn glowed and shot a bolt of magic towards the changeling. The changeling screamed before laying there twitching, alive but in pain. “And what of you? Do you have any news for me as well?” The changeling king asked in anger. “Y-yes, your highness. Our spy in the griffin kingdom has told us that the king is sending a messenger to Equestria about our recent attacks.” The changeling’s eyes widening as the king’s horn began to glow. “ButIalreadysentasquadtotakecareofityourhighness.” The changeling finished frantically. Sighing in relief as the king’s horn stopped glowing. “Good. Now take him-” he pointed to the downed changeling, “-away. And send scouts, assassins, whatever it takes, I want her found and brought back, dead or alive. Do I make myself clear?” “Y-yes your highness.” The changeling squeaked before grabbing the downed one with his mouth and dragging him out. King Morphos settled back into his throne with a scowl. The shadowy figure had told him, as long as his sister remained alive, his rule would remain threatened. And he knew why. But then again, she’d never be able to challenge him at this point. Even if she asked for help, no creature would willingly help a changeling. The only thing she would be able to do is watch as he set the world the way he saw fit. Making changelings and himself the most powerful entity in the world, not even Celestia herself would stand in his way. He smiled wickedly at what the future held. “I won, dear sister...victory is mine.”