The castle was cool and dark. I crept along the long hallway. I must be nearing the treasure vault. I hoped I was at least. The guards had been… taken care of earlier today by a little poison in the soup. I had made it myself so I knew it was good. My feet padded softly against the rugs. I heard someone coming down an adjacent hallway. I took shelter behind one the suits of armor that lined the hall.
“That damned Prince couldn’t tie his own shoe if… Hell, he can’t tie his own shoe,” muttered an old bearded man. My eyes went wide. It was the court wizard Zorander. If he caught me, I was done in. I held my breath as he passed. He stopped a few feet down the hallway.
“Is anyone here?” he asked. He looked around. I gripped one of my daggers. I had two that fit snugly into my utility belt. This belt contained everything a girl needs to steal. The wizard’s eyes sharpened as he glanced around. “Luminate,” he said, casting a spell to dispel the darkness. The hall erupted with bright light.
He swore as he dimmed the light. He swung the light he held aloft in his hands around. I got low to the floor, trying to minimize my shadow if any. A pouch buckle clinked against the suit or armor. The light pointed in my direction. I swore in my head.
“Reveal yourself,” he declared, “I won’t kill you immediately.” The sound of running filled the hallway.
“Wizard, you are needed in the infirmary,” said a soldier. I can only assume it was soldier. I was sweating heavily. The wizard grunted. The light disappeared.
“Fine, lead the way,” he said grumpily. The sound of footsteps disappeared. I breathed a sigh of relief. I took a quick peek around the side of the armor, making sure they hadn’t laid a trap. The hallway was clear. I resumed my creep along the floor. I pulled up my glove, revealing a bracelet. It was a simple golden loop with a diamond embedded in the wrist. The gem glowed brightly. I pulled the glove back over, stifling the glow. I was very close now.
I felt the gem radiate heat as I passed a blank part of the wall. I stopped and looked at it. It was just a normal part of the wall…. I put my hand and ear to it. The wall vibrated softly. So maybe it’s not so normal. I pulled out a magnifying glass from a pouch. I gazed at the wall through it. A few circles of archaic text appeared. With my other hand I grabbed a few scrolls. With great care I attached the scrolls to the archaic circles. A mess-up here would probably incinerate the entire floor.
As I covered the correct phrase on the circle, they would disappear, taking the scrolls with them. Those scrolls had cost me hundreds of gold, each. It was well worth it. I would have been here for hours if these didn’t cancel out those spells. The last spell removed the illusion from the door. The wall shimmered away to nothing. In its place stood a tall mahogany door, it wasn’t locked. I opened it cautiously. At the click of the door jamb, I felt something on my wrist. I pulled back and examined it. A small trickle of blood was running from a puncture wound.
“Oh, that’s not good,” I whispered. I wasn’t sure if this is a poison or magical salve, but I wasn’t happy. It’s probably nothing, I hoped. With more care than last time I turned the door handle. I saw the needle jab out as the handle turned. I pushed the door open. Jackpot.
The room was piled high with gold and jewelry. A mirror stood halfway out of a gold pile. I stood in front of it. I put a crown on and rammed rings onto my fingers.
“Why yes, this was a good day,” I purred. I admired myself in the mirror. Yes, the crown did go with my black hair. The rings, however, clashed with my leather padding. I put them into a pouch. I kept the crown on, made me feel like a princess. As I shoveled gold and jewelry into a sack, something caught my eye. It was beautiful.
“Hello, baby,” I said as I drew closer. On a pedestal in the corner lay a pillow, but that wasn’t important. On the pillow was the most gem inlaid brooch I had ever seen. I tenderly picked it up. It was a solid weight. “You must be solid gold.” I was mesmerized. I put it on and tucked it under my tunic. It fit in nicely. I was positively giddy. I picked up more gems and gold until my pouches were full. It was time to go. I turned to the door. A very unhappy wizard stood there. He casually smoked a pipe.
“Hello there, miss,” he said. I reached for a dagger, I wasn’t going down easy. He lazily swished his hand. The daggers flew from their sheaths and floated in front of him.
“Hello there, wizard.” He floated the daggers in a circle. Perhaps I could use same vanishing powder, grab the daggers, and slit his throat before he killed me with a thought. Yeah, that seems likely.
“I might be willing to let you go, if, you put that brooch, and all the treasure back,” he said. He was so casual. It was infuriating.
“Yeah, I don’t know about that. I mean, I don’t have any treasure.” He glanced at my head. The crown suddenly felt very heavy. “Oh, maybe just that.”
“No, you know, it takes a lot of skill to get in here and I’m only offering this once, so pay attention. Put down everything and I’ll make it quick for you,” he threatened. I wasn’t leaving without all this stuff. I felt around for the vanishing powder. I grabbed a pinch.
“I know what you’re thinking,” He continued, “that you can probably get out of here. Well there are guards outside this door.” I tensed up my fist.
“Perhaps you don’t know what that brooch is. It’s very dangerous. Everyone who put it on has died. We can’t even find the bodies.” That sent a chill through my body. I could feel it lying against my chest. It felt warm.
“You don’t think I’m going to believe that do you?” I asked. He smirked.
“Let me tell you what you’ll feel as it turns on, and believe me, it is. First, it will get warmer, very warm. It’s like a hot summer’s day just for you.” I could feel it getting warmer.
“Then, it will be heavy. So heavy it feels kind of like you’re being dragged to the underworld. Which you are.” My back hurt, I realized I had hunched over.
“I see,” he said. “Then, and this part is crucial, you’ll feel numb.” I flexed my fist, nothing. I started to sweat.
“Feeling it are we? Well, this is the last part, and I hope you’re ready. You see, this part is where you actually want it to work. You start to, you know, I’m not actually sure what happens. All the people who wear it just start screaming. It’s the strangest thing.” I knew why they screamed. I screamed too, until I blacked out that was.
I was in a world of pain, figuratively. Everything I saw was so bright and cheery. This must be the brooches magic. It’s not dangerous; it’s just a teleport spell. I laughed. That wizard was a terrible wizard if he couldn’t identify a teleport spell. I gave a small laugh. I would have done it if I’d had the time.
I had to gather my surroundings, but something caught my eye. No, not something, someone… me! I let out a gasp. My womanly body was… gone! I was a horse! My mind went racing. How could this happen? I must be an illusion, I thought, I'm just seeing things. Trying to calm myself, I began to think. 'It's okay, Swift, you've been in situations like this before'.
“Wizards,” I moaned. I placed my hands (hooves?) to my face. I took the hooves off my face, I growled. “I’m going to kill every wizard I meet from now on.” I looked around again. I was in a bed, in a room. That room was clearly part of a house. I sure was good at this game. I was still wearing my leather top, but now it fit my new body. The brooch was gone. Still had the crown! And my utility belt was slung over a chair next to the bed. I rummaged through it. The treasure was still there.
“I’m gonna be rich!” I exclaimed. I heard voices from the other room and I went quiet. There was a knock on the door.
“Are you decent?” the man asked. Decent for a horse. He didn’t wait for an answer and he opened the door. In trotted another horse. He was light brown; he had a moustache and a tattoo on his ass. What strange creatures. “I see you’re awake now. We found you in the woods and we took you home. Are you feeling better? My wife said you had a fever.”
My jaw hit the floor. This wasn't a mere illusion. It had been a teleport spell after all, but I'd never even heard of a place like this. What kind of a world had ponies instead of humans?
“I, uh, feel fine. You didn’t happen to see a necklace around me, did you?” He shook his head. That was a shame. I tried to stand up, but he stopped me.
“Whoa, you need to rest,” he said.
“Excuse me, but I happen to be a grown woman.” He laughed.
“You aren’t any older than a filly, my dear.” I lay back down on the bed. The pillow fluffed up around me. I hadn’t used a proper pillow in weeks. “Why don’t I get you some soup,” the pony offered. He trotted off to the other room.
“I don’t have time for sleeping. I have to sell this loot!” I said lightly. I took off the blanket and got on my hooves. It felt strange, like crawling on all fours. Luckily I had done that enough so it wasn’t too hard to adjust. I fumbled around putting the belt back on. The buckle was a major pain in the ass without dexterous fingers. Finally it felt good and tight around my midriff. I knew I wasn’t going to get out by the front door, not without that endearing couple stopping me. I looked to the window. I wasn’t that high up, only the second floor. I’d jumped higher distances before, this was cake. I unlocked the window and opened it wide. It was a straight drop onto a street below. A few other ponies walked here and there. Maybe the illusion’s in my head. I only think I see ponies. Yeah, that’s got to be it. I reached into a pouch and grabbed a few coins. I tossed them onto the bed. Then I leapt out the window.
I landed heavily on the street. A few gold coins came tumbling out of my belt. It was time to sell these bad boys and make some real money. I looked around, it was very unfamiliar town. So I had two choices, walk around blindly or look for information. Being a thief for years had taught me one thing, information is more valuable than treasure. I trotted along, looking for somebody who looked like they knew something.
That was something I'd always been proud of. I was a good thief, perhaps the best. I'd been an apprentice for years under a well-known thief. He'd taught me everything he knew. It really had been too bad that someone sold him out for a few thousand gold, but I didn't hold it against them.
I saw a few ponies levitating books and chatting together. They had horns protruding from their manes. I approached them cautiously. I was seriously distrusting magic right now.
“Hello,” I said to them. They looked up at me. “I was just wondering where you got those fine books.”
“We got them from the library,” said one.
“Where could I find that?” I asked.
“It’s over there,” she said. She pointed at a large tree.
“Thank you,” I said. I trotted off, but I could hear a laugh coming from them. It didn’t bother me, I knew I could take care of them if I wanted to, I just didn’t want to. Also I didn’t have my daggers anymore. The library tree was huge. Must be a nice house. I got to the doorway. It opened easily. The room was empty except for a purple pony. She had a horn as well. I cleared my throat, loudly.
“Hello,” she said, “anything I can help you with?” Why hadn’t I just asked anyone where the jewelers were? I regained my train of thought.
“Hi, I was looking for jewelers. Do you know any?” She rattled off a few names with military precision. None of the street names made any sense. “I see. I’m new here and I’m not familiar with the town yet. Could you just point me there?” She did so.
“My name’s Twilight Sparkle. I run the library here. Welcome to Ponyville. What’s your name?”
“My name? it’s, uh, Swift Wing.” She nodded.
“Oh, so you’re a pegasus?” Twilight asked. I was certainly not one of those.
“I don’t think so,” I started to say. She pointed at my sides. There were two unnatural bulges on my back. “Maybe I am,” I said. “One more thing, Twilight. I need to get some new daggers…” I trailed off as she frowned.
“I don’t know anypony who sells those,” she said sadly.
“Nopony at all?” I asked hopefully. She just shook her head. I sighed. “Well, thank you for the help. I’m sure I’ll be back.” I trotted out the door. I had to get all this weight off my belt. It was feeling awfully heavy.
The jeweler hadn’t given me the news I’d wanted. He’d given me about 200 ‘bits’ for the whole bunch. I’d have gotten thousands back at home. It made me angry to even think of the rip-off that had just occurred. He’d even asked if I wanted to sell the crown. My princess crown! He made a claim that the gems clashed with my icy ‘coat’. I didn’t care though, I liked it. I asked him what he would pay a good deal of money for. Sarcastically he said the Elements of Harmony. I told him I’d be back. I had gone back to the library.
“Hello, Twilight,” I said as I walked in. She was surprised.
“Hello, Swift. You’re back soon.”
“Well, the jeweler was a cheapskate. I’ve got a question for you. Where can I find the Elements of Harmony?” her muzzle scrunched up.
“I, uh, they… why?” she asked,
“I want to sell them,” I declared.
“Good luck,” she said jokingly, “The Princesses keep them in a royal chamber. I don’t think you could get into that if you tried.” Little did she know how many ‘royal chamber’s’ I’ve been in. This should be cake walk, they don’t even have weapons.
“Where can I find these Princesses?” I asked. Twilight looked suspicious.
“You really aren't from around here are you? They’re in Canterlot. You can take the train there.” I thanked her. I hit the train station. What’s a train?
The train had been an exhilarating experience. I’d never felt such jostling before. It had definitely been fun. Canterlot was an interesting city, much like Stromkirk back home. It had huge buildings made of stone. A large section of the city was occupied by a castle. I knew this to be the castle I wanted. The prospect of sneaking in somewhere made me excited, it always did. I wished I had daggers, but you can’t always get what you need.
Thinking of Stromkirk made me smirk. It was such a stuck up city, and to imagine that I was born there. If only my parents had known what all that higher class teachings turned me into. It had been a particularly unexciting violin lesson that broke the camels back. I packed up some clothes and left town. I had never looked back. The last time I went to Stromkirk I stole from all my old friends. It felt good.
I needed to kill time until nightfall. Nightfall was prime stealing condition. I sauntered into a sleazy tavern. It had looked sleazy on the outside at least. Even the sleazy bars were better than Stromkirk’s good bars! I sighed, it would have to do. Time for free drinks. I sat at the bar and acted lonely. Slowly but surely, I was getting sated.
One stallion in particular was paying a lot of attention to me. Well, my flank at least. He trotted up to me as I drank. I guess he thought he had a shot. Yeah right.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he said smoothly. I was teetering on the barstool. He rested a hoof on my shoulder. “You feeling okay? Perhaps you should lie down.”
I gave a giggle, “at your place?” I asked. He nodded. I wanted some more, time to lay it on thick. “Teehee, that sounds good and all, but I don’t know if I’m ready to go yet.” I gave a small pout. He got me another drink, a strong one too. I drank it as he licked his lips.
“Just one more, pwease,” I said, fluttering my eyes. He ordered another. This one was stronger than the last! Success! I nearly fell off the chair. He caught me and placed me on my legs.
“We need to get you rested up,” he said. I followed him out of the bar and into an apartment. It was pretty shabby. He started rubbing his face into my mane. That was a strange feeling. It was welling up inside of me. It, it, oh yes, it was annoyance. I pushed him back gently.
“Watch out lover boy. Let’s not get so hasty,” I said. He resumed the nuzzling. “Look, unless you’ve also got lady bits under there, I’m not interested.”
“Have you ever tried it?” he asked. He was breathing deeply into my mane.
“Well, no,” I admitted.
“Then why not?”
We were in his bed. He was casually puffing on a self-rolled cigarette. Well, he hadn’t been wrong. It was alright. I looked out the window. Thankfully it was getting dark now. I arched my back, hearing a few cracks from the bones. He looked at me.
“You want some more?” he asked.
“Nope. I have to take care of things.” I slid out of the covers. It was easy to see my icy blue coat. Two wings indeed sat on my back. I slipped on my leather clothes and the belt. I put the crown on last.
“Why do you wear that thing? It’s completely out of place,” he remarked.
“I like it, makes me feel pretty.”
“You are pretty. I didn’t know you like roleplay either. We could’ve-” I cut him off and walked out. I’d had enough of him. I’d never really had a long term girl or boyfriend. It just wasn’t my thing. The castle was coming onto view. He’d had a nice apartment, close to the castle. I’d been lucky. The gates were shut when I arrived.
“Hello there,” I said to the guards, “I was wondering if I could come in. Can I?”
“No,” he said flatly.
I used my puppy-dog eyes, “Please?”
“No.” Bastards.
“Is there any way I can get in?” I asked.
“If Celestia comes out here personally and lets you in,” he said laughing.
“Okay, let her in then,” came a regal voice. Behind him landed a tall pony. She had wings and a horn! This must be a princess. Her crown was better than mine! I was going to have to try and grab that.
“R-right away, your majesty,” said the guard. The gates opened slowly.
“I’ll see you in the throne room,” she said. She flew off. I walked into the castle grounds.
The castle’s grand door closed behind me. It locked with a very loud click. I looked around. Every path looked like it could end with a royal chamber containing treasure. I took the one that lead up, it seemed rational. You always keep the good treasure high up. I felt sad, but I took off the crown and stowed it in my belt, it would reflect too much light. Some of my hair tumbled down. It was a mixture of pink and white strands.
The halls were empty. No ponies at all. It was the easiest sneaking I had ever done. The castle had grand, sweeping rooms; long, scary hallways; and flights of stairs that seem to stretch to the heavens. A pretty good castle all in all. Definitely in my top ten. I heard the sound of beating wings. I ducked into one of the rooms that lined the halls. This room was full of art pieces. The beating wings stopped and hooves landed heavily against the floor. I heard voices.
“The princess said she’d be up here by now,” said a gruff male voice. There were whinnies and snorts.
“Maybe she heard us. Check the rooms,” said a feminine voice. One point for the ladies team. I leapt away from the door, behind an art display. I had to not be here. I felt in my pouch for some vanishing powder. The door to the room opened. A light flashed around. The shadow of the art display mixed with the shadow made by my hair.
“Come on out,” he said. “We won’t hurt you.” I felt the powder rub against my hoof. I tried to pull out as little as I could but it wasn’t easy. The guard was approaching. “She’s in here!” he yelled. I threw the powder into the air. As it drifted over my body I felt the tingling of its power. I heard a gasp from the guard. “She’s gone!” he exclaimed. I got off my flank and crept around him. A few other guards jammed into the doorway now. They have to move! Vanishing powder doesn’t have much of a half-life. Only a few minutes before the powers fade. I approached the door, ready to run when they moved. My hoof lightly scraped the tiled floor.
“I heard her. She’s still here,” said another guard. “Stay by the door.” I cursed at him. The room was windowless and had just the one door. I could feel the tingle of the powder fade. A guard looked my way. His eyes stayed on my position. The powder was running out. I was panicking. I dug for more powder, but with the belt around my midriff, it spilled all over the floor. All the guards noticed this.
“There she is,” said the first guard, approaching me. I felt the powder finally pass away as I became visible. The guards surrounded me.
“You are coming with us,” said the female. I let out a whimper. I hadn’t been caught in years. I wasn’t counting the wizard because I had gotten out of that. Last time I got caught… I nearly lost my hand. Only Deckard had been able to save me then. I didn’t think he was coming to help me now. Deckard had been my best friend as we trained as thieves. I was always better than he was, and I think that irked him.
Of course I lorded if over him every day. Maybe that’s why he went the way of the assassin. The male guard pushed at my flank.
“Let’s get going,” he grunted. They lead me down five flights of stairs and into the grandest room I’d ever seen. Tapestries hung from the ceilings. A huge glass mosaic lined the back wall. The moon’s light glowed through the windows which took a majority of the ceiling. It was sweet. Sitting on one of the thrones in the back was the white princess I’d seen earlier. Next to her was a smaller black princess. I’d say she was definitely prettier.
“Hello,” said the white princess. Perhaps she would kill me quickly. That might be nice.
“H-hello,” I muttered. The guard pushed my head down, to make me bow.
“Stop that,” ordered the princess. The guard relented. “She’s not a criminal… yet.” The princesses turned to me. I stood up straight.
“Now, little filly, my name is Celestia, and this is my sister Luna. We’ve heard that your name is Swift Wing, is that correct?” Celestia asked. I nodded. “Okay, Swift Wing, why have you come to the castle tonight?” I wanted to lie to her, to try and save myself. But something brought the truth out.
“I was going to steal the Elements of Harmony,” I said. Oh god, it sounds so stupid when you say it out loud!
“Do you work for Discord?” asked Luna.
“Who?”
“Never mind,” she said.
Celestia spoke up, “why do you want the elements?”
“I wanted to sell them to make my money back.” Celestia laughed.
“I doubt anypony would be willing to buy those. Certainly nopony knows their true value.” My ears drooped. Maybe this had been a bad idea. The guards were still here, giving me menacing looks.
“How did you know I would be here?” I asked.
“No questions,” said a guard. He head-butted my side. I coughed for a breath. Luna scolded him.
“My apprentice told me you’d be here to do just that. You must have met her. Her name is Twilight Sparkle.” She sold me out! “Now, on to the matter of punishment.”
“Yes, we can’t just let this slide,” Luna chimed in. “Please leave the room guards. This might get ugly.” I could feel my body shivering. There was far too much light in the room. It needed for shadows. I missed being in the shadows right now. The guards left. I was hunched low on the ground.
“Now, punishment,” said Celestia.
“Indeed,” said Luna. Their horns glowed. They didn’t move or talk. They just stared at me. These wizard ponies are going to kill me! Even when Zorander had threatened me I wasn’t this scared. I wish Deckard was here, he’d know how to get out. I felt a tear drop down my cheek. Deckard had given his life to save my hand. I’d rather have him than a hoof right now. The horns stopped glowing.
“Swift Wing, how many friends do you have?” asked Celestia. I ran through a bunch of names quickly.
“None,” I responded.
“Why don’t you have friends?” asked Luna.
“They’re a liability. I had one once… but… not anymore.” Another tear fell from my cheek. Ugh, how could I be crying in front of these ponies?
“You live a lonely life, don’t you?” asked Celestia.
“Yes.” The answer came before I could even think about it. Surely I wasn’t that lonely…
“You’re in a land of many opportunities to change that you know? I have sent my apprentice to study the magic of friendship. Perhaps you could try that as well,” offered Celestia.
“I’ve never been good at school.” I felt a strange tugging at my tail. I looked but nothing was there.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine. Luna can help you get adjusted in whatever city you’d like,” Celestia continued. The tugging grew in intensity.
“I’m not so sure,” I began. I was sliding back over the floor. “Uh, something’s happening. What are you doing?”
“We aren’t doing anything,” said Luna. She looked genuinely concerned. My body felt strange, foreign.
“I don’t feel so good,” I spat. It felt like I was distorted. The world blacked away and I was alone in darkness, just like always.
I felt prodding at my side. A farmer was looking at me, something distasteful in his eyes. He saw me wake up and frowned.
“Excuse me,” I said. He walked away. I looked at my body. I was certainly human again. I still had my belt and pouches; that was lucky. I felt for my crown, it was still there. I didn’t put it on; these people would slit my throat for it; or worse. I got out of the mud, a pig passed me. Wonderful. Now I needed a long bath.
I had just gotten into the warm bath water when there was a knock at the door. I wasn’t getting out, no way. I soaked my hair, laying the back of my head against the tub. It felt good. Another knock.
“For God’s sake! I just got in here!” I screamed out. I grabbed some of the soap and went to work on my skin. The knocking continued, harder this time. “Wait your turn. I paid good money for this.” I had enough ‘real’ money to pay for the night. I still had those ‘bits’ from Ponyland. I had also gotten myself two brand new daggers. It was turning into a good night except for that knocking. The knocking came, rattling the room. I grabbed for a dagger in my belt and hid it under the water. The door burst open. Thankfully the water had enough bubbles for decency.
“Swift Wing, you’ve got a price on your head,” said the bearded man now standing in the room. He slammed the door after himself.
“Oh, uh, no I’m not. That’s my twin you see.” I let out an awkward smile.
“No, it’s you, I know it. I’m gonna kill ya’ and get that reward,” he said as he licked his lips. He had a small sword tucked into his belt.
“Surely you won’t fight a lady when she’s naked?”
“That’s not what I do ta’ wimmin’ when they’re naked.” He lunged for me in the bath water. He screamed in pain. One of his hands didn’t come out. I jumped from the bathtub and readied the dagger. He was clutching the stump that used to hold his hand. I jabbed the dagger to his heart. I felt the muscle tear from the blade. He fell backwards, bleeding profusely. I looked at the bath water; it was miraculously free of blood. Slowly I got back in, it was still warm. I grabbed for the soap to finish what I started when more knocking came to the door. I let out a heavy sigh.
“Is anyone in here?” came a scruffy old voice. It was Zorander! I curled up uselessly in the bath. The doorknob jiggled and the door pushed open. Our eyes met. “You!” he shouted. I had no words for him. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I’m taking a bath…” I said. I motioned to the bathing tools around me.
“Not what I meant,” he choked though gritted teeth. “You should be dead!”
“Well, I’m not,” I said. “Can I take my bath in peace?” He looked to the dead man in the corner.
“I see that you can’t.”
It was my turn to ask questions, “What are you doing here?”
“We are transporting valuable magic items. You’d better not try anything. You’re lucky you’re still alive.” I rolled my eyes. This guy was full of hot air.“Are you almost done here?”
“Are you kidding me?” He held up an hourglass. “Get out of here!” He grunted and left. The water was getting cold and I wasn’t very happy, but he’d given me a great idea. Perhaps that brooch was in that caravan. I could use it to get back to Ponyland, get in close with the princess. Then I could steal the Elements!
I got out of the tepid bathwater and dried off. I had some clothes I bought while my leathers got cleaned. I fit the belt snugly around my waist. I donned the crown. It was safe to wear it in town now. Now that there was a guarded caravan, people wouldn’t be so quick to attack. As I walked down the hall to my room I saw the wizard. We glared at each other. I closed the door to my room and locked it. It was getting dark out and that meant it would have to hit the caravan. I sighed. This was going to be a very long day.
I spent the next few hours organizing my belt. It’s definitely a boring task but it has to be done. How else can I know that I’m going to become broke buying all the things I’ve used? It was tough, but you had to do it to be a thief. I even found a spare bundle of throwing knives, cool. It was half empty, but whatever. I got off the bed and made my way to the window. It overlooked the main street. Now where could that caravan be? I looked up and down the street. To my luck, there were two guards standing at the front of the alley next to the inn.
“Heehee,” I giggled with glee. I tightened my belt and grabbed onto the roof of the inn. I pulled myself up and stood up. I walked over so I could see the alley that the guards blocked. It held a small carriage. Only two guards? Cake walk. They weren’t even looking back at the carriage. I stealthily dropped onto the carriage, and then I dropped onto the ground. There was the soft pat as my feet hit the dirt. The guards paid no mind.
My attention turned to the carriage door. Lock picks soon found their way into the lock. This lock is easy. It’s like they’re asking for it to be stolen . The door opened silently, the hinges being well taken care of. I crept inside. I lit a match to get a better view of the inside. It was mostly junk and… my brooch! I nearly squealed. I grabbed it and ducked out of the carriage. The guards still hadn’t seen me. I got back on carriage and then the roof. After I swung back into my room I closed the window. Leaping back on the bed I held the brooch to my chest. It was time to make my money back! I slipped its chain around my neck. I could feel the warmth, it was magical…
I was back in Celestia’s throne room. The princesses where looking at me with concern.
“Are you okay?” asked Luna.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?” I asked.
“Well, you were just complaining about being in pain. Are you okay now?” asked Celestia.
“Yeah, I guess it was just a bit of magic.” The two became less concerned.
“Yes, that must be it,” said Luna. I looked down at my body. I was wearing my leather again. I felt a strange weight on my chest and neck. It must be the brooch. Maybe I should ask the princesses about it.
“Excuse me, Celestia and Luna; can you look at this necklace for me?” I held up the necklace. Celestia levitated it over to her. She and Luna looked it over.
“It appears to be a simple necklace,” she remarked.
“No teleportation spell or anything?” She shook her head. “Is there any magical effects on me?” I asked hopefully. Her horn glowed and I felt her magic touch me. It felt different than any magic I had felt before.
“No, you are clean of magic. A few things on your belt have slight magic,” she said. “Now that all this foolishness is out of the way, it’s time to get back to my question. Swift Wing, will you study the magic of friendship?” This was my chance, my chance to get in good with the princesses. One day they will see me as a friend and then I will swoop in and grab the elements. It was a perfect plan.
“I-I don’t know how… what do I do?” I asked.
“Well,” explained Celestia, she had a very motherly voice, “every week, or whenever you feel you’ve learned a valuable lesson, you’ll send me a letter detailing what you’ve learned.” That sounded easy enough.
“I guess that sounds alright. How hard can it be?” I said.
“You will live in the city of Manehattan. Luna can live with you for a week to acclimate you to Equestrian standards if you wish.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” I wondered about the difference between my and ‘Equestrian’ standards. I’m sure it’s nothing.
The apartment was small. It was a four room affair: a kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living room. There was only one bed in the bedroom. Where was Luna going to sleep? Luna and I were standing in the living room. She directed the ponies moving in modest furniture.
“So, what do you think, Swift?” Luna asked.
“I think it’s a nice place. Seems kind of lonely though,” I said.
“It’s easy to make friends,” Luna said. “You’ve just have to put yourself out there.” As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. I trotted over and opened it. A very excited pegasus filly stood there. Stood there isn’t quite the way to describe it. She was bouncing up and down.
“Hello!” she exclaimed, “my name is Butterscotch. What’s your name?” Her coat was pink; her heavily stylized mane was yellow. It was silly to look at, but I had seen weirder here.
“Hello Butterscotch. I’m Swift Wing. What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Weeellll, I saw you moving in and I thought you looked a little lonely. So I, being the next door neighbor, decided that you and I should be friends!” I glanced back at Luna; she was giving me encouraging looks.
“Sure thing, Butter. It’s okay if I call you that right?” She nodded. “Soooo, you live next door?”
“Yup! I’m so excited that you’re moving in! Do you want to go to dinner tonight? My treat!” Her wings were flapping slightly.
“Oh, uh, sure thing. I’ve got to finish moving in first,” I tried to explain. She put a hoof to my muzzle. She leapt over me and started to look around the room in awe. I noticed Luna was gone. I wished she was here.
“What’s this?” Butter asked. She had gotten her head in a box. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what everything was myself. I knew I didn’t have this many things. She pulled her head back. She had an eggbeater clasped in her jaws.
“I guess its cooking utensils.” Butter was already looking around the bedroom. “Hey, don’t go in there,” I told her. She looked at me with hurt eyes.
“Why?” she asked. It sounded like she was going to cry.
“I… never mind. It’s just a bit dirty,” I said.
“It’s not that dirty! Let me help you put your things away.”
It took four hours to put away everything, even with Butter’s help. She had taken up her offer to buy dinner. We were in a small, cozy restaurant. The waiter was very nice.
“So, what are you getting?” asked Butter. I looked at the menu. It all looked so… vegetarian.
“I guess the apple crepes sound good,” I admitted. Do they not have beef here?
“That does sound good.” There was a long pause, which was unnatural with Butter around. “So, what brings you to Manehattan?”
“I’m here to study,” I told her. I wondered if I should tell her what I’m studying.
“That’s so cool! All I’m doing right now is washing dishes.” She looked away, she was frowning. “But it’s alright.” That was sad, she needs a happier job.
“Well, what do you want to do?” I asked.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher… for little fillies and colts.” She was smiling, blushing a little too.
“Why don’t you do that?”
“I’m just not smart enough,” she said bleakly. I could feel my heart hurting for her. Nothing I’d seen of her made her seem stupid. “Oh, I shouldn’t have brought that up when I just met you. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s okay.” I didn’t want her to feel bad. The waiter came and took our order. I decided to get a bottle of wine. We might need it. Butter’s eyes looked teary. Please don’t cry.
Thankfully the wine calmed her down. The rest of dinner went uneventfully. Butter did pay for dinner but I insisted on paying for the wine. It wasn’t cheap. We walked out onto the sidewalk. Ponies walked to and fro around us. Butter stretched her wings out.
“What are you doing?” I asked. She gave me a funny look .
“Uh, flying. It’s faster than walking through this crowd. Come on, follow me.” I didn’t know how fly. She hovered a few feet in the air, watching me standing around. “Are you coming?” I waved her closer. She landed and put her ear to my face.
“I can’t fly,” I whispered. She looked taken aback.
“What? How can you not fly? Every pegasus can fly!” I tried to shush her but it was no use.
“I’m not sure. I just never learned.” She put a hoof on my shoulder.
“It’s not hard,” she said,” You just have to keep flapping your wings.” She began flapping her wings and rose into the air. That doesn’t look too hard . I spread my wings out. It felt weird moving them. I hadn’t used them very much at all. Tentatively, I flapped them. Nothing happened.
“You have to do it more, and faster,” Butter said. Again my wings flapped, harder and harder. I felt the ground move away. I looked down; I was few feet in the air.
“Look at me! I’m doing it! I’m flying!” I maneuvered forward and back. Butter was cheering me on.
“Congratulation, Swift. Now let’s try going somewhere!” Butter started to fly down the street. I managed to follow, but barely.
I collapsed onto the floor of the apartment panting. Luna was sitting in an armchair. She casually sipped coffee.
“Rough night?” she asked.
“I learned how to fly,” I said between ragged breaths. She used her magic to lay me down on the couch. It was really comfortable.
“That’s good news,” she remarked. I thought back to Butterscotch.
“Luna, can I ask you a favor?”
“I suppose so.”
“It’s about Butter, uh, Butterscotch,” she smirked at the use of a nickname, “she told me she wanted to be a teacher. Is there anything you can do to help?”
“I’m not sure, Swift.”
“Please, Luna? She wants so badly to teach, but they told her she’s not smart enough…”
“I will see what I can do.” She went back to sipping the coffee. She was smiling.
“What are you so happy about?” I asked her.
“It appears that you’ve got your very first friend. Perhaps it’s time to write a report.” I suppose it was time. Luna used her magic to make a quill and parchment appear in front of me. I grabbed the quill.
“So I just write what I learned?” I asked. Luna nodded. “What if it’s wrong?” She shrugged. I began to write.
Dear princess Celestia,
Today I learned something valuable. You should always try your hardest to help your friend, even if you just met her.
Swift Wing
I dropped the quill. Luna rolled up the letter and disappeared.
“Where’d you go?” I asked. There was a knock at the door. I trotted over and answered it. Butterscotch was on the other side sobbing. “Come in, Butter,” I said. I lead her to the couch and sat next to her, holding her. It seemed like the right thing to do.
“Oh gosh, Swift,” Butter began, she was drunk, “I’m so scared.”
“Scared of what?” I asked.
“That… that I’ll never ge- get to be a teacher. A-And I really w-want to be a teacher.” She leaned into me, knocking me down. She was crying softly now. I wrapped her in my wings, trying to calm her down. Being under my wings seemed to calm her down.
“Shh, it’s okay.” I felt her body shiver against mine. She was nuzzling me drunkenly. This might not be so good Her muzzle was getting awfully close to mine. Finally it kissed mine. I tried to pry her off, but she was holding on to me tightly. She was ignorant to my struggle; she let out a small purr.
I tried to speak, but it was muffled as she kept her lips to mine. Oh god, I want Luna to be here. I didn’t think this was what friendship was about.
After about five minutes of struggling, Butter let me up.
“Let’s go back to the bedroom, baby,” she said. She was teetering on her hooves. Butter tried to saunter to the bedroom. I led her to the bed out of pity.
“You’re drunk,” I said to her face. I had to dodge a kiss from her.
“An’ yur’ my firs’ friend.” Oh God, she was as lonely as I was. She was pretty, but, she was drunk! Butter started to kiss my chest. It felt strangely good.
“Are you sure about this?” I asked. She was too enthused to pay me much mind. I joined her under the covers.
I awoke to Butterscotch freaking out in my bed.
“Oh gosh, what am I doing here?” she asked. Her limbs were moving frantically.
“Don’t you remember anything?” I asked.
“Noooo!” She leapt from the bed and paced the room. “W-we didn’t do anything right?”
“Why?”
Butter gasped, “Don’t you know mares are supposed to be with stallions?? That’s the way nature intended!” I bit my lip. Now she could never know.
“No, of course not,” I assured her, “You came over last night and we talked. It didn’t feel right making you sleep on the couch.” And the best lie award goes to
Butter breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia! That would’ve been awkward.”
“Heh, yeah, awkward.” It sure was now.
“Any plans for today?” Butter asked.
“No, not really,” I said.
“Well, I have to work at noon until late,” she frowned as she said this. She must not like her job at all. I hoped Luna could do something for her. “But I could make you breakfast.”
“Breakfast, that’d be great. I’m starving,” I told her truthfully. I’d had quite the workout recently. Butter bounded off to her room, I followed suit. Her apartment was littered with books for children. Books of nursery rhymes, short stories, and teaching manuals. While Butter was in the kitchen I flipped through some of the manuals, they looked heavily read. I put the book back where it I found it. I walked into the kitchen. Butter was frying eggs and making toast.
“I hope you like eggs,” she said. I did like eggs. I found my gaze drifting to her flank. My attention snapped back when she coughed.
“What?” I asked.
“I asked if you wanted orange juice.” I hoped she hadn’t seen my staring.
“Yes, sure.” I noticed she hadn’t brushed her mane. It was disheveled. I wonder how I look. I thought about using her bathroom but it was too late. Butter dropped a plate and a glass in front of me. Eggs, toast, and orange juice, first food I recognized here. I ate it without many manners. Butter laughed. She had a nice laugh.
No, I can’t think this way about my first friend. It wouldn’t be right. I gave her a small smile. She returned it with a big grin. This is awkward.
“Do you have any plans today, Swift?” I shook my head. “Well, there’s a cool library group that meets around noon. I used to go until I got this job…” She frowned.
“Yeah, that sounds… cool,” I lied. What could be worse than a bunch of nerds?
Nothing. Nothing could be worse than a bunch of nerds. I had arrived and they were surprised to see a mare in their midst. They have given hurried awkward introductions and then went into talking about comics or something.
“I like SuperStallion apprehended Black Cat,” said Two Bit.
“Black Cat’s too good a thief to get caught by SuperStallion!” exclaimed Wattson. They were talking about thieves? I had to hear this.
“Oh yeah? Black Cat sucks!” said Sheldon. I had zoned out for most of it.
“Who’s Black Cat?” I got incredulous looks.
“You don’t know?” asked Sheldon.
“I don’t read comics,” I admitted. They gasped.
“Well,” said Wattson as he adjusted his glasses, “Black Cat is a seasoned thief. Her first appearance was in SuperStallion series 2, volume 114.”
“Yeah,” chimed in Two Bit, “but she can’t steal anything! Women are not suitable to, uh…” He trailed off. I guess he forgot who he was talking to.
“That sounds… cool.” It didn’t sound all that cool.
“I know,” said Wattson, “Most of the time she tries to steal just whatever. But this time she tried to go for the Elements of Harmony. Sadly SuperStallion got her.”
“That’s too bad,” I said.
“Do you want to borrow the comics? I’ve read them all,” asked Wattson. Two Bit gave Sheldon a wink and a nudge. They both erupted into fits of giggles. Wattson blushed heavily. I realized what they were talking about. I blushed too. He needs some help.
“That’s very nice of you, Wattson.” I nuzzled his cheek for a second. He nearly collapsed. The other two were shocked .
“I can bring them all by tomorrow,” he said. He was hot around the ears.
“Sure, that sounds great.”
“Oh no, look at the time! We’re going to be late to the opening of Lord of the Horseshoes!” exclaimed Sheldon.
“What’s that?” I asked. Another round of incredulous looks directed at me.
“It’s only the greatest series ever written,” explained Two Bit.
“Do you want to come with us?” asked Wattson. Perhaps it would be good for me to watch this movie. I wasn’t sure.
“I guess that sounds alright.”
The movie was awesome. I’d never seen anything like it from where I was from. Actually, if you took out the ponies, it was somewhat similar. I’d never seen moving pictures on such a grand scale. We walked out of the theatre last. The boys had wanted to watch all of the credits. None of the names meant anything to me, but whatever.
“How did you like it, Swift?” asked Sheldon.
“I thought it was pretty cool,” I said. They descended into a debate over which parts were book accurate. I looked into the sky, wondering if Butter would be back soon. Somepony was nudging me.
“Huh?” I asked.
“I asked if you wanted to join us for drinks,” said Wattson. Drinks sounded good.
“Sure thing.” Two Bit led us to a hole in the wall bar. At least it’s cheap. We sat at the bar; Wattson sat next to me. He was awfully close. I thought nothing of it. The drinks kept coming, even though I had stopped ordering them. I wasn’t about to complain about the free drinks, but Wattson kept inching closer. Suddenly his hoof was somewhere surprising.
“Whoa,” I exclaimed. He retracted his hoof.
“What’s the matter?” he asked. Two Bit and Sheldon hadn’t noticed.
“That’s a little too close for me.” He frowned.
“Come on, I saw you hitting on me in the library.”
“I was helping you save face in front of your friends,” I explained. He reeled back in shock.
“So, you don’t like me?”
“Nooooo. I think you’re a good pony. You’re just not my type,” I told him. He looked down at the bar. “I’m sorry if I led you on.” I wasn’t leading him on at all! He was just reading the wrong signals. I suppose that wasn’t his fault. He was never really introduced to the signals in the first place.
With a sigh he said, “It’s okay. I should have realized you wouldn’t go for a stallion like me.” I sighed, now it felt a bit awkward. Perhaps it was time to go back home. I got up and gave Wattson a hug. He deserved it. I flew back home.
Luna was there.
“Where do you keep going?” I asked.
“You don’t expect me to spend all day here do you?” I glared at her jokingly.
“I’ve learned something about friendship, so take a note.”
“You learn quickly,” she remarked. Luna grabbed a quill and parchment.
“Ahem. You should be careful when you meet someone. Be very careful that you don’t give them the wrong idea,” I said.
She raised an eyebrow, “I wonder if I even want to hear how you learned this.” She sealed the letter and sent it away. “I’m afraid today will be my last day here. I’ve gotten a lot of work pushed my way and I must attend to it.” I groaned.
“But you’re the only sane pony I know.”
“Sorry, Swift. You and your friends can always come to visit if you want to.” As she finished her sentence she disappeared with a small flash. The apartment suddenly felt a lot lonelier. I turned off the lights and got into bed. I wished Butter had been there.
There was something missing in my life, and I had a feeling I knew what it was. It was something far more special than a friend. It was Butterscotch. She was just so… there weren’t even words to describe it. Being around her made me happy. Yet there was a huge problem. She didn’t think mares could be together.
“Ugh, why does everything have to be so hard?” I asked. I flopped my head back down on my pillow. It’d been a week since Butter and been together that fateful night. Just the memory of it… I groaned and hid my face behind my hooves. Maybe I can ask Luna. Would she know? There was a knock at the door. Butter was there, I could tell already. Her knock was always full of energy, and today it seemed doubly so. I knew what I had to do; I would have to hide my feelings to protect our friendship. She was my first and dearest friend in Equestria.
I answered her feverish knocking. She was holding a scroll and jumping up and down. “Oh my gosh!” she was screaming. I led her inside.
“What happened?” I asked. She seemed to calm down a little, if only to tell me.
“I just got a letter from a primary school! I’m going to be a teacher!” Using the moment I embraced her in a hug. It felt great.
“I’m so excited for you!” I told her. She returned the hug. Even better! I was relishing the moment until she pulled away.
“I can’t wait! I start tomorrow. It’s so exciting I just can’t sit still.” She was trembling.
“Where are you teaching?” I asked.
“I’m teaching at a private school. I can’t believe they wanted me!”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s just that you have to have someone vouch for you. I don’t know anyone who works there.” Luna pulled through! I would have to thank her. “It’s just a shame that it’s far away…”
“Where is it?”
She looked down, for the first time she was sad, “Canterlot.”
“C-Canterlot?” I was stunned. She nodded.
“I’ll have to move so I can make the commute.”
“Then I’ll move with you! I can’t let you go to Canterlot alone, it wouldn’t be right. In fact, I know some ponies that can find us an apartment,” I declared. Butter gave me another fantastic hug.
“That’s wonderful!” Now all I had to do was get another letter to one of the princesses.
“Yes, but that’s for later. Tonight we have to party!” She seemed confused.
“Party? I guess, but nothing too extreme,” she insisted. Sigh.
“We’ll go wherever you want. My treat.” She rattled off someplace I’d never heard of. It sounded alright.
“I’ve got to go tell my ex-boss! I’ll come back when I’m done.” She bounded out the door. I shut it as she forgot to. I was going to move in with Butter. A very good first step. None of that’s official until the apartment is found. I found a quill and wrote Celestia a quick letter. I told her the good news and thanked her as well. The letter fizzled away as soon as I sealed it. A response came quickly. I opened it hurriedly. Maybe we would stay in the castle! The letter contained only a few words.
I’m sorry Swift, but I asked you to learn in Manehattan.
What? How could she answer like that? It wasn’t fair. Maybe I could send her another letter, try to appeal to her. I let out a sniffle. I really wanted this to work.
“So Butter, are you saying you have to move to Canterlot for this job?” We were flying slowly through Manehattan towards the restaurant. She nodded.
“Yeah, it’s pretty far away and with the train fare… it just wouldn’t make sense,” she added. Should I tell her about the letter? I think I have to; otherwise it might be too late. I’ll tell her after dinner.
The restaurant wasn’t too expensive. Butter and talked about our pasts. I had to make up most of it, to fit with the pony theme and all. Hers was sad. At least everything was looking up now. The more she had told me, the more I just wanted to cuddle up with her and make her feel better.
It was when we were flying back to our apartments that I told her the news.
“Butter, I’ve got a problem. My mentor doesn’t want me to leave Manehattan.” She looked crushed.
“Bu-but…” It was hard to look at her. No, I couldn’t leave her, not now.
“But I can’t listen to that. I don’t care! I’m coming with you.”
“Oh, Swift!” She hugged me, in midair. With only one of us using their wings, we started to plummet. She let me go and the fall stopped. “Heh, sorry.” I chuckled nervously.
“Tomorrow I’ll come with you to Canterlot. I’ll look for an apartment while you teach,” I told her.
“That sounds great,” she said, smiling.
We bid each other a good night as we split at the apartments. I trotted in mine. The door was barely closed when I started to dance around the room. Tomorrow would be easy; a flight to Canterlot, I ask around for the landlords, and then Butter and I are happy together forever. It’s time to celebrate! I got my crown from my belt. The belt had been hidden by me almost immediately after Luna left. I crown felt good in my hooves. Something tumbled from the pouch as well, the brooch. It felt like it was staring at my soul.
“I didn’t forget,” I said at it. I hadn’t forgotten my plan, the plan for the Elements. Yet Butter felt so much more important. The Elements, sure I could sell them and be happy for a while, but Butter would make me happy forever. I could feel the brooch laughing at me.
“The princesses were wrong. You are magical.” That feeling of being laughed at didn’t stop. I stuffed it back in the pouch. The mood was killed. It was time to go to sleep. It was a long flight tomorrow.
It was great, for me at least. All the available places had only one bedroom, and it was small. I wonder if Butter would mind sharing a bed… If she didn’t, that could be great. I’d have to ask her later. Being in Canterlot made me feel guilty as well, after all, Celestia had giving me one real responsibility. I’d have to tell her. I had to be honest with one of the first ponies who’d done so much to help me.
I waited patiently outside of the school for it to be let out. Finally Butter came out, surrounded by a bunch of excited children.
“I’ll see you all tomorrow!” she exclaimed. She saw me and took a gliding leap; with a perfect landing she sat next to me
“Ten out of ten,” I told her. She smiled. “How was it?”
Butter rolled her head back in glee, “It was A-ma-zing. Everything I’ve dreamed of!” She paused, reveling in her bliss. “How was the apartment hunt?”
“Whelp, the only apartments available are single bedroom,” I said. I looked at her intently.
“Hmm.”
“Hmm?”
“Would you be… okay in sharing a bedroom with another mare?” she asked.
“It’s more like… one bed…” I bit my lip.
“Hmm,” she said. Oh please! “I guess that it could work for now.” My heart soared.
“Excellent,” I told her, “we can talk to the landlord today and move in this weekend.” Butter beamed; I did too.
The process of moving in went well. The next door neighbors did not welcome me so warmly as Butter. We had said our goodbyes to Wattson, Two Bit, and Sheldon. It had been a slightly tearful goodbye. Wattson had given me his collection of Black Cat comics. All of Butter’s and my objects barely fit into the new apartment. Well, Butter had barely been able to fit her stuff in her apartment and now that my things were there, it wasn’t pretty. The moving unicorns had finished moving the rest of the furniture. I paid them and they left.
Butter and I danced around the rooms. We were positively giddy. We collapsed on each other on the floor.
“What are we going to do tonight?” I asked. Butter didn’t have classes tomorrow, being the weekend and all. Butter thought for a minute.
“How about… a party?” We didn’t know anypony here yet, except for our secluded neighbors, so it would be just us.
“Sure!” Thankfully it was late enough to drink. We grabbed bottles of the finest cider from our kitchen. With great haste we started the night of drinking.
It wasn’t until hours later that something happened. I received a letter from Celestia.
I haven’t received a letter in a while. Is something the matter? I hope there aren’t hard feelings.
~Celestia.
This letter brought me to a startling idea. I should definitely tell her what was going on.
“What’s the letter about?” asked Butter. She was teetering on her chair.
“It’s just Celestia.”
Butter gasped, “You know Celestia?”
“Hah, yeah. I tried to steal the Elements,” I admitted. Her mouth went wide in awe.
“Whoa,” was all she said.
“I know it’s kind of cool. They caught me an’ wanted me to learn about friendship. That’s what I was studying in Manehattan, and Celestia didn’t really want me to leave.” I bit my lip. Butter didn’t seem to notice. I felt my eyelids getting heavy. I’ll just let them rest. I leaned back against the armrest of the couch. I heard Butter walk around to the bedroom. There was the opening of drawers and closets and a few sounds of crashing. Butter came running back. I opened my eyes. She had the brooch in her mouth.
“Where did you find that?” I asked. She was smiling.
“I found it when we moved in! I thought it would look pretty on you.” She trotted over and tried to fix it to my neck. I could feel it getting warm.
“No, Butter. Put it down,” I told her. She wasn’t paying any attention. Here we go again.
I had a bad headache. I rubbed my hands through my hair. I groaned a rolled over… onto someone else. Her skin was a pale white with brown hair. She was awfully pretty. I grabbed her shoulder and shook it.
“Hey, excuse me. Who are you?” I asked her. She winced as she woke up. She tried to get off the bed onto all fours… instead she collapsed into a heap. The strange woman grabbed onto her head.
“Ouch,” she whimpered. The voice was so familiar. I groaned.
“Butter?” She opened her eyes then her face looked horrified.
“AAaaAAaaaaH!” she screamed as she tried to crawl away.
“Butter, it’s me Swift Wing. You have to calm down.” She huddled into a corner. I slowly approached. “Butter, you need to calm down.” She was looking at her own body too. She was naked.
“S-Swift? W-wha-what ha-happened?” I knelt next to her and held her hands.
“That brooch has magic, strange magic. You just have to deal with this for now. Okay?”
“How do you know this stuff?” she asked. She was close to hysterics.
“I’ve used the brooch before. Please, you’ve got to calm down.” I put my face closer to hers, “please, for me.” She seemed to calm down as I held her. I helped her up and sat her down on the bed. It took a while but I managed to find some clothes to fit her. She was flexing her fingers and toes.
“This is… weird,” she said. Butter seemed to calm down. I sat down next to her. “How do we get back?”
“We just have to use the brooch,” I told her. I grabbed the brooch and held onto Butter tightly. I couldn’t feel anything happening.
“Is it working?” asked Butter. She had her eyes clenched tight. The brooch stayed cold. I sighed, reaching into my belt. I grabbed the magnifying glass and peered at the brooch.
“Humbug, its dead,” I told her. She just kept staring at me.
“So?” She asked.
“So I have to get it charged. We need to head to a city to find a wizard or guild to charge it for us.” I went to put on my belt but stopped. Am I taking Butter? Of course I was, I couldn’t leave her here! She interrupted my thoughts.
“What are those things?”
“Well a wizard is someone who does magic.”
“Like a unicorn,” she said. I nodded.
“And a guild is a place where wizards and others meet to make money.” She seemed to get it.
“Where can we find one of those?” She was rubbing her feet together strangely.
“I think the closest guild is in… Stromkirk…” Guh, Stromkirk. Butter saw my distaste.
“What’s wrong with Stromkirk?”
“I know some people there,” I told her. I couldn’t tell her I was from there! What would she think!?
“Are they good people?” She was so ignorant of my people.
“Not really, but we don’t have another choice.” I didn’t want to go to Stromkirk, not again. But it was the closest city to this little town. Going to Immerstrum might take a week, and I don’t think Butter could handle a week here. It was too hectic for someone like her. “Come on, Butter. Let’s get going.” I helped her stand up. She was a bit wobbly on her legs.
By the time we got downstairs she had walking down well enough. The tavern was mostly empty. There was only one person sitting next to the door. It was Zorander, he grinned when he saw me.
“Oh my, oh my, Swift, what do we have here? Who is this beauty?” He stood up and strode over. He picked up Butter’s hand and kissed it gently. She pulled her hand back, but not before blushing gently. “What’s your name?”
“Butterscotch,” she said quietly. Zorander turned back to me.
“What are you doing travelling with this woman, Butterscotch? She’s a thief.”
“Hmph, I like that in her.” Zorander dropped his grin. I pushed Butter past him.
“Sorry, Zorander, but we simply must be going now.” He followed us out the door.
“Where are you going, rogue? To steal more brooches?” I stopped and turned to him.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said. He smirked.
“Yes, I bet,” He said as he pulled close to my ear. “That brooch is dangerous, far too dangerous for your hands.” I pushed him back.
“You didn’t even know what it did before I used it,” I told him. He sighed and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Regardless, I will not kill you right now, on one condition.” Butter let out a noise of surprise. I forgot she didn’t know our history.
“What condition is that?”
“Simple really, I get to accompany you and study the effect of the brooch on you,” he said. Having to travel with Zorander wasn’t high on my list of things to do, but I had to get the brooch charged fast.
“Fine, but no funny business. We are going to Stromkirk.” He nodded.
“That’s great. I’ve got some strong horses ready,” he said.
Horses!
“Oh, you’re so cute. What are you good at? What’s your name? I’m Butterscotch.” Butter had been talking to and petting our horse for the past five minutes. Zorander had had two horses ready. I rode with Butter. I had worried that she would react strangely to seeing the horse, but it turned out alright. She kept rubbing its flank still. Zorander was giving her strange looks.
“Is she okay?” he asked. I guess it was kind of hard to understand. They were just horses.
“Don’t ask,” I told him. He shrugged and turned back to the path. We were barely out of town but everything seemed to be going well. “So what’s the deal with the brooch? Why is it so important?”
“We don’t know where it came from. It just appeared one day. My apprentice tried to use it, and we never found him. Yet when you used it in the treasury, you came back. This is why I must study the brooch,” he said solemnly.
“The second time I used it, I didn’t feel its pull,” I said. He didn’t say anything back. Magic like this brooch always put me on edge. Teleportation was spooky stuff. I felt Butter’s weight fall onto my back, her head lolled onto my shoulder. I could feel her even breathes.
We rode for hours until dusk came. I put Butter into my bedroll. Zorander and I made a quick dinner.
“I’ll take first watch,” I said. He laughed.
“I’m too old to stand watch.” He muttered something and a golden hemisphere covered the camp before fading. “There we go.” He poured dirt on the fire and rolled into his bedroll.
“You’ve got potential,” said Zorander carefully.
“What?” I asked. But he had already fallen asleep. I lay back next to Butter. She was snoring peacefully.
I couldn’t wait to get back. Living in Canterlot with Butter was exciting. Not exciting in a way I had known, but it was different. It felt better being out of constant danger. Next time I get over there, I’ll get rid of the brooch. That will stop all of this from happening again. I felt Butter roll next to me and warp me in a hug. She smiled. I hugged her too, it felt great. I fell asleep in her arms.
The next morning was interesting. Zorander couldn’t get off his back. Butter and I stood around snickering.
“Come on, you can’t let an old man just lie here,” he argued.
“Why not?” Butter asked.
“Because I want to be walking some more. I’m not that old!” I walked towards him and picked him up. We must have been less than one hundred pounds. His body was shaking. I placed him on his feet. “Thanks.”
“No problem… old man,” I said. He scowled. After we packed up we got on the horses. It was only a few hours until Stromkirk came into view. It was a great, big city surrounded by mountains. The population was in the thousands. Stromkirk was the biggest city on the map. As we neared the gate I put up my hood. Some people didn’t like me here. The guards let us in without trouble. I felt their eyes watching Butter and I as we passed by.
“Do you know anyone in the guild, Zorander?” I asked him. He nodded.
“I worked with the guild master at one point. He’s a good boy. Why?”
“Swift said the brooch is empty; we need to get it charged,” Butter spoke up.
“Alright, let’s get to the guild hall then. I should be able to get it charged. Follow me, I know the guilds like the back of my hand.” He took the lead.
We were sitting in the guild master’s room. Butter and I were twiddling our thumbs while Zorander made small talk with the guild master. It felt like it had been hours. A few of the guild’s thugs had given me looks when I passed.
“Come in,” said the guild master. A page walked in, stunned that the master knew he was there without knocking. The page put the brooch on the desk and hurried out. The master picked it up.
“Be careful with that,” I blurted out. They all looked at me but turned back to the brooch.
“Relax, my child, I know what I’m doing,” said the master. Zorander looked twitchy. I wonder what’s gotten into him. He grabbed for the brooch.
“Sorry, Teasel, but we simply must get going,” Zorander said quickly. He roused us from our chairs. “Come on, girls. We best get going now.” He harried us through the hallways.
“Zorander, what are you doing?” I asked.
“There are mercenaries arriving,” he whispered to me. As he said that, two heavily muscled brutes stepped into the hallway in front of us, cutting us off. They held heavily swords studded with runes.
“What do we got ‘ere, crusha? Looks like we got ourselves a little birdie,” said the bigger one. I think he salivated as he looked at me. With flashes of light, two more appeared behind them. I heard some walk up to the back of us. I reached for my daggers. Zorander stopped me. He handed me the brooch and a letter.
“Take this,” he said. He turned back to one of the brutes. “You won’t get this woman today or ever.” He threw a hand out at the brute. Lightning cracked from his fingertips to the thug. He backed a step, but he was unscathed. The thugs laughed.
“Is that all you’ve got old man?” asked one. He gripped a savage crossbow and took aim at Butter. He fired, but the bolt hovered inches away from her, held in place by magic. The bolt dropped harmlessly to the floor.
“Leave us alone and you will live,” Zorander threatened. After no response Zorander clasped his hands together, his voice took an icy tone as he cast another spell. A gust of chilling wind blew down towards the assailants. It roared past them harmlessly. Nothing he was doing did any harm.
“What are we going to do?” I asked. He said something under his breath. I felt my body constrict, I lost the ability to move. The hallway was getting hotter and hotter. Zorander’s body began to glow red and emit smoke. I tried to stop him, but my mouth was frozen. His body erupted into a righteous flame. His voice filled the guild hall.
“I am grand wizard Zorander, Arbiter of the House of the Rising Sun. You will not take this woman.” The flames of his body spread throughout the building, burning only the living. The heat was made only bearable by the shield he put around us.
Finally the flames subsided and the shield dropped. I fell to the floor gasping for breath. The floor was covered in ashes. I grabbed Butter and led her away.
We had taken a room at a local inn. Butter and I sat on the bed. Turning from her, I opened the letter Zorander had given me.
Swift Wing,
Yes I know your name, don’t be surprised. When I saw that you survived the brooch’s magic. I knew that maybe there could be hope for my apprentice. That’s why the carriage was there for you. I’m not saying you’re a bad thief, but you have to admit it was easy. Back to more important matters, I am writing this in the guild masters room. I have felt magic from mercenaries entering the guild hall, it doesn’t look good.
In the time that we have travelled, short as it may be, I felt that I have become closer to you. I wish you the best in whatever you and that Butter girl do. I ask one thing from you however. Find my apprentice, please. He may be in whatever world you find yourself.