Chapter 14
Paupers and Monarchs
“C`mon you're doing really well! Keep it up!” Glitterlamp cheered me up as I helped make dinner on my weekend, or at least what I considered it. It wasn't the fact that I was cutting up carrots, lettuce, mushrooms, or onions that was impressive but the fact that I was touching none of the objects and using my power to do it all. I had to keep Fearbane with me and it was the only thing my hands were allowed to touch. The previous attempts of using the conventional teaching methods weren't very effective; I had some understanding already over what most unicorns do with their magic, the problem was that I was still recovering from being sick and control was fickle at best.
I could barely communicate even hours later from my spell had faded altogether.
“Glitter, the water. Too cold, room warm. Sick.” Was the most well built sentence I could manage. Although I could understand what was going on, but looking back now? I'm not so certain.
“See, if left unsupervised you can't even tell your own breaking point.” I could hear Fear-Me chide me behind all the fuzz, “you are simply too nice, learn to be greedy. If only for your own survival!”
“Shh, you're doing fine! Just focus and you'll be fine, ignore him.” Glitterlamp encouraged me as the knife fell up and down upon the apples. Glitterlamp said she 'took a stroll through my head' when I was sick but she never did tell me what she did, but I've never been more at peace with myself; even now the wheezing chiding hissed into silence at her voice. The only thing she told me was that I 'dance with too many demons' and left it at that.
Not using my hands for anything was really strange, getting the cutting board, the knife, the veggies, moving the slices around. Fearbane and I certainly shared a connection, I couldn't do any form of magic without it. What I couldn't figure is what Fearbane gained from me or maybe getting it out of that fort was payment enough, maybe.
I wasn't just making an awesome salad but I was helping with the prep-work for an apple pie and goodies to toss into an omelet. Already I could smell the omelet cooking with the mushrooms, I wonder if we have any teriyaki sauce or Worcestershire sauce for that matter.
“That's it, after this I'm gonna make an omelet!” I thought hungrily attacking the unsliced apples with renewed energy. I don't really remember much after I was dunked into that tub but I knew Glitterlamp had a hand, erm, hoof in my recovery. It saddens me that I have a few days missing from my memory and she didn't trust me to tell me what happened, but I see a different look in her eyes now. The look wasn't bad or anything but trusting; which made it hurt worse that she wouldn't tell me. Whatever happened had changed me and I liked to think it was for the better.
Glitter was even teaching me how to read their language, well 'teaching' is kinda a weird word for it; we mostly exchanged knowledge like that when we Dream Walked. I would not only get their alphabet but also the grammar as if I was born with it.
“OK, stop! We got enough apples! Let's get to that crust!” Glitterlamp excitedly then quickly flipped to the page with the recipe and had me read it as practice.
“Quarter cup of, sugar?” I asked hesitantly, the words were easier to read than yesterday, I'm pretty sure it's sugar.
“Wrong part, down here.” Her enthusiasm was catching and she just seemed happy all the time.
“Ah, that's a cup of apples, right?” I looked where she was pointing.
“Close enough. Doing good, it's coming to you quicker than yesterday.” Glitterlamp complimented. “Here mix this, without your hands.” A black and gold speckled mist wrapped around the bowl and stirring spoon to go about my new task. Keeping the bowl level while the contents are being thoroughly beaten was difficult, like holding the bowl at arms length while someone else stirred. Soon the dough needed to be rolled out and folded into the pans as the apple pie filling filled the crater. The oven, to which I still haven't figured out how it gets the power to heat food, hummed softly as the inside temperature climbed.
“So, where does the oven get the power to heat up?” I asked looking around as Glitter fiddled with the various knobs. “I still can't find a single outlet in this house.” Glitterlamp twisted a timer for the pie and sat down in front of the oven watching it cook.
“Well, there's rubies in the top and bottom of the oven that heat up.” She shrugged wracking her head for more. “I don't really know how it works, just that if you twist a knob here and press a button there and it heats up.” Then she waved a dismissing hoof at me. “Take a break, the pie needs to cook for a while now.” I wandered through the house trying to get a feel for it; even though I've been here for a few days it's almost like I'm only now seeing things. Having me levitate things around was just one lesson of the lessons a unicorn learns, the next lesson is kinda a life time test: knowing your limits.
But there's something I can't shake, not sure if it's the general sense of unwell, or it's how fast I became used to this world altogether. I now work for Braeburn at his orchard, in a world where people largely resemble miniature horses, where peace and harmony rules unopposed, with magic flowing all around, and where I can never access the internet ever again. . . I'll pick up a hobby.
I kept looking around staring at all the furniture and the house altogether; everything thing felt so cozy and safe, like a glass of warm cocoa. I felt like I was dreaming and for once I was terrified to wake up back in my bed on Earth. I stepped into the room Glitterlamp claimed as hers but she didn't put her bed there. Wood carving tools lined the shelves with several blocks of wood and shavings crunched under my feet like Autumn leafs. The dry smell of worked wood smelled pleasant as I looked closer at the smooth, lumpy, undefined hunks of wood.
“What could this one be? A castle? A bird in flight? A fish jumping from the stream?” I thought entertaining the many thoughts that occupied my mind. Even though she claimed this as her room she still piles her stuff with mine, or maybe it's the other way around? The only things that can actually claim as mine are the clothes on my back, this hat, and Fearbane. OK, that's kinda sad when I look at it. Thankfully Glitterlamp still refers to everything as 'ours' which makes me grin every time I think about it.
“But how long can we keep up this charade?” Was the only worry that not even Glitterlamp could chase away. I left her room and wandered to the bedroom to take a nap, casting magic always leaves me a little tired after a while and honestly? I had nothing better to do. We still shared the same bed despite my offers of sleeping on the couch and insisting of sleeping separately, She'd glomp onto me no matter where I slept. I always get the nagging feeling that she knows something I don't,
“Or is it that I'm afraid to admit that I might actually love?” Lately I've been getting better at hiding my thought by thinking about other things to cover it up, much like music to cover a conversation. But I think she's catching on to that trick. Sleeping in the same bed still struck me as a little weird but it's not like she's made advances on me or anything. Of course people at school thought I was weird by sleeping with all of my clothes on. I'm probably reading into it too much. I settled myself into the bed kicking my shoes off and relaxed into the sheets.
“I wish I could just get over this heat sickness sooner so I can think clearer.”
While we did talk about our past, it was mostly the same topic 'how did you even survive without this?' it's fun I guess but we like to focus on the future and how bright it might be. What would tomorrow bring? Glitterlamp had talked to Braeburn when I was doing the zombie act and already sent a letter to the hospitable that I'll be able to repay that bill in small payments spanning two years, and even showed me how it would go.
“I feel like a leech. I depend on her so much now to even function in this society. Pathetic really.” I thought as sleep evaded me. “Not that Glitter's weak or anything, I feel great since I can do magic with her now. It's just, I don't feel like I'm keeping up.” The world quietly slipped from me a thought occurred to me.
“Luna's the Mistress of the night, right? She'd be asleep right now.” A smile crept on my face as inky darkness covered my eyes.
When I opened my eyes again I was floating in the Void, I propelled myself forward trying to find how you would breech the walls of another's dream. If there was only one other person sleeping on this land it should be fairly quick, hopefully. But a disguise is needed in case I land in the wrong dream.
The armor that I had a few night ago should do it. Soon I was feeling a little silly thinking I could actually find Luna from here, I might have not even moved from the same spot. But the moment I thought of visiting Luna a pale white ribbon curved down to hover right before me. I grabbed the ribbon and found myself being pulled through it almost like a charge of electricity through a wire.
I now hovered close to the ceiling of a beautiful castle filled with the best decorations in the land. Guards were stationed at every doorway staring blankly ahead, none seemed to notice me and that suited me just fine.
“But sister! Just because Twilight reported such a creature in Equestria doesn't mean she was correct! She may have been deceived by a clever illusion!” A familiar voice pleaded.
“Twilight has no reason to lie, even if she is wrong it must be investigated. I don't want what happened the last time happening again.” A firmer voice countered her but had the same authority to it. I walked on the vaulted ceilings trying to find the source of the argument. The torches were lit and it seemed that the guards were switching, must be that time were the day has ended but the night hadn't started yet.
“What 'happened' and why is she being so evasive about it.” I thought filled with nervous discovery, like learning a secret that hurt more knowing than not knowing it.
I stepped over the arch and found myself staring at Luna and what only could be Celestia, a white glimmering coat, her mane seemed to flow in an invisible wind containing the very spectrum of light. Even here Luna's hair seemed to be made of the night which seems out of place in this marbled room.
“Sister, we haven't seen any disturbances a Dreamer would bring. Even if one did, do you think it would come here to continue that fight?” Luna said insisted.
“Regardless, I have already sent a team to search for the Human. If they prove fruitless, I will pull them back.” Celestia talked over Luna.
“What team?” Luna said weakly.
“The same mares and colts that are now searching for Changelings in my kingdom.” She answered and I saw Luna tense up a bit. Then Luna looked up straight at me and hung her head, Celestia seemed to fade slowly out and it was only the two of us.
“`Tis a sad state of affairs that we couldn't convince our sister of your none existence.” Luna said sadly. “Would you come down?” My feet detached from the ceiling and I floated gently down to the floor making a clinking sound as the boots touched the floor.
“She may not be convinced, if this is a memory. How did you know I was coming?” I mentally spoke but Luna did not show any sign of hearing it. “Must only work in my dreams I guess.” If I had to speak with my mouth, so be it.
“She may not be convinced, if this is a memory. How did you know I was coming?” I asked thinking I might've caught her off guard. She raised a hoof to a corner and the shadow there was as black as my Void.
“Just a guess,” she smiled knowingly, “that ribbon was our way of an invitation.” She paced around the room deep in thought. “Our sister want's us to reveal your location, what do you know of the past?”
“I had a question for you regarding that.” I countered not wanting to give up ground. “What exactly happened a thousand years ago.” I said seriously. “And, what happened to the Crystal ponies.” The standoff didn't even faze Luna, she stood up straighter and looked me in the eye; or into the near featureless mask of my helmet.
“You would want to talk about those dark times, would you.” The topic seemed to be still sensitive to her. “How can you possibly understand the way of back then? But that's for the best that your world doesn't remember. No pony needs to remember those times.” Luna was clearly upset but she held herself with a calm grace.
“Humans were involved with both cases, the failed rebellion resulted the Changelings. I want to know why Sombra did that and where you and Celestia were in all of this.” I spoke with an edge, I hated being talked down to. “I am not a judge, I am merely seeking knowledge. So, will you answer me or not?”
“We and our sister were not to blame, we are surprised you have not asked us where our parents are.” Luna countered, trying to pull that card, huh.
“People die all the time, it is a fact of life which immortals miss.” I stated monotone. That wasn't the answer nor reaction she expected, it was all in her eyes.
“Yes, humans were involved. But Celestia decided to deal with them, and we deal with Sombra.” Luna said seeming to give in. “We had,” she hesitated looking for the right words, “a dear friend with the humans. Celestia was able to accomplish in sending the rest of the humans to earth, I failed in defeating Sombra.” She finished as if it hurt to even remember it.
“What do you mean 'sending the rest' the first attempt didn't work so well? Did Sombra over power you?” I asked delighting in the information but I noticed Luna turning a darker shade of blue and something just felt, off.
“Our dear parents tried to send your kind away once but missed some,” she said building strength. “We did overcome King Sombra! But he infected us before the end. We came back as Nightmare Moon.” I knew Luna stood before me, but now she seemed different. Different enough to look just a little sinister. “We want to see your commitment to your friendship before I tell you anymore! On your guard!”
She blasted the area with magic and we stood in a wrecked castle that once could have been beautiful. A dark stallion stood in the center of what looked to be a cracked crystal throne.
“How far would you go to defeat him? Knowing that many ponies suffered under his reign?” Luna's voice questioned me as she sat in a little box seat, much like an opera.
“If you wanted a show, you could've just asked.” I said making a mock blow. “But to answer your question? Don't blink, you might miss it.” I added darkly manifesting Fearbane.
I knew this was only Luna's memory of this guy and I must say he looked pretty bad ass. He was all black save his silver armor and glowing green eyes with purple smoke pouring from them, he was a unicorn and when he smiled he flashed his sharp teeth.
“Monarchs and their “tests” if this is the price, fine. Wait a second, those eyes! Courage's Folly!” I marched forward, armor clinking echoed all around as tendrils of light sprouted forth from my shoulders, I knew the light was pouring out of my eyes since the rooms became brighter.
“Why Luna, such a pleasure to see you! How do you like my kingdom?” He mocked as he swung a, well, some sort of spear with a club at the end instead of anything sharp. The club struck my helm like a bell and I merely stared back trying to think how to get the point across. A tendril lashed out meaning to split Sombra in half, that would end this silly test. The tendril passed through smoke and cracked the flagstones underneath. Then Sombra materialized a distance away sneering flicking a forked tongue at me.
His spear assailed me time and time again probing my defenses to no avail since not an inch of skin was exposed. I dumbly swung Fearbane and my fists at the elusive foe trying to read his combat style. He would lunge in land a few blows then evaporate away before my blows touched him. I know I could move so much faster! Even staying in a humanoid form was restricting me, I only stayed human just for Glitter's benefit. To Luna I probably looked like I was desperately striking out at the wind at Sombra's speed.
“Why continue this fight? You know that you can't defeat the darkness! Fear can leave you crippled and weak!” He hissed at me as he deftly dodged each of my attacks. “Join me and we can end her reign to bring the Dreamers back!” He offered while beating me like some sort of xylophone.
“It isn't the dark what you should be afraid of,” I snarled as his spear cracked my helmet wide open like an egg. The Void gushed forth as I fell to my knees with the armor bleeding the glittering black blood across the floor. Luna looked down at the change of events as the armor crumbled like ancient pottery, she clicked her tongue.
“We may have misjudged you, Dreamer. You did not have the conviction worthy of-” I didn't bother listening to her long winded speech on my “failure” only when the fun had really begun. Sombra stood triumphantly when a inky, meaty club struck suddenly from the Void which coated the floor and begun crawling up the walls.
“The dark isn't what you should be afraid of,” I said again with a sinister tone. “IT'S WHAT LURKS WITHIN!!” My voice boomed as the “goo” became alive with movement, shapes bulging here only to sink. Sombra lacked wings to fly away and there was nowhere to hide, his eyes betrayed what was inside as clawed hands ripped and scratched at him pulling him deeper into the Void. I couldn't fathom what Luna felt inside as Sombra was being assailed from the very ground he stood on but I'm pretty certain she wasn't bored!
Magic lashed out at the floor but the bolts of magic didn't hit the floor instead they fell eternally into the abyss. My unarmored fist met Sombra's chin sending him up into the air and I traveled with him. I ascended with Sombra as I left the Void, like emerging from a mirror. Sombra looked into my uncaring eyes as I grabbed his throat and sent him hurtling to the ground. The void fled from the floor so there was a floor to hit. Then the void swarmed him but after a moment it receded calmly revealing a beaten and bruised Sombra panting heavily on the floor.
“We see that you hold many cards up you sleeve,” Luna amended clicking her hooves on something that sounded like clapping. “We will-”
“Not done.” I said marching toward Sombra with Fearbane in hand. “You wanted to see how far I would go, right? Then don't you dare look away now!” I snarled fearsomely stomping threateningly toward Sombra.
“I learned my lesson! You've beaten me!” Sombra panted trying to crawl away from me, “Say your terms, you have the right!” He growled lowly. My armor was back on me in an instant as I helped him up.
“I never knew you personally, so I won't make you suffer any humiliation.” I said making sure he was standing up straight.
“Let me go and I'll never bother you agai-”
Fearbane snapped so crisply through the air Sombra looked shocked as his head hit the floor before the rest of him did. His body twitched as his life blood rushed forth unto the floor as I grabbed his head by his short cropped mane.
“And you never will.” I agreed grimly. The magic that once filled his eyes now stood hollow as death glazed his eyes, I hefted the grisly prize high so that Luna wouldn't have to crane her neck to see it.
“Do you dare now how far I will go?” I challenged Luna shaking Sombra's decapitated head as his blood stained my armor. “Do you question?” I asked enjoying the look of shock and horror that plaster across her otherwise calm, unmoving face. “My commitment?”
“Why?” The head faded instantly and I was standing back in a castle room I didn't recognize. Luna stood a healthy distance from me and pleaded the question.
“Because you asked, and now you're angry that I answered?” I said matter of factly.
“You did not need to do such an abominable act!” Luna yelled at me stamping a hoof down, as if that was supposed to mean something.
“He was evil, what more is there to say about him?!” I countered throwing my arms up can't believing that we were even arguing. “Would you prefer if I had dragged it out? Did you want to watch me torture him first?” Luna only know regarded me with a new understanding. “No one actually died, you and me are the only things real here.” I said forcefully trying to get the point across. “I don't know what humans were like in your day, but I'm different. And I will go to any lengths to protect the ones I love!”
“Oh Sugar Honey Iced Tea! Did I say that to some stranger I hardly know and not to the one that I actually care about!!”I raged inside while I slammed my fist into a pillar cracking it like glass.
“And don't you DARE question how far I'm willing to go!” I spoke lowly but with an edge as sharp as Fearbane. “If you want to help, then help. If not, don't bother.” I said trying to get a grip on myself. Luna staring at me wide eyed at me but no longer seemed to be afraid. “I don't know who I remind you of! So don't hold me to the same standards!” I stated trying to control myself.
“We will not pretend we completely understand why you do things. But, we understand that your words reflect your feelings.” Luna answered still as formal as ever. “You have made it clear that you are worth the risk. Good day, Human.” With that I was starring up at the ceiling from the floor feeling more tired than before.
“Freaking monarchs,” I muttered climbing back into my bed. “Stupid tests.”
“What if I failed that test?”
“Shut up,” I grumbled.
“Are you really ready to go to THAT extent? That was only a dream.”
“I hope so, for both of our sakes.” I replied softly as I pondered the test, worrying about the 'ifs' of it all.
My mind plagued itself too much to even achieve small nap. I sat up and looked for my shoes, I felt uneasy, and afraid and worried about-
“Wait a second! This is what Glitter is feeling! What's going on down there?!”
I ran down the stairs with Fearbane in hand but still firmly in its sheathe like a bat out of hell.
“Glitter what's wrong!” I thought as I turned the corner and found Glitterlamp and a tall changeling with large emerald eyes, unlike Glitterlamp's opaque color these had iris, drooping seductively and a tiny crown that could've been mistaken as a tuft of fuzz. I looked around scanning the room and every curtain had been drawn closed, the only light was a lamp that glowed on it's own power.
“What is that thing, subject?” The tall changeling remarked in that double voice sound that I found so cool but when she spoke it, it sounded foul.
“He is a Human, he's the one responsible of protecting me.” Glitterlamp answered steadily although I could feel she wasn't calm.
“Really?” The tall changeling took a few steps toward me.
“Keep your distance.” I warned the strange creature with an edge. “Who are you?” I stated more closer to an order than a question. The tall changeling laughed as if I told a funny joke.
“I trust that 'he' is under your control then?” She asked Glitter wiping a tear from her eyes.
“I, uh, have been having trouble with that Queen Chrysalis.” Glitter began to feel even more nervous.
“Well, since it hasn't ran yet. You must have enough control over it. I need you to come back with me, subject, I have another plan.” Chrysalis said with a sinister gleam in her eyes. I looked at Glitter and her eyes screamed in agony at the mention of another plan. “Canterlot is in a sense of security. Let's exploit it.” She added maliciously.
“Shut up.” I interjected fed up with these royals. “I don't care who you are and I don't want to! Get your maggoty corpse out of my our house!” I glared angrily at her willing her to leave but to no avail. Chrysalis looked at me like I was some twittering insect and looked at Glitterlamp critically.
“So who is in control here? I, your queen, or that miserable thing over there?” Chrysalis asked venomously.
“You, my queen, of course.” Glitterlamp spoke as if defeated but I was almost drowned in her despair and hopelessness that poured off of her.
“Then order it to be silent!” Chrysalis barked.
“You need not listen to this fiend! She does not dictate your life! You are in control!” I mentally pleaded with her trying to help her see reason. Glitterlamp looked up at me and looked offended.
“Are you trying to tell me what to do?” Glitterlamp spoke as if I wasn't understanding something basic. “It is my choice.” A threatening silence hung in the air as delicate as a soap bubble, ready to pop at the slightest disturbance. Chrysalis seemed confused as she only heard only half of the conversation but seemed content on listening.
“I am not ordering you to do anything. But what has she done for you that was good?” I asked slowly feeling cold as if the warmth of the desert was bleeding out of me. “It is your choice.” I thought as I took a more stable combat stance, slowly preparing myself for a fight. “But there is more than one choice. Listen to your heart.” The war was back on in Glitterlamp as she looked at me then at Chrysalis.
“What? What did he say!” Chrysalis demanded stamping a hoof.
“That there is more than one choice.” Glitterlamp said as if tasting the words and really looking at me. “My queen,” she said turning to Chrysalis. “I must decline, I have worked too hard to throw this disguise away. Surely there is some other that can help you,” She spoke formally and strongly but I felt fear but a growing confidence. “It isn't Canterlot that you should hate, it is King Sombra. He's the one that cursed us!” With a sudden motion Glitterlamp was struck down to the ground.
“Insolent subordinate! I am your Queen! How dare you talk back to me about who is the enemy!” She spoke harshly and seemed to hold back from yelling. I lunged to action and she turned to me and hit me with some green power. “And you poisoning her mind to turn her back on her own kind! You will be punished!”
A wedge slammed into my head forcing me to my knees as something wriggled inside my brain. Glitterlamp stared in horror and I tried to figure out why, I saw myself being hung by a puppets strings with Chrysalis commanding me. Already I felt like giving up and just obeying whatever she said, wait this feels familiar. Like the time in the forest but now it's more painful now, like trying to force a water melon through a cheerio!
“Listen, you have my thanks for keeping my subject safe. And you can still be with her, just say 'yes, my queen' and all will be forgiven.” Her voice was like velvet and so calming but if it wasn't for the searing pain in my head I might have heard her. She showed me images of Glitter and I standing high above a kingdom, happy, safe secure- then the wedge hammered harder. My mouth couldn't work or I would've screamed as my mind resisted being rewritten.
“Queen Chrysalis stop! Please, I'll go! I'll go! Stop hurting him!” Glitterlamp pleaded.
“What!? Are you saying you actually care for this thing? Have you gone mad!? It is food nothing more!” Chrysalis scolded. “But it's true, I see it in your eyes. And I'll help you with this affliction!” Anger stirred within me, or was it her?
“Stop it!” Glitterlamp yelled and the wedge was gone and I was surrounded but Glitterlamp's magic as Chrysalis's magic bombarded the field without getting anywhere. The conviction and anger in Glitterlamp was choking the fear in her as she advanced on Chrysalis while her disguise fell to pieces with every step. “I will not help your stupid plan! I have finally made a home and you want me to throw it away! It is you who has gone mad! I don't even care what you can do to me anymore!” Glitterlamp ranted at her as I saw spikes hovering in the air around Glitterlamp aiming at Chrysalis.
“Do you think you can stand against me? Without my help? Where will you go?” Chrysalis countered. I went to stand up but my legs were like wet noodles as I hit the floor and only could watch the scene unfold.
“My magic is strong because of him, you have no one. And I want you to leave my home!” Glitterlamp said with authority. Chrysalis pursed her lips drawing them tightly against her fangs and snarled. An intensive stare down left the room in a deadly quite.
“I will make you regret this, traitor!” Chrysalis growled then changed herself and left without saying another word. I struggled to my knees as Glitterlamp still stood staring at the door shaking. The arcane spikes faded as her back legs gave out with a loud thump and just sat there as still as stone. Too many emotions rang out for attention making it hard to read her.
“What is she going to do?” She asked still starring at the door as if it had teeth. “She had infiltrated Canterlot and almost took over Equestria!” She spoke as if now realizing the consequences. “I'm scared.” She whispered breathlessly.
“It's not like she's going to come back and slit our throats, right?” I asked mentally trying to get feeling back in my limbs.
“No! Only you think such thoughts!” Glitterlamp snapped at me.
“Yeah, you're right. But what's the worst she can do?” I asked being gentle now as I grabbed the side of the wall to help me up.
“Just give me a moment,” Glitterlamp finally looked at me. “Feeling a bit woozy.”
“Naps help.” I pointed out trying to be helpful.
“Yeah,” she sighed then a bell started going off in the next room. “Ah! The pie! I forgot all about it!” Glitterlamp sprang up and ran into the kitchen. I was jolted into action and my legs didn't want to obey me right now and fell down like a sack of potatoes the moment I let go of the wall.
“Are you OK?” Glitterlamp was right at my side. Odd, the fall didn't even hurt yet things feel. . . off, dreamlike even.
“Yeah, I'm OK. Don't let the pie burn!” I reassured her. She rushed back to the kitchen and I could hear the oven open up, with the intoxicating smell of fresh baked food. I pushed my self off the floor and saw my arm was wrapped in white armor with gold trim with inky darkness swimming across the surface. The armor flickered for a moment then faded completely and I found that I could stand again.
“Wait, can I really?” I murmured to myself as the ground left my feet and I was floating as if gravity was only a thought before falling back to my feet. I stood there for a moment before following Glitterlamp, the thrill of discovery was killed by the general mood anyway. The pie was just sitting there, letting off it's sweet aroma teasing the nose but it was still way to hot to eat. Glitterlamp sat there at the same table staring into space with a worried expression.
“Do you think it'll really be OK?” Glitterlamp asked me still frazzled by Chrysalis, I suspect she'll be like this for a while.
“Yeah, definitely. She's all smoke and mirrors. She just caught me off guard with that mind beam, thingy.” I spoke softly not really sure what to say, or even do. She stood up for herself, but did she stand up for me? I slowly sat down already feeling sore from the short walk and feeling guilty, maybe if I hadn't interfered. “I messed things up didn't I? Can't seem to keep my mouth shut when I'm worked up.” I apologized putting a hand on her head. Her disguise had fallen apart completely revealing her real form, not that different from Chrysalis really. Glitterlamp's wings looked bigger than before and Chrysalis's was almost as long as I am tall. But they couldn't have been more different than hot and cold.
“I don't know what would've made that any better.” Glitterlamp laid her head on the table. “She is so strong and most of us look to her for guidance when the rest of the world despises us. But I never liked it, the world hates us and we hate them. The circle never ends, but I felt,” Glitterlamp's hair fell over her face. “I felt that things might be different with you, I don't have to lie to you, or trick you. It's just like it was when I was with Fritter, no lies, no harm, no charades. Just us.”
“What did Chrysalis want anyway? You were pretty freaked out when I came down.” I asked seeing if talking it out would help.
“She's trying to get all the changelings back together again since that blast. Trying to get her army back together for another plan.” Glitterlamp answered sadly. “I tried to tell her didn't I? That it wasn't Canterlot, but Sombra? Didn't I?” Her hoof went to where she was struck and rubbed it thoughtfully. “And she hit me like I was nothing, the way she kept calling me 'subject', even Celestia addresses her people better than that!” She shuddered and began to cry softly. I dragged her thin green hair from her face and kissed the bruise already forming. My face was burning at the action but if I don't tell her now I may not get the courage again.
“Hey, even if everything goes up in flames just remember:” I choked and tried to ease out the next phrase so it won't sound stressed. “I love you. Nothing can change that now. Let the royals play their games and we'll live our lives.” And almost like a switch Glitterlamp started feeling better but the tears poured forth even harder. She sank into me and we just sat their on the floor holding each other.
“You have no idea how good it is to hear that.” She said through her tears. “Can we be like this? Just for a little while?” She asked softly.
“Yeah, no problems here.” I answered softly back.
“In the end, it's the small quite moments that make all the difference.” I thought as we held each other enjoying the warm embrace of the other.
“Yeah, as long as we can depend on each other. Just like your family, right?” Glitterlamp said after a while, not sure to me or to herself. “Can I ask you a question?”Glitterlamp snickered at me trying to dry her eyes.“Why does your wrists have spiders coming out of them instead of hooves?”
“Spiders?!” I was a little surprised at the question and held up my hand, the thought was so random!
“Perhaps she's feeling better about what happened just a little while ago.” I thought marveling how she could cope with what just happened so fast.
“Silly they're bugs,” I said flexing them out for her to see. “Spiders have eight, these only have five see?”
“Yeah, but why bugs? They crawl around things like spiders.” Glitterlamp pointed out still giggled. I guess this was her way of cheering herself up?
“Okay, they're spiders, but what kind of spiders are they?” I asked a smile creeping on my face.
“Grabby spiders?” She guessed feeling a little more silly.
“Nope, Tickle Spiders!” I said before going up and down her ribs like a piano trying to find her most ticklish spot.
“BWAH! Stop!! Hahaha! I can't breathe!” Glitterlamp pleaded as she flailed around trying to wiggle out of my grasp. She was able to wiggle around enough to be able to tickle me and as it turns out: I'm way more ticklish then what she is! Soon the tables had turned and turned again until we both stood panting and grinning as we both calmed down tensing at each little movement from each other ready for another tickle attack.
“OK, lets calm down.” Glitterlamp said lightly out of breath. “I know where you sleep! So watch out!” She threatened me playfully. “I think the pie is done cooling off now,” I followed her to where the pie was waiting for us.
“Feeling better about Chrysalis?” I asked as I cut the pie into even pieces, well even enough.
“I can't worry about stuff all the time, but I'm still worried.” Glitterlamp said looking sad. “But I feel better knowing that you'll be with me. Besides if I start frowning too much you'll be frowning too.” She grinned at me before digging into the pie and chewing on it first excited then thoughtfully. I took a pie of the warm apple pie and was met with disappointment. The pie lacked a certain zing to it and it is pale shadow of the pie on the train.
“We did add cinnamon didn't we?” I asked trying to figure what it could've been missing.
“Yeah,”
“We added the brown sugar?”
“I think so,”
“Did we add the seasoning to the apple pie sauce?”
“Yeah- oh, no we didn't.” Glitterlamp finished glumly.
“No problem, you know how you fix this right?” I asked with a knowing smile.
“How?” Glitterlamp asked sarcastically. “The pie is done, not like we can stuff back into the oven.”
“Nah, we just keep making pies until we get it where we like it!” I said happily at the prospect of more pies.
“Haha, well I don't think we got enough time for another one! But yeah, let's do that.” Glitterlamp agreed but looked at the pie with little interest. “Are you worried of what Chrysalis could do to us?”
“A little,” I admitted. “But what can she do?” I shrugged still chowing down on the pie trying to figure out what we could add to it.
“More than what you think.” Glitterlamp said quietly.