//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Memories Best Left Forgotten // by Valtyra //------------------------------// "Only two kinds of elk ever see Yggdrasil. The first is the pure of heart, the other are the desperate. You have to find out which you are... Or want to be..."- King Requiem. The next day, Celestia awoke to the sound of banging on the metal door. She looked over and saw that Green was not currently in the room. Getting out of bed, she realised how cold it could be and didn’t even know what the time was; though her internal clock said somewhere around six to eight am. She pulled the door open and saw that the banging was from Quick. He was standing there, holding some paper in his mouth. “Mph.” Celestia rolled her eyes and took the paper from him, “I can’t understand you...” She surprised herself, it seemed that she could talk quite well now. Of course she still had a raspy voice, but she knew that would go away with time. "Wow, you can talk now,”" Quick said, “Better put that to use.” He pointed to the paper, “These are the names of the Elks we have to talk to, to get any information about your bull." Celestia opened the scrunched paper, ”Johnny, Fleet foot and Rich?” She thought. “Who are they?” Celestia asked, giving the paper back. Quick backed away from the door, letting Celestia through. He moved past her, letting her follow, “Johnny runs the "underwater bar". He looks big and tough, but he’s a softy." Quick shouted over the sound of a shower being taken. “Fleet foot?” Celestia tried to shout, but all that ended up was her coughing. Quick came over, “Fleet foot is the town’s first cow blacksmith. It’s taken a long time, but she was allowed to join the guild,” Quick explained. The two walked around the railings and down a set of stairs, towards Quick’s room. He pulled open the door and let Celestia through first. Inside, Green was sat at a desk in the middle of the room. She turned around and brightened when she saw Celestia. “Hey you,” she said, “Good dreams?” Celestia nodded, ”Of course, you were hugging me.” Celestia rushed over and nuzzled Greens leg. “Alright, we don’t have much time until Johnny opens his bar. If we get there too late, he’s... Not in a good mood.” Quick announced, gaining the attention of the two cows. “We had better get started.” The group gathered up some clothing and some bits. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do to get the information they needed. “What about Rich?” Celestia asked, walking into Quick’s room. “You didn’t say.” “No... He’s a bit harder to get to.” Quick turned to Celestia, “He’s in the upper district, and with the "accident" it’ll be near impossible without going through the sewers.” “What’s wrong with the sewers?” Celestia asked, confused. “They are full of animals, ranging from harmless to, what could only be described as monsters.” Quick replied, shivering slightly, “Thankfully, they stay in specific territories, otherwise we’d all be in danger.” “I see...” Celestia walked off, trying to find Green. Celestia said she’d be back when she’d finished talking with Quick. She climbed the stairs and walked to their room. Green was laying on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. She noticed Celestia wander in, “Hey, come over here.” Celestia went over and laid down next to her. Green wrapped her leg around her, “I meant what I said, about loving you.” Celestia looked up. “I love you too,” she replied, looking into Greens eyes. “At first, I didn’t know how to feel about being bonded... But now, it’s the best,” Green said, grinning. “But, it’s also scary, I get so nervous I’ll lose you.” “You won’t, trust me,” Celestia whispered, kissing Green on the cheek, “I promise.” After a few minutes of just lying there, they both decide to go join Quick back in the main area. “So, both of you ready?” He asked, slipping on his saddlebags. Green and Celestia replied by slipping in their own ones that some elks kindly donated to help them. They had filled them with all sorts of stuff that they would need, such as food, some medicine and a few coins. “Good, let’s go.” Quick galloped out of the door, patiently stopping and waiting in the street for the two cows. Once they had caught up, he bolted it down the street with them in tow. He turned a few corners, over a few bridges. They stopped just before the entrance to the main plaza of the second district. “Alright, we need to decide who we talk to first. Johnny or Fleet foot?” He asked, looking at each cow in turn. “I think Fleet foot, I don’t like the sound of Johnny much...” Celestia said. “Fleet foot sounds less dangerous.” Green agreed. “Bronze Dagger works there now, remember?” “Oh... Yeah.” Celestia replied. “Hmm,” Quick thought for a minute, looking around to get his bearings. “Alright, her Smith’s only a few blocks away. Let me do the talking, alright?” Celestia and Green nodded. They all got up and walked into the plaza. They moved across the tiled ground fast, compared to the normal streets and made it to the other side. If any elk was watching, they would have been confused as to why a bunch of calves were running around. But nonetheless the group still ran forward, towards their goal. They made it to the blacksmiths, hearing the classic sound of metal striking metal. Quick walked in first, opening the door. He held it for the others, who thanked him and stood off to the side, waiting for him to start. He walked forward towards the cow that had obviously not heard the trio enter. She wore a large, thick jacket, presumably to protect from the sparks and heat of the furnace. Her face was obstructed by a large wielding mask, which was quick intimidating, had it not been for the bright pink mane sticking out of the back. The cows coat was a dull orange. Making it easy to see any and all scars she could have accumulated through her work. Fleet foot stopped, her ears twitching. She turned around and took off the mask, revealing a set of two baby Blue eyes. They stared straight at Celestia and Green, before turning towards Quick. “Quick Sell? What brings you here?” She asked, mild surprise in her voice. If Celestia had to guess, her voice was a more confident version of Fluttershy’s. Making her confused to how such a cow would be working in a place like this. “I need a favour, Fleet.” Quick began, but was interrupted by Fleet, who laughed. “Really? Whatever it is, I can’t help you.” She announced, stomping her foot to make the point clear. Quick coughed into a hoof, knowing this would be difficult, “We... Need some information. Normally I would get it myself, but it’s a little complicated now.” He said, turning to his two friends. “How so?” asked Fleet foot. She shook her head, “no, I can’t help you. Not after last time.” “Fleet... Please...” He looked up at her with the biggest puppy dog eyes he could pull off, with hopes it would break her defences. “Uh...” she mumbled, looking into the endless pools, which were Quick’s eyes. “Oh fine, just this once though, and it better not be traced to me... whatever you’re doing.” Fleet foot walked over to a door, just beside her furnace and opened it. She turned to every elk and asked, “Coming?” The group sat in Fleet foot’s front room, on a very comfortable couch. Celestia was curled up besides Green and Quick was sitting on the other side, next to the leg rest. The room was spacious, but was taken up by a lot of flowers and decorations. The window overlooking the street was behind the group, and they could hear the beginnings of the day market being set up. The carpet inside the room was black, mostly to hide any marks left by Fleets work. In the middle of the room sat a glass table, framed by a Gold inlay with an intricate weaving running down each leg. “So, what are you looking for?” Fleet foot asked, setting down some biscuits and tea. The group looked between the food and Fleet foot, she giggled, “A cow always need to be a good host.” she sat down on a chair opposite and patiently waited for them to start. “We’re looking for information on Fine Wares.” Quick stated. “Oh, him...” Fleet foot mumbled, looking towards her steaming tea. “He’s... Kind of unknown in the guild,” She began. “He turned up a couple of months ago, somehow managed to join without any kind of authorisation, then kept to himself.” Fleet foot thought to herself, then continued, “He was strange though... He kept going on about the new governor.” Afterwards she levitated her cup off the table and took a sip, jumping slightly from burning her tongue. Celestia fought the urge to ask her why she was working as a blacksmith, pushing it down. She didn’t want to detour the conversation, or risk making Fleet foot stop. Fleet foot, not receiving any questions, continued, “It’s not often that some elk like that arrives in town... We’re a pretty tight-knit community. Even if we don’t look it.” She blew onto her tea and looked over to Green, “I take it he’s done something bad.” Green tensed up at the question. “Don’t worry my dear, I’m not one to tell on other Elks. It’s bad for business.” “O-our sister was...” Green looked away, unable to continue. “He hired some elk,” Celestia replied, gripping Greens leg. ”I can answer if you can’t.” ”I... Thank you.” Celestia looked up at green, nodding. Then turned back to Fleet foot, “He hired an assassin.” Fleet foot looked shocked, “Why would he do such a thing!?” Her tea was shaking, the faint tapping from the china on china being the only sound after her question. “I don’t,” Celestia paused to cough, “Sorry. I don’t know, that’s what we want to find out.” Fleet foot got up and levitated her tea down, then walked over to the window. She looked outside, checking if any elk was watching her. It seemed none were, as she visibly calmed down and walked to the door. “I-I’m sorry... I have w-work to get back to...” she stuttered, opening the door. Celestia, Green and Quick got up and walked out the door. They turned around to say goodbye, but the door slammed shut with locks being latched. “Well now... That was rude...” Green said. “I think we may have scared her.” Celestia said, looking up at Green. ”We? I think it was you...” Green giggled, getting the attention of Quick. “What’s funny?” He asked, turning around. He waited for every elk to get ready, then they all started down the street, their only other target clear. “Not much, just the fact that Sure scared her with that assassin business.” Green said with a little smile on her face. Celestia pouted and looked away. “Ah, most Elks around here get scared at the mere mention of "assassins",” He put emphasis on Assassins, “its best we don’t talk about it in public, don’t want to create a problem for ourselves.” The cows nodded in understanding, “I guess we’re going to see Johnny?” Celestia asked. She was still thankful to actually be able to talk. “I... Do we have to?” Green asked, a bit sheepishly. Quick stopped walking, “Yes we do... I don’t like the idea myself. He’s not known for being nice, but he is a businessman, if he sees an opportunity, he’ll take it.” Quick sighed, “Unfortunately for us, we have to create that opportunity... Somehow.” “Alright... But I still don’t like it.” Green stated. “Noted.” Both Celestia and Quick said, at the same time, causing both of them to laugh. Green rolled her eyes and started walking. The trio walked for what seemed all day. They walked straight across the district; bypassing most of the populated streets in favour of less knowing passages. Finally after hours of walking they made it. They stood outside of a small sewer grate, eater coming up to their knees. It was dark rusted iron, the sewer water having all but rusted away the cover. Around it sat dark green vines, slowly making their home, though none of them dared to cross the entrance, preferring to weave straight through the rock. The sewer grate itself was set in concrete, just below a large factory, its sewage flowing out a few feet beside them, glistening their fur with stuff no elk wanted to know. “So Do we knock?” Green asked, looking down at Quick for some sort of guidance. Quick chuckled and walked forwards. He jumped up and placed his two front hooves onto separate stones beside the grate. He pushed, then waited. Walking back to the two cows, he turned and said, “Wait for it...” The stones slid in, turned slightly then moved back into position, as if nothing happened at all. A short, shrill, repeating noise could be heard from the grate as it started moving back. It stopped half a foot into the passage then rotated into the wall, leaving the passage free for the group to travel down. “Come on!” Quick shouted, his voice being echoed as he entered the small, dark passage. Celestia involuntarily shivered. She had never liked dark, damp places, especially if they were tight. She always found her flank was the one thing that she had to force through. Probably why her generals would let her through first. She would never forget the time she led her forces down into a giant cave spider nest. It was all of the things she hated, plus spiders, how she loathed spiders. She had the guards tripled for a week after that, as she kept getting a "creepy feeling"... Which was later found out to be her sister playing a prank of her. Celestia shook her head and followed after Quick. If she wanted to finish this, she would have to forget that fear and force herself onwards. She sighed, “How far is it?” “Not much longer, maybe a few turns.” Quick echoed out as he turned a left. Green rushed in after them. She got about five feet in and bumped into Celestia, who shouted out in fright and galloped forward. Green picked herself off the ground, shaking off the dust. She galloped after her bonded and found her tangled up with Quick, in a pile of vines. They both looked quite unamused with each other. After untangling them from the scary vines, they decided that hold each other’s tails would be the best decision, as not to get lost. There was light in the tunnel, though not enough to navigate normally. If an elk was scared, or didn’t know the layout, they would easily get lost. The group wandered for another ten or so minutes before they arrived at the entrance to the underground. The entrance was like the grate out front, except this one had large iron bars running in a grid pattern across the front, protecting the inside. Quick walked up to it, turning his head to the bare rock. To the others surprise, the rock was pulled back, revealing a bull. “Yes?” “I’m here to make a purchase of daisies.” Quick replied, almost robotically. “Who are they for?” The bull in the wall asked. “The grandmother.” The bull in the wall turned, some hush whispering took place and he turned back. “You can go in, no funny business though.” The rock was placed back and Quick turned back grinning. “Welcome to the underground...” The bars slid upwards and across, freeing the grate and letting it rotate left, into the wall. The group walked in, amazed at the sight. It was a small village, underneath the town. Shops, hotels and houses all built, carved or floated around the sewer system. The structure was divided into two levels. The ground floor was where the floating barges roamed, all looking to pick up a fare to transport about. This was also the sewer proper, marked by the constant flow of sewage. The first floor was where the village sat, bolted into the rock from above. It hung from large cables positioned every five or so feet from each other. Houses, shops and the target the group needed to get to was on this level. Johnny’s bar, The Broken drum, sat in front of them, its large neon signs pointing out its location, just in case any elk forgot. The trio walked across a small metal walkway that spanned the entrance, across the river and attached to the main area. Celestia looked about. “Quite a lot of elks here...” she said, then turned to Quick. “Yeah, they come from all over, it’s a port town essentially. It’s full of low life and such. But in here, every elk is equal,” Quick replied. He motioned for the group to continue. They climbed up the metal steps leading to the front of The Broken Drum and stopped. The doors themselves were made out of polished redwood, they had Gold handles that shined in the neon glow of the signs. “So what’s the plan?” Green asked, switching been Celestia and Quick. “Let me talk again, I know these elks. Also, say nothing about assassins.” Quick said, aiming the emphasis at Celestia. Both cows nodded and pushed the doors open. The sound of crashing reached their ears before the scene unfolded before them. Chairs were flying through the air, hitting targets across the room. Elks were being smashed through tables and then being hit with bits of said tables. The group stood there with their mouths hanging open. Celestia instinctively moved closer towards Green, wrapping around her leg. She could feel her anxiety rising. Celestia feared she would have another breakdown and gripped tighter to Green, who nuzzled the top of Celestia’s head in an effort to comfort her. “Shh... It’ll be ok,” Green whispered. At the same time, a drunkard smashed into the floor next to her, spilling his drink over her flank. “Eek!” She screamed, picking Celestia up and running out, leaving Quick standing in the doorway. “Well, I guess I’ll talk to Johnny on my own...” He mumbled, looking at the carnage in the room. He stepped forwards and around the drunkard, making sure not to touching him and ducked, barely missing a flying bottle that just skimmed his mane. Quick reached the bar, surprised at how unbroken it seemed, and pulled up a stool. He waved over the barkeep and asked, “Is Johnny here? It’s Quick...” The barkeep looked him over, for a few seconds, thinking him over before he nodded. “He’s in the back room, no funny business though.” The barkeep waved him in, opening the side passage for him and closing it after he passed through. Outside, Green was trying to calm Celestia down from her anxiety attack. She was shaking like a leaf and wouldn’t let go of her neck. “Sure, you’re going to have to let go... I need you to let go for a second.” Green said, trying to pull Celestia off her. Celestia on the other hand was having none of that. What she needed right now was comfort of some sort. Memories were coming back, reminding her that she was no longer immortal. Green took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly and delicately, “I know you’re scared,” she began, talking softly and stroking Celestia’s mane, “So am I. So please, help me to help you.” Celestia loosened her grip on Greens neck a little, letting her slip of her back. She stood on the ground shivering, and grabbed a hold of Greens tail instead, wrapping it around herself, like a blanket. “I’m scared...” Celestia whispered, feeling like some elk had taken a red hot poker and stabbed her in the stomach, then let it boil through her. She let go of Greens tail and rushed over to the side of the bar, then threw up what remained of her breakfast. Green galloped over and held Celestia’s mane out of her face. “Oh Sure...” She whispered, more to herself than the shaking cow under her. Instead of making the situation any more difficult than it needed to be, Green simply decided to be there for her bonded, whether her reaction seemed normal or not. Celestia spat out the last little bit of vomit and went to wipe her mouth with her leg, but was stopped my Green. She pushed her leg down and wiped Celestia’s mouth with her own leg, her fur dampening. Celestia opened her emotions up for Green to feel, deciding it’s time to let her in a little bit. She turned around, nuzzling Green’s underside with her forehead. Green immediately felt the influx of emotions, rendering her speechless. She felt everything Celestia was feeling at that moment. Green started to silently cry, she moved her leg up to stop her tears from hitting Celestia. She had no idea that any elk, let alone one this young could feel like that. She could compare it to horribly beautiful symphony, emotions conflicting with each other, fighting for control. Some of them she couldn’t figure out, such as the shrinking sense of envy, or deep regret. “I thought... I didn’t want to hold them from you...” Celestia admitted with a sheepish grin, “Sorry it’s a bit late.” Green shook her head, giving a short, sharp cough of laughter, “No, You didn’t have to. They’re your own and private.” Looking down, giving a smile of understanding, Celestia said, “Can we wait here?” she moved some small stone about with her hoof, “I don’t think I can handle that again...” “Of course. In fact, do you want to go get something to eat, you must hungry?” Celestia nodded quickly, making Green smile. ”I don’t understand her sometimes...” She thought, rising off the ground. Celestia grabbed onto Greens tail and followed closely behind, moving closer when any elk came near to either of them. Quick opened the door to Johnny’s office, its un-oiled hinge spoiling the quiet atmosphere that the owner created. Inside was a spacious rectangular room, the floor covered with a velvet like carpet. The walls around the owner were bare rock, leaving the side with the door as wood panels. Johnny, the owner of "The Broken Drum", sat at his desk waiting patiently for his guest to sit down. He sat in a faux leather chair, dyed dark red. The desk in front of him as made out of sublimely rare chestnut chalk wood, a testament to how well he ran the town. Spread around his desk were various notes, books and unknown substances, of which he seemed to have lines, already split on either side of him. The bull in particular seemed tired and irritated, having large, deep bags underneath his eyes. His red coat having blue marks along his legs, from touching the dust on his desk. His brown hair looked particularly badly as it was unkempt, sticking in strange directions. Johnny sat there simply staring at Quick, as he entered the room. His eyebrow raised at the comic display the bull was putting on. Quick closed the door, once again wincing at the squeak. He turned back around and walked forwards, then stood in front of Johnny, waiting for him to say something. “Ah Quick Sell, how are you my lad?” Johnny shouted, causing Quick to jump slightly, “What’s wrong? Worried I’ll hurt you!?” “Uh, no... Just a bit unexpected is all...” Quick looked around, then locked eyes with Johnny, “I need some information... Please.” Quick scratched the back of his head. “Information on what exactly?” Johnny asked, leaning forwards, covering his legs in blue dust. “I need some info on a bull,” Quick said, pulling a chair out, “His name is Fine Wares.” Quick jumped up onto the chair, then got comfortable. “The name rings a bell...” Johnny tapped his chin, “Maybe I know some stuff, but you’ll have to help me out first.” Johnny took Quick’s silence as an okay to continue. “There’s been some activity at the storage docks, down in the lower level. Some of my stock has been stolen. I don’t know who did it though and if you want that information, you’ll catch them in the act.” Johnny knew Quick would take the deal, no elk comes down to the underground, much less straight to him, without needing something; the only question was how badly he needed it. Quick thought about it, he didn’t want to put the others in danger, but they knew the risks they were in anyway. “Alright, I’ll do it. But first I want some info.” “Alright, let’s see...” Johnny leaned back, sticking his back legs on the table, missing the dust. “He came down here, kind of a strangle bull if you ask me. He wanted to know where to find an assassin.” “He found one. I need to know about him,” Quick said. “Alright alright... Yes he found one, and left. From what my sources have found, the assassin has been targeting Elks of increased stature. He may be focused on the higher districts now, Fine seems to be benefiting from the deaths, though I don’t know why.” Johnny stood up and walked over to Quick and whispered into his ear, “now, get to work!” he shouted, picking him up. He moved over to the door, opening it and threw Quick out onto the floor of the bar; closing the door after. Green and Celestia Sat inside a diner, they had just been through an emotional experience and needed to calm down. Celestia sat on one side of the booth, not really talking. Green sat on the other, watching Elks pass by outside the window. Celestia was looking down at the plate of alfalfa and mushrooms that Green had ordered for her, and sighed. Green looked over, seeing the way Celestia’s mood had changed since they entered the diner. She thought it best to speak up, “Is the food any good?” she asked, smiling a bit as Celestia looked over. “It’s alright.” She muttered. Green shook her head, “What’s wrong now?” “It’s nothing,” Celestia whispered; to herself or to Green was debatable. “It’s obviously not nothing, let me help.” Green demanded, getting up and moving to Celestia’s side, “We are bonded, we made a promise to help each other.” Celestia moved away, closer to the window. Green moved closer still, blocking Celestia in. She started to look about to an exit, but couldn’t find one. “I’m afraid...” she mumbled, finally accepting she couldn’t get away. Green looked surprised for a second, before her motherly instincts kicked in, “Why, we’re not near that bar anymore.” Celestia seemed nervous, “I’m afraid I’ll get hurt, or worse...you...” “Sure, you know I’d never let any elk hurt you... I’d die before that happens.” Green replied, confused at how Celestia could even say such a thing, “I’m scared as well, it just means we have to look out for each other from now on. It’s what Sister would have wanted.” Celestia finally pulled herself away from the window and pushed against Green. “I know, I guess I’m not as wise as I thought I was...” “Wise? You’re one... You’re not allowed to be wise,” Green giggled ad Celestia punched her on the arm. The two finished the plate and simply sat there, enjoying each other’s company. Celestia’s mind was in turmoil, she had yet to process the fact that she was mortal now in any real detail, and had affected her more than she thought it would. But now that she’s had a talk with Green, she’s felt better about handling the whole thing. She made the mental note to work it all out once she gets some sleep, not a minute before. “Shall we see if Quick has found anything out?” Green asked, nudging Celestia from her relaxed state. She nodded, releasing her grip of Greens body. They got up, Green paid the check and they left. The two Elks walked across the walkways and to the front of The Broken Drum. They waited for a couple of minutes before Quick Sell limped out. He smiled sheepishly, gratefully accepting Greens help to walk down the steps. “Thank you, he gave me some info, but I have to do some work for more,” he said as they reached the bottom of the steps. “What kind of work?” Celestia asked. “I think its best we find somewhere to rest first, that ankle looks bad,” Green said, looking around to find a hotel or inn. “Yeah,” Quick replied, giving a smile to Celestia. “If we take that walkway,” He pointed to a small alleyway nestled between two restaurants, “There’s a nice little inn we can stay at.” “Alright, come on Sure...” Green said, putting Quick on her back. The three walked down the alley, and out the other side. It came out in front of a small wooden inn called, "The Muckey Rudder". It was in various states of decay, from the partially caved in roof, that threatened to give way at any time, or the chimney stacks that had slid half way down the building. The only piece that had stood the tests of time, were, surprisingly the insides. One could tell, by looking in the warped windows, that the occupants had taken great care to look after the interior. The insides looked warm, cosy and most importantly, empty. This bar seemed the only place in town that was empty. There were numerous seats set up around various tables, the biggest of all could seat up to twenty cows or bulls in two rows. That was the closest to the fire, which at the time was only slightly roaring, the owners deciding best not to waste the firewood. Green pushed the door open and walked inside, she held it open for Celestia who thanked her and weaved around her legs to get inside, out of the increasingly cold wind. There was one elk at the bar, wiping a beer mug with a washcloth, mumbling himself about the lack of patrons, he was pacing back and forth, generally looking annoyed. He had a piss yellow coat, with a bright red mane, his left eye kept twitching as if he was on a sugar rush... Or something worse and his teeth seemed to be the least crooked out of all his features. As the group move towards the bar, Green takes it upon herself to ask, “How much for a room?” The barkeep looked over, “Five bits a night, ten if you want a bit of fun.” The bull chuckles madly as Green backed away, pulling Celestia with her. “I think we’ll be okay...” Green mumbled. Quick kicked her in the flank with good hoof. “What are you doing!?” he whispered, “We need a room, and from what I’ve been told, this is the least shady place around here!” Green looked back at him, giving a glare of dissatisfaction at the kick. She turned back after a couple of seconds and sighed. “Alright,” Green said, walking back to the bar and placing five bits onto the counter. “I knew yah would be back, they always do...” the barkeep shouted, causing Green to jump and freeze up. “Your room is the one on the end, up the stairs.” The elk placed a two keys on the counter, “One is for your room, the other is for the toilet,” he chuckled, “You never know when a succubus will get you in the toilet.” The barkeep walked off, laughing madly to himself as he knocked over pots and pans. The group quickly rushed over to the stairs. They felt the strain as they ascended to the first floor, the floorboards barely keeping their combined weight up; letting out a creak at every little step. Upon reaching the room, Green opened the door and walked inside, letting Celestia run in first. She smiled as she saw Celestia jump onto the bed, with a small laugh. ”Finally, a chance to relax for once...” Green thought while she walked into the one bed room. The inside wasn’t too shabby, compared with the look of the exterior, but it did leave a lot of be desired. The first of many was that there was only one bed, which mean that some elk would either have to be squished between two others, and as Green wasn’t willing to let Quick into bed with Sure, or herself, it looked to be an easy decision. The second was that there simply wasn’t much room. Sure the room was enough, they could all move around easily, but seeing as the walls were bare wood with no paint, it was a bit claustrophobic. Green lowered herself down and let Quick off. He hobbled over to a nearby chair and sat down. Green walked over to the bed and flopped over onto her side. “Ooh,” she sighed, snuggling into the duvet. Celestia responded by jumping over to her, “What’s wrong?” she asked, concerned. Green inhaled, then exhaled slowly, “Nothing Sure, just a bit tired. I think I’ll take a nap.” Celestia nodded and jumped down. She watched Green get into bed and slowly doze off. Celestia turned around and faced Quick. 'So, tell me about this information,' She asked, moving towards him. Quick sat there, he didn't really want to make Sure go with him. At best it would mean she'd get in the way. At worst, she would get them caught. Yet, as he sat there, looking at the stage cow and her bonded, he could really imagine going in an adventure without them. Shaking his head, he began to recall the information Johnny gave him, "Johnny said that Fine Wares came down and found an assassin." "Did he say why?" Celestia asked, moving closer to make sure she didn't miss any important information. "Apparently, he's killing off elks of increasing stature... It would seem that your Sister was either the first, or one of them." "Ok... I still don't understand why he would do that though, what would he gain for murdering a carer." She said, confused. "It's not like she had anything of value." "I guess we'll find out afterwards." "Afterwards? What do you mean?" Celestia frowned, "What does he want you to do?" "Nothing much... just find out who's stealing his stock..." Quick gave a sheepish smile, then turned around and trotted towards the door, "Make sure she's asleep before following. We don't want her to stop us." Celestia nodded and jumped over to Green's bed. She placed her ear close to Green's face and heard her slow breathing. Turning to Quick, she nodded and jumped down to the floor, wincing at the sound her hooves made. Following Quick outside of the room, they passed the bathroom and heard a series of wails that made them move away, scared. 'The hell was that...' She thought, moving closet to Quick. Walking down the stairs and watching their step, Celestia turned to Quick and asked, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" "Absolutely, Johnny won't give us any more information if we don't do this," he replied, looking down at the stairs carefully. "I was lucky he was high, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten anything at all." Celestia sighed and nodded. They reached the bottom of the stairs and looked about for the barkeep. They had to make sure they didn't get caught otherwise the owner wouldn't let them go out on their own. They heard a couple of shouts about something called a, "Shazaron" and some pans hit the floor. Looking to each other, they shrugged and creeped their way towards the door. Opening it, Quick held it for Celestia. She smiled and thanked him as she passed. Looking around outside, she didn't know where the stocks were, let alone anything else. 'So unlike Canterlot...' She thought, remembering that almost everything was laid out in a smart manner. Shops were in one districts, nobles in another. The stock rooms were built into the mountain, to protect them from the weather and in case they needed shelter. She shook her head as Quick stopped next to her, "Will you be alright, being away from Green?" "Yeah, as long as it isn't for more than a day or so... I think..." she replied looking a little unsure. "You can go back if you want, I won't stop you." "No, I got you into this, I'm going to help," Celestia said, determined to not let him carry the burden by himself. Quick stared at her, 'so unlike any other elk I've met...' He though, trying to find a reason to stop her; yet finding none. "Fine, but do as I say, alright?" "Yes sir!" She replied, saluting playfully. Quick raised an eyebrow, but shook it off. He turned and trotted down one of the side passages that led to the main plaza, then walked across to one of the maintenance walkways. Crossing that, they snuck around one of the pillars that held the surface from crumbling down, making sure that no elk saw them. Once they determined that they were safe, Quick rushed over and hid being the railings that connected to the rusted metal stairs which led down and into the stock level. "Sure, come on, quickly!" he whispered, a bit too loud for Sure's liking. She crouched as low as she could and jolted across. She had nowhere to hide other than press her body against his, making her blush. Once it was clear that no elk saw them, she let go of him and stepped back. "Sorry," she mumbled. "It's ok..." He whispered. Looking down the stairs, Quick saw that the lights were currently on, meaning that some elk was either stock checking, unlikely at this time of night, or stealing. "Let's go, the Elks we have to identify are there already." "Mhm," Celestia nodded and made their way down the stairs. They hoped their hoof-steps weren’t too loud as the metal creaked slightly under their combined weight. Thy reached the bottom and heard voiced from inside one of the dugout tunnels. "Sapphire, are you sure we should be doing this again?" A masculine voice asked. The sound of hoof-steps sounded out, getting closer to the pairs position but stopped just short. "It's just that Johnny is sniffing around, I don't want to be beaten by Johnny!" "We aren’t going to be caught, he doesn't even know it's us!" Sapphire shouted, sounding more masculine. "Now hush up and open these crates, there has to be something here worth taking, other than booze." The previous voice sighed, 'Right as always, Hun." Quick frowned, he hadn't heard of any elk named sapphire down here, though it wasn't often that new elks stay long enough to actually know any other elk. He shook his head, pushing the list of known acquaintances to the back of his head. Quick turned to Celestia and whispered, "He needs to find out who the other Elk is, which means I have to get caught." "What, no." Celestia refused, "You can't." "I have to, name another way and I'll do that," he asked, knowing Sure couldn't. "I-I got nothing..." "Don't worry, I've been on the streets long enough to know when an elk will hurt me, they don't seem the types." Quick pushed Celestia down, further into the shadows, making sure she couldn't be seen and walked out. He stepped out into the light and shouted, "I guess Johnny was right!" The two Elk's heads shot straight towards him. The closest elk had a grey coat and a yellow mane which covered most of his face, except for a small section of what Quick could imagine being a burn mark. His wings shook as the bull’s anger rose. The second bull, which Quick guessed was Sapphire, had a dark blue coat, the same color as his name and a green mane. They looked at him in half anger and half shock of being caught. "Get him!" Sapphire shouted, prompting the other Elk to run at him. Quick’s eyes shot open, he wasn’t expecting them to actually be competent. Turning away from Celestia, he ran down the opposite passage and around the waterfront. Water sprayed up as a few boats sailed past, blowing up sewage and anything else that was thrown out in the last five years. Quick wiped it off, the waste staining his coat and leg. 'Damn, now I need to take buy a shower...' Quick looked behind him and saw the elk was catching up, fast. Making a left turn, he jumped across a couple of lined up boats and onto the other side of the river. He planned to make his way round and up into Johnny’s bar, hopefully the bull wouldn't notice. "I see you’re as slow as they come!" Quick shouted, trying to distract the bull. It was working, the elk jumped across the gap in one leap, blocking Quick off and causing him to rush down a side tunnel. 'Phew, that was close,' he thought, wiping away some sweat. Just as Quick was nearing the end of the tunnel, he felt his tail get caught on something and fell to the floor with an 'ompf". Looking back at his aching rump, he screamed as he saw the elk hols onto his tail with his mouth. "Now, what was that about being slow?" the bull asked and picked Quick up. He held onto the back of his neck with his mouth, tightly, so he could run away again. Quick was scared, he had misjudged these bulls once, maybe they would hurt him... Or worse. They turned back into the tunnel and he saw a chair set up. Being placed on it, Quick was tied up with some old rope that dug into his coat and irritated his skin. He stared at the Elks and waited for the questions. "How old are you?" Sapphire asked, in a surprisingly nice tone. Looking at both of the Elks in front of him and refusing to answer, he winced as Sapphire struck him in the face, making the chair topple over. Quick spat out some blood, "Is that it?" he asked, making the two bulls look at each other in confusion. "Answer me!" Sapphire shouted, enraged. "Did Johnny send you?" Again, nothing. Quick was struck again, splitting his lip and causing him to groan in pain. "Yes, yes he did!" He shouted hoping it make them stop. "Oh elders, what do we do now?" The nameless elk asked, holding onto Sapphire's leg. He was shrugged off, "Calm down, they don't know our names, Johnny can't find us if this elk is gone." Quick's eyes shot open, "Whoa guys, I won't tell anyone," he groaned, pain shooting through his face as he talked. "Do you think we are stupid? Me and Emerald have been doing this for years, haven't been caught once!" Sapphire shouted, making Quick wince as he was hit again, this time in the stomach. His head was low. Quick was on the edge of consciousness when out of the corner of his eye, he saw Celestia rush off. Grinning, he knew they would find their sisters killer, with or without him. "Well guys, if you’re going to kill me, better do it now. Johnny’s on his way..." Celestia ran up the stairs, unable to care about the noise nor the stares from the dozens of elks she passed. All she could think about is getting to Johnny and saving Quick. Sure she had known in for less than a week, but she had a strange connection. He was the first elk she met, outside of the orphanage, he saved her when she was down and again when she was in pain; he even stayed with her to make sure she was alright. It was an understatement to say they were meant to find each other, and she knew this. Making her way up the steps of "The Broken Drum" and pushed her fears of this place away. She braced herself against the door and pushed, the sounds of another fight slowly rising until she fell through the gap and onto the floor. A hoof was held out towards her and she looked over. A rough looking elk with a snow white beard and large knowing eyes was holding the hoof out, waiting patiently to help her up. Celestia took the beard, thanked him and rushed towards the bar, "I need to talk to Johnny!" She shouted over the noise. The barkeep turned around and looked over the counter, "Sorry cow, Johnny’s not in the mood to talk, come back some other time." "But it's about Quick!" She shouted even louder, making her point clear: I will see him! The barkeep sighed, "It's your funeral..." The barkeep sighed, "It's your funeral..." He opened the door to the back room then quickly shut it, lest he get in more trouble. "What do you want?" Johnny shouted, making Celestia shrink back. She pressed on and walked up to the seat, "We found the Elks responsible for stealing your stock!" Johnny's ears perked up, "How?" "They are there right now and have Quick. They’re going to kill him, please help us!" She shouted, hoping it wasn't too late. Johnny clopped his hooves together and two beefy Elk's made their way into the room. Both had their cutie marks covered up by their large black jumpers, making them seem more intimidating that usual. "Yes boss?" they both asked at the same time, their voices deep. "Follow this young cow and make the Elks that steal from me regret it." "Yes sir," They saluted. Celestia wished she had never met Quick now, as it would have been safer otherwise. "Go, take them to the Elks," Johnny ordered, turning To Celestia, receiving a nod in return. She ran out of the room, two Elks on her tail. She ran back the way she came: down the steps, across the plaza, across the walkway and down the stairs. She stopped, not hearing any sounds except the water flowing down the river. Stepping out from the shadow, time slowed down for the cow. She saw spots of blood quickly turn into sprays as she felt her world crumble around her. She fell to her knees as the body of Quick came into view. He was still strapped to the chair, his face was bleeding and bruised. Celestia couldn't take any more and rushed over to the river and emptied the contents of her stomach. She felt dizzy, like someone had punched her in the gut. Of course, she had been responsible for deaths, she had been in wars. Mares, stallions, even fillies and colts had been crushed under her golden hooves; but this was closer to her than any of that. This was close to her heart and nothing before had struck that close. She struggled to make her way over, needing to know for sure. Seeing his face stare at her, judging her for bringing him into this made feel horrible, it made her feel like she may as well have killed him herself. She walked around his back, if not to escape the stare then to check his body. She looked him over, tears falling from her eyes as she did, landing around his body and into his blood. Celestia didn't care if she was getting bloody, she had lost the first proper friend since Twilight and it was all her fault. She covered her mouth with a bloody hoof when she saw a stab wound on his stomach. She turned him over and saw multiple all over his chest as well. Losing balance, she toppled over and onto him. She wrapped her legs around his still warm body and held on as if the very act would bring him back. "Don't leave me..." she whispered, "I can't do this without you!" Not entirely sure what to do, she stayed there, holding his body as the warmth drained out of him, leaving him a cold lifeless husk. Her sobs became more pronounced and after a couple of minutes became too much for her little body to take and left her shaking upon Quick’s corpse. One of Johnny’s minions walked over and picked her up, holding her hooves back as she tried to grip onto Quick, not wanting to lose the feeling of his coat. “No, let me go!” She shouted, hitting the bull on the arm. He simply shrugged it off and carried her back towards the stairs and away from Quick. She struggled all the way back up to the bar, causing passer-by’s to stare at them with shock. The bulls pushed open the door and threw her onto the floor, then bared the way for her to exit with their bodies. Celestia looked up at their faces and frowned. Looking back at her, they shook their heads in unison and gently pushed her towards Johnny, who was sitting in his chair and not paying attention to them. Celestia turned around walked towards the seat opposite Johnny. She jumped up and sat down on it, turning to the Elk in charge. She watched as he snorted up a light blue substance, he shivered with delight as he snorted the last line he had put down. Looking up, he opened his eyes and focused on Celestia. She shrank under his gaze, but remembered the deal he had made with Quick. The memory burned and threatened to break her mental block she had placed up to stop herself from imploding. She knew she had to get the information on Fine Wares, by any means possible… even if some are heart breaking. “So… I see my bulls haven’t returned with the thieves...” Johnny said in a slow and mechanical tone. Celestia wasn’t sure what that substance was, but knew it wasn’t good for anything. “No, they were gone,” Celestia replied, her anger and guilt rising, threatening to spill over, “they left… Quick.” “Dead, I assume?” If looks could kill, Celestia’s glare would have scorched the spot Johnny was sitting a thousand times over, “…Yes.” “A shame, he was a good worker…” Johnny said, oblivious to the glare she was giving him. “I suppose a deal, is a deal.” He rose, walked over to a painting on his left and moved it across, revealing a safe. He turned the dial a number times and opened the black iron door. Pulling out a number of documents, they were levitated across and in front of Celestia. “This is all I have on Fine Wares, I hope it helps.” He sat back down on his chair and leaned forwards, levitating a pen out from beside himself, “Now, the names please…” Celestia walked out of the bar, and let a tear fall from her face. It fell through the grates and down into the river below. She didn’t know how to handle it; should she bottle it up to try and forget or should she let it out and hope it stops eventually. Sighing and sucking her emotions back inside, she bottled them up, letting them fizzle out harmlessly. Making her way back to the inn, she realised that her hooves were still covered in Quick’s crimson blood, making her head feel dizzy. She stumbled through the door and slammed it shut, ignoring the ramblings of the inn’s owner. She pulled herself upstairs, into her room and fell onto the floor with a ‘thud’ waking Green up. Instantly, she let her emotions burst out. She screamed and stomped on the floor in anger. “Sure, what’s wro- dear elders, is that blood!?” Green shouted, as she gave Celestia a once over. “What the hell happened; where’s Quick?” She asked, making her way over to the sobbing cow. “H-he’s g-gone!” Celestia chocked out, barely able to form coherent sentences. She buried herself in Greens legs, letting her take half the burden of her emotional turmoil. Green stroked her coat and kissed her on the head. “I…” She didn’t know what to say, she had slept through one of the most traumatising moments in her bonded’s life. To say her guilt was killing her was an understatement, it was ripping her heart apart. They stayed like that, leaned up against the door for the next few hours, Celestia crying into Green’s coat. Eventually, Celestia cried herself to sleep and Green picked her up, carrying her over to the bed. Not willing to leave Sure alone tonight, she slipped in beside her and wrapped her legs around her, pulling her close. Green couldn’t sleep though, and stayed away for most of the night thinking how she should have been there; how things could have been different if only she had kept a closer eye on them. ‘I’m a horrible elk…’ The morning came too quickly and Celestia found herself waking up. She was unwilling to face the day, but knew that with every second, the assassin could be closer to another kill; if he hasn’t already. She rose and looked over for Quick’s face, “Oh yeah…” She got out of bed and jumped to the floor, red flakes of blood falling off her, ‘I should have a shower…’ She thought as she made her way over to the bathroom. She neared the door and heard the sound of running water. Pushing the door, Celestia called out, “Green?” “Come in, I’m having a shower; I’ll wash your hair!” Celestia trotted in, slipping slightly on the tiled surface. Surprised at such a nice bathroom inside the place, she slowly made her way over to the shower and pulled open the door. “Can I come in…?” She asked, not knowing if she wanted some alone time. “Sure, Let me get you another seat,” Green replied, levitating a stool from the other side of the bathroom. She placed it down and patted it. Celestia walked in and sat down next to her, feeling the warmth of her wet coat rub up against her. “I’m sorry I wasn’t with you…” Green whispered, kissing Celestia on the head, “I shouldn’t have fallen asleep.” “No, you would have been hurt as well.” Celestia turned to Green and pressed her head against her shoulder leaning into her for support. “I guess I deserve it…” She mumbled under her breath. “What’s that, Sure?” “N-nothing.” Celestia couldn’t let Green know about being an Alicorn; Celestia didn’t even know if ponies exist here, or if they did, had Alicorns. Green moved around the back of Celestia and took a hold of her mane, bunching it up and pouring some shampoo onto it. “When you’re ready, you can tell me what happened…" She said, rubbing the shampoo in and lathering it up. She let Celestia’s hair fall and went for her tail, doing the same thing with that. Eventually, she had Celestia’s whole body lathered up and sprayed water on her and letting the suds flow off. Celestia turned around and held onto Greens body, tight, “We… went out. Q-quick had been given an offer…” Green leaned back against the wall, letting the water flow over her and Celestia. She wrapped her arms around Celestia and nuzzled the top of her head, giving support. “He s-said we had to find the names of s-some thieves that w-were stealing from the bar’s stocks,” Celestia manages to explain, her voice shaky at points, threatening to break. “They… I… he was dead when I…” With that, Celestia broke and started crying once again, falling into Green. Green patiently waited it out. She couldn’t feel any emotions coming off Celestia and for the first time since they were bonded, she was scared for her. Sister dying almost snapped Green, so she could even partially imagine what Sure Fire was going through. After a couple of minutes, Celestia’s crying died down and she looked up to see Green look at her disappointed, but instead found her smiling down. “Want to stay here some more?” She asked, nuzzling Celestia’s cheek. Celestia shook her head, “We had better go; the assassin will target Rich next…” Celestia rose, moving out of Greens legs. She walked out of the cubical and over to the mirror, picking up a towel as she went. She towelled herself off, watching Green shampoo herself then threw the towel into the wash basket. Walking out of the bathroom, she waited patiently by the door for green to finish. Ten minutes later, Green walked out and faced Celestia, “Ready?” Celestia nodded, “alright, stay near me, ok?” Celestia nodded again, not feeling like talking and opened the door. They walked downstairs and not bothering to say goodbye to the inn keeper, exited the building.