//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9: Beware of Pink 
// Story: From Biochemistry with Love 
// by IMN 
//------------------------------//

I double checked my surroundings as the halls were clear for at least three minutes of wandering. I then returned to the janitor’s room we found, and carefully closed the doors behind me.

The interior of the room smelled like a sewer, but somehow tasted like ginger; and over-salted pretzels.

“Do you think your plan will work?” Skipper gave me a questioning look.

“Depends, how reliable are your illusions?” I need to double check, otherwise we’ll be in big trouble.

“Pretty reliable, I managed a week of undercover work in the castle and no one noticed of me,” she puffed out her chest.

"But this time, you are going as someone they might know," I pointed out, "Are you sure you can pull it off?"

Skipper frowned at first, but then smiled slyly at me, "I fooled  you," she gave me a nudge, "didn't I?" 

My glare intensified. Skipper giggled in response and wrapping her hoof around me, idling at the black eye she gave me earlier, "You're cute with a black eye."

"If you mess this up, I will make you the scapegoat to everything," I spat icily.  

"Relax," She threw her hoof nonchalantly at my face, "What could possibly go wrong?"

"A lot when utilizing an untested survival strategy with unknown pros and cons," I stated, "For one, the strategy can backfire and cause us a lot more trouble than it needs to."

"You're just angry because you didn't get to lick my horn, aren't you," Skipper deadpanned. And my blood pressure just skyrocketed.

My blood pressure skyrocketed as I flared my nostrils at her, "For the last time, I wasn't trying to lick your horn! I simply wanted to carry some tests!"

Skipper simply turned her back to me with a humph and a "pervert..." remark that made me pop a vein, if that is even possible of course. Honestly I only wanted to take a closer look and maybe test its function somehow. But no~, Skipper had to punch me in the face the moment I tried to take a whiff. 

I shook my head; dwelling on the past will do me no good. I need to get into the spirit of a jailer here. 

“Alright then,” I turned toward our prisoners, “Twinkle Toes, Rotten Breath, I urge you to make this easier on all of us with your cooperation. What were you two doing out in the halls?”

I signal Skipper and she removed the gags from both of them. Rotten Breath was the first to yell, “We will never squeal you dirty little bug!”

“Yeah, you'll not break us!” Twinkle Toes answered with confidence.

I shook my head with disappointment, “Guess we’ll have to do it the hard way.”

“Oh, so you're going to torture us now?” Rotten Breath spat, “You monster.”

“Or maybe he's going to hypnotize us, right?” Twinkle Toes sneered.

“Not really a fan of either of those two options,” I deadpanned, “Though, I do think a little persuasion is needed.” 

I pick up a nearby copper wire, “I will tie one of Rotten Breath’s most rotten tooth, tie to the door and slam it as hard as I can. " Rotten Breath gasped then crunched his lips under his teeth. 
I turned to Twinkle Toe, "Then I will stuff the peculiar tooth in Twinkle Toes’ gag before putting both of you inside that box.” Twinkle Toes turned paler than white.

I smiled wholeheartedly at their horror-struck faces. Rotten Breath however regained his composure. 

“I will never break! No matter how painful it will be, I will endure it, I will…”

“We were out patrolling the halls, following a routine schedule!” Wow, that was fast.

Rotten Breath looked at his partner with betrayal in his expression and said, “Twinkle Toes! How could you!?” 

“I’d rather have all the love sucked out of me than to have your breath in my mouth.” 

Ouch; for someone whose name is Rotten Breath I’m guessing that got to hurt. 

“Would it kill you to wash your mouth every once in a while?” Twinkle Toes asked disgusted.

“But my breath is my strongest weapon,” Okay, I’ve had enough of this, I gave Skipper the signal and she nodded in agreement. 

“Without it we would have…” 

With a flash of green, Rotten Breath was hit in the back of the head by Skipper and he fell to the floor asleep.

“You didn’t have to do that!” Protested Twinkle Toes.

“Your bickering would have wasted a lot of my precious time,” he gulped in fear. I guess that turned out a lot darker than I would have intended. Oh well, moving on. 

“Now tell me everything I need to know.”

“Alright, just please, could you turn Rotten Breath’s mouth away, it’s making me sick,” He gagged when his unconscious partner slumped toward him.

I had to agree with him there. In this confined space, Rotten Breath’s stench was getting really bad.  





"Okay, let's review the plan one more time," Skipper fidgeted within her borrowed armor, clearly uncomfortable with it, "You go there, identify yourself, tell Captain Armor that some ponies tried to break into the castle but we apprehended them, and that he needs to sign a few forms in his office." 

When she didn't look me in the eye, I asked, "Skipper, are we clear on the plan?"

Skipper mumbled to herself while trying to fix the position of her legs, "How did Twinkle Toes wear this? The leather inside has worn off and needs changing."

"Skipper. Are we clear on the plan?" I barked.

She finally looked up to me. "Yeah, yeah," She casually waved her hoof in front of my face, "Get Shining Armor into his office. Not hard at all."

I sighed. "Here," I passed to her a small, seashell like piece of metal attached to a near invisible string when she finished adjusting her armor, "Put this in your ear."

"What is it?" 

"It'll help us stay in touch during the operation," I lifted the thin string attached to it, then the can attached at the other end of the string, "If I am going to give you any additional instruction, it should be done discreetly. That's where this comes in."

Skipper inspected the gadget with suspicion, "And this is suppose to work?"

I took the device from her and stuffed it in her ear, then took the can and yelled, "It does work!"

Skipper yelped in surprise and pulled it out, then looked at me flabbergasted, "How... ?" she asked.  

"It's in the shape," I answered while picking the earpiece up and fixing the dent caused by throwing it down, "It should come in handy in case you're in trouble."

Suddenly, an explosion rippled through the halls. I looked at Skipper, handed her the earpiece, then went into hiding, "You know what to do."

Skipper donned a serious expression, wore the earpiece, then her helmet; "Ready," she affirmed.

We walked slowly toward the explosion. I quickly realized that this was the hall that leads to the courtroom.  The plan was simple; tail Skipper to make sure that she isn’t going to get us killed. To do that I need to remain invisible. So when i heard hoofsteps other than our own, I quickly dashed toward the shadows of the wall  I quickly dashed toward the shadows of the wall to hide while Skipper remained in the middle of the hallway. 

Skipper looked at me a bit unsure of herself. "Just keep going,"I whispered in the can. She nodded and continued her march with stoic steps.

I kept following her from the shadows of the decorations. A vase here, a suit of armor there, and whatever fabric I can hide under. Noticing the movements in the front, I raced toward a nearby bust that somehow remained mostly intact and hid behind. I watched calmly as the pair of guards passed by my hiding place without noticing my presence. 
I scanned the hall for my accomplice and caught her around the corner. Skipper had walked further than I would have liked. I tried to hide myself by using the dim light and the overcast of armors as cover while I moved down the hallway. I finally caught up with her at the looming door of the courtroom, where I chose a nearby set of decorative armor to hide underneath.

The first thing I did was make sure that no one noticed me. When I realized that everyone was busy with the door and no one even gave me a shrug, I turned my attention toward a rather unexpected and unpleasant sight. 

“Why can't this thing open!?” She was pink, kicking at the giant steel door of the courtroom.

“Well, Princess,” the guard stuttered, “This room was originally designed by Princess Luna as her personal theater. She wanted it to open from the inside so that no one would disturb her when viewing a performance.”

“But we bombed it three freaking times already!” She screamed, her pinkness showed with every motion she made. And it wasn’t the frou-frou type of pink for little girls like the one inside either. This was the back allay pink of crushed dreams and hopelessness.   

“Well, your highness,” the guard cowered, “She also wanted it break proof.”

“Then why hasn’t anyone opened it from the inside already!? Does it turn everyone deaf as well?” She let out a scream of frustration, I really hate that kind of pink.

“That might be because we inadvertently made it sound and vibration proof in the process.” 

She turned toward the guard and almost immediately he was on all four apologizing, “I’m sorry princess Cadenza, didn’t mean for sarcasm. I was simply pointing the facts.”

I turned toward Skipper, she was standing there, rather transfixed at the scenery. "What are you doing?" I whispered into the can, "Get in there and get going!"

"I can't," she whispered back, "She'll kill me!"

Oh for the love of... "You are Twinkle Toes! She will not recognize you," I snarled in a hushed voice, "Now either get in there or I will dissect you before the day's end!" 

She gulped loudly as she followed my instructions. But the moment she took a step forward, she realized something rather terrifying. Every eye in that tiny corridor was staring at her. To say that she froze would be an understatement.

"Hey Toes, can I help you with anything?" Shining waved his hoof. Skipper visibly stiffened at his approached while I felt the urge to facepalm.

"I, uh...I..." 

Crap, stage fright. I did not see that coming. 

"I..."

"Tell him the passcode!" I whispered into the can.

"Oh! Love will conquer all. Sir!!" 

Yes, saved the day. 

Part of the tension around us was lifted, Shining Armor let out a hearty laugh. “You were supposed to wait until I ask 'To whom we fight?' Twinkle," Skipper mouthed 'sorry' in response while he winked a smile, "It's alright; anything new to report?"

“A bunch of ponies broke in,” Skipper answered as Twinkle Toes. “We apprehended them of course, but not without a light scuffle. I left Rotten Breath with them in the dungeon.” Her tone was so automated, it sounded like she was trying to recite an assay in literature class. "I require you to come to your office and sign the necessary papers. Sir!"

Captain Armor and the pink with a crown both looked at Skipper with an incredulous look on their face, “Is that so?” Shining asked.

“Yes sir,” Skipper said, “Is there anything else you would like us to do?” 

“No,” Shining stated blandly, “Carry on with your patrol.”

Skipper nodded, then marched her way back. I followed, trailing behind in the shadows to our predesignated rendezvous point. Once we reached the second floor decorative corridor, Skipper turned toward me excitedly. “That was awesome!" She cheered, "Do you think it worked?"

I look at her flabbergasted. "That was awful!" Her initial cheer turning into sadness, "I'm surprised they believed it."

"I'm surprised you thought we did." 

Gah! When did Armor get behind me? With so many soldiers behind him.

Okay this plan is falling apart. 

Seeing my reaction, He rolled his eyes at me, "Apprehend?" he retorted mockingly, "Light scuffle? Sir!!? You do realize that lieutenant Twinkle Toe and the oaf with him sergeant Rotten Breath never ever used words higher than elementary school level, right?"

"I figured that out early," I deadpanned. Considering that I talked with the most educated of them for about an hour, I wasn't impressed to say the least, "She, on the other hoof," I rolled my eyes at Skipper, "Did not."

"Hey!" Skipper protested, "Anyone would get nervous if everyone was looking at them weirdly. Besides, you don't know how scary it is to be next to... to..." It's odd that Skipper would trail off like that. I looked at her, and realized that she was horror-struck by something.

"Next to whom? If I may ask," The pink pony princess asked as she came into view. I stared between the pink princess and Skipper for a moment before realizing what she was doing. 

"Please ignore her," I poked Skipper, and noticed her swaying. Immediately, I grabbed the spear from her as she fell on the ground unflinching, "She's just playing dead."

"I see." She lowered her raised eyebrow and, with a small gesture of her hoof, she ordered the soldiers to part ways as she walked toward us,  “Had you not come to us, you could have escaped you know.”

“That wasn’t my intentions,” I stated with confidence while playing around with the spear to show an air of aloofness.

“Oh?” she seemed surprised by this, “And what were your intentions?” That came more like a threat than a question.

“I needed answers,” I stated with calmed assertion. She just raised an eyebrow again at me, “You see, it seems my own race hates my guts. So I can’t just go out there and search for a changeling to get my answers. That would probably be more dangerous than having an already asserted rational pony to ask.”

“I see,” she said with her voice showing off her guard toward me though she had yet to show outright hostility, “Unfortunately, I have yet to decide to trust one of your kind with my husband alone after what happened last time.”

“In my defense, I only wanted to use the first floor because it has a greater escape openings.” My heart started racing. I have yet to gauge whether she is openly hostile or simply cautious. Her puffed chest and stiff wings are a sign of someone on their guard and ready to attack, but somehow she maintains a neutral voice and a calm demeanor. Although, Skipper’s reaction to her presence is also disconcerting; dealing with her could be tricky. 
It's a given then, I need to change the subject if I ever want her to relax. “A proper introduction is in order I suppose,” I took a curt bow, “my name is Support Pillar. I woke up yesterday in your dungeon with no memories of who I am, or what I am for that matter, and I simply wish for some answers to my more pressing concerns so that I can figure out what to do from here.” right now, my best course of action is a declaration of intentions.

The pink one thought for a bit, “Alright, I’ll play along with your little charade,” she said with a daring attitude, “My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, third princess to the throne of Equestria. But everyone call me Princess Cadence.”

“Alright, Princess Cadenza," Now we're getting somewhere, "May I start by asking why are these trials taking place in the first place?”

“Well, I’m sure you know the gist of it. Changelings kidnapped me and tried to take over the Kingdom.” the iciness of her speech turned the room into a freezer. I should have guessed she would be this uncooperative. Her stare shifted toward me like a hawk in search of his prey, "And may I ask about your story?" 

“From what I have gathered, , I dropped into existence sometime after the fight and ended up being struck on the wall,” I replied casually while  she just nodded along, “But I’m sure a high ranking politician such as yourself would probably have at least some common knowledge of my own happenstance; especially since your own husband seemed to have taken interest in me.” 

“You’re not too keen on opening up,” she concluded.

“Right back at you.” that elicited a smile; not a malicious smile I think, but far from a warm one. "You see princess, I prefer a relationship of give and take," I elaborated, "You'll take from me exactly what  you give me."

“I admire your honesty mister Support, but you don’t have a choice in the matter,” her smile grew confident, ““you see, you are surrounded. I can give a signal and you’ll be captured in mere moments." Now that is a big mistake, showing me her play like that. She’s definitely a rookie politician that one.

I faked a laugh and her smile faltered. “You seem pretty confident for someone who doesn’t know much about what is happening,” Of course, I have nothing in my hooves to pressure her with, so I’m going to bluff, “I bested both soldiers that my partner paraded in as one of them. And trust me, those ponies inside that court thought I’d be dead before the trial was over. They had no idea what I had in store…”

It took all my might to remain composed as she thrust her horn in my face. Her hate filled eyes were like daggers thrown at me, the air suddenly had the taste of a hot, boiling broth to it. “If anyone’s hurt, I will skin you alive.” I suddenly felt a burning sensation, akin to acid being dropped on me, but I stayed firm.

“Nothing major,” My answer sounded like I was referring to a very normal occurrence. I twirled the spear in my hoof and calmly pushed her horn out of my face with it. “We tied the guards up in a janitor’s closet, and I bored the court to sleep with a lecture. They should be fine by the morning.”

"You're lying!"

Tsk, she's going to be difficult, "Why would I lie? I have nothing to lose," For some reason that made her roll her eyes at me, "Just check the janitor's closet at the third floor. They're probably knocked off and snoozing calmly inside the large brown box with holes on the side."

With a swift motion from Shining Armor, two of the guards were sent off to the third floor.

With a single nod from her husband, Princess Cadenza returned her attention to me, "Now, about what happened in that courtroom."

I sighed, "I told you already, they are asleep." 

“And I'm saying that's impossible. My aunts should have lower the sun and raise the moon already, so the fact that they didn't do it means that something apocalyptic happened." ... Really, that again? I really need to debunk this myth once and for all,  or… "Stop that; why are you looking at me like that?” She responded to my stink eye.

“Because being able to raise the sun and the moon is as bogus as it sounds.” Enough is enough. I will not stand for Galileo’s work to be tarnished by talking Equines, no matter which universe I am in. “Have any of you ever looked through a telescope? Studied the movement of the stars and the planets? Realized that the world is round by crossing the globe? Honestly, every time you speak it makes me think you are from the middle ages.”

This time, she raised her brow in shock, “But we did study the sun and the moon and their non-ιππάριο trajectories! The movement of the stars that drift with the mental fortitude of their harbinger. And we know for a fact that the end of the world begins somewhere near the Eldritch sea off of the coast of the merfolk isles, about an ocean from here; but we are not stupid enough to go where even the sea dragons of Azure sea fear to tread!”

What? 

But I…

That’s not…

WHAAAAA????

Not knowing the names was the least of my problems. Why the hell would someone be named a pony in Greek? What would that astronomical trajectory even be like? Why didn’t any one of them go and explore the edge of the world? And where the hell do I find those sea dragons?

One of the guards that Shining Armor sent returned and he whispered something into the captain's ear before returning to his position. "Good news honey," Shining interrupted, "Twinkle Toes and Rotten Breath are sleeping safely where he said they would be."  

"If he wasn't lying about this, then..." Princess Cadenza looked up but instead of seeing the 'I told you so' expression she was expecting, she saw me still trying to wrap my head around the info dump I just received; which is something akin to  being punched in the middle one's face while maintaining a lucid frown pointed toward nothing. “You don’t seem right in the head, are you?” Oh hush princess, your softening expression is meaningless to me.

A chuckle was heard from my side. I flipped the spear on its head then struck the ground with its butt. Only to hit the rock so hard they cracked. My intended target glared at me angrily, “You could have hit me with that!” Skipper protested.

“If you ever play dead in my presence again, I will strike you with the sharp edge of the spear,” I threatened while she gulped.

I sighed deeply  as I faced the nobles again. I wished I wasn't forced into admitting it, but I see no alternative to gaining an ally in my situation. I turned toward the Princess Cadenza, “Unfortunately I have amnesia, and as reality crashed with my personality, my memories seemed to lean toward a… shall I say, otherworldly knowledge uncommon to this world.”

“Is that a fact now?” Cadenza asked, “You know, by our laws, we can’t trial someone suffering from memory loss or memory manipulation until said memory is restored to its fullest capacity.”

“Where does it say that?”

“Article 5 section 18, and again in article 7 section 25,” Skipper was the one to provide me with the answer. I remember that bit last night, or the night before if these equines are telling the truth. How could I have missed that? “Should I also provide you with a quotation?”

I turned toward Skipper, “No Thank you,” I said in my most hate filled voice ever.

Cadenza seemed to have an idea, “You know, if you used that in court, it might have saved your hide.”

…

Is that a fact now? “But I am a changeling, your laws don’t apply on me!” That’s right, they are ponies, I am from a different race entirely.

“No, our law is applied on all sentient species of Equestria, changelings included,” Cadenza stated calmly, “During the first day of the trials, the trial was for a changeling called Lovecraft used it as a defense. She claimed it to be a hive mind effect on them, but after an in-depth screening of her mind, which took all night by the way, showed little to no residual effect of said control over her mind.” 

...

Boy, the ceiling sure looks great from this angle. 

“Actually, my aunts were so incensed by the trials of yesterday that they decided to go the route of mercilessness rather than continue with the actual trial.”

What was that now? “Can you explain to me what exactly happened yesterday? I was out cold the entire day.”

Cadenza looked at me with disgust. I could tell it wasn’t aimed at me but the air suddenly became nauseating, “It was a farce,” She said with the utmost revolt and I began feeling queasy, “The prisoners boasted their actions like it was a contest, the nameless ones where lifeless on the dais while the one with names were indifferent to the suffering they caused, indifferent to the death and destruction in their wake.”

That… suddenly makes a lot of sense, “For what is worth, I apologies on behalf of any action I may or may not have taken during the invasion.”

Cadenza suddenly turned toward me, her expression softening a bit. “I think this might be the first time I ever heard those words from one of your kind,” she said, “I thank you for that.”

“No need,” I blush. 

Skipper gave me a nudge, when I looked at her she gave me a wink.

I turned the other way rolling my eyes.  

“Still, this doesn’t solve your problem,” the princess returned to her regal form, “your charges will probably now include tampering with the raising of the sun and the moon. This is a much serious charge than let’s say, being a changeling.”

“I can lecture them as to how that isn’t possible,” I deadpanned.

“They’ll bring scholars and evidence to prove you wrong,” I guess I shouldn’t expect the same thing to work twice in a row, “You can still use articles 5 and 7.”

“Yes, but my biggest problem would be that I’d be entering the trials with already everyone wanting me guilty,” That can seriously hamper the seeking of justice, and the end of my life.

“May I offer a suggestion?”

“And what would that be?” I asked.

“How would you like if I screened your mind?”

Did I just hear her correctly? “Weren’t you threatening me with capture a little while ago?”

“I changed my mind,” she seemed too nonchalant when saying that, “You interest me.”

“Where is the catch?” 

“No catch, just an honest attempt at understanding the most peculiar changeling around.”

“Will it hurt?”

That elicited a laugh from her, “It shouldn’t.”

That isn’t convincing, “Do I have any other choice?”

“Not if you want one of the judges to do it.”

Skipper took a step between us, “You aren’t seriously considering yourself doing this, are you?” 

I pat her on her head, “Of course I am! Now please Skipper, step aside.” 

“Are you sure you want to trust her? As a changeling, you don’t have the greatest history; especially with her.”

“I am well aware that she wants something else from me other than what we agreed upon.” That seemed to have miffed the princess. Honestly, I wasn’t born yesterday; though technically I was. Still what did she expect? That I’d be unaware of the gains and the risks? “But I don’t have anything else to lose. Even if the price is steep, I want to know exactly what’s going on in my head.”  

Reluctantly, Skipper stepped out of my way, “Besides,” I exclaimed with a smile on my face, “if things go south, I’ll have you.” That brought her smile back.

“Are you ready?” Cadenza asked while taking a step forward.

“What should I do?”

“First close your eyes,” I closed them, “Relax,” I took a deep breath, “And embrace eternity!” Her voice suddenly echoed.

I felt a hit on my forehead. I tried to open my eyes to see what happened but I couldn’t, then suddenly I felt myself falling.





Ouch, my head.

I raised my hand to see if there is a bump… MY HAND!!!

Oh sweet opposable thumbs, I am happy that you are back!

Why can I hear my own thoughts like echoes? 

Wait, where am I anyway?

Everything is so white.

And is that Krebs cycle floating around?

“Princess Cadenza!!” 

This place is weird.

What are you?

Who said that?

Wow!

That blue heart just appeared from nowhere.

Is that Princess Cadenza?

Yes, that’s me Support. The real question is what are you?

Support Pillar? Oh wait that’s the name I go by.

What do you mean?

Support Pillar is the meaning of my name, my real name is…

Don’t say your name!

Who said that?

What’s going on?

You need to leave. NOW!

No you can’t!

Stop!

Get Out of my HEAD!!

I can’t breathe! 

Help!





Someone caught me from falling, “Breathe!” She ordered.

I grabbed onto her, then started to wheeze. As air filled my lungs, I started to get a hold of my surroundings. And it seemed we are surrounded by… ten guards with their spears pointed at us.

“What happened?” I asked

“You fell on the ground shaking with the spell backfiring on the princess,” Skipper said without looking at me, “Then these guys came,” she kept monitoring her their spears that were trained at us.

I tried to get myself up on my feet. I wobbled at first, but then found my balance again. “Princess Cadenza! What happened?” I yelled.

“Capture him!” Was her response, “But no harm is to come to him! As of now, Support Pillar is an important asset of ours.”

Important asset? Like hell I am! After everything I went through and she still thinks she can put a leash on me? 

“What about the other one?” One of the guards asked.

“Same treatment.”

Well, that was unexpected. “Just hold it!” I yelled, “What the hell is going on here?”

“If I may,” It took Cadenza one word for the guards to part ways, “While under my spell, something unexpected came up. There is a powerful entity inside your head that threw me out!” She clarified without clarifying anything to me, “Which is why I think you need more help than what I can give you in a corridor,” She took a step back, and the guards assumed their advance, “Don’t make this more difficult than it should be.”

“And you’re expecting me to just trust you after everything that happened?”

A moment of silence reigned. 

“Yes?” Cadenza said in presuming voice.

“I have had far too many close encounters with ponies for a twenty-four hour period to never trust another one of you in my life!” I leaned over to Skipper and whispered, “Do you still remember plan C?”

“We’re not leaving you with a lot of choice, Support,”  said a stern male’s voice. When did Captain Armor came here? “Either surrender now or I’ll force you to it.”

"Is that the one where you fly away from here?” Skipper whispered back.

I buzzed my wings angrily at her. Her face turned into realization, “Sorry, forgot you can’t fly either.”

The guards formed a semi-circle around us. 

“I can probably carry both of us though.”

I quickly grabbed onto her then jumped toward the window.

Broken glass shattered all around us. I took a peek down below me… Oh my God that’s a long way down.

…

Why am I still in place? I looked at Skipper. She was buzzing her wings as fast as she could, but that only made her hover in place.

“You’re heavy,” she concluded out of breath.

“So,” Shining Armor said yelled a sneer on his face, “Ready to talk things over?” 

“Sure,” I answered, “Just one thing, HELP ME ALREADY!”