//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Change // Story: Redemption // by Mystic_Knightwolf //------------------------------// Redemption Chapter 4: The Changes Blueblood made his way to this week's event. Against his better judgement, he was asked by Aunty to attend the launching of the Flying Grace. Honestly, he couldn't care less about being there to see an airship take off. Today, Blueblood just wanted to just spend the day with his Aunty Celestia, but it wasn't in him anymore to go against her wishes, so he just sighed and went along with it. Making it to the mountainside where the crown jewel would be launched, Canterlot's elite made way for him and his escort of two guards. 'Two guards.' he thought, as opposed to six or so that would, in the past, escort his over-sized chariot, not including the other six or so that would pull the thing from place to place. Attending the event itself wasn't unlike anything he did before, but it was who exactly was at this event that would cause him to do something he's never done since he was a foal. Blueblood was making his way towards the runway to announce the beginning of the party when he caught sight of somepony familiar. White coat, deep purple mane and tail... Rarity. He would've stopped in his tracks had it not been for his escort behind him, who would've likely asked him what was wrong, but instead, he slowed his pace so he could walk between his two guards, avoiding Rarity's gaze. Giving the announcement was easy enough, with his experience in speaking for public events, and once the festivities began, he soon found himself at the outdoor bar, sitting alone. Being by himself gave Blueblood a clear mind to think. Rarity was at the party, and that potentially spelled bad news for him. He could already imagine the earful he'd be getting if she saw him again, and shuddered at the thought. However, like arguing with Aunty Celestia, he just couldn't find it in himself to blame her, being that he, in every way, shape, and form, knew he was the jerk and not her, as hard as that was to swallow. Apologizing to her came across his thoughts a number of times, but he never mustered the courage to do so. That, and the fact that she lives in Ponyville, and he's not used to interacting with the lower classes. If Rarity was a Canterlot pony, like Fancy Pants or Fleur de Lis, there would be a good chance he would have done it. But speaking of Canterlot ponies... "... you two loveponies go on and have fun. I will treat myself to a refreshment or two. I'll meet with you and Fleur later." Blueblood would've admired the utter refinement and class in her voice if he wasn't frozen on the spot. Not only did he hear her over the commotions of the crowd, but she was headed his way. He had sent his guards off to enjoy themselves, leaving him with nopony to hide behind. It was already too late to subtly relocate, and running away would draw attention. Perhaps if he just faces away and cover his face, she won't- "Pardon me, sir, but is this seat taken?" Rarity was right behind him, facing him, talking to him. Blueblood just said the first thing that came to mind. "N-no... not at all." he was still facing the bar as Rarity thanked him and took a seat right next to him, asking for a drink. He figured she still didn't find out who he was, evident by the earful he still didn't get. Maybe with a good excuse, he could get away and- "You're awfully quiet. Nervous?" Rarity asked as she leaned on her side against the bar, but her attention was diverted towards her served drink, which Blueblood noticed was mimosa. 'Good choice...' "Somewhat... yes." the pale prince answered. In all honesty he was, something that easier to admit as time went on. He felt his cheeks grow warm upon hearing Rarity giggle. "Not to worry. I won't bite... unless you want me to." Blueblood felt like he could have rolled over and died right then and there. 'Is she... flirting with me.?' this will just make the blow even harder once she finds out who he is, he figured. Yet, he couldn't just face her and take the punishment he knows he had coming. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Rarity finally face him, looking him over. Blueblood couldn't move... "Hmmm... might I know you from somewhere?" she finally asked. Again, Blueblood acted solely off of instinct. "I... don't believe you'd be too pleased to see me again." Rarity appeared to be utterly taken aback by his reply. "Nonsense! There isn't a single pony in Canterlot who-" Blueblood finally lowered his arm, revealing his face. "... oh." Blueblood winced at how fast her demeanor shifted. Sighing, he lowered his head to the table, looking depressed. "This may seem obvious, but something tells me you're not the same uncivilized and uncouth Blueblood I met at the gala." at that, Blueblood felt even lower. "... sorry." it was barely above a whisper, but Rarity stopped right there, a mixture of shock and awe on her face. "My apologies, what was that?" Rarity asked, fully perking her ears. "I'm... I'm sorry about the gala." Blueblood repeated nervously, staring down at the table. "I was a fool, and I won't bother with excuses." the alabaster prince raised his head and continued. "When you found out it was me, I was expecting an earful, but I'm relieved to find that that wasn't my punishment." After the royal prince's words of apology, Rarity smiled again. "My my Blueblood, you have changed. But to be honest, I knew it was you the moment I walked over here." "Then why... why..." Blueblood fumbled for words, but couldn't find him. "Blueblood, you forget that I'm the Element of Generosity. If there is a pony in Equestria that wouldn't shouldn't or couldn't hold a grudge, it'd be me." Blueblood's demeanor relaxed considerably at that realization. Had he remembered that she was an Element of Harmony, he'd have apologized long ago. "... then... then apology accepted?" he asked, looking to her again. The fashionista giggled and nodded "Apology accepted." XXXXX Blueblood finished his daydream when he heard the announcement that Ponyville was but moments away, so he rose from his seat to wait by the exit. Hopefully, the townsfolk won't find him out while he bides his time for a train to Canterlot. Stepping from the train, Blueblood looked about to see the station for the most part empty. It seems that nopony intended to leave the Crystal Empire with the fair that was happening at the moment. In fact, he was the only passenger that left the empire. Shrugging to himself, he headed off in the direction of Ponyville. From the train schedule he picked up, the soonest train to Canterlot would arrive in Ponyville roughly two hours from now. He had a little time before the train arrived, so he might as well explore. XXXXX Meanwhile, it was high noon at Canterlot Castle. Celestia was busying herself in the royal dining hall, preparing for lunch alongside Trixie and Luna, for which, this would be dinner. The princesses often used this time of the day to take a break from their duties and engage in idle chit-chat. But today was a little different. Dishes were served, and Luna and Trixie were conversing in talk about Trixie's studies. Celestia, however, was silent, instead staring down at her large salad, idly swishing her food around with her fork encased in magic. It didn't take long to notice. "You are not eating, sister. Is there something the matter?" Luna asked, looking over to the white alicorn. "I suppose there's no point in hiding it." Celestia sighed aloud. "It's Blueblood, Luna." she admitted. "Blueblood?" Luna asked curiously. "What about our nephew? I thought you had long since stopped worrying." the younger of the two reasoned. Trixie simply remained silent. "I know, I know. I just started thinking about him again. He was so determined to change for the better, and I was just torn after he left. Now, I feel like I did then." came the sun princess' reply. "Let us hope that you do not summon the entire royal guard to find him again." Luna said in an attempt at humor, but her grin withered and died when Celestia's expression fell even further. "Sister, I am sure that Blueblood will return soon. We must be patient. Who knows? He may return tomorrow, or even the next day. And if not, then there is always the next." Luna reminded with a sincere smile. Celestia sighed again, but nodded nonetheless. The sun princess stood from her meal and turned tail to leave. "I'll be in my study. I just need time to think." Celestia spoke before Luna or Trixie could even ask. "I'll eat at dinner." and with that, the elder alicorn made her way out of the dining hall, gently shutting the door behind her. After watching her go, Luna turned her attention back to Trixie and her meal. "So pupil, now that the subject has come to mind, what do you yourself think of Blueblood, hmm?" Luna asked, resting her forehooves on the table in a conversational manner. "He is attractive in appearance, that much Trixie will admit, but Trixie still does not know him as a pony, other than stories and public image, so she cannot make a generalization." Trixie explained, running a hoof through her mane. "Why do you ask, If Trixie may be so bold?" the showmare princess asked, looking back to her teacher with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, just curious is all." XXXXX Blueblood, after some sideways greetings and some walking around, in that order, his stomach cried out in hunger, so he settled on a light snack to stake his hunger until he makes it back home. He hasn't eaten for days, and one snack will do well in quieting his hunger before the return-home feast. One establishment in particular, a bakery affectionately named Sugarcube Corner, caught his attention. He couldn't even remember what sugary sweets taste like, so he chose it as a place to grab a light snack. As soon as he stepped inside, his senses were assaulted by the overpowering smell of baked goods. Pies, cakes, cupcakes, doughnuts, the list goes on. Licking his lips, Blueblood pulled his hood down and made way to the counter to make a selection. His long hair did well to hide his face, but unlike the hood, he didn't look shady. He wasn't short of greetings as the customers, predominantly mares, took notice of him and sent friendly waves his way, which he returned in kind. However, one mare in particular, young and pale magenta with an ornate tiara, rather than merely stealing a glance, gasped in surprise upon seeing the pale prince enter the establishment. "That has got to be the worst thing a pony can wear." Blueblood perked his ears. "He looks like he doesn't even come from Equestria, Di." came the observant voice of the young mare next to her. "He might even be dead broke with those rags he's wearing." despite it being an insult, Blueblood paid her no mind as he proceeded to order a slice of blueberry pie. A personal favorite. "Diamond, why do ya always gotta say bad things about somepony before ya even meet 'em?" a southern accented mare said in an accusing manner. Blueblood took a glance at the reflection from display counter glass to see a group of teenaged mares shift their attention to the pair that was talking about him. "Yeah Diamond, that's not cool." a tomboyish voice joined in. "Just look at him, Scootaloo! Tell me he doesn't at least look dirt poor!" Diamond exclaimed at the orange mare, pointing a hoof in his direction. At this point, all five mares tried to study him, but his back was still turned. Perhaps if he simply keep his face hidden, they won't notice him. "He looks a lot like Blueblood, just with a longer mane." Blueblood felt like he should've seen that coming. 'So much for getting home before anyone notices.' he thought, waiting for the rest of them to make the connection. "That can't be Blueblood, Sweetie Belle. Somepony as rich and handsome as him wouldn't dare wear something like that." Diamond stated. He felt flattered. "Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know?" Blueblood already had his thoughts on each member of the group, but this Sweetie Belle was incredibly thoughtful. Almost like... Rarity. "I'll go talk to him." as the clops of hooves approached, Blueblood took a sideways glance at her, finally getting a good look at her. She looked remarkably similar to Rarity, given the snow white coat and the neat, curly mane, but unlike Rarity, she was lighter in mane, had spring green eyes, and had an eighth note as a cutie mark. Sweetie Belle was the first to greet. "Hey mister, I'm Sweetie Belle." she introduced, taking a seat next to him, leaning on her side against the counter, facing him. "I remember your sister mentioning you a long time ago." Blueblood spoke in a hushed tone, taking another bite of his pie. "But to answer your question, yes I am Blueblood. And I would appreciate it of you didn't tell anypony. At least, not until I make it back to Canterlot. To give your friends a story, I am just a traveler. And I should relocate before I'm noticed any further. I apologize about me being brief, but I don't want to be noticed before I return to the castle." and with that, Blueblood stepped from his seat, pulling his hood back on. With a respectful nod to Sweetie Belle, he turned tail to leave in haste, taking the rest of his pie with him. As he left, Sweetie Belle went back over to her friends, who asked who he was, and she replied: "Just some traveler. Nothin' to worry about."