//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9 
// Story: The Blueblood Chronicles 
// by No One and Nobody 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 9: A Turn for the Worse.


"I'm gonna mith you thoooo much," said Lily Blossom, squeezing Blueblood till his eyes bulged out, "Do you haf to go?"

"I'm afraid so Lily. The princess requested that I return to Canterlot immediately," said Blueblood, "But I'll be back."

Probably when I have another problem, Blueblood thought as he shared a secretive wink with Stormwing.

"Then thay hewo to da pwinthess fow me."

"I will."

"It sure was good ta see ya my boy," said Leather Loafer, thumping him on the back, "Sorry we didn't do much while you was here. We were kinda busy with Stormy."

"Oh I assure you I had a wonderful time," said Blueblood, "Thank you for putting up with me."

"Your no bother dearie," said Studious, "Come back anytime."

"Till we meet again Stormy," said Blueblood.

"Till then," said Stormwing, "And might I say, I'm looking forward to it."

Stormwing hugged Blueblood one last time before before he climbed into the royal chariot bound for Canterlot.





"I'M HOME!" yelled Blueblood as he entered the throne room.

Celestia started in shock and dropped the papers she had been signing.

"Sorry Auntie," Blueblood said, fetching the documents from off the floor and passing them back to his aunt.

"Oh no, it's fine Blueblood," said Celestia, sorting through the jumbled mess, "Did you have a nice time in Manehattan?"

"Oh yes Auntie. I'd like to go back as soon as I can. I only came back because you said you needed me for the Fall Festival."

"Yes," said Celestia, "I would like you to plan the festival because I have been rather... well... busy with my royal duties."

You can say that again.

"Anyway, one of my assistants, Properly Filed, will help you plan the festival. He has past experience with it so if you have any questions just ask him."

"Got it," said Blueblood turning to a gray earth pony.

Properly Filed had coke-bottle spectacles and a well-kept short mane. There was not an extra frill or flourish on him.

"My prince," he said, bowing low.

"Well Properly, shall we go?" Blueblood asked.

"Yes of course my prince."

"He does that a lot," whispered Celestia, "He's awful stuffy but I have never had a better assistant. Just tell him to call you Blueblood and he will."

"Got it. Well, let's go Properly."

"Oh course my prince."

"You can just call me Blueblood," said Blueblood as the two walked out of the throne room.

"Yes my pr-... Blueblood."





"Well," said Blueblood, as he and Properly sat around a desk in Blueblood's office, "My aunt said you know everything there is to know about the Fall Festival, so, what's first?"

"Well the basic design for the festival hasn't changed in over a hundred thousand moons..." said Properly, "The tradition was started by Celestia and Luna's parents, Solar Flare and Starry Sky when one year they barely had enough harvest to feed their subjects. The next year the harvest was so bountiful and the subjects were so grateful that they had a festival, which has been celebrated every year since..."

Blueblood yawned and looked out the window.

It wasn't that this wasn't interesting, it was just that Properly had such a dull way of speaking and Blueblood had more on his mind than party-planning.

I wonder how Stormwing is feeling. I think I'll write him when this meeting's over.

Properly Filed's voice faded to a background drone.

Yadda, yadda, yadda. Does he ever stop?

Blueblood found himself counting the number of royal guards in formation outside.

"But the singularly most important aspect to a successful Fall Festival is proper promotion, which is best handled by society. If you want anypony in Canterlot to attend a social get-together, you have to get the right ponies to come. I know that you prince have several connections and that makes you the perfect pony to spread the news to the general public, and... Are you even listening to me?"

"Hmm?" said Blueblood, his head jerking up, "Yeah, Starry Flare and Solar Sky founded the festival after a especially bountiful public and it's been celebrated unchanged since I made friends in high society. Heard every word."

Properly adjusted his glasses.

"Yes, you heard every word, just not in the correct order. I understand if your majesty needs to recuperate after your long journey. We can discuss this tomorrow if you wish."

"Yes," said Blueblood, faking a yawn, "To be honest I am feeling rather pooped. Goodnight Properly."

Properly left and Blueblood yanked out parchment and quill.

Blueblood didn't really feel tired at all, he had spent the ride back enjoying snacks prepared by Studious and napping, but if it bought him time from planning this party and allowed him to write Stormwing, then he wasn't going to complain.

Blueblood sat for an eternity composing a 'thank you', 'get well soon' and 'I can't wait to come back' letter to Stormwing's family.

When he finally finished and sealed it into an envelope, the moon had been up for hours and his candle had almost burnt out.

So Blueblood extinguished the candle and tucked himself in for the night.





Blueblood adjusted his tie and examined himself in the mirror.

He was getting ready for the Wonderbolts derby and he couldn't wait.

This wasn't meant to be just a social affair though. Properly had instructed him to drop information about the Fall Festival to get Canterlot chatting. He was also keeping in mind Stormwing's advice about being a good influence on ponies. On top of that he was hoping to enjoy himself.

This isn't going to be a walk in the Canterlot Gardens.

The bell tower struck one and Blueblood started.

He would have to hurry or he would be late for the derby. Despite being advised about the technique of being, 'fashionably late' Blueblood still considered it inconsiderate to do such a thing.

With a short farewell hollered to his preoccupied aunt, Blueblood left the castle and climbed into a chariot.





"Welcome back Blueblood!" said Silver Dollar extending a hoof in greeting, "how was your trip to Manehattan?"

"Quite agreeable, Silver Dollar," said Blueblood.

He had learned the difference between serious questions and pleasantries since he met Silver Dollar, who was prone to asking the later more frequently.

"And how have you been since I left?"

"Oh fine, fine. But you know Canterlot hasn't been quite the same without you. May I get you a drink?"

It was the same old spiel. Silver Dollar and Blueblood would exchange pleasantries, one would offer the other a drink, they would inquire about each others health and by then, they were usually distracted by other ponies. Blueblood had come to treasure the unscripted conversations he had with Stormwing.

I wonder how he's doing?

"So Blueblood, any new gossip from the palace?" asked Absurdly Rich, wife of Insanely Rich.

Properly had instructed Blueblood not to blurt out the information all at once.

"Possibly," he started, leaving room for inquiries.

"Your drink, your Highness," said a pretty mare, bringing Blueblood his champagne.

"Thank you," said Blueblood, handing her a few bits, "and you may call me Blueblood."

The mare looked at him in shock. To address royalty by first name was unheard of for a pony of her class distinction.

"What was that all about?" asked Silver Dollar when the mare scurried away, "Why on Equus would you tell her to call you Blueblood?"

"You call me that," said Blueblood shrugging, "Why not let everypony?"

"Oh I get it," said Absurdly, "She IS a pretty mare."

She prodded Blueblood in the ribs.

"But you know you could do so much better Blueblood. I know this mare, (She happens to be my niece as a matter a fact) much more what you would look for in a marefriend."

Blueblood rolled his eyes.

"Absurdly Rich, I'm not in the market for a marefriend. I just thought it would be nice to treat servant ponies like more than dirt."

"A noble ideal but truly antiquated nowadays," said Silver Dollar chuckling.

"Who says it needs to be?"

"Society my boy."

"And am I not at the pinnacle of society?"

Silver Dollar shuffled uneasily.

"Um, well, no. That would be the princess."

"Who I'm sure would do nothing but agree with me."

"You don't speak for her though."

"Then I shall speak TO her tonight."

Blueblood and Silver Dollar stared at each other for several moments before Silver Dollar sighed.

"I suppose that social norms are meant to be broken."

Blueblood smiled. He'd really had nothing to worry about in the first place. These ponies would follow him no matter what.

"Blueblood," interrupted La Jeune Fille de Lis, eager to change the subject, "Is there any news of the Fall Festival?"

"Well..."

"Oh do tell," said La Jeune Fille de Lis's husband, Cheval de Lis, "Canterlot is so dull this time of year with social gatherings."

They all knew Blueblood was instructed to act this way though. That is the way it was always done.

"Well... We might be having a Fall Festival in the works."

"Go on," said Absurdly.

"Well, it's still in just the planning stages and we are nowhere near complete, but I can tell you-"

"Telegram for Prince Blueblood," said a mailpony.

"Thank you so much," said Blueblood, handing the mailpony a few bits, "Have a nice day."

"What does the letter say?" asked Silver Dollar, showing polite interest.

Blueblood had been reading the paper and slowly getting more and more pale.

He darted away and back to the palace, leaving the letter to float slowly to the ground.

"Wait!" called La Jeune Fille de Lis, "You were telling us about the Fall Festival!"

With an indignant harrumph, she and Cheval, left for their home.

"What's got him so worked up?" asked Insanely.

Silver Dollar picked up the letter and read it.

"Oh, nothing," he said balling up the paper and tossing it into the trash can, "Just something about somepony named Stromwing being sick."

"Stormwing?" said Absurdly, considering the name, "Never heard of that family. Must be some commoner the prince associates with. Oh but don't tell him I said that."

"But of course."





Blueblood made the trip from Canterlot to Manehattan in record timing.

Leather Loafer was waiting to pick him up at their home.

"How is he?!" Blueblood screeched upon touchdown, "What happened? When did this happen?"

"I'll tell ya on the way there," said Leather Loafer, putting a hoof on the young prince's shoulder.

They got in a cab and headed toward Manehattan General Hospital.

Blueblood had been there less than a month ago when he had first visited Stormwing.

"Well?"

Leather Loafer sighed.

This whole ordeal had drained him of his usual energy and life. The once vibrant and happy face now looked tired and old, like it had been worrying for years.

"You remember how Stormwing could sorta get around?"

"Yes, by flapping the one wing and walking/hopping. What about it?"

"Well... One day, Lily took him for a walk. It wasn't her fault. She doesn't really understand what happened to him. He didn't want to say no, so they walked around Central Park together, that is if you could call what Stormwing did walking."

"And?"

"Well, it re-opened some wounds we had thought healed. We didn't think too much of it, but, apparently we didn't clean it out as well as was needed. An infection spread through his wing and they had to amputate it yesterday."

Blueblood felt a rock drop in his stomach.

An infection. Amputate? Oh Celestia, not Stormwing. Not my best friend.

"They've kept him at Manehattan General, but they say there's not much hope."

"Don't worry Leather," Blueblood said, denial in his voice, "He'll be fine. Stormwing's always fine."

"Blueblood, they've stopped trying. The infection's spread way to far for any hope of curing it. Stormwing wanted you to come..."

Don't say it.

"So he could say goodbye."

Blueblood's head dropped down and Leather Loafer saw tears stream down the stallion's muzzle.

"It's okay," he said, patting Blueblood.

Blueblood's face swung up. Tears had been replaced by anger.

"No Leather, it's NOT okay. You and your family are always okay but this is NOT! Stormwing might... Stormwing will..."

Blueblood's voice trailed off.

"Die," he finally finished, "How is that okay?"

"We're here," came the cab pony's voice.

Leather Loafer and Blueblood dismounted and Leather began to pay but the cabbie raised a hoof.

"No sir, that's okay. You just get in there and see your son. I'm terribly sorry."

"Thank you," said Leather, as he and Blueblood turned and walked into the hospital.





"Stormwing?!?!" Blueblood exclaimed, bursting into his friend's room.

"He's asleep," said Studious.

Studious, Aneighdeus and Lily sat around Stormwing's hospital bed where lay a sleeping Stormwing.

"I don't fink I wike Kooky anymore," said Lily, hugging her middle brother, "When's Stowmy gonna wake up?"

As if on cue, Stormwing stirred.

"Hey Lily," he said, smiling, "My ears were burning. Were you talking about me?"

"Stowmwing, I don't wike it hewe anymowe. When awe we going home?"

"We can go home if you want," said Studious.

"Can Stowmy come too?" asked Lily.

"I'm afraid not dear."

Lily grabbed her brother's hoof.

"Den I'm staying hewe too," she said with confidence.

Then, Blueblood caught her eye.

"'Gasp' BWUEBWOOD! Hey Stowmwing, Bwuebwood's back!"

"Long time no see eh?" Stormwing said, grinning, "What's it been. One... Two weeks? Sheesh Blueblood, Can you really not get along one month without me?"

"Aw don't joke about this Stormwing," said Blueblood earnestly.

"Lily," said Studious, "Why don't we all go to the cafeteria and get some hay fries?"

"Okay," said Lily.

Lily, Studious, Aneighdeus and Leather Loafer all left the room.

"My parents have always had exceptional timing," said Stormwing.

He laughed. After a few moments he had to stop because of the pain. He put a hoof on his chest.

"Brings a whole new meaning to 'laugh till it hurts' eh? Well, sit down and stay a while."

Blueblood eased into a chair.

"Well," said Stormwing, sensing the awkwardness of the situation, "This is a change isn't it? Usually you're the one with the problem? Guess it's me this time."

"Quit joking," said Blueblood, "You could die."

"Blueblood I am going to die."

"Don't say that."

"What? We're all dying. Some are just closer than others."

"Death is no joke."

"Well what do you want me to do?" Stormwing asked, "Sit around and grouch like you?" he crossed his hooves and put on a pouty expression, "No way. If these are my last... you know, days, I don't want to waste a single one."

Blueblood looked at his hooves.

"But why do you have to be so happy about it?"

"You remember when my grandfather died?"

Blueblood nodded.

"I've tried misery. I decided I didn't like it."

"Well sometimes you can't get around misery."

"Where there's a will..."

"I guess I don't have that will."

"Yeah you do, you just don't know you do," said Stormwing, his eyelids sinking.

Blueblood jumped up from his chair.

"Stormwing? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm just..."

Stormwing's head slumped to the side.

"STORMWING!" Blueblood yelled.

"I,I'm okay," said Stormwing, shaking his head.

"Should I get a nurse?"

"No, there's nothing they can do. Look Blueblood, I just want to say, you're the best friend I've ever had."

"You're mine too," said Blueblood, tears trickling down his face.

"Also, never let ponies change you into something you're not."

"But you did."

Stormwing laughed.

"You had the good in you when we first met. I saw it when you first helped me. I just had to find some way to bring it out."

He coughed.

"Blueblood?"

"Yes?"

"Please tell my family... that I love them."

With that Stormwing's eyes closed for the final time and his head slumped on the pillowcase.

"STORMWING?!" shouted Blueblood.

When he realized his friend was gone, his head hung forward onto the bed and he started to cry.

"Stormwing," he said to himself, trying to comfort him.

Leather Loafer, Studious, Aneighdeus and Lily walked back in with hay fries and daffodil and daisy sandwiches.

"Stormwing?" Leather asked.

"Oh Celestia," said Studious, dropping the food and rushing to her son's side.

Aneighdeus lowered his head in remorse. One small tear fell from his face.

Leather went to go get and nurse and Lily Blossom just stood around, confused.

"Aneighdeus? What's gowing on?"

Aneighdeus didn't answer.

"Mommy? Blueblood?"

She went over to the bed and shook Stormwing.

"Stormwing? No time fow naps. Get up."

The youthful innocence slowly began to drain from her face.

"Get up... Stowmwing?"