Chapter 34: Fin
"And that is how I single handedly defeated a lawyer!" Spike finished recounting his moment of triumph to anyone who was willing to listen.
"So, Perry? Is what he saying true?" Twilight asked, as Perry casually sipped a cup of fruit punch through a straw.
"I know, I know...Teaching him how to use augment wasn't one of my brighter moves, but I wouldn't have done so had I not believed that he was strong enough to handle it. By the way, Spike?" Perry said, turning his attention to the young man. "...I don't say this to everyone, especially in regards to what happened, but you deserve to know. I am proud of you." Spike looked at him, completely humbled by Perry's praise. Twilight herself nodded in agreement, knowing almost exactly what Perry was going to say. "It would have been easy to finish him, yet you held restraint. You had every reason to kill, instead you chose life. Don't ever lose that sense of justice that drove you."
"Wow...I..." Spike couldn't find the words to say. Twilight smiled and hugged him as he started to tear up.
"I am proud of you as well." She hugged him and looked at him, her smile quickly changing into a frown. "But don't get full of yourself. Just because you saved one of my friends doesn't mean you're not in trouble for putting yourself in danger. I don't know what I would have done if I lost you." Twilight said, her voice changing from strict into a sad tone.
"I know, Twi. I promise that I won't fight unless I have to." Spike said, patting her back. "You're an awesome sis, Twilight."
Perry decided to remove himself from the two, going back to the huge party being thrown in their honor. Through much deliberation, and convincing, Perry had decided to make this much smaller than Pinkie wanted. Mainly to not draw attention to the men there, especially Ark. Poor guy was being sought after by almost every winged woman out there, since his fight was one of the only ones with witnesses. Something about bad boys that Perry just didn't understand.
Reader had personally vouched for the safety of the twins Belili and Rusalka, though they were to be placed under watch at the castle until they could no longer be considered a threat. Princess Luna and Celestia had picked them up personally, as well as confirm how much was needed to repair the damages caused by the fighting, as well as the therapy for one man who had an unfortunate blood shower that night.
Shining made a full recovery from his brutal and violent assault by his sister, though it wasn't the last time that she chewed him up. He was asked to stick around for the party, which he reluctantly agreed to, though no one has seen him or Catacomb for some time since the party started. Cata had made a speedy recovery, though Redscar advised him against using his extra mass the way he did for at least a few months. He was in good spirits, even after his near death experience. When asked about it, he told everyone that dying was boring and he wanted to avoid it if at all possible.
"So, is everyone liking the party? There is more cake and snacks if everyone is hungry!" Pinkie said, zipping between guests with energy to match the suns. She eventually made her way over to Perry, who was just finishing up his chat with Twilight and Spike. "Thankies for helping me out with this! How are you feeling?"
"Of course, Pinkie. Anytime!" Perry responded happily. "As for how I am feeling, my back is still sore and my eye is a tad twitchy, but alright considering."
"Ooh! Can I see it again?!" Pinkie asked, making Perry nervous.
"I am sorry, but I will have to decline. Maybe some other day, perhaps?" Perry said quickly, hoping to get her to drop the subject again.
"Okie dokie loki!" Pinkie said, smiling happily and leaving him be. Maybe one day he could make good with his promise of another day, but for now, the mask stays. He watched as Pinkie approached Ark, Rainbow, and Rarity. "Whatcha doing?" Pinkie asked, interrupting the conversation, or in Ark's case lack thereof, getting between them all.
"I was just asking the young man here why he chooses to wear such...bland clothes." Rarity said, glancing over at Ark's usual concealed look, his hood pulled up to hide his face slightly.
"And I was trying to tell miss fancy pants here that he would look silly in fancy clothes, right Ark?" Rainbow said, glancing over at him as well. He looked back and forth between the two and shrugged.
"See?! He is fine with getting a change of wardrobe!" Rarity said to Rainbow, gathering from her interpretation of his body language. Rainbow had seen her own meaning from his subtle body movement.
"No way! He is clearly saying 'why bother with such stupid things." Rainbow said getting up close and personal with Rarity. Pinkie's eyes ping ponged along with the conversation as it got heated, trying to keep track of who was saying what. Ark stood there, completely puzzled at the way there fighting. He felt someone grab his shoulder, and turned his head towards the owner of the hand. Applejack held up her hand, giving him the universal 'shhh' sign, and quickly pulled him out of the conversation. Neither girl even noticed that he was gone, and continued to bicker about the pointless topic.
"Yer welcome, partner." Applejack said to Ark. He quietly nodded and proceeded to sneak out of the back door before either crazy girl could find him. Applejack chuckled, figuring that was him showing his appreciation, and went to talk with Fluttershy, who was content with watching everyone else from the kitchen. "How are ya doing, Flutters?"
"I am fine, Applejack. Thank you for asking, though. It's real nice of you." Fluttershy said in her usual meek voice. "It is nice to see everyone able to relax, now that the mean man is locked up." This was the understatement of the year, as Dante was not getting out anytime soon. No one knew exactly where he was going to be locked up, but they knew it was far away and he wouldn't bother them again.
"He certainly caused one heck of a ruckus. I am just glad that it's all over now. Ya know how weird it was havin' Shining staying with ya?" Applejack said, shaking her head, her palm resting on her cheek. "He's an alright fellow and all, but gee was he nosey. Always 'Make sure that isn't poisoned', or 'Be careful. You might get hurt."
"Aww, he was just doing his job. I am sure he meant well for you." Applejack shrugged, finding it hard to disagree, and she wasn't without thanks for his assistance, even if it wasn't actually her. The sentiment was noted.
"So, how are you and Perry been doing?" Applejack asked. She got her answer as soon as Fluttershy began to swoon slightly, a blush forming on her face. “He’s a good one, that Perry. Speaking of weirdo's though, have you seen Shining and Cata anywhere?" Fluttershy shook her head. "Darn. Where the heck did those two slip off to?"
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"So...what now?"
"Can't say, really. I guess I'll take this one day at a time." Shining and Catacomb sat against the back of the building, just staring into the sky. Catacomb turned his head slightly, looking over at Shining. What a strange way for them to end up actually being friends. "Can I tell you something?" Shining looked over at Catacomb, who was now looking at him square in the eyes.
"Sure, Cata. What's on your mind?" Shining responded politely. Catacomb, turned his gaze and looked downward at the ground.
"I was scared." Catacomb spoke quietly, not really wanting even himself to hear him speak. "I ain't gonna be all gushy and pour my heart and soul, or anything like that...but I can see why Reader had such a hard time with it."
"Can't say I really know. I guess even today I still luck out. You, Reader, and Perry on more than one occasion. I have never came that close, so I can't imagine." Shining said, speaking honestly to his nervous friend.
"I just don't want to hurt her like that, if something were to happen to me. Oh gosh, I sound like a total sap." Catacomb said, chuckling to hide his fears.
"Then don't." Shining said reassuringly, patting his back. "I don't know if there really is a set moment when our lives are supposed to come to an end, but it would be depressing if we didn't have a say in it."
"You can say that again..." Catacomb said quietly, nodding in agreement.
"You aren't going to live at a monastery for a year now, right?" Shining asked, half joking half serious. Catacomb smiled and shook his head.
"I like to think of myself as a little tougher than that. There are people that might still need us. I would rather be available to do what I gotta do." Catacomb said calmly.
"So you're not gonna quit, even for Twi?" Shining asked.
"Don't be stupid, Shiny. It is for her that I ain't quitting. Not that I am against Perry quitting or anything. His reasons are his own, and I am sure there really is no wrong decision. Let's face facts. I am not the easiest person to get along with, and I was less than thrilled to be forced to work with you hard asses." Catacomb said, Shining listening to his every word patiently. "But, after everything and all, Equestria is my home. Sure it isn't where I was born, but it doesn't change how I feel about it. Same goes for Twilight, and everyone here in Ponyville."
"You know what?" Shining said, grinning at Catacomb. "You have just managed to impress me right there."
"You're too sweet, Shiny." Catacomb said, smiling back at him. "I'm still sticking around for that vacation, though. So until that month and a half is up, screw you all." Catacomb flipped Shining off. He gave Catacomb a blank stare, shaking his head.
"Well, Cata. You impressed me, and now you lost it. Good job." Catacomb smiled triumphantly, feeling like the conversation was now officially complete. They went back into silence for several more minutes to have it dispelled by the last person they would expect to do so.
"Mind if I join you?" Catacomb and Shining looked up, partially shocked to see Ark standing there with his hands in his pockets. The stared at him, turned to each other, and back at him, nodding. Ark took a seat on the ground next to Shining Armor. They all sat in silence, just enjoying the breezy night air for what it was. Catacomb was the first to interrupt this calm, still curious about the quiet Ark sitting by them.
"Ark, mind if I ask you a few things?" Ark looked over at Catacomb, his face mostly hidden underneath his hood. He shrugged his shoulders, giving Catacomb permission in his own way. "What do you think of this place?"
"It's nice." Ark replied in his usual uninterested tone.
"Well, I can't disagree with you there. Let's try for an answer that's longer than two words, though." Catacomb said, laughing slightly.
"It is nice." Ark responded again, though this time Cata and Shining looked at him, dumbfounded.
"Did you just try to be funny?" Catacomb asked, amazed that he was even capable of emotion at all.
"Yes." They wouldn't be able to tell you if it was the tone, or his response, maybe even both, but Catacomb and Shining Armor broke out into a fit of laughter, which only increased by the uncaring face that Ark held as he looked at them. As they both calmed down, Ark dropped another bombshell. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Umm sure. Go ahead, pal." Catacomb said, remaining silent to listen to him. Shining did the same, wondering what could be on his mind.
"Will it be ok...if I stayed longer?" Ark asked, hiding his face slightly.
"Well that's a weird question. You don't need to ask permission, just do it." Catacomb said, shining nodding as well.
"As long as you do your job, you can go wherever you want." Shining added in his own answer on top of Catacombs.
"Okay." Ark replied, nodding.
"So, why are you out here, anyways? Not enjoying the party?" Shining asked a question now, Ark shaking his head. "Then why?"
"Those women make me nervous..." Ark quietly said, looking back at the ground. He was waiting for the two to laugh at him, but it surprisingly never came. Instead, Catacomb got up and moved to the other side of him, sitting close. Shining also moved in closer to him, both gently patting his back. It was a silent moment, shared by the three men. It required no actual words, and no further means of communicating. It was the expression of a universal fact. Women are crazy.
"Twilight! I found them!" Pinkie yelled, her head sticking out the back door. "Hiya Arky, why are you out here?" He didn't get to answer the question, not that he really wanted to, as Twilight walked outside with a nervous expression on her face.
"Hey, Cata. Hey, Shiny. Are you two alright?" Twilight asked, standing in front of them.
"Yeah." Shining responded first, getting himself up. "Just having a talk with your new boyfriend here. I scolded him for worrying you half to death on the very first day you were going out." Shining said, turning his head away from Twilight and towards, Catacomb, a small grin on his face.
"Yup. I was trying to assure him that I wouldn't be a complete man whore behind your back." Catacomb responded with the most innocent smile he could muster. Twilight stared at the two, before walking back to the door.
"I understand if you two want to have a heartfelt conversation that was needed and avoiding everyone else, but you could at least try to come up with something more believable than that?" Twilight said, shrugging. "Come on in when you're done with whatever the heck you're talking about. Unless Perry managed to find it, we saved some cake for you..."
"There's more cake?!" Everyone outside heard Perry yell out.
"If you want any, now would be a good time." Twilight said, chuckling. Catacomb and Shining stared at each other before nodding. They all, including Ark, got themselves up and made their way in. Heading for the door last, Catacomb quickly pulled Twilight back outside as everyone else walked in. "Cata, what are you..." Catacomb gently placed a finger over her mouth, as Twilight instantly became silent.
"I'm not good with this, so I'll be blunt. Thank you for everything. With everything going on, I didn't have the chance to really to tell ya this before." Catacomb smiled awkwardly, trying his best to relay his thoughts to her. "Oh man, I am not good at doing this." Catacomb took a deep breath, and decided to blurt out what he was planning on saying. "I was so terrified that I would lose you to that monster, Twilight. I have never been so afraid in my entire life..." Catacomb said, tears welling up in his eyes. Twilight remained silent, blown away completely by his confession. "I love you so much, Twi. I know that I said I wasn't sure before, but...I know I love you. I don't know how I know, but I know... I must sound stu..." Catacomb was instantly silenced by Twilight pressing her lips against his, her own tears gently gliding down her cheeks. Catacomb was completely surprised at first, but slowly accepted the gentle touch, and returned it, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tightly against him.
"Should we stop them?" Perry whispered, his mask barely sticking out the door. The man above him, Shining Armor, clenched his fists tightly, before slowly relaxing them. He took a deep breath, and started to walk away. He knew that anything he would say at this point would only make him sound like a jerk, so he did the one thing he could do. Shut up and accept it. He knew deep down Cadence would be proud of him, but it didn't make him any less pissed at Catacomb. Accepting it or not, he would always be her big brother.
The two finally broke off from the kiss, staring at each other with wide smiles. Catacomb pulled Twilight close to him again, hugging her tightly, never wanting to let go of her. The moment would have been sweeter, had the two not noticed a few sets of prying eyes sticking their heads out of the back door. They both blushed, moving away from each other quickly. "So...ahh...how long have you all been there?" Catacomb asked, nervously scratching the back of his head.
"Long enough." Perry, the one at the top, said. Below him were Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow, and Pinkie.
"I wish I had a picture!" Rarity said, her eyes gleaming with majestic wonder. "Such a subtle yet intimate scene. It was so soft, so wondrous! I can feel the inspiration flowing out like the lovers cascade of tears!"
"I think they are so cute together!" Fluttershy said, smiling happily.
"Good for you, Twi. Ya finally got one. Try not to scare him away with your eggheadedness." Rainbow said with a grin.
"I especially liked the part where they got all embarrassed! See! Just like that!" Pinkie said, their comments making the couple feel more awkward and embarrassed.
As Pinkie said, just like that, the ace of hearts finally understood what it was like to have his own heart taking by someone else. It was a feeling he never knew he could feel, and even more so never knew he actually wanted. And he wasn't even near the end of his vacation. He was going to enjoy it to the best of his ability, because once it was over, he had a very important person he needed to protect, someone more than just another meal. Catacomb, on that night, vowed to do so. To himself, of course. A man can only handle so much embarrassment.
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"He won't talk, Celestia. It is too dangerous for any of use to try and force him, so we can only hope he becomes willing to cooperate." A guard reported to the princess of the sun. He was nervous, having been face to face with one of the most dangerous criminals of the underworld.
"Nothing? Surely he must have mentioned something of interest." Celestia inquired, trying to figure out who hired him for the job. Discord, casually standing next to her throne, snickered at her.
"Your face is so cute when you are thinking. It is all scrunched up and adorable." Discord said, grinning as she frowned at his comment.
"I take it you know what is going on..." Celestia said. Almost instantly, he was garbed in a white robe with a halo above his head.
"I haven't the slightest idea what you mean, dear Celestia." Discord smiled, his teeth practically glowing white.
"You're not going to help, are you...?” Celestia said, slightly annoyed knowing that the person next to her could give her the answer to every single problem, yet chose to remain silent. He was back in his usual suit, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
"We both know I can't do that, dear Celestia. It would be like asking me to help you win at a casino, or teach you how to polka. Both will never happen...especially that last one." Discord said, scowling in disgust from whatever mental image he was giving himself. "Tell you what, though. Because you have been so nice, I will let you in on a little secret." Discord said, grinning as he moved his face closer to hers. "Does the name Abbadon ring any bells?"