> The Light of a Candle
>  by Scarheart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> One.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Father and Daughter




It was a warm, sunny day. The crisp scent of the lingering morning dew clung to the air. The trees were beginning to fill their branches with their leaves. Birdsong added to the tranquility. There was very little in the land to indicate any semblance of civilization, save for a singular cottage at the end of a thin dirt path. A tiny cottage was nestled halfway up a rolling hill. Behind the cottage, on the other side of the hill, was a garden. A path from the home rounded the hill leading to it. Neat, furrowed rows had been planted. Stakes at each end bore signs telling any who bothered to read what vegetable was planted. Sprouts were visible.

On top of the hill was an ancient oak tree. Its branches sprawled over the roof and a great deal of the hill’s slopes fell beneath its shade. Somewhere, buried beneath a layer of thick canopy,  was a tree house, tiny within the massive splendor of the great tree.

The cottage itself was unspectacular. It was sturdy, made of stone and timber. The roof was thatched and a thin plume of smoke drifted from the chimney. The front of the home sported an arched door with round windows on either side of it. They were both open, the panes having been swung inwards. Beneath the sills for each was a flower basket already bursting with spring blooms.

Such was spring in the land of Equestria, a peaceful scene not uncommon throughout.

What was not common, however, were the figures kneeling at the base of the oak tree. The creature was not like the denizens of Equestria, the ponies, but rather reluctant visitors with no means to return to whence they had come. One was larger than the other, dressed in a cotton shirt with sleeves rolled up above his elbows. His jeans were worn but well cared for and clean. Sandals made from hemp adorned his feet. A shaggy mane of ebony hair fell around his face. A short, stubby black beard touched with gray covered a jawline blemished with scars on his left side. His nose spoke of tales of breaking several times over the years and angled to the left a touch. His hands were gnarled from a lifetime of hard use, his fingers thick and scarred. Many had shared the same fate as the nose. Weary dark brown eyes stared down at something at the base of the oak tree. One hand fell upon a small headstone while the other was held by the other figure.

Next to him was a child, his daughter. A blue shirt of woven cotton, several sizes too big, wore on her like a knee-length dress. A smartly knitted hemp belt snugged tightly around her waist. She bore his likeness, the differences subtle. Where his appearance was considered harsh and intimidating, the daughter was warm, open, and filled with innocence. Her green eyes were bright and full of wonder for the world around her. Dark waist-length hair was in a single braid and draped over a slender shoulder. Her expression was somber, looking up to her father as a small hand fell upon the back of his in comfort. Worrisome lines knitted her brows. 

“The flowers,” he spoke, giving the girl a gentle squeeze of her hand.

Without a word, she complied. She had spent the morning picking them in the fields at her father’s request. The bouquet had been wrapped with a bit of silk string tied into a bow. Her father helped to straighten them out, arranging them so the display would feel both vibrant and humble, for such had been the one being remembered.

“I miss you,” voiced the father in simple, honest words.

He rose to his feet. Towering above the simple gravestone, a sad smile graced his grizzled face before he turned and began walking away.

What had Mother been like? 

A lot like you.

Was she pretty?

Very much so.

Do you miss her?

Every moment I breathe.

I’m sorry, Father.

Don’t be. I have you to remind me how special your mother was to me. Without her, I wouldn’t have a wonderful daughter like you. Don’t you ever forget that.

“We’re heading into town,” he called out in his usual gruff voice. “Finish paying your respects. I’ll wait until you are done.”

“Okay...” 

When he was out of earshot, the girl looked at the stone. “Father’s lonely,” she said to her mother. It was not hard to imagine her mother was listening. Father always said she was listening all the time and would always watch over her. 

She rose to her bare feet and hurried after her father, but not before throwing a smile at her mother’s resting place. “Happy birthday, Mother,” she chirped as a sensation of wanting clutched her heart.








He had the wagon ready. He looked it over while he waited. It had been originally designed to be pulled by a pony, but it had been bought and modified to his stature. Repairs had been conducted just a week before, but a new axle was needed, as well as a new spring or two. It was a worn thing, really, but well cared for. There was no want for bits. Rather, it was a sense of self-reliance, combined with stubborn pride, which prevented the purchase of something newer. The wagon was certainly older than the man, he was certain. It served its purpose for hauling things and was manageable. Hand brakes had been fitted to the handle. The two wheels rolled for the moment, and no longer squeaked. There was even a custom made harness that went over his shoulders and was easy to slip in and out of.

A familiar form grasped at his left leg. Instinctively, an arm reached down and gave a gruff hug to the one grinning up at him from his hip.

“Get in,” the father said, “we’ll get something to eat when we get to town. Did you remember to grab the list off the table?”

“Yes,” she replied as she climbed into the wagon. She pulled it out from a pouch hanging from her belt and waved it at him. He took it and gave a once over before folding the paper up and placing it in a breast pocket.

With a nod and a grunt, the man threw on the harness and gripped the handles of the wagon. His sandaled feet broke into long strides, and they were on their way.

The trek down the hill was not so bad, daring to be pleasant. Already the ground was beginning to dry out, though there were still puddles on the path. The day was still warming as the sun approached its zenith. It would take an hour to walk into Berryville. During this time, the girl hummed to herself as she rode in the wagon. It was not long before boredom set in.

“Do you see them?” Father said over his shoulder in a soft voice. “The cloud up to our left.”

“Who?” She stood in the wagon, her hands gripping the top of a sidewall. Looking up, her eyes scanned the blue skies. There were a few clouds and her orbs locked on one. It stood out because there were a pair of ponies using it to sit on. Specifically pegasi. “Oh! They’re not from around here, are they, Father?”

“No, they are not,” he replied, his steps unabated.

“Are they spies?”

“Hardly.”

“Why are they watching us?”

“They are reporters.” The man rolled his shoulders. “Ignore them.”

“What’s wrong with reporters?”

“They ask questions, June.”

“I ask lots of questions all the time.”

“You are eight. You are expected to ask questions.” Father’s patience seemed infinite. His steps never faltered and the wagon rolled on.

The ponies seemed to be arguing with each other. There was a lot of pushing and shoving between the two. Finally, one of them jumped from the cloud and dropped towards them. He had a gray coat and white mane and tail. A camera hung from his neck and he was already taking pictures. The second pony was right behind him, a mare. She bore a lighter shade in her coat compared to her companion and her mane was darker.

“Good afternoon, sir!” called out the stallion as he landed. The camera continued to snap away. “Picture Perfect, Canterlot Times. A pleasure to meet you!” His smile was unnaturally large, and perhaps a touch nervous. “As I live and breathe! Jakob, the Unspoken Legend himself! The Slayer of Tirek. Conqueror of Changelings. Celestia’s Unbreakable Hammer. The Pride of War.”

“Go away,” growled the man. “I am busy.”

The stallion continued to take pictures. “Oh, come on, now. Just a few questions. A few photographs? I have readers that would absolutely love to hear about your exploits during the war! I did some digging, and boy are you a remarkable fellow! Simply remarkable! Is it true you killed a dragon with no help?”

“Father?” June blinked and gave him an unsure look. She found a sidelong glance from over his shoulder given in return and a slight and worried frown.

Picture Perfect’s attention shifted to the girl in the wagon. “You must be young June. You look a lot like your mother. She’s a hero in the hearts of many ponies. Did you know that? Loved by so many! Please accept my condolences for your loss. This day would have been her birthday, if I am not mistaken?”

“Enough,” Jakob barked, “No more questions. You are invading our privacy and you are making my daughter uncomfortable. Leave us.”

By now the second pony landed behind the first. “Picture, stop harassing them!” before shifting to trot alongside the man. “Please forgive my brother. He’s been obsessed with getting your story since you left Canterlot all those years ago. I am Truth Written. My brother and I have worked together at being the best at what we do!”

“Obsessions are unhealthy and shouldn’t be the best thing to be at,” retorted the human with a grunt. His pace continued, unabated. “I recommend sticking to reporting on the stories that matter.”

“Oh, but you do matter, Sir Jakob! The public demand for your story and how you have been doing over the past eight years has grown! Lady Kaga’s story was one of loyalty, love and enduring friendship! But, sadly, she is no longer with us... However, you are!” chattered on Truth, as casual as can be.

“My story ended as soon as the war did. You have your Elements. I cherish two things; privacy, and raising my daughter. I am not interested in telling stories. I am not interested in giving an interview, and I most certainly did not give permission for our picture to be taken.” The wheels rolled along the slightly rutted road.

“The Bearers are old news,” Truth Written said with a shrug, “nopony these days cares about an apple farmer, an animal lover, a fashion designer, a washed out Wonderbolt wanna-be, or an insane party planner.” She then hummed, “Princess Twilight is well, a princess, so that makes her neigh untouchable.”

Jakob slowed a step. “What do you mean? What happened to Rainbow Dash?”

Truth Written’s hopes went up in her eyes as she looked up at him. “Oh, you didn’t know? She got herself knocked up five years ago and had twins. Ended her Wonderbolt career before it even got started. Very sad.”

Scowling at the mare, Jakob rumbled, “Having a family shouldn’t be held against any one, even if the child was unexpected.” His pace quickened.

“Foal, and in this case, in the plural,” corrected the reporter. Her brother was still taking pictures. “And don’t worry about Miss Dash. I do believe she married and moved on to Cloudsdale. Very happy for her, even if I admit to being a former fan. Can I quote you on that?”

“No.”

Truth’s smile faded.

“Oh, come now,” Picture Perfect lamented. His voice grew louder and louder as he made his demands, “ponies are dying to know more about you! They deserve to know about you! They have a right to know all about you!” 

“Father?” June whimpered, lowering herself into the wagon.

‘Shh, Little One, I am here. Your father is doing a terrible job of chasing away the riffraff.’

June knew that voice in her head and was already swiveling her eyes as she sought out the owner of that voice.

“It’s about time,” muttered Jakob, smirking through his beard.

A shadowy form landed with a great deal of flamboyant display. It was a tall figure, vaguely equine, with long, slender legs. Great wings like those of a dragonfly’s buzzed the air, a rainbow of color churning through the air. It was armored in glossy chitin shimmering golds and greens beneath the sun. A spiral horn stabbed at the air, its point gleaming as though hungering for a throat to pierce. Although nowhere near as impressive in size compared to Jakob, the newcomer had the effect of morphing surprised  expressions to those of abject horror.

“Good afternoon, Jakob,” drawled the newcomer as her wings came to a rest, sweeping over her flanks. A mane of shimmering gold and copper shook as draconian eyes of cold sapphire fell upon the now terrified reporters.

Picture Perfect stabbed a hoof at her. “Changeling!”

Quirking a brow, she made a dismissive gesture in turn. “Pony, I am a changeling queen.” Back to Jakob, she said, “Would you like for me to remove these two from your presence?”

“Why is there a changeling here?” demanded Truth Written.

“That,” snorted the changeling, “is classified. And I am a queen. Weren’t you paying attention? If you wish to know more, please submit a request to Princess Celestia at Canterlot. I can assure you, not only is my presence here legal, but necessary.” A predatory smile had grown across her muzzle. A pair of long, sharp fangs gleamed ivory white in the light of the day.

“Necessary?” Truth dared to ask in the form of a squeak.

Picture Perfect was still taking photographs.

“You ran out of film,” supplied the changeling helpfully, “about twenty clicks ago. Nosy little ponies like the two of you are what makes my presence here necessary.”

Jakob continued to walk. He had a schedule to keep. “Cassandra, don’t waste time with them.” The wagon followed along without a squeaky complaint. “Just chase them off and stay within the limits set for you in the accords.”

“Yes, master,” came the sarcastic reply. Cassandra refocused her gaze upon the pair of pegasi. “Shoo,” she said, “or I will get the biggest newspaper I can find, roll it up, turn it sideways, and stick it up both your pony plot holes!”

“Cassy?” June was staring at the changeling.

The dire expression shifted magically to one of pure joy when the changeling’s eyes found the girl. “Hello June. Give me a moment to deal with these two, okay? Now where was I?” Her head swiveled with deliberate slowness towards the ponies on the verge of bolting. “Ah, yes. Newspaper up the plot hole. Sunday edition.”

A vacuum of air was all that was left of the space formerly occupied by the pair of reporters.

“Worked like a charm!” chortled Cassidy, her wings buzzing in her violent delight. “Now then, I do apologize about not doing something about those two earlier, Jakob. I caught wind of something else a touch more important in town.” Her hooves carried her to the side of the wagon, which had never ceased rolling. Stretching her neck out, she gave June a nuzzle. “Why are you wearing your mother’s shirt, child?”

“I asked Father if I could,” replied the girl. “He said I could.”

“Well, you look absolutely adorable in it!”

“What is in town?” Jakob asked as he adjusted the harness. “More reporters? I guess a day like this would make sense for them.”

“No, not reporters,” Cassandra shook her head as she assumed a slow trot. The man had a long stride, and she had to adapt to his pace. “Something worse.” A slow grin was beginning to spread over her muzzle.

“An alicorn?” sighed the man.

“No, it’s no—” Cassidy did a double take, “—how did you know?” 

The wagon came to a sudden stop. The man rolled his neck, angling his face to the heavens and letting out a long-suffering sigh. His hands released their grip on the wagon as he spread his arms wide. “Why me?” he implored the uncaring blue and cheerful sky. 

“I know how you feel about them,” the changeling went on, “but—”

“Which one?” he interrupted, his arms falling limp to his sides. 

“I’ve only met Celestia, so I can tell you it’s not her.”

“Are you okay, Father?” June asked from the wagon.

Cassidy gave a toothy grin. “Oh, he’s fine. He might be grouchy for a while, but he’ll be fine.”

“But Father is always grouchy.”

“Well, that is not entirely true. You see, June, there is a difference between being a grump or a grouch.”

“Do you have to be like this?” Jakob asked with a growl.

“Like what?” asked the changeling with feigned innocence.

“Insufferable.”

She hummed for a moment and gave his observation a bit of thought. “Yes.” There was a pause long enough to allow the man to give her a sidelong glance. “You know, Jakob, I’ve always found it fascinating how Kaga could gather so many friends so easily and win the hearts and minds of all who fell in her line of sight only to find she settled on choosing a bore like you as a mate.”

“That makes two of us,” agreed the man. “This discussion is over. You have done your duty, bug horse. Go away.”

“June, dear,” Cassidy slowed enough so she could converse with the girl. “You have got to be the most resilient child I have ever known. You have to live with that.” She tossed her head in the man’s general direction.

June pouted. “I wish you would be nicer to Father.”

The changeling threw her head back and let out a loud belly laugh. “I am being nice to your Father!” she hooted. Her wings buzzed and she began to lift into the sky. “I’m off to pay my respects to Kaga. You two have a lovely afternoon and be sure to say hello to the alicorn. I’m fairly certain she’s here to see you.”

June waved at her, “Bye, Cassy! I love you!”

The queen d’aawed and gave the girl a wink. “I know. Keep an eye on your father and keep him out of trouble!” A pause followed, and then she added, “Thanks for the snack!” and darted off into the wild blue yonder.

There was a long moment of silence as the wagon was pulled along the dirt road. June knew Cassidy well enough to know there was an odd friendship between her and Jakob. The changeling was fond of the girl and June reciprocated the affection. How or why the changeling queen shared the countryside had always been a mystery. Cassidy would speak of keeping a promise if asked and would say no more on the matter.

Still, there was more of a reason to be excited about visiting Berryville. She had never seen an alicorn before! Father had said when she was a baby all the alicorns had taken turns holding her. He had told her the story once last Heartswarming Night. After telling it, he had become quiet, his eyes distant. 

“Father?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you upset?”

“Upset? No. Annoyed? Very much so.”

“Was it the reporters?”

“Partially. I am not looking forward to meeting the alicorn, whoever she is.”

“Are alicorns bad?”

“No, June, they are not. They are mostly fair and kind.” Jakob’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, “I have had many disagreements with them. They made decisions I did not agree with. One of the consequences of their decisions was the loss of your mother.”

Hearing this saddened the little girl. “Oh.”

“That being said,” Jakob went on as he let out a slow breath, “not all the choices I made back then were wise. There has been much I have reflected on over the years. June, I am not perfect. All living things are flawed. You. Me. The ponies. All living things are imperfect. Life is best that way. I am the way I am because of choices I have made as well as the choices others have made for me. I have been wrong many times. If we were perfect, then we would not be able to grow.”

June knew Father was trying to say something important. She had an inkling of what he was trying to say and knew he was having a hard time even getting it out. The way the words came out seemed like each one was a struggle, but he was determined to say what was on his mind.

He slowed his pace and regarded her with an eye over his shoulder. “I do not want you to hate the alicorns. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father,” she answered.

He nodded once. “Good.”

They passed a small road sign that simply read, ‘Welcome to Berryville!’.
> Two.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Just Cadence




Berryville was less a village, more of a hamlet. Only a single main road ran through it. There was a single hotel, with a restaurant, and the farrier doubled as a general store. Both run by another earth pony. The saloon in the center of town also served as both the town hall and sheriff’s office. The pride and joy to the denizens of Berryville was the winery, which produced the majority of the hamlet’s income. There was also a meadery. Jakob enjoyed mead. As a matter of record, this collection of buildings had been founded by earth ponies half a dozen generations back.

Mead was on the shopping list and Jakob was going to make certain a few bottles found their way into his wagon.

“Father?” June tugged at his elbow, “Can I go find my friends?”

With a small smile, he replied, “You can play with your friends after we eat.”

“I first have to let Marely know I am here and get her to start loading the wagon.” He steered them over towards the general store. “Go find us a table at the hotel.”

June’s face fell. “What if I find the alicorn?” she asked in a worried voice.

“Then you will be polite to her and mind your manners. Whichever one it is, I doubt she came to start trouble. For one of them to come all the way out here in the middle of nowhere means she wants to see me or you or the both of us.” Jakob read the hamlet with his eyes. “I do not see any guards, but that means little.” After shedding the harness, he next chocked the wheels, and reached under for the kickstand. “They are here and will show themselves when they feel it is necessary.”

“But…”

Reaching over, Jakob mussed her hair. “Do not worry. I will be in soon. Once I give the list to Marley, I will be over,” his rumbling voice reassured.

From inside the general store came a muddy brown mare wearing a pair of glasses and a tattered Wonderbolt ball cap. She let out a smile when her attention shifted to Jakob. The mare shook her forest green mane. “Hey there, big fella, thought you’d like to know, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza showed up this mornin’,” she drawled, her orbs going wider as she spoke.

June hesitated in crossing the road, her thoughts on the subject of alicorns rooting her feet firmly at Jakob’s side.

“The bug horse said there was one here,” grunted Jakob as he presented his shopping list. “Do you have everything I asked for ready, Marely?”

She nodded and gave it a cursory glance. “Spent half the morning gettin’ everythin’ together. Shouldn’t take long to get you loaded and on your way.” Her eyes flicked over to June and narrowed a bit. “That ain’t your shirt.”

“June has outgrown most of her clothing,” Jakob said with a hint of discomfort. “I will need to see your catalog, so she can order some new clothing.”

The girl offered an embarrassed smile. “Yeah.”

“A new one came in. I’ll have to get some new measurements and send off for your order,” Marely said with a sage nod. Shaking her head and breaking into a smile, she looked at June, “They grow up so fast, don’t they? Makes me think of my own girls,” she finished with a wistful sigh. There was a pause before she added, “My condolences, Jakob. We miss our girl.”

The man nodded and offered a sad smile. “Thank you.” The expression faded as he tapped his daughter between the shoulders. “Go find a table and mind your manners.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Go,” he said in his gruff voice, pulling back and gazing full into her eyes. “Trust me. Trust the alicorn. The town would not allow her here if they thought she was not good for you or for me.”

“He’s right,” Marely quipped, “the princess is real nice. You’ll see.”

June could only nod and offer up a nervous smile. With a moment of reluctance, she turned and made her way to the hotel across the street. Jakob watched her go, a moment of worry creasing his brow before he addressed the list in his hand.







The girl was greeted by a few of the locals, each one she knew and considered a friend. For some reason, the ponies seemed more cheerful than usual. Was it because of the princess? Curiosity overcame her fear—the very thing Father had told her was unfounded. June trusted him as much as she loved the grump. She noted an earth pony she did not know standing outside the door leading into the hotel. He tried to look as though he was blending in, but the way he stood was too rigid and his eyes were too sharp. The mane alone screamed ‘not from around these parts’.

June paused as the sounds of excited cries at the far end of the street filled her ears. She could see a small group of foals, friends and playmates. They were seriously invested in a game involving a large red ball. There was a yearning to forget what she was supposed to do and join them in their play. With a sad little sigh, she approached the door and the stallion.

“Greetings, young citizen,” the stallion said, his smile professional.

“Um, hi,” she smiled and waved.

He did not bar June from entering. Rather, he opened the door for her and gave a small bow. “The princess is expecting you.”

The lobby and main room were not large, befitting the hamlet. To the left, there were three tables for the restaurant and the kitchen door hovered over them. To her right was the staircase leading to the rooms upstairs. Beneath the steps was the front desk. The wood was old and polished and everything smelled of flowers and bleach. The ceiling hung low. June could jump and touch it with little effort.

The hotel was run by a retired couple of earth ponies, the Swaybacks. They insisted on being called Papa and Mama, as anything else would be too formal. Papa and Mama Swayback were kindly and treated all who came into their establishment as family. To June, they were surrogate grandparents, and they had told her more about her mother than Father.

“June!” called out an old mare’s voice. From behind the counter came the owner of the voice, a forest green mare with a peppered mane drawn up in a bun. She wore a homespun shawl of white with yellow flowers stitched into it. A motherly smile was drawn over her wrinkled muzzle. “So nice to see you, filly. How have you been?” Trotting to the girl, she gave a nuzzle.

“I’m good,” June said as she hugged the old mare. “How’s it going?”

“Oh, fine, just fine,” chuckled Mama. “Papa’s already in the kitchen fixin’ up somethin’ nice for you and your daddy.”

There was the sound of hooves upstairs moving until they found the steps. A pink leg shod in a fancy gilded shoe appeared, followed by another. A head poked down and scanned with a pair of light purple eyes. They lit up when they found June and a smile broke over her muzzle.

“Oh, you must be June!” she called out in a warm voice, her ears erect. Hurrying down the stairs, the girl could see the horn and the wings. A horn and a pair of wings! The mare was beautiful and had a distinct lithe form when compared to the earth pony body June had grown up around. “You are adorable,” she gushed when she reached the bottom of the steps.

She was also very pink and very pretty, like a perfectly proper pretty pink pony princess. There was an urge to rush over and hug the approaching princess. This is an alicorn? June blinked and wondered why she had been afraid. Maybe Father was right?

“My name is Mi Amore Cadenza. I rule over the Crystal Empire to the north,” the alicorn said as she began to approach with slow and deliberate steps, “but I prefer to be called Cadence. Here, I have no titles other than ‘friend of the family’.”

“June,” the girl introduced herself with an awkward curtsy. It felt unnatural, yet at the same time it seemed like the right thing to do.

“Yes,” the alicorn giggled. “I already know your name. I’ve been wanting to meet you for a very long time.” Her eyes roamed over the girl. She nodded to herself, “Yes... There is so much of your mother I see in you. The love coming from you is very strong, as strong as hers. I wish she could see you now. I miss her very much.”

June blushed, not knowing what to say.

“Can we sit at one of the tables?” Cadence asked, motioning with a hoof. “I think if we are going to know each other, maybe we should be a bit more comfortable sitting down?”

“Father will be here soon,” June blurted, conflicted with Jakob’s words, her instincts, and the presence of the princess before her.

“I am expecting him, but I would also like to get to know you a little before he arrives.” The alicorn’s smile felt right to the girl. It was as though no matter what was going to happen, everything was going to be all right. “Specifically, I would love to talk to you about your Father,” the alicorn went on. “But first, let us sit. Mama Swayback?”

“Yes dear?”

“Tea for me and whatever Miss June would like, if you please.”

The old mare waved the princess off, “I know what the little one likes. Just a jiffy and I’ll have your drinks, girls.”

“June, would you care to sit with me?”

Feeling a little numb, the girl nodded and found her way to the same table Cadence was now occupying. The chair was made for ponies to sit on, but it was comfortable enough for her. The princess watched her intently, the smile never leaving her lips. Her wings fidgeted as the alicorn attempted to get more comfortable.

“I have to admit,” Cadence began, then paused to collect her thoughts. “I have to say I had hoped to visit you long ago, but I respected your father’s wishes. The last time I saw you, you were just born and your mother held you as though she was never going to let you go.”

“How well did you know my mother?” June asked in a tiny voice.

Cadence let out a small sigh as she closed her eyes. When she opened them, her gaze locked with June’s own. “She was my best friend.”

June smiled. It felt good to hear someone else speak about her mother.

“I knew her shortly after she and your father arrived.”

“Arrived?” the girl blinked.

Cadence nodded. “To this world. Your mother and father came from somewhere else. Another world, another place. Did your father tell you this?”

June gave a single nod.

“How much do you know?” pressed the alicorn.

Mama Swayback appeared, placing a cup of tea in front of the princess and a glass of milk in front of June. “You two enjoy.”

“Thank you,” Cadence smiled at the old mare.

“I’ll leave you both to get acquainted.” The old mare disappeared through the door leading into the kitchen.

The alicorn sipped her tea, her horn glowing with magic. June had little interaction with unicorns, much less an alicorn, and watched with fascination. The tea cup was shrouded in the same color as the glow encompassing Cadence’s horn. The girl grasped her glass with both hands and slurped slowly as she watched. Her eyes were round. Cadence winked at her, then set her cup down.

“First time seeing telekinesis?” she asked with a cute giggle.

June shook her head, “There aren’t any unicorns around here. Just earth ponies.”

Cadence sipped her tea. “Earth ponies are the backbone of pony society. You can find some very dependable friends through them. Almost all vegetables and fruits are grown by them. Did you know that?”

June deadpanned. “I’m eight, not four.”

The alicorn was surprised by the reply, rearing her head back and burst out laughing. “I’m trying too hard, June. Forgive me!” she chortled. “The truth is, I want to be your friend. I also want to be your father’s friend.”

“He doesn’t like alicorns,” June told her, “but he also said I shouldn’t hate you.”

The princess’ smile faded, “Hate is a very strong word, June.”

The girl mumbled an apology into her glass. “I don’t hate anyone.”

“I know you don’t. You have a very big heart.” The princess flicked an ear, “My special talent gives me a sort of insight to the feelings of others. I spread love wherever I go.” She closed her eyes for a moment, her ears flicking, first one, then the other. “I can feel the love in this town. It is very strong. So many ponies with such unity and devotion to one another.” Inhaling deeply, the princess opened her eyes and smiled at June. “A lot of love is directed at your father, though muted. He is respected.”

June’s heart swelled as Cadence sang praises about Father. “He never talks about how the ponies feel about him,” she admitted.

“Does he help them?”

June nodded. “Lots. He spends a lot of time going around and helping to fix things when he’s not doing things around the house.”

Cadence’s smile grew wider. She leaned forward. “Does he accept payment for his work?”

“No. Father says we don’t need money.”

Sitting up straight, assuming a rather regal bearing, the princess’ smile never wavered. “That, my dear, is because your Father is very wealthy. He wants for nothing. He makes sure you want for nothing. He makes sure his barony provides for its ponies.”

June blinked. Barony?

“Bestowed by Celestia herself upon both your mother and your father before you were born. I do not think your father has told you of the reputation and respect he holds in the eyes of my peers. I was so glad to sponsor them and Jakob has done a remarkable job with no mansion, no staff, and no servants. I knew he was very down to earth…,” Her muzzle twitched, her smile holding as eyes sparkled, “June, are the ponies here happy to you?” The tea cup rose and met lips.

June couldn’t answer. It wasn’t that Father was mean to ponies, far from it. He was a hopeless lump, really. Father enjoyed working with his hands. The ponies of Berryville were always in need of something being done requiring some sort of help. She reflected upon her memories, digging through them, always Father’s no-nonsense expression while ponies milled around him, happy and willing to work alongside the chronically grumpy man.

“Father likes the ponies,” she said lamely. Barony? Really? What’s a barony?

The last thought found a voice and it escaped her lips before she was even aware.

This confused the princess. “You didn’t know?” she tilted her head to one side.

The girl hesitated, her thoughts swirling. If Father wasn’t working outside, he was usually at his desk, writing letters and then lighting them on fire with the funny green candle. Sometimes letters would burn into wholeness and appear above the candle! His expression seemed more sour whenever he sat at that desk, she recalled, and sometimes making threatening growls at whatever he was reading. June had dared ask a few times what he was doing.

“There are things I must see to. You are too young. When you are older, I will teach you. One day, it will become your responsibility. How are your writing lessons going?”

Well, she admitted to herself, it was exactly how he would say it, but she knew Father well enough to consider her recollection to be accurate enough. June had heard it enough, curiosity unrewarded, and she was left wondering if his scowl was worth earning as her own. There were nights he would proclaim the arrival of an unwanted headache, pour himself a cup of coffee, stare at whatever was offending him from the top of his desk, drink it down in one gulp (still boiling hot, the girl assumed), utter words she was unfamiliar with, and go back to responding to the offensive thing on said desk with the furious scribbling of quill upon parchment, neither of which were deserving of such unholy abuse.

“Father sometimes scares me when he is at his desk,” she admitted, remembering her first taste of coffee and how the stuff was so bitter and gross.

“Administrative duties can be a chore,” Cadence mused. She sipped her tea. “I can tell he’s done right by you.” She then hummed, “I find it interesting he has not introduced you properly to the barony. Then again, he was not born into the nobility and therefore has not fallen into the pattern most parents pass down to their foals in preparing them for their futures.”

June blinked, finding the princess’ words a tad over her head. “Still eight,” she reminded Cadence, then drank her milk. “I don’t know anything about baronies or barons.”

This brought forth another giggle, “So you are, June. So you are. I think I know what your Father is doing. He’s letting you be you.” Her eyes shifted from one side to the other before the alicorn leaned in, from the side of her mouth she whispered, “If I were to guess, I’d say Jakob is several steps beyond the run-of-the-mill nobility of Equestria.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?” June asked. She was not upset, but most certainly confused. Father did things he did not want her to know about and would almost always explain why he did things the way he did.

Cadence settled back into her seat. “More than likely, June, he did not want you to worry. He wants you to enjoy your foalhood, er, childhood. How does he teach you? Do you go to school? Do you have lessons on history, on math, on subjects most foals learn in a school?”

June had her own desk, with its own candle. “I have a tutor that flames me in my lessons. I live too far from town to go to the school here, but Father sometimes lets me stay with one of my friends for a week so I can learn with them. Miss Flores is nice and she sometimes gives me extra things to do to take home.”

Cadence was impressed. “Well, just from speaking with you, I can tell you have been exposed to some very good teachers. Your vocabulary is impressive for somepony… someone your age.” The alicorn giggled, “Ah, you’d think I should be versed well enough to know the difference between somepony and somebody! I’ve gotten way off track. I asked you how much you know about how your mother and father arrived in Equestria and the conversation just wandered off on its own! I’m so sorry, June. In my own excitement of wanting to know you, I’ve lost track of the things I need to ask you.”

The girl tried to remember, finding she wanted to tell the alicorn everything she wanted to know. There was something inviting about Cadence. The mare was warm and compassionate, willing to laugh, and most importantly, her smile went into her eyes. Father had told her how it was possible to read a face and one thing she remembered clearly was to look someone in the eye when they smiled. June thought she was doing it right, and believed she could trust the princess.

Her thoughts stumbled upon the two reporters. “Miss Cadence,” she asked, turning her glass in her hands as she fidgeted, “why do ponies want to know about Father and me?”

“Why do you ask?” Cadence queried with concern. “Did something happen today?”

June explained her encounter with the two reporters. Cassandra’s appearance was not left out, rather she was immortalized in the girl’s words. The cheeriness slowly drained from the face of the princess, only to be replaced with an expression of profound disappointment.

Working her jaw slowly from side to side, Cadence let out a sigh, her ears drooping, “I am so sorry, June. I’m afraid I must take responsibility for that one.” —The girl gave her a curious look— “Those two came at my request. I had wanted to allow them to publish the interview if your father would permit it. I had not… No, I had not expected them… Oh, June, I am so sorry! I am livid! I am absolutely furious!” Her formerly neat and lovely mane had sprung in all sorts of directions, and spectacularly so.

“Furious about what?” rumbled an all-too-familiar voice from the door.

 “Oh crapbaskets!” Cadence sighed.
> Three.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Eight Years




“I go through the trouble,” Jakob began as his imposing form lumbered towards the table, “of telling my daughter you can be trusted. Yet here you are, Mi Amore Cadenza, sticking your nose where it does not belong.” It was difficult to tell if he was upset or teasing the alicorn. His face was stone, and he moved like some great prowling cat.

Unruffled, Cadence sized him up, her wings shifted and rose as she sat tall and proud. “I’m not the one keeping his heir ignorant of a part of her future that her mother worked very hard to set up for her.”

“I never asked for the responsibility,” Jakob told her in even tones. The chair in front of him was far too small for his lanky frame. He moved it aside, glancing at his daughter with a single shake of his head and sat on the floor. “Kaga always told me there were certain expectations she had for me. I could never tell her no. You knew that then, you know it now.”

The alicorn sniffed, “It still does not explain why you couldn’t at least introduce your child to the horrors of being a part of the nobility.” She arched a brow and peered down her muzzle at the human. “It’s as though you cannot bear the thought of shackling her with such idiocy.”

There was an uneasy moment of silence between the two. June found she was holding her breath, as though the air itself was quickly glowing and crackling with pent-up energy. Her eyes darted between man and pony as the two sat boring their eyes into each other in some colossal battle of wills. Her body tensed, her eyes went round.

Jakob raised an arm, stretched it out, extended his index finger and touched the tip of the alicorn’s snout. She followed the approaching digit with her eyes, both held still as a statue, until the tip of his finger made contact. Her eyes crossed comically. She blinked and withdrew her head. 

Suddenly, she was stricken with a fit of giggles.

The man presented a small yet victorious smile. It soon faded like a distant memory. “It is good to see you again, Cadence,” he rumbled in greeting. 

His grumpy mask resumed with his usual glare.

June let out an explosive breath and deflated in her chair. “What is wrong with you two?” she huffed while eyeing them with suspicion.

Cadence giggled, then herself became serious. “Well,” she began, shifting her attention to the girl, “your mother wanted you educated in the ways of dealing with the nobility. Like it or not, one of these days you will have to put up with ponies who have a legacy of thinking themselves better than others dating back to beyond the founding of Equestria. Not all of them are bad, mind you, but By My Aunt’s Eternal Patience, they can and will push hard against you to get what they want.”

Jakob grunted and shook his head. “I do not deal with them. They have no reason to deal with me.”

Cadence stared at him, an eye twitching. “Jakob, I love you like a brother, but this is probably the one thing you are the absolute worst at. It’s not about you, you big dummy, but the land and how it is valued in the eyes of others who would love nothing more than to squeeze all the profit out for themselves! The nobility is more or less terrified of you. You have a few allies among them, but you’ve had little to no contact with them over the past eight years. Eight! You’ve isolated yourself from a social class filled with snooty opportunists. They’re waiting on you to make a mistake, Jakob. If you don’t, then they’ll wait until your unprepared daughter takes over and then make their move. How does that sound? Hmm?”

“More tea?” Mama Swayback asked from over June’s shoulder.

“Yes, please,” Cadence replied with a warm smile. There was an awkward silence as the old mare refilled her teacup and set a large frothing mug of ale in front of Jakob.

“Are you mad at Father?” June asked as she stared at the alicorn.

“June,” Cadence said, then sipped her tea, “dogs get mad. I am angry. Angry and disappointed. Your father is supposed to be protecting you, the land his wife —your mother— was gifted, and the ponies who live on it. On top of all this, he fails to keep in touch with me… Oh, and by the way, June, I’m your godmother,” she seethed. Her sidelong glance tore into Jakob.

The big man had the good sense to at least look abashed. “You have an empire to run.”

“Jakob, we’re family,” she nearly shouted, her wings half flared. “I get you are a private individual and that you were the product of two hermits getting together for five seconds on top of the same mountain peak, but this does not work when you have a child and a thousand other responsibilities to take care of!”

The sour man’s face became even more so.

“Had this comin’,” muttered the old mare as she puttered back into the kitchen.

June, by this time, was staring at Cadence. She had never seen anypony challenge Father like this. Her wide eyes blinked once, then twice, rapidly. Godmother?

“I have a godmother?” she questioned. “Father, is Princess Cadence really my godmother?”

Father mumbled something under his breath in his own language, his hand on the table balling up into a clenching fist. “I heard reporters,” he managed when he did look back up. “Let us talk about them. Why?”

“The plan,” Cadence said with a huff, “was to bring you back into high society—” she held up a hoof as his features darkened “—because you have been out of the public eye for so long that questions were being asked. Celestia and Luna are reluctant, yet willing to let you do things the way you want, as they cannot be seen meddling. However, they are worried, perhaps even more so than I am, about the future of your barony and June. I can meddle because the nobility recognizes me as family, because I adopted Kaga officially into my family.” Cadence stabbed a hoof at him, rolling it in the air, “As well as you, for some inexplicable reason.”

The pink mare appeared worn. “Jakob,” she begged, “you need allies. You need the right ponies who will look after your interests and help you with securing June’s future. You might not want the politics, but the politics want you.”

“I gave her the presents you sent her,” Jakob managed, his beard bristling. “Told her it was from a friend of the family.” The man aged right before his daughter’s eyes. “Never wanted to expose her to those… ponies.” His eyes became flinty, “Cadence, I am a warrior. Born, raised, and blooded. I was never taught how to play the game of kings and queens. My specialty was war. My comfort is on the battlefield. This,” his arm swept over the room, “I was never prepared for any of this!”

“Yet this has become one of the most prosperous baronies in recent Equestrian history.” The princess gave him a look. “Everything around here was built up in the last eight years because of you. I don’t buy the ‘I’m just a warrior’ excuse from you, Jakob. You adapt. You overcome. You do better. This village is a perfect example of what you can do when you set your mind to it. That’s why I wanted to bring the reporters in, to show that you have not been negligent in your duties concerning the welfare of your ponies,” she sighed, “I had no idea they were planning on going off on their own to get their own interview. I... apologize for that.” 

“I am... sorry.” Jakob scratched at his beard, not at all comfortable.

The princess flicked her ears, one, then the other, “It’s not entirely your fault. You heard about the Storm King’s invasion? You can’t be that backwater to know nothing of it.”

“The incident three years ago?” A shaggy black brow rose.

“Incident,” she growled with a roll of her eyes. The mare suddenly turned to June, “Incident, he says! Canterlot was invaded.”

“Again?” he offered, looking oddly surprised.

“Never mind that! Not the point!” she growled as her hackles came up. “It only lasted a couple of weeks before everything was settled. But I would like to stress it made things easier for you because of the administrative disaster that happened in the aftermath of the invasion.”

“Who is this Storm King?” Jakob asked.

“He’s dead now,” Cadence wore a look of distaste. “You can’t make him any deader.” 

“Ah,” came the reply.

“You sound disappointed,” Cadence deadpanned.

“Maybe. A little?” he admitted with a shrug. “Haven’t had a good fight in a while. How, and why, was I not notified?”

“It happened too fast for anypony to get a distress call out,” she told him with a shake of her head, “and it was over in less than two weeks. He was defeated, my aunts were put back in power, and Twilight had to relearn some lessons of friendship. Honestly, I worry about that mare.” She shook her head. “In any case, communications were down. Magic was non-existent.”

“Again?” Jakob parroted.

Cadence gave him a flinty stare, sipping her tea. “You’re lucky I love you. So uncivilized.”

“Father?” June piped up, having watched the conversation with rapt attention.

“Hmm?” he turned to her.

“Is Cadence my godmother?”

“Yes.”

“And you never told me?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“I do not know.”

“You don’t know?” Cadence and June asked in perfect sync.

“How is Shining Armor?” Jakob deflected.

“He’s fine. He would have been here, but Flurry Heart has a cold.” Cadence pursed her lips, then added, “Don’t evade the question. Did you think I was going to take June away from you?”

“What? No.”

“Are you going senile?”

“Possibly.”

“I—” the alicorn paused, staring at the big man, “You know, I would not be surprised. Flurry Heart is five, by the way, and thank you for the card two years after the fact.”

Jakob just shrugged and took his first drink from his mug.

“June,” Cadence began as she rubbed her temple with a hoof, “Sometimes I can’t tell if your father is messing with my head or if he’s really the way he’s putting himself out to be.”

             "Father is a hopeless lump," the girl stated, took a pull from her glass, then glared at Jakob while sporting a milk mustache.

              "And a deceptive one at that," agreed the mare.

Jakob grumbled to himself. He found solace in his tankard. As he did so, Mama Swayback emerged from the kitchen with a large tray of food on her back. “Soup’s on!” she told the table. “Vegetable soup, fresh picked this mornin’. Fresh bread, butter, honey... all the fixins’ ya’ll want.” The cheerful mare greeted each of those seated at the table as she set bowls and spoons in front of them. When she served Jakob last, she grinned, “Ain’t the princess a hoot?”

“Something like that,” he conceded before grabbing his own bowl. After a few spoonfuls, he nodded in approval. “It is good. Thank you.”

Cadence, with her spoon held in the grip of her magic, wagged it at the big man. “I’ve seen planks of wood with more personality than you,” she said with a straight face.

He grunted.

“Let him eat, princess,” Mama Swayback told the alicorn. “You don’ tore into him pretty good. He deserves a break before you start wailing on him again. Try the soup. Papa spent all mornin’ gettin’ it ready. As a matter of fact, all you need to just eat. Save the talkin’ for after the eatin’.”

“Thank you, Mama,” June chirped, her legs swinging beneath her. She licked her lips before shoveling soup into her mouth with gusto.

While the two brutalized their food with veracity that could be considered a war crime, Cadence watched with horrified fascination. Father and daughter mimicked each other; slurping loudly, their heads hovering over their bowls, their spoons stabbing at the soup with the fury of a bayonet charge. 

She took a polite sip of her soup. She found it delectable. Why did some of the tiniest villages have some of the best-tasting food?

“It’s lovely,” Cadence complimented Mama, but her eyes did not meet the old mare. Instead, the alicorn found she could not tear her eyes from the horror of what could only be described as ‘an unbridled assault upon even the most basic levels of dinner table etiquette’. It was such an amazing display of paganistic culinary worship. It was not impossible to picture a ritualistic sacrifice might happen at any given moment—

Jakob tore off a chunk of bread from the loaf and savagely drowned it in his bowl. He pulled it up from its unceremonious dunking before cramming it into his mouth.

—aaand there it was!

June followed suit. A little savage, wolfing down her meal, mimicking her father in the most absurd ways.

Cadence took another dainty spoonful of her own meal, aware that June was staring back at her. The girl paused in her meal, blinked, then turned her head to her father. He on the other hand, continued to eat, fully ignoring the alicorn. June caught his attention and she tilted her head towards the princess. The girl was conscious of the muted expression of awe and horror and again turned to her father. Her face questioned.

“When you are done eating,” he told her, one cheek still bulging, as though imitating a demented squirrel, “Marely needs to get your measurements and you need to pick out your clothes. Once you do that, you may play with your friends.” For a moment, his eyes roamed until they fell on Cadence, seeing the same, unchanged expression his daughter had witnessed before focusing back on his soup. More bread was torn from the loaf. 

There was another baptism.

Sharks have better table manners, Cadence thought. Oddly enough, she did not lose her appetite. Having foalsat who was now the newest member to the ranks of alicorns, she had witnessed what fate befell any hayburger to come before the former student of Princess Celestia. In a sense, she was numb to the barbarity happening in front of her eyes now.

Despite the appearance of a chaotic dining experience, the pair were not sloppy eaters. Everything, save for some crumbs, stayed in their bowls. Father and daughter ate fast, chewed loud, and swallowed as though speed was of the essence. There was little small talk. There was only food. There was hope for some semblance of manners when June sawed off a hunk of bread from the violated loaf and applied butter and honey to it with precise swipes of a butter knife.

“Sergeant Sentry,” she called out. Jakob flicked his eyes up at her, noticed she was not paying attention, and picked up his bowl. He drained its contents into his mouth, his beard now sporting bits of bread.

A yellow pegasus with blue hair appeared, poking his head through the front door. “Ma’am?”

“Be a dear and find those two reporters, Picture Perfect and Truth Written, please.” Cadence smiled at him, “We would like to have a word with them. They have stepped beyond their bounds and they need to be reminded as to why they were asked to come with Us at Our request.”

“Yes, ma’am!” he saluted, before darting off.

Flash Sentry was a dependable stallion.

“You do not normally use the royal ‘we’,” Jakob noted as he wiped his beard with a napkin.

He’s using a napkin! There is hope yet! 

Cadence shrugged, “I do dust it off from time to time. It does have its uses, but I really hate to unless I think the situation merits.” Her tail flicked as she shifted in her seat.

“Did Rainbow Dash have children?” he then asked. This caught Cadence off guard. “One of those reporters, Picture Perfect, I think, said so. Is it true?”

“If you had bothered to keep in touch,” Cadence singsonged, tilting her head from one side to the other as she did, “then you would know she is currently married, has twin foals, both fillies, and has not been removed from the Wonderbolt roster. Why are you curious?”

Folding his arms over his chest, he snorted, “She was the first pony I drank with. She was the only pony who would drink with me. She is a friend. Is she well?”

“She is happy, from last time I spoke to her.”

“Good,” he grunted. His attention went to June. “Are you finished?” Jakob asked. The girl nodded, pushing her bowl away from her. “Go see Marely, then you can go play with your friends.”

“Thank you, Father,” June beamed at him. She hopped out of her chair and was already running out the door, and calling out, “Nice meeting you, Princess Cadence!”

“She is adorable, yet tough,” she observed.

“She reminds me of her mother and more so every day,” Jakob’s tone had a hint of sadness.

“It must be difficult, being a single father.”

The man blew air through his nose. “It is not easy.”

“How was the diaper stage for you?” she gave him a cheeky grin.

“Not so bad once you got past the smell,” his brows furrowed. “However, cleaning them was not pleasant.”

“How did you feed her?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“I’m curious! We have eight years of catching up to do. I’m her godmother, Jakob!”

The big man sighed and leaned forward, bracing his elbows on top of the table. “Marely offered to be her wet nurse. I accepted and rendered payment for her services until June was weaned. I watched a feeding once. Marely had privacy after that.”

“Did you ever think of finding another mare?” Cadence asked, genuinely curious. “Even just for companionship?” She held up her hooves defensively when his face darkened at the questions. “I ask because I care! Please don’t get upset! I know how much Kaga meant to you! Believe me, I of all ponies know!” Her horn lit up and a barrier appeared around the table.

Jakob stared at the alicorn, his face unreadable.

“Do you trust me, Jakob? Do you trust me with your thoughts and your fears? Do you trust me with your concerns and all the things that bother you? Are you truly happy, Jakob? Do you think Kaga would want to see you not sharing your life with another? Eight years, Jakob. Eight years and not a peep from you and how June was doing. We gave you that time because we knew you were mourning. We all mourned for Kaga. But eight damned years! Eight!” Tears had formed, streamed, and fell as she poured out her heart, “We’re family you big doofus! Family is so important to us ponies. It’s important to me! It was important to Kaga!”

The man looked away and let out a slow, deliberate breath. “I am sorry, Cadence.”

The princess rose from her seat and went to him. She placed a hoof on his forearm as she sat. “Today would have been her birthday.”

She was surprised when a big hand covered her hoof. “Yes,” he rumbled in a voice muted by a tremble of emotion. The fingers squeezed gently and were removed.

“I would like to go with you, and say hello to her, if I may.”

“You are welcome to come. You are welcome to stay the night if you wish. There is much to discuss,” Jakob said softly as he regarded her. 

“We could have imposed on you,” Cadence sighed. “I could have made time to visit, or Luna or Celestia could have. Twilight could have made a Friendship Visit, if anything. But, everything was in shambles and things beyond our control kept on happening. I have regrets, Jakob. I just think we are as much at fault as you are.”

“Our responsibilities are necessary burdens,” Jakob countered, his features having softened. “We lose track of time. We focus on what is before us, and not what lies beyond the horizon. We avoid the past. Of all the pony princesses, you were the one I missed the most.”

Cadence smiled at him, “I think you’re just saying that because you know you’re guilty.”

“No, I am saying that because you are here.”

“Oh, and what if it was Celestia or Luna or Twilight instead of me?”

The man chuckled and fished into his pockets. He threw a few bits on the table. “What do you think?”

Cadence gave it a thought, then puffed her cheeks as she found herself glaring at the man. “You’re an impossible brute, you know that?”

He responded by reaching over and scratching the princess between the ears. “But you love me anyway,” Jakob told her. With a thumb, he wiped a tear from her cheek. “Drop the barrier and let us see what June picked out for clothing. We can talk more while she plays with her friends. Marely should have the wagon loaded by then. Then, we will go home.”
> Four.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Hello and Goodbye




Jakob pulled and tugged at the ropes which fastened his purchases to the wagon. He scrutinized each and every knot. The wagon was piled high with goods packed with care. There were enough supplies for the next month for himself and June. Bottles were muffled safely beneath padding and stowed in a corner, while boxes had been carefully packed around them, other heavy items on the floor of the wagon. The more fragile items were placed carefully at the top. Marely was familiar with how to load a wagon to Jacob’s strict guidelines, and the two young earth ponies —in the midst of their respective journeys of transitioning from colts to stallions— who helped pack it had learned to follow her lead. She yelled, loud and proud, whenever they made a mistake. The whole hamlet was aware when one or the other dropped the proverbial ball.

They were quite anxious as the human examined their hoofwork, his stony face left them to wonder if they had somehow failed. Marely, however, wore a pleased look and rolled her eyes as the two stallions quaked in their hooves.

The human gave one final tug at the ropes. He stood back, his hands on his hips. He gave a tilt of his chin. “It is good.”

“Glad to hear that,” she beamed. “Is the total on the bill all right?”

“It is fair.” Jakob fished a bag of bits from his belt and held it out to the mare. “There is enough extra to tip your nephews.” 

The sound of clinking coin brought erect ears and broad smiles.

Meanwhile, Cadence stood off to the side and watched the transaction take place with a great deal of interest. Where else in Equestria would one witness a baron conduct business with the common pony on deliberately equal footing? Though grouchy, he was fair, listened to his subjects, and respected them. All had a voice, from the strongest to the weakest, and were equal. Jakob listened and heard them. He was approachable, she noted, despite his rather stonewall demeanor. These ponies were used to him, understood for the most part his character. They knew their business, and he was content to allow them to conduct said business as they saw fit. 

But how?

He’s had eight years to establish a rapport with the ponies, Cadence reasoned. Which begged the question, How long did it take to create trust between them? Jakob can be difficult and hides his emotions, which a lot of ponies would find disturbing. The princess chewed her bottom lip. She was dying to know!

It was fascinating to see and hear the love the ponies of Berryville had for Jakob, and June. Feeling it, however, swelled the alicorn’s heart. She felt glad to witness all of this, the results of a dearly departed friend’s efforts to make something good happen in the wake of her passing.

Kaga, you would have been proud to have seen this. Cadence wiped a tear from an eye. She smiled. The delighted shrieks of foals drew her attention to the far end of the street. Off to the side, in the grass, June was in the middle of a serious game of duck duck goose. She did an admirable job as the goose, chasing a laughing colt around a circle of other foals. Her bare feet pounded the grass. Your daughter has grown to be a beautiful, healthy young lady, full of life and enjoying every minute. For all his faults, Jakob has managed to do well for all of those around him, even if he is driving us insane with his lack of communication.

	Cadence did hope the woman was looking down upon this moment from somewhere and smiling.

“Ma’am?” a tactful voice rose in her ear, “are you all right?”

The princess glanced to the side, recognized the speaker. “Fizzlepop, where have you been?”

“Securing the perimeter,” came her no-nonsense reply. “Sergeant Sentry is still looking out for those reporters. It would not be too far-fetched to assume they knew they made a bad judgement call and are on their way home with their tails tucked between their legs. We are a bit too close to griffon raiders out here. I still think it was a mistake to bring so few guards, with all due respect, princess.”

Cadence turned fully to face the speaker. A pair of piercing opal eyes awaited her, owned by a unicorn mare with a dark orchid coat. Her mane was the color of red roses, standing up to a moderate length at the front, becoming shorter towards the nape of her neck. She was larger than the average unicorn, her figure athletic and well-toned. Where her horn had once been was little more than a jagged lump. Over her right eye was a vertical scar running from the base of her horn down to the middle of her cheek.

Cadence shook her head, “Raiders would be dissatisfied with their good health if they wanted to raid this barony.” A smirk formed as she looked back at Jakob. “He is the most dangerous baron in Equestria, after all.”

“There is not a lot of information on him,” the unicorn replied, unimpressed. “He has no magic, only brute strength and the ability to heal most wounds. There isn’t much personality, from what I can see. Then again, there is much more to him than meets the eye.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

“All but the most basic of information about Baron Jakob Gray was purged before the Storm King invaded. Deliberately, I might add. I tried to send eyes to scout him out, but there was a schedule to keep and we had no idea this place existed. He wasn’t an alicorn and therefore not a priority target. Who would try to hide a military asset?” Fizzlepop said, her short tail swished behind her. “Right now, I can’t see how he’s this impressive warrior I’ve heard about, unless scowling can melt faces and make ponies soil themselves.”

Cadence had a memory of Prince Blueblood come to mind. 

“You have no idea,” she murmured. “Does Jakob seem like a brute to you?”

“At first look? Yes. But, upon a second, he’s more than that,” the unicorn frowned. “It’s in his eyes, the way he carries himself, and the scars. He’s been in a few scrapes. Widower, father, reclusive, honorable, and the epitome of no-nonsense dealings.”

“Anything you like?” Cadence teased.

“No,” Fizzlepop rolled her eyes, “and stop trying to set me up with the first male you point me out to. With all due respect, Highness.”

“Would you like to introduce yourself?”

“Why?” the unicorn asked flatly.

“To make a friend, of course.”

“I think I could get more of a friendship from a pet rock than him.”

“Please?” Cadence pouted. “Do if for Twilight.”

Fizzlepop clicked her teeth with a sigh “Fine.”

“Oh, good!” the princess squee’d. “Jakob!” she cried out “Can I introduce you to one of my friends?”

“Who is this?” the big man asked, his attention already locked on the unicorn. 

She had to admit: the human had a formidable stare that could hold somepony in place. Cadence nudged her with an elbow. Fizzlepop shot her a look. “My name is Fizzlepop Berrytwist,” she began, then turned her attention back to the man, “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She offered her hoof in greeting. Her smile was diplomatic, at best.

Jakob bent at the waist and balled up a fist. Reaching out, his knuckles met her hoof in a bump. “I am Jakob. Are you thinking what I am thinking?” he asked, flicking his eyes at Cadence.

“Meddling princesses should not be trusted?”

The mouth of the princess formed a large ‘o’, “I object!”

“We are going to get along just fine,” he nodded. “Cadence, daylight is wasting. I need to start heading home now before it gets dark. June!” he raised his chin and his voice, “we are leaving! Say your farewells and let us be off!”

“That’s no—”

“Princess of Love spreading love wherever she goes?” he pointed a finger at her with an arched brow.

“That’s not what I was trying to do!” She made another cute pout with the stomp of a hoof. “Fizzlepop has combat experience and I thought you would like to talk to somepony who could relate to your history.”

“This is an impressive hole you are digging yourself. Please, do go on,” he told her with a sigh. To Fizzlepop, he then asked, “Tell me, were you looking to find a mate?”

“Not high on my list of agendas,” she admitted with a shake of her head. “I can’t say I blame her. Each of the princesses have their specialties. It’s only natural Princess Cadence would want to spread love. It is what she does.”

“Indeed it is.”

Fizzlepop studied the wagon for a moment. “You intend to haul the load yourself?”

“As I always have, yes. It is not difficult.”

Having recovered from the accusations set upon her, Cadence chirped, “Jakob enjoys physical labor.”

“A warrior with endurance?” Fizzlepop asked, curiosity alighting in her gaze. “With power? What about agility?”

“I do not think I have your level of agility, from what I can guess,” Jakob said. “It has also been a while since my last battle. I do not miss it.” He went to the front of the wagon and began to put on the harness.

By now, June had finished her goodbyes and was running towards them. The girl covered from head to toe in dust and grime, a huge smile plastered on her face. She appeared tireless. Marely was waiting for her with a glass of water and a damp towel. The mare fussed over the girl as she drank before the pair exchanged hugs and said their goodbyes. June’s friends had trailed behind her, little hooves waving in farewell.

Jakob was on his way. He gave a nod to Marely. 

“Come,” he announced to his daughter, “We are leaving,” 

And off they went.







There was little small talk early in the journey home. The sun had begun its slow descent for the horizon and the sky was beginning to show fringes of orange. The breeze was gentle, rolling across the road and carrying a few birds with it. A cold bite flowed in the air, promising a chilly night. 

Jakob and Cadence were engaged in quiet conversation and did not look like they wanted to be disturbed.

June found herself drawn to the mare with the broken horn. The unicorn walked a dozen paces ahead of Father, her eyes always scanning about, her ears erect and listening. As far as ponies went, she was the most serious one she had ever seen. The impressive scar over her eye was, well... impressive! Being the curious child that she was, the girl wanted to ask the obvious questions. The mare was pretty, especially her eyes, June thought to herself.

Skipping past Father, she was soon alongside the newcomer. “Is your name really Fizzlepop Berrytwist?” she asked when courage found her voice.

“Is your name really a month of the summer?” countered the mare with a touch of snark.

“Yep!” the girl giggled. “I was named after the month I was born in. I turn nine next month!”

“Good for you, kid,” Fizzlepop replied. “Yes, that is my name. I haven’t used it my whole life, but it was the name my parents gave me. I only began owning it again a couple of years ago.”

“June! Do not bother the mare.”

“I’m only asking questions, Father!” she called back.

“It’s fine,” Fizzlepop echoed. To June, she asked, “So, at what point are you going to ask about my horn or my scar? I know you’re dying to know. You keep staring at them.”

“I didn’t want to be rude. Father says I shouldn’t be rude to others.”

“Did he say the same about staring?”

June’s smile faded. “I’m sorry.”

The unicorn shook her head, “No, it’s all right. The scars are a story of how lucky I am, really,” Fizzlepop began, smiling. “Let’s see, I was a filly, a little younger than you by a year or two. My horn was whole and my face was unblemished. My friends and I went into the woods to play. We weren’t supposed to go in them, because the woods were dangerous and full of monsters.”

“Oh!” June exclaimed. “Why did you go in there if you weren’t supposed to?”

“My friends and I weren’t very bright,” admitted Fizzlepop with a wry smile. “We were unicorns and we had magic. What could possibly go wrong?”

June had drawn closer to the mare without knowing.

“Well, we lost the ball and it went into a cave. I went after it, because my friends were afraid of the dark. I wasn’t afraid and I was going to show them!” A bitter smile formed, then gave way to a sigh of acceptance, “In the cave was an Ursa Minor. Have you heard of them?”

“Big star bears?” guessed June.

A short chuckle emanated from Fizzlepop’s throat, “Yes, a big star bear. But this one was a cub. It was his cave and I had woken him up from his nap. By then, I had found my ball and held it up above my head in my telekinetic grip. I had conquered the dark, but had not seen the bear. He was focused on my ball, as it was bright and red. It saved my life. He swiped at the ball, but his paw was large and his claws were long. He took my ball, my horn, and left me with this.” She pointed at her scar with a hoof. “My friends ran away, leaving me behind. The shock of losing my horn made me black out.”

“How did you get home?”

“On my own. I was too small for the bear. He left me alone after the magic sparking out of the base of my horn spooked him. Unicorns aren’t very good at handling having a broken horn. It doesn’t grow back. The shock alone should have killed me, but it didn’t.” Fizzlepop inhaled deeply. “It was what started my long, spiraling road of bad choice after bad choice. I was not a good pony. The pain of having a broken horn made me irritable and always angry. My friends tried to help, but I was blinded by the pain and thought they had abandoned me to the bear. So,” she declared, blunt in her recollection, “I ran away from home. I was spiteful and the pain never went away.”

June then asked, “Why did the pain never go away?”

“The nerve cluster at the base of my horn was exposed to the air. It was very painful, like having a bad headache that is always there. Nothing you can do can quell it. There are medicines out there that help, but that would mean putting me in a coma. But, my parents did not understand this. They had never heard of a broken horn. They were still trying to figure out how to help me when I took matters into my own hooves and ran away.”

Fizzlepop suddenly felt arms wrapping around her neck. She came to a sudden stop. “I’m sorry you went through that,” the girl mumbled into her fur. 

“Uh, everything is better now, June,” the unicorn stuttered as she patted the girl awkwardly on her back with a hoof. “Princess?” she turned her neck, eyes pleading.

“You’ll have to learn to care and feed her yourself,” Cadence said with an absolute straight face. “Raising a human can be a difficult, yet rewarding undertaking. I think you’re ready. I’m so proud of you!”

Jakob plowed on, swiveling his head to watch as he hauled the wagon. The man then snorted and continued on, shaking his head. A chuckle rumbled from his chest.

Meanwhile, June looked up from her hug and at Fizzlepop. “Don’t you like me?” she asked, her lower lip quivering.

“Her mother was a master manipulator.” Cadence eyed the embracing pair with a critical eye. “The apple does not fall far from the tree!”

Fizzlepop stared down at the clingy girl. The girl stared right back. “You know what,” she said, “I think we’re going to get along just fine. I don’t normally deal with kids, but I’ve been told I need to get better at socializing.”

“You and Father should sit down and talk,” June said as she let go of the mare. The pair resumed their walk. “I think he needs to talk to more ponies, but he’s always working. He helps me with my homework and spends time with me, but I think he needs to make more friends. Father just doesn’t have a lot in common with ponies, other than hard work.”

The unicorn was beginning to see June in a different light. “You’ve got some decent insight for someone so young,” she noted.

The girl grinned, “Father says sometimes I’m impossible!”

“And adorable.”

“You think so?”

“You’ve got a nice attitude, kid. There aren’t too many photographs of you on file, and they’re all baby pictures,” Fizzlepop told her. “I read up on what I could about your father when Princess Cadence announced an informal visit. I’m sorry about your mom.”

“It’s okay,” June answered with a smile. “I never knew her, but Father says she’s always watching over me. That’s why I have to be a good girl, so I don’t make Mother sad.”

The unicorn’s eyes enlarged for a moment, then she looked away. “That is a...sweet thing to say and a beautiful way to honor your mother,” Fizzlepop whispered with a small smile. “Come on, let’s not keep the others waiting.”







Cadence only wanted a few of her guards to follow, namely Fizzlepop Berrytwist, to accompany her… which really turned a ‘few’ into the singular. Flash Sentry was still off looking for the pair of reporters, others were out and about doing their jobs, and the rest staying in Berryville, spending their bits on what the locals had to offer.

Jakob had busied himself unloading the wagon, with June taking things into the cottage. Fizzlepop assisted, upon Cadence’s request. She wanted to pay her respects alone. The man had understood and pointed the way.

Cadence sat beneath the shadow of a great oak tree. The hill upon which it sat offered a spectacular view of the setting sun. Her attention was not on the descending orb. A small headstone almost buried in flowers held her attention. Cadence suspected the bouquets had grown in number over the course of the day as those who had known Kaga had paid their respects quietly. Some were from ponies she knew, most were tokens of remembrance from unknown souls. 

Instead of flowers, the princess pulled from the aether a candle. It was a simple-looking candle, really. Crafted with magic from four alicorns over the past few years, it was a final gift, and it would require a fifth to create the desired effect. The Princess of Love hoped it would work. Even if it did not, the gesture, she hoped, would not be lost on Jakob.  The gift was not intended for him, but for June.

Cadence felt the tears form, her lower lip quivering. She sat in the grass before the final resting place of her dearest friend. After all these years, there was still the guilt. The emotions, her cheeks grew wet. Unable to stop herself, the princess sobbed quietly. For several minutes her sorrow poured out, her blurred vision never leaving the simple, unmarked stone. 

For the short time Kaga had been a part of this world, she had been a beacon. Her greatest joy had been her daughter, and Cadence remembered. The day after her passing, the Princess of Love was determined to do something for June. For a time, she had been upset, even angry at Jakob for not letting her be a part of the child’s life. She understood his hurt. 

After some time, the tears slowed. Composure was regained and there was a deep breath as she closed her eyes. When they opened, she considered the candle and what it meant to her... and what it might mean for June.

The sun cast its dying rays over the land. Cadence glanced at the horizon, again, and inhaled deeply. When she exhaled, she placed the candle at the top of the stone. She smiled only when she was satisfied it would not fall.

“Well,” she began with a sniffle, “this wasn’t exactly what I had planned, Kaga. Happy birthday. I had wanted to do this years ago. Life happened, really. Everypony misses you. There is so much I want to tell you! Your daughter is beautiful, bright, outgoing and everything you could have ever wished for. You would be so proud of her!” Her eyes threatened to make water again. “I see so much of you in June. It’s uncanny and the first time I saw her, I almost thought it was you, just because of her personality!” she laughed and managed to cry at the same time. “I miss you and now I’m babbling like a foal.”

“I hate it when I’m like this,” the princess blinked away her tears. “I should tell you what’s happened since you’ve been gone…”

The moon rose as the night claimed the skies. Cadence spoke of the current events and the things Kaga would have loved to have talked about. She hoped her friend was listening.

It was midnight when she made her way down the hill, beneath the boughs of the great oak tree. Jakob was waiting for her, sitting outside the cottage in a rocking chair. Without a word, he offered her a drink and an open chair next to him. 

Together they shared a starry night sky. No words were exchanged.

None were needed.
> Five.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Breakfast


	

June awoke in a cocoon of pink fur and feathers. Her arms were wrapped around something big, warm, and fuzzy. It felt nice, she decided, letting sleep and awake have a sluggish tug-of-war with each other. Snuggling into the fuzzy goodness, the girl was content to stay where she was, in perfect comfort. A gap in the curtains at the window snuck in shafts of morning light.

An urgency she was too sleepy to identify was telling her to get up.

She could hear voices in the house. June became more aware of them as sleep fell away. Opening her eyes, she found she had a full view of Cadence’s face. The princess was fast asleep, her chest slowly rising and falling with every breath. A wing had been draped over June sometime while they slept, her powerful wing muscles manipulating the girl into her hooves. A content smile adorned her muzzle. An eye fluttered open, focused, and found June.

“Good morning,” the alicorn yawned. “I think I am in your bed.”

“This is my bed,” confirmed the girl. “You feel nice.”

“Kind of you to say,” smiled Cadence, “but I’m sure I’ve got bed mane, bad breath, and misaligned primaries. Still, you do have a comfortable bed and you are nice to snuggle with. Reminds me of when Flurry would climb into bed in the middle of the night. I’ll wake up and she’d be in my hooves, like you are right now.” She nuzzled June, “Makes my mommy hormones kick in.”

“Can I get up, please?” June asked, squirming. She knew what the urgency was now.

Cadence became self-conscious of where her wings and limbs were. “Oh, I’m sorry, am I smothering you?”

“I have to pee!”

The princess became aware of her own biology. “Me too,” she grumbled, kicking out her legs and giving a mighty yawn. Sliding to her hooves, Cadence glanced around the room. The bed was pushed up to one corner. It was large enough for three ponies. Pillows were piled up against the wall on the mattress. The pair had made a nest of others. A vague memory of rooting around the bed and gathering nesting materials while hovering over the sleeping girl made the mare nicker.

There was a bookshelf built into the wall. It was crammed with toys and books. There was a tall wicker basket near the door. In another corner was a desk and chair. A candle sat in a lantern, one not unfamiliar with the princess. It was the common tool of students who lived too far from a school. Schooling Through Correspondence had recently gone through several revisions starting half a decade ago, spearheaded by, of course, Princess Twilight Sparkle. The lantern bore her mark. There were signs of homework arranged neatly on the desk. Not wanting to be too nosy, Cadence gave them a pass.

She would ask the girl how her schooling was doing.

It was a godmother’s privilege, after all.

Her curiosity grew beyond the walls of June’s room after noting the dresser. The room itself seemed larger than the cottage. She could sense the magic in this home and though she was a far cry from an expert in magic infused architectural design, expansion magic had been used. Enchanting a home to appear larger on the inside than it was physically on the outside was expensive, even prohibitively so for most. It involved not only opening dimensional portals between physical space, but stabilizing them as a permanent part of the house.

Poking her head out of the girl’s room, the alicorn knew she was not wrong in her deduction. The hallway before her stretched for several pony lengths. There were five other doors sharing the corridor. The wood floor was polished and dark. The walls were painted an off-white. No, it was not a mansion, but this home was large enough for a family of four or five.

Her nostrils caught the scent of food and...coffee! Her stomach rumbled. Ears perked up. She still had to relieve herself.

“Where’s the bathroom?” she asked herself. Trotting in place, she stared at each door and wondered which one sweet relief lay behind.

One of the doors opened on her left. June stepped out. A flushing toilet could be heard.

Cadence was dancing the ‘Distract the Bladder’ dance in the hallway. “Saved!” she sang.







The interior design was a custom job. The living room was large and sunken into the floor. There was a fireplace dominating one wall. Two large and plush couches commanded the floor with a coffee table between them. The ceiling raised up to the roof, the support beams visible. At each of the couches were end tables. There was also a dining room and a kitchen, both sharing the same space and divided by a breakfast counter. 

Fizzlepop was sitting at the table, nursing a cup of coffee, a bored expression on her muzzle. June was busy drawing something at the table, glancing at the mare with the look of a master artist in the throes of her magnum opus.

It was a beautiful, expensive home, but nothing as opulent as some other dimensional expansion homes Cadence had seen. She felt the design was practical, the open ceiling and rafters set up to accommodate guests with wings. The alicorn wondered if this was the final design Kaga had chosen to raise her family in. The woman had wanted any and all welcome in her home, within reason.

Jakob was in the kitchen, working with a sizzling skillet over the stove. He appeared to have already showered and was dressed in a clean pair of pants and a sleeveless shirt. There were scars crisscrossing his arms. Seeing the man in such a domestic state made Cadence do a double take. She covered her smile with a hoof.

“Good morning,” she announced as she entered the dining room. Seating herself, Cadence took a moment to stare at Jakob, squinting as her nostrils caught enticing scents from his cooking.

Fizzlepop looked up and raised her mug, “Princess. I hope you slept well.”

“You brushed your mane!” June pouted as she stared at the alicorn. “I liked it the other way.”

Cadence made a face. “Ha-ha, not funny. I have horrid bed mane and no thank you, June, I like to have my mane in a more manageable state, thank you very much.” Thinking of who was not here, she regarded the unicorn, “I slept very well, thank you. Ah, has Sergeant Sentry reported back yet? It shouldn’t take long to find a pair of reporters.”

“Nothing yet,” answered Fizzlepop. She sipped her cup, “He did report in just after sunup. He took two of ours from Berryville to help him follow some leads.” A note floated up from the table and over to the princess. 

Cadence scanned over the hurried script on the paper. “I wonder why he’s having difficulty finding them, unless they know they made a mistake and are in the process of making things worse instead of owning up to it.”

Jakob was doling out food from his skillet to plates. An intense look of concentration contorted his features. “I can ask Cassandra to help,” he offered in his rumbling voice. “June, come grab these plates and the silverware.”

“Who is Cassandra?” Fizzlepop asked.

June slid from her chair and went around the counter. “Aunt Cassy is a changeling queen,” she said.

The unicorn raised her brows. “Changeling queen? I thought Chrysalis was the only queen. And why do you have connections to a changeling queen, Baron Gray?”

Cadence winced. “I had forgotten about her,” she said, knitting her brows together. “Queen Cassandra represents— correct me if I’m wrong, Jakob —the peacekeeping force employed by the barony in place of the contingent of guards the Crown can offer.”

June began serving the mares. 

“She keeps to herself,” Jakob said, leaning on the counter. “There was an arrangement made without my knowledge. I know nothing about other changelings, but Cassandra lives with the belief of owing a life debt that transitions from generation to generation. She and her lineage are sworn to June” —he pointed at his daughter— “because at some point, Kaga saved her life and offered Cassandra a chance for a fresh start. I do not know when or how this happened. The bug horse has been evasive, she does not like me, but I am certain she would happily give her life to protect my daughter.”

“Father, Aunt Cassy likes you. She just doesn’t think much of males.”

“I need not explain further,” deadpanned the big man.

Fizzlepop eyed her food, her nostrils inhaling the aroma. “Any changeling queen is a dangerous wildcard. Can she be trusted? That’s what I want to know.”

“You could ask her,” suggested Jakob. “She is right behind you.”

The unicorn spun in her seat, the base of her shattered horn crackling with wild magic.

In the corner sat the imposing figure of what was unmistakably a changeling. “Good morning,” she greeted them with a predatory smile. “Breakfast smells wonderful. Nothing for me, of course. Solid foods aren’t my thing. A girl’s got to watch her figure, after all.”

Cadence froze in her chair, her eyes wide. “Jakob!” she squeaked.

The queen focused her attention on the Alicorn of Love and gave a polite bob of her head, “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. The love you give is an inspiration for me and my children to do better. I am Queen Cassandra, formerly Queen Avarice, renamed and repurposed by Lady Kaga Gray, so I might provide protection in the name of House Gray and its bloodline, so invoked by the Diarchs, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”

“Hi Aunt Cassy!” June ran over and hugged the changeling.

“Good morning, my little dear,” gushed the queen, returning the affection. Her wings buzzed off and on. “Oh, that is delicious. Always a treat! Thank you, June. This is so much more productive than invading a city and trying to force love from sapients that in the end, will end up just hating you.”

“Is she supposed to be in here?” Fizzlepop asked, eyeing Cassandra warily.

“Yes.” Jakob was pouring two cups of coffee.

By now, Cadence had recovered from her shock. She assumed a diplomatic role, an apology already streaming smoothly from her lips, “Forgive me for not being prepared to receive you, Queen Cassandra.”

The changeling was nuzzling June. She lifted her head, shaking it with a smile, “Think nothing of it, princess.” She assumed a thoughtful and exaggerated expression, “Now why had I come here? Ah, yes, I do have information on your two little ponies, if you are interested.”

“Speak,” commanded Jakob as he nudged Cadence, offering her a steaming cup.

The queen stared at him for a moment, then rolled her eyes. “Bandits, in the northern part of the foothills,” she said, sweeping her gaze back and forth between Cadence and Fizzlepop. “Four leagues from here by foot. They’re holed up in an old, abandoned keep. I think your two reporters were taken by them. From the looks of what they have, they’ve been going after griffons and are using your land as a staging ground.”

“How long have you known?” Jakob asked. He sipped his coffee.

Cassandra tilted her head to one side, one mulish ear twitching, “One of my children spotted them and followed early last evening. As per procedure, I asked for some intelligence to be gathered before committing to submitting the report I am giving you right this very moment.”

The man nodded, mulling over the information as he scratched his chin, “Fair enough. I need to change. Then we can get going. You can fill me in on the way.”

“Wait,” Cadence perked her ears, her eyes wide with alarm, “what are you talking about?”

Jakob scowled, “Unwelcome guests are on my property. They must be dealt with now, before they grow in numbers.”

“Alone?” the alicorn’s voice rose an octave or two.

Cassandra gave her a fanged smile, “Relax, Princess Cadenza. He’s got me and I’ve got children who need their exercise.”

“I’m going,” Fizzlepop told Cadence. Her ears were perked and her tail was wagging with excitement. “With your permission, I will represent the Crystal Empire on your behalf, your Highness.” She eyed her plate, then added, “After I eat.”

“Wait, what?”

Holding her fork aloft with her aura, the unicorn reasoned, “It’s not a good idea to go into a fight with no energy.” A forkful of food went into her mouth. After a few moments of chewing, her eyes went wide and stared at the plate. “Oh, that’s good!”

“Father?” June was confused and looked to Jakob. The attitude in the house had changed. The adults had become serious. There was fear in her voice, “What’s going on?”

“You stay here with Cadence,” he told her in a quiet voice. “There is something I must do. I will be back as soon as the task is done. Do not worry,” Jakob knelt. He gave his daughter a hug with a reassuring squeeze, “you will be safe.”

Cassandra lowered her neck to the girl. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep your daddy in one piece. I promise,” she told June, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

Jakob went through the living room and down the hall. A door opened and closed. Fizzlepop ate quickly and quaffed her coffee. “I have to admit,” she said, smacking her lips, “he does a nice job making those potatoes nice and crispy. June, don’t you worry about your father. He’s going to have plenty of help. I’m sure the information is accurate, right, Queen Cassandra?” her gaze shifted and bore holes into the changeling, even as her voice remained pleasant.

“I am magically bound by choice, pony,” sniffed Cassandra. “I am interested in keeping my hive intact and thriving by any means necessary. A thriving population of happy ponies means full bellies for my children and security for their future. Doing anything to endanger that would be pretty stupid of me, don’t you think?”

The unicorn and the alicorn exchanged glances. “Princess, will you be all right here? I would recommend teleporting yourself and June to Berryville.”

“I am not trained as a warrior,” Cadence huffed, “but I am an alicorn and I do have access to certain magics I can use to protect myself and others.” She then sighed, “I will go to the hamlet and put the guard on alert.”

Fizzlepop smirked, her eyes softening, “No, you are not a warrior, but you’ve gotten a lot better at the whole alicorn princess thing since we first met.”

Cadence rolled her eyes at the mare. “Gee, thanks. June, I’m going to take you with me. We’ll be somewhere safe and we can wait for your father there.”

Jakob emerged, his attire changed. He was wearing olive drab pants and a padded black shirt. In his right hand was a massive two handed sword in a leather sheath with straps wrapped around it. A battered pair of boots carried him back to the kitchen. He went to his daughter, leaning his sword into his shoulder. Without a word, he knelt and gathered the frightened girl to him with his right arm and clutched her tightly to his chest. 

June clutched at him, refusing to cry. She wanted to be brave, because Father was being brave. “Cadence says we’re going to town,” her voice managed as she hiccuped.

“I can teleport with her to Berryville. We’ll wait for your return there,” the princess announced.

The man inclined his head. “Thank you.”







Due to Fizzlepop’s broken horn, teleportation was impossible. Cassandra could not do it as she had never studied the same sort of magic Equestrian unicorns were taught. Hers was of a wilder school of magic, more inclined to be inherited and natural. Instead, she carried the human in her forelegs while it took a pair of her children to carry a wide-eyed unicorn mare who was certain she was going to be dropped at any given moment. It would not have done any of the magic users any good, as the act of teleportation required the user to be able to visualize where they needed to go.

The early history regarding the development of the teleportation spell was a gruesome horror story.

Cassandra did know where she was going as she was in constant contact with her children. All she had to do was home in on the ones who were watching the bandit hideout. She was helpful in reporting the movements of their intended targets, announcing patrols and lookouts as she flew. The queen was enjoying herself, if the grin on her muzzle was any indication. The land passed by beneath them. It was a different perspective to say the least.

Jakob hated flying. It was an alien thing to him, as he of course, had no wings. As the queen carried his bulk, he refused to look down. A grim visage was plastered across his face as he kept his gaze on the horizon. He had no fear of heights; climbing mountains or buildings were things he had done in the past. Jakob had even been on an airship a few times because necessity had required it. It did bother the human as he could feel nothing beneath his feet. It was not natural!

Cassandra sensed this, and as with her kind, could feel all sorts of emotions, especially when they were strong. Fear could be suppressed in so many ways, but Jakob might as well have been an open book to the changeling. As a result, her grin became wicked. Her grip loosened just a touch.

“Do not even think about it,” he warned her with a glare.

It only made her belly laugh. “I would love to indulge in curing you of this unnatural fear you have,” she told him, rolling her head to one side and regarding him. The grin was still there, feral and mischievous. She held him close to her barrel, “I don’t mind holding you a little tighter, a little closer. I might dream of dropping you, but that is all it will be: a dream. I also have to keep in mind the sad face of your little girl if something were to happen to you. Such a tragic thing is the last thing I want.”

Fizzlepop Berrytwist was too involved in her own problems of having a pair of changeling drones carry her to say or do anything. They were half the size of their mother and only slightly smaller than the average pony. Their monochromatic eyes glowed like little green suns. They lacked the mane and tail of their queen, and their horns were much shorter. The pair chittered at each other in a manner suggesting an ongoing argument, with their passenger no doubt the focus of that argument. Fizzlepop was being held by the forelegs, a changeling on each one. It was uncomfortable to say the least and neither of her carriers seemed capable of speaking beyond their own insectoid language.

“If you two could just concentrate on flying straight,” she shouted through gritted teeth, “that would be great.”

They ignored her and continued their argument.

It took a little over an hour to make the journey. At a distance considered beyond the view of the ruins and any possible lookouts, they landed behind a hill at the edge of a conifer forest. The pony and the human took a few minutes to regain their walking legs. 

Cassandra was apologetic about her two children who had carried the mare. Their argument had stemmed from which looked cooler on the unicorn; the scar or the broken horn?

The sparks that erupted from Fizzlepop’s shattered horn stump nearly started a forest fire, along with the barely restrained comment, “I’ll show them which is more dangerous, instead!”

The queen was enjoying herself too much at the expense of her allies. Her grin seemed to have become a permanent fixture on her muzzle, even as she began to relay what her children reported to Jakob and Fizzlepop. A plan needed to be made. Even as a pair of accusatory glares were tearing into her, Cassandra paid them no mind. There was soon to be fun, and she was certain it would take care of any ill will that had built up during the time it took to ferry the two here.

There was only one thing Jakob was interested in first and foremost.

The grinning changeling found the information he wanted. “My children have found them,” she said to the human, “two pegasus ponies. Both appear to have been asking for a story from the bandit leader.” Her eyes flickered for a moment, her smile faltering for a moment. “Oh, this is interesting,” she hummed. “Jakob?”

“What is it now?”

“One of my children has identified the bandit leader. Very interesting!” Cassandra flicked her tail and buzzed her wings with excitement, “Have you ever fought a minotaur?”
> Six.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




The Memories Remain


	

June and Cadence spent the next couple of hours after Jakob and the others had left cleaning. Dishes were washed, dried, and put away. June made her bed and straightened up her room. Cadence showered and then cleaned the bathroom (there was no tub, but instead an enormous shower with multiple shower heads encased in frosted glass). The dining table was wiped off, chairs scooted in. 

The princess found the drawing June had been working on. It was of Fizzlepop drinking her coffee. It was beautiful; a crude and adorable little piece, which made the princess smile. The girl liked the unicorn. Cadence was certain the girl was growing on the mare. Still, this meant nothing, not this early. Fizzlepop was a confirmed bachelorette and it was rumored she had interests elsewhere. Those sultry opal orbs and cool demeanor made Cadence shiver. The unicorn was every bit as private as the man.

To say the Princess of Love meddled with the affairs of the heart could be argued by multiple parties who cared to engage in the debate. It depended on what was needed. Sometimes, a relationship needed just a little nudge in the right direction, or the right word spoken at the appropriate time. Other times, it required a more ‘tough love’ approach, like putting members of a pair of feuding families together in a tower and locking the door until the desired results had been achieved (This had happened once and Cadence had sworn in the aftermath to never do it again).

While June finished up in her room, the princess went outside and up to the oak tree. She went to Kaga’s grave and looked where she had placed the candle the night before. It was right where she had left it. Her horn filled with magic and the aura reached out and gave a cautious feel of the candle. A warm amber glow responded, and Cadence gasped. Her heart began pounding in her chest as she picked it up. The candle was held aloft. The princess examined it and could feel an old magic within. The candle felt alive.

She fumbled with her magical grip in her growing excitement. There was a touch of fear, as this was magic older than Celestia and Luna. It was magic the pink alicorn did not fully understand, but she had trusted her aunts. Twilight had her doubts, but did admit there was a very good chance the spell would indeed work as intended. Cadence hid the candle away in a small leather satchel she had found in the house. Casting one last look at the grave, she inhaled the fragrances of the flowers, closing her eyes as she did. A smile formed, one of hope, and she went back down the hill.

June was waiting for her in front of the house. The girl looked anxious and fidgeted. She was hugging a small backpack to her chest. A look of relief washed over her when she saw Cadence. “Were you saying goodbye to Mother?” she asked.

“Yes,” Cadence said. “Are you ready to go?”

The girl nodded slowly.

“All right, get on my back and I’ll teleport us.” Cadence knelt and stretched out a wing. June slid her pack onto her back and clambered up. Wrapping her arms around the alicorn’s neck, she tried to get comfortable.

“Okay,” the girl said. “Will it hurt?”

“It won’t hurt you,” the princess told her. “You might feel a little dizzy after we teleport, but you’ll be fine.” The girl tightened her grip around the alicorn’s neck. “I promise, nothing bad will happen to you. It might even be fun! Now, on the count of three, take a deep breath and hold it until you hear a popping sound. Okay?”

June nodded into her neck.

“One!”

June tensed.

“Two!”

June inhaled.

“Three!”

Cadence unleashed the spell, her horn igniting. There was a moment of disorientation and darkness, but it passed with a loud pop. Flaring out her wings, Cadence knew she was going to appear in midair and caught the wind. There was a small but explosive exhale of air into her ears as the girl slumped into her mane. Pleased with her transit, but also concerned for her passenger, she landed in the middle of the street of Berryville, with ponies startled by her sudden appearance and staring. Armed and armored guards were already approaching with purpose, calling out to their princess.

“June?” Cadence called over her shoulder after landing, “are you still with me?” Her ears turned and tuned in, listening.

Wide eyes and a mouth gaping like a landed fish greeted her. A gleeful grin formed, along with the begging question,  “Can we do that again?” 







“So, let me get this straight,” Fizzlepop Berrytwist had a voice that conveyed how idiotic the proposal was, “you want Jakob to challenge a minotaur in honorable combat.”

Queen Cassandra regarded the unicorn with equal dismissal. “A simple plan.”

“It’s a stupid plan!” hissed the mare, splaying her ears back and over her skull.

The changeling pointed at Jakob. “It suits him perfectly!” she insisted. “You go with him—”

“Wait, what?” The ears shot up.

“—as his second. Minotaurs are all about honorable combat! Having you as a second would convey how serious our sapient human takes their culture. He’ll be impressed! I promise,” Cassandra waved off her concern. 

“That’s assuming this bull is the honorable type. Considering this is a bandit camp, I highly doubt honor is a thing!” snapped Fizzlepop. “It’s like you are trying to get us killed.”

Cassandra withdrew, her eyes wide with shock, “Why, I would never!”

The unicorn deadpanned, “Make me a believer. You go challenge the bull.”

“Enough,” Jakob interrupted. He had been off to the side, listening to the two as they argued. Leaning against the trunk of a tree, he was staring at his boots, his arms crossed over his chest. His sword was strapped to his back, the hilt poking over his right shoulder. “Cassandra, how many of your children are here and able to assist?” The man had one of the queen’s children sitting next to him, looking up with what could only be described as an adoring look.

“I’m not sending them in against griffons,” she sniffed, regarding him with cold eyes.

“I am not asking you to do that. How many?” Jakob reached out and scratched the drone behind an ear.

Cassandra replied with a terse, “Twenty.”

“All of them, then.”

Confused, Fizzlepop asked, “Why so few? I thought changeling hives had hundreds, if not thousands of drones.”

Cassandra snarled and looked away from Jakob. “I am limited to how many eggs I can lay,” she hissed with shame.

“And your children are precious to you,” the human finished for her. “I understand, bug horse. I will not ask you to sacrifice your children.” Jakob lifted his chin and exhaled slowly. “I am concerned about the minotaur. I am concerned about the lion birds. Their numbers are a dozen. However, they are not organized. They are a collection of individuals. Unit cohesiveness will be nonexistent. This group might have skilled fighters, but no soldiers. Honor will be a weakness in their eyes.”

Fizzlepop clucked her tongue. “Don’t you think that’s an assumption?”

“Griffons live in the lands bordering mine,” Jakob told her as he tugged at his beard. “It was prudent to learn of their culture. Their country has no traditional army, but clan-led militias. A pride of griffons will be related to each other. Griffons in a bandit camp are exiles. They will not band like a clan will and will instead have a pecking order based on strength and cunning. It would not be unreasonable to think the minotaur will be no different.”

“Know your enemy,” she said with a nod. “Impressive. How will you know for certain?”

“By walking through the front gate,” he grunted. 

Cassandra’s grin was wide.

“Why?” Fizzlepop exploded, whirling on him. “Explain this idiocy!”

“I know what I can and cannot do. What I can do is distract them. What I cannot do is distract them and rescue those ponies. The griffons will know who I am. They will fear my approach. While I confront them, I want you,” Jakob pointed a finger at Cassandra, “to find those ponies and get them out. Once they are safely out of the way, have your children isolate and use their venom to paralyze the griffons. You are capable of coordinating a simultaneous strike on a thought. Be quick and unseen. Can you do that?” he challenged the queen.

“My dear, sweet monkey,” she purred, “Quick and unseen is in the blood of all changelings.”

“When I confront the minotaur, wait until you are sure I have their attention, then strike.”

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes, “I can’t believe you’re doing this.” Shaking her head, she let out a deep sigh, “What do you want me to do?”

“Watch my back,” Jakob told her, “plans often fail. Be ready when this one does. Then we will adapt and we will win.”

“All this for a pair of reporters?” the unicorn shook her head, a wry smile forming. “Bad ones at that?” A grudging admiration for the human’s courage (or lack of common sense) was beginning to take hold.

“They are citizens of Equestria,” Jakob told her, “even if I think they are opportunistic fools. Besides, Cadence still wishes to have words with them.” He peered skyward and pushed himself from the tree, boots crunching on the forest floor. “Let us get this over with. My daughter is waiting for me.”

“It’s amazing,” Cassandra uttered to Fizzlepop as they fell in step behind him.

“What is?” The mare cocked her head at the queen.

“I can’t sense any fear from him at all. He has his love for his daughter and a simmering combination of rage and guilt. It is a terrifying delight for me,” Cassandra shivered, puckering her lips as she stared after the human. “He is a living, breathing machine of war. Every sane instinct I have is screaming at me to run away from him. The rest wants to jump his bones.”

Fizzlepop opened her mouth to say something, but found the words dying before they found her tongue. Shuddering, she shook her head in disgust and put a little more distance between herself and the changeling.

Cassandra trotted along, letting out a throaty chuckle and licking her lips.







“Cadence, can I talk to you about something?” June asked, her words timid as she shared a table with the princess inside the hotel. The pair were having tea. Outside, there was a great commotion, one which had been ongoing since the alicorn had arrived in town. The guards were assembling, with orders to depart as soon as possible.

“You can talk to me about anything you want, dear,” the princess smiled, adjusting her wings. Her ears were erect and pointed at the girl, giving her the undivided attention she needed.

The girl stared into her tea. It was nice to drink the same thing as the adults, sometimes. It was nice being able to tell them something June felt was important. She had tried this before with Father, but he had been stubborn and told her it was not something to be discussed. But she could see and lived with the problem every day. At least, she thought it was a problem.

“You have to promise not to tell Father,” June said, being deliberate with her words as her eyes matched them. “You have to promise!”

This was unexpected. Cadence inhaled, wondering why there was a sense of dread. How could there be? There had been no sign of Jakob doing anything wrong to his daughter. “June,” she started, fighting her own sense of confusion, “if Jakob has done anything to you—”

“No!” the girl shook her head, clutching her teacup. “It’s not that. Promise me, please!”

“All right, please calm down, June. I promise,” Cadence said as she nuzzled the girl. She straightened and cleared her throat before doing an odd little ritual. “ Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”

June stared at Cadence. “What?” she deadpanned.

Embarrassed and a tad offended, the princess’s ears splayed out, “I’m only making a promise to you, June. Please, I’m being sincere. I want to listen. I’m waiting to listen! I’m willing to listen!”

June gave her godmother a hard stare for a few more moments. Finally, she said, “Father is lonely. I don’t like that he’s lonely. He deserves to be happy. He’s never happy for himself. I can tell, honest!”


	




The battle began almost as soon as the challenge had been issued.

The minotaur was a monster. His red fur covered a lot of scars and heavy, gnarled muscle. His right ear was missing and the right side of his face was nothing more than a massive burn scar. A horn was missing. The other had a blade affixed to its point. He was stripped down to the waist. Towering over Jakob, the beast man had charged the moment the challenge had been placed. The hulking beast’s one eye glittered with cruel intelligence and it was locked squarely upon the human.

It was armed with a great poleaxe. The weapon had a terrifying reach. Jakob dove to one side as the minotaur charged by, making a wide, arcing swing.

Fizzlepop ignited her stump of a horn. The nub crackled with electricity, bolts arcing at the minotaur. Her teeth were grit as the pain shot through her head like an iron spike. The pain fueled her power and the minotaur was struck in the back.

He bellowed, whirled with staggering steps of its cloven hooves. Seeing the mare pouring magic at him, the minotaur swung its weapon again as lightning ripped through its body. Fizzlepop leapt into the air, kicking her hooves like a dancer and soared over the swing. She landed, light as a feather, an almost bored expression upon her. Her graceful hooves carried her out of the path of the charging bull, who reached clumsily for her with his free hand.

With the minotaur distracted by the pony with the broken horn, Jakob charged, shouting something in a language Fizzlepop had never heard before. It was guttural and savage, fitting the man perfectly. Though three times smaller than the minotaur, the human had his sword poised over his head, bringing it down with full force.

A back swing forced Jakob to bring his sword to block the massive forearm, but it still connected. The human went flying. Dipping his shoulder, he rolled on impact, grunting in pain and lost his grip on his sword. It clattered away, leaving the man unarmed and facing another charge from the minotaur.

Jakob wore a grim smile.


	




“June,” Cadence began, “I have something for you that might help. It is a gift, one that my aunts, my sister-in-law, and myself have worked off and on over the past few years. We had no idea when would be a good time to give it to you. There were so many distractions! Equestria is still rebuilding since the Storm King was defeated.” She inhaled a quick breath and pulled out the candle.

The girl looked at it, curious. “It’s a candle,” she stated.

The alicorn smiled. “It’s more than just a candle, June. We spent years working memories into the wax, comparing what we know. We tested and tested and tested. Failure happened frequently. It is old magic, most of which was lost to time. We rediscovered much of it, rather Twilight did. She poured much of her time and effort into this, perhaps more than the rest of the alicorns combined. Memory spells were used. Those who knew your mother were brought in and some were happy to help. It was a concerted effort. The spell lasts for so long as the wick burns and it is finite, June.” Her words were soft as the candle was set on the table between the two.

“What does it do?” the girl asked, peering intently at it, expecting something was about to happen. Nothing did and a pout of disappointment appeared.

“It is a memory spell woven into the wick and held together by the wax,” Cadence explained. “When you light the wick, the spell comes to life. The memories come together to create a personality and an image of the individual who was that personality.”

“It does? Who?”

The princess smiled at the girl, “Your mother.”

The girl’s eyes went wide. “How?” 

“We used strands of your mother’s hair in the wick,” the alicorn went on. “They were donations given freely when she was trying to be accommodating to our curiosity. The magic requires something of the one with which to recreate the personality. The memories add to who she was in life. June,” Cadence warned, “this will not replace your mother. You can ask the candlelight questions and it will answer. The voice will be your mother’s. The emotions will be your mother’s, but it will not be your mother. The magic will create an echo and that echo will be based on the memories collected and put into the wick. Does that make sense?”

“No,” came the bewildered reply.

“How about I show you?”


	





Fizzlepop and Jakob were weaving, dancing with the minotaur. It’s poleax was gone, the haft shattered and the head buried in the ground. The human sported a nasty cut on his left arm above the elbow and he favored it. His teeth gritted as he touched his left ribs. Fizzlepop was bruised and had taken a glancing blow from a massive fist. She was as energetic and focused as before, but her breathing was becoming labored.

The minotaur was struggling to stay on his hooves, trying to face his foes. He snarled and bellowed, swiping at the quick unicorn and lunging at the stubborn monkey who refused to stay down. There were cuts along both arms and burnt fur and skin on his back and shoulders. The confidence had fled from his eyes. The unicorn was annoying, but the monkey…

For the first time, he spoke, “What are you?”

“I am a man protecting what is his,” came the reply. 

“Where are my boys?” the minotaur’s eyes lifted and scanned. “Cowards!”

He spotted a line of creatures smaller than griffons, perched along the ruins and looking on with keen interest. A cacophony of buzzing filled the air. Two pegasi were sitting with a large version of the little buzzy winged creatures. It was grinning widely. One of the pegasi was taking pictures with his camera.

“He’s got a fresh roll in!” said the tall creature with the big bug wings.

“Cowards,” he repeated, staring. “Useless cowards!” Whatever plans there were had fallen apart while he had been battling the monkey and the pony.

“The battle is lost, minotaur,” Jakob told him, “surrender.”

The beast man chuckled humorlessly. “Surrender? If this is my day to die, then let it be by combat!”

“Oh,” snarked Fizzlepop, “so now you want an honorable death? Now you choose honor? It doesn’t work that way.” She stepped towards the minotaur, unimpressed and unfazed. “Let me tell you something, minotaur. You don’t get out of this without punishment. Death is too good for you. I don’t know how many you have hurt or killed, but that ends today and tomorrow, you’ll get what you deserve.” Her nub flared and she snarled. Opal eyes narrowed, showing contempt, nostrils flared. Stepping forward, she menaced the bull.

Roaring, the minotaur charged her, intent on stampeding the annoying broken unicorn that refused to take a proper hit and refused to stay still to take one! The frustration was apparent and had grown as the battle had progressed. Now, Fizzlepop had enough of the minotaur and decided to do something about it. The frightful bellow changed in an instant, a silent and frozen moo of pain as electricity leapt from the pony and coursed through his body. Twitching and spasming, the minotaur fell to the ground.

All he could do now was whimper pathetic little cow noises.

“That went longer than I was expecting,” Jakob announced, rubbing his side with a ginger touch. “He hits hard.” He stared down at the minotaur as the unicorn came to his side for her own gander.

“Why didn’t you just dodge?” Fizzlepop asked as she prodded the inert minotaur with a hoof. She looked at him, panting a little bit. A cheeky smile graced her lips. Her nub sparked and she winced. “I think I overdid it.” She was wobbly on her legs. “Yeah, I think I’m going to…”

Jakob managed to catch her with his one good arm, grunting in his own pain. Both were in a heap and both were spent.

Cassandra’s wings carried her over to the pair and their victim. Her mulish ears flicked as her expression was unreadable. Her hooves touched earth, and she walked to the pair, her horn glowing. “You have broken ribs, my little monkey,” she told Jakob, “and you, missy, managed to absorb your own magic in an effort to not kill the minotaur. Kinda noble, in a stupid way, if you ask me.” She patted Fizzlepop on the shoulder.

The two reporters flew in. Picture Perfect and Truth Written appeared shaken, but unharmed. Gratitude and guilt seemed to dominate their very beings.


	




Cadence ignited her horn with a flicker. The candle was lit. June stared at it, even more curious than she had been before.

The light of the flame was ruddy and muted by the light of the day. The little flame swayed then steadied, as if waking up. The top of it took form, a tiny thing which managed to appear tall. With the curves of the female form, a mature glimpse of what June would one day be took shape in the flame. Tiny eyes formed in the head, surrounded by a full head of long, flame-licked hair. The flame looked around, and found the girl staring with awe.

“You’ve grown, June,” the fiery figure said with a smile. 
> Seven.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Differing Ideals




“Broken ribs, lacerated arm, broken arm, partially collapsed lung,” Cadence ticked off in a monotone. In front of her, sitting on the edge of a cot and sipping a cup of water, was Jakob, who matched her deadpan with unconcern. “Was there anything I missed?” The pair were in a medical tent, set up just outside Berryville.

On the other side of the privacy curtain slept a certain unicorn with a broken horn. Fizzlepop lay on the bed with several tubes hooked up to a foreleg. She was snoring softly.

His left arm was in a sling and had been dressed. The shirt was gone and his ribs were wrapped. A unicorn field medic, brought in via an emergency teleportation spell, was fussing over the man. “My sword broke,” Jakob lamented. “Minotaur skulls are very thick.”

“Jakob,” Cadence sighed, rubbing her temple, “you fought a Berserker.”

“He charged a lot.”

“Jakob,” Cadence let out an exasperated sigh, “you’re not a young stallion anymore. Fighting battles should be the last thing on your mind. You have a daughter and a barony. You have responsibilities and obligations.”

“I thought it was a good sword.”

“Did you even maintain your training, Jakob? I seriously doubt after so many years you’d be in the best of shape to fight a Berserker.”

“I will have to write a stern letter of disappointment to the blade smith.”

“Jakob!” Cadence stomped a dainty hoof. “Please!”

The man sighed, then winced in pain. “It was the right thing to do.” Setting his cup aside, he looked up and found a teary-eyed princess glaring at him, her lower lip quivering. “Oh.”

“Don’t you ‘oh’ me!” she shouted. “You big dummy, charging into battle without thinking of the consequences! What would have happened if June suddenly found herself without her father? Did you think of that?”

“She would find herself in the care of her godmother.”

Cadence whipped her wing out, her primaries a blur. Jakob’s head snapped to one side, the beet red imprints of feathers clearly defined on his left cheek. The princess was a bit shocked at her own reaction and blinked at the dazed man. Recovering her wits, she hissed, “How dare you. You are that little girl’s world and you were more than willing to throw your life away just to satisfy your bloodlust!”

The man glared at her, his right hand going across his chin to touch where her wing had slapped him. The field medic was wide-eyed, shifting attention between the two before excusing herself with a meek mumble.

“Cadence—” Jakob began, his eyes boring into the alicorn.

“Don’t,” she interrupted, “Just, don’t. I’m not saying what you did was wrong. You did a good thing. I simply can’t understand your willingness to throw your life away. I don’t know why you would want your daughter to mourn her father. As it stands,” Cadence let out a breath, “Celestia wants you in Canterlot for observation and recuperation.”

“I will heal within three days,” Jakob growled. “There is no need.”

“As a subject of the Crown,” the alicorn snapped, “you have no choice.” A scroll appeared in the air next to her and was shoved into the man’s chest.

Jakob flinched, closing his eyes and grinding his jaw. He looked at the seal, noting Celestia’s cutie mark on the wax. He broke it by sliding a finger along the edge of the paper and unfurled the scroll by gingerly using his left hand. Ignoring the pain and discomfort, his eyes consumed the flowing script he had not seen in years. It was unmistakable. Celestia had written, her writing as beautiful as he remembered:



Jakob,

Get your butt to Canterlot. That is an order.

						~Celestia

	P.S. ~ Luna has been dying to see June, and so have I.



	“Eloquent as always,” Jakob gave a humorless smirk and tossed the scroll aside. “You spoke to her?”

“I did. She is rather upset.”

“How is Fizzle?”

Cadence blinked, glancing towards the unicorn’s bed beyond the privacy curtain. “Fizzle? You mean Fizzlepop?” She wiped her eyes with a feather and composed herself. “She’s a bit bruised. Mostly mana exhaustion. She overexerted herself. Minotaurs are notoriously resistant to magic. I’ll be giving her a good scolding, too, once she’s well enough.” The alicorn gave the man a scrutinizing glare, “Since when did you start giving ponies nicknames?”

“Fizzlepop Berrytwist does not exactly roll off the tongue. You ponies have some odd names.”

“You’re evading the question.”

“She watched my back,” he shrugged. “I watched hers. She is good in a fight. I think I owe her a drink.”

“I see.”

“Cadence...” Jakob gave the alicorn a stern glare.

“Yes?”

“No.”

“You like her, don’t you?”

“No.”

“You found somepony to relate to!”

“No.”

“You made a friend!”

“N—” The human paused, considered the statement, “Yes? I do owe her a drink,” he nodded in admission.

On the other side of the curtain, the mare stirred.

Cadence was willing to let the matter drop, but her mind was already churning. Clapping her hooves together, she squealed with glee, “This is good! Something good came out of your act of idiocy! I’m somewhat proud of you!”

“Thank you?” Jakob sighed and ran his good hand through his hair. 

“While you were limping back to town,” Cadence changed the subject, “the guards were going through the bandit camp, looking for anything that might be important.”

“They found something?” Jakob guessed.

She nodded, becoming serious, “Your minotaur friend was trying to get in touch with remnants of the Storm King’s army.”

The man’s surprise was evident. “So you asked Celestia for soldiers?”

“I didn’t think you’d mind.”

Jakob hummed, “My army consists of a sociopathic changeling queen,” he sighed, “her brood and a few old retired stallions who like reenacting old battles. I will concede to the wisdom of Celestia.” He drummed his fingers on his knee, “Cassandra is not the sort to be negligent of her duties.”

Cadence fluffed her wings and resettled them. “It’s too early to tell. There will be sweeps covering the barony. The prisoners will need to be questioned once they recover from the poison,” an involuntary shudder ran down her spine. “Since you have a pretty small one to begin with, it shouldn’t take more than a week. I hope you don’t mind the sudden influx of ponies in your lands,” she smiled. “They’ll get to run around in the woods for a few days, then go home when they’re done. I would like for Cassandra and her brood to help with the search. Think of it as extended training.”

“It cannot be helped,” the man sighed, rubbing his chin. “How is June?”

“I gave her something to keep her mind off you running off in a half-baked scheme to get yourself killed,” the princess told him. She rose to her hooves and began stretching her back legs.

He let her comment pass. “What was it you gave her?”

“A candle.”

“A candle?”

“Well,” the princess started, hesitating as she gave him what might have been an apologetic look, “It’s a special candle. Magical. Infused with the memories contributed from those who knew Kaga. I wanted a way for June to know who her mother was. Twilight came up with the idea of creating a candle filled with an echo made from the memories of those who knew Kaga best. It won’t last forever, but June can ask questions you wouldn’t be able to answer,” Cadence’s words sped up and even shrank as the man’s demeanor shifted from curiosity, to confusion, and finally outright anger.

“You WHAT?” he shot to his feet and immediately regretted it. “WITHOUT MY PERMISSION? YOU VIOLATED THE MEMORY OF MY WIFE WITH A PARLOR TRICK?” Jakob raged, hissing in agony and still managing to roar with only one good lung. “Damnation!” he fell back onto the cot heavily, uttering words the alicorn did not understand under pained breath.

“It was either tell you now, or try to hide it from you as long as possible, which would be a terrible idea. I just don’t want you to do something irresponsible and hurt the relationship you have with your daughter,” Cadence said to him, concern on her features as she took one step, then another towards the man. “Don’t move around so much. You’ll just make your injuries worse.”

“Why would you do this?” Jakob gasped, clutching his side. “Why would you do this without asking me?” Hurt and betrayal filled his eyes.

She closed her eyes and let out a breath, “Because you can be unreasonable, Jakob. If you thought something would hurt you or break your heart all over again, you would push it away, even if that one thing could be something to help your daughter understand a part of who she is. This was for June. Not you. She has questions about Kaga. Questions you either can’t answer,” Cadence cracked open her eyelids and burned her orbs into the man’s soul, “or won’t answer.”

The man was at a loss. “Get out,” he snarled.

“Jakob, please.”

“GET OUT!”

She stared at him for a few moments, understanding but at the same time wishing Jakob would just be a bit more reasonable. He was being stubborn, as usual. The man had always been like this, but seeing the pain she knew she had caused made the alicorn’s own heart lurch in her chest. With regret, she gave him a nod and a sad smile.

“I’m...sorry, Jakob. Think of me what you will, but I wanted June to know who her mother was and how much she meant to all of us.”

“Just...go,” his bitterness made Cadence hang her head. Her exit was silent, leaving the man alone with his swarming thoughts.

A wide-awake Fizzlepop Berrytwist tried very hard to mind her own business.







June remembered...a candle. Its flickering flame dancing to life, a flare of becoming. The candle was...a candle. Cadence had given it to her, setting it on the table. It lit itself? No, the princess had set aflame the tip of the wick. The form of the little flame, how it danced and spun! The arms which sprouted from the heat and the head and burning hair coming to being. The eyes which popped open and found the girl, looking upon her and holding her gaze.

The voice.

“You’ve grown, June.”

	Though this was Equestria, June had little contact with magic, at least nothing beyond the innate abilities of earth ponies. Pegasi were rare and unicorns even more so. Being able to see magic happen like this before her eyes was a little overwhelming for the girl. It excited her and startled her. Her explosive exhale snuffed the flame out and the girl had burst into sudden tears.

June remembered now. How she had fallen asleep, the girl could not remember. All she could recall was the little look of surprise from the flame and then the tears. The touch of feathers over her shoulders and sobbing into the alicorn’s chest. June couldn’t remember why she had started crying nor the reason for it. All she could think of was how awful she felt for extinguishing the flame. Then, there was the fluffy chest of Cadence, then sleep.

Sitting up slowly, the girl rubbed her eyes. Looking around, she could smell the alicorn. This was the hotel, so the girl thought this was where Cadence had been staying. There was some luggage with a crystal heart emblazoned on them. The room was cozy, having a wardrobe and a stand with a wash basin next to it. There was the bed and a large, plush chair. A single painting of dogs playing poker was mounted on a wall.

Bare feet padded across the floor as she wandered over to the door. June was still groggy from her nap and her thoughts kept focusing on the candle and the voice that had come from it. She remembered it being soft and gentle, like a welcome warm breeze. Turning the knob of the door, she pulled and went into the hall.

She did not notice the guard outside the door. “Miss?” spoke a unicorn stallion in full armor, “the princess has asked for you to please remain in her room until she comes for you.”

June shied from the strange pony in the scary armor, nearly stumbling over her own feet.

The stallion remained still, though he seemed concerned, “Miss Gray, please do not be afraid of me. Princess Cadence will be here soon.”

“Go away!” the girl yelled, then bolted down the hall.

“Miss Gray, please!”

Bounding down the stairs, June’s legs churned, and she was out the front door. What she saw forced her to skid to a stop. There were guards everywhere. Golden armor glinted in the sun. The points of spears stabbed at the air. There were hundreds of them. The ponies of the hamlet were watching them as they went down the street, the procession hauling carts and wagons. The ponies of Berryville were curious and some were upset at all the commotion interrupting their peaceful lives.

These were the Equestrian Guard. June had learned about them in some of her lessons. They were the backbone of the nation’s army, the common grunt who served a noble purpose of keeping the peace and protecting ponies from all sorts of threats.

What are they doing here?

	Marely appeared and spotted June. Trotting over, the mare was smiling, but it faded a little when she saw the girl’s face. “June? What’s wrong?”

She pointed, speaking her thoughts.

“Well, your daddy got himself inna fight with a minotaur, so I’m hearin’,” the mare said, giving the girl a reassuring nuzzle. “He’s fine, mind you. Jakob’s a tough stallion. A little banged up, but from the way he looked, seemed like he had himself a little fun. Him and Cassy and that pretty unicorn with the busted up horn took down some griffons, too. Came back with them guards the princess sent after them. Smilin’ like an idjit.”

“Father’s here?” June asked the mare.

“One of them tents over there,” Marely pointed at where there were a lot more guards working. “Field hospital.” She squinted, “There’s the princess. Lookin’ kind of out of sorts. June? June! Dangit girl, stop runnin’!” the mare called after the already running girl.

The guard emerged from the hotel, his head whipping around as he searched with frantic eyes. “Where’d she go?” he demanded of Marely.

“June? That-away,” she pointed in the opposite direction with a toss of her head.

“Thank you, citizen!” The stallion ran off.

Pleased with herself, the mare trotted off for a quick inventory and other things that needed to be done. With a herd of soldiers tripling the population of Berryville, she was going to have to order more stock. She gazed at the soldiers, observing some fine specimens indeed passing by. Marely did love stallions in uniform.







“Cadence!” June called out to the princess. Her feet hurried her towards the alicorn.

The pony’s ears perked up, along with her head as she turned towards the sound of the girl’s voice. There was a concerned smile, “June? Are you feeling all right?” The girl was already embracing the alicorn, who was more than happy to return the hug.

“I’m sorry!” the girl mumbled into her pelt.

“Sorry? For what?”

“I killed the candle!” sobbed June.

“Killed?” Cadence was caught off guard by the declaration. After a moment of processing the statement, she let out a soft chuckle, “Oh, sweetie, you can’t kill a flame. It can be relit. You didn’t hurt anything. The candle is fine.”

“But I thought,” the girl pulled back and looked up at the princess. “I thought I…” Her expression contorted to guilt and sorrow. “I thought I had…killed the magic.”

“Oh, no, no, no!” Cadence hugged June fiercely. “You can’t hurt it that way. It works like a normal candle. You light it when you need it and put it out when you don’t. You haven’t been around magic enough to understand it doesn’t work that way.” The alicorn gave the girl a contemplative look, “Or have you? No matter, I think. Oh, I think this was a bit more than you can handle. Don’t you worry, things will get better. You’ll learn how to use the candle. It’s a little scary the first time, but it gets better, I promise.”

“Where is Father?” June sniffled.

“Your father is a bit upset at me for the moment,” the alicorn admitted, not able to look June in the eye.

“Why?”

She sighed, resigned and a bit upset with herself more than anything. June could not see anything other than her smiling godmother. “Walk with me. Give your father some time to cool off. In the meantime, I’ll do the best I can to tell you what I can. Deal?”

“Okay,” came the sullen reply. “Did Miss Fizzlepop come back, too?”

The alicorn froze, her eyes went wide. “Oh, heavens, she heard everything,” she whispered to herself. No, she was out cold, sleeping off the mana drain. She couldn’t have heard the spat between the princess and the baron. Then again, the man’s outburst had been loud enough to make her ears ring, and possibly wake the dead.

“Cadence?” the puzzled girl tugged at the alicorn’s wing.

“She’s fine. A little tired from helping your father, but she’ll be all right.” Cadence smiled and used her wing to pull June in for a hug. She did not want to involve others in what should have been a private family discussion, but the man had exploded in a show of emotion not seen in years. As quiet and grouchy as he was, Jakob could be best associated with a slumbering volcano.

Still, there were other things to prepare for, matters needing attending to. Though she was June’s godmother, Cadence was still a princess first and foremost. “My aunts have requested you and your father come pay them a visit in Canterlot,” she said. “Have you ever been?”

“No. I’ve never left home before,” the girl said, full of curiosity.

“You know, I’m not at all surprised.”

“When would we leave?”

“Tomorrow morning, I should think,” the princess flicked her tail. “I think it would be a fun adventure for you and you would get to meet Celestia and Luna! Both have been wanting to meet you for a long time. Both took turns holding you after you were born. Did you know that?”

June shook her head.

“Would you like to meet them?”

After a moment of hesitation, there was an eager nod. “Why do we need to go? Is Father in trouble?”

“Your father is always in trouble of one form or another,” Cadence told her. “There are a lot of things that come with running a barony that he needs to do but has not been doing. The princesses would like for him to come in and sort it out. Lots of boring paperwork to go through. It’s also an excuse to have you come in for a visit!” she tossed June a cheeky grin.

“Can Fizzlepop come?”

Cadence tilted her head to one side, “Why?” 

“She’s nice and she’s pretty and I like her.”

“You do, do you? What about your father? Do you think he likes her?”

“I don’t know,” the girl gave it a thought, her brows knitting into a cute knot as she scrunched her nose, “maybe?”

“The good news is,” the alicorn told her, “Fizzlepop has to come with us to Canterlot in order to see a proper doctor to have a proper checkup. A unicorn with a broken horn can develop complications when it comes to casting magic. She rarely does that and does most things like an earth pony. When she does use her horn, a doctor needs to check and see if she’s going to be okay.”

June became worried, “I hope she’s okay.”

“Fizzlepop is a very tough unicorn, June,” Cadence said. 

A frantic-looking guard hurried past, his eyes scanning about wildly. June saw him first, and hid behind Cadence. The princess noticed this, her eyes following the guard before putting the clues together. Stifling a giggle, she nodded at the hurried salute and weak grin from the stallion. Her regal bearing was impeccable. The unicorn continued on, perhaps seeing his immediate future playing out before his eyes.

“So like your mother,” she chortled when he was gone.
> Eight.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Respect

	


Jakob could not move his left arm. After his outburst with Cadence, the nurse had returned, glared at him a good bit, and finished splinting the arm she had been working on. She was none too gentle, considering the man had just roared at one of the alicorns considered by most ponies to be living goddesses of immense power.

One simply did not yell at a goddess.

The nurse worked quickly, then was checking Fizzlepop. After that, she was gone.

His heart was writhing in agony. Why had she not spoken to him first about the candle? Why would she do this behind his back? Jakob had planned to tell his daughter about her mother, eventually. He was not comfortable discussing the memory of his wife. The wounds still felt fresh and the sullen man seemed to swim in his own misery.

A part of him felt bad for yelling at Cadence—she was extended family, and he did like her. The princess had never been anything other than kind to him and was proud to be June’s godmother. Jakob blamed himself for many things. Keeping in contact with the Princess of Love was one of the most important ones, but there had always been distractions—something else always coming up. The man did not want to share his pain. Was he selfish to want to keep this for himself?

Getting comfortable on a military cot was impossible with bruised ribs and a broken arm set in a fixed position.

Another part of Jakob did not want to forgive... did not want to show remorse. If anything, not enough had been done. His thoughts darkened, became murderous. The past eight years had softened him, made him weak. Who gave the Princess of Love the right to make decisions? Were the others involved? If so, how deeply?

The tent was dark and muted, the only sounds were coming from the machines monitoring Fizzlepop.

“Jakob?”

He flinched involuntarily at the seeking voice.

“What is it?” Jakob asked with a grunt.

“She shouldn’t have done that. Good intentions or not,” Fizzlepop’s words rasped through the air, “there’s something going on with her.”

“How much did you hear?”

“I heard enough, big guy. I’ve known Cadence long enough to know there’s something going on. I wish I knew what it was.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like I said, I don’t know what’s going on,” the unicorn coughed, then spat in irritation at the self-induced interruption. “Are you all right? She was merciless.”

“Wounds heal. I will live.” Jakob held his side as he sat up. “What time is it?”

“It is an hour after sundown,” a pair of harlequin eyes cast a faint golden glow in the darkness. “I have been watching. My children have been watching. An old enemy stirs. My children are afraid. The fears of a purging run rampant through their minds, remembering the aftermath of the Corrupted Queen. I do what I can to ease their fears, but a mother can only do so much for her children.”

“Bug horse? What are you doing here?”

“Me?” she stepped forward, her outline barely visible. “I am hiding. My children are hiding. Something is not right in the land of magical ponies. A terrible fright has shuddered through my hive and my children are terrified. I don’t know what it is, but I know I don’t like it.”

“Is it Cadence?” he asked, staring at the queen.

She shook her head, “Doubtful. It’s not a manipulative alicorn princess causing the unease. Alicorns have been manipulating the course of the world for centuries. Well, Celestia has. Luna has been playing catch up since her return and has settled in comfortably on par with her sister. Twilight is a sponge for knowledge of the game, but lacks the skills for application. Give her time and she will be terrifying. Cadence is still growing into her role. Granted she’s not as skilled as her aunts, but she is good at it.” The changeling brought her head down to lock eyes with Jakob, “She did trot all over you without so much as breaking a sweat.” There was no malice in her tone. “You can trust the alicorns, Jakob, as you so adamantly insist, but can you trust your own free will?”

Jakob reached out with his good hand and began rubbing one of the changeling’s floppy ears. She cooed and leaned into the touch. “Why do you fear the alicorns?” he asked.

“They are immortal,” she said simply. “Celestia has guided and manipulated hundreds of rulers from hundreds of countries in the thousand years she ruled by herself. I would not be surprised if she has been teaching Cadence. I consider myself a master manipulator, Jakob, but I am but a mere light of a candle compared to the raging inferno that is Celestia. Some play the long game, Celestia plays the eternal one.”

“She’s still better than the Storm King,” snorted Fizzlepop with a groan. “Oh, my head.”

“Are you all right?” the man asked.

“I’ll be all right. My fault for pushing magic on a magic resistant opponent. I should have known better, but he was really starting to irritate me,” a dry chuckle came from the unicorn. Jakob could hear her shifting on her cot.

“Jakob,” Cassandra spoke softly, “may I give you some advice when it comes to Cadence? I think it would help you to defang some of her manipulative attempts on you and your daughter.”

He said nothing, remaining stone faced.

“Get a hold of your emotions. Control them. She knows what buttons to push. Your wife is your biggest button. Your daughter is your second. The living should take priority over the dead. The dead never come back,” she told him, her tone blunt. Touching his knee with a forehoof, she added, “You keep your emotions bottled up. I should know. I’m a changeling. Emotions are kind of my thing. Yours are raw, painfully so. That is your weakness.” Cassandra paused, then added, “Getting angry at me for trying to be helpful isn’t exactly going to help you.”

“Why are you telling me this with her here?” Jakob jabbed a thumb to where Fizzlepop lay.

“Trust was established in battle. You ask a question to which you already know the answer, you silly ape.”

Jakob grunted as Fizzlepop groaned.

“I owe you a drink, Fizzle,” Jakob muttered.

“Fizzle, huh?" she snorted. "I just might take you up on that offer.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes, “Aren’t you two just precious? I’d love to stay, but I would really like to make sure my children are safe. They are afraid and they need their mother.” Her eyes flickered, “I’ll keep in touch once I am sure they are safe.”

Jakob nodded, “Until then, bug horse.”

“Keep your head screwed on straight, ape.” Cassandra ghosted past Fizzlepop, pausing a moment to look down on the mare. “Keep an eye on him and watch that temper of his,” she whispered softly into her ear, “All sorts of things tend to go splat when he loses his temper. Don’t let what happened with the minotaur fool you.” She was gone before Fizzlepop could reply.

“She’s something,” the unicorn managed in the darkness.

Jakob forced himself to lay down. “June adores her. I do not know why. Most children would be terrified looking at Cassandra. She is a survivor. I respect that.”

“She’s pretty blunt and speaks her mind,” Fizzlepop observed. She sighed and tried to make herself comfortable. “I don’t know about what she said about Cadence. The princess is feisty, sure, but what I heard from her conversation with you...it doesn’t sit right with me.”

“So you said earlier.”

“How close was she to your wife, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Jakob stared up at the ceiling. “We were not married yet.” A breeze from outside was making the cloth ripple. “They met soon after our arrival to this world. We could not speak the language. Cadence wanted to teach us. Learning was difficult for me. Kaga was a quick learner. They became like sisters and were inseparable.”

“How long ago was that?” Fizzlepop was genuinely curious.

“Fifteen years? Fourteen?” Jakob furrowed his brow. “Kaga learned the culture and the language and tried to make it her own. I learned the language from her. We wanted to forget where we had come from and make a fresh start. Here was a paradise we had never dreamed existed.”

“Twilight told me you were from a different world,” Fizzlepop clucked her tongue. “So, that makes you some sort of alien? What was your world like?”

“Worse,” Jakob grunted. He did not elaborate, but instead said, “Cadence took Kaga with her everywhere. They became like sisters. Kaga loved it. I would not go with them. I was not interested.”

“Cadence used to tell the story of how Kaga was one of her bridesmaids.”

A smile flickered for a moment. “Yes. She was beautiful in that dress,” remembered the man.

“Then Queen Chrysalis happened,” Fizzlepop put in.

Jakob nodded. “Then Queen Chrysalis happened,” he echoed. “Kaga found her out while Twilight had found the real Cadence. Those two arrived in time to witness Kaga taking the head of the changeling queen before the wedding guests.”

“Where were you during this?” Fizzlepop wondered out loud.

“I was slaughtering drones that had broken through the shield.”

Fizzlepop arched a scarred brow, “That must have been something.”

“It was,” Jakob rubbed his broken arm. It was hard to breath, but he found it manageable. “Once everything settled down and the real wedding was held, Cadence formally adopted Kaga as her sister. This made her a minor royal.”

“Like Prince Blueblood?” Fizzlepop suggested.

“Yes.”

“So the barony was originally the property of Mi Amore Cadenza.”

“Yes.”

“So, when she came to power in the Crystal Empire, Celestia, who at the time had Cadence as her ward, became steward by law.”

“Correct.”

“Who rewarded Kaga with Cadenza’s old home to give her status a foothold in noble society,” Fizzlepop concluded.

“Which I never had interest in pursuing,” Jakob added. “I had a quiet place to raise my daughter and that was good enough.”

Fizzlepop knew the human was glossing over quite a bit, but she didn’t mind. She knew she was getting an abridged version of events from the perspective of perhaps one of the most private barons in Equestria. 

“May I ask you a question?” Jakob ventured after a few moments of silence passed.

“Only fair,” she replied, eyeing a cup and a pitcher of water on a stand next to her. “I hate to ask, but could you get me some water? My magic isn’t cooperating with me.”

Jakob grunted, finding the request reasonable. As he sat up, he said, “I think I scared off the on duty nurse.”

“When you are loud, your voice causes ponies to spook,” Fizzlepop told him. “They’re pretty skittish to begin with. Give it a little more time and the nurse will come back.”

The man pulled the privacy curtain aside to see the mare on the cot reaching for the water inches from the tip of her hoof. In a couple of steps, he was pouring water from the pitcher into the cup. Fizzlepop sat up, licking the corners of her mouth.

“Do you need help drinking?” he asked, unsure as how to proceed.

“I can manage,” Fizzlepop said, wobbling a bit. Her hooves shook as she reached for the cup the human was holding.

His lips set in a thin line, Jakob shook his head. “You need help.” 

Pressing the water into her hoof, he steadied her grip by keeping his hand on her hoof. Nothing else was said and Fizzlepop drank, feeling a slight flush of her cheeks. The feel of his fingers wrapped around her hooves was an odd sensation. Jakob paid attention, helping her to tip the cup, letting the unicorn lead.

In that one motion, Fizzlepop Berrytwist understood how gentle the man could be.

Jakob watched her, his face impassive, but his eyes were hawkish. “More?”

The mare shook her head once. “I’m good. Thank you.”

Grunting, Jakob put the cup back on the stand and shuffled back to his cot.

Settling back, she smirked, “You still owe me a drink. A real one.”

He fell heavily, bracing with one arm and hissing again in pain as his body jostled and bounced once.

It was about then a mauve pelted unicorn in a rumpled military uniform beneath a lab coat entered the tent. He had a stethoscope draped over his neck and wore a pair of wire rimmed glasses perched delicately on his long, thin snout. The stallion was smaller than the average unicorn and had a lopsided smile. He wore no rank insignia and his mane was a lovely shade of gold.

“Baron Gray?” he peered through his glasses, bringing up a clipboard to his eye level, “I’m Doctor Stable Heart of the Royal Reserve. I understand you had a bit of a scrap with a minotaur.” He shifted his eyes to the human, “For encountering one of those chaps, you should count yourself lucky to still be alive.”

Jakob flicked his good hand towards Fizzlepop, “She helped.”

The doctor’s smile wavered. “Commander Tempest Shadow,” he greeted her with iced words. The warm demeanor returned as he returned his focus on Jakob, “Princess Cadence has asked me to look in on you. You will be going to Canterlot in the morning. Have you eaten anything?”

“No.”

“Are you hungry? Do you want something?” Stable regarded the clipboard.

“Why did you call her that?”

Startled, the stallion blinked at the question, “I beg your pardon?”

Jakob hunched forward, right elbow on his knee as he regarded Stable. “Commander Tempest Shadow. Why do you call her that?” The cold glare he gave was unsettling. “I am missing something here and there is animosity. Why?”

Stable Heart visibly flinched, “That’s the name she went under while serving the Storm King. You didn’t know?” he asked, adjusting his glasses. “She was the one who demanded the surrender of Equestria to her master. Tempest Shadow turned our princesses into stone and pursued Princess Twilight Sparkle after.”

“Fizzlepop,” Jakob turned his stern gaze to the mare, “is this true?”

“It is,” she said, holding her head high. “I have been on probation. I have tried very hard to right the wrongs I have done. A lot of ponies have not forgiven me. I do not expect forgiveness, but I still work to be a better pony.”

To the doctor, Jakob rumbled, “She fought at my side today. We bled together in battle against the same foe. I would ask that you give her the same respect you have shown me.”

“Ah, of course,” said the stallion, “I meant no disrespect. I will have a nurse bring you something to eat.”

“Her, too.”

“Naturally,” the doctor sniffed, “I might have my personal opinions, but I am a professional and I do not neglect my patients. I apologize if I gave the impression that I do. In the meantime, I would like to examine your wounds and make sure everything has been set to allow for proper healing. You’ve got a few injuries that are quite serious. The lung alone should have you on your back.”

“It will heal.”

“Judging from the scars you have, I’m sure you have plenty of experience healing.”

Jakob smirked without mirth. “Do what you must.”

For some long moments, the doctor scrutinized over the nurse’s handiwork. He listened to Jakob’s lungs and declared they sounded far better than they should have. The human ignored him, instead choosing to stare at the mare who stared unflinching right back at him. She reminded him of a loafing cat, her eyes casual slits, blinking slowly with long intermissions between each blink.

Judge me at your own peril!

And so the two stared at each other. Jakob had adopted a far softer look and studied every feature of the mare’s face. She held a pose of stoic loafing, her ears alert and swiveling.

“Well,” the doctor announced as he was finishing up, “your bones are already knitting. Remarkable ability of yours, that healing. Makes me wonder how bad some of your past injuries were if they were enough to leave scarring like what you have.”

“Do you know where my daughter is?” the man asked.

“Daughter?” Stable stared for a moment. His brows rose, “Ah, yes, her! I’m forgetful, I’m afraid. A busy day, you see. Had to examine the prisoners. Changeling venom can cause some nasty and unexpected side effects. The minotaur is a mess. He doesn’t share your ability to recover so quickly from wounds. Quite the number done to him! Your daughter? Hmm, I do believe she is having supper with Princess Cadence at the moment. No safer place to be, I assure you. Shall I let her know you were asking for her? What is her name?”

“June and thank you.”

Stable Heart smiled, “No trouble at all. I’ll have that nurse come and bring you something to eat. Good evening.” 

“What about Fizzlepop?”

The doctor hesitated, then shook his head, “She’ll be fine. Nothing some rest and food won’t cure.” He left at a much quicker pace, his smile vanishing before he did.

“How did he get into the Guard?” wondered Jakob, scratching his beard.

Fizzlepop shrugged, “He was drafted?”

Awkward silence filled the tent.

Finally, Fizzlepop let out a slow, “So,” —the ceiling was suddenly interesting to stare at while she gathered her thoughts— “aren’t you curious?”

“About what?” the human asked.

“You can’t be that dense.”

“No, I am not dense. I choose not to ask questions.”

The unicorn stared at him. “Why not? Now I’m curious!” 

An earth pony nurse entered carrying a large rectangular tray on her back. There were two covered plates and utensils on neatly folded napkins. Dinner was doled out and soon the pair were alone again. They ate in silence. Fizzlepop stared at Jakob. He ignored her and attacked his food with gusto. The bowl was large. It held a salad filled with diced vegetables, fruits and shredded cheese. The unicorn had the same meal, and in a bowl just as large.

Finishing first, Jakob pushed his bowl away and stared at the tent flap. Resting his elbow on his thigh, he rubbed his chin, his fingers digging through the short beard. He wanted to see June. There were probably guards outside the door. Jakob had nothing against the ponies. He enjoyed their company, even if the man rarely showed it. Equestria had been good to him and his daughter, all in all. The peace had been paid for in full. He had gotten used to the emptiness.

Or so he had thought.

“Why not?” he brought up Fizzlepop’s question, still rubbing his chin. “You proved yourself to me today. What you did years ago is irrelevant. I did not know you then. I would assume you did things you were not proud of. You have been working to change that. That earns my respect. It is a good start.”

His inner self scoffed at his own hypocrisy. Shoving it aside, he offered Fizzlepop a small smile before it vanished like a ghost, as he was prone to do with them. A glint of interest had sparked, the mare he had just met this day proving herself to be an invaluable ally, if not a friend. A part of him wondered if Cadence was meddling with this, too, as the princess had already struck several nerves in his heart.

Was she maneuvering him to be accepting of a possible future mate?

The nurse returned, an apologetic smile on her muzzle. “Baron Gray? I have been asked by Princess Cadence to inform you Lady June Gray has turned in for the night and will not be able to see you. Her Highness was happy to hear you were asking for your daughter and promised to reunite the two of you before your trip to Canterlot in the morning.”

Jakob’s visage became a passing thundercloud. “Thank you,” he said tersely, “please convey my appreciation to the princess.”

The nurse shivered, “Yes, sir! I’m sorry sir!” She ducked out, eyes filled with fear.

“That’s two,” Fizzlepop said after a few seconds of heavy silence.

“Two?”

“Two nurses you’ve scared to death.”

Jakob grumbled under his breath and laid down on his cot.

“I’m sorry you didn’t get to see your daughter,” Fizzlepop’s voice carried softly to his ears, “I’m sorry Cadence is being such a witch. I’ve never seen her do this to anypony...or anyone. I’m as confused as you are.”

The human sighed, then grunted, “When we get to Canterlot, I will be asking questions. I am wondering if the others have become like her. I am afraid I will only get more questions.”

“Do you trust Cadence with your daughter?”

He shifted, his discomfort from his injuries making the act a chore. Jakob chose not to answer. He did not have one. Has Cadence approached you about me? Are you to become another distraction for me?

Jakob Gray had his doubts and his fears. Comfort was eluding him, which meant sleep was not going to be agreeable.
> Nine.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




A Little Heart to Stone




Morning came with reluctance. Jakob had slept little, if at all. He could feel his injuries heal during the night and it caused discomfort. The last time the man had felt this sensation was after Tirek’s reign of terror had ended. The years had not diminished the memory of the pains caused by nerves reconnecting, bones knitting, and flesh mending. It was more of a dull ache that never subsided. 

For most of his life, Jakob had been an emotional rock. His wife understood what lay beneath his iron exterior and could and did coax the gentle, wounded soul within out as they grew closer to each other. The birth of June had been the high point of his life. Her coming was to have been the beginning of a new chapter.

Instead, Kaga died and the man’s heart withered.

He could hear Fizzlepop snoring. The mare had a blanket draped over her slumbering form, rising and falling with her breathing. The machines beeped softly next to her cot. Study of her features revealed a serene face.

At least someone was able to sleep during the night.

Breathing was easier, but there was still a vast soreness in his left side. His left arm itched beneath the skin. As he tried to scratch at the unreachable itch, his thoughts went to the changeling queen. Cassandra was worried and not just for her little hive. Jakob found himself feeling worry for her and her brood. She wasn’t so bad and had always been loyal, even if she was provocative towards him.

Fizzlepop, until she proved otherwise, could be trusted.

His mind was already churning, thinking, understanding his position. Should there be a confrontation with Cadence, Jakob had nothing to stand upon. Cadence was beloved by all ponies as she was the Princess of Love. Tactically, logistically, and emotionally, the human was at a disadvantage. He and his daughter were being targeted by Cadence, but for what purpose? All night he had pondered, understanding his shortcomings, coming to believe his wife had something to do with all of this.

The scroll from Princess Celestia had found its way onto the small stand next to his cot. Jacob picked it up and re-read it. What was going on? Was this some sort of test?

An image of a candle filled his mind. It was the source of his outburst, something he had yet to see. Had Cadence been using it in front of June? What did it do? How did it work? As outraged as he was, Jakob could not help but think he should see it and what it did. Perhaps he was overreacting. Even so, he was upset at Cadence, and he felt justified in his feelings.

Though he was a hero, Jakob was largely forgotten. This was by choice and in collusion with the elder alicorns, Celestia and Luna at the man’s request. His personal experience with the limelight involved bloodshed and death, before he had come to this world. Flashbacks to those darker chapters in his life had begun to rear their ugly heads during the night. His thoughts had become clouded and the old anger was stirring. It was the part of him he had hoped he had buried.

Cassandra offered practical advice, he thought, tossing the scroll aside. A weary sigh escaped. Jakob stood, feeling the pain in his ribs. The sharp pains were gone, replaced by the pain of healing, which was still annoying.

The nurses had helped to clean him when he had been brought in yesterday, despite his protests. A change of clothing was needed. A trim of the beard, a pair of sandals. His boots had been ruined during the fight with the minotaur. Canterlot awaited, and he absolutely did not want to meet Celestia and Luna in his torn pants and bandaged upper body. He understood decorum when it came to greeting the Sisters. Jakob respected them. They respected his desire to not want to be the center of attention.

All of this and more swam through his head during the night. Jakob organized his thoughts, considering where he might find friends in Canterlot. His choice to remain isolated was coming back to haunt him. 

There was no knowing what awaited him in the capitol of Equestria. Never in his wildest dreams did Jakob think he would ever consider Canterlot and the Palace becoming a hostile environment.

With a short grunt, he padded on bare feet to the tent flap. With a passing glance at the slumbering mare, he pushed through the flap and greeted the rays of the morning sun with a hard squint. There was business to be conducted with a certain pink pony princess.

It was cool outside and pleasant. There were rows of military tents covering an entire field. Pony soldiers were going about their business, preparing for their day and whatever assignments awaited. Pegasi flew in groups of two overhead, their armor gleaming in the sun. The sound of marching hooves could be heard.

“Sir?” A pair of guards were outside the tent. One of them was addressing Jakob, a unicorn with a plumed helmet. Looking the man up and down, his eyes locked on the injuries. “You are recovering from your wounds, I would suggest you go back in there and lie down until a doctor has a look at you.”

“What is your name?” asked the man.

“Second Lieutenant Chaser Diamond,” the pony puffed up proudly, “Third Corps. Fifth Infantry, Fourth Magic, H Company.” There was an annoying nasal quality to his voice.

Jakob gave a single nod. “Is Princess Cadence still at the hotel?” he asked.

“I believe so.”

With a curt nod, the man began to walk towards Berryville. His bandages were itching his skin.

“Sir?” the lieutenant called after him. “Sir! You need a doctor’s permission to leave the medical tent!”

“No, I do not,” came the reply. Jakob continued to walk. His pace was steady and determined. “If it is your duty to try and stop me, you may make your attempt.” The sun felt nice, as though the touch of its rays were encouraging him.

The unicorn continued to call after him, but did nothing else. Jakob had already noted the fear in his eyes. Would the young stallion call upon others? Would he require a herd to gather his courage? He could hear orders being barked out. Curious looks were thrown at him, but Jakob had his course set and appeared ready to walk over any who stood in his way.

He did not care. During the sleepless night, through his thoughts, he had come to a decision. Jaw set firmly, he came down the main road, the few ponies he came across giving way with frightened expressions.

Mama Swayback was sitting outside her front door. She sat in a rocking chair and was enjoying the morning. No doubt taking a short break from her work. The old mare saw Jakob coming, noting his mood, but smiled anyway. “Your lookin’ mean there, Jaokob,” she told him.

“Good morning, Mama,” he growled, not unkindly. “Did not sleep last night.”

She nodded sagely, “That’ll do it. Flapjacks for breakfast. Help yourself.”

“Is the princess up?”

“Yep!” the old mare nodded with a toothy grin, “Eatin’ with June. They make a pair, let me tell you!”

Jakob sighed, “There will be an argument. Cadence and I have a difference of opinion I intend to address. I do not wish to alarm you or your husband.”

The old mare’s smile faded. “Family squabble?” she ventured.

“Something like that.”

“Fair enough. Mind your manners and don’t do nothin’ stupid.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Ducking his head, the man entered the hotel, his eyes already seeking out the dining tables. Cadence and June were having breakfast, both were wearing smiles.

Where are the guards? 

June was the first to notice. “Father!” she cried. Hopping from her chair, she dashed over to him. Jakob knelt and leaned into her tackling hug, her arms wrapping around his neck. “I’m so glad you’re okay! Cadence said you got into a fight and said you were fine, but I was so worried!”

“I am fine,” he said as he returned her embrace. Jakob fixed his gaze on Cadence. Her expression was unreadable. “I would like to have a private talk with your godmother.”

“You can’t have breakfast with us?” she pleaded, pulling back and staring with wide, innocent eyes.

“You need to eat,” the princess told him at last. “If I’m not mistaken, eating helps speed up your healing. We can talk after we eat. Can we hold a truce until then?”

Jakob grunted with a nod. “Go back to your seat,” he told his daughter. Approaching the table at a crouch, he pulled a chair aside and sat cross-legged in its place. “No guards?” the man threw the question at Cadence.

“No need,” she said dismissively. “Eat something. We will be leaving for Canterlot soon.”

Pappa Swayback appeared. He was a skinny old earth pony who hid his bald scalp beneath a bandana. His chin jutted out under a permanent smile. His pelt was a deep red. The old stallion normally confined himself in his kitchen, letting his wife run the hotel. Not much for conversation, he nodded at Jakob, who in turn returned the favor with one of his own.

Both males had an understanding.

A tall stack of pancakes slid in front of the man. Jakob was suddenly ravenous. “Thank you, Pappa.”

“If you need more butter, lemme know,” rasped the old stallion to the table. He then shambled back into his lair, the door swinging shut behind him.

They ate in silence for a while. Jakob made it a point to ignore Cadence, well aware she was staring at him. There were blueberries in his pancakes. This pleased him. There was no bacon to go with breakfast. This was less pleasing, but not unexpected. Jakob knew ignoring the princess was driving her mad, as she had been expecting him to start yelling, or something.

June was oblivious, happily munching away, swinging her legs as she sat. “Father?” she asked, holding a forkful of food poised, “are you mad at Cadence? You’ve been ignoring her and she’s got this funny look on her face.”

“Your godmother and I need to have a talk before we go to Canterlot. I have concerns,” he told her. “Are you finished?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Go outside. I will call for you when we are done.” He was still ignoring Cadence.

June slid from her chair. Cadence nuzzled her as she went by and the girl smiled. Waving at her father, she went outside. Mama could be heard making a greeting.

The alicorn lit her horn. It flared and a shimmering of magic rippled around the table. “You can speak your mind, Jakob. Nopony will hear us.”

“Let me see it.”

“What?”

“The candle. Let me see it.”

She gave him a suspicious stare. “Why?”

“Because I asked.”

“That’s not good enough, Jakob,” she sniffed, pushing her plate away. Her eyes did not blink as the pair locked into a staring match.

“You created something I think is an abomination. I would like for you to prove my fears are wrong. Let me see the candle, Mi Amore Cadenza. If we are the family you believe, then there must be trust. Right now, my trust in you is questionable at best,” Jakob was tapping the table with a finger as he spoke. 

The war of wills continued until the princess broke eye contact. Her ears flattened as she seemed to consider. Her brows scrunched, and she opened her mouth as if to speak. Nothing came out and a resigned sigh fell. There was a flash from her horn and in the middle of the table, a candle appeared.

Jakob stared, his hand twitching towards this source of his ire. “Light it,” he commanded.

“Jakob.”

“Light the candle, Cadence, please.”

“I’m sorry.”

Not taking his eyes off the candle, the man growled, “No, you are not. You did this on purpose and I will find out why. You have been dishonest with me. What have you been planning for the past eight years? I wonder. Now light the candle.”

The wick was lit and a little yellow flame flickered to life. It seemed to turn, a face forming at its top. The figure turned this way and that, as if getting its bearings.

“That was unexpected,” the flame said. The fire seemed to freeze in place when Jakob came into view. It leaned towards him, little fiery hands on shapely hips. The head tilted to one side, then the other while the man’s face began to register a subtle flow of emotions. “You’re not June.” There was a pause and the flame seemed to smile, “Hello, Jakob. It’s been a while, love.”

“She’s not your wife,” Cadence tried to explain. A trembling finger was jammed at her face. Whimpering, she sat back, slumping her shoulders.

“What are you?” Jakob warily asked the flame.

Twirling a hand in the air, the figure shifted, “I’m a collection of memories and recollections put together as a means to replicate the original Kaga as closely as possible. I am a means of providing answers and insights. The magic used to construct me is very old and very complicated. And no, as the princess stated, I am not your wife, but I do have a lot of her memories.”

“Kaga is dead,” Jakob said in a flat voice. “You are an abomination.”

“I am sorry,” the flame said, glancing at the alicorn, “somebody should have told you beforehand. I was supposed to help you find closure with the loss of your wife. Was that not the plan, Cadence?” Somehow, fire managed to blink.

“I…,” stammered the princess, “I was angry with you, Jakob. The plan was to help you so you could move on with your life, but I couldn’t stop blaming you.”

“I see.” Jakob lifted his brows as both elbows came to rest on the table. “The death of my wife?” A great sadness settled over him. Cadence shuddered as she observed the man.

“I would imagine,” stated the flame, “if I had emotions, I would be put out with you, Cadence, as well as disappointed. As for you, Jakob,” it flickered and sputtered, “you need help. I can answer questions. It was what I was originally created to do, primarily for June. Your prioritization is secondary. I do not know the details of my spell matrix intimately, but it does emphasize truth and honesty. So far as I know, the Elements were incorporated into my creation. I am a tool to be used by you or your daughter, for closure and for knowledge.”

Jakob knew little of magic. He had no aptitude for it. His own innate abilities were passive, and not considered magical by most Equestrian standards. June might have inherited her mother’s magic, but she was too young to show. Kaga had been powerful, her magic alien to this world. Jakob might have been the strength and the endurance, but she had been on a pedestal far beyond him. June was born on this world. Celestia had suggested the child might one day incorporate the magic of her parents as well as her adopted world.

It remained to be seen if this was to be.

The man rubbed his chin, thoughtful as the flame stared at him. It —she?— was mesmerizing to look at, a fiery little beauty radiating a bit of heat. The eyes within the candle’s light were looking at him, waiting. As he was thoughtful, there was also a profound disturbance within, for his very instincts screamed to destroy the candle, to snuff out the flame forever and be done with it. Rage was building up within, wanting to lash out at the alicorn who had dared to present this abominable thing to his daughter behind his back. The swelling of this anger was approaching the point where it could not be contained, and the man trembled.

The Elements? Had they been used for this? They were supposedly good in their nature, representing the cores of values all ponies were supposed to strive for. Celestia and Luna had often spoken of them, long ago, when Jakob and Kaga were far younger and far more eager. Back then, this world seemed pristine and perfect. A restored Princess of the Night had spent many an evening with Jakob and the two had established a bond of sorts. Luna was unfamiliar with the world she had been restored to and Jakob was still embattled with his past. So as Kaga and Cadence became like sisters, so did the brooding man bond with a mare riddled with her own guilt. Both were quiet and both were loners. It was from Luna that Jakob learned how the Elements purified her, removing the curse of the Nightmare, making her whole.

Rationalizing what the flame had said and weighing it against the possibility it was being false with hopes to mislead him, Jakob found himself torn.

“Are you a creation of necromancy?” he asked the flickering light before him.

The resident of the candle pondered this for a moment. Cadence held her breath. “The line of necromancy concerning my creation,” it said slowly, tapping its chin with a burning little finger, “I honestly cannot say. My matrix was created for the most part by Twilight Sparkle and most of what she did was experimental. I am sorry I can’t give you something more affirmative, love.”

“Do not call me that,” growled Jakob.

“I meant no disrespect, Jakob. I can say that I am finite. Once this candle is burnt out, I will cease to exist. I hope I will have served a useful purpose when my flame is snuffed out for the last time.” It seemed to smile at the man.

The man regarded the alicorn, who was on the edge of her seat, her eyes wide and shifting between him and the candle. “What was I before I came to this world? What was my purpose in life and who saved me and why was I saved?”

The flame seemed to inhale deeply. “Are you sure you want me to answer this? None know now save you and Luna.”

“Know what?” Cadence asked. “What purpose?”

“Kaga would have known,” grunted Jakob, sitting tall as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“You were a slave,” answered the little wisp of fire. “Born to entertain the blood lusting masses, satiating those who were insatiable. Your purpose was to kill, or be killed. Kaga saved you because she had won you in a bet. You were saved because she thought it was a good idea at the time.”

Jakob could only nod, his eyes having gone flat. “Here I am,” he said, sorrow in his words, “and she is not.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a slave?” Cadence asked. “Why didn’t Kaga tell me this?”

“Would it have mattered?” Jakob countered. “We spoke nothing of our world. It was a part of our past, and nothing more. Best forgotten and unremembered. This world was a fresh start. We had renewed hope. Kaga and I decided to never speak of our old lives ever again,” he sighed, feeling old and tired, “until now.”

Cadence gave him a sorrowful look, her ears splayed out.

“Do Celestia and Luna know of your existence?” came the next question.

Cadence shot forward from her seat, her chair falling over. “Please! Don’t answer that question!” she cried, reaching a hoof towards the candle. She snatched it, the flame falling sideways, tiny arms flailing. “They thought the memories were going into a memory book!” 

“Your fur’s on fire,” commented the flame.

Cadence yelped, dropping the candle to the floor. The flame sputtered out and the candle rolled on the floor as the alicorn began brushing her chest wildly with her front hooves. Jakob made no move towards her, but he did show a glimpse of concern. Reaching towards the floor, he scooped up the candle and regarded it as the air had a hint of singed fur.

“Why manipulate me?” he asked, shaking his head. His attention shifted to the mare recomposing herself. “Why do you show me this dark side of you? You are the Princess of Love. You bring love to others, but to me there is nothing but scorn. By your own words, we are family, but your actions are not those of a loving sister. Why, Cadence?”

“Why?” she echoed, still brushing at her burnt fur. “Because I can’t place you!”

“What?”

Cadence huffed, “Since you asked, I’ve been trying to find you a match! But because you are you, my magic won’t work right! I had a conversation with June about your loneliness.”

“What does this have to do with the candle?” Jakob asked, confused. “And why involve my daughter in my love life?”

“Nothing!” she yelled. Cadence threw her hooves into the air, “Everything! And what love life? Kaga would have wanted you to be happy even after she passed, am I right? I have worked so hard to try and find that perfect mate for you, one that would compliment you as good as equinely possible, but nothing! I have never in all my life encountered such a grouchy, grumpy lump of you, ever! You have no idea what that is like for me to wake up to every day sensing your loneliness and being able to do diddlysquat about it!”

Jakob floundered before her tirade. “What?” he asked intelligently.

“I wanted to tap into Kaga’s personality and memories to find out what you liked! What kind of mare would make you salute! Whatever gets those love juices flowing. It’s hard to find love in a walking, talking rock like you! And it is my duty to find you some poor, unwitting mare to have and to hold, yada, yada, yada, until I get what I want!” The mare was standing on the table now, panting heavily as she leaned aggressively towards the man.

“You are insane.” Jakob pointed out.

“Maybe I am! Eight years doing my due diligence, going through the files of available mares out there and then Twilight had this idea. This idea to gather up Kaga’s memories. To put them into something. Of course, she wanted it to be in a book, but no! That something became a candle because it is romantic! Your wife was a hopeless romantic, but she still wound up loving you anyways, so that says something about her!”

Now Jakob realized why Cassandra had taken her children and headed for the proverbial hills. The poor man was scooting on his backside away from the approaching alicorn.

“And then!” Cadence went on, a manic gleam in her eye, “I get a chance to meet June. I ask her what she thinks of her father. What do you think she tells me?”

“Uh,” guessed the man.

“Wrong!” she sang as she cackled, hackles up, “‘Father is lonely’, she tells me. Right off the bat. And you know what, Jakob? I’m thinking to myself, ‘Hey! I’ve been thinking that for the past eight years! What a coincidence!’.” Her wings sprang out and flapped haphazardly. “Then I think there might be a spark between you and Fizzlepop. How do you respond? Like a pony in a self-induced coma, that’s what! I can’t sense anything from you when it comes to love!”

Jakob pawed at the barrier, hoping it would give way. It did not. He didn’t want to hurt the alicorn. Any rage he might have had was gone, replaced by worry for her mental well-being.

“So your daughter’s comment just sets me off. You know, how sometimes the littlest of things is just the thing to push you over the edge?” Cadence batted her eyes at him. “Well, I don’t know what came over me. I guess I decided right then and there to be upset with you. Maybe it was the pent-up frustrations coming to a head? I can’t rationalize it. How can I? My magic’s been fizzling out on you for pushing a decade now, and I think I’ve finally had enough of dealing with it!”

The man was well aware her muzzle was now less than an inch from the tip of his nose.

“And I apologize for treating you the way I did yesterday, Jakob.” The crazy mare became sorrowful in the blink of an eye. The tears flowed like wine as she became melancholy, “I don’t know what came over me, Jakob. Frustration, I guess, at being unable to use my magic to help you. I hate it and I hate you for making it not work. I don’t like being this way. I didn’t mean to upset you the way I did. What I said I know I can’t take back. I don’t like being hateful or spiteful. It’s not me! I’m a monster!” Then she was hugging Jakob, bawling into his shoulder.

As the last of his strategy in dealing with the alicorn fell apart before his eyes, the bewildered man could only pat the sobbing mare awkwardly on her shoulders. The candle still in his grasp was, for the moment, forgotten.
> Ten.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




The Burdens of a Father




Being at a loss was something Jakob had not been privy to for quite a long time. His anger at Cadence had gone up in smoke. She, in turn, had become apologetic, fussing over his bandages, thinking she had done something to worsen his injuries. Fortunately for her, the man was made of sterner stuff, since having an alicorn crawl into one’s lap was not exactly a knuckled fist of an irate minotaur to the ribs.

The pair cleaned up, as during the kerfuffle, plates had fallen to the floor and there was a crack in the table from Jakob pounding it the one time. It was never suggested Jakob’s one act was the cause, as the alicorn had jumped up on the table, even adding to the damage. Little was said, which was to say Jakob said nothing while the alicorn found different ways to vocalize her apologies.

The stoic man let her vent, withholding his thoughts on her spectacular mental collapse. Over the years, Jakob had seen ponies of all walks of life have similar meltdowns. Twilight Sparkle had a memorable one a few years before getting her wings. Having never seen it himself, Celestia had instead retold the incident once to Kaga and Jakob, much to the chagrin of the pony in question who had been present.

“Do Celestia and Luna know of this?” he asked, holding up the candle.

Startled by his voice, Cadence jumped. Her ears plastered themselves against the back of her skull. “No,” she mumbled, “they don’t.” Her horn lit up and the table was repaired. Her lower lip quivered. “I’m a bad pony.”

Jakob regarded her. “Your actions were bad. Your decisions were poor. I am sure you had good intentions,” he said, causing her to flinch, then hissed, “Good intentions killed my wife.”

Cadence whimpered, “I deserved that, Jakob. I’m sorry.” She inhaled, wiping her nose, “There’s something else you must know. It has to do with June.”

His face darkened. “What did you do to her?” he growled dangerously.

“Nothing!” she insisted quickly, “I swear! June surged, Jakob! She has magic!”

Terror and elation tore through the man’s heart. “Surged? When?” he demanded.

“Right after I lit the candle. I don’t know the extent of the magic. It was a small surge, but she is getting to that age,” Cadence told him with a hint of pride in her voice. “She will need to learn how to control it and the nature of it.”

“June surged? My daughter has magic?”  This was turning into a day of unexpected turns. Jakob had no idea how to deal with them, not at this moment. This was inevitable. She is her mother’s daughter.

“Yes, Jakob,” Cadence tried to smile. It withered and died under his glare. “Please forgive me.”

“I told my daughter alicorns could be trusted,” an exhale of frustration seeped through his teeth. “Did I tell my child a lie? I try to be a good father, Cadence. When a parent lies to their child, those lies build upon each other. In time, those lies become a beast no parent can slay, and the child comes to resent the parent when they discover the truth.” Jakob set the candle on the table. Rubbing his sore ribs, he bore the itch in his left arm with an irritated sigh. “The next time you light this candle, do it before your peers.” He went to the door, pausing for a moment, “I will be at my house. I will need a few things for the trip to Canterlot. June will need to pack, too.”

“All right.” The mare looked on the verge of bursting into another round of tears.

“Another thing,” he continued, his voice hollow, “you will stay away from June.”

Cadence fought to keep her tears from falling. “As you wish, Jakob,” she managed, her heart broken.







Jakob gathered his daughter and the pair began walking home. A pair of Royal Guard pegasi pulling a sky wagon noticed them and asked if they would like a ride. June told them where they were going. The cheerful ponies were more than happy to help. Within moments, father and daughter were riding in the wagon. The journey was shortened from an hour on foot to a quarter of the time by air. As they rode, Jakob was silent. June was pretty good at reading his moods and knew he did not want to talk. The man was never prone for windy explanations, preferring to be direct and to the point. Jakob was blunt and this was what June was used to. She did, however hug her father, something that needed no words to convey meaning. He returned it, though no smile appeared. Although she worried about his wounds, he viewed them no more than a temporary inconvenience and told her so.

Then again, Father rarely smiled.

The trip was short, and it was not long before the carriage looped around the hill with the great oak upon it. The pegasi pair pulling it soon found a suitable landing spot. Father and daughter hopped off and strode with purpose towards the front door.

“Pack enough clothes for three days,” Jakob told her as they entered.

“Father, this is all I have, remember?” June plucked at her mother’s shirt, which had been her clothing since yesterday. “We just ordered from Marely. Everything else is dirty.”

Jakob grunted. “She may be able to redirect the order. More complications,” rubbing his beard, he stared up at the ceiling. “You can wear more of your mother’s shirts. They were made for travel and are strong.”

“Can I pick them out?”

“You may.”

Excited, the girl followed her father into his room. It was tidy and spartan; a bed, a chair, and a dresser in a room with bare walls and a closet. Well, almost bare. Upon the wall over the dresser was a framed black and white photograph. It bore a younger Jakob standing next to a woman who barely came up to his chest, her slender form pressed playfully against his form. A beaming smile looked up to a clean-shaven face that gazed down in bemused wonder. Between them, in their entwined arms, was a proudly displayed bundle with a tiny face. Around the family were the alicorns, each one in the moment, expressing their joys. June had always found the old picture mesmerizing. She could not believe how small her Mother was compared to Father. The woman had darker skin, but lighter hair that hung to her waist. Her eyes seemed to also be lighter than Father’s own.

The man knelt and reached under his bed, “June.” Jakob found a canvas bag. It was set on top of the blankets.

Startled, the girl jumped with a yelp, spinning on her heels. “Yes, Father?”

“Did you tell Cadence I was lonely?” There was no anger in his tone, but curiosity. 

Biting her lip, the girl stared at her feet and nodded. “Yes.”

“Do you think I am lonely?”

June refused to answer.

Her father sighed and lifted her chin up with the gentle guidance of a finger. “June. Do you think I am lonely?” Jakob asked again, in a gentler tone.

A slow, reluctant nod was given.

“Why?”

“Well,” she began, remembering to speak up, “sometimes when you think I’m not looking, you have a sad face. It’s like you’re thinking of something and it makes you unhappy. You do it a lot, Father.”

He mussed her hair. “I do, eh?”

June nodded again, smiling.

“Fair enough,” Jakob grunted. “Until I say otherwise, I do not wish for you to be alone with Cadence. I do not want you to accept that candle from her.”

Confused, the girl asked, “Why not?”

“She betrayed our trust, little one. There are some things one does not do without first asking permission. The candle,” Jakob paused, gripping his daughter’s shoulder, “is made from magic I do not understand. It was made using the hair of your mother. Where I come from, that is an abomination against the dead. It touches on necromancy and she must answer for it. Do you understand?”

June, somewhat understanding, nodded. “So, she’s in trouble?”

“Yes. I do not want you associating with her until I say otherwise.”

“Yes, Father,” the girl said, sounding sad. Looking away as her mind churned, June then asked, “Is she still my godmother?”

Jakob regarded his child, not happy with himself for having to do this. “I do not know. Cadence needs to correct her mistake. I would like for her to remain as your godmother, but it depends on what she does. I have asked her to show the candle to Celestia and Luna. We will see then,” he told her, giving another squeeze of the shoulder. “I will ask you to be patient. Wait and see what happens.”

“One day at a time?” she asked.

“One day at a time,” Jakob affirmed. “There is something else, June. This is very important and concerns you.”

“Me? Did I do something wrong?” there was a hitch in June’s voice.

“No. Cadence told me you had a magic surge. Do you remember anything about having one?”

The girl blinked, “Magic?”

“More than likely inherited from your mother,” Jakob told her with a small, proud smile. “Her legacy appears to have carried on within you. I would like to see if this is true.”

“I have magic?” June wondered, her eyes lighting up.

Jakob tilted his chin down, “We will need to look into it. If this is true, then you will need instruction I cannot provide. I will speak with Celestia on this.”

Nodding with growing excitement, her enthusiasm was muted when she thought of her godmother. “Will everything be all right? Everything?” she pleaded.

“We shall see, June. We shall see.”







Once packed with enough clothes and essentials for a couple of days, Jakob put on clean clothes and his sandals. His shirt was a plain white button down short sleeved shirt. His brown cotton slacks were comfortable and relatively new. It took a bit of effort clothing himself with his sore ribs and bad arm, but he managed. June wore another of her mother’s shirts, this one was white with red trim with laced sleeves. It was adorable on her. More were packed neatly in her bag.

The two pegasi were waiting for them, patient and smiling. Father and daughter were given a ride back to camp. June was lost in her thoughts. Jakob found himself glancing at her, certain he was doing the right thing. What he was afraid of was June taking it upon herself to go behind his back and attempt to ask Cadence questions. If she was anything like her mother, it was not a matter of if, but when.

As they rode, Jakob thought of his daughter.

June was a tomboy and had been raised to ask questions and to find things out on her own. She often went on little adventures with her friends from Berryville. Mementos of her outings with her friends came in the form of frogs and snakes and other critters found in her grand expeditions. As a result, her clothing was rent and torn. Jakob taught her how to use a needle and thread,  a skill the girl’s nimble fingers quickly mastered. Then, again she would go forth to see what her world had to offer and Jakob was content to let her do so. Cassandra was always looking over the girl, be it personally or if one or two of her children stayed near but unseen.

As a result, June was a free spirit and saw everything with curious eyes and an inquisitive mind. She pestered her father about her mother, and he would offer snippets, only ending the conversation when she pressed with, ‘wait until you are a little older’.

There were the times Jakob would take June as she got older for survival hikes into the wilderness, where he would teach her how to forage off the land and fend for herself. He was certain she knew when to fight and when to run away. At her size, he emphasized running away from potential threats. Even with the changelings near, the father insisted the daughter know how to handle herself in certain situations. He hoped he had done enough and made it a point to practice hand-to-hand combat once a week with June.

The combat training had begun a month after Hearth’s Warming. June had a long way to go and Jakob was in no rush to push her too hard. First, June was still a child and second, Jakob did not want his daughter to resent her training. She could handle a staff well enough, but June was still a novice. It would be years before the girl would be skilled enough to be formidable.

Jakob was cautiously optimistic at his daughter’s progress, though he had only himself to measure her up against. This made him shift his thinking to how June could handle four legged opponents, winged opponents, and even worse, magical ones. As of now, the girl was still getting a handle on the basics. She had a mean haymaker for her age, but her kicks were better.

Like any concerned parent, Jakob hoped his daughter would never have to be forced to defend herself. But if she did, he hoped the lessons he had imparted would be enough to save her life.

The arm was mending, but still kept in the sling. Jakob flexed his fingers and made a fist with his left hand. There was soreness and the ceaseless itching beneath the skin. His side felt less tender. It was easier to breathe. Reaching out with his right hand, he rested his palm on June’s shoulder and gave her a pat. She looked up at him and offered a wan smile. Her own thoughts preoccupied her time during their flight.

The sky wagon landed. The pair disembarked and thanked their unexpected ride. Jakob shouldered his canvas bag over the right shoulder. June had a travel bag hanging from her left shoulder. The pegasi saluted and went about their duties of doing whatever it was they had been doing before offering their services.

Ponies had a habit of showing their best sides, it seemed. On a whole, they were friendly and helpful to a fault. Cadence was an example of a pony who allowed her destiny mark (ponies called it a ‘cutie mark’) to overwhelm rational thought. The marks could, as Jakob had read in a book on cutie mark theories, create an overwhelming pull on their owners to pursue the ‘magical calling’ behind the meaning of their marks. The crystal heart mark on Cadence’s flanks enabled the alicorn to spread love wherever she went. Jakob reasoned (and he would have to ask for clarification) the mare had become over stressed when her mark could not find love for him.

Fizzlepop Berrytwist was waiting for them. The unicorn with the broken horn stood at ease, her ears perked. Her opal eyes were sharp and piercing, but Jakob thought that was normal for the mare. She also appeared to have recovered from the fight with the minotaur, looking none the worse for wear.

“What did you do to Princess Cadence?” she demanded in an even voice.

“She violated my trust,” Jakob answered with words just as calm, “I did what was necessary.”

“The princess has not left her hotel room,” Fizzlepop pressed. 

“She has much to think about,” the man shrugged. 

The mare jutted her chin forward. “What did you say to her?” she growled.

“It is none of your concern,” Jakob replied. “June and I are ready. When do we depart for Canterlot?”

“I can’t talk to Cadence,” June piped up, drawing the attention of both adults to her. “Godmother has to talk to the other alicorns. She did something that hurt Father.”

“June! Enough!” Jakob barked.

“I’m sorry, Father,” the girl sighed. “Please, Fizzlepop, don’t be mad at Father. We need to wait and see what the other princesses do.”

“Daughter,” the father warned.

Frowning, June clamped her lips shut.

“Look,” Fizzlepop started, rolling her eyes and then glaring at Jakob, “it’s my job to ensure the safety of Princess Cadence. I take my duties seriously and right now, my duties demand answers. You are not going anywhere until you tell me why Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is a complete mess. She hasn’t stopped crying since you were last seen leaving the hotel. Ponies are upset because the princess is upset. Why is the princess upset?”

Jakob drew himself up to his full height and glared down at the mare. She refused to be cowed and was determined to get answers.

A small crowd was gathering. Armed and armored ponies were whispering among themselves, staring up at the human. More than a few faces were turning unfriendly. Making a princess cry was something not at all appreciated among most Equestrians. Even though Princess Cadence was not a ruler of Equestria, she was still highly thought of and was almost as beloved as the diarchs Celestia and Luna.

June drew closer to her father, bewildered and becoming frightened as the demeanor of the ponies morphed into uncomfortable scrutiny. She tried to put on a brave face.

Fizzlepop noticed this and cast a baleful glare at the crowd. “All right, nopony told you all to stop working! There is nothing for you to see here,” she commanded in a voice that suggested she was not in the mood to put up with any shenanigans. “Sergeants, take control of your troops. Do it now, if you please.”

It was like magic. Discipline descended upon the circle of ponies like a wrathful god in the form of irate non-commissioned officers wading in. Orders were barked and flanks were kicked as there was no bubblegum to be found.

Only two things moved on Fizzlepop; her ears and her eyes. Her lithe form was rigid and held a commanding stance. Once the immediate area was clear of bored ponies looking for something to do, she relaxed a little, fixing her attention on June for a moment. A small and apologetic smile drifted over her muzzle before fading. Her eyes went up and her head tilted to one side as she regarded Jakob.

“Easy as pie,” she told him. “Well?”

Considering the mare for a moment, Jakob relented. “I will tell you on the way to Canterlot,” he promised. “Will that be good enough?”

Fizzlepop considered, then gave a nod, “Just let me do my job. I have no interest in Shining Armor breathing down my neck. That stallion is very protective of his wife. Most of the time he’s pretty laid back, but he’ll be asking lots of questions and I need to know what to tell him.”

Jakob grunted in agreement.

The mare turned to his daughter, “I’m sorry about that, June. I hope you weren’t too frightened from that experience.”

“I’m okay,” the girl insisted. “Are you okay?”

Smirking, Fizzlepop said, “I’m in better shape than your father. A little headache right now, but that’ll go away soon. I won’t be using magic for a couple of days.” She flicked her tail, “Come on, you two. Your chariot awaits. You’re expected in Canterlot. Cadence did order me to go with you while I was trying to coax her out of her room.” A wry smile danced over her lips, “I guess I get to be your security from here to Canterlot.”

“With no magic?” Jakob pointed out with an arched eyebrow.

The mare flicked her ears, licking her lips. “Magic is not something I rely on all that much,” she admitted with indifference. “Having a broken horn limits my options. I got used to not relying on it to get the job done. I don’t mind because I like being physical.”

A smile and a nod came from the man, “I noticed. Come,” —the man shifted the bag on his shoulder— “we are wasting time. Canterlot awaits.”
> Eleven.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




A Flight of Regret




The carriage was of ornate design; egg-shaped, with windows dominating most of the upper half of it. It was white with gold trim, bearing Celestia’s mark on the doors of each side. A team of four pegasi honor guards pulled it, wings flapping in unison and hooves trotting on air. Their golden armor gleaming in the mid-morning light. Four wheels spun in the air as the carriage sailed with little effort through the sky. Four more armored pegasi flew in a box formation protecting the carriage.

Arrival into Canterlot was expected at sundown.

In the carriage were three passengers; a human, as well as  his daughter, and a unicorn mare with a broken horn. Bags were stowed beneath the lavishly cushioned bench the humans sat on. June pressed her face into the glass and watched the world fade away as the pegasi pulled them into the air. This was her first flight. Her smile brightened the compartment as she pointed and gawked at the clouds. They were white and puffy as they floated lazily in the air beneath the carriage. The gentle rocking motion had soon put the girl to sleep, nestled up against her father’s side.

It was a good while before conversation sparked.

“Well?” Fizzlepop Berrytwist asked Jakob Gray, “What happened between you and Princess Cadenza?” Her opal eyes narrowed at him. Nostrils flared as she held her temper in check. She had worked very hard to gain the trust of the princesses. Cadence was a sweet and caring mare. Why anypony, or in this case, anyone would render her to such a state of heartbreak was beyond the unicorn’s understanding.

Which is why she was looking for answers.

Fizzlepop was a well-traveled mare, having seen quite a bit of the world in most of her years. Though she was upset with Jakob, she suspected there was more going on between the man and the alicorn. Her initial thought (which in itself was ridiculous, but crossed her mind regardless) was of an affair having come to an end. Logic dictated this was more of a cultural issue, as very little was known of Jakob’s life before Equestria. What was known, or surmised, was a hard life. Although his reckless nature would bring about a fair share of scars, most of his felt like they ran deeper… older, than his time in Equestria. Indeed, most Equestrian knowledge on humans and their society had been supplied by Kaga, to the best of her abilities, long ago. Much of it was classified, known only to the princesses.

Jakob prepared his answer, remembering his word. He told Fizzlepop about the candle and how Cadence had not come to him first. The gift had been intended for June, but Jakob was clearly confused and hurt. The explanation went on to include the princess’ inability to use her magical talent of spreading love on him and the frustration from her that followed. This in turn was the reasoning behind the creation of the candle, its ultimate purpose hidden from the other alicorns. 

Fizzlepop listened and gave him her rapt attention. She said nothing, reserving her thoughts.

When he was done, she asked, “May I give my opinion on the matter?” The mare kept her voice down, mindful of the sleeping girl.

“I am willing to listen,” Jakob replied, looking worn and tired. “I am not sure if I made the right choice.”

“Huh,” Fizzlepop grunted, looking him unblinking in the eye, “I’d say you were right to call her out on not being upfront.” She shook her head and flicked an ear. “The candle sounds like something unusual... but not unheard of. Certainly doesn’t sound like anything illegal. I’ve never dabbled in complex magic like what you described, but I’m pretty sure none of the princesses would ever stoop to pure necromancy. That requires an actual body, not a couple of strands of hair. I’m not one hundred percent on that. It’s not something I ever looked into.” She pointed at her broken horn with a hoof.

Fizzlepop Berrytwist stared for a moment out the window at the passing clouds. She inhaled deeply before turning her attention back to the man.

“At the same time, however… I hate to say it, baron, but I do believe you overstepped badly,” she told him with professional detachment. “Cadenza was taught by Princess Celestia to treat the individual with respect and understanding. Ponies sometimes give in to their desire to follow their talent. I’m no therapist. I’m a soldier and a former mercenary. You were right to tell her to take the candle to her aunts, but you shouldn’t have been so bitter to her. I know a thing or two about bitterness because I’ve had my personal fill of it.”

Jakob was looking at her with a half-hearted scowl. “I feel you are not done,” he noted dryly.

She gave him a half smile, “Jakob, I consider you a comrade. You are a difficult individual to get along with. Your social skills leave a lot to be desired. I appreciate your bluntness, but when it comes to speaking to princesses, a little tact would be useful.” Fizzlepop squinted her eyes at him, “I don’t even think you were taking that fight with the minotaur seriously.”

The human shrugged with one shoulder, “If the fight had ended too quickly, then the changelings might not have had time to get into position.” He rubbed his sore side, remembering the encounter, “I needed the pain, to remember physical pain. I was not disappointed.” Jakob winced.

Fizzlepop mumbled something to herself, then sighed, “Back to the princess. Are you going to apologize to her?”

“For what?”

“For acting like an overprotective foal.”

He pointed at himself. “Me?”

Fizzlepop gave an unhappy huff, “Cadence loves you. You’re an idiot not to see that. You’re family in her eyes and you ripped it up and threw it in her face, along with her shredded heart. Sounds like something I would have done years ago, to be honest. You took the changeling’s advice and went full retard. You choose the dead over the living. Cadence never meant to hurt you, but you reacted badly and hurt her in ways you can’t even begin to imagine,” she curled her lip in disgust. Her anger faded and she sighed at him, disappointed. “Think for a moment. Cadence went to your wife’s grave. You two shared a drink and remembered her. Didn’t that mean anything to you?”

Jakob inhaled slowly, not sure what to do. “I am conflicted,” he admitted. 

It was uncomfortable to be under such scrutiny. He did not have the anger or the will to refute Fizzlepop’s words. Thinking about what had transpired since first seeing Cadence, her warm smile, she had been so happy to see him.

For a long moment, the two stared at each other.

“Well?” she challenged, canting her head slightly to one side.

A knot was forming in his chest. Why am I feeling this? Why did it hurt? “I...may have overreacted,” Jakob admitted.

“Just a smidgen, I’m sure,” Fizzlepop deadpanned.

“Cadence...made a poor choice,” he struggled, looking down at June as she slept. A myriad of emotions trampled over his normally stoic face. “I have made a mistake.”

Fizzlepop flicked an ear, “You broke her heart.”

“I did.”

“Care to rationalize that?” she pressed, arching a brow.

The image of the candle filled his mind. Its face was mocking him, familiar yet alien. It was the face of the woman he had loved, but it was not her. “The candle. That flame. It hurt to see that face. She is dead, but the face made me feel…”

“Feel what?”

“...rage.” The anger that was sparked had been the old wound reopening. There had been that hollow pain of loss. Jakob hitched, his eyes blurring. Why this weakness? Weakness died in the arena. It was crushed on the battlefield. Any emotion other than anger and hate… Why am I thinking of the old ways? Those accursed days are gone! I am safe here. June is safe here. Kaga is…

“Jakob,” Fizzlepop’s voice was laced with concern, “are you all right?”

“I do not know,” he rasped, blinking wet eyes. June stirred at his side. Jakob gave her a gentle squeeze, fighting the urge to scoop her into a fierce hug. “I feel lost. Alone.”

“That child,” the mare indicated June with her snout, “is all that has kept you together, am I right?”

A single nod was given. “After Kaga died,” Jakob said, his single tear falling into his beard, “all I had was June. The ponies gave me a place to raise her. Gave me the barony. A hero, they called me. I watched my wife die before my eyes, and they called me a hero for it.” It was hard to keep his voice quiet. He did not want to wake June. “I wanted nothing from you ponies. I did not have the desire Kaga did to be among you. I only wanted to raise my daughter.”

“You could have refused,” Fizzlepop told him.

“I could not risk losing a stable place where I could raise June in peace,” he told her. “So, I accepted under the stipulation I be allowed to live without the presence of magic.”

There were all sorts of things wrong in his statement, but Fizzlepop was in no mood to nitpick. “Ponies are not like that,” snorted the unicorn with a shake of her head, “they are generous to a fault. You had the ear of all four alicorns.”

“I am not a pony, a herd animal,” he told her in a flat tone. “It is not what I wanted. I found freedom alone. I felt if I was near them, my freedom would be gone,” Jakob looked down at his slumbering daughter, “I wanted her to have the freedom growing up I never knew.”

“Being free does not mean being alone,” Fizzlepop chided him gently. 

“I was born a slave,” Jakob ignored her comment, “A slave obeys. I obeyed. Those were my first memories. I was only free when I was left to my thoughts.”

The unicorn splayed her ears out. “I didn’t know.”

“Few do. Cadence might, but I never told her directly.” Jakob closed his eyes, pushing the back of his head into the padded seat, “I did tell Celestia once, when she was worried if I would be a threat to her little ponies.”

“And she let you stay?”

“She has a thing for second chances.” Jakob grunted, “I need to speak with Cadence. I need to explain.”

“You are a difficult creature, Baron Gray,” Fizzlepop observed. “I can’t even begin to fathom your life before Equestria, but I can sympathize. I was under a cruel master myself, but it was my stupid fault. Pain from a broken horn makes for poor life choices.” 

Jakob grunted, gave a half-hearted smile, “I would imagine so.” His broken arm was itching again, and he could not get comfortable because of his ribs. Blinking, the man then frowned, remembering the crying alicorn. “Over a candle,” he whispered.

The unicorn yawned, “It’s going to be a long trip. Try to get some shut-eye.”

Feeling sleepy, the man propped his head in his cushioned corner and closed his eyes. Soon, he found himself dozing. As he dozed, he reflected on his life.







There was much Jakob did not understand about Equestria, even after so many years. Kaga had once admitted the magic of this land was different from the magic she used. Even she found the everyday use of magic by the ponies fascinating. The magic was everywhere, in everything. It was not sparse nor hoarded. All who could use it, did. Most users were not very strong. Others, like the alicorns, had gods-like power. So, when the opportunity arose to get away from what he did not understand, Jakob accepted the barony. Too much power, he believed, corrupted those who wielded it.

Canterlot terrified him.

No, this was not true. It was the two hearts beating as one that drove him to terror.

Kaga had embraced the alicorns. Jakob saw their power then, and trembled. In battle, he knew no fear. Fear had been bled and beaten out of him. He had known victory and defeat. Magic, however, was a mystery. Kaga was the first to show him the wonders and horrors of what it could do. She could crush armies and had done so. The warrior had thought he had seen the pinnacle of power through her. 

Until he had met the sisters Celestia and Luna.

Kaga opened her eyes to a whole new world of magic. Her love of power rivaled the love she had for Jakob. She had dragged him from one adventure to the next, seeking means to expand her knowledge. Gleefully she took on tasks bequeathed to her by the alicorns others were too skittish to attempt. Yet she, along with her bemused future husband, succeeded and the rewards were more than she could have ever dreamed. She shared her accomplishments with her love, to which Jakob honestly had no idea what to do with. Wealth and power meant nothing to him, but Kaga was happy and that had been good enough for the man. 

Even if being in the presence of beings who controlled the very sun and moon quivered the heart. For Kaga, fear could be conquered, and Jakob did his damnedest. 

The woman met a young alicorn by the name of Mi Amore Cadenza, the adopted niece of Celestia. The pair became fast friends and were soon inseparable. It was through the young princess that Kaga learned much about pony society. Together, the pair cut a swathe of political destruction in the form of lustful sighs and broken hearts in their collective wake, much to the amusement of Princess Celestia. The sorceress was a sensation, an exotic creature who wielded magic and had won over the Princess of Love. Jakob avoided the spotlight, content to let Kaga have her fun. Any potential suitors of the human woman who ignored her polite rejection were directed towards her much larger and certainly more menacing male companion. This amused Kaga to no end, and she rewarded her husband-to-be accordingly.

In time, it was announced Mi Amore Cadenza was to be wed to her fiancé Shining Armor. Naturally, Kaga was asked to be a bridesmaid and just as expected, the alicorn’s friend accepted. Then, there was confusion, a changeling queen appeared where Cadence should have been. She and Kaga engaged in a spectacular magic duel. As this happened, Jakob found himself holding a tenuous line of defense against hordes of the changeling queen’s children, wielding nothing more than a spear picked up from a fallen guard. A unicorn named Twilight Sparkle arrived with the real Cadence in time to see Kaga create a magical blade, using it to decapitate the queen.

Soon after, Jakob asked for Kaga’s hand. She consented, but only after teasing the poor man with faux indecisiveness. Celestia wed the pair at Kaga’s request, formalizing their relationship in marriage. It was during the ceremony that the white alicorn presented the pair with their citizenship papers and Cadence formally adopted Kaga as a sister, thus deeming the woman, Jakob, and any future children as part of her family herd.

Princess Luna was an enigma to Jakob. She came off as aloof and distant and always giving the humans a wary look. She was friendly enough, though her smiles never seemed to reach her eyes. Kaga seemed afraid of the alicorn, though she would never tell her husband why, other than the cryptic, ‘mind your dreams!’.

Jakob did meet her several times as Kaga went abroad. Although terrified of the alicorn and wondering why she would bother approaching a former slave, the two eventually established a warm relationship from polite conversation and Jakob’s fascination with the stars. Her attitude towards him soon became motherly, though not in the warm manner associated with Celestia. Where some would consider Celestia a mother hen, Luna was more of a mother wolf. The latter was far more aggressive than the former.

Luna was able to establish a somewhat friendly relationship with Jakob, but was still unsuccessful in allaying all of his fears. She was able to coax him a little from his defensive stance with her night skies, spending time to teach him about the history of her nights and the stars that filled them.

She understood Jakob enough to convince her sister to let him be. Luna reminded the man she would never turn him away should he need something. The Night Princess told him this with the innuendo of a warning.

Jakob’s meandering thoughts fell upon Cadence and her anguished face. Guilt again seized him. He wanted to cry out, but there was only darkness and silence.

He felt a pulse, his dream shifting. Jakob fell into his past.

So...thou art drawing near to Us.

Jakob was a boy, moments before his first taste of combat.

We are privy to thy thoughts. We know of thy fears.

He was given no armor, but a knife was pressed into his hand.

We had hoped the passage of time would ease thy fears.

Led down a hallway, an unseen hand guided him roughly.

Thou doth dream thine dark past, of nightmares that ne’er fade.

Before him were the doors. Beyond were the muffled sounds of a vast crowd screaming for blood.

We are averse to seeing thee this way, Jakob Gray. 

Stepping into the light of twin suns, the boy shielded his eyes and saw his opponent across the arena, the roar of the crowd reverberating through his core.

We made a promise, and have kept it. We only come as you have called to Us.

The other boy was like him; scared and in his first fight. Before they could come to blows, everything went dark. A feathery embrace surrounded his presence, and he could feel her.

Rest, Our sullen champion. Give unto Us thy guilt, so We might share thy burden. Thou art safe. No harm will befall thee nor thy daughter. Thou hast Our word.

The embrace was brief, yet comforting. Then, it was gone, a whisper in the wind.

Come. Find succor in Canterlot. She shall be waiting for thee. Both shalt be there if thou but accept what is offered.

She was gone, and Jakob woke up.







June had at some point pried herself from her father’s side. Unable to get comfortable, she noted Father drooling in his sleep again. He seemed to be dreaming. Sitting up, she looked over at Fizzlepop. The mare was curled up in a tight ball, her fur reminding June of a fuzzy flower. She also appeared incredibly soft and much more comfortable. Slipping from her seat, the girl slid over next to the unicorn. A hand settled on fur. Fizzlepop was very soft to the touch, but there was firm muscle beneath the pelt.

An opal eye slit open slightly and fell on June.

“What are you doing?” Fizzlepop asked warily, tensing.

“Petting you,” said the girl, unbothered by the pony’s wakefulness.

“Why are you petting me?”

“Because I have to. Your coat looks so pretty.”

“You have to,” the mare deadpanned. She did nothing to stop the child.

“Well, I like you, too.”

“Do you always pet ponies you like?”

“Uh-huh,” the girl nodded with an emphatic smile. “Marely lets me scratch her behind the ears. She loves it!”

“Hmm,” Fizzlepop hummed, unconvinced, “did you ask permission first?”

There was a pause to the petting, “Can I pet you?”

“No.”

June frowned and withdrew her hand. Her features trembled, “Oh. I’m sorry.”

Fizzlepop thought only foals were capable of such adorableness. Sitting up, the mare sighed, imagining the future regret to come. Beckoning with a hoof, she said, “Come here.”

Crawling forward, the girl found herself in the pony’s embrace, a sort of make-shift cuddle. It’s not half bad, June decided.

“One of the things suggested I do as I acclimate back into pony society,” Fizzlepop explained, her voice awkward, “was to engage in more physical contact. Helps with forming bonds of trust. Princess Cadence has been trying for a long time to help me with my own social quirks.”

June sank against the pony’s chest, loving the fluffiness. Fizzlepop was not physically a fluffy pony by any stretch of the imagination, but she still managed to feel fluffy. The mare was also relaxed, resting her chin on top of the girl’s head.

“We can work on your cuddleliness,” the girl told the mare most seriously.

Fizzlepop flicked an ear, amused, “...cuddleliness?”

There was an interruption in their conversation as a zombie-like groan sounded from the opposing seat. Both turned their attention to Jakob as he stirred. The man blinked and stretched with his one good arm, stopping in mid stretch as he beheld his daughter in the hooves of a broken horned pony. After a moment of processing what he was seeing, he spoke three words:

“We have arrived.”
> Twelve.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




The Sisters




Canterlot was set into the side of a steep mountain known as the Canterhorn. In the nine hundred years since its founding, it had grown substantially. Great pillars of stone rose from the slopes, supporting the sprawling platforms holding the city proper and the castle. They were arranged in tiers; lowest from the southern face of the mountain, along the western slopes and the highest nearly to the northern side of the mountain. There were five total, each one slightly smaller than the one beneath it. At the top was Canterlot Castle, home of the Princesses of the Day and the Night respectively. Graceful spires reached for the sun with golden rooftops glittering like scales in the rays of the setting sun. The walls were as white pearls. There were slender arches between some towers, connecting them. Ponies could be seen walking the impossibly thin stone walkways. Banners depicting the marks of the ruling alicorns were dispersed evenly, the cool winds picking them up to flap lazily as if to welcome visitors.

The heart of Equestria oozed with power and magic. Most of the architecture would have been impossible without magic to augment and hold up some of the tallest spires. Canterlot was a wealthy city and her denizens flaunted it shamelessly. 

All three tribes founded the city under the watchful eye of Princess Celestia. Throughout the centuries, Equestria grew and prospered. Here was where all the decisions were made. Politics, money, and power were focused and made Canterlot perhaps the most powerful city in the world. Its population could not compare to a city like Manehatten, which had a population ten times that of the capital. It did not need to. Every noble house in Equestria had a residence here and, of course, there were the princesses.

The rolling countryside and scattered copses of trees were dwarfed by the mountain. June had her face pressed to the glass as she gaped at the splendor of Canterlot. Fizzlepop wore a small smile. The endearing sight of a child seeing something wondrous for the first time played out before her. Jakob sat against his seat, one arm fidgeting with his sling.

“It’s so huge!” the girl squealed, her eyes huge and wandering over the spectacle that was Canterlot. “I can see ponies everywhere! They’re so small!”

A few curious pegasi flew close to the carriage, only to be shooed away by the guards escorting it. June waved at them with enthusiasm. One waved back, wearing a confused grin.

It was a slow turn on approach to the castle. More guards rose up from the battlements in pairs. The original four peeled off and were replaced by double the number. In one of the larger courtyards, there could be seen a gathering of ponies. Two of them stood out, one white, the other blue. They were larger than the other ponies. It was not difficult to figure out who they were.

Jakob Gray was pensive. He had always known one day he would return to this place. It was not something he looked forward to. There was nostalgia; he and Kaga had wed within these walls. For three years the palace had been home. No doubt the alicorns were excited at seeing June. They would no doubt lavish attention on the girl and Jakob was not about to begrudge his daughter some much-needed mothering.

Celestia and Luna were ready for June, but would June be ready for them?

He imagined June would take to the princesses like she took to everything: cheer and awe combined with her immeasurable ability to be absolutely adorable. In a way, he looked forward to the encounter, along with a pinch of dread.

“Father,” —speaking of June— “wasn’t I born here?” She had turned from her gawking, a toothy grin showing as she shifted her attention to Jakob.

“Yes,” he replied, his eyes softening as he returned her look with a small and gentle smile. Every day her smile becomes more like the one her mother wore. 

Fizzlepop cleared her throat, “I will probably have to excuse myself as soon as we land. I will have to prepare for Cadence’s arrival.” The mare flicked an ear and shook her mane. It was clear she was growing fond of June, but that went without saying. All ponies seemed to take a fast liking to the girl.

June whipped her head around. “Fizzle, am I going to see you again?”

“I’m sure we will, kid,” she grinned. “I’d hate to not see you again.”

“You will have to return,” Jakob told her, still rubbing his mending arm.

“Why is that?” asked the unicorn.

“I still owe you a drink,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

She considered this, “Tell you what. You and Cadence make nice and I might accept your offer. Deal?” Her smile was wry, teetering on condescending.

For a moment, Jakob darkened. Then his brows rose a fraction. “Fair enough,” amended the man.

Fizzlepop chuckled, then shifted her legs beneath her. “June, do take care of your father and make sure he behaves around the princesses,” she suggested with serious air. “Do you think you can do that?”

“I can do it!” cheered the girl.

Jakob huffed with mock indignation.

Fizzlepop squinted at him, “Is that a sense of humor I detect?”

“You are imagining things,” the man growled with a glare.

The carriage slowed and one of the pegasi pulling it whinnied. A chorus of other whinnies followed. The escorts veered off as one. There was one light bounce, then another as the wheels found terra firma. The carriage slowed, coming to a rapid stop. Both alicorns were waiting, sitting on their haunches.

“Good luck out there,” Fizzlepop told Jakob and June softly.

June found herself fixated on the two alicorns awaiting them not far from the carriage. Both wore smiles. The white one was the largest and wore a golden tiara and torque festooned with a single gem in the center of each. Her horn was longer than Cadence’s, June noticed. What was more fascinating was her mane and tail. They shimmered with the colors of the morning and seemed to move to their own wind. She wore a smile that met her magenta eyes. Those eyes locked with June’s own and the girl felt a sense of wistful longing.

The second alicorn was a little shorter and seemed more serious. Dark blue fur covered this alicorn princess and her mane and tail seemed to contain the starry night sky itself within them. Her cyan eyes were piercing as she seemed to take in everything before her. There was an aloofness about this mare. Though she was smiling, there was a weariness in her eyes barely concealed. Her tiara was obsidian. The torque was of the same color, but with a pearled crescent moon emblazoned proudly in its center.

A unicorn servant dressed in white and gold opened the door for Jakob and June. The man disembarked with his daughter quick on his heels. He was surprised at the lack of guards around their rulers. Then again, they really did not need them.

“Stay close,mind your manners,” he told her.

“Alicorns can be trusted,” she recited to him.

Grunting in approval, Jakob took her hand with his and the pair began walking towards the alicorns. It might have been a dozen steps, but to Jakob, it was an eternity. Anxiety gripped at his heart. He fought it back, taking a deep breath to steady himself. June, however, was champing at the bit to meet the princesses.

“Hello, Jakob,” greeted the great white pony. 

The man drew himself to his full height and inclined his head politely, “Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. May I introduce my daughter June?” 

The girl waved with an enormous grin, “Hello!”

“Oh, my,” Celestia cooed, “you’ve grown so much, June!” Her wings hitched up her withers, ears perked forward. “Luna? See how much she’s grown? Adorable!”

“I can see, sister,” the smaller alicorn chuckled. Stretching her neck to June, she smiled, “It is so very nice to see you, young June. I have waited many years to see you!” Her mask of aloofness fell away.

Both alicorns pressed their snouts to the girl, their nostrils flaring while they nuzzled. June in turn reached up with her hands and rubbed the proffered muzzles, squealing with delight. The princesses were misty-eyed, sharing looks with each other. Jakob heard the carriage roll away behind him, daring a look over his shoulder. He saw Fizzlepop looking...at him with her piercing eyes, her expression unreadable. Finally, she seemed to wink as she was pulled out of view.

Her look had seemed predatory.

Jakob was not sure what to make of it.

Another unicorn had hurried in and took up the bags Jakob and June had brought. Giving the man a little bow, she smiled as her charges were lifted by telekinesis and whisked away. Rooms had been arranged, no doubt. Jakob wondered for a brief second if he was going to be placed in the old suit.

“Jakob,” Celestia’s voice caught his ear. He turned his head and found her looking him square in the eyes, “thank you for coming.”

“As if I had a choice?” he protested mildly. “The summons seemed direct enough.” Jakob wished he had remembered to pack the note.

“Oh,” she demurred, “I suppose it was a bit too forward.” 

June was busy running her fingers through the mare’s unearthly mane. Her eyes were round and filled with wonder, going from one sister to the other. Her other hand was equally engaged with Luna’s own.

“Why?” Jakob put his hand over his broken forearm.

“Come,” she straightened her posture, “let’s get the two of you inside and refreshed. You had a long trip and I should like to talk over tea. There is much to discuss.”

“It is very good to see you again, Jakob,” Luna added her own voice, resuming her aloofness. There was a twinkle in her eye. “I am eager to hear of your adventures in fatherhood since we last met. And whatever in the world happened to you? I read the report, but I would love to hear your account of your quaint establishment of dominance.”

“Same rooms?” Jakob asked, rolling his eyes at the mirthful blue alicorn.

“If you can remember where they are,” Celestia said. “I hope that is all right, having the same ones.”

“It is fine.”

“We can get you settled in after we have a chat,” Luna told him. She endured June scratching her behind the ears.

“Father and Cadence had a fight,” the girl announced.

The man’s eyes widened as he stared at his daughter. “June!”

“What?” she protested. “You did have a fight with her, didn’t you?”

“Did you?” wondered Celestia, arching a brow. “Over what, if I may ask?”

Luna imitated the white mare, “She did not come with them, sister.”

“No, she did not,” Celestia hummed. “Well, we can ponder out here, or we can do this over tea and cake. June, do you like cake?”

An emphatic nod was the answer.

“Good. Your father was never one to develop a sweet tooth,” Celestia whispered conspiratorially. “Your mother was especially fond of bundt cake.”

“Can you tell me about my mother?” June asked.

The alicorn gave Jakob a questioning look. He nodded, rubbing his sore ribs. “I would love to tell you stories, June. Come. Let’s go inside.”

It was a bit of a walk. The massive doors leading into the palace had a guard at each side. With practiced movements, they opened the double doors as one, saluting smartly as the princesses and their guests filed through. The grand hall was immaculate. The floors had a shine in them allowing one to see their own reflections. The walls were a pristine white as to almost be blinding. Great works of art were hung proudly and murals decorated the arched ceiling.  A massive crystal chandelier loomed over the middle of the hall. Light cascading in from the windows struck the crystals, causing the colors of the spectrum to splash wherever the light was reflected. A grand staircase splayed open at the ground level, narrowed at the top. Beneath the chandelier was a massive statue of the alicorn sisters greeting all who entered with compassionate smiles and a warm welcome. The work was exemplary and the detail was fine enough to think the bronze alicorns could step down at any moment.

Jakob noted it was no longer the single statue of Celestia rearing with her wings flared he had remembered. June was impressed and wanted to get a closer look. She was ushered onwards by her father, who promised she would have plenty of time to explore later. The statues were a bit garish, he supposed, but it wasn’t his house and therefore none of his business.

There were ponies in uniform scurrying about, cleaning and doing other duties. Guards were posted evenly throughout, standing at attention at strategic locations.

Both sisters knew Jakob was not one for conversation, but June was more than up to the challenge. As they went up the stairs, the alicorns took turns telling the girl about the history, with Celestia taking the lead. Jakob had heard it before, but he listened anyways, keeping an eye on his daughter.  The girl walked between them, constantly touching their necks and enraptured with the history lesson being imparted upon her. She loved touching things and could not help herself when it came to ponies. As they were social creatures, they in turn enjoyed her touch. Celestia and Luna were no exceptions.

Celestia was a very good storyteller. She had centuries of practice under her wings. Although Luna was far less talkative, the dark mare did contribute.

Their journey ended at the end of an expansive hallway. There were stained-glass windows depicting the actions of Equestria’s heroes. On the other were bronze busts of famous ponies on pedestals. Between them were great paintings, as well as a couple of double doors. The party went through one set, which opened into an open room. It was a library of sorts, or a study, Jakob was not sure. Some things had changed over the years.

A small table had been set for tea. There were tea biscuits and cakes arranged upon it. Servers rushed to and fro, fretting over last minute touch-ups. Everything stopped when the doors opened and the princesses strode in. The little ponies all bowed, only to be encouraged to carry on by Celestia. Jakob and June were guided to their seats by an elderly earth pony servant who was very prim and proper. Once all were seated, the ponies disappeared with quick silence, each one bowing as they passed the princesses.

Celestia began serving. “How are your wounds, Jakob?” she asked, preparing his cup.

He waved her off, “They will heal.”  

“That does not answer my question,” she told him. “One lump of sugar or two?”

Jakob gave her a glare, “My arm itches and my ribs do not allow me to sit comfortably. No sugar. Honey, if you do not mind.”

“Oh, dear, I am sorry to hear that. I should ask my physician to take another look at you. Perhaps something to make you more comfortable?” she paused, pursing her lips. “Of course you would prefer honey. I had forgotten. Cream?”

“I will not object since you will only insist,” he grumped. “Please.” Jakob accepted the offered saucer with its teacup. “Thank you.”

June and Luna were engaged in a quiet little conversation between the two of them. The dark blue mare was throwing furtive glances at Jakob and Celestia, an ear locked on their talk. Somehow the alicorn was able to focus on two conversations at once.

“It would give me peace of mind, so thank you,” Celestia told him as she fixed a cup for the girl. “Sugar, June?”

“Honey, please, with cream.”

“Such manners. I am quite pleased your father raised you with some etiquette,” Luna observed with approval.

Jakob remembered lunch with Cadence. “Not quite,” he admitted.

“What was that?” Luna asked.

“It is not important.”

“What is important,” Celestia put in smoothly, “is why Cadence did not come back with you. June said there was a fight. What happened?”

Knowing this was coming, Jakob sipped his tea and licked his lips. Looking at June, he knew it would serve no purpose to hide her from the incident regarding Cadence and the candle. He explained almost verbatim what he had told Fizzlepop Berrytwist. As he did so, Luna nibbled on a scone. Celestia had a slice of cake that looked as though it would cause tooth rot with a glance. Both mares were very still as they snacked and listened.

“A candle with strands of Kaga’s hair within the wick?” Luna mused worriedly. “This does indeed smell of necromancy, though I would have to look at the matrix Sparkle created for the spell.”

“We should not jump to conclusions,” Celestia told her. 

Luna nodded in agreement, “Indeed. Such a thing is delicate. I had no idea the memories were going to be used in this manner. I was expecting a memory book.”

“As was I,” Celestia said. She hummed thoughtfully, “I would like to speak to Cadence about this candle. I would like to see it for myself.”

“Did Cadence do a bad thing?” June asked Luna.

Jakob sipped his tea, waiting for the alicorn to respond. He was eager to know her thoughts, as well as what Celestia had churning in her mind.

“Morally and ethically,” she mused, nibbling more of her scone, “I’d say yes. I would like to talk to her about it. Sister?”

“Agreed,” Celestia shook her head. “Something like this is very unbecoming of her. Cadence has much more common sense than that. It could be due to her compulsion to follow her mark.”

“I thought you trained her on controlling those urges. Love misused is a dangerous thing,” Luna told her. “I should know what it means to give in to your mark.”

Jakob’s blood ran cold, “Are you saying Cadence could become a Nightmare because of this?”

“I do not know,” Celestia admitted, “even so, it is far too soon to jump to conclusions. You said she was very apologetic to you, and I am very happy you chose to apologize to her, Jakob.”

Luna shuddered, “I have a difficult time picturing Cadence as a corrupted aspect of Love.”

Celestia blanched, “We will need to take steps to make sure this does not happen, remote as that may seem.”

“Is Cadence in trouble?” June asked, her voice twinging towards fear.

“Oh!” Celestia shook her head and gave an assuring smile, “Cadence is not in trouble, June. She did something wrong, but all of us are going to come together and let her know everything is going to be all right. Sometimes adults make mistakes and it is a lot harder for them to cope with those mistakes than foals.”

“I like Cadence,” June went on, “She’s my godmother.”

“We all like Cadence,” Luna told the girl, sweeping a wing over her shoulders. “Come to my embrace. You seem to need a hug right now. I happen to have room right here for a little one such as yourself to cuddle with. Come!” June allowed herself to be drawn in. Getting hugged by an alicorn had become a bit of habit for the girl.

“So, she will be bringing the candle?” Celestia asked Jakob.

“She will,” the man grunted, watching his daughter get mothered. “I expect Cadence to keep her word.”

The white alicorn nodded, satisfied with this answer. “Until then, might I suggest the two of you settle into your rooms? I’ll have room service bring you both supper. You should have some privacy the rest of the evening and until tomorrow. I’ll send word when Cadence arrives, and we will have a more formal discussion. Once that is settled, we can discuss June’s magic surge.”

“Tomorrow?” June whined. “But I wanted to talk about mother!”

“Tomorrow, June,” Jakob told her firmly. “You are tired.”

“Aww!”

“I promise to tell you anything you want to know,” Celestia said to the girl with mirth.







Hours later, Jakob had just finished tucking June in. She was old enough to put herself to bed, but a worried father with too many things on his mind tended to fall back on things that gave him comfort. The trip had exhausted her and meeting the alicorns had set her senses into overdrive. Overstimulated from her day, the girl did not take long to find her way to the Land of Dreams.

The room was as he remembered; but with a second bed put in for June. The room was spacious, easily twice the size of the cottage back home. A hearth burned with a fire that fed itself. There were the beds, with a night stand in between them pushed up against a wall. There were two dressers, one on each side of the room. The suite had a bathroom and a walk-in closet. Lastly, there was an open balcony with no barriers between it and the room beyond. The curtains had been drawn for privacy, the design purpose-built to take advantage of the pleasant late spring night. During cold or inclement weather, an enchantment in the walls could be activated to put up a glass-like barrier to divide the room from the balcony.

Celestia’s court physician was scheduled to come in the morning to check in on Jakob as well as to provide an initial assessment of June’s magical abilities. The man was not looking forward to it.

Having dragged a chair out to the balcony, the man sat with a foot propped up on the balustrade. Jakob had found the modestly stocked liquor cabinet and was having himself a brandy. It was not mead, but the drink would do.

He could hear the sounds of feathers beating upon air and noted them blurring in his peripheral vision. It was followed by the light clip-clip of shod hooves on stone.

“Hello, Luna,” he greeted with a salute of his glass. The ice tinkled from within.

“Good evening, Jakob,” Luna folded her wings against her sides and shook her mane. “I trust you find your accommodations acceptable?”

“I do. Drink?”

“No, I think not,” she told him with a smile, “I have my duties this eve and I would be remiss if I were to dispel potential nightmares in a state of inebriated indulgence.”

Jakob stood up. It was getting a bit easier to do so. Another day and a half, he reckoned.

“I hope my intrusion into your dream was not unwelcome,” she said, her eyes blinking. “I sensed the discomfort of your dream, and I responded. Please forgive me if I was—”

“Thank you,” Jakob told her. “You know I have fears. You know I am terrified of the power you and Celestia have. I remember you telling me how you could go into the dreams of others and you asked me if you could have permission to visit mine.”

“You said no,” Luna finished. “I have respected your wishes. I cannot tell you the number of times ‘Tia has wanted to go and see you. She frets over you and June, as do I.” She inhaled deeply, pawing at the stone with a hoof, “My time is short this eve. I only wanted to drop by and give you my personal welcome. I know you did not want to come here and I apologize for Celestia’s insistence. There is trouble, but we know not what the scope of it is.”

She rose on her hind legs, throwing her fore hooves out. Before Jakob knew it, he was being hugged by the Princess of the Night.

“Thou art the son We never had,” she whispered into his ear. “Thou wilt always find a home here, no matter the follies of this world sent against thee and thine daughter. Fear Us not, child of man, for We will ne’er forsake thee.”

Jakob found himself returning the embrace. It was an awkward moment.

The pair broke apart. Luna was on all fours, already turning as if to lift off into the night sky. With her wings half unfurled, the alicorn paused, regarding the man over her shoulder with amusement.

“Why do you smile?” Jakob asked.

“I have many memories that have resurfaced since you arrived,” she told him. “Many fond, old memories. I pray time has healed your heart. From what I have seen, I am led to believe this is indeed happening. It gladdens my heart. I must go, Jakob. Know there is love here for you and love to be found by you. In the end, the choice will be yours. Good night.”

Like a wraith, she was gone.

Jakob had another drink and went to bed.
> Thirteen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Displays




June awoke to the sounds of Father snoring. Not one to linger in bed, once she was awake she threw her covers off. Padding on bare feet, she ran outside onto the balcony. It was just before dawn, and she had read the stories and heard the gossip from her friends in Berryville. The moon was still high in the air, the stars glittered in the sky. The girl looked and looked, searching. Her eyes followed up the largest of the spires, one not too far from her room. There was a very large balcony at the highest point of the main keep. June could see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna standing together, facing the moon.

Upon seeing them, she grinned widely and waved at the pair. The alicorns noticed and returned her wave with little waves of their wings in turn. Celestia indicated with her nose towards the moon and offered a knowing smile.

Luna stepped forward, her horn glowing. June fixated her attention on the moon and watched as it fell towards the horizon in a steady descent. The younger princess maintained her magic as the elder stepped forward with a gilded hoof. Her horn erupted in soft light, Celestia dipped her horn even as her sister was bringing hers down. When the horns were even with each other, the lightening horizon erupted with rays of light as the sun rose. The moon touched the edge of the world and sank as its counterpart pushed upwards. Head now bowed, Luna let go of her charge once it disappeared and took a step back, her mane reversing its flow. The sun continued up, following the lead of Celestia’s horn until it was high in the sky. The glow of the white alicorn’s horn faded away. Celestia, satisfied, turned to nuzzle her sister. Luna returned the gesture and together the pair turned to go inside. 

They paused long enough to look at June and wave again.

It was the most magical thing June had ever seen. Her unblinking eyes were round with amazed astonishment.

The next logical thing to do was to wake Father. Turning, June dashed inside, a grin exploding over her face as she leapt onto his bed. Shaking his shoulders, the excited girl practically shouted, “Father, I saw the most amazing thing ever!”







The group had breakfast in the private dining room of the alicorn sisters. There were fruits and muffins, as well as eggs cooked to order. Orange juice was served to Celestia and June while Jakob asked for a carafe of coffee. Luna opted for tea. There was also some fried fish and steamed vegetables with buttermilk biscuits.

Pleasantries were exchanged, save for Jakob who seemed to be saving his words for a rainy day. There was a lot on his mind and the alicorns did not press him. Instead, they focused on June, who gushed over seeing the setting of the moon and the raising of the sun.

“You should see us when the moon rises and the sun sets,” Celestia said to the girl. “Lulu loves to put variety in her stars. If you ask nicely, she might even do something special for you, June.”

“Mayhap I will,” Luna arched a brow, adding a mystic’s smile.

Cadence had not yet arrived. Instead, she sent a letter ahead. It popped in the air in front of the white alicorn. Unfurling it, Celestia gave it a read, then frowned. The letter was floated over to Luna, who imitated her sister. Then, it was given over to Jakob, who was already frowning.

“Well,” she said as she selected a slice of melon, “my niece appears to be needed where she is at the moment.”

“What’s happening?” June asked, curious. “Is something wrong?”

“It would seem those bandits were not as random as we were led to believe,” Luna told her. “Nopony is in danger. The good ponies of the barony are protected.”

“Queen Cassandra has been busy,” Celestia smiled. “Her changelings found the intruders and were able to guide the guards. Unfortunately, it would seem as though there is at least one magic user among them with common sense enough to put up detection spells. The raid was on an almost empty camp. Nopony was hurt and three prisoners were taken.”

“It is far from Berryville,” Jakob assured his daughter as he tugged at his sling.

“Do not do that,” Luna chided him, plucking his hand away with her magic.

“Didn’t they catch them?” June asked, curious.

“They retreated into griffon territory,” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “We would need to ask for permission to cross the border. I know for a fact the griffons will refuse, but I will need to have our ambassador ask.”

“Politics,” Jakob grunted.

“Indeed,” Luna agreed. “An evil necessity. My own grasp on modern statecraft flags far behind my sister. My methods are considered barbaric by today’s standards.”

Celestia inflated her barrel, then let out a sigh, “You know I have ponies to deal with that for us, sister.” Her attention shifted towards Jakob, “I am fully versed and immersed in it, but there is too much going on all at once. I try to focus on the more imminent issues and let others handle the little things. A nudge here and a suggestion there is all it takes to herd policy in the direction I would like to take Equestria. It takes years to master and Luna is coming along nicely, if I do say so myself.”

Luna leaned towards Jakob, “You would do well to learn a few things during your stay here.”

“An attaché, perhaps?” Celestia suggested. “There is no rush, mind you. You will have the final say, Jakob.” She wore a charming smile. “You’ve done a wonderful job with your home. I wish I had the acumen you’ve shown when Luna and I were rebuilding Equestria so very long ago. You deserve all the praise.”

“I should return home,” he started to say.

“Please trust our guards to do their duties,” Celestia consoled. “Cassandra has things under control. Cadence is there and she will not be idle. There is much for you to do here. I’m afraid this visit will require you to get acquainted with some of the nobility. Take this opportunity to solidify your position and get a feel for the political climate here. You will need it. Quite a few have taken notice of your success and are angling to take advantage of you behind your back.”

“Why would they do this?” Jakob queried as he reached for his coffee.

“Some ponies are not content with what they have,” Luna sniffed with a shake of her head. “I intend to help you, if you allow it.”

Celestia smiled, “Hence my suggestion for an attaché. Or at least a pony who is versed in Equestrian law. You need a pony that can keep on top of that.” She sipped her orange juice.

The man drank his coffee thoughtfully, sipping as he regarded the dark blue mare. His eyes flicked to Celestia. “June has surged,” he said, indicating with his mug.

Both mares raised their heads and perked their ears, their attention shifting to the girl. “Are you sure?” Celestia asked with a gleam in her eye.

“I did not witness it,” the man said, giving June a speculative look, “but Cadence was adamant. I would like June to be tested.”

“Really?” June asked mid chew.

“June? Did you surge?” Celestia leaned towards the girl, a small smile forming on her lips.

“I don’t know,” lamented the girl, “I don’t remember much. The candle lit and I fainted.”

“Could the candle have triggered it?” wondered Luna.

“I would write—”

“No Twilight!” Jakob interrupted Celestia sharply, stabbing a finger at her snout. Her ears flattened as she blinked owlishly at him. “She can get too...enthusiastic.” He then booped her.

“Can she at least observe?” Celestia pulled back with a giggle. “Twilight would go head over hooves at the opportunity to stud— er, help June, but I assure you, she has become far more considerate since ascending.”

Jakob deadpanned at Celestia.

“Sister, stop teasing our dear Jakob,” Luna shook her head with a smile. To the man she said, “Twilight would indeed love to observe, so I would second my sister in the suggestion.”

“Do you have a list of names?”

“I can have it sent to your room to look at, if you like.”

Jakob gave her suggestion a thought, then nodded. “Fine. But enough about politics,” he gestured to June. “My daughter has questions about her mother. I think it is a good time to give her answers.”

Luna opened her mouth as to say something, but she shifted her thoughts, “I think that would be fair. June, what do you think?”

The girl was bouncing in her seat. “Yes! Yes! Please, yes!”

Celestia stood. “Very well then, we shall go to the Royal Gallery. It is a private collection.”

“It is where we keep things of historical significance but have not decided if they should be open to public viewing,” Luna said, also rising to her hooves.

Jakob finished his coffee, saying nothing. He gave a curious stare to Celestia, who returned it with a ghost of a smile.

June downed what was left of her orange juice and was up from the table. “Father! Let’s go!”

“I have asked Raven to clear my schedule for the day,” Celestia told the pair. “We can spend it together, and June?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia?”

“I hope you get some of the answers you were looking for.”







The Royal Gallery was a museum of sorts and was nestled deep within the bowels of the castle. Jakob spent much of the trip lost in his own reflection in the polished floors as he was deep in thought. He was nervous as he trailed behind the alicorns. Luna gave him a reassuring smile over her shoulder at one point, but left him to his own musings. Somehow, June had managed to wrangle a ride on Celestia’s back and was telling the two mares about what it was like living in the barony. Celestia was quite pleased to hear the girl had friends to play with. She asked about the girl’s schooling, which was a blend of homeschooling through a private tutor and classes with the local school on the days when her tutor was unavailable.

Celestia gave Jakob an arched look when June told her the school had been without a formal teacher for the past three months since the old one retired. 

He looked up when she cleared her throat. “The ponies can choose their own teacher without my help,” Jakob told her flatly. “I will approve whomever they choose.”

“You have no involvement whatsoever?” Luna interjected, mirroring her own sister’s look of disappointment.

“I have the final say and I trust the ponies will know what they want in a teacher.”

Both mares appeared unsatisfied with his answer, but added nothing more.

“Miss Neighson was nice,” June piped in, “she went to go live with her daughter and be a good grandma. She was kinda weirded out when I did show up for her classes, but my tutor would send a note with me for the stuff I had to do with other foals.” A frown sneaked its way across her lips, “My friends are going to be okay, right?”

“We will take every measure to ensure the safety of your friends and their families,” Celestia promised. “But, let those tasked with protecting them perform their duties.” Lifting her horn, it lit up and the doors opened. Carrying the girl, she gave a motherly smile as she went through.

The room was not vast, but it was large enough to sport a sizable display. There were framed photographs and paintings of various sizes on the walls, which appeared as the lights flared to life. Along the center of the room were display cases bearing various items lined up in neat rows. There were ponyquins sporting ancient armor. Weapons of all shapes and sizes were lined up in separate cases. They ranged from great spears two pony lengths long to a simple dagger. 

June had to ask, “What’s all this stuff?”

“Mementos from ponies who have long passed,” Celestia told her, a sad, nostalgic smile gracing her muzzle. It morphed into one of cheer, “but you don’t want to hear about them, do you? You want to know about your mother. This is why I’ve brought you here. It’s at the back.”

Jakob had passing interest, his eyes lingering over the tools of violence with a critical eye. Trained in the art of killing, he had his preferences in weapons, but could adapt to almost anything presented to him. His attention was drawn to one particular spear, one with a broken haft. The weapon was standard issue. It was battered, its edges nicked. It might have been the imagination, but there seemed to be dried flecks of...something on the blade and shattered wooden shaft.

“Yes, it is the very one you are thinking of,” Luna told him. She had noticed his distracted gaze.

“It was never cleaned,” he remarked, leaning closer to the case.

“No,” she agreed, “it was not. Come. That which has pained you to speak of lies ahead. Are you all right with this?”

Jakob worked his jaw, chewing the inside of his cheek, “I will have to be.” He straightened, let out a little sigh, and let himself be led by Luna’s gentle wing.

Celestia had stopped, her body turned so June could see. Her mane and tail shifted on the ethereal winds. The girl steadied herself with one hand firmly pressed against the alicorn’s neck as she looked at the singular and large display case. There were not a lot of things, but what lay behind the glass had the girl staring.

There was a mannequin inside the display. It was tall and slender, though not as tall as Celestia. It wore a soft smile, its gold and emerald eyes seeming to sparkle with life. The smile was coy, as if a secret was on the tip of the tongue, waiting to be revealed. The hair was two tones of gold and white. The lifeless figure wore an outfit patterned after the color of the eyes. The blouse seemed to be a mix of leather and silk, with the arms laid bare and the chest opened to a V cut revealing the valley between the breasts. Strips of leather in a crisscross pattern held the front of the blouse in place. A simple ruby pendant hung from the neck. At the waist was a thick leather belt. There were pouches on both sides, hanging over the hips. The legs were parted, adding to the visual display of confidence. A skirt hung just above the knees and was parted along both hips. Beneath it was a pair of black pantaloons. The feet were boots of soft leather, worn from travel but well maintained.

“Is that?” June faltered as she stared at the figure.

“Luna and I stressed the importance of recreating her likeness as accurately as possible,” Celestia told her in a soft, respectful voice. “To do anything less would have been unacceptable.”

“It does look like the picture at home,” June gave the figure a more scrutinizing look. “Why is her hair like that? Mother’s hair was one color.”

Jakob cleared his throat, “Your mother became very strong in her magic. As it grew within her, part of her hair turned white. It is also the reason why there is gold in her eyes. If she were still with us, I would think she would have white hair and golden eyes.” There was a strange quality to his voice. “Celestia, you did not use…”

“No!” Celestia shook her head, “It is not, I swear. The only things genuine of her are the clothing she used to adventure in.”

The man drew closer to the display, emotions morphing over his rough features. “It is beautiful. Thank you.”

“Her staff,” Luna pointed out to June, “was made by me. It allowed your mother to have a light whenever she needed one.”

“It was also good for bashing heads,” Jakob had a hitch in his words, a rare and fond smile for something other than his daughter appearing.

“I am glad I ensured it was of sturdy make,” Luna added with a shake of her head.

“There are also her spellbook, the notebooks of her travels,” Celestia said, her magenta eyes falling upon the items, “her personal journals.”

Jakob snapped his head up and to the alicorn and inquired, “Kaga had a personal journal?”

“The thief was caught and most of them were returned,” Celestia said, her smile faltering. “I added them to the collection. I still have eyes searching for the last three volumes.” Giving the man an apologetic grin, she amended, “They were discovered a couple of years after you left Canterlot. I tried to contact you, but you were not exactly in the right frame of mind at the time. They are yours to do with as you wish, but at least allow June a chance to read them. They are quite insightful.”

“You read them?” Jakob’s voice rose.

“Before you erupt,” Celestia said coolly, “you should know there was a note with them asking they be read. Kaga intended for them to be printed, like the Daring Do novels. She wanted to share her exploits and insights with everypony, especially her daughter. I would be more than happy to provide the note to you if you wish.”

“Where is it?”

Celestia pointed a wing at a picture frame. Lifting it with her magic, she brought it to the glass where Jakob could read it. He blinked, staring at the flowing script of his wife’s handwriting. His anger faded, ending with a grunt. “My apologies. The past two days have been...trying.”

“If it is your desire they not be published,” Luna gave him a nuzzle, “it will be done. However, my sister and I do think your daughter would benefit from them. It is a very detailed look into how Kaga thought and who she was.”

“Father?” June was looking at him.

“It is fine,” he relented. “Do as you will. I wish to be alone. Stay with the princesses. I am sure you will have more questions.”

“Jakob,” Luna held his hand fast with her telekinesis, “are you all right?”

“I am coming to terms with some things. It still hurts.”

“I will go with you. There is much to discuss, even if nothing needs be spoken.”

Jakob gave Luna a hard look. “If your highness wishes.”

“My highness does!” she replied with a cheeky grin.

“Fine.”





June and Celestia spent a good amount of time looking at the display. More of her stares were directed at the mannequin. It was quite a feeling being alone with one of the most powerful beings in the world. The girl could feel the aura of the princess. It was a warm, fuzzy feeling, like being out in the sun on a perfect day. The Princess of the Sun clucked over June, but was not overbearing. The alicorn was being very nice and everything she did seemed genuine to the girl. If a guess could be made, it was that Princess Celestia was enjoying herself and wanted June to get the most out of this experience.

June asked, “How was she made?”

“It is a wax sculpture,” Celestia explained. “It is a complex process that starts with a clay figure built around a steel inner frame. I’m not well versed on the whole process, but I did watch some of the work when it was in its early stages. When the clay model was done, a mold was made around it. Once the mold is finished, they peel it off the clay figure, clean it out, and then put it back together. They then pour hot wax into the mold. Once it is cooled, the real work begins. It took the pony who made this six months. There were a lot of delays, mostly for silly little things.”

“Why did you have her made?” June then queried.

Celestia smiled, “I wanted you to know what your mother looked like and how I remember her. You’ll see a few statues out in Canterlot that glorify her in a way that really does not catch the character behind the heroism. They’re nice and flattering, but not entirely honest.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Celestia looked at June with a smile, “all of us have faults. We all make mistakes. I’ve made my share, that is for certain!” She giggled and shook her head. “I’ve lived for a very long time, June. I loved your mother as a daughter. She had a twisted sense of humor. Kaga was very kind and gentle with foals. She hated snobs and was not afraid to vocalize her disdain of those who looked down upon others. Kaga took that rather personally.”

June tapped her finger to her chin thoughtfully, “Why is that? Is it because of Father?”

“Very perceptive, my little po—,” Celestia caught herself and giggled. “I have an old habit of saying ‘my little pony’, June. I apologize.”

“That’s okay, Princess Celestia,” the girl said with a shrug. She did not mind, really. Since she lived in a land of ponies, there were a lot of times she considered herself like one. 

“June?”

The girl tilted her head to one side. “Yes?”

“Call me Celestia. Your mother was not one for titles. I would like to extend that to you, if you would allow me.”

“On one condition!” June said after a moment, her eyes bright.

“Oh?” Celestia hummed, arching a brow, “Making conditions now, are we?”

June ignored the comment, “Can I read one of my mother’s journals tonight?”

“Dear,” Celestia nuzzled June, “they are yours. Of course you can!”

June’s smile faded as she thought of Father. “Celestia?”

“Something worries you? Your father?”

“Is he going to be okay?”

Celestia gave another nuzzle, “It has been eight years. During that time, Jakob put a shell up around himself. It took raising you for him to slowly begin to lower it. He reached a certain plateau and sort of sat on it. He is healing, June, but most of it has to do with wanting to heal. I had hoped a change of scenery would help. Hopefully it works. Give him lots of love and a little bit of faith. He just needs a bit more time.”

June nodded, assuming a very serious face. “Well, the sooner he does that, the better.”

Celestia canted her face to one side, “Why is that?”

“I want to find him a special somepony.” It sounded weirder coming out of her mouth than it did in her head. Maybe a griffon? A changeling? No, no, Father would not want a changeling for his special somepony. 

Cassandra had ruined that.

“Oh, dear,” Celestia fought to stave off the belly laugh threatening to erupt. She did manage to hide her smile behind a hoof, “You want to find him what?”

“A filly friend?” June tried. A look of consternation formed, “You know what I’m talking about! I tried telling Cadence, but she got this really weird look in her eye.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Celestia said, mirthful, “but these are things that cannot be forced. You’d be doing exactly what Cadence was trying to do. You really need to let your father decide when he’s ready to move on to that stage. Truthfully,” she added, becoming serious, “it may never happen, June. You need to understand that.”

“But he’s lonely,” stressed the girl.

“Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t. June, it’s his choice.”

“Okay,” June sighed. Not if I have anything to do with it!
> Fourteen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Equestria for Equestrians




The arrival of the human and his daughter had not gone unnoticed. In less than twenty-four hours, word had spread among those with influence. Already forces were mustering as those with political clout began maneuvering for an advantage. Rivalries held in check for years reignited. Alliances were proposed, some were rejected. Contacts within the various newspapers were notified and there was a mad scramble for information. The reclusive baron (who was not a pony) had been summoned by the Diarchy. It was no secret as to why the human had come. What was surprising was how long it had taken for Jakob Gray to finally bow his head. Some things were seen by many in the nobility and upper class as an insult to Equestrian society. Having a non pony holding a noble title and worse, a landed non-pony noble was too much for some to bear. 

The Beast, they called the human, though not publicly. The uneducated lout had ridden the coattails of a very powerful magic user, his human mate. It had been argued the sorceress was unfortunate to be born to an inferior form, but her skill with magic proved to many she had a unicorn’s soul. Then, when she was gone, he took their spawn and disappeared into a barony that had a very small population of residents and a small hoof hold in the wine industry. The worst part was the vast wealth of Lady Kaga had gone with the Beast, and he proceeded to invest it into his new acquisitions without bothering to invite other investors in.

Now he was thriving, as his barony was thriving. A barony that would be best served with a unicorn overseeing it! Equestria for Equestrians, or simply the EE, had been around for a very long time. There had been a time when they had a lot of political clout, but those days were long in the past. It had been a near impossible hill to climb back to relevance, but here was an opportunity.

In a darkened room somewhere in the bowels of the oldest residential ring of Canterlot, there was a round table. Seated at this table were five unicorns, each one wearing a porcelain mask with an elaborate cap covering their horns. Each one wore a white shroud concealing their forms.

“Friends,” began the unicorn. He displayed a striking golden dragon with its sweeping wings covering his horn. Here, he was known as Dragon. “You know why you have all been called here.” His voice was cultured. The words used were refined. “The Beast has returned, beckoned by his mistresses. He obeys, as he should, as all pets should.”

There were agreeable nods, for this was the undeniable truth. The Beast was an untamed thing. Surely the princesses had heard the demands of concerned ponies that such a creature was allowed full citizenship. The Beast was far too dangerous to be allowed to do as it pleased. Now it had a daughter, and she was the offspring of the sorcerous mother. Thus, two dilemmas had been created.

A mare raised a hoof, asking to be recognized. Her horn was covered with a dancing black swan. When given permission, Swan asked, “Are we to put The Plan into action?” Eyes that had been locked upon her shifted to Dragon.

“We will,” came the reply with a nod, “once we have voted on the matter. There will be amendments Fox would like to propose.” He indicated the stallion to his left, who sported a laughing red fox.

An older voice spoke from beneath the fox, “I have been in contact with an outside source interested in making a purchase and is willing to cooperate for a speedy extraction. I believe this is to our benefit.”

“Who is this contact of yours?” queried a young-sounding mare with a pouncing wolf covering her horn. “And how did they find out about our Plan?”

“The leak has been dealt with, but the damage had already been done,” replied the fourth member at the table. He was a stallion sporting a cloven hoofed unicorn with a lion’s tail rearing majestically. “It was one of my former employees, one I thought had been promising, a unicorn, of course. It was my mistake as I had hoped to add her to our ranks.”

“You killed her?” Wolf asked in shock.

“Oh, Faust, no!” he shook his head emphatically, “one does not remove useful pieces from the game until they are no longer of use. Especially not promising unicorns that are bright and have better than average magical abilities! Her family is of one of the purest lines in all of Equestria. If anything, she will be useful for passing along her bloodline, if nothing else. Don’t worry, she’ll hoof the line if she knows what’s good for her.”

“What do you have on the filly?” asked the fifth member, also a stallion. He wore a serene alicorn sitting upon his mask. Like the others, he was of good breeding, his family line nearly as old as the foundation of Equestria. 

Unicorn chortled, “She has a sickly brother. Poor little colt. Her family can’t afford his medicine, so naturally I offered to become his benefactor.”

“Before or after you caught her?” Fox asked in a sly voice.

The table erupted with chuckles.

“Before,” came the reply when the laughter died down. “The colt has cornu putredine, the poor thing. Most of you would know it as horn rot.” Concern rippled across the table. A unicorn with a useless horn was not really a unicorn anymore. The disease was rare, but curable. It was also dreadfully expensive. The treatment was painful and sedatives tended to cancel out the medicine. “If left untreated, his horn will rot off and will eventually destroy the nerve clusters at the base of his horn. The mortality rate is quite high, from what I understand.”

“The poor little fellow,” Dragon sighed. “Unicorn, I trust you are using this to your advantage?”

“Of course! I am a stallion of my word, after all.”

Alicorn leaned into the table, “Pray you deal with this as discretely as possible. I should like to add more eyes and ears to this potential troublesome unicorn filly of yours.” Unicorn lifted his head as if to protest, but was cut off, “With your permission, of course. A little redundancy never did any harm. You will have the final say in any decisions, of course, but let us be cautious. We lowered our guard once and it cost us dearly.”

“Don’t give the filly a chance to turn on you and in turn harm our cause,” cautioned Wolf. “I do hope you keep your word. We unicorns must look out for each other if we are ever to ascend to our rightful positions as the Right Hoof of the Diarchy.” She adjusted her mask, sitting a bit straighter as her companions were in full agreement.

Dragon was satisfied with the answer, “Yes, we must show compassion and commitment to those we choose to aid. Is it not what Harmony is all about, my friends?” The answers came in a jumble of agreements.

“Indeed.”

“Quite.”

“Indubitably.”

“Of course.”

“Very well, we shall all keep an eye on this unicorn. If she is still of use to us, then we will let things progress as they are. If not, take the necessary steps, even if they are unpleasant,” Dragon told Unicorn.

“I will, and thank you.”

“Now,” Dragon clapped his hooves together, “on to the matter at hoof. Our potential collaborator has expressed a personal interest in the humans. He has been offering top bit for ownership and responsibility of the end result of The Plan.”

Fox asked, “Who is he and can we trust him?”

“Dragon scanned the group for a moment before settling his attention to Fox. Smoothing his robe, he replied, “So far, he has remained anonymous, other than calling himself a believer in purity. From what I gather, his beliefs lie parallel to our own. I think we can work with this as the end result will be more in our favor than his. The attention will fall upon him, and we do have contingencies in place should unwanted attention fall upon us.”

“I don’t trust this fellow,” Alicorn interjected. “He wishes to remain unnamed and I have an issue with that.”

“Just the same, he does not know who we are. We have been using intermediaries for communications. We will not be directly involved in the process. All we have to do is ensure everything runs smoothly and be ready to make adjustments on the fly. If we can maintain our flexibility and our wits, we should be able to pull this off and none would be the wiser. We will all benefit from having some extra bits thrown our way, but that would simply be icing on the cake, if you will.”

“We can’t target the male human,” Wolf warned. “He’s far too strong. It would be more beneficial to eliminate him.”

“Why can’t we eliminate both of them?” Swan asked, thumping a dainty hoof on the table.

“A foalnapping would be far easier to distract attention from than culling the two outright,” Fox said through his mask. “We could arrange an accident to happen, but that could take time when complete removal from Equestria would be more desirable.”

“If we can remove them far from Equestria, then putting the humans down would be far easier to do without the princesses looming over us,” Dragon said as he pressed his hooves together.

“I don’t like it,” Alicorn shook his head. “Too many unknown factors. Something has caught wind of our plan and I dislike that even more. We should abandon The Plan. The humans will eventually grow old and die out. There are only two of them, and they are father and daughter.”

“Actually, there is a potential problem,” Wolf said slowly as she tugged at her sleeves.

“Problem?” Dragon looked at her.

“The Beast’s medical files,” she went on, staring at the table. “I was able to procure copies of his medical files. A simple thing, really. The human male... He is...oh, how should I put this?” Wolf made a delicate cough, “I can’t be more blunt, I’m afraid. He’s sexually compatible.”

The entire table went silent. “What do you mean?” pressed Alicorn.

“My scientists were researching his biology so we could better understand how to...deal with him,” her words faltered as she cleared her throat. “They brought to my attention this possibility, this…,” Wolf coughed, uncomfortable with what was coming out of her mouth, “thoroughness. As much as I found this fascinating, it is so terribly horrifying! Such a ghastly realization, if you ask me. The Beast could feasibly impregnate a mare. I can’t imagine that creature creating something even more abominable than what he already is.”

Dragon’s voice was incredulous, “Impossible!”

Outrage exploded around the table.

“Preposterous!”

“Unholy!”

Unicorn shouted over the din in disgust, “If this is true, then what of the daughter? If she is anything like her mother, then her magic could be quite powerful!”

“If she has magic,” cautioned Swan. “We still don’t know if this is true.”

Dragon tapped his hoof once on the table, “Let us assume she does possess magic. Even if it is but half of what her mother was capable of, she will still be quite powerful.”

“So, would we even want to consider sending her somewhere else to someone who no doubt has an ulterior motive?” Unicorn worried, “I fear this will backfire badly.”

“Are you telling me the humans c-can...can fornicate with ponies and create abominations?” demanded Unicorn, as if the idea had finally sunk into his brain. “That’s horrid! We should do something about it! We cannot stand to let this happen! It’s bad enough we have hippogriffs, griffins, and Faust knows what other monstrous amalgamations of creatures out there! Now you are suggesting we could have a cross between a human and a pony running around?”

“Faust weeps,” Dragon gave a sage nod. “Which brings up a potential problem. What if our mutual friend wishes to procure the human child for a breeding program?”

“The money offered is substantial,” Wolf said, “but is it worth the cost to potentially have human blood mixed with something else? We could still arrange for an accident, or barring that, do something to prevent any chances of conception.”

“Whatever we decide to do,” Swan stressed, “we cannot do it in Equestria, especially not here in Canterlot! It would be far too close to the princesses and I for one would not be foalish enough to draw their ire upon us should we be found out.”

“What do you propose?” Alicorn asked.

“Kill two birds with one stone,” she said, determined. “Get the Beast and his spawn out of Equestria. Get them far from here and take care of them in the unknown reaches. In the meantime, we could put resources to finding out who our mutual friend is and determine if ‘he’ is a threat to our goals. If it is possible, eliminate him, too.”

“A bit bold,” Dragon admitted, casting his gaze towards the others. He wanted to gauge their reactions, but the masks made it all but impossible. “I think it might become necessary. Thoughts, my friends? Wolf, let’s start with you, if you please.”

“If you insist,” Wolf noted, licking her lips, “I must admit to being a bit squeamish when it comes to ending the life of another. I only wish to ensure the other races and tribes understand their proper place in the world. It is the only way for Harmony to truly be harmonious.” Of course, this was already known by the others. “However,” she went on with caution, “as these humans are not of our world, I would wager they could be harmful to our Harmony in the long run. As much as it pains me, the bloody steps must be taken before the unthinkable happens. As for our ‘mutual friend’, I do not trust him. I do not like dealing with unknown factors.”

“Fair enough and well said,” Dragon praised. “Fox? What say you? You have been unusually quiet.”

The stallion sighed and sat back in his chair. “We would run the risk of drawing the attention of our beloved princesses,” he said, clucking his tongue. “I agree we should engage The Plan and get the humans out of here. I agree this outsider expressing interest might become a threat, if not one already.” Fox shrugged, “It is not a pleasant thing to think about, but they are not unicorns, which makes them no more than talking animals. They are not ponies.”

Dragon smiled wryly beneath his mask. “Very good. Unicorn?” he gave his attention to the next stallion.

“Well,” his counterpart began in contemplation, “the question we should be asking is would the humans be more beneficial alive and under careful observation? Like it or not, they are resourceful and Lady Kaga,” —he used her name with fearful reverence— “proved capable of doing the things that needed to be done, but were beneath being tasked to unicorns. There are plenty of other things the male can be used for, and we don’t know if the daughter would be a boon for the benefit of Equestria. They are weapons and should not be discarded simply because we are afraid of what they might do. We are unicorns. We are in control. We must have control. By getting rid of the humans, I believe we would be giving in to our fears and possibly wasting invaluable resources.” His impassioned pleas came with an emphatic hoof pounding on the table, punctuating his words. Meekly, he added, “Thank you.”

“Noted and no, thank you,” Dragon said with an appreciative nod. His ears flicked. “Alicorn?”

“This outsider must be removed,” said the stallion without hesitation. “Too many unknown variables in the equation. The Plan was designed to be simple. We need to maintain that simplicity. Adding the unknown will increase the chances of something going wrong. I would not want to be at the end of such a catastrophe.” He crossed his hooves over his chest as he slumped into the back of his chair, “This new ‘friend’ could very well be a threat, or some sort of counter espionage to draw us out. I say we have nothing to do with whoever this being is. I don’t like it, I don’t trust it. The Plan was fine before it was discovered. We need to silence it, then move on to the simpler version, the one where we have control of all the factors.”

“But the money,” Dragon smirked, already knowing Alicorn’s response.

“We don’t need it. Brothers and sisters,” Alicorn swept his hoof over the table, “we are already wealthy. We have power. We have connections. The means of doing what needs to be done is here, in this room. I am willing to put everything at stake so long as everything is taken into account and all are committed to doing what is right. Are you?” he sneered through his voice. “Or do you consider yourself bigger than the Cause? We do this for the good of Equestria! We do this for our beloved Princess Celestia!”

“So, what do you propose?” Dragon asked carefully.

“Send them to Klugetown, as in The Plan. Take the child there. The Beast will follow. Use disposable pieces. What collateral damage that happens there will be of no concern to us. Nothing of importance will be lost. Better yet,” Alicorn tapped his hoof to his chin, “we can lure our new ‘friend’ there and take care of him, as Swan suggested. We need to take care of this intrusive being that dares put itself at our level. The Beast is dangerous. The daughter is his weakness. Stick to The Plan. No outsiders. Stand firm. No loose ends,” he finished with a snarl.

“Anything else?” Dragon prompted, now grinning beneath his mask.

“Be willing to bloody your hooves,” Alicorn declared, “or hide behind your wealth and politics. Be accountable for The Plan. Commit completely or it. Will. Fail.”

“Well said,” Dragon applauded. “Well said indeed! My friends, we are at a crossroads. Only unicorns can do what is necessary to keep Equestria safe and secure. The proper order of things must be restored and Harmony must be kept in balance! This may be our only opportunity to strike and our window grows smaller with each passing day.”

“What about rumors some Storm King’s remnants were found skulking about at the griffin border?” Fox wondered aloud. “There is a possibility this is tied up with our mutual friend.”

“And why is that, I wonder?”

“The liaison of our mutual acquaintance was a Storm Creature. They were the core of the Storm King’s army,” the stallion said, twirling a hoof in the air in a matter-in-fact manner.

Dragon dipped his chin in thought. “The Storm King is dead. He was turned to stone and shattered. His remains are within the private vault of the princesses.”

“True,” Fox smirked audibly, “but did he leave any heirs? Most of his army retreated back to where ever they had come from largely intact.”

Unicorn tapped the table for attention with a hoof, “This could complicate things. What if this proves to be true?”

“We investigate,” Wolf announced. “Finding the truth is paramount. This could confound The Plan.”

“We have the resources to do both,” Swan interjected. “We can decide on the current issue first, then move on to this revelation.”

“I agree,” Dragon said with a nod. He gave the group one last look, “Very well then. It is decided. We will go with Alicorn’s idea and modify The Plan. Let’s keep it simple and let us follow this through to the end. We have come this far, and we have waited for too many years. Any objections?”

There were none.

“This meeting is adjourned. I thank you all for your thoughts and opinions. Our climb continues. Prepare for what is to come, my friends. Support each other, as always and remember, Harmony is watching over you.”

“May Harmony guide us,” the others intoned. “Equestria for Equestrians!”

The dim light went out, leaving it in darkness. There was only the brief flashes of teleportation spells as the unicorns went back to their normal lives.
> Fifteen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Reunions




The next two days were busy. The princesses had to return to their duties. Jakob was suddenly immersed in politics and had to be given a crash course on how to deal with nobles and politicians. He also had to go through an extensive list of potential candidates for an attaché. Almost all the candidates were unicorns, save for an earth pony or two. A palace intern was assigned to help him weed through the prospects. She was a young unicorn who went by the name of Misty Snowfield. Her coat was ocher with a two toned mane and tail like golden wheat and snow. She seemed eager to please, though Jakob’s presence had an intimidating effect on her. It seemed as though the interviews were going to take a while, which made the surly man surlier.

Nonetheless, a schedule was made and the intern went to work on lining up interviews. As the arrangements were made, this gave the man time to make an appointment for June to be assessed for magic. Despite his reservations about Twilight Sparkle and her obsessive compulsive behavior, he did take her suggestion for one Starlight Glimmer to conduct the inspection. She promised to be a knowledgeable mare who would respect June’s feelings and would be more than happy to have the stern and insistent father present for the testing.

So promised Princess Twilight Sparkle.

During those two days, father and daughter were able to spend some time in Canterlot. Since June’s clothes came directly from the capitol, it made sense to Jakob to go to the store and have a word with the owner. Misty went along as a guide, as she was a local. She was pleased to learn June was having her clothing made at Canterlot Carousel, and was happy to show Jakob where the shop was, that was how they started their day.

Later, the man was going to see a weaponsmith about a new sword.

The morning they were to depart, Jakob was checked over by the Court Physician. The man was declared healed and fit and the sling was removed. Grateful to have the full use of his left arm, the human thanked the pony. Dressing as he preferred, Jakob did try to find his nicest beige shirt and best white pants. They were going to be mingling with civilized ponies, and he wanted to look somewhat decent. June was again wearing one of her mother’s old shirts, but it looked like a simple blue dress that hung just above her knees. She could get away with it because June was absolutely adorable. Father and daughter both wore sandals. June did not like wearing them, preferring to go barefoot. She understood why she had to wear them and managed to be reasonable about it.

It had been many years since Jakob had last seen the owner of the clothing store. She was an old acquaintance, more a friend of Kaga. He did know it was the only shop that was happy to make unusual garments for a growing human girl. The man also ordered his own clothing from Canterlot Carousel, but only after stressing a need for functionality, durability, and comfort. Letters had been exchanged several times over the years, usually a reminder that June was a growing girl and her clothing needed to be something she could grow into. Correspondence had always been polite and cordial between Jakob and one Rarity Belle. When he had sent word ahead he was intending to visit her store, she replied with a desire to meet him and his daughter at a time that best suited them.

Rarity also happened to be a close friend of Rainbow Dash.

Misty was delighted at the idea of going to Canterlot Carousel. “Her clothing lines are affordable, fashionable, and fabulous!,” she gushed as they walked the bustling streets. “Lady Rarity is considered one of the most generous ponies in Canterlot and runs several charities for many noble causes!”

The walk was a bit of a distance, but the weather was pleasant and the altitude presented a cooling breeze under the warm sun. Misty Snowfield took the lead, with June and Jakob just behind her flanks. There were unmarked guards keeping an eye on the human and his daughter. Jakob knew there were four, and they would be blending in with the crowd. It was a sizable crowd; ponies going about their business. Most were pleasant towards each other, as ponies were herd animals. There were a few, notably those of wealth and sporting their finery who went about with their noses in the air. These tended to have hired help go before them and politely clear the way. 

Some shops had ponies outside their doors, inviting potential customers inside with the promise of good deals and quality merchandise. It was easy to spot the more expensive stores; they lived on their reputation and did not need to have a pony ‘begging’ for business. Some had fancy signage while a few did not, as their location alone seemed to be their advertisement. The Canterlot Carousel was more of an upper-middle class establishment. This was what Misty explained to June. The girl found this fascinating. Jakob listened in to keep his mind off the sheer number of ponies around him.

“So, you’ve been ordering from Rarity for years?” Misty asked Jakob, her tone shy. Trying to hold a conversation with the human was awkward, since he spoke with short, gruff replies.

They passed a group of unicorns. Jakob had forgotten the city was almost entirely comprised of the horned tribe of ponies, over eighty percent last he remembered. Most of them were of marginal capabilities, usually some form of levitation and little else. This gaggle of horned ponies gawked at the towering human. The loud whispers followed.

“That’s him!”

“I thought he’d be taller.”

“He looks old!”

“He’s got a sourpuss face.”

“Is that his filly?”

They jumped as one when Jakob’s eyes fell upon them. Though his expression was more or less passive, he still rolled his shoulders and did a half grunt, half growl, “It is rude to stare.”

The unicorns shied away, tails tucked between their legs and ears splayed out flat. Apologies were mumbled and they discovered pressing engagements elsewhere.

“Father,” chided June, “be nice!”

“I am being nice,” Jakob grunted.

Misty whispered an aside to June, “Is the baron always like this?”

“Yeah. You get used to it!” the girl beamed.

“Oh dear.”

“I do not like crowds,” Jakob tossed over his shoulder in a voice that carried only to Misty’s ears.

“Crowds? There are barely twenty ponies on this street!” Jakob gave her a withering stare. The unicorn flinched, offering a nervous smile, “I-I’ll keep that in mind. I’d suggest some back alleys, but it would just delay us from arriving at the Carousel.”

“I will be fine,” the man stated. “Lead on.”

Their destination was reached within a half an hour. They passed a few restaurants that catered more towards tourists. The smell of food in the air was pleasant, interrupted by the occasional gust of wind. With the pleasant weather, many customers were enjoying their meals at tables set outside the establishments. There were few foals, as most were at school this time of day.

The double doors were open leading into the Canterlot Carousel. There were a few ponies inside perusing this year’s fashions. Pony clothing was arranged in the store to allow for an open floor while giving potential shoppers a good look at what was available along the walls. There were no racks stuffed with clothing. The ponyquins were arranged as displays, sporting the creative genius of one Rarity Belle. If there was something made by one of her employees, it was proudly displayed alongside hers. Everything was set so a pony could come in, find what she wanted, and have it tailor made to fit.

The world screeched to a halt when Jakob stepped into the establishment. A dozen pairs of mare eyes fell on him. Misty and June were in front of the man, noticed the sudden attention, and turned to look at Jakob. He had frozen under the door frame, sensing his presence was being judged as fight or flight instincts rippled through the patrons. One did not expect a towering male monkey-thing to waltz into a clothing store that catered to mares.

“It’s okay!” June sang, “he’s with me! I’m June and this is my father, Jakob. I’m getting new clothes and Father has to pay for it.” She wore a hug-winning smile.

“Oh!” cooed the patrons, and they went back to their shopping.

“Nice tact,” Jakob grumbled to his daughter.

“We almost had a stampede,” Misty whispered to him with a nervous smile. “Your appearance does not exactly scream ‘docile’.” Her ears splayed back, and she tucked her tail between her legs, “I’m sorry, that was a bit rude of me.”

“No,” he waved her off, “you are correct. I am not docile. I do not want to be here all day.” Jakob’s eyes had fallen over the lovely, frilly outfits designed for the fashion-minded mare and suppressed a shudder. It was hard to believe sturdy clothing came from an establishment like this. 

A slender unicorn mare with a light blue coat and multi-colored mane of orange and yellows with purple accents trotted to them with a big smile. “Well bust my buttons, welcome to Canterlot Boutique! I’m Sassy Saddles, manager of Canterlot Carousel! You must be the Gray party,” she declared, her golden eyes sweeping over the trio. “Baron Jakob Gray, I presume? Daughter June Gray?” 

“I am.”

“I’m Misty Snowfield,” Misty introduced herself, “the Palace asked that I act as a guide so the Baron and his daughter would not get lost.”

“How very kind of you!” Sassy smiled. “Baron Gray—”

“I prefer Jakob.”

“Pins and cushions, of course you do!” she was unbothered by his interruption. “Let’s go see Rarity. She’s been quite excited since she learned you would be coming today!”

Misty cleared her throat, “Might I ask where the little filly’s room is?”

“Back of the store left of the sales counter,” Sassy pointed with a hoof and her never ending smile. “Oh, come with me, all of you. Rarity is in the back.” The pair trotted off after the manager gave Jakob a wink. 

The looks given to Jakob were still fearful, but at least the customers weren’t panicking. He still thought they would bolt if he made any sudden movement, so he kept his arms crossed over his chest and avoided making eye contact, fixating his eyes at the back of Sassy’s head. He also did not want to look at the clothes. They were far too feminine and colorful for his eyes and it made him feel uncomfortable. Again, he shuddered. He caught June grinning at him, herself overwhelmed at the experience, but for different reasons. Her excitement was palpable. The girl was enjoying herself and had an air of eager anticipation about her.

Sassy Saddles led them to the back of the store and through a door. Jakob had to duck under it. There was still a sense of organization, things were orderly. There were clothing designs in various stages mounted on more ponyquins. Rolls of cloth were put up on shelves, coordinated by color and patterns. There were dozens of dressers and several work stations. A few mares were working, pausing to stare at the giant bipedal creature in their midst.

“Rarity? I’ve brought them!” Sassy called out. She had come to a stop at a door. A sign on it had ‘Manager’ written on it.

“Coming!” sang out a voice. The door opened, revealing a marshmallow white unicorn mare with impeccably arranged purple locks of mane and tail. A red pair of reading glasses were perched precariously on top of her snout. Sapphire blue eyes danced as she looked up at Jakob. “Darling! It’s been too long!”

Jakob gave a brief smile, “It is good to see you, Rarity.”

“Jakob,” she said sternly.

He gave her a questioning look.

“Hug. Now. Don’t think you can just show up at my store after so many years and not give me one, mister,” she glared at him.

Rolling his eyes, Jakob knelt and found himself being hugged by Generosity. He returned it in kind, a wistful smile forming for a moment and holding for a little longer. The hug broke and Rarity immediately turned her attention to June. Her eyes welled up.

“Oh, June, my dear, you’ve grown!” she gushed. “Let me have a look at you!”

“Hi,” June greeted, “are you one of Father’s friends?”

“I am! At least,” the mare gave Jakob a sly look, “I hope I still am.”

He gave her a flat look.

“I love you too, darling,” she said in good nature.

“I’ll get back on the floor,” Sassy announced. “Have fun catching up!”

“Thank you, Sassy, for bringing them back here.”

Misty coughed, “Well, I’ll be up front. I saw some dresses that caught my eye.” It had apparently been a quick trip to the little mare's room.

Sassy nudged her, “Well, let’s see what we can do about that, shall we?” The pair trotted off.

“Rainbow Dash was supposed to be here,” Rarity told Jakob. She was still fussing over June. “Good heavens, dear, why are you wearing a shirt far too big for you? Did you outgrow your clothing? This looks like something I designed and made for your mother. Why are you wearing your mother’s clothing? Where are yours? Jakob, why have you been neglecting your daughter’s clothing?”

“Dash?” Jakob perked up.

“Yes, she was in town promoting the Wonderbolts. She brought her daughters with her. They’re old enough to go with her on such venues now. Interesting promotion to prove you can have a family and be a Wonderbolt. Dashie was so very excited to show off how awesome her fillies are, as she likes to say,” Rarity was already taking mental measurements, her professionalism mixing with the small talk. “She married Soarin’ and Spitfire, since I’m fairly certain you had no idea. Our Rainbow Dash has become a career mare who takes being a mother very seriously. She’s grown a lot, Jakob. I think you’d be happy for her. I’m sure she’s excited to see you.”

“Soarin’?” Jakob furrowed his brow. “The stallion who likes to eat pie?”

“That’s the one!” Rarity chirped. “Oh, let’s see. I have your order for June’s new clothes, but honestly, what happened to her other clothes?”

“There was an accident,” Jakob began, rubbing the back of his head. “I do not know if it was intentional or not, but something was put into the washing machine. It burned her clothes.”

“What? How?”

“Our washing machine was down for repairs,” he went on. “We were using the machine of a friend in town. It caught fire. Everything in the machine was ruined.”

“Oh my! That’s terrible!” Rarity gave June a hug. “Don’t you worry, dear! I’ll have you new sets as soon as I can! This will not do!” —she paused, plucking at the sleeve of June’s shirt— “Very clever to use Kaga’s clothing.”

“Rainbow Dash?” she was reminded by Jakob.

“Oh! Yes, yes, she should have been here already. I wanted it to be a surprise. Dreadfully sorry, Jakob. I have no idea what could be keeping her,” she said with a perfectly straight face.

“Yeah, I have no idea where the most awesome pegasus in the world could be hiding,” a scratchy, feminine voice from behind Jakob announced, loud and proud.

As he was still kneeling, Jakob turned on his knee in time to be tackled by a colorful blur. Which was to say he caught a ball of powder blue fur and feathers sporting a prismatic mane and tail. It also appeared to be clothed in a suit of sorts.

“Dude!” Rainbow Dash cried, her wings flapping as her tail wagged with excitement. “Dude, where have you been?”

Jakob found himself hugging an old friend with a bit more emotion than he had anticipated. It was very good to see a familiar face and someone who had watched his back in the early years. They had never been anything past friends and over the years, they had drifted apart. There was guilt in losing touch with a friend, perhaps the only true friend Jakob had ever acknowledged.

When they pulled apart, Jakob could see Rainbow Dash was in her Class A Wonderbolt dress military uniform. It was the sort of garb worn when not performing. It made the pegasus look very professional. Tucked under a wing was a Wonderbolts cap. A proud grin was on her face.

“Yeah, I’m still awesome,” she strutted in place. Two little balls of adorable pegasi fluff poked out from behind her legs, staring up at the man. “These are my daughters, Danger Dash and Daring Dash. They’re a little shy, but that’s okay. They’ll see you’re not a bad guy.” The two fillies looked like her mother, with slight variations. One had a darker coat while the other had shocks of reds and greens in hers.

“You herded,” Jakob stated bluntly.

“Yep!” she grinned. “The Wonderbolts were like family to me after I got out of my newbie year. So, I decided I was going to make some of them an actual part of my family. Started dating Soarin’. Had to ask permission from Spitfire at first. She’d been eyeballing me a while and wanted me to earn it, like I earned my place on the Wonderbolts. I mean, she pushed me. Heck, Soarin’ pushed me. I wanted to earn it, ya know? I made sure no favorites were played. If I didn’t earn it, I didn’t want it.” Rainbow Dash was growling her words by the end.

Rarity cleared her throat, “Well, there was a bit of drama that could have been avoided. Turns out the Wonderbolts are all either related or married to each other in one way or another. It’s not exactly publicly known, mostly because a lot of ponies would think there’s a lot of favoritism going on.”

“It’s also one of the reasons it’s so hard to get in,” Rainbow added. As she spoke, she was trying to coax her daughters out with her wings. “C’mon kiddos, say hello to my friend Jakob!” The mare grinned at June, “I know you’ve heard this a lot, but you got big! I mean, you were so tiny when I last saw you! In case you didn’t know, I’m Rainbow Dash, fastest pegasus in Equestria!”

One of the fillies waved nervously at June and Jakob. “Um, hi.” Her sister shrank behind Rainbow’s tail.

“Oh, you’re both so cute!” the girl gushed at the foals. “Father talks about you sometimes,” June said to Rainbow with a grin. “I think I know more about you than I do my own mother.”

“Hey! Kaga was pretty cool,” Rainbow laughed. “She was a good friend. She cheated at cards, though. I hated that.”

“And yet you kept playing with her,” Rarity tittered behind a hoof.

“Whatever, Rares.”

The two fillies hiding behind their mother were sniffing the air cautiously. Jakob had gone very still, watching his daughter as she knelt to make herself small and nonthreatening.

“So,” Rainbow drew out the word, “what’s the plan for today? I know we’re gonna go do something, right?”

“Well,” Rarity watched June hold a hand out to the fillies, beckoning her fingers at them, “I was going to just make sure of June’s order for clothing, then I was thinking we could have lunch. My treat, of course. There is so much to catch up on! I am so thrilled to see Jakob again, after all these years! However,” she arched a brow at the man, “I do recall less of a dour look beneath that beard.”

“I need a new sword,” Jakob told Rainbow, ignoring Rarity. She gave him a small pout.

Curious, the rainbow maned mare asked, “Why?”

“I broke it on the head of a minotaur. The metal was flawed.” There was a shrug and the man clucked his tongue.

“Dude,” Rainbow shook her head, “the last place you want to whack a minotaur is his head.”

“How dreadful! Why would you do such a thing?” Rarity demanded.

“The minotaur is fine,” sighed the human, his eyes on June. 

The girl had shifted herself to a cross-legged position on the floor. One of the fillies had discovered the wonders of scratches behind the ears. Seeing the look of bliss on her sister’s face, the second Dash filly moved out from behind her mother. Looking at Rainbow, she hesitated, not sure of herself.

“You snooze, you lose!” Rainbow told her. “Human fingers are totally the best thing for giving scratches, Danger. Hey, Rares,” she grinned broadly, “remember when Kaga used to go around and randomly give us ear scratches whenever we got together? She absolutely loved it!”

“I will neither confirm nor deny my addiction to human fingers,” the white unicorn said sternly, but with a twinkle in her eye. “Do you remember what was even better than ear scratches?”

“Belly rubs!” the two mares cried in unison.

Jakob growled, “I am not giving either of you belly rubs! You,” he pointed at Rainbow Dash, “once told me belly rubs were not ‘cool’.”

“Dude, human fingers are like magic!” Rainbow ruffled her feathers and gave a happy shudder. “I don’t deny what I like, Jakob.”

June perked up at this snippet of information, “When did you give ponies belly rubs, Father?”

His eyes widened, mouth hanging open for a pause. Snapping it shut, he gave his daughter a stern glare. “I do not know what you are talking about.”

“Denial is the first step,” Rarity demurred. “June, dear, it would appear the fillies have become quite taken with you! Now, before the cuddling gets out of hoof, I should like to confirm my measurements and design with your growth in mind. That is the primary reason why you are here, is it not?”

June nodded.

“Very well, then! There is a couch over there. I can have one of the associates prepare some tea while I see to June’s measurements. As soon as I get what I need, we’ll do lunch. Does that sound agreeable to everypony?” Rarity adjusted her reading glasses. “Rainbow, do your girls need snacks while you wait? It won’t be long, I promise.”

“Nah, they’ll be fine,” Rainbow waved her off. “Besides, they’re gonna get curious about Jakob and they’ll find out there’s nothing to be afraid of. The guy is legit, girls, I promise!” 

Rarity, satisfied with her friend’s answer, herded June into a fitting room. “Don’t go anywhere, darlings! This won’t take but a moment!” she reminded before closing the door behind her.

“He’s scary, Mommy,” whimpered Daring Dash. “He’s big and grumpy.”

“Eh,” the mare huffed with a grin, “you get used to it. Jakob’s one of those guys that are way more than what you see on the outside. I’m not gonna force you if you don’t wanna. Do you understand?”

Jakob, too big for pony furniture, sat on the floor with his back to the wall. Rainbow tossed him a couple of throw pillows from the couch as she leapt up and made herself comfortable. Her foals followed, scrambling to jump up next to her. Little wings flapped and rumps wriggled in their efforts. Their mother kept an eye on them, grinning with amusement. The human watched this, approving. Motherhood suited his friend.

“So,” Rainbow began once she was sure her foals were settled, “heard something down the pipe that a human, a changeling queen, and a unicorn with a busted horn took down some baddies and rescued a couple of ponies. Is that true and is that the reason why you busted your sword?”

“How do you know this?” Jakob queried, folding his hands together.

“Jakob, I’m military. I’m nosy. I like to know what my friends are up to. I’ve got the clearance to be a part of the need to know crowd. You did good,” she nodded at him. “Wished I could have seen you kick some flank!”

“Kick flank!” cheered Danger.

“That’s right!” Rainbow cheered her daughter.

“No bubblegum?” asked Daring.

“You saw Princess Cadence?” Rainbow asked.

“We had a discussion,” Jakob mentioned.

An earth pony mare entered with a tea tray. She served Jakob and Rainbow with a nervous smile, her gaze constantly going to the human. Again, Jakob made no sudden movements and did not make direct eye contact. Ponies could be easy to spook. He accepted his tea with a thank-you. Rainbow was holding back laughter as she watched.

“Man,” she began after the pony left, “it’s hilarious watching you go into your non-aggressive stance. It’s like you’re so scared to start a stampede.”

“Vanhoover,” Jakob reminded her with a low growl.

“Oh, yeah,” she laughed sheepishly. “Vanhoover. Forgot about that.” Changing the subject, she ventured, “So, June looks like she’s a good kid. Kinda surprised with the kind of dad she’s got.”

“I like to think I have done the best I can.” The man cast his gaze over the fillies. They were both staring at him, more with curiosity now than fear, “I am surprised you would be a mother.”

“Dude, that’s life,” she said with a toothy grin. “If you would have asked me before these two came along, I would have told you having foals would have been the worst thing ever. Now? Couldn’t imagine my life without them. They’re my girls and they’re my pride and joy. I’m pretty sure June is the same for you, am I right?”

Jakob gave her a smile. “Yes. She is.”
> Sixteen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Shattered




Father was happy. He was smiling. That smile of his was not disappearing. There were old friends and they were enjoying his company. They had taken a trip to a restaurant near the edge of the disk. It offered a spectacular view. June did not know the name of the place, other than it was on the fancy side. She would not have cared if lunch was going to be had at a street vendor. The girl was happy for her father, so very glad to see him wear something other than a frown.

He had given her a reassuring squeeze of her shoulder with his hand. June was happy with her clothes. Rarity wanted the girl to have variety and choice, and after mulling it over with Jakob, had presented several options for June to choose from. Father deferred to Rarity for the more formal ensembles. They would be delivered before the return trip home. The sly girl had other ideas swimming in her head. Not only did she see a couple of Father’s friends in Rarity Belle and Rainbow Dash, but June was seeing potential help in finding her hopeless lump of a father a lady to catch his heart. However, she knew he was aware of her antics and frowned upon her efforts. Then again, he frowned on everything. Or at least he wore a soft scowl.

Misty followed along, staying close to the girl. As Father was catching up with Rainbow and Rarity, the younger unicorn focused her attention on June. Misty was nice to June and the girl liked how helpful the mare was. Their personalities were very different; Misty was a reserved sort who did not talk much while June bubbled over with curiosity and was a chatterbox (which was either surprising or not surprising, considering her father and whom one asked). Talking about Canterlot and all the tourist hot spots seemed to be the only thing the unicorn could do. Beyond that, she was rather awkward and seemed uncomfortable.

The restaurant offered private outdoor seating. Rarity, considering the attention Jakob and June were garnering, requested this. The outdoor booth offered a spectacular view of the Equestrian countryside from halfway up the side of the Canterhorn. They were high enough that a few fluffy clouds were beneath them. Pegasi weather teams appeared to be manipulating a cloud or two, little colorful dots in the air darting about the large, white cotton ball clouds.

Having never seen pegasi doing pegasi things, June looked at Rainbow Dash after they had been seated and asked. Grinning, the rainbow maned mare was only too happy to talk about manipulating the weather.

“You see, Equestria needs weather teams to make sure the weather is balanced to get the most production out of farms so there’s enough food for everypony,” Rainbow began as she fitted Daring into a booster seat to her left. Rarity was helping fit Danger into another one to her mother’s right side. “You guys don’t have any pegasi in your neck of the woods, do you?”

“No,” June admitted, “just earth ponies. We’ve got a couple of survivalists that live out in the woods, but they don’t bother anyone. Cassandra keeps an eye on them in case they do something weird. I think they’re called...mustangs?” She scrunched her nose as she mentioned the word.

“Sounds about right,” Rainbow prompted. “We got a few weirdos out there that really don’t conform to society needs, but that’s okay. So long as they don’t hurt anypony, they can live however they want.” She was grinning at Jakob.

“Dashie, rude!” Rarity giggled behind a hoof. “Now, feel free to order whatever you like! Lunch is on me and don’t be shy! This is a time for friends to become reacquainted with one another and it would be a pity if we squabbled over the trifles of who is hoofing the bill!”

“Rarity, I—” Jakob began, but was shushed by a flinty-eyed marshmallow unicorn mare.

“I will end you if you push the matter, darling.”

Jakob wisely let it pass.

Rarity gave him a sweet smile, “Good boy. Now, there is plenty to choose from on the menu. There is a rather nice selection for omnivores and I do hear the steaks are divine. Mind you, I’ve never had one, nor do I have any interest, but please, indulge yourself, Jakob.”

“Meat?” Misty blinked owlishly at the menu. “Oh, my Celestia, they serve meat here!”

“Does that bother you?” Rainbow asked, interrupting her explanation of weather wrangling to June.

“Well, I, ah,” the mare stammered, “have never seen anypony eat meat.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet you haven’t,” leered the pegasus.

“Rainbow!” Rarity hissed, “foals present!”

“Chillax, Rares, just having fun with Misty.”

“Meat?” Danger asked, blinking at her mother.

“Yes, kiddo, meat,” Rainbow told her daughter sagely. “Let’s find something for you to eat, okay? I’ll bet you and Daring are hungry.” She skimmed over the menu, “Let’s see, how about...oh! Fried mozzarella sticks! You want mozzarella sticks, Danger? We’ll get you that and some fish sticks. They have those, too. You like fish sticks, don’t you?”

“Fish sticks!” Daring crowed with excitement.

“Mozzer jelly!” cried Danger.

“For someone so young, June,” Rarity spoke up, smiling at the excited foals, “you are very well-spoken and learned. I think that alone is a testament to your father’s dedication to your education. Homeschooled, if I remember correctly?”

“Father hired tutors,” June explained, glancing from her menu to Rarity. “They send me lessons and I fill them out and return them to be graded. What I can’t do with them, I go to the local school teacher, but I’m already way ahead of the lessons she is capable of.”

“She is very intelligent,” Jakob stated, “much like her mother. There are times I think I am speaking to Kaga when we speak. It is often unsettling. I want June to learn. She wants to learn. I think she will be soon old enough to be sent here for furthering her education. I can only do so much. My upbringing was… not as fortunate.”

“Is this what you want?” Rarity asked, tilting her head to one side. “Furthermore, is this something June wants? To be separated from each other, I mean?”

“It’s scary to think about,” June replied, then smiled at her father. “We do talk about it. I’ll be ten next year and I think... Father, was it spring of next year you wanted me to go?”

“After Winter Wrap-Up,” he answered with a grunt. “June is going to be tested for magic in a day or so. Depending on the results, it will narrow down the search.”

“June can do magic?” Rainbow Dash rasped with excitement. “That is so cool!”

“Maybe she can,” Jakob hummed, giving June a thoughtful look. “She is to be tested by one Starlight Glimmer.”

June noted Misty was paying attention to the conversation, but elected not to participate. She seemed too nervous. Leaning towards the mare, she whispered, “Are you okay?”

“Oh! I’m fine, really,” the mare whispered back. “I never knew I’d get to see two of Equestria’s heroes in the flesh, much less have lunch with them!”

“They’re just ponies,” June said with a shrug. “They’re friendly and I like them. It’ll be okay.” She gave the mare a smile and did something she had seen Father do. Reaching out with a hand, she booped Misty on the snout with her index finger. “I promise!”

“Glim-glam?” the pegasus made a contemplative face, “Yeah, she’s legit. Not as crazy as Twilight, that’s for sure.”

“Twilight is not like that anymore,” Rarity objected with a titter. “She has come a long way in dealing with her obsessive-compulsive disorder, in large part thanks to her friends.”

“Will I meet Twilight? Isn’t she one of the princesses?” June went back to her menu. There was a grilled cheese sandwich promising three different cheeses that appealed to her. It came with crinkle cut fried potatoes. “I’d like to meet her.”

“At some point, you will,” Jakob promised. He had already decided on a steak, medium rare. It had been too long since his last one. A fully loaded baked potato would go nicely with it, along with some fresh bread rolls.

The waiter came and took their orders. He was an older unicorn stallion sporting a small mustache and wearing formal attire for his position. His eyes lingered on the human pair, having been told who his customers were. The stallion was very polite and patient and seemed used to having patrons order meat. “Our guests come from all over the world,” he told an inquisitive June with pride, “it would be rude if we were to turn away a potential customer based on what foods they eat or how they look.” With that said, he went to put in their orders and fetch drinks.

“This is why I like coming here,” Rarity said. “The staff is friendly and knowledgeable of the needs of other species. They have a very stringent hiring process to ensure any who work here are not a racist or a speciest. The owner is a retired guard. Jakob, I think you might know him.”

“I do?” Jakob peered over his menu.

“You used his spear during the changeling invasion,” Rainbow told him. She looked over at Rarity, noting the pout. “What?”

“Sergeant First Class Tender Melon, retired,” Rarity said to the human while giving Rainbow a faux death glare. “Twenty years in the Royal Guard, then decided to open a restaurant here in Canterlot, calling it The Last Stand. I am surprised he is not here to greet you personally, Jakob. I understand he is very grateful for the second chance at life you gave him.”

“I remember him,” Jakob grunted thoughtfully. “Big stallion. Earth pony. Stood his ground and would not abandon his post.”

A deep voice interrupted, “You saved my life, my lord baron. Your waiter realized who you were and completely forgot what it was your table ordered. He was too excited.”

The group turned their attention to the entrance to their booth. There stood a large earth pony stallion with a yellow coat and two toned green mane and tail. He wore a white chef’s coat and a pair of glasses were perched on the tip of his muzzle. There was a bit of gray touching his chin and a welcoming smile washed over the party. Tender Melon still carried himself like a proud soldier and his uniform was pressed and clean.

Jakob stood, having been sitting on a short legged chair meant for minotaurs, and offered a fist. Tender Melon reached out a hoof and the pair bumped. “You seem to be doing well,” the human offered with a curt nod. “Call me Jakob. Titles bore me.”

“Been a dream of mine,” the stallion replied, maintaining his huge smile. “I’m just glad I was able to live long enough to see it come true. Thank you. Have you ordered your food yet?”

“We were about to, Mr. Melon,” Rarity spoke. “Just a couple of ponies at the table who haven’t decided yet.”

“Two foal meals of fish sticks and fried mozzarella sticks for my girls,” Rainbow announced, “and I’ll have the grilled tilapia with homemade mashed potatoes with extra butter and the steamed carrots. Apple juice for the girls, cider for me.” She grinned, her tail wagging in her seat.

“The large medium rare steak with a loaded baked potato,” Jakob said, giving Rainbow a sidelong glance. “I will also have a cider. June?”

“Oh! The same, please, Mr. Melon and thank you!”

Rarity cleared her throat, “No cider for you, young lady. You are far too young.”

There was a low growl. Jakob was staring at her, his face a neutral mask.

“Of course, her father has the final say.”

“A very small cider,” he allowed, using his thumb and forefinger to show how much. “For her first drink.”

“Really?” June blinked.

“There is no harm, and I am present.”

The girl squealed with glee, “Yes!” Her first drink!

“Ahem, well,” Rarity gave a wan smile, “I suppose there is no harm if there is proper supervision. Mr. Melon, I’ll have the garden salad with the dandelion petals and the light house dressing. Also, a glass of your honeysuckle wine, please. Miss Snowflake, do order anything you like, dear.” Her attention had fallen upon the quiet mare. 

“I suppose I’ll have what you’re having, Miss Belle,” the mare replied. “Thank you.”

Tender Melon nodded, “I’ll get those going right away! Enjoy the view. Lunch should not take more than fifteen minutes! Until then, I’ll have your waitress bring you your drinks.” The retired guard-turned-restaurant owner trotted off.

The party chatted for several minutes, catching up on life over the past eight years. Rarity had a few suitors over time, but nothing serious. Nothing seemed to click for her when it came to finding the perfect romance, so she stayed busy with her love for fashion and spent her free time on her various charities for varying causes. Rainbow rolled her eyes as her friend regaled the hardships of finding a stable relationship these days. Good stallions, Rarity declared, were hard to find.

June could have sworn the unicorn was giving her father an odd look. No, must be my imagination. Father wouldn’t like Rarity. She’s nice, but...needy? Is that the word? The girl did not want to be ungrateful to the fashionista. She was very nice, very prim and proper. Rarity, however, did not strike June as the rough and tumble type. Father did a lot of work in the garden and would spend days out visiting ponies who lived far from Berryville. There were dozens of farms he would visit. Father took his duties seriously and would spend hours at his desk when not out and about. Then there was the occasional monster that would show up, frighten the locals, and Father would have to go out and ‘do something about it’.

Rarity couldn’t handle something like that, June was certain. She seemed too soft. The girl shook her head, suddenly feeling guilty of her thoughts. Father had always said to never judge the ponies by their appearances. They were pretty tough. June had seen it for herself how resilient ponies could be. The earth ponies back home worked hard, complained little, and helped each other out with smiles.

Still, maybe Rarity could help find Father a nice mare to settle down with. How hard could it be? Would it hurt to ask the marshmallow mare if she could help? What about Rainbow Dash? She seems like a good friend to Father. His mood had improved considerably since reacquainting with the pegasus. 

It was the first time the girl had seen Father with someone he considered a friend. In this case, it was two someponies. Her thoughts constantly went to finding her father love. He deserved to be happy. Everything he did was either for her or the ponies living in his barony. Jakob did little for himself. June wanted to change that, and she intended to do something about it.

The drinks arrived. The waitress, an earth pony, carried a serving tray on her back. Upon it were the beverages which she doled out with a chipper smile. A very small glass of golden cider was placed in front of the girl. June stared at it, putting her thoughts aside for the moment. Picking up her glass, she sniffed at it. The drink smelled of apples and something else.

“Oh, wow! It smells really nice!” she proclaimed.

June waited until everyone had their drinks. All eyes had fallen upon her, with varying looks of amusement. Misty seemed a bit worried and the foals were oblivious to what was going on. Rainbow swapped her attention from between her twins to June.

“Go ahead,” Jakob prompted, “drink.”

Rarity cleared her throat, “A toast, first?”

“Yeah!” Rainbow cheered. “A toast for friends reunited!” She held up her glass firm in the grip of her hoof.

Jakob gave a shrug and a smile. “Why not?” he asked, raising his glass to Rainbow’s. It was joined by Rarity’s wine glass. June had to stand on her seat to reach with her glass, her tongue sticking out the corner of her mouth with the effort. Misty just raised hers briefly, not looking comfortable.

After sipping from her glass, Rarity noticed this, “Misty, are you all right, dear?”

A weak smile followed, “Oh, I’m...just not feeling well. I would like to use the filly’s room, if you don’t mind.”

“Would you like for me to go with you?” the fashionista asked with genuine concern.

“I’ll go with her,” June offered, standing up. “I have to go, anyways.”

“The food will be here soon,” Rainbow warned, “don’t be too long or there might not be anything for you when you get back!”

“You’re going to eat steak?” Jakob asked with mild surprise.

“I like meat.”

“Rainbow Dash! Foals present!”

“It’s okay, Rares. We’re all friends here.”

“Honestly, one would think motherhood would have curbed where your mind goes!”

“Nah, probably made it worse,” the rainbow maned pegasus replied with a shameless grin.

Jakob just chuckled and shook his head at the pair. “June, hurry back. Misty, you too.”

“This way, June,” Misty told the girl. “Stay close. Some ponies might get curious about you and I don’t know how many of the undercover guards made it into the restaurant.”

“Why so cautious?” Jakob asked, narrowing his eyes.

She shook her head, “It’s my first time as a chaperone for VIPs. I’m very nervous and I don’t want to do a bad job, sir.”

“Do not worry,” he stroked his short beard, “you are doing fine. Bring my daughter back.”

“Yeah, just relax,” Rainbow said to her. “We’re all friends here!”

“You’ve been a marvelous example of politeness, Misty,” Rarity assured the mare. “I can understand the nerves of a first big job, but you’re doing very well for yourself! Just keep doing what you are doing and it will get easier for you, I promise!”

Misty gave them a small smile. “Thanks. Come on, June, the restrooms are this way.”







June had taken care of her needs and was washing her hands at one of the sinks in the restroom. Pony toilets were a bit of a challenge to navigate, but she had managed and it had not been too awkward. Misty was waiting for her on a bench next to the door and seemed to be holding something in her hoof.

“Are you okay?” June asked as she dried off her hands with paper towels from a dispenser. “You seem really quiet for a pony. The ones I’ve known are pretty open and friendly. Is something wrong?”

Misty glanced up at her, ears flattening against her skull. “I have a sick brother. I worry about him a lot.”

“Sick?” June sat next to her. “What does he have?”

“Horn rot,” Misty told her with a shudder. “It’s a debilitating disease. He’s about your age. Very smart, too. He loves reading books and loves pestering me with questions.”

The girl made a face, “I’m so sorry to hear that. Is he going to be okay?”

“The treatment is expensive, but my family does have a benefactor who has offered to pay for my brother’s treatment. It will save his life.” Misty was rubbing the object in her grasp with both hooves.

“What’s that?” June asked, “A good luck charm?”

Misty shook her head. “Teleportation stone,” she replied, looking at the girl with sad eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” 

“Everything.” Misty tapped the stone. 

There was a flash of light, then darkness and a strong smell of mold, oil, and rust. June, disoriented, cried out and found her rump hitting a hard floor. “Misty!”

“I’m sorry!”

A snarling, deep voice rumbled, “Get the girl! Move it, boys, we’re on the clock! Thirty seconds! Get her to the ship! Move! Move!”

June was grabbed roughly, crying out again, this time in pain and surprise. Panic filled her thoughts, and she struggled, swinging wildly and kicking for all she was worth. Something struck the side of her face and she screamed. 

“Shut up!”

She was struck again and began bawling.

“Don’t damage her, you idiot! If she dies, or is damaged, we don’t get paid!”

“She kicked me!”

“So, a child hurts you, you moron? Precious cargo! Buck up, shut up, and do what I’m paying you to do and nothing else!” The owner of the voice sounded annoyed more than anything. “Bind her arms and legs, muzzle that mouth of hers! She’s got a piercing voice. And be gentle about it! Hit her again and I’ll slit your throat, you idiot!”

It was too gloomy to see anything, but June could hear what was going on around her. She was bound and gagged. A cloth sack was put over her head, so she couldn’t even have the gloom to make out shapes. June tried to struggle, but there were too many, and they were all far stronger than her.

Through it all, the girl could hear Misty in the background, sobbing over and over, “I’m sorry!”
> Seventeen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Prelude to the Hunt




June awoke to the sensation of dull pain on the right side of her face. Something was gagging her mouth. Groggily, the girl tried to remove it. Her arms felt heavy as she tried to move them. The air was hot and muggy. Her world was jostling, and she could hear a mechanical throb rumbling through everything. The sounds of clinking chains reached her ears every time she tried to move. Fluttering her eyes open, she was greeted with darkness. Her nose caught several smells; oil, metal, sweat, and other things that were not pleasant.

Sitting up, she found she was in a cage and there were manacles on her wrists. As her eyes adjusted to the gloom, they fell upon the chains bound to her wrists. She pulled at them, finding they were wrapped around an iron bar. Taking stock of her surroundings, June realized she was in a cage. Her bedding was little more than a pile of blankets, though they seemed clean.

Her hazy mind tried to piece itself together. She was afraid and had no idea where she was. What happened?

There had been the restaurant…

Rarity.

Rainbow Dash.

Danger and Daring Dash.

“...Father!” she croaked through her gag. It was easy to untie it. The rags fell to the floor of her cage and June began to cry.

Misty…

What happened? June asked herself again, drawing her knees to her chin. The cold grip of terror grasped her heart. Father will be insane with worry! He will come for me. Nothing would stop him. But why? Where am I?

“Ah, so you’re awake,” a voice called out.

June turned her head towards the sound, hugging her knees tightly. She said nothing and sniffled.

“Yes, you are afraid. Unfortunately, a side effect of this little adventure, and not something I really relish. Comes with the job. I do apologize for the rough handling you received. So very hard to find good help these days. How are you feeling?” The owner of the voice chose to remain in the shadows.

“I want to go home,” June managed. “I want my father.” She hiccuped and rubbed her eyes.

“Not surprising,” commented the voice with a chuckle. It was female, or so June believed. “I do plan on getting the two of you reacquainted, but at a proper time and place.”

There was a long pause. June could feel eyes staring at her. Wiping her nose with a sleeve, she then asked, “Why are you doing this?”

“Bits. Lots of bits. It’s what makes the world go ‘round, after all,” came the reply. “Now, I am going to have my personal physician have a look at you. There is a nasty bruise on your cheek. I’d like that looked at as well as anything else on you that might have been knocked around. After that, you will have clean food and water brought to you. If you have to use the toilet, you will be escorted. Of course, you will have to be blindfolded and a guard will be assigned to you at all times. If you are a good girl, I’ll remove you from the cage, have those nasty chains removed, and place you in a proper cabin. It will still be a prison, I’m afraid, as you are my prisoner. But at least I can make sure your stay with us is as comfortable as can be managed.”

“Please let me go home.”

“I’m afraid we are already beyond the point of no return, my dear. Chin up. Think of this as some grand adventure.” There was the sound of a body standing. “I’ll leave you to your thoughts until my physician can get a look at you. It won’t be long.” Footsteps clicked along the wooden floorboards. A door squeaked open, and the speaker left. The door shut to the sound of a lock clicking into place.

June cried some more, rocking where she sat. Her back thumped against the bars of her cage. She tried to picture Father’s face. The girl also imagined Cassandra. What would they do? Would they come for her? They would! They had to! June knew how much she meant to her father. In all her years, she had never seen him angry. His dour demeanor she had grown up with led her to think he had to be absolutely furious now. The changeling queen would be as upset, every bit as terrifying.

Though Father told June little of his life before she was born, Cassandra had offered snippets of what the man was like in his younger years. A newfound fear crawled into her heart. Father was going to show a side of himself he had never shown before.

“I’ve seen your father angry before, June,” Cassandra had once told the girl. “If you have heard anything about monsters, know your father could best them on the worst of days.”

Father would come and he would not stop until he had found her. June was certain. She found herself terrified of what he might do and what she might see. The stories of her father’s exploits were beginning to feel all too real and her imagination began to wander. How much of those tales were true? 

Shaking her head of those thoughts, June again wiped her nose with a sleeve. Where am I? Why would they take me? Who were they? What did they want?

For how long she sat in the gloomy room, June did not know. Every once in a while, the room jostled and shook. The humming sound never abated. A few times June caught the sound of footfalls a floor above her. The girl’s mind cleared somewhat, and she focused herself with determination. Father had always told her a clear mind was the most important asset anyone could have. The first thing she needed to do was master her own fears. This was very hard for June to do. She could only imagine what Father was going through right now.

“I can’t be afraid,” she whispered to herself. “I can’t be afraid!”

The door clicked. June froze and stared in its direction. It was too dark to see anything other than vague shapes, but light streamed through the door as it opened. A four legged figure, equine, stepped through. The sound of unshod hooves clip-clopped and the sound of the shutting door felt loud to the girl.

“There is no light,” hissed a voice. “Why is there no light? Only a fool leaves a child in the dark, ja? I will have words with the captain. Child, can you hear me? I am Fräulein Lila Blüte. I am the ship’s doctor. The captain asked me to give you a look.” A pale mare’s face appeared at the bars, her ruby eyes roving over June. Her mane was a dark blonde, with a single blood red lock dangling over her left eye. The rest of it was done up in a single braid that was wrapped in a single loop around her neck. A battered black tricorne hat rested upon her head, tilting to one side. It sported a red plumed ostrich feather. The toothless smile she had been wearing faded when she saw June.

“Nein!” she whispered, rambling. “What has that dummkopf done? Does she not realize? Does she not understand?” The mare refocused herself, inhaling deeply, then setting her lips to a firm, straight line. “I know your name. You are June Gray, daughter of Jäger Jakob and Kaga Gray, ja?”

June nodded mutely, staring at the mare. “I want to go home,” she blurted,  “Please let me go home?”

Lila pursed her lips, drawing back from the cage. There was the sound of a jingling keychain. A key was found and placed into the lock. “I am going to let you out. You will do as you are told and not resist. I have a job to do, that means having a look at you. I must warn you, there is no escape. You are on an airship and we are very high in the air. Your cooperation would be most appreciated. Please understand I am very aware of who you are and what you are. I am sorry, but you will have to see this journey through to the end.”

There was a click and the cage door opened.

“Come, June, you will not be harmed. I am to have a look at you, kleines. Your bruise looks nasty.” Lila wore a coaxing smile. The girl noted the mare was wearing a pocketed brown vest. Each pouch seemed to have something in it. Under the braid around the mare’s neck was a stethoscope. “I take my duties, my die aufgabe, seriously and right now, it is my duty to see to your well-being.” A horn June hadn’t noticed before lit and the manacles fell away from her wrists. Lila repeated, “Come, kleines. You will not be harmed.”

Reluctant, June emerged from the cage. Everything was sore and she hiccuped with emotion. She stumbled and felt woozy. Her cheek throbbed. The magical pull of the unicorn helped coax her out.

“I can never understand how you can stand on two legs and not fall over,” remarked Lila as she eyed June carefully. “Don’t do anything silly. If you misbehave, there will be punishment. Do you understand?”

“Please, let me go home,” June begged as she teared up “I don’t want to be here.”.

“None of us want to be here, Fräulein,” chuckled the mare. A leather collar floated before her. June suddenly felt magic holding her in place. The unwanted accessory was clamped around her throat. Lila smirked and gave it a telekinetic tug, “but here we are. This is the path we will follow, through its folly and to be seen to its end.” She considered June, the girl weeping. “To be fair, only a few will see this. He will come, the Jäger, the Berserker, will destroy, and he will not stop until that which was taken from him is returned. The good captain’s contractors have doomed us all, but greed overcomes common sense, ja? What know you of your father’s exploits, child? Not much, I would guess. You are too kind-hearted. You still cling to innocence.”

The collar had a chain attached to it. Lila gave it a tug. “This is more to protect you than anything else, young June. I need to get you to some fresh air and sunlight so I can see what I am working with. Ignore the crew. Do not look upon them.”

June resisted, shaking her head violently.

“Child, this will happen, either the easy way which I prefer, or the hard way which you seem to want. I prefer my way and soon, you will too. I will allow one warning for how things are done around here. Punishment will happen past that and at my discretion, understand?” Lila wore a patient smile, but there was a gleam in her eye which bore no humor.

The girl’s tear stained cheeks glinted in the pale light brought by Lila. Reluctantly, she stepped forward, head bowed.

“Good girl. Things will get easier for you so long as you obey. This is what the crew knows. You are not a part of them and are therefore little more than property in their eyes. Stay close to me, keep your eyes down, and do not speak unless spoken to. Verstehen? Understand?”

June gave a mute nod.

“I must hear you say you understand me, June,” Lila said, giving a meaningful tug of the chain.

“I understand.”

Satisfied, Lila smiled, “Gut.”

June was led out the door. There was a corridor that was low and narrow. Lila tugged and June followed. Everything was made of wood. Joints and connection points were held together with some sort of metal. The sounds of an engine hummed through the whole of the ship. It felt cramped and claustrophobic in the corridor. The unicorn said little, making sure there was physical contact between the pair and was patient. There was a steep flight of stairs. Lila motioned for June to go first. The girl did, needing to use her hands to help pull herself up the steps. The unicorn followed behind, the clinking links of chain accompanying the girl’s efforts as the pair went up.

At the top of the stairs was an opening leading to the deck of the airship. June caught a glimpse of the nacelle of one of the engines. It was attached to metal frames overlapped by a massive white envelope. The gondola of the ship itself hung from several cables. There was enough space between the envelope and the gondola for Celestia to walk beneath unimpeded. There was a cut shape into the bottom of the envelope. June noticed pulleys and wheels on all the cables. 

Maybe the gondola can be retracted into the frame of the envelope, she guessed, trying to distract her mind from her terror. Her inquisitive mind followed her eyes. The airship was a complex machine.

June caught sight of what she imagined were the ship’s crew. They were a motley bunch, an assortment of creatures. Some were bipedal, others went about on all fours. One appeared to be a naga, a humanoid upper half with a snake’s lower body. It was watching her with hungry, reptilian eyes. Its massive arms were crossed over its chest as it waited next to what appeared to be a pony wearing a naval officer’s jacket. The pony had its back to June and Lila and was looking through a spyglass. The naga leaned slightly and mentioned something to the pony. The spyglass was put away as the pony turned and regarded June with a roguish smile.

It appeared to be an earth pony mare. Her eyes, like Lila’s were ruby red, but carried an intensity that was unnerving. Her coat was like sea foam, her braided mane reminiscent of seaweed and dotted with carefully woven flowers. Both ears were pierced with golden loops. The left nostril was also pierced. A wicked grin graced her muzzle. June could have sworn there were fangs in the pony’s mouth. A breeze swept over the deck of the gondola, ruffling the girl’s hair as if to apologize.

Captain Calypso gave June a contemplative look, “Well, then. So much for the blindfold. Lila, my orders were for her to be blindfolded.”

The doctor shrugged, “She can’t walk without bumping into something if she can’t see. I don’t have the power in my telekinesis to pick her up and haul her around like a sack of wet kittens.”

“Well, I suppose there is that bit of truth.” The pony introduced herself, “Welcome aboard the Temperance. I am Captain Calypso. We spoke earlier. What I told you earlier before still stands: behave and you will have a cabin for yourself. Become a headache, and back into the cage you go. Savvy?”

June did not answer right away. The smile faded away from Captain Calypso. Lila gave the girl a hard nudge. “When the captain speaks, you answer.”

The girl quickly mumbled, “Yes.”

The smile returned. “Excellent! Now, Lila, I imagine you decided to bring her up for fresh air?”

“It stinks in the hold, captain,” Lila noted with a sour look. “I can’t be expected to do my job if my nostrils are filled with the stench of the business.”

“Fair enough. Go behind the wheel aft. Mr. Cheers, keep the crew away from the doctor and our prize. That child is worth more bits than all of our jobs combined,” she told the naga with cheerful command. “When we finish this job, we’ll be able to live like royalty!”

“Of course, my captain,” hissed the snake man. His voice sent shivers down June’s spine.

“I would recommend next time we go to port, we scrub out the holds,” Lila added with a shudder. “It is truly vile down there.”

The captain gave an unconcerned shrug, “Nature of the business. Now, so far, we’ve got no tails. The diversion appears to have worked, but I’d like to keep us on silent running until nightfall. We’ll keep going west until then.”

“Practical, however,” Lila cast a sidelong glance at the crew members on deck, “I would like to have a word in private with you concerning the nature of our cargo.”

Captain Calypso tilted her head to one side, “Something bothering you about the risks? Save it for the dinner table. There are some things that do not need to be discussed in front of our meal ticket, hmm?”

“As you wish, captain.”

The pony was all smiles again. “Good! Now, go make sure the merchandise isn’t bruised. If it is, I’ll make sure the idiot suffers for it. I’ll be in my cabin. Mr. Cheers, the ship is yours.”

“Aye, captain.”

The chain was tugged and June was led by the collar to the rear of the ship’s gondola. She shied away from the looming naga. Mr. Cheers glared down at her and sneered, revealing rows of long, sharp teeth. He raised his head and stared daggers at the curious crew who were too close for his tastes. They were quick to find something else to occupy their interest.

There was an odd hairy bipedal creature with horns manning the ship’s wheel. Other than its long, hairy arms, whatever it was appeared like a haystack of brown hair gurgling to itself. A bowler rested at the peak of the living stack. The only indication of where its eyes might have been were a pair of rounded sunglasses stuck into the mass just below the hat, facing the ship’s wheel.

“What is it?” she could not help but ask Lila.

“That’s just Bert. He steers the ship and nothing else.”

“But what is he?”

Lila gave the helmsthing a curious stare. “I have no idea. He’s good at the wheel and nothing can uproot him from that spot. Mr. Cheers tried once. Bert is glued to that spot.”

“Is that his real name?”

“It’s what we call him,” Lila grunted with a shrug. “Let’s have a look at you.” She gave the chain a pull and used a hoof to turn June’s face towards her from the chin. “Are you feeling any pain? Be honest. This is for your health. My knowledge of human anatomy is limited, but I know enough.”

“It’s sore and it throbs. Can I please go home? Father is upset, I know it.”

The unicorn had fished out a small bottle from one pocket and some cotton balls from another. Using her magic, she popped the cork from the bottle and soaked the cotton. Lila began to apply the liquid to the bruise on June’s cheek. As she did this, she replied, “I have no doubt your father is not in a good mood. I am familiar with what he is capable of. I have seen him...  work.”

June winced as the cotton touched her skin. There was a warming sensation that dulled away to a burning tingle. It was weird and she flinched as Lila applied her soaked cotton liberally over the bruised area.

“This will stimulate your cells to accelerate the healing. I do not think the bone was bruised, much less broken.” She dabbed at the cheekbone with a bit more pressure. “No, not broken. If it is bruised, this will help it to heal faster. The skin is not broken, either. This is gut,” Lila Blüte smiled, quite pleased. “I will give you a few more minutes and then take you to your cabin. You have been a gut little girl and you will be rewarded, as promised.”

June knew she was being ignored in her pleas to go home. Her fingers found the chain attached to her collar.

“Do not touch that,” the unicorn commanded sternly.

June let it go. “I’m sorry.”

“I will take it off when you are in your room. As I told you, this is for your safety. This tells the crew that you are not to be approached without asking your handler permission, ja?”

“Am I a slave?” June asked in a weak voice.

Lila shook her head and rolled her eyes, “No, you are far too valuable for that. You are precious cargo, as the captain sees. She has decided your status on this ship and her word is absolute. You do not question her, you do not talk back to her. Consider yourself lucky indeed to be valuable enough to be worth more unharmed and untouched.” The doctor stoppered her bottle and put it back into her vest. She tossed the used cotton over the side of the ship. “Come. It is time to put you in your cabin.”





In Canterlot, there was rage. It was not the explosive sort, not an anger unguided. This was not the mind of one who felt those around him were somehow responsible. The anger was quiet, simmering. Friends were hastened away with much confusion. The hurt in his eyes hid his rage. Jakob could not bear to let them see the beast inside.

Someone had taken his child. 

Trust had been broken. Perhaps, irreparably so.

The guards had failed, their bodies frozen where they had taken up their positions of overwatch. Poison, it was quickly discovered, but nothing fatal. It froze them in place, the drug used found in their waters they had ordered from the restaurant. Security had been breached and already the investigation was underway.

The Jäger was spirited away. Or, perhaps, he was biding his time, stewing at the edge of an open cage, waiting for his time to show why he was put there in the first place.He stalked forward, as it was his only true direction. Forward. His mind raged, he maintained an outward calm. He was both at ease, and a brewing storm. He knew he was not in a true position of helplessness, but he was not yet in need for external wrath. No, that would come. His hunt had begun, and it would end the same way it always had. Rage brewed, barely contained. It was not time. He asked for a cell and was given one.

As June was spirited away, Jakob vented his frustration with primal screams in the darkness, pounding the stone with his fists until the skin tore and the walls cracked. Those who could hear his voice trembled and fear filled the halls of the castle.

When the Night Princess came, she wept for him as his rage simmered.
> Eighteen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




Cold Fury




The Royal Palace was in an uproar led by a very determined Princess Luna. She was up and about, spearheading a search, one word burning through her mind.

Traitors!

She had come from her visit with Jakob, blood at a boil. Her mood was aggressive—demeanor cold and biting. The Lunar Guard were rousted from their sleep, every room was being swept. Messengers began fleeing the palace as fast as their wings could carry. Luna was taking this personally and was using this moment to assert her authority in a manner not seen in a thousand years. She stopped by her sister’s office, only to ask her elder sister to look in on Jakob. It was more of a command, the seriousness of her request filling the room with frosty resolve.

Princess Celestia knew better than to argue with her younger sister when she was like this. So, she told Luna she would set aside the growing mountain of reports overwhelming her desk, and set off to see the human. In a way, she was proud Luna was returning to something resembling her old form in the years since her Return.

“You should know,” Luna warned before setting off, “we had some walls down there. We should be thankful he vented his wrath upon the unfeeling stones. Do not be alarmed by what you see. Jakob is calm, for now, but he asked for you. Asked. He has made no demands. Jakob needs our aid and we will give it to him, sister, within reason. Take no guards with you. Show Jakob you trust him. He will give that trust in kind. He may be feral, so do as you usually do when speaking to a dear friend. Jakob needs one right now, but he needs one that can give him what he needs. He will go after June. Whatever he needs, we must do what we can to give, within reason.”

“Of course,” Celestia replied with a nod, “within reason.” She was already moving, her mind racing with what might come. An unfamiliar sensation of fear clamped an icy grip on her heart. How could Luna be comfortable around Jakob? The human could be impossible to read, his poker face among the best she had ever borne witness to. Even his dearly departed wife had confessed to the princess how Jakob’s perpetual grouchy face made him impossible to read.

Having seen the first reports of June’s foalnapping, Celestia felt the first onset of fear. A part of her imagined the enraged human tearing apart Canterlot in a feral frenzy, seeking for his stolen daughter. Instead, he was found aiding his very guards. They had been incapacitated with poison in their drinks, though the investigation would be ongoing for some time.

Having Rainbow Dash, her foals, and Rarity there might have had something to do with his outward calm. They had herded around him, doing their level best to keep the human from doing anything rash. Rainbow had always held a soft spot for Jakob and would have asked him to be the godfather to Daring and Danger, but Spitfire was against the idea, and for practical reasons.

The moment June’s disappearance had been reported, Celestia demanded the presence of the captain of the guard and the list of names of the undercover guards sent to protect Jakob and June. There were many questions with regard to this catastrophic failure of duty. The princess smelled a rat and she intended to ferret it out. Her own Solar Guard were involved in the investigation. Jakob might not have had the popularity of Kaga, but their child was something of a sensation, especially since she was first spotted arriving in Canterlot. The press had been begging for an interview with the girl. Jakob had not been made aware of the requests, as they had been rebuffed, citing the family’s need for privacy.
Still, this meant going deep underground, where a part of the catacombs had been converted for containing dangerous threats to Equestria and her citizens. Off she went, not knowing how Jakob’s state would affect his mental condition.

The Sun Princess hated this part of her palace. They served a purpose, and she understood this purpose. It, nevertheless made her feel ill just thinking a living, sapient being was down here, isolated from the rest of the world. She worried, of course, as it was her nature to do so. Fear wormed its way into her heart and her mind. It was a challenge to keep herself calm in a situation like this. The Beast, a loathsome name bestowed upon Jakob by those who were ignorant, lurked in the darkness. Her fear brought this terrible nickname to mind and Celestia found herself ashamed for even thinking it. Jakob was a kind man beneath his stony disposition. He was not the sort to go and actively seek trouble. The past eight years was a testament to this fact.

Celestia was second guessing herself now, thinking that allowing access to Jakob and June might have staved off this attempt. The darkness before her was consuming, but it was not the lack of light she feared.

The tip of her horn flared to life, illuminating the passage way. The dark gray stones down here were a far cry from the bright marble above. The entire section had been evacuated, which was easily done as there were no prisoners down here and the lone guard on duty was sent elsewhere.

The Beast lurked.

Celestia chided herself, feeling shame. The whispers of the dissenting nobles had wormed their way into her mind. No, his name was Jakob Gray, husband to the late Kaga Gray, and father to young June Gray. He was a patient creature, kind and thoughtful. He was more than the violence he was remembered for! Jakob was not a savage monster. Jakob ended monsters!

Inhaling deeply, the scent of cool, damp air filled her nostrils. She could detect a faint touch of blood in the air and there was still plenty of dust yet to settle. A great commotion had happened down here, as the light of her horn and her steps brought her eyes into view of the first fallen stones in the hall.

“Jakob?” she called out, her voice soft and filled with concern. “Jakob, Luna said you wished to speak with me. Where are you so we can talk?”

Her ears caught the sound of shuffled movement, the scraping of something on stone. Her hackles went up and Celestia hesitated. They swiveled and locked, her legs following the sound. Her ethereal mane and tail flickered and waved, showing a hint of anxiety. Tempering her nerves, the princess went towards the noise, letting out a soft wicker.

“Princess Celestia, is that you?” a voice croaked in the darkness ahead. There was a terrible growl to that voice, thick with emotion, fighting to maintain civility.

“I am here, Jakob. Please, come forward, let me see you. Why are you hiding in the darkness?” Her voice echoed, a bit too loud to her own ears. Celestia winced and took another deep breath. “Luna said you had asked for me. I am here. I want to help. Please, Jakob, come to my light.”

“They took my daughter,” grated Jakob, still unseen. Celestia could hear the sound of his slow steps, the sound of stone being kicked aside.

“I know,” Celestia replied, “I feel as though I must bear some responsibility. I have been betrayed. Equestria has been betrayed. This was done by my ponies. I am ashamed of their actions.” At any given moment, she knew Jakob was well capable of striking out at her. Was he in a frame of mind to do so?

“What do you know?” rasped the voice in the darkness.

“Not much,” she admitted with a sigh. “I wish we could have the answers right now, but the investigation has only just begun. I fear there are many ponies involved. What do you intend to do, Jakob?”

“Find her. Nothing else matters.” A bearded face appeared at the edge of the light. It was haggard and there was a look in those dark eyes which sent shudders down Celestia’s spine. “I need help.” His shirt was ragged and torn, peppered with his own blood and dust from his actions.

“What can I help you with, Jakob? Won’t you sit? Please,” she noted his bloody knuckles, “let me help you heal those wounds.”

He shook her off with a guttural growl, “My wounds do not concern me.”

“Sit down. Please?” Celestia begged. She would be far more comfortable if Jakob would not assume such an aggressive stance. Seriously, how does Luna feel so comfortable around him?

Jakob’s eyes glinted in the light, constantly shifting, searching. He would not look Celestia directly in the eye, clenching and relaxing his fists over and over. After a moment or two of indecision, he sat on the floor of the hall. The back of one fist began pounding at the wall he rested against.

“Luna was helpful,” the man managed as he held up his hands. His eyes stared at the knuckles, shifting from right to left. Flexing his fingers, he dropped his arms and sighed, closing his eyes and thumping the back of his head against the stone. “I was able to clear my head and think.”

How is it Luna can approach him with no fear? Celestia waited, sitting upon her haunches and inhaling deeply to keep herself calm. Jakob was in a dangerous state, she believed. Without Kaga, he was...what was he? Celestia honestly did not know what the human was like without his mate to compliment him. There was the outward appearance of a man who wanted to be left alone, with little desire to socialize. The alicorn had spent time trying to have agents keep an eye on him, but that infernal changeling queen was very good at ferreting them out!

“Luna cares very much for you,” she told him in a soft whisper, thinking of how her younger sister spoke of Jakob in the tones of a proud mother. “I am amazed at how well the two of you connect. She claimed you as her own. She does not fear you. My sister is amazing at times.” Celestia was feeling the sudden oppression of guilt on her heart. I have failed this man and his daughter. I am so very sorry!

Jakob tilted his head up and to one side, “You fear me?”

Celestia hesitated to answer, her eyes becoming downcast. “I,” she managed, clearing her throat, then looking at the man, “I am afraid of you. You have a ferocity I have not seen since King Sombra so many centuries ago, yet you choose not to use it. While rage can be a crutch, it can also be a powerful weapon—you use it for neither.”

Jakob snarled, eyes hardening, “I have reason, now.”

“What do you need? Luna said to give you anything you need, within reason.” Celestia reached out with a wing and touched the tips of her outermost primaries to his shoulder. “I want to help you, Jakob. A great wrong has been done to you and I will do everything within my power to help you.”

“A ship, a crew,” Jakob grunted. “The bug horse and her brood. Supplies. I want my armor, weapons. I want to be seeking my daughter before the setting of tomorrow’s sun." He paused. "What time is it?”

“An hour before sunrise,” Celestia answered. Her brows furrowed, “Why do you need Queen Cassandra?”

One corner of the human’s mouth curled up for a brief moment, “She can track June. There is nowhere she can be taken the bug horse cannot follow. Give me that ship, Celestia. A small, fast warship.” A thought crossed his mind, brows raising high, “Fizzlepop Berrytwist. I want her to be a part of the crew.”

“Why?”

His words were cold, savage, “She is not squeamish. There will be blood. I do not want to be surrounded by those who tremble at the sight of death.” 

Celestia, herself not one to shy from bloodshed, repressed a shudder nevertheless. “I will ask for her on your behalf,” she told him. Fizzlepop Berrytwist— Tempest Shadow is far from squeamish. She is a good choice. A curious, but also a wise one.

“I also need to speak with Cadence,” Jakob rumbled. His legs were now splayed out before him. The man was exhausted and emotionally drained. “Kaga made many enemies. I will not do this blindly.”

“What does that have to do with Cadence?” Celestia asked, curious.

“The... candle” —Jakob spat the word— “has the memories of my wife. It might have answers I seek,” Jakob told her, baring his teeth with distaste. 

“I see,” Celestia nodded in understanding.

“Celestia.”

“Yes, Jakob?”

“You have nothing to fear from me. I only want my daughter. I was born of nothing, and I will die with nothing. I only want to see June grow into a woman, find her own path... I want my daughter to be herself, something I was denied.”

“What about yourself? What do you want in life?”

“To be left alone, in peace,” Jakob snorted, then growled, "Can you give me what I ask? Please.” Grit teeth gleamed in the light of Celestia’s horn as he peeled back his lips.

“I believe I can do all that you ask,” she replied. “I am your friend, Jakob.”

“Am I?” he challenged through a whisper. “I have feared you since learning you could raise the sun. That is the power of a goddess. It is something far beyond my understanding.”

“And yet you could overcome me with your physical strength, if you so chose,” she countered, not at all expecting Jakob to be afraid of her. The alicorn could not bring herself to believe him.

The human said nothing, but gave a slight shake of his head. He seemed so tired, so worn! Celestia could feel nothing but sympathy for Jakob. The man deserved none of this, nor did his daughter. Those dark, brooding eyes closed and a slow exhalation fell from his mouth.

“I had hoped you would find new love after all this time,” Celestia admitted. “I would like to see you happy, Jakob.”

The human held his breath. “Irrelevant,” he said, cracking his eyes open, boring them into Celestia’s own.

“Love is a wonderful gift one can give to another, Jakob,” Celestia continued with a wan smile. “I would hope it finds you in its own time. Cadence... Cadence tried too hard to help you and it overwhelmed her. She gave into her talent and it imbalanced her emotional center. She loves you like a brother and wants you to be happy. Sometimes she forgets things must take their natural course and cannot be forced.”

“Can I speak with her?” Jakob asked, his face a deadpan.

“Of course,” she replied with a sniff, “I will make arrangements. Things must move swiftly. It will be seen to. I owe you so much and more. All that can be done will be done in the time needed. Do you need anything else?”

He shook his head. “No. I just need a moment longer to clear my head. I must plan. There is little I can do until Cassandra gets here.” A meaningful look graced his rugged features.

Celestia nodded, “I will have your armor sent to your room. It was repaired and placed in storage at the armory. You may go over it and make sure it is in order. If anything, it will occupy your mind.”

“I would like that, thank you,” Jakob lifted his chin, locking eyes with the alicorn. “I will have to become the thing I had hoped to never become again,” his voice had become a raspy whisper, the windows into his soul displaying the cold flames of a terrible resolve. They closed, leaving Celestia to shudder as she was dismissed to the sound of silence as the man’s bearded chin fell to his chest.

She turned and made her exit, terrified of what had just transpired. His words, they were nothing compared to the aura given off. Celestia began to wonder if helping him would in turn become another damnation for her to bear on her shoulders. 





The darkness was soothing to Jakob. Celestia had departed, and he trusted her to do as he had asked. She did not have to, she could have told him there would be no help. It was not the alicorn’s way to deny help to those in need. A desperate father fighting his own rage and despair. His mind raced. It was a struggle to focus. Somehow, he had managed.

Celestia seemed unbothered by her shattered walls. Jakob made sure he destroyed that which could be repaired. Both hands throbbed with pain, but with each blow, he had found some measure of relief. It was not enough. It would never be enough until June was safe.

His blood roared in his ears, but the Screaming Voice in his head demanding the hunt had to be quelled for a bit longer. Jakob was not prepared. 

Why is she afraid of me? She is Power Incarnate. She is a Goddess. Why? Does she fear I will harm her subjects? Does she fear what I am capable of? I am mortal. She is Forever. She would have been She Who I Will Follow in the other world. I would follow her now, but I have too much blood on my hands. I cannot…

Kaga’s face appeared before him in the darkness, her emerald eyes flecked with gold regarding him with an unreadable expression. Where is our daughter?

“I failed,” he whispered into the void.

Failure is not an option, husband.

“No, it is not.”

You know what you must do, her voice filled his ears, an echo of a memory. It had been so long, Jakob could not know if that was her voice or simply the distortion of time affecting what he thought he knew.

Clutching his head with his hands, Jakob dug his fingertips deep into his scalp. “I will bring her back,” his voice rasped through clenched teeth.

Let there be blood.

“Let there be blood.”

Be justice. Be the executioner.

“Be justice. Be the executioner.”

The blood of your enemies will scream for mercy.

“The blood of my enemies will scream for mercy.”

Let your rage be your strength. Seek it out. Take it. Hold it. Do not let it go until June is safe.

“Let my rage be my strength. I am Rage Incarnate. I am as I was made to be. I will forge a path of violence, for my enemies know nothing else. Let the folly of their choice be their downfall. I will return, my daughter with me.”

So let it be written.

Jakob lifted his head, a sensation of chilled calm washing over his heart. “So let it be done.”





“Sister?” Luna greeted Celestia when the door opened. She had been waiting for her in the white alicorn’s chambers. Tea had been prepared and was waiting. “How did it go?”

Celestia went over to her sister and the pair shared a nuzzle. Seating herself at the small tea table, she began serving herself. “Well,” she began, pausing to gather her thoughts into forming the right words, “he is obsessed with getting June back, as he rightfully should.” She selected two cubes of sugar and dropped them into her cup. Cream was being debated for the moment, the hesitation bringing her attention back to her sister.

“He terrifies you, doesn’t he?” Luna surmised, stirring her own cup with a spoon. 

“Jakob is capable of a great deal of destructive violence.” Celestia poured a bit of cream into her tea and began to stir it with a spoon. “We both know this. However, I would not mistake what I had just witnessed as an act of madness.”

“He is grieving and fighting himself to maintain control over his emotions.”

Celestia nodded, lifting her cup to her lips. She sipped and stared for a moment at the surface of her drink. It was barely steaming. “I will give him what he asks for. I think I can scrounge up a ship and a crew for him. Volunteers, of course.”

“On short notice? He’ll want to leave as soon as possible,” Luna reminded Celestia. “You still didn’t answer my question.”

“What?” Celestia blinked at the stoic visage of her younger sibling, “If he terrifies me?”

Luna hummed in the affirmative.

“Does he terrify you?”

“No,” Luna said, resolute. “My trust in him is absolute. You do not have fear of those you trust. You do not trust him, do you?” Her grin was insufferable.

Feeling a bit guilty to admit it, Celestia muttered, “I do not know him.”

Luna stared at her, sipped her tea, then remarked, “After all these years? Did you ever try to get to know him?” She wore the most exaggerated of shocked expressions ever to grace the world.

“I—” Celestia paused, then closed her eyes and let out a sigh, “No, I did not. I spent more time fostering a relationship with Kaga. I always thought there would be time to build a rapport with Jakob. I thought it wise to leave him to you. The man took a liking to you and you needed someone to talk to who was not your overbearing sister. He is an intimidating presence and can be quite menacing.”

“He’s as gentle as a lamb, sister,” Luna scoffed with a shake of her head, “so long as you don’t poke him with the wrong stick. I did tell you there was nothing to fear from him. This is a trying time for him emotionally, but I promise you he is in complete control of himself.”

“Those poor fools,” Celestia sighed, closing her eyes and shaking her mane. An ear flicked and she gave out a little whicker. “They have touched that which should not be touched.”

“All we can do is do our part to ensure his enemies do not delay him.”

Another sip of tea. “Any progress in the investigation?”

“The Captain’s office had been broken into,” Luna said with an irritated snort. A folder materialized and was floated over to Celestia. “Nothing was taken, but there were signs the secure filing cabinets had been gone through. The roster for Jakob’s entourage had been found. A copy seems to have been made. Somepony knew how to get in without being noticed and bypass the security wards, unlock the cabinet, and help themselves to the information within.”

Celestia frowned, “Somepony from within?” She leafed through the pages in the file, pursing her lips. Setting it aside, the alicorn sipped at her tea with a concerned look.

“I am working on it. I do not have answers yet, but there is a trail and I will find it.”

“Don’t you mean ‘if” there is a trail, sister?”

Luna gave a predatory grin, “Oh, there is a trail, dear ‘Tia. I have leads and I intend to see each of them to their ends. It is only a matter of time.” She was still smiling as she finished off her tea.

The white alicorn sighed at her dark blue sibling, “Do what you must, but if you find those responsible, I want them alive. No disintegrations.”
> Nineteen.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




The Air Dock




Jakob emerged from the darkness—disheveled on the outside, filled with a grim resolve. This determination was worn through pinpoint eyes and set jaw. He went to his room and quietly set about bathing and clothing himself. After he dressed, his eyes went to his daughter’s bed.

Guilt bubbled up in his heart, only to be washed away by his silent rage.

There was a knock at the door. Jakob stared at it for a moment, as if his boring eyes alone would crush it to dust. Letting go of his hate in the form of a weary sigh, he rumbled, “Enter.”

A pinto unicorn stallion in a smart military dress uniform opened the door. His light blue eyes sought out and found the man. “Baron Gray? I am Lieutenant Commander Sundering Skies. I am to escort you to your ship. Princess Celestia personally requested I take you to it. I have also been endorsed by Princess Luna.” He pulled a file from the aether with his magic. “My credentials. You should find everything in order, milord.”

Jakob gave a single nod. “Show me,” he said, beckoning with a hand. The man had some trust in Celestia but, I have faith in Luna.

He perused the file, his eyes devouring the information contained within. The stallion before him was from a prominent noble family and was loyal to the crown to the point of fanaticism. Fanatics presented their own set of problems, but Sundering Skies had on the documents he had presented the seal of both royal sisters. This meant the fanatic before Jakob was one that was well heeled. His eyes flicked back to the stallion. Giving a satisfied grunt, he closed the file and gave it back. Support from the alicorns would more than likely come in this form. One positive thing Sundering Skies had going for him was his coat. 

He was not a pure-blooded unicorn.

“You’ll do.”





It was a small airship and of an older design, with the sleekness of a falcon. She had twin long nacelles, with the main hull hanging from several aluminum struts. Within the nacelles were the gas bags. There were two large propellers at the end of each one. Four smaller ones, two on each side of the gondola and two on the outer sides of each nacelle were used for steering. As long as a hoofball field, the ship was the definition of a destroyer. Her design was for speed and pursuit, hunting smaller ships, and scouting for the main fleet. She flew no flag and was currently at the end of a refit. Once complete, the warship would be recommissioned. The air dock beneath Canterlot she was moored to was of the E.U.P. Air Corps.

Her name was Her Majesties Ship Sea of Rain. For over twenty years she had served faithfully. The class she represented was slowly being phased out in favor of a more modern destroyer. Ships like her, though, were of a rare design, lauded for their reliability and toughness. HMsS Sea of Rain was a veteran, wearing her seven Battle Stars with pride upon her bow. Her paint scheme was a mix of grays and blues, swirling in the shape of stormy clouds upon her lines. There had been rumors among those who served on the airships the Sea of Rain would be delegated to a museum ship. Other rumors suggested she would be sold to another nation. There were also those who believed she would eventually be sold for scrap.

She had the look of a ship who would not go down quietly, not even as a museum. Those who looked upon the ship could have sworn she was looking back with willful pride.

For now, standing orders were for her fate to be that of a second line destroyer, with the higher ups also mulling on giving her an assignment as a colonial patrol ship. Equestria had a few settlements beyond her borders and they needed reliable ships to keep them safe from the likes of slavers and pirates. As it was, her life would take a completely different course.

Captain Sorgi had commanded the Sea of Rain since she had first rolled off her slip so many years ago. An earth pony from Stalingrad, Sorgi had the demeanor of a salty sailor who despised the touch of land beneath his hooves. He was a stocky brown stallion with a broad barrel and a perpetual snarl. His short mane and tail showed his age, peppered with gray and white. As most earth ponies thrived with the touch of earth to their frogs, Sorgi was a bit of an odd duck among his kind. There was a saying: if Captain Sorgi had not been given the Sea of Rain, he would have grown wings for himself.

He had never accepted a promotion in all his years of service once he had gotten his hooves on his beloved ship. It had been love at first sight and the stallion considered the ship his and believed she considered him hers. Loathe to leave the ship, Captain Sorgi kept to his cabin during the refit, even as his crew was ashore and on leave. 

Though eccentric, Captain Sorgi was allowed his quirks. He was considered a brilliant commander who was quick on his hooves and had a history of successful missions against the likes of pirates and smugglers. In boarding actions since taking command of the Sea of Rain, he had never suffered a casualty beyond a few bumps and bruises (and one broken foreleg—his). To him, this was the perfect job, the perfect life. 

He wanted nothing more. No promotion, no other ship. Captain Sorgi had everything he had ever wanted in the HMsS Sea of Rain.

Over the years, however, as the Sea of Rain aged and technology advanced, the captain knew it would be a matter of time before his beloved ship was to be removed from service. He did not want to think of a life without his ship. Too young to retire, Sorgi knew the moment his ship was taken from service, he would be assigned to another. To the captain, it would be like cheating on a faithful wife.

Still, there would be at least another year or two before the ship’s future would be decided. It did not keep Sorgi from worrying.

Sitting at his desk in his cabin, Captain Sorgi was going over transfer paperwork. Crew was always shipping in and out and promotions were moving those under his command to new ships or stations. The destroyer had a compliment of over two hundred twenty crew and officers, not including himself.

There was a knock at his cabin door. Setting his quill aside, Sorgi half turned in his chair, a glare in his steel gray eyes. “What is it?”

A pegasus had her head in the door, looking at him, “I was asked to bring these orders to you, Captain Sorgi.”

Sorgi blinked. This was unexpected. “Orders? Give them to me,” he said, beckoning the mare in with a hoof. She approached, reaching into her saddlebags and pulling out a scroll gently with her mouth. Sorgi accepted them. “Anything else?”

“No, captain,” she said, standing at attention.

“Good. Dismissed.” He noted the seal. Curiosity and intrigue filled his eyes. “What is this?” his voice mumbled in a single breath. Why was the Seal of Princess Celestia on it? Feeling a shiver run up and down his spine, Sorgi could not figure out if this was a good thing or a bad one. He opened his orders and gave them a good read. Orders required understanding the words written on the parchment.  “Alicorns be damned,” he breathed with mild surprise. “Today?”





“Permission to come aboard?” Sundering Skies asked from the boarding plank. Behind him, Jakob was running his eyes over the ship.

“Granted,” Captain Sorgi grunted, his gaze settling upon the towering monkey. This is Baron Gray? “Princess Celestia has vouched for you, Baron. We can discuss my orders in my cabin.”

“What are you looking at?” Jakob growled.

“You. I expected the slayer of Tirek to be taller,” Captain Sorgi commented. “I’ve already sent orders to recall the crew. Most of them are on shore leave and weren’t expected back for another week.”

“We leave at dawn tomorrow,” Jakob said as he stepped upon the ship’s deck.

Sorgi gave him a look. “We can discuss this more in my cabin. This way.”





The captain’s cabin consisted of a small kitchen, a separate bedroom with the captain’s personal desk. There was also the small dining room where a large table filled its center. Chairs were arranged around it and Jakob found himself pushing one aside so he could sit. Again, pony chairs were proving to be a bane. He was a bit annoyed at how low the ship’s ceiling was throughout the majority of its interior.

Lt. Commander Sundering Skies sat next to him. “I am to be Baron Gray’s military advisor, Captain. If he has questions or needs an understanding in how the E.C.U. works, I’ll do that so you can concentrate on commanding your ship.”

Sorgi was seating himself and slowly lowered himself into his seat as he digested the words. “As I understand it, this is a rescue mission? For a noble’s child?”

Jakob stared at the stallion, trying to gauge the pony.

“June Gray is the goddaughter of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Sundering added. “She will be joining us on this mission.”

“She is?” Sorgi asked, blinking with surprise.

“She is?” Jakob snapped his head at the pinto stallion.

The unicorn, unruffled by the sudden rise in ire from the human, produced a scroll from within his uniform. “This arrived this morning. Princess Cadence arrived from Berryville, along with Miss Fizzlepop Berrytwist. They brought with them a changeling queen. One Queen Cassandra, plus twenty of her changelings. They should be arriving this afternoon.” Sundering paused, blinking, “How long the princess will be with us, I cannot say.”

The captain was going beet red with rage. “I’ll not have changelings on my ship!” roared Sorgi.

Jakob chose to remain silent as Sundering gave him a glance of assurance. The younger stallion oozed confidence. “Queen Cassandra reports directly to Baron Gray. She and her brood represent his personal guard. Instead of the usual marine contingent, you’ll be housing the hive in the quarters normally reserved for the marines. Princess Celestia has given me the authority to replace you with a captain that is willing to help a father rescue his child. Since you have a record of impeccable service and heroic acts, it would be a shame to remove you from a ship you’ve commanded for the better part of two decades on the eve of her final voyage, wouldn’t it?”

Another scroll was placed on the table and scooted by the tip of a hoof towards Captain Sorgi.

“What’s this?” demanded the captain.

“You have three options,” Sundering Skies began, the consummate professional. “You can resign your command and accept reassignment on another ship with no derogatory marks on your pristine military record. Your second option is for early retirement with full pension and again, no derogatory marks on your record. The third option is to accept this mission, retain your command, and have one final adventure with your beloved ship. Upon completion of this mission, both you and the ship will be retired from service with an option for you to receive the ship as your personal vessel for private use.”

“How so?” Sorgi snapped up the scroll and was reading it before Jakob could even blink. “Can this be done?”

“Both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have agreed. Your ship is nearing the end of its service life and since you have such a strong bond with your ship, both feel nothing would be more fitting a reward for one of Equestria’s best ship commanders.” Sundering chanced a glance at Jakob. The human was staring intently at the captain.

“Why?” Sorgi asked after taking a moment to compose himself.

Sundering Skies took in a breath, “Your personal feelings towards this ship are well known. Most of her sisters are already being replaced by more powerful ships of the same type. There are other nations who would be interested in purchasing this ship, but loyalty and service deserve their own reward, would you not agree?”

“But this is not regulation!”

“No, it is not. The princesses have both pulled a lot of strings to get what Baron Gray needs to mount a rescue operation. There are no other ships that meet the mission requirements that we can get our hooves on under such short notice. I intend to do what I can to help make this mission a success.”

Sorgi slumped back in his seat, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “How long will this mission last?”

“For as long as it takes.” It was not Lt. Commander Sundering Skies who spoke. The rumbling voice of Jakob had steel in it. “We will not return until my daughter is safe and those who took her are dealt with.”

“I don’t like changelings. They’re bugs.”

“And you are a pony. What is the problem?” Jakob asked. “They will stay out of your way and will not interfere with ship operations. Are you afraid of them?”

“No,” Captain Sorgi said through gritted teeth, “but I remember what they did.”

“Chrysalis is dead,” Sundering reminded the captain.

“Queen Cassandra is loyal to my daughter, not me. She considers my daughter a part of her hive. I need her to find June.” Jakob thumped the top of the table with his knuckles. “I need those who have the courage to see past their fears to come with me. I have no use for bigots.” 

Next to him, Sundering Skies winced, “Harsh, Milord.”

Captain Sorgi bristled, “Bigots?”

“The baron dislikes hypocrites,” Sundering sniffed. “The path you followed to your command was filled with dealing with elitists and speciests. If you wish to remain on good terms with him, I would suggest you be honest and forthcoming. This dislike for changelings is most unbecoming for an officer of your rank and stature. You forget you represent Equestria when you are abroad and when you are at home, sir.”

Jakob decided Sundering Skies would be a tolerable (and perhaps even likable) associate.

Gaping at the unicorn, Sorgi seemed on the verge of exploding. Then, with a deep inhale, he sat back in his seat. “There may be something in what you say, Lt. Commander, however I will not tolerate disrespect to the rank I hold. Am I clear?”

The pinto unicorn gave a polite smile, “Crystal, sir. I would never dream of it. Now, if you please, sir, we would like to discuss the outline of the voyage. This is the good baron’s rescue, but you will have the final say of what your ship does, where it goes, and the usual duties associated with commanding a warship. I am hoping the two of you can cooperate for the benefit of the both of you and prevent possible misunderstandings in the future.”





It was late in the afternoon when the trio arrived.

“That is a rather large ship,” Cassandra remarked in the guise of a nondescript earth pony mare. She could sense him nearby, somewhere on the pony-made behemoth moored in front of her. The muted emotions held in check, ready to explode. It was so different from how ponies handled their emotions. With them, there was the openness. With him, there was the broiling cauldron beneath a mental lid, ready to be unleashed, be it willingly or by other means.

Next to her was Fizzlepop Berrytwist. Beyond her stood Cadence. All three ladies were staring up at the floating hulk and the bustle of activity swarming over it. Cranes were lifting cargo and supplies up to the ship. The activity had literally exploded around them. Ponies were everywhere and the organized chaos was deafening.

Around the trio were Crystal Guard, the personal guard to the royal family of the Crystal Empire. Standing behind the group, in pony disguises, were Cassandra’s twenty changelings. Curious eyes drank in the cacophony and bustle of a ship being readied for a voyage. A bit nervous, the brood huddled together, a blob trying to make sense of so much goings-on. There was excitement, the prospect of going far from home. There was also a sense of grim determination, for one they considered as their own had been taken. The Grumpy One had summoned Mother, and she in turn told them there was to be a chase.

The Grumpy One was nice to the changelings. Certainly, there was a strained relationship between him and Mother, but the human had never shown aggression towards her nor them. As a matter of fact, there was a little bit of affection between the pair, a shade or two above tolerable bordering on respect. For the changelings, there was always affection given to them from the Grumpy One, which in years past caused a fair bit of confusion due to his sourpuss expression. Mother found the Grumpy One amusing and more importantly, considered the daughter to be hers.

“Well, princess,” Cassandra looked over Fizzlepop’s withers, “I’m going to leave getting us on the ship to you and your love charms.” She wore a grin of mischief.

The pink princess rolled her eyes, “It won’t be necessary, Cassandra. We are expected. I’ll be the acting ambassador for the Crystal Empire. Fizzlepop is my attaché, and you and yours will be assuming your roles as Jakob’s personal guard. Everything has been taken care of. There was plenty of collaboration to make sure this voyage happens.”

“Yes, the renowned efficiency of Equestrian bureaucracy,” Cassandra snorted, flicking one of her ears. “I can’t help but think some noble is going to get it in his head none of this should be happening without his knowledge. I would imagine he’ll be some puffed up youngster out to prove himself in the eyes of his peers and impress those that really don’t matter. He’ll be wearing the finest of frippery and be an absolute bore.”

“That’s oddly specific,” murmured Fizzlepop.

Cassandra pointed with a hoof at a blob of private guards surrounding a garishly dressed unicorn stallion wearing a feathered wide-brimmed hat. He was making demands in a shrill voice at an officer at the top of the gangplank aboard the ship. “I can sense his arrogance. It’s making my ears curdle. He’s going to do something monumentally stupid.”

“How monumental?” Cadence asked, perking her ears. Her tail swished as she began to move forward.

“I sense a great disturbance coming from within the bowels of that ship. We are about to see something fun! Let’s get closer and get a better look!” The faux pony trotted ahead of them with a grin, licking her lips in anticipation.

Jakob appeared at the top of the gangplank, wearing an unreadable mask. Next to him was the ship’s captain, if his uniform was correct, and a pristine younger pinto unicorn stallion. None of them appeared particularly impressed with the puffed up young stallion.

“Now see here!” screamed the pompous noble. “I’ll have you know my father is the First Sky Lord! This ship is under refit and is not going anywhere!”

“This ship is under orders directly from both princesses,” shouted the small brown stallion in the captain’s uniform. “You have no authority here!”

“This ship is scheduled for decommission!” shouted the noble. He had a nasal quality to his voice that was most unpleasant to hear. “This is a military installation! That ape is not authorized to be on military property! It doesn’t have the clearance!”

“This makes no sense,” Cadence said, blinking. “What does he think he’s doing? He’s an idiot!”

“Young idiots always find ways to pick the wrong time to pick a fight with the wrong being,” Cassandra said with a snort. “Don’t interfere, princess. Let Jakob handle this. I think he needs it.”

“Are you sure?” Fizzlepop asked, not at all convinced. “I’m pretty sure if Jakob wants a bloodbath, nopony is going to stop him.” Cadence gave her a look of alarm.

“Eh,” Cassandra shrugged with indifference. “Does it matter? Jakob has remarkable restraint, but even I don’t know how much of his lid he’s flipped. This might be a good measuring stick.”

The human was taking huge strides down the gangplank, his expression unchanged.

A hoof reached out and in front of the pink pony princess. “Don’t!” Fizzlepop hissed at Cadence. “I want to get a measure of his self control.”

Jakob was nearing the bottom.

“Guards, seize that thing for questioning. Then seize the captain of this ship,” the noble commanded, wagging a hoof at the approaching human. The guards surged forward, their armor clanking as they leveled their spears at the man. “My father shall hear of this!”

“I am Baron Jakob Gray,” Jakob announced in a voice like an oncoming storm. “I am authorized to charter this vessel to rescue my stolen daughter.” He swatted away the spears jabbed in his face and never broke his stride. “I have the seals of both princesses Celestia and Luna. Stand down, boy.” 

The guards swarmed around him, having regained their composure. The tips of their spears were once again pointed at the man’s upper torso. They exchanged nervous glances with each other. He ignored them, focusing on the noble instead.

Insulted at being called ‘boy’, the young noble puffed himself up with outrage, “How dare you? Do you know who I am?”

“No, and I do not care. Take your guards and leave. I do not have time for such idiocy. This is your only warning.” Jakob stood within arm’s reach of the noble, who was glaring up at him in indignant rage.

“What are you foals waiting for?” he shrieked, stamping a hoof and backpedaling. “Seize him! What do I pay you for?”

“Uh, security?” ventured one of them. “That there’s The Beast, sir. He’s the one that stood against the changelings at the wedding. He killed the centaur that was eating all the magic.”

“He doesn’t look that impressive to me,” the noble huffed. “You outnumber him. He’s unarmed…  Fine!” Rolling his eyes, he whined, “Double pay if that makes you greedy lot happy! I’ll get my father to notice me! He’ll have to notice me! Then I can finally get a commission of my own!”

“And there it is,” Cassandra noted in a droll tone.

“It is your choice,” Jakob told the guards, shifting his gaze among the them. “I have no desire  to do harm to any of you. My daughter was stolen from me. I am going to get her back. This ship is my means of getting to her. I have the backing of the Royal Sisters. Do you understand?”

“Diplomacy?” Cadence arched a brow in mild surprise.

“You have no authority to be here!” insisted the young noble.

Jakob held out a scroll bearing both seals upon it.  “Read it,” he said.

“What is that Jakob is holding?” Cassandra asked Cadence.

The princess squinted. “It looks like a scroll bearing both the royal seals of the Sun and the Moon. Whomever has it is usually granted carte blanche,” her voice rose loud enough so the noble and his guards could hear it. “It is used only during the most dire of emergencies. Disobeying what is protected by the seals is considered disobeying the direct words of the Diarchy.” A smile formed as she advanced towards Jakob.

“It could be a forgery!” The stallion moved as if to tear the scroll in half.

“Cadence,” Jakob’s eyes froze the noble in place, “what is the charge for destroying royal correspondence?” All attention went towards the approaching pink alicorn. Seven sets of ocular orbs went round.

“Treason, Jakob. The offender is charged with treason,” she told him. The guards backed away from her, bowing as the noble stared at her, his jaw hanging loose. Smiling sweetly, she turned her attention on the gawking young noble. “What is your name and who is your father?”

Nervous, the stallion cleared his throat and stammered, “My name is Blueblood the Younger. My father is Prince Blueblood the Elder, First Sky Lord.”

The princess smiled at the young noble, “I know your father. I am sure anything happening under his command would have been brought to his attention by now. Did you bother to see if he was aware of what was going on?”

“Ah, no,” admitted the unicorn, “I saw this creature”—he gestured to Jakob—“and assumed it was attempting to steal one of our ships.”

Cadence deadpanned, “You thought one being was going to take on an entire sky dock full of workers and a ship that also has ponies working on it? Not to mention the time required to warm the engines and then steal it? Were you stalking Baron Gray? Were you hoping to impress your father in some way?” She turned her attention to the guards, “And you! Aren’t you supposed to keep the prince’s son from putting himself in painfully awkward situations that might cause embarrassment to his father?”

“I... I…”

“Look, young Lord Blueblood, go to your father. Ask about Baron Gray. I assure you, not only is he aware, but he fully endorses this endeavor.” Cadence gave the stallion a gentle smile. “Trust me, this way will be far less troublesome for you.”

Fizzlepop trotted up with Cassandra in tow, “Jakob, it is good to see you again.” She was smiling at the human and ignoring the guards and Blueblood the Younger.

“Fizzlepop,” he greeted her with a nod. An eyebrow rose quizzically at the mare behind her. “Bug horse?”

“In the fake flesh,” she grinned at him. “My brood is here. We are ready. I want June back.” She then glared at Blueblood, but chose not to say anything. “I am rather put out at you for losing her, but I’m willing to help in any way I can. Can we ignore this nopony and get on board the ship?”

Blueblood the Younger started making strangled sounds.

Cadence sighed, “Could you guards be dears and take your young lord somewhere he can recompose himself? I need the good baron here and time is of the essence. Can we please avoid any further unpleasantries and go about our separate ways?”

The guards began to herd their poor young employer away. He seemed to be having an aneurysm as well as a mild panic attack. “Apologies, your Highness,” their leader told Cadence. “We’ll have a word with his father and get this misunderstanding straightened out.” With that said, he gave a final bow and went to figure out what had just happened.

“How are my ponies?” Jakob asked Cadence after a moment of silence.

“Safe and sound,” she told him with a smile. “None were hurt and if anything, got some sense of adventure in their sleepy neck of the woods.” Adjusting her wings, she became somber, “How are you holding up?”

“Not well,” he admitted. “I cannot give in. Not here, not now.”

“Jakob,” Cassandra growled, “you didn’t kill anypony. I am disappointed.”

“Life is full of disappointment,” he told her with a derisive snort. “Come. We are wasting time. Meet the captain and my new advisor. There is still much to do and discuss. We will be underway at first light tomorrow.”

“I love you, too!” she spat, then gave a toothy grin and a laughing whicker.

The ladies followed him towards the gangplank leading up to the awaiting ship and her captain. Cadence and Cassandra exchanged looks after both noticed a peculiar way Fizzlepop was staring at the human’s back. The changeling queen dismissed it from her thoughts as she mentally told her brood to wait until she found where they were going to be staying on board.

Cadence began to sense there was hope for Jakob. Reminding herself of her disastrous failure just a couple of days before, she forced herself to not give into the urge to cast her magic upon the human. She could not stand to lose him as a friend. He needed help to bring June home. This was the most important thing to focus on. The mare with the broken horn was showing signs of at least intrigue with Jakob. It might still mean nothing. The alicorn could only sit back and see what would develop. The formation of at least a friendship was there, but it could just as easily crumble to nothing. 
> Twenty.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




She is a Cruel Mistress




On her first night in her cabin, June had awoken to horrible, gurgling screaming. She had been unable to sleep, rather falling to exhaustion. The blood-curdling cries of pain and suffering bolted her upright in her tiny bunk. It had lasted far too long and had been accompanied by loud thumping and crashing before coming to a horrifying, slow gurgling, and dying, whimpering end. Never would the girl ever forget the terror of that horrid din for as long as she lived! It had happened right above her. June could have sworn she heard the sounds of crunching bones through the deck above. It was worse, her imagination not needing much to run wild.

Any illusion of finding sleep had fled. The girl huddled in a shivering ball in the corner of her tiny bunk, making herself as small as possible. June thought of her father and of home, crying silently, daring not to make a sound.

June spent the next two or three days confined in that tiny cabin. She was only let out to relieve herself and was given one hour a day on deck to stretch her arms and legs. The girl was watched carefully and it was always Lila who was her escort. Her food appeared in the middle of the small table bolted to the wall in her cabin. The mare with the odd accent was kind enough, but she still had a gleam in her eyes that made her terrifying. She avoided sunlight and expressed silent discomfort when exposed to it. The crew were rarely seen. Misty had yet to make an appearance, though Lila did assure the girl the unicorn was safe and sound.

“We have no interest in her, Fräulein,” Lila had told her on the first day when June was allowed out of her cabin, “she will be sent home. Some rich noble has a vested interest in her, so she will not be harmed or sold off to some other party. You are the prize, after all.” The mare tugged on the girl’s leash for emphasis and wore a terrifying grin. “Do not touch your collar. Do not touch the leash. You will not like the consequences if you do, verstehen?”

June gave a mute nod.

“Gut!”

Mr. Cheers, the naga had his scaly arms crossed over his pale chest.  He remained on board the ship as Lila gave him a look caught between a sneer and a smile. The naga gave a low hiss, flashing his fangs. “The Captain, ssshe hasss gone to the arena,” Mr. Cheers told Lila.

The mare rolled her eyes, “Of course she did. The ship is yours, mein Freund.”

Mr. Cheers gave a single nod, “New crew sssoon.”

June was led off the ship and into a dusty town. The air was hot and the sun blistering. She turned her head this way and that, soaking in the sights and sounds. Her steps thumped over the gangplank. The ship had been fastened to a tower. Dozens of lines held it in place, tied to the ground far below. A platform had been built on top of a large building with a flat roof. 

Odd creatures of all sorts could be seen in the streets below. Most were bipedal, with appearances varying from amphibians to bird-like. There were scales and fur, feathers and quills. Shapes and sizes varied greatly. June found herself frozen in place as she stared. She recognized a few equines, but the variety of species was nearly overwhelming! It was nowhere near as impressive as the crowds in Canterlot, but the smells were different. What she saw could not compare to the cleanliness and orderliness of the pony capital. This place felt intimidating and uncomfortable.

Lila led June to a wooden lift. The pair were lowered by several bipedal dog creatures working the ropes of the pulleys. The mare gave the girl a tug of her leash as she found herself staring at the mean-looking things. They did not look, up from their work, though one did cast a fearful glance at the pale mare.

“We have a few errands to run, kind,” Lila announced with a cheerful smile. “I can feel the magic in you. It is strong, ja? I would like to find out if it is something I should be concerned about. I’ve been feeling it since the moment we were brought aboard the ship. I have just the right Wahrsagerin for you to meet. Old acquaintance. I would imagine she will find you fascinating. Come. Let us move as though we have purpose!” She produced a parasol from the aether and flicked it open. It floated high enough to shade both the pony and the human.

Numb, the girl followed the mare as she dove into the crowded streets. Creatures parted before them, Lila keeping her eyes moving and her ears swiveling. One fixated on June and remained there. Instinctively, the girl stepped a bit closer, her fingers brushing against the pony’s shoulder. A lot of attention was falling upon her and it was unnerving. She did not feel safe.

A sidelong glance was thrown June’s way. “I can sense your heartbeat. There is no need to worry, kind,” Lila reassured her with a smirk. “Only a fool would dare try something. Most here at the air docks know who I am and who owns the ship. Reputation alone should suffice, though there is always the occasional dummkopf who is looking to make a name for themselves.” The parasol twirled in the air. “They don’t last very long and I do try to avoid getting their blood on me. Such a nuisance to clean off.”

The pair weaved through the uneven streets. The buildings had the look of someone getting bored in the middle of the building process before slapping whatever they wanted on them. Some leaned dangerously to one side and there were signs some effort had gone to propping them up. Some even had beams and scaffolding used to brace buildings against each other.

June wanted to go home. She wanted her father. Tears welled up in her eyes and a tightness formed deep in her chest. 

“Thinking of home? Something good?” the pale mare asked. 

June said nothing, wiping her nose with a forearm and sniffling in misery.

“There is purpose to everything. You don’t know what that purpose is, but you will be guided. You will have answers. It starts with your magic. I am very curious to see what exactly a human can do with magic that is born to her. It is fascinating!” Lila hummed happily, flicking her tail.

June’s attention wavered between her feelings, her captor, and the denizens of this city. The hot sun beat down and the parasol seemed to offer little respite. She felt as though hungry eyes were upon her. When she did look up from her feet, June thought there were eyes staring ravenously at her. Murmured words, just out of earshot, drifted on the hot wind. Many words were spoken in tongues unfamiliar to the girl. She only knew Equish and bits of Father’s language.

“Where are we going?” the girl asked if only to push down her own growing fears.

“You found the courage to speak, kind?” an amused chuckle followed. “As I told you, you have magic. I know of one who can provide a glimpse of your power. Your value to Captain Calypso will not change. She has plans for you. I want to know if you will be dangerous to us. If you have power, then you might become a threat. A kind with power she does not understand is potentially a dangerous risk to what is important to me.” Lila gave the leash a tug, “Of course, it does not help your vater, the Jäger will be after us, if he is not already. Come, pick up the pace. There is much to do.”

“Where are we? What is this place?” June queried as she followed after the tug of her collar.

“Klugetown,” Lila replied, licking her lips. “Not much of a settlement. We’re not too far from Equestria, but as you can see, the reach of the alicorns and their precious harmony do not extend here. Look around you, June. Not a friendly place. Lots of lost souls here. A pity for some, deserving for others. Each one a story with little hope and none of any interest.”

A fish-like biped must have heard the mare. It stopped whatever it was doing and glared at Lila. It was twice her size and probably four times her weight. A wide mouth opened, revealing hundreds of needle sharp teeth. “What’s your problem, pony?” it gurgled, blocking the mare’s path with its enormous bulk. A thick tail sporting ragged fins wriggled in agitation. “What you sayin’?”

“Oh, don’t even think you’re a threat to me,” snorted Lila. Her horn flared and crackling bolts of crimson magic erupted from the tip, striking the fish creature squarely in the chest and through it. Behind the victim, a fruit stand exploded. Inertia sent it sailing backwards, stubby arms flailing. Wallowing on its back, it made gurgling sounds as smoke rose from where the magic had left several gaping holes through the flesh and organs.

June gawked at the wounded being. Lila tugged her along. The pale mare paused long enough to spare her victim a speculative glare, “Maybe next time you’ll remember to kindly mind your own business and keep your very large mouth shut, should you somehow survive. I know the pain must be excruciating, but think of it as a learning experience, my fishy friend.”

Her victim began coughing up blood. Onlookers watched in silent horror. June began to scream, but Lila sealed her mouth closed with magic. The dusty street was stained with growing crimson.

“Nein!“ The unicorn began to sing. She indicated with her chin, her song wrapping itself around her words, ~Das wesen is not worth your pity. Living filth! You, my little June, you are worth everything. Come. We are wasting time watching the land fish die. Forget what you see, forget what you hear, feel nothing but the wind upon your skin.~

The pale mare led June onwards, past gawking spectators who fell over themselves to get out of her path. Some gibbered in terror. Lila ignored them, coaxing the human along with gentle tugs on the leash. The girl felt lethargic, her thoughts clouded. What had she witnessed? Who was singing in her head? It was so beautiful!

Numbed by magic, June was led past the thrashing fish creature, its death throes unnoticed by her. The dying, gurgling choking went unheard. Onlookers had drawn further back, afraid of the pale unicorn with the merrily twirling parasol. June could hear nothing but the soothing song in her mind, caressing her thoughts and telling her everything was just fine. It reminded her of the embrace of a loving mother and the tears fell unbidden.

Her feet carried her onwards, following Lila as the song went on.

~A bit much, I fear, but I cannot bear to see your mind sear.~

The streets wound and turned, but June was oblivious, her mind and feet following the music.

~More blood will flow, to my captain my thanks I owe.~

June giggled through the tears, wanting to scream, but the voice singing held her horror in check.

~Her gift to me, free you from the horrors as you see.~

~A Siren from the deep, our hearts entwined in each other we keep.~

~A mother you seek, a love for your father to keep.~

~Your dreams are open, to mend a heart that was broken.~

~Child of a slave, is it the touch of a mother you crave?~

~Curious little one, so large a heart, there is much to be done.~

~Calm your heart and open your eyes. Before you lies a great surprise!~

June shook the song from her head as it released its hold on her. She was no longer outside and her eyes adjusted to a gloomy room lit by a few ruddy candles. Lila was next to her, the girl feeling her coat from the back of her hand. The unicorn wore a smirk, her hat resting on a table next to her. The parasol was leaning against a nearby wall.

“Sit down, June, you’ve had a bit of a stressful walk,” the mare told her. A stool was pulled out. There was a tug at the collar and June found herself seated at the table. “Have some water. Your throat must be parched.” The girl found her throat was indeed dry. A cup was pushed in front of her. June took it up and drank greedily. There was an odd taste to it and it smelled funny.

“Gut.” The cup was taken away. “Fräulein Udalza, the girl is yours. Give me the answers I seek.” 

“We shall see what she has,” came a deep, old voice in the darkness. A pair of pearls appeared in the darkness. From the gloom emerged an ancient zebra mare, her thinning mane braided with colorful beads. Her ears were pierced with dozens of golden hoop earrings. The eyes were milky whites, but seemed to glow in the faint light in the room. “The payment is satisfactory, Pale Mare, it is as you promised. Now, let us see with eyes that cannot what is before us.”

“Where am I?” June asked in a frightened little voice.

“This is the home of the Wahrsagerin I told you about,” Lila said as she sat on a cushion. “A teller of fortunes, a seer. A valuable ally to have. For a price, she can divine almost anything.”

“You flatter me,” Udalza gave a dry chuckle. “In all the years I have done work for you, you have threatened my life half the time we have done business. Even now, I smell death on you. Old Udalza is still here and will still do what she was touched to do.” 

“Get on with it, then,” the unicorn urged, lips curled in a small, arrogant smile. “A girl needs to establish her dominance now and then, ja?”

Ignoring the unicorn, Udalza’s attention went to June. “Child, give me your hands.” She held out her hooves, frogs facing up.

“What are you going to do?” June asked, crossing her arms against her chest.

“Udalza will discover your magic,” the zebra said, beckoning with her hooves. “Come, come. Udalza will not harm you. Udalza only wishes to see what magic lies within you. The water had something in it to help bring your magic to the surface.”

~Do as she says.~

June found herself putting the palms of her hands on the frogs of the old zebra’s hooves. They felt leathery and worn to the touch. Her hands were held firmly in place. Milky white eyes bore into hers, flaring brighter even as the equine face went slack.

“Oh, it is there,” breathed the old zebra, her head rolling back and to one side. “Unusual. Most unusual. There is magic, but there is something else.”

“Can you see what kind of magic she has?”

June could not move. It was as though an invisible force had encompassed her whole body and was holding it still against her will. As much as she wanted to squirm and wriggle, her mind felt sluggish. 

“Strong...very strong.”

The girl blinked as something seemed to invade her body. It felt as though it was coming from the blind eyes of the old zebra herself and into her own.

“Keep them open!” snapped Udalza.

Her eyes were forced open, wider, and she could not recoil from the intrusion. June opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out. She could still breathe, but the violation she was feeling was like nothing the girl had ever felt before.

“Yes. Yes! Let me see!”

June felt tears roll down her cheeks. Her rigid body trembled. She felt dirty. Father! Please! I want to go home! Father!

“Ah, there it is. This… this is unexpected,” Udalza tilted her head forward, cocking to one side as her ears perked forward. A small whicker left her lips. “Most unexpected indeed. I have seen enough.”

June was released and she almost collapsed backwards. Lila held her up with her magic, showing a flash of concern before reverting her attention to the old zebra. “Tell me what you found, Fräulein Udalza,” she demanded.

“A moment,” begged the zebra. She looked exhausted. “Her magic is powerful. It is more than I expected. She has tapped it, but she does not know. I never dreamed I would feel such magic. It is a combination of this world and the mixed blood of her parents. It is intoxicating. But there is something else. Something far more dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” parroted Lila.

“She is marked, pony.” Udalza hissed in alarm, blinking her unseeing eyes. “A changeling queen has claimed her! It is old, almost as old as the child herself. I do not know the nature of the queen, but...the bond is strong. It is almost familial. The queen who has marked this child considers her as one of her own. No bond like this is made unless she intends to come for her.” Fear slowly drew across the old zebra’s features. “This bond is reserved for changeling princesses. How is this child bonded so, Diomedian? What pact was made?”

“Not unexpected,” Lila sighed, rubbing her forehead. “I had a hunch.”

“You knew?” Udalza shrieked, whipping her head to the unicorn. “Changeling queens are bad, very bad! They have hunted my kind for generations! You would bring the trail to my door. This is my death!”

“It seems to me you have two choices,” Lila said with a smirk. “I can kill you now and leave no witness, or I can bring you with me to teach the girl how to control her magic. You are a witch, so your magic is unique. You have ways to keep the girl from being followed, do you not?”

“There is a price to pay for my magic,” snarled the old zebra.

“Stay and die,” Lila sniffed, “or you can come with us and possibly live. Does the prospect of new magic not interest you? Do you not hunger for the taste of a new power? You cannot lie to me, old mare.” A terrifying grin revealed rows of sharp teeth behind her peeled lips. “I can sense your desires, your greed, your dusty lust. The girl’s father is coming, der Jäger will not stop. I would have preferred not to incur the wrath of that one, but what’s done is done. My beloved captain senses adventure in this folly and intends to see it to the end. I cannot but stand beside her to whisper in her ear how dumm she is for doing this.”

The zebra seemed to come to a realization. “The Beast?” Udalza asked, her outrage becoming horror. “This child is his spawn?”

“You could not sense it? Perhaps you are not as useful as I thought you might be.”

June suddenly blurted, “Please don’t hurt her! Please stop hurting creatures! You’re cruel! Why are you so cruel?” Her eyes were burning, and she felt...sad...for Lila.

The pale unicorn regarded June with curious intent. “No anger,” she stated, her tail swishing behind her. “No rage. Nothing but...pity. How amusing. You still cling to other emotions which do nothing for you. You will learn,  Fräulein June, the world is a cruel place. It is a game of survival of the fittest. There are many ways to play it and I fear none of them have been taught to you. At least, none of the methods that are successful.”

The girl’s eyes darted and blinked as her mind became a jumble of pity, revulsion, and fear. June was far too afraid to try running. She knew she would not get far, maybe not even off the stool. Lila could simply use her magic and have total control over what the girl could and could not do. The mare spoke with authority and control.

“So,” the pale mare grinned at the old zebra, “what is your answer?”

“What would you have me do?” Udalza asked, blinking her blind eyes. “I am old. I am blind.”

“Your knowledge in magic is most extensive,” Lila said, glancing at June, “you have an understanding of its many iterations.”

“Magic at its core is the same,” the zebra said with a shake of her head.

“We need a teacher and one who can watch the girl until we reach our goal,” the mare explained with a sniff. “Although I am fascinated with June’s potential, I am by trade a physician and Calypso’s advisor. I have other things I need to attend to and I need someone I can trust to keep an eye on sehr geehrter June. I also need someone with the talent and ability to draw out her magic. As I have no one that matches the former, I must choose you for the latter.” The gleam in her eye suggested no compromise would be found with her.

The blind zebra stiffened. “Very well, you have me at a disadvantage, Diomedian. There are a few things I must gather. Will you grant me a few minutes to collect them?”

Lila gave a nod and a smile, “But of course! Don’t tarry. I should like to find Calypso before she clears the arena out of anything resembling sport. Use the girl to carry things. Might as well make her useful.” She indicated the girl with a nudge and a wink. “I should like for you to think of a way you can delay the Beast’s approach. I have no illusions he can be stopped, but I would like to buy time.”

Udalza shuffled off to the back of the room, muttering to herself.

“Father?” June asked, blinking at the pale mare. “He’s no beast.” Her voice sounded hollow. 

“To you?” Lila chuckled, “I would imagine not. To Calypso and myself, well, the two of us have a little bit of history with your Mutter. Not so much with your Vater.”

“My mother?” the girl parroted.

“Ja! You see, Fräulein Kaga once made a promise to us long ago. Unfortunately, she died and could not deliver on that promise,” a wistful sigh escaped the pony’s lips. “She was powerful and cunning. I had no idea she would have a child. Rather worked in our favor once I figured out who our target was. However, the Beast was a factor in the equation I had no interest in poking with the stick. My dear captain, however, has her own agenda. I would have been more than happy to let you and your Vater go about your business, but my dear Calypso, she sees the world from a different view. A promise was made. It was not fulfilled. She has taken it personally. Death is no excuse.”

This piqued the girl’s interest, and her outrage, “You knew my mother?” How? How could you know my mother? Why would she associate with a cruel pony like you?

“Business acquaintances,” Lila said with a shrug. “She was seeking information on various ancient artifacts and used us to help gather them. It was quite profitable, though my dear captain lingered her gaze upon the lovely Kaga longer than what was healthy.” The pale mare let out a sigh, “Calypso was quite smitten with Kaga and your mother was keen to lead her on so long as she got what she wanted in the end.”

“What do you mean?” 

“Ah, but you are too young to hear such things,” Lila said with a small smile. “Nor would I think you would like to learn your mother dealt with pirates and slavers in her journeys. I liked her because she was intelligent and was not afraid to take risks. My dear captain saw something in her curves and later, I found myself to be in agreement with her. Ah, I can see by the look in your eyes you do not believe me.”

June frowned, saying nothing as her mind reeled. Her mouth moved, but no words came out. Finally, she managed a small, “It’s not true.”

“Don’t worry,” Lila assured her, “the truth will reveal itself to you. You will see for yourself the works of your mother when she was beyond the eyes and ears of Equestria.”

“Child,” Udalza called out, “come help me with this bag. I have all that I need.” Her voice was muffled as though she was chewing on something. She emerged with a simple burlap sack dangling from her mouth.

“That was quick,” noted Lila with an arched brow.

June took the bag. It was heavier than she expected. “Do not drop it. I knew this day would come, but at times my vision becomes as clouded as my sight. Let us go. There is nothing more for me here.” Udalza whinnied out a humorless laugh. “Where to?”

“The Arena. We will meet Calypso. Mr. Cheers is recruiting a new crew. The last one was...not very satisfying. Most unfortunate the last one turned out to be such a screamer.”

June mulled the pony’s words in her mind. Slowly, a horror took shape in her mind and it involved the pale mare grinning at her with a bloody, fanged smile.

Lila took up her parasol with her magic and gave the old zebra a casual smile, “So, Udalza, what is the nature of the girl’s magic? You have not yet told me.”

The old mare blinked her milky white eyes. A wistful expression, even envious crept over her muzzle. “Ah, I neglected to say. My apologies. The changeling queen brought about my old fears. The child is very special.” Udalza stared sightless at June for a contemplative moment, adding, “The child possesses the gift of life.”