//------------------------------// // ch. 3 Leaving Home Arc - The Mechanic's Game/Color of Heroes (RAW) // Story: Rite to Live // by Total Eclipse //------------------------------// The Mechanic’s Game The visit to Fluttershy was a draining one not physically, but emotionally. Seeing a pony mourn and cry over the loss of a friend is normal, expected even. The weight of Unity’s exchange with Applejack was sinking in deeply now, this was the first time he had ever had to shoulder somepony else's pain and anger. He was completely unprepared for the type of backlash sharing hearts could bring, the emotional supercharge was too much. Seeing, scratch that. Feeling AJ in that state was more than Unity could handle. After their exchange his mind auto piloted him off the protected grounds and back out towards the city. The fur under Unity’s eyes was matted from where he’d shed tears earlier. This made him as visibly despaired as he was inside from the series of recent events. Not Fifteen minutes ago he was told that Pinkie Pie was at her shop, Party Tech. Unity decided he could really use some cheering up now but there was no telling where the party pony was now, her status as Arch Machinist hadn’t seemed to hinder her prior habits in the least. However it was the only lead that the dragon-pony hybrid had on her, so he’d have to take it. Party Tech was situated in the recreational area of town, a part of New Ponyville Unity didn’t mind. Unlike the business sections, this place was fairly calming. The air here was filled with a myriad of smells from the many restaurant chains posted up along the streets, ranging from the common (Hayfries) the exquisite (roasted tropical vegetable platters). The vibrant laughs of fillies and colts playing in the park rang out within the suburban area, echoing off the colorful small businesses and homes of the area. He took this all in and allowed the upbeat tone of the surrounding area to lift his spirits. Still slightly drained from his exchange with Applejack Unity figured that he needed to find a place to where he could feed his head, he wondered on the outskirts of the area until he found Ponyville's waterway. The young hybrid trotted over to the ledge of the canal and placed his fore claws on the cool grass lining artificial channel. He pushed his weight over and slid downward as if skating on the grass never harming a single blade as he went. He stepped onto the concrete sidewalk and peered over into the crystal clear waters below. Unity dropped down onto his belly and let a single fore claw dangle over sidewalk; his claws skirted the surface of the water sending his mind into a state of serenity. He let his mind drift off into reflection once again. Like everything in the world, this place was not perfect. This area becoming residential is a fairly new development though. The entire area sprang up in a few short years after Pinkie moved out here, hence why most ponies who live here work at her business (the only big business Unity respected). Being fairly new it lacked hustle and bustle, quite the double edged sword for the young hybrid. Without masses of preoccupied zombie ponies, methodically focused on a singular goal to stifle his presence he really stood out and drew attention. Most of it was harmless and went no further than the occasional off handed quizzical look, complete with an awkward stumble and cocked head and the occasional apology. Sometimes Unity got icy glares, accompanied by mares and stallions backing away from him or parting ahead of him like he was some sort of vicious monster. Those always ended the same, theyd back up then once everypony thought they were out of eyeshot they’d ask whisper into each other’s ears: “What is that? Keep the foals close!” “I heard he’s the child of a pony and a dragon!” “Disgusting, Celestia should burn such horrible abominations.” “Why is that freak allowed to walk free? Shouldn’t it be studied in a lab?” Ponykind could be cruel, but he knew that it was simply ignorance...ignorance he could deal with; the problem is that ignorance can breed fear and fear can breed irrationality. He rarely had to deal with that though, but it wasn't unheard of for the “bolder” ponies to push him, spit at him, or attempt to chase him away with threats of violence. Even the colts his age around the area seemed to have some sort of animosity towards him. He’s had his fair share of scuffles with the youth, and every encounter only worsened the the ponies views on him. If he defended himself and came out victorious the public would sympathize with the offenders by chiding in with remarks of - “They walked into a slaughter, it was terrible”, or “How can you really expect a pony to defend themselves against that sort of monster” ; if he lost the local ponies just made two faced remarks like - “He keeps coming back, what does he want here” or “No matter how much our boys fuck him up he always shows up again in perfect condition, the freak”. Unity was at a complete lose on the last comment though since no one has ever seriously injured him during a fight. Even rarer still were those that welcomed him with open arms and legitimately liked him. Old Miss Caramel Chip loved to just sit and shot the breeze with Unity, and when she figured he’d had his ear full for the day she gave him free taffy from her shop. Then there were the twins Bonny Love and Barry Love, the two pegasi who ran the Sugarcube Corner in this area. When he was having a sour day Unity could always count on them to bring up, whether it was Barry’s dry humor or Bonny’s perpetual smile - It didn't matter after being with those two he was always full of cupcakes and happiness. Unity snapped back to reality when he felt a sudden warm splash of water. Remembering his assigned duty he committed himself to shuffling back up the grassy incline and back into the city. Party Tech was the largest building in the area, it towered over everything else by several stories so it was easy enough to spot. His little trek had been quite the peaceful one, actually he was quite relaxed - a party for him tonight complete with a special gift. He was ready to have these errands complete. Unity trotted around the corner with his eyes closed and his head held high, a gleeful song in his heart. The white child slammed face first into something plush, the impact knocked him onto his haunches prompting a slight grunt from him. He put a hand over his face where he impacted and let his eye creep open to scan for what he had hit. “Yo, da fuck you look’n at freak?”, the teenage unicorn colt barked. “Drakmire?” Unity asked, mock stupidly in his voice. “Damn, I was hoping it was some cute filly thang by how soft that flank was but its just you.” “Aye Cherry, Milo the abomination’s got jokes.” He said while pointing a hoof at Unity and talking over his shoulder. With Drakmire’s address two more teenage ponies emerged from behind him, a unicorn filly and an earth pony colt. Cherry was pretty average as far as fillies went, slim build deep red coat with a light red and green mane and pink eyes. Milo was a strange one though, he was pretty skinny for a colt, his coat was a tan color, a single brown strand of hair for a mane sat atop his head pointing skyward defiantly, and his left eye was larger than his right. “Jokes BAHH, he is the joke.” Cherry chimed in. “Right, no one in their right mind would come outside if they were a....umm, him.” Milo stated matter-of-factly whilst gesturing at Unity. Yeah, real smart Unity thought to himself as he rolled his eyes. “Do we really have to do this today ?!” Applejack and Luna had always taught him that the best way to deal with idiots was to ignore them, but these three were utterly insufferable, every time he came to this part of town they pestered him. No matter how he played it this would end in a physical altercation, so he might as well have fun with it. A small smirk crossed his face. “What you smile’n at faggot? Don’t nopony here see noth’n funny.” Drakmire. “Hmph. I do, say Cherry you must cry a lot what with your name reminding you of that thing or yours you lost to an idiot like Drakmire.” Cherry’s face contorted in anger, Unity’s smile grew three sizes. “What kind of game did he spit on you, i must know.” At this comment Drakmire stepped up towards the young target of their bullying. He was almost large enough to be considered a stallion, definitely larger than Unity and quite intimidating to. Drakmire leered at him, red eyes ablaze with a feral hate. The unicorn’s coat was midnight black to the point that it gave off an eerie shine. His mane was a dark crimson as if it soaked by somepony’s life essence drooped over his right eye. Unity felt twinge run through his body, the all too familiar sensation of magic being woven. Just as he had ascertained its origin he was telekinetically flung into a alleyway. Unity flailed through the air, he’d never been hit with such force in his life. The magic blast sent him careening through several wooden boxes causing each to splinter into a thousand shards. Unity mumbled under his breath, head spinning from the sudden lost of ground. The three teenagers funneled into the alleyway with him. “At first we were just going to push you around, hurt you a little you know.” The dark unicorn said smoothly. “But now, I think my filly needs some compensation for those mean words.” Drakmire’s entire personality had changed, he’d dropped the street dialect and replaced it with cool calculating speech patterns. “So are you going to apologize?” Cherry said hovering in front of Unity’s face. Her smiled reached from ear to ear; did she really expect him to say I'm sorry? Unity had taken to reclining in the shattered crates as if it were a throne. “I’ll think about it” Another wave of force lashed across his face, knocking loose a canine and drawing blood. “APOLOGIZE FREAK!!” Unity’s body was raised into the air and slammed into a wall with enough force to rattle the side of the building. He slumped down onto the ground like a rag doll, only to triumphantly pull himself up to a bipedal stance. Using a forelimb he wiped the blood from the bottom of his jaw, his other arm (?) reaching behind him to protect the zap apple blossoms Drakemire cocked his noticing for the first time what was strapped to his targets back. “Milo” He called, making a gesture toward the cornered prey. “See what hes got.” The tan earth pony stepped up, and began his approach. Unity couldn't really fight against a unicorn, but an earth pony was fair game; however, hoof-on-claw he could handle. Milo leapt at unity like a wild predator. Patience is a virtue.... Once the flying pony was within arms reach Unity stiffened his claw and lashed out with a strike aimed at Milo’s throat. The blow connected right beneath the jaw line causing him to immediate drop to his knees and began hacking like habitual smoker. Unity wasn’t done yet, he was going to take Milo out of this fight. He took a wide step towards the choking earth pony all the while raising a leg and locking his muscles for the upcoming strike. Unity spun on his heels, a white blur delivering a terrible roundhouse to the earth pony’s side. Milo was sent flying back through an adjacent side door - he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. “*Gasp* Sweet Celestia, MILO!!”, Cherry’s hooves were at her mouth in an attempt hold her slack jaw up. “Go, take Milo and get out of here.” Drakmire spat. “But....” “JUST GO!!!” Cherry nodded unwilling to argue it further, she quickly flew through the doorway where Milo had been knocked through. A few seconds later she flew out full speed dragging the limb unconscious earth pony. Drakmire looked over his shoulder to make sure his comrades were long gone, he didn't want them here for this part. Drakmire’s horn flared up, a deep crimson aura took hold of the zap apple blossoms retching them free from Unity’s clutches. “NO!” Unity pled, as a wave of telekinetic force slammed his back into the stone wall, knocking the wind from his lungs. “You embarrass my filly, and mess my boy up.....oh I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life and make you eat these fucking flowers.” The threat wasn’t menacing, the tone was. Drakmire spat the phrase as if were acid. Unity was never more certain that someone was going to do what they said as he was now. Drakmire planted his hooves in the ground, bracing himself as his horn flare and sparked wildly. He focused on Unity’s face, a wave of pure anger was expelled crashing against his targets face slamming his head against the wall drawing blood from unity’s nose. Two more blasts came, one aimed at the gut and the other at the knee. The knee shot landed with bone shattering force causing him to fall into the gut shot. It felt as if his stomach had been pushed above his lungs, he released his breakfast all over the concrete ground of the alley. Unity found some strength, between the shallow gasping breaths his assailant took. “Stop.......I..I” His speech was weak and ragged, he was barely standing. “No, i won’t stop.” He said cooly. Drakmire unleashed hell on him, a flurry of red hot magic coils began to whip at Unity searing off his fur and lacerating his flesh. “Trash, you don’t deserve to live. My father says you are just an abomination born from the curse of a monster. He says your parents and friends are who they are only because they are friends with Celestia’s student.” A dark smile crept up on his mug. “He says you’re all just over privileged, hicks who turned a backwater town into something with ill deserved opportunities.” Drakmire floated the zap apples across unity’s face, the beaten hybrid’s eyes followed his precious cargo until it was rested at his assailants hooves. Red eyes glared at the bouquet, “Especially that dike Applejack.” Drakmire used his telekinesis to lift Unity to his feet and pin him to the wall. “D-don’t..........” Unity choked, on blood he cleared his throat then spat on the ground. “Bad mouth, Applejack....” The coils wrapped around all of his extremities and neck pulling Unity’s face to the ground next to the zap apple blossom. A black hoof came down on a single flower grinding it into the pavement. Another flower met its demise in the same manner, then another. With each flower crushed an ethereal pain shot through Unity, coupled with the burning whips which resumed beating him he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold out. He was bleeding profusely from his wrists and mouth, and he had been burned to the muscle in several places. Unity felt himself slipping into unconsciousness....... Weak....Disgrace to all Wyrmkin Fight......Survive.....Kill..... **************************************************************************************************** His senses failed him and the world around went dark and silent. A warm breeze flowed over Unity’s resting body rustling his coat. A single forelimb draped over into the district’s waterway, his black claws slicing the water as it rushed past. The white hybrid lay there serenely in the peace of his dream. His ears twitched slightly as they picked up a sound that drew ever closer. “....ey” “.....nity!” It was a voice. “ HEY, UNITY!!!” Yelled the mare. Unity’s eyes slowly crawled open and blinked wearily a few times before he realized that a pair of eyes, one light blue and one amber, peered back at him. The pink earth pony was standing over him with her face mere inches from his. His teal eyes immediately shot open and he released heavy breathed yelp in surprise as what he believed to be memories flooded his mind. He shuffled back in a frightened attempt to get from under the pony, with each frantic movement of his limbs he sent up a small cloud of dust into the mare’s face. He stood drowsily on all four and sunk low into a defensive stance. “DRAKMIRE!?” he roared in confusion. The pink mare looked on in understanding; she realized that his mind hadn’t yet caught up to his body yet. She looked to where he had been asleep and found a bouquet of zap apple blossoms though some of the flowers were crusted. She leaned down and took them in a hoof and began to slowly approach the child in an attempt to break him out of his reverie. “Unity, it’s me Pinkie. Your friend, do you remember?” She said in the most comforting voice she could muster. A pink left hoof met with the ground then an amber and black steel right hoof followed as she slowly advanced. Unity’s body dropped its stance at the mention of a friendly name, his eyes stopped darting about, and his breathing became less frantic. “Pinkie?” “Finally awake, i thought mister sleepy face was going to stay in dwream world forever!” Pinkie exclaimed suddenly hopping filled with a jubilant energy that was absent just a moment ago. “Wha....what happened?” Unity said squinting and cocking his head. Pinkie plopped down on her haunches. Her mouth curled up as she sucked the side of her bottom lip and tapped a hoof on her chin to aid in her thought she began speaking. “Hmmm...well I was thinking that i should probably skip over to a sugar cube corner for my cupcake fix but i got SWARMED by those annoying suit ponies trying to get interviews, and comments from me. I tried to invite them all to back to my house for a party, but they said they didn’t have time...can you believe THAT! No time of a Pinkie Pie party don't they know I thr-” Unity pinched her lips shut. “Pinkie, when i say what happened i mean, from maybe a few minutes ago at most.” She had her forelimbs crossed across her chest in contempt. “Well, if you had let me finish i would’ve gotten to that.” She mock cleared her throat. “Like i was saying, after i got swarmed they simply cut me off at every turn until i had nowhere to go. I jumped up to the roof of the buildings and skipped over towards the waterway, i thought if i travelled down near its bank they wouldn't find me. That’s when i found you here sleeping and decided to wake you up.” Her smile was spread from ear to ear like waking Unity was some great accomplishment. “Oh and when I woke you, you totally flipped out, and was all like “RAGH!!! DRAKMIRE!!!” Pinkie said as she stood on her hind legs with fore legs above her head waving around like some sort of beast. Pinkie’s face suddenly became pensive as she formed her next sentence. “It would’ve been funny, if the look in your eyes didn't scream bloody murder.” she said in deadpan. Unity stared at the pink party mare quizzically, in all his years he’d never seen her with an expression or tone of voice that matched what he just experienced. Pinkie couldn't hold it in she put both her hooves up to her mouth in attempt extinguish the forming laugh, she failed gloriously. “You should see your face!!” Pinkie was laid out on the grass near the bank of the waterway, legs flailing wildly as she cackled. “You were like HUH!! How do I respond to that?” She sat up and wiped a tear from her eye. “But seriously, some must be bothering you to have you so loopy. So who’s Drakmire and what happened in that dream?” Pinkie grabbed the zap apple blossoms in her mouth and walked up to Unity gesturing that they begin walking back towards Party Tech. Unity let out a low sigh, he really didn’t want to dig into his mind to recall what happened. Something told him it wasn’t a thing anypony would want to hear about. “Drakmire is a colt about my age, he tries to hassle me every time we meet. I know him and his little trio with Milo and Cherry from around the area, real jerks the lot of ‘em. Anyway, we fight basically anytime we see each other and that’s exactly what happened in the dream, except something went wrong. I pushed Drakmire’s buttons a bit too hard this time and kept pushing my luck. He used magic to throw me into an alley where he and Milo tried to jump me and take the zap apple blossoms. I handled Milo pretty easy, but that only riled Drakmire up even further. He used his magic; there wasn’t much i could do. I.....I...was hurt pretty bad; i think he tried to kill me. I was pretty sure that he had killed me - then I heard a voice.” Pinkie threw a hoof up in the air. “OH, OH that was me!!” she exclaimed proudly. “No before you, something else.....definitely not a pony.” He released a breath of relief. “Whatever, it was just a dream I obviously just dozed off while i was slacking sitting near the waterway.” After a few minutes traversing the streets Unity finally remembered why he was even on over here in the first place. “Oh yeah, Pinkie do-” The pink mare cut him off this time, revenge for earlier no doubt. “Do I mind using the balloon to take you up to Cloudsdale so that you can place those flowers at the Memorial of Heroes? Nope, not at all. I was going myself.” “Ok, that’s solved -” Cut off again. “Not done talking! Sheesh, such an antsy McAntspants.” She said giggling. “Let’s play a game.” Unity gave Pinkie an exasperated look “What kind of game?” “A race to Party Tech’s roof.” Pinkie reached her steel amber hoof into the left pocket of her black leather vest, revealing a pair of goggles. “If I win we simply go to Cloudsdale. If you win you get to fly the balloon.” She slipped the goggle on over her head and lowered them into place, she looked to Unity with a self confident grin. “You game?” “Mare you might as well have dangled the sweetest taboo in my face, revealed it, and left a do not look sign on it. Heck yeah I’m game, like I’ll let this chance pass me up.” Unity began popping his claws and shoulders wincing a little at the phantom pains that shot through his wrist and neck. Pinkie’s building could be seen towering over the surrounding buildings several blocks away. “So when do we start?” Pinkie’s eyes darted from rooftop to rooftop “NOW!!” she yelled surprising her friend. “Wha-” Unity barely finished the word before his mouth went slack at the sight of Pinkie launching herself to the top of an adjacent 2 story building with a single casual hop. A few clouds of dust and some loose papers rushed to the stop Pinkie occupied not even 2 seconds ago, drawn in by the sudden displacement of air. The Pinkie party pony called back over her shoulder to the youth as he stood there flabbergasted at what had happened. “ HEY, YOU’RE LOSING!!” Unity snapped out of funk quickly realizing that his prize was slowly slipping out of his hands. He took off on all for in a mad sprint blazing a trail through the streets. He was starting to catch up to Pinkie but he’d never overtake her from the streets, too many obstacles. He bobbed and weaved nimbly between ponies as he attempted to keep sight of Pinkie and avoid the occasional pole or trash can. Passing a pole, he suddenly lost sight of his flamboyant opponent his mind labor itself with questions of her disappearance. Unity’s moment of off track though shattered his focus, he was headed right for a random fruit stand jutting out from an alley way. He way too close to jump around it or even stop to avoid a collision, he swallowed a bulge in his throat as a third option hit his mind. Barely any time to plan it out he leapt at the small clearing between the shelf and the canopy of the stand. He extending his left claw out he gripped at the threshold of the clearing, using all his might and the momentum he had he pulled his entire body clean through the one pony sized opening in a single fluid motion. Landing on his hind leg he continued his stride in bipedal fashion before falling to all fours again. Unity caught sight of Pinkie again, he wasn't far behind. He crossed the street quickly dodging a few magic transports as he went. After that little stunt he pulled he felt somewhat confident and thought he’d try a little something to level his chances of winning. He eyed a crate propped up on a wall adjacent to a balcony when he had crossed the street. Resuming his sprint he reached the alley he where he saw the boxes. He threw himself on top of the boxes then jumped with all his might to onto the wall. He dug his claws into the wood for traction; he looked to the balcony behind him as he slowly began to slide down the wall. Putting all his strength into his legs he pushed off the wall flew towards balcony railing. His landing was nearly flawless but he wasn't done quite yet, one more leap. He dipped his head down as he lowered his entire body into ready position and breathed deep releasing the pent up power in his legs. He soared higher than he expected easily clearing the side of the building and landing squarely on the rooftop. Pinkie was standing several buildings ahead of him looking on as if she expected his actions. She stood on her hind legs and placed her forelegs over her head and let them droop lazily in a gesture meant to mock bunny ears. “C’mon, much to slow. That all you got?” she said right before she sped off. He focused on Pinkie and took off, several strides later he had to jump over an alley. He threw his weight out and easily cleared the gap. Unity neither noticed how fast he was crossing rooftops nor how easy it was to make several meter jumps between buildings, he was completely focused. His vision tunneled as he concentrated on goal of overtaking the mare, he was giving it everything he had but no ground was being gained. Pinkie was impossibly fast. “Dammit! C’mon, C’mon gotta move faster, FASTER!!” He tilted his head down as he focused letting the rushing air blow his lavender mane back. He gripped the ground fiercely desperate for more traction while at the same time forcing his legs to pump harder and harder. The force he put into his legs caused him to rip up chunks of wood, concrete, and plaster with each stride. Pinkie was getting closer, he was gaining on her. Unity didn’t quit, he cleared another alleyway with a nimble leap landing right beside his opponent. “Hi.” he said panting heavily as he raced neck and neck with her. “Hiya.” She replied, eyes closed and smiling from perked ear to ear. Her ears sank and she took on a serious tone “Last stretch.” He looked ahead of them and sure enough they were coming up on Party Tech fast, extraordinarily fast. His eyes shot around quickly and he noticed an open window level with him on Party Tech’s second floor. He and Pinkie reached the edge of the last building both tied currently tied. Unity put all his might into his hind legs and launched himself at the window. He threw his weight to the side causing a spin, when he was facing where Pinkie should’ve been he raised his claw to his forehead and gave the empty space a sayonara salute. To the surprise of a few employees a very confused looking white pony-dragon thing had come flying through the window, before anyone could even question the event he was but a blur headed towards a door labeled “stairs”. **************************************************************************************************** Unity violently burst through the door that opened out to Party Tech’s landing pad. He came skidding to a stop. “HA! I beat....Pinkie Pie? ” His eyes fell to the floor, a dejected look formed on his face. “Well, you can't win em all unless you're me that is. And well that’d be impossible i mean you're Unity and I’m Pinkie, and you're over there and I’m over here-” “Pinkie....” “And then there was that time when dragon smoke threatened Ponyville and I beat your mom 35 times in a row-” “Pin......” Unity stumbled over his own legs and fell nose first into the pebbles on the roof. She rushed over to him in a pink streak and sat next to him on her haunches, placing his head in her lap. “Whoa, what happened? You ok?” She asked. “I'm so tired, but i don't understand how. That run wasn’t particularly far.” Tired was an understatement, what he had done finally began to catch up with his body. His muscles felt as if someone stretched them like taffy and lit them on fire and he gasped for air in short labored breaths. He lay there cradled by Pinkie until his breathing returned to normal and he regained his composure. Unity stood up, patted his face a little and gave a small sigh. He turned to Pinkie and gestured for her to board the balloon. “My mom was right, always be the same. That’s something we can count on.” he said reflecting on Pinkie’s earlier ramblings. The look she shot him was like a knife to the heart, she was angry hurt and saddened a t the same time and it was all being projected directly at Unity. The pink mare let out a heavy sigh and looked down into the pebbles. She began to sadly paw at the loose rocks as if something important might be trapped underneath. The voice came out as barely a whisper. “No.....I’m not the same as i was back then, I can never be like I was back then.” Her eyes were glossed over and unmoving, locked in remembrance of some great tragedy. The air between them was suddenly heavy and devoid of sound. Unity trotted over to her softly and took her fore hooves in his claws and helped her up. Her head was still held low, eyes still fixated on the pebbles under her hooves. He put a claw under her chin and lifted her head barely level with his. He touched his forehead to hers; he parted his lips. The voice came out gentle and calming like the waters of a hot spring. “The you, you are today is good enough Pinkie. None of your friends want you to be any other way. The events in your life, everything you’ve had to do, everything you’ve had to suffer......It’s molded a strong mare. One that can look to the horrors of the past and the tragedies of the present and still smile because she knows there’s always a chance for a brighter future. You are an Inspiration across Equestria.” Her ears perked at his encouragement and her eyes loss their gloss. She stared him in the eyes for a moment. “Thanks. Sometimes...sometimes I just need to hear that I’m worth something.” “Doesn't everyone need to feel validated sometimes?” he asked rhetorically. “C’mon some air will help clear your mind.” Pinkie smiled weakly and nodded. They stepped up to the landing platform, and Unity opened the small side door of the balloon. “Mares first.” The white knight said cheesily. She gave him a hearty chuckle and stepped inside the wicker cockpit. He came in directly afterward and closed the door, securing it into place. Pinkie fired up the burner and pulled down on a handle that dangled over head. The vehicle slowly began to gain altitude until the buildings in Ponyville became no more than tiny specks. She gave Unity a small tap on the shoulder and relinquished control of the balloon to the youth. He pointed the balloon towards Cloudsdale and sailed them off over the clouds. As they rose Unity caught a glimpse of a blue and red blur of light speeding down a street a few blocks from Party Tech. What happened there? Color of Heroes Unity guided the fuchsia hot air balloon over a thin layer of stratus clouds, he breathed in the humid air and let the wind whip through his mane. He loved it up here in the clouds where nature still reigned supreme and ponies couldn’t defile the beauty. Pinkie was leaned over the basket taking in the sites from their birds eye view of Equestria. Occasionally the party pony would tug at his fur, give him a huge smile and direct his attention towards some great majestic wonder. “Isn’t it all so beautiful?” Pinkie said pulling Unity’s attention to the vista before them. The sun in front of them hung low in the sky casting a dull orange light across all of Equestria. It was magnificent every lake and river ran gold like honey and flocks of birds in all colors began their flights home for the night. The mountain ranges in front of the sun cast their shadow over the world beneath them, softly embracing the land into the soon to come night. All of Equestria tinted butterscotch by the dusk hours. A slightly distant look formed on the mare, the folds of her face and the way she view the world under them betrayed how far in thought she was. “Whenever I look upon Equestria like this....I...I see that everything that led up to this point was worth it. Me, your mom, Twilight, AJ, Dashie, and Fluttershy all sacrificed a little of themselves to make sure the sun rises and sets everyday on a Equestria and that it remains happy and peaceful like this forever; there’s a hole in my heart where the things that we lose once were, but it’ll fill with new things. I wouldn’t change a single thing that happened.” Her demeanor perplexed Unity Pinkie wore a face the exhibited happiness and pride, not just in herself but in all of her friends. A motherly grin formed across her face as she looked down at her child from the balloon. “Well when you say it like that, Equestria is a lot more beautiful then I give it credit for.” He said solemnly, every time he heard something like this it hurt the child to his heart. He hated the ponies’ technological accomplishments and how they pushed nature around. But why did he hate it? He didn’t know, and that unfounded hatred made it feel as though he was undermining the sacrifices of his parents and friends with every negative thought about Ponyville that crossed his young mind. Pinkie turned her warm glow to Unity the moment she saw the grimaced look her wore. “C’mon that wasn’t meant to make anypony sad.” She nudged his side softly with a hoof prompting a childish giggle from him. “Cloudsdale! We’re here!” She said with her usual hyperactive energy. She prepared a small hop of joy but opted out of it (probably remembering how that went last time). A massive Cumulonimbus floated ahead of the balloon, it’s was easily 20 or more square miles Cloudsdale like Ponyville had grown. Unity directed the transport into the giant white mass, The cloud was incredibly dense causing immediate drag the moment they made contact with it. They exited the city’s cloudveil. Cloudsdale’s architecture was breathtaking and like nothing in the rest of Equestria massive cathedrals adorned by painstakingly crafted buttress dotted the city. Homes businesses and schools built in the style of their warrior ancestors, all hand crafted and accented by grand columns flowing fountains and falls of water and rainbows. Polychromatic smoke rose from the rainbow factory as its alluring product pooled into massive reservoirs. At the center of the city stood the coliseum, stark white it was symbol of times since past of what the pegasi were. Warriors. In modern times it’s where they held competitions like The Best Young Flier and various martial arts tournaments. Unlike the other pony denizens of Equestria who hide their warrior heritage and like to pretend it never was, the pegasi embraced it as a part of them and it shows. “Over there Unity.” Pinkie said pointing towards a clearing near a massive structure. Unity tugged on the controls of the balloon to steer them towards their destination. The structure was a large cathedral but it was different than the others it was on its own plot set aside by almost an entire parks worth of space. A sidewalk surrounded on both sides by short columns topped off by bowl torches lead up to the it. The grounds surrounding it were littered with cloud sculpted statues some depicted pegasi defeating mighty enemies including foes such as dragons and hydra others were sculptures of ponies with items representing new technological advances. The entire plot of land was encircled by the raging rapids of a rainbow river that poured out from the building. The balloon came around to the front of the grounds and touched down on a landing pad outside of the circle made by the river. Unity and Pinkie stepped out onto the the clouds that made up the entire city. Pinkie able to do so because of Twilight’s spell (who’d have known it was a permanent enchantment?) Unity could naturally cloud walk like the pegasi so he needn’t have bothered Twilight for the enchantment. The two walked side by side before now they never had any reason to visit this place. Unity pointed to a sign that floated above their heads labeled “Historyscape”. They started down the path set off by the columns, each torch exploded to life in rainbow flames in tandem with their progress. After a five minute walk they reached the massive Cathedral, Unity walked stepped slightly in front of Pinkie to read the plaque on the top of the entrance archway. “Hall of Legends.” He said matter-of-factly. He pushed the doors open and let Pinkie walk inside, he followed shortly. The innards of the place was colossal to say the least, by Unity’s estimate the entire Carousel Boutique could fit within what appeared to be the forward lounge. The duo trotted up to the receptionist desk, no one was there and the swing doors to the exhibits section were closed and locked all harboring a “under renovation” sign. Pinkie eyed a bell on the desk with suspicion, the bell was label “ring for assistance” but the look on Pinkie’s face said she had more planned for the small device. She pressed the bell once, it made a resounding ding that instantly filled the space and echoed from behind the swing door. The crazy mare let out a delighted giggle and went on a pressing spree, the sharp sound from the bell providing her with what seemed like infinite amounts of enjoyment. “Who in the hell is ringing that bell so damn much I swear when I get my hands of them I’ll - Arch Machinist Pinkamena Pie!! ” The pistachio pegasus stallion almost swallowed his tongue at the sight of one the most famous mare’s on the planet in the Cathedral. “That’s me!” She said still enjoying the sound of the bell much to the displeasure of Unity the pegasus. “We’re here for our private visit to Memorial of Heroes before opens.” “Oh, but of course” he said as he walked over to his desk. “Um may I ask you who’s your friend, sorry, but only a few people are privileged to see the memorial early.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper on a clipboard. “Oh that’s Unity, he’s Rarity and Spike’s son.” The mechanic mare said still frantically ringing the bell. The receptionists jaw dropped, “As in Grand Fashionista Rarity and Comms Master Spike?” He looked over the list in awe and placed a check mark by each of their names. Most of the names had been filled in by those who took their shifts before him, he so wished that he could’ve been there. He knew who would be coming to see the memorial, and he had missed most of them. “Look at this all star line up: Pinkamena Diane Pie, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, Rarity, Spike, Unity, Twilight Sparkle, Celestia and Luna. Every name except Applejack, Rarity, and Spike has been checked out. Twilight Sparkle...Arch Mage Sparkle and the Princesses were here and I freaking missed it!!!” the receptionist thought to himself. “Ok, everything checks out. Follow me please and Ms. Pie why don't you just keep the bell?” He said placing the small golden object in her hooves. “The way my name is Price.” Price lifted the barricade off the swinging door and led the two visitors into the viewing floor. On either side of the party the massive walls of the cathedral were sheathed in massive stained cloud murals depicting the history of pegasi, the rise of Equestria, and the many other challenges that have been trumped in the past. Unity was legitimately interested and hung close to the receptionist. Price noticed the youth’s curiosity as took it upon himself to explain some of the more important pieces in the collection. The pistachio pegasus raised a hoof and pointed to a mural detailing a horde of pegasi all either clad in armor and wielding a variety of weapons or using their natural gift of weather control for combat. They were pitted against an equally massive horde of dragons several of which had fire or lightning erupting from their gaping maw. The bottom of the mural showed several injured pegasi soldiers holding up a dragon horns and scales triumphantly. “After the Princesses wretched control of the world from Discord the dragons thought to invade Equestria and claim its lands for themselves. Dragons slaughtered the helpless earth ponies that were bound to the ground, few unicorns possessed the skill in magic to fly and the Princesses were severely weakened after they defeated Discord. It fell solely on the wings of the pegasi to defend our newly formed nation from the draconic invaders. Obviously we succeeded.” A twinge of undeserved arrogance slipped into Price’s tone. The three of them continued that way for several minutes with Pinkie trailing a ways behind the two males, Price continued to point out and explain several historic murals. The Shadow Campaign (when Luna began her fall to the nightmare and began to weaken Equestria through espionage and cold warfare), and Darkest Night (The moment Luna announced herself as Nightmare moon and the Nightguard broke off from the Solguard and the following war), were all touched on in this hall. They were nearing their destination, but one final mural interested the Unity. He called out to the pony in front of him. “Mr. Price, what’s that one about? I haven’t seen anything like that in any material i’ve read.” The intrigue in his voice was unmistakable. “Ah, i'm not surprised” the receptionist replied “That mural there shows the Eve of the Cleaving Sun. A piece of history all but forgotten, but preserved here for all eternity.” Unity and Price stared at the beautifully colored mural, Price held a smug grin as he shifted his glace between the scene of history and the amazed look on the child’s face. What was on the mural was both fascinating and unbelievable, not to mention this one was proportionally larger then most of the others. It showed a the sun surrounded by the pitch black of the void, the massive star bore a dark pattern across it that reminded one of a dragon wing. A few feet from the sun was the earth, but what was amazing was what was between the two. A large orange solar flare blazed forth from the massive star arched directly at the planet. In the path of the million degree Inferno was Celestia; She was holding back wave with her magical blade Solis Cor, the cold of space not affecting her resolve. The second part of the mural was just as grand. With a swipe of her sword Celestia split the terrible conflagration in two sending it almost perfectly pass the earth. Some of it still struck the earth, burning a massive gash in Equestria’s lands. “A terrible catastrophe that was. The best way to describe it would be that the sun lashed out with its infinite fury at our humble planet, something even its mistress didn't see coming. See saved the planet, but Equestria was still hit.” He said voice taking on a glum tone. “Anyway here we are, Memorial of Heroes.” “Thank you” Unity said giving a small bow of respect. “Thanks!” Pinkie finally chirped after her long uncharacteristic silence. Price bowed and took his leave, allowing the two their privacy. The memorial was inspiring to say the least, it had taken years to construct and install. They stood right outside of the exhibit cut off by a small bridge that rose over the rainbow river which amazingly seemed to originate from the memorial. Pinkie and Unity stood there in awe at what they saw, a stark white cloud statue nearly two stories tall in the visage Rainbow Dash. The sculpture had a polychromatic mane and tail made of pure enchanted rainbow styled in her signature unkept tomboy fashion, even the statues flanks were christened by the image of her cutie mark, a storm cloud firing off a bolt of lightning colored red yellow and blue, which had become a sign of loyalty across Equestria. The base of the statue had RAINBOW DASH written out proudly in a cool baby blue, and right below it flowed the rainbow liquid that feed the river around the grounds all pooling in a multicolored grotto of remembrance. Behind the statue the hall ended in a semi circular wall, three murals playing out the Second Nightmare War, the Return of Discord, and the Changeling Invasion complete with the new element wielders occupied area. The space under the depictions had cloud plaques placed under them each one bordered by a different color in the spectrum, their purpose - list the names of those who gave their lives for Equestria in during those dark times. However, the most impressive thing sat directly in front Pinkie and Unity. Right in front of the statue was white casket embroidered by yellow, blue, and red designs. This casket maybe the most important object in the entire cathedral for it housed the body of Rainbow Dash, both casket and corpse preserved eternally by a stasis spell cast on them by the princesses. Dash always wanted everyone to remember her and she’ll have that wish, this display made sure of that. Pinkie and Unity trotted slowly over the small bridge into the memorial, they took in the elegant designs of the exhibit as the smell of cinnamon candy permeated their nostrils. They approached the casket suddenly halting a few feet away as if being to close were some sort of taboo. Pinkie reached on to her back producing the zap apple blossoms, turning to her friend she attempted to present to him the exotic flowers. He calmly pushed the bouquet back to the pinkie mare. “I didn’t know Rainbow dash but what I do know is that you two were the best of friends, that you two shared a relationship like no other, and that you were affected the most by her lose. You should place the flowers.” He slowly removed his claws from the wrapped parcel and gave her an approving nod. Slowly but surely she took a step forward, and then another inching her way ever closer to Dash’s final bed. She took a deep breath and leaned over the casket, placing a warm kiss on the cold, glossed casket. She stroked the top softly with a hoof and placed the rainbow colored flowers on her casket right below the image of her cutie mark. Pinkie turned to face Unity, sadness clearly present but not overwhelmingly so she took a few steps towards him. “Are you ready?” He asked. “Yea- NO! I forgot something!” Pinkie said excitedly. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small metal object, carrying it in her mouth she pranced back over and placed it on the floor in front of the casket. She gave the top of the device a few hard twists with her hooves, satisfied she stepped back to her position next to Unity. “Now i’m ready” she said confidently. Pinkie resumed her usual style of locomotion in tandem with Unity’s quick strides as the two headed back towards the exit of the Cathedral. They walked passed the receptionist desk, Price waved the duo a farewell and they to him. The building was exited without another word. The walk back to the balloon didn’t seem to take nearly as long as the one to get there. Finally back aboard their transport, Unity asked the question had been pondering for the past few minutes. “So Pinkie, what was that device you put near Rainbow Dash’s casket?” He eyed her waiting for a response, but on never came he’d began to believe that he, in some way, hurt or offended her. He pulled the controls on the balloon and they gently took off. Just as Unity was about to apologize Pinkie’s voice came as chipper as ever though somehow mellow. “It was self winding a music box, I made it from that bell the receptionist gave me.” The fuschia balloon slowly floated away from the structure and backtracked over the grand city of Cloudsdale. Pinkie took a final fleeting look back at the Hall of Legends. “It’ll play her favorite lullaby eternally.” A/N: Phew, this was a long chapter but I had fun with it I especially had fun trying to find a good mix between old canon Pinkie Pie and my Pinkie Pie. Luna help me press through the Slice of Life chapters of this story!!