The colt Polaris was cursed. It was a terrible curse which sought nothing but the end of Equestria.
400 or so years ago in the Kingdom of Acrady in the southern ice reigns, a great battle occurred between Princess Sententia and her younger brother Alruccabah. It was said that the younger of the siblings wished for nothing but great power, vast armies and unimaginable wealth. Fearing for her subjects the princess banished her younger brother into a sarcophagus and sent him and his rage and hatred into the heavens. He sits there as a star in the sky guiding the southern frost ponies to there homes as a reminder for her subjects to not lose there way in times of darkness like her brother. This is the story told in little foals bedtime story books. This is the stories passed down from parents to there children. This story is a lie. Yet even a lie told as truth can have the tightest hold on our destinies. Destinies such as one as Polaris.
Once upon a time the Ice covered kingdom of Acrady was in a panic over a child who had yet even been born. Every birth is one of celebration but this one had the kingdom on edge for it was not just any birthing but the birthing of royalty. The Queen was having a child, her second child and her first born was not at all happy about it.
"But mother!" The little princess of four whined, "I wanted a baby sister! Boys are icky and are messy." The mother who was sitting across the room knitting a small hat for the unborn child smiled and gazed at her daughter for a short time.
"Sententia Acrady Aurora Sky, that will be quite enough of that!" Her mother scolded, "What if he was the first born? Would you want your older brother saying such things?" The little girl thought long and hard on this before replying, a trait that her mother was very proud of. Some rulers speak without thinking and cause strife to there kingdoms. She was glad to know that her daughter would not be one of them, though she did wish that she would hurry with her answer.
"Then I wouldn't want him as a big brother." She said with a down cast look upon her face. Her mother being kind of heart couldn't stand to see her daughter upset at the thought that she wouldn't be wanted as an older sister.
"So then what must you do?" the queen asked. Once again the four year old thought long and hard.
"I will teach him to not be so messy!" The mother laughed as she saw the grin on her daughters face as she answered. "Mother," she asked softly, climbing on to her mothers lap. "Do you think that father would think me a good sister?" Her mother put down her knitting needles and brushed a hand across her daughters head.
"Of course he does silly, and I am sure that wherever he is he is smiling down on his shining stars." The queen then thought of a name for her soon to be son. "Alruccabah." She said. The star her late husband the king promised to jump from had she said 'no' to her marrying him. "That will be his name. Prince Alruccabah of Acrady."
Nine years later the princess of Acrady now having become 13 had begun her studies into the duty of ruling a kingdom. All of this was new to her and it was overbearing to say the least. Her mother having died in childbirth could not be there and tell her daughter how to rule a kingdom, nor to tell her how proud she was of her daughter for taking up this task by herself. She was thinking more and more thoughts like this lately. In fact it was always around this time of year that she would remember her mother and the sadness would reset itself in her heart. There was one consolation though. She was not allowed to be sad long for her little brother would always do his best to cheer her up and cheer her up he did! A young Alruccabah came barging into his sisters study where she was busy signing decrees and the like.
"Sen! Sen!" the young boy cried. "I found a wild puppy just lying in the street all cold and shivering! What do I do?" he said holding the pup with both hands. His sister who had now scattered papers all over her study sighed, knowing she could not clean this mess till her brother was dealt with.
"Is it lost or stray?" she asked in an annoyed tone.
"Well I found it near the woods all curled up so I gave him some of my lunch. Then he rubbed up against my leg and oh Sen he was so cold!" The boy finished as he cuddled with the pup. He was one of the 'speak before thinking' types her mother told her about when she was young. But she had to admit the pup was cute and it didn't seem like any one would go looking for him. She might as well give him an early birthday present anyhow.
"Well we cant let him go back to the cold forest now can we? But where will we keep him I wonder? I am far too busy to take care of him so who would? Hmm..." She waited for her brother to take the bate.
"Ooh ooh! Sen me me ill take care of him!" He shouted.
"Are you sure? Taking care of animals is a big boys job, cant let just anyone do it you know!" She decided to make him suffer a bit for ruining her concentration.
"I promise I will! Ill do everything that I should and you wont have to get me a present for my birthday! And... and.. and ill clean your room for a week!" The young prince said running out of breath. Sen, acting like she got the short end of the deal, let him keep the pup. for the years following they were inseparable. The wolf now named 'Lance' grew to an enormous size. Large enough to be rode by his master. Tame as a house cat in the prescience of of Alruccabah and eventually Sententia as well. The young boys first friendship had blossomed into an unbreakable brotherhood one the young boy thought could not be stopped even by death. Something that was sure to be tested in the years to come.
In the years before 'The North Star Incident' as it has been known to be called by the ponies in the Acrady, invaders from the east started a full on war with Acrady for her vast riches under the icy seas. The princess now at the age of 22 could masterfully assume a facade of calm and strength. Though her true face was one of sadness and a deepen depression. During the years before the embers of war had been lit, her foolish younger brother had tried to prove himself by challenging a messenger from the east. The messenger brought news of the neighboring kingdom and its wishes for domination. Alruccabah was outraged and attacked the messenger as a way to protect his people and his land. An action that was done without though. A foolish action. The attack was used to slander his good name and and to turn the Acradans against him spreading rumors that he was 'power mad' and 'cared not for his people but only acted for himself'. His sister could do little to quiet these lies. And so the people of Alruccabah turned against their prince. She did the only thing she though was right, to have her brother leave for diplomatic missions with the kingdoms of the west so that he might not only learn his lesson on acting without thinking, but so that he might regain some of the trust from his people.
It was over a seven years since she sent her brother away. 'The Bastard Prince' as he was now being called, was due to return to a kingdom that he would not recognize. One that was bloodied and beaten, war torn and on the brink of depression. The princess, now Queen regent had hope that he would assist her in a revitalization plan for her kingdom now that the war was over. She hoped the shame her brother felt as he left his kingdom had subsided some, and that he would be accepted back into the lives of the kingdom. She had hoped for so many things back then.
The carriage that her brother road in on was unlike the one he had left with. No longer white and blue the vehicle was an assaulting array of purples and blacks. The guards assigned to him were also new. Sententia had hoped nothing bad had happened to him to cause for a change of guard. The thought was broken as a stallion with broad shoulders stepped out from the carriage into the snow. Adorned with a dark blue mantel with fur trim and black arm and leg guards. He brushed flecks of snow off of his black tunic, only the symbol of the tunic wasn't a crystal with four lines around it, the symbol for the nation of Acrady, but rather a large star with smaller stars accompanying it. His face soured. "I always hated the cold." He grimaced. Stepping towards the Queen who had a hand rested on the great wolf Lance stopped to look at the great beast. The wolf barred his fangs at this strange man and snarled. "Tell me sister, have I changed so much you do not recognize me as well?"
"I see the west has been good to you." she said trying to sound optimistic. Only to be met with a coy smile.
"I see the east has not been as kind." He slowly turned around to look at the castle gazing over it as if to look upon it for a final time.
"Ahem, I am sure you are weary from your travels. I have had your old room prepared for you. Or would you rather meet your people first?' She didn't want to push him too fast. He had been gone for almost a decade and she could sense something was off with him.
"Meet my people aye?" He said as he began to chuckle to himself. His sister was showing signs of worry, but Alruccabah was too entertained at thought of the people who shunned him, who HATED him were HIS people. "No, they are NOT my people." He turned to face his sister again. Eyes glowing in a deep purple. "They will NEVER be MY people!" His shouting alerted the guards and made Lance prone ready to attack. "My people will never question me! MY people will never toss me aside!" He stepped closer towards his sister. "My people will not have such a disgraceful ruler like you as there leader." Arching his hoof a bolt of blue lighting was shot at the princess only to be intercepted by Lance. Always a loyal member of the family it was second nature to shield the queen from the attack. The wolf was frozen solid. Encased in a block of ice. Before he could ready another wave of ice Sententia used her magic to spirit herself away from her her brother. Leaving her men and her castle behind.
Her brother, who was now drunk on whatever power he had gained from his travels, was in the process of turning all of the kingdom to ice. Over 40% of the royal city was frozen over citizens running for their lives some being frozen in place. A flash freeze came over houses and stores and streets, and farms. Till nothing but a tundra of ice and death remained. Queen Sententia, seeing her brothers' insanity commanded her brother to put a stop to this. She commanded that she and him have a duel to decide the fate of their kingdom. One that she never intended to have. She with the help of a group of neighboring kingdoms warriors trapped him inside a sarcophagus. Knowing it would only hold his rage and fury for a few seconds she had to think. She thought of sending the box to the moon like the Nightmare Moon tale she had heard as a filly. But she knew that if it were true Equestria`s ruler would have made it impossible for anything else to reach it. So she did the next best thing. She sent her brother in a box to the far reaches of the sky as close to the moon as she could so that he would be trapped with its orbit forever being the star that was to burn brightest in its rage and be locked until his spirit and mind were calmed. Looking upon the remains of her kingdom devastated her. But what truly broke her heart was that now she properly alone. First her father, then her mother, and now. The queen decided to rebuild her kingdom, salvage what she could, and await the day when her brother would come back to his senses and rule beside her as family. She decided to wait.
"So came to be the story of The North Star and the prince locked in a box. The end." Said Twilight Sparkle with a sigh as she closed her book.
"Read us another one Please read us another!" Cried a whole class of fillies.
"Now now children the princess needs to be on her way." The teacher told them. "Now say thank you and goodbye class."
As the head mare to the one and only Friendship School, Twilight was finishing up a 'Give the schools a hoof' program and her duty was to go around the neighboring cities and read to the young ones. She didn't find it too bad until the children stopped paying attention. A book read to others is a book ought to be heard she thought walking down the street to her hotel. As twilight headed back to her hotel she heard something in the distance a loud booming noise and smoke rising from the south. Where it came from she couldn't tell but it sounded big. She gathered her things from her room and asked the pony behind the counter if her traveling companion had already checked out. The pony behind the counter answered that she checked out this morning and gave Twilight the message he had been given. "Dear Twilight," the note began, "Hope you dont mind but I decided to take a tour of the town. Ill see you back in Ponyvile! Don`t wait up! Starlight."
"That Starlight I swear she acts like a filly when ever we visit Fillydelphia" she exclaimed to herself as she left to board the train. There was nothing she could do but trust her pupil and get some rest on the train she had a lot to do when she got back.
The morning was cool and crisp as the hustle and bustle of Fillydelphia's everyday commute began. Ponies left and right were making their way through their morning routines. Hardy hellos were heard from passerby's and the smell of bake goods filled the air as Starlight exited the hotel. Starlight loved the city. How busy it was, like it had its own heartbeat. Her and Twilight came here to read to fillies for a school program which they took turns in. She did her tour yesterday and today was Twilight's. So that meant she had the whole day to herself! Breakfast was first on her agenda, and the cafe they had seen the other day was calling her name!
On the other side of town in the 'less reputable' area was a small two story building with a sign that read "Curiosity and Curses". A shop that had for sure seen better days. Dispite its looks of abandonment one of its occupants left the building. A brown furred earth pony with blue eyes named Polaris Knight waked out of the shop with a grey coat and a saddle bag. He began to run his errands for the day, firstly was clear out anyone sleeping in the alleyway on the side of his house. Second, he was off to the store to buy more supplies for his sister. a few more quills and few jars simple things. Lastly he was off to every bookstore in the city to find a certain tome. "Clover the Clever's incomplete Guide to Mysterious Oddities." This book had alluded him at every turn. Destiny was intent on denying him this book he thought. But that wouldn't stop him! This book wasn't for him mind you but his sister who wanted it since she was a filly. His sister Stella Knight gave up on the search for this book after there adolescence but her brother continued the search. A grow came from his stomach. "Maybe some breakfast before that." He said acknowledging his empty belly. Luckily he knew of a bakery near by that let him 'steal' some of the day old pastries. "An apple fritter sure would hit the spot right about now." Wiping the drool off his mouth he started his way down the street.
"Have a great day miss!" the barista behind the counter shouted Starlight. She gave a polite wave and exited the quaint little cafe. Being a bit too crowded for her tastes she decided not have breakfast there but just a simple coffee. She could go without until lunch. I mean it wouldn't be the first time.' She thought to herself, 'I am just not much of a morning mare.' She thought on how most of her mornings consisted of caffeine as a regular routine. Her mentor Twilight's morning routine involved a book or three. 'How she reads so many books in one day is beyond me.' Her thoughts wandered as she made here way through the city, admiring the architecture and sights. 'I should get something for Twilight for ditching her.' She knew what she would get her for a gift, a book obviously, but what kind? What genre? Hardback? Signed copy? Maybe something in a foreign language? She stomped her hoof in frustration. She was terrible at deciding what kind of gift to get ponies. This thought was interrupted when she came across a small store named "Books Abound." "Maybe ill just ask what the clerk what they recommend." She said as she walked into the store.
Books were stacked to the ceiling it looked like some kind of tornado swept through the place. The smell of paperback books filled the room. She always loved the smell of a bookstore. It was incredibly relaxing to her. Except the sound of a heated argument at the back counter sort of killed her vibe. The Noise came from a Brown coated earth pony with a brown hair that a green streak in it.
"But 40 isnt what we agreed on." Said a rather aggressive earth pony.
"Yes well like I told you sir, this is a one of a kind item, its not every day somepony stumbles upon a journal of Clover the Clever!" The pegasus clerk replied. 'One of a kind you say?' Starlight rubbed her chin, this book would definitely peak Twilight's interests.
"Nopony can even read this book! Who's gonna buy a book you cant read?" Starlight excitement was hard to contain this book was everything she was looking for. She had to have it! Calmly walking up to the counter she put an elbow on the table.
"Excuse me, but did hear you correctly about that journal?" she interjected. The sales pony directed his attention to the young mare.
"Why yes miss you did indeed! This is none other than Clover the Clever's incomplete Guide to Mysterious Oddities." A hoofwritten book by on of the cleverest mage in all of Equestria second only to Starswirl himself!" He slid the book from the earth pony to the unicorn. "Only 40 Bits!"
"40 is pretty high." She gave him a sideways look. "Maybe I could do it for 35." the clerk looked offended.
"Madam! This isn't some autobiography! This tome is an important piece of historical literature! How many important secrets about the founding of our lands could be hidden within its pages. I doubt anyone could say!" Starlight rolled her eyes at his display as the earth pony reentered the conversation.
"How do you know?" He said flatly gaining both of there attention.
"I am sorry sir but I am doing business with somepony who knows the value of great literature." He brushed him off, but his question peaked Starlight's interest.
"What do you mean 'how does he know?'" She inquired.
"What I mean is that Nopony can read the book. It has a curse on it. A curse where any reader other than Clover the Clever forgets what they read."
"Sir that is preposterous! And-and slanderous! To think I would be accused of selling cursed items in my own store!" "Then whats your favorite part of the book?" He asked.
"Why the part where he banishes the Sirens of course!" The pegasus said puffing his chest out.
"Wasn't that Starswirl the Bearded?" Starlight asked. "Clover wasn't even involved with that." The two patrons eyed the owner suspiciously. The sweat on his brow intensified as there gazes held firm.
"Alright! I haven't read it okay!" He threw his hooves up in reluctance. "Look if I would love to give it to you for cheaper but i gotta make a profit too you know!" He said exhausted.
"How about this." The earth pony started. "We can split the price, I just need like 1 to 10 pages from that book anyhow."
"But thats almost an entire chapter." Starlight said. "Why do you need it anyhow?"
"Its for my sister. She's been looking for this book for ages. She says theres this part in the book where Clover the Clever found ways to remove any curse." He explained.
"Is your sister cursed?" She asked visibly concerned.
"Oh no we run a shop on the other side of town that collects cursed objects. She just wants to know what kind of curses Clover wrote about."
"What kind of shop deals in curses?" She asked.
"How about I show you?" he said putting his bag of bits on the table. "20 minutes max." She was still wary about this book, but curse or no Twilight would love it.
"Fine." she said reluctantly, "But Ill be carrying it." The earth pony shrugged. She didn't trust this guy. Anyone who dabbles in curses for a living was obviously bad news.
They split the purchase and left the store. the morning chill was gone and sun shone bright. The two walked a couple of blocks in silence. And an awkward one at that. "I never introduced myself, Im Polaris Knight." He said smiling holding out a hoof. Starlight looked at it before shaking.
"Im Starlight Glimmer." she was still weary of this Polaris but he seemed polite enough.
"Have you eaten yet Starlight? I kinda got side tracked and skipped breakfast." He rubbed his stomach. "I know a great bakery around here. My treat for all the trouble."
"Well if you insist." She smelled the air around her. "I could go for some baked goods." She agreed, not having eaten breakfast herself.
A bit later they arrived at The Bread and Butter Bakery, the smell reminded her of sugar cube corner with all the delicious foods being baked. And as they entered a booming voice was heard from behind the counter. "Polaris? Lad is that you? Your late! I almost threw out these apple fritters!" A large balding stallion in an apron approached them with a bag of sweet smelling pastries. "And just who is this?" He said eyeing Starlight. "Far to beautiful to be your marefriend!" The loud and large baker said with a hardy laugh. Polaris rubbed he back of his head in embarrassment.
"Ha ha no Mr. Dough, shes just a friend. More of a client really." Mr. Dough clapped him on the back causing him to tumble over.
"Thats what the all say son!" His laugh was loud and filled the room, but was cut off by a tug from a much smaller unicorn, also adorn in an apron.
"Sour Dough you leave boy alone!" His wife Brioche came with a second bag. "Here dearie, for you." She presented the bag to Starlight. "A friend of our Polaris is a friend of ours."
"Oh no we just meet today." She tried to explain. "Im just helping him is all."
"Whatever you say dear." Mrs. Dough went over to Polaris next as he was getting up. "How are you dear? Are you eating alright? Hows your sister?" She was inspecting him like a grandmother would a grandchild.
"Im fine Mrs. Dough, were fine. Just getting some breakfast after running a few errands is all." he gave her a hug. "How are you two? Its starting to get cold again. Do you guys need someone to salt the entrance again? Or help clean around the store?" His concern was touching to Starlight. Maybe she was wrong about here initial judgment of him.
"Yer too good to us lad." Mr. Dough said still rubbing his ear. "If we need anything well be sure to give you a ring. Now go on and enjoy your food you too. it wont stay warm for too long!" Polaris reached into his saddle bag and opened his mouth but was cut off but Mr. Dough. "Dont even think about paying you!" He growled as he walked away. "One of the few ways I get to see you and sister and I wont have you ruin it by paying." He smiled at Starlight as they walked out of the bakery. "And you tell that Stella to stop being such a stranger! Brioche misses her somethin fierce!"
"You got it Mr.Dough." As they sat down he apologized. "Sorry about that they are old clients of ours."
"So what exactly did you DO for them?" She inquired.
"Oh, they had a rival baker down the road and he put a curse on there oven so that anything they bake burns." He paused to take a bite of his apple fritter. "My sister and I were hired to uncursed it."
"So you two uncurse things? But you said you collect cursed items. Are they dangerous? Are you selling them to ponies?" She wasn't intending to fire so many questions at him but she couldn't help herself. Curses were dangerous things that corrupted innocent ponies into doing evil. But this colt didn't seem evil. He seemed pretty nice to be honest.
Polaris sighed. "We dont sell cursed items Starlight. We remove the curse first then we sell it. We mainly do odd jobs here and there like at this bakery but we never put anypony in harms way." He continued his explanation as if it was rehearsed. "Contrary to belief not all curses are evil in nature. A curse is just a spell casted with strong emotions. The stronger the emotion the more powerful the curse is." We try to resolve the issue with the curses and dispel them. Well My sister does at least. Im just the assistant."
"So you try to reason with the curses? How do you do that?"
"Its just like talking to an animal or a flower. A little understanding goes a long way."
"And thats why you need this book. You wanna see how Clover the Clever dealt with curses." She said finishing her food.
"Exactly! My sister is hoping there is an easier way than just talking to an object. It dosent work all the time so we gotta put it in storage."
"Well I have some experience with magical objects. Maybe I could give you some help?" She offered
"Im sure my sister would love that! She dosent really get out much when she does a project." He said in a huff. A chuckle was heard from Starlight.
"Trust me I know a pony like that. Never coming up for air from her book." Polaris nodded in agreement.
"One time my sister didnt leave the house for three days. I almost had to spoon feed her!"
"Does you sister do that thing where she talks to herself while she reads?" Polaris laughed.
"Ha yeah she does! She'll argue with herself too! Like 'Gee I wonder whos winning.'" Now it was Starlights turn to laugh. It was a refreshing laugh. One she hadn't had in a while. It was rare when she found somepony who thought the same way she did. Not to say the ponies in Ponyvile weren't nice, it just that they weren't as open minded to a little friendly bashing as she was. "Hey thanks again for doing this I hope Im not dragging you away from anything important." She shook her head.
"Nope I was just trying to see the sights before my train is all."
"Oh what time is your train?" he asked checking his watch.
"Not until late this afternoon. So we got plenty of time. Its not even noon yet!" Polaris flashed a big grin.
"Great! Uh ahem, I mean thats cool, maybe we can grab some lunch after this and I can be like your personal tour guide." He offered nonchalantly.
"I think Id like that." She said smiling at him. There eyes met for a moment before they both looked away awkwardly.
"Oh look theres the shop." Polaris said quickly running ahead. Starlight took a second to catch her breath. 'Im just here to help with a curse thats it' she said trying to convince herself. She followed after him.
The shop was two story brick building small garden in the front. A quaint little shop to be sure. As the door opened the bell above it rang. "Welcome to Curiosities and Curses." A voice said unenthusiasticly.
"Stella im back." Polaris yelled. "And I got a surprise for you!" 'He looks so giddy' Starlight thought. The shop was a cluttered mess of random nick knacks but there looked to be some type of organized chaos to it.Not one she could decipher at the moment though. A unicorn came from one of the isles levitating a book. 'This must be his sister.' she thought.
"Unless its bear claw im good." She didnt even look up from her book. Starlight made an attempt to get her attention with a cough. "Hmm?" Stella looked at Starlight for a moment and back to her brother. "You got a girlfriend. Finally." she said with a smug smile.
"Um no my names Starlight Glimmer and the surprise is this." She levitated the book over to Stella who squinted to read the cover. Her face lit up with excitement.
"Oh my gosh! Is this Clovers journal!?" she began flipping through the book as quickly as she could. "Ha ha I have no idea what im reading! It totally is!" She turned to Starlight. "How much? Ill give you 80 no 90 bits!" Stella was a little too close to for comfort. This was thankfully noticed by her brother who pushed her away.
"Its not for sale. But we can borrow it for a bit. Im sure you can make some use of it right?" His sister deflated a bit but shot right back up.
"Of course I can!" She ran off to the back room with the book. Polaris rolled his eyes as he followed.
"Come on, we better make sure she dosent break something."
"Is your sister always this excited about cursed books she cant read?" Starlight asked.
"You have no idea." He replied.
As the two followed Stella into the back room Starlight noted how it looked like more like a workshop. Tools used to chip and carve were everywhere and many gems of different shapes, size and colors littered the ground. A stack of paper and books over by a desk that seemed all too familiar to Starlight. "Are these magic tool?" She asked picking a chisel up. "The runes on the handle. What are the for?"
"There for incantations." he said picking up a gem. "Look how these gems have carvings on them." He showed her a ruby whit a strange rune on it. "We use these enchanted tools to make conduits for our more dangerous curses. Sometimes there is excess magic that has to go somewhere when a curse leaves an object. We convert it into pure raw magic and send it to the local magic academy to be recycled."
"Thats quite a clever way of getting rid of the magic." She gave Polaris a nudge. "I guess Clover wasn't the only clever one huh?"
"Well I dont like to brag but yeah im pretty smart!" Starlight rolled her eyes and smiled at him. The mood was interrupted as his sister came tumbling back in with these odd looking goggles on her head.
"Alright! These babies will let me block out that pesky 'no retaining' curse! Lets get to work!" She said with a big tooth grin. "Polie! Go get the Crystal of Transmit!" Starlight giggled at the nickname.
"Polie?" She looked at him blushing.
"Dont call me that." he grumbled under his breath as went to fetch the item leaving the two mares alone.
"So." Stella said without looking up from the book. "How long have you two been seeing each other?" Starlights face felt red.
"Were not dating I literally just met him today! Why does everypony keep asking me that!" She took a breath as Stella continued.
"Well I think you two would look cute together! I mean he dosent really talk to any girls so I just assumed." She looked up from her book. "You dont think hes cute?"
"Well I guess I havent thought about it." She said looking away. The smug smile from Stella returned.
"Oh please, I saw you two flirting a moment ago." She went back to her book.
"You were spying on us?"
"Im a big sister. Of course I was." She said plainly. "And from where I was standing it looked like you were flirting." Starlight tried to form a sentence but only a stammering mess came out. Stella cocked an eye at her. "Dont worry im pretty sure he thinks your cute." The stammering turned into unintelligible garble of words followed by a heavy sigh. Just then Polaris re entered the room with large crystal.
"Here." He placed it on the work bench in front of his sister. "You good Starlight?" he asked.
"Oh yep Im just peachy! So whats that crystal?" She desperately wanted to change the subject.
"This is the Crystal of Transmit! It was original created to allow for instant teleportation anywhere in Equestria but someones student corrupted it or something so you dont get to decide where it teleports you. We are gonna get rid of that pesty randomization curse!" As the began to research the journals entries. Starlight began to understand just why they do this thing in the first place. They wanted to rid objects of the malicious magic, and preserve the magic that was intended to help better the lives of ponies. The crystal for instance was created to make getting medicine to those in need faster. But the mage's pupil sought to gain profit from it. Seeing as how it was meant for charity and not greed the student was cast of his masters teachings and in a fit of rage the former student put a curse on the crystal so nopony could gain benefit from it.
"Maybe if we use Stalwarts spell of purity on it" Starlight suggested. "And maybe Clovers incantation of calmness."
"If we mix those with a few runes of Avarice to contain it." the pair of unicorns were getting excited.
"THEN WE CAN DISPEL THE CURSE!" They shouted simultaneously. Polaris fell off of his chair due to there exclamations.
"IM UP IM UP!" He looked at the two mares. "Did you fix it yet?" His sister rolled her eyes as Starlight laughed.
"Come on Polie we gotta crystal to uncurse!" Starlight proclaimed. Polaris put the crystal in a wooden pedestal. He gripped an orange gem with a rune on it it each hoof as the unicorns prepared there spells. "Are you sure he'll be alright?" Starlight asked.
"Oh yeah ill be fine we do this all the time." Polaris said with a reassuring grin.
"Less lip more ship!" Stella said already preparing her spell. "I really hope this works!" Starlight nodded in agreement. They shot there magic at the crystal and it began to hum. Low at first but then the sound began to grow. The crystal was harmonizing with the magic. The Magic was then being filtered through the crystal into the orange gems. This went on for a few seconds until a crack was heard from the crystal.
"Uh Guys?" The humming was getting louder. "UH GUYS?" Polaris was too slow in getting their attention. The crystal exploded into two pieces sending a shock wave that knocked Polaris back into the mountain of books and paper.
"Polaris!" Starlight yelled as she rush towards him. Smoke filled the room as Stella rushed to open the windows. "Are you alright?" She asked as she helped him up.
"Just peachy," He said with a cough."All the books broke my fall."
"And you always complain that I never clean anything." Stella chuckled. Polaris dusted himself off laughing. He walked over and picked up one of the crystal halves.
"Well that could have gone better." He said. Starlight finding the other half picked it up as well.
"I wonder what could have happened." Stella asked scratching her head. "Was it because our magic frequencies were resonating with the crystalline structure of item? Oh well this gives me TONS of new ideas on how to deal with curses!"
"Well Im so happy for you. But no more curse fixing until this place is cleaned. Cant run a shop that looks like a warzone!" Polaris said bluntly.
"Your no fun" Stella said sitcking her tounge out at him.
"Hey thats great and all but why am I seeing Polaris in this gem?" Starlight said looking into her half of the crystal. "And where is that echo coming from?" The three looked around the room following the sound to Polaris's half. Looking into it he saw Starlight's face. The two halves of the crystal were still connected to one another. visually and audibly.
"Its like sending a scroll with out a scroll!" Stella yelled! Its quite literally transmitting light and sound waves from one point of contact to another! Maybe the spells were not a dud after all!" She ran over to Starlight still confused from the spell casting. "Do you think you could keep this half and try contacting us from your home? Id very much like to how far the range on this thing is!" She almost had a sparkle in her eye when she asked. How could she say no.
"Give it here a second." Polaris said as he scrounged around the mess that was the back room. Finding two long strips of leather he fashioned the crystals into two necklaces. "Boom, that some fly lookin magic crystals we got here." He put his around his neck and tied it. "Here let me." He reached his arms around Starlight tying it around her neck. A blush was shared from the pair as he pulled away.
"Wow you've known her for like 4 hours and already getting matching jewelry." His sister teased. "Romantic." They both turned to say something but Starlight gasped. 4 hours!? Was it that late?
"Im gonna miss my train!" She gathered her things. "Sorry guys but I gotta go!"
"Yeah no problem! OH dont forget the book!" Polaris said tossing it to her.
"And you'll probably want these as well!" Stella levitated the goggles onto her head as she rushed out the door. "Aaaand shes gone." She leaned on her brother. "Dont be sad little one! You'll always have Fillydelphia." He gave her a shove as he held his crystal.
The sun was just starting to set as Starlight entered the castle she resided. The empty halls always filled her with a sense of longing. As if the many rooms within its structure wished for occupants. Her being one of three of its residents found her echoing footsteps daunting. Though as f late she had grown accustomed to the unwelcoming castle. This place was home to Princess Twilight and Spike, but it never felt like a home to her. In fact, no place did. She found that all she was doing was staying here temporary until she mastered friendship, not to say she wanted to leave! Starlight just didnt want to stay so... secluded. "Starlight. Your back. We were starting to worry if you missed your train." Said a voice warmly. Twilight was reading a book seated at her grandiose table. A sight Starlight had seen many a time before. She reached into her saddle bag and pulled out the book.
"Sorry, I was late. I was too busy getting you this awesome book!" She levitated the book over to Twilight who gave a squee in excitement.
"Clover the Clever's incomplete Guide to Mysterious Oddities?!" She squeezed the book in her arms. "Do you know how rare this is? I haven't heard of anypony whos even read this! Except for Clover the Clever of course!"
"Well." Starlight said walking over to her mentor. "Thats probably because its cursed!" She yelled starting Twilight.
"What do you mean cursed?" She asked sheepishly. Holding the book an arms length from her. Seeing this caused a chuckle from Starlight who continued.
"Apparently Clover put a curse on the book so ponies who read it cant remember what was on the pages." She reached into her bag once again. "Unless you have THESE of course!" She put the goggle she was given over Twilight's head, causing her to blink several times. She glanced and removed the goggles. Opening the book she began to read. Try as she might there was no way she could remember even the sentence before the one she was reading. She gave a weary look at Starlight as she put the goggles back on and read again. They actually worked! She was reading like a mad mare! Already half way done with the first chapter when starlight interrupted her. "Dooo you like it?" She asked with a big toothy grin.
"Like it? I love it! Where did you find this book? Where did you find these goggles!? And wha-" She paused squinting at her friend. "And where did you get that?" Twilight asked pointing at her necklaces. Starlight grabbed the gem around her neck, remembering how it got there.
"Oh I got it from a friend." She replied sheepishly. "But the Book I got at a secondhoof bookstore I found while sight seeing!" She quickly added. "And this other shop owner let me borrow the goggles." Twilight put the goggles on the table and closed the book. Beckoning her friend to sit next to her.
"Sounds like you got quite the story to tell me." Twilight got comfortable in her chair as Starlight began to recant the moments from her day. Now taking the time herself to reflect on what had happen. Twilight noted the fondness of her tone when she mentions the bakery and Polaris's explanations towards curses. What really seemed to intrigue Twilight was the fact there there were ponies out there actually dispelling curses for a day to day job. Twilight hurled questions at Starlight when this part of the story came about and she answered her to the best of her abilities. When she told her of how the spell they used backfired and cause the crystal to break in two Starlight explained how Polaris made it into a necklaces for her. And its mysterious properties. "Can you show me?!" Twilight pleaded, eyes wide with wonder like a little filly. How could she say no? She held the gem in her hoof and began to speak.
"Uh, hello? Polaris are you there?" The gem glowed as no replied was heard. "Polaris? Stella? Uh guys? Maybe I am out of range." She began to worry. Just then a light came from the gem and a loud crash was heard from it.
"Starlight!?" Said a soot covered Polaris, who seemed to be in the rafters of the shop? "Hey there stranger long time no see!" Starlight giggled at his appearance.
"Oh yeah its been ages. Hey what are you doing up there?" She asked as Twilight was covering her own mouth in a desperate attempt not to scream with excitement.
"Oh you know! Hanging around!" Starlight raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah Stella tried another spell with the hat of immolation and some of her papers got in the way and sort of blew up again. Here gimme a second." He said as the picture began to fade. They heard a loud thud and a groan as the picture returned to focus. "I dont know how pegausi make it look so easy." He said aloud as he brushed himself off. "Hey pyro! Guess who just gave us a call!" Polaris yelled for his sister.
"Oh I cant take it anymore!" Twilight said snatching the crystal from Starlight. "How does it work? How far is the range on it? What spells did you use to alter its magical properties?" Starlight snatched back her necklaces.
"Who was that?" Polaris asked walking towards the back room.
"Oh thats just the the Princess of Friendship not being able to contain herself. Again!" She said more at her overly excitable friend who smiled sheepishly.
"Hehe hello there." Twilight said being ALLOWED to hold the gem. "My name is Twilight Sparkle its nice to meet you." Yelling was heard from the crystal as another pony pushed Polaris out of the way.
"Twilight Sparkle as in PRINCESS Twilight? The Headmare of the Friendship school?" The brown unicorn said. "I read your thesis on the effects of magical creatures and there ecosystems!" Twilight rubbed the back of her head.
"Oh gosh I wrote that when I was still in Celestaia's classes." She almost didnt remember writing it. "What did you think?"
"Well your assumption that the Timber Wolves genius can be altered by region was sort of off." Stella adjusted the workers hat on her head. "My friend who lives by White Tail Woods informed me that its actually the type of wood they assimilate! And did you know- HEY!" Polaris regained the crystal from his sister.
"Oh no! We'll be here all night if you go into arcainopologie again. And this mess isn't gonna clean itself!" Complains were heard from Stella as she reluctantly went to clean. "Sorry about that. As smart as she is shes twice as lazy sometimes." A book flew past his head and an innocent looking Stella was in the back feigning ignorance. "Glad to see you made it home okay." He said regaining composure.
"Thanks, I just wanted to show Twilight how the gem worked. And.. I.. I mean, and now we have! Ha ha! So good work!" She laughed nervously only to be joined by Polaris equally as awkward. "HA why am I still talking?" She asked her self aloud. "Well I better let you two get back to cleaning!"
"Yep! You saw the place. Gots LOADS to clean! Clean as a whistle! Ha ha." The pair stared at each other waiting for the other to say something. A silence grew incredibly loud.
"Well have a good night Polaris! Catch you later alligator!" She said raising a hoof.
"Okie doke bud! Ill dont be a stranger!" Polaris said still laughing awkwardly.
The gems light dimmed and the transmission was cut. Starlight slumped in her chair. "See you later alligator? Who am I Pinkie?" She but her hooves over her face.
"What was that all about? Twilight asked startling Starlight.
"What was what? I was just showing you the crystal thats all!" She said hurriedly. Twilight cocked an eye at her.
"Oh yeah?" She hummed. "You two seemed awfully chummy over the crystal! And he let you keep the book WITH the goggles, not to mention that piece of jewelry!" She was circling Starlight like a shark.
"This was cursed earlier you know." Starlight replied trying to make a defense. But Twilight waved her off.
"And he got you breakfast! You almost never eat breakfast!" Starlight didn't like where impromptu interrogation was going. "Sounds like you two had a pretty nice DATE!" Twilight exclaimed now snout to snout with Starlight.
"Its not like- it wasnt- we didnt-" Stammering for recovering . "You see the pastries-"
"J'ACCUSE!" She yelled at Starlight who gave a defeated huff. There was no talking to her when she got like this.
"Alright! FINE! I think hes pretty cool okay?" She admitted. "Its not like were gonna see each other again anyway!" Her tone betrayed more than she was willing to let known. This caused a giggle from the princess.
"Im sorry Starlight I guess i got kinda carried away there. But I think you'll see him again." She said grabbing her things from the table. "I gotta feeling he thinks your 'cool' too." She trotted way leaving Starlight feeling more exhausted than when she almost missed her train. She gently touched her crystal.
"That'd be nice." She though out loud to herself. Gathering her things she headed off to her bedroom.
At Curiosities and Curses, another gem grew dim. Polaris still smiling at the stone for letting talk to the mare he met that day. "Hey Romeo," his sisters voice said. "I could actually use some help with the cleaning." He sighed to himself and began to wipe soot and ash from the walls. For the second time that day. Thinking on the events that transpired that day only one stuck out in his mind. 'She was so understanding about the curses.' Normally whenever he told anypony about his and his sisters job, ponies usually got away from them as fast as they could. But not Starlight. Sure he could tell she was wary, but nopony in there right mind wouldn't be! Curses have an connotation with evil and such. Polaris was wonderfully surprised that his attempts to scare the book from her, with the mention of its curse, were a huge failure. He was so sure he would scare her off but there she stood. Wanting to help him, and she even warmed up to the idea of curing curses! He stopped cleaning the wall for a moment.
"Hey sis, you dont think I could tell Starlight abou-"
"You being cursed? You sure you wanna move again?" She said sharply causing Polaris to flinch. "You might have just made a friend little brother but you cant be sure she wont use your secret to hurt you."
"But she wasnt afraid of the cursed objects! She even helped us with one!" He pleaded.
"Its different when the object is a pony." Her tone grew harsher. "Remember what happened last time Polaris?" He wouldn't meet her eyes. "Do you?!"
"I do." He solemnly said.
"They burned out house down! It was a miracle Uncle got us in a train outta there without being seen! I dont want my house burned again!" She was shouting now. She noticed her brothers ears folding down. A heavy sigh came from her mouth. "Im sorry Polie, I just dont want anypony to hurt you again. Your curse is too dangerous to tell anypony about." She put a hoof on his shoulder. "But maybe one day we can figure out a way to break it. Maybe with the knowledge we have now we can even alter it!" She said trying to be upbeat. Polaris forced a smile.
"Yeah your right sis. Good call." He pulled away from her and went back to his cleaning.
"Hey why dont you get some rest? You did explode twice in one day. This mess will still be here tomorrow. And so will I." a soft chuckle was heard from the earth pony.
"You are by far the worse of the two." A light punch came from Stella.
"Jerk." She gave him a hug. "Love you Polie. Night." She made her way to the spot she was cleaning at as he started up the staircase.
"Night Stella." As he began his climb all the elation from talking with Starlight went away from him. He was tired of lying to ponies, tired of not being able to his true self, tired of always looking over his shoulder. But mainly he was tired of this damn curse. He just wished things could go back to the way they were. When his sister studied curses for fun rather than obsess over them for his sake. He missed his uncle and his home. Home. He thought about that word as he entered his room. Looking around it he found it barren. Little accessories were strewn about the place but none of them held any substance. This place wasnt home. Just a habitat for existing. He hated it here. He thought about running away many a time before like most colts his age but he knew his sister would try to stop him. All she wanted to do was protect him.
"But what about me?" he said to himself. "What about what I want? Maybe I dont wanna stay safe forever. Maybe I dont want to keep up this stupid lie." He could feel his blood boiling. "Why cant I just talk to somepony who'll listen!?" The furniture around his room begun to shake snapping him out of mood replacing anger with fear. "Its fine Polaris, just...chill." Calming down he sat in his chair and rubbed his hooves over his face. "I just want a friend to vent to you know?" He said talking to the poster of his favorite movie. 'Shadow Eye Private Detective.' "Do... do you think I should tell her?" The Poster remained stoic in its answer. "Heh, classic Shadow Eye. Never answering stupid questions." He reached for his crystal and activated it the glow illuminated his room for a few moments and then dimmed. "Well now we know what a missed call looks like. Ill call her again a bit later." He paused for a moment. "Well I dont want to annoy her what if shes sleeping?" He began to worry. It was nerve-racking enough thinking about telling her the truth. I mean they just met for Celestias sake! He didn't want to get on her bad side the second day of knowing her! "You know what? Ill just let her call me! Yeah Thats a good idea." He turned of the light to his room and gazed at his crystal. "Im sure she'll call soon enough." And with that his eyes closed and he fell asleep. Hoping for a better day.
The sun was bright and the wind was fair as Starlight greeted the morning from her window! "What a beautiful morning! I gotta a feeling nothing could ruin this day!" She said with all the gusto a foolish mare could have. For in that instant a sudden rainbow trail zoomed past her spinning her dizzy.
"Starlight! Apple Acers' trees are dying!" Starlight trying to regain her balance looked at all three Rainbow Dashes.
"Whos dying?" she asked as her friend came into focus. only to be shook violently by the pegasus.
"The trees Starlight! The farm is withering away!" the tone of her friend scared her more than her words. She never seen Rainbow Dash this upset before. Starlight followed Rainbow Dash to Applejacks where the whole Apple family was outside inspecting there crops and trees.
"Why Ive never seen anything like this before." Applejack said to her brother. "All these trees were fine just the other day!" She spotted Rainbow and Starlight coming up to the farms gate. "Hey you two. Thanks for comin Starlight. I would have called on Twilight but I hear shes outta town." Starlight put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder in comfort.
"I know she'd drop everything if she knew." Twilight was attending a royal sumit across the sea with Luna and Celestia. They wouldn't be back for another week. "What happen here?" She looked at the hills that once were lush and green now turned black and sludge like. "And what is that smell?" She covered her nose.
"We think thats the roots rottin. Who knows how far they travel." She put her hat over her heart. "How could this happen Starlight? What could have done this?" Starlight didnt know the answer. She saw how Big Mac was tearing up and how Applebloom was "Doctoring" one of the trees. With a stethoscope. This place once held the blessing of natures bounty and now it looked, cursed.
"Wait a minuet." She said putting a hoof to her chin. "Thats it!" She yelled. "This place is cursed!" This outburst didnt seem to amuse the Apples one bit.
"Dont remind me." She said flatly.
"No I mean, if it is cursed we might be able to un-curse it!"
"How do you recon we do that?" Granny smith interjected. Starlight remembered that Twilight still had the book. In the three and a half weeks she had it she rarely saw Twilight without it.
"I know a guy." She said slyly. "Just gotta give him a call!" And with that, she teleported back to the castle. Scouring her room for the crystal she remembered the last time she used it. That was almost a month ago. She always meant to call again but she didnt want to bother Polaris and his sister. She assumed they would call her first. "Aha! Found it!" She brushed dust off of the crystal as it began to glow. "Hello? Polaris?" The light grew dim. With a huff she rubbed it again. "HELLO! ANYPONY THERE?" She shouted at her necklaces. A voice was heard from it. "Polaris is that you?" A brown unicorn was seen in the picture.
"Staright? Hey how are you?" Stella answered.
"Oh hey Stella. I wish i could say im doing good but we have an issue!" the seriousness in her tone caught Stella's attention. "What do you know about cursed lands?" Starlight began to inform her about the farm. After listing to her Stella ran to a stack of books searching through them.
"It sounds like a curse of rot." She said.
"Well that doesnt sound very good."
"Yeah no. In some cases it can spread miles and miles. Depending on where the farm is it could affect your town."
"How do we stop it?" She asked.
"You dont." Starlight's expression turned to worry. "I mean to say WE do! Ill send Polaris your way as soon as he gets back. He'll take care of it." A sigh of relief came from Starlight. Not trying to sound too interested she asked another question.
"Where is your brother?" She asked trying to play it cool.
"On a date."
"What!?" Starlight said a bit to loud for her own taste. "I mean wow! Thats great! Really, great." A snicker came from the crystal.
"Im just kidding. That boy couldn't get a date if flew in his soup. Dont worry."
"Worried? Whos worried? I most certainly not worried about Polaris having a date." Her expert speed at which she said this did little to convince Stella.
"Sure girl." Starlight began to hope Stella couldn't see her blush through the crystal. "Try to contain it by planting fresh flowers around the farm to contain it. Its not a permanent fix but it should do the trick til Polie gets there."
"Thanks Stella your a life saver!"
"No problem my gal, just call us whenever. Polaris and I miss talking with you." Stella smiled as the picture began to fade. Starlight felt terrible. Making new friends just to call them when she needed something. Hopefully after all of this she could make it up to him. Them! Both of them! She shook the thoughts from her head and popped back to Apple Acres to tell her friends about the solutions.
"And your sure this'll work?" Applejack cocked an eye at Starlight planting flowers. The flowers which were healthy and fresh began ever so slowly to wither after just being planted.
"Darling if Starlight says the flowers will work then the flowers will work." Rarity said in her designer one of a kind gardening attire. "Now tell us about this mysterious colt coming to our town." She said turning back to Starlight completely stopping from replanting the flowers
"Hes just somepony I met in Fillydelphia." She said smiling to herself. "Just a friend."
"Well he dosent sound like 'just somepony' to me! Hes coming all this way just to help us with our, ahem, issue. And it sounds like hes doing it free of charge!"
"Him and his sister study curses for a living! Its practically a hobby for them! I think your reading too much into it Rarity."
"He was the one that gave you that purdy necklace wasnt he?" Applejack chimed in.
"Yes thats a lovely crystal! You dont just hand out free jewelry out like that. He must be quite the smitten kitten!" This caused Starlight to grow a shade pinker.
"Enough guys! Lets just finish this before he gets here." She huffed.
"I get it! Gotta doll yourself up for your 'friend' huh Starlight?" Applejack joined in on the teasing.
"No!" She lied. She hadnt seen him in about a month and she wanted to make a good impression on him what with it being his first time in Ponyville. Yes that was definitely it!
"Look darling there is nothing to be embarrassed by. From the few things youve told us about him he seems like a nice stallion, and from the way you act when we tease you, it seems you know that as well." Starlight opened her mouth to refute her but she stopped herself.
"Maybe your right." She finally admitted. "He seems nice and all but i dont really know him. How can I like somepony I dont even know?"
"Its called a crush Starlight." Said AppleJack bluntly. "You have had a crush before right?"
"Yes, and maybe that crush will turn into something more. But you cant find out if you keep smushing it down." Starlight hadn't considered that.
"Maybe Ill try to be a little more honest with myself in the future." She said slyly. Rarity looked at her pocket watch and gasped.
"Well I hope the future is soon! His train arrives in less than an hour!" She began to push Starlight towards the gate. "You run along now and get ready, Applejack and I will finish with these flowers." Starlight tried to object but was cut off by a 'tut tut tut' from Rarity. As she left to clean herself up she was glad for her friends being there to help her, even when it came to herself.
As the train came over the hill Polaris could see Ponyville in the distance. He couldnt believe after about a month of nothing she calls him out of the blue. While he was out for Celestia's sake! Though he was thankful for his sister. He would have been helping the Doughs till late tonight if she didnt barge in out of breath like she did. And to think of it, he was in a rush too! He checked his hair. "Goodness I look like a mess" He was wearing his favorite gray hoodie and his saddle bag filled with most of what he would need to deal with this curse. The thing her was nervous about was seeing Starlight again... Which was... Confusing to him to say the least. For some reason any time the door chimed in there shop his head would whip up as if he expected her to come through the door. He started waiting in his room after there encounter for like a week. Just staring at the crystal. His appetite lessened and his sleep was erratic. He though he was sick or something. Yet when voiced his concerns to his sister she just laughed and laughed. Her advise was to watch a few Rom-Coms at the movies. Which helped oddly enough. He hoped seeing her again would make this nagging in his brain dissipate and he could go back to his simple life of laying low. But still he was so very nervous. He noted the sweat on his hooves as the conductor walked by.
"Ponyville Station up next!" The conductor yelled. The train came to a full stop as Polaris grabbed his bag and made his way quickly out toward the station. Smoke filled the air from the train as he looked around.
"I knew I should have brought my crystal." He said to himself. He looked around trying to find her. No such luck. He began to worry. 'Maybe theres more than one station in Ponyville?' His thoughts were interrupted by a tap on the shoulder.
"Polaris?" asked the lightly colored unicorn. "Is that you?" Polaris turned around.
"Starlight! Hey there you are!" he yelled excitedly.
"Sorry I had to, uh finish up somethings." She lied. She may have lost track of time getting ready for his visit but the less he knew about that the better. She gave him a warm hug. "Its great to see you again." She said squeezing him. Unbeknownst to her this caused Polaris to momentarily freak out. But quickly regaining his composer he managed to hug her back. "Come on Ill show you the way to Applejack's." He followed as she lead.
During there walk they talked of things the did in the past weeks. Weather it be studying magic, solving friendship problems, teaching at the only school of friendship in Equestria or basket weaving, that last one being from Polaris, they told each other every fun part about their lives. Polaris was having a bit of trouble concentrating unfortunately. Starlight had done something with her look that caught his eye. Dont ask him what it was, but she was just so pretty today. She was wearing a light blue shirt with purple trim, a black vest and a cute beanie. (Ironically a similar outfit to what she wore back when she visited Canterlot High.) There catching up came to an end as the arrived at Apple Acers. The pair being met by Rarity and Applejack.
"Hello! You ho!" Rarity called out to them. "Over here Starlight." Starlight and Polaris walked over to her friends when the smell hit. Stepping onto the grass a squish sound was heard. This caused Polaris to examine the ground just a bit closer. He put an ear to the dirt and listen. "Is he alright?" She asked to which she was giving a shrug by Starlight. "Ahem hello dear my name is Rarity." She held out a hoof.
"Oh! Im sorry, Im Polaris. Its very nice to meet you." He said as polite as possible. He wanted to make a good impression on her friends. Still unsure why though. "And you must be Applejack." He shook her hoof as well.
"You betcha." She said giving him a more hardy shake than Rarity. "Your the one who fixes curses right?" To which Polaris puffed his chest and proudly said yes.
"So when did this all start?" He asked the orange earth pony.
"Bout a day or two ago i suppose. We though it a pipe must have burst causing the smell and all, but when we dug it up to find out there was nothin wrong with it. Just the land." She tried to hid the sadness in her words but to no avail.
"Do you mind if I take a look at this hole you dug?"
"Suit yourself." She said leading them deeper into the mire that was once farmland.
Once at the hole Polaris inspected the edges around it. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a small carving knife and a clear green stone. "What are those for?" Applejack asked. To which Polaris smiled and said before he jumped in.
"Research!" A thud was heard from the pit as he landed on his hooves. Brushing himself off he inspected the inside of the hole. The hole was at lease 8 feet deep and 6 foot in every direction. The walls were cuvered a fowl smelling mud that he covered his nose when it hit him. Tracing its walls with his hoof. He came across a rot sticking out of the freshly dug hole and gave it a tug. It didnt move. He pulled again. Still it didnt budge. He propped his hind legs into the wall and gave a mighty tug yet still. Nothing. "Hey can somepony help me out down hear?" He shouted above him. And quicker that the other two could register Starlight lept down after the voice.
"Going down!" She yelled as she landed on a nice soft pad. "Polaris? Where'd you go? Its pretty dark in here." A tap on her shoulder gave away his location. Underneath her. "Opps! Sorry!" she said sheepishly. Brushing himself off again he gave a cuckel.
"No worries I needed my back cracked anyhow." She booped him on the shoulder and flashed a smile. "Can you give me a hand pulling out this root?"
"You mean the small one?" She asked. "You needed help pulling out this tiny baby root?" She poked at his biceps to which he giggled at.
"Stop! Im ticklish, and just help me out." Starlight obliged. Using her magic to help pull as he used his strength, the pair fought against the awesome might of this lone twig. After straining there bodies to their max the root finally gave tearing of from deeper inside the wall. "Well what do we have here?" He held up the root toward the ripped end and saw the juices from it floating away a from it back to the wall they pulled it from leaving the root dried and shriveled.
"Im not a botanist but im pretty sure thats not supposed to happen." Starlight said out of breath.
"Agreed. But lets find out what it does mean." He cut the root in two down its steam and placed it on the green gem. He then waved a hoof over it and said some form of incantation. The gem glowed green for a moment and then root cracked in two. "Oh well thats good!" He said chipper as can be.
"What? What is it? Can you fix the rot curse" Starlight was fascinated by the speticale she just witnessed.
"Well thats just it! Its not a rot curse! Its a curse of drain." He smiled.
"A curse of drain?" She asked. "Something is draining the farm? How is this good?" she asked slightly frightened.
"Dont you worry your pretty little head. Im an expert when it comes to these things." He said confidently.
A devious smile crept on her face as Starlight replied, "Oh so you think im pretty?" A question which caught Polaris of guard. Knocking him out of his confidant stance.
"Uh no what I ment was-"
"So you dont think im pretty?" She said pouting.
"NO! I think your very pretty! Platinicaly of course! What I mean is-What im trying to say-" He was interrupted by a fit a laughter from Starlight. He was being played. "Oh why you little." He tossed a bit of the mud they were in at her to which she yelped at. She in turn scoped some off the wall and flung it at him. "WOW! hella rude!" He said laughing as he prepared another mud ball.
"You started you little twerp!" She said smiling as she dodged a mud ball. Her retort was by using magic to splash mud all around him and cover him head to hoof! To which he took like a champ and glared at her who was trying desperately not to laugh.
"So you like to play dirty do ya?" He said wiping mud from his face. He ran up and pulled her into a mud covered hug.
"Ahhh! Ha hah Stop! Its smiley! Gross ha hah." After ample amounts of mud were on both of them a voice rang out from above.
"You two having fun down there?" A southern accent asked.
"Hehe whoops!" Starlight said. "Busted." She teleported them back up above ground covered in mud.
"Just want happened down there darling you completely covered in filth!" Rarity said disgustingly. The pair looked at each other and smiled.
"Oh you know." Starlight replied. "Research."
"But! Ive got good news!" Said Polaris. "Im pretty sure I can fix your farm and put it back to how it was."
"You pulling my leg?" She said suspiciously.
"No way Jose! This is far to important to joke about." His sincerity was refreshing but she wasnt fully convinced. "Tell me Applejack have you introduced any new plants into the farm? Maybe something exotic?" She pulled her hat over her eyes in embarrassment.
"Uh, now that you mention it I may have brought a little something back from out trip to Basalt Beach."
"Pineapples? Really Applejack and here I thought you were an apple family!" Rarity said teasing poor Applejack.
"Actually pineapples come from the bromeliaceae family which has more in common with a tropical flower than fruit." Starlight said as a matter of factually. "What? Twlight's not the only one who read you know!"
"Look I thought they were a type of apple. They got apple in there name for goodness sake!" Applejack defended. "How was i supposed to know it was some kind of fancy lookin flower."
"Or that the baby tree you planted was cursed!" Chimed Rarity.
"Well never mind how it happened, lets just focus on reversing it." Polaris said focusing on a book while they walked.
"What are you reading?" Starlight asked looking over his shoulder.
"This is a book of magic runes and incantations. Just carve a rune or say some mumbo jumbo and boom! You can fix a curse!"
"Thats what you did in the pit earlier. The mumbo jumbo saying?"
"Oh yeah that was just a simple discovery charm. I used it to activate my purity rune to see if what would happen if I purified the magic from the root, but since there wasn't any magic the root just cracked. Ipso facto: it was drained!"
"Why you sound like quite the detective dear!" Rarity said quite impressed by his reasoning.
"Yeah well we'll see." Applejack said sourly. The four came across a large weeping willow with bright yellow and red flowers that seemed out of place. Its roots were glowing underneath the ground and a pulsating hum came from the trunk itself.
"I dont want to be the one to tell you this dear, but that is not a pineapple tree." said Rarity softly. The tree loomed over them and gave off a loud rustle as if a great gust came through. "Oh its like its looking at us. Can trees do that?"
"Pretty sure thats the curse." Polaris said giving Starlight his book. "Can you carve this symbol into a piece of its bark?" He asked walking up to the tree and tearing off some of it bark. "And Applejack and you make a small kindling?" To which Applejack nodded. "All I need now is something refractive." He rummaged in his bag for a moment. "Damn it I left them at home." He complaned. Looking back at the mares who were helping him he asked, "none of you have a crystal on you do you? Maybe a ruby?" With out missing a beat Rarity sprang up.
"You mean like this darling?" She pulled one off of her ensemble and place it in his hoof.
"You dont mind if I keep this do you? I need it to contain the excess energy from the ritual."
"Oh parish the thought. Anything for a friend." She said smiling.
"But we just met." Polaris looked at her sideways.
"A friend of Starlight is a friend of ours." Said Applejack starting her fire. He looked at Starlight who was carving expertly into the bark. She looked at him and nodded in agreement. This made him turn away and smile to himself. A small blush forming on his cheeks.
Polaris used the ash from the small fire and put it into the groves of the carving that Starlight made. He then placed the Bark he ripped off the tree earlier back onto it like a piece of a puzzle and placed the ruby over it as if to hold it in place. He began reciting his incantation. As he was speaking nothing happened. The three mares looked at each other with worry. Then the ruby began to glow in his hoof. The glowing of the roots below them stopped and the humming of the trunk softened. Polaris pulled away and put the ruby in a pouch he carried in his bag. "Alright! It worked!" He said triumphantly.
"What do you mean it worked?!" Shouted Applejack. "My farm still looks like a swamp! You said you could fix it!" She was seething.
"Right my bad I meant the ritual worked." He explained. "You see the rune Starlight carved into the bark was called 'emanate' its used to bring forth spirits. And the ash was used to get its attention."
"Get its attention? How did we get a cursed trees attention?" Asked Starlight.
"Well everything thats cursed is a little alive, having the originator of the curses will imposed on them. So that means they would have there own will as well! And as most things have a tendincy to have a fondness of self preservation it will fear its natural enemies. So what the natural enemy of trees?"
"Termites?" Applejack stated.
Polaris paused for a moment. "Hmm, I didnt think about that one actually." Polaris said to himself.
"Fire." Starlight said getting back on track. "Right! Fire! So by using ash, a byproduct of fire, and placing the ash inside the grove of the symbol that starlight carved we get its attention. Then I use the ruby as a containment and use my own incantation of drain! Siphoning most of its residual cursed magic into this ruby where it cant escape. Now all we have to do is convince it to stop cursing your lands!" The three mares looked at him like he fell out of sky.
"What are you goin on about? Convince it? Why dont we just chop it down?" Suggested a very angry Applejack.
"Well getting rid of the tree wold permanently stop the drain, the only way for the nutrients to go back into the other trees is if this big cursed one puts it back." Applejack still looked confused. "Its like this." He continued. "This tree for whatever reason was told by somepony to steal life from other plants. You gotta convince it to stop and give the life back to your lands."
"So I gotta make friends with the cursed tree?" She asked skepticly. To which Polaris only nodded. She sighed and rubbed the back of her head as she approached the tree, still humming with life. "Alright now, uh tree. Im sorry about that crack about choppin ya down. I guess I didnt see it from your perspective. I never been a tree myself." She looked back at Polaris who waved at her to continue. She let out another heavy sigh. "Look, Ill make you a deal. You put my farm back to the way it was and ill make sure you stay here for as long as there are apples on this farm. Heck maybe we can have a pick nick here once everything's back to normal? What do ya say?" She reached out to touch the tree and jolt of energy went through her arm. Visions of a unicorn she never seen before laying under the tree in piece were shown to her, and as quickly as they came on, the stopped. The red and yellow flowers turned white and the humming stopped. Suddenly a green pulse came from the trunk and spread into the ground the brown mushy grass grew lush and green with life again. Trees and flowers began budding anew. The curse was lifted. "Ill take that as a yes." She said smiling.
The land was slowly returning to a lush green as the life came back into the plants around Apple Acres. The 4 ponies watching in awe on how beautiful of a sight it was. A sigh of relief came from Applejack whos tension all but dissipated. "I sure am thankful for you helping us get the farm back to normal and all." She said to Polaris.
"No worries Applejack, It was my pleasure. And it was a great excuse to get me out of Fillydelphia." He said taking a big sniff of the air. "The city air never smells this fresh."
"Why dontcha move here then?" Applejack asked. Polaris's eyes seemed to light up at the though.
"I... Guess I never thought of that! Id have to give it a test run, see if Id actually like living here." He said more to himself than the girls.
"Why dont you stay in castle for a bit? Im sure Twilight has more than enough rooms." She said brushing some dirt off of her stetson.
"Isn't that where you live Starlight? I couldn't intrude like that."
"Nonsense darling. Intrude all you like!" said Rarity very eagerly. Without Polaris seeing she gave a nudged to Starlight.
"Yeah! And It would give us a chance to catch up a bit better." Starlight said getting her cue from Rarity. "But if it'll make you feel uncomfortable." Her voice trailed of.
"NO NO! If your okay with it then thats totally fine with me." His smile faded. "Oh wait, I cant I gotta help Stella run the shop."
"Well why dont you contact her with the crystal?" Starlight asked. "Heck maybe you could open up a shop here too? There are a lot of crazy stuff that happens around here." Multiple nods came from both Rarity and Applejack. 'Could I run my own shop? What would Stella say?' Thoughts were racing through his head as his excitement grew. He desperately wanted to get out of that city. "And if you moved here we could hang out more." Being closer to Starlight and his new found friends didn't sound too shabby to him. His smile returned.
"Alright im sold."
"Wonderful darling we can go look at apartments sometime this weekend!" Rarity said with eyes glimmering. "And I have the perfect little shop we can procure you a nice set of furniture." Starlight rolled her eyes.
"That sounds great. So where exactly is this castle?" He gave his hoodie a sniff. "Im not sure about you guys but Id like to freshen up a bit." Starlight laughed.
"Sounds like somepony got a little too in over his head today." She shoved him slightly.
"Oh? Your one to talk. Your whole mane is just one big dirt clod." He shoved her back.
"How about we all freshen up and we meet at Cafe Hay for lunch? I hear they have a lovely new parfait ive just been dying to try." And with that the group parted ways.
During their walk through Ponyville, less hastened than earlier, Starlight had the luxury of introducing Polaris to some of its citizens all of them seeming happy and cheerful but not putting on airs. These ponies were genuinely nice and happy. While she was showing him the sights he noticed one or two ponies whispering looking right at them. He began to worry about how much mud actually got on him.
"Wow I guess we kinda look like a mess." He said trying to brush off more of the mud.
"I dont think thats what there talking about." She said solemnly.
"What do you mean?" Polaris said nervously. He was hoping those ponies were not trying to start any rumors about the two of them. What with them both being covered in dirt and whatnot. Starlight looked nervous as she continued. "Well I may not have always been... The nicest mare a while back. Most of the ponies here have givin me a second chance but the'll always be some who have there issues with me." Polaris noted how much this subject seemed to bother her. He turned his head up at this new information.
"Impossible. Fake news." He said quickening his pace.
"Im sorry?" She asked catching up to him.
"The fact that anypony thins your anything but the definition of wonderful. I dont buy it. Those nerds are probably just jealous." As they passed a fruit stand that had more of those 'whispering' ponies he turned his a way from them with a "hmph!' Which Starlight chuckled at.
"Well thank you, I wish everypony thought that way. But never mind that!" She said standing on her hind legs. "I Starlight Glimmer bid you welcome to the Castle of Friendship!" They had arrived at there destination. And what a castle it was! The building reached far into the sky and resembled a tree that had been crystallized. How did he not see this on there first run through of the town?
"This is amazing!" He said in awe. "Whats that building?" He pointed towards the building on the right of the castle.
"That is Equestrias only School of Friendship!" She said proudly. "Where I work directly under Princess Twlight as Guidance Councillor!" Polaris's eye resembled that of litlle filly's.
"Whoa! You WORK at the school? Thats awesome!"
"Yeah it kinda is." She said humbly. "We can look around the school a bit later, for now we better call Stella." As the pair entered the castle Starlight was anticipating that dreaded feeling when she came here. The feeling of not belonging. But for some reason the feeling never came about. Maybe this place was finally staring to feel like home to her. She took Polaris's bag and set them by the table of friendship to which he was in awe again. Giving him her crystal she left to go wash off the remaining dirt from this morning. The gem glowed as he began to call his sister.
"Hello? Starlight? That you" A feminine voice said through the gem. "Oh Polie its you." She said flatly.
"Awe I missed you too." He said deadpanned.
"Shut up nerd, did you fix the curse?" She asked.
"I did! And it turned out of was curse of drain! Not rot!"
"Really? I didnt think about that. It would enplane how the affliction spread so quickly though. Your telling me you solved this all on your own?"
"Oh Celestia no! I had three very lovely assistance." He said a big grin.
"That makes more sense." She said jokingly. "So you gonna be on your way back tonight or are you staying the night?" She wiggled an eyebrow at him causing him to blush.
"Ahem. Actually thats what I wanted to talk to you about sis." He swallowed hard. "I was thinking about staying here for a few days. Just to see if the drain curse is really solved!" His sister was silent. To him it was defining.
"Just a few days?" She asked suspiciously.
"Well I was thinking , maybe if I like this place I could... uh... move here?" He said sheepishly. "Everypony here is really nice and theres apparently alot of unknown phenomenon that happens here and its by the Everfree Forest and who knows how many exciting things are going in there! Plus theres-"
"Polaris!" His sister shouted. "What in the world are you thinking! Of course not! Do you know how dangerous it'd be for you?" She paused. "Are you alone?" She asked. He hung his head and nodded. "Do you know how dangerous it'd be for the ponies who live there? Sure there nice now but what about if you slip up and they find out about your curse!?"
"Stella im tired of living in fear all the time like you do!" He said. "Ive finally made some friends, ponies who like me and dont judge me for studying curses! I dont want to keep lying to them. Please dont make me keep lying to them." He pleaded.
"You have to grow up and realize that just because somepony is nice to you that dosent make them your friend! I doubt Starlight considers you her friend, your just some convenient tool to her! There are probably just trying to use you! And when they find out your cursed they'll run you out of town. But I wont be able to save you again if in not there!"
"But Stella-"
"Absolutely not. I want you on the next train home first thing in the morning." The crystal went dark leaving alone Polaris. In more ways then one. Suddenly the door to the hall opened up and Starlight slowly made her way into the room.
"Oh hey." He said forcing a smile but he could her expression was sanded. "Did you ah... hear any of that?"
"Hey." She said slowly. "Im sorry but I caught the end of it. You sister really dose not want you living here does she?"
"Ha yeah shes just a worrier, but she's all I got so what can ya do?" Polaris tried to lighten the mood but Starlight could sense how sad he was.
"Why dosent she want you living away from her Polaris?" He couldn't meet her eyes. They looked so sad, and for his benefit too! He opened his mouth to make up some story but there they were, those sadden eyes. His mouth shut. 'No.' he though, 'no more lying. I dont care what Stella thinks.' He took a deep breath.
"Were friends right?" His question took her by surprise. She grabbed his hoof and held it.
"Of course. What is it?" His hooves were shaking. Why was he so scared? Through a shaky voice he continued.
"The reason my sister and I have been studying curses for so long is because were trying to get rid of a curse that..." He paused and shut his eyes. "I have." He waited for a response or for her to pull away from him, but none of those happened. Instead she tightened her grip on his hoof. Opening his eyes he saw the concern on her face,
"Go on." Was all she said as she used her magic to pull up two chairs for them to sit in. Still holding each others hooves he continued.
"My family has been cursed for as far back as 350 years. The first born male is cursed with fluctuations in gravity. Basically when I get stressed out the gravity around me is affected. Sometimes dishes will weigh nothing and float in the air or maybe a 3 pound book will suddenly weigh 300 and crash through the floor. I cant control it and we dont know how to stop it or even where the curse originated." He hung his head. "Im sorry I didn't tell you sooner. This curse can put ponies in danger sometimes and I shouldn't have been so careless."
"So when your upset you manipulate gravity? You use gravity magic as an earth pony?! Thats amazing!" Starlight yelled. This concept of his curse being anything but dreadful was... disturbing to Polaris to say the least. "Could you imagine if you were able to direct the flow of it? You could be using magic without using magic!" She let go of his hoof throwing hers up in the air.
"But thats the thing I cant control it!"
"Have you tried?" She asked. Once again throwing his world of balance.
"Of course ive tried, I cant make it stop!" he cried.
"Im not saying you should make it stop, im saying maybe you can just, direct it? Like instead of breaking the floor with a book you can move the book towards you? Like levitation magic"
"Starlight thats not-" He stopped himself. He was feeling tremors in his body. "Oh no." He said under his breath. "Starlight get away from me." He tried backing up only to find her moving closer.
"Im pretty sure ive dealt with worse things." She said placing a hoof on his shoulder. This only caused him more anxiety.
"No you dont understand-" Suddenly a wave of pressure came over him the gravity around him pressing down causing Starlight to fall to her knees. "Starlight no!" He yelled in horror. He closed his eyes and covered his ears. His sister was right. He was a danger to anypony around him. He was a ticking time bomb and now he was hurting his friend. 'It not fair!'He thought. 'I never asked for this! I never wanted this!' His thoughts were interrupted by somepony grabbing his hoof. He opened his eyes to find a shaky standing Starlight giving him a smile.
"This is what you were afraid of?" She laughed.
"But you fell." He said startled. He could see she was bracing herself to stand.
"Yeah it took me by surprise but its not that bad. Its like wearing a couple of backpacks filled with rocks or something." she said. "How long does this usually last anyway?" And as she asked the feeling of dread within him left him as his the pressure around them.
"It.. Varies." He said perplexed. "I dont understand, I thought it was supposed to be a crushing weight."
"Uh who told you that?" Starlight asked stretching now being unburdened by his curse.
"I... There was this kid that used to bully me when I was younger, the curse went off and he said it was like he was being crushed. He told me he felt like he was gonna die." Polaris said tearing up.
"I think maybe that kid was just being a sore looser." She said wiping a tear from his eye. "Honestly, I didnt feel like 'a crushing weight' or anything."
"You mean... He lied?" His expression changed to that of relief. He started to cry again but laughing as he did. "You mean It didnt hurt you?" She shook her head. "Im not hurting anypony!" He hugged Starlight who, while surprised at his reaction, was very much open to the hug.
"This is what was worrying you and your sister?" She asked rubbing his back as he cried. "You made it sound like you were a monster or something." Pulling away Polaris wiped his eyes.
"Well when the curse went off that bully told his dad and then he told the mayor and then things just escalated from there and then they burned my house down and-"
"They what?!" Starlight shouted.
"Yeah they burned my uncles house down because they thought I was a menace so my sister and I fled to Fillidelphia. Ponies will do crazy things when they think there families are in danger." \
"No! Thats unacceptable! You dont go burning down houses because some dumb snot nosed brat got what was coming to him!" Polaris could see how seething Starlight was. "What town was this!? Im gonna see how they like it when they wake up in the morning and its raining frogs!" Concerned Polaris patted her on the shoulder.
"Hey now, no need for that! Its totally fine now!" She still looked angry. "Um. How are you gonna make it rain frogs exactly?"
"I know a guy!" She waved his question off. She sighed trying to calm down. "But thats the reason your sister is so scared huh? That must have been tough on you two." Polaris thought for a moment.
"I think I need to go back home."The look in his eyes was serious. "I gotta tell Stella about this." Starlight had a sad smile. She didnt want him to leave so soon.
"I understand. You and your sister have a lot to talk about im sure. Just promise me you'll visit?" Polaris looked confused.
"Oh no your coming with me." Now it was Starlight's turn for confusion. "There is a zero percent chance that she will believe me when i tell her this. So I need you to give an unbiased first hoof account of what happened!" the toothy grin was back. "Please." He added quickly. Trying to hide her elation she replied.
"Alright! We'll go see your sister! But maybe tomorrow morning? I know the girls would love to get to know you. And they'd be devastated if we just left out of the blue like that." She bargained.
"Well we shan't disappoint them now shall we?" He remembered why they were at the castle in the first place and examined his hoodie. "Uh So wheres a bathroom? I still need to clean up a bit." She directed him down the hall and before he left he gave her another hug. "This might seem silly but im so thankful I meat you Starlight." And he went on his way leaving her alone in the main room of the castle.
She clutched her chest. 'He's just like I was after that time travel fiasco.' She thought to herself. 'Twilight and everybody really helped me grow past that. I think the best thing for him now is a few friends.' She smiled warmly to herself, putting back on the crystal around her neck. "Dont worry Polaris we'll make sure your sister understands."
The cafe was almost never full and today was no exception. Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were sitting outside the cafe at a table with there drinks as they waited for Starlight and there guest of honor to arrive. "So who is this guys anyways? Rainbow said after finishing a long drink from her cider.
"Well his name is Polaris and I believe he is from Fillydelphia." Rarity said taking a sip of her ice tea. "Other than that all we know is that he knows quite a bit about dealing with curses."
"So is some great magician?" Rainbow Dash said with excitement.
"Nope. Hes just an earth pony like yours truly." Applejack said. Rainbow slumped in her seat.
"Well thats boring." She said getting a rather annoyed glare from AJ. "No offense." She quickly added. "You two dont know anything else about him?" She asked the table.
"Well why dont you ask him yourself?" The pegasus turned around to see Starlight and the aforementioned earth pony. Rainbow took a moment to recompose herself.
"Well howdy you two, I see you both freshen up. we were just about to order."
"Oh perfect im starving." Polaris said siting down at the table. "Im Polaris." He stuck out a hoof towards Rainbow dash.
"Im Rainbow Dash. Wonderbolt, daredevil, and high flyer extraordinaire." The three other mares collectively rolled there eyes.
"Whoa!" His face lit up. "Your an actual Wonderbolt? Thats awesome! Do you know Spitfire?" To which Rainbow Dash gave a triumphant nod.
"We're pretty tight i'd say."
"Thats super cool!" Rainbow was beginning to like this guy.
"So your the one who helped AJ with the farm right?" She asked.
"Yeah and unlike somepony, he actually stayed to help solve the problem instead of flying off." Applejack said getting a jab in at Rainbow Dash.
"I uh... Had a Wonderbolt emergency." She quickly took another gulp of her cider. Still being eyed by Applejack. "So you work with curses huh? Thats gotta be stressful." Her deflection was graceful.
"Well its actually a lot lamer than you'd think. Like 80% of it is research. The rest is putting it into practice." The waiter came by to take Polaris and Starlight's drink orders as he continued. "Mainly I'm just the errand colt while my sister is the one who does the hard part."
"I dont know. Your sister was wrong about the curse." Starlight said drinking her tea.
"Yeah, YOU were the one who said that it was a drain curse not a rot one." Applejack interjected.
"My Polaris are you blushing?" The unicorn teased.
"No!" Said the blushing stallion. Laughter was heard from the others at this spectacle.
"But seriously, if it weren't for you my that tree might have drained most of Ponyville by now." Polaris shook his head.
"I cant take all the credit. Usually when I make carvings they turn out wrong. Starlight's precision made that possible. Not to mention that without the ruby Rarity gave me we wouldn't have been able to hold the curse magic to calm the tree down enough for Applejack to convince it to fix the farm. It was a team effort." Rarity clanged a spoon against her glass.
"Then I wold like to propose a toast. To our exceptional team work." She raised her glass and was meet by 4 others.
"Here here." The glasses clanged and as they all were amidst there toasting Applejack spoke. "Except for Rainbow Dash." A snort came from Starlight and she choked on her tea. Rainbow and Applejack began an intense staring match seeing who would challenge the comment first but luckily the stare was broken as the waiter returned to take there order. As they ordered there food Starlight got began to sip her drink again when Rainbow Dash asked,
"So are you two dating?" Another snort was heard, this time from Rarity. Everypony at the table looked at her as a blush formed on her face.
"Ahem, terribly sorry. Allergies and whatnot." She wiped her face of any remaining tea. "Any how Polaris, have you had a chance to see more of the sight of our humble town?"
"Why yes I have, this town is wonderful and the ponies here seem super nice." He swirled his drink around for a moment seeing his reflection in the liquid. "This place is so nice I'll probably have to get a side job seeing as how the curses business isn't as booming here."
"You dont sound all that upset by it." Applejack said giving him a sideways look. "I thought you loved all that curse magic stuff."
"To be honest, it gets old pretty fast and the ponies who commission us to fix there curses are usually uptight. Sometimes after we lift the curse they refuse to pay." Polaris sighed. "I mean its great for research but the most days it isnt worth it."
"Well never fear darling. Ponyville has a bountiful assortment of professions that you can get in to. Now tell me what do you see yourself doing until you get yourself established?" Polaris blushed slightly.
"Well when I was younger I always loved theater." He said sheepishly. "Not acting though I cant act to save my life. But I was pretty good as a stage hoof." Starlight shot up with excitement at hearing this.
"Ive got just the place for you!" She saw how startled the others were at her explosive enthusiasm and she slowly sat back down regaining her composure. "I have a friend whos a stage magician and im sure she could use your help."
"Thats a great Idea Starlight. Trixie's shows are pretty good but I always thought they were lacking something." Rainbow said.
"I would totally be down to see her after we eat." Polaris said full of hope.
"And when she doesn't have a show in Ponyville you could give us a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres. We could use the help and its the least I could do."
"That sounds great Applejack thank you. Maybe after lunch Starlight and I can go talk to, what was her name?"
"Trixie. And I'd be happy to introduce you." Starlight looked around for there waiter. "AFTER WE GET OUR ORDERS THAT IS." She yelled at the restaurant hoping somepony who worked there would hear her.
The waiter would unfortunately not be receiving a tip from them.
In the fields next to the Everfree Forest a lone wagon stood as its owner began unpacking. A blue unicorn with a white mane began examining her props when she was delightful interrupted by a close friend of hers. "Hey Trixie. Did you just get back in to town?" She dropped her things to gave Starlight a hug.
"Why yes The great and Powerful Trixie just got back from an amazing and wondrous tour through Yakyakistan. Though I dont believe the yaks there quite appreciated the majestic performance they were graced with." It was at this moment that Trixie noticed the earth pony standing awkwardly behind Starlight. "Im sorry who is that?" She asked in annoyed tone. Starlight used her magic to pull him towards them.
"Trixie this is Polaris, Polaris this is my good friend Trixie." An eruption of fireworks exploded above them.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" She corrected.
"Of course. Trixie this is the guy I was telling you about a while back." Trixie looked him up and down and gave a smirk towards Starlight.
"So your the colt who helped out our sweet, and single, Starlight." She gave a wink towards the purple unicorn who gave a face hoof to herself.
"Well honestly she was the one doing the helping. In fact shes still helping me out." That was her queue. Starlight walked over and put an arm around her unicorn friend.
"Say Trixie, didn't you say how you always wished you had somepony helping you with the set up for your show?"
"Thats what I have a great and powerful assistant for isn't?" Trixies 'praise' fell on deft ears as Starlight continued.
"Sure but I just help ON stage wouldn't it give a little something extra if your show had somepony running lights and setting up different props for the show while you have more time to dazzle the crowd with your spectacular magic?" Her words were like honey to Trixie. She found it annoying how easy it was for Starlight to sweet talk her into agreeing with anything she'd say.
"Where are you going with this?" Trixie was getting suspicious and this time whatever Starlight wanted, Trixie was gonna make her work for it.
"Well our new friend Polaris here just happens to have a love of the stage himself." She said giving him a wink. "And Im sure he'd be more than thrilled to help you." She nodded at him.
"OH! Absolutely! Once I heard from everypony on how... stupendous your shows were I had to meet you myself. I would be most honored if you would let me assist you." Trixie rubbed her chin in consideration.
"Hmm, 'stupendous' you say." She was trying hard not to look too pleased with the complement. "Well I suppose I could let you run the lights and pull a curtain or two. On one condition!" She had a devious smile. 'It wont be so easy this time Starlight!' She thought to herself. Starlight looked worried while Polaris looked eager for whatever Trixie had in store.
"You name it." He said confidently.
"You must take Trixie on a date!" Trixie glanced at Starlight whos jaw hung in the air. Then to Polaris who was beet red.
"E-Excuse me? A date?" His voice was cracking.
"Now I understand how intimidating it could be having an opportunity to spend a romantic evening with someone as... Divine as me." She lifted Starlight's jaw back into place. "But i'm sure you'll manage."
"Uh Trixie?" Starlight said through gritted teeth. "Do you mind if I have a word with you?" And with a 'pop' the two unicorns teleported away from the wagon and the Stallion who was still in shock.
Over past the trees far from ear shot Trixie began to laugh. "Trixie! Whats so funny!?" Starlight said in a harsh tone. Trixie wiped a tear from her eye due to laughing so hard.
"Oh Starlight you should see your face! Dont worry im not gonna steal him from you I just wanted to see who im 'getting into bed with' in a matter of speaking." She wiggled an eye at Starlight. She could tell that Trixie was teasing her. "And besides! You always butter me up and get me to agree with whatever crazy ideas you come up with! This is my revenge." She said plainly. Starlight sighed.
"Alright alright you got me. Im sorry." She had to admit it she was rather adept at 'persuading' Trixie. "And your not 'stealing' him from me. Were not even dating." She crossed her arms.
"My my somepony sounds disappointed." Starlight began to argue but stopped herself as she let out a defeated sigh.
"Yeah you may be right." Starlight recalled her earlier talk with Rarity and Applejack and how she promised to be more true to herself. "Its just, hes going through a lot right now and I dont think me asking him out is gonna lessen the load." Trixie looked confused.
"Whats going on with him?"
"Well I cant say much about it but I can tell you that hes going to try to convince his sister to let him move to Ponyville. And it might not be pretty."
"He has to convince his sister? Isn't he old enough to make his own decisions?" She asked skeptically
"Shes been the one taking care of him since he was foal. I think he just wants her blessing." Trixie saw the worried look on her firneds face. A look which didnt suit her in the slightest.
"Thats well and all but listen Starlight, but im sure he would be extactic to go on a date with you. And frankly speaking Starlight if I were you I would start sending him some 'hints' if you know what im saying" Starlight looked confused. "Im telling you you should flirt with him!" She through her arms up irritated.
"Oh I dont know maybe after gets settled in.-" She was interrupted by her friend who put a hoof over her mouth.
"Look girl, you looking worried all the time over him is just gonna make him worried about you. And besides you eyebrows do not look good furrowed. Hes a cute stallion if you dont snatch him up im sure some other mare will."
Starlight had a frightful look in her face. "You think so?"
"Sweetie I know so. Get his mind off of things and on to more, 'ahem' Starlight related things.' Trixie could tell she was swaying her. "Its not too hard, I mean you do know how to flirt dont you?" The question took her by surprise.
"Oh yeah! I flirt all the time, I mean I'm just a regular ol' flirty girl thats me." Trixie was not convinced in the slightest. "Alright, so i dont know how to flirt! It never really came up when I was bending ponies to my will and making them give up there cutie marks."
"Well just be your charismatic and confidant self!" Trixie said trying to reassure her. "Oh! And try to be a little more liberal with the physical contact. And give him a few of these." Trixie batted her eyelashes in a sultry manner. "That'll do it for sure." Starlight thought for a moment slightly fearful of her friends knowledge.
"You know know that i think of it I dont think I've ever seen you on a date before." Trixie waved a hoof in front of her face.
"The colts here are probably just too intimidated by my charm and grace." Starlight rolled her eyes.
"Just promise me you wont tell him I told you anything?" She pleaded.
"Of course. But you make sure that when your helping him you dont forget about taking care of yourself alright?" Starlight was touched by her friends sincerity and she pulled her in for a hug.
"Deal." She said with a smile.
The two unicorns 'popped' back to Polaris who looked like he was still processing what was said earlier. "Alright Polaris." Trixie said snapping him out of his daze. "Forget about taking me on the date." A sigh of relief was heard from him. "Instead after we finish our first show together you will take the both of us on a date!"
"WHAT!?" Starlight and Polaris said in unison.
"What? There's nothing wrong with a small celebration after a performance is there? And besides it'll give us a chance to get to know one another." She wasn't wrong. Not only did this give him an opportunity for a job but it also gave them a chance to see if they could be friends as well.
"Thats not a bad idea Trixie." Starlight said. "If thats okay with you that is." She got with in range of his personal bubble putting an arm around his shoulders, making his voice crack as he replied.
"Yeah sure, that sounds like fun." He was visibly sweating.
"Then its a date!" Starlight said in an upbeat tone. "So whens the next show 'Oh Great and Powerful one?'" Trixie walked to the other side of Polaris and leaned into him causing his nervousness to increase.
"Why tomorrow evening of course." Starlight's jovial mood turned sour. "We should start setting up in the morning."
"Oh were gonna be gone tomorrow." Starlight said dishearteningly. "I dont think we'll be able to-"
"Able to start until later in the afternoon." Polaris looked at Starlight and gave a wink. "We have a bit of trailing to do bright and early but when we get back I'm sure Ill be able to help with the set up."
"I would expect nothing less from my new Stage Manager." Trixie said as she walked up to her wagon. "I expect you two here as soon as possible! I have big plans for tomorrows performance! All of Equestria will tell tales of it!" A puff of smoke came from where Trixie was standing leaving just the two of them alone."
"Good night Trixie!" Starlight yelled to the open area they were in.
As the pair began walking back to the castle she noticed how Polaris was looking up towards the stars and he was smiling. "Well that was exciting huh?" She said interrupting the silence between them.
"Ha yeah Trixie seems nice, kinda odd but I guess that come with the territory of being a great and powerful magician." Starlight was glad that the two of them got along. "I cant wait to get back behind the stage again!"
"Hey, are you sure well be able to make it back in time?" Starlight was worried.
"Oh 100%, It takes about an hour to take a train from Fillydelphia to Ponyville so if we get up early and take the first train at like 7 in the morning we should get there by 8. It take like 15 minuets to get to the shop, we chat with Stella, and go home."
'He sounds like Twilight with all her scheduling.' She thought to herself.
"We'll probably even have time to get some baked goods from The Bread and Butter, Im sure Mr. and Mrs. Dough would love to see you again." Starlight remembered the pastries they had there. Despite being a day old they were still delicious.
"Yeah Id like that." She said, "But how long do you think it will take to talk to your sister?" She was careful to soften her tone when asking.
"Oh that shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Just pop in and tell her im moving. What IS gonna take a while is deciding what im gonna bring back from the shop!"
"But what if she says no?" Polaris stopped walking and grew silent. She knew how much his sister meant to him and how much he meant to her. deciding on something like moving away from from his only family couldn't be an easy decision for him. Especially when it meant he might hurt his sister in the process. However, Polaris just smiled and replied.
"Well its not up to her. This is a choice I'm making for me." In his eyes shown clarity. Like a new found truth had been unveiled o him. "She cant take care of me forever. She shouldn't! I'm 24 for Celestia's sake. I want her to be able to live her own life and make her own way. So she can say no all she wants but I'm staying in Ponyville and thats final." Starlight was proud of this development and happy at his realization. As the pair started walking again she noticed how she was staring at him. Almost admiring him. Trixies words of advice rang in her head. She inched closer to him as they walked.
"Boy its pretty chilly outside." She said aloud. They were the only two on the streets as the locals were already in there home by now.
"Yeah it brisk." He said in agreement. Starlight swallowed hard as she made her move. She hooker her front hoof around his as they walked. He had a surprised looked on his face at this development.
"Do you mind?" She asked timidly. A small blush formed on his face as he turned his head.
"Not at all, It its cold out tonight." She inched closer to him as they walked arm in arm. Starlight couldn't believe she had that much nerve while Polaris couldn't form an intelligent thought at the time. His hoodie was soft and he was warm. She was glad that nopony else was out tonight. She thought she'd die of embarrassment. Polaris, now being free of his initial shock, was able to think straight. He thought on how lucky he was and once again how happy he was that he met Starlight. He wanted to thank her somehow for everything she had done for him. He wanted to make her feel as special as she did for him. He sighed heavily with content.
"You okay?" She asked looking up at him with her beautiful purple eyes.
"I'm good. Just thinking." She nudged him still holding on to his arm.
"Bit for your thought?" She asked.
"I'm just thinking about what to do for you and Trixie for our 'date'." She tightened her grip on his arm.
"Oh?" She gave him a wicked smile. "And just what do you have in store for us?" Her voice was playful.
"Now now Starlight." His tone matched hers. "That would be telling. Wouldn't want to ruin the surprise now would I?"
"Hmm sure Polaris. Ill choose to believe you." They walked by another couple who were enjoying a nightly stroll. Starlight tried to hide her face but they still heard the other ponies whispering. Polaris didnt want anypony to gossip about her more than the already did and as he began to take his arm away Starlight grabbed it with her other hoof pulling it towards her. "Hey." She said angrily and slightly blushing. "I'm still kinda cold." He put his arm back down and she snuggled up against it now resting her head on his shoulder.
Starlight decided to take them along the longer, more scenic route home so that they might enjoy each others company a bit longer under this cool night sky.
The train ride to Fillydelphia was quiet. The cart Starlight and Polaris were in had no other occupants due to how early of a ride they got. So early in fact that Starlight was still half asleep. She was barley paying any attention as to how they got from to castle to the station. The only thing she could keep her mind on was how Polaris kept smiling when she was looking at him but as soon as he thought she wasn't his face would make this grimace. Something was on his mind.
Polaris had been staring out the trains window for about 10 minuets now, the rhythm of the train and the sun being not quite risen lulled him into a sense of security. His peace was interrupted however by the tired looking unicorn sitting across from him. "You alright?" She asked. He took a big breath as he put his facade back on to answer her.
"Yeah, i'm not much of a morning pony but i'm excited for today." His smile wasn't convincing to her. Starlight looked out the window, not wanting to meet his eyes as he lied to her. She could tell something was wrong, his smile was disingenuous and his eyes looked sad. If he didn't feel comfortable sharing what was the matter then she couldn't force him. But she didn't want to smile back.
" Alright." She said explicitly neutral. Her lack of emotion that was usually present in her voice did not go unnoticed by Polaris. She knew he wasn't telling the truth. After the many years of hiding and lying to distance others from him he had grew accustom to it. It was second nature to fake his feeling around other ponies. A habit he decided right then and there to quit.
"Um, actually," Starlight's ears perked up, "I am kind of worried about how Stella is going to react to me wanting to leave." His face was no longer smiling. "I just didn't want to worry you." He grew silent for a moment. "And I thought if I talked about it the curse might activate." She leaned over and put a hoof on his knee.
"I understand but you cant be afraid of it. The curse is a part of you, and if I've learned anything from you not all curses are evil. And besides, I think bottling up your emotions is only gonna make curse react more don't you think?" Polaris chucked softly.
"My my aren't we an expert on curses now?" He had a playful grin on his face. A much needed improvement to the scowl he was sporting before. Starlight shrugged her shoulder.
"Well curses ARE pretty easy, you just gotta know how to talk to em." Polaris raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer to her.
"And just when have YOU talked to a curse Starlight?"
"Why i'm talking to one right now aren't I?" Her eyes went wide with a slight panic. "Was that too insensitive? I didnt mean- Whats so funny?" Polaris was trying (and failing mind you) not to laugh.
"I'm sorry that was just pretty good." He took a second to catch his breath. "Are you trying to say that im 'easy'?" Starlight had a blush on her face as she stumbled on a response. She began to pout turning her face from him. Refusing to meet his eyes. "Aw don't be like that I thought it was funny!" He got no response. "Come on, Ill buy you breakfast?" His coax fell on deft ears. He got up from his chair and sat next to her trying to get her attention. "Starlight please, Ill clean the whole castle tomorrow." She glanced in his direction for a moment and then wiped her head back towards the window. 'Maybe she really is mad.' He thought. He began to stand up to return to his seat but she grabbed his arm and pulled him back down.
"I'm cold again." She said quickly still refusing to look at him. He smiled and rolled his eyes.
"Probably because I got you up so early." He said leaning into her arm locked around hers. "Cant be helped I guess."
"Ill probably feel warmer after I get some breakfast. She finally turned to face him showing him a devious smile.
"You little- I knew you were just playing!" He said dumbfounded.
"And I expect the whole castle cleaned tomorrow." He gave her a glare as she stuck her tongue out at him. As he slumped into his seat smiling while he closing his eyes in defeat, Starlight happily rested her head on his shoulder.
The cart they were in was indeed cold but the pair kept each other warm as they rode the train. Starlight noticed Polaris's rhythmic breathing and she decided to steal a quick glance at him and what she found warmed her heart. There he was leaning into her fast asleep a small smile on his face. He looked totally at peace. 'Well at least he doesn't snore.' She thought to herself. 'Not that I care!' She quickly added to herself. 'Its not like i'm gonna be sleeping with him.' This one sided conversation caused her blush after her last thought. Still looking at him sleeping her mind began to wonder again. 'I mean I guess it wouldn't be terrible sleeping next to him. I mean he is comfortable after all.' She subconsciously inhaled the sent of his hoodie. It smelled warm and inviting like fresh linens with a hit of dirt from yesterday. She nuzzled her head into neck where his hood was the last thought she had as she blissfully drifted off to sleep was 'I could get used to this.'
Starlight woke up first as the train conductor announced that they would be arriving at the station in a few minuets. Noticing who she fell asleep on she all but jumped out of her seat. Her normally light purple face was now a deep shade of red. "I cant believe we actually fell asleep." She said aloud. Polaris didn't stir he was fortunately still fast asleep. Starlight took this moment to regain some of her composure before waking him up. The trains breaks caused the cart to jerk making a still asleep Polaris fall over onto Starlight who caught him in a rather awkward fashion. The train conductor made his rounds past there cart and saw they ponies locked in an embrace. He gave a cough as he trotted by making Starlight even more embarrassed. She shoved Polaris off of her and onto the floor causing him to awake suddenly.
"Ima train!" He blurted out not fully conscience. Starlight while annoyed still found it easy to laugh at this sight. Polaris shook his head and slapped his own face slightly to wake himself up more. "Oh my gosh where are we? Did we miss Filly?" He asked worriedly.
"No we just got here. Come on." She whipped her hair across her face as she pranced out the cart. Polaris still groggy from being woken up followed suit.
As the two exited the train Starlight noticed how much the city was moving. She really liked the atmosphere here. She hoped that maybe if they got done with there task at hand they could spend just a bit of time here. Maybe get some food or a coffee or something. 'Business first.' She thought reluctantly to herself. Luckily for her and as if on queue Polaris spoke up.
"Hey would it cool with you if we grab some coffee first. If I have to have an uncomfortable conversation with my sister i'd rather be wide awake for it." He gave a weak smile.
"I was just thinking the same thing." She smiled back. Polaris held out his arm.
"Shall we?" Starlight stared at it for a moment. Devoid of all thoughts but filled with some kind of emotion. Not wanting to keep him waiting she wrapped her arm around his and the began to walk out into the city.
As the pair walked through the city they grabbed some coffee at the first shop they could find. It was one of those cold mornings so the warm coffee felt nice in there hooves. Starlight and Polaris were enjoying there walk together, though not saying a word to each other what they really enjoyed was each others company. Starlight's curiosity began o get the better of her as she broke the silence. "So what are you gonna say to your sister?" Polaris took a long sip of his coffee before replying.
"Honestly I was hoping something would come to me when I saw her." He gave a sly smile at her.
"Your hopeless." She said drinking from her own. "I guess Ill have to save you from your sister if things go south." Polaris scoffed.
"Oh woe is me! My lack of communication skills will surely be my downfall! Thank the heavens that I such a smart companion with me to rescue me from sisters wrath." He feigned fainting on her as she shoved him off of her.
"Hey!" She said in a stern voice. "I'm not just smart ill have you know. I'm also talented and skillful in magics as well as being very polite." She added. Polaris rolled his eyes.
"Let's not forget modest!" She shoved him again almost knocking his coffee out of his hoof.
"Jerk." She faked being offended. She turned her head away from him like she did on the train but this time Polaris was ready for her.
"And did I mention very beautiful?" Starlight's head whipped around so quick he thought her beanie was gonna fly away. She saw the smile on his face a smile that could only mean one thing. 'Gotcha!' She turned her head away again and this time no random kind words would break her facade this time. Polaris took this as a challenge and cleared his throat. "Hmm thinking about beautiful really doesn't do her justice now does it? Maybe radiant? Angelic? But not just that shes also passionate and spirited, a fierce defender as well as noble soul." Starlight now had a second reason for keeping her head turned away from him. Her blush had returned. Seeing as his words were having no affect on her he tried a more direct approach. Words from the heart.
He walked closer to her now being shoulder to shoulder and softly spoke in her ear. "And she's kind." Starlight was startled of the sudden shift in tone. "Shes the kindest pony ive ever meet and I thank my lucky stars that I could see her again." She caved. She had to turn back to him. How could she not? She was prepared for that smug cute look on his face, but when she saw him she noticed that he too was blushing. He had a nervousness in his eyes that she found endearing. This wasn't some form of getting back at her. This was the truth. She stared in his eyes as the stopped walking.
Polaris could feel his heart in his throat. He was hiding the lower part of his face in his hoodie. He wanted to hide. What he said was so embarrassing! He tried to look away but when he saw her eyes it was like he was put under a spell. He was lost in her soft purple eyes. The only thing that got his attention away from them was the fact that her face was dangerously close to hers. He tried to regain control over his body. "She can be a brat at times though." He said trying to coolly look away from her. She laughed and shoved him again. But this time she pulled him back and embraced him in a hug. She buried her face within the collar of his hoodie.
"I'm glad I got to see you again to Polaris." He was stunned. 'She did it again.' He thought as he wrapped his arms around her hugging her back. 'This mare has me wrapped around her hoof.' He ever so slightly inhaled the smell of her hair. It smelled like lavender and ink. They stood there in the middle of the sidewalk not paying any attention to the world outside of there bubble. Before they let go of each other Starlight had a daring thought. 'Maybe I could give him a peak on the cheek.' She froze. The idea excited and scared her. What if he rejected the kiss? Or worse still. What if he didn't. 'Maybe i'm not quite there yet.' She thought pulling away.
There mood was slightly interrupted by a passerby who remarked on how bold today's youths were, causing the pair to almost jump away from each other. "Oh shoot! Were not gonna make the afternoon train if we dont hurry." Polaris said finishing his coffee. Which was still scolding hot indicated by the look he made when he finished it.
"That must have hurt." Starlight said cringing at the sight.
"Nah It wasn't that hot." He croaked out. "Lets get goin." The two quicken their pace to make up for the lost time
As Starlight and Polaris arrived at Curses and Curiosities Polaris stopped his hoof before he reached the door. He looked at Starlight. She gave him a smile and a nod. She could see the worry on his face. "It'll be alright, I'll back you up." He gave a heavy sigh and opened the door.
The bell to the shop rang out as they entered "Welcome in." Stella said not looking up from her book. Polaris walked up to the counter and gave a knock on the book she was so intently reading. "Oh Polaris. Your back." She said with a smile. "And you brought Starlight with you!" She walked around the counter to give Starlight a hug. "Hows Ponyville?" She asked. Starlight couldn't meet her eyes.
"Hey Stella its good to see you too, Ponyvile is doing a lot better after Polaris solved that problem." Polaris flexed an arm.
"What can I say? I'm pretty reliable if I do say so myself." He admired his own muscles, (or lack there of.) Causing Starlight to roll her eyes.
"So everything's back to normal yeah? Ponyvile is back to its beautiful self?" Stella asked cleaning up the book on the counter that were strewn about. Polaris cleared his throat and gave Starlight a look. She nodded to reassure him as he began to speak.
"Actually Stella that's why we are here." Stella stopped and slowly put her books down. Her back turned to them. "Stella I know you don't like the idea of me movi-"
"Would you like some tea Starlight?" Stella interrupted. Her smile seemed genuine but her eyes seemed cold. Starlight was taken off guard for a moment.
"Oh, no thank you." She said quickly nodding again to Polaris who continued.
"Stella I wanna live in-"
"Well can I at least offer you some breakfast? I make a killer omelette." She went back to picking up her books as she started to walk out of the room. Before she could Polaris shouted as loudly and quickly as he could so he wouldn't be interrupted again.
"STELLA I AM MOVING TO PONYVILE AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP ME!" She stopped in her tracks. She turned around slowly her face neutral but her eyes looked furious.
"Polaris I thought we talked about this." She said in a low tone. Polaris was starting to shake.
"N-No, you talked." He said through a squeaky voice as his sister moved closer. "But now I'm the one who's gonna be doing the talking!" she was right up to his nose now looking him dead in the eyes.
"No. Your not." Her words sounded like venom. "Its not safe for you there." She looked like she was doing her best not to explode. But still maintaining her threading stance caused Polaris to slightly coward from her.
"I can assure you its 100% safe." Starlight said walking up to them. "The ponies who live there are like a big family. And by looks of things i'm sure the others in town will like him just as much as Applejack and Rarity." She patted Polaris on the back and stood with smiling warmly at his sister. Who at this point was now seething.
"I appreciate your kind words for my baby brother Starlight. But there are just some things you don't understand about him. Hes a special little colt." She was dancing around the actual issue, But Starlight could see what was actually bothering her.
"You mean the curse right?" She said bluntly. Her straightforwardness shocked Stella and caused Polaris to wince. Dumbfounded Stella looked at Polaris who was looking at the floor.
"YOU TOLD HER." She hissed now dropping her calmer manner and releasing her true emotions. "What in Equestria possessed you to that!?" He took a big sigh before raising his head. His eyes were clear and focused as he spoke.
"I trust her." He said flatly. "You DO remember what its like to trust somepony else right?" His comment looked like it hit home.
"What I remember is what happened the last time YOU trusted somepony." She poked her hoof into his chest. "They burned our house down and we were run out of town! You almost killed a kid for Celestia's sake!" Starlight piped up again.
"Actually I've experienced the 'curse' firsthoof and it wasn't that bad." Neither of them could read Stella's face. A mixture of fear, confusion, and shock came about her.
"No he said he felt like he was going to die." Stella said backing away from them.
"And you've never known a child to lie?" Starlight rebutted. Stella was at a loss for words. Polaris was as well. He never seen his sister on the loosing side of an argument. It was... Refreshing to say the least.
"No, its still too dangerous! When ponies find out that he has a curse they'll do nothing but try to get rid of him. Ponies dont like what they cant explain!" Starlight chuckled slightly before replying.
"Yeah the residents of Ponyvile are pretty much used to idea of 'the unexplained' Pinkie Pie is a living testament to that."
"Wait who's Pinkie Pie?" Polaris asked.
"Ill introduce you when we get back to town." Starlight said. There little side bar infuriate Stella.
"There's not going to be a 'back to town' because hes not leaving Fillydelphia again!" Stella pushed her way in between Starlight and Polaris. "I knew you were trouble." Her eyes narrowed at Starlight. "I thought it couldn't do any harm to let him have his little crush. But no! You just want to exploit him! And now you've manipulated him in wanting to leave! Get out." Starlight was shocked in the leaps of logic that she was making. She began to voice her concern but was interrupted by Stella. "I SAID GET OUT!" She lowered her horn and shot a beam of magic which turned the floor next to her into ice. Starlight lowered her horn as they two unicorns prepared a spell for one another.
"ENOUGH!" Polaris declared causing the shelves around the shop to shake and the gravity around Stella to increase. Her body slumped closer to the ground as she braced herself.
"Polaris stop! The curse-" There was fear in her voice. He had never used the curse on her before. 'He must be confused and angry.' She thought.
"See? The curse isn't that bad." Stella looked back at Starlight who was also being affected by it. "Sure its a bit of a shock at first but its pretty lame as far as curses go." She flashed a smile at Polaris who looked like he was about ready to cry. "If the curse business doesn't pan out you could always go into can crushing." There was an odd silence. "But I hear its soda-pressing." A chuckle was heard from Polaris as the pressure around them left.
"That was terrible." He said wiping his face. "You should be ashamed." He said smiling. Starlight shrugged.
"Why start now?" She said. It was now Polaris's turn to stand in between Starlight and Stella. He gave her a stern look. She hadn't seen a look like that on him before.
"I'm moving to Ponyvile and there's nothing you can do to stop that." She was still shook from felling the curse. "Your the most important pony in my life Stella, so that's why I want you to understand why I want to leave." He paused and breathed deeply. Starlight put a hoof on his shoulder in support. "I know how much you've had to give up to try to solve this curse, and that's not fair. I want you to start living your own life, doing things that you love. Remember when you got your cutie mark? I do! You were studying astrology and i've never seen you happier. I want that Stella back. I want my sister who loves the wonder of the stars not the one always looking over her shoulder. You taught me so much that I can take this burden alone. I'm old enough to handle it from here."
"Stella I can promise you, Ponyvile has good ponies in it. Not one of them would ever run someone out because there different." She grabbed Polaris's forearm. "And there's no way i'm gonna let him deal with it on his own." Starlight had a fierce and determined look in her eye. 'Shes being protective of him.' She thought. Stella was quiet for a long time. She wasn't able to form any thoughts in her head which was new for her. A lot of new things were happening today. Without responding she walked over to the register and pulled out an envelope.
"Here." She said shoving it into Polaris's chest. "Don't be here when I get back." She started waking to the door. Starlight tried to stop her but Polaris put a hoof out. Before she left Stella turned her head back to Polaris and Starlight. "Starlight?" Her voice was shaky but soft. "Take care of Polie."
"I will." She answered with as much conviction in her voice as she could muster. And with that the sound of the bell from door was heard and Stella left. the room was devoid of all sound for a moment. Starlight wanted to comfort Polaris who was still looking at the door as if waiting for his sister to come back.
"Well that was dramatic." He said breaking the silence.
"Polaris are you okay?" Starlight asked softly. He let out a big sigh.
"Yeah, believe it or not that went pretty well. She doesn't like anypony seeing her cry so I think that's why she left."
"She tried to turn me into an ice statue." Starlight said coldly. To which Polaris laughed at.
"Ha! Yeah she once froze me for like 6 hours when I read her diary. Boy were my joints stiff after that." Starlight gave a defeated sigh.
"Alright well , whats in the envelope?" She asked relenting to change the subject.
"Looks like my last paycheck." He slipped the envelope into his pouch and proceeded up the stairs. "Anyway! You wanna help me pack?" He asked with an upbeat attitude.
As the door opened to Polaris's room Starlight noted the smell. Not a terrible smell but it definitely smelled like boy. "Wow this is not what I expected."
"What did you expect?" He asked gathering a duffel bag from his closet.
"Well, more than this I suppose." She saw how empty the place was save for a few random objects here and there.
"Yeah I guess I kinda knew I didn't want to stay here." He said putting some clothes into a bag. "Hey could you bring those books over here?" He asked as put some clothes into the bag.
"You like Shadow Eye the Detective?" She asked looking at the books she levitated over. "And whats this one? 'Earth Ponies Guide to Impressing Unicorns'?" Polaris snatched that book out of the air.
"That one was a gift!" He said quickly. "Uh yeah I love Shadow Eye. He's the reason I love resolving curses. It kinda feels like i'm solving a mystery."
"Sounds like you and Rarity have something in common then." She said giving him more things from his desk. "She loves the Shadow Spade series." Polaris's ears picked up at this.
"Oh man, did you know that the writer of Shadow Eye was inspired by the Shadow Spade series?" Polaris looked extremely excited.
"I guess that explains the name." Starlight said sheepishly. Polaris however look incredibly puzzled by her comment.
"How did I never think of that?" He said to himself. He shook his head free of this thought as he zipped up his bag and threw it over his shoulder. "Well that's everything ill need for now. We should probably get going."
"Are you sure your okay?" Starlight asked again. "That seemed pretty rough."
"I'm fine. In fact I'm better than fine. For the first time in I don't know how long I finally feel free. And I know that Stella will one day feel that too. None of this would have been possible without you Starlight. Once again it looks like I owe you one!" His smile hurt her. She could see his sad eyes again though the smile and instinctively pulled him into another hug.
"Please just be honest with me." She squeezed him tightly. "Are you okay." His smile faded as he realized he didn't need to keep his facade.
"No." He croaked out. "Im scared." He let out a big breath as he returned the hug. "But, I know I'll feel better once we get back home." 'Home.' Starlight thought. 'Hes already calling it home and we haven't even left yet.'
"Well lets get out of here then." She said smiling. As the two went down back into the shop Polaris grabbed a necklace off of the counter.
"There it is!" He said putting it over his head. "Now we can leave." And without looking back the pair left Curses and Curiosities.
Trixie was having a hard time lifting her equipment onto the stage by herself. "If only my great and powerful assistance were here instead of CELESTIA KNOWS WHERE!" She shouted to blue sky above her. It was nearly 1 in the after noon and the stage was yet to be set up. She had expected to have more help with setting the stage so she decided t sleep in. choice she was now coming to regret. As she was pulling a large box containing most of her tricks up the staircase to the stage her grip began to lessen an slip back down. Suddenly the box stopped mid way and two heads pocked out from each side.
"Sorry were late." Said a female voice. "We stopped to grab some lunch." Starlight and Polaris finished pushing the box onto the stage as an thankful, yet slightly annoyed, Trixie began to pout.
"Well I haven't had a chance to eat all day!" She turned away from them in a huff. Starlight looked at Polaris and rolled her eyes as she levitated a box of take out over by Trixie's head. The smell wafting around her caught her attention.
"Good thing we ordered to go then!" Starlight said as Trixie grabbed the box. "How about you take a lunch break while we finish setting up?" Trixie could only nod in agreement as she was already shoveling the hay fries into her mouth.
Between the directions from Trixie and the assistance of Starlight and Polaris, the modest stage was more grandiose than ever before. Polaris suggested that they set up a thrust stage, making it lower to the ground and closer to the audience. Trixie voiced her concerns of somepony being able to watch too closely and figure out the secrets to her tricks, but Polaris gave her a cheeky smile and said, "I guess you'll have to go all out tonight." Trixie, not one to shy from a challenge, pushed aside one of the tricks she was practicing and grabbed a pencil and a large piece of paper.
"Oh I'll show you 'going all out.'" She replied with new found vigor. "I've had an idea for a marvelous trick in my head for months but I never had the opportunity to test it out." She began to chew on her pencil as she thought aloud. "Starlight? I could use a second pair of eyes if you please." Starlight gently put down the heaps of wood she was levitating and waled over to Trixie. As she began to read what Trixie had written her eyes began to widen.
"Trixie you cant be serious! This is insane!" Polaris' s ears perked up as he glanced over. "Somepony could get hurt!" Trixie but an arm around her friend.
"Starlight please, we are professionals! And since we have and extra set of hooves I wont be too tired to perform this terrifying feat." Polaris tried to look over there shoulders to see what was on the paper but it was immediately rolled up. "Polaris!" She announced startling him.
"I wasn't looking I swear!" He reared up on his hind legs.
"Starlight and I have to prepare for tonight's show, do you think you can finish the rest of stage before this evening?" She gave him a smug smile. "I mean you may have to go all out." Polaris returned the playful attitude.
"Shouldn't be a problem, I just need to finish the arch and attach some lights. Shouldn't take me more than an hour." He began to walk towards the stack of wood Starlight dropped. "Cant wait to see your tantalizing terrifying trick!" He shouted over his shoulder.
"Oh I like him." She said to Starlight as they began to walk back to her carriage.
As evening settled over Ponyville a small cowed was beginning to form in front of the stage. As the natural light began to dim Polaris began to test the lights on the stage as well as a final sound check. He even installed a spotlight as well as some pyrotechnics for Trixie. All she had to do was set them off via her magic. He walked back behind the curtain to finish checking the wiring as Starlight and Trixie entered through the side door. "Wow this looks great Polaris!" Starlight said admiring the work he put in for the time they were gone. "I think you were right about the making the stage a thrust."
"Why this stage is nothing but a pale reflection of the great and powerful magician who will be performing on it tonight. Wouldn't you say so Trixie?" Polaris was putting more bravado into his words than he meant to. Still, Trixie was slow to respond. She peaked her head out through the curtains to examine the stage.
"While I may be great and powerful, I don't think I could have done all this." Her words were soft. "Thank you Polaris. This stage looks wonderful." She hugged him for a moment and cleared her throat. "Since your work here is so commendable I have no choice but offer the unique and glorious opportunity to become my great and powerful Stage Manager. If you want to that is." Polaris stroked his chin thoughtfully trying to mull over her proposition. His silence began to cause Trixie to worry. Seeing this Polaris gave her that cheeky smile again.
"Of course! Who would turn down an opportunity to see a famous magician perform for free?" He saw Trixie exhale in relief.
"Well it wouldn't be free." She said with a flip of her mane. "You would be compensated of course. How does 5% of tonight's profits sound?" She offered. Polaris crossed is arms.
"25 Percent." He was flatly causing Trixie to have an insulted look.
"10 percent!" She shouted.
"15!" He shouted back. Trixie was gritting her teeth.
"12 percent! Take it or leave it!" Polaris tapped his hoof on the ground squinting at Trixie. "And Ill buy the first round of drinks after the show!" She quickly added. Polaris still squinting slowly held out his hoof.
"Deal." He said as the shook. Starlight tarted to laugh at this negotiation. "Whats so funny?" He asked.
"Nothing its just, that was some intense negotiating for such little reward." Polaris cocked an eye at her.
"Well how much is she paying you?" He asked.
"30 percent."
Polaris eyed Trixie who refused to meet his gaze. "Well would you look at the time we better get ready!" Trixie ran off to prepare for the show as Starlight calmly followed. As Polaris readied his station he thought to himself on how he would get the most expensive drink on the menu later that night.
The stage was set and the crowd around it was massive! Due to the shape of the stage, more patrons could enjoy the view thus the tickets sold almost three times as much. The mellow brightness from the stage lights were the only thing illuminating the stage. Polaris activated the fog machine and as the fog rolled in the lights began to flutter. A voice booming over head quieted the audience. "Ladies and Gentlecolts." The voice began. "We thank you for joining us on this mystifying adventure where the laws of space are time are rendered null!" Fire works spouted upwards on the last word. All but one light in the center went dim. "Tonight you bare witness to the worlds most daring and death defying feats! Performed by none other than..." An explosion of magic erupted in the center of the stage blowing the smoke away as the lights returned with a blue mare in a magicians hat and cape appeared.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" The crowd cheered as the star of the show took the stage. "For my opening trick I will be helped my my wonderful assistant Starlight!" At her queue Starlight ran on stage and a light was shown on her.
Behind the stage Polaris was pulling ropes and maneuvering the props to there respected locations. Working only on verbal queues. The show seemed to go off with out a hitch as Trixie performed one spectacular trick after another. Polaris was finding it rather difficult to keep the light in an orderly fashion. The magician had compete control over her stage and was using it to her advantage. The respective 'ooh and ahhs' that came from the audience was a indicator that the show was going well.
But as the show went on it soon became time for the finale.
"And for her final trick The Great and Powerful Trixie will be performing her most treacherous magic trick she has performed to date!" Starlight used her magic to 'poof' a large glass box filled with water onto the stage. Underneath the box was another glass box that had a team of piranhas. "The Great and Powerful Trixie will have thirty seconds to free herself from the box before the pony eating piranhas are released into the tank with her!" A stray voice from the crowd shouted to the stage.
"That doesn't seem that bad!" Starlight smiled as somepony took the bait.
"How about if she was bound in chains!?" Another poof of smoke appeared over the box and when it cleared there stood Trixie covered in chains still adorned with her hat. The entire crowd gasped at this new development. "Are you ready?" She pointed at Trixie who simply nodded with a confidant smile on her face. "And how about you!?" She then pointed at the spectators who replied with a loud roar of excitement. "Then on your mark , BEGIN!" Trixie took a breath and jumped into the water sinking down as the lid above closed and locked. Trixie began to struggle trying to undo her chains as the crowd counted down. Bubbles of air came form her as the time ticked. The crowd now on the edge of there seats as the time reached less than 10 seconds. "I don't think shes gonna make it folks!" Starlight said in a panicked voice.
"3...2...1..." The box filled with piranhas opened as a torrent of bubble obscured the glass box. Shrieks and cry's were heard from the crowd as some looked away in horror. Starlight used her magic to remove the box from the stage leaving behind only the Trixies chain and her hat. "I'm sorry folks." She lowered her head. "It looks like Trixie didn't make it." The crowd was stunned at the failure of the trick. Polaris was wracked with fear for his friend as he was peaking from just off the stage. Then Starlight threw the hat into the audience as a sopping wet hoof reached out to catch it. Placing it on her head Trixie shouted back to the stage.
"Or did she!?" There she was somehow in the audience completely soaked. A singular Piranha was clutched to her tail as she trotted back onto the stage, the crowd roaring with praise! The stage shook with adoration from the spectators as Trixie bowed. Polaris still watching from the side was also screaming in a surprise from the trick. "Thank you one and all for coming out tonight for my show. We hope we gave you a brief reprieve from the usual humdrum way you perceive the world but now we must bid you all a fond farewell!" Her and Starlight took a bow as the lights went dim. The crowd was cheering for more as the two unicorns went back stage.
"That was amazing!" Polaris said running up to them. "How did you do that with the chains and being over there and the-" Trixie put a hoof over his lips.
"Up up up, A magician never reveals her secrets!" Polaris took a breath as his shoulders slumped.
"Alright I walked into that one I suppose. Still, that was an amazing show Trixie!" She took the compliment in stride. "You were great too Starlight."
"I know." She said coolly as she ran a hoof through her mane. "I think its time to celebrate!"
"Yeah!" Polaris added, "And Trixie's buyin!" The pair ran out the door.
"I said I was buying the first round only! Hey! Wait for me!" She shouted after them.
The bar they went to was small but modest. There were a lot of ponies packed into it tonight. The jukebox played as a few ponies were dancing around it. At a near by table sat three tall drinks with an equal amount of drinkers. "I cant believe you forgot your wallet Trix." Polaris teased. "Im sendin you the bill lady!"
Trixie sipped her drink calmly. "I'm sorry, but you two ran off with a moments notice so I didn't have time to grab it." Starlight gave her a steady look. "Fine! I'll pay you back. Starlight can get the next round." Starlight sank into her seat and laughed sheepishly.
"I, ah, forgot mine too." Polaris narrowed his eyes at her. "Do you think you could get the next round too?" She grabbed his arm. "Pretty please?" She said batting her eyelashes at him. He tried hard not to show his smile.
"Fine. Bunch of freeloaders." He took a big sip of his drink as Trixie stood up.
"I would like to propose a toast!" She lifted her glass. "To new partnerships and new friends!" Their glasses clanged and they finished there drinks. "Polaris! Refill!" Trixie shouted! Polaris grumbled to himself as he obeyed.
"Right away master." His comment caused the two mares to giggle as he left leaving them alone.
"I see somepony has been taking my advice." Trixie said wiggling an eyebrow at Starlight who blushed slightly. "You got him wrapped around your hoof don't you?"
"Well we have been hugging a bit more. But I stand by what I said yesterday." She said firmly. Trixie looked at her empty glass.
"The hard parts over isn't it? Hes officially moved into town now? So whats wrong with testing the waters a little more?"
Starlight couldn't tell if her face was feeling warm from the alcohol or her friends comment. "You mean like... holding hooves?"
Trixie dropped her head onto the table. "No Starlight not 'Holding hooves' " She mimicked her friends voice. "I mean a kiss! Kiss on the cheek, kiss in the lips." She got a devious smile on her face. "Maybe a kiss somewhere else?"
"Trixie!" Starlight shouted.
"Oh come on! Why are you being so shy? What happened to the confident sexy Starlight everyone loves?"
Starlight crossed her arms ad sighed. She was quiet for a long moment before replying. "You know what? Your right! There's nothing wrong with a little flirting. In fact Rarity thinks It's perfectly healthy!" There was a long pause again. "But maybe I should start tomorrow since drinks are involved tonight."
"Oh? You don't want to know what he's like drunk in bed?" Trixie said making a attempt to tease her.
Starlight calmly replied. "Well I already know he doesn't snore."
"Starlight!" It was now Trixie's turn to shout. "You two didn't already..."
"Oh heavens no! He fell asleep on me on the train is all."
"He fell asleep ON YOU?" Trixie scooted her chair closer. "What happened?"
"Nothing happened I swear! He just fell asleep... And so did I for a bit. It was nice." She said dreamily. "And he told me some nice stuff when we went to see his sister." She blushed slightly recalling her intimate thoughts.
"You think he likes you?" The question seemed to ring in her head.
"Yeah I think he might." She said smiling.
"Are you gonna as him out then?" Trixie was on the edge of her own seat as Starlight allowed herself a moment of pause before answering.
"Probably." She said shrugging her shoulders. Her nonchalant attitude toward the situation gave Trixie noticeable stress. Starlight laughed at this display. "Maybe I can take him for dinner or something. Make an evening out of it you know?"
"Maybe dinner AND breakfast?" Trixie gave Starlight a devilish wink.
"Geez your relentless tonight aren't you?" Starlight chuckled. "You barely had one drink."
Trixie pouted. "Maybe I would be more agreeable if your little boy toy came back with the second round! Just where is he anyway!?" The pair scanned the room not able to see Polaris from there table. Trixie stood up as she heard a group of ponies at the far end of the bar stomping to a song. "I wonder whats going on over there." Starlight followed Trixie as she walked over to the where the band was playing.
The ponies in the circle were stomping there hooves to the beat as two stallions in the center were singing some kind of folk song. One was a larger stallion with a brown mane and red fur. His stomps to the rhythm seemed to shake the whole building, his voice booming as it sang. The colt singing besides him was none other than Polaris. "Is that Big Mac?" Starlight asked eyes full of bewilder at the spectacle before her. The two colts were taking turns singing verses from an old griffin drinking song. At every verse the one not singing would drink from there mug until it was there turn to sing and so on and so forth. The particular song they were singing was a rather long one with MANY verses. Trixie and Starlight couldn't help but stomp along as they watched there friend keep pace with Big Mac's drinking and singing. As the last verse finished they both finished the drinks in there hooves and laughed as the crowd cheered. As Polaris noticed his friends he stumbled over to meet them.
"Hey gals!" He said almost falling over Starlight. He speech was clearly slurred. "Have you met Big Mac? My gosh does he know how to party! And sing! And party!" He put his hooves around both of them as he led them to the table he was just at. "So I was getting yous guys your drinks and I had em here a minute ago but uh..." He looked hard at the table where a bunch of mugs stood empty. "I must have drank em!" As he said this four new glasses slammed on the table.
"Looks like I'm buyin tonight then." Big Mac said slowly.
"Oh you dot have to do that Big Mac." Starlight said, but all he did was shake his head in disagreement.
"Actually I do. I saw your friend here carrying all those drink earlier and I bet him that if he could keep up with me in a little contest, I'd buy for the rest of the night." Starlight wondered if the alcohol was causing him to be so verbose as she had never heard him talk so much before.
Polaris sat besides him and jabbed him in the ribs. "Bet you wont make that bet again will ya!"
"Nope." He said smiling. "Hope you ladies don't mind if I join ya."
"Not at all." Starlight said picking up her glass. "I never pegged you as the gambling type Big Mac."
"Just be sure you don't tell Applejack. She'd hog tie me and leave me out to dry sure as the day is long." He said rubbing the back of his head.
"You know Jackleapp?" Polaris slurred. "I just met her yesterday! She's pretty cool! Is everypony in your family cool like you guys?" Polaris put his drink down after he heard himself. "Oof I'm pretty smashed. I think I need a little break."
"Either that or we need to catch up!" Trixie said downing her entire glass and slamming it on the table. The other three looked at her completely stunned. "What? I lived in Las Pegasus for a while. I know my way around a drink." Big Mac leaned over to Polaris.
"Glad I didn't bet against her." Polaris nodded in agreement.
Starlight stood up and yelled to the barkeep. "Can we get another round and some shots please?" All at once the three ponies pointed at Big Mac and said in unison.
As the night went on the drink flowed to Big Mac's table. There drinking and celebrating was a sight to see as they had another bout of that song game they were singing. This time to everyone's surprise Trixie was the winner. It slowly became that magical hour of the night where all four of them were completely smashed. Big Mac, who ha started far earlier that the rest was almost unconscious and needed help leaving the bar. "Come on big guy lets get you home." Polaris said using his own body as a crunch for Big Mac to walk with. Starlight was in a similar situation as Trixie, while incoherent, was flailing about crying that she didn't want to leave yet.
"I'm gonna take Trixie to the castle. Last time we were this drunk she almost set her own carriage on fire with fireworks. You sure you'll be alright finding your way back from Sweet Apple Aches?" She asked Polaris as he was trying to keep his patient awake.
"No worries, its a small town and I'm sure the night air will sober me up." They parted ways as Starlight used her magic to levitate Trixie. "See you at the castle Starlight."
As Polaris and Big Mac made there trek to his home a hooded figure bumped into them. "Whoops my bad. My mate here is pretty inebriated." He apologized to the unknown pony. The figure stared at him for a moment before speaking.
"Vigilate in qua vos erant 'iens." the voice said as it continued walking. Polaris's eyes narrowed as he tried to understand what was just said.
"Guess I'm still drunk too." He said shrugging in defeat. He hoisted Big Mac's arm over him again and continued on to the farm.
