“Alright,” Twilight said as she crossed a square on her experiment’s protocol. “From this point on, I must leave the last distillation run for fifteen minutes and no longer. Afterward, it will be time for the results compilation and subsequent magical profiling.”
With a sigh of relief, she sat down on her favorite cushion, right next to her hourglass. Finally, she would have a short moment of respite in the middle of all that research. With such a vital topic at hooves, she dared not delay it any more than she already had.
Gently, a plate of cold pancakes and fruits floated up to her, directed by her magic. When the few remaining aromas hit her nostrils, Twilight’s lips morphed into a fond smile.
Spike had been quite diligent earlier. While she had woken up first, slipping out of her bed unnoticed to go back to these experiments, she had heard the ruckus made above when the boys had decided they were hungry. Minutes later, a ray of light had filtered into her lab and who else but her favorite little assistant had come in with a nice lunch for her.
And what an entrance! Proud, confident, Spike had walked in like a dragon more than a pony. It had been a little amusing, but even more so it had been heartwarming to see him so joyful. Perhaps the lack of foals around him hadn’t been quite a lack of attention on her part…
A-at the very least, it had changed. Spike’s friendship with Calx Iugum was working wonders for him. And that had only been possible through her mentor’s decision to send them here.
Ventus… I’m glad you came…
Oh, she was. Even now, remembering some of the finer details of his anatomy brought some heat back to her face; but remembering their gaming session with the boys, seeing him play things up until everyone had been pulled into the game and had had fun, that had made happiness burst in her chest. B-back in Canterlot, she could not have imagined how things would turn out.
…Why not? Hadn’t they played together with Pinkie as well?
Her analytical mind quickly fetched back the memories she sought. And she understood.
When she thought back on it, the difference was staggering.
Her coltfriend simply appeared to be so happy nowadays. His smiles reached his eyes. They weren’t polite, political or even indulgent; they were entirely sincere, and in a way more seducing than she had ever imagined them before. I-it made his whole image lit up with an unexpected youth and kindness. Not an age old alicorn, but a simple pony like every other. The difference was in his eyes.
Every time, he had looked at her as if she was something precious… He would move closer, for a nuzzle or a kiss, and her knees would want to buckle every time. His wings would enlace her, softly, just around her midsection in an intolerably tender contact. It was always warm… protective… and even possessive.
Love involved its share of selfishness, did it not? That much she knew, or rather speculated and extrapolated from a series of reference pools ranging from authors, gossips, personal anecdotes and counseling from Cadence. The emotion was complex, beautiful in certain aspects and ugly in others.
For a brief moment, Twilight Sparkle looked down, a light of uncertainty shining in her eyes. Love… was different for everypony, wasn’t it?
If perhaps she asked-
A loud whistle cut her train of thoughts.
Startled, she turned quickly in direction of her experiment. “Oh, it’s already been fifteen minutes?”
To her regret, half of her meal still remained intact, calling for her with a sweet sweet siren song. Flaring her horn, she levitated the fruits and her notebook, ate the first and prepped up the latter, and galloped back toward her workplace.
The thoughts that previously inhabited quickly faded away while she observed the results of the distillation, comments scribbled hastily in her sheet. There was no more time for these ideas.
She had a task to complete.
--
How had I gotten roped into this again? Oh, yeah, it started with an invitation I found in our mailbox. My reply had been rather swift, though it had taken a few instants to explain to Filthy Rich that it was normal for him to suddenly start hearing my voice out of nowhere. Afterward though…
“Mr. Rich, what is this invitation for?” I had said, levitating the letter I had found in our mailbox.
His reply had certainly sounded benign, once he had gotten used to hearing my voice even from that far away. “There is certainly no harm in inviting an alicorn to a social event.”
“There mustn’t be an enormous benefit to it either, if the guests don’t know that fact.” The door had closed behind me, and I had stepped inside the hallway. My eyes had remained unfocused, with my thoughts still directed on Filthy Rich. “I cannot imagine that the prestige sought can be earned when the guest of honor is hidden under an illusion.”
“Getting to know you better should be enough of a reward in itself.”
It had made me smirk. What a smooth talker.
“I have very little sway in matters of state, or anything else, for that matter, Mr. Rich. I hope you weren’t planning to use this connection to further your business or you might be quite disappointed.”
There had been just a moment of silence, during which I had entered the kitchen and fetched myself a glass of water. If this conversation is going where I think it will, I’ll need a well hydrated throat.
“A cousin of the Princesses themselves? No sway?” There had been a bemused scoff on his part at that. “You greatly underestimate the importance of a name and of blood, Mr. Circle.”
At the time, I had almost tripped, my legs giving out when an irresistible desire to laugh had threatened to overcome me.
I underestimated the importance of blood?
If there had been one thing I had not expected ponies to tell me, it had to be that!
Still, I had managed to keep that urge under control and affected a much more neutral tone of voice. “I’m afraid the nobility is no fan of me. Not even Prince Blueblood, the one noblepony I have spent an extended amount of time, really appreciates me and that is not something I could fault him with. I suppose I could ask him to put some time aside for you, but that is quite frankly optimistic.”
“That is more than enough,” he replied with gratitude, something I noted with a small amount of guilt. “I do not know if you realize, Mr. Circle, but the Prince is one of the richest ponies in Equestria. And his family has been one of the most influential parts of the Stable of Nobles for decades now.”
My body had frozen on the spot, with the exception of my jaw that had slowly fallen down. Something akin to shame burned through my defenses as I realized I hadn’t even known that. How had that ever escaped me?
But really, the answer wasn’t that complicated.
“You know, one pony would have to be extremely self-centered not to learn those things through osmosis after living in Canterlot for a while…” I muttered.
“Oh, don’t sell yourself so short.” He had sounded so paternal at that moment… It had reminded me of... somepony… “I’m certain you had your own things to care about.” He had added gently.
Words had gotten stuck in my throat, before I had been able to finally push out a strained reply.
“…Thank you, Mr. Rich. You didn’t need to say that.”
He had shrugged it off. “I believe it would only be fair of me.”
After all that, the thought to refuse had seemed terrible to me. He had bought me over – perhaps intentionally, yes – with his kindness.
This made things… delicate for me.
“Well, listen,” I had said with a sigh. “ I have some responsibilities to fulfill as a prince, and I cannot even guarantee that I will stay the whole time. However, I will try.”
“It would be a shame if you had a conflicting schedule, of course, but I would still appreciate that you made an appearance, if the possibility exists.”
Moving my eyes over the ballroom, I permitted myself a stupidly obvious thought. Well, I’m here. Nothing to do but keep making the best of it.
For a moment, I remained still, letting the atmosphere of the room sink in again. Wine red colored the walls and the ceiling, with great curtains of silk attached to each window, each falling almost ethereally toward the intricately sown carpet. A faintly orange lighting reflected on most surfaces, coming down from the flames of the chandeliers. If anything, an aura of calm had fallen on the assembled guest, whose collective voices barely felt above notice to me.
Tinkles of glass cups hitting each other, tilted by hooves or claws, echoed just over the low rumbles of the guests voices. From one side of the room to another, groups of people had formed small circles only ruptured by the occasional arrival of a servant carrying hors-d’oeuvres. Once everyone had a bite, the circle would be reconstructed and conversations would carry on.
The servants simply moved in a back and forth motion from the small ballroom to the kitchens in the next aisle. In that place, the staff were active in a much different fashion. Their employer’s reputation rid on every detail of the soirée, or so the head chef said every time they plated any food. The poor cooks were giving it their all, working so hard their breathing was very clear at this distance.
Now I almost felt guilty for eating that cracker with a piece of tomato and some sage on it.
That was too bad, because they really were fresh and vibrant, quite unlike anything I could cook up. Those were probably the best things I had eaten since leaving Canterlot. Luck had been on my side on this occasion however, as Calx hadn’t truly developed a refined palette by that time. He was fine with mostly everything.
Thank the Elders for small miracles.
“And this is Mr. Cloud Circle,” a sweet female voice grew closer to me.
Ears flickering in displeasure, I turned, already knowing who was coming closer.
Golden Harvest, or, as she was known by her friends and how she insisted I call her: ‘Carrot Top’.
And following her – or, much more accurately, dragged by her – were Applejack and that one griffon chef from an episode. I didn’t remember which one.
Irrelevant.
Both of Carrot Top’s companions seemed slightly wary, as if they had been manhandled a bit too often. Their polite smiles were just that: polite. I didn’t quite blame them, this was the third time I was being forced into a conversation with that orange-maned enthusiast. Not to mention, I wasn’t looking forward to being in another conversation with Applejack.
I would rather not blow up my disguise, especially not here nor now. If only I’d paid more attention to what Carrot Top had been saying…
Apparently, she had taken a shine to me after knowing that I could create rain clouds on demand.
Personally, I figured that her interest was simply having a contact in the weather control industry for her fields. Any other weather pony would have done the job. The fact that I was a ‘shy’ stallion probably made it easier for her to tempt me with later ‘offers’.
Once more, the evening proved to be an occasion for deals and making connections.
Business. It never changed, no matter the place.
Still, I had agreed to play my part, if only to ensure that there really wouldn’t be any bad blood between myself and Filthy Rich. So I smiled politely, forced a timid blush across my face and raised my drink so we could all clink glasses, as seemed the norm in the room. The sweet taste of wine lingered an instant in my mouth. There was a light quality to the beverage, doubtlessly as part of its quality as expensive as buck. Not that I had any real knowledge of wine, but this was a soirée thrown by Filthy Rich. It figured.
Downing her own wine with even more appreciation than I did, Carrot Top let out a small sigh of contentment. Her cheeks had started to take on a darker color. “Ah, I might be just a humble farmer, but I know what quality is! And this, my friends, is quality!”
“Yes, yes, very delicieux.” Gustave pursed the top and lower halves of his beak together, making a smooching noise. “I am impressed.”
“Ah’m not one fer big fancy drinks, that’s more Rares’ thing,” she chuckled, earning a smirk from me and a polite laugh from both Carrot and Gustave. “But Ah can’t argue on that with yew, partners.”
With her comment over, Applejack and the other two turned toward me, as I realized I was the only one that still hadn’t commented on the wine.
“I must go w-with the general opinion. Quite good.” A small laugh escaped my lips, while my eyes went from AJ to Carrot Top.
Both mares showed an indulgent smile, but for vastly different reason, or so I imagined.
“So, Ah didn’t think Ah’d see another familiar face here.” Applejack nodded to me. “How’s it going?”
Nervous, but not for the reason I projected, I started scratching the floor shyly. “It is nice… t-to see you again, I-I mean.”
“Aw shucks.” She laughed, readjusting her Stetson hat firmly on her head. “Yer mighty kind, but that was just me selling yew some apples.”
Okay, that was more blunt than I expected.
The beat in my chest accelerated, as the thought crossed my mind that my act might not sell well with her. A lot of ponies were probably too restrained to actually poke holes in my stories if they saw them. That obviously wasn’t going to work long with her.
“You had… good customer service?” I said as softly as possible, reproducing Fluttershy’s mannerism to the best of my ability. A nervous laugh rose from my throat, and my eyes darted between her and the ground.
However, I nearly blew it, when Applejack started staring at me curiously. Her gaze was on me, tainted by a faint light of recognition.
What did I do?
“S-something wrong?” I blurted out weakly, feeling my eyes widen involuntarily.
“Nah, don’t worry ‘bout it.” She waved it off immediately, moving closer to enlace me. Seconds later, her orange hoof weighted down on my shoulder, our fur remarkably similar in colors. “Yer just remindin’ me of a friend.”
The sigh of relief I let out wasn’t faked. “That’s a g-good thing, I suppose.”
“Yew betcha!” AJ’s face split into a grin, and she gave me a good pat in the back.
Narrowly dodged the base of my wings there… I thought with a wince.
“I’m happy for you, M-miss Applejack.”
“Not as much as Ah am.” She chuckled, then put her glass down on some servant’s empty tray. “Having good friends is one of those things, y’know what Ah mean?”
“O-oh, yeah, I do.” I said quickly, and the others agreed as well, discussing one or another good anecdote. However, under my fake smile, I was troubled. Applejack’s question gave me a pause. Did I have any good friend here?
Thunderlane qualified somewhat, but he didn’t even know I was an alicorn. That was already an obstacle to later overcome, one that I wasn’t looking forward to. Filthy Rich knew, but he was more of an acquaintance… Blueblood? He knew a lot more about me than most ponies, save Celestia and Tom, but we weren’t big fans of one another…
Maybe I don’t actually… I thought, feeling something in my chest constrict. It was logical, when one considered how badly we needed to leave this world behind. Why do I still want to date Twilight, then? Why does it matter so much to me that she loves me?
All too suddenly, I didn’t want to be in the presence of the bearer of the Element of Honesty. My throat tightened around my windpipe just by looking at her. The stains of my own corruption, of my dishonesty, felt like burning spots all over me, like suffocating grips that encircled me.
It worsened, at the exact moment her green eyes fell back on me. I almost didn’t hear her.
“Eh, Ah think Ah’ll go see Filthy over there. Haven’t thanked him yet for the invitation.” She scratched the back of her head, blushing a little. “Have a nice night, y’all.”
It took most of my self-restraint not to shoot in triumph.
“Y-you too,” I replied quietly, and was imitated by the other two.
My eyes trailed off after her shape for a moment, as I had to reassure myself that she was indeed leaving. Luckily,
With her out of the way, I could start breathing again. Not that I needed to, but still.
That ordeal had been cleared, if only by luck. Now, the rest of the conversation would be a breeze, figuratively speaking. It wasn’t very hard to mingle amongst the small elite of Ponyville. If I could survive somewhat unscathed in Canterlot, I should be fine here.
Nodding your head periodically, sometimes making a short comment supporting their previous statement, happened to be the norm to live through most conversations in the high society… and just conversations in a group in general.
Back there, my focus wasn’t really learning on how to be a noble. If the blood in my veins was enough pedigree, fine, then that should have been enough and the unsatisfied pompous idiots could just go buck themselves. It wasn’t as if I didn’t have anything to deal with back then.
I did. I had really big preoccupations when I was in Canterlot… I-I still had to… it was still my responsibility t-to get back.
But I had placed them out of my own hooves for the moment…
All that was left for me tonight was to mingle with the middle to upper classes of businessponies and others that occupied Filthy Rich’s ballroom while keeping an ear out for my marefriend’s summons. Right now, I was a little on the fence about which options I would prefer.
Socialites or hostile semi-divine creature from another dimension. Hmmmmm… not an easy choice.
“-o you say, Mr. Circle?”
Carrot Top and Gustave had both turned toward me, their expressions kept polite, but expecting.
I fought the urge to blink, refusing to show any change that might have betrayed my inattention. Instead, my lips turned into a small grimace and my ears drooped. “I… don’t really have an opinion of that subject… sorry.”
Luckily, they were nice enough not to insist too badly. The subject had probably been something rather mundane, rather than some truly important thing for them.
Dodged a bullet here. And since I didn’t fancy appearing incredibly rude when it was known that I had been invited by Filthy Rich personally, it was more than time for me to excuse myself.
Flickering my tail once, I glanced around the room, biting my lips. “If you’ll excuse me, I promised to talk to our host before. I think I should get to that.”
Carrot Top’s response to that was disturbingly flirty, closing the distance and whispering a few things in my ears that set my face on fire. Enough that our griffon interlocutor cleared his throat and gave her a look, more or less cowing her into keeping it under her tail. Elders bless him twice.
I certainly did not need to feign uneasiness after that. Stuttering, I glanced left and right, before quickly excusing myself.
“M-mister Gustave,” I said, raising my drink to him. “It was a real pleasure to meet you.”
“And you as well. Bonne soirée, Monsieur Cercle.”
I paused mid turn, ears still flickering. As the words echoed in my mind, a twist of ice formed at the bottom of my stomach. Slowly, my neck twisted enough to look back to the griffon. “I-I’m sorry… what did you call me?”
The emotions slipped into my tones, they must have, as Gustave gasped in disarray.
“Oh, pardon! I do default to my native Prench at the drop of a hat sometimes,” he apologized, his eyes expressing sincerity. “It was not in any way insulting, I promise. Your name, that’s all.”
“No, don’t worry.” I waved it off, putting on a convincing smile. “I-it simply intrigued me.”
Gustave accepted my answer without a fuss, prompting everypony in hearing range around him to nod in approval. A small pause followed, a silent signal for the socialites to take a bite of their hors-d’oeuvres or a sip of their glass of wine. Then, one grey stallion mentioned his last trip to Prance ‘casually’, of course. Instantly, the ponies gathered in a new circle and started discussing every aspect of delightful refinement they could think of, many of which were punctuated by words pronounced with a strong accent.
Each one ticked at my ears. T-there was just something about this…
Affecting nothing of my inner troubles, I put on a confident façade, trotting my way through the room. I was barely paying attention to the ponies in the small ballroom however. These accented words had created a strange entity gnawing at my mind. Prench… Prench? Monsieur? Why does this ring a bell?! I’ve heard it before, I’m sure!
“Now,” some mare on my left said, looking at the manor’s windows. “Can anypony tell me if I’m the only thinking that there is some sort of… weight in the air? It reminds me of the feeling before a thunderstorm.”
No, that’s just me feeling a little restless, but thanks for the concern.
Her interlocutor, a stocky beige stallion with a pear cutie mark, gazed outside, toward the darkening but still clear sky. “As far as I can see, there’s no a cloud in the sky. Plus, I’m fairly certain the weather patrol didn’t schedule any rain today.”
On that point, that guy was absolutely right. A part of Friday’s afternoon was supposed to be dedicated to ensuring there would be no stray clouds coming from the Everfree. Now, even if Thunderlane hadn’t been able to get to it, surely somepony else would have pulled overtime to do it. Granted, it was speculation on my part, and I could tell them all about it, but…
I didn’t really want to mingle here. Their concerns felt so mundane by comparison, which, while uncharitable and unlikeable, was a true statement. After all, speculating that the plump little lady on the luxurious sofa wasn’t currently anticipating a fight for the balance of Equestria seemed like a fairly safe bet.
The only reason I could see that idea being wrong was if either Celestia or Luna had seen fit to use the illusion spell on themselves and were spying on me… as a beige old mare rambling to a few other olden ponies.
Nopony, least of all me, would see it coming.
Paranoia, thy name is Ventus Cloud Sam Circle Vinco Miller, I thought, rolling my eyes while I passed that group by. Now, that’s a mouthful.
Still, none of them stopped me if any of them recognized me as the sole unicorn on the weather patrol.
A good way to dodge socialization when it was unwanted was to give the impression that you were awaited somewhere else in the room. For fear of antagonizing anypony important, most of the socialites would rather wait for a moment of pause to engage in a quick conversation. If there were no such moments, they would send a servant to ask for one, which would serve as an opportunity to schedule that meeting at a later date.
Somehow, Blueblood’s rambling had proven useful.
How sad that it comes to that, I thought in bemusement. All’s fair in love and war, I suppose. And this is no small battlefield.
Quite frankly, I hadn’t expected so many guests to have been invited. Ponyville had never struck me as a place for blooming business. It still didn’t. Of the many that were there, I could see more than a few of them that simply owned their shop somewhere in town, like the stallion that owned ‘Quill & Sofas’. He was currently part of the group that I was trotting by, though I hoped he didn’t recognize me.
Alas, my movement wasn’t unnoticed.
Out of the small crowd of ponies emerged a brown stallion wearing a bowtie, whose eyes lit up when they fell on me.
“Ah, Mr. Circle,” he said with enthusiasm.
In response, I tilted my head and my glass of wine, slightly. “Mr. Rich.”
For a short moment, he readjusted his black tie, chuckling and generally seeming satisfied with the evening so far. “Have you been enjoying yourself?”
“It has been quite relaxing, if I may say so.” My gaze slipped to our left, toward the biggest concentration of ponies in the ballroom, that still didn’t produce enough noise to eclipse our conversation. “I certainly am used to a little more unruliness, especially since I started looking after my brother by myself. So, yes, thank you for giving me the opportunity to calm down.”
I was slightly amazed I hadn’t yawned while saying that.
“There is no need for this politeness, young stallion.” He chuckled again, as if in on a great joke only he knew. “You can say quite honestly that this evening has been boring you out of your skull.”
“Err…” I blinked, too surprised to react appropriately. There was something disturbing at being seen through that easily. “How did you know that?”
“I taught my daughter the same phrase to say in social events.”
“Ah…” I grinned sheepishly, a faint blush heating up my face. “Sorry about that.”
“Nonsense.” He waved a hoof in front of his chest. “I can understand the feeling. When I was your age…”
He paused and gave me a teasing look, making it quite clear that this was more directed to my disguise than myself. And albeit his smile was quite natural, I thought I could see some hesitation in his gaze.
But he needed not be cautious on that level. I could take that kind of good-natured jabs. I certainly deserved more than a few too.
So, with a bemused smirk, I motioned for him to go on.
“Well…” Filthy Rich continued, his eyes going over each of the guests. “I would see the economic interest of attending these events, but they weren’t as appealing to me as they are now.”
I could sympathize with that. Intellectual understanding of a thing and its enjoyment were drastically different things. Quite like my lies, really.
“Duty and pleasure,” I whispered for him.
My words seemed to strike a chord, as his traits sobered up, lost a little light.
“It has been quite a few years now since I managed to get my own successful business, Mr. Circle. It is a responsibility of every moment, not that dissimilar to parenthood. And sometimes, one’s responsibilities do not mingle well.”
I brought my head down in a slow nod, eyes darting toward another part of the mansion. “I believe I can imagine the feeling.”
The image of a certain blue colt flashed in my mind, in all his overly excited glory. In the background of that same picture was an apocalyptic wasteland.
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, I thought, bemused.
“So, you can imagine that having a chance to discuss insignificant topics is quite my cup of tea, so to speak…” His voice trailed off, an easy smile on his face as he looked at me.
Slowly, his words started to seeped in, and I felt the need to look at my surroundings once more.
They were simply… middle aged ponies, business stallions and mares, all the age to have foals, or grandfoals even, some as old as Diamond Tiara…
They weren’t looking for parties like youngsters did, were they? More than one of them probably just wanted to socialize with some friends, colleagues or acquaintances over a glass of wine and some crackers.
And there was nothing wrong with that! Of course some nobles would be less than pleased with other ponies suddenly starting a ruckus! If one were to attend a concert or a flight team show or even just a butterfly-migration sight-seeing, they wouldn’t want to be disturbed in their moments either. Why would it be wrong to enjoy a gathering with friends in a certain manner rather than another?
It was a new angle to see things from, for sure.
My throat tightened into a knot. Had I been so willfully blind? No wonder Blueblood liked calling me a kettle. A-at the very least, it was always harder to close your eyes once opened.
“From that point of view, Mr. Rich, I suppose that, yes, it is quite the nice event.”
“I knew you would see it my way. Cheers, Mr. Circle.” He raised his glass of wine, titling it toward me.
“Cheers,” I replied with a smile, and our glasses touched.
In the same moment the tinkling noise rang, my chest started heating up with a gentle warmth. I was… grateful toward him.
It felt as if a connection flew between us with just that gesture. His words had opened my mind to a possibility. The desire to settle down and relax wasn’t such a terrible thing. Really, to be able to let go of your worries, to access if not peace of mind, then maybe some level of complacency. Just… not the perpetual fear, nor the eternal guilt.
…One more evening, I thought, staring at my drink. Yeah, j-just one…
Perhaps too harshly, I downed it, and felt the fire going down my throat. Coughing, I decided that a quiet evening of discussing the state of Equestria would help calm the sudden unease I had been assaulted by.
--
In another aisle of the mansion, far enough that only a faint rumbling noise could be made out of the ponies in the ballroom, an older stallion was placing some food on a small wooden table, right in the middle of a circle of cushions. He moved slowly, a slight shaking affecting his movements, but none of the ponies in the room protested. In fact, they didn’t appear to notice him at all, not until he bid them farewell.
The Rich family’s butler disappeared back behind the closed door, carrying the empty tray of snacks back. His voice faded away quickly, the echoes of his promise to be back soon with apple juice being the only lasting impression he left.
There were only three foals in the room, two fillies and one colt. While the fillies seemed at ease with the rhythm of the events, the slow pace of the soirée had started to get on the colt’s nerves.
Lying on his sides, his chin resting against the finely chiseled table, Feather Dust was not taking the inaction well.
“Urrrrrrrghhh,” he groaned, hiding his face between his legs for a second. “I can’t believe how boring you two are. Is THAT why you always bully the CMC all the time? GEE, get a better hobby!”
All too suddenly, Silver Spoon felt like she had been thrown in boiling water.
The word had come out again, ‘bully’ they had been called. It was an ugly word. Their parents had told them, Miss Cheerilee had told them, even their textbooks said it. There was something so despicably ugly about it.
They only told ponies things. “It’s just words,” Diamond Tiara would say every time. “They can shrug it off. They’re not babies.”
And for a while, it worked. It did make her feel better. They weren’t doing anything too bad. Just words.
Just words…
The prince had only told them words too. His whole speech had taken less a few minutes even. Not enough to do anything really bad, right?
But ever since that night had happened, the accusation hadn’t stopped ringing in her mind at the worse moments. It had hurt to be humiliated in front of so many rich ponies, hurt so badly that she had wanted only to hide in her bed and disappear all over again. She had isolated herself in her bedroom for an entire day once they had gotten back. She couldn’t look her parents in the eyes, couldn’t see their concerns for her without seeing the absolute disgust her sort-of-crush had felt toward her.
Words hurt…
And she had realized, with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, that she had inflicted that kind of pain on other ponies before, more than once and laughing, as if it had been funny.
Prince Calx had told the truth. They had been mean. Really mean.
So far, her friend had toned it down somewhat. It felt as if her attention hadn’t been on any of their usual victim, and for that, she felt very thankful. She hadn’t been able to put much conviction into their usual taunts. It had even started to unnerve her, as she feared that her poor efforts would be noticed by her friend. It hadn’t happened yet, thankfully. However, now that she thought about it, Diamond Tiara’s eyes had had a tendency to dart to the back of their classroom lately.
Although she didn’t know the reason for this, she could only pray that it would last longer. The idea of bullying anypony else, and mean it, was making her heart leap up in her throat.
But her friend did not seem to hear the same thing she did.
“B-boring?! W-we’re n-not boring!” Diamond Tiara stuttered in indignation. “And it’s not a hobby! Like we’d ever have a hobby about them. We just call it like we see it! It’s not our fault they don’t have their cutie mark yet!”
“You don’t even care about cutie marks! Babs didn’t have one!” Feather Dust pointed out, his hoof directed straight at them.
Silver Spoon flinched, unable to come up with a response and distantly wondering how he had ever known that. H-had anypony told him? W-who? And who else knew?!
“Or I’m gunna tell your mothers!” The manehattan filly’s voice rang to her ears again, and fear gripped her heart.
“Why do you always jump to their defenses like that? Why is it about them?” Her friend leaned forward aggressively, her tone betraying a very bitter note. “They’re not better than me!”
For a short moment, the colt seemed taken aback, but his eyes narrowed again. He seemed to be growing tense, angrier, with a flutter to his wings.
She could have sworn she saw something looming over his form.
“Hu-uh…” He scoffed, clenching his hooves against the table. “And you’re better than them?”
It was a challenge, Silver Spoon realized. And if there was one thing about her friend that she knew, it was that she was prideful.
“All they have is their sisters’ fame! They didn’t do anything! They’re just related to heroines! My father’s the richest pony in town and he worked for it! He works hard, all the time!” She started shouting. Yet, Diamond Tiara’s passion dimmed when her words reached own her ears. Her mouth quietly settled down into a thin line, and her eyes fell downward. “I… I’m rich, richer than anypony else in town!”
“That’s your dad’s stuff.” Feather waved a dismissive hoof in front of his face. “What makes you better?”
“I can run about any business I want,” she boasted, raising her nose haughtily. “For example, the Foal Free Press sold like hot bread under my guidance.”
For a reason that Silver Spoon could not place, the mention of her friend’s time as an editor for the school paper lit up a spark in Feather’s eyes. With some apprehension, she noticed how the muscles around his mouth twitched, how the beginning of a snarl appeared on his face, and she fought the urge to back away.
But Feather himself looked down, one ear twisting as if to catch a sound only he could hear. Subconsciously, Silver Spoon leaned closer when he whispered something unintelligible. Whatever it had been, the words had a notable effect on him. One sigh escaped his lips, and he looked up with a determined but calm expression.
“Yeah, and you made everypony feel bad about themselves.”
For a brief moment, Silver Spoon felt a shiver run down her spine at his eerily quiet tone.
The words rang true, and hit her in her growing conscience with the weight of a train. However, her friend had no such reservation. Diamond Tiara just stood straighter, not impressed in the slightest.
“So what?” She rolled her eyes, seemingly bored, as if she had heard that complaint before a dozen times. “I was trying to run a newspaper. I don’t care about their feelings!”
“So why should anypony care about you?” Feather countered, and silence fell.
Neither fillies knew what to say to that.
Silver Spoon first wanted to reply that Diamond Tiara was likeable, that she was fun to hang out with, but already the knowledge of the pain they had spread blocked the words in her throat. Their times together had been fun for her, but that hadn’t been Feather’s point.
Diamond Tiara, on the other hoof, thought about what she knew she was. Riches were at the front of her mind, but the colt’s previous question rang back. That was her father’s accomplishments, right? H-her status came from her father’s situation as well. The newspaper had only left ponies mad at her…
Her breath hitched up suddenly, as her eyes widened more and more while the realization slowly sank in.
For his part, Feather Dust returned to his previous position without much care for the bully’s epiphany, his hoof fetching one biscuit from the tray. The sound of his eating was the only one they heard for a time.
--
There was something on her mind, she realized.
How strange. Things were as they should be.
The comforting smell of her own cigarettes still rose from the kitchen, the blurring lines of smoke still rose from the burning ashes. Yet…
In her chest, a twisting ball of unrest had taken form. It was a new feeling, surely, or more likely a very old one. One of her hands went to her chest in puzzlement.
Absentmindedly, she let the spoon she had been holding slid into the cauldron, her gaze turning toward the hallway. Eyes half-narrowed, her focus moved just beyond the walls of the kitchen. She had said her piece, things would unfold the right way. Still, it didn’t stop her from leaving her cooking behind her while she checked something.
And the idea quickly became a fact in her mind.
Eric wasn’t in his room.
Moved by an impulse she didn’t understand, she took the first step within her son’s bedroom. Everything seemed… halted, in stasis, dead. The bed sheets hadn’t been tossed haphazardly over the mattress, they were neatly folded around the corners, perfect, just the way she always told him to do. Everything was in place, as neat as she had ever seen. Her son had taken the effort to tidy up after himself.
The thought bothered her.
She took another step.
Something was off.
With her foot, she followed a faint line on the floor. A curve of sort. Insignificant, she thought, without diverting her gaze. A few blots of ink remained close to that line, on the outside of the curve – circle –. Annoyance flashed in her mind, but soon that feeling faded quietly.
Kneeling, she picked up three markers, two of them dried up and useless. The third left a colored spot on her finger.
Eric had done something in his room. Her guts told her so. If he was around, he would be looking down, shoulders slacked and waiting for her to punish him. If he was around…
No.
He left.
And the moment the thought crossed her mind, her fingers clenched into fists. She couldn’t explain it, just like most feelings that she had harbored toward her son.
Taking her time, the mother walked toward her son’s desk, where she had noticed an envelope. Strangely, the only images to flash before her eyes were those of a man in a priest’s attire, of a sober, somber atmosphere that fell heavily on everyone. The idea left a sour taste in her mouth. So, it came as a relief, the moment her eyes fell on the letter and she could forget these irrational things.
Without much decorum, she unfolded the piece of paper and read.
Mom…
These might be my last words to you, so I hope you’ll find them…
Thank you.
I know no one would ever believe me if I told you where I’m going, so I’m not going to bother. Just know that I decided to look for Sam and Tom Miller. If I can, I’ll come back, it’s just unlikely.
I’m sorry I’m leaving you behind. I’m sorry I was never a better son for you. I’m sorry I could not become what you wanted me to be. I’m sorry for that time I failed my math class. I’m sorry I did not get that job at the tourist office. I’m sorry I completely failed my last attempt to make your favorite meal for your birthday. I’m sorry I egged you that one time about smoking.
I know I was not always your dream son, but I still tried to be the best I could for you. And I want to thank you, for everything. Man, there’s so much things I want to say and I can’t really think of how.
I love you, Mom. I really do. I remember that time you passed on a promotion because it would leave me all alone each Thursday when I was nine. I remember that time I was bedridden at the hospital and you called all my friends to cheer me up. I remember…
I remember all you did for me, and I just don’t want to leave anymore.
…No… I’m not going back on my decision, but I want you to know it was hard. I didn’t want to do this to you, Mom.
Y-you told me… to make my own choices, right? And I think, I think that I’m needed somewhere else. It’s not… I’m sorry, I don’t mean to say you’re not important, I just… I want to help my friend. I want to help him and everyone around him.
If there’s one selfish thing I can ask of you, it’s that you don’t tell the Millers why I left. I don’t want to get their hopes up if I fail, and I don’t want them feeling guilty over my actions. As you said, it’s my choice alone.
Love,
Your son.
After a moment of stillness, she placed the letter back in its place and glanced at her son’s bed, her face never changing. For a second, the mother felt something in her chest, something unpleasant, but she ignored it. A hint of a grimace even seemed to pass briefly over her mouth, but it didn’t linger.
As she turned, she hesitated over an old photography of him, all smiles and eagerness while looking at the camera. She had taken that picture herself yet the circumstances of that moment escaped her. There was a blank in her mind. She couldn’t remember.
So she left the room without a word and didn’t look back.
--
Things weren’t going badly.
“Stay calm, lil’ brother,” I whispered to him. “Breathe, I’m right next to you. You can do it.”
I drew soothing circles in his back, closed a sheet of warm air over him like a wing, and let him slow his breathing back into a calm and steady flow.
“You’re doing great,” I said again, grinning. “I’m proud of you.”
Inside my chest, comfortable heat was spreading. He was trying, trying real hard just because... well, he understood now that it was the right thing to do. The anger was still there, but he was finally learning to keep it in check.
I let out a sigh of contentment. From the looks of it, this evening wouldn’t turn out too eventful.
Then came a startled shout and the sound of a breaking glass.
And that was followed by a rapidly paced feminine voice. “Oh no! I’m very very sorry, Miss Silk! I didn’t mean to surprise you! Here, I’ll clean things up for you, I know where to find a broom!”
“Pinkie Pie?” I muttered, turning around toward the commotion.
Much to my surprise, and those of most guests, it hadn’t been an illusion or a fluke, or whichever convoluted explanation could sum up a sighting of the premium party mare at a high-class event. The unmistakable pink bearer of the Element of Laughter and hyperactive friend nonpareil was definitely standing right in the middle of the ballroom, sweeping some glass into a pile and fetching a wastebasket to hide it away.
Hazarding a wild guess as to her presence, I made my way over to her. That closer look almost had me rethinking my decision, a little too late. Her legs and tail shaking, her lips being bitten periodically, Pinkie Pie seemed in absolute conflict with herself. When her shining blue eyes turned to me, I didn’t have the heart to leave her to whatever predicament she was in.
“Are you alright?” I asked slowly, staring maybe a little too intently.
“Must… resist… urges… to… PARTY!” She shrieked.
Around us, curious glances turned to disapproving glares; more than one pony had covered their ears after such a loud shout.
“Ah, hum, yes, o-of course…” I coughed, and subtly tried to get her to follow me . “How about we… w-we go get you a nice glass of water and we talk about it? D-don’t hesitate to resist the urges too.”
Luckily, she only nodded quickly, with a smile. “Oki doki loki!”
So, each of her steps bouncing like springs, Pinkie went with me to the refreshment table that was now suspiciously deserted.
Ain’t that a nice coincidence? I thought, eying the guests clearing the general vicinity of Pinkie Pie. Smart.
Once next to the table, I levitated a glass to her, which she happily took and finished in approximately two seconds. And of course, her expression morphed into that of bliss and content, a sweet sigh escaping her control.
“Huh…” I blinked, trying to keep a straight face. “So… you wanted to party?”
“Nope! Well, yes, of course, I want to party, but that’s not why I’m here,” she giggled, then abruptly stopped, her traits becoming extremely serious. “I have a letter for you, froooooom…”
Drum rolls… I quipped mentally, knowing she might have actually taken out some drums if the thought had been vocalized. Not that it wouldn’t be hilarious… No! Bad Ventus! No ruining the calm event because you’re bored!
Resisting the dark temptation, I forced myself to focus on Pinkie, whose front hooves seemed to have gone all the way up to her elbows in her mane. Her tongue sticking out of her mouth, her muzzle scrunched up a little, she was obviously focused on finding the object of her mission. That it was difficult to find in her mane only raised too many questions, all of them unsolvable through anything but Pinkie logic.
Patience was the only proper answer to this, so I calmly sat down on my rump. And waited.
And waited.
And…
“Twilight!” She shouted, suddenly holding a sealed envelope just before my eyes. “Phew! My hooves kept bumping into some hammers, sorry about that! Aaaaaaaaaaanyway, Twilight, she almost sent it with Spike, but then I popped out from under their work table to help them get everypony together.”
Sounds legit. A faint air current twisted it in midair, and I picked it up with one hoof.
The seal broke on its own within my hold, a faint glow coming off the broken halves. It seemed that Twilight had taken some precautions to make sure I would be the one to read the content of her message.
Dear Ventus…
I immediately moved the letter closer to my chest and hid its content from view, sending a few nervous glances to the ponies around. Most guests had returned to their previous conversations now that Pinkie hadn’t proven herself about to crash the place. Still, a few kept their eyes in our direction. At the very least, if any pony had noticed my reaction, none of them spoke up.
“…Well, that was not incriminating…” I muttered in anger at my stupidity, glancing down to the written words again.
A closer look revealed sharper traits and scratchier lines than what I had been used to. Granted, I hadn’t really seen how Spike wrote, but something about this told me that the scribe had been either nervous or excited when writing this. Plus, she had used my real name, which I hoped was a sign that she had something tremendously important to say.
Okay, let’s try that again…
Dear Ventus,
I am happy to tell you that I have finally managed to recreate the magical signature we found in the Everfree Forest. Through the use of a simple spell, it is now possible to track down the entity that has taken Zecora and most likely a good fraction of the population of the Everfree Forest.
So far, I can only speculate as to the nature of the threat we will be forced to face, but I have caught glimpse of its true nature. In all honesty, it frightens me. What I have felt were mere fragments, but in them was the desire to rule, to subjugate all beneath its hooves, if hooves it has. I fear for Zecora’s safety more than ever, and that of all our friends and family in Ponyville. We must strike as soon as possible.
The Elements of Harmony are ready for use and all my friends will accompany us. In addition, I have mailed some of my findings to the Princess and she agreed that military troops could prove themselves useful in that situation. Thus, the expedition will consist of the set of Elements, yourself and a few groups of guards.
Meet us in an hour’s time at the entrance of the Everfree Forest, west of the town.
P.S. Princess Celestia has sent me instructions to temporarily disables the illusion spell on you so none of the guards will discover the current guise you have taken. She wishes for your new identity to remain a secret as long as possible. Please come to the library at your earliest convenience.
Princess Twilight Sparkle.
Slowly, my magic tore apart the letter and gathered the debris to throw away. Eyes closing, I took in the news. Nothing surprising, not really, but a few reaffirmation of what I already knew. Amongst those things was the fact that Celly really wanted us to keep our identities a secret.
“As long as possible.” I whispered for myself, trying to ignore the nausea rising up in my throat.
At the moment, it was hard to tell if that was the anxiety or the alcohol. Hopefully, it wasn’t the latter. Nopony needed a buzzed alicorn in an attack squad.
“Mister Rich,” I called, turning back toward him. “I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to stay here any longer.”
--
Fast, biting cold wind brushed against his entire body. His blonde mane flew wildly as he kept his sight forward, even with strands of his fringe slapping his eyes. He would flinch, curse and run a hoof through his ruined coiffure. He would withstand this without complaints, he swore; he knew there were much more important issues ahead of him.
With the bar still firmly held by his magical aura, the white unicorn twisted his head to look back. Behind him, Canterlot was becoming more and more distant. There was no going back possible. Shaking his head, he directed his gaze to the sides of his ship.
The movements of the fins were slow, but powerful. Each blade cut through the air and helped steer the whole airship forward. A simple fact, but one so difficult to remember when one was awaiting a battle.
The sight of those vitally important part of his ship bothered Blueblood. His crew had slowed down considerably, in order to arrive at just the right moment. Unfortunate as it was, they did not possess a clear target. They would have to wait, and he understood once more that to stay still on the eve of battle was more maddening than the fiercest conflict.
His squad was restless. Some soldiers, in full armor, trotted back and forth on the deck, as if they were patrolling. Not a very useful outlet, if he could think so, seeing as they were still near on the capital’s territory. They had nothing to fear around these parts.
It was more of a conditioned habit, Blueblood supposed.
With a shout, he sent one of those idle ponies into the lower parts of his ships. His crew would need to start the descending phase and he could very well not leave his post. It was his position as captain to hold the wheel.
For a brief moment, the prince allowed himself a small smile. Flight had always been one of his passions. It was such a shame that it had to happen under such circumstances.
The corners of his mouth settled back into a thin line, and he glanced to the west.
The sun was setting, a blazing circle of red halfway beneath the horizon. The shadows kept growing darker over the land, stretching over the hills and eclipsing even the orange tones that seemed the lit the fields of wheat ablaze. Yes, underneath his ship and the other two in front, a sea of fire had been created by the light of their princess.
Just beneath his skin, Blueblood knew the fear was crawling. Right as it might be, he was still flying straight for an alicorn-level threat.
His apprehensions did not disappear when he left his contemplations. He had simply pushed them down, and hoped they were apparent.
Shortly afterward, a soldier called him, with important news.
Ponyville was in sight.
--
Things were frantic. I had just came back from the library, feeling like I had just casted away an old skin, and I could see the clock ticking away, even as I prepared some sleepover material for Calx. The plan was to send him over to the twins, Cloudchaser and Flitter, where Spike and him would have a boy’s night.
“Okay, but why aren’t you staying here tonight?”
Of course, it couldn’t be simple…
“Squirt, there’s lot of stuff going on.” I sighed, closing my eyes to stay patient. “I just won’t be able to look after you tonight with what I’m supposed to do. So, just in case something happens, you won’t be all on your own. In fact, you will be with Rumble and Spike, your friends.”
Unfortunately, as he had the tendency to do so whenever it was inconvenient, Calx put two and two together.
“Are you going where I think you are?” He asked loudly, with – and I dreaded such a thing – a hint of excitement.
He wanted to come with me.
No, just no.
“Tom,” I said, stopping what I was doing and sitting down right in front of him. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I will go with the girls in the Everfree Forest to exterminate something that is plaguing the woods and has most likely abducted Zecora.”
I waited for a few seconds for my declaration to sink in, then I added the one thing he did not want to hear.
“You are not coming with us.”
The very next moment, his mouth was opened and he was in the middle of standing up. “Bu-”
“I already know what you’re thinking,” I cut him off, and forced him back down. “You will sneak off on your own, when no adult is looking, then you’ll follow us and make a climatic contribution to the battle and save the day, like so many other foals in those stories.”
Hearing that, his eyes widened slightly, and he became hesitant. Doubtlessly, it had sounded so much cooler in his head. That was how these things worked.
I would not let that idea fester any longer. Not for a measly second. I would be a complete failure of a big brother if I let a kid like him on a battlefield.
“No.” My tone grew stern, and my stare piercing. “This isn’t how things will turn out. Calx, you’re an alicorn, but, at your age, you are no more powerful than an adult pony. In truth, you’re probably weaker than that.”
“Sam! That’s not fair!” He jumped up to his hooves, looking at me like I was punishing him.
Ha! Punishment, not letting him put himself in danger? That one sounded like a terrible joke.
“I can tell you many reasons for this, but the most simple one? You’re my little brother and I care about you. The furthest place possible from where I want you is on a battlefield. If you come with us, I know I will not be able to concentrate on anything but your safety, even when the others will need my help. So, please, just stay here, Tom. For me.”
The idea was working its way in, I could tell, but he probably needed the extra push.
“The other reason is that if you decide to sneak out and ‘help’ us, I swear on the Elders of Order AND Chaos that your rump will remember my anger until the end of time,” I said with gritted teeth. “Got it?”
His eyes wide, ears flat against his skull, Calx quickly nodded.
For that, I patted his head gently, and gave him a quick hug. “Stay safe, lil’ bro.”
His voice came out quietly. “You too.”
--
Mere moments later, my consciousness was turned toward the entrance of the Everfree Forest, and the short procession of soldiers gathering there.
I manifested within a silent gust of wind, mere strides away from the bulk of the group. Just far enough to be outside the line of sight of anypony that wasn’t looking my way. None of them were, as far as I could see, though my hearing told me otherwise. There had been a short spike in the breathing of a creature to my far right at the precise moment I became visible.
Still, if they hadn’t shouted any word of warning right away, they had probably decided my presence wasn’t worth the alarm. Or figured I was supposed to be here. After all, the illusion covering my fur had been suppressed for now. Every strand of my fur was golden, every strand of my mane was a pale shade of silver. My wings were perfectly visible and so was the true image of my cutie mark.
I stood as myself, Alicorn of the Wind, and my presence had been requested.
In the main group, composed of approximately thirty ponies, a younger officer caught sight of me walking out in the open. I took that as my cue.
“Hello everypony,” I said, my voice easily carried over to them, a quiet note of confidence filtering through.
The effect was instantaneous. Those that hadn’t noticed me jumped, suddenly standing at the ready, spears and swords drawn. Those that had only gave a nod of acknowledgment and kept their expression focused.
“At ease, soldiers,” came an authoritative voice, and the troops rapidly returned to their previous positions.
Then, a grey middle-age stallion broke out from the group, sending disapproving looks at the ponies that had been surprised so easily. And when he turned back to me, I could see he was not entirely pleased by my approach. His traits remained severe, eyebrows lowered in a frown and lips tightened in a line.
“Prince Ventus.” The armored pony trotted up to me and lowered his head when he came to my level. “I am officer Silver Plate. It is an honor to serve at your side.”
As staggeringly flattering as that was, it only made me want to mess with him.
“You are aware that I haven’t actually worked with any military force before this, correct? I certainly hope you have at least groveled before the bearers of the Elements of Harmony then. Anything less would be a faux-pas.”
At that, the touch of steel in his gaze lessened, and he shuffled on his hooves. From the region of his chest, underneath his armor, his heartbeat had started coming faster and stronger.
“It was in jest. Don’t be nervous,” I said, showing an amicable smile. “Though, honestly, those mares do deserve more recognition than what they get.”
Saying nothing, Silver Plate quickly nodded.
“My apologies for the surprise here.” My hoof went to the back of my head. “It was not my intent to startle them on the eve of battle.”
“That is nothing, my Prince. If those slackers had been on their guards as this mission demanded, it would not have caused any fuss. I already have their names for some remedial training,” he explained with a grin that gave me chills and a pinch of guilt for screwing them over. “A-anyway, Princess Twilight has informed me that you will be playing a role as an advanced scout and possible caster during the mission.”
I nodded. “She has explained things similarly to me as well. The military details, however, were not at her disposal at the time.”
“Very well, I will introduce you to the troops and show you your place in the formation,” he said, pointing a hoof to the ponies behind him.
I agreed, and he lead the way to the bulk of the group. It happened quickly and efficiently, with an immediately established routine.
It surprised even me, how easily it was to trot amongst the soldiers and greet them all politely with no restraint whatsoever. Earth ponies, pegasi, thestrals and unicorns, all of them divided in squads with various roles. Some of their importance were still lost on me, but I could feel respect for any being willing to put their life on the line for their compatriots. In return, I may have caught a similar sentiment from the more expressive guards.
Finally, Silver Plate showed me the last of his soldiers, ending this miniature tour a few meters away from a few very distinct mares.
The Mane Six, all of them wearing their element and looking more or less ready for this new task, with the exception of the most important of them. Disappointment mixed with relief, as I did not quite want to make things too obvious between us yet. These were the preparations for a season finale level of villains. Some people were bound to be watching…
“Hello miladies,” I said as they turned to me. “It is nice to see you all again. Have things gone well for you here in Ponyville?”
Rarity was the one to answer first.
“Yes, thank you ever so kindly for asking, Prince Ventus,” she replied sweetly, almost a bit too sweetly. “It is not often that the nobility show interest in us.”
Well, perhaps the attention wouldn’t bring many good things to you, but…
“You deserve better,” I said in a serious tone, looking her straight in the eyes, then glancing back to each of them. “You all saved this world and my cousin from her inner demons. You stopped the Elder of Chaos, and even befriended him. I believe it is natural that ponies care about your well-being.”
“Wow, thanks Sammy!” Pinkie jumped at me, her front legs closing around my neck. “Not often we hear that!”
I nearly stumbled at the unexpected contact, trying not to lose balance with a grateful mare hugging me. My wings stood half-opened, feathers moving up and down quickly.
“Eh, s’all natural, Princey.” Applejack shrugged, smirking at my unease with Pinkie. “Ah reckon yew’d have done the same thing in our place.”
“Maybe.” Rainbow Dash grinned, looking at her hoof with a fake nonchalance. “But I bet it wouldn’t have been half as cool as when we did it. You’re welcome.”
“Indeed, Rainbow Dash. You have our thanks for the care, Prince Ventus. Our reputation is one we have certainly not cultivated, but it is always nice to receive some appreciation. Of course, one would imagine that you would be curious about the whereabouts of the Elements’ bearers,” Rarity said, even if the mild smirk she wore implied other things.
Such as me being interested in one bearer more than the others. The others might not pick up on it, but I did, and that was all that mattered to her.
Her inner thoughts must have been along the lines of “SWEET SWEET REVENGE!” and similar gloating. Mine were focused on keeping my poker face intact. There was still somepony hanging on my neck after all.
“M-miss Pie?” I cleared my throat, gently trying to push her away, all the while fighting a growing embarrassment. “You are starting to make me uncomfortable.”
Thankfully, she heeded my demand, and quickly let go.
“Oops, sorry! I just heard a really interesting conversation when I was hugging you.” She snorted, earning looks of bafflement from her friends. “There was a recipe for cake and everything!”
…Is that because it’s Pinkie or did I just never realize…?
The others however shared not my interrogations. A swift glance was exchanged between Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, following which they all more or less shrugged and stopped questioning it. In fact, they seemed to decide on something else here and there as well.
While I tried to discreetly inch my ears toward my skin and see for myself if Pinkie was onto something, Fluttershy stepped forward… sorta… Her head was still lowered, her body language screamed of timidity, but she still moved close enough to get my attention.
“W-we heard that… you had disappeared… It w-worried us…”
I froze.
They… had worried? About me? Why would they? I was at most a passing acquaintance in their lives. Hay, they didn’t even know I was going out with Twilight before, so that couldn’t have been it. They… they had simply cared.
A mixture of happiness and pain shot through me. Staring, I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“And it pains me that I put you through such things, Miss Fluttershy. It was not by my will that we left the spotlight of the journalists’ cameras. I will not say I regret their articles, but I am sorry it came at a cost to you fine mares.”
“Yeah, okay, and where were you?” Rainbow Dash gave me a look. “Or is that secret too?”
“Oh, here and there,” I waved it off, trying not to make eye contact. Maybe she wouldn’t take it as a personal betrayal if I turned up to have been right under her nose all this time, but hey, I wasn’t going to take chances with my boss. “We tried to visit new places, see things from new perspectives; we even visited Fillydelphia.”
“Oh yeah, I heard that.” Rainbow Dash replied, looking up then back to me. “Ditzy even said she saw you.”
I let out a quiet laugh at that. A few images came back, most of them adorable.
“Calx sends his compliments on her muffins. He ate the whole thing in two bites, and not for a lack of trying in a single one-”
“Ventus!” Somepony dear to me shouted.
Instantly, I turned around, only to feel yet another pair of hooves encircle my neck and shoulders. At least, they were a beautiful shade of lavender this time.
Following my immediate instinct, I nuzzled her, enjoying the tenderness of her embrace.
So much for stealth, the thought crossed my mind, but left little impact. I couldn’t bring myself to care much. My focus was on my marefriend, whom I could feel still shaking.
“Are you ready for this?” I whispered softly.
“Yes.” Her voice was as quiet as it was strong. “Are you?”
“For you, yes.”
And at that, her embrace tightened. She was nervous, understandably so. The forest was more or less at the opposite of what she was now. She had braved it before, she would do it again, it simply required a bit of… mental preparation. I would stand by her side for that.
But, even together, I suspected this would not fade away. It could be fought, but it would remain not until things were over. So, with regret, we parted, both still leaning forward for that lingering contact.
“I-it’s time…” Twilight whispered.
I nodded.
Time to step inside the Everfree.
--
From a bird’s point of view, the woods had not changed. Thick dark foliage blocked the rays of light in most places, with the exception of a few paths and its lakes. It appeared peaceful, more than it should. Yet the air above felt relentless, tormented. The touch of pegasi affected it no more than that of griffons or mages. It was wild, untamed and chaotic. It obeyed no laws, not even its own, and surpassing the height of clouds, in the space just below the boundaries of this world, a disturbance twisted it around. A clear path should have existed, yet it deviated from its given trajectory as if it had come across an obstacle.
It had.
With a low rumble, the air oscillated, faintly giving out under an unbelievable pressure. For a moment, the impression built up in amplitude, growing and growing, until it abruptly stopped.
There was silence.
And a fissure appeared in the open air, running down a short invisible line that pulsed with a strange power.
A wisp of blue flames slipped through.
The wilderness became tame.