After a few hours of last minute preparations and packing, Twilight and the girls were loading there luggage onto the train. While I sat back with Spike lost in thought after having to carry Rarity's luggage. All of which she said was necessary for her work on the princesses dress. But I was under the impression she just over packed. As per the norm if the story's I've heard from her sister and Rainbow are to be believed. When everything was loaded the girls all turned and looked at me expectantly. Twilight sighing and walking over to me when it was obvious I hadn't noticed them watching me.
"Travis where is your luggage?"She said snapping her fingers in my face and putting her hands on her hips.
"You know you make the angry librarian thing look sexy Twilight." I said after a few seconds my mind still lost in thought, until I realized what I said. My hand flying up to cover my mouth seconds after the words left it. My face burning red with embarrassment, my mind going into over drive trying to find where that came from. And as I thought and sifted through the experiences I've had here I began to realize. Other than working with Applejack I've spent the most time with Twilight out of all the girls. Whether it was simply enjoying each others company as we read a good book. Or helping around the library or with her experiments to learn more about humanity. And as time drug on I've caught myself watching Twilight simply in awe of her magical prowess, or her love for her friends. Then there was how beautiful she was, and factor in the simple fact I've always had a thing for nerdy girls. That would lead to the thought that was voiced when Twilight asked me something when I wasn't paying attention. This of course led to our current predicament. With Twilight standing next to me her face a bright shade of pink beneath her coat, my face a similar color. While all the other girls faces showed varying levels of surprise and knowing smirks. All save Rainbow Dash who was on her back laughing hysterically teasing Twilight and I between boughts of laughter.
"I'm sorry Twilight what did you say?" I asked when I had finally regained my composure, though my face was still red.
It took Twilight a minute to register through her shock that I had spoken. But she shook her head as if to clear it and looked anywhere but at me and spoke, her condition no better than mine.
"I asked you where is your luggage your coming to the wedding too you know." She said glancing shyly at me every few seconds, while my face scrunched up in confusion.
" I was invited to the wedding?" I said confused earning a annoyed sigh from Twilight while her horn charged up a spell. And then released it with a pop to reveal the scroll spike had given her earlier that day. Taking it in her hand she began to read from it going over everyone's assigned tasks.
"And lastly please inform Travis he is requested at the castle as added security for this special occasion." Twilight read aloud releasing the scroll when she finished letting it disappear just as it appeared.
"I'm guessing you weren't paying attention and missed that part." Twilight chastised rolling her eyes at my sheepish smile.
"Can you find your way to Canterlot from here?" She asked earning a dead pan stare in reply as I said.
"Ohh I don't know Twilight its only the city and castle resting on the mountains looming in the distance. And the only place in all the world I've been aside from Ponyvile so I think I can find my way there."
She either didn't notice my sarcastic tone or chose to ignore it nodding her head in acceptance just as the trail whistle blew, signaling its immediate departure. After everyone boarded the train Twilight looked out the window at me with a look I couldn't read. That is until Rarity leaned over her seat to whisper something in Twilight's ear. Twilight's face becoming a shade of crimson I didn't even know existed, earning a good natured laugh from Rarity as they pulled out of view. Leaving me on the platform wondering why I was invited as additional security if at all for that matter, and what I was going to do about the conversation I just had. With all this running through my mind I made my way back to the library and began to pack light, it was supposed to be an over night stay. When I was sure I had everything I needed I made my way outside and loaded down the truck. And went on my marry way to Cantlerot waving goodbye to the few ponies id gotten to know on my way out of town. As I made it to the outskirts of town I began to wonder if the princesses were keeping something from me. But those kinds of thoughts could wait I had business in Canterlot. Finding a competent glass maker being at the top of that list.
"So I might as well kill two birds with one stone on this trip." I thought as I put the peddle to the floor and roared towards canterlot.
After a couple of near misses with passing ponies and about six feet of air off a random ditch, I made it to canterlot with time to spare. So with a sigh I began my search idling up and down the streets. The ponies giving my truck plenty of room to maneuver, as if they were afraid it would eat them. And after I got over laughing at there expressions I returned my attention to the stores lining the streets. Only to spend multiple hours asking around and just coasting down the street until I saw a little store that caught my eye. It was small and unassuming in design, but it was what was etched on the sign over the door that caught my eye. It read 'Hard Hats contracting and construction,with a relieved sigh I pulled up and went inside.
The inside of the store was just as unassuming as the outside, save for the many pictures of buildings that lined the walls. There were pictures of small family homes, and mansions all the way up to grand theaters and they all had one thing in common. In each and every picture among the buildings owners stood a tall well built stallion with orange fur and a blonde mane. And atop his head sat a simple hard hat with the name on the sign painted onto its front. Behind me the door finally swung closed with the tinkle of a little bell fastened to the door.
"Ill be up in a minute." A gruff but warm voice said from a doorway behind the counter. And true to his word the Stallion from the pictures appeared in the door way, though he paused in surprise when his eyes fell on me.
"How can I help you?" He said uncertainly as he leaned on the counter and eyed me cautiously. His gaze flickering every so often towards the street behind me and then something beneath the counter, A weapon for self defense hidden there no doubt.
"I am in need of your services actually." I said with a chuckle facing the stallion proper. "You see I find myself in this wonderful land of yours and no place to call my own. And if the pictures on the walls are anything to go by, you are the pony I should talk to."
"That would be a fair assumption." The stallion said still eyeing me from across the counter but with less suspicion. "So my name is Hard Hat as it says on the sign outside, what is your name?"
"So it does sir." I said stepping forward and offering my hand for a shake, a offer he accepted as I spoke. "And my name is Travis and as i'm sure you've guessed I need you to build me something I can call home."
"Alright what kind of home are you looking for?" Hard Hat asked motioning towards the pictures on all the walls. Here I took a moment to imagine the home I wanted only to shake my head with a grin as I said.
"Just something about mid size with a few extra rooms for guests, nothing to fancy. Ill leave the rest up too you, though i'm sure the location will give you pause."
"Ohh?" Hard Hat said with a raised eyebrow. "And just where would you like this house of yours built?"
"About a stones throw from the Everfree forest if you know what I mean?" I said with a chuckle as Hard Hats eyes grew wide in surprise and his mouth began to move as if to speak, only for me to beat him to the punch.
"Now I don't want it right at the edge of the forest that would be absurd. I just simply want it close enough that I could get to the forest in a pinch. But still close enough to Ponyvile it wont be a problem to get to town."
A few seconds passed while Hard hat simply stared at me his mouth still working but nothing really coming out. Until he finally shook himself from his little daze and eyed me with suspicion.
"And why would you want a house so close to that forsaken place?" He asked me earning a chuckle from me in reply.
"I have my reasons." I stated simply as he frowned at me. "The reason why is not important, the fact of the matter is i'm willing to pay you to do this now what do you say?"
"It will cost you extra due to the close proximity to such a dangerous place." Hard Hat said making my eyes narrow in annoyance as he spoke. A fact that seemed to amuse him slightly if the small on his smirk was any indication. "And I usually ask a little more than any other pony in town, but its worth it I guarantee it.
"Will this due?" I asked pulling a overly stuffed pouch from my pocket full of coins. The way Hard Hats eyes bugged out of his head when the bag hit the counter was answer enough.
"Ill take that as a yes so ill be on my way, you can get a hold of me through Twilight Sparkle in Ponyvile." I said as I turned around with a smirk and made my way out the door without giving Hard Hat a chance to respond. Only to stop dead just outside, flabbergasted by the sight of a sizable crowd gathered around my truck. While someone could be heard yelling at the center of the crowd.
"All right, all right break it up there is nothing to see her move along." I yelled waving my hands in a shooing motion while I made my way to the truck. The crowd parting and giving me dirty looks but otherwise remaining where they were.
"I said scram people if you have any questions you should talk to me or the princesses now beat it." I yelled again these snobby ponies already wearing on my nerves.
"And just who are you to tell us what to do?" A high pitched but defiantly masculine voice said behind me.
"Well i'm the owner of this vehicle for starters and I am expected at the castle." I said sarcastically turning around. Only to groan in annoyance when I realized to who I was talking.
"Well that cant be right." A posh unicorn mare said looking between me and the royal asshole who was seated on my hood. "Blueblood says this contraption is of his design what claim do you have to it?" The mare stared at me expectantly whilst Blueblood glared at me like I had just stolen his favorite toy. And the more he stared the more it annoyed me, until a evil grin began to spread across my face.
"Why I am the only one here who knows how to operate this contraption my dear. And do you know what that says about your pompous friend here?" I said motioning to Blueblood who sat up and stared at me with a look that could kill. But it didn't faze me considering the fact he looked like a spoiled brat.
"It means unless he can operate this thing then he is a worthless lying sack of shit. And I can tell you right now there aint but six ponies in all the world. Who have the faintest clue on how to run my truck, and this noble ass wipe sure as shit aint one of them."
The whole crowd gasped at my statement and Blueblood looked like he was going to pop a hernia with the way he was staring at me and clenching his jaws. A long second passed with Blue blood just starring at me, while I just smiled.
"Now you see here you disgusting little..."
"Now now there is no need to get pissy." I said matter o f factly to Blue with a shit eating grin on my face. "To prove me wrong all you have to do is operate this thing and ill be the fool not you."
"Fine I will." Blueblood said hopping down off the hood and turning to face the truck. Making a show of stretching to bye himself some time i'm sure. Then finally he stood up straight and his horn began to glow along with my truck. And nothing happened, the sweat could be seen cascading down Blues face as he concentrated. Only to lift the truck off the ground about an inch and then drop it gasping for breath.
"There it is mine now apologies." Blue said turning to face me out of breath and face red from exertion. Only to frown and glare at me as I fell to the ground laughing hysterically.
"I said operate it not move it you tard." I said when I finally regained my composure and pushed Blueblood out of my way. "This is how you operate my truck you lying sack of shit."
I quickly climbed into the cab of the truck and slammed the door to drown out Blueblood's indignant cries and insults. Focusing instead on how many pegs he was going to be knocked down as the motor roared to life. And I didn't just stop there, I made sure to get my point across. I sat there and romped on it for a few seconds before I held the pedal to the floor. Making all the ponies cover there ears and some run away in fear.
"Next time when your caught in a lie fess up to it and you wont look like an ass." I yelled at Blueblood as I threw the truck in gear and tore down the road. Leaving him coughing in a cloud of dust. While the other ponies shook there heads and mumbled to each other before heading there own ways.
A little while later I came to a screeching halt outside a store with a gleaming window painted on the sign with "Canterlot glass" painted in bold gold letters at the bottom. And after another few hours of haggling, and letting the mare who ran the shop take measurements of the remaining window and the actual glass. I left with my coin purse lighter than before and thoroughly assured by the mare. That she would have the glass ready for my by the time I was ready to return to Ponyvile tomorrow. So with all that taken care of I climbed into my truck and made my way to the castle. I arrived shortly there after and parked my truck just inside the gates and stepped out making sure the gun was secure on my back. When I was satisfied all was as it should be I made my way to the castle. Wondering aimlessly until I stumbled upon Celestia as she came around a corner and nearly ran me over.
"Ohh forgive me Travis I didn't see you there I was lost in thought." Celestia said flattening the wrinkles I made on impact, while I heaved myself from the floor where I fell.
"No its quite allright, it happens to the best of us." I said rubbing my sore ass. No matter what universe you live in, ass hitting stone hurts like hell. "But now that I have your attention I have a few questions to ask you." I said getting Celestia's complete attention.
"And what would you like to know Travis?" Celestia asked her gaze hardening for a split second, before it returned to normal.
"Why am I here princess what possible security purpose could I possibly serve that the royal guard would not be better suited for?" I said doing my best to gauge her reaction, though her face nor her eyes would betray what she was thinking.
"You have shown a innate skill for surviving against impossible odds. A valuable trait to have should this threat against Canterlot prove to be true." Celestia said her voice sincere and no sign of deceit in her eyes. But that didn't help rid me of the feeling she was keeping something from me.
"Its a miracle I survived both those situations Princess and you know that. But if that is your reason then I shall do my best to help where I can." I said putting on a fake smile Celestia donning a smile of her own.
"I am very glad to hear that Travis we can use whatever help is available at the moment. Now if you will excuse me I have many important duty's to take care of before tomorrows ceremony."
And just like that she brushed past me and disappeared down the hall behind me. Leaving me to stew over what was said while I wondered throughout the castle aimlessly for hours. lost in thought trying to figure out what the princess could possibly be keeping from me. Only to heave a heavy sigh and push the thoughts into the farthest reaches of my mind. Accidentally letting loose the pained thoughts I had caged there, only serving to sour my mood further. My aimless wondering was finally interrupted by the sensation of a cool breeze blowing. Making me stop and look up to see Luna's beautiful night sky over head.
"Ohh I could stare at that sky for hours." I said with a sigh as I sat down to do just that. The peaceful quite broken only by the gentle sound of wings beating the air behind me. When I turned to see who it was I smiled, though it quickly died in light of my thoughts.
"What are you doing out this late Travis?" Luna said coming to stand beside me, looking down at me puzzled.
"Just needed to clear my head Princess nothing more." I said tiredly as I pulled my knees up and rested my chin on them. My arms wrapped around my legs as if to fight off the cold, while tears threatened to flow.
"Ohh and what could be occupying your mind that you need rid yourself of it?" Luna asked as she sat down beside me, patiently awaiting my reply.
"Its nothing Luna." I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper and shaking. "Just wishing id done things differently at home." A long silence passed between us neither of us knowing what to say. I lost in my memories and regrets. While Luna seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes having that far off look one gets when thinking.
"There is no way you could have known that the last time you saw your family would truly be the last." Luna said sagely her eyes staring off into the distance and unfocused.
"That is true Luna but I can only imagine how devastated my family is." I said trying to hold back the tears and thoughts I've kept locked away every since I arrived here. "My mother would probably blame herself saying she didn't do something right. My father would run himself into the ground looking for me, his own pains be damned. And the rest of the family would do the same until they finally accepted the fact I was gone."
As I spoke tears began to well up in my eyes, until they finally began to roll down my face slowly. Until they just began to pour when the fact I was all alone finally struck home, with no work or curious unicorn to help hold it back. Then came the heaving sobs when all the faces I would never see again crossed my minds eye. And suddenly where was once the caress of the cool night. I was surrounded by warmth and darkness, while two strong arms pulled me close. And then Luna's voice rang out softly, humming at first and then growing slowly into a song.
Everything outside my feathered shelter seemed to melt away while Luna sang, holding me close. Helping to ease my troubled mind and lifting a weight off my shoulders I hadn't even know was there until is was gone. And like all good things the song drew to a close. And I leaned back and wiped any tears that remained on my sleeve. Looking up to give Luna my thanks, only to be silenced by her warm smile as she pulled me into another hug.
"Thank you Luna I needed that." I said sniffling a little and wiping my face on my sleeve.
"Think nothing of it besides that's what friends are for." She said chuckling pulling me up to my feet as she stood. And then lead me inside the castle. " Now enough of these pained thoughts let us eat, sister and the others are in the dinning hall waiting for us."
The two of us walked in comfortable silence, content with life in that moment in time. As we got closer to our destination, the hall became filled with wonderful smells of cooking food. My stomach rumbling loudly announcing to all who could hear, my approval of the wonderful smells. Luna just laughed pushing open a large door with her magic and walking in. While I followed behind her only to stop when I saw the inside of the dinning hall.
The roof was high up with a beautiful painting stretching the length of the room. Showing many ponies lounging in a green field or playing games or eating at a picnic. Then where the painting met the wall the paint was textured all the way to floor. Making it look like the walls were covered in tall trees, beautiful blooming flowers, and stunning rock formations. Everything matching with the painting almost like one huge work of art. Then my eyes fell on the huge dark wood table that dominated the floor. Celestia and all the girls save Twilight already seated and talking. Even Shinning Armor the groom to be was seated there. His smile turning to a frown for a second when he saw me. But then my eyes fell on his 'bride to be'.
And I could see her plain as day, her smooth black skin glistening almost like metal. Her entrancing emerald eyes glaring at me, first in shock until her face became unreadable. There next to Shinning Armor sat Chrysalis in all her dark spender. Her beauty easily on par with the princesses, her almost see through light green dress leaving nothing to the imagination.
"Are you alright Travis?" Luna said as she stepped in front of me blocking my view of Chrysalis. Making me realize I was standing there with my mouth agape and starring.
"I'm sorry Luna." I said rubbing the back of my head sheepishly. "I was just surprised is all, as far as I knew you and your sister were the only alicorns in equestria."
"Be that as it may Travis." Celestia said suddenly appearing next to her sister with a concerned look on her face. "You look so pail like you've seen a ghost or monster. Does the thought of another alicorn trouble you?"
"No its not that." I said moving around both the alicorns to look once more at Chrysalis. " There is just some thing about her that screams predator."
when those last two words left my mouth there was a collective gasp from the tables occupants, save Chrysalis. And Shinning armor slammed his fist on the table and stood fixing me with a burning glare.
"How dare you say that about my Cadence, she is not a predator of any kind." He yelled his anger fueled by his obvious dislike of me. It would seem being beat by a inanimate object had put a huge dent in Shiny s pride.
"Sit down there is no need for this." I growled fixing Shinning with a glare of my own. hoping I looked more intimidating than I felt. And thankfully Shinning took the hint and sat grumbling under his breath.
"Now it would seem I owe you a apology for my unintended insult." I said getting a huff in reply from Shinning. "I did not mean any insult. To be honest that would be a complement where I come from. A predatory women is often respected at my home. Being of strong will and not willing to take any shit off anyone. And they often make for great lovers and furious fighters." All of this I pulled out of mid air, doing my best to avoid any more hard feelings between the captain and I.
"But predatory is the word that best describes the body language of your bride to be." I said matter of factually both Shineings and Chrysalis's eyes narrowing at me threateningly. "For example take the way she sits in comparison to you or the others."
Here all the pony's looked at Chrysalis trying to see what I was talking about. Making Chrysalis shrink back slightly into her seat a scowl on her face.
" I don't see anything wrong with the way she is sitting." Shinning spat glaring at me with malice.
"But there is nothing wrong with the way she sits." I said mockingly. "It just shows a different side of her. For example she is leaning forward slightly with the chair scooted back enough to allow for easy movement in or out. While everyone else is completely relaxed and scooted all they way up to the table."
Once more all eyes were on Chrysalis making her glare at me. Knowing she couldn't subtlety fix the differences I've pointed out.
"Now this doesn't necessarily mean anything." I said nonchalantly, smirking at Chrysalis. "Considering the stress of planning a wedding its completely acceptable for her to be a little off."
While I spoke, I moved to the only empty seat that was available. Which just so happened to be right next to Chrysalis. And for a long second everyone was silent, everyone at the table starring at me wide eyed. While the Princesses were still standing by the door I came in. Glancing between themselves, then at me, then at Chrysalis almost as if they were trying to decide something.
"A fair assessment I suppose." Celestia said still unsure of what to make of what just happened. "But enough of that let us eat so we may finish any last minute preparations and be off to sleep."
And almost as if on cue, the instant Celestia and Luna were both seated. Waiters flooded the room from doors hidden on the walls. Placing drinks and menus in front of everyone, and then retreating a short distance to let us decide on something to eat. Everyone quickly picked there meals with smiles on there faces. I on the other hand was a little less enthusiastic about another bland salad. And was slowly leafing through the menu when something caught my eye on the last page.
"You serve steak?!?!?" I yelled looking at the menu and the princesses, eyes wide like I just won the lottery.
"Why yes we do. We regularly have foreign guests in the castle who's diet varies from our own." Celestia said her eyes narrowed slightly with a curious look on her face.
"I want the biggest steak you got and a house salad please." I said resolutely dropping my menu on the table. Almost drooling in anticipation of the hopefully heavenly meal I was about to partake in.
There was a moment of silence while the girls and Shinning looked at me with looks of shock and disgust. While the Princesses seemed to be less concerned even uncaring. After a few minutes the waiters returned with our orders. And when my steak was sat in front of me all the girls gagged. Poor Fluttershy swooned and then fainted, everyone to absorbed in there own disgust to notice.
With a heavy sigh I picked up my fork and knife and began to cut into my steak. And as I did juice and grease rolled off, and a slight bit of pink was revealed in the center.
"Past the teeth, between the gums, look out stomach here it comes." I said with a smile and took the first bite, it almost melting in mouth. But my enjoyment was short lived, all the girls looked like they were going to be sick. Rarity's cheeks puffing out as she ran from the table and out a nearby door. The sounds of retching could be heard, essentially ruining my appetite immediately. So with a sigh and regretful look I sat down my silver ware and pushed the plate aside and waited for Rarity to return.
And the wait was rather long, it would seem she had a lot on her stomach. But finally she returned to her seat her face a little green and she wouldn't look at me. And the rest of the girls were doing the same thing, even Pinkie wouldn't meet my gaze.
I began to rub my forehead and groaned rather loudly a rather irritating headache starting to form. Only to stiffen up when I felt a hand on my back rubbing up and down reassuringly. And when I looked I expected to find Luna behind me, but instead I found Chrysalis giving me a knowing smile.
"I guess I owe you girls an apology." I said my gaze returning to the girls watching them all fighting to hold down the contents of there stomachs. Still unable to meet my gaze, until Rarity finally composed herself and looked me in the eyes.
"How can you eat that?" She spat her face scrunched up in disgust. "The whole time you've been in ponyvile, I've only ever seen you eat salads. Why didn't you ever tell us you were a carnivore?"
"I am a omnivore just like every other human being Rarity." I said unable to meet her glare for some reason. " A omnivore needs both meat and vegetables to survive. Unless you supplement beans in for our meat, but I wouldn't recommend that.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity said spite dripping off her every word. " First you tell us ponies are killed on a regular basis where you come from. And then you get into that scuffle with those two stallions who were drunk. And then to make everything worse you eat meat, and definitely seem to enjoy it. How do we know you are not just some reached heathen, or predator. You can dress up and act like a pony, but that doesn't change what you are."
"And prey tell great and wise Rarity what am I?" I growled, doing my best to hold back my temper. Occupying myself by twirling my fork between my fingers like one would with a pen or pencil.
"You are a primitive, barbaric beast. No better than the monsters that prowl in the Everfree." She said, my temper rising with each word. "How long until you turn on us, and we become....."
"ENOUGH!!!!!" I yelled jumping to my feet sending the chair skidding across the floor. While My arm shot out launching the fork that was clutched in my fist at Rarity. It striking with a resounding thwack just next to her head. Blue flames dancing across its surface slowly, burning the chair. My anger clouded mind not even registering the fact the fork had left my hand, much less the fact it was on fire.
The entire room growing deathly silent in shock from my outburst. Rarity quickly abandoning her seat glaring at me.
"And what does that make you Rarity, you and all your friends are bigoted, lying, hypocrites." I said my head hung low, my hands locked on the table. The wood beneath my hands turning black beneath my white knuckle grip, smoke spiraling into the air.
"You preach about love and tolerance and treat me nice until you find something about me you don't like. Then you attack me like a monster that has cornered a wounded animal."
"I never told you." I Continued now glaring at the girls who were all quaking in there seats. "Because I was hoping to avoid this very thing, but I screwed it up hoping you wouldn't do something stupid. Now if me being born needing meat to survive makes me unworthy to live in your society that's fine. I wouldn't want to be part of a society that promotes bigoted bitches like you any way."Rarity recoiled as if slapped tears actually threatening to spill from her eyes. Her lips began to quiver and then she made as if to speak but I cut her off.
"There will be nothing more said, and your tears will not phase me. I've done nothing but try and be kind to you, and even put myself in danger for you. But if this is the kind of thanks I get then no more." I said glaring down Rarity only for her to devolve into sobs making me growl in frustration.
"Princess if you would be so kind as to have someone escort me to my room. I will remain there for the remainder of the night. And if you still think you need my help after that I will remain." I said turning swiftly on my heel and exiting out the same door I came in, waiting patiently until the door swung closed. As soon as the door closed I threw back my head and screamed my anger and frustration to the heavens. The howls slowly fading to tears of anger as I stood in the hall shaking. Only pulling in my wild emotions when I heard the door behind me open.
"Follow me human we have much to discuss." Chrysalis said brushing past me and continuing down the hall, not even bothering to check if I was following her.
And so I followed the dark enigma before me, I had nothing better to do any way. And as we walked nothing was said leaving me to my thoughts, which were occupied by the creature before me. Her confidant long stride making her body sway to and fro in almost hypnotic way as we went down the hall. So much so I nearly ran into her when she abruptly come to a stop in front of a door. Chrysalis swung it open and continued forward into the room. While I stood just outside the door not entirely sure whether or not I should follow. But it would seem the decision was not my own since Chrysalis reappeared in the door way, a wicked grin on her face. lighting her horn and I was drug into the room the door slamming closed behind us, the sound of the lock clicking into place. I was quickly dumped on the large bed that dominated most of the room. The lights flickering out while Chrysalis chuckled darkly. I sighed not really in the mood to deal with this sort of thing.
"Is there something I can help you with princess?" I said doing my best to listen and find her in the dark. " I don't think your fiance will be happy if he found you in a dark room with me."
"Drop the charade Human." Chrysalis said her voice seeming to come from everywhere in the darkness that filled the room. "I know you can see through my disguises. What I don't understand is why you didn't tell the princesses when you saw me?"
I kept silent for a moment and waited for Chrysalis to make her next move. Stretching my sense of hearing as far I could to pick up anything. Only to come up with nothing once more as the sound of Chrysalis clicking her tongue in impatience rang out in the darkness.
"To be honest you intrigue me, your a creature the likes of which I've never seen." I said, a snort ringing out in the silence in answer.
"Another thing I don't understand about you. Is you don't seem to be afraid of me your either really brave, or really stupid." Chrysalis said her voice drifting to me from somewhere in the darkness. But sounding closer than before maybe right next to me.
"Why would I be afraid of you, should I be?" I asked the darkness. Barely catching the irritated hiss that pierced the silence. Before I was blinded by the lights coming back on, and my hands where yanked up above my head. When my vision cleared I found Chrysalis straddling my hips and holding my hands above me with her magic. A snarl curling her lips up to reveal two sharp fangs glistening in the candle light.
"You should be afraid of me." She snarled leaning closer to my face until her muzzle touched my nose.
"Why?" I asked making Chrysalis recoil in shock until her snarl returned with a vengeance. "You know monsters arnt born they are made. Some are made by choices and events far out of their control, while some are made of their own volition. So why don't you tell me which are you? Where you made by another's choices or choices of your own?"
My question seem to genuinely surprise and confuse Chrysalis. Since her snarl disappeared and the magic that held my hands vanished, giving me the opportunity I needed. With one quick motion I rolled and pined Chrysalis in a similar position, making her squeal in surprise.
"If you wish to talk to me there is no need for these power games." I said simply rolling off of Chrysalis. Letting my feet rest over the edge of the bed with my back to her.
"I am forced to play enough games with the ponies already. I don't need any more heaped on my plate." I said my head hung low, my body tensing in anger as I thought about what just transpired at dinner.
"You know I expected things to go south when I ordered that steak." I said to no one in particular, just voicing my thoughts. "But I didn't expect it to be that bad. To be honest I half expected Fluttershy to rip me a new one not Rarity. Of course had Twilight been there she might have been able to prevent things from getting that bad. She's real good at looking at new things scientifically and helping everyone understand."
As soon as I mentioned Twilight Chrysalis began to chuckle behind me.
"Its funny you should mention Twilight." Chrysalis said, the bed shifting beneath me signaling she was on the move. " She couldn't see through my disguise like you can, but she sensed something was off and made herself a nuisance..."
"And you removed her from the equation sending her to the same place as the real Cadence no doubt." I said interrupting Chrysalis, the movement on the bed going still when I spoke.
"How do you know that?" Chrysalis hissed materializing from green flames right in front of me. She continued to glare at me trying to intimidate me, accomplishing nothing more than annoying me.
"A lucky guess my lady nothing more." I growled my temper spiking while I spoke. "Now was there something you wanted to discuss or may I go to sleep?"
"No I merely wanted to see what I should do with you. You may go to sleep I have more important things to attend to." Chrysalis said a wicked smile forming on her lips.
"Should you wish to speak further my door will be open to you." I said, smirking when I saw Chrysalis stop and stiffen in surprise. "I am having a home built in Ponyvile, after you fail here maybe you can swing by. And we can finish our little chat and maybe learn something from each other."
"And what makes you think my plans will fail here." Chrysalis growled, turning to glare at me. The first look shes given me that actually scared me, but I brushed it off as I stood and walked leisurely towards her.
"Have you never read the fairy tales my lady." I said spinning her around and gently easing her out the door. "The villain never wins."
And with that I gently closed the door and returned to the bed, kicking off my boots and duster. Falling onto the bed with a relieved sigh as the bliss of sleep over took me.