Previous Chapters
Close
The Journey Must Begin2,988 words
The Long Road and Thoughts Of The Past4,590 words
A Stormy Breeze Of Chilly Air4,317 words

A Stormy Breeze Of Chilly Air

The sound of hooves moving about drew Slash from his slumber. Opening his eyes he could somewhat make out a tall earth-pony, most likely Brave, moving about his wagon checking it out. Looking up, Slash could see dawns early light barely piercing the sky above. Pushing himself onto a sitting position while yawning softly. “Morning Brave, is everything okay?” he ask with a hint of long for more sleep in his voice.

Without turning around to look at Slash, Brave quickly replied “No, just checking to see if the wheels on this old girl need to be replaced soon or not.” Stopping momentarily to check the lovely mid-dawn sky, before turning to face Slash. “I always have to check to see if the girl can make it to where we are going or if she might need a tune up,” sighing gently as he lightly shook his head. “So what are your plans for when we reach the outpost?” Brave asked with a dead serious stare.

That stare scared Slash a little, but it was not an angry stare but a ‘for your own sake you better be ready’ kind of stare. Clearing his throat, “When we near the edge of the forest I will be stopping for a good half hour or so. It will be better if we parted ways there, I feel it would be better for you two if I was spotted approaching the outpost alone,” he stated as he began to stretch.

“Might be for the best, just watch it, those pegasi can be hot-headed,” the light-blue stallion said as he hopped onto the wagon before heading inside it.

Was not long after their little talk, that they were both back on the road, making small talk much like the day before. “So why are you heading to Vanhoover, Brave?” the young dragon inquired.

Never taking his eyes off the road, “Business mainly, I am a trader of goods and information I guess you could say. Never stay in one place too long… anymore,” his eyes softened as he spoke that last part.

Seeing the change in Brave’s face, Slash choose not to dig any deeper into that. “Maybe I will meet up with you there. Since I do plan on staying at the outpost for a while before moving on,” he informed Brave.

“Hard to say, but it would be likely since we will be there for two weeks at least.” He noticed they were nearing the forests edge. “Just be careful along the way there,” Brave said with an almost worried tone.

Nodding slightly, “I will, but thanks for your concern. Well, this is where we part ways, see you around Brave, and stay cute Summer-blossom.” Stopping as Brave kept walking along, while Summer poked her head out the wagon window and waved goodbye.

-=-=-

Once he felt enough time had passed, Slash began to walk on-wards clearing the forest, which alerted the outpost’s Sky Patrol to his presence, thanks to his very standout-ish colors. Sighing, he kept on walking more or less knowing he was about to be stopped by at least six pegasi any moment.

Sure enough, nearly half from where the forest ended and the outpost itself, he was intercepted by six ponies in a hexagon formation made up of two patrol teams with three pegasi in each patrol. Basic pegasi response to what they presume is hostile presence. They were lightly armored with pads nearly all pegasi patrols wear. Not counting the royal guard patrols that are clad in magically enchanted armor. Slash looked side to side waiting for an order from one of the two patrol teams that were staring him down.

When he realized that they were not going to speak, Slash decided to go first, “Pardon me, I mean you no harm, for I am a simple traveler on-“ he was cut off by a pegasi to his right.

“You are a dragon, there is nothing simple about you,” growled the red pegasi. “Now be so kind to shut your trap and wait for our commander to get here or we will be forced to shut it for you.”

Mentally rolling his eyes on the inside, Slash shuts up not wanting to entice them to attack him in where he would have to defend himself. ‘Even with my training I would be lucky to knock two out before getting knocked out myself,’ he mentally sighed.

It did not take long for a pegasi to gracefully glide the wind, landing gently two meters in front of Slash. Revealing a light green coated mare with a light pink mane and tail, who had on a flight suit with sky blue pads with a star at the center of each pad with a pair of goggle over her eyes.

“State your intentions for being-“ the mare stopped and pushed her goggle up to get a clear look at slash.

Slash gulped slightly before the mare went on, “-here dragon.”

The red pegasi that growled at Slash before chimed in with, “Is something the matter Lieutenant Colonel Leaf?”

“Stay focused Second Lieutenant! Now dragon, speak or you will leave me no choice but to take you into custody.” Lt Col Leaf barked at the both of them.

“As I was trying telling your Second Lieutenant, I am a simple traveler on a pilgrimage across Equestria. I ensure you that I mean no threat to anything or anypony,” he tried his best to state while avoiding showing his fangs too much.

Lt. Col. Leaf raised her left wing signaling the others to stand down never leaving eye contact with Slash. As the other pegasi were about to return to their patrol routes, the red pegasi glanced back at the Lt. Col. for a mere moment before taking off.

Once they were alone Lt. Col. Leaf’s smirk grew bigger, “So you are the dragon who Princess Celestia hatched and raised, aren't you?”

Nodding slightly as he looked at her with an eye raised, “I presume you have heard about me, however, is it not regulation to at least ‘escort’ any possibly dangerous being?”

“A dear friend of mine moved from Canterlot, so I have heard many things about you. Which is also why I stayed behind to escort you, and besides you are safer with me than any of them,” she turned towards the outpost. “Shall we get going Slash Raptor?”

A small hint of concern formed on his face from what quickly occurred, “What makes you so respected to be able to make two patrols leave the side of a dragon without you stating that you will become said dragons escort?”

“Like I said, I have heard many things about you from my dear friend. I simply would like to see if most of what I have heard is true. Besides, my rank is high enough to allow me to escort you solo,” all the while she had her head looking back at Slash with a grin.

That made somewhat sense, though the question more or less became, why would her higher ups let this happen. Slash tried his best to push all possible fears out of his mind as her uniform caught his eye, “Unique uniform, but isn’t it a bit flashy?”

Without looking back this time, Lt. Col. Leaf replied, “A little bit, but this will not be the final design, so I have been told.” She paused momentarily, letting Slash catch up along her left side. Side glancing into his eyes, “How long do you plan on staying at the outpost?”

Glancing between her eyes and the road, Slash could tell the mood of the conversation has shifted back to a serious tone he tried to avoid. “Not too long, most likely two days maybe three at most. I figure it would be enough time to buy a few things that I only thought of once I left Canterlot.”

Nearing the outpost, Leaf’s eyes break away from glancing at Slash back to the road. “Make it two days and no longer. Many pegasi still know the stories of the Blazing Dragon War,” her serious tone never wavered.

“I have learned the hate from that war all too well, however, they have every right to still be angry. The dragons were the ones who started the war from what I have read about...” cutting himself off so he did not remember what the dragons truly did. “On another topic, may you please show me to the local Inn?” trying to once more to sweep a topic under the rug.

Like agreeing to the change in topic, “The Inn is along this road on the left. The owner is a Griffin so you will get no more anger than anypony else would.” She smiled a little at that fact before glancing at Slash again, “Would you like to stop there first?”

Nodding slightly, “That would be best for me,” his eyes spotted the Inn sign before glancing over to see Leaf a bit fidgety. “Though if you need to go report in, I will stay at the Inn until you come back.”

“Caught me huh?” Leaf sighed before looking at Slash, “Fine, you go get your room and I will be back soon. However, you must not leave the room until I come back.” With a graceful flutter of her wings, she was launched into the air.

As she took off before he could reply, he simply sighed and shook his head. Turning around to face the Inn, he noticed it stood out from the buildings around it. It was made of stone bricks while every other building he passed was made of wood. Deciding not to dwell on the thought, he slowly entered the Inn. Once inside, he was greeted with a rustic feel to the room. There were a few couches that seem to be made out of thick tree branches as a frame. The interior looked more in place for a log cabin than a stone brick building.

“What do you want?” came a loud, harsh toning voice from behind the front desk. A feathery body hunched over doing something out of view.

As Slash approached the desk, “I would like a room for two days please.”

With the griffon still not bothering to turn around, “Ten bits per-night for just the room and no meals. That would be a six bit extra.”

Slash quickly reached into his saddle-pack and pulled out his bit bag. Placing the money on the desk caused the griffin to finally turn around to see Slash.

Like it was nothing, the griffon simply said, “Any damage done to the room will cost you extra.” Before he just clawed off the key to the room saying, “Second floor, room thirteen,” as he turned back around.

‘Well that... was a first.’ Slash thought as he headed upstairs to look for the room. The hallway at the top of the stairs was simplistic looking and it did not take but a moment for him to find room 13. Once inside he settled down as nearly a half hour passed before there was a light knock on the door.

On the other side stood Lt Col Leaf, “Glad to see you waited for me to return instead of wondering around on your own.” She smiled with slight shock in her eyes.

“If what you said is true about feelings towards dragons around here. Then it would be stupid of me to walk alone.” Slash stated in a low tone.

Rolling her eyes slightly, “Nopony would attack out of anger for the war, but you would have a hard time buying goods.” Leaf replied as she turned to leave, “So what did you want to do?”

Grabbing his bit-bag from his pack and putting into a pocket of his royal attire, “I had wish to look around a bit before maybe buying a cloak and some drying charms in-case my pack gets soaked.”

“Well I know the perfect place to buy charms at, but the cloak will be a tough one.” She stated as they started to head out of the Inn.

From what Slash could tell, most the buildings were your basic wood design. While the outer wall that surrounded the outpost was made of huge clean cut slabs of rock. The watch towers were made of clouds, which make since due to pegasi having the best eyesight out of the three races. His thoughts came to abrupt stop as Slash noticed that not very many ponies were staring at him. ‘Odd, I mean if they still hate dragons then you would expect them to give me more glares,’ thought as Leaf led him to a small shop along the outpost wall.

The shop was painted in a simple orange color, with a large viewing window. Above the entrance hung a sign reading ‘Shining Enhancements’ in a very elegant font like that found in Canterlot.

As they both entered a voice as clear as crystal came for another room, “I will be there momentarily, so feel free to browse.” Then the sound of a large gust of wind blowing through could be heard.

Shortly after, a bright yellow unicorn with a pure white mane appeared behind the counter nearly glowing. “Please, I know I am hard on the eyes but could you not stare,” she said with a hint of smugness.

“Clear, behave and turn off your glow charm.” Leaf groaned.

Sighing lightly, “Fine Breezy, how may I help you today?” Clear spoke softly but slightly upset.

“So your name is Breezy Leaf?” Slash interrupted from being a bit confused.

Leaf eyes went wide, “No! No, my full name is Breezing-Autumn Leaf. Breezy is just her nickname for me. Anyway this bit-grubbing mare is Clear-Heart Opal, my dear friend I mentioned.” Turning to look Clear in the eyes, “Slash here is the dragon you talked about, and he is looking to buy a few drying charms if you still have any in stock.”

“My dear Breezy, I can see who he is from his attire,” Clear said with a sweet tone. “It is a pleasure to finally meet with you Sir Slash. I assure you that I am always stocked. Now how many would you like? Each charm holds five uses only.” Clear said in a different tone than before, like she was done foaling.

“Pleasure is mine, Clear-Heart. I hope you have only heard kind things.” Slash lowered his head slightly.

Clear smile grew wider before she glanced at Leaf momentary, “At first no, but after twenty years even the nobles stopped talking poorly of you.”

Pulling out his bit-bag, “I will take three, and may I ask about that blinding charm you used?”

“Sorry sweetie, but the blind charm is not for sale, but three drying charms will cost you nine bits total.” Clear said as she pulled three charms from off a nearby shelf with her magic.

Pulling out the bits, “That is a shame, but understandable since it is a higher level enchantment than these drying charms.” Slash inferred as he put the charms in another pocket, “Never-the-less thank you for the charms. I hope, when you were growing up as a filly, that the rumors they told about me did not scare you.” He said almost apologetic, which was followed by sweet giggles from beside him.

“Oh please, she is older than she looks, trust me.” Leaf blurted out between giggles.

A heavy sigh escaped Clear’s mouth, “It is kind of you to think I am so young, but the truth is that I am much older than you think.” Her eyelids held at half mast as she looked into Slash’s eyes.

“Pardon, I do not follow. At most, you could be in your forties but that is not that much older.” Slash stated in confusion.

Leaf chimed in quickly, “She will be eighty-three in a month.”

“BREEZY!” Clear screamed while glaring at Leaf, “Never speak of your marefriends age in front of others.”

“Eighty-three? Marefriend? Hold it!” Slash roared before he started to rub his temples, “Okay, first off, I thought I saw something when you were glancing at Leaf. Second, How The Tartarus Are You Eighty-Three When You Barely Look In Your Twenties!?” Slash inquired with a roar of confusion.

Clear smiled as Slash’s reaction, “Well Breezy would have been glancing back if she was off duty.” Rolling her eyes slightly, “She never likes to show affection while on duty because she thinks others might think she's a pony.”

“You know I love you, but I have to demand loyalty from others.” Leaf said as she walked behind the counter and nuzzled Clear.

It was quite for moment before Slash gently coughed snapping them back. “Ah yes my age, well I am a descendant of a crystal-pony family. It is just that simple.”

Slash took a breath to gather his thoughts, “How does that even work? There is barely any records left on the Crystal Empire to the point many think it is a myth. So how could sharing a bloodline with them make you eighty-three?”

“While each pony type has a dominant trait that is passed along with each generation. The crystal-ponies found out when they started to have foals that the only trait they pass on is their long life of nearly two-hundred years.” Clear stated as if it were common knowledge.

While Slash was thinking over what Clear said, Leaf slipped into the back. “It sounds possible from what I have read. Though if there are crystal-pony families in Equestria, why is there barely any information about them?”

Shrugging, “Maybe none of the families wanted to talk about what happened to the lost Crystal Empire.” Leaf came back out with a small saddle bag on as Clear went on, “Whatever happened it is lost to the flow of time.”

Slash simply stared at Clear from not understanding why she would not want to know her family history. After a moment or two he sighed softly, “Okay. Well thanks for the knowledge at least. Though I am sorry for taking up your time.”

Clear waved her hoof dismissively, “Not your fault so no need to apologies to me.” Glancing at Leaf, “Somepony just had a big mouth, anyway is there anything else you are looking for?”

“He said he wanted to buy a cloak, but I can’t remember anypony who may sell them. Do you Clear?” Leaf inquired quickly before Slash could reply.

Clear’s eyes slightly widen before adjusting back, “There might be one, but he is in Cloudsdale at the moment.” She quickly looked over to a nearby calendar, “He should be back down here late tonight or by morning.at the latest.”

“Clear, how would you know that?” Leaf inquired with suspicious eyes.

Looking back at Leaf, she sees the look in her eyes, “Relax Breezy, I simply put a cloud walking spell on him and it ends by the morning. So if he wants to or not he is coming back down here.” Clear said with a mischievous grin.

The grin caused Leaf to back away slightly. All the while Slash had been listening carefully, but suddenly got very concerned that Leaf would be backing away from her marefriend.

Noticing both Leaf and Slash reacting, Clear’s eyes went wide. “Oh my, did I do it again Breezy?” Taking a deep breath before exhaling to calm herself.

Leaf sighed in relief, “I thought you were past all that Clear.” She said before blowing the evil grin off, “Anyway which shop is his?”

“Shouldn’t you know since you work here?” Slash inquired while raising an eyebrow.

Leaf looked straight at Slash in a stern manner, “I am assigned to the barracks in Cloudsdale until the new unit is finalized. So I do all my shopping up there so I have little knowledge of new shops.”

Slash’s thoughts began to leap out his mouth, “Then how do you two-” Catching his words in check, “Never-mind, it is none of my business.” Turning to Clear with a smile, “Would you be so kind to tell me where his shop is?”

Which earned him a sweet smile from Clear, “When you enter the outpost from the south, it is the first shop on your right.”

Slash resisted the heavy feeling to facepalm for not noticing his surroundings as he entered the outpost. “Thank you very much.” Bowing his head slightly towards Clear before turning to leave before pausing and looking back. “Lt Col Leaf, I am simply going back to the Inn until tomorrow. So you do not ‘need’ to escort me back.”

Leaf glared at Slash furiously and spread out her wings threatening, “Okay, one, I am required to escort you. Two, you can look around if you want. I do not mind it at all. Finally, I can fly by the Inn at noon tomorrow to escort you to the shop.”

Slash has faced the strongest of the royal in one-on-one in spar practice but he never felt more scared than now. Sure Clear’s mischievous grin was freaky but Leaf’s glare felt like she was ready to kill him. Gulping hard, “Okay, calm down. I won’t go anywhere without you, I swear.”

Lowering her wings and giving a gentle smile, “Good, now do you still want to go back to the Inn early?”

Out of the corner of Slash’s eye, Clear was trying her best to hide a giggle. Slash let out a light sigh, “I am sure I want to go back to the Inn.” As he double checked his pockets.

Clear nuzzled Leaf’s cheek gently, “See if you can get off early so we can have dinner.”

A bright blush appeared on Leaf’s cheeks, “Not in front of others!” Her eyes shifted back and forth, “I will try...my Clear.” Which earned a smirk from Slash as his ears picked up on it.

With that Leaf and Slash slowly walked outside, where Slash glance at the suns position. This catches Leaf’s eye, “What are you doing?

“Mother taught me to tell time by the position of the sun compared to my location.” He stated with a grin.

Leaf’s jaw dropped, “You can look right at the sun?” she exclaimed.

Slowly walking forward, “Dragons have a second eye lid that we use when we breath fire. It is to prevent the brightness of our fire from blinding us. I could have used it when we met Clear but I was caught off guard.”

Smirking slightly, “Lucky for you then.” She said as a few eyes fell upon them.

Slash felt the eyes right away but tried his best to show no sign. As they neared the Inn, a red coated pegasi emerged from the shadows behind them. “Stand down... for now.”

As they entered the Inn Leaf called out, “Scope, it might be a starry night tonight.”

This caused the griffin to head for a back door, “I haven’t seen one in quite a while.” Before he disappeared.

Slash took notice of that as the two went up the stairs. At his room door he stopped and turned to Leaf, “Thank you for escorting me today. See you tomorrow.” He bowed a little waiting for her reply.

“You are welcome,” Her eyes turned into a glare, “but do not fight those guys. The Innkeeper has a reputation for his strength so they will not dare to attack you inside.”

This nearly made Slash’s mental jaw drop before he remembered she is well trained. “So you noticed too.” Leaf nodded, “Fine I promise I will not fight them.” As he opened the door and began to walk inside.”

Never stopping her glare, Leaf simply stated one last thing. “I rather not be forced to explain to Celestia that her son got attacked.” With that she turned around to leave as he closed the door.

Under his breath he spoke, “I would worry about those colts who would attack me. For she gained a few garden ‘decorations’ from some nobles who disappeared.” In a flat sorrowful tone.

-=-=-

As the sun set, a group of pegasi gathered out front of the Inn. Before they could move closer to the Inn a red coated pegasi flew down in front of them. “You colts are a bunch of morons. Scope will buck your flanks before you get to the stairs.”

The others backed away as one spoke up, “But we can’t let that beast live!” Causing the group to nod.

Narrowing his eyes, the red one barked, “We won’t, but attacking now will be pointless!”

The Inn door opened, “Rose is right you know.” Which caused all eyes to turn quickly around to see the griffin, Scope, standing in the doorway. “None of you stand a chance against me.”

This caused them all to back away slowly before taking off, all but Rose. “Thanks for the help. As stupid as they, I need still need them,”

Scope rolled his eyes, “Using them as pawns to the slaughter huh? I still doubt that will be enough. I can tell by the way he carries himself that if he wanted to fight to the death, even I would have a hard time.” As he stared down Rose, forcing him to slowly back away.

Shaking his head before taking to the air, “Like Tartarus! He couldn't even attack six ponies.”

“Of course he did not attack. There was no point since he knew he could get by.” Scope stated clearly.

Rose didn't want to listen to him anymore and took off. Once Rose out of Scope’s sight he closed the door to the darkness of the night.

400 views

Previous Chapters