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// A Silver Tongue And Quick Hands 
// Story: Subject 27 
// by Phyrexian 
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						Chapter 11 - A Silver Tongue And Quick Hands.

        After leaving Sugarcube Corner with a brand new pair of clothes on my back. Cloud and I started to walk through the nice little town of Ponyville. The bright yellow sun shining down on us, a cool breeze blowing against us keeping the temperature rather pleasant. Walking through the town, watching the residents walk about minding their own business talking to each other or trading with local vendors. Cloud and I keep on walking through the nice town just enjoying the beautiful day and enjoy pony-watching. Cloud starts to window shops at the nearby stores looking over the many different things that they offered.

        “Hey 27! Come check this out!” Cloud’s voice filled with glee and excitement.

        I turn around to see what she was looking at a pair of horseshoes, I don’t understand what made her so excited about a pair of shoes, but whatever.

        “Cloud, what’s so special about this pair of shoes?” Still not understanding what made her so happy seeing these.

        “These aren't just any pair of shoes, these are specially made for a pegasus. Their made out a special aluminum alloy that is lighter weight than these bronzed ones I have.” She looks down at her hoofs and kicks the dirt.

        “Oh okay, would you like to get these new shoes, Cloud?” Placing my hand on top of her head.

        “Yes! They would help me greatly with flying! But one problem, I don’t have any bits to buy these though.” She lets out a sigh after saying this.

        “Let me see what I can do, Cloud. Stay here for one moment and let me go in and talk to the store clerk.” A smile breaks out across my face as I get a rather good idea how to get these for Cloud.

        I walk to the door and open it, the door easily swings open and hits a small bell ringing it as I walk into the store. The wood flooring moans underneath my feet as I walk into the store, the smell of metal and smoke from a billos filled the air. I can hear metal striking metal coming from the back of the store, after a few seconds after I entered the store the clerk comes to the front counter and greets me.

        “Oh welcome to my stor-” Stopping mid sentence as he sized me up.

        “W-When did they let another one of your kind in Equestria?” The clerk says as his tone of voice darkens.

        “Excuse me sir? I’m a paying customer, I don’t think you should talk to your customers like that. It’s bad for business.” The tone of my voice turning serious after his snotty remark.

        “O-Oh, I’m deeply sorry sir, I didn’t know you were a customer. I just assumed you were like the other one of your kind who goes by the name of Colt.” He eases up a little after saying this.

        “It’s no problem good sir, I need some help on getting a gift for a, how should I say this? A special mare friend of mine.” Turning my head looking towards Cloud who is standing outside the shop,

        “Isn't she a cute one? Okay I might be able to help you then, what are you looking for anything in particular?”

        “Yes and no, I’m just currently looking around, our one month anniversary is coming up soon and I wanted to get her something nice. She loves to fly but she seems to be slowing down by something, anything you have for a suggestion?”  Each word coming from my mouth is as smooth as silk, this shouldn't take too long.

        “Oh, I have the perfect idea for a gift then. You can get her a pair of lightweight but still very durable aluminum alloy shoes for her. Most ponies wear bronzed ones that are heavy and cheap. These will run you a little more but they are worth it though.”

        “That’s a brilliant idea! Do you have any pairs that I may look at?” A smile breaks out across my face as he nods in agreement.

        “Yes I do, let me run in back and get a few pairs for you to look over, I’ll be right back.” He turns around and heads into the back.

        I turn around and start to browse his goods, a few decent looking items, nothing that I can use myself. I come across a row of tools that are in the corner of the shop away from the windows. Looking over the tools I spot a rather nice looking blade, slightly smaller than a dagger but still looks like to have a sharp blade on it. I pick it up and it's surprisingly lightweight, I swing the blade a couple of times and put my hand on the back of it testing its durability. The craftsmanship is rather nice, someone put a lot of hard work and effort into making these tools. I look towards the corner and the clerk is still in the back fetching the shoes. I slip the dagger into the back of my pants, making sure the blade was well concealed.

        I hear the hoof steps tap against the wood flooring as the clerk comes back to the corner with several boxes on his back.

        “Sorry about the wait, but I found several pairs that I think you’ll love.” The clerk puts the boxes on the counter and opens them.

        Each box had a pair of shoes in them, all of them looked brand new and well crafted.

        “These all look like you’ve put a lot of hard work into crafting these fine goods.” Working this stallion over is going to be a cakewalk.

        “Why thank you sir!” His face lights up after hearing my compliment.

        “Each one is made with a special blend of aluminum alloy that’s been passed down for generations in my family.” His face fills with pride after saying this.

        “Very fine indeed! Now I have a small request of you kind sir.” Leaning over the counter to whisper it into his ear.

        “Now, don’t tell anyone this but my special mare friend wants us to do something special for our anniversary, if you catch my drift.” He now has a surprised look on his face.

        “O-Oh, OH! Okay I know what you’re talking about, I might be able to help you there, let me look in the back again.” He turns around and heads in the back once more.

        I go to a nearby shelf and grab a couple paperweights, about the same weight as the aluminum horse shoes. I turn around and head back to the counter and grab the best looking pair of shoes and concealed them in my pants. I place the paperweights in the box and put the lids on all the boxes before the clerk returns again with a gleeful look upon his face with another box on his back.

        “Now, I found something that you’ll love, it will bring that special little something that you're looking for.” He winks at me as he places the box on the counter.

        I open the box and to my surprise there sits in the box was a long leather whip and a red ball gag in it. My face turns red as I put the lid back on the box and look up to see a smile on the clerk’s face.

        “Well sir, you have everything I need, what are your hours for the day?”

        “We open up before noon and close before the twilight hour.” He’s still smiling as says this.

        “Fantastic, now would you mind holding on to the special gift and a pair of shoes for me, so I may come back later on today when my mare friend isn't around.”

        The stallion nods in agreement and starts to grab all the boxes, I thank him for his help and walk out the store with my five finger discount items on me. I open the door and the bell rings as I step outside and meet up with Cloud again. She turns to me and greets me with a smile as we walk down the road a little more and find a bench to sit down and relax for a little.

        “This is a nice town, all these ponies are rather nice and pleasant to be around.” She looks around watching the ponies walk around the town enjoying this beautiful day.

        When she turns her head to look at the birds chirping that sit upon a tree branch I pull the shoes out from their hiding place and tap Cloud and her shoulder. She turns around and sees a smile on my face and looks down to my hands to see the gift I “bought” for her.

        “OH MY GOSH! 27 you shouldn't have!” Her eyes go wide in surprise and her voice sings with joy as she sees the gift.

        She quickly grabs the shoes and puts them on. After she puts on the last one she starts to hop around the bench like a little filly. I sit there on the bench smiling and glad to see Cloud so happy. She continues to hop around in glee with her new shoes before she jumps back on the bench and wraps her hooves around me and tightly hugs me and gives me a kiss.

        We set there on the bench just enjoying each other company, the birds keep on chirping as we sit there enjoying this nice town.

        “Hey 27, thank you again for the new shoes, they fit wonderful.” She rests her head against my shoulder.

        “No problem Cloud, I’m glad that you’re happy. And I’m glad that we both made it out of that hell hole.” Moving the arm that Cloud is resting on so it’s now draped against her side.

        “We better get going Cloud, I would like to make it to Canterlot before sundown.” I raise from the bench and Cloud follows, and we start to walk towards the edge of Ponyville.

        We walked out of the town and start walking towards Canterlot, the massive city sitting on a cliff side is a magnificent site. The tall white towers poking out from the city, the waterfalls flowing out of the city and into the land below. The city is just a beautiful site to see and one hell of a architectural feat.

        “Hey Cloud, have you ever been to Canterlot before?” My eyes still locked on to the faraway city.

        “No, I’ve never been to Canterlot before, I always wanted to go though ever since I was just a filly.”

        “Didn’t your parents ever take you anywhere before?”

        Cloud avoids the question, sounded like she really didn’t want to answer it for some odd reason.

        “S-So 27, it should only be about a three to four hour trot to Canterlot.”

        The sun hangs in the sky over us, slightly past midday, and we’re making great progress to Canterlot. Cloud still is being rather quiet after I asked her about her parents, I might try bringing it back up a later time. We keep on walking down the dirt road leading to Canterlot, passing a few other ponies along the way, some stopping to say “hi” and some just tip their hats at us.

        “H-Hey 27.... May I ask you a question?”

        “Sure, what would you like to know Cloud?” I’m glad that she started to talk again, but I wonder what she wants to know.

        “W-What h-happened to your family... You said you did something horrible which caused you to live on the streets.... W-What did you do?” Cloud barley able to muster up the courage to ask me this.

        I stop walking, trying my best to put words together for her answer.

        “I-I.... I didn’t know my father, my mom said he was killed in the war, but I never believed her though. I had an older brother and sister, m-my mom and my sister both died by my hands.... My brother ran before I turned on him. Other than that, that’s all I can remember right now about my past.” Trying my best not to shed a tear after explaining my troubled past.

        “I-I see... T-That’s terrible... W-When did this happen?”

        “I was very young when this happened... I was about eight years old, I lived on the streets for many years; fighting to just survive day by day, horrible things happened to me....” Unable to finish my sentence, the dam of tears that I was holding back could burst at any second.

        “I was an orphan for many years as well, I never knew my parents. I was adopted when I was still just a foal. My foster parents treated me decently but times were tough for us. They worked hard to keep a roof over my head. My foster father was an earth pony, my foster mother was a unicorn; my stepfather was fired from his job and started to work for the wrong ponies. He would be late out at night doing Celestia-knows-what, only to come home a different stallion. One night he came home beaten and bloody, and then came his associates. They came into the house, demanding for their cut of th-”

        I stop Cloud before she could finished, wrapping my arms around her and embracing her in a hug; she just stood there, speechless.

        “We both had very tough childhoods, Cloud. All that matters now is that we are stronger people/ponies today because of it. I would try my best not to dwell on the past too much, but I can only recall fragments. Cloud look at me, I promise you this, I will not allow you to be alone any longer.”

        “T-Thank you 27...” She returns the hug, and sighs in relief.

        We continue our travels to Canterlot, the city becoming bigger the closer we get to it. The sun was nearing the horizon, it was about dinner time and I don’t know about Cloud but I was starving.

        “Hey Cloud, are you getting hungry?” My stomach starts to grumble as I say this.

        “Yah, I’m getting hungry as well, but we’re only an hour trot from Canterlot, I can wait if you can.”

        “Fair enough, let’s hurry up and get to Canterlot before night comes. Hopefully we’ll have no problems with any of the locals.”

        Roughly an hour later, we make it to the front gate of Canterlot. Just looking up and seeing it so close up was amazing; Just the view of this massive city was just breathtaking. We walk towards the main gate of the city, a few guard ponies stood in front of it keeping out any unwanted trouble; We came closer to the gates before the guards stop me.

        “Halt! Who and what are you?!” The heavily armored unicorn carrying a polearm is now blocking my path from the city.

        “I’m a human, and my name is Subject 27.” Looking down at the guard as I stood over him.

        “Subject 27, we have orders to bring you straight to the Princesses. Please follow me to the royal hall.” He turns around and starts to trot into the city.

        Following the guard in front of me, Cloud staying close by. Other guards start to follow us, keeping a very close eye on me; After a few minutes of walking more guards show up and start following me, one now on both sides of my flanks and one right behind me. Such heavy security for just little ol’ me? Either Colt made one hell of an impression to the Princess or whatever he sent her might cause me some trouble. Cloud was trotting behind the guard behind me, staying as close as she could.

We eventually reach a pair of massive doors leading into the royal castle, more guards are stationed throughout the area, each one keeping their eyes on me. Walking through the halls of the castle, admiring the fine work and detail put into this place. Great stained glass windows filled the hall, each one telling their own story. The flooring was a beautiful white marbling and the columns were too. The ceiling was fairly high, arches made of brilliant gold supported the ceiling. Every door we reach was a great wood door, lined with gemstones and had very will detail carvings in them.

Our foot/hoof steps echoed throughout the hall as we walked, still admiring the beautiful craftsmanship of this castle, not noticing where I was walking. Eventually we came across a massive pair of wooden doors, two unicorn guards station in front of the door. They saluted the other guards escorting me as their magic surrounded the doors, opening them.

We entered a massive hall, columns filled the side of the room, each one had a stained glass story in between each one. A red carpet leading from the door up a few steps to two seats, one of them currently occupied by a majestic alicorn. Her fur was a elegant shade of midnight blue, her main and tail both flowed like water. Her wings explain outwards as we near the steps and she starts to rise from her seat. The guards come to a halt and kneel before her, I do the same trying not to be impolite.

“All hail Princess Luna!” The two guards standing at the bottom of the staircase shouts at the small party of guards escorting me.

“Why have you brought this creature before us?” Her voice booms out across the hall.

“Princess Luna, this creature goes by the name of Subject 27, Your sister Princess Celestia gave us orders to bring him here as soon as he arrived to the city.” The guard pony kneeling in front of me replays.

“Ah, yes, our sister has told us about this creature you speaketh of. You may rise.” Luna starts to walk down the steps, her voice still booms out with each word.

The guard ponies and I all rise to our feet/hooves, as their princess commands. She stops at the bottom of the stairs looking me over. Without any warning Fade hijacks my body and starts to speak.

“My mistress! It’s been far too long!” My voice now cold, each breath hangs in the air as Fade speaks through me.

Luna’s horn flares up a dazzling dark blue at the sudden change, her eyes going wide as she backs up a few steps.

“Seize this creature! Throw him in the dungeon! He brings evil to this land!”

The small escort of guards turn their attention to me, pointing their polearms at me as the other guards in the room approach. Quickly regaining control over my own body I begin to worry as what Fade did to cause the princess to react like that.

“Wait, please I come in peace! There is no need for violence!” Pleading to the princess before this gets messy.

“27! What’s happening?” Cloud yells out as the guards start to move in around me.

“Stay back Cloud!”

One of the guards in front of me swings his polearm at me, I narrowly dodge it as it collides with the floor. I don’t want to kill any of these ponies, but I’ll have to defend myself against them. Another guard swings at me, missing me as I go into a defensive stance. Striking with the palm of my hand, trying to minimize the damage of my blows only wanting to paralyze or daze the guards. My left hand makes contact with one of the guards, causing him to drop his weapon and step back trying to breath.

I pick up his polearm as another guard comes at me, his horn flares up as he tries to grab the polearm from me; I tighten my grip around the polearm, causing his spell to fizzle. I swing the staff end of the polearm at a nearby pony, making a loud clanking sound as it hits his armor, he charges at me head on; quickly closing the gap in between us. He quickly pivoted on his front hoofs and brings his back legs up to buck me. I drop to the floor dodging the attack and use the polearm to sweep his hooves out from under him. He falls to the ground, his armor making a loud clanking sound as he hits.

A guard behind me tries to buck me while I’m still on the ground, I roll out of the way onto my hands and feet and lunge toward another pony nearby; making contact with him, my momentum causing him to slide across the floor. The other guards try to surround me once more, but I keep on moving making sure I won't get circled in again. A pegasus guard flies at me, his wings have a metal lining on them, he hits me in the side with his wing, causing me to spin around as he bucks me in the stomach; knocking the air out of me.

A unicorn snares my legs with his magic, practically gluing me to the ground. The pegasus charges at me once more, trying to do the same trick again; before he makes contact I grab his extended wing and swing him in a different direction. causing him to collide with another guard. The sound of metal hitting metal rings out as they both collide and slide across the floor.

Another unicorn charges his horn, launching a ball of magical energy at me. My feet still glued to the floor by another unicorn, the only thing I can do is to try to dodge it. The ball flies closer to me, I try to dodge it but the ball of energy strikes my left arm, causing it to go numb as I collapse to the floor. The magical snare around my feet implodes as I fall.

Two guards start to charge over to me, I get to my feet unable to move my left arm. One of the guards puts on the heat as he speeds up, lowering his head to ram me; I jump to the left side as he slams into the column behind me, his metal helm rings out as it hits the column. The second guard now in striking range of me, he raises his back hooves to buck me; I block his attack with my right forearm. As his hooves made contact, a loud *CRACK* comes from my arm as it fractures under the brutal kick. I let a scream of pain out after my arm spasms in agony.

I side kick the second pony’s back right leg, causing him to fall to the ground; I bring my foot down upon his back before he could try to stand up. Only a handful of guards still stand, I stand there staring down the other ponies. The feeling in my left arm starts to come back as the paralyzing spell starts to wear off. Two guards start to move to flank me as two more start to slowly approach me from the front; both with their horns starting to charge up.

The two guards flanking me lift off from the ground and start to fly towards me, the two unicorns shoot magic beams at me. I run towards the two unicorns, ducking down and start to slide towards them as the beams fly past me scorching the wall behind me. I quickly stand back up on my feet, still running towards the unicorns before they can charge up another blast. I reach the unicorns as they fire off more beams, missing me and scorching the floor.

I strike one of them with the palm of my left hand in the horn, he flinches in pain. I strike his horn once, causing him to cry out in pain. The second one backs up and starts to charge up for another attack; I jump and do a spinning kick and hit the unicorn in the head, his helmet falls to the ground. His eyes go wide in shock as I strike him once more on his nose, sending to the floor screaming in pain.

“ENOUGH!” Luna yells out, grabbing my attention.

Her horn flares up as she lifts me from the ground by my neck, strangling me.

“Stop it! You’re going to kill him!” Cloud cries out before she flies towards me.

I flail about in the air, trying to claw the vice like magical grip around my neck. Kicking my legs desperately as I try to breathe. Cloud grabs my waist, trying to pull me from Luna’s grip. One of the pegasus guards tackles her, sending both of them crashing to the ground.

“CLOUD NO!!” Yelling out as I watch Cloud gets tackled.

I start to lose control, black scales start to form around my neck as my friend starts to laugh madly.

“Haahahaaa! That’s it lad! Let lose! Kill everything!” I can feel his insane presence bearing down upon me.

The black scales stop growing around my neck as I try to regain control. Luna starts to lift me up further into the air before whipping my body into the floor, the sheer amount of force causing the floor to crack on impact. The force from my body being slammed down onto the floor causes me to black out.

Credits

Editor

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