Reflection
Chapter Seven
Blackjack paced his cell, trying to find something to entertain himself with. It had been a week since his interrogation with AR and Delta, and he hadn't been out of his cell since. His fur was matted and putrid from a lack of bathing, and he was miserable.
"Solitary confinement," he said to himself with a chuckle. "If I had a bit for every time I walked around this cage, I'd be rich!"
He paused as his lunch was slid underneath the hatch to the cell. Blackjack walked over to it and began to eat. He stopped, realizing that his lunch was a plate of spaghetti. He shook his head.
It's just a coincidence, the stallion told himself. Nothing more.
Blackjack took another bite and savored the taste. He tasted a slight kick and he looked at the pasta in fear. Great! Now my mind's playing tricks on me!
He pushed the plate aside, his eyes falling on a rolled piece of paper hidden beneath it. Curious, he picked it up, black chalk falling out of its side. Blackjack picked the chalk up and read the paper.
Had a small bottle of the Crystal Empire's hottest sauce in my bags; thought you'd like something to change the flavor of the spaghetti. That chalk should work on the walls of your cell, so feel free to do what you want with it. I'm getting transfered to the Crystal Empire tomorrow, so I guess this is goodbye. I wish you all the luck in the world, and I'll keep you in my prayers.
With all due respect,
Private Flash Sentry, Equestrian Royal Guard.
P.S. found out that your trial's in three days.
Blackjack smiled, feeling his eyes water. He had made a friend in the most unlikely way. He put the chalk and Flash's letter in the pockets of his orange jumpsuit, then began to eat his meal happily. Coincidence or not, this really lightens my spirit.
After he finished the meal, he stood and took out the chalk. He looked at the blank white walls of his cell, inspiration taking hold. He started by drawing a treble clef, adding five lines next to it. Then, he began to write. A song began to take shape; the chalk a blur in his quick hands.
He paused, admiring his latest composition. He felt that it was missing something, then, he had it! Lyrics! The stallion thought. Blackjack continued to work, the words of the song appearing like magic on the wall. When he had finished, he smiled proudly. Then, dropping the chalk, Blackjack began to sing the new song.
"There once was a colt nopony knew; he slept in trees and was homeless too. But that all changed one bright sunny day, for the apple was given and he didn't have to pay. A Golden Oak, a golden heart; the Magic didn't let him fall apart.
"Don't look back, don't be afraid! Cause if you do, you'll find only pain! Keep your eyes focused on tomorrow; cause when you do, you'll depart this land of sorrow. The road is long, I know; just promise me you'll never let me go. Thank you for this wonderful time; I'll keep this promise locked inside.
"With four golden years were memories made; many friends who stuck with him through blood, sweat, and pain. But all things good shall come to an end; at the Gala the Prince's blood is shed.
"Don't look back, don't be afraid! Cause if you do, you'll only find pain! Keep your eyes focused on tomorrow; cause when you do, you'll depart from this land of sorrow. The road is long, I know; just promise me you'll never let me go. Thank you for this wonderful time; I'll keep this promise locked inside.
"Two Pegasi and a guard for a friend; they help him mend. But will they find the reason this all began? Time is running out with its cruel, unyielding hands.
"Don't look back, don't be afraid! Cause if you do, you'll only find pain! Keep your eyes focused on tomorrow; cause when you do, you'll depart from this land of sorrow. The road is long, I know; just promise me you'll never let me go. Thank you for this wonderful time; I'll keep this promise locked inside."
There was a knock on his door, and it opened. A Royal Guard entered the cell, cuffs in hand. "You're coming with me," he said. "AR and Delta have a few more questions for you."
Blackjack let the guard cuff him and take him down to an interrogation room. He sat down in a chair, the guard leaving. "Hello Blackjack," Delta said. "Good to see you again."
"Same here," Blackjack replied. "So, what else do you need to know?"
"That can wait. For now, we have something important to tell you."
"We found Dusty," AR said. "He's given us information that could get you out by the time the trial's over."
"Wait, Dusty?" Blackjack asked. "As in, the Dusty that tried to kill Mac and I?"
"Yes. You're not going to believe this, but after he was arrested that night you were shot, he's changed. We brought him in from a weather factory in Cloudsdale."
"Unfortunately," Delta said with a sigh. "We went there under the assumption that he was still working for Black Ice. That assumption cost both Dusty and his wife their jobs."
"He has a wife?" Blackjack asked. "You're right, I don't believe it."
"Hear us out, Blackjack. Dusty told us that Black Ice was at the Gala."
"What?!?"
"Blackjack, if what Dusty said is true, then it will be instrumental in your release. That is, if you can prove it."
"What do you mean?"
"Blackjack, it's time for you to tell us what happened at the Gala."
Blackjack was silent for a moment. "Alright," he said, shaking his head. "Where do you want me to begin?"
"The day you were making preparations."
'-'
One week, one day ago...
"C'mon Spike!" Blackjack exclaimed. "We need to get the library spotless before Twilight gets back from Rarity's!"
"I'm cleaning as fast as I can BJ," Spike replied as he mopped the floor. "Take it easy, will ya?"
"Sorry Spike. I just can't believe I got invited to the Grand Galloping Gala!"
It had been a week since he and his friends had recieved their invitations in the mail. Blackjack had read and re-read the letter so many times that he knew it by heart. Even now it was going through his head.
Blackjack the Fiddler,
You are cordially invited to this year's Grand Galloping Gala. I have heard great things about you and your skill as a musician, so I request that you would play with the band that will be at the Gala for a song or two. I cannot express how eager I am to hear you play.
Sincerely, Princess Celestia
Blackjack put another book away just as Twilight walked through the Golden Oak's front door. "Blackjack, Spike," she said. "I'm back."
"Welcome home Twilight," Blackjack replied, climbing down from the ladder. "Did you get your dress from Rarity?"
"Right here!" Twilight levitated the dress next to her, which was sealed inside a cover. "Wow! Did you two clean up?"
"Yes ma'am! We figured that you might have a lot of preparations to make for tomorrow, so we cleaned up for you."
"Aw, thank you, BJ." She hugged him, Spike chuckling at Blackjack.
The phone rang, Spike answering it. "Hello? Oh, hi Rarity. No, Blackjack's a little busy right now. Alright, I'll tell him. Bye. Rarity wants you over at her place, BJ."
"Alright," Blackjack replied. "Spike, help out Twilight with anything else she needs." The stallion began to walk out the door, then turned to the dragon. "And Spike, not a word."
"My lips are sealed, Pinkie Pie promise." Spike did the motions and Blackjack nodded, leaving the library.
Blackjack strolled down the streets of Ponyville, waving at several ponies with his forehoof as he passed by and wishing them a good afternoon. The black stallion smiled as he heard his fellow citizens quietly discussing the plans he had for the Gala.
"Hey Blackjack," Roseluck said with a smile. "Would you like a daisy?"
"Sure!" Blackjack replied. "Thanks, Roseluck!"
"Oh, it's the least I could do after you helped me pick out an entire supply of flowers. Here you go!" The mare tossed the flower at him, and Blackjack caught it in his teeth and ate it.
"Good luck tomorrow night, BJ!" Roseluck exclaimed as he walked away.
Blackjack arrived at Rarity's boutique, the door chiming as he walked in. "Oh Blackjack, darling!" Rarity exclaimed, walking up to him. She was wearing her glasses, her tape measurer hanging loosely on her neck. "I was wondering when you would arrive!"
"Good to see you too," Blackjack replied, hugging her with his forehooves. "How are you, Rarity?"
"Absolutely ecstatic! I mean, we are guests at the Grand Galloping Gala! Speaking of which, what in Equestria are you wearing?"
"Casual clothes, why?"
"No no no! This simply will not do! Come along dear, I'll put you in something a little more proper."
Before he knew it, Blackjack was behind a vanity screen, a tuxedo hanging next to him. He undressed then put the suit on; he walked out from behind the screen when he was dressed.
"Oh marvelous!" Rarity exclaimed, clapping her hooves. "That red vest really brings out your eyes, Blackjack!"
"Wow," the stallion replied, looking at himself through a mirror. "This looks amazing! Thank you, Rarity!" Blackjack hugged her, and she laughed.
"Oh my! No no, thank you! Your white suit wouldn't be this way without your big plan! Now run along, you have more preparations to do."
"Alright. See you tomorrow, Rarity!"
Blackjack walked out of her boutique, beginning to whistle merrily. He felt the urge to sing from happiness, and he did so, walking down Ponyville's streets.
"Hello everypony! I just wanted to say: I'm happy that I could help you all with anything each day-a-ay! It didn't matter how, I'm telling you, that's true. Cause helping out my friends is just a pleasure to do!
"But now I need your help this very day. I've got a plan to propose tomorrow, and all I really need is your help for a while, so I can propose tomorrow night!"
Blackjack now had a crowd following him through town, interested in his song. Blackjack found himself in the marketplace, Gold Karat waving him over. "Thanks for all the help," he sang. "Please, Blackjack, take this ring. Don't think about paying up, it's a gift to you from me!"
Blackjack smiled and put the ring in the locket that hung around his neck. He suddenly found himself being dragged to the Apple family's stand. "Now if you're kind of worried," Big Mac sang, his hoof around his friend. "An' that she might say no-"
"We'll work real hard and do our best," Applejack cut in. "To help you both to come around!"
"Cause you've been a great friend Blackjack," Applebloom added. "Help'n me to get my Cutie Mark, that's what you did!"
Rainbow Dash flew down and gave Blackjack a noogie. "We'll be with you until the bitter end-"
"But that day isn't near!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, throwing confetti.
Fluttershy then took the stallion aside, looking at him sincerely. "It's true, you came here scared and lonely. But that's now in the past, and your friends will be there to help you win that lucky mare's hoof!"
"You have made us all very happy," Rarity said, pinning a rose to Blackjack's suit coat. "For that were oh so thankful! You've helped us out, now it's our turn to help you out!"
"I really am so happy," Blackjack replied, turning to the crowd. "Thank you all for helping me! I gave some help, I get your help, that's just amazing to me! Thank you all for helping me, me, me! Tell me what I did to be deserving; I'm at a loss of words from all you're doing for me! You all just made my day-ay!"
"Come on everypony," the residents of Ponyville began to sing. "Help out BJ! Let's all help him out like he had helped us! Go see if we can help him out, so he can propose tomorrow!"
They began to continue this for a while, Ivory Scroll, the Mayor of Ponyville walking up to Blackjack with a paper and pen. Blackjack beamed, seeing that it was a wedding license. He signed his name and asked, "Can you keep this until she says yes?"
The Mayor nodded, taking the license away. The town cheered, Pinkie Pie firing her Party Cannon. The town disbanded, many ponies pausing to wish Blackjack luck. He bade them farewell and went back to the library.
'-'
The Next Day...
Blackjack tied the final knot on his bowtie, and straightened it until it was level. He then put on his locket and triple-checked that the ring was inside of it. Satisfied, Blackjack put Hearth Fire in its case and left his room. The stallion left the library, and put his violin on the top of a carriage that Twilight had made from an apple a few minutes ago.
"Howdy BJ," Big Mac said, joining his friend. "Nice suit, little buddy!"
"Hey Mac," Blackjack replied. "You look pretty fancy there yourself. Never would've imagined a farm-colt like you wearing a tuxedo."
"Well, I am going to the Gala with Fluttershy. Besides, I'm tagging along to make sure you don't screw up on your proposal."
Blackjack crossed his arms. "Since when did you know anything about proposing?"
The stallion's cheeks turned an even brighter shade of red as he rubbed his neck. "Fluttershy made me watch an episode of Needle In A Haystack once."
Blackjack laughed, turning to see Spike exit the library, followed by the six mares. Blackjack blinked, admiring the way that the setting sun reflected off of Twilight's light blue dress. "Hi guys," she said. "Are you two ready to go?"
"Yes ma'am," Big Mac replied, elbowing Blackjack out of his daze. "Spike, do you mind helping the fillies in while we hitch ourselves to the carriage?"
"Not at all," Spike replied. He opened the door, and the mares took their seats inside the carriage.
"You got the ring?" Big Mac asked Blackjack in a whisper.
"Right here," the black stallion replied, tapping his locket. "Unconventional, I know, but that's the plan. Mac...do you think that she'll say yes?"
"Eeyup. In fact, I don't see why she wouldn't accept your hoof in marriage."
Blackjack smiled. "Thanks bud."
"Hey," the stallion replied as he tousled Blackjack's mane. "What're friends for?"
The two hitched themselves to the carriage after becoming quadruple, Spike climbing up to the driver's seat. "Alright everypony! Next stop: The Grand Galloping Gala!" The teenage dragon flicked the reins, and the two stallions trotted off, pulling the carriage behind them.
'-'
"Big Mac," Spike said. "Blackjack, may I be the first to say: welcome to Canterlot!"
Blackjack smiled at the sight of Equestria's capital city, the castle standing proudly above all the other buildings. The two stallions brought the carriage into the castle courtyard, and Blackjack unhitched to help the six mares out when they were stopped at the front of the castle entrance.
"Thank you dear," Rarity said, grabbing the black stallion's hand on her way out. "Well girls, it seems that we are here once again."
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash replied. "Hopefully tonight won't be like last time."
"Why would it be?" Pinkie Pie asked. "After all, Blackjack's going to-" she stopped herself, clamping her hands over her mouth.
"Perform for the Princesses," Blackjack finished for her, grinning his half grin. "Hey Mac, do you need any help parking the carriage?"
"Nope," he replied. "I've got it. You just enjoy yourself, I'll catch up."
Blackjack nodded, retrieving his violin from the luggage rack. "Alright bud." Blackjack, Spike, and the six mares then walked together into the castle. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia stood at the top of a grand staircase, and the group of friends waited in line to greet them.
"Twilight," Princess Celestia said with a smile. "Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Spike; it is so good to see you all!"
"Indeed," Princess Luna said in agreement. "We hope you enjoy the festivities."
"Now where is your friend, Twilight?" Celestia asked. "Was he unable to come?"
"I'm here m'lady," Blackjack said. He stepped out from behind the six mares and bowed nervously. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesties."
"The honor is mine. I eagerly await your performance."
"Thank you, Princess!"
Celestia nodded, and the group of friends went into the party. "So this is the Grand Galloping Gala," Blackjack remarked. "It's everything I've imagined."
"That's great," Twilight replied. "Where would you like to start?"
"Pictures!" Rarity exclaimed, a photographer raising their camera. "Come, come everyone, let's do a group photo and then some headshots!"
The pictures were taken, and Blackjack put a copy of each in his locket.
"Well, I think I should get acquainted with the orchestra," he said. "I'll catch up with you guys later."
Blackjack left his friends and headed towards the stage, a mare approaching him when he had arrived. "Good evening," she said in a thick Canterlot accent. "Are you Blackjack The Fiddler?"
"Yes ma'am," Blackjack replied, shaking her hand. "Who are you?"
"You can call me Octavia, Mister Blackjack."
"Octavia? As in: the cellist?"
"Quite right."
"I absolutely love your symphonies! It's a pleasure meeting you!"
The mare smiled. "No no, it is a pleasure to meet you. The Fiddler! You are performing tonight, correct?"
"Yes ma'am! I have to admit, I'm really nervous about tonight."
"Oh I get it, you've got the jitters because you're performing for the Princesses. A little tip: just pretend that you're playing for somepony you care about."
"I'll keep that in mind. It was nice meeting you, Octavia, and thank you."
"Of course! Good luck, Fiddler."
The mare left, and Blackjack began to set up. He opened Hearth Fire's case, and began to tune the instrument. Satisfied, Blackjack rosined his bow and made a few quick strokes across the strings.
"Fillies and gentlecolts," a stallion said onstage. "May I have your attention, please?"
The guests of the gala paused to listen to the stallion. "We shall continue the music momentarily. For now, on behalf of the Royal Family, I welcome you to the Grand Galloping Gala."
The ponies applauded, and the stallion continued. "We have a very special guest among us tonight. Many of you may have heard of this gentlecolt, and many of you have not. It is with great pleasure that I introduce Ponyville's own: Blackjack the Fiddler."
The ponies applauded again, and Blackjack entered to center stage, violin in hand. "Thank you," he said. "Now, before I begin, I need to extend my gratitude to Princess Celestia. It is by her invitation that I am able to be here tonight. So, My Lady, I thank you." Blackjack bowed to her, and she smiled happily from her seat near the stage.
"Now," Blackjack continued. "I dedicate this song to my friends, who have become my family in the most unlikely way, and to everyone who died or lost a loved one during the war four years ago. I call this song: Hope."
Blackjack put Hearth Fire to his chin, and raised the bow to its strings. He began to play, and a quiet, mournful song took its place. When the stallion finished, tears were in nearly everypony's eyes, including Princess Celestia's. Blackjack then exited the stage and packed up his violin, leaving the ponies to reflect.
"Fiddler," a pony said once he reached a balcony outside.
Blackjack turned to see Princess Luna standing before him. "Princess," he replied with a bow. "I am honored."
"Please, there is no need for formalities. We are out of sight from other ponies. Your friends have told me of your plans tonight; I wish to give you my blessing."
"Y-your blessing?" Blackjack asked. "I-I...thank you, Princess Luna!"
The princess smiled. "Twilight Sparkle is a good mare, and I believe you are a fit choice for her. Be warned: if you are to ever mistreat her, I will personally file for your arrest. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I promise you that I will never bring any harm to her."
"Good. Now, I believe the festivities have resumed. Go, I believe you have a dance waiting for you."
Blackjack bowed, then re-entered the palace. He found his friends inside the ballroom, and stood by Big Macintosh. "Hey Mac," he said. "Did you dance with Fluttershy yet?"
"Eeyup," the red stallion replied. "Now it's your turn, BJ."
"What do you mean?"
"Twilight's sitting alone off to the side. You'd better hurry, 'an ask her to dance; some other stallions are starting to take notice that she doesn't have a partner."
"Thanks Mac." Blackjack clapped his friend's shoulder, and made his way towards Twilight. "Hey," he said as he came close to her.
"Hey," Twilight replied. "Great job on that song! You moved us all close to tears!"
"Well, I try to express myself in my music. Shadowblaze's war left a lasting effect on everypony. So, uh, Twilight...may I have this dance?"
He offered his hand, and the mare cautiously took it. "I don't know how."
Blackjack grinned. "I'll teach you."
The two then walked hand in hand to the dance floor. "Now," Blackjack said, gently putting his hand on her back. "Just follow my lead, okay?"
Twilight blushed slightly. "Okay."
The two ponies began to dance, Blackjack finding himself staring into Twilight's eyes. One...two...and three...four. One...two...and three...four. Blackjack no longer noticed the crowd of ponies dancing along side them. The music had softened to the song of his own heart.
One...two...three...and twirl...and one...
Blackjack began to recall his fond memories of the mare. The time when they exchanged presents during Hearth's Warming. The dark time when she stood over his wounded body at Fluttershy's cottage. The night when she fell asleep at her desk once more, Blackjack carrying her off to bed. But most of all, Blackjack remembered how Twilight became his very first friend.
One...two...three...and dip...
Blackjack suddenly found himself standing over Twilight, their eyes locked on to each other. He pulled her up and ignored the crowd of ponies that watched them. "Come with me," Blackjack whispered."
He led her upstairs as the music resumed, and out on to a balcony. The two ponies leaned against the railing hand in hand, watching the stars twinkle in the night.
"Is something on your mind, BJ?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah," he replied. "I wanted to show you something."
The black stallion unclipped his locket from his neck, and gave it to her. Twilight opened it, and stared curiously at the pictures inside. "Blackjack, are these all of your favorite memories?"
He nodded, then blushed slightly as she turned to the picture of her. "Twilight," he said. "You are my favorite memory, and I never want to forget you."
The mare smiled. "We've had some pretty memorable memories, haven't we?" Blackjack took his locket back.
"I want to make more."
"What do you mean?"
"Twilight, I want to make a new memory with you for the rest of my life. So...what I'm trying to say is...Twilight Sparkle, will you-?"
That was when he heard the scream. Blackjack ran off to investigate, dropping his locket in his haste. He leaned over the railing, and looked down to see a stallion's body sprawled out on the floor below. Princess Celestia stood over it in shock, then looked to see Blackjack.
She yelled in a fury, "Arrest him!"