//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Not Every Mark is Cute // by tjcullinan326 //------------------------------// Luna blinked a few times as her mind reentered her body. She was still slightly out of practice because of her long imprisonment. She bit her lip, and forced the memories of her time on the moon to the back of her mind. She may not have been in control of Nightmare Moon, but she saw and felt everything that monster did. That included the feeling of isolation. Which, if Brawler was to be believed, he had felt as well. Luna sighed and looked in the direction of her sister's room. Celestia would most certainly not approve of the deal she had struck. Indeed, Luna herself was already having second thoughts. While it was true that Brawler hadn't been the monster Celestia made him out to be eight years ago, there was a chance that had changed. It was possible for ponies to become unstable when they go to long without performing their talent. The only reason Luna herself hadn't lost it was because alicorns could resist the urges, and even then when Luna was first freed she was particularly obsessed with the night sky for a few days. Brawler, at the end of the day, was an ordinary pegasus. It was likely that he was more than a little unstable after eight years of imprisonment. Now he might not wait to be justified before lashing out. Luna sighed again. She had given him her word, if he held his end of the bargain she would prevent him from going back to the dungeons. She made a few last minute touches to the night sky, then headed to her own bed, thinking about how to tell Celestia about the deal she made. Luna awoke around nine thirty, yawned, then started her morning routine. Once she was finished preparing herself she left her room and headed for the dining area. When she reached the door she paused. Here we go. Luna pushed open the large marble door and entered. Celestia was at the head of a long table, a finished breakfast in front of her. "Ah, Luna, I'm glad you're awake, please sit," said Celestia, gesturing to the chair beside her. Luna trotted over and sat down. A cook pony came in through a small side door and approached her. "I shall only have some apples this morning Egg Beat," said Luna, waving him back. Egg Beat bowed and trotted back into the kitchen. "Well Luna, did you find him?" asked Celestia, leaning forward slightly. Luna sighed. "Must we discuss this before I have even eaten?" she asked. "Luna, there is a dangerous criminal on the loose! He must be dealt with immediately," said Celestia. Luna closed her eyes and shook her head. "Very well. I visited his dreams last night, and by doing so, I know of his location." "Well where is he?" "Before I answer that there is something you should know," said Luna. Celestia blinked, then narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you spoke with him and you are now on his side," she said. "No, but he did reveal things that change the situation," said Luna. "Oh? Do tell," said Celestia. Egg Beat reentered the room holding a platter of apple slices, felt the tense atmosphere, then ducked back into the kitchen. "His story of the guard harassing the mare is the truth. He told the guard to leave the mare in peace, then the guard grabbed him with telekinesis and insulted his talent. The resulting rage allowed Brawler to break free and he proceeded to beat the guard against a wall," said Luna. "And how do you know this isn't a lie?" asked Celestia, "Witnesses claimed there was no mare involved." "I visited his memories, therefore it cannot be false. As for why the witnesses didn't say anything there are two possible reasons. One being that when Brawler caught the guard's attention she left very quickly. The other being that most of the witnesses were business ponies, whose livelihoods rely on guards being their customers. Testifying against them might have meant their downfall," said Luna. "Is that what Brawler told you?" "Sister, I was in his memories! Nopony, not even you can deny this as evidence," said Luna. "Evidence of what? His innocence? Regardless of the circumstances, the fact remains that he assaulted twenty members of the Royal guard and put almost all of them in the hospital! He deserves to be punished," said Celestia. "He's BEEN punished! Eight years in the dungeon! Murderers usually get ten. He's had more than enough," said Luna. "His Cutie mark represents fighting! The one thing he wants to do more than anything else in the world is get into fights! He is a danger to Equestria and therefore belongs in that cell," said Celestia. "By that logic why isn't Twilight Sparkle chained as well?" demanded Luna. "What?" Celestia snarled. "Twilight's talent is magic, and because of this her magical ability was extraordinary even when she was an ordinary unicorn. If circumstances had been different she could've been the next Sombra in terms of destructive power," said Luna. "Which is why I made her my student and guided her along a path of peace," said Celestia. "Well why can't we show Brawler that path? He claims all he needs is a regular sparring partner and he'll act normally," said Luna, "And this must be true, because during his preteen years he didn't have any other incidents like the one that caught your attention." "In that one slip-up he hospitalized sixteen ponies," said Celestia. "Need I remind you of Twilight's mental breakdown when she couldn't find a friendship problem?" asked Luna. Celestia grimaced. "Nopony was seriously injured," she said. "In one moment of weakness your student effectively brainwashed an entire town. Things got so out of hoof that you had to intervene. Sister, you can't deny, Twilight Sparkle is just as dangerous as Brawler, if not more so. Twilight lives a happy life among friends, thanks to you and said friends making sure she doesn't encounter circumstances that make her lose sanity. Why can't we do the same for Brawler?" asked Luna. Celestia stared hard at Luna. "How do you know Brawler isn't simply a psychopath who happened to have an excuse to hurt others?" she asked. "I don't," said Luna, "That's why I made a deal with him. If he allows himself to be blasted by the six representatives of harmony and is unaffected, then I will make sure he doesn't end up back in the dungeons." Celestia sucked in a deep breath. "And what will happen if he isn't affected?" she asked. Luna tensed. She hadn't thought about that yet. "W-well, um. I suppose Twilight could oversee him," she said. "Oversee him?" "And teach him about friendship. It is her duty now after all. This could a good test of her abilities," said Luna. Celestia rubbed her chin. "I suppose that's a suitable solution. IF Brawler is unaffected by the harmony blast," she said. "And he has agreed to surrender to it." said Luna. Celestia nodded. "Very well. I'll tell Twilight to honor this deal you made. Now will you tell where Brawler is?" asked Celestia. "Yes, he's hiding in our old castle." Celestia scowled. "Clever bastard," she muttered as she turned to leave. When she closed the door behind her Luna let out a sigh of relief. Egg Beat came out a moment later and placed her breakfast in front of her. "Stressful morning your highness?" he asked. "Quite," said Luna. She picked up an apple with telekinesis and took a bite. Egg Beat bowed and went back into the kitchen. Well, this whole ordeal is far from over, but I'm glad the argument's done. Luna sighed and continued eating, trying to prepare herself for the challenges ahead. Rarity dusted herself off and huffed indignantly. She had been having a peaceful, routine, morning until Pinkie had burst in, spoke to fast to be understood, then dragged her over to Twilight's castle. The others were already there waiting for her. "Would somepony please tell me what's going on?" asked Rarity. "I already told you Rarity! Twilight got a letter from Princess Celestia and told me to gather everypony here," said Pinkie. Rarity pressed her hoof against the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Pinkie, please take more than three seconds to explain things next time you fetch me," she said. "Okie, dokie, lokie!" said Pinkie. "So what's going on Twilight?" asked Rainbow Dash, "Did Luna find this Brawler guy?" "Well, yes, but, well things have changed," said Twilight. "What sorta things?" asked Applejack. "Well Princess Luna found Brawler by visiting his dreams last night. While she was there she went into his memories and saw that his story was true. And after she discovered this she made a deal with Brawler. If he allows himself to be hit by the harmony blast and isn't affected, then he won't go back to the dungeons and I'll teach him the magic of friendship," said Twilight. Everypony stood in shock for a few moments. "S-so, um," stammered Fluttershy, "There's a chance that a pony who loves fighting will be moving into Ponyville?!" Her whole body was quivering. "I wonder what sort of Welcome to Ponyville party that kind of pony would like," Pinkie wondered aloud, "Maybe it should be a food fight party! I've never tried one of those before." "Don't get ahead of yourself darling, there's still a chance he'll be thrown back in jail," said Rarity. And hopefully he will be, the last thing I need is for Sweetie Belle to try and get Cutie mark advice from a brute like that. "Well either way, the sooner we blast him the sooner we can turn back ta normal. Did Luna figure out where he is?" asked Applejack. "Yes, he's in the old castle in Everfree forest," said Twilight. "Well what're we waiting for? Let's go!" said Rainbow Dash. She took off and flew toward the forest entrance. The other got up and followed close behind. Every one of them hoping it would be over soon. The trip through Everfree forest was an uneventful one. They all stuck together, went slow, and stayed on the path so no creature took any interest in them. When they reached the castle doors however, they hesitated. "Uh, how do we know this feller ain't gonna attack us?" asked Applejack. "We don't," said Twilight. Fluttershy meeped and hid behind Rarity. "Everypony ready? I'm going to open the doors," said Twilight. They all nodded. Twilight wrapped the doors in telekinesis, and pushed them open. Everypony braced themselves. "About damn time," came a gruff voice. Rarity looked up, and was slightly taken aback by the stallion in front of her. He had the dark red coat, black mane and tail, and the goatee that the guard had described, but the guard failed to mention one other prominent feature. Brawler had to be the most solidly built stallion Rarity had ever seen in her life. It looked like there wasn't a single muscle on his body that wasn't well toned or hard as a rock. But unlike Bulk Biceps, Brawler was lean, not freakishly excessive. And something told Rarity that pound for pound, Brawler was the tougher stallion. He might have been handsome, if it weren't for the dirt or that scowl. Indeed Brawler was glaring at the six of them with a burning hatred. Though his eyes were slightly glazed over and keep slipping from one of them to another. Rarity noticed the mug in his hoof and the barrel beside him. "Are, are you drunk?" asked Rarity. "No shit I'm drunk," said Brawler, he drank from his mug and grimaced as it went down, "It took awhile, I had to swallow ten glasses of this piss before I was even buzzed." "Um, just to be sure, you are Brawler right?" asked Twilight. "Let's see," said Brawler, he stood up and turned to the side so they could see his Cutie mark, "My Cutie mark is a pair of boxing gloves in front of an explosion," He turned so he was facing them and lifted his left hoof, rattling the chain on the shackle. "I've clearly recently escaped from a prison." He set his hoof down and sat down. "And I've been expecting you. So yeah, I'd say I'm Brawler." Twilight's eye twitched. "There was no need for sarcasm," she said. "I could always break your nose instead," said Brawler. That sent a chill down everypony's spine. He sounded completely serious. "I wonder just how tough you'd be?" Brawler wondered aloud, "I mean I saw you fight that horny centaur. So you've got plenty of power. But from the looks of it, you've lost most of that power." "H-how? How'd you figure that out?" asked Twilight, shaking slightly. "You had to strain yourself a bit to push open those doors. If you had the same power as before it would've been no challenge at all," said Brawler. "What are you saying exactly?" asked Rarity. "I'm saying taking her on wouldn't be that much of a thrill. Therefore not worth breaking the deal," said Brawler. "You try anything funny you go through me," snarled Rainbow Dash, getting into her karate stance. Brawler looked at her, astonished. Then he grinned. "You're trained in combat," he said, standing up, "Well just how good-... NO!" He smashed the shackle into his nose, drawing a little blood. Everypony took a step back. "Um, are you okay sir?" asked Fluttershy. "Hurry up and blast me!" yelled Brawler, "I don't know if I can stop myself!" "Um, alright. Girls! Circle up!" called Twilight. They all gathered around her and started to summon their power. Slowly but surely, they began to rise into the air and the swirling ball of light appeared around them. Rarity, like the others, felt the whole world around them. Felt the energy of the grass, the solidity of the castle. And the soul of the stallion before them. Rarity was amazed by what was in his heart. He, he isn't evil. Bitter maybe, but not evil. Then she felt something else, there was something that was corrupting him. It was faint but it was there. So without hesitation, she and the other representatives of harmony unleashed their powers and purified him. Brawler was thrown backward by the power of the blast, then there was silence. The six mares lowered to the ground, reverting back to their usual forms. "Did we win?" asked Pinkie. "Ow," groaned Brawler. The blast had knocked him into the far wall. He sat up and rubbed his head. Then when he opened his eyes Rarity noticed that they were no longer glazed over. "Whatta ya know? I'm not drunk anymore," he said. "WHAT?!?" exclaimed Twilight, "THAT was the corruption we felt in you? Alcohol?" "What? Did you expect be to become a blank flank or something?" asked Brawler. "W-well, no," she stammered. "Then quit complaining," said Brawler, he stood up and dusted himself off, "Now if you'll excuse me I'll be on my way." "WHAT? You can't leave yet!" exclaimed Pinkie, she zoomed over and got right in Brawler's face, "I still don't know what do to for your Welcome to Ponyville party! What kind of cake do you like? Chocolate? Well who doesn't like chocolate? Except for the ponies who're allergic to it I suppose, poor souls. You're not allergic to chocolate are you? I hope not cause there's this new strawberry whipped cream chocolate cake I've been working on and your welcome party would be the perfect mmfph-!" Brawler had put one hoof under Pinkie's jaw and his other over her head, then clamped down, forcing her mouth shut. Pinkie continued to try and speak, but only high pitched muffled sounds came out. "Somepony explain," said Brawler. Pinkie raised her hoof. "Somepony sane," said Brawler. Everypony turned to Twilight. "Well, you see. Since you weren't affected by the harmony blast, you'll now move into Ponyville where I will teach you about the magic of friendship," she said. Brawler glared at her. "Buck. That," he snarled. "Hey now, that was the deal ya made," said Applejack. "No, Luna told me that if that beam didn't affect me I wouldn't go back to jail. She didn't say anything about this," said Brawler. "Well I doubt Princess Celestia will agree to anything else. If you insist on resisting I'm sure she could fix up your old cell for you," said Rarity. Brawler turned to glare at Rarity. She swallowed nervously but held her ground. I will NOT let this arrogant stallion push us around. "On a few conditions," said Brawler. "And those would be?" asked Twilight. "First, when I let this pink mare go, she'll keep quiet," said Brawler. Rarity doubted that would happen, but surprisingly Pinkie nodded. Brawler released her and she backed away, smacking her lips a bit but otherwise staying quiet. "Second," Brawler turned to face Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow. You, me, here, now." Rainbow Dash smirked and got back in her karate stance. "Bring it on Brawly- Whoa!" Brawler was on her in less than a second, whipping out a right hook at her face. Rainbow Dash managed to hop back at the last second, the punch passing an inch in front of her nose. Rainbow Dash twisted to her left, brought her right knee up, then lashed out, hitting Brawler in the stomach. The blow forced him back a few steps, but he hardly looked fazed. Rainbow Dash was panting slightly as she corrected her stance. "Stop holding back," said Brawler, getting into his own. "STOP IT!" yelled a shrill voice. Everypony turned and saw that it was Fluttershy that had shouted. She was trembling and her eyes were slightly watering. "Stop fighting!" she cried, "Why do you even want to fight? Nothing good comes from it so why?" Brawler stared at her for a moment, then shrugged. "It's fun." Fluttershy gasped. "Fun? FUN?!? You call hurting other ponies fun? Giving somepony a black eye or some broken bones is what you call fu-" "Oh, shut up!" interrupted Brawler, raising his voice slightly. He started walking toward her, still balancing on his hind legs. "You wanna know why I think fighting's fun?" he clapped his hooves together menacingly, "Why don't I show you first hoof?" "You leave her alone you son of a bitch!" yelled Rainbow Dash. She flew towards him, winding up another punch. Brawler bowed his head slightly. Rarity wasn't sure, but for a moment she thought she saw him grin. When Rainbow Dash was right on top of him he twisted around and smashed his elbow into her nose. There was a loud CRUNCH as Rainbow Dash's nose broke, but Brawler wasn't done. He pulled his arm back, extending it as he went, then spun around and smashed the side of his hoof into her cheek. Rainbow Dash was thrown backward and she landed on her side. She let out a moan. "That's more like it," said Brawler. He was openly grinning now. Rarity snapped out of her shock and wrapped him in telekinesis. Twilight did the same. Brawler's eyes whipped around in panic as he felt the spells wrapping around him, but there was nothing he could do. "Brawler," Twilight panted, "You're going straight to the Ponyville detention center." Brawler's eyes focused on Twilight, and he growled. Rarity felt her grip on him shift slightly, but she quickly corrected herself. "That trick won't work when you've got a unicorn and an alicorn holding you," said Rarity. Brawler's eyes shifted over to her. He raised one of his eyebrows. Did, did he not know how to break telekinesis? She gulped. Brawler's eyes returned to Twilight. "The deal was: I get blasted, then if I'm unaffected I go free," said Brawler. "That was before ya broke Rainbow Dash's nose!" said Applejack, "Ah may not be a law pony but that sure sounds like assault ta me." Brawler rolled his eyes. "I asked to spar with her and she agreed. How is that breaking the law?" "Causing physical injury goes beyond the parameters for sparring," said Twilight. "According to who? You?" asked Brawler, "You may be a princess but you don't make the laws around here." "Well how do you defer a fight from a spar?" asked Twilight. "I want her to stand back up, therefore it's a spar," said Brawler. "What?" "I want, Rainbow Dash you called her? I want her to stand up, I want her to challenge me. And even if I beat her I'd want her to improve and challenge me again," said Brawler. Rainbow Dash pushed her elbow into the ground and lifted her head to Brawler. He grinned. "You know you want to continue Dashie," said Brawler, "Get up, tell them it's a sparring match. Then see if you got what it takes to beat me." Rainbow Dash stood up and stared hard at Brawler. "Don't listen to him Rainbow Dash!" said Fluttershy, "He's dangerous! We need to stop him from hurting anypony else. Fighting more won't solve anything." Rainbow Dash started breathing harder. "Well? Should I go to jail for assault or should we spar?" asked Brawler. Rainbow Dash clamped her teeth together and narrowed her eyes. "Let him go," she said. Brawler nodded and everypony else's jaw dropped. "Ya can't be serious Rainbow! He broke your nose!" said Applejack. "I plan on breaking his jaw," said Rainbow Dash. Brawler laughed. "That's the stuff. Buck yeah this is gonna be fun. Well princess, let me go!" Pinkie's ears perked up when she heard 'fun'. She started glancing between Brawler and Rainbow Dash, as if trying to figure out how fun the activity would be. Twilight and Rarity hesitated. "Rainbow Dash, are you sure?" asked Twilight. "There's no need to get yourself hurt darling," said Rarity. "In any court they'll say this was assault," said Twilight, "There a limitations on what a spar is and he went beyond all of them." "His talent's fighting," said Rainbow Dash, "Of course his definition of a spar is more intense than other ponies. Now let him go, I didn't get a black belt in karate because I liked the color." She got into her karate stance, then glanced over to Fluttershy. Who was shaking like a leaf. "AJ? Do me a favor and cover Fluttershy's ears. And Fluttershy? Don't look," said Rainbow Dash. Applejack nodded, then trotted over and covered Fluttershy's ears. Fluttershy whimpered slightly and squeezed her eyes shut. Rainbow Dash focused back on Brawler. "Let him go," she said again. "Rainbow-" "Twilight his talent is fighting! If you're gonna teach him about friendship you're gonna have to let him fight so he can vent," said Rainbow Dash. Twilight opened her mouth, then sighed, and released her grip. Rarity however, continued to hesitate. "Are you sure this is a good idea darling?" she asked. "Nope," said Rainbow Dash. Rarity looked between her and Brawler then sighed. I'd better not regret this. She released him. Brawler shook himself a little, then got back in his stance. "Bring it on Dashie," he said. They started circling each other, both looking for an opening. Then Rainbow Dash charged with every bit of speed she had. Brawler lifted his hooves up defensively. When Rainbow Dash was right in front of him she changed direction, sidestepping so she was facing his left side. Then before Brawler could react her left hoof shot out and slammed into his jaw. He stumbled backward, trying to recover, Rainbow Dash didn't let up though. She chased after him, throwing quick punches and kicks in his direction. Brawler continued to move backward, blocking and dodging the blows. For a moment Rarity thought Rainbow Dash had the upper hoof, she was attacking so quickly that Rarity thought Brawler had no chance to counter-attack. Then Rainbow Dash's hoof whipped out again, and Brawler ducked beneath it. He pushed forward and punched Rainbow Dash in the stomach. She doubled over in pain, and met Brawler's hoof coming up into her face. The uppercut sent Rainbow Dash stumbling backward, reeling from the blow. Brawler dashed after her, but when he was in range Rainbow Dash spun around and smashed her hoof into his face. Brawler stumbled back a few steps then corrected himself. Blood was dripping down his nose. He brushed it away, then looked over to Rainbow Dash and grinned. "You're quick," he said. He darted toward her again. Rainbow Dash tried to hit him with another spin kick, but he stopped just outside of her range. Then he grabbed Rainbow Dash's extended hoof, pulled her towards him, and smashed his hoof into her face. Rainbow Dash's feet flew out from under her and she landed on her back with a 'thud'. She groaned. "You're also predictable," said Brawler. Rainbow Dash groaned again. "I'm done," she said. Brawler chuckled. "My turn!" exclaimed Pinkie. Everypony turned in surprise. Pinkie had pulled out her cannon and was aiming it at Brawler. "What the bu-" Brawler was interrupted when a present was fired from the cannon and smacked him in the face. Brawler shook himself as the present fell to the floor, and when he looked up he saw several more coming straight for him. He bobbed and weaved around them, occasionally punching one in midair if it got to close. Rarity wasn't looking at that though, she was looking at Pinkie; who was her usual cheerful self even as her cannon make a clicking noise, signaling she was out of ammo. Welp, Pinkie's lost what little sanity she had left. Pinkie jumped into her cannon and it aimed itself at Brawler then fired. Pinkie shot out much faster than her presents did and while she was in midair she pulled a frying pan out of her hair. Brawler was able to dodge Pinkie, but not the frying pan. There was a loud CLANG as it connected to his face and Brawler was thrown off his hooves and landed on his back. Pinkie landed a short distance away, stopping all her momentum when her hooves touched the ground. She then out into a mock karate stance and waved her hooves around in circles. Brawler grunted in annoyance as he got up, then he charged her. When he was in range he swung a right hook at her face, but she performed the splits and the hook sailed above her. Not losing momentum, Brawler brought up his knee into Pinkie's chin. The blow sent her flying into the air. When she was eye level with Brawler she curled into a ball, then extended, kicking her hind legs into Brawler's face Brawler stumbled back a few steps while Pinkie landed on her back, hard. When she stood up she was wobbling slightly, but smiling. "Whattaya know? This really is fun!" said Pinkie. She pulled out two boxing gloves from out of nowhere then charged Brawler, throwing a left jab at his face. Brawler simply sidestepped then smashed a right hook into Pinkie's jaw. The blow sent her spinning, once, twice, then she fell on her back, snoring contently. Brawler looked at her, then Rainbow Dash. (Who was only now struggling to stand up.) Then he laughed, not sneering at his downed opponents, but laughing like he had just had the time of his life. "Ya know," he said, wiping a tear from his eye, "Maybe this won't be so bad after all." At that moment Rarity was pretty sure all her friends were thinking the same as her. What in the name of Tartarus have we gotten ourselves into?