Chapter IV
Aura
Crow sat at his desk behind mountains of seemingly endless paperwork. He let out a groan as he dropped the quill and cracked his fingers. “What I’d give to have a paperwork spell.” He said to no one in particular. The door to his office opened to reveal a woman with brown hair that was tied into a bun and had a secretary look about her. The woman was donning a formal white blouse with a light brown skirt that matched her hair and high heels.
“Sorry to disturb you sir.”
“No problem Hazel. What is it?”
“There’s someone here to see you.” She said with a gulp.
“Who?” Crow had never seen Hazel so worried before and she had taken down a fifty foot troll single handedly before she became his secretary.
“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”
Ah there it is. He thought as he relaxed his posture. “Send them in and ring for a pot of tea if you would be so kind.”
“Right away sir.” She said with a nod and turned on her heel and exited the large office. Crow sat back in his chair and waited for the two royal sisters to enter his office. He turned around in his swivel chair so he faced the window. The door creaked open and the man heard the foot steps of the two royal sisters. He turned around in his chair and smiled.
Celestia was wearing a flowing white dress that went down to her ankles. A golden crown sat atop her flowing hair and her wings were neatly tucked at her back. Luna was wearing a dark blue dress that was similar to her sisters and stood a good foot shorter than her.
“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. So good to see you both again.” He said with a warm smile.
“You as well Crow.” Celestia said as she and her sister took a seat in front of the man’s mahogany desk. The door opened to reveal a cart carrying a piping hot pot of tea with three cups.
“Ah yes, thank you Hazel.” He said with a smile. The brown hair’d woman nodded and left the room. Each of them took a cup of tea and sipped it. “To what do I owe this visit from royalty?” He asked in a calm tone.
“I just received word from my student Twilight Sparkle.” She said before taking a sip from her tea. “She has made contact with the one you sent.”
“And?” He asked as he cocked an eyebrow.
“I’m surprised and a bit concerned that you sent him.” She said in a flat tone. Crow narrowed his eyes on the Princess.
“What’s there to be concerned about?” He asked. “You asked for the best and I sent the best.” Celestia stood up and glared at the man.
“Don’t play games Crow!” She yelled. “If he loses control then-”
“He won’t.” He said in a rough tone.
“Sister, I must agree with Headmaster Crow.” Luna said finally piping up. The other two looked at the dark haired girl in surprise. “I read his file and the child is quite strong. He took down that rock troll that was giving Missourneigh issues.” She said as she sipped her tea. “I see no reason for you to be-” She was cut off as Celestia snapped her fingers and a red folder appeared in the palm of her hand.
Celestia levitated the file over to her sister. Luna looked at the file in surprise and opened it up. She gave the contents a quick scan. As she looked at the last page her eyes shrank and gave an audible gulp. “I see. That’s why you’re so concerned.”
“Precisely.” Celestia said in a flat tone.
“I can only imagine if ‘it’ were to get loose again.” Luna said as she made the file vanish. “Still, he is quite powerful and your seal is still working is it not?” She asked as she looked at the green eyed man. Crow let out a sigh and gulped.
“For the moment.” He said in a flat tone. The two Princess’s looked at him in confusion. “The seal is starting to deteriorate and ‘it’ can feel it.”
“So he should-”
“Be out living his life.” The man said as he narrowed his eyes.
“You’re letting your personal feelings for Crimson cloud your judgement.” Celestia said.
“There’s one thing that you, and almost everyone else who knows about his secret tend to forget.”
“What’s that?” Luna asked.
“That he’s not some rouge animal that should be locked up in a cage somewhere, hidden away from society.” He said in an agitated tone.
“I wasn’t-”
“No, that’s exactly what you were saying!” He said as he squeezed his tea cup so hard that it shattered in his hand. “I’ve seen that boy help this country more than the royal guard has in the past decade.” Celestia gritted her teeth at the comment. “Tell me who was it that cleared up that issue in the Crystal Empire six months ago?” The two sisters grunted as they remembered the incident. “Not only did he handle that place’s constant snow storming problem, but he made contact with-”
“Enough!” Celestia bellowed. “I see your point and I admit that my feelings about the child are....mixed.” She said in a flat tone. “I will admit, what he did in the empire was extraordinary. Even by my standards.” After those words were exchanged a long silence fell between the three.
“So what do we do now?” Crow asked.
“I’ll allow his presence in Ponyville.” She said as the man let out a sigh. “However, should something go wrong regarding ‘it’ I’ll hold you personally accountable.” She said in a flat tone. “I will also ask Twilight to keep an eye on him.”
“You wouldn’t-”
“I won’t tell her about ‘it.’ That I promise you.” She said as she got to her feet. “Good day Headmaster. We must return to the castle.” The goddess said in a flat tone. As she made her way towards the door Crow stood up and glared at the two royal sisters as they left his office. Crow sat back down and grunted as he looked at the shattered tea cup. He waved his fingers and a light green aura started to repair the shattered china.
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Crimson woke up to the sight of Celestia’s sun rising over the mountains. He sat up in his bed and gave a long yawn before hopping off the tree branch he was occupying and landing on the dirt path. As he made his way around the edge of town he was approached by the cyan flyer from the day before.
“Yo Big Red, what’s up?” She asked with a smile.
“Who’s big red?” He asked.
“You dummy.” She said as she landed next to him. “What are you doing out here anyway?”
“I just got up.”
“Dude, we’re in the middle of the park.” She said in a flat tone. “Where’d you sleep?” Crimson then pointed to the tree that he was previously occupying. “You have got to be kidding me!”
“What’s wrong with sleeping in a tree?” He asked as he scratched the back of his head.
“Nothing, but living in one is a bit crazy for my taste.” The man just shrugged at the comment as he walked towards the park exit. “So do you have a place to stay?”
“Not at the moment, but I’ll fix that soon enough.” He said with a yawn. “Wait, what are you doing up so early?”
“I always get up early on workdays.” Dash said with a smile. “Gives me time to get some practice in before work.”
“Practice?” He said in confusion. “You training for something?”
“Yup, I’m gonna be the worlds best Wonderbolt!” She said in a proud tone.
“Quite a goal. Some of the best Wonderbolts came from the Academy.” He said as the two reached the small town.
“Yeah, Twi mentioned that.”
“Both Soarin and Spitfire excelled in areal combat. Nice people too.” The girl then let out a squeak and jumped in front of the man.
“You met Soarin and Spitfire?” She asked in anticipation.
“Yeah, a few times when they were still in training and a few others when I was on a job and bumped into them.” He said with a shrug. Rainbow was giddy with excitement.
“Why are you up so early?” She asked as she calmed down.
“I like it early. Gives me a chance to plan out my day and schedule time for practice.” He said as the two entered the bakery shop.
“Practice what?” Dash asked. Crimson rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers. A bright light appeared in his hand and took the form of the scythe he used yesterday. “Oh, right.” She said as she face palmed. The man chuckled and made the weapon vanish as they sat down at a table. The two were soon approached by a familiar pink haired girl.
“Hey Dashie! Hey Big Red!”
“Seriously how does everybody know about that nickname already?” He asked with a groan.
“Ponyville is a small town dude. News travels fast.” Dash said with a snicker. Pinkie handed them each a menu and the two started looking at the food. The two were soon joined by the farmer, seamstress, veterinarian, the scholar, along with her young dragon assistant.
“Howdy folks.” Applejack said with a smile.
“Morning everyone~” Rarity said in a sing song voice. The four girls then noticed the rainbow aviator and the dark haired warrior. “Hello Crimson, how are you this morning?”
“Fine. Yourself?” He asked as the girls sat down next to them. Pinkie came back with a note pad in her hand.
“So what can I get ya?”
“I’ll have a bagel with a cup of coffee.” Crimson said with a smile.
“Really? Sure you don’t want an egg?” Pinkie asked.
“Egg? I thought this was pastry shop.” He said in confusion.
“It is, but we’re also a deli when sweet’s aren’t enough.” She said with a smile.
“Alright, in that case then I’ll take two eggs, scrambled.” He said with a nod.
“I’ll have the usual Pinks.” Rainbow said as she handed her the menu.
“Okie dokie lokie!” She said as she happily skipped away. Crimson cocked an eyebrow and looked at the other girls.
“I don’t mean to sound rude, but is she always like that?” He asked as the girls all chuckled.
“Yup, that’s just Pinkie being Pinkie.” Twilight said with a smile. “You’ll get used to her.” The librarian said with a smile. The other girls ordered their food and talked amongst one another while Crimson kept silent.
“Um....Mr.Storm.” Fluttershy said in a timid tone.
“You can just call me Crimson.”
“Okay, I was just wondering about kind of animals have you encountered.” The girls then turned their attention to the stranger.
“All kinds.” He said as he sat back. “Trolls, goblins, ursa minors, dragons. You name it.” Crimson said as his food arrived. The man took the cup of coffee and poured a little bit of cinnamon in place of the sugar. The group of girls cocked an eyebrow and looked at him in surprise. “What?”
“Why are you using cinnamon?” Twilight asked.
“Why aren’t I?” He said as he sipped his beverage. The indigo haired girl rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “One rule I’ve learned while on the road is ‘don’t knock it till you try it.’” The farmer shrugged and did the same to her cup of coffee. The farmer’s eyes shrank and a smile crept across her face.
“That there is a good mix! Ah’ll have to try it more often.” She said with a smile. Crimson nodded and then got to his feet. “Where are ya going?”
“I gotta set up some wards around town and find a place to stay.” He said as he got out of the booth.
“Wait, where did you stay last night?” Rarity asked.
“In a tree.” All the girls looked at one another in surprise. Rarity then got up and glared at the man.
“Unacceptable!” She said with gusto. “I cannot allow a guest such as yourself sleep in...a treehouse!”
“Hey!”Twilight said in aggravation.
“Not like your house Twilight. I mean a normal tree.” Rarity clarified. Crimson sighed and turned his attention to the seamstress.
“The only reason why I slept in a tree last night was because I was too worn out to go and find a house to stay in.” He said in a flat tone. “Besides, I’ve slept in worse places other than a tree.” He said as he made his way towards the door. As the man left the girls all huddled up and whispered to one another.
“He seems nice.” Fluttershy started.
“He obviously has seen a lot of the world and is bound to have interesting stories.” Rarity said with a smile.
“I don’t know, I’m getting this weird vibe from him.” Twilight said with a shrug.
“He’s probably just getting use to things around here.” Applejack said with a smile.
“I guess you’re right.” Twilight said as she sipped her coffee.
As Crimson made his way to the edges of the small town, his mind drifted back to days gone by.
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The red haired child sat out in the stone hallway with his hood up over his head. Hiding his hair and dark red eyes. As he sat alone with his thoughts his mind drifted back to the train incident. The memory sent a sharp shiver down his spine.
“Hey!” A shrill voice shook him from the memory. The boy looked to his left and saw a girl about the same age with a pair of light green wings sprouting from her back that matched her long green hair.
“Um, hi?” He said with a gulp.
“What are you doing here?”
“Nothing, just sitting.” He said in a low tone. The girl then sat down next to him and smiled.
“I’m Ivy by the way. Ivy Evergreen.” She said as she stuck out her hand.
“Crimson Storm.” He said as he shook it.
“So are you going to enroll here?”
“Yeah, I just took the entrance exam and I’m waiting for the results.” He said in a nervous tone. “You?”
“Same. That test was wicked hard!” She said with a groan.
“Tell me about it.” Crimson said with a groan. The door that was to the right of the boy opened and the green eyed man motioned for him to enter.
“Good luck.” Ivy said with a wave. Crimson nodded and returned the wave as he entered the room.
“Already talking to the ladies eh?” Crow said with a snicker. Crimson grunted and followed the man. They stopped in front of a desk with an elderly man with long white hair and dark blue eyes sitting behind it. His robe was the same shade of blue and only made his eyes look deeper.
“You are Crimson Storm are you not?” He asked in a gravely tone.
“Yes sir.” The boy said with a gulp. The elderly man put on a pair of rectangular shaped glasses and read over the paper that laid in front of him.
“How old are you boy?”
“I’m eight. Nine next month.” He said with a small grin. The man’s ever piercing gaze didn’t waver. He looked at the child like a snake watching it’s prey. His gaze then drifted from the paper and back to the child.
“I just want you to understand that I can’t be held accountable should you sustain injury’s or die while you attend the Academy.” Crimson felt a smile creep across his face. Crow let out a sigh of relief. “Is that clear?”
“Crystal sir!” Crimson said with a smile. For once the man sitting behind the desk smiled.
“Good.” He said as he spun his chair around to face the window. “Crow will get you settled and you’ll start next week.” He said in a flat tone. “Dismissed.” Crow motioned for the boy to leave. “Crow, a moment.” The dark haired man stopped as Crimson left the room and closed the door behind him.
“I know what you’re trying to do.” The elderly man said with a sigh. “Admirable and completely stupid.”
“What would you have do then?” Crow shot back. “Let him be alone in the world? That’s not fair to him or his parents. No child should ever have to walk this world alone.”
“You and I both sense what lies beneath. Should that thing ever come out, then it will be complete and utter chaos!” The old timer said as he stood up. Crow grunted and made his way out the door. “Should something happen it’s on your head!”
“Thanks for the advice dad.” He said with his words dripping in sarcasm as he slammed the door shut behind him. Crow grunted and ran his fingers through his messy black hair. He looked to his right to see Crimson staring out the window looking at the large tower at the West wing of the school. “Something caught your eye?”
“That tower.” He said as he pointed up to the large building. “What’s up there?”
“Storage. Why?”
“Just wondering, I know that the Academy has dorms for student to stay in.” Crow cocked an eyebrow and put the pieces together.
“You want to live up there?” Crimson gave a small nod. “Perhaps that can be arranged.” He said with a smile. “Mind if I ask something?”
“Sure.” Crimson said as the two walked down the hallway.
“Why do you want to live all the way up there? I have a spare bed in my quarters.” He said as he looked at the child. Crimson lowered his head slightly and let out a sigh.
“Look, you’re still young and mom told me how people your age need your space.” He said in a flat tone. Crow felt a small wave of panic and embarrasemnt creep over him. “I don’t want to draw attention to myself by staying with a professor.” Crow let out a sigh and nodded.
“You don’t want anyone thinking you rode in on your parents coat tails right?” Crimson gave a nod. “I understand.” He said as he put a hand on the boy’s head. “Just remember that if you need anything then I’m here for you.” He said with a smile.
“Thanks.” Crimson said as the two walked down the long hallway.
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The memories left Crimson as he finished putting up the last ward spell on the outskirts of town. He wiped the sweat from his brow and made his way back towards the small town. He stretched his arms and made his way back down the dirt path. As he passed Sugar Cube Corner he was approached by the Seamstress and Librarian.
“Good afternoon Crimson.” Rarity said with a smile.
“What do you mean? Do you wish me a good afternoon, or are you saying that it is a good afternoon whether I want it to be or not?” He asked as he looked at the sky.
“Pardon?”
“Or perhaps you’re saying that you feel good this particular afternoon.” The two girls looked at one another in confusion at the man’s words. “Or are you stating that this is an afternoon to be good on?” Rarity’s right eye twitched slightly trying to come up with a response.
“All of them at once I suppose.” She said in a nervous tone. Crimson let out a small chuckle.
“Relax Rarity. I’m only kidding.” The two girls let out sigh and looked back at the man. His red eyes taking in everything around the area. “What are you two up to?”
“Not much. We were just going out for some lunch.” Twilight said with a smile. Rarity’s eyes narrowed as she spied a small patch of blush on her friend’s cheeks.
“Would you care to join us?” Rarity asked. Twilight looked at her friend in surprise and gulped.
“I don’t want to intrude.” He said as he scratched the back of his head.
“It’s no intrusion at all dear.” She said with a smile. Crimson weighed his options and shrugged.
“If it’s not too much trouble then I’ll take you up on your offer.” Rarity clapped her hands together and led the group through the town. The trio found themselves in front of Sugar Cube Corner. The two girls entered the bakery. Crimson’s eyes shrank as his eyes blinked a bright red magical aura as he stepped inside. The lights flickered on and he snapped his fingers summoning his scythe.
“SURPRISE!” Crimson looked in shock to see almost twenty people crammed into the tiny shop with smiles on their faces. Crimson relaxed his stance and let out a sigh. Some of the faces turned from happy to shocked as they looked at his weapon. Crimson sheathed the blade and holstered it onto his back.
“Sorry if I startled some of you.” He said in a flat tone. “Reflexes.” The man was then approached by the pink party animal.
“Well, did we surprise ya?” She asked with a smile.
“To say the least, yes.” Pinkie’s smile grew bigger. “There’s just one thing.” The group looked at him in surprise. “What’s all this for?” The entire room was silent. Crimson heard a few snickers coming from some of the ponies. The entire room erupted in laughter as Dash barreled over in a fit of laughter. Crimson narrowed his eyes.
“It’s your ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’ silly.” Pinkie chimed. “I throw everyone one of these whenever they come to Ponyville.”
“Yeah dude, what was there to figure out?” Dash said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
“The last time I was given a surprise like this, the entire thing was a trap set up by a group of goblins.” He said as his eyes glowed a bright red. “Since none of you are giving off like one, I doubt that’s the case here.” He said with a shrug. The rainbow flyer gulped and sat back down. He then turned his attention back to the pink girl. “Thank you for the party.” Crimson said with a nod.
“Let’s party!” Pinkie yelled. The other people all cheered and started to talk amongst themselves. Crimson walked over to the corner of the room and sat down. The man set his weapon down on the seat and leaned back as he pulled the hood over his head.
Twilight motioned to her friends over towards the man. The group nodded and made their way over to the red mage. Crimson picked his head up and moved his weapon aside so the girls could sit.
“Why aren’t you enjoying the party?” Twilight asked.
“Party’s aren’t really my scene.” He said in a flat tone.
“Why not?” Pinkie asked.
“I usually don’t have the time.”
“What about back at the Academy?” Rarity asked.
“I’m not much of a socialite.” He said with a shrug. The girls all looked at one another and let out a sigh.
“Hey, mind if I ask you something?” Crimson gave the flyer a nod. “What did you mean when you said, ‘none of you are giving off like a goblin?’”
“I scanned your auras and they didn’t look like a goblin’s.”
“Aura?” Dash said in confusion.
“You do know what aura is right?” Crimson asked. The rainbow haired flyer had a sheepish grin on her face and shrugged. “Ho boy.” He said as he rubbed his head. “How can I put this?”
“Aura is the physical manifestation of ones magical energy.” Twilight interjected. “Magical energy is a combination of physical strength and mental awareness. A balance of both is required to perform magic.” She finished with a smile. Crimson looked at the librarian in surprise.
“Correct. Aura surround and protects your body from harm.”
“Oh like a force field?” Dash said. Crimson rolled his eyes and took one of the knives that was lying in front of him. He held it in his left hand and held the sharp end over his right palm. “What are you-” The flyer was cut off as he slammed the implement down onto his right palm, The girls shrieked in surprise.
The hooded figure then held up the blade. The six girls saw that the sharp end was bent in half and his right palm was untouched and glowing a faint red. “That is awesome!” Dash yelled.
“So everyone has this 'aura' in them?” Applejack asked.
“Yes, mages just have an easier time of manifesting it and changing it into magic. Those thugs that I took care of last night had some aura protecting them.” He said in a relaxed tone.
“So how did you beat them then?” Fluttershy asked.
“Simple, my aura was just stronger than their’s.” He said as he glanced at his silver gauntlet.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that thing darling.” Rarity said as she focused on the vambrace. “What exactly is that thing?”
“This has saved my skin more times then I can count.” He said as he raised his left arm. He flexed his fingers and a bright red magical blade sprung out from the end. The girls looked in amazement at the gauntlet. “I can manipulate my magic into physical form. Light as a feather, but stronger than dragon scales.” He said in a flat tone.
“And it also fires magic bolts?” Twilight asked.
“Correct.” He said as the blade vanished. “I can manipulate my aura into several different forms with this gauntlet.”
“Where did you get it?” Dash asked. Crimson lowered his head at the question.
“It was my mother’s.” The rainbow haired flyer gulped and lowered her head.
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine. You didn’t know.” He said as he got to his feet.
“Where are ya going?” Applejack asked.
“I still need to find a house to stay in. Can’t really do that by sitting here.” He said as he made his way towards the door. He was then stopped by an older woman with wavy gray hair. She was wearing a light brown formal jacket with matching high heels and a skirt that went down to her knees. A green tie was wrapped around her neck and a pair of golden rimmed glasses sat atop her nose. “Can I help you?”
“Hello, I’m the Mayor of Ponyville and I couldn’t help over hear your need of a house while you’re with us.” She said as she shook his hand. “I’d be more than happy to show you our available residences.”
“That’d be splendid. Mayor....what’s your full name?”
“My full name is Mayor Mare.” Crimson cocked an eyebrow. “My parents had high expectations of me when I was born and luckily I met those.”
“Trust me, I know the feeling of having high expectaions being put on you.” He said as he followed the woman out of the bakery and into the town of Ponyville. The six girls huddled up once again and talked amongst one another.
“Wow, he sure knows a lot about magic.” Pinkie said.
“Sounds like it. I wonder what else he knows.” Twilight said with a smile.
“Looking to spend some one on one time with him Twi?” Dash said as she waggled her eyebrows. Twilight blushed at the comment as she narrowed her eyes.
“Not like that!”
“Oh don’t be coy dear.” Rarity said with a smirk. “I saw how you were looking at him.”
“I don’t know anything about him!” Twilight protested in an angry tone.
“Alright simmer down sally.” The farmer said. “We ain’t trying to get a rile out of ya hun.” Applejack said as she put a reassuring hand on her friends shoulder. “He seems like an interesting guy.”
“Thank you Applejack.” She said as she stood up. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a report to write.” With that final word the mage teleported away with a flash of purple light. Applejack looked back at her friends and grinned.
“She likes him.” Pinkie chimed.
“Oh yeah.” Dash said with a chuckle.