//------------------------------// // The Meeting // Story: Heavy Burdens // by polygonsmasher //------------------------------// Frowny was not far away from the palace and its surroundings, also known as Canterlot. An immense city widely populated by ponies. Most of which are unicorns. Frowny felt happy revisiting his home but was also pretty nervous. He knew he had to face the princess and his parents. His familiarization spell could only get Frowny information up until Ponyville. But Canterlot was somehow unreachable with his spell. He figured it was probably to protect the city from spies. He wanted to take a different way into the city. This way hopefully he won't attract too much attention from ponies that he'll pass by on the way there. I know enough ponies around here that might recognize me and I don't want to get caught in a situation that is not relevant to this current one. Frowny muttered to himself. Thats when Frowny concentrated, his deep red aura reappeared and then suddenly disappeared. A strange sign appeared on his right hoof and suddenly he placed that same hoof on a random spot in mid-air. A foggy, transparent piece of ground appeared and Frowny stepped on it. This spell took a whole year to perfect. And it now finally comes in handy. Please don't let me down. Frowny continued climbing the now appeared road he created out of his own magic. The road was colored blank and you could see through very clearly as if it was a sparkling piece of glass that disappears every time Frowny stepped on another in front of him. Each time he did, a sparkling trail of red magic returned to his horn to be recycled as another step. Frowny kept walking like this for a little while until he reached the entrance gate of Canterlots castle. When Frowny came in, he was greeted by the guards which gave a certain welcome back sign by standing taller yet stationary. Frowny then thought: I see nothing changed with the good old system. And then he walked further. On his way to the actual palace he saw many things he didn't recognize before. some buildings that he knew were positively devastated were renovated. Some were even brand new to him. Many other unicorn ponies glanced at the dark grey bandaged Frowny. Some of them even halted and watched in awe. Frowny didn't think it would matter to look back. He just continued his walk towards the palace where he was greeted by another couple of guards. The guards blocked the entrance suddenly and said: Identify yourself! Frowny then remembered he looked completely different from back then and after all it has been 20 years. Frowny braced, opened his mouth and answered: I am Frowny of the Shineless bloodline! I have come to speak to the princess. The guards looked at each other, then they took another good hard look at Frowny's face. The elder guard then recognized him. The two went into private discussion and also sent a unicorn guard to notify the princess inside. Frowny heard some gasps behind him. It seems that some ponies recognized him from old tales. The guard pegasi then said: We are honored with your presence. Sir Shineless, you may pass! The big door behind the guards opened and Frowny walked in slowly. When the doors closed he looked behind him, while the doors were closing he saw that a crowd had gathered at the entrance of the palace. Frowny looked back in front of him and walked through the hall. He never actually visited the palace before. Not even when there was an event there. All the windows in this hall had paintings of them about the royal history and probably about Equestria as well. When Frowny arrived at the end of the hall another huge door appeared before him. When he opened it he was greeted by Princess Celestia. Frowny briefly bowed, Welcome back Frowny. I'll have to be honest with you. I didn't expect you to return so soon! Celestia immediately stated. Frowny looked back up at the princess and answered. I was determined to bypass the border to be able to speak to you your highness. I have discovered that an attack has been planned almost two weeks from now. And it involves someone that you might know. Celestia now looked more serious at the frowning pony standing before her. Who are you talking about? Frowny took another old tattered scroll that resembled the one he showed Twilight and her friends. Frowny opened it and read the text encrypted in that strange language again that Celestia seemed to recognize therefore she braced herself. Frowny stopped for a moment and then read the last word in the sentence: Soulbel! Celestia then realized who Frowny was talking about. The picture of Soulbel then formed in the center of the room. Celestia gasped and almost couldn't look at the picture of Soulbel. It can't be! Not THAT! Frowny sighed and answered: I saw this creature walking in circles near my training grounds and found out it was crating golems. Golems? are you sure? Celestia gathered herself and looked mildly relieved at what Frowny said. Don't get the wrong idea princess. I have fought these golems before and I can assure you they're impossible to defeat without they're only weakness. Celestia answered: So what do you want me to do about this? Frowny smiled at her and said: Two weeks from now the attack will commence and I expect Soulbel will use it's army to break through the barrier for it to pass through freely. When that happens I want you to have the sun shining at all I repeat ALL TIMES! It would greatly increase our chances to survive. Celestia spread her wings and spoke: I will answer this thread exactly so. But what are you planning to do Frowny? Frowny seemed happy that Celestia asked. I will help the elements of harmony to protect everything that Soulbel wishes to see destroyed. I'm sure you noticed the purple light coming from Ponyville yesterday. That was my method to exponentially increase The element of magic it's power. Celestia came closer to Frowny and said: The method you used was dangerous. I understand why you did this but was it really needed? Frowny then came closer to Celestia and answered: Trust me, I have enough experience to know how to deal with this. Thats when Luna entered the room and quickly noticed Frowny standing before Celestia. Frowny thought to himself: Thats strange... I don't remember the princess having a sister before. Luna looked nervous at Frowny and said: A visitor? But I never saw him before. Is this the subject you talked to me about sister? Frowny bowed once again and greeted: Greetings princess Luna. When Frowny looked back up he saw the shocked look on Luna's face when she just heard that a complete stranger just called her name. Celestia also looked at Frowny a little shocked and said to Luna This is indeed the subject I spoke to you about. His name is Frowny Shineless. Luna still felt a little hesitant to come closer but then came down the stairs to the center of the room and greeted with an unnerving tone: G-Greetings sir Shineless, I've heard many things about you from my sister. Frowny lightened up and wanted to talk to her but then thought of Soulbel sped through his mind and looked at Celestia again to continue his speech: I ask you permission to further train the elements to prepare for the great battle that will come. And not to forget I will keep you updated of the situation. The princess laughed softly at Frowny and answered: I don't own them. You can ask all of them yourself, and besides isn't it true that you have already involved them into this case more than they would ever find out? If I didn't have you even I would have been clueless about how to handle this and Canterlot would be in great danger! Celestia paused for a moment and looked out the window of the room that gave her a view over Ponyville. I give you my trust. But I seek more information from you. Frowny collected his thoughts and answered: Soulbel has the ability to control the minds of other ponies. And if Soulbel's victims submit they will never be able to turn back again. It is a struggle I overcame by studying myself and how the mind works. I have discovered a way to reject Soulbel's spell and wishes to share it with the elements. When Celestia heard about Soulbel's ability to control other ponies she got startled. This study you made... Does that mean that... You Frowny... can read minds? When Celestia said that to Frowny it didn't seem to affect him but Luna that was listening to them became a little scared of Frowny. It's not like I wanted to study it. I had to in order to be able to protect myself against 'it'. I didn't want to become a danger to all of you again. Celestia turned to Frowny and she looked at him saying: I understand. But you know I can't approve your behavior at other ponies minds. Frowny thought about a good answer to this question and gave a satisfying answer: I'm not proud of it either and believe me I only intend to teach the elements how to recognize mind control spells and how to negate them. I do not intend to probe each and every pony to unlock their deepest secrets to me. that would be like 20 years ago all over again. Celestia believed him to be saying the truth and began trusting him completely. Alright Frowny you can leave now and don't forget to visit your family. They've been waiting for you ever since they got the word yesterday! Frowny's face then lightened up and he was expressing happiness all over. He then said while being very excited: Yes! Thank you you're highness I'll see you again sometime! Then he left containing himself not to gallop in the direction of the door. Luna then shouted: WAIT! I've been meaning to ask. How did you know my name when you have never seen me before! Frowny looked at Luna while walking to the door and answered happily: It's written all over your face princess Luna! When Frowny left the palace he started running towards the place he remembered to be home and he was very happy to finally get the chance to meet them after so much time. He almost skipped of excitement. Ponies that saw him running looked at him while he was passing them by. After a while Frowny arrived at the door of what he remembered to be his home. His Excitement suddenly disappeared and he got a little nervous facing is parents after 20 years. He knocked at the door. Then he could see someone coming to the door from inside the house. When the door opened Frowny recognized the unicorn to be his mother Goldihart. Frowny!? Is... Is that you? Goldihart inspected the pony that stood before her and Frowny then answered in tears: Yes mother! It's me! Goldihart didn't hesitate once to jump to her son and hug him tight. Told you I was gonna return... Frowny whispered to Goldihart. Please Frowny! Come inside! Frowny dried his tears and stepped in the house. As Frowny walked through the hall he recognized many things from the past. When word about you reached us I felt my heart skipping a beat. I was just so happy to finally hear about you! Frowny's mother sounded as if she was still sobbing. I-I don't know what to say. I've been wanting to see you ever since too! But I had to finish my assignment first. I'll tell you about it later mother! Thats when the two unicorns arrived at the door to Frowny's father his study and Frowny's mother then said. Your father is studying in his room dear! He was even more excited when he heard about your return! Frowny approached the door and opened. The room he entered sure looked like his father's study only he noticed even more books filled the cases and the lectern looked newer and more polished. When the door opened the pony standing at the desk turned around and was surprised to see his son. So it was true then! Frowny my son, you have returned! the stallion dashed to his son to hug him. I missed you father! You have become so strong in all this time my boy! I can hardly believe it. Later that day Frowny had explained everything he experienced since he was banished to the deeper parts. Frowny told about the first couple of days how he familiarized with the huge area and how he survived on the scarce amount of food that was around for him. Of course the bigger part of his time there he trained physically and mentally through a daily routine that he set up for himself. With witty remarks of Goldihart that it sure paid off! Of course Frowny did get to the points where he discovered more about his Nightmare abilities and how to use them. The story he told got a little darker tint to it. The hardships Frowny had to overcome were too rigorous to imagine. However, it did come to clarify the mysteries about the ability. But much more than that he didn't want to tell. Frowny lastly told about the sweet moment of freedom when he got out of the deeper parts and re-embraced freedom at last. Only to remind himself of the even darker task set ahead of him. Frowny briefly explained his activity in the last few days and why he had to postpone his arrival back home until now. Finally, he told about the meeting with the princess earlier this day. And thats when I got over here as fast as I could to meet you Mother, Father. That's quite a tale Frowny. I cannot express how proud I am of your return! Grimmer praised. Oh but you never express anything Grimmer! Goldihart teased. Grimmer smirked softly. Goldihart wanted to know more about Frowny's task. So she asked: So you're gonna train the elements to be able to fend off this Soubel threat? Frowny simply nodded. But from the way you spoke of this thing you are not sure the elements will be able to do it all on their own. Isn't it a good idea to inform military instances about this? The princess is gonna take care of that I presume. They'll probably ask you to fight alongside the army as well. Frowny answered. Undoubtedly. The princess acknowledges the Shineless to be a powerful addition to the military. And I for one will be glad to fight this war alongside you son! Grimmer replied. Frowny smiled upon hearing that answer. What about you mother? My fighting days are over. I'm sure I'll be better off as a military advisor. However I think I know a great substitute for myself... Goldihart's speech was interrupted by somepony entering the house unexpectedly. Mommy I'm hooome! Frowny's eyes widened of surprise at the voice he heard. It was of a young filly. Frowny looked back at Goldihart who cheerfully said: Well, what a coincidence. I was just about to tell you about dear Tourmaline... Goldihart turned her head towards the door and shouted: We're in the living room dear! To the supposed filly entering the house. What did you just say, mother? Frowny asked still surprised by what he heard. While you were gone we got a filly in the family! Thats when the filly suddenly entered the living room and halted at the sight of an unfamiliar pony. Mommy, who is this? Goldihart stood up and said: Tourmaline, dear, meet you're big brother Frowny! BIG BROTHER!!? Tourmaline shouted. little sister? Frowny silently whispered to himself. The two siblings approached each other. They're eyes widened with each step they took towards each other. Frowny glanced at his mother and then back to his little sister who looked at him with big, curious eyes. Frowny noticed the markings around her eyes and horn. These markings are a tradition to the Shineless bloodline to make mares look more intimidating to they're opponents in battle. Tourmaline then suddenly spoke up: So... Your my big brother then, huh? Frowny was quiet for a couple of seconds and then replied Yeah... Tourmaline was slightly irritated with Frowny's dull response and shouted to him: Is that all you have to say!? geez... I expected more from my big brother. Well excuse me... What did you expect me to say to you then? Well I don't know, maybe AN INTRODUCTION??? Frowny then realized he was talking to a Shineless here. his little sister clearly got her attitude from her father. Who was also very short tempered. Sorry, my bad. let's redo this then. I'm Frowny Shineless, you're 25 year old big brother. Tourmaline cleared up and came closer to Frowny My name is Tourmaline. I'm your 9 year old sister! Oh wow you look so buff! I can't wait to introduce you to my friends at the academy! Frowny's face was covered with a huge grin upon hearing that coming out of his little sister and he laughed. Frowny's father then stood up and walked towards Frowny to say something to him. Or rather... Whisper something in his ear: Frowny, Your sister's magical powers exceed Goldihart's. She could be a really good fighter for you. However her training is still incomplete, so... Frowny's face turned serious as he listened to his father's words. He took a look at Tourmaline's horn and noticed that her horn was indeed a deeper color then the rest of Tourmaline's coat. despite the comparably colored marking that seemed to blend in almost perfectly. This would mean that she is indeed above average. I'll consider it father, though. Tourmaline is still young. But are you sure she is warrior material? Tourmaline then started shouting again: Well DUH! I throw punches stronger then the royal guards! I can flatten trees and crumble boulders in a flash! Frowny then looked back at his father who said: You see what I mean? Frowny then looked back at Tourmaline once again and sighed Well then Tourmaline. Expect some training sessions next week. So be sure to brush up on you're skills because I won't go easy on you! Tourmaline's face cleared up. YAY FINALLY A NEW CHALLENGER! Frowny realized it was getting late. He decided to return to the cave he left Twilight in. Frowny told his parents he needed to return and continue his mission. So he prepared his bags to head for the door. The rest walked him out. Frowny dear, do you promise to visit soon? We still have a lot of catching up to do! Goldihart said Of course I will! But for sure we will see each other again when I pick up Tourmaline Frowny answered. You Betcha don't big brother! Or else I'll be chasing after you anyway!! Tourmaline shouted. Well, until then mother, father, Toury. He then left the house and Teleported away ...Hold on... Did he just call me Toury!? Tourmaline asked her mother. Goldihart laughed a little while she shed another tear. When Frowny was nearing Ponyville, he remembered that Twilight was still in his cave training. He closed his eyes, concentrated and then suddenly disappeared in thin air again teleporting to Twilights location wondering what she learned. END OF CHAPTER