Same World, Different Realities

by Mocha Star

Real Vacation, Location Unknown

Ruthenium screamed as she crashed with her cart in pitch blackness, tumbling and rolling for a distance before she stopped, skidding to a stop on her right side. Her voice echoed as she gasped and whimpered, rolling from side to side as pain spiked around her body. Minutes passed before she fell silent and only her short fearful breaths were all she could hear.

Drip.

Her ears perked and she rolled to her belly, her head spun in dizziness. She felt a sting on her side and worried about the state of her dress and jewelry while she listened.

Drip.

She focused and her horn lit bringing dull silver light to the area around her. With a groan she focused and cast a lantern spell above herself, wincing at the light as it assaulted her night adapted eyes. She looked around her at the remains of her cart and her personal items scattered across the stone she was on.

“Oh no,” she whispered as she looked at most of her souvenirs. Broken, shattered, scattered, and when she looked at the shadows she noticed some had fallen, lost to the earth itself.

She tapped her forehooves on the ground and pushed herself up, jerking as her hind leg caught on her dress and tore it. She stood, looking at the broken cart pieces that she could find and felt sadness growing.

“H-hello?” she called out. She channeled more magic into her lantern spell and looked at the cavern she now found herself in. “Hello?!”

Only her voice replied. Tears pricked the sides of her eyes as she began to walk ahead, tripping again over her dress. She stopped and in frustration pulled it over her head and tossed it to the ground. She stomped on it several times, again only her voice echoed back. This time the grunts she’d made. She did take note of the red marks here and there on the dress.

She looked at her side and in the wane light she notes scratches barely breaking the skin and already stopped from bleeding. Her body trembled as the thought of how close she had come to being seriously hurt while lost and alone built.

“Hello?! Help! I don’t know where I am,” she listened as her voice echoed to near nothingness. “I don’t know where I am,” she whimpered. She moved ahead, found the cavern wall, and began following it while keeping a sharp eye ahead. “Why didn’t I grab my stuff?” she mumbled to herself, “oh yeah, it was all destroyed. That dumb gem’s gone so I can’t try to get out of here. My keep sakes are gone. We’re being invaded by a horde of flying ponies. Welcome to the prison pits; where you’re doomed to wander naked forever,” she grumbled.

With a loud scuff of her hoof on the stone floor she snorted and grumbled as she walked around stalagmites, dripping water and puddles, stalactites, and a large boulder. She looked at the passing scenery and took in the scale of the objects nature had created through erosion with disdain. The boulder was easy to walk around and showed no signs of tampering, which added to her frustration.

“Alone, lost, nothing to show for my vacation… why’d I want to leave again? What did I need to see at the edge? Where the spell is anypony?!”

Alone and scared with anger fueling her she built a spell she’d learned in self defense class. Before she could release it she let the magic dissipate and listened intently. She heard something that wasn’t her own echo, she would have sworn by it. A distant echo tickled her ears and a smile crossed her features as she began to trot toward the sound ahead.

Minutes passed and just as the echo seemed to become more defined, her right foreleg slipped and her knee struck the ground. She fell to her right side to spare it the weight as she screamed and began to cry loudly. “Help! I have broken my leg, Platinum save me. I can not die down here. No! I can not die here, alone! Without anyhorn knowing where I am,” she panicked and rolled to her belly and using three legs hobbled forward as her light faultered.

“I’m going to die! I’m going to die! I’m not going to make it. I’m gonna lose my leg!” she stumbled and fell forward, sharp pain shooting through her side as she landed.

Her light failed as she lost control of her sensibilities and scrambled around in the darkness.

She calmed and fell silent as she quickly resigned herself to her own demise as a light flickered in the distance. Her face wet and matted from snot, spit, and tears she closed her eyes and dismissed it as her final moments as she relaxed her head on the stone, letting herself fall asleep.

“A unihorn?”
“What’s it doing here?”
“It’s bleeding.”
“Mother, will it hurt us?”
“I don’t want to be a slave.”

“Now, now. Hush, little ones. You were right to guide me here,” a female voice with a slight echo spoke. “Let us tend to her wound and hope she does not attempt to attack us. Clem, gather moss from the rocks there. Janoe, share our water with her, but first on her wounded knee. Latrel, assist me with holding her leg still while I check for breakage. Everyone ready? Gently move with me on the count of two.”

Ruthenium whined as the pain in her leg spiked, but she remained still and unresponsive. The group took care of her and lifted her onto the mother’s back and their journey began.

***

Ruthenium woke up slowly. Her eyes fluttered slightly and her legs moved. With a deep inhale of musty air she sneered. “Ugh, close the windows. It smells like mudders are herding down the street,” she pulled the covers over her head and groaned as she realized where was. Quickly she tossed the blanket off her head and sat up in near darkness.

Hooves pressed to her shoulders and restrained her. “Please, calm yourself. Surely you know of your injury? It’s healed but sensitive.”

“Who are you, where am I?! Turn on the lights,” Ruthenium shouted through a slight headache.

“Wait here, lay down, and I’ll gather the light,” the voice calmly replied. Ruthenium couldn’t tell if it was a mare or stallion but she relaxed and lay back. There was a soft clopping of hooves moving away and then she was alone. Lying on the bed she could tell she was still underground, the bed was oddly soft and smelled of sweet dirt.

Hooves approached and she steeled herself for who it could be. A light green glow preceded the creature holding slimy bugs in a glass jar’s handle in its mouth. Ruthenium scooted back against what she now knew was an alcove in the stone and covered with moss as bedding. She moved as far as she could from the horrific pony creature until her back was against the alcove wall. She pulled the covers up to cover her muzzle showing only her eyes and ears as it entered the stone room.

“Ah, typical unihorn reaction,” the creature began with an echoed voice. “I am a Sarosian, or batpony if you wish. We’ve heard it before and it hurts less each time. I have wings to fly, too,” it said opening its leathery appendages and smirking at Ruthenium’s squeak. “I am Xalan, with an ‘X’ not a ‘Z’.

“I understand this is a lot to take in, but you are alive; that is most important. As a mare I understand the fear you feel from something new,” she mused then mumbled about ‘not being a filly anymore’ that Ruthenium just barely heard.

“What are you? I mean, where am I? Are you going to e-eat me?”

Xalan snorted into laughter that resonated through the cavern they were in as she set the jar down. “These teeth are sharp, but not for pony. I eat a nice variable diet of mostly flora and little fauna. Trade with the surface helps a lot, though,” she giggled, “how else would we get jars or coffee? The nectar of life.”

Ruthenium raised an eyebrow and lowered the blanket to below her chin. “I like coffee, too,” she said softly.

“Oh my, are we friends now?” Xalan smiled baring sharp canines that made Ruthenium flinch back. “Coffee unites us all,” she made a whistling chirp noise. “Try to stand, since you seem intent on testing your motion against nurses orders. The cavern alderman would like to meet you and explain who we are and see if we can’t get you back to the surface as soon as possible, okay?”

“O-okay,” Ruthenium whispered then cleared her throat. “Okay, I’ll just, follow you then?”

“Unless you know the way?” Xalan mused. “Come, I’ll show you the way.”

Ruthenium got to her hooves from the bed and brushed the moss from her coat then followed Xalan out the doorway, noting it was actual wood framed. “How long have you things been down here?”

Xalan sighed as she led the way. “Sarosians have been living here for as long as the Windigoes ruled the sky. We tried to return to the surface,” she waved at another Sarosian as she passed, halting her conversation, “Hello Jaha, you look well today. This’ the unihorn, yeah, see you soon,” she returned her attention to the mare she was guiding that was walking awkwardly slow with her tail between her legs, “...but we weren’t welcomed by your tribe without that Princess to protect us so we adapted to life underground and outside the walls of the land,” she stopped and looked at Ruthenium.

“Are you well, unihorn?”

“Y-you’re all nudists?” she whispered back loudly. There were laughs from beyond the range of light that Ruthenium couldn’t help but fear as she sided to Xalan like a scared foal.

“Clothes don’t make the caves and drier and the cloth has better use than to show how noble amongst the nobles we are. Let’s continue, okay?”

Ruthenium swallowed as the laughter died off and she kept her side touching her guide until the leathery wings shifted, reminding her they were there and she skittered away a couple paces aside and behind to more quiet snickers. She chose to distract herself with a question that had peaked her interest a moment before.

“You live outside, in the endless forests?”

“Yeah, waay out past the edge. Near the outside is a nightmare spell that no fool would go through it so we go under it. There are games where challenges are made to see how close one can get from the outer outposts to the dome before they succumb, it’s hilarious to watch and sales are climbing every year.”

“S-so you have an economy?”

Her guide looked back with a soft smile. “I won’t bore you, that’s what the government is for, now we’ll be leaving the tunnel soon so you’ll have a better idea of where you are… well,” she stopped and stared in thought, “relatively speaking.” She resumed her walk in silence as a blue light caught Ruthenium’s eye ahead.

They crossed the threshold and with a single blink, Ruthenium stared over the open edge of metal railing to a subterranean city that she didn’t think could exist. “Platinum the First, Savior of the Land,” she said breathily as she looked and stopped when she’d made her way to the rails.

“Yes, it’s a small suburb, but it’s home.”

Ruthenium moved her head before she could tear her eyes away from the bright, lively, and bustling city full of both Sarosians and Pegasi flying while mudders and unihorns coasted in small airships above them.

“Th-this shouldn’t exist, how?!” she pointed a hoof as she exclaimed in awe and stammered at the city at tall as the one she’d been at when the invasion had started. The light source shone like the warm spring sun and there was even a slight breeze that ruffled her mane at their height.

Xalan placed the lantern on the ground. “Fine, I’ll tell you that over two thousand years we have learned to live in harmony with each other and built a world for ourselves beneath what you believe to be all that matters and exists. Now, I believe we have time before you have to leave so can we leave the real history lessons until later?” she whistle chirped.

“Why do you keep doing that?”

Xalan turned and picked up the lantern again, not bothering to look back.

“Well? And can I get a blanket at least? I was under the impression you would be alone with me, not parading me around in the coat for perverts to gawk at in the night. And I’m becoming parched, where can I get a drink? You said you live with mudders, can they direct me to a tavern where I can gather my wits about me?”

Xalan snorted once as she led. “I can see your horn is higher already.”

“It is as high as it must be, I can not let myself fall from Her grace.”

“Or what,” Xalan replied dryly, “She will smite you down to a lower class and have you cleaning fertilizer like those at the bottom? And I strongly suggest you call them grounders, there are strong sentiments with the term you use for them.”

“I refuse to acknowledge mudders as anything better than they are. If they want to be better they should be born with a fully functioning brain.”

Xalan kept her pace but didn’t reply. Ruthenium lifted her muzzle in pride, believing she’d proven her case. “We’re here, your nobleness. May I introduce Mister Chandler, grounder representative and alderman to the area,” she smirked at Ruthenium as the unihorn’s mouth opened. “Yes, you may enter.”

“Ah, the new addition to the level. Take a seat, I have to finish this, then I’ll be right with you,” the teal grounder said with a friendly smile to her before returning to his assistant, a unihorn. “Contact the councils on public affairs and have them explain why our budget has been cut two percent this year.

“Budget policy clearly states that we’re to see an increase of three percent in alignment with inflation and word it so that it doesn’t sound demanding or that we’re really in need,” he winked to his aid that smiled back.

“Yes sir, mister Chandler! I’ll have it written up right away, excuse me,” the mare said as she happily moved between the two mares just inside the doorway.

Ruthenium looked with shock at her as she passed then to Chandler. “But, y-you’re-”

“A male, yes. It’s not as uncommon as you may think for a stallion to get a-”

“A mudder! How can you tell a unihorn what to do?! What kind of nightmare is this, where your kind… wait, that’s it! I’m asleep and still on vacation!” she stated hopefully while the two locals looked at her with disinterest.

“Yes, while you freak out let’s pretend you’re awake and find out about how you got here.”

Ruthenium narrowed her eyes and her horn glowed to life. She yelped as her horn was flicked with a leathery wing. “No magic of an offensive nature,” Xalan scolded.

“I was gonna move a chair over,” Ruthenium replied haughtily as she trotted to the desk and stood to face him. “In any case, before this part of my dream I was trying to teleport from a farm to Dream Crescent. I’d used a powerful gem to fuel it and then I crashed, so perhaps you can send me on my way to begin the next part of this truly confusing construct of my mind.”

He nodded as she spoke. “Ah, yes. Mm-hmm, well, I’ll get right on that. Xalan, would you mind showing her to the waking tubes? She looks like she could use a dose of dream magic on her,” he said with a warm smile. “And if she’s still here after she wakes up, we’ll finish our meeting,” he kept his smile as Ruthenium left the room.

“We’ll be back in a few, sir.”

***

Ruthenium stomped into the office again with a glare that Chandler chuckled at. “Are we awake now?”

“She pushed me into an ice cold shower and shut the door.”

“Yes?”

“It was so cold I couldn’t cast.”

“Yes?” he stated again, sitting and steepling his hooves.

“I was shivering when I came out!”

“And…”

“And,” she frowned. “I didn’t wake up from a dream, dock head.”

Chandler and Xalan couldn’t help but grin, Ruthenium kept her eyes on him and his not sharp teeth. “Ah, so you’re awake enough to converse? Fantastic. Let’s begin, if you wouldn’t mind taking a seat,” he gestured and she called a chair over. “Then short version and long version you’ll learn over time.

“Two thousand years ago we began living underground and liked it. No bad weather, crops grew fine for what we eat, and there’s always been the warmth of harmony that arrived a year after the first Princess Platinum left, a magic fire that reminds us of what we all almost lost before and won’t risk again.

“This is the city Fourteen, names aren’t very important when unihorns and grounders worked with pegasi. They couldn’t come to a conclusion so the Hurricanites chose numbers and the others went with it. The Sarosians were kind enough to mediate our negotiations, as keepers of the night they were the idea choice to help the day dwellers.”

“Wait, who?!”

“Sarosians watch and make certain the nights are safe for those that sleep from outside attacks, now on a national level, a secret guard if you will. Pegasi chose the name of their greatest leader. Unihorns as well. Grounders, well… food was most important and it came from the ground so,” he sighed, “it’s better than Fudgers, after Chancellor Fudge Head. That word changed meaning as soon as she left with her group to new lands beyond the forests to something less kind.”

“So, you were going to be called-”

“Anyway,” he interjected with a slight blush, “it was before harmony was official and shortly after the remaining three tribes settled here for peace. The grounder nation moved to the outskirts of the forest, the pegasi of Stratopolis still live above the cities you know of higher than you can see with normal eyesight and are hidden by clouds so you can’t see them with telescopes, all that while Unicornia stayed where it was because unihorns are stubborn.

“The Pegasi still manage the weather up top and you’ll never know it. Unihorns rule absolute under false beliefs, and we’ve sacrificed tens of thousands of grounders to keep you living in your illusion for peace and harmony.”

Xalan sighed. “That’s where it gets difficult. Ruthenium, right? Can I call you Ruth?”

“No, I’m a noble and as such will be called by my noble name.”

“Okay, well you’re not noble here, Ruth. Civil war has been brewing for generations and it’s coming to a head.”

Ruthenium’s eyes widened. “What? Civil war isn’t possible,” she scoffed, “everyhorn is happy with the way things are and have been.”

“How many noble levels are there?”

“Sixteen,” she stated factually.

“And where are you?”

“Technically ninth, but I claim-”

“And that’s why. Unihorns don’t feel like they’re treated equally and you know what level you determines everything about your life. Lower level unihorns are seeking lives beyond what their levels determine and if you’ve been through the farmlands you’ve probably seen some of our suppliers and traders.”

“Traitors? Yes, I’ve seen them.”

“No, those who trade. The past three surface generations have seen a growing number of intertribal relationships and it’s been catching the eye of others.”

“You mean ‘interracial.’”

“No, we’re the same race, just a little different, but all work and love together. You’ve just never been told that until now. Haven’t you ever thought about equality though?”

Ruthenium harrumphed. “Only for those that deserve it.”

“Are you one of them?” Chandler asked.

Ruthenium’s ears fell a little. “Sometimes, but it’s just because-”

“Exactly our point,” the stallion began. “What you feel has been the quiet norm for almost two hundred and fifty years. It’s been a pot of hot oil and our guests from beyond the forest are water that’s been dropped into it. All the surface needed was a reason and it’s already begun.”

“What’s begun? Your imaginary civil war?” Ruthenium scoffed, anxiety showed clearly though.

“Yes. Your lands are going to war over classes soon, and there’s nothing we can do but try to help those that want it. We’ll help you as we can but I have to warn you that it won’t be safe when you return and it’s doubtful anyone will believe you about a civilization of subsurface harmonic tribes.

“It’s your choice though, so would you like to sleep on it?”

“I…” Ruthenium thought and was offered time of silence while she did. Her eyes moving slightly as she thought through her options. “If I were to believe you, I’d need proof that I’ll be safe and unharmed while I travel home.”

“That’s not a problem, we’ll get you right below your own city and get you to the surface safely and quickly. Believe it or not, crime is less than one out of twelve thousand annually here with the most frequent being theft. Those are good numbers by any means. Xalan, take her to the city and arrange transport to whichever city she lives at. Bill it to their offices,” he winked, “no need to stop the economy because some tribes aren’t happy with each other.”

“Hey, we’re not tribes like some ancient hut dwellers.”

“Oh?” Xalan chuckled, “and what are you?”

“We’re,” she paused and thought, falling silent and lowering her muzzle slightly in defeat.

“Well, now that that’s happened let’s have her take a walk, shall we?”

“Yes, alderman Chandler. See you for brunch?”

Ruthenium’s eyes darted between the two as she walked to Xalan.

“Certainly. Melons on your melons?” He said and they shared a chuckle while Ruthenium raised a brow silently.

“You have brunch? Like, brunch brunch?”

Xalan used her wing to guide Ruthenium out of the office and closed the door. “Yes, we’re not some kind of monsters that live blindly in the shadows like I’m certain you’ve heard in stories to keep you out of caves and other ways that could lead you underground and into evidence of our existence, right?” she bumped her flank into Ruthenium’s.

“But… I don’t get it, it makes so much sense but why would the government lie to all of us?”

Xalan stopped and gave her an indignant look. “Seriously,” she stated, “why would the unihorns in charge of everything risk losing anything? Is that a serious question?”

Ruthenium slouched. “Yeah, it makes even more sense now.”

“Look, it’s not as though we’re hiding for some nefarious reason. We live here just as they do up there. We have days in the sun and nights beneath the stars quite often, however we appreciate it more than you do,” she said and started leading Ruthenium ahead again. “Ruth, it’s not like you’re the first one to realize this, and to be honest you won’t be the last.

“The only thing is how you apply it to your life when you’re back home.”

“If there’s a home to return to, what if I get in trouble for finding out about all this?” she gestured to the cityscape as they walked across the open level toward another tunnel.

“Then you adapt. Some of those conspiracy groups are actually those that know of us but are simply discredited by those that you revere as living goddesses.”

Ruthenium scoffed. “Are you saying the monarchy is a farce?”

“Mostly.”

Ruthenium stumbled but caught herself. “What?!”

“Yeah, you know since you’re heading to the capital of your nation maybe you’ll get to pass by the real Princess. She’s really nice and is always open to meeting newcomers. I’ll send a message ahead if you’d like to.”

“Y-y-you mean I can actually meet the Princess?!”

“Well, more or less. She is who you believe… but not what you’d expect,” Xalan said thoughtfully.

“Is she a Sermonian like you?”

That earned a snicker. “Sarosian, and no. She’s more beautiful than any of my kind, she practically radiates generosity and mirth with a kindness that’s difficult to understand without knowing the truth as she presents it with every word. She’ll make you laugh just as quickly as quake with fear at her unwavering loyalty to all those she watches over. She’s magical in every way,” Xalan sighed.

“So, she’s like, as awesome as they say?”

“Meh, close enough. You know how to use an elevator?”

“Yes.”

“Then after you,” she gestured at an open elevator and followed Ruthenium in. “Travel levels are three to six, so I guess four will work best. There’s an ice cream shop I don’t get to often enough,” Xalan giggled as she pressed the number.

“Everything is so similar, just underground. Is this really real?”

“Yes,” she stated as the doors opened, “you may exit, Ruth.”

Ruthenium looked out and blinked twice at the busy platform and city spread outside the elevator. “How…”

“Quick transport. Seventy floors in two seconds flat, impressed?”

“Yeah,” Ruthenium said taking a step out and onto the platform as all types of ponies made their way about their daily lives.

“Watch it, lady,” a grounder said she she walked into his path and he danced around her.

She was silent and watched him move on, her gaze falling to his tail and lower. “Eep! Why don’t any of you wear clothes?!”

“It’s just the way nature made us. If you’re that interested in clothing I’ll run you by a clothing store but I don’t have a lot of sparks to trade.”

“Sparks? I haven’t heard anyhorn call money that for ages.”

“It works better here since we don’t all have magic casting,” Xalan said taking the lead. “Stay close and mind your manners, okay?”

Ruthenium moved closer but her eyes kept darting from side to side as they made their way into a large spiral tower that she had to strain her head back to see. She bumped into somepony and stopped then blushed deeply as a very attractive stallion with feathered wings looked back at her.

“Thanks, but I’m not interested. Go ask somepony else.”

She blinked at him and he stared back at her. “Uh, I’m not… uh, sorry?”

Xalan moved between them as he opened his mouth to scold her. “Apologies, she’s from the surface, moving on, Ruth.”

“A, w-wait,” he stammered as Xalan began to move Ruthenium. “I’m Swift Stinger Wing from Stratopolis and it’s nice to meet a real surfacer finally! Can I shake your hoof?”

Ruthenium blinked and looked at him with a goofy smile. She raised a foreleg and he wrapped his primary feathers around it, shaking it to her amazement. Her mouth went dry and her blush deepened. “G-gah, w-w-wings… real,” she grinned and giggled through her blush. Her voice raised suddenly. “You have wings! Real ones! How do they work, where’d you get them, how’d you learn to fly? Are you a mudder with wings or are you a pegasus that’s different? What about flight speed and distance?!”

Swift stepped back with an awkward smile as she continued to bombard him with questions. “Okay,” he interjected flaring his wings and quieting her, but not stemming her excitement. “Let’s talk it over coffee?”

Ruthenium squeaked and hopped on her hooves. “Yes! I will, I do, right now, c’mon!” she used her magic to grip his foreleg and give him a tug. “Wait, where do we go?! I need a cafe, now!” she shouted.

“Woah, calm your teats, Ruth. You’re not marrying him, let’s just take a minute and-”

“No! This’ the chance of a lifetime, Xalan! He’s a pony with wings and he’s cute!” she inhaled sharply and looked aside to him and his now smug smile and smoldering expression. “Well, I stand by it! Mount me… follow! Follow me, er, her… Xalan, hurry, I need coffee!”

They both gave in to their amusement. “No, you don’t need more caffeine, Ruth. But I’ll take you to the cafe, follow me,” Xalan said and led the prancing unihorn and pegasi into the structure.

“Wow, this’ amazing! It’s like a city itself.”

“Well, each tower has everything needed to keep the residents fed and happy, so yeah, kinda,” Swift said.

“Wait, residents?”

“Yeah, they live at the top and get to pass all the shops, stores, and entertainment on their way to the ground floor here to get to work.”

“You all work, too?!”

He looked at Xalan who nodded. “Yes. I’m actually employed at the recycling center a few blocks away.”

“Do you have to fly there?!” Ruthenium asked as she slowed to stand beside him.

“Uh, yeah, I can. But it’s good to exercise my legs, too.”

“Really? What else do you like to work on?” Ruthenium asked slyly, not hiding her intention.

“Ruth, is it? Do you always come on this strong?”

“Yes,” she hissed as she leaned her muzzle closer to him, “but only if you’re interested,” she moved quicker to side with Xalan, swaying her hips as she went. His feathers bristled and he flew up and landed to the side of Ruthenium, sandwiching her between them. “And you can call me Ruth, if you want.”

“Hey!”

“I just might learn to like that,” Swift said moving his head closer and nuzzling her.

“You two just met! That’s not even… How?!” Xalan asked loudly as she stopped and the two moved ahead of her. “How can you two be like that so quick?! Ruth, Ruth! Tell me your technique!”

…

“So, you’re from the surface, huh?” Swift said over a cup of hot coffee.

Ruthenium crossed her hooves in front of herself on the table. “Yes. I’m a noble and work at the energy department as a senior shift manager in power distribution.”

“Wow,” he said winking at her, “I’m impressed. That’s quite the title.”

“Well I’m a nurse at-”

“Yeah, and I really respect anyone that works in recycling. It’s such an important job.”

“Really? I guess I just do my part.”

Xalan sighed and sipped her hot chocolate. “Don’t mind me, just here to make sure you two hit it off,” she mumbled.

“Thanks, Xalan, you’re cool, too. So, Swift Stinger Wing. I like that name, is it familial?”

“Nah, My name was Swift Wing, but I added Stinger when I got my brand. Sure, my brand is a snowflake motif, but Stinger fits since I like to,” he chuckled and Ruthenium grinned and chuckled in return.

Xalan groaned and rolled her eyes. “This seriously is happening, isn’t it?”

“I happen to like being stung, sometimes a couple times a day if the stinger is right.”

“I think it’s just right. Never had a complaint,” he replied as his wings opened from his sides slightly.

Xalan groaned and lay her head on the table, covering her ears with her hooves. “Terrible, just awful.”

The two others shared a flirtatious giggle as their time dragged on.

“Oh, my. It’s nearly evening. What are you having for dinner?”

“Whatever I can get, kind sir.”

“I can offer you something back at my apartment, if you’d like.”

Ruthenium giggled and nodded, offering Xalan a bump as she got from her seat.

“Huh? Whassappen?”

“Wake up, you’re my wingmare,” Ruthenium whispered as she moved to Swift’s side.

“Oh, just wonderful, now I’m a wingmare. From foalsitter to wingmare? What a promotion…”

Xalan followed the duo out of the cafe and stayed behind as they flirted and whispered to each other. Finally Swift hovered and gripped a giggling Ruthenium in his legs and took flight straight up. “Wait! Are you licensed to fly with,” she started and grumbled as she took off after them.

Swift stopped to a hover and flew forward to the floor. “This’ my room,” he said landing her and flying to the door. He opened it with a key in his feathers and gestured for her to enter and once she was in he closed the door, locking Xalan out.

She landed and knocked on the door twice and then turned to lean against it as she sat. “Fantastic. This’ how I wanted to spend my day, helping a crazed surfacer adapt to the underground only to have her fall for the first pegasi she meets,” she grumbled as she looked at her wings. “I thought my wings were cool. Why didn’t she get excited over them?”

She waited a time and leaned her ear against the door, ignoring passers by that gave her awkward looks. She grimaced as she heard what she’d expected and returned her attention to the short wall and rail across from her. Her stomach grumbled and she sighed as she got up and moved to the railing. “Huh, not how I expected this day to go at all.”

Hours later the door clicked unlocked and opened slightly, Swift gasped as Xalan fell inside the threshold and woke up with a snort. “Miss, are you alright? Why are you sleeping at my door, anyway?”

“Wait, Swiftie, that’s Xalan, she’s my friend.”

Xalan sat up and looked at Ruthenium and frowned. “Need a comb? I’m sure you can find one in his bathroom,” she intoned her frustration, “and why’re you wearing that sweater?”

“This? Oh, it’s my Swiftie’s, he’s letting me have it since I don’t have any clothes yet.”

“Yeah, she’s not used to being naked. It’s just a small gift,” he said as she nuzzled him.

“Like the big gift you gave me earlier.”

“Ugh, spare me your foalish prattling. We have places to be and you’ve set us hours behind.”

“Worth it,” he chimed in happily.

“Ruth, come with me please.”

“I’m too tired, maybe in the morning?” she joked, “we were heading out for a late supper. Care to join us?”

“Excuse me, are you just moving in down here? What about your home?”

“Xalan, chill. I’m just trying the local cuisine on vacation, it’s a must, right?”

Swift chuckled. “Yeah, hope I’m on the menu later, too.”

Xalan made a gagging sound. “Seriously? She’s supposed to be heading to the capitol! Where’s your urgency from earlier?”

“I’m calmer now, got that stress taken care of and Platinum above, wings can do so many things,” Ruthenium purred.

“Have you ever wondered what it’d be like on a cloud?” he whispered in a deep voice that made Ruthenium tremble. “Ruthie, we should totally-”

“Okay, that’s it. We’re not here to play around, we’ve got to get you home.”

“UH! Xalan, you’re like my mom when I was a filly. I’m technically still on vacation so let me vacation! Just for a couple days, in a totally new city in a totally new place! This’ gonna be great,” Ruthenium cheered as she reared on two legs and whooped. Swift laughed at her antics while Xalan ground her teeth.

“Fine, but I’m not going to just shadow you two while you have your fun, got it?!”

*.*.*.*

The next two days Ruthenium and Swift spent every moment together with Xalan following them like a loyal canine the whole time, though even being given the couch in his apartment didn’t seem to stem the frustration the Sarosian felt as they had their fun.

“Xalan! Good morning,” Ruthenium sing songed as she pranced into the living room, “breakfast smells great! Thanks for understanding why I’m staying here,” she made her way to the grumpy bat pony and gave her a nuzzle. “Oh, don’t be upset. Swifty said he’d go back to the undercity with us to see me off.”

“Yeah, Ruth, local council still understands your stay without papers or permission, I’m ready to get you home, though.”

“Psh, I’ve never had more fun and you wanna send me away?” Ruthenium teased. “I’ve never felt so free! I’ve been naked more now than when I was foaled and there are so many different ponies here! You’re all so friendly and kind and sweet! I wanna stay,” she giggled to Xalan’s dismay.

“Where’s Swift? We’ve gotta get you home before you realize what you said,” she grumbled as she began to scoop scrambled eggs onto three plates with bacon and cheesy bread.

“He’s still in the shower. I didn’t want him to wear my scent the day I leave,” she replied and scraped a hoof on the floor anxiously. “Do I really have to?”

“Yes.”

“But, I have so much to learn still. I’ve learned so much about flight and wings, and I talked with a grounder! I never thought I’d say that,” she exclaimed excitedly, “now I’ve gotta go back?” she whined.

“It’s because you don’t belong here. You are a surfacer and belong with your friends and family. Trying times are ahead and you can’t hide from them here.”

“Yes I can,” Ruthenium said matter of factly.

“Yes, but you shouldn’t. Remember how unfair you believe it is to be a noble of different class? Unihorns above are, too. They’re taking action and making changes by the day, and you need to be part of that. Part of the creation of a new land to live in.”

Ruthenium sighed and looked at her hooves. “Fine, but I can come back?”

Xalan smiled warmly. “I’d be sad if you didn’t. Are you going to keep that sweater? It looks nice on you.”

“Yeah,” Ruthenium used her magic to tug at the neck and pulled it over her muzzle. “It smells like him and it’s super warm. I’m gonna make it my comfy clothes when I get home.”

They shared a chuckle as they sat for breakfast.

---

“Ruth, please don’t forget me,” Swift said softly as he nuzzled Ruthenium. She giggled and shook her head in reply.

“I’ll be back, I promise. I know we’ve just met and I’ve just started courting you but,” she leaned forward and kissed his lips. She pulled back and blushed deeply as he blinked his wide eyes. “I like you, a lot. And I wanna be with you more,” she giggled and hid her muzzle in the stretched neckband of her borrowed sweater.

“Th-that was… our first kiss,” he stammered with a growing smile. “Oh, uh, yeah! I… I’d like that a lot, to see you more often, down here. Since, you know.”

“Yeah, the whole secret underworld thing. It’s kinda sad that,” she waved her foreleg at the falling dust that speckled the air, “ahem, that I didn’t meet your princess. Maybe next time,” she pulled her muzzle free and grinned at him, “but I’ll be happier to see you.”

Using his wings, Swift held her head still and leaned close. “I’d be the happiest stallion if you did.”

They shared another nuzzle and Ruthenium offered Xalan a hug goodbye as she entered the elevator to the city above with three other well dressed unihorns. “Bye, I’ll see you soon!”

They waved her off as the doors closed.

Ruthenium giggled to herself and inhaled the sweater again. “Hey, what’s with it raining dust recently? Do you have a seismic issue, being underground?”

The other three looked at her quizzically. “Oh, dear. Don’t you know?”

Comments

[Cross Lament]

...Ruthenium.

[Mocha Star]

8625202

[kildeez]

Damn Ruthie moves fast!

That being said...not sure how I feel about this chapter. It dumped a LOT of lore on us very, very quickly. You handled it well, but it still sorta cheapens this image I had of what the surface really is. Can't say I like this one, especially since Ruthenium's personality did almost a total 180 shift with it, going from total racist to banging a pegasus in the span of one chapter. Plus, I thought in the end it would be her making that final broadcast from the original one-shot. It was entertaining, but I don't really think I like the direction this chapter takes us in now.

[Mocha Star]

8625493
I totally understand. I felt like it was rushed, too. I've been having issues with pacing and could have added so much more and all that lore would've been panned out much better, fitting into the narrative better. But the next chapter helps balance the rush of this one with better prose, I hope anyway!

And yeah, part of the reason she moves fast is because she's on vacation! Whoop whoop!

I imagine her being a bit of a prude in her day-to-day at work and life.

[kildeez]

8625582
I'm just not sure how well this lore fits with everything else, really, it's just...I dunno, it seems like everything else was more than enough

[Truthseeker]

Okay, got to voice a complaint here. Our racist protagonist does a COMPLETE 180 in the span of a single afternoon? Holy shit-biscuits! My wife is bipolar and SHE doesn't cycle that fast. The unrealism of that turn-around gave me figurative whiplash.

[Mocha Star]

8742797
I know.... I had it worked differently in my mind than it came across and I rushed this chapter... I really will fix it and that mad switch.
It's only a couple things, too.

I love your comments, thanks!!