//------------------------------// // 168. Three's a Crowd - Part 2 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// The draconequus sniffled as she laid about the branches of the tree like a wet noodle, but for some reason, her fur, scales, hair, horns, even her wings were all blue! “Wha’ in tarnation are you doin’ here?” Applejack interrogated, “An’ why th’ jumpin’ june bugs are ya blue?” “She’s not Blue, I’m Blue!” Blueblood protested while Soarin flapped up towards Eris. “Whatever color you are is the color of trouble!” Soarin gave the draconequus a suspicious stink-eye. “Oh Soarin sweetie, I’ve changed, remember?” Eris whined as she slid down the tree like a coiling snake. “All thanks to that darling dear, F-Fl- Fluttershy- AH-CHOO!” The others took cover and noticed a nearby house float away, Applejack commenting, “What are ya, sick `r somthin’?” “Well obviously, I’m sick, miss obvious!” Eris huffed while flicking her oddly-attractive mane back. “What clued you in, the blue complexion or the sneezing? Ooh! Could somebody find me… a fainting couch?” “Fresh out,” Blueblood remarked, so Pinkie Pie pushed over a pile of luggage, Eris floating down onto it. “Oh, thank you, honey. Oh! I’m sneezin’, wheezin’, I’m helpless!” Eris said with sad eyes that could’ve rivaled Apple Bloom’s were they coming from a smaller creature. “If you’re so under the weather, why don’t you just stay home and rest up?” Soarin asked, only to get sneezed at. *HOOOONNNKK* “I can’t be left unattended in this condition!” Ers bemoaned as her tissue flapped away like a bat, much to the suspicion of Applejack's given the rise of her brow, “Why I hardly can lift a spoon…” Eris whined as she pathetically held a spoon, wore an icepack, and had a thermometer in her mouth before toppling over, the others rolling their eyes. “So I’m looking for that sweet little slice of spongecake Fluttershy, hoping she’d nurse me back to health. So where is that warm dab o’ butter?” - She lifted Pinkie to look under her - “I need attention!” - Then she ripped the tree out of the ground to look under it - “I need care!” - She put it back - “I need-” “To take a chill-pill,” Soarin interrupted, “Flutters just got out of town.” “Oh! Yes, that's right,” Eris facepawed, “Her trip to see the breezies, forgot that was today…” “How do you know `bout her trip?” Applejack asked in suspicion. “Well she told me, in her last letter, sugar!” Eris pulled out a rolled up message from her mane and showed it to them. “You and Fluttershy write each other letters?” Pinkie looked flabbergasted. “Is that so surprising between two girl friends, honey?” Eris chuckled as she poofed on a hospital gown that did nothing to complement her sizeable caboose. “But of all times for me to get sick, it had to be when she’s not here! Thankfully, I have a solution.” “Awesome,” Soarin pushed Eris onto the train platform, “Head on home, put your feet in warm water, surely you can brew up some tea or something.” But as Soarin turned to rejoin his friends- “Oh I don’t think so, honey!” Eris waved her finger with `tude, standing right back where she was before. “I mean, while Fluttershy’s out, y’all can see to my every need! “Ain’t that what friends are for, taking care of each other?” She popped up between Applejack and Blueblood, pulling them into a hug before she sprouted another pair of arms to include Pinkie and Soarin. “Whoo! Let the healin’ begin!” “NOT IT!” And Soarin zoomed off with speed that would’ve made his Rainbow proud of him. “Hmph! How do ya like tha- Ahh! Ah-CHOO!” Eris sneezed onto a lamppost, causing it to stand up and walk away. “Don’choo worry, Eris! I’ll give you cuddles and read you stories and tell you alllllllll about me! I was born on a Tuesday-” “Oh-hoo! You’re so sweet, sugar-pie-” “Pinkie Pie! Sugar Pie’s my cousin-” “But Blueblood and Applejack already volunteered to be my personal caregivers,” Eris declared, much to the aforementioned ponies’ chagrins. “WHAT?!” “I’m sure you understand, Pinkie dear,” Eris spoke, Pinkie piping up,” Well it’s just that I-” Eris held out a pretty red balloon, which earned the party pony’s complete and undivided attention as it floated away with her in hopping tow. “Hey! Who keeps throwing away these perfectly good balloons?” “Tha’ hussy’s up t’ somethin’,” Applejack whispered to Blueblood, “an’ whatever it is, wer’ gon’ keep it as far away from Midnight an’ Shinin’ Armor as possible.” They both looked at Eris, who was lying in a bed, looking pathetic as a heart monitor beeped a steady tone. “Agreed, we swore to allow nothing to interfere in their visit,” Blueblood concurred, not noticing the tree behind them turn blue until it was too late. “I just wish that ‘nothing’ would’ve been something less… chaotic.” “Did my ears deceive me or were you two just talking about Prince Shining Armor visiting with Prince Midnight…?” They both startled to see the tree morphed into Eris, Applejack shrewdly replying, “...Maybe.” “Fluttershy did mention them princeys were spending a little guy time together today,” Eris brought up. “How nice for them, given how little time they get to spend together and just enjoy the other’s company. I wonder just how close they could really be…? All those years Midnight worked in secret before being allowed to walk about unmasked?” “They’re plenty close,” Applejack commented, neither her nor Blueblood liking Eris’ manner. “Well, regardless, this opportunity together will surely help them bond all the more. Unless…” “You can stop right there!” Blueblood said in his most authoritative voice, “They are not to be disturbed!” “Disturb them?! Perish the thought, dear,” Eris waved it off as she lifted them both in a hug before dropping them unceremoniously. “After all I’ve already got two dandies like y’all given me all the TLC I need. And so selfless too!” As Applejack and Blueblood sat up, throwing stink eyes at Eris, “This flu of mine is quite- c- Ah- AH-CHOO!” They both grimaced in disgust as Eris finished, “Contagious.” And no sooner did she say so did Applejack and Blueblood’s orange and white coats turn the same shade of blue as Eris, and they both sniffled and blew sneezes so forceful they crashed into a nearby pile of luggage. “Oopsies! I got you both sick! Whomever shall I turn to now in my time of need? Who indeed…” Eris sneered deviously as she formed the finger pyramid of evil contemplation. “A whole day to hang out and play a timeless favorite, Ogres & Oubliettes!” Midnight cheered as he and Shining Armor walked through the convention. There were several stands featuring rare game pieces for sail, limited editions, new series, figurines, comic books, a couple food stands, and some of the goers wore costumes based on their game characters. Midnight had donned a forest-green tunic and hood and a prop quiver on his back. For the hay of it, Shining Armor wore his uniform simply to look like he was participating too. “Heh, this sure brings back memories,” Shining Armor chuckled as he and Midnight paused to let some colts run past them. “Like that time we waited in front of the comic book store and even snuck out after our bedtimes to be first in line for the limited edition of the ‘Wrath of the Dragon God’ set.” “We got grounded for that, if I recall,” Midnight raised a brow before the two chuckled, “but it was so worth it!” The two old friends then went to a food stand to grab oatburgers, Midnight asking, “So, how’re things in the empire? It must be difficult dividing your responsibilities as the Crystal Emperor and Canterlot’s Captain of the Royal Guard.” “It is tiring sometimes,” Shining Armor admitted after gulping a bite, “but I think of it as a test of dedication, for even though I have become one of the rulers of an empire, my first loyalty is to this nation.” “Heh, no wonder you’re called the Sword & Shield of Equestria,” Midnight commented. “This coming from the Cloak & Dagger,” Shining Armor countered, Midnight stopping from taking a bite. “...Have you told them?” “About the Brotherhood? No,” Midnight said with a troubled look. “They are aware that I’ve worked as a covert operative for Princess Celestia, but that’s about it…” “Do you plan on ever telling them? Telling Twilight?” Shining Armor asked with trepidation in his tone. “...I’m just afraid,” Midnight admitted pragmatically. “Especially for Twilight… How do you tell somepony that the benevolent nation she lives in is not the pristine and ideal society she believes it to be?” “I think you’re not giving my sister enough credit,” Shining Armor debated, “even she must know that everything has a downside.” “I don’t know, Shining,” Midnight shook his head. “All her life, even you know that Twilight’s thought of Princess Celestia as a ruler who can do no wrong, and even though she’s been made aware from the Princess herself that Celestia is every bit as equine as the rest of us, I’m not sure if she knows it in her heart as well as her head…” “Spoken like a true skeptic,” Shining Armor sighed as he drank his soda. “I’m sorry for the way I sound, brony, it’s just-” Midnight apologized when a yelling from a nearby table interrupted. “YES! Score another victory for Flash!” The voice and the mentioned name startled Midnight and Shining Armor saw it as the blue alicorn looked to the source of the voice. It was an earth pony colt who looked very familiar, with an orange coat and blue mane. But that was as far as the similarities stretched as Midnight saw the colt smiling over his victory in a round he was playing with a few colts he knew, Snips and Snails, along with a pegasus colt named Chip Mint, who all grumbled over the results on the gameboard. “Aw! C’mon, First Base, we don’t have a ‘Radiant Shield of Razdon’ like you do!” Snips complained while Snails sighed and Chip Mint frowned while resting his head against his hoof. “Sorry, boys, rules don’t say I can’t use my ‘radiant shield’,” First Base bragged as he held up the game dice. “My character Flash is dominating!” Midnight couldn’t stop looking at First Base, couldn’t help thinking, He looks so much like…! The memories came back, the pain, the torture, the screams, the blood. “Midnight, it’s okay! Shining Armor stepped between Midnight’s gaze an the young colt who had inadvertently stirred up bad memories, “C’mon, let’s… go check out the comic books they have here.” Leading his friend away, Shining Armor felt worried at the glaze look on Midnight’s eyes, and once they were alone the blue alicorn seemed to come out of it. “Shining, I’m sorry, I…” “I know, I miss him too,” Shining Armor assured with deepest sympathy. “I just wish you wouldn’t blame yourself.” “...It should’ve been me,” Midnight whispered, unable to stop the tear though he wiped it away with his wing. “Don’t be stupid,” Shining Armor scolded gently, “You know full well that if you’d died that day, all of this… Well, who knows what all of this would be? What matters, Midnight, is we’re alive, and Flash wouldn’t want us to mourn the past when we have so much to live for in the present, to strive for the future.” “...I’ll get her, Shining Armor,” Midnight growled with a look Shining Armor had seen before. “When I find her, I’ll skin her nine times over, and even then I won’t allow her to die…!” “Stop,” Shining Armor scolded a little more tersely this time. “Flash’s murderer will answer for her crimes but as defenders of this nation, we must adhere to an honorable code otherwise we become no better than-” “I get it!” Midnight interrupted, sighing curtly, “You sound like my father when you speak that way…” “...Enough of this mopey talk, let’s just enjoy the convention,” Shining Armor quickly changed the subject, knowing the topic of Midnight’s father was a sore one. Midnight took a deep breath, then gently let it out and his smile returned to his face, "You're right, Shine. We're here to have a good time and catch up, not get caught up in bad memories. Now, I heard that there's going to be a history section showing the different generations of the game. We can see how the game has evolved since..." Another pony accidentally bumped into the distracted Prince and the two fell to the ground in a tumble. Midnight gave a groan and started to dust himself off, Shining Armor helping him up. "Sorry about that, sir. I was just talking to my friend and... Oh, hello Tranquil Skies." Midnight's apologetic expression suddenly turned into an annoyed frown. Seated in front of Midnight was cobalt blue coated pegasus. His rich purple mane was slicked back and his calm eyes were a deep turquoise tucked behind a pair of glasses, and he had a mustache and goatee. He had the appearance of a noble, with a bow-tie, hoof cuffs and a smooth vest, all colored to match his eyes. Upon his flank was the image of an open book with a magnifying glass. Overall he gave the appearance of a sophistication and intellect, and his face showed nothing but peace and tranquility despite the tumble. His calm demeanor didn't seem to faze Midnight however, who just stared at him in annoyance. It confused Shining Armour a little, but he could get the sense that Tranquil and Midnight had had dealings before and so decided back up and let them sort things out. Tranquil Skies lifted himself up and dusted himself off with his wings before turning to face Midnight. "I apologize my Prince, but I have some information for you that you may find interesting." Midnight just gave a snort and put on his 'royal' face. "Interesting or not, Tranquil, I am busy right now catching up with a good friend of mine. You know how I prefer to have dealings with you and the rest of the group. I'll meet with you later tonight, but I am not to be disturbed for the rest of the day. Is that understood, Tranquil?" Despite Midnight's rather aggressive tone and rude demeanor, Tranquil's calm expression didn't change. "Very well, my lord. I'll meet you in our regular meeting place later this evening. Have a good day." With a polite bow of his head, the relaxed stallion turn and trotted away. Once Tranquil had left his sight, Midnight gave an annoyed sigh and rubbed his forehead in irritation. While he had no issues with Tranquil Skies, whenever Midnight met up with him or any of his "associates" he always left with a headache. Shining Armour slowly approached, his expression curious, "So who was he? Does he do business with you? Believe me, I've dealt with nobles before and they give me just as much of a headache." "Nah, despite his looks he isn't a noble. He just usually brings me bad news, and I doubt my talk with him tonight will be any different. Still, there's no point fretting about it. Tonight might suck, but the rest of the day is going to be awesome. Look where we are, in the middle of an Ogres and Oubliette's convention! Nothing can screw today up!" “Oh hey look at that!” Shining Armor led them over to a display featuring a set of very retro-looking game pieces. “That is not the one of the original game sets from when Ogres & Oubliettes first came out over twenty years ago!” “Well according to that sign,” Midnight pointed out a sign that read ‘ 100% Authentic, do not touch’, “I would venture a guess that it is!” “As an old friend of ours would say, Great Whickering Stallions!” Shining Armor exclaimed with a shake of his head, the two of them laughing. “I wonder if this set might be up for sale…” “I wouldn’t part with it if it was mine,” Midnight shrugged. “But you know, I’m as much a dedicated O&O fan as the next but honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the name…” “I know what you mean,” Shining Armor replied as they scanned the convention, “‘Ogres & Oubliettes’... Ogres are dumb brutes, and really? Not everypony knows what an oubliette is!” “Yeah, when you think about a better name for the game would have been… I got it - Dungeons & Dr-” Midnight started when- “AH-CHOO!” The sneeze from an unknown source startled both stallions, causing them to bray in surprise when they saw some figurines come to life and start charging some colts and scaring them off. Then the source of the sneeze made herself known a something blue slid onto the ground form the display table behind them and they saw it was… “Eris!!” Midnight snapped, him and Shining Armor flaring their horns, “What in the wide-wide world of Equestria are you doing here?!” “Well for one thing, preventing a case of copyright infringement,” Eris started off, Midnight giving her a weird look, “What?!” “And second? Oh woe is sweet and delicate lil’ ol’ me, princeys! I’m afraid I’ve come down with something,” Eris wheezed before giving a hacking cough, the two stallions grimacing and stepping back. “Blue flu.” “Blue flu?” Shining Armor echoed. “Is there an echo? Well, in any case, I’m sorry to say I’ve already given it to poor AJ and Blueblood,” Eris said apologetically, the two princes sharing a troubled look and gaping when Eris geared up another sneeze. “AH-CHOO!” A shimmering bubble of dark magenta protected the two alicorns, Midnight looking impressed so Shining Armor explained, “Health Shielding Barrier.” “You always were the best wizard in protective magic!” Midnight complimented. "Yeah, my old Abjuration teacher still brags about me," chuckled Shining Armor. “Lucky thing too! How would Midnight nurse me back to health if he caught the flu too?” Eris asked rhetorically while touching the barrier, causing it to shimmer visibly wherever Eris made contact. “And I’m sure you won’t mind me staying over till I’m fresh as a daisy, right, Nighty?” “Stay? With me?!” Midnight did not relish the idea of a diseased Eris at his family’ farm. “Now is really not a good time! Though you probably don’t care…” In response, Eris put on the most mournful look possible, even throwing on a raggedy dress as though she lived in poverty. “But you can’t just leave me alone sick and desperate! Fluttershy would warmly welcome me! Isn’t ‘helping’ someone friends do for friends?!” The a dawning look spread on Eris’s face and she harrumphed, “Unless, that is… You’re saying I am not your friend?” Midnight actually felt like a louse when Eris put it that way! Growling in vexation, “No, that is not what I’m saying…” “Ooh-whoo! Honey, you’re a life-saver!” Eris slithered around the barrier, both stallions watching her creepy movements. “Then shall we head on over to Sweet Apple Acres?” “No! I might be willing to help you but I am not willing to chance you getting my family sick, like you already did Applejack and Blueblood,” Midnight said with a face and expression inarguable. “I suppose… we could take you to the library, seeing as how Twilight’s likely to be gone till tomorrow.” The two princes started walking, Eris sliding off Shining Armor’s barrier in a pathetic heap, that she whined, “Carry me?” “NO!” both princes snapped, Eris moaning so she followed after them, scooting her snake-like body like an inchworm. After Shining Armor finished fluffing the pillow, Eris laid down onto Twilight’s bed, Midnight levitating the covers onto her, the blue alicorn asking curtly, “Need anything else?” “Just having a good friend like you taking care of me is making me feel better already- Ow!” Eris put her paw into her mouth, giving Midnight a hurt look, after he’d whipped her paw away from Twilight's bedside drawer with his long tail. “I said you could use Twilight’s bed to rest,” Midnight scolded, “that does not mean you can go rifling through her things!” “Well, ahem, a good book and I’ll be just dandy here on my own,” Eris grabbed a book, both stallions sighing in relief. But as they turned to leave… “Ooh! Before you head out,” Eris called while putting on a pleading smile, “just a little small request…?” Midnight facehooved with a groan, Shining Armor whispering, “It’s not a big deal - We’ll just get her what she wants and we’ll be back at the convention in no time.” Midnight smiled agreeably as they faced Eris, Shining Armor asking, “So what is it that you need?” A little glass of water please! A fresh-pressed hanky if I sneeze, Some tea with honey, from the bees Whenever you can brew it. “I’ll get your tea,” Shining Armor offered. And while I get a little rest, A teeny tiny small request Some codfish oil for my chest Poured from a crystal cruet “A crystal cruet?” Midnight echoed in confusion. My goodness I’m a nincompoop Because I fear I’ve got the croup I need a vat of pumpkin soup And scarves made out of zinnias Did I say zinnias? I meant silk Or something shiny of that ilk And then I’ll need some nice warm milk And pastries from Abyssinia And since my stomach’s feeling crummy Why not get my aching tummy Something soothing, something yummy Piled up with noodles Add a slice of homemade rye With stacks of swiss, way up high Served with sides of sweet mince pie More basil, I need oodles! “Anything else?” Midnight growled with a roll of his eyes after taking notes. I’ll be grateful for your charity until the bitter end Because I’ve heard that tenderness is what you lend an ailing friend “Tenderness; isn’t that right, friend?” Eris asked whilst invading Midnight’s personal space. “Right, but-” Minight tried to say, only for Eris to throw him aside. “So! Who’s ready for my big reprise?!” I’d like that glass of water, please Some magic spell to cure disease A fresh gesundhoof when I sneeze A fresh bouquet of roses Some lozenges will soon appease My wheezing when I start to sneeze A wig to keep me from the breeze And blankets for my toses Take tweezers out of my valise And then massage my knobby knees A bowl of peas! Some extra cheese! A cuddle with a pekinese! A singing harp whose name’s Louise! A goat on skis, a new trapeze! And more and more and more and more of these……..!!!!! “And just because I oughta…” Make sure I’m drinking in the right Amount of fluids day and night I wish I may, I wish I might Have just one little thing Oh would you please finally bring Me that tiny glass… of WATEEEEEERRRRRRR…….!!!!!!!!!! Eris laid back in bed, gleefully with a few coughs while ignoring the sopping mess she’d made of the room and the drenched alicorn stallions as one of them levitated he that infamous glass of water. She accepted the glass but before she could take a sip, it slipped right out of her talons. “Oopsies! Butter-claws…”