Sitting a few feet away from the throne room doors Hailstorm didn’t say anything at all as Spike gave him a questioning glare.
“What was that about?” he asked.
Should I really be explaining myself to a baby dragon? Although after seeing Spike’s gaze remain unfazed he sighed and said “It was a simple misunderstanding alright? Jeez can you blame me I’m only hu- a pony” he stated correcting himself with a shrug. “Besides Spike I’m sure they’re talking about what they should do with me now at this point so don’t get so frustrated”.
Spike’s glare didn’t change as he continued to stare at Hailstorm questioningly but after a few more seconds he relaxed. “Fine, just watch what you say, I still have my doubts about that crazy story of yours” he said sitting next to him.
“Right right” Hailstorm said with a yawn.
“You alright? You’ve been yawning ever since you got out here” Spike said with a questioning look.
“Fine, don’t worry about it just tired. Wake me up when they get here alright” and with that Hailstorm lay on his stomach crossed his front hooves together and rested his head on them. Instantly falling asleep.
<(((((O)))))>
“I can’t believe it’s been eight years” Silver Caliber’s smooth, deep and rich voice said echoing back to him from the empty room behind him, standing on the balcony where he had a clear view of Canterlot castle. “Eight years of peace... could it really be that simple?” he thought to himself. A noise back inside the large building made him turn his attention to the lime colored unicorn as he shut the door with his magic, a small colt with a purple mane and dark highlights and silver coat followed his uncle.
Silver Caliber smiled at his son and cousin as they walked in. “How were things with the princess and Starswirl?” the black alicorn asked nuzzling the cheek of his son as he wrapped a foreleg around him.
“Good” the unicorn smiled, “Twinkle has been busy getting the others accustomed with living here so she won’t be back till tomorrow” he stated but soon grew a little quiet as he watched his friend. “Hey Slingshot, do you mind going out to play with your friends for a bit, I need to talk to your dad about something” the unicorn said with a kind smile.
The silver unicorn nodded and after a quick hug dashed out of the room and was gone within seconds.
A chuckle escaped Silver Caliber’s lips as he watched his son leave in that speedy manner of his. Slingshot was a great name he told himself remembering the protest his wife had given about the name after the foal was born. “So” he said turning his attention to the unicorn. “What did you want to talk about?”
With some hesitation Script walked over to the balcony where they were headed carefully pondering how he would approach the subject since it was so delicate a matter. “It’s about Vinny, Caliber” he said quietly. Silver Caliber tensed up at the name.
It had been eight years since that fateful day when they arrived in Equestria and ever since that battle that fateful night and Vindictive’s escape they hadn’t heard or seen signs of the goldish brown alicorn anywhere since, even when Celestia had sent out her royal guards to scout the lands they had reported no signs of the alicorn or his comrades. It was as if they had left the world and returned home.
“Script...I do not want to talk about him” he said licking his now dry lips. “We promised never to bring him up again” Silver Caliber stated refusing to look his friend in the eye despite feeling the turquoise eyes on him. “I know but, don’t you find it strange?” Script asked. “It’s been eight years almost nine now since that fight! Don’t you find it strange that he would just disappear in that manner. You know as well as I how Vinny hates to leave things unsettled” he stated further pressing the matter he added, “I just don’t want anything to happen to this new world we’ve grown accustomed to. All those smiling faces” he whispered looking at the citizens of Canterlot as they all went about their own daily business.
“Don’t you want to protect that as much as I do? As much as Twinkle, Celestia and the others do?” he asked his voice starting to show more feeling than he intended.
Caliber remained silent. He just couldn’t bring himself to look at Script, not now. Of course I do he thought his hoof pressing hard into the concrete base of the balcony as if he were trying to clench fists. Celestia had told them her story and after hearing Celestia’s story in private with his wife and friend, Silver understood what she had- was still going through.
The guilt she felt from ignoring her sister’s feelings over the centuries, was the same guilt he felt every single day on the day he abandoned his best friend and left him to fend for himself. It hurt even more after he had a child and the thought of ever abandoning him out of fear like he had done with Vindictive ate him up inside. “It’s my fault you know” he said his voice slowly starting to tremble.
“No no it’s not. Twinkle and I have tried telling you over and over it’s” however when Caliber looked at him, Script became silent. The pain on Caliber’s face was clear as the day. And he knew he would never get over this guilt. It made Script’s own heart ache just to see his friend so miserable. Neither of them said anything they just stared at each other for a while.
After a few minutes of silent staring Script looked away, getting up on his hooves he said “...Well I better get going, Starswirl has been teaching me quite a bit of magic and I’ve been giving him some information on the human world.”
Glad the subject had changed Caliber faintly smiled as he stared at the busy streets of Canterlot. “I see you two are getting quite acquainted. That’s good to hear”. Script nodded in response and slowly made for the door, using his magic the door slowly opened and as he stepped out he froze halfway through it.
“Hey Silver” he said calmly
“Yes?” he looked back at his friend with a questioning eyebrow raised.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. Twinkle worries about you... We all do” and casting a quick glance at his friend with misty eyes Script looked ahead and shut the door.
Silver Caliber said nothing, and for awhile he didn’t take his eyes off the door that Script had just left from. A small regretful smile cracked on his lips. “Heh...No promises, there friend.”
<(((((O)))))>
No one said anything everyone had gone silent at Celestia’s words, with nothing but surprised reactions from each of the mane 6.
“WHAT!?” they yelled in unison.
“Isn’t that way too soon, to just spring him on us like that?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Oh but I thought you were all getting used to his company” Celestia said in a curious manner. “Was I wrong to assume that you had become friends with our new stallion?”
“Well no you’re not” Twilight said. “It’s just hearing that he came from a alternate world and not from well where I went to is kinda hard to take. There’s just no proof that he could’ve come from the same place. Maybe he’s making some kind of mistake and he’s actually from the same world just had different means of coming here? After all the only way to get from here to there would be to go through the mirror and outside Canterlot High. Yet we found him in Everfree Forest” she insisted.
“Now look ‘ere Twilight” Applejack cut in. “I can understand what your sayin’ about this all being a bit too much to handle but trust me” she stated placing a hoof on her chest. “I can vouch for him he is telling the truth”.
The 4 other mares looked at each other and then with a nod they turned to Celestia, although reluctant at first Twilight agreed nodding with them. “If Applejack is making such a serious proclamation then he can’t be lying” Rarity said.
“Right there’s no way he would lie like that and especially just as we became friends” Fluttershy responded.
Celestia smiled once more. “So I’ll assume we have an agreement then, go on and call him back in we’ll let him know the decision” and with a glow of her horn the doors opened revealing Hailstorm as he lay back facing them on the ground.
“I’ll wake him up” Fluttershy said as she trotted over to him, only to see Spike run up ahead to meet her the worried look on his face putting her in concern. “What’s wrong Spike?”
“I- I don’t know!” he said in a panicked tone. “He just went to sleep then started muttering stuff, next thing I knew he was crying and I can’t wake him up, he won’t respond to anything I say I even tried tickling his nose but still!” he said biting his claws.
Fluttershy looked ahead at the sleeping figure in front of her, from concern to determination she walked up to Hailstorm and looked at him. His appearance made her heart skip a beat. Tears were trickling down his face as he had the saddest expression on, like his heart was breaking in his sleep. The commotion had drawn the others from the throne room to her.
“What’s wrong Fluttershy haven’t you woke him up yet?” Rarity asked.
And as soon as the sentence was completed Hailstorm’s eyes shot open his head, shooting up as he frantically looked around his surroundings, his cheeks dark from the tears.
Celestia and Luna looked worried. Everyone did.
“W-what?” he asked confused by the concern struck glances that were being hurled his way. Then he felt the dampness on his cheeks. Tears? But why? he thought. Quickly wiping his face with a hoof he got rid of the evidence feeling embarrassed they had seen him in such a pathetic state.
“I’m fine don’t worry” he said as he got rid of the last of the tears. “So have you decided what you’ll do?” he asked changing the subject. It took a while but eventually Celestia spoke after a few seconds, “Yes, you’ll be staying with Twilight in the meantime, but the other 5 will also show you around Ponyville so you can get accustomed to things.”
“Sounds good to me” giving a slightly awkward bow he began to walk towards the castle’s exit wanting to get out of there as soon as possible for creating that awkward mess.
Twilight and the other mares bowed to Princess Celestia and Luna before hurrying after Hailstorm to try and catch up, as the ponies chased after the eccentric stallion Celestia watched her smile slowly fading into a serious expression.
“Luna” she said as she watched Hailstorm slow down to let the others catch up.
“Sister?” she responded.
“Please keep a close eye on our new friend I have a feeling he’s not telling us everything here” she stated.
"I couldn't agree with you more" Luna replied.
It had taken a couple minutes to get back from the station since everyone had to get something to eat after the journey, once back in Ponyville everyone split up to their designated areas with Hailstorm heading back with Twilight and Spike.
Upon entering Owlowiscious hooted slightly startling him. “Hailstorm that’s who.” Twilight giggled.
“So where exactly do you guys sleep in this um castle”, he asked looking around. “How many rooms do you even have in this thing?”, trotting over to a room and poking his head in all he saw was a bathroom. At least I know where to go now if I need to use it.
Feeling a tug on his tail and being pulled back Hailstorm looked at Twilight who directed him to follow her to where he would be sleeping. Unsurprisingly the rooms were upstairs and his would be directly across from her and Spike’s. Once he’d seen his room and knew where to go to get to it Hailstorm immediately trotted downstairs, much to Twilight’s elation since she had some questions of her own to ask the stallion.
“So...” she said tracing circles on the ground as she contemplated what to say. “You’re from a alternate world right?” although doing her best the skepticism wasn’t lost on Hailstorm as the made their way down the steps, the only response she got from that question was an annoyed grunt and nod.
Maybe I should approach this from a different angle she thought.
“So what’s it like living in the human world?” she asked, despite the fact that she had been given a taste of what it was like, she wanted to hear the full story of actually being born and raised there.
“It sucks at least on some occasions” Hailstorm said flatly, his ears dropping to the side of his head as he lay down on the floor in the library.
“Oh cmon it can’t be that bad?” Twilight inferred remembering some of the fun moments she had shared with her friends on the other side of the mirror when she was there.
“Oh you have no idea how bad it is”, this simply seemed to puzzle her. Sure there had been a few bad moments when she was there but that was when she was dealing with saving the world. It wasn’t as if she had gone on a vacation there for fun or anything. Snorting stubbornly she said “Enlighten me” and as an afterthought added “please.”
Thinking it over Hailstorm sat up, turning in Twilight’s direction so he could get a better view of her. For the first time he actually was taking in just how amazing this was, he was actually sitting with the princess of magic herself. It hadn’t dawned on him before because of his situation but now that he thought about it this was a kind of pleasant experience, which seemed to make him grin a bit. Twilight seemed to take this into account “Um Hailstorm you were going to tell me what life in the human world is like” she said using a hoof to slightly nudge him.
“Oh yeah, right, sorry” clearing his throat he sat up straight and began.
“Life on earth isn’t as nice as it is here (well on the times where your world isn’t literally falling apart), however like every other day, it has it’s moments. Back home we have a saying ‘Every man for himself’ do you know what that means Twilight?” he asked watching as the sun set over the distant hills, giving off a scarlet feel to the atmosphere.
She shook her head then scooted over for Spike who had just got back from the kitchen bringing in some snacks for them. “What does it mean?” she asked.
Hailstorm snickered “Just what it implies every man for himself” upon seeing the confused looks from the two however he decided to elaborate a bit more. “Alright so you know how in Ponyville everyone seems to be willing to help every”- he paused not really liking the way he’d phrase it- “everypony out?”
They nodded slowly. “Well it’s simple on earth not everyone is willing to help everyone out. Unless it’s either from the good of their heart which doesn’t happen that much” he muttered the last bit quietly. “Or if there’s something in it for them.”
Twilight was about to ask something but Spike cut her off before she could get a word in “Why’s that? I mean you did say that everypon- er person in your world is the same species right? Why aren’t they so willing to help each other out like us, despite our different species?”
Good question he thought with another grin slowly rising despite his best efforts to conceal it. “Who knows? Just how we operate I guess, besides every-” he sighed fighting his urge to grammatically phrase it the right way “everypony... here is different in species and well color correct?”
“Yes” they replied. “It’s the same with humans only we’re only one species. We’ve all got our own goals just like all of you do but not all of us are so willing to help each other out so easily. Some people even demean others because of their skin tone” he stated as he tried to grasp the cup containing tea in his hooves.
That doesn’t make any sense Twilight thought. “When I went to well your alternate world I met people there, who at first didn’t get along but were able to settle their differences and become friends. I even stopped the one causing all the trouble and got her to reconcile with the others” she stated. “How is it that other humans aren’t capable of solving their issues like I was able to help them reconcile with each other?”
“Another good question” he stated now trying to hold the cup in between his hooves but it just kept falling back down on to the tray, splashing it's contents only a little bit. With a snort he looked back up at them feeling annoyed with the lack of his fingers. Twilight stared at him with a slightly mischievous smile, when she saw he was having trouble.
“What?”
“You want any help?” she asked the cocky smile still on her face. Hailstorm shook his head defiantly “Nope. Now back to your question” he said ignoring her look. “It’s not that simple. On my world not everyone is willing to take the time to reconcile or listen to what others have to say, I know for a fact that that’s happened here quite a few times like the parasprite incident.”
Twilight’s ears drooped a bit remembering how she and the others had ignored Pinkie’s words of warning and advice. “I can see that- but it can’t be like that all the time right?” she asked.
“Course not” he said taking note of the slight ease in her reaction with that reply. “Albeit doesn’t mean we’re all going to get along like you guys. Not everything like I said can be solved with friendship. It takes more than using friendship to solve some problems to win a fight or argument. Back home we’re all just either to stupid or too ignorant to even remember that we’re all the same species to even consider reconciling or working together long enough before a fight eventually breaks out. And I’m just talking about history here. You wouldn’t believe some of the stupid things people fight over nowadays” he said as he bent his head down and slurped up the tea from the cup. “Plus everyone doesn’t have a mediator like you or your friends to help calm the situation. Some people try to help and end up making things worse, it’s different for everyone or pony I guess” smacking his lips together he took a tissue and wiped his lips.
Twilight took in this new bit of information. Now that I think about it I never really did get to go out and see how other parts of his world were like she thought watching as Hailstorm took another sip from his tea cup. Is it possible he knows all this stuff because her train of thought was cut off because she had noticed Hailstorm was staring at her as he drank. His brown eyes locked on to her violet ones.
Once he was done drinking he lifted his head up not breaking eye contact with her. “I know what you’re thinking” he said after wiping his muzzle again. “Don’t worry I haven’t been through anything horrid like bullying or something. I’ve just seen it happen, on the news and other places even in front of me which I had to help stop.
Twilight you and your friends have been through a lot and all and I respect a lot of the things you guys have done both here and in any other world you may have visited. But remember that the world, all worlds are full of secrets. And not all of them are going to be as easy to swallow when they present a jug full tribulations for you”, his eyes hadn’t faltered the entire time he spoke staring at her. It was slightly unsettling but, there was something about his gaze that made Twilight not want to look away.
No one said anything. Spike had been listening the entire time as he ate the cookies and drank the tea he brought over for them. Seeing the two lock eyes like that though made him feel kinda grossed out though, as if they were flirting. “AHEM!” he cleared his voice bringing Twilight to look at him with slightly flushed cheeks. “Hm?” she said.
“Oh nothing at all it’s just been getting kind of late” he said. “You know thought we should all get to bed for tomorrow after all you and the others have a big day of touring to do” he said gathering all the cups and shooting Hailstorm an evil-eye as he walked towards the kitchen.
Hailstorm looked at the clock behind him. Apparently they’d been talking for almost two hours. Time sure flies when you’re talking about home. Getting up on his hooves Hailstorm passed by Twilight saying “I’m off to bed I’ll holler if I need anything.”
She watched him as he turned a corner in the direction of the stairs.and disappeared, when he was gone Spike’s voice came from the kitchen saying “Quit staring Twi!”
As if she got caught putting a hoof in the cookie jar Twilight immediately looked away her cheeks still slightly flushed, levitating a book to her face immediately in hopes of getting that gaze off her mind.
Hailstorm heard Spike’s exclamation and couldn’t help but have a sly grin as he trotted up the stairs to his room. As he walked into his room the grin only widened, “Heh I still got it” he said to himself as he closed the door with a kick from his hind leg.
~*****~*****~*****~
<(((((O)))))>
“Slingshot!” Twinkle yelled at her son as he sped past her. “Get back here!” she yelled, but the boy was to far away to even hear his mother calling him. With a sigh Twinkle began her trot down the path towards home, where they were headed. “That kid is going to be the death of me” she thought out loud as she walked by a family who were trotting calmly along the streets of Canterlot. As she passed by the family she noticed all the bright smiling faces they all had.
Well at least some of the people here are happy, her ears drooped at the thought. Getting the others accustomed to staying here in Canterlot had not been easy the first two years they had been there. Although then again it wasn’t easy for anyone when they moved into a new place. They had to get accustomed to things and settle. However their case was way more understandable than migrating or immigrating. They had moved to another world entirely.
Then again it isn’t that bad she thought brightening up a bit. She was happy at least that no one had died in the battle that happened those 8 years ago. And she was glad to have a healthy foal with her husband, and her friendships here in Equestria but... “I just wish he’d smile a bit more” she watched as her son dashed into the house and back out again off to go play with his friends as he usually did after his magic sessions. “Be back before it gets dark!” she called after him, hearing a shout of approval she nodded and walked back inside.
It was time she confronted her husband over his problem.
“Silver I’m home” she said shutting the door with her magic only there was no response or hug that he’d usually give her when she came back. He was just staring out that balcony like he’d done two weeks after her return. During that time Script and Caliber had talked again and from what she had heard from Script things didn’t go that well this time.
“Si-” she stopped, he had turned around to stare at her with a smile on his face, although it was kind of pathetic since he had started showing signs of whiskers and had looked like he hadn’t taken a bath all day. “Oh my” she voiced her clear surprise lifting a hoof to try and hide the shock. Since she was in charge of taking care of the any disputes that may occur in their group and other things around town during the day, it meant she was too busy to check up on him and Slingshot unless she got lucky and things went smoothly and n days like today. So seeing him like this was more of a slap to the muzzle.
“Hello dear” Caliber replied as he got up from his standard seat and trotted over to his wife, nuzzling her cheek affectionately he asked “How are things going with the others?, Nothing too bothersome I hope” his cheek still affectionately rubbing hers.
“Forget about them for a second” she recoiled gently. “I want to know how you are feeling?” her eyes filled with passion and her face shined with a brilliant smile. However when he didn’t reply her smile turned into a frown “Silver” she said firmly “Why are you doing this to yourself?”
Caliber was now staring at his hooves, refusing to look up. “No comment.”
Her frown grew. “Silver...” biting her lip just like her cousin did when he was bringing up the topic she chose her words wisely. “I-...Is this about” she paused for a second noticing his ears perk up a bit, deciding that this was a good response continued “Is it about Vinny? Is that why you’ve locked yourself up in here?” she asked placing a hoof on his. Although he quickly moved his foreleg away from her touch.
“No... at least not this time” he replied stubbornly.
Twinkle gave an annoyed nicker. “Then what is bothering you” she asked her voice switching from gentle to snappy. “What could it possibly be then?”
“It’s just” he trailed off muttering a few audible words here and there. “I don’t want” then the rest was mutters. Another snort followed by a thud sound came from Twinkle shoving her husband to the floor. “Quit being so indecisive and tell me!” she demanded her nostrils flaring. “And don’t even think about muttering whatever that hog wash that was. You know how I dislike being made to wait” she stated stamping her hoof down which was uncomfortably close to his head.
It was Caliber’s turn to get frustrated now. “I don’t want to make the same mistake!” he declared.
“Huh?” she replied with a raised eyebrow.
He sighed. “Look darling, you know I’ve made some major mistakes in my life one of the biggest ones was betraying Vinny. Everyday I think about how different things would be if I’d never done that to him. How he wouldn’t want to ruin me, ruin us. And everyday I think ‘What if I end up doing that again, but to you or Script or Slingshot or the others!?’, I just can’t bare it. I can’t bare the thought of hurting someone I care about again. It just hurts too much. I hate my cowardice” he said both his front hooves resting on his chest.
Twinkle didn’t say anything but just continued to stare at her husband, whether it was from shock or because he was being so stupid she wasn’t sure. And was only silenced further as he continued. “Darling look. I love you and our kid, I love everyone here on this place, and well it’s several times better than back home. Hell it’s better than earth, but if my screw ups ever hurt you or anyone else I just couldn’t mmf” cut off by the sudden press of Twinkle’s lips against his own, Silver Caliber froze in her sudden embrace.
The kiss sent a small yet pleasant shiver down his spine, as if it were melting away all his problems. Though he stiffened up wanting to fight the urge, feeling as if he didn't deserve it, not this affection not with what he had done. Although It felt so safe he thought as he slowly embraced his wife. I just hope...I'll feel like this again tomorrow.
<(((((O)))))>
Hailstorm’s eyes abruptly shot open and he immediately lurched out of bed looking around with his face feeling crimson red. For a while he didn’t move or say anything and just considered what he had just seen. The only thing he could think was Thank God I woke up, and after a few seconds of sitting in place and staring at the wall he got off his bed heading for the door. Maybe I’ll take a shower. As he made his way down to the bathroom he noticed a light on in the library.
With a puzzled look he took a quick glance at the time. 3 a.m.? What’s she doing up at this time? His curiosity at its zenith he quietly tiptoed on his hooves, maneuvering through the steps and anything else that would cause a sound that might give away his presence he stopped at the door, hearing a slightly frustrated grunt.
“UGH!” Twilight tossed another book into the large stack of open ones on her right. It looked like she’d been up all night since he headed upstairs. Just what the heck is she- he paused his train of thought now reeling in the previous events of their discussion earlier in the night. “Is she trying to find information about the human world in here?” he quietly whispered to himself as he watched Twilight go through book after book, hurling each one aside looking for some sort of information that would allow her to better understand where Hailstorm was from.
After a couple more minutes of intense searching Twilight sighed closing the last book she had went through in the library. “I can’t believe I can’t find anything on his world, then again I don’t think any equestrian library will have anything on the human world” she sighed her shoulders falling in a depressed mannerism.
“Hey” Hailstorm trotted in staring at her.
Twilight squeaked with an eep from the sudden appearance and surprise. “W-what are you doing up so late?” she asked her left ear drooping a bit as he walked in.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that princess?” Twilight’s reaction went from surprise to annoyance. “If you’ve seen everything relating to me then” she was cut off as he raised a hoof to silence her. That is really getting annoying she thought with a huff.
“I know you don’t like it when people call you that, but hey c'mon let’s get you to bed alright?” he said a smile spreading across his lips as he offered a hoof.
Looking at the hoof that had been offered to help her up and the smiling face of the hazel stallion Twilight stared at him for a few seconds, only to break into a smile of her own. “Yeah thanks” she said taking his hoof. Once she was up they started trotting out of the library.
“So what were you looking at in there anyway?” he asked her as they made their way upstairs.
“Oh nothing” she said secretively with a slight smile. “Anyway I’m going to take a bath then get to bed night Hailstorm” she replied going into the bathroom.
“Night!” he called back and began trotting towards his room, but froze at his door. “Doh!” he exclaimed remembering why he had left his room in the first place. “Guess I’ll just wait for her to finish before I head in there.” Or you could always go in and surprise her.
He froze. Shaking his head Hailstorm cursed his new body and its erratic hormones. “Not if I have a say in it” he muttered shutting his door.