//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Growing Tensions // Story: An Unsung Hero // by TheDimensionRift //------------------------------// Tempest had risen bright and early, much as he did every morning with his grandfather; of course, SwirlingStar was nowhere to be seen in the cottage, but Tempest didn’t worry, his grandfather never ventured far from home without his grandson by his side. Tempest had already fixed his bed, bathed, and was now in the process of making breakfast for both he and his grandfather. The iron skillet on the fire sizzled and filled the cottage with a sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar. Multitasking, the unicorn also had several strips of hay bacon cooking on a separate skillet. Tempest’s attention was drawn to the sound of the shutting front door, followed by SwirlingStar waltzing into the kitchen with his nose twitching. “Smells like you’ve got breakfast going,” the withered stallion said as he found a seat at the kitchen table. “Yes, it’s Prench Toast and Hay Bacon, there’s also some orange juice if you’d like some.” Tempest still had his back to his grandfather as he brought out two plates and forks and flew them to the table with food on them. He then began to place two empty glasses by the plates, a quick bolt of gold magic later and the glasses were filled with orange juice. “You were outside, so I take it you paid grandma a visit?” “Yup, had ourselves a good talk, reminiscing about the old days when we were younger.” SwirlingStar took a sip of his juice before he proceeded to eat his toast. “Says she misses you, maybe you should pay her a visit some time today.” “I will, but I think I’ll pay Daisy a visit, pick up some of her favorite flowers before I see her.” “She’d love that.” Having placed the dirty dishes in sink now and letting them soak, Tempest joined the other stallion for breakfast; however, when SwirlingStar looked up at his grandson he nearly choked on a piece of his toast. “Well, I’ll be, you got yourself a beard just like your grandpa forming on your face.” “Hmm?” Tempest swallowed a bite of toast before reaching up with his hoof and feeling under his chin; he then conjured up a small mirror to better see. Sure enough, growing there was a small white beard which matched the color of both his and his grandfather’s mane. “I…I’m not sure where this came from, I don’t remember growing it out.” SwirlingStar watched his grandson carefully, he knew what this meant. ‘It won’t be long now, he’s almost ready,’ the stallion thought quietly to himself. “I guess you’re just growing quicker than expected,” the experienced unicorn laughed. “Besides, it looks good on you.” “Really?” Tempest asked as he made the mirror disappear, though he still continued to play with the small beard he was growing. “Of course, mares love a good beard,” SwirlingStar made a fake Canterlot accent, “Having such a piece of facial hair makes the mares of Equestria practically fawn over you, trust me, I know. That’s how I won your grandmother over.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” Tempest chuckled as he finished his breakfast and then downed the last of his orange juice. “Anyway, I must be going. I promised the mayor that I’d replace the leaking roof in town hall.” “I’ll go with ya,” SwirlingStar commented as he and Tempest both rose from their seats and placed their dishes in the sink. “These old bones could use the exercise, and I have a matter that I want to speak to her about anyhow.” Once finished with his statement, the old stallion let out several hard wheezing coughs. “And we’ll get you some medicine while we’re in town too,” Tempest added as the two exited the cottage and he hooked himself up before he began to pull his grandfather’s wagon which housed the tools he’d need for the job. With both unicorns prepared, they began their trek into the small town. ***** “Looks like a storm is brewing up,” SwirlingStar pointed out as he raised a hoof at several dark clouds looming overhead. The clouds crept slowly across the sky, like thieves cautiously stealing away the golden sunlight which would have illuminated the town. “Maybe that’s why no one is outside.” The two unicorns noticed that the town was devoid of life, but something seemed off; there was a distinct feeling of tension and apprehension in the air, and it lingered strongly. “Do you feel that?” “Yes, something isn’t quite right,” SwirlingStar responded sternly as his eyes scanned the nearby buildings. They appeared empty, every shop seemed closed down and not a single soul could be seen; the once alive community was now practically a ghost town. “Lets head to town hall, see if the mayor knows anything. Keep your eyes sharp just like I taught you, something is definitely amiss.” Tempest nodded in agreement with his grandfather’s words. Because of the two of them being so well trained in magic, the unicorns could tell when the natural harmony or peace of something had been disturbed; SwirlingStar’s many years of experience had taught him how to sense any magical imbalances in the world, he thanked Celestia that this was not the case. It may not have been a magical imbalance, but whatever it was, something had disrupted the small nameless town’s naturally harmony. Trotting down the dirt roads of town, Tempest got a creepy (almost sinister) vibe, the only sound was that of howling wind which synced up well with the approaching storm’s thundering booms. They had already passed by the flower shop and bank, then the general store and doctors office, still not a single inhabitant of the town could be seen. “Tempest,” the unicorn returned to reality with his grandfather calling his name. The two came to a halt at the base of town hall, standing outside the round shaped building was a yellow pegasus, one that Tempest immediately recognized. “That there is the pegasus who came by the other day demanding I pay him bits.” Then, it hit the young stallion just what might be going on, “Grandpa, he’s a member of Tailspin’s gang, I’ve encountered him before, though when last we met he had two others with him.” “Looks to me like he’s on some sort of sentry duty, hmm?” The old stallion let out a small chuckle as Tempest unhooked himself from the wagon so he can venture forward with his elder. “Come on then, let’s go say hello.” The old stallion carefully crept up the steps to town hall with his grandson right by his side. When the pegasus spotted SwirlingStar he didn’t seem phased, his glare remaining. But as soon as he spotted Tempest, his glare broadened into a devilish smirk. “Good morrow dear friend, could we trouble you for details on what may cause all of our dear friends and neighbors to vanish like smoke in the wind?” “Everyone is supposed to be inside you old fool,” the pegasus scoffed at the old stallion. He turned his gaze toward Tempest, “Well, well, if it isn’t the hero, huh? Did you come to bring me more bits, hero?” “Actually, we’re here to see Mayor Isabelle,” Tempest responded calmly to the rude pegasus. The pegasus scoffed once more, “The mayor’s busy, she’s in the middle of a very important business transaction. I’ve been given orders to keep everyone in their homes and not to allow anyone to interfere.” The pegasus hovered in mid air and crossed his hooves, “You aren’t going to be seeing the mayor anytime soon, so I strongly advise you to go home and stay there.” “Oh, but we’ll just be but a minute,” SwirlingStar replied kindly as he tried to walk past the pegasus only to have said pegasus block his path. The unicorn continued to smile kindly, “I know, you wish not to fail your superiors, but I really must protest against your actions—” “I said go home old timer. Now.” The pegasus’ words were followed by an audible growl which came from the back of his throat. Tempest moved forward slowly, but a raised hoof from his grandfather made him stop. SwirlingStar cleared his throat, “Maybe you’d have more respect for your elders if you had a change of perception. Allow me to show you what I mean.” ***** Mayor Isabelle was unsure of what to do in her current predicament; her town was on lockdown with everyone forced shut inside their homes, and then there was the griffin with his gang of thugs that had broken into her office and was demanding she open the bank vault and give them every bit the town had. “No way am I going to give you a single bit, ”Isabelle said sternly as she rose from her desk in her office to lock eyes with the grey haired griffin. “Why would we give you and your gang anything anyway?” “Please,” the griffin scoffed as he rubbed a claw against his chest fur. “Day in and day out my brother’s gang keeps you and your townsfolk safe from any of the other rival gangs. It would only seem fair that we demand a small fee for our services.” “We have not asked for your services!” the unicorn mare snapped on the griffin, she now motioned to his other two pegasus companions. “You and these thugs of yours have performed no acts of protection! All the lot of you have done is harass my citizens and terrorize this town, and for that you’ll not get a single bit from us!” The griffin’s nostrils flared as a flash of anger shone in his eyes, his glare shifted to his two pegasi underlings standing by the door. “You two, get down to the bank and take every last bit that this pathetic—” BANG! The griffin’s words were interrupted by the slamming of the office door, standing in the doorway were two unicorn stallions; a withered old grey one and a pale phthalo blue young one, both sported the same grey and white mane and beard combo with the older having more though. Seeing them both, the mayor let out an audible sigh of relief. “Good morning to you Isabelle, your looking as lovely as usually,” SwirlingStar said with a smile and a slight bow. “Always quite the flatterer weren’t you SwirlingStar,” the mare giggled, “And good to see you too Tempest.” “Who’s this clown?” the griffin asked the two pegasi who merely shrugged in response to the question. “Just get rid of them,” he commanded. The two pegasi flew toward the two unicorns, the older one with his horn glowing gold in preparation. In a blinding and brilliant flash of yellow and white, the two pegasi stallions were gone and in their place were two young, innocent, harmless foals which were cooing and drooling while they sat on the floor. “What….what happened to you two!? Why are you on the floor? Get up!” the griffin was growing more and more irritated as he watched the baby ponies make no attempt to listen to him or even try to fly. “You!” the griffin pointed a claw at the old unicorn, “Who are you? And how did you get in here? I specifically told that numbskull WindCurrent no one is to enter here.” “Oh, that rude fellow?” SwirlingStar and Tempest further entered the room, avoiding stepping on the young pegasi in the process of doing so; the griffin backed up and tried to keep his distance from the old stallion’s horn. “No respect for the elderly that one, telling me to go home when I’m here on business. He kept talking down to me, so I gave him a little taste of the senior life.” Just then, an old withered stallion pegasus entered the room; he was standing on his back legs while holding a cane, his features were as wrinkled as SwirlingStar’s and he looked just as old if not older. He gave his dry lips a lick and smacked them a few times before he began to speak in a raspy voice. “I’m sorry Grey Wing, I tried to stop them, but they’re too fast.” “Ugh, useless.” Grey Wing face palmed himself with a claw as he growled at his lackeys’ failure to follow through with their orders. “Now, Grey Wing was it? I suggest you take that old stallion and these foals here and leave.” Swirling raised an eyebrow with his smile widening, “Unless you wish to take a trip down memory lane and recount your younger experiences?” Grey Wing looked back and forth between the mayor and his underlings, had he come with greater numbers he may have been able to overpower the old stallion; however, with a town as peaceful as this one, he expected little to no resistance. He hadn’t expected there to be a mage as powerful as this stallion in such a little place, his ignorance has cost him, and more than likely his older brother would see to it that he is fully reminded of his mistakes. “We’ll be back, with greater numbers,” the griffin barked as he scooped up the two foals and helped the old pegasus find his way out the office. Before finally exiting, Grey Wing turned back to face the three ponies, offering up one last comment. “You can’t expect this old fart to fight all of your battles, he won’t always be around.” “What do you think I’m here for?” Tempest questioned as he stepped forward toward the griffin, though no malice was detected in his actions. “Even when he’s no longer around, I will continue on my grandfather’s legacy, forging my own in the process.” Tempest didn’t see it, but his grandfather’s eyes were glistening with hope and awe, if he wasn’t sure if his grandson was fully capable and ready before, he did now. “Hmph, whatever. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.” Allowing himself to get the last word in, Grey Wing exited the office, and hopefully the town as well. “Well, that takes care of that,” SwirlingStar laughed warmly as he turned back to face the mayor. “Isabelle, what was it that they wanted?” “Grey Wing and his lackeys demanded I hand over all the bits that are locked up in the town bank, saying it was payment for his brother’s services since the gang keeps our town protected.” Isabelle made air quotes with her hooves on her final word, “That griffin doesn’t know the meaning of the word.” “Well, it’s safe to say that he won’t be showing up again for awhile, that being said, perhaps we should try sending a letter to the princess again?” Tempest asked as he and his grandfather found seats in front of the mayor’s desk. “We’ve tried a dozen times, no mail service makes it to Canterlot, not only that but even with your grandfather’s magic, we don’t have enough to transport the letter that far.” A sigh left the mare as she slumped in her chair and her glasses fell to the tip of her muzzle. “And even if the letter made it, I highly doubt Princess Celestia would send a scout of troops this far out just to protect our little old town.” “But what if we tried—” “I’m afraid she’s correct my grandson,” the aged stallion now interjected honorably. “Princess Celestia has pressing matters to tend to day in and day out, even with Princess Luna back by her side, the two of them can still only do so much.” It was now Swirling’s turn to sigh, “As far out as we are, it’d be difficult to send a scouting party just to watch our town, and what about barracks for the guards? Our little community is quite populated as is.” Tempest blinked a few times as his grandfather’s wisdom set in, “You’re right, I hadn’t thought about that part grandpa. There would still be difficulties, even if the guards managed to make it here.” “Well,” Isabelle sat up in her chair and pushed her small frames back up her muzzle, “I’m sure you two didn’t stop by just to chat, and if you did I’m flattered and still wouldn’t mind a little company.” “Actually, I came to replace the roof of town hall for you,” the young stallion smiled at Isabelle. “I know you’ve been complaining about the leak, and the raining season is coming up so I’d hate for you to get drenched.” Isabelle smiled after hearing Tempest’s request, “Why thank you Tempest, you truly are an element of kindness aren’t you? Well any who, you can get started right away should you choose, we’re supposed to be getting some drizzle in today, though judging by the cloud patterns we may be getting a bit more than that.” Tempest gave the unicorn mare a nod and rose from his seat making his way to the entrance, he paused halfway out the door when he heard his grandfather beckon his name. “Tempest, if you could be as so kind as to let the townsfolk know that everything is alright now, I’m sure everypony is frazzled out of their mind right now.” SwirlingStar’s nephew gave him a nod in response. “Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some more medicine.” “Okay grandpa, I’ll do all of that before looking into fixing the roof.” And with those final words he was off, leaving only the old stallion and the young mare alone in the office. Isabelle’s smile faltered slightly, before finally giving way and crumbling; she knew what the old stallion was here for, he had left her a scroll explaining the details of his condition a few days prior. “In your letter to me you said that the medicine didn’t help, then why continue to take it?” “The medicine isn’t for me, it’s for him.” The stallion sighed heavily before elaborating, “Taking the medicine keeps my dear grandson’s mind at ease, I’m still not sure if he’s ready to hear the truth.” “Isn’t there something we could do?” Isabelle asked as she looked to Swirling with pure concern and worry. “I mean, it can’t end like this, Starswirl The Bearded succumbing to sickness?” “Sickness ain’t got nothin to do with it,” Swirling explained with a half smile, “Its just my time, I’m past my old age. Now Isabelle, when I stopped practicing magic, I moved away from Canterlot with my wife and grandson and began going under an alias. I moved out here, far away from the central powers so I could retire peacefully with my family; why, not even Princess Celestia herself knows I’m still trotting out and about.” It was true, the letter sent to Isabelle a few days prior explained everything; how Starswirl “disappeared” and changed his name to an alias, albeit not a very good one. He had told the mayor the truth about who he was, the truth about his story; and yet, she still didn’t understand why. So, she let her words do the thinking for her and asked the question that had been bouncing around in her mind like a mare full of sugar at a Hearthswarming party. “But I still don’t understand why, I mean, you’re Starswirl The Bearded, a living legend; even a myth to some. Why trade off your legend for a simple life?” Another sigh, “I have seen many things Isabelle,” Swirling exited his seat and walked over to a nearby window, outside he could see the storm clouds growing more agitated by the minute; but what he also saw were ponies exiting their homes, and going from door to door was his grandson. A smile warmed the old stallion’s features. “I have lived long, Isabelle. Longer than the average unicorn stallion, almost as long as an alicorn; correction, I have lived longer than Princess Celestia herself. I have mentored Clover The Clever and I am even one of the founders of Equestria. I have seen three races come forth and combat the Windigos to create Equestria in harmonious unification; I myself have even battled and imprisoned away sirens; I have traveled through time and space. I was at the coronation of both Celestia and Luna; I have seen the first time Celestia rose the sun and the first of Luna’s moon lowering; the first Summer Sun Celebration; Luna’s fall from grace and then her recovery of her position; I have seen and lived through many historical events. But what I never got to do, something those with positions like the princesses and I never really got to do, was lead a normal life.” A brief pause of silence followed by a warm chuckle, “Listen to me rambling on like an old crone, you’ve already read this all before in my letters, hmm?” The mare nodded solemnly as a response, “Very well then, its time I give full reason as to why I am here,” Swirling shifted his eyes back to Isabelle and returned to his seat, slowly treading onward before plotting down in the wooden chair. “Alright then, Isabelle, I wish to write my final will and testament and I wish for you to be a witness.” ***** The town was back to being as lively as ever, ponies rushing around the small community trying to get errands done, purchase groceries, and perform whatever tasks needed to be done before the storm came. The small town had no pegasi to control the weather, reason being there simply weren’t enough to live in a town so small; the citizens simply took the weather as it came, and that meant dealing with the raining season. Among the many others scampering about was Tempest Startreader; having bought his grandfather’s medicine, Tempest was making his way downtown to town hall, ready to begin working on the roof. He watched everyone else scatter about before a particular pegasus caught his eye. “Hello again hero,” the pegasus began as she landed next to the unicorn and joined him in a gentle trot by his side. “So, you scared those thugs outta our town?” “Afternoon to you too, Scarlett. And no, grandpa did the work, I never need to step in when he’s around,” Tempest explained. Tempest looked over to the cream colored mare as they kept trotting and asked, “Hey Scar, can I ask a favor?” “Go ahead,” she replied. “Well, I promised Isabelle that I’d help replace the roof, I was wondering if I could have a little pegassistance?” the unicorn’s question was followed by a laugh, “As good as I am, I’m afraid I have yet to master any flight spells, and transformations only give me the ability temporarily.” The mare smiled, “Sure thing, it’ll take up a good portion of the day right? I don’t have anything planned for today anyway.” “Won’t take THAT long,” Tempest chuckled lightly, “Possibly just a few hours, give or take 3 at the most.” “Just tell me where you want me,” the pegasus smiled as the two stopped in front of town hall. “If you could begin removing whatever wood is rotted or work from the top to start, that’d be great. And then…,” Tempest paused as he went over to his grandfather’s wagon and pulled out an ink bottle. “Mark the areas that seem weak and rotted away and I’ll know where new roofing needs to be placed.” “I can handle that,” Scarlett responded as she took the bottle flew to the top of town hall with a quick flutter of her wings. Tempest trotted to his grandfather’s wagon once more to fetch the tools that he would need before he began. ****** Tempest sat on his haunches in the gentle spray of the retreating rain, the cold touch of the liquid followed by a gentle rolling breeze helped relax him after several long hours of work. He let out a sigh before speaking to the guest he had come to visit. “I fixed the roof for Mayor Isabelle today, well not just me, Scarlett helped too.” Tempest let out a chuckle, “You always did like her, but I don’t have time for marefriends right now, I have to take care of grandpa. He seems pretty sick and I don’t think his medicine is doing him any justice.” The unicorn let out a sigh as stuck his head back in a saddle bag that rested on his side. He pulled out a bouquet of white flowers and placed them down in front of the tombstone which rested in front of where he sat. “I brought Tulips, your favorites, I know you’ll love ‘em.” Tempest gently brushed a hoof over the flowers before placing it on the tombstone. “I miss you grandma, grandpa misses you too, actually it was his idea that I visit you today.” Tempest was struggling to fight back tears, thankfully he won that battle, though he wouldn’t have noticed anyway with the falling rain. “I love you grandma, grandpa loves you, and we wish you were here with us.” A deepened sigh left the unicorn again as she drenched his wet beard. “I have to go now grandma, I’m gonna make grandpa your famous dandelion salad with some soup on the side.” Tempest trotted back through the rain and around the side of the cottage before stopping at the door. He pushed it open and felt the warmth of inside pushing against him, he craned his neck back to look at his grandmother’s tombstone before whispering softly, “I love you grandma, always.” “What are you doing out there Tempest?” SwirlingStar’s voice called from in the kitchen. “You’re gonna catch a cold, the last thing we need is the BOTH of us getting sick, and besides, you’re the only one in this home that can cook.” Tempest laughed warmly to himself before rolling his eyes playfully, “I’m going old timer, I’m coming.” The unicorn entered the home, shut the door, and then dried himself off with a spell before proceeding to fix dinner for him and his grandfather.