Chapter 3: Broken Promises
Cadence awoke to tropical birds hailing the morning sun, yawned, stretched and rolled over to bid good morning to Shining Armor. She was met by an empty bed and a note. A chill ran through her body, and she fought down feelings of fear, confusion and anger - all of which struggled to win out and release themselves against whatever or whomever was in range. Cadence grabbed the note, barely glanced at her name written carefully on the front and read:
My Cadence,
I know you will not be pleased with this note, or its message. I am not trying to justify my decision - just give me a chance to explain what has driven me to find Tranquility; against your will and my own best judgement. I told you when we were first dating that I got my cutie mark because I always wanted to be in the royal guard, even as a little foal. That was always my dream, but that is not the full truth of how I got my cutie mark. When I was a little colt at school in Canterlot I had a classmate named Pip. He was the smallest colt in the class, and as such was made fun of by the bigger colts. He was also very late in getting his cutie mark, which only added to his humiliation. One day at recess we were all out on the playground and I saw Pip being bullied behind the schoolhouse. Usually the larger ponies would steal his food or call him names, but this time was different. The colts were holding him down while their leader, Jet, kicked Pip again and again. Something inside me roared and before I knew what was happening I had threw off the bullies and was standing over Pip, glaring at Jet and his cronies. “What’s the matter? Don’t like a fair fight?” I said, and then proceeded to have the hay kicked out of me by the three bullies. Eventually they got bored and walked off laughing. As I lay on the ground panting, I saw Pip staring at me with a look of awe on his face. I smiled back and winced at the effort, but as I got to my feet I felt the world had changed. I felt...full. Pip’s look of awe was not directed at my face, but at my flank which now bore a cutie mark. That day I found out my talent is for more than just guarding the princesses - protecting the helpless is what makes me whole. That day it was Pip, today it is Tranquility.
I love you with all my heart, and will return to you safe and sound, with the little filly in tow. Just know that I do this because I must - I could not live knowing there is more I could have done.
Yours now and forever,
Shining Armor
By the time Cadence had finished the note, her anger had subsided and all that remained was worry and guilt. She had spoken from the heart when she reminded Shining Armor of his vows to her, but she knew how terrible it was to have your true purpose thwarted as she had with Chrysalis. Being trapped in those caves, about to lose her love to an imposter had felt like having her soul removed. Shining Armor may be foolish to go in search of Tranquility, but he was an honest fool.Cadence folded the note carefully and put it on the table beside the bed.
There was never a doubt in her mind that she would be going after him, but being the more pragmatic of the pair, she knew her limitations. She was no hero, nor did she know the first thing about the island, Tranquility, or dealing with the dangers of the jungle. She would need help getting Shining Armor - and hopefully Tranquility - back safely. She galloped out of the bungalow and into town, headed for the post office.
~~~~~~~~~~
The pegasus mailpony looked up from the desk to see a somewhat winded but very elegant alicorn standing in the doorway. He had heard there were guests on the island but did not expect to see them so soon and in such a fashion. This pony did not look interested in small talk, so he went straight to the heart of the matter: “What can I do for you miss?”
Cadence had already thought out her letter on the way to the post office and wasted no time: “I have a letter to send to Ponyville on business of Celestia, highest priority”. She put as much of her royal title into her voice as possible, and figured Celestia would understand if she ever found out about this use of royal power - Shining Armor WAS captain of the guard after all.
Several minutes later the mailpony closed the office and took off into the air like a shot. He had never carried mail for royalty before, nor had he been to Ponyville. It would be an arduous flight, but the urgency in the young princess’ voice, matched with the letter’s contents gave a fleetness to his wings he had never felt before.
As he disappeared into the horizon, Cadence took a deep breath and set off for Coral’s house; she had much to do before Twilight and her friends arrived.