I stayed under my bed for a few hours, trying to figure out if I wanted to bottle in my emotions or tip the bottle over and let them all flow out. At one point I got out of my bed and roamed around my room. I looked around at everything, and wanted to try to find something to occupy myself. There was no paper in my room, and hardly any interesting clothes in my dresser, so I didn't have much to do. I began to move my furniture around. I began to try different places for the bed, as well as the dresser and the two chairs that were also in my room. I moved them into a dozen different places. I think if I knew an anti-gravity spell, there probably would have been more upside down. Eventually, I grew too bored and too tired to keep moving, and I think my room was the exact same way as it started. I'm not sure.
It was at this moment when an old memory hit me. It was with Circuit. We had done something similar with his room; we decided to redecorate and we spent a few hours trying to move his furniture around only to fail and end up right where we started. Once we realized this was the case, we laughed and laughed, and then laughed some more. And then his mother came up to check on us and only confirm that it had ended the way it started. Which ultimately made us laugh even more. Once we were all laughed out, we decided to get some ice cream and hang out in his room. It was the first time I ended up spending the night in his room. I had stayed over at his house before that, but I was never allowed to sleep in his room.
Remembering this memory, I shuddered and hugged myself with one foreleg. It seemed like there was nothing that I could do about this. Or was there? I began to think. Perhaps there was a way for me to see Circuit again. I could say yes to the job that was asked of me, but perhaps I could say that if they could promise that I would see him again, or we would at least try to bring him to me. Was that possible? Was this asking too much? Could they even do it?
I exhaled, feeling my body shaking slightly. There was only one way I could find out.
I made my way out of my room, not exactly sure where to go or what to do. I knew what I had to do, but I was nervous. I needed to calm myself down first. I found myself in the bathroom again, taking a hot steaming shower. There was something relaxing about that; letting the water run over my body and wipe away the filth that I had picked up from sweat and dirt. Allowing the hot steam to relax my muscles and clean my pores. Having soap to freshen me up and make me smell nice. All of it helped to calm me down.
I cleaned my face of any makeup and towel-dried my mane and tail, then ran a brush through them. I tossed my mane around, losing any loose drops of water and made my way out of the bathroom.
I stood in my living room, though I guess it wasn't really my living room, just the one my family was given. Standing in the room I saw my father standing in the middle, his eyes flickering back and forth as he read a piece of paper that he was levitating with his magic. I blinked at him and sighed quietly. He looked up at me and folded the paper into thirds, tucking it away somewhere. He sighed and spoke.
"Terra, I wanted to talk to you," he started.
"What is there to talk about?" I asked, a little sharply.
"Well, for starters, how have you been? What do you think of this facility?" He seemed to be speaking shyly.
I glanced around the room, trying not to look at him. "I suppose it's nice. But I miss seeing the sun and moon."
I think he nodded. "I know, it's a hard adjustment, but you'll grow used to it." He started to move towards me.
I hunched up my shoulders, "But what if I don't want to get used to it?" I replied loudly.
"Terra, you can't think you'd be able to return to your district, do you?" He asked sternly.
"I don't know, but I want things to go back to the way they were before. I want to be with Circuit and have that party to celebrate not being reaped like he promised, and just have had to endure the games like I did every year. I miss our little house, even though it wasn't perfect it was still nice and it was home to us. I want to have never been reaped, and I wouldn't have everypony asking me to do all of these things. I wish I hadn't become a symbol for thousands of ponies I don't even know!"
I turned away from him and dropped my head, feeling my face scrunch up and my eyes start to water.
"Terra, I'm sorry. But we started all of this to try to return things to the way they were before the districts even existed. We want to live in a world that is better than the one you grew up in. I know you don't understand it, but it really is for the best," he tried to explain.
I exhaled and lifted my head, fighting the tears. I turned to face him, shouting a little bit. "How would you know what is best for me!? You left my life when I was just a filly! You know nothing about me!"
"I know what is best for you because like it or not I am still your father!" he shouted back.
"Father!? You don't know the meaning of the word! Even though you left you could have at least written letters!" I was yelling even louder.
"I did write! But I wrote only to your mother because you and your brothers weren't old enough to know what was going on! You were too young to know that I left you all to come here and work for the princesses!"
"Oh, of course, that was the only reason. You left us to sleep with another mare!"
I bit my lip and stared at him, wide-eyed. I just realized what I said I wanted to take it back. I started to move my hooves backward, away from him. He didn't know that I had overheard the mare talking about being pregnant. How I had overheard her saying that it might even be his. He had no idea that I was aware of his relationship with Sweetie Belle.
"Terra, what are you talking about?" He asked, staring at me with a face that scared me.
"You know what I'm talking about. Now if you excuse me, I have to go."
I turned and trotted to the door, closing it quickly behind me as I left. I heard him shout after me, but I didn't want to listen to him. I couldn't face him. I had a feeling that every time we talked something bad would happen. I lifted my head, trying to look confident. I didn't know if I moved for others and to not let them worry about me, or if I just wanted to tell myself that I was confident. I didn't really know. maybe it was a little of both.
Regardless, I made my way into the elevator, where I was met with a surprise with the door opened. It was Thunder Runner, standing alone in the elevator talking to himself. He was carrying a small bouquet of flowers of some kind, but I didn't know if they were real or not. They seemed to be really pretty though, and they gleamed and sparkled like rubies and sapphires. Once the young stallion spotted me he blushed furiously, his face turning as red as some of the flowers in the bouquet.
"Terra!" He called, his voice shaking. He took a step or two backward, making room for me to enter the elevator. "I-I thought you would still be in your room."
I looked at him, "I kind of thought that I would be too. But I can't hide in there forever." He nodded, and he seemed to be nervous. "Who are the flowers for?" I asked.
He stuttered and shifted the flowers behind him and mostly out of my sight. "Wh-What flowers? I see no flowers!"
I gave him a little look as I pressed the button for the first floor. "Come on Thunder, I saw them when I walked in."
He sighed and looked up at me shyly. "Th-they were meant for you. I figured that you should have someone there to comfort you, o-or at least show some support. You seemed to be struggling, from what I've heard."
I blushed at him."Th-they're for me?" I asked as he extended the bouquet towards me. "I-I appreciate the gesture and your intentions, but you really didn't have to do this much for me," I said, growing more and more flustered.
He was really sweet and very likable, but now wasn't really a good time for me to try to sprout a new relationship, especially a romantic one. I accepted the bouquet with a shy smile as I could feel the heat growing in my cheeks. The elevator slowed down as we reached the first floor.
"Will I see you around more?" He asked.
"I do believe so, if things go according to plan," I replied.
He smiled brightly and his eyes shimmered with happiness. "Great! I'll see you around Terra!" He called as I left the elevator.
I bit my lip, not really sure what just happened. I stared at the flowers I had received, giving them a little sniff. They smelled quite lovely and reminded me of my home. I could almost imagine the few grassy areas that our district had, and the few flowers that would show up during the warmer seasons that everypony would watch and care for. I exhaled, carrying the flowers close to me as I made my way towards the meeting room.
I was in the center of the hall when somepony called out to me. It was Glimmer.
"Terra!" She called as she trotted towards me, the other Changeling-pony close behind her. "We didn't get a chance to talk last time I saw you. I wanted to introduce you to my twin brother, Clavus."
I lowered my ears and glanced at him. "Oh, hello," I said shyly.
"He stayed here in the Crystal Empire while I was in Equestria," Glimmer said with a reassuring smile.
"I'm very glad to meet you," Clavus said, extending one of his hooves. I met him with my own gently. "I've heard so much about you from my sister."
"Really? What did she say about me?" I asked curiously, glancing at my former designer.
"Oh, nothing negative. She said that you showed a lot of potential while she decorated you for the games. She was certainly rooting for you, and I can see why."
I blushed a little bit, flattered by the two of them.
"Clavus, why don't you tell her what you do here?" Glimmer mentioned.
"Oh, that's right. I'm on a line of exterior defense with my father and a few others. It's a very boring job and all I do is monitor exterior cameras on the outside of the facility. I'm on break right now."
"Who's your father?" I asked.
"His name is actually Tylus," Glimmer Started. He's this regal beautiful purple and green Changeling, just like us! He blends in and can hide pretty well under the snow. How he does it I have no idea, even as a changeling. Though I suppose Clavus and I could probably survive the cold too. But he stands guard outside and is our first line of defense if we are ever attacked. He was trained under the changeling defense General, Pharynx. He's one of the best on the guard." Glimmer was talking, and her eyes lit up and glimmered. I can see where she got her name.
"Our mother would be proud of all that he does for us," Scale added. "But she died giving birth to us. I was always told that a body as beautiful as hers wasn't meant to carry twins."
I lowered my ears and looked at the older twins. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"That's okay. Thank you though. I was given her talents of sewing and fashion and he was given her keen eye for detail. In a way, she still lives on, just in us." The two ponies smiled at me.
"Well, I better be going. I have something to take care of," I added after a pause of silence.
"Alright. I hope to see you around Terra!" Glimmer called as the two of them walked off into a different hallway.
I proceeded to make my way towards the meeting room, trying to avoid any more unnecessary conversations. This was taking me a lot longer than I wanted it to. Watching my hooves click on the shiny ground, I eventually strode through the doorway without another interruption. However, once I had entered the room, I overheard Jockey's voice talking. I stopped in the hallway and listened.
"The troops are growing smaller. I think they are planning something big," He was saying.
"Are you sure they haven't just grown tired? Perhaps some of the ponies have started taking their lives?" Princess Cadence asked.
"No, the troops they have in the districts are some of the best I've seen, but there aren't that many of them. I've come to speculate that they are training their other troops."
"This is very concerning information, especially if it proceeds to become true," I heard Luna say.
"What about district six? Is it still under seize by Moon Breeze?" Cadence asked.
"I'm afraid so. District six is the only one that has not seen the changes that the other districts have. In fact, I think they may have even increased their troop count."
"Hmm. It may be that we really do need Terra North's aid then. I don't believe she will have a choice. She is the only thing that we can use to fight against Moon Breeze. If the districts see her rallying behind Discord, it extinguishes some of the fire that we need to take him down," Luna continued.
"But-" Cadence started.
"I'm sorry Cadence. But we have no choice if we want to succeed," Luna responded.
"Jockey, you are free to return to your duties," Cadence told him.
"Thank you, princess," He said. I think he may have bowed his head.
"Oh, and could you tell Terra to come in on your way out?" Luna asked.
I blushed. How did she know that I was there? Jockey walked towards me, and I walked past him shyly. His gaze flickered over me in the dim lighting and I looked over his face. He looked sad and tired. I wanted to give him another hug. I think that I would go and see him after I talked about this. He didn't deserve to be alone, even if he was busy. He was also from my district, even if he hadn't lived there for very long. Maybe we could find something to talk about.
I walked into the room slowly, glancing at the three princesses in front of me. There were pieces of paper and scrolls scattered across the table in front of them. I sat down at the table opposite from them, my ears facing them eagerly.
"Terra. Did you wish to speak with us about something?" Princess Luna asked.
"Y-Yes, actually. I've been considering your proposition. My eyes flickered back and forth between the three mares. "And I've decided to agree. I will do it."
Princess Twilight smiled brightly as she begun to speak quickly. "That's fantastic! I'll be sure to have Rainbow Dash sign you up for combat training, and of course, you'll be placed into the Unicorn Magic Academy." She pulled up scrolls and began to shuffle through them, a quill moving around and writing on them." I suspect that you'll be in the Moon level. You know, wait, I actually suspect that your magic skills are better off at the Star level! You've shown so many talents in the games, you just need a little refinement and endurance building. I'm certainly looking forward to working with yo-"
"But," I said, cutting her off. She stared at me. "If I am going to do this, then you have to promise me that you will find my coltfriend in District six and bring him to me."
"Your coltfriend?" Princess Cadence started. "But from what I heard, you and he had a fight before you left the district. Are you sure that you want us to bring him to you?"
I nodded. "Yes. I miss him and I need him. I apologized to him on television and I'm hoping he heard me. I just miss him, and I feel really bad about how things ended."
Princess Cadence gave me a heartwarming smile. "Okay. We will do what we can. We were considering sending a few scouts into the districts to analyze the situation up close. It shouldn't be too difficult to turn it into a rescue op. Is there anything else that you want us to do for you?"
I thought for a moment. The only other thing I wanted was for my father to leave my family's apartment. Could they do something with that?
"Is there anything you can do about housing? Like, can you remove someone from the apartment I stay in?" I asked.
The princesses looked at each other. "There isn't too much we can do unless there is a conflict," Princess Cadence explained.
"But, there is. My father and I don't get along at all."
"Does he physically hurt you?" Twilight asked.
"Well, no."
"What about locking you up? Tying you down?" She continued.
"No."
"Any sexual abuse?"
"No, no."
"And neglect?"
"Well, he left us for almost ten years and never told us anything. I would call that neglect."
"Well, I'm sure you've figured out that he left you to come here and work for a better life for you. Unless he is doing any of the other things I listed in a severe way, there is nothing we can do," Twilight said. "I'm sorry."
"Not even if he's had an affair with a mare that isn't my mother?" I asked sharply.
"I'm afraid not. Something like that isn't our concern. We typically don't interfere with ponies' personal lives unless they are an endangerment to this facility and its inhabitants. If they came to us personally then we might be of service, but something like that might have to go to one of the counselors in the medical wing," Princess Cadence explained. "But if anything changes, please let us know."
I nodded, a little disappointed.
Luna spoke up. "If that is all that you ask of us, we will have a schedule created for you and sent to your room. We will start your training and hopefully, shoot a promo at some point later this week The promo that will be shot will be a way for the nation to know that you are alive. Our tech specialists will be able to hack the capitol's system and project it to every television set throughout the country. After some training, you will probably be taken into one of the calmer districts to speak your mind and help and show that you are there to help. You will help our cause so much Terra, and we are delighted that you are willing to help our cause," Princess Luna explained. "You are dismissed."
I left the room feeling ever so slightly more confident. There was a chance that I could see Circuit again. It was all I was thinking about. It was like someone had taken a large stone off my back. And it felt amazing.
Feeling happier, I decided to make my way into the cafeteria and check the time. It was about 7 at night. Seeing this, I wondered if Jockey had gotten food. He seemed so into his job that he might be the type to forget to take care of himself. I persuaded the pony behind the counter that I was trying to bring some food for a friend. She accepted with a wary eye as she gave me the dinner for the night, pasta with veggie-sauce and hay-clumps. I took the two bowls, and my flowers from earlier, with me up into the elevator and into Jockey's room.
When I had arrived, his room was in the same condition as it was before. The door was easy to open, and he was sitting on the couch, staring at the large TV screen, with each district displayed in its own small square. None of the districts were calm and peaceful anymore. Things did seem worse. Some of the districts were calmer than others, yes, but there was at least a little rebellion within each of the districts.
I looked away from the screen, and down at Jockey who didn't seem to notice me. I left my flowers on one of the room's counters and brought the two trays of food towards the coffee table in front of the couch. I set them atop it, talking to him calmly.
"Jockey, I brought you food. I thought you needed it."
He flicked his ear as a response.
"You really should eat. I know you're busy but maybe you could take a break?"
Still an ear flick.
I sat down in front of him, my face in front of his. I looked into his eyes, seeing the dark red circles under them formed due to lack of sleep. I frowned and lifted my hooves up to hold his face.
"Jockey?"
He blinked. His eyelids flickered, and then he looked away from the screen. He looked straight into my eyes, with his shining blue eyes.
"Terra?"
I smiled and nodded. "It's me."
"Why are you here? Did something happen?"
"No, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You've been stuck in this room for so long. I was worried about you and I wanted to make sure you had something to eat."
He smiled at me, and it felt amazing to see him smile. I hadn't seen it in so long. "Thank you", he said. "You're are such an amazing friend."
I smiled back. "You should eat while it's still warm. Do you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all."
We sat there eating, quietly a little bit, with the television off, until he got some sauce on the end of his muzzle. I found it pretty funny, so I teased him a little bit. He laughed and rubbed some sauce on my face. This warmed us up to each other, and we found ourselves chatting a lot more than we were before. We talked about this facility, and about Cherry and Code Red, and about District Six. I really needed this talk, after talking to him. I felt a lot better in doing so.
Eventually, we finished our meals and he decided to take a shower. I cleaned up and ran the dishes back down to the cafeteria, and returned to find him still in the shower. I found a blanket that I used to snuggle up with on his couch, and soon enough he returned, looking clean and fresh and happier. He sat down next to me, and we talked some more. We talked and laughed and talked and laughed some more. We vented about things we needed to vent about, and I was actually surprised to find that he was experiencing some issues here, including his Mother always working and him working tirelessly. There were other ponies who did the job with him in other parts of the facility, but the princesses wanted a new pair of eyes on the screens. I told him about my family issues and we comforted each other.
Eventually, we grew tired. I found myself leaning against him, breathing slowly. He didn't seem to mind, in fact, I think he was the one to wrap the blanket around us. Regardless, I was happy. We had made each other happy. For the first time since I arrived, I felt safe, loved, joyful. I felt like this place might actually not be so bad. That maybe, just maybe, with some nurturing, this place might be able to become my home.