I smiled and watched Dash and Applejack walking into Ponyville, laughing and bumping into each other in friendly one-upmanship. Mac was still waiting by the tree, a smile actually noticeable.
“Damn good to see them friends again, Mac. I don’t know what I would have done if they hadn't made up.”
The wheat stock in his mouth moved from side to side, “Eeyup. Best thing for ‘em.” Mac paused for a moment, watching them go, “After all this ruckus, just make sure to treat Miss Rainbow Dash right.”
“You know it, Mac. You know it.” I stood watching them for a few more minutes, admiring Dash, then sighed, “Well, I have some very unpleasant business to attend to, sir.” I slapped him on the shoulder, “Wish me luck.”
I was rewarded with an angry Mac, “What in tarnation did you hit me for?”
“Oops. Heh, sorry. It’s a human thing. A slap to the back of the shoulder is a sign of camaraderie. I keep forgetting ponies don’t go for violence as easily as humans do. I didn’t even think how that would be interpreted.”
Mac gave me a sideways glare, and then his expression softened into a genuine smile, “Here’s how a pony does it.” He then shoulder-checked me hard enough to knock me to the ground.
I laughed, both in relief that Mac was not offended and for the silliness of his response. “Mac, does this mean you like me.”
His smile extended to an actual grin and he extended a hoof to help me up. “Nope, but I guess it means I can tolerate ya.”
I snorted, “I’ll take that. I’m headed to town. Want to come with me?”
“Nope, too much work on the farm, but I’ll walk with you as far as the gate.”
“Sounds good.” We walked in silence, Mac going a little slower to accommodate me. After a few minutes, “Ya know Mac, I’ve said it before, but this world,” I pursed my lips, shook my head, and looked at the perfect sky, “you have no idea how lucky you are. The people here are so, so good and forgiving. Heh, I really realize now how much, how badly, I overreacted to Coins by your standards. The more I think about it, the more I realize it’s something to be ashamed of.”
The wheat stock went from left to right, “So, what did you do that was so bad?”
I couldn’t make myself look at Mac, I just found a very fascinating spot on the ground, “I broke into his house, slapped a garrote around his throat and threatened him for messing up the reception with that thrice-damned gift.”
He snorted, “I would agree that’s a mite harsh, considering you managed to fix it before any harm was done.” Mac was silent for a few moments, “Is what you done normal for humans?”
I didn’t answer right away, then chuckled, “No. I guess that wouldn’t be normal where I lived. I just, I just saw that ugly thing in this wondrous place and got so angry. Righteous indignation, Mac. The blood in my veins was filled with it. As far as I was concerned, I was on a holy mission. I was stopping evil. Being drunk didn’t help, but that’s no excuse. And, damn it, what if I had been wrong?” I enjoyed the beauty of the countryside and the beautiful rows of apple trees. “Well, Mac, thanks for listening to me ramble. I guess I’m off to make things right.”
“Don’t worry none, you’ll be just fine. And if’n it means something, I think you did the right thing. Well, maybe not in fact, but in principle anyway.”
“Thanks, Mac, that means a lot. You have a good day, okay?”
Walking into town, I hum ‘This Is The Life’ by Weird Al to distract myself. I smile despite the feeling of a knife being twisted in my gut with each step closer to the humiliation I was about to experience. ‘I deserve this. I know it’s just. I’m the one who went too far, not him.’
Despite my inner turmoil, I was smiling when I reached the town. There were not many ponies, so I could easily hear the little maelstrom of youthful exuberance coming my way. I turned in time to see Scootaloo on her scooter, pulling Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle at breakneck speeds in their little red wagon.
Seeing Scootaloo brought the bone-chilling details of the dream to the forefront of my mind. For a split second, I screamed in my mind at the imagery. Then, when I realized Scootaloo was whole and unharmed, full of life and joy. I almost cried. I couldn’t explain it, but it was as if I had just laid eyes on Lily. My heart burst with relief and joy at seeing that little pegasus filly. After a full second with who knows what expression on my face, “Hi girls, up to no good?” I smiled broadly at them. Seeing them made me so happy and relieved.
They screeched to a halt and, with toothy smiles, said, “Yes, Alex,” all except for Apple Bloom. She just looked at me with all the hostility a little filly could muster. ‘Uh oh.’
With concern in my voice, “What’s wrong, Apple Bloom?”
She jumped out of the little wagon, ran up to me, and bucked me hard, knocking me to the ground. “That’s for making my sister cry, ya big meanie.”
The other two looked at me and Apple Bloom in shock. Scootaloo was the first to defend me, “Why did you do such a mean thing, Apple Bloom? Alex would never do something like that. He’s really nice! Rainbow Dash is always saying nice things about him when she gives me her special lessons.”
“And Rarity still calls him a gallant knight, whatever that is. She gets all googly-eyed when she does, so I know it’s a good thing.”
Despite the pain in my leg, I pulled myself to a kneeling position with a grunt. “It’s okay, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo. She has, or had, a good reason to be mad at me, but it’s kind of private. Could you girls go ahead to Sugar Cube Corners and tell Pinkie Pie or Mrs Cake I’ll be along too in a few minutes? Order up whatever you want. It’s on me. I want to talk with Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle looked sceptical, and Scootaloo seemed upset, but they did what I asked. I sat on the curb and rubbed my leg.
Once they were out of earshot, “Apple Bloom, I’m sorry I upset your sister. We had a,” I groped around for the right word, “miscommunication. Do you know what that word means?” she nodded, “Of course you do. You’re a smart filly. Well, your sister thought she was in love with me, and I was in love with her, in a marefriend and coltfriend kind of way.”
“You mean like a special somepony?”
“Yes, exactly. The problem is, I don’t like her as a special somepony. I liked her more like a sister.” I smiled and shrugged, “My heart was somewhere else. It was with Miss Rainbow Dash.”
“So you led my sister on and stole my brother’s mare?” I could see she was even more upset.
“No, no, no.” I had never realized how perceptive she was. “It was more like Applejack thought she liked me like a special somepony, but she was just a little confused. You see, I can’t tell a pretty pony from an average pony.” Apple Bloom looked at me incredulously, “I really can’t. I’ve been told Applejack is really, really pretty, and she was so happy that someone liked her for her, not because she’s pretty. She got a little confused. But we have that all worked out now. Now, I want you to know that I care for your sister very much as a friend, even as a sister, but not in that special way. And I would like to think of you as my little sister, too, if you’ll let me.”
Apple Bloom looked at me, unsure. “I suppose that’s alright.” Her eyes narrowed, “But what about Big Macintosh?”
“Well, Mac had a chance to ask Miss Rainbow Dash out, but it never worked out. In fact, I even tried to set them up once. Mac told me he was alright with me and Miss Rainbow Dash. Anyway, do you honestly think Rainbow Dash would let herself be traded around like a ball?” Apple Bloom smirked and shook her head. “So, Miss Rainbow Dash and I like each other very much, and Mac and Applejack are happy for us. We like them very much, too, as friends.” I sighed, “Grown-up relationships get crazy sometimes.” I patted her on the head, “You know what? Nobody needs to know what happened here. I don’t want you getting in trouble for protecting your family.”
Apple Bloom looked gratefully at me, “I appreciate that. Applejack’s always telling me I jump to conclusions.” While I limped, she skipped to Sugar Cube Corners, and our little disagreement was forgotten.
Apple Bloom burst in, “Everything’s alright! Alex is my new big brother.” This drew confused looks from the girls and other patrons.
I chuckled and limped to the counter to a confused Mrs Cake. Before I could say anything, Pinkie Pie said, “I’ll handle this. Why don’t you take a break.” She turned her uniquely intense joyful smile on me and, in a stage whisper, said, “She’ll make a super-duper-daughter, you know. I think you’ll be an okay dad, too.” The confusion must have been clear, “Scootaloo, you silly willy. Oh, and you owe ten bits.” Still a little confused, I paid her the bits. “And here’s your coffee.” I thanked Pinkie for the coffee and thought, ‘Being a dad again after so long would be nice.’
I watched them from the counter, a small smile plastered on my face. The girls were whispering hurriedly between themselves, and I could catch Apple Bloom explaining what had happened. I saw the sad little expression on Scootaloo’s face, and it bit into my heart.
I joined them at the table and sat beside Scootaloo, much to her excitement. “So Miss Scootaloo, what cutie mark crusade are the Crusaders crusading for today?”
“We’re trying our zip-lining cutie marks again, this time with extra pulleys. I hope we don’t get as covered in sap and pine needles as we did last time.”
Apple Bloom answered in the annoyed tone of a child who has already been caught in the past, “Ya, Applejack was sure sore at me the last time. Ah forgot to scrub my backside enough and my sheets were covered in them. Applejack made me do extra chores for that.”
“I know what you mean,” Sweetie Belle added, “Rarity almost fainted when she saw my mane. She really didn’t like it.”
“Well, you ladies don’t worry about me telling on you. I think what you’re doing is really cool. Oh, Scootaloo, before I forget, when is the next training session with Dash?”
She answered gleefully, “Today at seven, right after supper.”
“Why don’t you come around at five or so? You can have supper with me and Dash. That is if you want, and Miss Sweetheart is alright with it.”
“Oh, thank you! That would be super cool!”
“Awesome, but don't forget to tell Miss Sweetheart. Now, I have some boring grown-up stuff to deal with. You ladies have fun today, and I’ll see you tonight, Scootaloo.” I patted her on the head and headed out, but not before waving bye to Pinkie and keeping a smile on my face I didn’t feel.
As I approached the Golden Coins mansion, I knew I had to stop my cowardly procrastination. I resolved to deflect any such distractions. After all, I was on a mission imparted to me by a goddess. ‘Alex, you wronged him, and this is part of your redemption, and if I’m lucky, the beginning of his.’
As I approached the mansion, I noticed a thin plume of smoke rising from the backyard. I had to admit it was a nice building, painted a bright white with golden columns and trim shouldering the main double door. ‘If I didn’t know better, I would say that’s real gold leaf.’ Despite myself, I was impressed.
I stood at the door, raised my fist, and hesitated. For the longest moment, I couldn’t make myself knock. The thought of crawling to Coins to apologize was simply repugnant. The door was suddenly opened by an earth pony I recognized, the one who brought drinks during the ambush. She obviously recognized me and sneered, “Your kind is not welcome here. Get off Mr Golden Coins' property before I have the Royal Guard called in.” I was taken aback by her very obvious disgust with me.
That smooth, grating voice called from inside, “Miss Butterscotch, it’s alright. He has been invited by Princess Luna herself, and we have been commanded to speak to each other. Please, Mr Roberts, come in.” I was surprised he didn’t use my full name like every other pony and it must have shown. He gave me that superior smile, a smirk really, “Surprised I know your proper mode of address? My investigators were very thorough.”
On the way, just outside the office, I saw he had large, exquisitely crafted paintings of Celestia and Luna. He paused and gave each painting a reverent little bow and the blessing under his breath, “Blessed is Celestia. Blessed is Luna. Blessed is thy kingdom in Canterlot”. When I just looked on in mute curiosity, he gave me an unpleasant look.
He led me in, and I saw the expensive rug was gone. He must have noticed I was looking. “Yes, the cleaning crew were very effective but unable to save the rug. I refused to have it sullied by magic. Much better to burn it.”
He sat on a cushion behind his desk, made a show of getting comfortable, and then simply sat there and smiled at me. He finally broke the silence in a much too pleasant tone, “I believe you have something to say.”
There was no delaying or avoiding this. “Mr Golden Coins, it would seem I owe you an apology. Breaking into your home and threatening you with violence was wrong.”
He waved his hoof expansively, “There, was that so bad?”
“No, I guess not. I do feel bad for doing you wrong. I really do. Do you receive the nightmare from Luna la-”
He interrupted me with an angry snarl, “You will refer to Her as Princess Luna, Princess Of The Night, or Her Holyness Princess Luna. If I am not good enough to refer to her in such a flippant manner, you most certainly are not.”
I was surprised at the vehemence of his attack, ”Oh, of course, I forgot myself. I feel close to Her, so I forget sometimes. As I was asking, I assume you received Her dream?” He didn’t answer but just glared at me. “Tell you what, I cut, you choose. Let me tell you my dream, then, if you want, you can tell me yours. That way, we can both learn. Does that sound fair?”
His expression was hard, “Go on then.”
I told him the dream to the best of my ability. His expression became more and more disturbed as I went on. By the end, his face was a mask of fear and regret. When I was done, he lowered his head, looking at the large green desk blotter and mumbled, “Blessed Luna, I thank you for the guidance you have given me in love.”
I knew this would hit him much harder than it did me, so I moved toward him, to comfort him. ‘He’s an ass, but god damn it, nobody deserves that kind of pain. Not even him.’ As I reached him, concern and compassion my only expressions, he looked at me in fear, ‘No, not fear, terror.’ He moved away, stumbling over himself, falling and sprawling on the ground.
I backed away, “Sorry to frighten you. I just, I don’t know, I just want to help.”
“That Discord damned dream, it was the same, word for word.” He picked himself up, and I helped him. “I may not like pegasi and unicorns Mr Roberts, but I assure you I do not wish them any harm.”
“I understand.” He looked at me, not understanding. “I feel the same way about orcs. But, sometimes, hate can dehumanise if you’ll pardon the turn of phrase. And that can make you do terrible things. I know that far too well.” I couldn’t look at him for fear of breaking down.
We sat in silence for a time. I sat on the edge of his desk, both of us lost in thought. I don’t know what was going on in his mind, but I was thinking about Ann, Lily, Dan, Dash, and Scootaloo. My eyes were downcast, "You know Coins, I envy you."
His voice was incredulous, "You envy me? You have the ears of two blessed goddesses. Not one. Two. You have a powerful group of universally respected friends. You still have more wealth than most ponies could spend in a lifetime." His face was in mine, and I could smell salt on his breath. His voice grew louder, "What possible thing could you envy me? My wealth? My power? What?"
I looked up, jealousy filling my heart, my eyes drilling into his soul, and bitterly spit out, "You can hug your daughter."
"S-Silver Spoon? That's all?"
I grew angry and stood, towering over him, "What do you mean, 'That's all'." I ground my palm into my forehead and continued quietly, "What else is there? I have not hugged my daughter in sixty years. Sixty. Years." I took a deep breath, "I would gladly give up everything to hug my Lily just once. You get to do it every day. Even if you were destitute tomorrow, Silver Spoon would know her dad loves her because he hugs her. Do you want wealth and power? They're all yours. Me, I'll take a family." Long ago memories, half-remembered and desperately clung to, filled my mind. I even thought of Scootaloo. I sat heavily on the edge of the desk, desperately trying to compose myself. The last thing I wanted was to start bawling like a baby in front of Coins.
We sat in silence, contemplating our respective fates. Suddenly, Golden Coins said, "You know, Alex, I think I'll give Silver Spoon a good long hug when she gets home from school." He gave a mirthless chuckle, "I don't know if we can ever be friends, you and I, but now, I'm not sure we can be enemies." I looked up and wiped my eyes to see Coins with his hoof extended. I slowly reached out, and we shook, two men who had come to an understanding.
I left with a genuine smile, this time repeating the little prayers at the paintings of Celestia and Luna. ‘I think I may half believe it. Who knows, I may one day be as much a follower as Coins.’ Miss Butterscotch still scowled at me on the way out, but I didn’t mind. I just smiled wider.
There was an old weight on my heart, and I felt it lifting. ‘I think, for the first time in I don't know how long, I feel truly clean.’
Another well done chapter.
Very touching. Hit me right there -->
Great chapter man
Better. I felt the last couple of chapters were losing some of their quality but this brings it back. Good way to resolve the issues and I like the extra bit you put into describing the world.
508481
I'm happy you're enjoying it again.
Heh, you caught on to my secret. I'll be honest and admit the last few chapters were not as fun for me to write, I was a little uninspired, but I have so much I want to tell now, it will take an other twenty or thirty chapters, even if I don't get any additional inspiration.
508533
I find as I do more editing/critic work I can begin to pick up on stuff more and more. There is a distinct difference in..."feel" in your chapters so I assumed it was enthusiasm. It's not that I didn't enjoy it before but that there was a definitely a dip in quality.
Overall though your writing is improving and I'm still here.
Coins is soo going to pull something, if not him then his cleaner/wife/maid/whateversheis... major anticipation for the next chapters, I forsee Scoot being adopted and making me cry like a little girl.
One downside to making up with coins: No steaks in Alex's future
>>Howitzer I agree
good show my man good show indeed
Clap clap clap
“I may not like pegasi and unicorns Mr Roberts, but I assure you I do not wish them any harm.”
Says the pony who smashed Scootaloo's apple. I guess committing crimes against children are an exception for the asshole.
Well written. Very well done. Its also cool and appropriate if Dash and Alex adopt Scootaloo. Would work out best, in fact.
510124
I'll let our beloved Coins answer this:
"Dear Celestia, must I? Sigh, very well. You see, you foolish hairless ape, I never harmed that child. I was merely teaching an impudent child who was not watching where they were going a lesson in situational awareness. I was crushing the apple to prove a point. It was for her own good. There, you see, I was not harming her, in fact, I was making her lot in life even better. I'm still waiting for that worthless brat to thank me."
(Adding this to my idea file.)
yesh good.
I half expected Coins to offer to help with funding the construction of the town hall. Guess Coins still has a bit to go
Great chapter!
510262 (RP mode activated)
To Coins:
I'm gonna play Discord's advocate and call you out on that logic. I mean destruction of property against a child is good lesson teaching? If you think brutish behavior is good for teaching proper behavior, then Alex garroting you in your sleep is just. He technically never harmed you. He was merely teaching an occasionally criminally petty bigot, who is failing to keep his behavior in check, a valuable lesson in self control. Putting the fear of harm in you will no doubt remind you that too many offenses could eventually bring down unpleasant retribution upon you. It was for your own good. And it only cost you a rug, in fact. Your life should improve and you can thank him later.
So which shall it be? Benevolence or malevolence? Chose wisely.
(RP mode deactivated)
P.S.: Sorry Technogre. I know you meant that reply as fictional exposition, but I just love using reverse logic for intellectual pwnage and that was too good to pass up.
510580 That’s what I was hoping for.
510602
COINS! Stop poking me, I'll let you answer. Once again, Mr Golden Coins:
"Mavis13, if this is your real name, you do not understand the brilliance of my position. Learning is all about using the carrot and the stick on those who do not understand the lesson. I know and understand these lessons very well, crushing the apple and my tone of voice was the stick, the carrot was being in my good graces. However, I suspect that like Alex, you just can't understand the proper way of thinking. As for what the over sized shaved monkey did to me, he was in the wrong, is that not so? And when he reminded m of my dear little Silver Spoon... well, I'm not made of stone. As for fear, I do not fear him. I knew he would not truly harm me, I merely urinated for his benefit, as a show he would understand. So, in conclusion, I'm still right. Good day to you, whatever you are."
Coins calls over his shoulder, "Miss Butterscotch, please add this mavis13 to 'the list'. Thank you."
<RP Off>
P.S. I totally agree with your position. Coins is a dick. But, he's still a pony, of sorts. He still has that, very deeply buried, core.
512024
Thanks for indulging technogre. You also inspired me to change my username and avatar (as evident, heh)
512099
Actually, thank you. I want to do a Q&A side story now, and this really inspired me to do it.
512146
Would this involve PMing you questions?
512253
See the new blog post for all the details!
I'm kind of glad that they are not going to be friends. Too many times an issue is resolved and everyone is best buddies, or the antagonist remains the same dirt bag he was before without learning anything. Mutual respect is always a good thing.
I kind of what a scenario were we actually see Alex use his fighting ability.
512848
Coming up soon...
The fighting I mean.
"Rarity almost fainted when she saw my mane. She really didn't like it"
Was that intentional?
Anyway, great chapter.
517699
It was a little forced, but for once it was intentional.
*Clap*
*Clap*
*Clap*
Good show, sir. Jolly-good show!
529511
In retrospect, I tend to agree and will review what I've written. I will fix it with the rewrites and as I go forward. Although, my rule of thumb is that Alex tends to use Luna while everyone else tends to use Celestia.
Coins sponsors the new theatre and everypony loves him, right?
Now on to that Rainbow Dash x Alex shipping-action!
530344
Not exactly. If he does, it will be to not look like more of a douche than he is already perceived. Think of it as going from "Not sure if I would hit the breaks to avoid." to "Ya, what the hell. I'll hit the breaks. Don't want to put a dent in the hood of my car."
535801
D'Oh!
Thanks for the catch. I'll fix it right now.
I will be looking forward to your next chapter, just started reading this...Some hours ago. Enjoyed almost every minute of it.
There are 12 people who need a bullet to the brain. If you can figure out who those 12 people I will send you a preview of my story before I submit it!
Wow, this chapter really got to me. I'll admit I'm a little bit tipsy ATM, but regardless, this chapter really got to me. Right now I'm trying to dry my eyes, and touchscreen a comment while my iPod keeps screaming at me that I have 20% power left. Insufferable technology
Anyhoo, loving the story, dreading the point where I catch up and have to wait for updates.
Coins.D is his rapper name.
Good chapter. I hope Coins gives back the $65 million.
2306266 or at least donates them to the theater..
2306266 Technically, he already did. He bought the mortgage so he owned Sweet Apple Acres. He then gave the property to Applejack.
Yay! They made up, how nice.
Awesome job, awesome job.
eheh
At this line, did any one else immediately go to YouTube it listen to the song while reading?
7994502
Yo! Immediately did so. Could barely keep my laughter in check at the thought of humming that myself while walking through Ponyville.