Chapter 9
Do you have anything appropriate to wear? Gabrielle asked.
“Gimme a second…” Xavier rummaged through his bag, which had swallowed up his arm to the shoulder. “I know it’s in here somewhere…”
Like it won’t be covered in mold and falling apart, Daphne scoffed as she brushed at her coat. You’ll have to go out there in jeans and a singlet, she taunted.
“Shut up, Daph.”
As the man continued to dig through his belongings in the hopes of finding what he was looking for, there was a knock at the door. Gabrielle opened it with a flick of her wrist, revealing Twilight Sparkle waiting impatiently. “We don’t have time, we don’t have time…” she was muttering to herself.
Are you okay? Gabrielle asked.
What? Oh, sorry, just worried. You just need to pick from the three candidates before we introduce you to the press and public. The alicorn took a few deep breaths to compose herself. It’s gonna be a nightmare.
Oh, it won’t be that bad. We have some experience with this kind of thing, Daphne replied confidently. When Diantha handed the title of Region Champion to Xavier, that was a big event.
What did you expect? Gabrielle asked. That was a movie star and a regional hero in the same place, of course it was going to draw the attention of every single media organisation.
Region Champion? Twilight asked. Is that significant?
It holds more power than any title given by the nobility, Daphne explained. It’s a title only given to those who have proven that the bond between them and their team is as strong as it can possibly be.
There’s more to it than that, Gabrielle interjected. And aren’t we running on a schedule?
Twilight’s eyes went wide. Oh no! We need to hurry!
Calm down, Gabrielle said soothingly, in the same tone she would have used to placate a scared Houndour. Panicking gets us nowhere. It causes mistakes, and it takes even longer to make things right afterwards.
I know, I know, it’s just… It’s a really big thing today. If this goes wrong, then there’s no telling just how badly the media will exaggerate things.
Then I’ll make sure Xavier tells everyone to behave themselves, Daphne relayed before turning to Xavier.
“Yeah?” he asked, sucking on his finger.
Did you cut yourself on something in the bag? When he nodded, she could only roll her eyes. Incredible. Anyway, we need the three idiots to behave themselves today. Can you make sure they don’t do anything too damaging?
“Daphne, don’t insult them. Just because they don’t make the best decisions - ”
Xavier, Amp and Razor thought it’d be a good idea to start a fight in a train car. I’ll insult those two however much I like. Amp and Razor shot her a pair of matching glares, which she ignored. And Luca’s just dumb muscle. She let out a pained yip when a wire brush collided with the back of her head.
“Luca, don’t throw things,” Xavier said dismissively.
Is your brain rusting? Daphne growled, turning to face the smirking Lucario. The brush she was holding exploded into ash. Great, she thought after looking at it for a few moments. And this was my best brush too.
Daphne, get over here before you set something else on fire, Gabrielle said wearily. Luca, can you come as well?
Why is he coming along? Twilight asked as the Lucario stepped closer.
Luca is able to sense someone’s intentions. Typically, a Lucario can only identify between good and bad, but experience has allowed him to refine those skills. Now, well… Just don’t try to hide anything near him, the Gardevoir said with a small smile.
So… you want him to come along because you don’t want to be deceived?
Daphne and I couldn’t help but overhear what Luna was talking to Xavier about yesterday. And we realised that, inevitably, someone would try and exploit us.
So, we bring along tall, dark and scary to chase off anyone who tries to, the Delphox said with a smile.
Master, can you manage on your own? Gabrielle asked as Luca stepped up and nodded calmly at the princess.
“Found it!” Xavier yelled triumphantly as he pulled out a suit jacket. “Wow,” he added when he saw how wrinkled it was. “Gonna need an iron or something…”
The three Pokémon followed calmly behind to a nearby room. Don’t try and scare them too much. You do look quite…
Oh don’t worry. We’ll do our best to be as nonthreatening as possible, Gabrielle said serenely.
Speak for yourself, Daphne snorted. I’m going to do my best to make my displeasure with them known. Luca nodded in agreement.
Twilight gulped nervously, realising she should have passed this duty to someone better qualified. That there were only two ponies that fit that criteria, and that they were both busy, didn’t concern her. Perhaps I should go first, let them know what to expect.
She didn’t tell them anything? Daphne asked as the pony disappeared into the room.
More like she’s concerned about your behaviour, Gabrielle replied. Just… try to be polite? Please?
I’ll try, the Delphox said. Luca, try not to… She trailed off as she stared at the Lucario in disbelief. He let out a questioning growl as he continued to scrub at his teeth with his wire brush.
Luca, please try to act civilised, the Gardevoir said as put her hand to her face to hide her smile.
They’re ready! the three heard in their heads.
What are we waiting for? Daphne asked as she pushed the door open.
The three were greeted by Twilight standing awkwardly at the side of the room, while in the centre were three unicorns. The stallion closest to Twilight had an orange coat and a dull red mane. He was immaculately groomed, giving off a sense of class and wealth. The second pony was a light-pink mare, with a cream-coloured mane done up in a bun. The third was another stallion, with a silver coat and a closely cropped teal mane and tail, standing straight and tall, his face not betraying any emotion.
It’s a pleasure to meet you, the first unicorn said, stepping closer. Daphne noted with disgust that even his mental voice sounded sleazy. I am -
Leaving, Gabrielle said, interrupting him.
I’m sorry? he asked, wearing a smug smile. I must have misheard.
Oh, you didn’t. We know you’re only here because you think helping us will get you rewarded, that the experience can be used to gain some political clout. Daphne stepped forward, drawing her wand out. Now, will you leave, or we will have to make you leave? she asked.
How dare you talk to me like that? the stallion replied, his kindness evaporating like water near a Magcargo. You don’t even know who I am!
An idiot who’s going to be leaving with three broken legs and no hair, Daphne countered as the tip of her twig ignited. Behind her Luca began to crack his knuckles threateningly. Would you like to continue?
I’ll have you thrown out of Canterlot for this!
And we’ll just throw you out of a tower, the Delphox replied boredly. Besides, you have no idea who we are either.
Like it matters! That was all he could get out before his tail ignited. He turned and stared at it for a moment before screaming at the top of his lungs. As he disappeared out the door, the fire vanished.
Too easy, Daphne said smugly as Luca collapsed from laughing too hard. Illusions never get old.
Twilight let out an aggravated sigh. I want to be angry, she said, but you just did something that I’ve been wanting to do for months. The nobility need to be taught their place.
And as foreign ambassadors, we have diplomatic immunity, the Delphox added. We do have diplomatic immunity, right?
To a certain extent, Twilight answered with a small frown. So long as you don’t actually injure anypony then you should be fine.
Good, Gabrielle said. Also, while you two were talking, the female ran off.
What!? Twilight turned to see that only the other stallion remained. And she seemed so qualified too!
Yes, she was, the sole remaining stallion said with a curt nod. However, I think she may have been expecting something a bit... different from our guests here.
Could you introduce us? Gabrielle asked.
Oh right. Gabrielle, Daphne, Luca, this is Private Silver Spear, a member of Princess Luna’s personal guard.
It’s an honour to meet you, the stallion said, bowing.
He’s certainly polite, Daphne said, only broadcasting the thought to Luca and Gabrielle.
Yes, but does he have an ulterior motive? Gabrielle asked.
Luca’s eyes briefly glowed before he shook his head. He could detect nothing negative behind the stallion’s intentions.
Good enough for me, Daphne nodded.
But will it be good enough for Xavier? Gabrielle questioned.
Then he’ll leave it to us to take care of it. Daphne shrugged. You know, what he usually does.
“I’m perfectly capable of doing that myself…” Xavier pouted. Amp just patted him on the head soothingly. “Why does she think she can just walk in and push me aside like that?”
The unicorn rolled her eyes as she started ironing his pants. The way she saw things, if they talked in a language that she couldn’t understand, it wasn’t her concern. All she knew was that she had been instructed to make sure that the guests of honour were suitably prepared. And seeing that wrinkled mess of a fine suit… It made her shudder.
And it was such a fine piece of work, too! She could tell it was made using incredibly fine machinery, and a silk so durable it was like steel. The jacket and pants were jet black, with a crisp white shirt that had somehow not gotten stained at all despite what had clearly been years of neglect.
She ignored the opening of the door as she pressed the hot metal to the cloth. Really? Not even a day and you’re making the help do your laundry? Daphne asked flatly.
“Hey, she walked in, took them from me and pulled an ironing board from somewhere,” Xavier replied defensively. “I tried to take them back, but you remember the last time I snuck up on someone who had an iron…”
Yes, that was pretty funny, the Delphox said, trying to hold back her laughter. The trainer just rolled his eyes. Anyway, we have our guide.
“We do?”
That was why we left the room, she replied, rolling her eyes. He seems nice, and Luca didn’t have any problems with him.
“That’s a good sign.”
Also, we might have some trouble with some of the nobility later. Nothing we can’t handle, she quickly reassured Xavier, I’m just letting you know it’s something we should be wary of.
Xavier let out a small sigh and pinched his nose. “Who did you hurt?”
Oh, just some puffed-up Pijako, and I didn’t hurt him, Daphne said airily. If he tries anything, though, can we send Razor after him? Xavier facepalmed. I’m guessing that’s a no…
Do not worry too much, Xavier, Gabrielle added as she walked over and put a soft hand on the man’s shoulder. Like she said, he is physically unharmed. It was only a minor illusion. He was not actually on fire.
Xavier let out an aggravated sigh. “I don’t know how I put up with you guys sometimes.”
Well, I know how you put up with her, we all do, Daphne said while pointing at Gabrielle with her wand. As for me, I believe I am simply too wonderful not to be at the very least tolerated.
Now I know who that idiot pony reminded me of, Gabrielle said snidely.
Xavier sighed once more, the things his family did...
Without a word he stepped between them before finally saying. “Girls, enough. Just tell me what happened.” He paused for a second before adding. “I want to know beforehand if I should actually get ready for a fight.”
“Are you sure about this, your highness?”
“Absolutely, Silver. They seem to like you, after all.”
“I mean the allowance. It seems a bit much just for what I’ll be doing,” he said.
“Not at all. You’ll be showing seven guests around the country. Maybe even beyond, if that’s what they ask,” Twilight Sparkle explained.
“But still, five hundred bits a week?” the stallion questioned. “That seems excessive.”
“Honestly? It’s… it’s hazard pay,” the princess said cautiously. “Given the powers they possess, there is a very high chance of you getting injured at one point or another.”
“Oh.” Silver Spear wasn’t sure how to take that. “Well… Good thing we learned how to treat minor injuries in Basic?”
“They are very careful,” Twilight said, trying to reassure him, “so it shouldn’t be that great a concern. Still, you should stay away if they seem to be getting angry.”
Excuse me? They both turned to see Daphne poke her head out of the door.
Oh. Yes? Silver Spear asked after a few moments when Twilight nudged him
Some of us are planning on making a… dramatic entrance, she explained. But for that we need to know if the event is being held outdoors. We don’t want to break a window or burn the carpet.
Burn the carpet? Twilight asked. Just what are you planning?
Now that would ruin the surprise, the Delphox said with a smile.
Twilight gave the fox a flat stare. Well, no, it will be outside. But I’m not sure I can allow this.
Oh, it’s not like we’re aiming to actually hurt anyone. We just want to give them something to remember.
Forgive me for saying this, but won’t aliens saying that they come in peace be enough? Silver asked. This isn’t exactly an everyday occurrence, after all.
I suppose, Daphne replied thoughtfully. Still, you must admit the importance of a memorable first impression.
Memorable, yes, Twilight replied, remembering the first time she met her friends. But ‘memorable’ and ‘good’ aren’t exactly synonymous, she pointed out, recalling how Pinkie Pie had left the impression of being completely insane. It’s not going to come across as negative, is it?
Intimidating, yes, the Delphox admitted, but that describes a lot about most of us anyway.
I’m sorry, but unless I can get a guarantee that nopony there will be harmed -
If that’s what you want, Daphne said, pulling out her wand and staring into the flame that ignited, then you only had to ask. The ponies stared at her as she gazed into the fire, seemingly entranced. And? she asked it. I see.
“What is she doing?” Silver asked quietly.
“I have no idea,” Twilight answered in a similarly hushed tone.
The Delphox nodded as she stowed the wand back up her sleeve. No-one will get injured in any way today from what I or the others plan on doing, she declared confidently.
How do you know that?
My kind has prophetic abilities, she calmly explained. It takes concentration, and most can’t see beyond the next three hours without things becoming blurry. Xavier said something about probability... she trailed off thoughtfully. Anyway, what matters is that it will be perfectly safe.
“Daphne!” they heard Xavier yell. “Could you give us a hand!?”
Oh great, she muttered, her shoulders slumping a little. Coming! she broadcasted.
Twilight and Silver decided to follow her into the room, the latter more reluctant to do so. The stallion’s trepidation was justified when he saw a large bird and a yellow creature completely unlike anything he had ever seen glaring at each other, a monstrously large tortoise holding them apart. The yellow one seemed to be crackling with electricity like an overcharged storm cloud.
“See what I meant about it being ‘hazard pay’?” Twilight asked Silver at a whisper.
Let me guess, you want me to get those two to stop trying to murder each other? Daphne asked the now-suited Xavier. The well-dressed man nodded. And why can’t Gabby do this?
You looked like you needed to set something on fire.
Well, it would be nice, the Delphox admitted. Give me a moment.
She strode over to Amp and Razor. All right, you knuckle-heads. I’m giving you three seconds to leave each other alone before I… well, I haven’t decided yet, but it won’t be pleasant.
The Ampharos and Staraptor turned to look at her. After a few moments their eyes locked and they nodded.
This can’t be good, Gabrielle thought.
Okay, Daphne said cautiously, backing away slowly. Why are you looking at me like that? she asked as they turned to her with smirks. What are you doing? she asked as they stepped towards her.
What transpired next was too fast for Twilight to see, but Silver’s training allowed him to watch it all happen in all its horrible glory. “Should we help?” he asked quietly.
Get off me! Stop! The Delphox’s telepathic voice was clear, but from her mouth came louds yips of laughter as she mercilessly tickled by the pair. You’ll mess up my coat!
Xavier just rolled his eyes as they continued their relentless assault. He gave them another minute to have their way with Daphne before calling to them to stop. As they clambered off of her convulsing body, the Delphox did her best to get back on her feet. Oh great I’ve drooled all over myself, she said bitterly as she inspected the damage done to her coat.
And because you destroyed your brush before… Daphne turned slowly to face Gabrielle, her expression turning murderous as the words sunk in.
Amp, Razor? she asked sweetly. Do me a favour and hold still so I CAN MURDER YOU BOTH! she screamed, spitting fire at them.
As Gabrielle held the Dephox back from committing bloody murder, Silver was left to stare. “What have I gotten myself in to?”
Blueblood stood amongst the rest of the crowd of nobles, waiting for his aunt to finish talking. Not that he didn’t like her speeches, but he just wanted to get this over with. The group he had to associate with wanted news, and the sooner he relayed it to them the sooner he could return home and have a much needed drink.
The presence of every major, and almost every minor, media outlet didn’t help his nerves. Equestria Daily, Everfree Radio, The New Yoke Times, The Canterlot Tribune, The Fillydelphia Inquirer… And those were just the ones he could recognise off the top of his head. He had no idea just how many journalists and photographers there were, except that they seemed to outnumber the members of the nobility.
He was so lost in thought that he barely noticed that his aunt had finished talking. He refocused his attention as she announced the name of the leader of the group of visitors. He was briefly surprised when he heard his title, ‘Grand Duke’. He wasn’t completely sure just how lofty that position was where the aliens were from, but he was sure it was close to his own.
He couldn’t help but stare when the Grand Duke stepped out onto the stage. It wasn’t that he was wearing a finely-tailored suit, but a matter of what walked out with him. The slender green-and-white one, he had seen earlier, but the large tortoise-like being seemed different. He was sure that it had two cannons in its shell, not a giant one that made it seem more like a siege weapon than a creature.
And he was sure that the yellow one did not have pure, white, luxurious hair that any mare would be jealous of. The presence of crimson orbs that seemed to crackle with power only served to make him wonder just what powers these creatures possessed apart from telepathy and amazing hair.
He and the rest of the crowd gasped when a space to the walking tank’s left ignited, a vortex of fire rising up into the air. It dissipated just as quickly as it appeared, but now the fox-like being he had seen before was standing there, not caring about the flames licking the hems of her robe. As he watched, his practiced eyes caught sight of the little details about her. Despite the raging inferno that had recently engulfed her, her eyes calmly gazed out at the crowd, as if giving out a silent challenge.
There was something in that challenge that Blueblood could respect. For the most part those who he’d been on the receiving end of that look from before had been one of the many pompous overblown nobles that plagued Canterlot. This one however... there was something almost awe-inspiring and worthy of respect to be found in those blazing eyes.
Cries of panic from several ponies in the crowd drew his eyes away from the marvelous vixen and Blueblood looked up to see something falling towards them all with incredible speed. Whatever it was, it was far too high up to make out any features. As one, the guests on the stage looked up, but they weren’t panicked. He was sure that he could see them smile.
As the figure got closer and closer, he realised it was the other Diamond Dog-like member of their group, the one with blue and black fur. He watched as it fell towards the earth, arms spread as though the gesture would slow it down. As it came closer, it flipped over so that its feet were pointing at the ground. As it landed, though, it performed an act of impossible grace, coming to a dead stop from terminal velocity in a fraction of a second, balancing on one of its toes with its arms crossed passively.
Blueblood noticed that this one also looked different from when he had first seen it. Before, its coat of fur had been smooth, but the tan fur on its chest had grown out to an almost ridiculous length. Its tail was the same, and the prince was sure that it had been a different colour earlier. Most notable, though, were its paws. Now they were a vivid crimson, and the uneven pattern gave off the idea that they had been stained that way. Where the fox had grace and poise, this one had savagery and strength.
When it opened an eye to look at them, though, that was when the prince was shocked. He was sure that, for a moment, it had glowed. But that wasn’t what had shocked him. It was the feeling of being judged, of someone, something scrutinising everything he had ever done, that was responsible. And it scared him.
He wasn’t in any state to be shocked again when a monstrously large bird, easily capable of picking up a pony, swooped down and perched on the shoulders of the Grand Duke.
An impressive display, Celestia broadcasted to them.
Thank you, Daphne replied, smiling a little as the cameras flashed before them. If I may ask, what next?
The press will have a few questions, then I shall take you aside and we can discuss things in private.
Xavier nodded as Razor hopped down. “How many do you think have questions for us?”
Gabrielle turned to face him. Take a guess, she told him flatly.