"Hello, beautiful," the figure in front of Crystal said in a soft, soothing voice. It was Silent. It had to be Silent. She'd recognize that big, sturdy frame and blue mane anywhere. He was turned away from her, looking out over a field of grass that moved without wind.
She opened her mouth, but no words came out, so she started walking toward him. No matter which way she went, however, his back remained to her. She circled him three times and yet she never reached his front.
"I'm home," he said, but his voice didn't come from him. It came from behind her.
Cautiously, Crystal angled herself to keep him within her sights while also looking for the origin of his voice. There was nothing but gently swaying grass as far as the eye could see. No sky, no mountains, no trees—just an endless field of green.
"No, you're not," she finally managed to say, and darkness crept into her vision like a heavy fog. "You're not home."
Silent turned to look at her, but his face was vacant. There were no eyes, mouth, or nose at all. A blank space of white stared at her, the last thing she saw before everything went black.
"Silent!" she cried out, jolting upright and trying to reach for him, but her hoof found nothing there. She was back in bed, a cold sweat matting her coat and a chill deep in her soul.
With a shudder, she looked around to reaffirm her surroundings. Silent's room in the condo he and Winterspear used to share. She was in Canterlot. She was still alone.
Another restless night, another day to cross off in her mental calendar. How many more were left? The future seemed so distant and uncertain that she wanted to crawl under the covers and cry herself back to sleep, but she didn't want to see him again. Not like that.
A soft pink glow illuminated the room as her magic sought out the picture frame sitting on the nightstand. Bringing it close, she smiled wistfully at the photograph of her and Silent on their wedding day, their forehooves entwined and their gazes full of love and happiness. It wasn't all that long ago, and yet it felt like it had been forever already.
She wiped her cheeks dry—of either sweat or tears, she wasn't entirely certain—and slid off the bed to begin the early morning. There was too much to do to sit and wallow.
While she waited for the shower, she stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. Tired eyes looked back at her, eyes that hadn't seen a good night's rest in months. Her whole face was haggard and if she were a stallion, why, she wouldn't have been surprised at all if a beard had taken up residence along her jawline.
Steam billowed up and around the curtain, beckoning her into its warm embrace. A much more tempting offer than the fog of darkness that plagued her dreams. She shivered and hurried under the hot water to let it work its soothing magic.
Slowly, the tension was worked out of her muscles and her posture relaxed. It was going to be another long day, especially now that Golden was under her care. Between writing a double feature, mentoring Golden, and essentially running the support group, she wasn't sure when she was going to fit in any time for herself, much less the other parts of her life. Game night was coming up soon and she wanted to be excited for it, but she couldn't muster the energy.
Her magic shut off the shower, and she shook out her coat before stepping onto the bath mat by the vanity. It was time to put herself together. Drying off, brushing and braiding her mane, applying whatever makeup was necessary to look less tired, and the final touch: the little heart-shaped beauty mark just below her eye. Once the mark was in place, she was complete. She was ready to face the day—or so she convinced herself, given she had no other choice.
"Good morning," she called to the empty home when she left her bedroom. Winterspear had already left for work, but the silence was starting to get unnerving. "What do you want for breakfast?" She hummed, prancing into the kitchen. "Something I can eat on the go, please. I have a busy day planned."
She rummaged through the fridge, selected an apple, and levitated it in front of her face to eat as she left the condo to start the first item on her to-do list: get Golden.
Canterlot was quiet, and not because it was early. The loss of the Harmony was still a fresh wound that overshadowed the usual gossip of fashion and fame. The average pony was ill-equipped to deal with tragedy, and that left the city in a soft shade of gloom.
That couldn't keep her down, however. She wasn't an average pony. She had to keep moving forward no matter what. Others were depending on her, so she had to shove her own feelings down and keep one hoof in front of the other.
The trip to Golden's condo wasn't very long, given that Crystal was staying near the Guard base and Golden lived in Canterlot Heights, the closest residential district to the palace. The nicest condominiums in all of Canterlot were in the Heights and boasted the best views in Equestria. Golden lived on the top floor of the furthest building, which put it in the prime spot to see over the walls and out across the land. It also had to cost a small fortune, since the whole floor was Golden's.
Crystal knocked three times, cursed under her breath, and quickly added a fourth. When the door opened a few moments later, she smiled and waved. "Hello!"
The stallion standing there stared with an even gaze. His mane was a curly, wild mess that almost resembled the head of a mop. "Hello? May I help you?"
"Yes! Good morning. I'm here to pick up Golden."
His ears stood straight up before flicking in light irritation. "Excuse me?"
Crystal couldn't help a small roll of her eyes. "Au. I'm here to pick up Au."
"And who are you?" He looked her over, sizing her up, judging her value. "She doesn't have any appointments this morning."
"Oh, she may not think she does, but she most certainly does." Crystal giggled. "I'm Crystal Wishes. We're old friends, in a sense."
The stallion snorted. The humor of Golden having friends must not have been lost on him, which was actually a little sad. Whoever he was, he was clearly close to her, given that he was answering her door. "Oh, I see. You're Crystal Wishes? Well, I'm afraid Miss Au does not wish to see you."
Crystal's tail twitched. "She said that, did she?"
He started to close the door. "She didn't have to."
"Golden!" Crystal yelled, thrusting a hoof in the way before the door could shut. "Get your flank out here right now!"
"What?" Golden's voice yelled back. "No! I told you I'd come get you!"
Crystal snorted. "Too bad! Get out here or I'm coming in there."
"You most certainly are not," the stallion said as he tried to push her hoof out of the way.
Behind him, Golden came into view, a scowl on her face and curlers in her mane. "Fine. Fine! Dusty, let her in, but don't offer her a cool beverage. I'm going to get ready for a day with this tyrant."
With a reluctant pause, Dusty withdrew from the door, but the one eye visible through his bushy mane didn't leave her. "As you wish."
Crystal pranced inside, dropping the apple core she had been carrying into the nearest bin she spotted. That was when she stopped to admire the overly spacious condo. There were two seating areas, separated by a dining table and a long kitchen. One entire wall was made of floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased a breathtaking view of Equestria's rolling plains, lush forests, and tall mountains that stretched out into the horizon.
It almost felt like she was on top of the world. That must have been why Golden chose it.
"There," Golden said from behind her, "I'm ready when you're done gawking."
Crystal turned to see Golden transformed into her beautiful persona, the curlers replaced by luscious curls and makeup applied in just the right amount. Her cheek where Dawn had struck her looked flawless. Whatever foundation she used must have been custom made to match her coat so perfectly.
Finally, Crystal smiled. "Very good. First, we're going to go to visit Velvet. Do you remember her?"
"Velvet Step?" Golden's ears flicked back as she levitated a pair of oversized sunglasses to rest on her muzzle. "The filly you abducted."
"I didn't abduct her. We became friends." Crystal shook her head, laughing softly as she walked toward the door. "You're awful."
Dusty reached out a hoof to stop Golden from following. "Miss Au, is everything all right?"
Golden sighed and waved him off. "Yes, yes, of course it is. Would I be doing this if it weren't?" She huffed. "Once you finish cleaning, you're dismissed. I imagine Crystal has a full day planned for me." She picked up the pace to walk alongside Crystal, brow raised over the sunglasses. "What do you have planned?"
"Well, first, you're going to bear witness to me giving Velvet the great news I received yesterday. And then I'm going to leave you in her care, because if there's anypony I trust not to put up with your attitude for one moment, it's her."
"What?" Golden frowned. "You can't be serious. What am I supposed to do with Velvet? I haven't spoken to her since..." She trailed off in thought before she sighed. "Since a very long time."
Crystal bobbed her head in a light nod. "I know. And that means you'll have all that time to catch up on in a nice, cordial, non-antagonistic way."
They walked in silence for a while, Crystal focused on Golden's long, elegant stride and Golden—well, with those giant sunglasses, it was hard to tell what was going on with her. It seemed silly to wear them, anyway. Golden stood out in a crowd with them on or off. Ponies stopped, stared, pointed, and whispered. When they finally arrived at Velvet's condo, they had already been stopped for Golden's autograph three times.
"It must be exhausting," Crystal commented aloud while she knocked on the door.
"What?" Golden slipped her sunglasses up to rest atop her head. "Walking?"
Crystal sputtered into a laugh. "No! I mean being a famous model. Is that why you have that stallion... Dusty? To get things for you like groceries?"
"Dusty is my valet. He takes care of the house and my schedule. That does include groceries, but it's not because I want to avoid the public." Golden put on a smile as the door started to open. "It's because I have better things to do than chores."
"Uh, what?" Velvet stared up at Golden, frowned, then looked over at Crystal. "Hi. What's going on?"
Crystal threw her forelegs around Velvet's neck. "I have great news! Also, Golden is our friend now, even if she acts otherwise."
"Oookay." Velvet nuzzled her before pulling back and stepping aside. "Come on in, then, I guess?"
Crystal pranced inside, flopping onto one of the sitting pillows. Golden took a tentative step inside and looked around, lips pursed and ears alert.
"Your place is... interesting," Golden said as her gaze fell on the wall of mirrors. "Hmm. And Crystal acts like I am the vain one."
Velvet snorted. "Is that a joke?" She looked at Crystal with a grin. "She's terrible at jokes. You need better friends."
Crystal laughed and shook her head. "No, Golden, Velvet's a ballerina. The mirrors are for practice, so she can see her posture and things of that nature."
There was an awkward pause—with Golden looking almost sheepish, Velvet furrowing her brow, and Crystal waiting for one of them to speak first—before Velvet raised a hoof. "Okay, so before you share your good news, can you explain to me why Golden's suddenly our friend now? 'Cause that's a pretty big development."
Golden glanced at Crystal for guidance, so she took in a soft breath and explained, "Her father volunteered for the war, leaving Golden with the feeling of loneliness and a desire to rectify that."
"Thank you so much," Golden grumbled. "You really have a way with words. No wonder your story is doing so well."
Velvet's ears perked. "Wait, Desert Rose is doing well? Really? But you've only gotten one chapter published so far, I thought!"
"Isn't it shocking?" Golden rolled her eyes. "She writes one chapter, ponies lose their minds, and now she's being asked to do two updates every month. It's almost as if she doesn't even have to try."
After a pause, Velvet's ears went flat to the sides. "Are you sure you want to be friends with her?"
Crystal waved a hoof. "She'll grow out of this phase, I'm sure of it. That aside, yes! Sunset just wrote to me saying that Mares Monthly wants to do a double feature of it." She tossed her mane, stuck her nose in the air, and said smugly, "I told you I could write this."
"Okay, okay, don't get high and mighty." Velvet frowned, one hoof drawing a circle in the floor. "It's only one chapter. Nopony has any idea that it's not a normal romance. They're going to be really disappointed, you know."
Crystal pushed herself up from the pillow and walked over to put a hoof on Velvet's shoulder. "Of course they're not. Have a little faith in me, won't you?" She gave the shoulder a squeeze. "Now, push all of those thoughts aside. I have somewhere I need to be, and Golden can't come with, so I'm leaving her in your care."
"What." Velvet's frown deepened and she glanced at Golden.
"Don't look at me," Golden said, raising her forehooves. "This wasn't my idea."
Crystal gave a soft laugh as she started toward the door. "You two will get along just fine, I'm certain. Velvet, she's learning to be a better pony, so feel free to call her out on antisocial behavior."
The frown lifted into a mischievous grin. "With pleasure."
Golden started to protest, but Crystal hurriedly shut the door before she could be stopped. She only made it a few steps down the hall before she burst into giggles. They would be fine. In fact, she was of the mind that if the two gave it a chance, they might actually become friends. Golden's biting remarks could be pulled back and simmered down to sass, which Velvet was practically made of.
Slowly, however, the good mood she had found started to fade away as she shifted her focus to the next task ahead of her. It wasn't a very long walk to the Jet Ventures building, but her hooves weren't cooperating. Each step was slow, precise, and almost pained. She didn't want to do this, but it was necessary.
How would it go? Would it be a tearful conversation, or would it turn into another fight? She winced. Some awful words had been shared between her and her father the last time they spoke. She was ready to make amends, but he may not be. There was only one way to know, however, and she was going to find out soon enough.
The headquarters for Jet Ventures was a three-story building with a few small airships parked on top for transport to and from the construction berths north of Canterlot. Its first floor was dedicated to making sales, with pictures and models of the different luxury ships on display, while the actual offices occupied the upper two.
Trotting up to the front desk, Crystal opened her mouth to speak, but the receptionist cut her off. "Good morning! How can Jet Ventures help you venture into the skies and beyond?"
Crystal tried not to roll her eyes, smiling instead. "Hello. I'm actually here to see my father, Jet Set."
The receptionist's hooves flew to her mouth. "I-I thought you looked like his daughter, but I didn't want to assume!" She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, Miss Wishes! Mrs. Wishes! Sorry! He's on the third floor in a meeting with Mr. Ship, but I'm sure they won't mind if you drop in."
"Thank you." Crystal walked over to the stairs and started the journey up them, her heart racing. She could turn back now. She could deal with this later. She could—
Her magic pushed the door to the third floor open and she felt the weight of eyes from nearby desks turning to land on her. Recognition reflected in the faces she saw and, sheepishly, she made her way past them all toward the large double doors that led to Jet Ship's office.
How these ponies knew her was no mystery. Above the doors to his office was a painting of them all: Jet Ship with Diadem, Jet Set with Upper Crust, and a much younger but still recognizable version of herself in the center. Let nopony ever say Jet Ship didn't love his family, even if he and her parents hardly ever got along.
"Here!" a pony chimed, jumping up from his desk and pushing open one of the doors for her. "Nice to see you, Miss Wishes!"
"Mrs., but thank you," she muttered under her breath, flashed a smile, and crossed the threshold with her heart pounding all the way to her ears. Her gaze landed on her grandfather first, those powerful orange eyes piercing through her in an instant.
Jet Ship's somber expression lightened. "Well, well, isn't this a surprise?"
Jet Set turned in his seat and straightened up when he saw Crystal approaching. "Crystal! What are you doing here?" He cleared his throat, hurriedly rising to his hooves. "What I mean is, it's good to see you, dear."
Crystal stopped just a pace away from him and offered a soft smile. "I was hoping I could speak with you, Dad."
"Let me go see what Arch is working on," Jet Ship said as he circled his desk and walked past Crystal, pausing to levitate a butterscotch off his desk and over to her. "Nice to see you, sweetheart."
"You, too, Grandfather." She took the candy in her own magic and stared at it while she waited for Ship to leave the room. Once they were alone, she mumbled, "I'm here to say I'm sorry." Her ears fell. "I said some terrible things."
"It's fine. It's okay. Of course it's okay." He stepped toward her and wrapped a foreleg around her neck. "It was an emotional moment for everypony. And that aside, your mother and I did our own share of terrible things. I suppose it was only revenge."
Crystal snorted, unable to help herself. "You mean when you and Mom suggested—"
"—that you divorce Silent? Yes, in fact, I do mean that." He pulled back to look down at her, his brow furrowed with concern. "You have to understand, dear. War isn't something that ponies like us understand. We were terrified."
Her nose scrunched up and, after a moment of thought, she shook her head. "I'm sorry. I—I think I forgive you, but I don't have to understand. I don't understand. I thought..." She frowned and looked away, over at the wall that featured blueprints of airships from the beginning of Jet Ventures to the current day. "I thought, after our talk at my wedding, that you understood me."
Jet Set sighed and cupped her cheek in one hoof, forcing her to look at him. "I know, dear, but I hope you can see that I don't understand, either. He's not a soldier, so that means he must have volunteered. Why would a husband leave his wife behind to volunteer?"
Crystal frowned. So it was going to be a round two of their fight, then. Before she could respond, however, he moved his hoof to cover her mouth.
"But what I do understand, however, is that you do, and that it doesn't matter what your mother or I think. All that matters is what you decide to do." He smiled. "And you are doing wonderfully, from what your mother has heard."
"Really?" A groan escaped her. "What, does Mom have ears in my support group or something?"
Jet Set chuckled lightly and withdrew from her to walk over to the desk. "She has an ear everywhere, I'm afraid. Now, come here. Your timing is actually quite impeccable. I was just going over one of my design ideas with my father, a design I think will be of interest to you."
There was an initial feeling of revulsion that turned Crystal's stomach. She didn't want to look at airships, not even a design of one. All she could think about was the news of the Harmony. With a forced smile, she pushed through that wave of nausea and watched as his magic levitated a large sheet of paper.
All she could really tell was that the sketch was a large yet sleek ship of war. There was no mistaking it for a luxury cruiser, not with the heavy hull and the outlines she recognized as weaponry of some sort. The tiny pony figure standing on the deck for scale made it seem all the more imposing.
"There is so much work to do before we can even begin construction. We've never built anything like these ships before." Jet Set glanced between his drawing and her. "But we've already decided the names for it and the other designs I have drafted."
"Oh?" Crystal asked idly, her gaze still traversing the various lines and curves, trying to make sense of them all.
"We'll be working on three classes of warships: the Squire, the Errant, and—" He cleared his throat. "And the Knight."
Her blood ran cold at the name and her attention snapped to him. The clink sound of the butterscotch candy falling to the hardwood floor as her magic dissipated brought her out of the momentary daze. "What?"
Jet Set bobbed his head in a light nod. "Yes, the Knight class. This is the initial design for the Knight. A big, powerful ship that will keep the ponies that crew it safe and give back what those blasted gryphons gave to us." In a softer voice, he added, "It seemed fitting. I mean it only out of respect, of course. I hope you don't find it offensive."
"Offensive?" Crystal stepped closer and touched a trembling hoof to the design, trailing the outline of it. A class of warship sharing the name as a family of warriors. It was almost chilling, really. Stratus would have been proud, but what about Silent? Would he see it as an honor, or an insult?
The questions that raced through her head were halted by the uncertain look on her father's face. He was trying to apologize in the most sincere, heartfelt way he knew how. It would have just been easier to say 'I'm sorry', of course, but he went a step beyond that. He had desgined a ship that would keep her husband safe and named it after him.
Finally, she stepped forward and hugged him tight around the neck. "It's perfect, Dad," she whispered. "Thank you."
What a wondrous premonition!
Crystal, you monster.
This is big. Really big, considering everything between them. This is becoming only more interesting.
Wonderful work.
I need more!! I'm finally caught up on every companion and main story and I need more you are an amazing writer, I've been hooked and honestly this would be a great story even without ponies and that makes it even more awesome. Thank you and Anzel for writing this series it's just soo good.
After all this she's going to need an escape, or at least a release for all her frustration.
Social Doctor Crystal Wishes prescribes that you take an afternoon of Velvet Step and call her in the morning.
Velvet Step may cause irritability, loss of concentration, deflated ego, an unusual interest in ballet. Those that have reported feeling unusual interest in ballet frequently experienced increased flexibility and the desire to stand or walk on their toes.
Velvet Step should not be taken if you are overly sensitive to sarcasm
If you experience severe ankle and joint pain, see your doctor, and stop trying to stand on your toes.
Velvet Step: When you are ready to make a large life change, or if you are being forced to stop taking yourself way too seriously, Then Velvet Step may be the right choice for you!
Gulheru already said everything else!
I have nothing new to comment!
I'm really hoping Golden and Velvet work out somehow. I can totally imagine Golden walk out of the condo literally 3 minutes after Crystal did.
I suppose you wouldn't put this in the story if it didn't turn out well, this is a
storyUniverse of happy endings! (Although sometimes it takes a while to come around).Heeeeey. That was really nice chaper. And I'm just loving all the Au parts
we need a side-fic of what happened that day at Velvet's
No war rationing yet, enjoy it while you can.
I think the thing about this chapter that I enjoy the most is that there are all these little snippets that we know have to resolve eventually, and when that happens.... it'll be grand. :3
7489303 I'd think war rationing in Equestria wouldn't really happen so much when the war is in another nation.
7489391
War rationing happened in the USA during WWII and the mainland certainly wasn't under conflict.
Golden and Velvet? oh dear.
Another great chapter!
I literally want to know what Velvet and Golden are doing right now. I foresee Velvet being very sarcastic with Golden.
7489303
GASP!!! War rationing of makeup!? It's the supervillins, isn't it!? The war is creating more supervillins, and they are using ALL the makeup!!! How are the rest of us supposed to look fabulous when they are applying foundation with a trowel, eyeliner by the box and use lipstick as a concealer! They are EVIL and must be stopped! Is there no mare that can put justice to these heinous acts!? No mare that will stand up for the little pony and say 'No' to crimes against fabulosity!?
Is there no mare that can save us?
This chapter, man. Cackling madly at Golden getting super sassed and then dropped off with the sass master. Then some truly great warming father daughter time. This chapter was just what I needed for the middle of this week <3
Thank goodness that Crystal and her father made a proper amends.
7489514 Nylons and silk stockings were certainly rationed because of the dual usage with parachutes and other items, and I'd imagine that makeup would have represented a diversion from war production by the chemical plants that provided a lot of the ingredients and so forth.
In story, Canterlot's foremost alchemist and maker of mare care products has been running around playing ship mechanic and is possibly shifting to military production, although he has always dabbled in sorta-munitions.
Ah, the Pinkie Pie method. Friendship by insistence.
Good to see she's making up with her dad, even if we know things don't go as well with Upper Crust.
You left Miss Superiority complex alone with the sass mistress supreme?!
ARE YOU CRAZY?! O.o EQUESTRIA'S NOT GOING TO SURVIVE THIS!!!
7489409 For things like food, sure, but I'd doubt that cosmetics would suddenly be rationed if they're not being used by any part of the war effort.
Awwww... I missed a chance at an autograph!
Now I've got the feeling that somewhere on the very first Knight class warship there is something subtle but uniquely "Crystal." Y'know, just so Silent could stumble across it in some corner of the ship.
Because that would be amazing of her and her father.
7489247
You forgot that partakers should monitor themselves for alarming increases in libido after taking Velvet Step. In fact, distilled forms of Velvet Step are available at certain exclusive establishments for that exact purpose.
(Great, now I'm imagining Velvet taking Golden to the Mare Contraire. The sports world will never be the same.)
7490300
This is certainly true, however, we don't know what is and isn't war material in the Q&B setting. For instance, nylons, another cosmetic product, were rationed.
Now, I certainly do agree with you that I find it unlikely that Crystal Wishes' heart makeup will be rationed. And I have no idea if rationing will even be brought up in the story.
I only know for certain, that, I, would find it amusing if Crystal's Heart was missing both figuratively and literally while Silent Knight was away. It would be the kind of symbology that makes me grin for being story relevant beyond the author's use of symbolism.
7490306
I didn't mention it because sexual innuendo comprehension and increased libido are unlisted uses for Velvet Step. Also because I missed that opportunity! How could I miss that!
If the increased innuendo comprehension and libido are proven to be actual effects of Velvet Step and not side effects, then those uses will be listed and Velvet Step will then be recognized as a treatment for dull-witted stallions in the Lunar Guard and other ponies who might have similar problems.
Until then, increased innuendo comprehension and libido are considered side effects of Velvet Step.
(albiet, side effects that nopony has complained of...yet)
Bring the 'spring' back into your life with Velvet Step!
7490427
Hmmm... I believe the data is still out on the "unlisted uses." As far as the case studies show, one proved unsuccessful (exposure did nothing appreciable), one refuses to give any follow-up, and the other is lacking in pre-exposure libido data. Other examples come from outside that particular demographic, but are no less inconclusive. Only one shows a marked increase, but whether that is as a result of taking Velvet Step is muddied by the presence of multiple other enhancers. There is only one definitively positive case. You know what this means?
We need more data before deciding between side effect and intended treatment, and that means convincing more ponies to try Velvet Step! For science!
...
Au: "Awww, crap..."
Velvet Step, Equestria's #1 Badsass.
7489881
Not to mention all the Chemical vats that have to be disposed of once the villains fall into them.
...waaait a minute, I'm starting to see a trend developing here...
I just have to figure out who profits from all this, find a nosy reporter love interest and develop a tragic past...
Cause shes a strong independent ballerina that dont take no mouth. lol
I have to say it is good that her and her father have reconciled. And I am curious to see how things go between velvet and golden. my money is on Golden hanging from the ceiling with a sock in her mouth.
7489201 Velvet isn't the only one who can do a little trolling. Crystal has been watching her for years, after all!
It was a big moment that I've been really looking forward to writing. Actually, when Anzel named the classes of ships in Trials, he just chose matching names (Squire, Errant, Knight). I saw that and thought, "Oh my gosh, I can totally use that to help bring Jet Set and Crystal together after their fight."
7489205 Ahhhh Thank you so much for saying so! I'm ecstatic that you're enjoying our stories! I hope we continue to write what you like!
7489236 Truth!
7489247 Hahaha! Well, as amusing as this (and the comment chain it spawned) totally was, don't worry about what Gulheru or anyone else said! It's nice to know one person liked a scene. It's better to know two people did. It's great to know more did! The more people react to a scene or a line, the more I know it was successful.
7489255 I do love happy endings! It's kind of a bad tell, everyone knows things will work out. ... Or will they? Maybe I'm just lulling you all into a false sense of security so I can whip out a tragedy, get your hopes up that it'll end well, and let it fall.
7489288 Hahahaha, I'll probably do one in a blog post, like the "What Did Blueblood Say?"
Honestly, I might do more blog posts like that. Of little, short scenes that I don't include in the story, but aren't really fic-worthy. Hmm...
7489303 The soldiers will need the make-up for their spy missions...
"Hey, soldier-gryphs, you wanna show a lady around your camp? *flutters eyelashes*"
"Uh... you're a big girl, aren't you?"
"All the more for you to love as you take me into your intelligence headquarters... *puckers lips*"
7489383 I certainly hope so!
7489411 What could possibly go wrong!
7489454 Ahh! Thanks for finding the time to read it with how busy you've been! ;~;
7489484 I'll probs end up writing it, don't worry!
7489555 I just love the mental image of Golden and Velvet bonding over snark. It starts out with a bit of venom, and slowly they become immune to each other's venom and it develops into a bonding experience. And, yes, Jet Set is a good dad when he doesn't just bow to Upper Crust's whims, which he did for a long time.
7489593 Yes indeed!
7490160 Hey, if it works, then who can complain! I mean, other than Golden!
7490234 IT'LL BE FINE! What could possibly go wrong!
7490306 Who says you weren't one of the three? Or all three?
7490802 HAhahaha! Badsass. I love it. Phyco, will you ever cease to amaze?
7491007 Oh, lord, that would be quite an image for Crystal to come back to.
7491248
Sure; when I inevitably go too far and Anzel cooks my goose. Even the trickster can't stay one step ahead forever.
7491248
Crystal: "Wait. That was the same stallion, just with a fake moustache!"
Au: *rolls her eyes* "Yes. And he's the same as the one with the fake muttonchops, the one with the fake wings and his horn hidden under a hat, and the one with the ridiculous top hat, and the one in the dress... Though I'm pretty sure that was a dare of some kind."
Crystal: *snickers* "You have a fan. He seems sweet. Have you talked to him?"
Me in the comfort of my home: *has sudden need to hyperventilate into a paper bag*
7489484
I can see Crystal coming back to either a calm conversation about nothing in particular that's been carefully arranged just to mess with Crystal, or Velvet and Au will get into a one-upsmanship battle and Crystal will walk in on two ponies contorted into separate suggestive piles of arched torsos and akimbo legs.
7491248
....
Welp, they're all dead. GG guys, Quill and Blade was a good universe while it lasted.
7492324
Enough time for smores?
7492529 We'd have to run to the store for the chocolate, so... probably not.
7492324
Crystals a team killer? Wow... it's always the nice ones an't it?
Nice to see some bridges being built and others being repaired.
I am pretty sure Velvet understand Au better than Crystal. They both work in a competitive environment where both have to stay at the top of their game.
7494581 Crystal's online persona is a CoD troll. Calling it now.
I don't care if vidya doesn't exist yet in Q&B's Equestria.
Wow Jet. That is one Hell of an awesome way to apologize.
Not only designing a new warship to protect Your daughters husband, but naming it after him too?
Jet Set, all is forgiven in my book!
Also love how Her grandfather didn't need to be asked to give them some privacy LOL.
7489247 forgot the standard disclaimer of its use during pregnancy due to the risk to the foal
Crystal's light bulp event at her dad there at the end, it was a perfect dot over the i.
Hey crystal wishes thanks for the birthday present you published on my birthday this year
I both love and hate how I'll be reading your story and suddenly find tears pouring down my face. It's lead to some awkward moments
I was getting some coffee today, standing in line, and I just let out a sob. Felt my face; wet. Look around, people are staring at me. Choked out my order into the barista's gaping fishface, then practically ran to a table. People were like, hovering. I finally just threw my hands up and yelled "I'm fine!"
People I know were there, Crystal. I'm not known for being the crying girly type. I'm more of the 'rip your dick off and feed it to you' personality. You're ruining my image.
... I suppose the story's worth a little embarrassment, though. Just know that the terror I'm going to have to rain down to reassure people I'm not cracking up is on you, missy.