//------------------------------// // Chapter 39 // Story: 64 vs. The Underground // by Jman9877 //------------------------------// Chapter 39 64 POV The first few minutes after we touched down were the most hectic, with happy relatives overjoyed to see their sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters again. Unfortunately some still needed serious medical support, so we had to sort those out and get them to the Infirmary quickly. Katrina and Willow Leaf were ecstatic when they saw their son Stomper coming for them, but they were horrified to see that he had a cast on him. Trist and Heavy Hoof shared a happy reunion with their daughter, who flew into their arms and started crying tears of joy. I saw Wilt Rose standing in the crowd, searching for his daughter frantically in the crowd. I pointed him out to Crescent Rose and saw her eyes widen, before she went bolting towards him. When his eyes met hers he started weeping in joy, embracing her with his eyes widened. All over the courtyard there were joyful reunions, but to the few unlucky parents, they had to watch their foals being wheeled to the Infirmary for things such as amputations and surgeries. Applejack saw the state Applebloom was in and simply stared with a horrified expression, as if she wasn’t believing what she was seeing. I walked up to her and watched as Applebloom was wheeled into the Palace on a stretcher, disappearing from sight. “She’s not hurt physically… she just couldn’t handle something that she had to do.” I answered honestly, looking down at Applejack. “She may need to stay here for a while. I think she’s gonna need some expert help to help her forget.” Applejack simply said nothing and allowed tears to stream down her face, before she brought her hat down to her face and sobbed into it. I didn’t know what to do, so I just kneeled down and wrapped my arms around her neck to bring her into a hug. She reciprocated the hug and wept into my shoulder, and it sounded as if she was trying to say something through her tears. “A-Ah… j-jus’ wanted ta s-say… thank ya… thank ya so much for bringin’ her home…” Applejack sobbed into my shoulder, causing my shirt to become damp. I just nodded and allowed her to release her pent up emotion, obviously distressed from not knowing where her little sister was for the past 2 and a half days. “It was nothing… I had to make up for a bad fuck up on my part. Luckily she wasn’t too seriously hurt… when she comes to and sees you hopefully she’ll realize that her ordeal is over and she can just forget about it.” I consoled, not really having much experience in that department. Applejack took a step back and wiped her tears, putting her hat back on her head. “Ah… Ah acted like such a fool when ya first lost her. Ah nearly had Ponyville up in arms to find ya… then ah get some Pegasus knockin’ at mah door sayin’ that ya just busted through a mountain ta try and get Applebloom back… then when ah got ta Canterlot ah saw jus’ how many others ya were tryin’ ta save.” Applejack sniffled, obviously feeling regret for her actions. At this point in my life… apologies didn’t mean anything to me. I had gotten an apology from Celestia. I had gotten an apology from Vi. I had gotten an apology from Applejack. Every apology weighed on me like a ton of bricks, and every one of them made me feel like they owed me something. I didn’t want anyone to feel that way about me, I just wanted to do the right thing. “I’m just doing my job. I can guarantee that any one of these Royal Guards would have done the same if they were put into my shoes.” I tried to explain, not liking the fact that many saw me as some sort of hero. “Maybe… but ya did try ta make up for it with actions instead of tryin’ ta apologize ta me, and that’s worth a lot more than ya think ta me.” Applejack replied, giving me a small smile before a frown came upon her face. “Can ya tell me what happened to her 64? Please?” I knew that I shouldn’t but I just couldn’t keep it under wraps for her to find out. “She… had a traumatic experience. She was actually able to escape with my companion Ghost’s help. Maybe he can explain it to you better… Ghost! Come over here will ya?” I called, seeing Ghost talking to Cardinal Berry and her parents, Marion and Red. They looked much happier than when I saw them a while ago. Ghost walked over and saw Applejack, not knowing who she was. “Ghost, this is Applejack, Applebloom’s sister. I think you should explain what happened in there to her.” Ghost looked down at his hooves and rub his leg nervously, before looking up at the mare. “I was able to her help her escape by stealing the keys off of a guard, and when we helped a few others escape, I had to lead guards away from them. Apparently when I left… Applebloom and the group made it outside…” “What happened that was so terrible then?” Applejack asked slowly, waiting for Ghost to continue. “There were a few Gryphons trying to keep anypony from escaping, and Applebloom managed to get hold of a knife… She had to kill one of the Gryphons, and after that she went into a state of shock… and after that I don’t know anything else. I’m really sorry! I-I didn’t mean for anything bad to happen!” Ghost pleaded, a few tears streaming down his chitin cheeks. Applejack covered her mouth in shock at the mention of Applebloom killing a Gryphon, a few tears gathering in her eyes. Loss of innocence was an experience that nopony liked, but for it to be ripped away from a filly like that so suddenly… it was something I couldn’t even imagine. “Applejack, we’re going to make sure that she gets the best possible treatment here. You don’t have to worry about her anymore, she’ll be safe here.” I said softly, putting my hand on her shoulder. She sniffled and nodded, wiping her eyes free of tears. “Ah… Ah don’t know what ta say…” Applejack sobbed with her head down. “Then don’t say anything… Wait right here.” I said, standing up and looking for Sawbones. I found him looking over a colt that had a bloody bandage around what used to be his right hindleg, making me wince in pain. “Sawbones, where did they take Applebloom?” “B34. Why, family here?” He asked, not taking his eyes off of the injured colt. “Yup, thanks.” I walked over and gave the room number to Applejack, who silently nodded and walked into the Palace. Ghost went with her, wanting to see how his friend was. Honestly I was glad that Ghost now had somepony his age to interact with. No changeling colt needs to be surrounded by the amount of violence in our line of work. “64… a word.” Shining Armor called from his Chariot, waving a hoof at me. I went over and crossed my arms. “Yes?” “We’re going to go see Princess Celestia with this book. I need you to promise me something. No matter what she asks, please do not argue.” I nodded slowly at the one order, which would be easy. I already did things that would make the most hardened stallions run away in fear. “Lead the way Captain.” We entered the Palace and looked around, seeing a plethora of decorations for Nightmare Night. “Shit, that’s in two days huh?” I asked, making Shining nod. “Huh, maybe I’ll get a costume.” Shining didn’t respond, obviously focused on the threat on the horizon. We entered the Throne Room and saw Princess Celestia and Luna sitting in their respective Thrones, each with small grin. “Captain, Project 64. We received word of a Mission Success, well done. This had been an incredible victory against the unjust today. Are there any prisoners?” Celestia asked us, with Shining Armor nodding in response. “We have Shura Slava in custody. Unfortunately all of her other close accomplices have been disposed of.” Shining replied, giving me a look of acknowledgment. “Very good. We would like to find out if there is anything else she might have been up to. We will obviously be keeping her under tighter security this time around.” “Actually Celestia, there’s something of a bit more importance right now… Show her Shining.” I spoke up, not wanting to drag this on any longer than it needed to be. Shining nodded and pulled the journal out of his Saddlebags, levitating it over to the 2 Princesses. Celestia and Luna held it between themselves and each began to read it, their eyes slowly widening slowly. All was silent as they continued to read, as Shining Armor and I simply stood still and awaited a response. We gave each other a nervous glance. If they reacted badly to this, it could spark something both of us weren’t ready for. “Shining Armor… what is this?” Luna asked us, braking away from the book for a moment. “It’s a journal kept by Shura Slava. Those reports are dated as recent a few days ago.” Shining answered, standing straight. “Project 64, Shining Armor. Report to the War Room in 10 minutes…” Celestia whispered, not taking her eyes off of the book. Shining and I turned to each other slowly, both of our eyes widening. 3rd Person POV The War Room. It was a room about the size of the Throne Room, but was a bit more furnished. Not furnished in the decorative sense, but furnished with a large map of the World on the wall, another on a large table in the center of the room, and large chairs surrounding the center table. 64 and Shining Armor both entered the large room, both nervous of what was to come. When the human walked to the center table, he noticed a very large layer of dust covering it. “My guess is this room hasn’t been very well used?” He asked, dragging his finger over the table to see what he accumulated. “Never actually… created under command of Penman Scribe, one of Celestia’s first Royal Advisors. Actually… I recall Super Nova using this room when she was here. One of Silent Knight’s journal entries describes him being dragged down here to plan an assault to find you.” Shining answered, making 64 roll his eyes. “Well I’m glad that I was able to give this room a bit of use. Looks creepy as hell, couldn’t at least paint the cement on the walls different color?” The walls were a solid grey color, contrasting with the bright colors of the Palace hallways outside. “Hey, when you start to talk about interior decorating, that’s when I start to tune out.” Shining Armor joked, making 64 chuckle. The Captain walked over to the center table and used a spell to eliminate the dust from the surface, sending it who knows where. “I never thought that I might see an actual war in my lifetime… I always thought that we were better than that…” 64 shook his head, sitting in one of the large chairs. “If we were, then I wouldn’t have a job.” The doors burst open with a yellow glow, revealing Princess Celestia standing there with a scowl on her face. 64 and Shining Armor both stood straight at attention, wondering what she would do. She stomped over and showed that she was still levitating Shura’s journal in her magic, before slamming it onto the Center table. “Hostile takeover… that’s what the nations of Ethaxial and Capras are planning. They are currently awaiting confirmation from Mutarus to join them. Changelings… Gryphons… and Zebras… joining together to take over Equestria.” Celestia said slowly, growling with nearly every word. “Princess… what will be our next course of action?” Shining asked carefully, already starting to see smoke starting to rise from her mane. It seemed that Celestia herself didn’t know the answer to that question, because she took a few moments to catch her breath and think about it. When she finally did calm herself, she took a seat at the Center Table. Taking this as a sign, 64 and Shining Armor both sat as well. “I have confirmed this from Shura Slava herself, who without her outfit of thugs assisting her is very easy to break. Fortunately, the plans of this invasion are in its early stages, meaning we have time to either retaliate, or prepare to defend ourselves…” Celestia said, laying out the two choices. 64 had a thought, a Plan C if you would. “What about any kind of diplomatic approach, laying down terms for a truce?” 64 offered, hoping that nations wouldn’t have to clash. “Although that might work… I will not risk sending a diplomat in any of the opposing countries. If it is revealed that we have learned of their plans, they might decide to act violently towards the diplomat.” 64 smirked and raised his hand. “I’ve never tried talking things out before. Maybe I could try?” Shining Armor had to stifle a chuckle, before realizing that Celestia was actually considering it. “Wait, you’re serious?” “Yeah. I can talk out the terms for a Peace Treaty between the countries involved, and if all goes well, then I won’t need to fight my way out.” Celestia had her eyes closed, a frown on her face as she contemplated silently. “It is a sound plan… but I have one better. I apologize 64… but your skills in diplomacy are about as good as a snail’s skill in Track and Field.” “Well then? What’s your plan?” 64 asked, leaning forward and placing his elbows on the table. “A diplomat will be sent… with a Guard Escort with him or her at all times. They will attempt to write out a treaty with the Ambassadors from the other nations. This is where you come in…” Celestia whispered slowly. “You will be infiltrating the nation selected for the signing of the Treaty, and search for any other malicious plans. We must find out what they have against us.” 64 leaned back in the chair and looked up towards the ceiling, blowing smoke out of his mouth. “No rest for the wicked I guess…” “I will begin arranging the signing of the Treaty… Shining, you will begin building a formidable army.” Celestia ordered, turning to Shining Armor, whose eyes widened. “Wait! I thought we were going to do this diplomatically! Why do we need to build an army!?” Shining yelled nervously; obviously still hold some qualms about fighting a war. “We must be prepared for anything Shining. Meanwhile… enjoy these upcoming days. Nightmare Night is around the corner, and if the rumors are correct then my sister will be attending the celebration in Ponyville this year.” Celestia said with a smile, changing the tone of our very serious conversation. “That’s like telling us to enjoy our last moments because the guillotine suddenly broke and needs repairs. But I guess it’s not unwelcome, I seriously need a few days to unwind after everything that has happened…” 64 said, slumping a bit in his chair. “I hear you… Well Princess, I can’t say that I’m entirely sure about this plan, but if you say it will work, then I’ll follow through with it.” Shining spoke, saluting with his hoof. “I’ll get to work on building up an army right away.” “Thank you Shining Armor. You are both dismissed.” Celestia said, closing her eyes and taking a breath in. 64 and Shining Armor stood from their seats and gave a small bow towards the Princess, before turning and walking out of the War Room. 64 glanced over his shoulder and saw Celestia place a multitude of different colored flags on the table, labeling the map. She moved Equestria’s flags forward in all directions. 64 POV After the ordeal in the War Room, I decided that I would go check up on Applebloom and see if she had woken up yet. The poor filly must be scared to death just waking up in Canterlot out of nowhere. I made my way up to the room B34 of the infirmary, flashing my badge to get clearance into Applebloom’s hospital room. I knocked softly on the door, wanting to make sure I wasn’t interrupting anything. “Come in.” Ghost’s voice sounded out, sounding a bit more chipper than it was than the last I had heard it. I opened the door and stepped in to see a conscious Applebloom lying on the bed with a small smile on her face, and Applejack standing next to the bed. “Hey there. How are you doing Applebloom?” I asked, leaning back against the door. “Ah’m… ah’m alright ah suppose. Ah don’t feel too good in my stomach though…” Applebloom confessed, rubbing her stomach a bit. “Ah’m jus’ glad that it’s all over.” “So am I. Just take it easy for the next few days and you’ll be okay.” I said, before turning to Applejack. “Can I talk to you outside? Privately?” Applejack looked a bit surprised by my question, but nodded nonetheless. We both stepped outside and closed the door behind us. “What’s this about 64?” Applejack asked, making me sigh a bit. “She’s gonna need a caretaker. I don’t mean like a babysitter or somepony to just watch over her, but a specialized caretaker who can deal with PTSD victims. Applebloom is gonna be prone to walking nightmares and hallucination for a while, and it would definitely be best to get help for her.” “Gosh… ah… ah didn’t realize who serious this was. Ah thought she would jus’ be gettin’ some therapy or somethin’…” Applejack whispered, looking down at her hooves. “If she were a bit older that’s all she would need, but she’s at a really vulnerable age, and anything that she sees will be soaked up like a sponge.” We were both interrupted by a blood curdling scream coming from inside the room, causing me to overreact a bit and kick the door down to see what was going on. Applebloom was now on the floor shaking and crying into Ghost’s chest, who was trying his best to try and calm her down. “GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT GET IT OUT GET IT OUT!” Applebloom screamed, obviously referring to the image she was seeing in her head. Applejack was about to take her out of Ghost’s grip and try to do something. But I held her back by the tail. “What in the name of Celestia do ya think yer doin?! Let me go!” Applejack yelled, but I just pulled her to my side. “She needs what made her feel safe in the Mines… watch…” I whispered, pointing to Ghost. “Calm down Applebloom, you aren’t in danger anymore… the bad ponies are all gone… you’re safe here…” Ghost whispered consolingly, slowly but surely bringing Applebloom down from her episode. It wasn’t long before she was simply crying into his chitin chest, as he slowly rocked her back and forth comfortingly. “And that’s how it’s done.” I said, grinning at my companion. “How in the hay did he do that?” Applejack asked astonished, wondering what she had just seen. “When the mind starts to deteriorate and relive a traumatic experience, it reacts best to what made them feel safe and secure in that situation. Apparently in this case, the thing that made Applebloom feel the safest, was Ghost.” I looked down at the changeling who was rocking Applebloom back to sleep, before I slowly levitated her back into the bed. She now looked peaceful, as if she was simply asleep without nightmares plaguing her mind. “Applejack, I think I know who the perfect Caretaker for Applebloom will be.” I said smugly, grinning down at Ghost. His cheeks flared red.