//------------------------------// // Different Battles // Story: That Others May Live // by CptBrony //------------------------------// Different Battles Amel stretched long and far when she awoke that morning. It wasn’t as easy to wake up when there wasn’t all kinds of commotion coming from everywhere else in the house at the early bird hours. It felt pretty lonely. She had to learn to deal with that, though. She lived in a house of men and stallions who got called away at every possible instance they could be used. Then there was the chance that they might not come back. She believed in her men, but the chance still lingered in the back of her mind... She had to keep her mind off the possibilities and focus on what was. They were off, doing what they did, and she was here. She didn’t know what was happening, and she had to accept it, no matter what. And if she couldn’t, she would just do something else. Amel rolled out of bed and made her way to the bathroom through the eerily silent halls. The steady, muffled thumps of her hooves on the carpet echoed briefly in the hall, reminding her of just how empty it was. When she made it to the bathroom, the thumps turned to clicks and clacks on the white tile floor. She brushed her teeth, cleaned herself up, and went downstairs to eat breakfast before her day started. She still couldn’t quite get over how different this was than the life she used to lead. If every pony on Equestria lived this way, they had truly incredible lives. Hopefully they weren’t taking them for granted. Here, she could drink some tea with her morning sandwich, as opposed to eating whatever leftover slop there was from the previous night with what was hopefully clean water. She savored every second of every sip, as if she were afraid she would never get it again. She wanted to remember what it tasted like in case it was ever taken from her. When she finished eating, she cleaned up everything she used and had one last stretch before heading out for her day. Today, she was going to be spending time with the Elements of Harmony. They all decided together that it would be a spa day. Well, all but Rainbow Dash, but she gave in in the end anyway. With a skip in her step, Amel trotted off to the Ponyville Day Spa to meet her new buddies. This was going to be a good portion of her day, as she understood, and after, she would do whatever came up. She probably wouldn’t get to hang out with Rainbow Dash because she was so busy doing what she called “Wonderbolt Stuff”, but that was okay. Amel wanted to spend time with Rarity anyway. Amel let her thoughts swim over to what Rarity could help her with while they spent time together. The high-class mare seemed to understand how to get and keep any stallion’s attention, and Amel could use advice in that area. She hadn’t succeeded yet in keeping Frost’s attention, so maybe it was time to try a different strategy. She did wonder why Frost seemed so oblivious. Was it her? She was a pony, and he was a human, so that would undoubtedly contribute… Unless he did know, and he was avoiding recognizing to not to hurt Amel’s feelings. Amel felt her heart sink a little at the thought, as it was a very real possibility. Although, the way Duke poked fun at him, and Frost didn’t seem to get it there either, it seemed more likely that Frost just didn’t see it as it flew over his head. When Amel arrived at the spa, she excitedly rushed in through the door to find her group of friends waiting patiently for her. “Hey!” she greeted giddily. Rarity was the first to look up and see her, flashing a big smile. “Amel, so glad you came! Some of us were wondering if you were going to make it.” Rarity shot a quick look at Applejack and Rainbow, both of whom looked elsewhere. “I did say I would come,” Amel said. “Well, let’s not waste any more time!” Rarity suggested. The girls went to the desk and then into their scheduled appointment. The girls started off with the mud bath in one of the other rooms. Amel thought it was strange; that such refined ponies in such a clean society thought it was classy and pleasant to cover themselves in filth. She had lived like that for a long time, and didn’t want to go back. But, the others were doing it, and she didn’t want to be rude, so she stepped into the giant pool of mud after them. She immediately noticed that it felt substantially different from the dirt she was used to; it felt less gritty, and it was wet mud rather than dry dust and debris. There were also supposed to be some minerals and such in it that helped soften the skin, and Amel could already feel them going to work on her. “Aaaahhhhhh,” she said, sinking in a little. “Every mare deserves a bit of pampering every now and then,” Rarity said. “I agree,” Twilight said. “It’s good to not have to work on princess business once in a while.” “And get away from the boys, right?” Applejack said. Twilight giggled. “I love my boys,” she said. “Flash and I wanted our little colt and we love him to death. But… it is nice to get some girl time.” “I can’t say the same,” Fluttershy said. “My stallion is my favorite pony ever.” “Ah know,” Applejack said. “I catch ya sneaking onto the farm to see him.” “Oh,” Fluttershy said, a blush beginning to form. “Heh, umm… yes, I like to go see him during the day.” “The barn probably has lots of good rolling hay, right?” Rainbow said, causing Fluttershy to blush intensely. WIth a smirk, Rainbow then added, “I know I’d use it if it were available to me.” “Weren’t you supposed to be busy with ‘Wonderbolt stuff’?” Twilight asked. “They cancelled for the day, so I figured I’d come along and hang out with our new friend,” Rainbow said, looking at Amel. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash,” Amel said. “Well, Rainbow, since you’re here and interested in Fluttershy’s love life, why not tell us about your own?” Rarity said. Pinkie Pie exploded out of the mud. “Ooh, ooh, yes! How’s your big, strong guard?” “Fine, fine. Serving a tour in San Palomino, but we aren’t far from each other.” Rainbow sighed. “I do wish she were around more, though.” “I have that with Flash sometimes,” Twilight said. “I want to station him in my castle permanently, but he has an obligation to his troops to be with them. I can’t tear apart their friendship for myself.” “That’d be some irony, considering you’re the princess of Friendship,” Applejack said. “Yeah!” Pinkie shouted. “Like, an iron beam being ironed by an all-iron iron!” Amel blinked. “What?” she said. “Never used an iron?” Pinkie asked. Amel shook her head. “It’s super convenient, like, I use it all the time for-“ “Let’s not go off on a tangent, Pinkie,” Rarity said. Pinkie pouted. “Alright,” she said. “How’s your ambassador, then? Has he been around lately?” Rarity sighed. “Recently, but his work keeps him very busy. I take whatever time I can get with him, though.” “Where is he ambassador to?” Amel asked. “Zebrastan,” Rarity replied. “Man, he’s far,” Pinkie said. “I wouldn’t know how it feels. Me and AJ are both single bachelorettes!” Pinkie swam over to her friend and put her hoof around her shoulder. “Don’t mean Ah want to be…” Applejack muttered. “Oh, hush,” Pinkie said. “We still have our friends, potential cousin.” “Friends are always good,” Amel said. Before they could continue, a bell went off somewhere, and that seemed to signify that it was time to get out. The group of mares hopped out, went through a quick-shower room, and moved onto the massage room. Rainbow Dash opted to sit in the tub next to the tables and simply relax in there. Once they were all in place, the conversation continued. “So what about you, Amel?” Twilight asked. “Any special stallions?” Amel made faces toward the floor where she was looking, laying on her belly. “No, no stallions,” she said. Rarity chuckled. “No STALLIONS, that’s right,” she said, making it clear what she meant. “You like one of the human men?” Twilight asked. “Mmm hmm,” Amel said. She would have responded more, but the massage she was getting on her back had her too relaxed to respond any more than necessary. “Didn’t something like that happen years ago..?” Pinkie said from a hooficure chair. “Yes, I believe so,” Rarity replied curtly. “How did it work out?” Amel asked. “I believe they loved each other, but I can’t say for certain,” Rarity said. “They were very good friends, at the least.” “Where was he from?” Amel asked. Amel couldn’t see it, but the girls all made questioning faces to each other. They appeared uncertain of what to say, but Rarity nodded to let them know that she would take the lead here. “No one was sure at first, but with the amount of time he spent in the wilderness, one would guess he was from a relatively government-less region,” Rarity explained. “Mmm,” Amel said, thinking she understood. “He went back there eventually. No one was sure why at first, and some still wonder. But we remember him, and that’s what helps us not to miss him too much,” Rarity said. “If we try hard enough, we can still see him, too, even if we can’t talk,” Pinkie included. “But enough of that!” Rarity said. “Let’s talk about your man!” Amel blushed. “I-I guess we can,” she said nervously. “Which one is he?” Pinkie asked. “It’s a 50-50 shot if we guess!” “F-Frost,” Amel said. “Ah, yes, he seems nice,” Fluttershy said. “He wrestled Macky, remember?” “Yes,” Amel said. “So he’s a wrestler, eh?” Applejack asked. “A Pararescueman,” Amel corrected. “He jumps out of flying machines and saves people.” “That’s why the princesses are getting your men to help us,” Twilight said. “Well, what’s he like? Tell us about him!” Rarity said excitedly. “W-Well, he’s super nice to me all the time, and he always helps me and likes to spend time with me. He’s big and strong, too, and he’s so selfless…” Amel trailed off for a moment. “Umm, he’s really great.” “How about the looks?” Rainbow asked bluntly. “He a looker to you?” Amel thought about it for a moment. She hadn’t really looked at him that way at all, truth be told. Maybe for a moment or two here and there, but she never thought of him as being particularly handsome. He was a human, after all, and that kind of attraction wasn’t really there, probably in either direction. “Umm, he’s a human, so I don’t really know,” Amel said. “So ya like him purely for who he is?” Applejack asked, receiving a nod in reply. “Well, Ah’ll be! It’s real love, ain’t it?” “Y-yes,” Amel said. “I would say… so.” “Well, is he, ya know, ‘knowledgeable’ in the category of being a good partner in every way?” Rainbow asked. Amel didn’t understand, but Rarity did. “Rainbow! Not appropriate!” Amel raised an eyebrow, but it went ignored. “What? It’s a legitimate question,” Rainbow said. “He should be able to give her something more tangible.” “RAINBOW!” Rarity said. The other girls all chuckled, while Amel still didn’t understand. “So, Amel, do you think he can make you feel physically good?” Rainbow asked directly. “I don’t know. He doesn’t seem like he knows how to give a massage or anything like that,” Amel said. “How about after the massage?” Rainbow asked. Rarity gave up. “He cooks to survive, not to eat good food, so I doubt it,” Amel said. Rainbow just looked flatly at her and gave one more effort. “Would he eat food or something else?” she asked. “What else would he eat?” Amel asked. “I don’t understand what you are asking.” Rainbow put her face in her hooves and sighed. “Will you… I don’t know, consummate, I guess?” Rainbow asked. Amel finally got it and her face turned completely red. She kept down on the table so the others wouldn’t see. “Uhh, I- uhh, umm, we- I- I don’t…” Amel couldn’t respond. “Rainbow, I think you broke her,” Pinkie said. “Good going, there,” Twilight said. “Amel, don’t think you have to answer that.” “T-thank you, princess,” Amel said. Rainbow sighed. “Alright, not that. But you like him, and you want him to realize that, right?” she said. Amel nodded. “Rainbow, you aren’t allowed to suggest anything after that debacle,” Rarity said. “I fear for what you have planned.” “Then what’s your idea?” Rainbow asked. Rarity clopped her hooves together. “Ooh, this is going to be fun!” she said. “Amel, I am going to make you completely irresistible and easily noticed for your man!” “Okay,” Amel said, calming down from the previous trauma. “I wanna help, I wanna help!” Pinkie said. “I’m good at this stuff!” “Then why are you single?” Applejack asked. “Because I want to find Cheese, that’s why,” Pinkie said. Applejack nodded her understanding. “Very well,” Rarity said. “After this is done, Amel, Pinkie and I will take you and do a total change-up on you!” Amel swallowed. “That sounds okay, I suppose,” she said. Twilight looked over at Amel. “No worries, they won’t do anything crazy,” she said. “Well, Pinkie might.” “Let’s get going then!” Pinkie shouted, hopping up from her seat and rushing to the door. “Time’s a-wasting!” Rarity sighed. “Well, the appointment is almost done anyhow,” she said. Amel groaned internally, as she had been deeply enjoying her first spa session. Rarity stood. “Come, Amel, let us give you a whole new look!” Amel followed Rarity and Pinkie out, casting a glance back to the others and receiving mostly pleasant nods. Rainbow just giggled at her. When she was gone, Rainbow chimed one last thing in; “So… do you think they’ll-“ “Dang it, girl!” Applejack shouted. Rarity and Pinkie Pie marched around town in the search of anything that they thought would help Amel in her quest. Amel followed quietly, wishing they could just leave it be, but didn’t want to say anything. It might have just been out of habit from the old days at home. “Where will we start?” Amel asked. “Well, we just had a spa session, so that’s taken care of,” Rarity said. “So we must start from the top and work our way down!” “Like her head?” Pinkie asked. “Not necessarily,” Rarity said. “Though I suspect we can certainly do something with that mane.” “What is wrong with my mane?” Amel asked. “Nothing is wrong, really,” Rarity said. She walked over and felt Amel’s mane. “It is a bit rough, and-“ Rarity felt something and tugged it out, earning a small protest from Amel. “And… you carry a knife in it. Lovely.” Rarity handed the knife back. “Frost gave it to me when he bought it in Akhal Teke,” Amel explained. Rarity sighed. “Stallions,” she said. “A gift is a gift, though, and certainly the thought is what counts.” “But what of my mane?” Amel asked. “Ah, yes,” Rarity said. “We can certainly brush it and straighten it a bit, maybe use some conditioner to soften it up.” “Frost’ll wanna be like frosting on your cupcake head!” Pinkie said. Amel giggled at the joke. “It’ll be all soft and cozy and fluffy and nice!” “Exactly,” Rarity said. “So we can start there. After that, we shall do your tail, and then try makeup and outfits. No stallion will resist you!” “I don’t want a stallion,” Amel said absent-mindedly. “Even so,” Rarity said. “It’s the principle that matters!” Amel looked doubtful at her, but let Rarity go on. “So let’s go to the salon!” Pinkie said. They started by going to the Mane Salon in town and had them take care of Amel’s mane. It took longer than anticipated from years of little care, but using some special shampoos and conditioners, they made Amel’s mane feel like silk. They were able to do the same to her tail, though Amel didn’t think Frost would be interested in that. “Not yet,” Pinkie muttered, pulling a Rainbow Dash. When they left the salon, they started making their way toward Carousel Boutique. Along the way, stallions around them, and a mare or two, started looking their way. Rarity made a point of it to keep Amel visible, not allowing her to hide behind either of her friends. “Wait!” Pinkie said. They all stopped. “We should show Amel how to make cupcakes and brownies!” “Why?” Rarity asked. “So she can bake treats for her man when he comes home,” Pinkie explained. “Ya’ know, soften him up, let his guard down, and then- pounce with the dress!” “You sound like you are planning a battle,” Amel said. “This is a battle! A battle for love!” Pinkie bellowed to the heavens, standing up on her hind legs. “Pinkie, you’re making a scene,” Rarity said. The pink party pony smiled sheepishly and got back down to all fours. “I already know some foods,” Amel said. “Maybe later you can teach me your candies and treats?” “Oh, I will!” Pinkie said, grabbing Amel and wrapping a foreleg around her. “You’ll be learning from the best!“ “It is true, Pinkie is the best,” Rarity said. “I believe you,” Amel said. “Good!” Pinkie said. “Now, let’s get you some clothes! You’re stark naked!” Amel raised an eyebrow at her as Rarity rolled her eyes with a smile. When they arrived at Rarity’s, Amel was sent to wait on the small stage while Rarity fetched some outfits for her to try on. Pinkie waited with her and chatted to pass the time. “So, what’s it like, spending so much time with a human?” she asked. “Duke and Frost are very different,” Amel said. “Which one?” “Frost, silly!” Pinkie replied. “It is wonderful,” Amel said dreamily. “He’s so nice to me all the time. I like playing with him, talking to him, eating with him… I enjoy my time with him. I wish his job wasn’t so dangerous.” “Of course, if he didn’t have that job, he wouldn’t be here,” Pinkie said. “Maybe he was meant to be a para-guy for more than just saving lives.” Pinkie wiggled her eyebrows at Amel to get her point across. Amel chuckled. “The world does not revolve around me, I think,” she said. “Me either,” Pinkie said. “But that doesn’t mean the world doesn’t watch out for me every now and again.” Before they could go on, Rarity returned with about a dozen or so dresses floating in the air around her. “Here we go!” she said excitedly. “Let’s get to it!” She rushed over to Amel and started intricately helping her to put the dresses on, simultaneously stitching them if necessary to fit. The first few were ruled out immediately; Amel’s brown coat didn’t go well with the same color dress or with a pink dress. Frilled dresses didn’t work very well either. “These are very intricate and complex,” Amel said, using big words. “Indeed, these types are often commissioned,” Rarity said. “These were cancelled orders. I just want to see one that works okay for now, and use it for inspiration to make you a much better dress later.” “Thank you,” Amel said. “I’m seeing a bit of a pattern,” Pinkie said, looking contemplative. “Hmm?” Rarity asked. “These complex dresses, with a lot going on… something just doesn’t sit right.” “The rump?” Rarity asked. “No, no, the fit is fine,” Pinkie said. “They just look… Fluffle-pufflicious. But not in a good way.” Rarity stepped back. “I see your point,” she said. “I have some simpler dresses, let’s try those.” “Please, do,” Amel said. “I prefer the simple dresses.” “That’s why they don’t look right, then!” Pinkie said. Rarity left for a minute to go and get some basic dresses, really templates used to place more serious designs on. She returned with a white, gray, black, blue, and red dresses with almost invisible stitching and a few hems strategically placed. “These are to your liking?” Rarity asked. “Yes, very much,” Amel said. “The white one looks like the first dress I ever wore when Frost took me to dinner in Akhal Teke.” Rarity and Pinkie gasped. “You’ve already gone on a date?!” they shouted together. Amel flinched. “No, we just went to eat, and that was where we ended up,” she said. “They let me borrow a dress to enter the restaurant.” “Ah, I see,” Rarity said. “I know that kind of restaurant. Very high class.” “Still a date,” Pinkie said quietly. “May I try it?” Amel asked. Rarity floated it over, and Amel made her way into it. “I like it very much,” she said decisively. “It looks very good on you,” Rarity said proudly. “I shall make you a similar one, but with different material and more flow. I won’t add anything crazy, no worries.” Pinkie was about to say something when she suddenly froze, and her head started moving like a clock’s second hand. The other two mares just looked at her, confused. “It’s girls’ night in a few minutes!” Pinkie shouted. Rarity looked at a clock on the other wall. “Oh, dear, it certainly is! Time flies when you’re having fun!” Rarity helped Amel off the stage. “Just wear it for tonight. I have a feeling you’ll want to.” “Thank you so much,” Amel said. Rarity smiled and nodded, and the trio made its way to the library. When they arrived, they opened the door and were greeted with smiles and a bouncing Pinkie Pie. Inside, the girls were sitting in a circle with a stack of playing cards in the middle. They were playing Hearts, by the look of it, and Fluttershy didn’t seem to understand what was happening, but that was probably normal. “Hey, you made it!” Twilight said. “Of course darling, we would never miss this,” Rarity replied. “And we brought Amel.” “Hello Amel,” Fluttershy greeted. “You look really nice.” Amel smiled. “Thank you.” From a kitchen to the side, Spike the dragon came in. “I’m glad you girls still come here for hanging out,” he said. “It’s great to get to spend time with you.” “I have an obligation to come here,” Rarity said. “Sweetie Belle frequently goes out with friends or to sing at night. I must make sure you two aren’t here doing your adolescent things.” Rarity gave Spike a knowing look, to which he responded with a chuckle. “Well, since you’re here, let’s watch the movie!” Rainbow Dash said. “Sounds like a plan,” Applejack said. “Ever seen a movie, Amel?” “I’ve only heard of them,” Amel replied. “They’re great,” Applejack said. “Just sit back and watch the screen.” “So what’s the movie for tonight?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Let’s see,” Twilight said. “We have either a Daring Do movie, or we can watch a semi-documentary on the Southern Gryphon Colonies.” “Daring Do!” Rainbow Dash shouted immediately. “Let’s let Amel decide, since she’s new,” Fluttershy suggested. “It sounds like Daring Do is good,” Amel said. “Then Daring Do it is!” Twilight said. She removed a disk from a case and put it in a strange machine, and in no time, images were projected onto a screen and the movie was starting. After the movie was done, Twilight pulled out some special bottles of wine from her saddlebag, the Quinta Vineyard 319, something only wealthy ponies had, and the girls started chatting about life and what they did. Rarity mostly talked about Sweetie Belle’s coming singing career and how she had to watch out for the little mare. Twilight tried to tell her Spike was good to watch her, but Rarity jokingly refused to trust any boys with her little sister. It was hard to tell if she seriously thought that Spike would try something dishonorable. The conversations centered on regular events of daily life, and Amel loved that. They weren’t worrying about things out of their control, how those things might affect their lives. It was so relaxed and fun, and it helped that the girls were getting a bit tipsy as the night went on. Eventually, though, Amel had to go and prepare for a possible call from Frost. “This has been wonderful,” she said. “But I must be going now.” “Aww, don’t go yet missy!” Applejack said. “The night ain’t over yet!” Rarity tapped Applejack’s shoulder. “She might get a call,” she said. “Oh,” Applejack said. “Well, then, y’all best get going to talk to yer man!” The girls all said their goodbyes and Amel made her way home. It wasn’t so far, and she was able to walk straight for the most part, so she wasn’t afraid. When she got home, she went inside and grabbed the magical mirror and sat on the couch to wait. After about an hour, she started to lose hope that she would get a call from Frost. What was happening? Was he all right? Was he busy? He could be in danger! Amel started to feel a bit of panic come on. Then, however, the mirror started acting up, and a few seconds later, she saw a confused image of Frost in the glass. “Frost!” she said happily. Frost flinched backwards. “Amel? I can’t see you,” he said. Amel furrowed her brow. She picked up the mirror and walked around. “How about now?” “I’m see- something- wait, I los- y- -gain,” Frost said. “Frost, I only caught some of what you said,” Amel said. “Jeez, it’s like Skype all over again,” Frost said. Amel went outside. “Is it working?” “There we go!” Frost said. “I can see you now. You look good.” Amel blushed and smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “You are looking nice.” “Hahaha, if only you could have seen me before,” Frost said. “I was bundled up like a mummy.” Amel laughed. “I wouldn’t want you like that,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to see you.” “Hopefully you’ll see me again in person soon,” Frost said. Amel put her hoof to the glass. “Hopefully,” she said. “So what are you doing up there?” “Just chilling,” Frost said. “Chilling… Frozen North, haha,” Amel said. “Ha, I didn’t catch that!” Frost said with a chuckle. “But yeah. I can’t really go into detail.” “I understand,” Amel replied. “I just wish I could be with you.” “Me too,” Frost said. Amel blushed. “I mean… I like being with you.” Amel took in a deep breath. “It’s fun, and you’re just so nice to me always.” Frost smiled. “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be,” he said. “I just… What I mean to say is…” Amel tried to put it into words, but her tongue was failing her. “Umm…” “You can tell me what’s on your mind,” Frost said. Amel couldn’t say it so slowly, so she went and blurted it out. “أحبك!” she said. She stared at the mirror after. “Uhh… I don’t understand,” Frost said. Amel gulped. “I… uhh, well-“ “No, like, I didn’t understand your words. I don’t speak that language, haha,” Frost said. Amel sighed with relief. “Oh, yes,” she said. “What did you say?” Frost asked. Amel froze. “Uhh, I said… Let’s eat. Like, when you get back.” “Sounds like a plan,” Frost said. “Great!” Amel said emphatically with a sheepish smile. “Well, I don’t want to take your sleep from you, so I suppose we should be done.” Frost nodded slowly. “Yeah, I might have to be up early. I’ll call you again before we get back, okay?” “Yes, that sounds okay,” Amel said. “Bye,” Frost said with a wave. Amel waved back. “Bye,” she said with a hint of sadness. They ended the call after figuring out how and Amel set the mirror down. She desperately wanted to tell him what she was feeling, but it was so hard. The stories never involved the mare having to let her feelings be known to the stallion, it was always the stallion who had to get the mare. Of course, those stories were about princesses, not ex-slaves. And it wouldn’t e a good idea now anyway; after all, Frost had a lot to think about. He couldn’t be distracted by any potential problems from Amel’s feelings. That could be detrimental to his efforts or even get him hurt. And Amel couldn’t live with herself if she got him killed or something. So, with her head hanging lower than normal, she made her way to her bed and went to sleep, hoping Frost and Duke would return soon.