> The Blurring of Realities (OLD)
>  by Morgan83
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fuck. He hurt all over. His horn was throbbing painfully, his skull felt like Mike Tyson went ham on it for an hour. Where was he? Trying to lift himself up he discovered his left arm was gone, again. The metal stump looked like it was melted. "How did that happen....oh yeah, lightening."

His hearing had started to return, the sounds of battle, the sounds of people dying filled his head. That's right. There was a literal war going on. Trying to stand he realized his right leg was missing just above the knee. The fur had been burned away revealing a ragged stump, blackened from fire. The femur just poking through at the end. He couldn't feel it. Must have burned the nerve endings out. How did that happen?

Rising to his one good knee he looked about, the dead were everywhere. Griffons, looked like they had been barbecued. Minotaurs had been crushed. Several shamanistic Zebra were scattered among the still living, trying vainly to get the wounded off the battlefield. The air above them all was filled with fighting flights of Pegasus and Griffons. They were tearing each other apart, dropping like stones to lie among the dead.

Then he spotted her. She was slowly trying to get to her hooves. He wasn't going to be able to beat her. Already the wounds in her white fur were sealing themselves up. Arrow heads that had managed to hit her were popping out. She was on her hands and knees like him, shaking her head groggily. 

Her head lifted and they both looked at each other. She grinned. Those teeth much like his own now. Her mane was still limp, the magic that overflowed had yet to return to her in full force. But that fiery red was beginning to glow again. Those eyes. Fuck but they were terrifying. Gold iris gleefully stared back at him in a sclera of blacked red.

He had no way of winning now. She was on the up and up while what was left of his magic was barely keeping him together. Shit she could just grow a new appendage it seemed. Her left wing had been sheered off but was already growing back as well.

He couldn't beat this bitch. There had to be something to put her down. Something he had to try. 

Could he pull it off? 







"I didn't ask if I could live through it. I asked if it would be possible that I could do it. Answer me. Can this be done, by me?

"You have to understand. You will die even trying this. The amount of magic you would need would have to be astronomical. The spell would feed on you till you died which would, if you're lucky, be fast. Knowing your luck it will take a few days. And the agony you will experience will be unlike anything Anypony has ever experienced before." He was pleading with him.

He sighed, "We need a Hail Mary. If I can't put her down she will kill us all eventually. It will be a battle of attrition. One we can not afford. So, we need every option available to us." Taking a deep breath. "Can I learn this spell, Sombra?"

"....Yes, but it will kill you."

"So be it."







"So be it."

Igniting an intense flame from his right hand he used the improvised propulsion to launch himself into Celestia, no Dawnbreaker now, knocking them both down. He had managed to stay on top of her, straddling her torso.

"Well now, maybe I won't just outright kill you after all. If this is what you had been after this entire time." Her voice pissed him off. Everything about her pissed him off. He headbutted her with everything he had in himself. Her head rocked back slamming into the broken cobblestone street. 

Somehow they had ended up in Ponyville. Twilight was gonna be pissed he broke her town.

"I like it rough colt, but I am the only one who gets rough. Now what are you going to do, hmmm? Your toys broken, your allies dying. Give it up. You can be my little pet. I promise I won't do anything that will be permanent to you."

He smiled, shit he was missing some teeth. "Yeah, no no. You can go bounce on a cactus. But I don't think your gonna be happy with the results of that. Tell ya what-"

He grabbed her horn and forced another burst of his magic through his still good hand. The high pitched frequency ripped into her skull through her horn. And she screamed, a scream that deafened him, and silenced the battle field. His hand was broken by now. The vibrations had seen to that. Still he grabbed the Hail Mary in his pocket. 

It had taken twelve unicorns to make it. They were still unable to fight in this battle.

Slipping it on his horn he grimaced. This was so gonna suck. 

Dawnbreaker looked up, her unfocused eyes trying to align themselves on him. "You certainly are full of surprises. But we both know you can't keep....what are you doing? What is that?"

He had never been religious, he was agnostic after all. That was his grandma's shtick.

"Hail Mary, 
Full of Grace, 
The Lord is with thee. 
Blessed art thou among women, 
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus. 
Holy Mary, 
Mother of God, 
pray for us sinners now, 
and at the hour of our death.

Amen."

She would have been so proud of him.

"You'll kill yourself! You can't contain that much power!"

While he had been saying that prayer he had been charging his final spell, the complex algorithms falling into place almost as if it was just as eager as he to end this. Her eyes were beginning to focus, his was fuzzing out, he knew she didn't know what the spell was. Hell it had only been cast once before.

The pain was staring to eat at him all over.

He smiled.

"So be it."

He touched his horn to hers. And he thought she screamed before.
> Anger can be Useful (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

CrACK


3

2

1

The first scream is almost always the shock of the incident. I mean really. Who honestly expects to get hurt on your day to day grind? Boulder Springs certainly didn't expect his day to go from being the big colt on jungle gym, to rolling on the ground clutching his arm. But, well. Here we are.

The second scream is worse in a lot of ways. Often longer and coupled with not just the realization of being hurt, but the pain that accompanies your new reality. And oh what pain Boulder is experiencing today. His forearm was not supposed to be bent that way. 

Seeing his arm at such an odd and misshapen angle adds a whole new level of pain and fear to his arguably short life thus far. Afraid to touch the arm's injury, Boulder contented himself with gripping his bicep with the same tenacity one would if their favorite toy was about to be taken away.

And que the screaming.







Star Bright's afternoon was quickly going down as one of the most tedious days she had ever had the misfortune of experiencing. Everything was going right. Kids were behaving. No one got gum stuffed into their manes. Even the bullies, though few, had been unusually quite today. This was an excellent day.

Even the paperwork on Starshine's adoption was actually looking like it was going to go through without the city getting involved and mucking it up for everypony involved. This was a great day. A wonderful day. And it was so Celestia damned BORING! 

Looking over her desk she saw the new issue of Mareopolitan, next to her cup of coffee, and she itched to open it up. "No Star. You know what will happen. You'll read one article and the next thing you know it will be 6 in the afternoon and Starshine will be the one to suffer for the delay. Hmm, I am so happy for Starshine. Such a sweet young filly. And she managed to be picked up by a rather well to do herd."

That alone was another surprise. Picking up her coffee and holding the still warm mug in her hand she pondered the fortuitous events that landed Starshine in such a comfortable future. Usually when a colt or filly is adopted its by lonely mares unable to find a herd for themselves. Whether by their position in society or being unable to have children of their own. The fact that Starshine managed to catch the attention of a-

An ear piercing shriek snapped Star Bright out of her musings causing her to spill her coffee all over the nearly complete paperwork. "Bucking Tartarus! Well that's ruined," she reached for towels.

Wiping coffee off her hands with a napkin her employer, and head Mistress of the Orphanarium known as Manehatten's Home for Wayward Foals, Cloudy Sapphire rushed out of her office, "What happened? Was that you?" Even after 3 years of working together Star still found her somehow, warbling yet high pitched, voice grating. Though that wasn't fair of her, Cloudy was quite possibly the sweetest mare in the entire city of Manehatten. But that voice could make dogs howl sometimes. It was likely the reason she had not found a herd of her own.


"No, no. That wasn't me but I fear I will have to start Starshine's adoption papers over again," she dejectedly sighed. Trying her best to dry pat the papers, to see if anything is salvageable.

Cloudy gave Star a deadpan look. "You do realize you can just reverse that rig- no wait, what was that scream? Where did it come from?" The cerulean earth pony mare whipped around, pink mane twirling with her. Going to the windows, she pushed up her horned rim glasses and peered out into the playground, scanning with deep sea green eyes. "I hope it wasn't one of the colts," she whispered worriedly. An institution like hers would suffer if they were tainted with a history of colts being injured.

Star Bright smacked her forehead narrowly avoiding her horn. "Duh, of course. I swear I'd forget I am a Unicorn if my horn wasn't attached to me." Quickly using a spell to clean up, what would have been hours of  paperwork, she stood up to walk up behind her now silent employer. She looked out over her bosses shoulder into the playground, and blinked. Hard.

Every foal's head was looking in one direction, most in horror, some without understanding on what was happening. Starshine, the filly with such a bright future, looked to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown as she gazed into the rapidly growing circle of backpedaling foals. Star Bright was having trouble rationalizing what she was seeing."What in the name of Celestia..."

There in the center of the circle were four colts. Two were on the ground. It looked to be Rocky Jester and Boulder Springs. Rocky seemed to have been knocked unconscious with a large bruise forming under his left eye, and blood coming from his lip. Boulder was in far worse shape. Writhing on the ground, Boulder held onto his arm as another wail riped through his throat and battered the still air with his screams."A forearm shouldn't bend like that..."  

In front of those two, stood two others. Well one stood, the other was trying desperately to stay on his feet holding onto the arm, whose hand was wrapped around his throat."That Looks like Swift Charge. Ok so who...oh no....NO! Star Bright tore her gaze away as she whipped around, leaving a stunned Cloudy to continue to stare out the second story window, and bolted out the door. Her copper mane trailing behind her as she nearly threw her body down the stairs."Orion please stop don't do this again!" She screamed inside her own mind.





Gripping Swift's throat with inpony strength for a colt of 8, hooves firmly planted, was Orion Falls. A look of sheer rage on his muzzle as he continued to punch Swift's, quickly collapsing, face in with an abandon you don't see outside of those fights in the underground. Swift was holding on with one hand while vainly trying to stop Orion's assault with other. His arm flailing about and losing strength. Suddenly, Swift's battered form was yanked away from the still seething Orion. 

Orion made to give chase after the poor colt, seeing red in a tunnel vision that seemed to stretch. He to was snatched up in a red aura of magic. Screaming in frustration, he cast his gaze about looking for the individual who had dared to keep him from his source of anger. He then took notice of Miss Bright, her red furred ears flushed with exertion, copper mane disarrayed by her panicked flight down and out the building. The sunny yellow blouse un-tucked haphazardly from her lime green skirt.  Holding Swift's defeated form to her chest as her horn lit up red. It seems she had stopped his assault.

He slowly, very slowly began to calm down. Taking stock of his surroundings, he noticed other fillies and colts turning away in fear from his angered eyes. Trembling, Orion put a shaking hand to his head as he slowly came down off an adrenaline high that promised a hard crash later on.

"What. Do. You. Think. YOU are doing Orion!?" screeched Miss Bright. All trace of her usual bubbly nature gone. The playground was mostly silent, except for a still wailing Boulder. The younger foals, not knowing how to vent their own fear, silently sobbed sitting in the dirt.





Looking through the one way glass, Cloudy watched as Orion sat on the floor in the corner. The chair provided was laying unceremoniously in the corner of the eight by ten room, where Orion hurled it the moment he was forced into the chamber. A dim bare bulb hung from the ceiling giving the room an interrogative feel. The single only other piece of furniture a small table, sat in the center. Undisturbed.

"Did anypony say what happened, did they see what started....this?" Cloudy asked. Not pulling her eyes away from Orion's bent form his knees drawn up, arms draped over his legs, head left to bow between his legs. Orion wasn't an ugly colt. But the black fur and brown mane would not be winning him prizes or adoration by mares as he got older. Not with those eyes of his. Even if he was a Unicorn, not many would, or could, get past those eyes.

"From what Lazy Rain told me it seems that Orion was, again, getting bullied." Star sighed and continued on," This time the colts went after his looks, his teeth mostly. And his....unfortunate diet."

The colts in question that ended up on the wrong end of a beating, two of which were 11and one who is thirteen, were currently being treated for their injuries in Manehatten General. The paramedics that had arrived on scene were stunned at the extensive damage inflicted on the young colts.

"That's all it took? For this colt to beat three other colts into a pulp...? Name calling?!" She seethed in a quiet whisper. She should never have roomed him with Swift Charge. The foal was antagonistic from the beginning.

"No, that was the start. He simply ignored them from what Lazy was telling me." Moving up Star looked into the window at a still immobile Orion. "It was after they boxed him in that Orion lashed out. Honestly, if you ask me, those three had it coming." Cloudy jerked her head about and shot Star a glare." Now now, don't get me wrong. I don't approve of what Orion did. But you gotta admit, Cloudy, it was going to happen sooner or later. Ever since Swift's adoption fell through he has become increasingly hostile. I am just shocked by the level of violence that such a small colt could inflict."

Cloudy pulled her eyes away from the red furred unicorn. " Whether they had it coming or not, this is NOT how a colt should behave. He acts like a damned filly during her first heat." Taking a deep breath to calm her own anger. " We....we can't protect him from this Star. This was bad. The city's Council of Foal Protections has already sent us a letter. They want to take him."

"WHAT!? They can't do that! What are they gonna do? Lock him up till he is of age? And then what.....kick him out? Say good luck? A colt needs more then that! They need love and attention and they will just chew him up and spit him out. All they will do is isolate him in a vain attempt to correct his behavior!" Star was nearly screaming now. She didn't care. Orion, to her, had been the quiet little colt that never bothered anyone. She knew of his tendencies. The whole orphanage did. But he never said an unkind thing to her. The thought of the CFP taking him left a hole in her stomach.

He never interacted with the others. Spent most of his time reading, okay maybe devouring books. Anything he could get his hands on. Including a manual on how propeller driven airships operated, if she wasn't mistaken. Never figured out where he found that one.

He always maintained an aloofness from the other foals that you could see. He never picked up games, never engaged the other foals. But he wasn't a dumb colt. He was very smart. Seemed to know things that a colt his age really shouldn't have known. Though given the fact that he came in from the industrial city of Stalliongrad 2 years ago. There was no telling what he picked up before he was taken off the streets by the non-profit organization, Hooves for Colts.

The organization knew very little about him. Even had to guess at his age when they picked him up from the slums. The most prominent detail about little Orion wasn't that he was a unicorn, or malnourished to the point of starvation. It was the fact that he had canines. Ponies shouldn't have canines. It would have been fine if he was a Batpony. They ate fruit in an unusual way, biting into then draining. But he lacked the wings and had a horn instead. And the fact that he was eating a raw rat when they found him. 

Upon further examination it was found that his diet actually required meat. Normal ponies don't eat meat. When he arrived and the CFP found out about his limited history and dietary requirements. They wanted to isolate him immediately. Possibly permanently. One member even had the audacity to recommend teeth fillings to,"make him normal." 

Now.....with this? It was outta their hands.She knew it. They couldn't stop it. Unless a miracle happened, Orion was going to the city. And they would do whatever they wanted. "In the best interest of the colt," as they had said. Best interest would be a childhood of near but not quite falling under the legal definition of torture. All to make him sociably complaint to their worldview of what a unicorn colt should be.

"No we can't allow them to take him. That would be just signing him over as a prisoner, Cloudy. There must be something we can do for him...."

"There might be." Cloudy looked back to Star Bright, a calculating look in her eyes. "Canterlot. It may just be the last place we can send him. A fresh start. Since he is a unicorn he can be sponsored by the city and crown to attend Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It's his best bet as the city hasn't filled a form for restrictions on his movements. We need to get him out tonight. I have a friend who runs White's Orphanarium there in the city. She knows of his situation and after the last time offered to take him." Breathing unsteadily she took a sip from her painfully cold mug of coffee," I should have done it immediately then when she offered. Damned me for a foal brained idiot to think the situation would improve."

"We can hire a carriage to fly him. Which one of us will go with him?" Star asked with hope in her voice. She wanted to go with him. The idea of him leaving hurt but she knew he needed to leave as soon as possible. She wanted a chance to be around him as much as possible.

"I'm afraid you will have to stay here, Star. The CFP knows of your attachment to him. It's best they don't catch wind of this before we are across city lines," Cloudy replied moving to the door into the isolation room. Ignoring the look of extreme disappointment on Bright's face. She would have liked to let her take him, but given the nature of the departure she thought it best to do otherwise.

"Okay," Star sighed dejectedly. "Your right but tartarus burn those fools for wanting to do this to him. Does your friend know of his....needs?"

"Gripping the door handle Cloudy looked over her shoulder, "Oh yes she does. She does have Griffon chicks in her orphanage as well so this won't be too far from normal for her. Well, as normal as you can get with this one at least." Squaring her shoulders, Cloudy opened the door and stepped through.






Orion slowly looked up as Head Mistress Cloudy Sapphire entered in to the room. The look in his eyes spoke of his still held anger.

"Orion get up. We are moving you out of the city tonight. You know what will happen if you stay here now." Miss Sapphire spoke in a carefully neutral tone. She had warned him before, after the last incident. Orion could see she was nervous. He knew what was up, he wasn't ignorant. He believed the CFP were going to be the first to breach that door.

"Where?" He asked quietly.

"Canterlot. It's the last safe place we can take you that the CFP can't reach. The won't even bother."


Cloudy spun about," gather your things Orion. We need to leave quickly." Walking out the door without looking back.

Orion sat there. A small smile coming to his lips.

"Anger can be useful," he whispered.
> The Little Things (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A tired yawn escaped from Cloudy Sapphires mouth, causing her jaw to crack. "I'd forgotten how long a trip this actually was. Why does Canterlot always seem so close yet the trip seems to drag on and on?" This long trip was the largest reason why Cloudy didn't get to see her  high school pal all that much. She felt guilty if all things were considered, she should have been up here long before.

She had been forced to rent an over the land carriage rather then the air one, she learned that the air carriages were only for the day. As the carriage was making it's way out of the city, Panic had set in. The Manehatten police were out on patrol en mass. It seemed like they were waiting for, something, but fortunately her and her charge were not stopped. Orion's reaction was strange, when he saw the police, he flattened himself to the carriage floor. The look on his face was worry, unusual for him. He peeked occasionally over the window, ducking quickly down again.

The moment they left the city limits behind, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. Orion sitting back in his seat, though with a slouch. Though she wondered why he had acted that way. The police had never had a reason to show up at the orphanage during his stay, despite the three fights that he had been apart of. Though this last one did warrant police interference.

Conversation was, stagnant. Orion didn't show any curiosity in why she chose Canterlot for his refugee. Or where in the city they were going. Just quietly staring out the window. The neutrally angry look again on his face. Time for some questions.

"This was really foalish of you Orion," she spoke after an hour of silence. They were well outside the city now. "You went way to far today. Not only have you hurt three colts but two of them are staying overnight till their injuries are healed fully."

Nothing. Then, "Yeah I know."

That was it. All the questions she had, and she knew she wouldn't get an answer to a one. A swift end to that conversation. It was so frustrating when he did that. Those soft spoken words that just seemed to halt any discussion before it began. Though the words themselves were not the reason no further discussion was to be had. No it was the tone. The finality in the way those words were spoken, seemed to always be the closing of any discipline action that could begin.

No it was not frustrating, it was maddening. He did it so often. And it seemed like anything done to make him feel guilty, extra chores, isolation, even at one point the switch. Though doing that made her heart ache. It all, seemed to wash over him. He didn't even cry out at the switching.

Cloudy settled back in her seat, one hoof crossed over the other, and began thinking back to when he first arrived.







"We found him in Stalliongrad of all places. Right in the city's skid row. The locals have a term for it, but good luck pronouncing it. Anyway, there he was in one of the dead end alleys just, oh Celestia," Moonlit Night moved in close for a whisper, " eating a rat, RAW. Most terrifying thing I had ever seen. His muzzle was covered in blood. Looked more like a monster at first glance." 

Leaning back the cloudy gray furred mare shuddered in her seat, feathers ruffling a bit in discomfort. Her blue eyes continued to dart back to the before mentioned colt. Sitting in a stool, with a scowl on his face. Moonlit tossed her purple mane to the other side of her neck and grimaced once more looking back at Cloudy. "Yep. Poor colt was so malnourished we thought he was doing, that out of desperation for any kind of food. And with those canines we first thought he was batpony, then immediately dismissed that idea because he has a horn instead of those creepy leathery wings." She shivered. Batponies were not very popular with the populace of Equestria as a whole.

Cloudy, just sat there horrified as she absorbed the gruesome information. "Wait thought? What do you mean thought, Miss Night?"

"Yeah thought. Blood work came back 3 hours later after we picked him up, and let me tell you picking him up was no easy feat either. He fought like a cornered badger. Actually cracked Yellow Strikes in the face breaking his jaw. Craziest thing I had ever seen. He couldn't even help the colt after that. We brought him in to speak to the colt so he wouldn't panic. Heh, we were the ones doing the-"

"Well she certainly likes to ramble on." Cloudy was getting a bit peeved though she tried not to show it. Since Moonlit's arrival she had been nothing but a chatty as she filled out paperwork for the transfer of the unnamed colt.

"Miss Night? Why was he eating meat and what did the blood work say," she interrupted, trying not to sound unkind.

"Oh ponyfeathers sorry I tend to ramble." Cloudy just blinked at her. "Did this mare just swear in front of a foal? Were her manners tossed out to make room for her need to talk?" "Anyway, yes the blood work came back and for the most part everything seemed to be normal. Except for the fact that his blood looks more like it belongs to a griffon chick then to a colt. If it wasn't for the fact that he somehow levitated a box and tossed it at us I would say he was a cursed griffon."

Looking slowly back to the colt, she saw him looking right at her. No fear whatsoever, but anger. "He needs to eat...meat?"That thought set her thoughts to serious worry about the other foals in her charge."What if he bites somepony? What will happen when the foals find out about his, needs." This fueled an even worse thought,"nopony is going to adopt him knowing he eats meat." Thoughts racing even faster the moment she realized that this poor colt will never be picked up by a herd or a mare. Colts were quick to get adopted from the system as colts were more rare to even be orphaned. It was considered a tragedy to ponies that a colt not have herd to guide and protect them. Not to say it never happened as she had 2 colts now, but both had adoptions pending on their cases. Good herd families too.

This colt will never have that happen. He will grow up with no family to call his own. Even worse his options for a herd of his own were slim. Very slim.

"What is his name?" Cutting through the ramblings of Moonlit again. To be fair, she hadn't listening. Most of what she was saying was already in the documents on her desk.

"Oh yeah! The prostitute that informed us of him said his name was Orion. Not sure who named him but the full name is Orion Falls."

Cloudy's lips wanted to curl up in disgust,"A prostitute. Well at least they had the best interest for the foal."

"A prostitute informed you of his location, what did she want in return?" Cloudy didn't mean to focus on the informant. But she couldn't help herself. Her sister was one. Estranged from the family. It was shameful.

If Moonlit noticed the venom in Cloudy's voice she didn't comment. "Oh him? He didn't want much just some food if we could spare it. He was way more concerned for the colt. Apparently a group of pimps was eyeballing him for about a week. According the Stone, the prostitute, they had made two attempts to foalnap him. He fought them off similar to how he nearly got away from us. Gruesome stuff to be honest." 

Now it was Cloudy's turn to shudder. "A Stallion Prostitute? That poor pony, no male should have to live a life like that. Not even my sister." This thought was interrupted by a worse one."Sweet Mother of Celestia, they were going to subject him to rape?! We would have never found him. Orion you don't know how lucky you actually are." Shaking her head and pushing thoughts of the poor stallion stuck on the streets, and resettling into her seat, she looked back to Moonlit,"were the authorities notified?"

"Yes, though there is likely nothing to be done about it. Stalliongrad is not a...nice city Miss Sapphire. There will be an attempt, but I doubt anything will actually be done. I'm just glad we got cute little Orion out of there in time," she looks to him warmly. Seeming to ignore the hostile glare coming from him.

Cloudy looked over and really took in his appearance. For a colt that was malnourished as he, he was certainly tall for a estimated 6 year old. No way to know his actual age beyond blood work. Maybe a magical test but that costs too much. His face was typical of most colts his age, might be handsome if that scowl ever went away. His deep brown mane was washed, but you could certainly tell it was his first in months. Those gray eyes of his seemed to bore back at her. "Those are not the eyes of a foal. What have you gone through."

His horn was perhaps, the prettiest thing about him. A recent and rough horn filing showed he had spiral patterns that lazily trailed around them, the horn's size was average for his height and age. That may just catch a mare's eye if he keeps himself well groomed. His ears were a bit long. And swiveled to pick up any noise he seemed to hear.

Sighing to herself she turned back to finish filling out the papers of custody transfer. "So anything you can tell me? Has he spoken much?"

Moonlit laughed. "Spoken? No, no. Yelled obscenities at us, while throwing half the alley at us, oh yes. I will need a dictionary to figure out what most of them mean. That colt does not lack for words. Just lack of manners, politeness, and education more then likely. And where he got a shiv I will never know, but I am so glad I wore my armor that day."

"He STABBED you?!" Cloudy looked back at Orion, and for the first time saw a smile, no, a grin on his face. Those teeth of his was unnerving.

Laughing even more Moonlit responded, " Oh yeah four times no less. Yellow managed to yank the knife away from him but that is when he chucked a crate at Yellow's head, busted his jaw wide open. Colt is surprisingly adept at levitation. Barely managed to get that Null ring on him. Still fought like a Diamond Dog on crystals though. Think the whole operation took three or so hours. And we were in a tiny little alleyway." Shaking her head she grinned ruefully at Orion. "You ever get into the guard I fear our enemies will piss themselves learning of you my little friend."

Orion just went back to glaring. "Going to have to keep an eye on him, no telling if he might manage to make another shiv."

Dotting the last "I" Cloudy held out the folder to Moonlit. "Well that is everything, Miss Night. Is there anything else I should be made aware of?" Secretly hoping that this was all the horror she was going to get out of this colt's story.

Quickly reading over the file Moonlit responded, "Nooope I am all good here the transfer is complete." Both rising from their chairs Moonlit leaned over and shook Cloudy's hand. "Thank you for taking him in for us. Canterlot said they were full up at the moment. Don't know how considering the primarily deal in nothing but unicorns, not that many to begin with. Whatever."

Turning to look at Orion she patted him on the head ruffling his unkempt mane, much to his displeasure as he scowled back her. "Take care of yourself little dude and don't get into too much trouble, okay?"

"Go fuck yourself with a rusty screwdriver you two-bit twat waffle." A stiff, far more mature voice grated out from the colts mouth. Words that no colt or filly has ever spoken before in front of her.

Cloudy just stared. She couldn't believe that he said that. She couldn't even understand half the meaning behind it, but she knew it wasn't good whatever he had said. Moonlit was just roaring with laughter. "I see you still got that strange fiery tongue of yours, colt! But I'd advise you not to say that too often around here." Ruffling his mane some more chuckling she waved a hand at Cloudy in parting as she walked down the hall, hoofs clopping with quick succession. "Oh and expect the CFP to show up to make things awkward soon as this is filed with the city," she called back. 

Cloudy was still staring. Orion was scowling at Moonlit's back. His attention however soon shifted to her.

Shaking her head Cloudy Cloudy readjusted her pink mane. "Young colt, that is the first and LAST time you will be speaking in such a way under this roof. You understand me?"

Orion glared back for a moment, then smirked, "Screw you too."

Cloudy was shocked, angry, and bewildered." Wh-where did you learn to speak like that?"

"From Nunya." He responded, still with that smirk.

"Who in Celestia's name is Nunya?!" She knew she shouldn't be getting hysterical. But the situation was turning out to be stranger then she was beginning to believe. The audacity of this colt. To say such a thing to anypony. To say it to Her.

"None ya business that's who," Orion, was chuckling whispering something along the lines of 'classic' and 'too easy.'

Staring her mouth hanging open. Where in Equis did he pick this attitude, this foul mouthed way of speaking. Cloudy, had had it. She marched around her desk, planted herself in front of the colt and snatched him up by his ear. Leaning in close she spoke very quietly into his ear," you will not talk like that again. If you do I will devise some very clever earth pony punishments for you. Do we understand each other?"

Orion in pain and surprised by the boldness of Cloudy just blinked and grumbled what could have been interpreted as an affirmative.

"Good." Dusting her hands off she gestured for him to pick up his small travel bag. it seemed to be stuffed with just the bare necessities for a foal of his age. "Pick up your things. I will take you to the room you will be staying in. You will be living in the same room as Swift Charge. He's a nice young colt and you should be able to get along nicely as long as you behave yourself."

She guided him out of the room and up the stairs.







Adoptions are never easy for foals. Or for those looking to provide a home for one. Even with Princess Celestia's Family First Initiatives, the cities still found a way to mire the road in red tape and fees. But that just made it all the more satisfying when a foal and family managed to get together.

With Orion, nothing was satisfying. 

At first Cloudy wanted Orion to get adjusted living in normal society. She sent him off to the local school along with everypony else in the orphanage, and surprisingly, he excelled in his classes. All of them. Complete A student. In fact many of his teachers were recommending him for more advanced classes. History seemed a sticking point for the colt at first but he soon excelled at that as well. Though he kept complaining about 'childish history'. He was convinced that the lessons were not the full truth.

His participation in class was, however, abysmal. He seemed to borderline outright ignore the teachers and their lessons. On the few occasions he would actually invest time in a class, it would be to correct the teachers work on the board in front of the class. He had no tact when it came to calling out what he believed was 'medieval' mathematics. Chemistry was even worse. Causing the pony teaching the class to storm out in frustration. This only added to the mystery of who had educated him. And why had they not given him ANY lessons in proper pony behaviors.  

Cloudy couldn't understand why someone would abandon an arguably brilliant child. Was it just his strange diet and attitude? No, maybe just the diet. His attitude must have developed on the streets after all. Regardless, Cloudy filed his impressive academic scores in his records. And wouldn't you know it? He was getting attention.

The problem? Was him himself. Every time he had an interview, it would collapse in 5 mins or less. His attitude was appalling. At first, he would openly mock potential adopters looks, he'd pair it with the most foul language Cloudy had heard this side of the river. Later on, after a stern talking to and not a small amount of punishments, he instead began to use a far more impressive lexicon of words that at first confused the adult ponies that came to see him. They had no idea that he was insulting them at first. But it quickly became obvious to the potential families that he was saying more then was apparent.

In one visit he casually implied that the mares mother was the results of inbred coitus. Anal coitus. At first the mare, one Dusky Shores, a blue maned showmare from Manehatten Performative Arts, didn't realize he had said anything to the effect. Even Cloudy had missed it at first. But as the conversation went on, the mare's brow furrowed in thought and she slowly began to glare angrily at Orion. Whom of which smiled back, teeth flashing. She then proceeded to storm out of the interview room, causing the glass door to shatter, without a backwards glance.

Cloudy stared at the shattered door trying to figure out what had happened. Slowly turning her head to look at a pleased looking colt. "Did you say what I think you said?" The wheels in her mind slowly putting together what he actually had spoken. She was appalled.

"What all I said was I was shocked that she got so far into the arts considering her mingled background of her mother and her brother..." Trailing off with a shrug he just smiled back, like a cat that had gotten the cream.

Punishment, usually devolved into two things, chores , which didn't seem to phase him at all, and isolation, which also didn't bother him in the slightest. Punishing Orion seemed to be a useless endeavor. That was until she accidentally figured out that he hated being embarrassed in front of others. 

Words rolled right off him. Nothing verbal seemed to work. However, having him dig a hole and then fill that whole while all the other foals played in the play area seemed to work wonders in his attitude. Useless work got to him. And on top of that, she made sure he didn't use his magic doing it. He hated doing useless labor in front of others. It was a strange thing and he never explained why. Cloudy just shrugged thankful that in worked.

Such was his punishment for his comment to Dusky Shores. He complained, vocally and quite often.

What was his most damning issue was when families and potential adoptees found out about his dietary needs. Some just blinked and walked out. Others would ask 'are you sure' and pointed out that maybe he was faking it. When presented with his full file potentials would usually stammer out an apology and quickly walk out giving a fearful gaze back at Orion. Who was grinning, his teeth flashing in the lowered sunlight. This often got her visits from the CFP.

The CFP from the very beginning had pressured Cloudy, and her subordinate Star, into turning over Orion to them. To them, Orion was clearly faking. Or at worse an aberration that must be corrected. They would likely have cared less if he was a Earth, Pegasus, or even Bat pony. But due to his apparent heritage his teeth and diet were an affront to the Unicorns that run the organization at large.

"Obviously there is something wrong with the foal. No unicorn actually consumes meat. This is obviously a learned behavior that he just needs to be curtailed." Mrs. Backwater said on the very first visit. She was of the mind that Orion had filed his own teeth down to look like fangs to be scary. Utterly dismissing the blood work and examination paperwork that was in his file as 'factually wrong and unverified.' Her plan was to reeducate him. Which meant, if the heavy rumors were to be believed, near brainwashing. The CFP never seemed to actually have foals well being in mind. Only the results of what the wanted out of each one seemed to matter.

"You will sign over his papers to us. We will have him properly examined and then, help him, to what his future should be. Not some meat eating little abomination." At that point she had fixed Orion with a glare that he met with one of his own, with teeth bared at her. Shuddering to herself she turned back to Cloudy with a confident smirk. "So please, sign here and here and I will need your initials here."

No, apparently was not a word Backwater was used to hearing from those she considered beneath her. Also, being told her vaginal area smelled of week old sea cabbage left to rot on a pier seemed to incense her to a whole new level of fury. Orion scrubbed all the floors in the third floor for that. Not that he seemed to care. She did somewhat share the sentiment, but you just didn't say that to anypony. It was raining to hard outside that day to make him carry rocks outside.

Backwater left with vows of forcing Cloudy to sign him over by court order, but thankfully, the courts seemed to be smarter then she was. Or at least costed her more money then she had to spend, either way good news for Cloudy.

Unfortunately the CFP, and by extension Backwater, came by anytime there was a behavioral incident. Now Orion never actually went out of his way to assault anypony. He never spoke out against the other foals. Even helped one or two on occasion with homework. Much to the surprise of Cloudy and the foals he helped.

What got the CFP to come by any chance they got was the fights that targeted him. Most were small and not a huge deal other then little fists flying. But two occasions where Orion crossed a line did come to mind. The most recent being the beating, yes no better way to describe the events of this afternoon, of three older colts by one five years younger, though not much smaller then they.

It all seemed to favor Orion regardless. He seemed to always be the one defending himself. But that wouldn't matter much to the CFP, who would undoubtedly try everything short of outright threats against Cloudy. Threatening to close down the orphanage was often a strategy they would try to apply. Fortunately, again, it never worked.







Coming back from her musings, Cloudy looked over to Orion. Surprised to find him asleep. He was peaceful, shockingly, but that scowl seemed to be permanently etched on his face. It made her chuckle, then frown again. Backwater would be on her doorstep by Morning tomorrow. And she would be furious that he, nor her, were there.

"Now, Backwater has all the arrows she needs to rip him from my care. I will likely get in major trouble for this but I cannot allow her to have him. This poor colt will likely die in her custody from malnorishment. Or be so mentally mangled that he would cease being anything other then an invalid."

She truly believed it too. Backwater was known to be, viscous, to others not aligned with her. And with Orion's disposition she will likely break or outright kill him. The rumors still lingered in Cloudy's mind. Rumors that scared her.

"It must be close to midnight. I am glad I managed to at least rent the over night team." The daylight team would likely have pulled into rest stop hours ago. At the pace the team was making they would arrive in Canterlot by five in the morning. Cloudy contented herself with the fact that Orion was safe for the time being. Safe from the CFP, safe from Backwater. Settling herself in a yawn cracking her jaw, Cloudy fell asleep. Dreaming of better things for Orion.







Orion cracked an eye noticing that Miss Sapphire was steadily snoring away."Sounds like a damn airplane, I think, shit I've forgotten what airplanes sound like. It's only been three fucking years."  

Looking out the window again, he contemplated just jumping out the carriage into the night. With as hard as the pull team seemed to be pushing, he figured he could just disappear, and no one would be able to figure out when and where he took off from. No he was a city boy, pony he guessed now, at heart and while smart he didn't have the survival skills to survive out in nature. Not to mention the inconveniences of magic and its ability to sift tracks that were weeks old. Would insure that he was quickly caught. Or so he had read. 

He resolved to fix both issues as soon as possible. He knew he was limited, more so now then before. If he ever had to go on the run he would need to know about nature and what to expect out there, in what areas predators roamed. So much easier when your species dominated most of the Eco-sphere of his world. And his knowledge of chemistry would not be much use without resources. Not that knowing what atoms make up water and how physics work isn't useful. But you can't survive a predator attack with just science if you don't have the means to use it.

Orion was angry. Angry at fate, God, the devil, or even the fucking flying spaghetti monster, for dumping him in what amounted, to him, as horse hell. Horsy hell. True he wasn't exactly a respectable individual. But nothing he did warranted him to become a human guinea pig. Federal courts were, and likely still are, utter bullshit. The fact that they not only managed to pin the full blame for that bombing on him, but signed his life away to one of their black operations 'fun' little side projects was a complete an utter abuse of his rights. And the lawyer didn't even amount a defense farther then,'he didn't do it'. Come on! What kind of hackneyed shit was that?  

A snarl formed on his lips, just thinking about the day they shoved him through that unstable wormhole made his blood boil.






"Subject 31259, its time to wake up." A soft feminine voice called, "Time for you to rise and great this glorious day!" Doctor Adam Levine Burbidge astrophysicist, direct descendant of Margaret Burbidge, cheerfully called out as the massive door slid back mechanically. Flanked by, of course, his two 'Orderlies'. Though calling either vaguely neanderthal-ic men anything close to medical professionals was pushing the realm of imagination. More like bouncers who took a couple of courses in meat tenderization.

"Subject 31259, come join us. Greet this fine day! Today, is the day we make history!" Burbidge declared The man was always so full of pep and vigor. He always greeted Orion as 'Subject 31259'. Never Orion, or Mr. Thatcher. Just 'Subject 31259'. 

"Egotistical, beady eyed, shit sucking fuckhead. Could you for once, FOR ONCE, just use my fucking name?!" Orion rolled off of what could laughably be called a mattress, cardboard would have been softer, and onto the floor Orion shuffled to the door dreading whats coming. Brushing his dark brown hair out of his gray eyes he stopped. That is when his brain fully booted up and he locked eyes with Burbidge. "History? What History? What is going to happen today". He did not whimper. HE did not.

"Why my dear little subject, today is the day you take the next step. For you to egress into the unknown, and further our understanding of our universe, and the ones outside of it!" Turning around with a bit of a flamboyant spin, he gave a flick of his right wrist with a come hither motion, he walked back through the giant metal door and down the hall.

"Oh no."

The come hither was not for Orion to walk. No, no. It was to the 'Orderlies' to bring him. With a punch to his short ribs the two mountains of muscle, tentatively known as Bill and Edwardo, grabbed both arms and dragged Orion out the door hot on the heels of Burbidge. That claimed nothing they did was personal. Orion called shenanigans on that statement.

He was 'escorted' down the all to familiar hallways, no one had yet to mop up what was obvious to his nose, someone's spilled mountain dew on the landing heading further down into the facilities. That's a hazard. That spill had been there for weeks, would no one think of safety? 

The fifth door on the right, lead to him being unceremoniously tossed into the 'transference' chamber. Counting what would soon be another bruise, Orion barely hauled himself to his feet before an army of engineers and medical professionals swarmed him. Taking measurements, stripping him of his prison clothes and stuffing him into a very unflattering skin tight suit with all the bells and whistles of attachments. He would have wished for at least a nut cup, this was embarrassing.

The battery of shots, were excruciatingly painful. Orion wanted to oh so badly throw a punch. But two months prior Bill dissuaded him of doing that again. Still worth it. But not as worth it as the days proceeded along. 

Burbidge sat in his 'command chair' spouting some nonsense about the future of humanity and the thriving of the American people on new land. You know the typical speech before you rape a country of its natural resources. In this case its for a whole new world. Oh shit that's right. Their going to shove him through a big ass portal today. Fuck.

"Um, excuse me. Doctor Burbidge, sir."Orion did his best to seem concerned for the project. Not himself. Nope .Hard to do with a malnourished 5' 10" frame. "Are you positive today is the day? I was sure there were at least a couple million more tests to be performed. Weren't there?."

Burbidge, annoyed that he was interrupted, just signaled Edwardo. Who promptly smacked him up behind his head knocking him off his feet.

"Your right totally no need for more tests. "Orion wheezed from the floor.

Burbidge began to speak again, then realized the moment passed, and signaled for the technicians to start up the portal. Miffed that Subject 32159 interrupted another of his speeches.

The portal was loud. LOUD. Everyone had hearing protection. Not Orion however. No, Orion got to hear the sweet, sweet joys of an angsty teen 747 turbo jet engine scream itself awake, with a loud speaker. Beautiful.

Orion thought they would take longer to calibrate everything before shoving him to what was no doubt his doom. Nope, they had done all that before waking him. How nice of them. As he was being shoved by Bill toward the slowly stabilizing vortex of black and gold light he called out to Burbidge one last time. 

"Hey, Burbidge, I have one last question for ya!"

Signaling for Bill to stop the Doctor waited.

"Are you gay?"

Three technicians stifled giggles, Bill started roaring with laughter, Edwardo was having trouble standing, and Adam Burbidge, astrophysicist, three time winner of the Bruno Rossi Prize, stuttered out in a shrieking voice.

"I h-have a wife!"

"So did Tom Cruise."

Bill shoved him in, trying to breathe.







They should have told him there was going to be some discomfort. It felt like every atom in his body was being torn apart and rearranged. Most notably the pain was strongest, everywhere. 

What Orion didn't get to see but would have likely appreciated very much that he wasn't going to die alone, was that a feed back loop was triggered the moment of his body passing through the event horizon of portal. This feedback loop occurred when the intermixing of one universes nature intermingled with another. In this case the completely incompatible energy known as magic, intermingled with a universe of no magic. It created a vast harmonic vibration throughout the entire facility.

Burbidge had a brief thought that something was wrong.

The twin fission reactors fell into a melt down almost immediately. A quick series of failures later, the boom could be seen and heard on the west coast. Even felt in D.C. Utah was a nice place all things told.







Orion hit the ground. Hard. He just laid there. Collecting himself and enjoying the smell of the pungent earth beneath his face. Wow he could really smell that soil. His hands, no, his whole body felt stiff and weird. Everything seemed to be working but it felt like he was covered in a soft sheet. That's nice. But weird. Why is he covered in a sheet.

It was then that he noticed he was also covered in something else. The suit. But it felt way to big for him. Had he shrunk?"Oh please dear God don't let me have shrunk!" For most people 5' 10" was a rather respectable height. Not for Orion. He was vain. He had plans to have that surgery to add as much to his height as he could. Opening his eyes he got nauseous instantly. His vision, while still forward seem to take up more. That's not right. Bringing a hand to his face, his fuzzy long face. Wait. What? Opening his eyes again and attempting to stand up he fell over, still tangled in the suit. Orion cursed as he fought his way out of it. Surprisingly easy given how small he was. 

Small. He felt, really small. 

His second attempt at standing raised his panic to new fun heights. The moment he got to his feet, he began to tilt over. Looking under himself he noted, "Those are not feet."

His time on the ground was making him feel real acquainted with his new reality. Those are hooves. Why did he have hooves. Joy, at least he still had hands. Sort of. He was missing a digit.

"Okay, so I am a black goat or something. Where are the Satan worshipers when you need em." All joking aside Orion was beginning to panic. Really panic. He was small. And a goat thing. Things were not looking up. No they were looking very down. Running his tongue over his teeth and lips to note what else had changed, he was happy to be surprised that not everything had changed. He still had his beautiful chompers. At least the felt like his teeth. Still had the canines.

The rush of water caught his attention. Deciding to take stock of his environment he found he was next to a small river with a wading pool naturally carved into the side. Seemingly still water occasionally rippled by fish that swam beneath the surface. Looking from the water to the rest of his surroundings he found evergreens and seasonal trees all around him. 

Joy. His least favorite. Nature.

Hauling himself to his feet, no, hooves now. Orion did his best to not fall over as he walked closer to the still pool of water. He only fell twice. Progress.

Looking into the water he noted his original assessment of his condition was wrong. He was small. A child for sure. But he wasn't a bipedal goat. Nope he was a tiny tiny horse. Tiny ears rapidly turning to every slight noise he heard. "That's a horn. Why do I have a horn?" Dashing those thoughts aside. Panic later he told himself. He proceeded to quench his unusually dry throat. Bathing his head also helped clear his mind, though he did think about finishing the job and just drowning himself. Briefly. Twice.






Getting out of the forest was not as difficult as he feared. Walking properly gave him a harder time. The path that cut through the forest was a nice cheat. Now he was gazing on a city that was by and large, dirty. It was a gross looking city. Oh look, they are emptying out chamber pots. Lovely.

He had stood there for what seemed like three hours. Just taking in the populace. The structures. The gross. Panic later he kept telling himself. 

Night was coming. Night meant dangers he couldn't know of. Panic later. 

He walked into the city. More like snuck in. Keeping to the shadows and alleyways as best he could. The stench, dear God the stench.







Shuddering and pulling himself back from his dip into the semi recent past. All it did was remind him that he was small, and stuck in horsey hell. Three years and no sign that he was going to get rescued or that is was a terrible dream. Maybe he was in a coma. Caught in some hit and run and this never happened. Not likely.

"This fucking sucks ass." He had to have said that a thousand times. No less true. It was bullshit.

He rolled over and went back to sleep.









The next day did not greet either of them, or the carriage team, with joy. It was raining as they arrived in Canterlot. The roof had sprung a leak a solid two hours before, soaking both occupants in early spring showers. Not to mention the headaches both bore from the unusual  sleeping positions. The team, grumbling and cursing some choice words that Orion memorized, was fighting their way through the mud to finally reach the cobblestone streets of city proper. The road after the main gate was still mud. Most carriages stopped before the cobblestones. Not this poor angry lot.

The three mares and one stallion were in a foul air as they slowly came to a stop at the carriage station. Muttering curses for the weather and for the patrons who had the audacity to hire them when it was going to rain. Not knowing or caring if they knew or not. They didn't care. They were muddy. Sweaty. And not getting paid enough.

Cloudy stepped down stretching as her hoof met the cobblestone walk way. "OH sweet Celestia I think I'll just spring the money to take an airship back."

One of the mares just glared at her, dark thoughts running through her head about stupid ponies and not thinking about others.

Orion stepped out as well, popping his neck violently. The team of pullers, and Cloudy stared at him. 

"What?" He glared back at everyone. The headache already making his day worse.

Shaking her head, Cloudy approached the pull team. Handing each, three ten-bit gold coins, thanking them for their swift arrival. This seemed to mollify the group somewhat as their thoughts just turned to blaming the weather teams then their kind patron who gave them such a hefty tip.

"Do any of you know where Lancet Street is? It has been some years since I was last here and I'm afraid I don't remember the way."

The only stallion in the group, a large earth pony, pointed down a side street, "That's Canterway, right there, go down that way and you'll run right into Lancet." Pulling off his harness, " Good luck wherever your going Miss you seemed to be in a big hurry last night."

"And thanks to you and your team I am not longer in such a hurry, you have my thanks again. Orion grab your bag. The sooner we get there the better. Have a wonderful morning," a flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder following hot in pursuit interrupted her. "Well as good as you can have anyway."

What greeted her ears was more grumbling from the team about drunk weather ponies. And surprisingly a laugh from Orion of all ponies. Then again, it was a dark laugh.

Both proceeding down the street with instructions in mind, they had to dodge around hoof traffic as the city began waking up. A splash of mud and water from a carriage was dodged by Orion but not by Cloudy, only seemed to darken her mood and feed her headache. 

At Lancet Street she looked both ways before, luck finally with her, spotting White's Orphanarium. Four stories tall and sandwiched between a park and an office building that looked to be getting renovated, the building did not share the name. It was a building made of dark wood paneling with carved wood logs going vertically up. The stone looked new and supported the majority of the building.  The gold trimming was a nice touch and it just reeked of wealth. 

Looking to Orion just one more time she squared her shoulders and marched toward the building at a quick clop.

The door was open. As it was now seven most of the foals would be at school. Or at the very least getting there. Cloudy and Orion walked in and looked down the lushly furnished hall to the main office. There sat Daisy Evergarden. Her Mane done up in a loose yet elegant bun. Her half rimmed glasses perched on her muzzle as she was reading, what Cloudy hoped was the emergency letter she sent ahead, with her mature face pinched in a tight frown.

Looking up at the sound of hoof steps Daisy first gasped, then smiled at her long time friend. As she stood up adjusting her skirt she took in Cloudy's beleaguered appearance. The her pink mane was wildly unkempt. She wondered if Cloudy had actually slept in her dress. Daisy also noticed a certain notorious colt, she had read about, standing beside her. His neutral glare was the first thing she noticed. The second hand clothes he wore would have to be gotten rid of. No colt or filly would walk this halls looking homeless. He held his duffel bag not by the straps but gripping the bag itself, in one hand. That unnerved her a little.

"Cloudy welcome it has been too long since we last saw each other. I was just reading your letter. I have room here, I can take him in rest your mind on that. But what happened? Things seemed to have been fine this year with our little trouble maker. What changed?

Cloudy looked down at Orion, a tired defeated look on her face as all the stress and worry left her. "It's a long story. And we have been out all night. Sleep in a carriage is never restful." Daisy winced at that. She knew full well how uncomfortable carriages were to sleep in. "Is there someplace we can freshen up maybe get him settled in. I have all the files for the transfer here...I just, need a moment. So does he."

A warm smile crossed Daisy's lips. "Of course come with me...."







Shaking her head Daisy was shocked by the tale. Orion had been settled into his own private room. His bed he made himself surprisingly, and then unceremoniously fell asleep on top of the covers. Daisy had smiled then. He seemed so sweet then. 

Now after hearing, a very much cleaned Cloudy, tale, she wasn't so sure having him here was wise at all. "He assaulted three colts in the play yard?"

"Yes, it was in retaliation of them targeting him but, yes. Yes he did. The colts are fine. Bruised up and hopefully learning a lesson." Taking a long sip of her tea she sat back placing the cup on the ornate coffee table. Truly the whole room was lavish. Bright curtains of blue trimmed with gold. Windows with not a bubble at all to grace them. Truly this was a establishment in the wealthiest of cities.

"Still, to break an arm like that. I surprised he can use magic to that degree already...."

"That was not, magic. Apparently he physically snapped Boulder's arm. He is stronger then any Unicorn colt I have met." That statement instilled even more worry into Daisy. What kind of foal can just snap another's arm like that.

"Okay, a worry for another time I suppose. I will not being going back on my word. I only wish we had the room 2 years ago. I would have taken him then." A pause. A sip. "He only gets confrontational physically when others do?" A nod. "Okay well that is some good news then. Most foals here have only their words to bite with." A look at Cloudy raised a question.

"Cloudy, whats with the look something wrong with the tea?"

Grimacing, Cloudy set down the tea and folded her hands together. "No the tea is lovely infact. No its that Orion has an...impressive vocabulary. What I didn't tell you is that he is smart. Extremely smart. Scary even. And he is not afraid to belittle anypony with choice words should he feel like someone is trying to insult him." Picking up her tea Cloudy took a sip holding the warm cup in her hands.

Daisy picked up Orion's file and skimmed through to his academics page. She blinked, read it again. "With this background, how is he that intelligent? I mean no offense but these grades show what could be considered top tier education. For him to have this would mean....what herd would abandon a colt this intelligent and bright?" 

"I am not sure Daisy. His mind is so complex and the therapists that spoke with him seemed to think they were speaking to an adult, not a colt." Taking another sip. "He has got to be the biggest enigma I have ever seen. I have never met a foal with his potential and attitude. And he will absolutely not talk of where he came from. Who his family was."

Sighing softly, Daisy set down the file. " Well he may just meet his match soon enough." A quizzical look from Cloudy prompted her next statement. " Princess Celestia has finally picked a protege. Well I say finally, but this was three years ago. The filly is smart. Cleverly so. She absorbs books like you and I would breathe. Top of her class in most anything she touches. If I didn't know her family, I would claim that Celestia was her mother." 

The news startled her really. She has no idea that the princess was even taking proteges again. Then again the last one was 20 years ago so she supposed it was time. "That is good to hear. The last one had such potential and then just, poof, gone. And nopony knows what happened to her." Chuckling to herself she had to ask," Is the princess up for another intelligent pony, a colt this time?"

Daisy laughed with her old friend, "No sadly. There has been always only one she has chosen. Though you should hear about her entrance exam for the school...."







Orion woke to Miss Sapphire looking down at him. He blinked waiting for her to begin talking. Sighing she spoke up in a sadden tone. "I have to head back no Orion. Despite it all I will miss you. I know Star is going to miss you even more. But this really is the best. You'll be protected and safe from the CFP here. And with this kind of environment you will likely get into less trouble. Just try and go easy on the insults okay?" Orion could only chuckle at that.

Sitting up and running his hand through his mane he contemplated something, then nodded. Getting up Orion walked over to Cloudy and hugged her.

Cloudy reflexively hugged back but was in shock. He hugged her. He actually hugged her.

"Thanks. I know this shit was not ideal and you really didn't have to go this far but thank you all the same. I never knew many who would go that far for anyone, least of all me. So thank you Miss Sapphire. You got me out of a rough situation I couldn't get myself out of." Finished he stood back letting go. And began to chuckle at the stunned look on her face. "Your gonna catch flies if you don't close your mouth Miss Sapphire."

She shook her head and closed her mouth, smiling warmly at him. "I think this is the first time he has spoken so kindly to me. Still he shouldn't swear. But its the little things. One step at a time."

Giving him one finally hug Cloudy bid him farewell, leaving him to Daisy and to settle into his new life in Canterlot. Maybe just maybe he will find a home here. Daisy couldn't know.
> Price of Education (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daisy put the last of the files into the package to be shipped to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It should be relatively simple, honestly. With free education programs the Princess sponsored and Lord Fancy Pants cosigned, Orion should have no issue gaining admittance to the school. 

It has been four months. Four months of no issues. No fights. No nasty pranks pulled. No, anything really. Orion just seem to be a normal colt. One that mostly stayed inside but normal enough for her. The fact that he was reading everything in the orphanage's private library gave her hope that he would settle in nicely or at least wouldn't make waves about. Her fears from a few  months ago seem to be all a bad dream. Though a kernel remained. School was starting. And the upper crusts foals attended the academy that Orion was set to attend.

How would he react to the foals. How would they react to him? Most of her charges that were Unicorns seem to perform just fine in school. But Orion was a special case. His interactions so far with his fellow ponies has been, tentative, at best. Only Golden Trot seemed to stir any ire in him. And he seemed to simply walk away. It seemed he was not interested in repeating the events in Manehatten. That made Daisy breathe a little easier. Fortunately Golden Trot's papers had finally gone through and he was leaving tomorrow. Just before the school year was set to begin. Even better, he wasn't even going to be in the city for some time. He was set to journey to Trottingham with his new family. 

Hopefully with this, Orion could establish himself in the school before his return. Thus one roadblock taking care of by itself. As long as he continued to behave. He actually had a few families approach. But it seems like in his previous home, nopony wanted to take on a pony that ate meat.

Orion's penchant, no, need to eat meat, three times a week seems to have worked out well for him diet wise. Though it was a point of contention for many of the foals. Well all but Screaming, but she was not a pony.

Screaming Rush was a Griffon, the only one up for adoption in Canterlot, so she supposed it hardly mattered to the only griffon in her care. She had been here for four years. Sad really, but not unexpected due to the predominately pony population of the city, and most of that was occupied by Unicorns. But good news was on the horizon though Screaming didn't know it. A pair of Griffons has been making some inquires about her. Daisy had high hopes the pair would actually adopt the chick.

Screaming has tried to befriend Orion on more the one occasion the past few months. But other then eating meat together, he largely ignored her as well. At least at first, he seemed to have warmed to her but still never went anywhere with her.  She doesn't lack for friends, however, so Daisy isn't so worried by rejection.

Its Orion that has her worried. He seems to outright refuse to speak much to foals his own age. Any attempt made has seen him close the book he was reading, quietly get up, and march back to either his room or the library. It was rude and Daisy wasn't sure how to go about correcting the behavior.

Their interactions have been cordial. His intelligence is readily apparent. Those first few talks were, for the most part, feeling each other out. Or at least it was on her part. Orion seemed to have figured out what she was trying to do early on, and cut right to the chase.

"Listen, I know your trying to be nice while at the time seeing if I am gonna be a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode.""Whats a time bomb?""I will give you three, not quite promises but assurances. One." Holding up his first digit." I will not in anyway seek a conflict voluntarily. I will however, break whoever throws the first punch at me." Raising his second before she could attempt to dissuade him from 'breaking' anypony. " I will not go out of my way to verbally attack anyone here in class or out on the street, should I be able to be let out." Raising his third and last finger. "I will do my best not to besmirch the name of the orphanage in anyway. Granted I won't be the model citizen but I will maintain some level of decorum and civility."

Lowering his hand he looked back to Daisy. " Does this ease some of your fears Miss Evergarden?"

Daisy was a bit stunned to say the least. She was expecting weeks of conversation yet to get to this point. And a little put out. This eight year old little colt had already thought ahead. She wanted promises not, whatever this is. But considering his history she can't truly complain. The fact that he was taking his own initiative to not put her or himself in dire straits made her happy. But she had to ask.

"While I am happy to hear you say that, you have to know I would like to know why. Given your history in Manehatten..." She rest of the statement went unsaid. He smiled.

"Shit that's simple. I know what a mess I made back in that hellhole. After this where do I have to run? Where will I go if this falls through. No. I think I have sabotaged myself enough for one lifetime. Or is it two?" He said that last bit to himself completely befuddling Daisy. "No matter just rest assured I don't want to repeat that performance. Don't get me wrong I refuse to take it on the chin so to speak if any of these slack jawed halfwits wanna tumble. But they will have to hit first. Oh and is there a gym nearby? I'd like to attend."

Taking a moment to process what he said,"What is Hell? And we really have to get his language under control. Though I suppose this is a better deal then I thought i would be able to get from him." Sighing and straightening her back," Very well. I will take this deal of yours. But what do you want with a gym? Your a Unicorn. You have magic. There is no need for you to go and work your body. Anything you want you can do."

I deadpan glare was all she thought she was going to get. "And what happens should magic fail me? Or if it can't be used for whatever reason? A sharp mind must be tempered with the body. Both should be at their peak. I shouldn't limit myself two just one path should I? Done that once before and it ended very badly for me."

She couldn't really argue with him. In fact it lead to some very uncomfortable thoughts in her own mind about magic failing her. But again, some of what he was saying made no sense. "Done that once? He's a colt! Is he referring to his life in Stalliongrad?" He wasn't wrong,however, and his monthly stipend more then covered a membership. So she gave him the location or Iron Wills Gymnasium. And off he went.







"Come on Orion, why won't you come hang with us? You have been inside the library or the gym for months. School is gonna start soon and I won't be seeing you as much anymore!" 

This wasn't Screaming's first attempt to pull the ever elusive and reclusive Orion Falls from his self imposed study. Honestly she couldn't understand what drove him to read as much as he did. Or workout as hard either. Though he had seemed to have added a considerable amount of muscle to his eight year old frame. She managed to peek into the gym once to see Orion full on sprinting on the incline tread mill. The looks he was getting from the other patrons ranged from appreciation, to incredulous staring. She herself, found him fascinating. No other colt or filly, or tartarus, a griffon, acted like him. The fact that he actually ate meat along with his veggies only drew more of her attention. He was already strong for his age. And seeing him lift weights left odd feelings in her chest she didn't understand.

Orion for his part was only mildly annoyed. He had expected this from some of them, and her the moment he met her. A carnivore can't just ignore him he supposed. He is an oddity among the ponyfolk. 

"Listen Scream," she liked that nickname though she didn't know why, "I study and do all this to better myself. I know to you it looks boring as hell but for me its what I need to do if I am ever to have a future. I am an orphan with NO prospects of getting adopted. I have accepted that. But if I have any chance of making it I have to work my ass off now." Then he dropped his voice into that of a child his age, she hated this voice. "No I can't come out to play. Go have fun but thank you for asking at least. I appreciate it, truly."

Screaming sighed, once again defeated by his stubborn refusal to do anything fun. "You suck Ory." As she walked out the door miffed at another failure to get the colt to have fun.

"Plagiarism! You stole that word from me fluffy tail!" Followed her out the door as the colt inside chuckled. Meanwhile Screaming was trying to figure out what plagiarism meant.

"Struck out again, huh?" Screaming looked at her best friend, Storming Wind, leaning against the wall. Her pink fur and feathers looking freshly cleaned. The amber eyes, focused into the room, holding a little scorn for the ever reading colt. "I am shocked you haven't given up yet. All you two got is meat in common. Whats a bookworm like him going to help you with anyway. He can't fly after all." Screaming scoffed. She didn't see Orion at the gym, and didn't believe her when she described what he was doing there.

Flipping Storming's blue mane into her face she huffed, "He's all by himself all the time. You ponies know its not good for other ponies to be alone for too long. Whats wrong with trying to get him to have fun?" Screaming was frustrated. This had to be the fiftieth time he has rejected her invitation.

Storming just laughed, "Nothing but he is just too, weird. All he does is study. Or runs laps, so you claim. I think I caught him lifting a bunch of books by the straps yesterday. "She could hardly believe what she saw. "He's just so weird. Not to mention the way he talks. If i didn't know any better I'd say you have a crush on him or something." Swatting at Screaming for messing with her mane as the both walked down the hall.

The Griffon blushed heavily, ears turning pink. "W-w-what?! No, no bucking way" More boldly, "I-i just want him to have some fun and not be alone anymore. He's been here for months. Yeah he's younger then us, but he still needs somepony. Hey do you know what plagiarism is?"

"Sounds like a made up word if your asking me," she quickly dismissed the word. "Now come on, we need to go. Or everypony is gonna to have eaten the best flavor!"

"To you chocolate is the best flavor, Storming."

"Duh now come on! I'll race you!"

With that the two flew out the window and down the street. Ruffling more then one mane in passing. Angry glares following them.








"Okay Orion did you pack your lunch. Remember no meat. We want them to get used to you before introducing that quirk to the class."

Orion sighed for what felt like the 8th time that morning. He had his backpack, that he made himself surprising Daisy and several others, He had his lunch, an overwhelmingly bland PBJ sandwich and veggie snacks. At Miss Everga- No Mrs. Evergarden, insisted upon. 

He was more then a little surprised to find out she was married, into a rather large herd no less. Second to her sister wife. And had two foals of her own. Well more like almost mares as they were both in their final year of High school.

Anyway, his note books were set. He expected to get his curriculum and books to match upon arriving in class. He was actually looking forward to starting school. Hopefully these courses would not be mind numblingly boring as they were back in Manehatten. Seriously, how had these horses not figured out physics or chemistry yet? They've had their civilization close to 1000 years already. You'd think with that kind of stability, thanks to an immortal princess no less, calling bullshit on that, they would have the economic forward thinking to push forward with technology. No. They were still using steel swords 1000 years later. They better hope he doesn't make a gun mill in the years to come. Everyone was fucked then.

"Listen, Mom, I have my food, books, quills, ink jars, and extras already packed. The way your hovering over me your gonna make me think I got a booger hanging out my damn nose".

A quick swat on the muzzle and a yelp of indignation later he was heading out of the orphanage. Though Mrs. Evergarden did have a smile on her face when he left. Orion had already walked this path three times to be sure he had it down. To be honest, he was shocked at how close he lived to the school. But then again. Looking at where he lived he could reason out that it made sense. Too posh even for him though, but he could wait and bide his time. He had what 10 years to go? Might as well study all he can about this world. This confusing world. He still couldn't get over the strange names. So many used names sounded like descriptors rather then proper names. Hell, the Griffon girl, Screaming Rush. How does that make a name? It's literally an adjective describing an action. Made no sense. 

Dodging the varies foot traffic in his musings, and random carriages that seemed to have only one purpose but impede, he made his way to school without really focusing on the shops and sights around him. Not like he hasn't seen it before. Though he was hoping to try that pastry shop on the corner, across the street from the orphanage. Milly's Sunny Baked Goods. Not bad name to be honest, though Orion suspected that Milly might have been a man, stallion. 

This was going to be hard. He already was making mistakes with the nomenclature such as the nouns, anypony and everypony. To him they were stupid. It was very exclusionary and he suspected someone high up a long time ago wanted to fuel nationalism by altering the language to exclude others. Who he didn't know but he felt that should be whooped.







A massive sneeze wracked Celestia's body. Unprepared she didn't even have time to cover up her muzzle before the spray hit the Saddle Arabian delegate in the face. "Oh my goodness I am so sorry Ambassador! I don't know where that came from." She quickly levitated a handkerchief to the offended stallion.

"I-it's alright. Maybe your catching a cold your Highness." Trying to clean his face as best he could. Spinning humor on his slight humiliation.

"I haven't had a cold in 800 years my dear Ambassador. This, was as much a surprise for me as it was for you." "Where had that come from". She sniffed rubbing her own nose with another handkerchief.




 


Without realizing it, the school's massive gate loomed over him, "Huh, that was quick. Now lets see. Who was I suppose to meet up with again. Mr. Shower I think Mrs. Evergarden called him. Hope for his sake his first name isn't Golden.". Looking around the expansive court yard Orion looked for where the new arrivals would be assembled, and swiftly found it. It was pitifully small."Oh boy look at that. Not gonna get singled out at all no siree." Four others stood there. One was picking his nose. In public. His nose. Picking. Gross. Oh God he ate it.

Orion inwardly groaned as he walked over to stand with them. "Please don't let 'gold miner' be my lab partner for any class."

"Name!" Snapping out of his own thoughts Orion looked up to what had to be the ugliest horse he had ever seen. 

Nothing was going right for this guy. His nose was crooked and tilted upwards. His eyes seemed to be looking at two different things and yet somehow still focused on him. His mane while combed seemed to have went through a shredder. And was that the hint of a buck tooth he was seeing under there?

"Oh, umm my name is Orion Falls." Looking back at the stallion trying not to laugh.

"Hmm, a yes here you are. You were almost late Mr. Falls. I'd advise you to leave earlier if your going to be this slow in getting to class." Glancing over to the rest of the new arrivals. "Now that we are all here. I am Mr. Shower. I am the introductory councilor for the day but usually you will find me in the chemistry department. You four will be guided to your classes by the best students of last years academics. You will give them respect, and your undivided attention. They have your schedules, and will be with you for the next 3 days to make sure you understand where you are supposed to go. Is that clear?" Nods of acceptance, though Orion just stood there. He did not like Shower. He would not even get a Mr. in his name. "Excellent."

"Worst Snape impression I have ever heard of" Orion did and inward sigh and waited.

"Excellent. Twilight Sparkle, if you, and the others, would kindly pick out your charge and make sure the schedule is handed out I will be going. I trust you can handle yourself?"

The now name filly looked back at Shower," Yes Mr. Shower this will be no problem." She sounded bored with the whole thing. No. She was irritated. Orion suspected she didn't want to be doing this. At all.

"Excellent. Turn in your badges to my office at the end of the day. That is all. Goodbye."

Twilight looked back over the assembled group and started to assign the other assistants to the other new students. Surprisingly, she paired herself with Orion. "Great, I get Miss Doesnt-want-to-be-here."

"Today is a busy day so do not dottle. We have a lot of ground to cover and I don't want to be kept waiting." Oh this is wonderful, she has that stick wedged firmly up her ass. Lovely. 

"Bite your tongue my dude. Keep calm. You made some commitments and you damn well better keep them"

He tailed slightly behind her on her left as they walked up the steps leading into the school proper. This place was HUGE. He stopped and stared at the expansive grounds. The building itself looked more like the White House. The pillars were all white with gold scroll work. The supports for the walls were also erected to look more of the same as the pillars. Only they were flat. The walls were brick. Very clean brick. It had to be one of the nicest buildings he has seen.

Still gawking he was rudely pushed forward by nothing. Then he saw Miss Up-tight glaring at him, horn alight in a purple glow. "Do. Not. DOTTLE." she seethed. What in the hell crawled up her snatch and died?

"Okay, okay. Permit a man to look at something he's never seen before and wanted to appreciate. Jesus." He walked forward eyeing the girl more. He was suspecting that she was forced into this role. And she was taking it out on him.

A sharp look."Man? And what is a Jesus?" She was staring him down. Not that she could considering he was at least 5 inches taller then her.

Thinking quickly, "Oh yeah just slang from Stalliongrad, same for the Jesus thing."

Glaring at him for longer then he liked she finally relented, "Fine then. But those better not have been slang for swears. We do not tolerate those in this school. I don't know Stalliongrad schools standards for decorum. But we here have a strict standard for our student body. You will act accordingly. Do I make myself clear?"

Orion, was at a loss for words. On one hand he just wanted to lay into this brat. On the other hand he wanted to maintain the deal he had made with Mrs. Evergarden. Mentally biting his own tongue he responded with a vague positive. Seeming mollified, newly named Miss Jackass walked on, followed closely by Orion.

The inside of the building reminded him of the orphanage as far as decor was concerned. Staying hot on Jackass's heals he walked the halls swiftly taking in as much as he could. He was beginning to see he was tall for a typical Unicorn. The older ones seemed to only hold three or four inches over him. He smiled slightly. It seems like he was on course to have at least one dream realized.

Jackass turned a corner and stopped in front of a door to a classroom that was eerily quiet. That was alarming. Peeking in and slowly walking into the class, he noticed that students where in their seats. All reading the same book. That very book slammed into Orion's chest in a purple glow. "This, is you class on Equish. This should help you correct the poor grammer and nomenclature you seem to posses. I would advise you study closely." Pointing toward the seats Orion took the hint and walked, book in hand, up the five steps and sat down on an empty seat. He was lucky. No one was sitting near him. Then She sat down. "Seriously is she going to be with me all day?"

As if reading his mind, "I am not happy about this either, I am going to fall behind my studies for this. I am...sorry for my attitude. I am not being fair to you. You being new and everything. I'm sorry." Orion just blinked at her. "Where the fuck did the 180 come from?" He just stared at her. Shock clearly etched on his face.

Renamed Miss Up-tight squirmed under his gaze. "I guess its fine. I can understand stress. Just, calm down a bit. Life is to short to take things so seriously all the time. No one gets out alive and to spend all your time angry makes it all the shorter. So, no harm no foul." Thinking, then nodding. "Let's start again." Holding out his hand. "My name is Orion Falls, Orphan Extraordinaire."







Twilight had to do her own blinking, and then followed by panicked thinking. "He's an Orphan?! No wonder he was having a hard time getting to school. And here I thought he was just some slacker! Oh Celestia what do I say now?" Seeing him waiting for her response, she cautiously took his hand. " My name is Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria." She internally cringed.

The colt named Orion, just blinked, stared a bit, then took his hand back. Twilight knew she shouldn't have mentioned her relation to the Princess. She always seemed to just blurt that out. Although, why shouldn't she be a little proud of the fact that she was the Princess's protege. But it always seemed to back fire on her. Everypony who heard that seemed to just, distance themselves from her. Almost immediately.

"Wow. My warden is not only smart, but your also attached to royalty. Nice hustle." She almost missed what he said, she warmed a little to being called smart, but paused, "Hustle? What hustle? Warden?! How am I a warden?" looking back at the pony she noticed he was chuckling. Oh a joke, oh good. He had turned back to his book opening up to read through the opening introduction.

Really looking at the colt she realized he was taller then her. Much in this case. "Is he really the same age as me?" She began to note his features. He was fairly good looking as far as most colts his aged looked. His dark brown mane looked to be in a slight mess but that could have been from the walk over. It cascaded around his head and neck, bit over in front of his ears. The ears themselves were slightly longer then average but certainly not uncommon. 

The prettiest thing about him was his horn. The pattern of swirls made her think of water. It was very well kept. A little long like his ears. It was a really nice horn.

His gray eyes gave her a pause though. They seemed, old for a lack of a better word. She had only seen Princess Celestia with eyes like that. The filly didn't know what made eyes look like that. 

He was wearing the standard uniform for a student of the academy. A snowy white dress shirt with a dark blue sweater vest with the schools emblem imprinted on the right breast. The slacks were the standard plaid, navy blue with stripes of blue and white. The whole outfit was of course a copy of her's, only she wore a skirt instead of pants.

He sighed, closed his book and leaned back. "So nothing different there I suppose. other then the use of pronouns, and the naming system. Same language." This colt was confusing her more then more. Her need to know was however, overridden by her guilt. It didn't seem nice to pepper him with questions after apologizing for her attitude, maybe later. She chose not to interrogate him, for now.

Mrs. Greenfield walked briskly, "I apologize for being late students, the dean had a last minute meeting for the faculty and it carried for way to long. Oh Miss Sparkle what are you doing here? The way you passed my class last year I did not think you would wish for a remedial course." She smile gently as she said it. Mrs Greenfield was a lovely mare and Twilight had enjoyed herself during her class. 

She was a bit of an overweight mare, but not by too much. Having 7 foals will do that to anypony. Her green, eyes always held that bubbly warmth she was known for, but it was offset by the golden mane that was kept tight into a bun. Her bright orange fur was brushed thoroughly, and her uniform was a near replica of the students uniform. Though for teachers they all wore an academic's robe. A sign of their position and achievements.

"No Mrs Greenfield. I am on introductory duty today. Mr. Showers asked for my help, and the Princess thought it a good idea." She indicated to whom she was escorting with a point of her finger.

"Ah yes a Mr..., "looking at the attendance sheet in front of her she read out his name, very slowly. "Ah Mr Orion Falls. Welcome to my classroom Mr. Falls. From what I was told you had gotten very high marks in your classes in Manehatten Preparatory, top of your class correct?"

Nodding casually he responded, "Uh yeah, yeah I did I suppose. Wasn't paying attention." Twlight hadn't realized she was staring at him. "Top of his class?" She couldn't believe it. His attitude. The way he carried himself. None of that showed anything of him being as intelligent as Mrs Greenfield was suggesting.

"Ah yes, that's right your the little colt my sister wife was telling me about. Now I remember." Chuckling to herself her eyes lit up with a bit of mischief. "You better watch your tongue in here Mr Falls, I'll tell me sister on you."

"Ahh, shit." Twilight's eyes bulged, Orion closed his and slapped his forehead just under the horn. "Sorry, sorry force of habit when getting bad news. Really its just ingrained in there now. I will try and curb it as best I can but no promises."

He swore. In front of the teacher. He swore. And he's trying to play it off as if its nothing, and might happen again? Twilight's mind was racing. How could this colt act and speak so unabashedly in front of his teachers?!

"Oh I'm bad news am I? I will let that one slide, Mr Falls. But do not make it a habit. This is your only warning," she said curtly, though the smile stayed on her face.

"Please Mr Falls is my fathers name, wherever he might be right now, call me Orion." He was chuckling now. Where did the colt come from? He mannerisms. She only saw nobles speak and talk like this. He was swapping back and forth from peasant to noble tone far to quickly and easily. "Is he the cast off son of a noble? What did he do to get disowned and thrown out? He's to young to have done much. Who is he?" These questions she feared would pull her away from studies for sure.

"Well Mr Orion why won't you introduce yourself to the class while we have time. Be quick I would very much like to get today's lessons started." She shook her head and went to organizing her desk, shuffling papers and placing them on the lectern.

"Oh, okay. I suppose that would be a good idea." Sliding past a still gaping Twilight he descended the short set of stairs, and walked to the front of the class. "Um, hey everybody. My Name is Orion Falls, in case you hadn't picked that up by now. I just moved here about four months ago, I think, from Manehatten. Yes I am an orphan. Before Manehatten I lived on the streets in Stalliongrad. I don't remember much other then my life on the streets so please don't ask me tedious questions about it. It's not pleasant, and I am sure you really don't wanna know." Making to go he stopped, "Oh yeah, you guys normally here about hobbies about this time. I have only two. Working out at the gym down the road, and reading. Yes I know, I'm a boring guy. Bite me." He walked back to his seat.

The class was silent. The news that he was an orphan was no longer a surprise for Twilight. His living conditions however were. The other students, she knew, were already giving him the stink eye. They didn't like things they felt beneath them. Orion didn't know it. But he had placed a target on his back. He didn't seem to care. A filly named Fancy Breeze, sniffed loudly and turned her head away quickly. He just openly laughed at her shaking his own head. Something about 'rich tards'. "What's a rich tard?"

"That was fun." Orion slid past Twilight once again and sat down. "Lets never do it again shall we?"







He had to do it six more times. Orion was in hell. 

Throughout the day, his monitor, warden, jailer, whatever, was getting pleasantly better. Having to repeat the story he had rehearsed twelve times however, was not. Each class had noble kids. And every goddamn one of them had a stick up their asses every time he finished his little story. They would scoff and laugh, one tried to throw a wadded up scroll at him which he saw coming, whipping it back into his would be attackers face with levitation. He was proud of himself. He was getting quite good at it. Twilight, he was begrudgingly calling her by her name, was actually being a decent person.

He managed to stay out of trouble for the most part, except for the retaliation in the form of the wadded up scroll badminton competition he had with the kid. But Twilight pulled him outta the fire on that one remarking how he was just defending himself. Seriously when did this girl turn into a decent human bei-, pony, pony being. 

Lunch was nothing to write home about, but when they put what looked like a very fancy pile of hay on his plate he just sneered and put it back. "No thank you that is disgusting." Twilight was stunned. The cook was stunned. The children around him were stunned. He just walked away with the fruit and veggies he had.

He went through the standard litany of classes: English, or Equish to the ponies, Math. Science, a class that in his opinion hadn't owned up to the title. Then onto History, which seemed to exalt only the virtues of ponykind. Orion could read between the lines. The country's past was likely riddled with violence. The Reunification Wars? A quick skim of the book indicated there was more then one. Though no distinction was made. Meaning it was likely a very bloody affair. Nice censorship there nobles. Then it was on to the practical and theoretical Magic classes. 

Orion quickly gained a good grasp on concept and execution of magic. His problem arose when he realized many of the kids were stronger then him in magic. Twilight looked on in sympathy as he struggled to make more then three balls of flame in the air before him. Most had ten. Twilight trying to be helpful produced 25. The girl was a freak of nature he was sure. The teacher himself, a Mr Cottonridge who's new name was Dues ex Douchebag, mocked him. Though he veiled it behind snide comments of encouragement. And overly done examples of what he should have been doing.

This all lead to ridicule and derisive comments, under the class's breath. Oh boy, he was going to hurt someone for sure. First his teeth, now he was being made fun of for his lack of magical aptitude. He was sweating hard by the end of the two hour lesson. His head and horn both hurt from the exertion. Though to be far these kids did have longer to use their natural gifts. For Orion, however, outside him using levitation he had no other practice with elements or potion making or, well anything really.

He trudged down the steps of the school completely ignoring Twilight's wave of goodbye. He was mad. But he was also determined to find ways around his seeming lack of skill. Something told him he was missing something. His instincts were often never wrong on this. And he trudged home to the orphanage with determination in his heart.







For Twilight, the day could have gone better. She had made an absolute foal out of herself in the morning being angry at Orion for the wrong reasons. But she felt she redeemed herself for that with trying to be as helpful as possible with the colt from the Equish class on. 

He surprised her on more then one occasion. His aptitude for math, science, and history were amazing. She almost felt like she was looking in a mirror. His insistence on misusing pronouns annoyed her but she felt that was just a hold over of where he came from. 

Magic class even started off very well. But then the practical application is where he seemed to just, fall apart. Watching him struggle past three fire balls actually broke her heart. When she tried to help, his gawking and further frustration seemed to have only feed off her ability.

She felt bad. He didn't even wave goodbye to her when he left. Just that, determined, mean look on his face that made some of the older students jump out of his way.

She sighed as the carriage stopped before the palace. Maybe the Princess would have something that might help him.

Stepping out she thanked the guards who had brought her back to her home of 3 years. It was nice to think of the soldiers and maids and butlers that worked inside the castle. They often left extra sweets on her pillow if she was lucky. A guilty pleasure to be sure.

She didn't really notice walking through the double doors, her mind racing with thoughts on Orion as her hooves carried her through the now familiar halls with quick practiced steps. The opalescence, the tapestries the gilded walls and drapes, she had seen them all before and no longer payed any mind as she once would have. Still on her thoughts, she gave a half greeting to the guards before pushing her way into the door to Princess Celestia's private study.

The study was a great library. Two stories of books running along both walls in an expansive room, with stairs going up both sides to access the books found no where else on Equis. The two story window was on full display with intricate lead work in framed metal showing the founding of Equestria. A beautiful sight for anyone. And a reminder for others of the weight of her teacher's office. The marble white floor was covered tastefully in the red rugs with an ornate sun pattern in the center. All this was balanced by the stark dark wood, with gold trim, desk that sat in front of the window.

There sat Princess Celestia. First of her name. Ruler of the Sun and Moon. Protector of the Lands of Equestria. Mouth stuffed with cake. To be fair this wasn't the first time Twilight had seen the Princess with cake. Or in such a large size. "Might be a whole cake this time. Something distressing must have happened."

Before Twilight could even say a greeting, Celestia swallowed the mouthful she had and burped. "Oh my dear student. I am surprised to see you back so soon." Looking down at the cake, death by chocolate if Twilight had to guess, and back to her the Princess laughed softly. "Yes it was a bad day. I sneezed directly into the Saddle Arabian Ambassador's face. It was so embarrassing. And I couldn't stop. Through the course of the day when I believed myself safe I would suddenly sneeze again." She shoved another forkful of cake into her maw.

Twilight was giggling, trying not to but failing to do so. It pulled the Princess into the laughter as well. Spewing cake chunks that made her laugh all the harder.

Composing themselves, and magicing the cake detritus away, the Princess regarded Twilight warmly. "So my student, normally I hear you had sequestered yourself in the school library for 2 hours. You being here this early means you must have had as bad a day as I had. Trouble with the classes?"

Sitting down, "No Princess. As you know I was assigned as a guide and an introductory officer for the new students that came in this year..." Twilight began to relate to the events that transpired earlier in the day. Her behavior, her attempt to correct her behavior. And the colt that had dominated her thoughts since Equish class.







Celestia was intrigued. This colt, this Orion, was a bit of a troublemaker for sure. A smart troublemaker. But through the relaying of her faithful student's tale she realized he was more then that. He showed a wisdom most colt's, or any pony his age, didn't have. His origin's broke her heart. She contributed his growing up on the streets to his uncommon smarts. She did not like the fact that her ponies were still abandoning their foals like that even after all the incentives, and family first programs she implemented over the past hundred or so years.

When Twilight spoke of the magic lessons and his lack of application over his amazing grasp of it. She realized what had upset her student so. Indeed, she too found it distressing that anypony was struggling with their inherit abilities.

"I see what has you so upset Twilight. But I posses no magic nor artifact that could help improve his connection. And the great enchanters and artificers of old no longer exist to help him. Those skills were lost countless centuries ago during the Unification Wars. I had not gotten the chance to learn them as I had been trying to keep a nation together during those turbulent times."

Twilight hung her head sadly at the news. Celestia knew her student didn't think it fair, but this was one of the many lessons she must learn if she were to achieve all that Celestia hoped she would. Though she was having trouble getting her to make friends. She spent more time buried in her studies then she did anything else. If she wasn't in the library she was with Celestia, learning of the different applications of the spells she read about. Most she knew her student would never use. but the filly was like a sponge. She soaked up everything and always seemed hungry for more.

Truthfully, Twilight no longer needed classes at the academy. But Celestia felt it important for Twilight's development to attend. Though her constant self isolation in favor a musty old tome was throwing her plans awry. A troublemaker in her own right when it comes to Celestia's plans.

"But this colt." The thought put a small smile on her lips. Just maybe Twilight found herself a friend.







The week past by quickly. Twilight spent the entire week guiding him around and showing him all the facilities. She was only supposed to help for 3 days. She was not truly as bad as she first started out. She was awkward to be sure and seemed to freeze up during conversations, Orion idly wondered if she was a bit autistic anytime she did that, but she would smile sheepishly and carry on.

All in all Orion had no problem with her. Though he did go out his way to stump her on a chemical formula problem. She quickly picked up he knew something about the subject far beyond what the school was able to teach. And she was dogged in her pursuit of what he knew. He dropped bread crumbs, but nothing more. He figured she might just be smart enough to figure it out herself.

When the end of the week came he was relieved. She would no longer be sitting with him, looking over his shoulder. That alone was a reason to celebrate. He bid her farewell on his walk back to the orphanage. Noting that she got into a very fancy carriage, being towed by four guard ponies. Horses pulling horses. He laughed at the thought.

Walking into the door of the orphanage, he walked right into a pair of wings causing the owner of the wings to squawk indignantly and whip around. Apparently a pair of griffons were standing in the hallway. That's when he took notice of Scream, standing there with a duffel bag at her fe- paws.

"I miss something?" Orion talked past the still squawking male griffon.

Screaming ran her claws through he feathers on her head and looked sadly back at him. "I am getting adopted today." Tears were in her eyes. Why was she crying, this is a happy day for her. Or were those happy tears. No, they were sad ones. Shit.

"Well congratulations! You've been here a long time. Its good for you to finally find a home. Shame though, gonna be a lot more quiet without you here." He was trying to put a humorous spin on it. He wasn't good at this. This kinda shit was for other people with normal emotions.

The older griffon female, her feathers on her head and around her eyes a teal green spoke, " Screaming? Who is the chick, a friend of yours?" She looked back curiously to Orion, evaluating him.

"This is Orion, the colt I told you about. He eats meat like us." Still tears. Oh fuck are there MORE? Why the hell was she crying and being all sad and shit?

"Preposterous little one." The male finally spoke up, "No pony eats meat. Their biology can't handle it." Looking at Orion with a mocking sneer. Orion grinned at him, canines flashing in the low light, sneer gone. Look at that. Asshole.

"No he can. He ate with me a lot. Never saw him get sick." She sniffed and smiled sadly. " I am off to Griffonstone Orion, I won't be able to try and get you to hang out with me anymore."

Oh crap, now he had to figure out a way to make it hurt less. He was going to regret this. "Well, you can always write me. I respond better in written form anyway. Space between the lines on straight lined paper. Just address it to here I'll get it." She smiled. Orion still couldn't figure out how griffons smiled. The beaks were not meant to bend like that.

"Y-you'll write me back?" She asked hopefully.

"Yeah, sure I will. You might get a 'sorry can't hang out today.' But I promise I will write to you." He regretted that promise later. Who knew a griffon had that much to talk about.

She laughed and hugged him, it was awkward. Not for her but for him. Griffons were talk critters. She was no exception. He had only hugged one other person in recent memory and that was voluntary. She was stealing a hug. Filthy hug stealer.

She finally let go, sniffling more of her tears and snot, he was sure. They said good bye and take care, you know, the usual pleasantries.

And like that, Screaming Rush was out of his physical life. If not his written one. He had not anticipated her friend latching onto him in desperation at losing a friend. But she was adopted not two weeks later so it was only a moderate hell for him. Storming Wind was not good company as it was. He recognized signs of a bully immediately upon meeting her. zero/ten would not friend.






So life went on for Orion.

He avoided the bullies that sprouted up now and again. They seemed to think he was an easy target, and on days he couldn't avoid them, they learned the hard way that he was no easy meat. Nothing was ever proven.

For the next five years he struggled to make his magic capacity grow. And grow it did. But never to match the rest of the students in class. It was driving him insane. Though Fancy Breeze did say it was likely due to him not getting a jump start on his abilities back in his early years. She could be pleasant after all. Though she was suspect. She had been looking at him weird these last 2 years. 

There was another difference between him and the other unicorns in class. It was not normal. Where the other's horns would fully glow when they embraced their magic, Orion's horn did not. It seemed that only the swirling pattern on his horn would be the only thing to actually light up. He thought it was cool. No one else shared this sentiment.

It was unnerving for the teachers apparently. The things he did levitate was always encased in a strange two tone glow.  The golden glow seemed to be wrapped in black. He suspected he knew what made his magic look like that. The portal crossing that seemed so distant now. The energy color that haunted his dreams. His magic seemed to swirl with the same colors of that damn portal. A wonderful constant reminder of his fate. Yay.

Examinations showed he wasn't a Shadow Pony. Whatever the hell that was. So life was relatively stagnant. 

He didn't get to see much of Twilight, mostly because he avoided her like the plague. She asked WAY too many questions. But he did learn his records were requested not to long after his first week of school was over. No clue who the individual was that asked for them. But he was keeping an eye out. 

Truth be told he did not want to be adopted. The strain of trying to perform as a child should would have annoyed him. He was certain he would have snapped. But no request came. No one showed up.

It was in his 5th year of school that he had a break through in his magic. He found an old tome sitting in the back of the school library. The title was, 'Enchantments, and How They can Benefit You.'
> A Series Of Unfortunate Events (Edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orion was having a shitty ass day. 

It started out so nice to. Which was good. But as always as of late, magic classes had become the bane of his existence. The class itself was fine. Even the other students were not that bad, some even supportive. You know, only after the original mockery was done. Whatever. But his own inability to harness magic in any truly significant way, was starting to drag his spirits down.

His teacher, Mr Cloverleaf, was a decent fellow. Dues ex Douchebag, was 'let go'. Turned out he was having some impropriety with an older male student, on school grounds. Someone may have discovered and reported this elicit behavior. Your welcome Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. He was here to serve. Kinda satisfying to see him escorted off grounds. Idiot.

Mr Cloverleaf ended up replacing him and he turned out to be a decent person all around. Though Orion did feel the man may have started to take his lack magical strength, personally. It seemed he was determined to improve his student's ability, come hell or high water. Both hell and high water seemed to be taking their turns killing him.

The exercises, if you wanted to call those lessons as such, were grueling. Separate from the rest of the class Orion would go through his personalized lessons with ease. The sheer volume is what killed him, by the end of each day, he was a sweaty mess. He hurt like he ran a mile with a bag of rocks on his back. And the headaches had became a constant companion.

Leaving class. Grateful of the weekend that had finally arrived, Orion headed to the students showers to clean up and change into a spare set of clothes. Closing the locker and putting a magical lock, which only seemed to incite more pain in his head, he stepped up to one of the shower stalls and peaked in. No one. Good. 

Claiming the shower as his own he brought his cleaning kit in to do the usual thing. He was never going to get used to this horse body. Looking down was always so weird for him. Washing his balls wasn't hard, but when it came to the penis however, horse hygiene is weird. One quick shower later, he stepped out, and felt so much better. Only a hint of a headache remained. The mirror caught his eye and he went to it to examine himself. The little vanity he had when he came here seemed to be getting bigger. A small vice in his book. 

Staring at his horn, it had gotten longer again. It was black, really black, with those same swirling patterns he had stepped into this world with. His mane was getting long again as well, might have to get it cut soon, if nothing else then to keep the the schools Health and Standards committee at bay. Those guys were ruthless when it came to appearances. 

The biggest change over the last five years was his height and muscle mass. He was tall for a colt of thirteen, coming in at what he guessed was nearing five and half feet. He thought maybe it was because of him being originally an older man when he came to this world. His own body just playing catch up with his soul or something. The one to two hours he spent at the gym, now on a daily basis, had gone far into putting lean muscle on his frame. He was no Adonis. Not with his face. But he certainly wasn't like the rest of the student body of his school. Still some baby fat here and there. Not a big deal.

Pleased with his progress, he dressed, grabbed his things and headed out the door.

His plan was to go straight home and then to the gym afterwards, but he decided to make a detour. Figuring a hundredth look through the academy's library might finally yield some answers, though not betting on it, he began to meander around the aisles looking for, well anything at this point. Most of the books he perused was clean and organized, and absolutely useless to his on going problem.

His magic had actually improved. He was now capable of holding four times the magic he wielded when he first started. The problem, was the rest of the class also had improved by similar metrics. So he was stuck in the same position. He wasn't so vain that he believed he deserved to have more then the others, but he wanted to be able to at least match the standard.

His wanderings took him to what appeared to be a rarely used section of the library. It was dusty as hell. Why had no one cleaned this area up. Looking at the books on the shelves he had his own chuckle and knew why no one bothered with this section. This was priceless, it was the catch-all aisle.

'Clean Living for the Soul, how you can go from living in squalor to a warm home.' What in the shit was all this. Self help books? Picking up another, 'Finding That Special Sompony, six steps that will blow his mind.' Laughing his ass off he placed the book back on the shelf. Not really believing what he was seeing. "The horse version of chicken noodle soup for the soul right here, dear God."

Ready for another laugh he pulled out another book from the shelf, already his day was improving. The dusty old book gave him pause however, 'Enchantments, and How They can Benefit You'. "Enchantments? Think we went over that in a lesson though we never covered it fully. Something about it being too rare and ability to bother try teaching." Finding a table, he cracked open the book Orion began to read. 







Orion lifted his head back, the muscles stiff from holding the same position for over four hours. The book was fascinating, to say the least. What he thought was going to be nothing but beauty enhancements, turned out to be a bit of an advanced primer on learning how to craft, engrave, and magically imbue spells into objects. 

It was brilliant in a lot of ways. He could see how fast he a society could advance with equipment magically forge to function like his world's technology. Many of the common spells could be used by all instead of just unicorns with it.

One of these spells he learned from this book, expanded ones connection to magic. Could it really be done? Could he actually do it? The idea of cheating never bothered him, but at the rate he was going he would die of old age before he was ever equal to others.  Why not take a chance and try?

It was then that Orion noticed Mrs Evergarden. Oh shit, how long had he been here. 

"Um...Hey Mrs Evergar-" Orion was cut off.

"DON"T, you hey me, Orion! Do you know how worried I was for you?! No one knew where you were. No one seen you leave the school. I didn't know if you were foalnapped, or run over by a cart. You had me worried sick!" By this point she had grabbed him by his ear and dragged him out of his seat. He barely had time to grab the book.

He was getting absolutely no chance to tell her what had happened and why he was tardy. No she was raging. Like a little oddly colored volcano.

He stood over her, not that it mattered to the fired up short mare, she was mad. Did he just think of her as a mare? Great the place was rubbing off on him worse then he thought. A sharp tug on his poor ear brought him back to the present.

"You are grounded Orion, do you hear me? Grounded. You will not go off without telling SOMEPONY what you are doing." She was starting to shriek a little. Orion tuned her out. Focusing just enough to keep from falling over as she tugged him along by the ear. His thoughts drifted back to what he read in the book tightly tucked up under his arm, he started to plan.
This could work. This had to work.








It took 6 days for Orion to be released from prison, a.k.a. his room. Being locked in and not allowed to even read drove him nuts. He couldn't understand it. Punishments never bothered him. Hell, he even got used to Miss Sapphire's useless chore punishments. But Mrs Evergarden always seemed to find a punishment that made him either embarrassed, or bored to tears. Learn something new every day he supposed.

He had to wait till the weekend to enact his plan. Orion had poured over that book relentlessly. Finding two more in the library, 'Enchantments, First Edition' and 'Safety Tips for Beginning Artificers.' All three books had the same author. A Bearded Star. What a name, it brought a funny image to his mind anytime he saw the name.

Those books and the bits he saved were, hopefully, his ticket out of all those exercises. Those lessons were misery incarnate and he was damned if he wouldn't be finally getting out of them. Going to Forager's Smithy was easy. Getting the old Minotaur to sell him anything was hard. 

This was his sixth attempt. It had been weeks since he started this mad quest. But the other smithies rejected him outright.

"And what do you need this metal for my young friend. This is your sixth attempt to buy this steel and you have yet to give me an answer that is satisfactory. I will not have you making a weapon to hurt anypony with." His cultured voice always seemed odd coming from what is a mountain of literal flesh. He took up a great majority of the room in his workshop, Orion barely fit in the rest.

Forager was a Minotaur. He was a middle age old man that swung that fifty pound hammer like it was a five ounce toy. His blacken head, horns and forearms, paired well with the rest of the tan fur on his body. The leather apron over his bare chest gave him a savage butcher's look. But the kind set of his face seemed to belay that.

He had been trying to get this old bull to sell him scrap steel for the past two weeks. He had been his first stop, and the man had laughed him away, But Orion wasn't giving up. Two weeks of continued pain from Mr Cloverleaf. He couldn't put up with that for too much longer, it had been three years.

Opening his mouth several times to answer, he stopped. He had been concocting lie after lie to get this lump of muscle to sell him the steel he needed in order to make the band he had read about in the book. And he saw through every single one of them. The less who knew what he was doing the better. But he was going to have to do something, fuck it.

"Well lad seeing as how-" He never finished that sentence.

"My magic connection sucks. Oh I can do most things others unicorns can do but on a much smaller scale. My plan is to make a band that will improve my connection. This would get me the hell outta remedial courses. Nothing has worked in improving my connection or strength, so this is my last shot."

Forager eyed him. Suspicion being pushed away with a smile. "Finally you tell me the truth lad. I had been wondering why you had been so adamant about it. But I didn't realize you were going to attempting making an enchanted item, what a surprise."

Surprised flashed over Orion's face, "You know what Enchantments are?"

"Oh yes, Minos was home to Masterforgers, but we lost the skill somewhere along the way. No one lives that can actually do it anymore. You'd be the first I've heard in a long, long time that has been willing to try. Most consider it an art lost forever. Some seem to think it was a legend at this point." Thinking slowly, nodding. "Lad I'm willing to make you a deal. You can use the metal. Won't even charge you a bit for it. But if you succeed, you must work with me on a project, that has long been overdue. Do we have a deal?"

Orion was slow to respond back. His mind was in overdrive trying to see any downfall to it. Learning that there was no one in the world that could do what he was about to attempt put him in a tricky position. 

If the Princess found out he could actually make enchantments, even shitty ones, she would have him on lock down fast. Rulers did that kinda crap. He knew she was not gonna be any different. He would learn how to make enchantments, but at what cost? On the other hand the old minotaur was the only one willing to give him the time of day. He had been to four other smithies in the city, and he was laughed out of them all. Pricks.

"If I agree, can you agree to keep my name out of who helped you? I'm not really comfortable with royalty knowing what I might be able to do." He was looking back, hope in his heart, a frown on his face.

"Aye, I think I can agree to those terms." Relief flooded Orion's face. "The Princess will be upset, of course. But its one project and I won't ask for another anytime in the near future. So your secret will be safe with me. Lad, if you pull this off you'll be the first in...oh eight hundred years to be able to do this. Your secret won't be secret for long. My lips may be sealed but a skill of this sort is hard to hide. And I won't lie and claim it was all myself that fixed it."

Shit. 800 years? Oh boy, the Princess would be thirstin' like a man in hell wanted ice water. Nope stay the course. No more fucking lessons. 

"I am willing to take the risk. When can we start?" A smile growing on Orion's face. A smile that would only grow wider into the night.







The first one quite literally blew up in their faces. They had a moments notice before dodging out the way. The damage was superficial. But neither were discouraged, for Orion had managed to get some of his magic into the band, no one had come that close in centuries. 

That was more then enough proof to both that it could work. To Forager, it was like watching history being rewritten. The lad had talent shaping the metal. Though, in the old bull's opinion, he cheated. Using magic to heat and form the metal, without ever touching it with tong or hammer. The lad never seemed to want to make anything fancy, just to get it to work was his goal. A smart calf. Dispense with the frivolities until you had your craft down. Even if this didn't work he might just offer him an apprenticeship. He was damn good at keeping the heat just right.

The second attempt melted the band, and somehow the small anvil they were working on. Forager was less then pleased. "What in Tartarus do you think your doing lad!? That was my second best anvil!" Placating the giant was not easy. But the offer of the bits Orion has been offering him earlier did mollify the minotaur somewhat. 

They moved onto the better anvil, much to Forager's grumbling. He was starting to think the lad would blow up his whole forge, a prospect that was growing with each failure. The rejected, were left sitting on the table. One had turned to powder.

It wasn't till the 8th time that Orion forged and made a band, the runes were etched slowly into the metal and infused them with his own mana. He was growing tired. The old minotaur could see it. He certainly held out longer then he thought he would. Tough little pony. He was about to call it quits for the lad, when he noticed a smile bloom on his face. 

No, a grin. He really did have canines, Forager had not believed him when he told him during the idle conversation they had while waiting for the metal to heat.

The band did not explode. There was a hum, followed by a blinding flash. The band clattered to the floor of the shop. The minotaur and the colt, looked at each other, then Orion leaned over and picked it up.

"It's warm but not unbearable." Slipping it on, by pushing it up until it wrapped around his left bicep, his eyes widened. Then his horn exploded into life. Bright did not describe it. His horn blazed like the Sun itself. "For Celestia's sake lad! Turn it down!" Forager was covering his eyes.

"Oh shit sorry boss!" The blaze went out. Dropping his hand's from his face, Forger could only stare. "Well I'll be Celestia's Uncle. The lad did it. He actually did it!"

There Orion stood. Twenty four balls of flame surrounding him. His face was filled with shock, awe, and joy. Pure joy.







Orion was trying not to panic. He never meant to make it THIS strong. The runes he carved in were a last second whim. A level above what was recommended for beginners. But he had been getting mad, and tired. Mostly mad. Choosing to go a tier higher was something he shouldn't have done. But holy fuck! He would have to be careful and not over do it. The power scared him a little. He could do more then twenty four he was sure of it. He laughed. The balls of flame had dissipated but the glow of the horn never wavered.

His horn was fully lit up.  The gold color had a dark cast, but still bright. The black shine that seemed to be apart of his magic surrounded the golden glow. "Finally."

It was thrilling. To hold so much, was humbling. Is this what it felt like to be the rest of the class? Is this what it is like for Twilight? 

A hand settled onto his shoulder, "Lad, you made history tonight. There has not been a Forgemaster in eight hundred years. And yet here you stand, I-I am humbled to be here." Odd for the big man to sound so quiet.

"Thank you for giving me the chance , my dude! You were my last hope in trying this." He couldn't keep the excitement from his voice. Or his eyes.

"Aye, but now the real work can begin." Walking over to a work table on the far side of the room he pulled a dusty as hell tarp off a platform, the runes etched into it were of ancient design. Similar to the ones now adorning the metal band around his arm. Orion recognized it immediately for what it truly was from skimming through the book towards the end.

"That's....holy hell, a Teleportation platform....what's wrong with it and why did the Princess give it to you to fix it?"

"Well Orion, this once connected to the old castle in the Everfree from what my Grandfather told me. Princess Celestia wishes it restored so she can visit home again. Or so she told him. Personally, I can see her sending troops through it to secure and explore the land in that cursed forest better myself. But she still wants to see it restored. Problem is I, nor my father and grandfather, can figure it out."

Orion, walked closer and examined every rune. It was largely complicated, but he began to see a pattern. This gate as it was called only let certain individuals use it. As he paced around the object he realized he could read it. The runes seemed to order themselves to his eyes. He began to realize what was wrong as he read further. It was dead. Dead in the sense it had no power. All it needed was a recharge, but it seemed in order to do so there had to be an enchanter on hand to do it.

"It needs a charge, a strong one. Heh, this is actually pretty amazing, the device seems to tell the repairman all he needs to know to fix it. This device is designed to stay powered for roughly two or three hundred years, and then needs to be serviced. Hah! It even has a service tag on it with the company who made it. That's strange. The name of the company matches the name who wrote my books, 'Bearded Star Inc.', huh guy sure got around."

The old minotaur just stared. "You can fix it, lad? Truly!?" Excitement had entered the old bulls heavy voice.

"Well its not like its broke, as I had said before, it just needs a recharge. Or more like a re-connection in this case. Yeah. See the thing about this gate, teleporter, whatever you want to call it, is that it has a connection to the ambient magic in the world. That ambient magic is whats used to power most enchantments. After too many uses or just too much time, that connection gets severed. And a link just needs to reestablish itself. All I have to do is make the connection. And it will charge itself. It'll only work for certain people though. Not you or I."

Thinking back on what he had read from the book, he thought about other enchantment items. They only needed a re-connection. That means any old artifices he might come across he might be able to make work again. This also made him realize an unexplored section of magic. Harmonic frequencies. Something to look into.

Forager was shaking, a smile on his face. "Finally! Lad, me and my family have had this 'gate' for three generations. My grandfather received it. My pa inherited it. Now I am going to be able to give it back. I was sure I was going to have to pass it on to my daughter at some point. Orion, you can come use my shop anytime you please. In fact I would be honored to help you develop this skill further. If you wish to."

"Oh you can bet your ass I want to keep going. I was able to expand my magic tonight by a huge margin. With what I have in my head there is no telling what I might create. Oh and I'll get started on reestablishing the connection. The instructions are printed right inside-" A push to lift up the panel, "here. There it is. Oh this while be easy, a child could do it."







Day Court. Is always dull. Nothing exciting happens. Not since two or three hundred years ago at least. A small scuffle broke out between two mares over a stallion that was, in Celestia's opinion, rather worthless. Looking out at the sea of petitioners, she spotted somepony that surprised her.

She hadn't expected to see Forager today. Or any day for that matter. He was carting in something under a tarp."I wonder what he's found." She straightened and had him approach with a graceful nod. "Note, change the cushion out on the throne. This one has finally given up the fight." Turning her full attention to Forager she notice his happy expression. 

Forager had a grin, a big one. Truth be told he had not stopped smiling since last night. His cheeks hurt. A good problem to have he believed. Coming to a stop, he spun the cart around, letting down the kick stand down and gently placed the cart down on it.

"Princess Celestia. It is a pleasure to see you this wonderfully fine day."

"Well someone is having a good morning, tell me Master Forager, what has you in such a good mood today?" Her smile held warmth. As it always did. His enthusiasm was infectious, what had he brought her that had him so happy? Her inquisitive eyes kept shifting to the covered object on the cart. She wondered what it was.

Grinning, Forager spoke the words he had been practicing since last night. " Princess two generations ago you entrusted my family with an object of great importance to you, in the hope that we might get it working again. As the third generation I am proud to give it back. Fully functioning, and in good repair." Stepping aside he grabbed the tarp and pulled it off the gate. A gate she has not seen in more then 200 years. A gate she had sadly forgotten about. 

The gasps of the of the older Nobles in the court echoed around the vast room. Celestia's eyes were glued to the gate. She could not believe it. Forager had managed to repair it. She could sense the connection of the gate to the ether. And trace it to its mate deep in the Everfree.

"Master Forager, h-how did you do it?" She could hardly speak. This was one of the last great gifts from Starswirl. Repaired. In front of her. Shining like new. She had approached it, almost in a trance. Running her hands across the cool smooth metal.

"Sadly Princess, I did not repair it." Her eyes darted sharply to him. Swallowing he continued, "A pony, repaired it your Highness. A pony who has the ability to forge enchantments." He had spoken that last quietly. He knew even mentioning it was a pony was risk enough.

The court was a ruckus before, but now it was a circus. Many nobles were hollering to know the name of the pony, others were shouting that it was impossible. Princess Celestia stared into his eyes, eyes that spoke pure truth. Trying to will the information on who this mysterious pony was out of his own mouth, she thought furiously. "An ACTUAL enchanter?! In Canterlot no less, and Right under my nose,  the first in so long. I have to secure them immediately!"

"SILENCE." Boomed across the room. The Nobles stopping mid rant. Composing herself, she spoke to the old bull, "Ahem, Master Forager. Who helped you with this? I really do want to know the pony's name that did this. You understand the ramifications of such an individual correct? You have to understand the importance of what they have done." She was in full Princess mode now. She would have her answers. She needed to find this pony.

Forager was sweating, hard. He knew this was coming and knew she would not be pleased. "I'm afraid I cannot tell you, your highness. I swore an oath to them and I am a Minotaur of my word if nothing else."

Gasps. Celestia ignored them. "You promised? Why? Does this pony not know how valuable their ability is?!" She was getting loud, not that she cared. She needed to find this pony.

"They asked me not to. Begged in fact. Something along the lines of 'not wanting to be locked into a gilded cage.' I cannot betray them after they did so much for me and my blood. It would be unfair. And it would break the trust they put into me. I get the feeling they do not trust easily. And to betray them so readily..."

Celestia was not deterred, if respect for her and her throne was not enough perhaps money would be the key to this stallion's lips. "Master Forager, I would pay an obscene amounts of bits to know this pony's name. Name your price."

His eyes bulged in their sockets. He knew with the amount of bits he could ask for, his family for several generations would never have to lift a hammer again. It was all so tempting. "You made an oath, Forager. Don't let greed break your honor."

"I am afraid I cannot, though the offer was sorely tempting. My honor would be nothing if I took such a deal. I am sorry, your Highness. But I will not reveal the name of the pony who assisted me in the restoration of the gate."

Celestia's eyes flash red, to briefly for any to notice. She wanted to howl with rage and rip the knowledge from his head. She almost did it to. But her image would be damaged far to badly. It would take centuries for her ponies to forget this. And she would never truly suppress this piece of history. Somepony somewhere would know. "Damn you, you old bull." She fumed.

Composing herself she looked to Forager, all rage hidden. The mask firmly back in place. " I understand Master Forager. I commend you on your honor to keep such a secret. Thank you for bringing me back my gate. A boon of two hundred thousand bits will be deposited in your account by days end tomorrow. Thank you for your service."

Jet Set, a brash noble, clambered down from the seats, "Princess! This cannot go. He has a duty to you, to tell you who this pony is!" Voices of agreement echoed about the court. "He must tell you. This mystery pony must be found and hired on as the court Enchanter. They must serve royalty." She knew they believed they would have access to this pony. No, no they would not. Once found all requests would go through her personally. Many if not all would be rejected.

Celestia gave Jet Set a practiced exasperated look. " Sir Set, I can no more force him to tell then you can. It is illegal. Master Forager has the same rights as all others of Equestria's citizens, even you. If he was asked to keep it a secret I will not infringe, nor allow any other, on his rights. Though I too yearn to know. In time I expect this pony to come out of the shadows on their own. Patience must be appreciated. And you and others must not hound Master Forager. Leave him to his own work."

Turning back to Forager she spoke, " You have done me, a great service. I thought this ancient artifact would never work again. You have given it new life. Though you had help, that help would never have come had you not found it yourself. Thank you Master Forager. Words cannot be enough."

Forager bowed. and Dismissed himself leaving the cart where it was. Celestia stared at it for a time, her thoughts roiling with her own desires, then resumed Day Court. Her thoughts though, were not on the petitions. But on plans of a future. A future with an enchanter in them. One to power the air fleets of Equestria once more.







Orion was nervous. He suspected Celestia may have some way of pulling his name from the old minotaur's head. She was, apparently, and ancient being with untold levels of magic and knowledge at her disposal. Who knows what the woman could do. No one actually knew how old she was.

He was so happy to hear the news that he would not be pursued by her, at least not openly. Orion suspected going back to the forge might be a bad idea. So he and Forager devised drop off points for when they needed to talk to each other. No names. No identifications to who the messages were for. A good thing to. 

Two weeks after the drop off of good news, a band of unidentified guards were seen, tailing poor Forager. Orion thought it might be a good idea to start laying low. Let the old bull get back to business as normal. Besides. Orion had plenty of material to practice with. Forager had practically loaded him down with enough steel to make a suit out of.

In school, he was smart enough not to just go full bore with the magic show. He suffered through another 3 weeks of remedial lessons with Mr Cloverleaf. He was overall happy with the improvements and Orion was just glad it was over. It had been exhausting.

He had two new bands. one made of leather wrapped around his left wrist. The other was similar to the one on his left bicep, only on his right bicep instead. The second band on his arm served the same purpose as the first. A bigger connection to magic. The one on his left wrist however, helped detect approaching bodies. Namely tagged ones. So he knew who was who. It was so much easier to avoid Twilight Sparkle with it.

Twilight, oh surprise of surprises, kept seeking him out over the past 5 years. She occasionally caught him and tied him up in conversations most foul. Meaning his was bored. Such conversations made him wanted to die. Who cared about understanding Starswirl's Fourth Principal of Magic. She could never have a normal talk. Always with the impromptu study session. With the bracelet. It was all the easier to avoid her, school bullies, even carts on the road. He knew when they were coming. Convenient. No more dirty clothes. Fuckos.

This was working grandly till Twilight learned to teleport. 







It was a fine March morning. Having just turn fourteen Orion was in good spirits. The students were all filing out of the school. Little cliques were forming up to march home together. Heh, herd mentality. The looks he had been getting lately had unnerved him. At first he thought it was because he chose to walk alone.

Lately, he realize that it was the girls in the halls and in his class, that were beginning to stare at him more. It had been happening over the past year, after he seemed to improve his magic naturally. There was a hunger in those eyes he did not like. He would beat himself later for not realizing what was happening. To be fair he hadn't had a relationship in well over eight years before he turned into a human guinea pig.

But soon he wouldn't have to worry about that. Or so he believed. Apparently him and other colts would be dismissed from classes for a whole month. Something about estrus being upon them. He didn't know, or remember what that was, he had stopped paying attention to most of his classes because he knew all and more then most of his teachers. 

Either way. Vacation! A good time to craft uninterrupted. And he had an Idea.

Making his way home, dodging various foot traffic and carts he got in and greeted Mrs Evergarden. She seemed a little jittery. And what the hell was that smell? He had started to smell it at school too. 

It was then that she informed him the guard would be taking over for a month for the orphanage. That was normal around this time of year. Orion suspected it was the only way she could get a vacation. Starting to get dizzy, "Seriously what is that smell", Orion dismissed himself to the basement wishing Mrs Evergarden well. 

His head cleared as he walked into his little room in the basement. Mrs Evergarden was suspicious, but allowed him to have a private work room down here. It was quiet and full of his books. And the materials that Forager had supplied. He had made all kinds of things. One item, a tube with a hole in the end lit up. The first two times it hadn't worked, but the third produced the flashlight he had been trying to make. He also figured out how to make pens while he was at it.

He used those personally for class. Many questions were asked. None were answered. They could buy them when he had patented them. Quick trip to riches for him bitches.

He was working on trying to make a board float when he heard a very loud pop. Turning around very slowly he saw Twilight Sparkle. In his workroom. Staring at all the items scattered about, eyes getting wider and wider.

Without thinking Orion, pulled magic through both of his bands wrapping his own magic around her horn and trapping her arms and legs together. He put a lot into holding her horn. She was powerful. He knew it. She knew it. He wasn't taking any chances.

"Orion, wha-what are you doing?! What is this? Are those what I think they are?!" Each question made him growl. He was pissed. What in the hell was she thinking? Teleporting here with no prior warning.

"Shut. The. Fuck. Up!" That got her attention. Her mouth agape she stared at him. Tears leaking from her eyes. He was holding her rather tightly. Shit. Loosening the bonds he spoke slowly, trying to think as fast as possible. "Y-you can't tell anyone. Not even your precious Princess. No one can know." She wasn't dumb. He knew she had figured it out, what she was seeing, after seeing the runes on the various objects in the room anyone would. 

The tears had stopped. "But this is incredible Orion! Your an enchanter. An Artificer! You have a skill thought lost to the ages! No pony has been able to do this in eight hundred years!" She was getting loud. Fortunately, the guard was a heavy napper.

"Oh I thought about it. But that way lies a gilded cage. I would have no freedom. I would be at the whim of the Princess. The nobles would be clamoring for my skills. Sounds wonderful to some but I want to be able to live my life without someone telling me what to do! You see it as a boon. I see it as a trap. One I will never get away from. No. Thank you but no."

She was staring. Goddamnit if that wasn't the most annoying thing she could do. And that look, aw crap she's got the bit in her teeth and she not going to let this go.

"You fixed Princess Celestia's gate didn't you?" A nod. "You have been doing this awhile?" Another, cautious nod." Do you not understand the dangers of doing all this unsupervised?" That last question went up a few octaves. Might have decent singing voice.

"And who would you propose to teach me? Last I heard the last Artificer died some eight hundred years ago." She opened her mouth, paused, shut it, opened it again, then shut for a final time in a huff. " Exactly. I am very careful in my experiments. I never try anything to big, and I never go for the dangerous spells. Yet. I don't have the confidence to imbue them into anything, and the idea that they might fall into someone's hands that may misuse them makes me nervous. So I won't be dabbling there anytime soon. Besides I am loathed to take risks with my resources. I don't have the money to pony up for the loss if something goes wrong. Its an expensive hobby."

She nodded slowly, mouthing the word hobby with an incredulous look on her face. "Okay. I can understand that. But why not at least tell the Princess? She has offered a huge reward if you came forward.  And would you please let me go? I promise I won't run."

Orion did so reluctantly. "I've already told you why Twidle Diddle." She hated that."She would never let me go. Deep down you know it as well as I. So don't pretend otherwise." She did the fish thing again. Then sighed.

"Would it really be so bad?" She gazed around the room. The various things she saw captured her imagination of what they might be. Orion could see the curiosity growing in her eyes.

"I know it would be, I'm to valuable. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but would you really let a resource go? One no other country has? Not to mention the potential for assassinations? No country in this world wants to see Equestria gain more power. I guarantee it." Twilight was looking at him again, bewildered this time.

"What do you mean other countries would try and kill you? Why would they care if Equestria had an enchanter? They may try to bargain for your services if anything." Laughing she added, "and no offense to you Orion, but your not that great, yet."

"For someone so smart you certainly can be dumb, you know that?" Raising a hand to forestall her angry retort, she never did like to be called that. He continued, " You do realize that enchantments can be put into weapons right? I have already figured that out." 

Shifting a little he reached behind him and held up a crudely crafted holster, a knife handle sticking out the top. The knife had gold lacing though the steel blade. But not through the handle. A handy loophole he had found out allowed for the safe discharge of the weapon. The it did cost him a lot of the gold bits he had saved up.

"I made this, and enchanted it with a paralytic effect. Do you realize what would happen if the enemy's arrows all had the same effect? Equestria would be fucked. Now put yourself in another sovereign's shoes. They already know how powerful and old Celestia is. Is it really that much of a stretch for them to believe she might conquer more territory for her little ponies if she had this ability at hand? I'd be dead within side a month."

Twilight just stared at him. She was doing a lot of that today. Suddenly there was that smell again. A little different this time but its still there. Lilac? "I'm gonna be so pissed if there is gas leak somewhere and no one told me."

Blinking and coming back to herself, Twilight blushed her ears turning a dark pink. That confused the hell out of Orion. What part of this conversation was embarrassing. Was it because he called her dumb? Now she was stepping closer. And that smell is getting stronger. What the hell.

"Your might be right, I never really thought about it to be honest. I didn't think what Equestria did inside it's own borders effected the world at large." The blush was growing. He was getting concerned because so was the smell. He was starting to get foggy headed. His eyes went very wide. "Oh shit. Estrus. Breeding season." It had clicked. Oh this was bad, very very bad.

"Twilight, I think you need to promise me not to tell anyone and leave."

"Why, its good to have conversations like this. I'm learning so much" She was nearly on top of him now. Her voice was getting husky. Not good. Hesitantly lifting her left arm. He caught it, slowly but firmly pushing it down.

"Not now it isn't. I just realized what I have been smelling and you need to leave. Now. Please?" The pleading look from his eye seemed to snap her out of whatever state she was in and grew very wide.

"I'm a-a I'm, oh buck I am so sorry, Orion I didn't realize what I was....." With a bright flash, she was gone. The smell instantly lessened in the room. Casting a small ventilation spell, Orion shook his head and placed the knife down. He thought he may have had to actually use it. There was no way he was ever going to win a fair fight with that monstrosity of a girl. Last week she performed over 200 spells casts in the span of 3 mins. It was a sight to behold. And terrified him. If she was that strong, how strong was Celestia?

Well that killed his desire to try and make anything from home. His pants were uncomfortably tight. Though he did consider making a gun. He put that thought on the back burner. Pushing his stool back in he walked out and closed the door, locking the room in darkness.







"And I called Twilight dumb...."

Sitting behind two trash cans, Orion peaked out down both sides of the alleyway. It had been almost 2 weeks since Orion's encounter with Twilight in his 'office' and no guards had come to collect him. It was safe to assume he was in the clear. So he had stayed bottled up in his room or in the basement. Working on making walkie talkies. No way to really test them since he couldn't get to Forager's place. That place was buttoned up like Fort Knox. So he had gone out to put one of the walkie talkies, with instructions, into a drop location. He managed, but that's when things started to go, wrong.

The streets were oddly barren. He had asked the guard that was on duty, an older Stallion named Chip, about how bad this was going to get. Chip had informed him dutifully that by the second week the streets would be abandon for the most part. Most mares would lock themselves up. Either with toys or there hands, a lover if they were lucky. The man was a bit perverse all things told. Not that he could fault him none. Orion decided it was worth the risk.

On his was back a wo-, mare, approached him, she was blue furred with a pink mane. She was jittery. Like a crackwhore coming down off a bad high. This was not good sign. That's when he spotted the second and third one. This was really not good.

"Hey there little colt, what are you doing out here. D-don't you know its dangerous to be out during this time of day..week?" She was biting her lip. Hard enough to make her bleed. The second one, a champagne colored mare, spoke up behind him. "Maybe he wanted to learn what grown ups do in the bedroom. Though he is certainly tall for a colt I'll give you that. Might be able to help like a real stallion. Legs look strong enough...." She sounded like she had already considered the ramifications and given them the middle finger.

The third one, a purple mare, just licked her lips. Joy, she seems to have forgotten how to speak. Likely rationalize too.

Orion had been backing himself away into an alley. He knew were it led. So he had no worry about running away from them. The cramps, he hoped, would slow them enough for him to get home.

"Listen ladies, I don't think I am ready for that kinda lesson just yet. I just wanted to drop of a letter and go home. Consider the following actions your about to commit. This would be rape. Under the law. Rape. Of a minor. Let that sink in would you?"

They didn't let it sink in. The chase had been going well on two hours now. He had been caught once and lost his jacket getting away again. So much for cramps slowing these nags down. That and the number had grown from three, to ten. He had a rainbow chasing after him. A zombie, horny rainbow. 

The only thing that saved him was the constant infighting among them. But this could not go on forever. Orion couldn't go on forever. Not a single fucking guard had helped him. In fact one of the ones chasing him was a guard. Fuck.

He was getting tired. His legs hurt, he had never ran so much as he did today. Or so fast. He couldn't teleport. That purple bitch could and she was the reason he was almost caught the first time. Oh but Twilight could teleport. And he was just now realizing she was afflicted with the same problem. His blood ran cold. A worry for another time he told himself. Peaking out again for what felt like the twentieth time, Orion made a decision to go for it. He was two blocks from home. Just two blocks he could make it.

Stepping out of the alley, he began to have serious doubts on his ability to make it there. Someone had spread the word about him he was sure. He didn't bother to count. Because they had seen him, and now he was running the opposite way he wanted to go.







Celestia had long ago learned how to tame the desires in her loins. She hadn't been with anypony in centuries. So she had developed a spell that would drastically reduce the effects of her estrus. "Maybe I should teach Twilight this spell. She seems to been having a hard time with it lately. Poor filly." 

Two weeks ago, or near enough, Twilight had come back in crying, running right to her room. She wouldn't answer her door and Celestia had thought it best not to bother her for the time being. Let her get through her first true estrus. Then discuss the spell. No sense in letting her student suffer like this another year.

As it was, Celestia's day was quite boring. With Day Court on hiatus for the season there was not much for her to do but read the reports from her agents across her land. She had no worries about invaders. The griffons made that mistake once. They hadn't tried again. Now the species known as hippogriffs lived on the cliffs near the Celestial Sea.

Her musings were broken when a guard ran up to her, a little out of breath likely due to the distance and her own heat cycle going, "Princess w-we have a situation!"

"Somepony actually tried to invade. Unbelievable."

"Speak, tell me what is the emergency?"

Swallowing, Errant Strike looked up, " A colt is being chased through the city. He has managed to avoid the....horde of mares chasing him but that can't last forever. And I do not trust anypony in city patrol to save him. The heat is bad this year, your Highness."

Celestia stomach tried to flip. A colt? Out on his own? Where was his parents, his herd?!

"I understand. I will deal with this personally. You may withdraw, try and knock some sense back into your troops."

A quick salute and Errant was off at a dead run. Good mare that one. 

Shaking her head to clear it, Celestia teleported above the city. It did not take her long to spot the mob of mares, nor the lone colt doing remarkably well considering his situation. The colt was all black, with a brown mane and a black horn. Plain looking from this angle. "Did he just punch that mare?"

He had from the look of it. Knocked her out cold to. The poor purple mare was soon trampled by the gaggle of mares still pursuing him. "Time to put a stop to all of this."

She swooped down and nabbed up the colt. She didn't get that far in the air before she received a short punched into the ribs, hard. Dropping her would be passenger he landed on the ground again at a dead sprint. By my mothers mane, that actually hurt!" Trying again she caught him up using magic to restrain his arms. She had gotten well off the ground by the time he chose to plant both feet into her abdomen and kick off. She was stunned. He landed on the roof of a building and skidded off to another before leaping over a chimney pipe.

"The colt doesn't quit. Well that's quite enough of that." Still having a hold of his arms she simply lifted him up, this time through her magic. His language was, pungent. Till he was turned around. Then he was just staring. The pink in his ears beginning to pale.







"OH SHIT!" 

He just had to ask if this day was going to get worse. He had finally caught that teleporting bitch on the chin the moment she popped in. A large victory for him considering his situation. When he first got swept up from the ground he didn't think, just punched for the ribs. 

He didn't know he had aerial pursuers, and counted himself lucky to be let go so fast. When magic wrapped around his arms he utterly panicked and just kicked as hard as he could. Instinct was driving him. The moment he was picked up again he just started swearing. He was fucked. Literally.

He stopped swearing soon enough. Apparently Celestia wanted a piece of the the boy meat too. There was no way he was escaping her.

She stared at him. Likely for his swearing. Though she didn't seem like the rest now that he was really looking at her. She was friggin' tall. Easily a foot or more taller then Mr Cloverleaf. And he was a big dude.  Orion hated to say it, she was gorgeous for a horse queen.

Her hair caught his eyes first. Flowing with an ethereal quality, the colors were, he could only think of the dawn when looking at them. Her magenta eyes were warm and kind. Though they were being overridden by the glare he was receiving. Her hips and breasts would have every man on earth come running. Coupled with her snow white fur, that almost seemed to glow in the sun, and her hour glass figure, she was a stunner for sure. 

He couldn't see at his current angel but she likely had an ass to crush the souls and hearts of men. And the white dress that draped her frame did very little to hide her curves. Man she was obsessed with white.

He spoke before thinking, "Holy shit your beautiful..." She blushed, he blushed. And he wanted to hit himself.

"Well thank you my little pony, But I do have questions not pertaining to what you may think of me."

"Aw shit."







He had complimented her. Crudely but he did it. She knew who he was now. She had requested his records sometime ago. And though he has grown considerably since she last looked at his record's pictures, he was still the slightly handsome colt she remembered. But bigger. 

He had grown much. He was actually larger then she was expecting. Certainly bigger then most Unicorn colts his age. Her magic around his arms and legs let her know just how heavy he was. The reports on him attending the gym were proven true. No wonder he was able to knock out that mare. 

He was still lean, he just had dense muscle from her initial scans of his body. She dismissed the bands around his arms, it was obvious of what they were. Weight lifter bands. Old school to be sure but it was a fashion statement and a practical way of measuring ones grown without trying.

Taking her eyes away from him and noticing the mob was quickly scattering. No pony wanted to be implicated in the attempted rape of a minor. Sighing to herself she resolved to put stricter lock down measures in the future. This kind of thing shouldn't be going on. There was a guardsmare for buck's sake.

"You will come with me, Orion." They teleported.







Lovely, she knew his name, he was fucked. 

The teleport blanked his mind a moment, And as he came to find himself seated in the most lavish room he had ever seen. The room was not overly large. But the solid white marble walls, regularly interrupted by equally white pillars with golden scroll work done on them, encased in a room of white only off set by the red carpets with a sun pattern on them. This lady and white. Obsessed is a gentle way of putting it.

He sat on a sofa that was so soft he thought it might have been a cloud. The sofa itself was wood and white. The wood carrying similar gold work that the pillars had. The cushions held gold fringes.

Celestia sat before him, in a chair that shared similarities with the sofa. To be honest she nearly dwarf that seat. Her hands steepled in front of her, her horn alight. Tea cups were being placed before them in a brilliant golden glow. Once everything was set and the tea poured. A basket of biscuits were placed between them. 

"Now then, lets talk, Orion."
> Seriously!? (Edited in Large part to Foxsevent)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been five minutes since she asked him a question. Celestia was beginning to believe he hadn't heard her. So she asked again.

"Orion," His ears perked up. Oh good she had his attention this time. " Are you the reason Twilight came home crying a couple of weeks ago?"

He stared, looked down, then back up as realization dawned on his face. 

She loved to watch ponies think. Each one had a unique way of posturing that no two ever seemed to do the same way. His was adorable, with that baby face of his scrunching up, trying to work out just what to say. Truth be told she already had figured out early on of what happened. Twilight visited him during the start of her heat, something Celestia has warned her about. She got too close and he panicked, and sent her away. Smart on his part.

That was often a normal event sadly. Poor colts no matter how much you warn them often don't know whats going on till the scent fills their heads, then well, they are trapped. The fact that Twilight's clothes were not ruffled when she had come back, spoke volumes on his own self control. He was truly of stronger stuff.

But because of that mistake, the poor filly had kept herself locked up in her room for almost two weeks now.

"She, ahhhh, yeah she kinda, how do I put this...shit she came on to me while she was visiting me and I panicked and got her the hell outta my room before I did something stupid."

Celestia blinked. What under the Sun was 'hell'? And did he really just swear in front of her? Amazing. No pony had spoken like that to her, or in front of, in years. Centuries in fact. Not since Luna. Her heart throbbed painfully at the thought. "Sister I still miss you."

Shaking away her melancholy she looked back at the squirming colt. She knew he was hiding something else. The way he spoke implied more, but she didn't believe she could just pry it out. Her senses were telling her that much. But he seemed to have told her the truth so far with what happened with Twilight. 

Truly all she wanted to do was put him on the spot for a little, she didn't often get moments like this. She felt like a mother judging a colt for her daughter. It was a bit thrilling for the elder alicorn, though she never had foals of her own. She decided to let him off the hook. For now.

"Oh I see. Both of you got your first experience of Estrus Season didn't you. It can happen from time to time. But usually its less tame then what you two went through. Most cases involve the colt loosing his head and attempting to go with his instincts." He visibly relaxed, then seized up again as she spoke on. This was so much fun, okay, new tactic.

"You're originally from Stalliongrad, correct?"

"Uh, yeah. I suppose I am. Don't remember much of that hellhole to be honest. I grew up in Manehatten for a bit then came here." He paused and looked at her directly. "I take it you were the one to request my file five years ago so you'd likely know all about the how and why I came here." 

Her eyebrows rose. Not just because he used that strange word again but because he knew she had requested his information. "Yeah I know that look. I only knew because Mrs Evergarden left it out on her desk when she had to finalize one of the adoptions of the others. I got curious and peaked. Truth be told I at first thought it was someone trying to adopt me. But now, with you asking, I figured it had to be you. The only reason why is because Twilight said something about me, didn't she?"

Clever. He put two and two together just that fast. And remembered that far back so quickly. A smart colt indeed, her student had not exaggerated. Still, something was off. It was nagging at her. "His face," she had suddenly realized. It was too calm.

He was suddenly too put together, like a mask had been donned. Like her when she had to deal with the public. There was no nervousness now. Only that calm demeanor. "That is interesting."

She wasn't sure what to make of the change in the colt. And 'someone'? The way he spoke seemed to point him out as a foreigner. But Stalliongrad nor Manehatten were outside her realm for him to use that over the other. Though the city state of Stalliongrad was practically independent. So where had he picked up the different pronoun usage. This was all too strange for her to ignore.

Keeping her own mask up she continued. "Well I suppose you would have gotten curious. But I must ask. The way you speak is, odd. 'Someone?' My ponies don't often say that." She knew she was changing subjects too fast. But she wanted to get a reaction out of him. Anything at all really.

If that put him in a panic, he didn't show it in the slightest. Yep, that mask was firmly on and she doubted she could shake it off without, either doing something far outside the norm, or delving into his mind. Something she was loathed to even consider. The pain it would cause would likely scar him for life. And no matter what her instincts were telling her she would not risk that. He was a colt after all. Not a harden criminal.

"Well doesn't it sound rather exclusive when you use pronouns like that? Saying 'anypony' excludes every other race. Its a nice nationalistic touch but I feel it is too much and too obvious. I prefer to speak my way. Honestly, it's easier to just include everyone rather then go out of my way to say it the pony way. I feel like including everyone when I speak is less exclusive to others."

No twitching. No eye movements to indicate a lie. He was being truthful. Or he had the best poker face she had ever seen. A thirteen year old with that kinda control over their emotions was not likely. 

He could be a changeling. Loathsome creatures. But his magic showed no green aura, just that odd black and gold coloration the examiners had reported on. Odd but not overly rare, several ponies in her kingdom had two different coloration to their magic. Though that usually matched their eyes. 

But no. The mask was there, yet he wasn't lying to her. This unnerved her. Now she realized why the teachers progress reports on him spoke they way they did. He's an enigma. One that refused to crack. She was actually getting frustrated and excited at the challenge at the same time. She reevaluated what she knew of him.

His improvement in his capacity of magic, while not unheard of, was still remarkable for his late stage of development. Most ponies that were having growth issues never improved much after their third year. It was becoming more common in colts as of late. A worrying trend she has noted the last fifty years. He seemed to have gotten lucky in this case.

His improvements did not just jump forward, however, it was a gradual thing. It took months for him to finally come into what the doctors considered his own. So that wasn't suspicious. He was very strong, not anywhere near Twilight but far an away stronger then the others in his class. Cloverleaf did note that he never showed his full strength to anypony else. It was as if he didn't want them to know how much he had improved. Another flag. Colts his age were all about showing off.

While his grades were exemplary, his participation was still lack luster. Better then his transcripts told for Manehatten. But still not normal. Not for one as smart as the reports seem to indicate.

The only class he really seemed to thrive in outside the norm was the science classes. On days they covered chemistry. Some of the concoctions he came up with he already knew what they did. Miss Hearts listed several ingredients in which when mixed, made a chemical that melted clothes. But only as an aerosol. He made that very clear. Proved it too, much to the embarrassment of one, Fancy Breeze. Another flag.

Truthfully she should have had this sit down years ago. But she had been so busy. Setting up a new rail line that ran to Applelosa and the fallout the noble classes had over not levying extra taxes because of the line's construction. And now just recently, looking for the one who fixed her gate to the old castle had consumed much of her limited free time. 

That pony would reveal themselves. One way or the other. She had been setting out guards disguised as street toughs to follow Forager for the past few months. She would not risk exposing her regular troops to whomever the enchanter was. No need to show her hand. So far, nothing.

"Yes, I suppose that's more conscientious of you. There is merit to that line of thinking." Time to trip him up. "Honestly, I was merely trying to unite the tribes back during the unification war. To get them to think of themselves as one. It may have gotten away from me by then."

"Hah! I friggin' knew it!" That was it. The mask still there. 

"Buck me he is a hard one. I feel as if I am interrogating a spy." Then he threw her for a loop. 

"So why did you blush so hard when I called you 'beautiful'? An elder being such as yourself shouldn't get worked up over a little colt complimenting her, should you?" He had a devil's grin. The tone said he knew exactly what he was asking. 

She opened her mouth to respond, but nothing would come. What was she to say? That she hadn't had a suitor come calling for over half a millennium? That because some nut cases sprouted up venerating her as a Goddess, her dating pool had dried up? Damn this colt. And whats with that grin. It did not belong on one as young as he the cocky little pony.

"Ah cat got your tongue, your Highness?" Oh he was being smug now. But she had no retort. Well she did but she couldn't engage him like an adult. He was still to young. This was entirely unfair. He was goading her. The brass on this colt, revenge would be hers one day.

Just as she was finally about to speak, to reprimand his way of speaking to her, Twilight burst into the room talking to fast to interrupt.

" Oh Princess I almost did something horrible two weeks ago!" She wailed. 

Orion's ears pinned back and he shrank down almost immediately, eyes wide in shock. "I visited Orion at his home after you told me it wouldn't be wise for me visit any colt that day. But he had been avoiding me somehow and I was so frustrated, so I teleported right to him and I was talking to him and getting closer and my heat was getting worse and he was looking dazed and I had no idea what was wrong till he grabbed my hand. Princess I was reaching for him! I was, I was... " She broke down sobbing. With her hands holding her face.

Celestia was in a bit of shock. It's one thing to know. Its another to be bombarded by your student with company present. Especially, if the company in question, was the subject of the confession. A quick look to the colt showed him equally stunned, and nearly sliding off the couch, his eyes wide as they could possibly get. 

"While I am, happy that you came to me Twilight, I'm afraid this confession couldn't come at a worse time."

Twilight had dropped her hands a little looking at Celestia with tear ridden eyes, and snot in her palms. She had really been worked up over this it seems. It was then she noticed the room's other occupant. And her eyes got wide.

Orion did something very strange then. Something she would never have seen coming if she had lived a million years. What was expected to be an awkward encounter, turned into a sun blighted circus. He grinned.

"OH THANK GOD, TWILIGHT! YOU CAME JUST IN TIME! PRINCESS CELESTIA WAS JUST ABOUT TO HAVE HER WAY WITH ME!"

"WHAT?!" How, why, when did he come to this conclusion? What would make him even think she would try something like, THAT?

Twilight was of similar mind. "Wha- Orion, why would the Princess even try and do that?" Snot and tears forgotten, whisked away subconsciously with a spell she had learned long ago for such instances. "She's the PRINCESS. She would never do that."

"Right on Twilight, you tell him and set him straight my student". She clearly underestimated him, and his ability to tell a very tall tale with the limited information he had at hand.

"Oh really? Then pray tell, were there any guards outside?" A slow head shake of no from Twilight. Celestia was wondering how he even knew that. "That's because she kidnapped me right off the street! In broad daylight no less! There are witnesses!"

It was at this point Celestia needed to intervene, but the teapot suddenly flipped over leaving her to scramble to dodge then try and focus on cleaning up the mess. The Saddle Arabian rugs were not cheap. He just kept going. That slight glow in his horn fading. "Oh that little...."

"Twilight there were a guardsmares as witnesses..." Twilight had slowly turned to Celestia in horror.

"Oh no Twilight. Don't let this scoundrel of a colt fool you like this." To late of course. Celestia opened her mouth to refute his blatant lies and slander.

"PRINCESS HOW COULD YOU!" With that she teleported to Orion, they both popped out of the sitting room. Leaving Celestia to wonder how it all descended into madness, as she tried desperately to clean the stains out of the carpet. She began to chuckle. "So absurd."







Orion was laughing. Why was he laughing!?

"Orion this is serious! Princess Celestia tried to have her way with you! Why are you laughing?!"

"Because...." He was laughing to hard to respond. " Oh God that was....because...Jesus Christ couldn't have any..... better....Because...I Lied! BWHAHAHAAHAHAAHAHA!" He was laughing harder now. He was on his knees holding onto her skirt trying to stand and failing.

He fell on the floor and clutched his sides as he howled in laughter."Her face! D-did you see her FACE!? She was all like nu uh, she looked like a deer caught in the head lights, and you were all like, 'how could you my princess'! Oh god that is too much!" Twilight was beginning to realize she had been had.

"You....you lied to me? Are you kidding me?!"

Recovering and on his knees again, responding through his fits, "Yeah...hahaaaaaa... had to use you to get out of a grilling by your 'Not Mom'. I think she was about to ask for a stool sample next the way she was digging into me. Had to....hoooo had to get outta there soon."

He had just risen to his feet when he was hit with a deafening scream of outrage.







She seemed to have teleported him into Canterlot Glistening Lake. Neat. 

He swam to shore knowing he was lucky just for the outcome. Getting away from Celestia had been a gamble for sure, but she was asking some very unassuming questions. Warning sirens had been going off in his head for most of their 'talk'. His attempt to fluster and turn the tables would have only lasted so long, and he was desperately looking for a way to keep it going. Should have taken some improv classes or something in his human life.

When Twilight burst in on them telling of the events of two weeks ago, he furiously thought about how to use this to his advantage. It hit him like a bag of bricks, and he smiled. He would have owned those improv classes.  

Bonus to all this. The spell matrix Twilight used to teleport wasn't hidden like it normally was. Because of this he had compared it to the notes in his head he had seen in the more advanced text books he had 'borrowed' from the other, older students. He now had a working understanding of how the spell functioned. He could teleport. No more running from horny women for this guy.

Getting to shore he gave his new found spell a short test. It worked perfectly. Though he dropped two inches when the spell finished. So a tad bit too high. No matter a bit of practice would have him bouncing about like a pro.

"It's always better to have an up close example when learning these things. Thank you Bookhorse." Feeling ballsy he teleported away . Arriving inside his room, four feet from the floor and upside down. The resulting crash woke Chip from his conked out position on the wall. Not seeing anything, he shrugged, got comfortable and quickly fell back asleep.

Laying in a pained position with his ass up the wall and his head crammed into the floor, Orion groaned. "Okay, so I am going to have to practice this a bit more then I thought. At least I got the destination correct. But the landing, needs work."








Due to the way Celestia had prodded with her questions. Constantly shifting the subject like she had, started to eat at him. The paranoia was natural he supposed. If she was suspicious then her finding that room would be a disaster. 

That, and if Twilight could teleport in on him randomly, then it might be wise to mitigate the consequences of future disasters. Such as Celestia teleporting in on him. He was kicking himself for not realizing the full ramifications of what he had done. "Should never have agreed to fix that damn gate."

So he decided to uproot some floorboards in the corner of the orphanage's only library. The wait for everyone to go to sleep was annoying, and avoiding Chip was difficult. For some reason that man came to life at night. He set the boards in a way that would allow him simple access with levitation, and had the added benefit of having a bookshelf placed over the top. Hopefully, he wasn't stupidly too late and she had somehow already figured it out. No way to tell. 

Maybe he should see if he couldn't make a mind reading, something. Hell he was grasping at straws. He didn't know the first fucking thing about mind reading or how to navigate the complex thought patterns a mind possessed. 

Stuffing the books, notes and the things he had managed to craft into the small space he closed it up, keeping only the walkie talkie with him. Grabbing a random book, he walked out of the library. No Chip, no wandering other orphans looking for water or some other nonsense.

Orion felt, better. A little more assured. But he was going to put a pin in crafting for awhile. It didn't last a month.







It took him 3 weeks to perfect the teleport. Holy hell was it a lot more involved then normal. During that he had figured out a way for multiple teleports. He called it Blinking. He kept it secret to himself for the time being, just in case it wasn't anything new and he was just going to embarrass himself. 

This was also about the time when he learned that his greatest creation, had a major flaw. The band of metal around his arm had a half-life. It had evaporated on his last teleport, burning the hell out of his arm. A quick healing spell took care of the burns and lost fur. Another thing he had learned from his ill gotten books.

Further testing showed that the more power he drew through the bands, the faster they decayed. Turning back to the books by Bearded Star, he reasoned out that to have longer lasting enchantments he needed gold and gems. The gold making for a better conductor, and the gems allowing for the re-connection when they fell out of sync. Otherwise everything would eventually burn out the way the steel band did. Shit he was stupid.

"Where the hell am I-" The walkie talkie squawked to life.

"Lad? Hello? Am I using this damnable thing right?!" Sometimes the universe just wants to fuck you in the ass without lube. Other times it takes you out to dinner, shows you a good time, and actually uses the astro glide.

Grabbing his own hand radio he hit the button fast, "Yeah I am reading you loud and clear old man! It's good to hear your voice again. Glad to see you found the radio. What do you think?"

"Orion, this thing is amazing! Could you imagine having one in each home? So everypony could talk to everypony else! Its amazing!" He couldn't help but laugh at the Old Minotaur's childish enthusiasm. And he appreciated how fast he picked up on the ramifications this device brought.

"Yeah I already have something in mind for that. Gonna need WAY more crystals then just these two." He knew he was capitalizing on his peoples work. He didn't care. 

"So you couldn't have called at a better time. I need gold and a few gems if ya got any. My left bicep band evaporated on me. Turns out enchantments made in steel have a shelf life the moment they are made. Didn't even know till it burned off the fur on my arm. Should have read the details instead of hitting the highlights. Gold seems to not have that problem, but only so long as gems are in it. So it can be re-tuned easier thus no need for replacements, just reconnect and go."

"Shit lad, gold is easy to come by if you got the bits. I think I can supply you with the gems, but all I got are amethysts at the moment, had a surplus order and I am finding it hard to find a use for em so you can have four."

"That is perfect. Forager, you have once again pulled my ass from the fire!"







As good as his word, the gems and a little bit of extra gold was in the next dead drop out by Canterbury Park. Forager picked a huge ass stone by the lake to hide it all under. Apparently, when him and his wife spent too much time there, those tailing him grew bored and took a nap. Dumbasses.

Orion wasted no time in crafting two new bands. They went very well with his fur, even with the amethyst gems in place. They had to be cut small but still serviceable and he only need one for each band. The problem was when he pulled magic through the bands, the gems lit up like National Lampoon's Christmas. 

This was going to be a big problem, fortunately, with an easy solution. It would be tedious to reconnect them to the flow of the ether but having the gems covered in gold meant no glow and all he had to do was peel the gold off and reapply after connection was reestablished. 

The last steel band went into the floor boards in the library as well. No sense in just leaving shit out for randos to find. Plus he figured studying it would allow him to better craft enchantments into steel longer. Gold can get hella expensive. 

The increase in the magical power was a shock. Gold was a very good conductor of magic, more then he had planned. Who knew, right? Apparently Bearded Star, should have read more of the book before ever starting this. He was repeating himself more and more lately. Might have avoided a whole mess of problems. Self Dumbass. Though he likely wouldn't have met Forager otherwise. The universe tends to unfold as it should.

This did go far in inciting his need to learn more about the effect of magic on materials. Though he was taking notes on the various chemical regents that were available. He would have to be careful however, didn't want to blow himself or anyone of consequence up. Mostly himself. Screw the others.







Just one more year of Jr. High. Or as they call it, Advanced Prep Classes. Then to High School and all the angsty bullshit that comes with it. "Why do I have to go through all this schooling again? Ooooh right, jackass portal dumped me here because jackass scientist wanted to get his ego stroked something fierce. Jackass."

He was talking to, and answering, himself. That was beginning to worry Orion. He might just be going crazy. 

The day had started out so well. Classes were going well and he had chosen to have lunch outside to enjoy the fall air. The leaves were just turning, still mostly green, but reds and yellows were starting to make themselves known. For the first time since he arrived he was starting to truly enjoy himself. 

He had taken to leaving the bicep bands hidden just outside school in a old potted plant that no one seemed to mess with. He figured if someone did find them they couldn't be traced back to him. Detection spells were only good for the most recent casting. Its been a few weeks since he had forged them. 

He patted himself on the back. For once thinking of the consequences. "Wonder how long that will last." He thought ruefully.

It was a good idea considering the sudden increase in guard presence.  It was obvious that Celestia was combing the city for him. Lucky she didn't know who she was looking for. But damn she had a lot of soldiers on hand to throw about.

Seemed they were going through the school on a regular basis. He's been checked a dozen times so far. It seemed any suspicion on him was gone as he hadn't been frisked in two weeks. 

That bit of good news meant he could start wearing them regularly again. 

So the day was going fine. Then one, Golden Trot, had to go and fuck his day to hell and back. No one had told Orion that he had  transferred back from Trottingham Preparatory. Wonderful.

"Well look who it is! The meat eating monster orphan!" That had gotten the attention of every pony in the yard. Turning slowly around, he noticed Golden casually walking up. The boy had gotten big. No doubt of that. His blond mane immaculately brushed, same with his light blue fur. It looked like someone had starched the hell out of his uniform. 

No lunch in hand. A red flag that told Orion the moron was looking for a fight. Or to make an example. Great. The other ponies were looking at him, then to Orion. They were realizing that the jackass was talking about him. Well this was all nice while it lasted. Maybe Twilight would steer clear now.

"Welp, hadn't had to break any bones since Manehatten. But seriously. I'm an adult. Why the hell am I getting caught up in high school drama bullshit. We're not even in high school yet!" Standing up, Orion knew better then to allow a fight to start with him sitting down. He didn't wait for the rest of the spiel that ass-hat likely rehearsed before coming to school today. Try and mitigate this as much as he could.

"Since your staring at me bud, I'm assuming you are talking to me. What the fuck do you want?" Orion didn't yell or growl. It was a bored tone. Hostile, but bored. Because this shit was boring. He didn't want to be throwing down with an ignorant child. He wanted to eat his lunch and head to his next class.

Golden was about to respond but the swearing threw him off a bit, he blinked and continued on. "Why you of course. Filthy, meat eating orphan." He had friends. Oh boy. More punching bags. He didn't want to do this. This was bullshit.

"Dude, everyone knows I'm an orphan. That's old ass news. Come on its been what? Four, five years? Surely you rehearsed a better insult then that. By the way, your punk ass was an orphan to, ya dingus." Orion was slowly rolling his neck and arms, tensing and relaxing his muscles. He was going to knock this smug fuck's teeth in.

Again Golden just blinked and blushed in embarrassment. None of this was going according to his plan apparently. He opened his mouth to retort, then thought of something, and then just flicked his hand. Orion was not expecting to be trussed up with magic this fast. His horn wrapped in a orange aura. "Okay, may have under estimated this turd burglar." He was using his new lackeys to help him. Pussy. He recognized the skinny one behind him, the blue mane cut short coupled with copper colored fur, Prickly Shower. He had his horn lit up, orange. 

Prickly Shower was born with a chip on his shoulder. He lashed out at everything. But then again he shared in his fathers, unique, traits. So that might have explained his attitude. That and he was short as hell. Orion just couldn't get over the fact that someone married, and bore a child, for his father. Talk about using up all your luck. The rate Prickly was going, no girl was ever going to give him the time of day. Let alone a herd. That doesn't explain why he was targe- oh yeah. The meat thing. 

Golden Shower, turns out that was his actual name. He laughed his ass off when he found that out. Bismuth, the pony who told him, just stared at him in bewilderment. But it turns out his dad is a pony supremacist. Nazi ponies. That's a thing. He is part of a whole organization with frats and everything. But that hate for other species translated over to the son rather well.

The others, Orion vaguely remembered them, seemed to have the same feelings as they all sneered at him.

Golden Trot had a very smug smile on his face. "Eat it up now because your about to become my whipping boy here in a second." He didn't want to beat up on children. But these are children with magical powers and knew how to use them. Fuck em.

"Oh I am not gonna let such a dangerous predator, like you, roam about any longer. You have endangered the lives of others long enough just being here. Nopony knows how long before you would have caved and bitten into somepony." 

Wrenching Orion's mouth open physically he showed off the canines he never really advertised. "See everypony?! I told you. He isn't a pony, just a filthy mixed breed. Some Diamond Dog likely raped his mother to produce him. No, she likely begged for it, willingly. The whorse." Ah, petty your mom's a hoe taunts. This was so tiring.

Orion looked about to see if any teachers were observing, to stop this before it got outta hand. And found Mr. Shower in the window. Smiling of course. Standing next to him stood a tall blond maned stallion. White furred he was smiling to. "I see, so that's how it was going to be."

Switching to a new tactic, "You do realize every teacher knew about these right? They let me stay knowing what they were for. I've never bitten anybody." Grinning teeth flashing in the afternoon light. "Well nobody that didn't deserve it." Might as well use this as a teaching moment. The rest would likely leave him alone after this.

Golden for his part maintained his composure, except for the sudden widening of eyes and a brief look of fear. The rest visibly recoiled. Bummer that they maintained their hold on him. In time.

"So you admit to your carnivorous nature!"

"I also eat vegetables and fruit ya moron. For your education, a person who eats both plants and meat is called an omnivore. Now go collect your gold star, get your little juice box, and fuck off." No need to shout. Fuck for brains was doing that enough for both of them. He had a pair of lungs. And he was still attempting to settle this without a fight.

"Only because you are forced to. Sooner or later you will break, your instincts to eat flesh claiming you. A beast is all you are after all. You will leave this school. Leave this city. Never to return. No creature of such filth as you should ever soil these streets with your presence." He had his hands on his waist now. Oh ho ho, he definitely rehearsed. 

"That's a lovely speech, how long did it take you to come up with it? Did daddy help you write it up? Did he rub your butt and say it was more special then all the others he touched?" Orion may have went too far with that. 

"You do realize I don't actually care about you or what you say, right? You come in here to make up a boogy man, so you can get to be the big bad hero. But we all know you won't feel fulfilled until a mare has taken a dildo the size of a baseball bat, and crammed it up your ass. You're gonna make your daddy in the window over there so proud." Okay now that was too much, he knew it, and by the expressions on the bystander's faces, they knew it too. He was so done with this shit.

The gasp of shock that echoed around the yard only made Orion smile though.

Golden's eyes had kept getting wider and wider as he went on. Trembling in rage he struck Orion square a crossed the jaw. "Dear God, you even hit like a beta male." Then the rest of his entourage piled on raining punches at him.

This was actually starting to hurt a bit. Trip to the nurses office was likely in his future regardless of the outcome. But it looked like he wasn't going alone. As one, the group seemed to forget all about holding his body still, and he seized upon the opportunity. "Sorry Mrs Evergarden, but I did promise not to strike first after all."

He targeted Prickly first, as he still had his horn on lockdown. The high pitched scream that followed silenced the yard. Prickly stumbled back gripping his shattered muzzle as he fell onto his ass. Golden just stared. The slack-jawed piss drinkers that had joined him on this idiot idea, tried to back up. Orion didn't wait, pulling his magic in he sent out a shockwave that knocked everyone back. Poor Prickly was sent flying to. He was starting to feel a little bad for the Nazi Horse. No, he was a prick. Fuck him too.

The use of that spell was almost too much for him. It hurt his horn and head like hell. Now he had wished he hadn't left those bands in that pot. They would have helped out so so much.

Cracking his neck, he sized up Golden Trot, who was stumbling to his hooves. No grinning or smiling now. The headache of exertion erased that. In a deaden voice he spoke to him,"This is what you wanted. The big bad predator to show his teeth. Hope it was worth it." 

Orion rushed him, dodging the half-assed attempt at a magic beam and proceeded to meet fist to face. The blood pumping loudly in his ears, drowning out all else. The rage took over.







Twilight was racing down the halls of the school to warn Orion of the incoming assault by Prince Blueblood's son. She had heard some fillies laughing about it in the bathroom. Fear for him shot down her spine. She had bolted out the door after cleaning herself up. She hoped that she wasn't too late. He could run before it got bad.

Turning a corner she saw Prince Blueblood and Mr. Shower standing before the windows. "Oh no, its already happening!"

It was as she was racing around them, thinking she could still somehow help, that she noticed they were staring slackjawed. Furrowing her brow she looked into the yard. Her legs slowing down, and her jaw slowly dropping. 

Orion was using Golden Trot like a flail. Beating the other students who had joined in on the ambush with him. It was bizarre. He was laughing. Teeth flashing in the sun. "Wait, are those....canines? He's a predator?!" The occasional fire of magic at him met a shield that he had somehow learned to use.

Orion whipped about and slung Golden right toward them. The crash and sound of air escaping as Prince Blueblood was struck in the stomach with his own son. They fell into a groaning and coughing heap on the floor. Twilight was on her flank still looking outside. "Was he always that big?"

He stood there, students clearing the yard in a panic. His sweater vest was gone, his shirt torn but still on. His pants seemed to have survived with only mild scuff marks. The muscles under the shirt were tense, hard. He had a split lip. A black eye. And the face he wore made Twilight almost wet herself. 

His teeth were bared in a viscous snarl, no more smile. His hands squeezed the air, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His grey eyes were dead, but there was a fire deep inside that threatened to burn her to dust, and he wasn't even looking at her. It was almost like he wasn't there anymore. Replaced with this, monster before her. 

She had not realized he had moved before he was in the broken hallway with her. "So fast..." She was terrified. This was not the colt she had been trying to make friends with. 

Sure he was aloof and not social at all. But to go from the quiet pony she had first escorted through the school to this. It was too much. To sudden. She scrambled up onto her hooves and backed away.

This caught Orion's attention. His gaze snapped to her and she couldn't help but flinch and break eye contact.

"Ah, Twilight. Go and get Principal Far Sight please. It seems that I let myself go to far. Might want to contact the Princess too. It seems I have broken her nephew as well."

The sound of water splashing on the tile jerked Twilight's attention to Mr Shower. He had soiled himself, standing stock still.

"Oh, and I guess call a clean up crew, too. Seems Mr Shower has pissed himself." 

It was all too much for poor Twilight's mind to comprehend. She fled down the hall in quiet terror. Unable to scream, jaws agape anyway.







Celestia sat in her throne. Looking at her nephew and his son. The poor colt had to be wheeled in on a chair. His left arm, and legs both, broken. A long road to recovery for the foal. Blueblood stood hunched over his adopted son. He looked like he had suffered close to the same fate. His arm in a sling, but the doctors assured her it was just a sprain, though his ribs were bruised as well.

Her gaze then shifted from him to Orion, in chains. A lot of chains. 

His left eye had swollen shut, so a bandage had been wrapped around it. The lip had been stitched closed. The clothes he wore, were tattered, but miraculously his pants survived what looked to have been a small war. His horn was fitted with a null ring. 

There were guards arrayed around him, spears pointed to him. She didn't think that was really all that necessary. But she left the chains and the guards be for now.

"Let me get this straight nephew, Orion, by himself attacked your son out of the blue, and his friends. For no reason whatsoever other then his carnivorous nature had taken a hold of him?"

"Yes he DID!" His whiny high pitched voice had always grated on her. If he wasn't part of the nobility she would have found some way to remove him from her court. Just to be free of that voice. That's why he was regulated to Trottingham. Where had his family's dignity gone. "He was a mad beast. He even attacked me! I think he would have bitten into me had your student not gotten help when she did." A strangely kind look was directed to Twilight, from him. Gratitude was a new thing for Blueblood. It still looked like he was chewing glass.

Twilight for her part was staring at the floor trembling, every now and then she would look at the colt in chains and that trembling would redouble for awhile. "I wonder what she saw."

Looking back to Orion, who had remained calm and quiet the entire time, mask firmly on.  

"And you? What do you have to say on all of this?"

The colt went to open his mouth but was interrupted by Blueblood, "Why bother asking that savage what happened. Its obvious that he doesn't have a rational thought in his head. I demand him to be banished to tartarus! NOW!" 

"Wow for a subject of the Princess you certainly seem to think you call the shots Blueballs." The guards barely contained their laughter. Indeed even Celestia had to take a moment. Orion was just giving the prince a look, with one eyebrow raised.

"Y-y-you DARE?!" He roared. He was stopped from striking the colt by her on magic.

"Blueblood you will contain yourself. Now. Orion please. Tell me what happened from your view."

The colt looked to the raging prince, then back to her. "Simple. I went to far in the lesson plan. Afraid I may have gone overboard a little. To be fair they were beating my ass something fierce. So, where to begin? I was just eating my lunch..." 

The tale he told held too many details to be a lie. That and his eye movements and posture told much. He was bored. This actually meant nothing to him. He knew he was in the right. And as Celestia listened, she knew it too.

But by her sun, this colt was dangerous if the reports and what he said were actually true. The mention of his eating meat, a need she already knew from the files she requested, caused her guards to stiffen. To do all that, without using much magic, she couldn't reason how a pony his age could fight like a seasoned veteran. 

The guards around him tightened their grips on the spears, she could see the nervousness in their eyes. Most had never seen active combat. When he got to the part were he used poor Golden Trot like a bludgeon, the mentioned colt paled at the memory, and one of the guards actually stepped back.

Orion had noticed and stopped his story mid sentence. "Hey, hey. Relax my guy. Just don't stick me with your spear and you won't be on the receiving end of something similar. Be cool." This did not ease the guards fears at all. "Oh come on. You have a demi-goddess sitting right there. She could nuke my ass from orbit. There is no way I can fight her. So chill." He turned his attention back to her and began again. Though now she was only half listening.

"Demi-goddess?" She supposed that to many that might be true. Even a little flattering to hear it spoke aloud. But what was a 'nuke' and what did he mean by orbit? Internally shaking her head for questions best left to later, she quickly reviewed what was said. He had finished his tale and was waiting, with that same bored expression.

"Orion, you physically used a student to beat five other students. You threw him through a window into his father. You're not painting yourself in a very good light here."

"You asked for the truth. Not some half-cocked lie. I admit I went to far. But, in my own defense, Blueballs here and Mr Shower watched the whole thing unfold from start to finish, without trying to intervene at all. That is negligent on their parts. They should never have allowed it to become a brawl like it did."

That was new information, Celestia glanced back to Blueballs. Damnit he had her thinking it now. He was sweating. Ah, so it was true. Likely having his son prove himself to him. Seemed like something he would do. Delving into the backdoor she had implanted in Blueblood's mind long ago as to never hurt him, she found the memories she was looking for. 

"Mother's light!" She saw everything, the goading he had done to Golden the night before. The smug laughter between him and Shower just before it all came to a head. And the fight. It was more of a slaughter. Those colts stood no chance. Orion had become a monster in front of them. 

He had used an intimidate spell. Where had he learned that? She had to laugh to herself. The part where he used that poor colt as a weapon was just too silly to actually be real, and yet there it was. In another time she would likely be howling with laughter.

Pulling her mind back she looked at the assembled group.

"Blueblood you goaded your child into this. To picking a fight, all because of Orion's dietary needs. The colt cannot help what his body requires and you acted far beneath your station. Golden. You should never have listened to your father. I know you want to make him proud but there are certainly better ways then to pick a fight."

Looking over to Orion she magic'd his constraints off. And pushed the guards spears up, holding them so they calmed.

"Orion, you have a knack for getting yourself into trouble -." She was then interrupted.

"Excuse me? I didn't start this. I didn't even go out of my way for this. I was behaving. This big steaming pile of dog shit thought it was a good idea to sic his son on me like some attack dog. I had nothing to do with that thought process lady!"

She stared in shock. The guards didn't know what to do. Blueblood and his son had fainted. He dared to correct her. Her. Ruler of the Sun. High Princess of the nation of Equestria. Her anger swelled before she even realized it.

"You dare speak to me that way?" The words were quiet, whispered death that seemed to carry a wave of heat into the throne room. The kind matriarch of the sun no longer sat on that throne. "You are but a foal, what wisdom do you possess that makes you think you can speak to me in such a fashion?" Any shred of kindness her visage usually held was gone. 

She knew her mane had caught fire. This colt had embarrassed her in front of her student, of which she found the humor in, but now he was openly challenging her own judgement. Who did he think he was? Her mind was becoming clouded with anger.

He was sweating, but he was actually glaring back! What was this? He should be terrified of her. She commanded the sun. She has lived thousands of years. Who did he think he was?!

"I know right from wrong, Princess. And you are not being fair by handing any blame to me for defending myself just to placate these two worthless piles of shit. Is this really how you think? That you have to lay blame equally on everyone? Even if the victim never initiated anything?" 

She was seething now. The throne was beginning to blacken under her. The new cushion just shy of bursting into flames. Her retainers fleeing her vicinity. The guards had backed up to the double doors. Her student, though she noticed it only later, was staring in stark terror at her. She had backed up behind one of the pillars. Fear in her eyes.

He was questioning her. HER. "No, he's right. I am just shuffling blame among both parties." That sudden thought brought everything back into focus. She slowly brought her anger, her fire back in. The red in her vision receding.

"He disturbs me, that's why I am acting like this. What is more, he reminds me of General Ironwall. That was the only stallion to ever challenge my way of rule. The fact that he too, was right, seems to make me see this colt as him. No, Celestia, just like Ironwall this foal is right as well. Damn."

Taking deep breaths, she steadied herself looking away. "You're right Orion. I-I am sorry. I was thinking of being fair to everypony regardless of what happened." She glanced at him seeing the smile of self satisfaction on his face. "Don't look so smug. But be proud. You are one of two ponies to ever correct me and be right. DO not make the mistake you can open your mouth to correct me whenever you see fit. And you still went to far."

"I can agree with you on that. Honestly, I didn't mean to go as far as I did. But my previous history with Golden... may have had more impact then I thought. Before he was adopted he was a pain in my ass. I know, its no excuse but it is an explanation for what happened." Sweat, but no fear. Just like Ironwill. The resemblance was uncanny. Even the broad jaw. He was quickly growing into a fine stallion.

"As such as you admit that you have taken it too far, you're suspended from school for one month." Orion grimaced but otherwise didn't comment. "You will also be subject to community service during your suspension."

"Awww come on, can you just toss my ass into the dungeon? I'll stay there for the month." She chuckled. He was being funny. And the humor was going far to sooth her bruised ego. When had she gotten so short tempered. It was like she was on a hair trigger these days.

"No, no dungeon for you. Go commit a real crime and I may think about it." She was feeling better. Though admitting she was wrong still stung, almost painfully so. But in a way it was good she supposed. Being right all the time would be boring.

The guards had returned. Not sure what was truly going on. She knew they were going to be gossiping. The colt that stood up to her and won. He didn't know it yet, but he was going to have a legend sprout around him soon enough. "Heh, just like Ironwall."

"Well, I have nothing more for you. Though, Orion have you ever put thought to joining the guard? A pony of your talents would be incredible in the force. I can see you going far." 

He roared with laughter, "I knew you'd end up saying that! HELL no, your Highness. No offense intended. Thank you but no. I have trouble with authority as it is. No reason to throw fuel on the fire."

She giggled herself. It was a sudden thought, she never truly believed he would say yes. Though he is young yet, priorities change as one ages. But one more question had popped into her head. A question that had been on her mind for some time now.

"Orion? What is this word you keep using, 'hell?'" 

"Oh that's a way easier way to say Tartarus."

She blinked. He had been using that constantly, he had been secretly cursing in front of her. Not much of a secret if he readily told her, but still.

"Don't go teaching your classmates that. I don't need little colts and fillies running around swearing about tartarus."

"Heh, no promises Princess."

She laughed again, "Oh and Orion?" He looked back expectantly before being escorted out. "The null ring stays on during the month of your punishment."

"SERIOUSLY?!"

She just grinned back. Revenge can be as sweet as cake.
> The Consequences
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

He couldn't believe that worked. Orion had wanted to hit himself the moment she flew into a rage.

He had no idea what came over him when he corrected her. It was like his mouth had gone on autopilot determined to get his ass killed. When her hair lit up and that wave of heat had washed over him, he near shit himself right then and there. She had become an entirely different person. And that was no illusion magic. "Where the fuck did the sharp teeth come from?"

The testicular fortitude apparently didn't end there. He stood by his decision. Hell he challenged her on it.  "The fuck is wrong with me?" At this point he should have been panicking.

When she suddenly powered down what was likely to his up close and personal conversation with the sun, he had almost sagged in relief. Blueballs and his son were still passed out. The chair the kid had been wheeled in on had melted a little. 

The rest, had honestly been a blur. Before to long he was being escorted out the throne room. The guards were nervously looking at Celestia and back to the massive double doors. He could only guess what was going on in their minds. Hell, he was still trying to figure out what was going on in his own mind. 

The moment those doors shut every single guard in his escort detail, started running their mouths like there was a race to be won. Fortunately they seemed to be focused on talking to each other then him. His thoughts were still a jumble from all this. 

He just shook his head. 







Twilight walked sedately behind Princess Celestia as they left the throne room. Her mind a jumble of what she had seen. She was terrified. First, Orion with the beating of those colts. Then, her mentor turning into a whole other pony right in front of her. She had never seen her like that.

They were heading to the royal apartment wing, where their rooms were located. The Princess had wanted to change her dress before meeting any petitioners, as the white and blue trimmed clothes she had donned this morning were black and soot stained.

"I am sorry you had to see me like that, Twilight. Truly I do not know how or why my emotions got away from me today. I am so sorry to have frightened you so." She had not turned her head nor slowed her pace, the tone being one of sorrow. 

She couldn't really respond. She made an affirmative noise and kept following behind. Her mind on the moment everything calmed down.

They were both laughing. It was so surreal. Her teacher had gone from this fiery monarch, then right back to the calm motherly figure she had first met. Orion had never even seemed concerned! He stood there arguing back with her. Then with just a few jokes, he had the Princess almost back to her usual jovial self. "What the buck happened?"

While Twilight had been caught in her own mind, her teacher had stopped and turned around to look at her. She simply walked right into her. Before she even attempted to stammer out an apology, she was wrapped in a hug. A tear had fallen on her face.

"I am so sorry, my student. I am so so sorry. You should never have seen me like that. I can only imagine what is going through your mind." She brushed her hand over her mane, quietly sobbing. "I do not truly know what came over me in there. That colt is so frustrating. He was right. Completely. And now all I keep thinking as how I could act so foalish. I was like a foal lashing out." She held Twilight tightly. "Please forgive me."

Smiling softly, and feeling a little better herself, she wrapped her arms about her teacher, hugging her tightly. "I-it's okay Princess. I won't pretend to understand what exactly happened in there, but you have been under a lot of stress lately. Maybe, maybe this was a sign. Maybe you need to relax today?" She wasn't sure what she was exactly suggesting but it seemed right. Her teacher was carrying the burden of ruling a nation, overseeing a school, and teaching her. Not to mention the stress of the earlier events.

"That sounds like a very good idea, Twilight. Come. To our rooms, and then to the royal spa. We will have our cares washed away!" There were still tears, but her Princess held a smiling face.

She knew one thing, she realized that she could never tell her about Orion's hidden talent. She was beginning to see why he wanted to stay hidden. Whatever was happening, he must be kept secret.







To say Mrs Evergarden was upset would be like saying the sky was blue. When he was escorted back in by two royal guards and told that he had been suspend from school for fighting, she had went off like Mt Saint Helens. 

Orion thought if she had not been informed about his punishment almost immediately she would likely have devised something to ruin his whole year. He sat in the library as she paced back in forth in a fury. Her pregnancy proceeding her steps. If she was inconvenienced by the bulk she certainly didn't show it.

"You promised me! YOU PROMISED! Why did you fight like that?! Look at you you're a mess. Where is your vest? Do you know how expensive those shirts are!?" She had been going on for the better part of twenty mins. The one royal guard, a Lieutenant named Errant Strikes, sat in a corner looking concerned.

Finally when it seemed to be a break in tirade that was pouring out of the irate short mare, he spoke up. When had he started to call them mares in his own head?

"First, I told you I would not go out of my way to start a fight. I didn't. Second I only told you I would try not to hurt anyone. NO guarantees were made. Given how long this took you'd think you could commend me on my own self control." Nothing he was saying was mollifying her. She was heated. 

He looked pleadingly to the Lieutenant. 

"While its true that he was involved in the altercation, and largely responsible for both damages to the school and students involved, he did not begin that fight. He was accosted..."

By the time Errant Strikes was done the head mistress of the orphanage was looking at Orion in horror. "You rebuked the Princess...." Fat lot of help the officer was.

"To be fair, I was actually right Celestia even said so." Still more horror. If anything the mention of her name without the royal title seemed to make it worse. She sat there gaping at him like a fish. "Hey she even said so! Anyway, I am suspended from school for a month, oh and the student population knows of my need now."

She blinked at him, "They know of your need...oh. Well, it was only a matter of time. Shame you couldn't keep that under wraps a little more. Still, young colt I cannot believe you. The fact that you not only bested six students, but that you struck royalty, I think I should cancel your gym membership."

"Oh come on! They started it! I only defend myself, besides it was a six on one. What was I supposed to do? Take my beating? Cower and beg them to stop? Fuck. That." It was at that point that Errant had to ask.

"You have said that word twice now. What does 'fuck' mean?" Orion just grinned at her, realization had dawned into her eyes. "You're saying buck. You are swearing constantly with just slight differences in words."

"Well hell and tartarus are not exactly the same sounding there chief. But yes. I am. And you can't stop me, no body can!" He laughed to himself while he just got womanly looks.

"So, do you know where you will be serving your community service?" Mrs Evergarden asked.

"Nope, no ones told me anything yet."

Errant Strikes coughed and spoke up, "I do. Ponyville. More specifically Ponyville's School."

"Ponyville?"








The month of torture sucked.  At least at the beginning.

Orion was not lazy enough to use magic for everything. But not being able to practice his burgeoning craft seemed to make the month last all the longer. Though he did managed to compensate some by doing actual planning for the devices he planned to create. If he was being honest with himself, he should have been doing this from the very beginning. The material he wasted could have been saved this way. He was kicking himself for not thinking of it sooner. 

He would like to say at least the month of his community service was not too bad, but it seems Celestia had a hand in what he was going to be doing to serve out his term.

She thought it an excellent idea to send him outside the city for the time he was suspended. With that in mind she dropped him in the town of Ponyville. What the fuck kinda name is that?! It's like naming a town back in his world Peopleville. It made no sense. The puns were killing him slowly he was sure.

The hotel he stayed in, if it could honestly be called that. Was a five room affair. He had the one on the end. Furthest from the continental breakfast. The room wasn't bad itself. It consisted of 2 rooms and a bathroom. The entryway opened up into the kitchen and a mini living room with a full set of furniture. The second room had the bedroom, that held a desk as well as the bed itself, and the bathroom was connected to it.

Really it was more like an apartment. Not bad at all.

The place he was serving out his sentence? Ponyville Schoolhouse. So imaginative. Be careful naming the fountain. Wouldn't want to strain anything. Troglodytes.

What he figured was gonna be a simple babysitting job of children started out as hell. The moment Mrs Buttontop left the room, for any reason, the children would turn into little tornadoes of terror. They reminded him of the Tasmanian Devil.

Oh things started out okay when he first arrived. The students seemed well behaved. The set up reminded him of those old western movies where the school Marm taught multiple grades of kids at the same time. Seemed to be the very same set up here. Some small kids no older then 5 or 6 coupled with kids nearly as old as he. Or older as two were the case.

What at first seemed like a well behaved class, turned into little hellions the moment the teacher left. Oh they didn't destroy anything thankfully. They just ran about the room and screamed at the top of their lungs like someone had shot speed directly into their veins. Throwing paper and knocking over things. The two older students were of NO help at all. Brats.

A white furred girl with a deep purple mane, Rarity if he remembered her name right, instantly buried her face in some fashion mag. The other a blonde maned girl with a sun kissed orange fur wearing a flannel shirt and overalls, began her own reading, if you could believe it, of agricultural tips. No help. When asked for help, Rarity straight up ignored him, and Applejack just glared at him telling him to handle his punishment himself. Apparently the locals knew why he was here if not the reason for it. Bitch.

The second week he had had enough of the circus. 







The shout of outrage could be heard from the train station. Filthy Rich had just stepped off the train, when the sound had reached his ears. He looked about in panic expecting himself to be under attack. But the attack never came.

Orion stood in the middle of the class glaring at Rarity and Applejack. Silence reigned in the room. Rarity had dropped her magazine, in shock. Applejack glared back. He could see the wheels in her head turning. By her posture she was planning to square up.

He was at his wits end. Giving one more glare he turned back to the mob of children around him.

He pointed to a filly, she looked to be ten or twelve, she was hiding behind her red mane. "Is this what you do for Mrs Buttontop? Acting like you have no two brain cells to stick together?"

"No...." She quietly spoke out.

"Then why oh why do it with me. You're supposed to be good little fillies and colts. Your teacher told me you were some of the best behaved foals she had ever had when I met her. Why act like such little monsters?" He had been softening the tone of his voice the longer he talked. Trying to coax the truth from her.

She didn't say anything, just looked away. He grunted in frustration.

Trying a new tactic, "Whats your name kiddo?"

The little filly finally spoke, giggling. " I'm no goat, I'm Roseluck!"

"Roseluck? That's a cute name. Kiddo is slang for foal." He ruffled her mane getting another giggle from the filly. "I am just trying to be of help to Mrs Buttontop, but I can't do my job if I have to constantly corral you lot. So please, tell me why are you all acting like this." That last he spoke to the entire class.

Roseluck still wouldn't respond, but a colt, Mirror if he remembered correctly, spoke up. "Applejack said you were a bad pony, and that we shouldn't listen to you because you were a bad pony."

Orion's head slowly turned. Applejack had the good graces to look ashamed. "And the truth, shall set you free. You and I, WILL have words later." Turning back to the small crowd of children he smiled.

"Thank you for telling me the truth Mirror. I really appreciate it. I will admit I made a mistake. I am being punished for that mistake by helping you. This is my way of showing I can be a good pony too. But I need all of your help. I can't do this on my own. So please? Help me, help Mrs Buttontop."

Speaking in such a childish way and calling himself a pony was grating as hell. But he needed to get these kids on his side. Then deal with the ramble rouser. Rarity didn't seem to have a hand in this as she seemed to be as shocked as he was. Still, she could have tried to be helpful.

He got a collective nod from the class, and for the first time since his arrival, the kids behaved. It had finally become tolerable. He was so happy, he showed them how to make a baking soda volcanoes. The kids enjoyed making up their own little mountains of fury. Rarity nor Applejack participated. The former shrugging and going back to her magazine, the later glaring daggers at him.







"So let me get this straight. You thought it was okay to whip the foals up in a frenzy because I am, and I quote, ' a low down rotten varmint that ain't gonna change for nopony'. Correct?

A glaring nod was his only confirmation.

"Do you have any idea what I did?"

The response was now a hesitant shake of her head. Uncertainty in her eyes.

So Orion told her, the whole story. No pointing in hiding anything. As he carried on her eyes got bigger and bigger. At the end she was kicking the ground with a hoof. Looking away in shame from his very righteously angry eyes.

"So, you think maybe, just maybe, that I might not be the low down 'varmint' you think I am?" Talking like these people was killing him. It sounded so childish to his ears. This month couldn't end soon enough.

"I'm awful sorry, I jest thought ya was a bad pony. Not werth the effort ta give a chance."

"Okay, two things. Is that honestly how you lot treat others? With suspicion without having the context of the truth? And two, how did you think this, causing the kids to run amok, made you any better then me?"

She blushed, her ears turning red and looking at everything but him. "That's right, squirm." He was enjoying this a little too much.

"I thot ya was jest some criminal out on parole." He blinked. How old did she think he was?

"You do realize I'm like, a year younger then you right?"

He eyes jerked back to his eyes wide in shock. Apparently she didn't. Then again he did tower over her. Looks could be deceiving. "No way! Ya way bigger than I am. How are ya younger then me?"

"Well how, is that I was born after you." A lie but only in the sense he was essentially reborn in this word. "The size is just good eating and clean living. Oh and plenty of exercise."

He had regretted saying that shortly after.







"You hated me. Tell me why and how you convinced me that helping you with your chores was a good idea?" He was tired, sweaty. And still trying to figure out how he got here. "Why in the hell did I make that bet?"

Applejack, looked back with a happy grin, "Well, ya said you were strong, I bet you ta prove it, and you rose ta the challange. That's why yer here!" Well don't feel too pleased with yourself. Wouldn't want to break off being too smug. "Why did I make that bet?"

It was Saturday. Three days after Orion had finally gotten the class to cooperate. There was still the occasional wad of paper thrown, but it was way more manageable then the week before. He was supposed to be sleeping in. But nope, Applejack showed up at the asscrack of dawn to rouse him from his well earned sleep. He should have left the door shut and ignored her. The challenge would never have been issued nor accepted if he had just gotten more sleep.

There she was dressed in the same outfit she wore to school grinning from ear to ear. He knew he should have just slammed the door in her face. But he heard her out, mistake number one.

His second mistake was allowing her to goad him. His vanity on his physical form and it's abilities seemed to have only grown since he started to go to the gym, he was rather proud of what he achieved. Vanity you bitch.

Having a second chance at life starting out really made him appreciate the idea of his own health. His life as a human was spent wasting money on things he didn't need. Food that was of no real help. And women, that he knew was using him as an atm only. So this turn around of his life style really was derived from his past experience.

He achieved nothing. His stamina was shot to shit when it came to the long haul, and now he knew it. He was sweating and had long ago shucked his shirt. He snorted. He felt like an actual damn horse. He had been pulling this cart for the better part of four hours. He had been thinking about new and very crude names for the cart since this morning. 

The farm, Sweet Apple Acres, was massive. It had to have covered at least five hundred acres if not more of land. The apple trees seemed to be the main production crop of the farm. But they also supplied the local town with various vegetables; corn and tomatoes taking up the bulk of that. 

They had cows. And Orion dashed away any hope of tasting steak again. They talked. Every fucking one of them talked. They stood upright too. And he had finally accepted walking talking horses. He wanted to cry. 

They had pigs too. Fortunately they were just pigs. No walking and talking for them. But they were just for getting rid of excess food and making fertilizer. Smart really. Waste of bacon though.

Finally they had loaded it up enough to haul back to the barn. Fuck was the thing heavy. And because it was his ego being put out to the test, it was all for him. Joy.

Rolling the cart into the barn, Applejack and he started to unload the cart. The baskets seemed like feathers after the cart so for him it was done, thankfully, quickly. She stood back admiring the stacks of apple baskets. He knew it was this apple bucking season thing, but couldn't they hire temp workers for this shit.

"Hooo weee that there is a lot of apples. Thank ya kindly, Orion. Never woulda got my chores done today if not fer you." She grinned at him. He stared back incredulous.

"This bitch. Used me. The fuck?!" He was just trying to breathe at this point. No weakness was the mantra he was saying for the last 20 mins. He felt like he would have puked. "Don't let this shithead user see you collapse. You will win this bet."

"Hey you foals its lunch time!" The deep baritone of her father erupted from the front of the barn, causing him to jump out of his skin and her to giggle and ye haw. Seriously, who does that unironically?

The Apples, as a family, seemed like a nice bunch.

He had met her brother, who made him nervous. For all Orion's gains in the gym, this dude was still somehow bigger then him. If this was the NFL someone would have been chomping at the bit to sign him, trained or not. 

The man was a muscle. There was no better way to describe it. The fact that him and his dad seemed to drink from the same miracle grow did not surprise him. He stood tall and had rather kind eyes for someone that could bend you into shapes you shouldn't be. Red furred with a dirty blond mane he was the largest of the clan. They called him Big Mac, Big Macintosh in full. He just called him Diesel. Didn't expect them to understand the reference. Still fit. 

Mr Macintosh, known as Bright Mac, was much like his red furred son. But shorter. But built much the same. His fur was a soft lemon color, with a red mane that he could spot from miles away. Orion wanted to know who their protein provider was. Likely a man named Genetics, first name You-don't-have-them.

Applejack was built more like her mother. Smaller then her older sibling, but that didn't fool Orion none. The girl was strong. He could see it in the way she hit the trees like it was going out of style. He couldn't really figure out an easier way of getting those apples other than magic, which was still denied to him. So watching her work was a bit fear inspiring.

Her mother, Pear Butter, was likely his favorite of the group. She was warm and kind, didn't tolerate lying none but that's okay. Her mane was a dark peach while her fur was a lighter colored version of a peach. He had made the joke that she was peachy king but no one got it. Oh well. She had a dedication to the job at hand that he didn't see much of in many others. Applejack shared that with her.

Unlike the rest of the family, that wore overalls, she wore a flannel yellow dress. In his opinion she was a true southern belle. Only ever heard of em, never really got to meet one himself. But she fit the bill if there ever had.

The last child of the family was little Applebloom, but she couldn't walk or do anything yet. She did however look so much like her daddy it was a little scary. Though her mane was a little more pink. Cute as a button though. 

The last one he had to grin at. Granny Smith was an old mare. Honestly, a mummy looked less dry. But the old bat had fire and spirit. She was the matriarch of the family and Orion could see why. Standing shorter then Applejack, she still commanded the farm like a foreman. Not unkind but firm in what needed to be done.

Her green fur was a far cry from the others. Same with the white mane done up in a bun. however, she did dress much like the others. Only she seemed to have made her overalls into a skirt. Practical if he was being honest.

The announcement of lunch meant the winning of the bet. Though he had no idea what to demand from Applejack as of yet. Still, he won. Ha take that bitch. He stumbled but straightened out immediately, no weakness. He would die when he got back to the hotel. Show no weakness to the enemy. "Oh God, why the fuck did I take that bet?"

The enemy in question, looked upset. But then again she did just lose. Serves her right for waking him up so early. He was beginning to feel this victory was rather hollow.

They all marched into the house, well he shambled like the walking dead. He still won. "Ow."

The two story wooden farm house was rather large, and it was beautiful. The entire home was made of applewood, fitting because you know, apple farm. The inside was all warm and inviting, the outside had the family's history carved in little pictograms on the door and window frames. It was a neat idea honestly.

Latter Granny told him the story of how they came to be, how they, the apples, founded Ponyville. He did not make any jokes. When she began to recite the family tree, he realized just how big the Apple family actually was. Holy Fuck. Did they not know what a condom was? The way she told it, the Apples made up half of Equestria's population on their own.

The table had a spread he didn't think he would see outside of those made for family movies. His mouth watered. Corn, potatoes fried, eggs. Wait, was that, bacon? A closer look reveled that it was actually bacon. He slowly glanced around the table. The family just smiled at him. No. Way.

"Um, is that...bacon?" He had to ask. Surely he was seeing things.

"Why yes it is sonny. AJ told us about ya need ta have a proper diet and all." Granny was smiling. This was okay? he glanced around at the others. 

Only the red giant seemed a little uncomfortable at the idea, but he nodded all the same.

"Annnd, this is okay with all of you. An animal had to die for this you know?" More nods. Well shit. "I thank you then, Thought I was going to have to spend a month being a vegetarian down here." He dug in. The bacon was like sex, and there was an orgy in his mouth. He did his best not to moan.

That meal had to be the most satisfying thing he had ever eaten. The nobles could have their, whatever they called that slop. This was the food Orion was sure he would eat till he died if he had the chance.

"Granny I need to raid your cookbook for your recipes. This was, whew, delicious thank you." He had been elbow deep in soap water washing out the dishes the family had used. He offered. He was feeling to good.

Chuckling, Granny wiped down another plate he handed her, "Sorry youngin'. Ya need ta be apart of the family to get access fer that." But she had turned her head to smile at Applejack. He did not miss the meaning of that look.

Thinking quickly, "Then you will be seeing me for Christmas. Oh wait its called Hearth's Warming. You'll be seeing me for Hearth's Warming." She cackled at that.

"You'd come down from that big ol' fancy town jest ta see us?"

"Between you and me Granny, Canterlot can suck a frozen over lemon. Folks up there have their noses so far up into the air, it's buried in their ass." A sudden wack had him yelping. Granny didn't like swearing. And she had quickly picked up what the words he used actually meant. Still she was nodding in agreement about them anyway. A smile on her face.

"Next time I get the soap, a colt your age shouldn't be using such rough language."

"Granny, a colt my age would never have lived on the street before they were six." Granny nodded soberly to that. He had told her. Not about where he really came from but about life growing up in the Orphanage. And the streets of Stalliongrad. It seemed natural to tell the mare. He could tell it tore her up hearing it. But she bore the tale without breaking down like the one therapist did in Manehatten. Seriously how did that dude have a license. Give it to Granny.

All in all it was a good time. He told Applejack that he would think about what to ask for. Since he was coming back in December, apparently Granny was expecting him. He said he would likely have an idea what to ask for then. Truthfully he had no idea.







Orion had only one dealing with the only other student near his age in the class he was helping, no scratched that, serving out his time. Stupid sun horse.

At first Rarity seemed way more self absorbed then anyone one person had any right to be. The dresses she wore seemed to be top of the line and he suspected she came from a very well off family. Turns out he was dead wrong, about the dresses, the family was very well off. 

Oh she was a bit pretentious. And that accent she was trying to cultivate, sounded North Atlantic, couldn't be sure. Was absolutely awful. But what caused him to reevaluate her, was that he had found out she was making clothes for the orphanage in town. 

Seriously, why is there an orphanage in almost every town? Do kids just sprout from the ground in horse world? Do they rain from the sky?

Rarity had cornered him in the hall going out to the playground. At first, he thought he was going to be assaulted. 

"I need your help this afternoon. Dear Applejack said you were strong and more then willing to help out if the reward was good enough." At first he just blinked. He had been thinking of throwing a punch. AJ sold him out. The bitch.

He did not want to do anything with or for the pretentious little shit. But because he had seen AJ regularly hanging out with her, he thought better of telling her to simply fuck off. Oh but it would be so satisfying.

"Ugh fine what the hell do you want oh lady of means?" That got a funny look from her, "Keep in mind I am not cleaning your house. You want a house cleaned you call Consuela." 

"I-what? Who is Consuela? No, wait never mind. I think it would be a headache I don't need to add onto my already busy day. Just be here at 3. And please don't be late darling I am really counting on you."

Darling? "....You haven't even bought me dinner yet and your giving me a pet name already?"







What he was expecting was not this. He was loading another box of clothes off the cart and into the orphanage. Turns out, the reason she had her head buried in that fashion mag, was because it had a 'excellent article' on making clothes in masse. She had spent the next three days afterward mass producing a wide array of children's clothes. It was in advance of Hearth's Warming. 

Orion was oddly touched. He had never seen this done in the big cities like Canterlot and Manehatten. When he made it big with his pen sales he might just follow suit. Might hire her to coordinate. 

The clothes themselves were amazingly well made. Slightly stretchy but with soft durable fabric. She even put in her own business tag on each article. He had to chuckle at that. Seems she was looking to her own future business.

All of this, watching her interact with the headmistress, a Mrs Dollop, and engaging the children with candy and kind words, had cast her in a new light. He still thought she was pretentious. But, he had to admit, she had a generous heart.

When they were done they waved goodbye to the kids, and he grabbed the cart to start pulling it back towards her home. The sun was getting low in the sky so he figured it was closing in on seven in the evening. He looked at her and opened his mouth to ask what was next, and a sour apple sucker was shoved into his mouth. She gave him a dazzling smile, she was looking rather pleased with herself. Then she hugged onto his arm. Now it was awkward.

Getting to her house was no issue. Three stories in the design of one of those Victorian homes he had seen in pictures. Back when he had dreams of owning his own home. It was in various purples. All he could see was she being the one who picked the colors. Her family must be rich hippies. 

They were out of town he found out. Which made him extremely nervous when she asked him to come inside. Flashbacks from the mares in Canterlot, and Twilight too, coming to his mind unbidden. When she asked him to strip to his small clothes he tried to leave.

"I am not getting naked for no girl I have known for all of a week." A deep purple aura was wrapped around his waste. But he was making headway to the door pulling her along.

"Darling please stop I only want to get your measurements! I promise there will be no impropriety to be hand tonight!" She was sweating with the effort of trying to stop him from leaving. She had actually held onto the door frame of the living room.

Looking back at her suspiciously, "No funny stuff?"

She grunted with exertion. "No funny stuff I promise, now please, would you come back in and let me measure you."

Orion stopped trying to use her as a pony plow. "Fine fine. Though why do you want my measurements so bad anyway?" He had begun stripping off his clothes leaving only the briefs on. Maybe he could get her to make boxers.

"So I can repay you for your help darling. Now that your un-" She stopped. 

Looking up he saw her ears and face flushed red. Oh great another one.

"Applejack certainly wasn't lying, you are....well built for a unicorn. I don't think I have seen another colt like you..." She stood away and used her magic to start taking the measurements she wanted, she did his chest twice. And paused by his bands. "Those look....fetching on you. Gold seems to really suit you."

"Oh? Gold does it for me eh? And do you go undressing all of the guys you meet as well?" He was grinning as her blushed deepened.

"You are very uncouth, you know that?" She was writing everything down on a note pad. But that blush remained. 

"Well excuse the orphan for not getting one of them fancy educmacations and what not like all them rich ponies who has that there money they always be slinging about." He was glad AJ wasn't here. He had utterly butchered her accent.

For Rarity's part she just blinked at him, blush gone. "You're an....Orphan?" 

"Uh yeah. Though AJ would have told you. She didn't? I didn't exactly keep it a secret."

"I....I am so sorry....what happened? If I may ask I know its not polite..."A finger on her lips silenced her. A-ha! Blush back in full swing. So he told her a rough summary of his life while he got dressed again. The blush had gone away again, but tears seemed to become the new mainstay on her face. Great. Another girl he made cry.

"That is....so...s-o.....sadddddd" She wailed. She really wailed. Full waterworks and falling on the couch and everything. Holy shit she was dramatic. "Y-y-yyyyyyou been all alone since you were five...."She broke down again. 

"Jesus Christ lady, this shit didn't even happen to you why are you so worked up?" That didn't slow her tears, not a wit. "Come on Rarity. I'm okay. I may not have a family but I had an excellent opportunity to go to one of the best rated schools in the nation. I'm top of my class. I even know Princess Celestia. Which is bizarre for me, but still I have a good life."

The water works were starting to come to a finality. Then stopped altogether. "You know the Princess?" Her eyes sparkled, then darkened. "And let me guess you see her in your usual garb." It was a statement. His usual garb being a random collared T-shirt and slacks.

"Uh, at least twice now. Though my shirt was pretty ripped up on my second meeting. I was pretty much topless." He looked at her, noticing her aghast expression. He pushed it. "The way she was looking at me I think she has a thing for colts if you know what I'm saying." He winked, and she sputtered and fainted.

Chuckling to himself he draped a blanket over her and left the home, locking the door. Too easy.







The month long torture had finally, come to an end. A guard had been assigned to remove the null ring at the station. Thank God. He was wearing his bands so he levitated the whole family for shits and giggles. Applebloom seemed to be the only one having a grand old time with it.

Granny had whacked him again.

Rarity was there as well. She handed him a package with a smile and a smack. She hadn't forgotten his prank on her that night. Opening the gift he found a full black suit. Gold trim on the cuffs, the right lapel was decorated in a gold swirl pattern that he recognized as his own horn. Intermingled with the swirls were several shades of green as well as some purple. the pants had gold pipping along the seams. With a white under shirt and a black tie that had a similar look to the lapel. "Jesus, she went all out." 

"Holy shit she even added diamond cufflinks? Where the hell did she get diamonds from?" He didn't ask.

Her parents were no longer hippies to him. No, she was part of a crime family and he had better watch his step. No concrete wading boots for him thank you.

He thanked her, got a hug from her before he left. Applejack and her whole family mobbed him. It was nice. The town of Ponyville maybe unimaginative. But it was home to some decent people.

He was finally on his way home. Back to classes.Back to honing his hidden craft.

Orion had arrived back inside the orphanage with little fanfare other then a smiling Mrs Evergarden to greet him. Giving her a hug and asking how the baby was. He had found it odd that she was having another kid, considering her last two had graduated last year. Turns out ponies lived to be a 180 on average. Who knew the vegan diet extended life. Not giving up bacon. Nope. Early death for him.

He unpacked and settled into his room. He had wanted to go immediately back down into the basement to start working. But, he didn't. He laid down to reflect on his conversations with AppleJack, and Granny. He really was too angry. Thats what Granny had told him. 

He never really allowed the therapists to help him. He just confused them on purpose so they stayed outta his head. His time spent in that sleepy town slowed him down. Made him open up a bit. He felt, good actually. Maybe Celestia sent him down more to relax then as a punishment. He would have to ask her the next time he saw her. But please don't let it be anytime soon.







He had been expecting this. His arrival at school heralded a silence he remembered from the school yard brawl a month prior. He chose to ignore it entirely, his teachers had not bothered to treat him any differently, so he ignored the student body. They knew what he was after all. Some good news came in the form of a lack of guard presence at the school. Though it did beg him to ask were they where when he got jumped.

News had gotten to him that Blueblood and his son had returned to Trottingham. Hoped they rotted there.

The bad news, was he saw Twilight. And Twilight had seen him. Her eyes held terror when she looked at him. "Ah shit."  They had looked at each other for what seemed like hours to him, but seconds in reality. She swiftly turned around all but fled down the other hall. She had gotten to see him at his worst. And blinked. Still no guards to scoop him up. So she hadn't said anything about his other more hidden talents. He took it as a win, but it was a hollow one.

Twilight never did come talk to him. He couldn't blame her. He would have likely done the same in her shoes.

For the most part his classes went on. He was excited for the elective of combat magic that was coming next year when he got into high school. Apparently after elementary and jr. high, general education stopped and schools for unicorns seemed to focus exclusively on magical education. No more boring ass lectures on things he already knew. Woo hoo.

A few weeks later, Orion found out his file had another request, from one Baroness Smith. He had an idea who it was. But to find out she was a noble kinda made him pause. Nothing further happened. Mrs Evergarden's hopes were dashed that he might have finally gotten a home. He felt bad for her.




 


Winter arrived with all the control a society that manipulated the weather on a whim could do. He helped shovel the side walk in front of the orphanage being the only one above ten he figured it was a good idea to do so. His thoughts were elsewhere. He was going to have a real Christmas dinner this year.

Normally he had whatever fare Mrs Evergarden supplied. Which was good, if a little boring day in and day out. This year however, he was headed back to Ponyville. To some good eating. He also had questions for Granny. So his trip was going to be a good one.

He bid Mrs Evergarden goodbye. She looked like she was about to pop. Eleven month gestation period for a child? Earth girls had it easy.

No one was there to greet him at the station, though he did come in a couple of days early. He wanted to help out and surprise them. Him. Volunteering to do labor.  This town was rubbing off on him. Whatever.

He arrived at Sweet Apple Acres in the afternoon, and took notice of a black wreath swaying from the entrance gate. It was on the front door of the house. The barn too.

"What the hell?"

Walking up he knocked on the front door. What he expected, was not what he got. Applejack had answered the door. She was wearing black. And had been crying. Turns out Granny was just fine. It was her parents.







A timber wolf attack. That's what claimed them 2 weeks ago. They had been working together to put the last of the trees to bed before winter was scheduled to hit. It was late and hard to see. Applejack was the first to arrive after the screams. She held her mother as she bled out. Her father died protecting her. Orion just stared. The two nicest people he had ever met. Taken. Fuck.

He didn't know what to feel. His heart ached for Applejack and her siblings. For Applebloom, who would never know her parents. For Granny, who now had to carry the burden of raising three kids on her own. Big Mac hadn't been seen much outside of his room. AJ seemed to be the one carrying the chores with Granny.

That all too familiar rage was taking hold of him again. He made sure to show no outward signs. Nothing obvious at least. But not knowing what to feel gave way to the anger and hatred in him. Now with a new target.







Granny watched the young colt seethe in the chair at the dinning room. He was holding it in but she could see the tenseness of his body. She knew that look. Her husband had the same look when justice needed to be served. She sent everypony else to bed for the night, so that she could speak to him. Try to head it off before it consumed him. She hadn't realized how fast he got angry.

"Son, now I a see what ya are thinking. Well unthink it." He looked up at her. Cold gray eyes staring into her orange ones. The rage behind the ice. She had read his file. And of the recent incident on it. He was going to do something foalish and she knew it.

He didn't even give her a chance to argue. "You can't stop me Mrs Smith." Not a good sign, he hadn't called her that since she corrected him about it when they first met.

"You'll getcha self killed going out into them woods tonight. Its cold, and those blasted wolves know that forest better'n you." She realized she was pleading. She knew what was coming. "If ya go an do this, you ain't welcome back here." It was a hard sell. But she had to try something. Teras were beginning to form in her eyes.

"So be it Mrs Smith. It was a pleasure knowing you and your family." He spoke calmly, smiling gently, then teleported out. Granny wept.








Explosions rocked the farm that night. The screams of dying timber wolves rang out in the air. Granny went out once, and found Orion, slaughtering a pack he had lured out into a barren field. Even in the dark, the moon high, she could see blood down his chest, arms, back. It was everywhere. He didn't seem to notice. He was grinning, the teeth she had only glimpsed, on full display in the moonlight.

The wolves died by the dozen that night. She saw it. The sight terrified her. In all her years she had never seen anypony work so violently to kill.

There was no colt there. It was a monster of flesh and hoof carving it's way through an ever growing pile of dead wood.

Granny went quickly back inside, and shut the door. Death was the only thing out there now.







Redheart was groggy as she sipped her cup of coffee. Early morning never agreed with her. Her schooling as a nurse was almost complete. She was doing all the practical work now and the staff in Ponyville General trusted her enough to do most of it by herself.

What greeted her when she walked into the lobby, was not something she was trained to handle. A broken leg or sprain yes. But this was a horror show.

Standing in the middle of the lobby was a stallion, no a colt though he was tall enough. His clothes were torn to shreds and he was covered in bruises, scratches, and bite marks. Blood was everywhere. A green goo seemed to be intermixed with his blood. "What in tartarus had happened?!"

The doctors and surgeons raced past her, getting him onto a stretcher he quickly soaked in more blood. 

Those eyes, it was as if he was dead and hadn't realized it yet.







Applejack stared at what greeted her in the early morning light. The explosions last night had woken her and her brother up. But Granny wouldn't let them leave the house to find out what was going on. Orion was no where to be found in the home. Had he gone back to the hotel? Granny didn't answer her. She just shook as she blocked the door from the two siblings.

The morning dawned but nopony but Applebloom got any sleep that night. Her and Big Mac went out the moment the sun was up to find out what had happened. Granny protested but she was too tired to do much.

The killing field. No other term for it, was littered with wood. Wood limbs and body parts of timber wolves. A lot of timber wolves. The ground was pock marked with furrowed ground, craters, and even some of the ground looked to have been dug out and used to crush more wolves.

Big Mac, vomited. He was always a sensitive pony. 

Granny refused to answer about what happened. But AJ was no dummy. She could reason it out. But was Orion okay? She headed for the hotel, but the clerk said he had never checked in. She went to Rarity to ask if she had seen him, and to relay the events of yesterday. 

Rarity, and turns out half the town were awoken as well that night. But most were to terrified to go outside. The budding fashionista suggested they search the hospital. Aj's heart sank at the idea.






They found him in the ICUl. Her hand to her mouth. He was covered in bandages that had bled through in some places. She asked nurse Redheart what had happened, who had found him. He had apparently walked in without a sound. Covered in blood. She could tell the nurse was frightened. Nopony had ever seen anything like this. Not in Ponyville. He never spoke a word, passed out while still standing. He was listed as anonymous on the paper work. But they had changed it once they found out his name from Applejack. 

Rarity just reached over and held his hand. The heart monitor was the only thing in the room that made a sound.









She had learned a message to the guard had been sent to the local garrison, and from there to Canterlot. 

Princess Celestia with a retinue of guards and aids marched into the lobby. Applejack had been visiting for the past two days since she found him here with Rarity, was first to see her enter Orion's room. She bowed after a few seconds of stammering.

"Rise my little pony. I take it your name is Applejack?" A slow nod was all she could give. The princess was here. HERE. With her.

"Do you know what happened to this colt?" The Princess seemed to be in a no nonsense mood. Her face was dark and imposing.

She ended up relaying everything. From the moment she met Orion to the moment she found him lying on the bed, covered in bandages. She never could tell a short story. Or lie.







Celestia for her part remained calm. As calm as she could. This morning she had been tidying up, getting ready for another lonely Hearth's Warming Eve, Twilight was spending the season with her family and recently promoted brother, Shining Armor. He had earned the rank of Lieutenant. Though, she may have tipped the balance in his favor. Nothing wrong with a little nepotism.

Errant Strikes had come in after a polite knock and bow, and presented her with the morning news out of her cities. That is when she found out about Orion. She didn't stop to think. She mustered her guard,  gathering what ponies that she could and raced over here in a fleet of carriages. Her first stop was the site of the incident on report.

It reminded her to closely of a battle field after the reunification wars. The ground was torn apart, pieces of timber wolves everywhere. Baroness Smith, though she insisted on being called Granny despite her royal titles, spoke of what she saw that night. Celestia could not believe it. 

Orion's class was not set to learn basic combat spells till next year. So unless he is a natural, or she suspected more, he was reading what he shouldn't. The teleportation was something new as well. He wasn't supposed to know how to do that but she figured Twilight might have taught him. Though she should not have. Looking back to the land. She ordered the royal examiners to set field spells up to recreate that night. She needed to see, it. To know exactly what happened here. 

After a tense but polite exchange with Granny, she left to the hospital. Along the way she had her guards go about asking questions to the local populace about the evening prior.

Now she sat there, in a seat too small for her, listening to Applejack relaying her tale of when she met Orion to now. All while looking at him, laying there unconscious. The doctors spoke to her in hushed tones about the numerous cuts and bruises he had received in his one pony war against the wolves. 

His face bore a cut passing over his left eye just missing his horn and under his right eye. That was going to scar if he didn't get the proper treatment. 

His fingers on his right hand were mangled, likely chewed buy one of his victims. There were slashes and bites peppering his torso, back and arms. 

She couldn't see his legs but the doctors report had said his legs were slashed near to pieces. This was beyond reckless. She was furious at him. Why?

Then she listened as the young filly in the room, holding onto his hand, told of the death of her parents by the wolves. She understood now. Vengeance can consume a pony. She would know since it claimed her many times. 

Right then and there she made a decision to not to yell at him. The family obviously meant a great deal to him. She wouldn't even punish him. The wolves did that plenty for her. No, she would do nothing but be grateful that such a promising young colt was alive.

The cracked eyelid. The colt had been awake. For how long. Knowing him since she got here. She might punish him for that. He noticed that she noticed, and gave a nod before closing his eyes. He would be alright.

Celestia thanked the young cow mare for her time and her story. She left the room and spoke to the doctors once more. She had told them he was awake but playing it quiet. To let the young filly leave before heading in with questions. She also left her assistant, Raven, behind to ask some pertinent ones.

Feeling that everything was covered she departed the hospital and flew herself back to the field.

The team had gotten the fields set up and running quickly. After a nod from her, the field activated. There was so much magic thrown about that night it was a clear picture. And she sat on the stump, jaw slowly going slack.

Orion's strategy seemed to boil down two things. Bait and slaughter. Not big in the brains department, but effective against these beasts. He burned them, shot them with magic arrows, ripped them apart barehanded. They fought back. Not gaining much ground. 

But as the images, sped up so nopony had to sit in the cold all day, showed them slowly getting the occasional bite in. The claw here. Jumping on his back at one point. Though that ended poorly for the wolf. Instead of grabbing the wolf Orion simply ignited his body. That was a new one she hadn't seen before. The wolf burned to ash before it even had time to sink it's teeth in. 

She noticed something then. Orion's range was short. Only ten or so meters. That is not usual for a unicorn. Was he just wanting it up close and personal? No. A fireball fell way short of its intended target. He just couldn't hold the magic long enough to go further out. Was it because he was distracted by the numerous targets? No again. Even when the last tried to run and he had trouble picking them off. A magic beam easily hit however. So maybe as long as its connected to him it can reach a normal distance. But he was stunted in range. 

One hurdle beaten, another grew in its place. He wasn't going to have a future as a mobile artillery unit.

However, what he lacked in range was more then covered by sheer physical speed and strength. He crushed heads stomped in rib cages. He even kicked one into a tree. They found the impaled corpse later.

The one thing that kept coming back to her mind was the question: "This is a colt?"

Her guards were having a hard time watching. She really needed to turn the guard around. But nopony had attacked in centuries. As long as she was there they would continue to stagnate.

They played the final moments of the battle at a normal speed. The laughter set chills down her spine. Granny Smith was right. He had become a monster that night.

She thanked the examiners. Had them record the entire battle. She would watch it again later, and many times to come.

Seeing as there was nothing else she could do. Orion was still playing Mr Unconscious. So she posted her personal guards. And sent for her own Physician to start the recovery process. She would ask questions later. But she felt his pain. Losing what you consider family can break a pony. It had obviously done so for him.

But the consequences, there always the consequences.







That night, inside Ponyville General Hospital, Light Stitch was checking in on the pediatric unit. Not many foals were housed in there, but it was good to always keep an eye on them every hour or so. It was only midnight and it was already shaping up to be a drag. This was her third twelve hour shift, and she was beginning about thinking of a new career.

That new mare, Redheart, she could easily take her place.

The scream that tore through the halls from the ICU ward frightened her so badly she landed on her flank. "What in the buck was that?!" The only thing to answer her was more screams. She hit the alarm at the nurses workstation that called the orderlies. Taking off in a sprint she made her way to the ward. There was more then screams. There was shouting coming from room 314. That was the colt, Orion Falls.

The orderlies came in hot on her hooves as they all burst into his room to see the bed flipped over the IV pole ripped apart. The patient was holding one end like a sword screaming in terror. His eyes wild and unfocused, as if he was seeing demons that she could not. The frogs of his hooves were stepping into broken glass, the blood on them meant he had cut himself.  It was then that she realized what he was shouting. 

"I DIDN'T FUCKING DO IT! I ONLY MADE THE GODDAMN THING!" He took a swing at Torque nearly catching him in the face. In the seconds he swung and missed, Mortar managed to catch the colt around the waist. Just managing to catch the pole from him. The other orderly was quick to help to subdue the colt.

Light ran to the cabinet pulling out a syringe in her shaking hands. She nearly stabbed herself twice as she dipped the needle in the vial of Haloperidol. Tapping a finger against the glass syringe she squeezed to get the air out. 

Meanwhile, Orion fought like a wild animal, he had actually managed to toss both orderlies off of him. And sent a straight punch right into Mortar's solar plexus. The stallion went down with a wheeze. He had turned his attention to Torque, who was looking like he was reconsidering his own career.

She took what she believed was her only chance, tackling the hysterical colt she jabbed the needle into his thigh, depressing the plunger into his blood stream. He tossed her the moment she had finished and scrambled back to his hooves.

He was staring wild eyed at her as he grabbed onto her nurse's uniform. "I didn't do it! I was framed, set up by those bastards sitting in those benches! I'M BEING FRAMED! CAN'T YOU ASSHOLES SEE THIS AT ALL?! CAN'T.....you...see...I'm being set...up..." He collapsed onto the ground. His stitches were definitely torn open. 

The light was flicked on in the room for the first time since they entered. Blood was everywhere. It had seeped through the bandages, through the hospital gown. It was on the floor, the walls, he had even somehow managed to get some on the ceiling. 

Light wanted to help, but she was terrified. She had fallen again on her flank. Though she seemed to miss the glass shattered on the ground. He was still staring at her. Pleading with her for, something. She had no idea what it was.

The two stallions just looked on in confusion. "What the buck was that!" Getting to her hooves she took stock of the room, the two orderlies, and the colt that had just now begun to shut his eyes.

"I need to change careers."
> Struggle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia sat alone in her study. Hearth's Warming had come and gone. A lonely time for her to be sure. Another year, decade, century spent alone. Though Twilight had visited her. 

That memory brought a smile to her face. Her student really does have a kind heart. Her inability to make friends, however, troubled her. The only one she had any focus on was Orion. Though lately she has not said a word about him. She knew why.

A spell had continued to play the battle of that night nearly a week ago. She had it cast in front of her desk. That colt, looked like more of a stallion that the night. Si Metus Maerens, Overwhelming Fear, or Intimidation. It was an older spell. One that hadn't seen much use since the Second Reunification War. 

Most of her ponies that had ever used it, had only a moderate effect. On Orion with his teeth, that grin, it was almost terrifying. She had also figured out why he seemed larger, he had modified the spell. And he was able to cast it on the fly which meant he had practice with it. What other forbidden knowledge had he somehow found that he should not yet know? Or know at all.

In truth, he reminded her much of her student. Though, Twilight listened when told no despite her curiosity. She had sense enough to wait for Celestia to let her know when she was ready for more. Truthfully the way the filly devoured her instructions and understood them made her want to ease off the reigns a little. But, Twilight's ineptitude for making true connections with others was stunting her from the role Celestia intended her to play. Better to play it safe and allow her to grow naturally when she is ready, after all she had nothing but time.

The report on advanced student's books going missing from time to time and then reappearing again gave her an idea where Orion was getting all his knowledge from. "But what is his goal? What does he intend to do with this? What was the point to his rapid advancement? Where had this innate knowledge of science and math come from?" He was clearly more advanced then what his teachers knew, at least when it came to the basic academia. Who had raised him before abandoning him in Stalliongrad with no memory? 

That was it. It had to be. He didn't know who dropped him there. Or why. He must be driven for knowledge in order to prepare for his search. Celestia too, wanted to know who would abandon such a foal. The examinations and tests done when he first arrived, showed he was no Shadow Pony. So she breathed easy knowing she had wiped that race out for good. But the more she brewed on it, the more she wanted to perform another battery of tests. Just to be sure.

But his mixed heritage was another question she had no answer. There was no trace of Diamond Dog blood. Or Griffon. She even allowed a comparison to Dragon blood. It came back negative too. And it was too much of a stretch anyway. Dragons, even barely breeding age dragons, were too big for a pony. 

The tests showed there is unicorn blood. But there was something else. Some other strain that seemed, magically stagnant. Like it didn't belong. Just who were his parents? 

She had began to think he might be a golem. But if he was, then someone had figured out how to stuff a soul into one. Which was improbable. Not to mention how would one go about making it grow like another mortal individual? Then there is the fact that he is not made of inorganic materials.

"Also he would have no magic generation on his-" She shook her head. She was going to far afield in a dead study. Without an enchanter a golem could not even be powered.

She laughed to herself, she was obsessed about this colt as much as she was for the mysterious enchanter that was hidden inside her borders. She WOULD find them. She had idly thought that Orion was the enchanter himself. But seeing as he was struggling with his magic, not just with power but range now. No. That pony didn't know how. Though she wished he did.

That, and she had him tailed for a little while. There was never any indication that he was attempting anything. Most of what he seemed to do was read, and practice various spells behind the orphanage. Daisy Evergarden had provided him a room in the basement for his studies, but when her agent inspected the room he saw nothing but books. 

Advanced for sure, but most settled into the either math, or chemical ingredients and their effects. A foal would not have thought ahead to hide anything. Though the idea of him messing with something that might explode did cause her concern. Some of the items on those lists were volatile to each other. But he actually had them marked as such.

Having him frisked at school had been another strategy. She had figured if he had anything that might be what she hoped she would find it then. Nothing. The search in his locker also reveled nothing. So she was ruling him out.

She had found suspicions activity in the dark quarter, and decided to have her agent reallocated there, tracking the possible illegal activity that may be there for the time being. 

Thinking of Orion, Twilight's silence on the colt had finally made Celestia ask about him that afternoon when she had visited for Hearth's Warming.

"I haven't heard much about Orion from you Twilight. You two have a little spat?"

The poor filly had jerked in her seat the moment she had mentioned his name. The struggle to form words was readily apparent on her face. The scene in the school's courtyard must have left a deep mental scar on her student. She had yet to tell her about what had happened to him on his second trip down into Ponyville.

"N-no, no fight. J-just been too busy with my own studies. Y-y-eah that's it." Twilight would have to learn to lie eventually. But for now, it served Celestia's needs.

"You filly, are a terrible lair. This is about that fight at the school isn't it?" Her student could only look away. She sighed. "You do understand that Orion was merely defending himself from those colts, right?" A nod but still no eye contact. "I'll tell you a little secret about him that I know...."

An ear flicked toward her, that got her attention. Celestia inwardly smiled.

"You know, he is really rather well built. I got to see him with out his shirt on and for a colt of fourteen, well, he is gonna be one hot to trot stallion when he gets older. As long as he maintains his regiment that is." She got the reaction she wanted. Twilight was furiously blushing, looking everywhere but at her. She chuckled. Ah to be young and have options. "Now that is a bitter thought isn't in you old mare."

In a more serious tone, "Twilight, he used a spell to cast a very intimidating illusion. One that I have only seen one other perform to such great effect. I don't know where he learned it, but he knows it very well. He was likely trying to stop the fight early on with it. But he either hadn't figured out how to cancel the spell out, or got distracted and let the spell linger. Either way most of what you saw was just a mirage." The filly slowly started to look at her, a frown creasing her features.

"All of that was just an illusion spell?" A nod and a warm smile. " Oh good. I will have to apologize to him. I thought those teeth of his were real." The smile dropped. 

"I'm afraid that was likely the only real thing that was there. Orion is an omnivore. He is capable of eating both plants and animals." Raising up a hand to forestall her student. "I do not know what his parentage is. His blood work was subjected to magical examination. He is unicorn, but there is something else, something not documented." 

"You do not need to fear him however. He really doesn't go out of his way to attack ponies. But it is unfortunate when they come after him. I fear not knowing who his family is has left quite a scar upon his heart. He may act tough, and very smart. But I believe he holds himself from anypony for fear of being hurt. It might be why he avoids you."

Realization dawn on her face. Like with Orion, Celestia just loved watching ponies come to the proper conclusions she had bread crumbed for them. "So, he's never going to bite me? Or hurt me, he just rude to everypony because he's scared?" Another nod, the warm smile back. "Oh Princess, I was so afraid of him! The idea of his teeth just scared me so much, that and the size he had seemed to take on! It was like watching a monster come to life!"

"No he is not monster Twilight. Just a colt who is struggling to find his place in this world. Much like all my little ponies." She grinned. "And whose to say you won't want him to bite into you one day, those teeth during a rut? I can imagine what that would feel like!"

"PRINCESS!?" Celestia just cackled gleefully. 

It was a fun moment, she may have been a little inappropriate with her student, but it felt good to let the old mane down once in awhile. She looked back at the paused spell. He stood there with his body alight in flame as the wolf who pounced found that its plan had failed.

"What happened to force anypony to abandon such a promising colt?"







Orion, winced for what felt like the thirtieth time that afternoon. Removing stitches is not as fun as it looks on tv. The tugging on the flesh as each strand came out was uncomfortable and painful. "Look friend, if you do not ease up on the yanking I am going to beat you to death with a bed pan!"

Doctor Heartline seemed like a decent person. But he was old, and slow as shit in winter. And the way he seemed to just yank out the string just at the end, was making him think he was enjoying this too much.

Heartline paled. His yellow fur on his face somehow losing color. Gray was speckled throughout his pale blue mane as it shook as he took a step back. Fear in his eyes.

Orion was struck upside the head with a deep purple aura. Rarity was watching him today as AJ had to help out on the farm. "You will do no such thing! Doctor if you would please, I'm sure you wish to get him out of here as much as he does to leave. And Darling, if you do not behave I will have to be rough."

He just grumbled as Doctor Heartline went back to his work. A bit quicker now as he began to pull out the last of the stitches from his face. He caught distinct words of something about the princess shouldn't be making him deal with common ponies. Stuck up fuck.

No matter what they could do he has scarred for life, physically. Emotionally he was fucked to hell and back, the nightmares returning make sure of that. Those marks had peppered his body, and while it wasn't as bad as it could have been, the one on his face would bore a grim reminder of his inability to think ahead. Especially when he was angry. There goes his modeling career. 

He had been watching through the reflection of the mirror on the far wall. The last of the stitches removed, the fur would grow back, but there would be a thin mark of skin that everyone was going to see. Though on further reflection, it made him look like a bad ass. He grinned.

"Well thanks Doc, it has been real but can I please get the fuck outta here now?" Another wack. "And would you stop fucking hitting me?!" Another wack. He glared daggers.

"I am not sure what you are saying but those words you use sound to close to another word I know. No colt your age should be saying. You will act like a civilized stallion and behave." Rarity was grating on him. Just a little.

"First, Your only older then me by like 2 years. Secondly, that's because fuck does mean buck." He saw it coming this time and flicked her horn, canceling out her magic. If he had to wear a null ring she couldn't use her magic either. Cheating bitch.

Rarity just glared then huffed.

Doctor Heartline chose that moment to interrupt, "I have completed my part. Would have been completed if you didn't twitch every time a stitch was pulled. But, I suppose it matters little now, once your done dressing head down to check out and get whatever medication they think you should have. I'm not your doctor. I won't know what that is." He tottered out, grumbling to himself. Orion was tempted to chuck the bed pan at his head anyway.

Another glare from Rarity made him rethink that path of thought. Standing up he began to remove his hospital gown. "No matter what universe, all hospital gowns show everyone's ass." He stopped. Looking at Rarity, "What you want, a free show?" He smiled cheekily.

For her part, she flustered and babbled what was clearly an articulate thought for the ancient ones, but for the modern horse it was indecipherable. She stormed out in a tizzy, still making up unintelligent excuses. Grinning. Ah something he hasn't lost. His humor. 

Looking into the mirror in the bathroom he really took in his form since he first arrived. The pink of fresh scars coated his upper torso. "Dear God I really didn't think at all did I?" Rubbing one of the scars, a puckered slash across his abdomen. That one could have been bad. Looking into his face, he cringed a little. 

He was never going to be a model. But now he was never gonna win any prizes in the average department. The nasty soon to be scar would get almost covered, but it would still show on his face. No one could look at it and not know exactly what it was. He looked like a convict.

That thought brought something unbidden to his mind. His past incarceration and the reason for it. He hadn't thought about any of it since that morning he was shoved into that fucking portal. All he did for the first year was try and survive, and then life happened so fast for him it had been pushed back into distant memory. That first night after everyone went home, Orion was caught back up to the day of is trial. The nightmares that plagued him during his time in the underground research center, locked in that tiny cell, had returned.

"Oh Jesus, maybe this is my punishment. No, that's stupid. If anything I am having a pretty good time here. Sure I've had to go through puberty again and its a pain, but at least there was no acne."

He was just getting lost in his thoughts. But the guilt, the memories he had all but forgotten was back and seemed there to stay. Shit.







Rarity was pacing back and forth for the last five minutes. "The nerve of him to imply that I would be a lady of such ill refinement is appalling. How dare he!?"

It was more then what he had said to her. She was trying to distract from what really had her upset. Those scars going down the left side of his neck and back. She saw them clearly when the gown opened up. They looked so deep. She knew she was beginning to tear up and forced herself to stop. Pulling out a handkerchief from her clutch she dabbed at her eyes.

"No pony should have gone through this, and he put himself through it on purpose! What was he thinking?!" She knew why he did it. She had heard the explosions that night, many ponies of Ponyville had, and ended outside their homes that night. She could see the clouds above Applejack's home light up in orange, blues and reds. She had thought that her friend had been attacked by and invading force of griffons of all things.

When Applejack had pounded on her door that morning she was relieved. Her best friend was safe.

When she had heard that Orion was in town but missing from her home from last night she grew fearful, but immediately suggested the hospital. The crestfallen look on her friends face told her that was the last place AJ wanted to look.







He was just laying there. Covered in bandages. The rhythmic beep of the heart monitor the only thing making noise in the small hospital room. Applejack had turned immediately to the nurse, a white mare with a pink mane, and began asking as many questions as she could. Rarity could only walk up and grab a hold of his hand. He was so beat up. The bandages across his face and body spoke of what he had done that night. The cow filly in the room told her on the way over what she and he brother had found in their field.

He was so strong looking the last time he was here. Like the world could not touch that confidence in his eyes. Now his broken form sat before her and she could do nothing but bow her head and weep. The arm that wrapped around her just made her cry all the harder turning her into a mess. She knew she had ruined her makeup, but for once she could not bring herself to care.

She turned burying her head into Applejack's shoulder and just cried her heart out. Holding firmly onto his hand.







She had been mumbling to herself and had not heard his room's door open.

"Hey pretty lady, penny for your thoughts?" She snapped out of her musing and stared at him. 'Penny'? She blushed, he had called her pretty. He had his moments.

"I will never understand how or why you speak with those strange idioms. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. Let's blow this joint. I am hungry as hell." She thought about whacking him again. It likely wouldn't help. It seemed he was refusing to use any manners. A colt from Canterlot should not speak with such callousness.

"Then lets get you checked out dear. We had a bakery open up last year and the cupcakes are to Die for." Just the idea of stuffing one of those heavenly pastries into her mouth made her forget all about the diet she was supposed to be on. Besides, she had been under a tremendous amount of stress this week. She deserved a pick me up.

They had walked to the lobby of the hospital in silence. She looked over to see his face. No smiling, happy go lucky attitude. He was brooding. Heavily so. The news that he had destroyed his first room in fit of night terrors had alarmed her. Walking into room 312 had found him actually strapped to his bed. Apparently that was not the only night he suffer the nightmares.

Redheart had told her personally that he had screamed for three nights in a row. Only the last few days had he been quiet. But the heart monitor showed his heart rate spike constantly during the midnight hours. Rarity feared for him. The scars of fighting the timber wolves was not just on his body, but on his heart and mind as well.

Pushing through the double doors she spotted Applejack at the receptionist's desk, waiting on them obviously. While not expecting her friend for another hour she was happy she was here, but the least she could have done was change her clothes. She was a mess, and was those leaves stuck in her mane. "Oh Celestia, she didn't even bathe did she?"

Getting closer Rarity had confirmation. By Orion's face he could smell the cow filly too.

"Whew AJ you didn't even bother to clean up did ya?" He hugged her, much to the budding fashionista distaste. To hug somepony after they had been in the field all day, she shivered. She just gave a polite nod. Which only seemed to get a chuckle out of the dirty filly.

"Sorry 'bout that Orion. I wanted ta get done as soon as I could and raced over here. I wanted ta be thar when ya got out. and I know how ya feel about dirt Rares. Not that it wouldn't hurt ya none." 

"I'm sorry Applejack but if we were meant to roll in the mud and dirt I believe we would have been born as ignorant four legged animals." The cackling laughter brought both fillies attention to him. He was doubled over laughing so hard that the nurse behind the desk was giving him a rather concerned look.

"Oh god...I shit what are the odds....oh god fuck!" Rarity smacked him again though he didn't seem to notice. " I'm sorry....hooooo you wouldn't understand it if i explained it to you guys! Oh shit! I needed that." Still chuckling to himself he went to sign himself out. The two just shared a look.

While Orion dealt with the paper work Rarity and Applejack walked a bit away. Speaking in hushed tones, "So? How's he lookin'? I noticed that scar on his muzzle, it looks a might nasty. Has he had anymore nightmares? Oh, and when is he leaving?" She had fire off the moment they were far enough.

"Applejack, darling slow down please. He is okay for right now. That scar on his face isn't the only one adorning his body, his whole left side down his back has them. Fortunately his hands made a full recovery. Honestly he is lucky to have everything intact from what the nurses have been telling me. The nightmares haven't seemed to make a return, at least not like they were at the beginning." She shuddered. "I couldn't imagine fighting one timber wolf let alone a horde of them. He....it seems he is more withdrawn. Whatever those nightmares are they are plaguing him. I don't believe there is a thing we can do."

The cow filly just looked to Orion, a tear coming to her eye. "I jest can't believe he did what he did. Did it all fer my ma and pa....Rarity, he was so hurt." She sniffed and Rarity handed her the handkerchief she had used earlier to her friend, rubbing her back gently. "A stallion isn't suppose to be fightin' like a mare. He shouldn't have gone out that night. But, I can't be mad at him. I burned those wolves and all I can be is happy that it was done. Am I a bad pony?"

"No, no. Wanting justice is not bad. Especially when its for the family robbed from you, dear. I just wish he hadn't gone out like he did. I cannot imagine what he was thinking. When you told me he was here because of his suspension for fighting I thought you had finally learned to lie properly. Now, after all this? I can believe it. He has a strong sense of justice."

"Granny said the same thing. Right before she told me he was not allowed back. She had told him not to. He chose to ignore her completely. Now....Rares he can never come back to the farm. That's not fair." She was close to tears.

"Shhhh shhh, its okay Applejack. Granny is like you, real stubborn. It will take time but I'm sure she will one day welcome him back. He did what he thought needed to be done. Even if we don't understand it."

They both heard Orion walking back. When they looked to him, he had a look of concern on his face for her friend. "You okay there apple bottom?"

Applejack just laughed, "I'm fine, and when are you gonna tell me what you mean by that nick name."

He shook his head, "Never. You have to figure it out yourself. Your a smart cookie. I'm sure you'll know soon enough." He just smiled back, there was none of the usual devilishness in that smile. Something was truly wrong with him. 







Stepping outside found a very unpleasant surprise. The flash of a camera nearly blinded all three as reporters surrounded them, more specifically, him. The two fillies were pushed aside as he was bombarded with questions from multiple ponies. All wearing press tags. Oh shit. Somehow, somewhere, someone leaked what happened in the fields.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Dead silence claimed the road, none of the reporters knew what to do. Stabbing a finger at a random stallion in the group, Orion towered over him as he glared. "What the hell is this about?" His teeth with bare. He did not give a shit.

"Uh...I-I'm Sun Herald. From the Daily Sun. We received a tip that you had been in an altercation with a few timber wolves. And were injured due to it. We wished to bring our readers the news, and well colt, you are the news right now. Canterlot is buzzing with rumors about you as well." The red and orange stallion had maintained his voice but was slowly wilting under his gaze.

Looking at the rest he spoke six words, "You have five questions, choose wisely." He didn't want to give them shit. But knew they would just find  a way to harass him and those around him.

These idiots had actually huddled up tossing questions back and forth. He should have told them to fuck off.

Fifteen minutes later they had finally pulled away from one another. A unicorn mare stepped forward. Her sun yellowed mane immaculately brushed. The white fur of her cheeks a little rosy. "I'm with Present Times. My name is Petal Grace. I have been elected to ask you our five questions that you allow."

"Well then lets get on with it. I'm hungry and you lot have already made a shitty day worse." He folded his arms and took up a position on a pillar.

"Okay, first question: The outlandish claim of upwards of a 150 timber wolves, did you actually come that close? Or was the report as crazy as it seemed?"

He thought of how to answer, tell the truth or lie. No, they could likely pull information from public records later. Might as well be honest.

"One hundred and thirty two. I had counted."

They all stared. A stallion in the back, "T-thats impossible! No colt can just fight off a horde of timber wolves!"

"Wanna remove the ring on my horn and you can find out first hand how I did it?" No one took him up on the offer. That shut up Mr Doubting Thomas in the back. "Next." It wasn't a question. The fuse in his head started to shorten.

She took a moment to collect herself. "Is, is it true you stood up to Princess Celestia the day of your suspension?"

"No comment." He wasn't about to add to his trouble.

She looked to object, then saw his face. She swallowed and resumed. "Your public file says your an orphan from Stalliongrad, rumor has it you were found eating a...raw rat. Is this....true?"

Oh boy a fun one. "Yes, I was." Gasps and as one they all seemed to take a step back. "I'm an omnivore, I eat both plants and meat in order to maintain a healthy diet. If you're worried about me suddenly attacking you I wouldn't bother. No amount of seasoning makes the media palatable." He actually received a few chuckles from that."Just because I consume meat in my diet doesn't mean I am suddenly going to turn cannibalistic. It just means I get to enjoy bacon unlike you poor poor plebs." AJ grinned at this.

Chuckling and seeming to feel more at ease she asked their fourth question. "There are talks in the rumor mill that claims you haven't been spoken for by a herd yet. From your academic scores many are considering tendering an invitation. Would you consider joining yourself to one of the elite herds looking for a stallion?"

He gave her a bewildered look. Looking behind the growing crowd he spotted both AJ and Rarity looking worried. He shook his head. "Lady, I am almost fifteen. Why the hell would I want to get into a relationship with anyone. Let alone sign up with a group of them. My education and future career is far more important to me then taking the back seat in some herd. Thank you, but no. They can keep their invitations."

Grumbling from what looked like the gossip group. "Suck my dick you vultures I know your game." More gasps rang out. Rarity looked like she was going to go into seizures. "I'm not apologizing. Back to you Miss Grace."

She had a half smile on her face, apparently no one liked the tabloids. "The last question is about what happened at Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Reports claimed you were involved in an altercation with several students. Would you like to comment on it?"

He grinned, "Sure. Why not?"







After snapping a few more photos, Petal Grace and Snap Shot wandered back to the train station in a daze. "That colt can't be real." It was a mantra Snap had been repeating since the interview had ended.

"No, its actually true. I had managed to get an interview with a filly named Fancy Breeze that was at the location when the fight broke out. Everything he said matched up with her statements. I plan on pushing for both stories to be published to our editor tonight. Mark my words, he is going to vanish shortly after graduation." She laughed. "He was not happy, and I get the feeling he doesn't like publicity despite being so candid with us."







Getting the ring removed from his horn again was a pain, if this kept happening he was gonna be on personal terms with the 405th garrison, but not like he could complain about it now. Rarity and AJ had dragged his ass to, what he could safely call, the House of Diabetus. The place looked like death by sugar was a fun past time. 

The cupcake he bit into was like biting into fluffy syrup. How could horse people consume this?

Looking across the table he saw the two girls just chowing away on a variety pack of cupcakes. He set his cupcake down and shuddered.

"Way too much sugar for my tastes. Sorry ladies but the pile be yours." Pushing the offensive pastry away he looked to  Miss Cake, who had the strangest pink swirl pattern to her mane he had ever seen. She looked like a failed ice cream attempt. "Sorry Miss Cake but this is just too strong for my taste buds. I'm sure its delicious. But unless you have something that backs off on the sugar I'm afraid this will be my only visit."

The poor woman seemed to panic at the thought of losing a potential customer, and rushed behind the counter into the kitchen. The clash of pots and pans echoed throughout the store.

"Orion, that was positively rude! Can you not say it more delicately then that?" Rarity was glaring at him. Applejack held her own disapproving look as she shoveled yet another cupcake into her mouth.

"I could, but its not about sparing her feelings. Its about her maintaining a business that many potential customers can come to. Her taste in pastries cannot be the bar she sets. There will be others like me I promise you that, and rather then let her lose potential clients she can learn from this and back down on the fucking sugar." Nodding he took a drink of his milkshake, which was actually rather delcious, he hummed in approval as he sucked down the banana and chocolate drink. "The Milkshakes however are on point." He said loudly enough to be heard in the kitchen.

The pause of activity told him she had heard. Shortly after she came back out with what looked to be an apple turnover. Sprinkled lightly with sugar. "Thank you for the compliment on my milkshakes dear. Rarity, while I may not like hearing it, he is correct. Though I wish he was a bit more gentle, I will have to serve various ponies with different taste buds. I may just have to slow down on the sugar as he says." Orion was only half listening. 

It was indeed an apple turnover, and it was fucking delicious. His moan of approval drew the girls attention. "Oh yeah, now this is the stuff. Oh God, Miss Cake this is so good." The smile that bloomed brought the beauty out of her slightly pudgy face out in full view. 

She was more average in the looks department then the mares in Canterlot. But she glided with grace through her establishment that one can appreciate, her hips were rather eye catching. But when she really smiled, her face and the room itself lit up. It was a pleasant thing to see. He couldn't help but smile back.

"Thank you so much hun. I was a little worried, your not the first to complain about the sweetness of my treats. I am worried I won't be able to keep my business open if i don't draw in more customers." The frown didn't belong. She should be smiling. 

"Since when did I give a damn about others happiness?" Looking to the baker he made a suggestion. "Why not just use about a third of the sugar. You'll save on the supply side and you can test where everyone's tolerance is. It can give you a good baseline, and allow you to adjust so as not to lose your established customers."

She had taken on a speculative look. "But what about my customers that already like it the way it is?"

"Easy, still make some of your pastries at their level of sweetness. You can put little signs out to say which is what. That way they get what they want and new folks can try without going into a diabetic coma."He was rather proud of himself for the suggestion. Rarity was smiling while Applejack was giving him an appreciative look.

"That, that actually could work. Thank you Mr Falls. I and my coltfriend will definitely give that a shot. We so want this to work out. Its been our dream before we even met." The smile was back, good. A sudden thought had him pulling his pen and a roll of paper out of his coat. He began to write quickly.

"Darling what is that your writing. And what is up with that quill? I've never seen one like that." She was focused more on the pen in his hand then what he was writing.

"This is a pen Rarity. It has the ink inside of it, instead of having to constantly dip into a ink pot, I have it all in one. I won't explain how it works because I am planning on patenting it. This recipe I am writing down is for Crepes, a dish found in F-Prance. Its more of a breakfast food but it can go with just about anything any time of day. It's low on sugar and yet still sweet, and you put filling inside such as fruit with sauce in it. The combinations can vary depending on what you would like to try."

Miss Cakes eyes had began to fill with wonder. Rarity didn't give her a chance to speak. "You know Prench cuisine?!" She seemed to have forgotten the amazing invention he was using. The baker seemed to share the same unspoken question.

"Uh yeah, I do. Not a whole lot but a few recipes here and there. This is one of them." Handing over the list of ingredients and instructions of how to make the confection. "Now it looks complicated but a little practice and you will have something to jump start peoples day without making them feel like Jabba the Hut." Strange looks was all he got. But the baker mare was too busy dancing with joy at the idea of a new recipe. From Prance of all places.

"Thank you so much, Mr Falls!" The hug was soft and comfortable. Yeah, he could see why Carrot had gone for her, she squished just right.

"Heh, your welcome. You put in the effort to try and make me happy, it was the least I could do. I too wish to see you succeed. I expect the next time I am here, that I can eat a horde of those. They are my favorite after all." Thinking and nodding again. "I won't be passing out that recipe to anyone else. You guys will be the sole bakers of that particular dish in the area. She was tearing up. "Aw shit, don't start crying its just food."

Rarity was beaming in her seat, Applejack had somehow finished the entire plate of sugar death. She was looking very satisfied with herself. He was being swung about by Miss Cake. Thank yous were uttered profusely. Good thing her boyfriend wasn't here. She was way to soft in all the right places.







"That was a wonderfully nice thing you did for them Orion. To think your usually so surly, to see this sweet side of you is rather lovely."

"Come on, she was working her ass off to make me happy. Earnest people are the least shitty people. They want people to like them and love what they do. How could I not reward that effort?" He was eating another turnover. Damn these things were so good. "So, I leave tomorrow. What is on the agenda for the rest of the day." Looking up he noticed the day coming to a close. "Or well not. Its getting late, and AJ needs to get back to the farm, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do." It was apparent to a blind man that she didn't want to. " I reckon I shoulda been home some time ago. Was jest havin' to much fun hang with ya both. Sorry."

"Why be sorry? You have responsibilities that you can't shirk. And a Granny that hates me at the moment. Believe it or not I understand. You get on home. I'll see you in the morning when I take off?" A sad slow nod. " Hey don't be like that apple bottom. I'll likely show up again. I don't know when, but I will be back."

She hugged him tightly. Chuckling to herself.

They waved her off as she walked down the road past a boarded up shop that was built to look more like one of those rides you find at a kid's park.

"Awww crap. I gotta go rent my hotel room again. I hope they are still open. You people don't seem to have much of a night life here...as in none." Orion made to say his goodbyes to Rarity.

"Nonsense darling. You'll be staying with me tonight. We have a guest bedroom and I'm sure my parents would not mind your presence." She had planned this. He could see it in her smug and self assured expression.

"So I get to see meet your mob family, eh?"

"Mob....family? What, what do you mean by that?!" 

"I mean, uh, wait, you're not part of the horse mafia?" The spluttering and gaping shock from her told him no. No she was not. Well, back to her family being really rich hippies.

"Whorse Mafia?! I don't know where you got the idea from, but my family does not dabble in such debauchery. How dare you imply such a thing?!" Oh boy she was heated. Going over it in his head the way she said horse he realized two things. No, three things. 

First and foremost, he is in fact a dumbass. Secondly, horse was a slur in their language. How had he not remembered that? Third, it was going to take some serious bullshitting to get out of this. Half the work for that was done thankfully, the walking polygraph test was not here. Applejack seemed to sniff his lies out every single time. Fucking weird.

"First, I did not mean to imply you or your family were prostitutes. Secondly, I....I...shit I don't know Rarity the word popped outta my mouth and I am too tired to really try and bullshit my through it." 

"Please, please by the bullshit I am feeding you right now."

The universe tossed him a bone.

"Oh, yes, I can see how exhaustion can make one say things they normally wouldn't. And for your information my herd trades in textiles such as silks and cotton. Flanks Inc. The premier fabric company of the highest class and quality."

Oh shit. Her family, herd, was loaded. And not a mafia. 

"Ah so that's where you got the diamonds for my cuff-links." He was still deciding how he wanted to enchant those. "I was so shocked when I saw them, I figured you were some type of mafia."

"No, that's actually my special talent. I can easily find precious stones when I go looking. I found those the day you arrived here and figured that were best given to you. It seemed like fate after all." She had went from indignant to sultry. She was gazing at him through her eyelashes with a look that made him question if he wanted to be in the next thirty yards of her.

"Okay, getting back on subject. I will...stay with you. Mostly due to the fact that I am sure the hotel is closed already. But there are some ground rules. No making that look at me. No contact outside of hugs. And I am sleeping alone." He had read somewhere that sometimes estrus begins early. Not having another Canterlot. 

Rarity blushed furiously. He didn't think she realized what she was doing. "I can respect those terms, though darling, did you really think I would try to take advantage of you in such a way?"

"Let me tell you about a young man who got caught up in the hell known as estrus. And the women who chased his ass through the streets...."








She was laughing at him. Rarity had quickly picked up that the story was about him. The realization that he was dumb enough to go out during season just brought gales of laughter from her. Bitch.

"I ca-can't believe you actually did that! To punch that poor mare like that." She just went back into giggles.

"Yeah and a fuck you too. I didn't realize. When I was younger we were practically chained inside the orphanages...." He gave up. She was laughing so hard that she was having trouble getting her key into the lock of the purple monstrosity known as her home.

"Forgive me darling. B-but that story...oh my goodness." Another fit of giggles as she managed to turn the key and open the door. "How unladylike of me. Welcome. Welcome back to my home." She was STILL giggling to herself.

Making her way inside she immediately guided him to a guest bedroom. It was just as garish as the rest of the house. Even the wood was painted purple. Ugly. The bed was soft though. Way to many pillows. "To the floor with thee!"

She stood at the door to his room for the evening. The giggles that had been there were gone. "Can I interest you in a spot of tea? Maybe a lite snack before bed?"

"Naw, besides eating just before you go to sleep is actually not good for you. Recommended to eat about three or four hours before sleep to ensure your body doesn't hold onto the extra calories." She blinked at him. "Oh sorry, its the way Bulk Bicep recommends eating. He is a trainer at Iron Will's Gymnasium in Canterlot. The advice has worked out amazingly for me. The results as you can see speak for themselves." He had been unlacing the collar of his shirt while he spoke, pulling the garment off he turned to Rarity. 

She was blushing but hadn't turned away yet. "See? Not much fat, just a comfortable amount that anyone should have when you hit the gym."







She wanted to look away. True she had seen plenty of colts playing in the summer without shirts on, even measured him, but this seem so sinful. His chest was defined just like the last time she had seen it. It seemed he had bulked up just a little more. The abs were there but not overly exposed like she had seen from the magazine her older herd sister, Violet, had had. But his arms. Those certainly looked inviting. She shook herself.

"I see you have kept at it, Orion. I suppose there is merit in that way of dieting. Something I may have to look into, but if you want for nothing, darling, then I am getting ready for bed as well. I am glad to see your okay." She trembled, remembering when they had found him in the hospital.

She was embraced in a hug, when had he moved? "It's okay Rares. I'm fine. Still functioning. Just with a few new decorations.

"That joke is in poor taste. Still...I'm glad to see you're alright." Pushing away with reluctance, she was going to have dreams about this she was sure. "Sleep well. Don't hesitate to call on me if you need anything."

She closed the door silent and walked to her room. AS she undressed she paused and held her self. "That hug felt way to good. Get a grip Rarity. He's just a colt. In a room. Just down the hall." Dressing into her pajamas she threw herself into bed. Slowly falling to sleep in a dream filled with arms that held her tight.







Rarity woke to the sound of something shattering. She had bolted awake in fear. The silence of the house was being disturbed by what she thought were the sounds of a struggle. Orion.

She pulled herself from bed and rushed down the hall to his room. There on the bed was him thrashing in his sleep, whimpers emanating from his mouth. "I...didn't do it. Please...." She couldn't understand what he was saying.

She leapt into his bed and began to brush his mane and neck speaking softly in soothing noises, his thrashing slowly abated. Looking about she saw the table lamp, it was shattered and laying on the floor by the bed. Still stroking his mane she made to slowly rise from the bed, the look on his face stopped her. His face was slowly morphing back into fear. 

She laid down next to him, fearing leaving him to his nightmares. "I meant to only dream being in bed with him. Not an actual reality I thought would happen. Oh Orion, what has happened to you?" She adjusted herself into bed for comfort, but before she was too comfy she was swept up into a cuddling hug, those big arms enveloping her small frame. 

Now she knew what it was like for all those mares in her romance novels. To feel a big and powerful stallion holding onto them. Celestia, this was better then she had ever hoped to experience.

Snuggling in she smiled as she rested her head on his broad chest. This time, she didn't have to fall asleep imagining.
> Advantages
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun light pierced through the blinds of the still bedroom, blazing into Orion's left eye. "God-fucking-damnit. Celestia, if you actually control the sun, go sit on a cactus without underwear. Bounce a couple of times for good measure."

Shifting to avoid the sun, he noticed a weight on his chest, and left arm. And his left leg as well. "Please tell me she didn't violate the rules." Cracking open his right eye, since his left was being cooked to extra crispy status, he peered at his chest with a quickly forming glare. There Rarity lay, all the fuck over him. Goddamnit. One night. Not even one fucking night.

Looking around for something to bludgeon her to death with he noticed the broken lamp on the floor. "Now how did that... awww shit." He must have knocked it over, thus waking her up. She must have come in here to comfort him and ended up staying. Fucking nightmares. They screwed him again.

Judging how comfortable his left arm was looking wrapped around her waist it seemed, at least to him, he hadn't fought her off but embraced her. "Now all I need is for her-"

The door banged open and there stood the absolutely angriest man he had ever seen. "Aw shit." He was big. Really big. Like how in the hell did he fit in the door big. Oh look, his horn is lighting up. Fuck.







A long ass explanation from Rarity and the almost complete turn around of attitude from her father, Hondo Flanks, things seemed to have reached a tense peace. Having yourself tossed through glass, wood and into a tree is not an alarm clock anyone would want. He was positive there was a branch wedged somewhere in his ass. The glaring father in the room kept him from trying to pry it out.

"I, apologize Mr Falls." He wasn't sorry. "I had not realized my daughter was attempting to comfort you in one of your nightmares, and had fallen asleep there. But you have to understand what it looked like to me." That was not a question.

Hondo was a big man. Must be something in Ponyville's water supply. Where Orion had dwarfed a few, but matched up with many of the stallions of Canterlot. It seemed every single man in this town was massive and on roids. What in the hell were they eating here. 

His fur was white as his daughters, but he seemed to just have an unkempt mop of brown mane on his head. The simple clothes he wore reminded him of Applejack's dad of all things. A button up yellow flannel shirt coupled with jeans gave him the suburban dad look, coupled with a farm hand.

The most bizarre thing was he had a mustache. It fit and didn't. He couldn't figure it out. It was beginning to drive him a little crazy.

"Listen Mr Flanks, I didn't even intend to sleep here last night. Your daughter wasn't taking no for an answer. Plus it was nearing eight and I didn't know whether or not the hotel was still going to be open that late on a Saturday. So I took her invitation." Digging into his coin purse he brought out fifty bits and placed them on the coffee table between them. "Here. That's is for the lamp I broke in the night."

A raised eyebrow from the man across from him. "And my window?"

Orion glared back. "Okay, fuck you. You broke that on your own using me. I had nothing to do with your sudden remodeling spree."

Hondo sat back and blinked a few times. The chatter in the kitchen between Rarity, her mother, and her mother's herd sister had stopped.

"What did you just say to me?" The stallion's voice had a dangerous edge.

"I did not stutter big man. That is on you. I'm awake now, if you want to continue where you left off. But I can promise that if I don't take you out. You won't be walking away either." Orion hadn't moved. But he was tense. His mouth was trying to get him killed yet again it seemed.

"Huh, the first colt Rarity has brought home and not balked at me. When can I expect you to being forming your own herd with my daughter?" He said with a grin.

"WHAT?!"

More calmly then he felt, "I'm sorry. I think I still have a stick lodged in my ear. Did you just ask when we were getting hitched?"

Hondo grinned back at him. "Why yes I did son. A colt like you that has the stones to stand up for what he thinks is right is hard to come by these days. I would be a fool to allow one like you slip away." 

It was Orion's turn to blink. "Nope. Nu uh. Not getting roped into this." He snatched his bag up from in front of his hooves. "Rarity I'll see you at the station!" He just bewilderingly stared at the grinning stallion. Choosing to just teleport out.







Laughter filled the three story home. Rarity was sitting on a stool in the kitchen blushing with embarrassment. 

"Daddy! How could you say that to him!?" She was nearing a panic attack. "Oh what he must think of me now! How can I look him in the eye now?!" She wailed.

Her father just chuckled at her, "You'll see him again. And you better not let this one go. The last one you brought home made me want to beat the seven shades of tartarus into him. The nerve of the brat." The turning of the subject caused him to scowl darkly.

Patting her husband's shoulder soothingly, Cookie Crumble just smiled placatingly. "Honey, the way you tossed that colt off the porch was likely the limit of what you could legally do to him." Hondo just grumbled as he dug into the fridge for something to drink.

Turning back to her daughter, she smiled mischievously. "But to come home and find you cuddling such a fine example of a young stallion was a surprise. Where did you find that one?" She chose to ignore the noise of disgruntlement from her husband. 

Rapid Comet grimaced. "Did you see the scar on his face? Obviously our daughter has been drawn to the bad boy type." She was far more judgmental then Cookie, who seemed to find the good in everypony. She pushed her raven black mane from her eyes. "I mean don't get me wrong, I see the appeal and he is handsome enough. But he obviously is not up to any good. I'd advise you all to watch him, if and when he comes back around here."

Rarity chose to speak up in the lull of conversation. 

"He's actually a perfect gentlestallion. Though a bit crude in his manner of speech he has gone out of his way to both help me and Applejack. The scar....he earned it. Here in Ponyville."

That got her fathers attention again. "Did you say, earned it? Here? I didn't think he we had street toughs in our town. When did this happen?"

Rarity looked to her family, sighed, then began to tell about the day Orion had come to Ponyville. Before too long she found herself in tears. Finding him like that had been a shock.







"Celestia preserve us. He's only fourteen?" Cookie had just put Sweetie Belle into her crib. Tears dotting her eyes and she looked at her daughter incredulously.

Rapid's wings ruffled in shock. "He fought and killed all those wolves...." No pony doubted the veracity of their daughters claims. She may be prone to some exaggeration. But she prided on herself of telling the truth as much as possible. She was not Applejack, but she still maintained her own honesty.

Hondo was the only one among them with a smile on his face. He had dreams of being a front line solider in the guard. But due to him being a stallion he was denied that status. A denial that still irked him to this day. "I say its amazing! A colt his age being able to do what a platoon of guards mares can't. And to walk to a hospital under his own strength is remarkable."

"No it wasn't daddy." She sniffled blowing her nose politely. "He was so beat up. He looked like he was dying...."

He grew solemn. "I'm sorry sweetie. I forgot about the end result." He pulled his daughter into a hug. "But he is okay now."

She teared up, "No....no he's not. Daddy he has been having terrible nightmares." She began to sob.

Cookie embraced her daughter along with Hondo. "It's okay dear, he will be okay. I would be surprised if he came out of that without any bad dreams at all. He will likely need therapy but he will be okay darling. Now, dry those tears. Wouldn't want him to see you with puffy eyes after all, do you?"

Rarity shook her head as she dabbed her eyes slowly bringing herself under control. Rapid was lost in her own thoughts. Pushing away from the counter she came around stroked her fingers through her herd daughter's mane.

"He does have anger issues. None of you can deny that. Now I remember where I've heard his name before. Hondo, don't tell me you've forgotten what was in the Manehatten Free Press a month ago right?"

The stallion thought back a bit. "About that article on the front page? First off there is no way anypony would attempt to correct the Princess in her judgement. It must have been an error in printing." He chuckled a bit. The idea was absurd to him.

"The article named him, honey. He is the very same colt. Which would explain why he was even here with a null ring on in the first place. He was serving out his suspension here. Which means he did talk back to Celestia herself. He had the brass to attempt to correct the Princess herself. Does that not scream danger?"

Cookie thought for a minute but her husband spoke up. "But in that very same article she admitted him to be correct. So not only does he have a fortitude beyond his age but he has the wisdom to couple with it." Hondo's head was a whirl with ideas of what an intelligent young stallion like Orion could do in his business.

"Is no one listening to me? He's Dangerous." She slowly pronounced the word. "He is prone to rash choices. I mean he baited and killed a bunch of timber wolves just for some twisted idea of revenge! He nearly killed himself! Why am I the only one that sees him as a danger to our daughter? Is it really a stretch to think he might pull Rarity into something that could possibly get her hurt? Or worse, killed?"

"I won't disagree with you that the colt is a bit of a troublemaker. But from what our daughter has told us and what we have seen I don't believe he would put anypony in danger like you fear. If anything he seems more like the go it alone type." Cookie was standing up for him, which put a smile on the face of her oldest.

"Mama Rapid, I know he can come off as...well, crude, selfish, a vagrant at the best of times. But I watched him in class. He listened to every foal in there. Inspired them to look beyond just basic education. Helped me pass out clothes for the children in the orphanage and helped over at the Apple's near every weekend he was here. He has a kind heart. Even if he tries to hide it. Please don't judge him to harshly from appearances."

"He's not a bad pony. Just an odd one that doesn't seem to want to follow the norms. But given where he came from, I can see why." That brought the whole group to a sober silence. The revelation that he is an orphan hit a little hard for the family.

Clapping his hands together, Hondo stood to his hooves. "Well. I think we have talked about him enough for now. I'm hungry. Lets go out to eat I hear there is a new pub and grill in town since last we were in." The family all smiled, even Rapid Comet.

"I think that would be a lovely idea dear." Cookie replied going to  pick up her still sleeping foal from her crib.








Orion did not head immediately to the station. He had teleported outside the purple home of Rarity's and began walking toward Sweet Apple Acres. There was one thing he had yet to do. 

Trudging alone on the familiar dirt road he stopped before the gate into the farmstead. He could see Granny on the porch. He knew she could see him. He did not approach, just looked at her. Willed what he wanted to her with his eyes. She looked West, towards a massive oak tree. No crops or any such farm fare seemed to be near it. Several graves could be seen surrounding the old tree.

With her unspoken permission he made the climb to the hill of the small cemetery. There was only ten or so graves under the boughs of that old tree. Off to the right was Bright Mac and his wife, Pear Butter, graves. The seemed to have a pretty good spot to greet the sun every morning. Tears came unbidden to his eyes. "Fuck. Shit God damnit I only knew them for a few weeks, why the fuck do I feel this way!" He collapsed to his knees. The not so fresh tilled dirt cushioning his fall.

He wailed. He cursed. He raged against his own soul for getting attached and his mind for not better preparing him for this eventuality. He poured out his heart onto the earth, and collapsed from his own exhaustion.







Applejack was getting herself ready to go to the train station to see off Orion for what likely will be a very long time. 

Last night she had pleaded with Granny to let him come back to the farm, but the old mare was firm in her decision. to keep him out. 

"He made his choice when I told him not ta. I'm not gonna allow such a reckless colt do as he pleases and not suffer the consequences fer it. If he comes here I will allow him ta visit your ma and pa. But that's it."

Granny had tears in her eyes saying that. They all wanted him to be able to come back. But what was an Apple if not without there word, their honesty.

She had donned her best dress. Her momma had made it for her just last year. It was meant for the cold winters so it was a thick flannel. Red after the family's favorite color. It was starting to get to small for her. It hurt that this was likely the last year she could wear this dress. Maybe she could get Rarity to alter it so she could keep it for another year. She barely stopped herself from crying. "Momma"

She calmly walked down the stairs. She didn't want to rush. Soon he would be gone. She wanted him to stay. He stood by her family and did something few could. Orion had given her closure. Not the kind she thought she was going to get. But it was satisfying to burn the wooden corpses with the soldiers.

Big Mac was again out in the field. Quieter then before. But he too smiled when she caught him looking to that barren field. Another good thing was his return to work. He was just as fast as before and he carried the weight of the farm with him.

Her right ear twitched toward a sound. Somepony was crying. Stepping out on the porch she looked about trying to find its source. Granny was there, sitting her chair her eyes watering. She was looking to where her parents were laid to rest. The weeping was originating there.

A last look at Granny, the old mare had buried her face in her hands. She was no closer to getting over her parents passing then the rest of the family. Yesterday, Applebloom had said momma. She had said it to Applejack. She had broke down that day. 

She slowly trod up the hill, each hoof step felt leaded. There he was. Weeping and laying on her parents graves. His fingers had dug shallow furrows into the earth. She heard him then.

"Why.....why why whywhywhy!" He just kept repeating that mantra. Pounding a fist into her father's grave.

She didn't know what to do. Standing there, awkwardly watching as Orion vented and wept openly.

Applejack shook herself and laid down beside him, wrapping her arms around him and added her own tears to his. The tears from both disappearing into the earth.







They stayed like that for a long time. Much longer then either planned to. AJ was the first to move. Picking herself up to a sitting position on the frozen ground. Her hand had gone to his mane to slowly brush through it. It was course and thick. He had not been washing it properly. He stayed where he was, no longer crying but without the energy to move.

She began to softly sing. No words, just the sound of the song her mother would often sing to her when she had had a terrible day. Her tears kept coming but they were slower now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b8_89vlkaI

As she was beginning to come to a stop, he rose and embraced her. 

"I'm s-so sorry. I-I should have come sooner. We were off the whole fucking month. I-I c-could have stopped this from ever ha-ppening." He was blaming himself. She smiled, he couldn't have known. Nopony could have. She embraced him back making a soft cooing noise.

"It's alright sugarcube. You couldn't have known this was gunna happen. We have ta accept this. I don't wanna either but we have ta let 'em go." She chuckled to herself. "They really liked ya, ya know? Pa said that despite ya being a unicorn ya was alright in his eyes. Ma....ma was trying to convince me ta..ta ask if ya was looking fer a herd."

He was shaking. No he was laughing softly. "Yeah she would, wouldn't she. Heh she was dropping hints like an anvil on a coyote the day I left.....Aj I miss them. I don't understand. I miss them so much. Never even really got to know them really." His eyes were so blood shot. She pulled a pair of hankies out and handed him one. He smiled and his horn lit up. The only thing to remain on both of them was their strained eyes.

"That's cheating."

"I spared you having to clean snot and tears off them, shut up." They both laughed. His eyes drifted back to the graves in front of them. "I need you to turn around. To not look at what I am about to do."

"Now that's my parents home, ya not gunna desecrate that now are ya?" She was tense. What was he going to do?

"No, no! I would never do that. It will be, my contribution since I couldn't be here to lay them to rest. But you can't see what I'm about to do. Okay? Trust me. And promise me AJ, don't look for what I am about to do afterwards. Please?"

His eyes held an intensity she didn't understand. But she trusted him. "Alright Orion, I trust ya." She slowly turned around getting comfortable. There was a sound like coins clinking together, he was mumbling something as he moved away from her. The crunch of snow indicated that he was going to the big old oak. What was he planning to do?

At first nothing, something that sounded like wood being carved into, then a bright flash. A wave of warmth washed over her. She had never felt such a peace envelope her as she had right this moment. It was if her mother had embraced her from behind. She almost turned around, but she made a promise to him. Whatever he was doing, it was something good. Something right.

The snow rapidly melted. Evaporated as if it was never there. In the snow's place bloomed flowers, hundred of them. All kinds. The grass looked greener then it had in spring. Life just seemed to explode around her. She held fast and didn't turn around. 

"You can turn around now." She was just as slow to turn around as she was before. She gasped.

The graveyard was filled with flowers in full bloom. The snow had all melted away in a rough circle around the tree itself. The area itself felt like an early spring had come. There was no sign he had ever done anything to the tree. But the old oak too was in full color. The greens seeming to have been there for weeks. Her parent's graves, were surrounded with Hosta. Bracketing the tombstones was Coral Bell flowers in full bloom. Come up, behind then over were Daylilies. Were the earth had been dug up were purple irises covering the whole site.

"It will last forever. Or near enough. No snow will ever settle here again. I set the spell to twenty meters. You know....room for more one day." She had hardly heard him. Her parents final home bloomed like new spring.

Standing up, she absently brushed off her skirt and full body tackled Orion back into the ground. She knew she was babbling her thank yous and hugging him, but she couldn't stop. She couldn't figure out how to thank him with words, so she did the only thing she could think of. Grabbing his head she kissed him, and in kissing him she injected everything her heart felt in that moment into him.







On instinct alone he kissed back. Not really knowing what or why. Her lips were soft, softer then he actually thought possible. The feeling coming from her seemed to fill him up to bursting. She was thanking him and telling him her feelings all at once. They laid there for a time. Neither one breaking the kiss till she herself came up for air. She was flushed, her ears were a deep crimson, her breath was slightly ragged.

"I...uh-"

Her finger was pressed against his lips.

"Don't sugarcube. I just wanted ta thank ya." He southern drawl was strained. "I didn't know what else ta do, and this seemed to be the best way now that I think on it. Don't ya say anything. Thank ya Orion. Thank ya kindly." She got off him then, dusting herself off and leaning down with a hand to help him up.

He stared at her. How could this girl act so mature about all this when he, the actual adult, was at a loss for what to say and do. 

He grabbed her hand and she hoisted him up. He resolved not to say anything about it for the time being. His mind a whirl with confused emotions and thoughts. 

"Now let's get a move on. Ya got a train to catch and you shouldn't miss it." She seemed to be resolved to not mention it either. He grabbed his bag, not wanting to say anything stupid he just nodded to her and followed her down the hill. Away from the tree and cemetery. 

"Huh, my first kiss in this world." He touched his lips, and smiled.







Granny had waited on the porch. He tears had long since dried. She had wanted to rush up there and comfort the poor colt herself, but AJ seemed to have a similar mind and went herself. She wanted to toss away what she had said. She wanted to welcome him back in with open arms. But she stood by her word. 

Her husband often told her before he passed that she was too stubborn. She was beginning to think he was correct.

"What is taking those two foals so long?" It had been well over an hour. She was fixing to go up there and find out what was going on herself. A dark golden light burst forth from the tree just as she was standing up. The wave of warmth washed over her, knocking her back into the chair. Not hard, but enough to firmly plant her in the seat. Looking back to the hill her mouth fell open. The old oak tree had exploded in green, where barren winter branches had been were now verdant green boughs hanging heavy with foliage.

"What in tarnation?" The snow around the hill was gone, replaced with lush green grass and flowers. So many flowers. She slowly got to her hooves, shuffling off the porch and towards the hill. Orion was tailing behind Applejack as they were coming back down. His fingers were touching his lips. A small smile on his face.

Granny knew that look. Bright Mac had the same look on his face when she caught Pear giving him a kiss. Every stallion is the same. She wanted to be angry, but she couldn't help the slight smile that graced her old lips.

"Atta filly. 'Bout time ya done did something about all that."

Out loud she spoke, "Sure took yer time up there AJ, any longer and I might have thought yas was up to something." The filly blushed. Orion didn't even react. Always a hard one to read. Then his ear tips turned a soft pink. "Granny you still got it." She crowed to herself.

They walked on by and out the gate without a word, too embarrassed to say anything. He nodded respectfully to her, she returned in kind. The mystery of what happened to the cemetery drew her from thoughts on the two foals. Every time she made this trip it seemed to her she took longer and longer.

Getting to the top she stared about. The whole hill was in full bloom. She wandered through the fresh grass and flowers. Wondering how this had happened. The graves carried a sort of, wild, arrangement about them. Flowers that seemed to bloom in complimentary colors with others. She smiled it was all so beautiful. 

She made her way to the tree. the source of the light she had seen. The dirt at the base behind it was disturbed. Digging a little she found something that confused her, it looked like gold lines of swirling and dancing patterns adorned in the center with a purple gem. Strange writing seemed to have been carved into the gold. Orion had given the family a gift. A great one, but by hiding the evidence meant he did not want it to be found. She smiled as she covered it back up. 

Walking to the edge she spotted them both, slowly making their way along the old road towards town. She smiled. He was welcome to her home at anytime.







The walk back to Ponyville was filled with awkward silence. Neither of them were looking at each other. Though they were walking side by side. Orion was still smiling to himself. He felt like a kid again. He knew why but nothing could come of this. He was an adult after all even if he didn't look like it.

AJ just kept brushing her skirt. As if she was seeing dirt that only appeared to her. Her gaze would flick from her skirt to the road and occasionally him. He smiled. 

"Heh you were the one to kiss me now you're the one acting all bashful and shit." He would smirk at her causing her to look away again any time he caught her eye. 

Before either noticed they were approaching the train station. Rarity was there in a dress, that Orion was sure, beautiful red number. He didn't know he wasn't a fashion expert. Jeans and a shirt were good enough for him. With her was her family. Oh joy round two, Hondo-boogaloo.

He shared a nod with the stallion. Not wanting to cause further awkwardness he looked to the fashionista, who was staring hard at AJ. "What the hell is this about?"

The cow girl had a look of shame on her face. Orion couldn't really figure out what was being left unspoken as they came together.

"Hey Rares, nice dress. You know you didn't have to get all dolled up just to see me off, perfectly comfortable seeing you in the usual." She blushed and smiled shyly.

"Why thank you darling, and this old thing? I thought I would get one last use out of it before I retire it from my wardrobe." She was giving out her best dazzling smile. But when her eyes shifted quickly to Applejack and back at him there was only a little warmth in them.

The wheels in his head finally synced up properly. "Oh, she figured out that pretty friggin' quick. Shit."

Two royal guards stepped out from the eves of the station, saving him from ever trying to salvage this fuck up. They both looked exactly the same. Blue furred and decked out in gold armor with white accents. The only thing to separated them from each other was the one on the left and the one had a green mane, the one on the right an orange mane. Both were unicorns. That wasn't a good sign.

"Orion Falls?" He grimaced, this wasn't looking good, especially when they use his full name. He nodded to them without speaking. "We have been tasked to bring you to the castle. Your ticket will be refunded and you will compensated for the loss of coin for it. Please make your goodbyes to your friends and come with us."

Warning sirens of the nuclear kind were blaring in his brain. This was definitely not a good thing. He thought about bolting. But wasn't sure where to go. Damn, despite everything he had yet to think of a plan for survival if the need arose that he had to go on the run. 

"Uh, yeah....sure thing." He turned slowly to the two girls in front of him. "Well. Uh, yeah looks like this is it. Sorry I won't likely see you for awhile." Straightening his face out and mustering up a grin, "Don't you two be getting into no fights now."

Both fillies blushed, Rarity's father chuckled.







He was stuffed into a carriage with an open top. Two pegasus stallions were hooked up to the pull gear, wings fully extended going through a number of stretches. They were going to fly. The unspoken fear. 

He hated flying. The idea of suddenly falling to his death in a metal coffin terrified him. He had memorized the various failures a seven-forty-seven could experience to cause an aircraft to fail. For these pegasus, it screamed muscle exhaustion. 

Oh sure he understood that they flew everyday all day. But the primal brain in his head said that today was the day they would cramp up. Plummeting him to his death.

"Can we just, walk to Canterlot?" He got stares from all four soldiers. "I'm just worried about them lugging my heavy ass across the sky." He tried to smile. It was sickly and he knew it. Looking about he saw AJ and Rarity giggling to themselves. "Oh yes just laugh it up at my expense. Not like you're the ones that are gonna die."

"Mr Falls it will be alright-"

"-you'll be perfectly fine, the flight is relatively quick."

"The fuck?! They are finishing each other's sentences? What is The Shinning?" He gripped the sides of the cart. A hand gently laid over his left. AJ smiled at him.

"It'll be alright sugarcube. This here is one of tha safest ways ta travel."

"My hooves say they could make it safer just walking." His grip tightened. There was a groan from the gold his hand was wrapped around."

"Really darling, you'll be fine. These fine gentlestallions are trained professionals." The stallion on the left, grape colored with a blond mane, smiled appreciatively at her as he looked her over. Hondo's cough made him gulp and stare straight ahead.

"Yeah, just gonna have disagree with you there anyways Rares. Can we just get on with this."







Burst Cloud was laughing as they unhooked from their harnesses and began to stow the carriage away. 

"I can't believe you were checking out a little filly like that Stone! Her dad, oh Celestia her dad was going to skin you had you been alone!" He howled in laughter, barely putting the flight tack up on the hook.

Stone Flight just grumbled to himself. 

"Oh come on! With that much makeup and that dress? Tell me you didn't sneak a couple of glances, besides she had to be at least 16." He was busying himself with removing the pull kit from the carriage.

"Oh I did, and she is gonna be a stunner I wouldn't mind chasing, in a few more years. I just wasn't so obvious about it. Besides. Both those fillies were there for the weirdo."

Just mentioning the colt dampened the mood. He had not made a peep the entire flight, but the constant soothing noises coming from both Trip Wire and her sister, Moon Song, seemed to do nothing but pull their attention from the two stallions. Usually during flights with those two couriers there would be heavy flirting between the two pairs. That bucking foal shut that down the entire flight.

Burst knew he was so close to getting in Moon's panties.

He was brought out of his darkening thoughts by Stone.

"Um, dude? Look at this." He was pointing at the left rail of the cart. Upon further inspection he realized what he was looking at. 

The hand rail was warped and melted. Looking to the right one that two was in a similar state.

"Let's, never piss that colt off. That is not natural."

Burst could only nod in agreement. He was dumbfounded.







That flight was a new kind of hell. 

He had sat stock still the entire flight. Muscles tense, head locked forward. He had never even let go of the death grip. His mind tried to tell him he was okay. His heart had told his mind to go piss up a rope and light itself on fire. They were going to die. Catch fire themselves and die.

Death, had thankfully never came. His heart only said it was a matter of time. Instead of crashing themselves, a carriage would likely crush him instead. Stupid fucking irrational fears.

The twins, who couldn't have more different names, were flanking him on both sides. They had been nice the entire flight. But he couldn't help but feel like he cock blocked the two pegasus giving them a lift. The glares he was receiving seemed to say that with a loud speaker.

So lost in thought, he had not realized they had arrived at their destination. Two guards stood on both sides of the door. A nod from Moon had the one on the left knock on the door, stick his head in. A few words passed between him and the occupant of the room. Turning back he nodded.

"This is where we must-"

"-part Orion Falls. Be safe and-"

"-well."

He just nodded dumbly, the entire time they were attempting to comfort him on the flight they had done that weird bullshit half sentence between them. It had brought him no comfort, in fact in seemed to increase his terror. Stephen King would be so proud.

He walked past the pair and the guards and into the room. The door closed behind him with a soft click. 

The room was familiar, though a rug was missing. He wanted to smile but kept the mask up. Celestia was here after all. He was surprised she wasn't alone. A blue maned mare with white fur dressed in an officer uniform was standing at attention besides her chair. The wings were perfectly still. There was also a unicorn mare in a blue business suit. Her blonde mane done up in a bun. The yellow fur immaculately brushed. 

"Should I have a lawyer present? I feel like I need one. May I obtain legal counsel before, whatever this is, happens?"

The officer stiffened, which was impressive since she already looked like she had been cast molded into that position. The business mare only chuckled.

"Princess you weren't lying about his wit." She smiled kindly looking at him. "Mr Falls, my name is Fair Heart. I'm a Psychiatrist attached to 405th special combat regiment. I have reviewed the events of the night of your, well, one pony war with the denizens of the Everfree. I also have been granted access to your private files."

Orion was only half listening, trying not to be obvious about it but he was watching Celestia out of the corner of his eye. She had not made any attempt to greet him. No. She sat there, her own mask on as she watched his face. "Ohhhh I am on thin ice here."

"Oh where are my manners. The mare to my left is First Lieutenant Cross Cloud. She is second in charge for the 405th currently." She just glared at him. He had no idea what her deal was. But he wanted to slap the shit out of her. The itch was strong.

"Okay, well under the limited information I am a presented its nice to meet you. That is subject to change depending on what I am about to be ambushed by. I hope you understand." He had decided to play the same game he played with the psychiatrists back in Manehatten. Switching to the same speaking patterns they displayed.

"Oh my, I suppose that's fair." She smiled openly. The look in her eyes held nothing but mirth. Shit, she knows this game. "Now, I won't delve into the distant past right now. I am more concerned about this past week. Your reckless behavior in engaging multiple packs of timber wolves over the course of seven hours, and the subsequent nightmares reported during your stay have me far more interested."

She had been pulling out a note pad an inkwell and quill. She had dipped the tip and looked at him expectantly.

"Okay and?" He had decided to make her work for it. Since she wasn't going to be thrown off by the professional talk let her drag it out of him.

She smiled again, "I see you're not going to be that forth coming as I had hoped" He smiled. " Well, My first question has to be why you did it. So, why? Why go through all that for so little reward."

A valid question. "I wasn't really wanting, nor cared for a reward. It need to be done. Two people died because of them. The family lost parents and placed the pressure of raising three kids on an old mare. I actually have a question." He looked directly at Cross. "How come the 405th, which has a detachment based in Ponyville, never sought to cut the timber wolf population down? Had they bothered to do their jobs I would not have had to go seek justice for a bereaved family."

The Lieutenant glared at him. "It is no business of yours how the-"

"Answer the fucking question." He had cut her off. "You are not going to hide behind that bullshit from me. Your command is responsible for the safety of Ponyville and the outlying farms. I killed well over a hundred that night. Regular patrols and a culling would have drastically reduced the chance of an attack. Yet here we sit, talking about the what but not the why. Answer the question First Lieutenant."

Through his small speech Celestia's eye brows had rose. "Oh don't tell me you didn't even ask. This shit is common sense when your living near a dangerous area." He shouldn't be asking questions, he should be playing it safe. But he was still pissed off and heartbroken over Bright and Pear.

"I-we...who..." She was spluttering. She shut her eyes, breathed deep. Opening them she stared at him. "There was no apparent reason to go patrol the forest outskirts. There had not been an attack in over 220 years on record."

"You didn't patrol, or do your job, because there hadn't been any attacks? Are you kidding me? Thats like saying, 'Oh I'm gonna run down this alleyway into the Rot, there hasn't been a murder in 20 days so I'm not worried.' And your surprised when you get stabbed. Are you fucking mental!?"

The lieutenant could not even respond, she stood there mouth hanging.

"If we can please get back to the subject of you Mr Falls. I understand there was failure on the guards part, but we are not here to discuss that failure. We are here to discuss your actions and the consequences of those actions." Fair Heart was trying to calm the situation.

"You know what no. I'm not going to answer any questions about what I was thinking, why I did it. I'm not going to bother telling anyone here about my dreams. You all get nothing." He sat down and glared. He was being irrational and he did not care. This was all bullshit anyway.

Celestia chose now to speak up in her usual motherly tone. "Orion, we just want to help you. You have put yourself through something traumatic. Surely you can understand the need to address this. Your nightmares may have eased but they are still there. Please, let us help you?"

Last minute he chose to be diplomatic. "Princess, no offense but no. I will deal with this in my own way. If you asked me if I'd do it all again I can flatly tell you, yes. One hundred percent. My mind is my own and neither you nor this shrink are welcome to it. I am well aware you can likely worm your way inside my head. But the damage done will likely leave me damn near a vegetable. This isn't worth the time or effort only to get a no. So please, lets drop it."







The flat refusal of help felt like a slap to the face for her, she had gone through the effort to have Cross Cloud here to apologize for her neglect in keeping him and those of Ponyville safe. Fair Heart had been brought in to evaluate his mental state. 

Her first instinct was to get angry at him again. She had been wracking her mind with how to help with his nightmares and he was refusing. If Luna had been here it would have been easy for her to just slip into his dreams. She felt that loss keenly in times like this. The good her sister could do was immense. To fall to that demon, it broke her heart.

She breathed evenly and examined this from his perspective. He was angry. Angry to be put into this situation to be forced to respond to her intentions. He was not acting like her usual ponies who would be grateful for any help from their princess. His refusal to listen or desire help was alien to her. 

Here was a colt that did everything for himself. If he wanted something that he could not obtain on his own he would only then ask for assistance. He would only ask, when he determined that he could not get it himself. Or understand. Celestia wanted to smack herself. She had gone about this all wrong. She should have waited till he showed signs of wanting help. Instead she went on ahead and tried to force him through therapy.

He may be a colt. But most colts were submissive when it came to fillies and mares taking the lead. He could be called a lot of things, but submissive was not a trait to describe him.

"Listen, I'm sorry Princess. I think the stress of the past few weeks has gotten to me and I am being to harsh. While I do appreciate the attempt to help me, I really didn't ask for it. So can we just...pretend this didn't happen. I can go home, unpack, sleep for six months?" It seemed he was at least understanding of her efforts.

"I suppose I may have jumped the hill before you were ready to talk about all this. You have gone through something extraordinarily violent. My first instinct when I see something like this is to immediately get my little ponies help. I forget where you have come from, what you have been through. You are most certainly not like my subjects." She sighed and leaned back in her chair, she really needed to consider getting a bigger one if she was going keep using this sitting room. 

"Just promise me, that you will seek help if the pressure gets too much. I do not know how you'll handle this. The nightmares that were reported, the first one especially, sounded terrifying. This is not something you can handle for long. So please. Don't wait."

"I make no promises. Just let me get through the next week. I should be alright by then." He smiled and picked his bag back up. "Well your highness. If there is nothing else, I should be getting home."

"There is but it can be discussed later at a better time. Have a good afternoon, Orion."

He sketched a very bad bow. "You too, don't let the politics make you crazy." He grinned and shut the door behind him.

The room was silent for ten seconds.

"Princess! How could you yet him leave like that!? The sheer disrespect he had for you and your station is impossible to ignore! Please your Highness, let me go and throw him in the stockade for awhile!" Cross Cloud was understandably upset but she was being hyperbolic.

"First Lieutenant, while I am grateful that you have my upmost interests in mind I have to point out that Orion and I have had far less pleasant conversation in the past. And while he may never have shown me the deference that many others do, but he wasn't disrespectful of me or my station. He is allowed to hold his opinion. Secondly, the likelihood of throwing him into the stockade might do nothing more then anger him. He actually cares nothing for what the public opinion may think of him."

Cross Cloud slumped her shoulders. "Is there nothing that can be done to reign him in Princess? You've heard some of the rumors by now. The nobles are calling for his arrest, the citizens seem to think he is some kinda joke. And the guards are taking betting odds on how soon before you smite him down. None of this is good for the public image of the throne."

"Actually, I believe it may turn out good in the end." Mrs Heart had finally chosen to speak up. "His closeness with her Highness might make her ponies view her as one of them." She saw the confusion in the Lieutenant's eyes, and chuckled. "Think of it like this: most ponies see Princess Celestia as an untouchable monolith. If they see pleasant interactions outside the court, in public view, this could swing many ponies who look at her as unfriendly."

Celestia was actually giving this some serious thought. On the one hand, she liked the fact that the petitioners over the last few decades had been waning. It gave her more time for her own projects. Not to mention many of their requests were annoying to say the least. Asking for a good harvest blessing. Requesting her to officiate for a wedding. It went on and on. There were government officials. The nobles that controlled those same petitioner's towns, cities, and farmsteads were meant to handle those tasks.

Want a good harvest? Ask the weather ponies to work with you in a schedule to water the crops properly. Want somepony to officiate a wedding? Ask the members of the church of Sol. Want to settle a land rights dispute? Go to the local lord. Really she didn't work this hard to end up having to handle everything anyways. Government bureaucracy was invented for a reason.

On the other hoof, getting public support for projects was difficult. If the common pony saw her as more then a ruler, she could use those that public adoration of her to place pressure on the local ruling lords to back her projects. She could have used this to her advantage when she decided to expand the railway line to Applelosa. The same tactic would have kept the same nobles from complaining about the need for increased taxes. 

She could put up with more simpering requests that could be handled by the local government if it meant finally getting her way. She could finally pull the military out of the mire of ineptitude that seemed to claim the majority of the guard.

"You actually bring up a salient point Mrs Heart. You have to admit Lieutenant, if this works out as well as I hope it does, we can finally get the funding to revitalize our military might. For to long has my ponies's forces been stagnant. With public support the nobles will have to bend to the nations needs." Then she thought. "MY needs."

"But what about that colt your Highness? He is largely disrespectful of you." Cross Cloud seemed to be trying anything to get at Orion.

"If you want my professional opinion..." Fair Heart had paused, getting a nod she continued, "Orion's casualness with the Princess can go far in helping her public image. I am no PR agent, but I do believe they would say the same. His attitude in treating her like she is one of the ponies and her seeming acceptance of that would go far in pushing the fact that she is more then a ruler. That she is a mare just like any other." 

Celestia nodded herself. Yes this could work out in her favor very well.
> Lessons in Math
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orion arrived back to the orphanage with little fanfare, as was normal. What wasn't normal was Chip, the guard, sitting at Mrs Evergarden's desk. Looking bored, and more then a little annoyed.

"Yo Chip, whats the deal? You're usually only here when its horny season. Whats the occasion this time?" He had placed his bags at the foot of the steps leading up to the bedrooms for the few orphans that remained. 

"Hey there youngin'!" He was suddenly excited again, coming out of the chair to greet him, and looking up. "Buck me but you get bigger every time I see ya. As for why I am here, well, Ol' Daisy has gone into labor about....oh two hours ago now. The medics took her away in a carriage just about forty-five minutes ago. She was getting antsy about you arriving home, and then bam. Hit her outta no wheres. The herd swooped in not twenty minutes after it began." Chip wasn't exactly sound enthused about it. He was more interested in dirty jokes and fucking.

"Oh shit! That's today?! I thought she wasn't due for another two weeks?"

"HAH! Tell that to them twins she's carryin'! Hey colt where you heading?" He had begun to make his way back to his seat, pausing just before plopping his lard ass into the chair.

"Duh, I am going to the hospital. She's gonna need some support from yours truly." He flashed a grin. Horn lighting up as his bag vanishes. "Besides, shes practically my mom. Gotta give her the family support, ya know? That," he looked about guiltily, "and I want her to know I am okay. She was worried after all. I feel like she started because of me."

Chip smiled back, he actually smiled. "Yeah I suppose that is true. But the baby chooses when to come out not us. I doubt this one was on you.  Alright you get on it. They are at the Canterlot Royal Hospital."







"Horse hospitals are bullshit." Orion had arrived to a calm, almost empty lobby. There was nobody in the lounge except for two elderly mares sitting in a corner talking about flowers they were planning to plant the coming spring. Horse care must have been on top of its game not to have people flooding emergency room. Obamacare never pulled that off.

He didn't waste any time asking for what room his not mom was in, though the stallion running the desk eyed him suspiciously.

"Why do you need Daisy Evergarden's room. You don't look like her child. What is your relationship with the patient." The blond maned fuck was being smug and snooty, looking at him with obvious disgust. Well that won't be tolerated.

Reaching over Orion grabbed him by his ear pulling him in close, right over the counter of his station. He smiled making sure his visage was all that this not so smug fuck could see in all his glory. "Its a lot less intimate then you're going to be with this counter if you don't cut the sass. I am an the oldest orphan in her care and she has been practically a mom to me. I wish to be there to show my support to her and her herd. So stop being a bitch, and tell me which room she is in."

With tears in the stallion's eyes he quickly told him and was thanked in the form of being tossed back in his chair. Bolting to the elevators he hit floor three and waited. They can master teleportation but the elevators had to be slow as hell. "Did it just drop?" His stomach lurched.

It wasn't long before he found himself in the delivery room waiting lounge. Staring at, what appeared to be, her rather large family. There had to be over a dozen of them in the room.

Mrs Greenfield was, thankfully, there. "Orion! What are you doing here young stallion. I thought you were still in Ponyville?" She came over and gave him a hug. It had been a couple of years since his last class was with her but he had departed on pretty friendly terms. He had never seen her in casual clothes but the soft blue dress she wore went well with her mane. She had been the one he had told about Mr Cottonridge's affair with that young male student. 

"Well teach, I walked into the door to see Chip sitting his lard ass in Mrs Evergarden's seat. When I asked what was up, he told me about her going into labor. Truth be told I would have been here sooner had I not been tied up with the frickin' princess. Instead of taking a train back I got the VIP terror ride back." He chose to ignore her gaping. Did nobody talk shit about their leaders in this world? The needed some good old American culture he swore.

A short stallion stood up and approached them, his coat of fur was black and his mane was green in a comb over that was a poor attempt at covering the slow thinning on his head. His tweed suit was a bit unkempt but if he was who Orion suspected then there was a good reason for that." Sweetheart, who is this colt?" He was looking nervous. He stood well over the poor man.

"Oh my I suppose this is the first time you're meeting him isn't it? Written Script this is Orion Falls." She smiled sweetly gesturing between the two. Orion reached out a hand to shake Written's hand. He was slower to respond. "He's the student I told you about from a few years ago."

Shaking his hand with and smiling slightly he seemed to brighten a bit. "Oh you're the young colt who had trouble minding your language in my wife's class! You...you're bigger then I thought you would be." He let go smiling brightly, nervousness still there, but confidence seemed to be creeping in. "What are they feeding you in that Orphanage? You look more like a stallion....what happened to your face?" Ah, the uncomfortable stare.

He had noticed, and so had Mrs Greenfield. "Ah yeah, that. Heh, I got into a very heated argument with a bunch of timber wolves. I won." The rapid steps of another caused him to look up at another mare. This one much younger, she shared her father's green mane but her fur coat was a peach colored fur. She was wearing a gray business suit and she had a very intense, scrutinizing look, on her face.

"Daddy, this is that colt that was in the papers this morning!" Aw shit. "The one who was hospitalized when he went chasing into the woods after some beasts." She was staring up in awe. Did the family have midgets in their bloodline or something.

"ORION-." She was cut off from further yelling.

A nurse had walked up and grabbed her sleeve, "Ma'am, this is the maternity ward. We would appreciate you keeping your voice down or taking this elsewhere." She walked back behind the reception desk and sat down glaring at the group standing in the middle of the lounge.

They all sat down in a corner, faces ashamed. But that didn't stop Mrs Greenfield. "What were you thinking!?" She whispered harshly. "You could have been killed showing off like that. Look at your poor face." Her hands had wandered over his cuts and still present bruises.

"I was thinking of revenge to be honest. Okay more rage at the moment I chose to bait those fuckos out of their little holes." He gently but firmly moved her hands away from his face. "They killed....some very important people to me. I... I couldn't just sit there and do nothing." Looking into his former teachers eyes. "I would do it again in a heartbeat. My only regret is a didn't get more of the fuckers before I ran out of magic."

She had tears in her eyes. His was dry. He had shed his tears on that hill. Her husband had been silent, gawking at him, leaning away. Tears were actually in his eyes. "Why in the blue fuck are you crying, dude?"

"Buck me but you're a tough one. You, wouldn't happen to be looking for a herd by any chance are you?" He assumed she was their daughter judging by her age and similarity to the two parents looking to be on the point of grieving for him. She was giving him an appraising looking. He was just giving her a deadpan glare back at her. "What is with these horses and their absolute need to find breeding partners so fucking fast."

He opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by his former teacher.

"Now, now my dear. He has gone through something rather dramatic. I think that question is best left for later, hmm?" She got a bashful nod in return. But now she was giving him the appraising look. Shit. "Still I must ask. Why are you here?"

He laughed. "Duh I'm here to give moral support to the family and Mrs Evergarden. She's been practically my mom since I got to Canterlot. Why would I not be here?"

"That is, well that is actually rather touching Mr. Falls. I had not realized you and my wife were so close."  Written had gotten his tears under control it seemed. "I thought you were just another charge for her."

"Well I've been living there for, like what 6-7 years now? She has made sure I had my lunch packed. My books. Hell she even straightens my clothes out before I leave. She's having kids. Why would I not be here? She's been there for me." That seemed to just make the poor stallion flush with embarrassment. 

After his embarrassment, Written, his wife, and their daughter hammered Orion with questions about his life. Mostly Written and Sherbet Greens, her name sounded like an awful ice cream flavor. He answered as best he could without giving too much away. When the subject of him eating meat came up, he smiled gleefully at their daughters sudden lack of interest in him. "Meat, you once again saved my life." 

The third wife, stay well away from him. She apparently didn't like him much. That and the 7 kids of various ages seemed to share in the sentiment. Fuck em. Mrs Evergarden's two children were living in Manehatten and wouldn't arrive till tomorrow morning.

During their wait, three big ass mare orderlies and two guard mares entered the waiting room. The not so smug prick from before, once again looking smug, leading the pack.

"There he is ma'am. That was the colt that assaulted me. Please have him arrested." He was smiling gleefully, Orion should have twisted his ear right off. Give him a legit reason to call the cops.

"Orion Falls? Of course it would be you." The closest mare removed her helmet. It was Errant Strikes. 

"Hey Lieutenant! Long time no see!" He was grinning, he was soo going to get out of this.

"That's Captain now squirt. Got promoted last month after a slave den bust down in the Rot. I hear you got into a pretty fierce debate with some timber wolves down in Ponyville of all places. Now you're here twisting the ears off interns. Whats up with that?"

He grinned, "oh yeah that. Well their arguments on living were wrong and I kindly laid out my side of the argument. They saw it my way. As for smug McGee over there? He was being a prick. So I screwed his brain in proper like." Looking over the now visibly confused an once again not so smug stallion. "I think I should have tightened that bolt a little tighter. Seems the dumbass came loose."

He knew most of the occupants of the quickly shrinking room were staring, he and Errant were laughing after all.

"I should arrest you, but you weren't lying, a couple of old mares saw the whole thing, I just wanted to confirm my suspicions. But what are you doing in the maternity ward? I believe you are a bit too young to be knocking up fillies just yet."

He laughed again and they both sat down from across one another as he told her what had been going on with him.







"That is, actually rather sweet of you little colt." She was smiling. "Still to come all the way here, from being escorted to the Princess, to the orphanage, and now here. You haven't had time to relax at all." It was nearly five in the evening.

"First, I'm bigger then you Cap, and secondly, I am always sweet. I doubt you could find a nicer dude then me." She snorted derisively. "And third, I stayed a week in a hospital. I don't think I can relax anymore if I wanted to."

"I suppose that's fair." She completely ignored the height shot. 

While they had been speaking the three orderlies had left, dragging the intern sputtering out the door. He had caught some grumbling about making him pay for pulling them from their rest period. One made a rather suggestive action that the other two nodded and grinned. The stallion paled. 

He did not feel bad for him in the slightest.

Errant's partner, a green recruit named Pale Water, stood ram rod straight in the entrance of the ward. God that must be boring as hell.

The doctor had walked in after a lull in the conversation. It had been 5 hours.

"Mr Word. I am please to announce to you that your wife has giving birth to two healthy colts." A cheer rang out from the family. Orion grinned openly. Twin colts were a rarity in this society. 

Both guards mares grinned openly smiling at one another, till the recruit snapped back into position, the captain just shook her head. She nodded silently and pulled her partner out.

"That's wonderful! How is my wife? Is she okay?"

"She is just fine Mr Word. She is resting but ready for some visitors. We do ask that you speak quietly, as both her and the foals need their rest. But everything went amazingly well. One of the easier birthing processes we have gone through here. A small group of visitors can see her at a time."

After that Word and his two wives went in. Then he came back out with the 3rd, the children went in 2 or 3 at a time. Orion just sat there for a little while. "What am I still doing here, she's okay. The babies are okay. Time for my ass to hit the road and head on back home." A yawn cracked his jaw. It was definitely past ten now.

Getting up he made his way towards the elevators. 

"Mr Falls?"

Surprised he slowly turned around looking at the doctor from before. "Uh...yeah? Something wrong?"

A small smile came from her. "No sir, just the patient wanted to see you. She is waiting in room 348. Please remember to speak softly."

He was a bit bewildered but followed her down the hall. He soon found himself in front of his caretaker's door. Hesitant to go in. He heard voices coming from inside.

"Are you sure you want to see him? That colt is not exactly a good pony."

"I'm quite positive Autumn. The fact that he showed up here. And waited should tell you what kinda young stallion he is. He's a good colt that's just a bit rough around the edges." 

She sounded exhausted. Her voice strained. He snatched a full glass of water with ice off a nearby tray, it was meant for another room, pushing in the door he tried to smile softly as he entered.

"Hey there boss lady. Seems you finally lost all that weight." He softly chuckled.

Written and now the named, Autumn gasped in indignation. But Mrs Evergarden just laughed softly. "Oh yes, I think all the mares will enjoy this weight loss plan." She gratefully accepted the water from his hand and gulped at it with need. 

Orion just stared at the two foals in their mobile crib. Both had her fur color, a rusty orange. Their manes were blue with shades of white in them. They truly looked alike. And they were too fucking adorable. He fought the urge to aww. Seriously what the fuck was wrong with him lately.

"They are beautiful Mrs Evergarden. Good job on the baking." Another laugh, she sounded less strained.

"Yes I say they came out perfect. A little early but here they are." He turned around to look at her. She was a mess. Her purple mane was a mess, the bun barely holding the tide of locks away. Her fur covered in a sheen of sweat. She looked like the happiest mare in the world right now. "Huh, so that's what they all mean when they say a woman is glowing after birth."

"Thank you Orion, for coming. When I read the news paper this morning I was so worried." She looked at him, sad eyes taking his scarred up looks. "Oh you poor colt, look at your face. Why did you go out and do that? There was no reason. What could possibly justify you putting your life on the line like that?" 

He smiled softly, he was not about to stress her out more by telling her the details. "I'll tell you later. I'm okay. That's all that matters, besides, chicks dig scars. But enough about me. How ya feeling there?"

He would eventually tell her. Just not today. This was a happy time. They spent some time bantering, much to the shock of Written and his other wife. Greenfield just giggled. She was used to him. He remarked on the kids, both unicorns, looked so much like her. She threatened him with babysitting. It was a good time. Orion left before too long. Not wanting to wear her out. 

Kissing her hand and giving her a gentle hug he gave her some final congrats and well wishes. Nodding to the rest of the family. He left. His thoughts whirled around his head as he came to terms with the fact that he was changing. maybe not like all the horses around him. But enough to blend in a bit better. The thoughts of new life also made him smile. Life goes on.

He hid a grin as a nurse was yelling at an orderly about some missing water. He had no idea what they were going on about. His shoulders shaking gave away the lie he was not convincing himself of.

The two old mares were still down there. With some inquiries he found out they were waiting on their husband. Taking breaks to come down here while the doctors operated on some spinal issue. Further inquires brought him knowledge of hot chocolate. He bought them two large cups as thank you for standing up for him.

He got a pair of kisses from the ladies.

Walking out he whistled the old Metroid theme song. Making his way home in the snowy winters night.







The return to school gave him a few surprises. The first being Twilight tackle hugging him at the entrance. She cried into his shoulder mumbling half formed apologies. He smiled and patted her head gently trying to ease them both off the ground. 

She went near ballistic about his face, the scar was there but not super obvious now. But it might as well have been the end of the world for her. What a spaz.

The second surprise came from the student body in general. He thought they were going to part around him like the red sea for Moses. Instead he got smiles. One of the teachers slapped him on the back. The stallion was part of the physical academics department, a Mr Thunder if he remembered correctly. He nodded to him, congratulating him on what he did. Then asked if he was interested in playing hoofball next year in his primary academic school. 

He wanted him to play fucking soccer. Hell no. More politely then he felt he declined saying he wanted to focus on his studies. He thanked him and left the disappointed man in the hall.

This was all way to bizarre. Then he found out why. Included into many news articles about him, was the reasoning behind his war on the timber wolves. It seemed many liked the idea of someone seeking justice from predators. He had somehow become the feel good story of the month. 'Hero Colt Seeks Justice for Slain Ponies', 'Family Rests Easy Knowing Killers Dead.'

All rather dramatic nonsense. But what mattered was Orion was suddenly not public enemy number one for the school anymore. A fact that did not settle well with him. Years of the status quo suddenly being shifted meant his activities would garner more attention. Shit. Double shit. 

The shift of the paradigm came with the beginning of lunch. Where he once sat alone, now was surrounded by several girls and a few colts that gave him the willies. Twilight sat with another group, they looked nerdy like her. Any attempt to draw her into their conversation was met with her head in a book. But if looks could kill she would have murdered the entire left side of the cafeteria with the glare she was directing at the ponies that were now flooding his table. 

The implications of why she was angry worried him.

This whole thing was unacceptable. In his desperation he found refuge on the roof of the school itself. He melted and burned the snow and ice from the southern tip of the school in line with all the rays of the sun. He bundled up tight and devoured his rapidly cooling meal.

After the 14th time they begged him to tell his 'heroism', that word was starting to make him sick, he had teleported out in a flash. Since then he had chosen to grab his meal and jump to the top of the school at every opportunity. That is where Celestia found him one sunny afternoon. "Aw hell."







"So, hero colt , eh?" Orion nearly fell the fuck off the building.

"Fucking Christ lady! You trying to get me killed!?" His heart had managed to squeeze it's way into his throat. She was laughing her ass off at him.

"Oh my you should see your face! I haven't startled anypony like that in years!" She held onto her stomach.

Regaining his seating he growled at her. "What can I do for you your highness." He almost died, and she was giggling to herself. Venom dripped from his words.

"Oh no need to be so hostile Orion. I was not about to let you fall to your death." She chuckled smiling wickedly. "Maybe let you panic a bit no death for you." She was a troll. Trollestia. He deadpanned glared at the newly named monarch. "Oh fine, your no fun. I actually came to check in on you." She had sat herself in the spot he was startled from, so she was a seat stealer on top of trying to scare him to death. Lovely.

Noticing a crowd of ponies gathering a little ways away below, he frowned. There was more to this then she was letting on. What, he could not know. But she was up to something. He shrugged his shoulders. Suddenly very conscious of the weight of those bands on his arms.

"Your highness, seriously you can't expect me to think this is just a friendly visit. We are not exactly buddies and all that. Did I do something to piss you off, again?"

"She stared at him for a moment. "I keep forgetting you're not like many ponies." She sighed, then smiled. "Very well, I wish to use you Orion." That set the beacons of Gondor ablaze. Apparently she noticed the look of panic racing across his face. "It's nothing bad I promise you. My...image with the common pony is not that great. I am more often seen as a...institution then as the motherly figure I try to project." This was new, she was struggling to articulate what it was she wanted. Then it clicked.

"You want a social beard." Her confused look made him chuckle. "It's slang, for when a stallion who has other then normal sexual preferences has a lady still act with interest to him in order to hide behind it. In your case, you want to appear friendly and one of the people. Thus you need someone to make you seem approachable. I expect this to have a political impact as well."

She was staring at him again. "You would very dangerous in noble society Orion. Yes, that is exactly what I am looking for. Our previous, conversations, have left an impression on the upper class. But I wish for more then just their attention. I want them to see me engage the lowest of the citizens. No offense to you, but you are about as low standing as one can get. This is why I wish to use you. On top of that the common pony will see me for what I have been trying to project all this time."

"This would of course be beneficial to you. Your standing in society would improve drastically. Herds that are forming now would definitely take notice of you if you were rubbing shoulders with the highest of our society." She was laying it on thick, and he was considering letting her finish before refusing. But fuck that.

"No offense princess but, no. Hell no. If you haven't picked up on it, I don't want attention drawn to me. I don't want nobles to mob me with their daughters. The moment I graduate I will be leaving at break neck speed south. I want to see the world and not from the lap of luxury. I get it. You need this, but I certainly don't."

"I-I.....what? You don't want....Why?" She was doing the fish gaping thing. Now he knew where Twilight got it from. "But think of what you could do with those resources of wealth behind you. You shown an amazing aptitude for understanding the natural order of nature, and the application of magic. Why would you not want to use influence to change how pony society sees the world?"

"Actually that is easy. On average most folks are concerned only how to feed their families and retire comfortably. Nobles will only show interest as long as it benefits them, allowing them to easily achieve their goals. Science communities will rejoice at the idea of new discoveries. But it will quickly fade into obscurity because the big dicks of those very communities will likely be mad they didn't come up with it themselves. They will work incredibly hard to squash any discoveries I made till I am as old and bitter as they are." 

"No, I will not spend years trying to get their attention only to end up old and bitter."

"I see." She didn't fully see. Mostly because he hadn't told her the truth. Which was his alien ass didn't want anything to do with politicians and the noblese. Too much attention. 

"Well, how about this, I can't take you on as a student but it was something I was going to discuss with you the other day. Orion, you have grown beyond many of your classes. Oh there are things you can still learn from the magic classes next year, but in terms of combat magic you...well you outclass anyone in your age group. To be honest, you are likely the most dangerous colt in the school. That is something in itself." She paused, letting him absorb the situation. 

"Seeing that you are beyond the normal scope of basic combat courses. I would like to offer you this; be my beard, and I will allow you to train under some of the more advanced combat instructors of the military. Considering you wish to travel, likely without guidance or a herd, this might interest you more."

"Shit, this would actually be very useful." On the one hand he would be very close to her, but the other is actual combat training that involves more then just throwing magic missiles and praying. This was hard, but he knew he was going to take it. Before he could open his mouth she had to sour the pot she had been making. It likely saved him in the end, but he was a bit upset about it.

"I would like, however, for you to allow herds to approach you. Orion, you are immensely strong even with your range limitation. A blood line of your strength coupled with a mare whose family has been known to reach extraordinary range would make an excellent family tree of strength and power."

And she went and ruined it. No way in hell was he going to deal with noble daughters fawning over him. Trying to control him. He didn't want to be making babies the moment he graduated.

"Sorry Princess, but you went and ruined it. No way in hell am I doing that. Sorry but negotiations have fallen through, the countries are still at a ceasefire instead of outright peace." He grinned. He would find other avenues. Damn was this a good opportunity though. "Find someone else to be your beard. Someone more, pliable then myself."

Her face darkened very fast. "You are refusing your princess? Are you sure that's wise?"

"Shit, no. But it would be against my principles of being honest if I lied to you. Wise? No. But I would also like to point out that if you attempt to punish me, well, the common pony is going to notice the highest authority in the land using their office to subjugate, that's a good word, one with the lowest standing in the nation. That is absolutely terrible PR." He grinned. "But that is a choice you'll have to make."

Her glower had changed to a calculated look, eyes flicking back in forth in thought. He didn't think she had to think on the fly like this in quite some time. The way her face contorted when she realized she had overplayed her hand made him feel like he had just orgasmed, it was euphoric. 

"You are, correct. I can't very well punish you for not wanting to do something against your will or against the law." She sighed in defeat. "Well, if i can't directly use you in the way I want, I can still get something out of this."

Post orgasm feeling gone."FUCK!"

"I guess. I can't exactly stop you there. Just don't get pissed and smite me when I am less the cordial." This was not going the way he wanted. He wanted her to get pissy and leave for fuck's sake. Maybe he could salvage this and irritate her enough to not think he was worth it.







It didn't work. He would be having tea with her every two weeks. He hated tea. How in the hell had she managed to get him to do this. So there he sat in the Knightsbridge, a section of Canterlot that screamed 'I have more money then you'll ever see in your miserable life.' 

The cafe she chose, Silhouette's Dive, was anything but. The establishment was built around the idea that wood and black silks would go well. Turns out it did. The inside had a counter top shaped in a large L. The wood used was a deep mahogany. Behind the counter displayed jars upon jars of different tea spices from all over the world. The black and gray silks hung from the ceiling against the walls, it honestly gave the shop a spooky feel. He liked it.

Someone must have though adding sunset orange to the whole thing was a wonderful idea. To Orion, it just barely worked. The orange trim was tastefully done but it almost seemed to to come off wrong. Celestia loved it. They sat across from one another. The benches following a similar color scheme to the cafe. Same with the rectangular table that separated them. 

She had wanted to take her tea outside but the weather ponies had scheduled a storm for that afternoon. The only disappointment she showed was a sigh. Seated in one of the most well lit spots there she perused through the menu as if looking for buried treasure. He hadn't even bothered to look.

"I don't know which one to have, the Tieguanyin sounds good but then Lavender would better help me relax....oh I just don't know what to pick. Orion, your thoughts?" 

He glared at her. He was bitter. He hated this. The patrons were staring. Not at her, but at him. He could hear the whispers if not the exact nature of the conversations. The moment she dropped his name, the whispers had begun again, this time with his full name being cast about in hushed voices.

"You're doing this on purpose. Just because I won't agree to your demands. I don't care what tea you pick. This is petty and you know it." He whispered. Barely.

"I don't understand what you are talking about Orion. We are just here to enjoy tea. That's all." She had a coy smile. "This bitch." He could do nothing. She had him over barrel and she was delighting in the torment. Every now and then she would spot a unstallioned herd that would walk through the door, most likely because they heard she was there, and noted how young and healthy they looked.

It was grating. She dragged his ass to this place merely to put him on show. It wasn't the first time but each one felt like a new hell. Let the young and elite of Canterlot ogle him. He knew her game, she was trying to get a herd to notice him. The fact that it seemed to be working, even if only as him knowing her, was making him itch to teleport away. The stares were unnerving.

"Come now Orion, we are merely sharing a spot of tea and some pleasant conversation." The incredulous look from him made her chuckle. "Okay maybe that is more me thing. You certainly seem to be a hot topic among the patrons here today that's for sure."

"That's because they are still trying to figure out how the little orphan colt got into this area of town. Just give em time, they will grow used to me, then bored of me. The status quo will return to equilibrium. Can't wait for that to happen." He grumbled as he watched their waiter approach. 

He could be considered handsome wearing a butler outfit with the the cafe's emblem, a mare in silhouette, with his name under it. Mist Storm. His parents had named him Intense Drizzle basically. Jesus horse names were dumb as hell. At least his own was moderately normal.

His silver gray mane was brushed to a gloss, with three individual braids in it. At the end of each braid was a gold trinket in the shape of a cutie mark. He had learned earlier that it was high fashion for stallions in Canterlot to wear the cutie marks of their herd mates in their manes. Touching really.

His deep brown fur had also followed the way of his mane, brushed to a glossy finish. Minus the braids. He had a small chin beard. Orion idly wondered how one might look on him.

"Princess, have you decided on what you would like to partake in this afternoon?" His voice came off cultured, and smooth. His posture was both relaxed and stiff. He clearly had dealt with her before. Okay so maybe she came here more often then he thought. Still could have done tea at the castle then this dog and pony show. But he knew her reasons.

"Yes Mist, I think I will go with the Tieguanyin tea, with a platter of your chocolate scones if you would. Orion, what will you have?" She smiled gently. The waiter turned to him, curiosity and not judgement surprisingly, on his face. He was going to ruin that. He smiled.

"Well shucks princess I don't know. Us orphans don't know what to do with them fancy teas-"







Applejack's ear itched something fierce. Somepony was up to something. She didn't know what, but it felt mean. And a lie to boot. The varmint.







"Young Orion will have the same as me." She had cut him off. She was chuckling softly while she did it. He was rubbing the back of his head. She was unflappable today. Nothing he did was getting to this woman. 

Mist just smiled. "I believed as much, I have a young colt at home myself. He is in the same independent phase as well. Insists on embarrassing the herd where ever we go." He chuckled. "His older brother grew out of it. He will too." He turned to look at him. "I'm sure you will grow out of it as well young stallion."

"Tell you what bud, how about you take both hands, fill one up with confidence, the other with shit. Tell me which one fills up faster." Oh now he got to her. She stared aghast at him. 

The waiter merely started laughing. "Oh my grandfather used to tell my father that all the time when I was young. I will get your orders out as soon as possible, Princess, Mr Falls." With that he walked away. Talk about unflappable. The man just passed sunbutt in that category.

"Orion!" She fiercely whispered at him. "That was totally uncalled for!"

"So was coming here, yet here we are. Listen I would have likely been less of an ass had this been regularly scheduled at the castle. This is the third time you have dragged me out to a cafe. I know your game Princess. You have forgotten one crucial detail. My compliance to any herd attempting to approach me." He grinned as she glared at him.

Approach him they did. Six times Mrs Evergarden had excitedly knocked on his door, pounded really, telling him about a group of mares in the orphanage's receiving room looking for him. Another hope for her now was he would join a herd to give him all the love and attention he deserved. Just, no. No no nonononononono.

The first time he thought it some grand joke. Which was quickly dashed when the youngest of that herd had rubbed up against him, her tail smacking him lightly across the legs. He was fourteen and these were grown ass mares trying to groom him already. The fuck. He magically threw them out.

By the third call, he had thrown on his ripped clothes from last year and jumped down and started making a bunch of wild animal noises. That sent a whole group running. He wasn't happy with the results. He was getting pissed. 

They were taking time away from him his recent point of study, harmonic frequencies. There were no books on it anywhere and he was giving himself headaches trying to figure it out. The vibrations he had managed to make were leaving him with barely the ability to cast magic himself afterwards.

There seemed to be no stopping them either. Every week there seemed to be another group wanting to roll the dice. He never let any of them ask him questions. Just chased them out either verbally or physically. Celestia had admonished him when he threatened to throw sewage at the next group to come by. Mrs Evergarden was heart broken for a week after that fiasco. Wouldn't even talk to him.

Now he sat there, once again on display. It irked him to no end.

"Orion I wish you would give them a chance. You might actually begin to enjoy their company. You never know, one mare might just snag your heart." He wished she would stop this charade.

"Princess, I have no plans to attach myself to anyone. I plan to leave Canterlot the day of graduation. I want to travel the world. I will not allow myself to be tethered by you, or anyone you send my way." Her face had twitched, hard. It looked like she wanted to bite him. "For God's sake, I'm fourteen. I turn fifteen next a couple of months. Why in the hell are you trying to line up herds now? I'm way to young for that shit."

"Orion, I get that you wish to seek out your parents." Parents? She thinks he is hunting for his family, that was actually hilarious to him. "I am even willing to provide resources to that end as I am curious as well. But it is dangerous for a young stallion to out by themselves like that." She had switched to the 'this could happen' argument. "What are you my mother?" She was certainly acting like it. He hoped Mrs Evergarden never picked up lessons. "As to the age you are, many young colts get promised to maturing herds at your age."

Mist had returned with two platters of chocolate scones and two sets of teas. After arranging everything and his well wishes for the meal he departed. "By the way he deserves a damn good tip if he can laugh at one of my jokes." He bit into a scone, swallowed, and set it down never to be touched again. How the fuck do they make that so sweet? Why would they?

He drank the water he had ordered early in the visit. He wasn't touching the tea. Coffee or bust for him.

"I suppose he should considering what a little monster you have been today." She ate an entire scone in one bite. One. Bite. Oh look she is grabbing another. "I'm not sure why your being so irritable today. Granted its raining out but its not that bad."

"Well that might be because I have combat classes today. Have them three times a week as if you don't already know." He knew she was watching him again. He would have to be an idiot not to know she was watching him again. All his little projects were collecting dust under the floor boards. "After this I have if I am lucky twenty minutes to teleport home, change and be at the gym. Since I can't get the whole magical combat in, I figured I could try working magic into the standard self defense and offense classes instead."

He figured he might as well get a jump start on combat as best he could. He wasn't going to be getting much from the school in that regard. Everything seemed to boil down to spray and pray then teleport away. It was silly. 

"Now how did you know that I knew what you did on a Saturday afternoon?" She was puzzled. She shoveled another one, whole, into her mouth. Then he noticed she had been taking from his plate. "What a fat ass."

"Well the fact that the same stallion in various, almost comedic disguises, has been following me about from school to the gym and then home was a good indication. At first I wasn't sure, but I managed to get a good look at him twice and realized it was the same dude. When I took two alternative paths, same guy following me." He grinned. "Don't tell me your agents are so few. You? No you likely got thousands of em. Probably didn't think I would notice."







She didn't think he would notice. Often times she had to remind herself he was a cautious and doubtful little colt. Because of that nature he often noticed what most would ignore. She had been looking him over, seeing the changes in his face and body. He was coming on his fifteenth year in May. He was again taller. 

The muscle building seemed to have halted into something a little leaner since he had started his combat training. The images on crystal that she had received from her agent following him showed a very formidable figure. One with a knack for avoiding blows, that would have laid him out on the mat. Even when a fist or hoof managed to connect he seemed to just flow with the strike, minimizing the damage. Impressive. She wondered where he learned it from.

What had startled her even more was that in his combat classes he seemed to have figured out how to move about the mat with quick burst of magic. The real shock had been learning it wasn't teleportation. His horn would light up, and he would suddenly be on the other side of his opponent. The agent, had laid claim to golden lightening surrounding him briefly and then he was on the other side of the mat, behind his opponent.

The downside she had begun to notice, was that if he did that more then nine seconds he would be awash with sweat. Visible steam poured off his body, he would look more exhausted then his partner trying to keep up with him. What was he doing that built up so much heat? The spell he was using never showed up on the still images. Just the basic structure. She was impressed, he was attempting to construct a brand new spell. Those were difficult in and of themselves. And he was just fourteen.

The other surprise came when he was at home at the orphanage. He wasn't flying exactly, but he had somehow figured out how to cast magic with his hands. Using flames to propel him across the yard in quick succession. That was different. She had attempted to do it herself, and found she could in fact cast magic through her own. Nothing extravagant. In fact there seemed to be a limit to only the smaller easier cast spells like levitation. 

She found she had greater control on the objects she was manipulating that way. She had spent that afternoon rearranging her personal quarters at least five times. It was easy.

Starswirl had mentioned long ago of it being possible to cast spells through the hands. He had even showed her it was possible. She had ignored that in favor of a more old fashion approach based on cultural norms. She had wanted her soldiers and ponies to act with poise when using their own magic. She had inadvertently stunted her own ponies. Foolish. Another reason to find some way to keep him firmly attached to her.

In terms of that she was having very little luck. That dreadful scar had healed. But was still visible. If not for the mild celebrity status he had garnered in Ponyville, and by the papers here in Canterlot, she would have had a much harder time sending the young mares of Canterlot's elite to him. A tactic that seemed to be failing. Mostly because she couldn't impress on the her nobles for much longer considering his method of, declining. He was a vulgar one when he rejected anypony.

"I'm sorry Orion, believe it or not I am concerned for your safety. You don't have a herd of your own to watch over you. Is it too much to wish to have you protected?" He rarely responded to genuine emotion. At least from her. He purposely looked for ulterior motives in her anytime she offered words of wisdom or help. 

The flat refusal to remove him from the orphanage and set him up in a small apartment of his own was a big indicator that he didn't trust her at all. Considering their brief history thus far, she could see why. But he didn't even trust her to keep her word on anything. She soon realized it wasn't just her. He regarded everypony that way. It also explained why he had only Twilight as a friend. Even that was tentative at best.

"Princess, come on. I'm not your responsibility. We both know that." He looked at her, an intense look on his face. "You have been watching me for some time now. You've likely be informed of what I have been attempting." 

Celestia was taken aback, she didn't think he would actually want to talk about what he was trying to do with some of the spells she had seen him attempting to perform. "Yes. I have." She spoke hesitantly, not wanting to get her hopes up. "I am most curious of a few of them."







He was originally planning to keep things close to the chest about his experiments. But the spell he was tentatively calling Amplification was not working. The magic itself was easy to apply when considering he understood the stresses the cells of the body could take and how to boost their resilience to take on further burdens. 

The problem that came was not something he anticipated. Massive heat build up. He had not come up with a way to vent the heat itself. It was too much. After nine seconds he felt like he was in a jungle and the Sahara Desert at the same fucking time. But those few seconds he was fast, unbelievably fast. The spell didn't increase his physical strength as much. True he hit far harder. But it was nothing compared to the sheer speed he got.

The first time he cast it, had made him dizzy as hell. He actually went blind from the speed. And had to stop to re-orientate himself. He remember reading about a beetle that moved so fast that it went blind too. Augmenting his eyes with the spell was no problem, he just added another branch to the main matrix, though even that seemed to only allow for blurred vision. He knew he would figure out that part eventually. Maybe by adding another sub matrix all together.

The heat build up was what worried him. He felt like he would microwave his insides pushing that to far. The problem stemmed from the fact that when he fortified the cells in his body he made them unable to expel heat as rapidly as normal. He thought about just adding a cooling spell to the mix but all he ended up doing was turning sluggish and cold. The math wouldn't allow for the compensation.

So he asked. "What am I doing wrong? The mass of my body has a specific heat threshold that I cannot go beyond. The spell I am trying to work on boosts my body's natural abilities, but in doing so I suffer from overheating as my muscles are working overtime. I have tried different combinations of spells to cool the effect, but they either outright negate the effect or worse knock me out completely." She was staring at him.

"What? I'm sorry Orion I am not sure I understand..." She sat, tea and confections forgotten for the moment, with her hand on her chin. A slight puzzled look on her face as she stared off, eyes darting back and forth in consideration for the problem he had presented her. "You're talking about heat displacement, as if its something that can be shed simply with a spell. I'm afraid you would need a direct outlet for that sort of thing. You are not just talking about about shedding heat either, your invoking a spell to do what the body does naturally overtime."

"Huh... well heat is can be considered a form of energy. The build up has to go somewhere. But with the way the spell locks the cells...."







Celestia was actually overjoyed. He was consulting her. Her. On a subject relating to magic. One on reflection, she actually knew quite a bit about. Considering where her magic came from after all. He was having trouble figuring out how to dissipate the heat build up. Summoning her writing kit she dabbed the quill into the ink and wrote out the heat transfer formula.

ΔU = Q − W.

"As you no doubt have already learned this is the equation for thermodynamics. What we have learned over the years is that heat and energy cannot be dispersed in an enclosed system. Eventually that will lead to the body shutting down because it has no where to send the heat. By solidifying the cells your isolating the heat build up."

Orion was just staring at the scroll with the formula and explanations written on it. He slammed his head into the table. Starling her and Mist who was just returning to check on them.

"You fucking idiot how the hell could you have forgotten that shit." Another slam "Its basic chemistry at its finest! You moron" She stopped him from another slam. Her magic engulfing his head and shoulders. He had attracted a the eyes of the patrons and workers in the establishment. Shock and fear etched on their faces.

"Orion, please control yourself whats wrong?" When she released him he ran a hand through his mane and looked a bit sheepish. 

"Sorry, I just....hooo I had forgotten the basic rules. I locked my body down in that state. Now..." He had snatched the paper from her and pulled out...something thicker then her quill but with the same tip. He began to write, and anything he had to say was drowned out. He was writing without dipping into an ink pot. Her horn lit up as she cast the spell for a scan. Did he actually enchant a quill to have endless ink? Was he the enchanter?!

No. The ink was inside the quill itself. Her scan showed that it fed from a canister with a small needle poking into it. Allowing the ink to flow out at a slow rate. Where had he gotten it? There were no enchantments on it at all. In fact, this was a fairly new item judging by the exterior. 

"Orion." He had stopped his mutterings, the entire paper covered in equations, she was having trouble trying to figure out where they were going. She shook her head and centered on her original thought. "What, is that in your hand? I don't think I've ever seen a quill like that before."

He looked down at the item in his hand. "Oh this? Heh, this is my meal ticket Princess. I call it a Pen. It holds the ink inside rather then having to constantly dip into an ink pot. With the little switch on the side I can physically separate ink cartridge and the nib from each other. That way I don't have ink bleeding out all over my notes in my back pack." He was smiling proudly.

He had made a device, that was an all in one for writing. "His meal ticket?" 

"Are you saying you have that patented already?"

He looked back up from his writing. "Oh yeah. Costed every fucking bit I had at the time but I patented the shit out of it. Also paid extra for the clerk to keep it hidden. Good person that one. Won't tell you who in this case. Don't want no one to harass them after all." Smart. 

There were several nobles in the now deathly silent cafe. She could detect several noise amplification spells in the room. They had been listening and now were staring hungrily at his pen. The poor colt was going to have to-

His head whipped about and stared at the nobles with an angry glare. His horn flashed and went quiet. The shrieking from a young stallion had grabbed her attention. Jet Set, she believed his name was. He was barely on his table holding his horn and head. What had he done? The spell he casted was too fast for her to catch.

"Mind your own damn business and keep your ears and horns to yourselves." There was that familiar rage in him. She had noted it from the recording as well as her own interactions. Though she couldn't be too upset. The had broken several social rules, and one state rule listening in as they had. Still. 

"Orion that was uncalled for." She shushed him with her magic holding his mouth closed. If she let him talk he would find some way to spin this in his favor. "What they were doing was wrong. But so was, whatever you had done to them. I won't make you apologize because I know better by now. But do not do that again." She would ask him about what spell he had used later. It was almost the end of her schedule tea time with him.

She watched him for a moment as he began to write once more. That strange, pen he called it, gliding smoothly over the scroll like a dance. The equations he was forming, wait, he is coupling physical attacks using the heat to transfer to energy. Pure magical energy.

He might blow his hand off if he does that. "Orion, what you are writing is very dangerous. You could severely damage your hands doing that."

"Huh? Oh that yeah that is not the whole spell." He smirked. "Can't let you see everything I plan. This is just a reminder of where I am going with it more then anything else." Just shy of fifteen, and already hording his ideas and notes like a twenty year researcher. She smiled. She was concerned, but he seemed to have sense enough to know the limit.

Despite everything, his future is bright. If only he would stop being so defensive, and desist from his own self sabotage of potential relationships he might have. 

"Welp times up, this was...actually this was far more pleasant then the last time." That had ended in a near shouting match. She was glad it had been interrupted. The image of their Princess screaming at a orphan colt would have been disastrous. His fault that time.

"Yes, I enjoy your company despite the hiccups we may have. This was a pleasant visit I wouldn't mind having again." She smiled. His bows weren't any better but they were not as hesitant as before. It was a start. Maybe with luck he might be a proper pony one day. The meat eating thing still made her pause. He had wanted to go to one of those griffon bistros once. She denied him.

"Well never can tell boss lady. In the meantime enjoy the afternoon of bullshit from the nobles. I hear they are meeting for taxes again." He flashed another grin, those teeth not bothering her now, and teleported right out of the establishment. No manners in that regard.

"He is one odd colt." Mist stood next to her shoulder, with the check.

"Yes he is. I fear his infamy will only grow in that regard." She politely paid, an entire coin purse full of gold bits. "Keep the change. He insisted."

The waiter chuckled, "He's a good colt after all. I suppose I have to stop following him now since he made me. He is too smart. I lost him seven times yesterday. He smiled every time I found him again. I have no idea how he did that. You have another lined up to watch him?"

"No." He had lost Agent Storm too easily and too many times. It would likely not take him all that long to lose another once he figured it out. It was game to him now. Besides the majority of her male agents were all deployed to other towns and cities. Assigning him a mare agent to follow might lead to something worse, with estrus season once again approaching. "No, you have collected enough information on his activities and other then keeping his secrets, and being a social pariah, he has been a normal colt. Have some downtime agent, take your mares out to somewhere nice. You have earned it."

He bowed without another word. It surprised her that Orion had never said anything about their server. She had watched his eyes. Not even a twitch. Maybe she should put forth an effort into him becoming a politician as well. One in her pocket.

She looked down at her discard quill. Still it was nice to teach somepony different then Twilight. She always asked for more knowledge. Orion chose to figure it out for himself. If only he might have arrived a few years earlier, and been less surly. He may have been the student she chose. No, Twilight's potential far outshines his.

"You know on second thought, I lucked out with Twilight."
> Stagnant Progress
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orion never poked his head out for the entire estrus season. "Not doing that bullshit again."

Instead with the increase of privacy he went back to his notes on artificing and enchanting. His time spent only drawing up plans and then stuffing them under the floor of the library had paid off.

He had come up with a easy way of dissipating the heat build up in his body when he casted Amplification, but he chose to hide it away for the time being. The ornaments went into his mane, and acted as a sort of heat sink to allow air to pass over them, Even with these however, there was only so much he could take. At current iteration he could last two minutes with the Amplification at moderate power. 

He got the idea partly from the Princess herself. The day she got livid at him in the throne room, her hair was acting as a way to dissipate heat build up from her body. Though what she could do was far and away beyond what Orion was capable of. Though from earlier observations, he believed he knew why and just didn't have the resources or power available to him at the moment. 

The waiter never showed up again. Celestia obviously knew he had known who he was. But the last two weeks he had not detected him. Which meant that she had given up once again, though he believed it was only because he was prone to getting into trouble that she had him watched, not that she suspected him of anything. No need to do anything stupid regardless. 

The leather bracelet was on its fourth iteration, and this one seemed to be lasting far longer then the others. 

Orion had been noting each total failure every enchantment he had made thus far. The flashlight, melted through the floor of the basement. He had covered that up with a stack of wooden crates. The leather bracelets he had made, melted like a slimy oil. The first time that had happened had been in class, fortunately during chemistry so he played it off as an accident of the chemical compound he was making. 

That one irked him because he had to dispose of perfectly good fluoride toothpaste he was making. It was going to be mint. A vast improvement over the pure baking soda everyone seemed to want to use. 

The gun he had managed to make, he stared at for three weeks. Then melted it down to slag. The chemical composition of black powder did not work. At all. Not even a spark. It was as if this world refused to allow for combustible materials. No that was wrong. Nitroglycerin still ignited. But it was only really good as a general explosive. He had to swipe it from the school science lab. He only got one use out of it and that was when he bated the wolves out of the forest the first time.

There was another reason he slagged the gun. He had a nightmare of the firearm falling into the wrong hands. The bang and the sun dying scared the ever loving shit out of him. The moment he woke up he turned the heat up in the makeshift kiln in the basement to as hot as he could and tossed the weapon in.

He would not make another. So he made a bow instead. A recurve bow. One he had caste from metal. The spring he enchanted into the metal allowed for an even harder draw, one he was capable of doing but other then practicing with it drawing the line back and then easing up. He had read somewhere it wasn't wise to just release a taut bow line, rather ease off the tension till it was back to its initial position.

He had no idea how hard the bow was going to hit if and when he might be able to practice fire it. So the arrows were produced with the same durability the bow had. The arrow heads had cut him way to many times. Causing him to have to have to use his admittedly shitty skill of healing. But by the end he had stashed away the bow and 35 arrows in a small cubby hole he had made in the basement concrete wall.

Something had been bothering him immensely. It was during the making and later destruction of the gun he had made that a thought occurred that made him uncomfortable.

For a race of people with magic, they seemed to progress only to the point of achieving a needed desire. Then abruptly stopping all progress in that field. The train, was at best mid to late 1800s, was not that efficient. The engine itself constantly broke down from wear and tear. Often bringing the whole line down for weeks at a time while engineers tried to get it back up and running without actually doing any meaningful repair.

Then there was the power distribution. They had electricity. But it was produced in two ways that he could figure out. One was the hydroelectric damn in Ponyville. Which was an odd development in and of itself. They had built only two turbines for a facility that could house twelve if they had actually tried. They were also pitifully small. The dam was in Ponyville, but it powered Canterlot instead. The locals near the dam seemed to prefer, or at the very least had no choice, the old fashion way of lighting their homes. 

It was odd because they had essentially created a turbine. But never thought to use it for anything else other then the dam itself. They didn't bother with air travel as they had pegasus to move from town to town any cargo that needed to be transferred. People the same as well.

There were rumors of a airship fleet that Celestia had mothballed for some reason. No one had seen it in sometime. Or if they did they were sworn to secrecy. Apparently the fleet was as old as the nation itself. Heavy stuff, as Orion could only think of one use for a hidden fleet. War.

The other way they generated electricity was actually rather ingenious, if he did say so himself. Many homes in Canterlot, Ponyville, Manehatten and even Stalliongrad had small power units. A unicorn only had to come by once or twice a month depending on house hold usage to charge, change the fluid in the chamber, or replace the crystal itself.

The power units seemed to be made up of a step up transformer, an isolated chamber with a liquefied copper solution with a crystal suspended in the center of the chamber. At first he wanted to call shenanigans on the idea that ponies had lost the art of enchantments. Then he found out about crystal magic in his seventh year of school. 

Apparently while the original crafters of crystal magic had long since vanished in the north, the skill still persisted today. Many had the ability to use the basic skills to use crystals as video recorders, cameras, even vocal diaries. Orion himself was easily capable of using it. The teacher, Mr Cloud Hopper who was not a pegasus, made a joke that if nothing else he had an excellent future in repair. Har har har har har. Fucko.

Still, they advance just enough to accommodate them. Then relied on their own natural abilities to see them further. They, were a stagnant race. Which might bode ill for other races now that he thought about it. If Equestria was not advancing themselves, then other races were likely just as stagnant as they were. There was nothing to copy for their own uses. If the ponies hadn't figured out a problem, then no one else was trying either.

That meant no way to cultivate crops in arid climates without pegasus. No way to power homes without unicorns. No way to grow food with consistency without earth ponies. The globe was completely dependent on pony power in order to live. Which meant Celestia had total control. Even if it wasn't obvious to other nations. Was she purposely doing this? Or was it just because she lacked the imagination to allow for further innovation. 

The more he spoke with her he was beginning to realize that it was a likely combination of both. She did not know the possibilities. But she didn't want other nations to advance beyond her. So it was a product of ignorance and purpose at the same time. 

But all this lead up to one conclusion. Whether through intention or willful purpose most if not all nations where likely subject to mass starvation at anytime, if even one thing went wrong, a community might see the end. That was a sobering thought. A frightening one that such a being holds that much sway. 

Orion smiled. He had just solidified what he was planning to do once he graduated. 

He put on the new bracelet, still leather but inside the seemingly innocent tag was a gold disk, a tiny amethyst gem in the center. No more melting leather for him.

He put the other enchanted items away. And began drawing up new blueprints. Not for enchanted items. But for improvements to the first problem. A new steam engine that could properly vent the expelled gases without stressing the system out. Then others. Many others. 

Those four weeks had likely been the most productive he had been since first getting into school.







Mrs Evergarden's return to the orphanage was a welcome one. She made a huge fuss over him, getting the full details of what he had done in Ponyville. She was clearly upset, but she wasn't able to yell at him. 

With her came spring in full. And school too. He had gotten used to the smiles. The stares made him want to smack them, but they never went beyond that. His time in the cafeteria was still filled with fillies and the occasional colt wanting to sit with him. But it seemed they had given up on the idea of cornering him. Thus, he once again sat alone on a corner table. The status quo once again finding balance. No more cold ass roof tiles for him.

Classes weren't much to pay attention to. It seemed to just be refresher courses at this point. To prepare students for the schools they were going to be divided up according to ability and interests. Orion was set to go to advance classes. Though there was some resistance to that. Once it was known his range was limited to ten or twelve meters, the school didn't want to bother pushing for his advancement. 

In fact they were actively getting in his way, by filling out paperwork in his name for other schools. That suddenly stopped after a casual conversation with Celestia over tea. That afternoon she had left with a very dark look on her face. 

That Monday he had walked into the main campus. His Jr High school was small by comparison. Apparently not only did high school students attend, but it was where the college course in superior academics occurred.

He signed up personally for his courses. He was getting some rather dark looks from many of the teachers he passed by. It felt, right. Natural. He grinned at everyone, making sure they saw his teeth. 







"I was lead to believe you were being transferring to another school Mr. Falls. One back out in Manehatten, if the memo was to be believed." The Principal of this school, Miss Quill, was an all white mare. Her mane and fur both shining in the afternoon light as her eyes bored into him from across the desk of which they both sat next to. She had opted to wear a black mares business suit, no tie. 

"Oh you know, folks seemed to want to decide whats best for you without your input and all that nonsense." He smiled lightly. "Its not like I have my own plans and all that, you know?"

She did not share his smile. "I would know considering I did not want you here to begin with. You are trouble. If I had my way I would send you out to work in a mine. That brute strength would be better suited to it. You are not suitable for my school. You would better be-"

Orion hadn't realized he was in her face till she was staring wide eye less then an inches from his own. "Hey hey hey.....fuck you first and foremost. You ignorant sack of shit. I will go out of my way to make your life a living hell." His voice was calm to his own ears. This was a new level of pissed off for him.

Miss Quill eyes nearly bulged out oh her head. He loomed over her. He had managed to push her away from her desk and against the wall without tipping the chair over. "Y-y-y-you can't j-j-j-just-," he silenced her lips with a finger.

"Yes, I can." He sat himself down in her lap, one leg on either side of him. It was uncomfortable, "Do you think your special? That you have rights granted to you that are above others? I can tell you, honestly and for true, that would be a big fat no. You're not special. In fact I took a look at your own scores when you first applied here fifteen years ago. Does it piss you off that some brat from no where out scored the entire professional tenure of this academy when I applied?"

Judging by her eyes she had not. So this was a class issue alone. Not born of jealousy, but of elitism. He had just given her another reason to hate him. Shit.

"Now you can go run and tell the Princess all about what I did here in this personal little interview. You'll find that I care very little about her opinion on me and punishments she might enact. I know she came down on you for trying to bar my way into this school." He adjusted himself, she was too small and sitting in her lap like a stripper was starting to make his back hurt from looking at her at such a painful angle he was sitting in. "If you do somehow, someway manage to get me from coming into this school, I will go to your home, and shit in places that will leave you confused for the rest of your life. I will make things disappear that would normally be impossible. You Will wake up with my piss in your cereal."

He stepped back, standing above her once again, her face had somehow gotten a little whiter. "I don't actually wish to waste my time putting my waste in your home. I want to study. Learn. Possibly impart some knowledge I may figure out in my lessons with the faculty of this school. I seem to have a knack for it, according to the Princess at least."

He walked back behind the desk and sat in his seat.

"How about we start over, I am Orion Falls. I am applying for entrance to this academia in the hope of furthering my understanding of magic and the effects it has in our world. I am applying for Combat Studies 101. Advance Alchemic Theories 103. And Modern Applications of Magic Fields and Their Effects. I know that last one is more of a one off but I am hoping to branch that into Illusion courses the following year." He smiled pleasantly. He felt like beating her with the desk.

She blinked rapidly, color slowly returning. Now a rosy pink of embarrassment. 

"I-i." She stopped closed her eyes and composed herself. He could read her lips as she counted to ten. "I will be happy to have you in our school. I am Miss Violet Quill. Principal here at main campus of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns." She was trembling. He had really put the fear of god into her. 

He couldn't bring himself to feel sorry, or he thought he couldn't. There was a little worm of, something, wiggling around in his chest. He didn't like it so he ignored it, maybe that donut at Donut Joe's was disagreeing with him. Have to deal with it later.

The rest of the brief meeting was general expectations he would have for school, what was expected of him and conduct. During all of that, that nagging wiggling feeling he had in his chest seemed to grow. Once finished he got up with a small thank you and walked to the door. He paused. Somehow, someway, he felt guilty. That was what that feeling was. He didn't like it. 

He turned around and looked at her, her hands were trembling as she was looking down at her desk, trying to organize the mess he had made when he leaped over the piece of furniture at her. "Oh this just sucks, now I feel like shit."

Somewhere along the line Orion had forgotten how big he was compared to most in Canterlot. His years of physical training had left him rather imposing. The scar on his face most certainly would not help in making him less frightening.

"Miss Quill. I have to apologize." She looked up at him, suspicion and fear in her eyes. "I didn't come to this meeting to insult you. Or scare you. I knew you were the one that was blocking my entrance. But you were not the only one and was likely pressured by the other faculty in this school to do so." He slowly walked back to her desk, a pensive look crossing over his face. "I came here hoping to be funny and witty, to smooth over any tensions that may happen. Get you to like me for my stunning and winning personality." She looked like she wanted to smile, a start. 

"That obviously didn't work." He ran his hand through his mane, sighing. "I am, prone to anger. I'm not gonna lie about that. But I have no intentions of ever harming students or faculty. Or you. I know I am the odd pony out considering my history. But they way you acted did not warrant my reaction. I was way over line. I am sorry. My frustrations at being unable to move forward have made me short tempered. " He hung his head and sighed heavily. This apologizing thing sucked, feeling guilty as hell sucked even more.

The silence in the room seemed to stretch on. She was looking at her desk and biting her lip. Her hands had stopped their shaking, hopefully a good sign.

"Orion," a pause, "I contributed to this, incident as well. My, up bringing has instilled in me a sense of... superiority. Princess Celestia put me in this position because of my administrative talents. My ability to see past ones current place and what they can be in the future makes me feel entitled in my own opinion of others. I allowed the papers, both memos from others, and the public news color my opinion of you. I did not look at your transcripts and see a colt pushing hard past his limitations. I saw an intruder. I too am sorry."

They looked at each other bashfully. Neither knowing where to go with the unexpected conversation that was born of regret and guilt. 

"I would make a request of you Mr Falls." He cocked his head, waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Please don't defecate in my home. I just had all the curtains redone. I fear the stench would never leave them as silk tends to hold on to smells particularly well."

He chuckled, then laughed full throated, holding onto the back of the chair to keep him upright. She was giggling herself. A hand covering her mouth. Definitely not shaking anymore. The whole thing was almost to surreal to be real. "I won't I promise. I will just rearrange the entire house in your sleep instead." That got another polite laugh from her, eyes twinkling in amusement.

He walked out feeling better then when he had gone in. Maybe another donut?







Twilight was pacing back and forth in her room. She had been mulling over this issue for almost a week and it was beginning to make her panic. The issue in question, was that fact that once she graduated from secondary, she was going into full time tutelage with Princess Celestia. A joy and excitement rolled into one to be sure. But that meant she would likely not see Orion but in passing.

What was she going to do?! She had cried four times so far, she had become listless in class the last day, her mind going back to her dilemma. What was she going to do?!

He was on a full scholarship ride to his primary classes. She was never going to those courses as she was already beyond many of them. She would never see him again at this rate. 

She began to cry again for the fifth time that day. It first started slowly, as salty tears dripped from her already reddened eyes. Flinging herself into her bed, burying her head into her pillows. She wailed into them. She didn't even hear the click of the door but did feel a weight settle on the bed next to her. A gentle hand running through her mane and down her back.

"Twilight...what is wrong? I don't think I have ever seen you this distraught on anything before. Did something happen at school today?" 

Twilight whipped around and buried her head into her teacher's lap. She didn't say anything for awhile, just wept quietly.







Celestia had sat there, with her student's arms about her, head still buried in her lap. What had gotten her this upset? She had been crying for more then an hour.

"Ori-on....." She hiccuped.

Oh what had the menace done now. First Miss Quill and now Twilight? Though he had told her himself of what happened, and she never heard a word of the event from Miss Quill, but she had already sent a letter requesting her presence at her earliest convenience.

"What did Orion do?" Her face that of judgment, her voice the gavel ready to fall.

"N-nothing...he's....I-i-i-i'll never see him, af-after we graduate. H-he's going to h-is school, and....and I'll be here with y-you. Not, not that I am not happy ab-about learning fr-om you. Just...I'll never see him again, and...and and andand it's tearing me apart." She went back to crying new tears into Celestia's lap.

She sat there, mechanically petting her student's head. Her student, was in love with the fool colt. She had thought there was nothing going on other then a friendship between the two. Then her mind turned to what she was trying to do with getting a herd to approach him. All the failures that were slowly mounting up. The frustration, even rage at the herds who allowed themselves to be chased away.

Then her mind went to the fact that for the most part he had nothing but good interactions with Twilight. He even went out of his way to make her happy more often then not. The solution to both her, and to a small extent her students, problem was slapping her in the face. Why hadn't she not thought of this sooner. She didn't need a herd of noble fillies to ensnare him close to her. Who was closer then her own protege. 

If she could wrap him around her finger just a little more, he would be as close to Celestia as she could hope. A devilish smile sprouted on her lips. "This could work out nicely indeed."







The final week of school ended in a whisper. It was almost anti-climatic the way it seemed to go. As if next week they would be back in school again. And for some it would, summer classes would be starting up for those who wanted, or needed, the extra credits to pad their academic files.

Orion himself did not need any of that crap. He was happy with his solid 4.1. 

It always surprised him, the fact that there was this strange parallel between his former word and this one. He wondered if there might have been some bleeding effect on a spectrum of reality neither side had yet to detect. It was one of those thoughts he often found himself thinking about in the quiet of the night, when he could not find the sleep he needed.

Shaking himself from the thoughts of the existential. He could think more on it on the long train ride ahead. 

The morning sun found him inside the train station, he had slipped away from the orphanage early that morning with a note on where he was going. The six am train to Griffonstone came early. He had been putting this trip off for awhile just because it seemed tedious, that and studies were always at the forefront of his mind. Would have again this year, but Screaming had gone and sent him tickets in her last letter. One there, one for the return. He couldn't let her waste her money so here he was, yawning, waiting for the conductor to began taking boarding passes.

He stayed out of direct sunlight for the moment. He was sure if Mrs Evergarden found the letter early she would have the city guard on his ass so fast he would still be spinning. So he wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible.

He hadn't seen Screaming Rush in years, not since he first arrived seven years ago. But without fail she sent two letters a month. She usually wrote about the usual. Wondering how he was, what she was doing, begging him to come see her in the summer.

Truth be told he had thought about it. But he wanted access to the school library and lab during the summer. He couldn't afford to lose the time to figure out which chemicals still functioned like they should, and which did not. There were even several new chemical compositions due to the plant and animal life of the Everfree he found he had no reference for. That was actually exciting.

This year he did not have the excuse. That and he just about exhausted all he could in the library. So he decided a visit to Griffonstone was finally in order. Not to mention that chick made it quite clear that he was coming if she had to come down from the north west and drag his ass back with her. 

 "Holy shit, shes got to be twenty by now, or near enough. What the hell did she want with me now?"

The fact that she had remained in contact all these years still surprised him. He thought she would get bored after a year, considering her erratic nature when she still lived at the orphanage. He figured she had ADHD the way she acted, constantly flicking from one subject to another. He chuckled to himself, she had seven years to percolate in her weirdness. This was gonna be an experience.

He did have another reason to go. He wanted to see the world outside of Celestia's influence. To see the effects of the policies she has pushed, the economic impact. It would all be very interesting. 

He tried reading up on the the nation of Griffonia. Like the people of Ponyville, the griffons were certainly not the most imaginative bunch when it came to naming things. But what he could read, he committed to memory.

They were a prideful race. Patriarchal despite the fact that females outnumber the males three to one. It seemed honor, duty, and a sense of duty to the nation itself drove much of their interactions with one another. They were very combat orientated. At one point some eight hundred years ago they boasted the largest military that had ever been recorded at the time. Fifteen thousand. Seemed laughable to him considering the the US had a standing army of around one point three million soldiers. Still, impressive when compared to the current forces of Equestria at only twelve thousand.

In recent years, Griffonia barely had more then three thousand at any given time, according to the books. Most of those tied up in bandit duty. His forays into the local barracks had yielded a more accurate picture of the nation. The army was likely no more then eleven hundred strong now. The outlier towns and villages were mostly poor. Many in a state of disrepair. It wasn't good.

He sighed, the information had left him depressed. 

The blast of the whistle from the train signaled the boarding had begun. Orion climbed in and hid in the back, just in case Celestia decided on a surprise visit. She's done it a couple of times now. More publicity. It was annoying is what it was. Considering he was still sleeping naked in his room the first time it had happened. She pushed the door aside with a loud bang startling his ass right out of the fucking bed. He was on full display for her, Mrs Evergarden, and several guard mares. 

He didn't bother getting dressed quickly. The subsequent argument about proper bed clothes and being polite in knocking ended with the next time he would be sure to masturbate when she showed up. Really make sure she got her monies worth. She had stormed off in a huff the guards had been laughing. One gave him a high five, that was a first.

The journey north west was long. Nearly two days with a couple of stops to let the passengers stretch their legs. The further they went, the less ponies and more griffons seemed to occupy the cars. The griffons. They looked like they had scrapped the bottom of their barrels to pull the little bits to afford the line. Many were so poor the clothing they wore was threadbare. The children were what broke his heart the most. They were looking malnourished. 

They were moving further into the griffon kingdom proper. The hushed conversations he had managed to overhear seemed to tell the tale he feared. Whole communities were falling apart. Seemed to be going on for centuries. 

A young griffon chick was watching him over the bench in front of him. Her eyes were curious, but she looked like she hadn't eaten in a week. Her mother, kept glancing at him too. Most likely trying to figure out what a colt was still doing on the train this far north. Looking back to the child he rummaged into his bag and pulled out the jerky he had brought with him. "Whats a little hunger for me, this kid needs it more then I do."

Glancing around he noticed more griffon chicks watching him. The rustling had drawn their attention, the mother who was with the one the closest watched as well.

"Excuse me ma'am," She blinked. "Could you maybe pass this out to the kids? They look like they haven't seen food in over a week." Her eyes widened as she accepted the package from him. They seemed to bulge out of her head when she saw what was inside. Her eyes darted back to his, He just grinned and pulled his cheek back revealing his canines.

The rest of that trip seemed to breathe some life into the passengers of the last car. Children were laughing, the adults had more life in their eyes then when they had first boarded. The occasional smile he would get from them would brighten his day. Even if it only delayed the inevitable, it was worth it to him. He settled into his seat with a book, 'Principals of Spell Standing'. A dry read to be sure, but the idea behind stances when casting certain spells intrigued him.







Screaming Rush was pacing in front of the station. It had been seven years, what would he look like now? Would he be the same short colt she had met all those years ago? Would he even remember what she looked like? She was so nervous she feared she might begin to molt. Constantly checking for errant feathers. She smoothed her dress what had to have been a thousand times now.

Her guard had tried to calm her nerves but had very little success. She looked at herself in a glass window pane for the tenth time.

Her feathers had been preened to a lustrous shine. The oils she used not only helped with the glossy look but the smell of lavender and field berries hung around her wherever she walked. Around her eyes and ears her feathers had a lovely shade of red, soft and gentle eyes stared back at her from the window. The dark red shirt and black skirt she wore went well with the feathers of her wings that had darkened over the years naturally. 

Many males looked at her with a hunger as she was growing up. Her aunt, Gabriele had told her that she was very beautiful, and that she was attracting the attention of many suitors. A smile graced her face, the window showed the same gentle smile she held. 

She didn't care about what other griffon males thought. Would Orion find her pretty? Would he like her dress? Were her breasts too big? That last one worried her the most. Growing up she found most of the girls her age were much slimmer. She was tall, but her breasts and hips seemed to develop much more aggressively then the others. She endured teasing till the young drakes took notice. Then she had to endure years of hateful female antagonizing. 

That was in the past. She smiled more confidently, then spoiled it by nearly leaping out of her feathers at the sound of a train whistle blast. She smiled in hope, had he actually come?

The train began to unload its passengers. Her heart hurt, there were so many refuges from collapsing communities on the outskirts of the nation. It was a sad story being replayed over and over again. The little chicks in the last car held a different energy, however. The parents seemed to be smiling, eyes brimming with life. The little ones were hanging onto what had to be one of the largest stallions she had ever seen.

He stood at least a head taller then the largest griffon in her fathers household. All black with a rich brown mane that held more then a little orange. There seemed to be a similar colored fur on his chin. He wore a button up shirt of white, with tan colored pants. There was a nasty looking scar across his face, it cut just above his left eye, passing under the horn and below the right. Then she focused on the eyes.

Those same stone gray eyes, that had always been buried in a book so long, now sparkled with mirth as he walked around like a giant hoisting the chicks up, making roaring noises as they squealed in mock terror and laughter.

This was the colt she had left back in Canterlot? What happened to his face? How in tartarus had he gotten so tall!? She marveled at the changes. Then she noticed how he filled out the shirt. "Oh Celestia, he hadn't stopped with the gym." A blush ripped its way onto her face, the way he had stayed glued to his books she figured he would have given up on the idea of working the body at some point.

He had most certainly did not. She hesitantly approached, coughing politely.







A cough caught his attention and he looked up into the blue green eyes of a rather buxom young griffin woman. Grabbing a child from around his neck and gently setting them down he smiled at the newcomer.

"Can I help ya miss?" The blush that was there seemed to increase. "Wait, no it couldn't be her could it?" He looked her over more carefully. The wings had darkened from the deep tan that he had remembered, her eyes and ear tips had a pretty red color makeup applied to them. "Scream? Is that you? Fucking hell you turned into a bombshell holy shit."

Her mouth dropped open. Apparently she was not ready for the tirade of vulgar obscenities that Orion was prepared to dish out at a moments notice. Neither were the parents around him who gasped in shock as one little hatching asked what shit meant. He chuckled over that.

"Ask your mother kiddo." The look he got from the hen was priceless. "What? I am a good guy in action but I never learned to mind my manners in polite society. So still a little savage. So go on. Tell him what shit means." He was grinning teeth flashing in the afternoon light.

The father, was chuckling to himself as he pulled his wife and children away. Shaking his head at Orion. They both waved by to each other as the old rooster began to put up with his mates indignation. "You know if I don't listen closely they really do sound like a couple of chickens arguing in a pen." His own thought had him laughing harder.

The rest of the group dispersed to find somewhere to bed down for the night in hopes of finding work to feed their families tomorrow. They wished him well and he wished them the best, a sad smile on his face. If things didn't change for them soon, the winter would likely take many of their lives. That thought hurt more then he could ever put into words.

Turning back to the now identified Screaming Rush he smiled gently. "Long time no see feather head. How's adopted life?"

She had managed to collect herself, clawed hands clutching at her skirt. "I am doing pretty well book worm. How's orphan life?"

"Eh can't complain to much. But the food is still terrible. You look, well amazing. Clearly rich people food is treating you very well." He grinned as she hit him.

"Are you calling me fat!?" He could tell she was not truly angry. A little indignant but she seemed to absorb his snarky humor in good stride.

"Naw just seems your body really hung onto the food you ate in all the right places." She blushed heavily looking down. A cough caught both their attention to a loan female griffon. Judging by the clothing coupled with a breastplate of steel, and a heavy and slightly curved blade at her hip, he figured her for some type of guard. Like back in Canterlot.

"Uh yes officer? Something we do wrong?" The look he got in response was a bewildered cock to her head and a ruffling of the feathers. He had no idea how to read that. But he was going to go on the assumption that he somehow got that wrong.

"No, Orion." Scream was laughing softly. "That is my personal guard, Gilda Broadwing. She is assigned to my retinue and was chosen to escort me today to meet you and pick you up." 

Guard? A retinue? Who the fuck adopted her? Looking between the two women he could only shake his head in wonderment. "So, what? You got adopted by a noble or something?" The blush seemed to fade as she looked away. "Wait, how high up on the food chain are you?" Nothing.

"Sir if I may? Lady Screaming Fairheart is twelfth in line for the the throne of Griffonia." LADY? Twelfth in line?! Wait when did her name become Fairheart?

He stared at her, then back to Screaming. His eyes must have been bugging out of his head. Because she was giggling again.

"So, it turns out my parents were part of the royal line. No one could identify who I was at the time so I became some no pony-" Another cough from the personal guard. "I mean no body. Sometimes I slip up still. Heh. Anyways, I became a no body. I was too young to really remember much about my parents or who I was. But my Uncle found me and brought me back home."

"You, never said shit about this in your letters to me.... The hell Scream this is a pretty big bomb to drop on someone for fuck sake. If I dare ask, who in the hell is your Uncle?"

She looked away again in embarrassment. So Gilda answered for her. "King Bloodbeak Fairheart."

"Wut?"







Apparently Screaming Rush Fairheart, her full name, was the daughter of the King's brother and his wife. Her parents had been Lord and Lady Rush Fairheart. But at the time all Screaming could remember of her last name when she was found was Rush.

An incident on the border between Griffonia and Equestria between the refugees and the her families personal guard resulted in the death of the couple. Truly an accident by all accounts. But in the confusion Scream was picked up by a refugee that crossed the border into ponyland, and through a chain of events, she had ended up in Canterlot with no one to care for her. She was still in shock of her parents death at the time. Eventually the even itself was blocked and she forgot much of who she was.

For years she stayed with Mrs Evergarden's orphanage hoping to get adopted. Till the King's agents eventually traced her back all the way to Canterlot. The two griffons he had encountered with her in the hallway of the orphanage, were in fact the two agents that had found her. With permission from Celestia, they took her home, and the rest is history.







"You're like some fairytale fucking princess." He was still reeling. "No way is that fair. Where in the hell is my crazy noble family looking for my ass?!" It was purely a joke, not that any of the present company would know that.

"Sir, I would ask you to not swear in the presence of the Lady."

"Can it fuck buck. Scream and I both know that's never going to happen. If Celestia can't make me stop what makes you think you can?" The hen guard just glared angrily back at him.

"Wait, Orion, you sound as if you personally know Princess Celestia."

It was his turn to grimace and turn away. They had been walking slowly up a mountain of stairs to get to the castle that sat at the top of the cliff face. His legs were starting to hurt. But she had insisted on showing him all of Griffonstone from the vantage.

"Wait, you actually know the Princess?!"

"Well....funny story."







Screaming was having a difficult time processing what she was hearing. He, in the seven years they had only been writing, had met and yelled at a princess. No not just any princess. THE Princess. He was even having tea with her as if it was normal every couple of weeks.

"Wait, why were you even in front of the Princess to begin with?" That gave her a sheepish explanation on what he had done on a fall afternoon in school. 

Her own guard had stopped and just stared at him. How does one even beat someone else with another? It didn't seem possible.

When she asked about the scar on his face, in which she asked if he got it from that fight. He had a new story to tell. And her jaw dropped. Her guard fingered her blade meaningfully. How, how had he managed to killed over a hundred timber wolves. When he got to the reason why he had chose to bait and outright kill the denizens of the Everfree, her heart swelled a little. He went out looking for justice.

She could see Gilda nodding in silent approval, and began resuming the trek up the moment. She was beginning to wish she had taken him up on teleporting the three of them up. Her calves and rear were screaming at her for mercy. Orion seemed fine. Stupid gym pony.







Gilda didn't know what to make of the stallion. Technically he was a colt but with that look, build and if his history is true, his abilities, he was more of a stallion then many of the pretentious jackasses that visit from the land of the ponies. Thus she had decided to fixate in her mind just who and what he was. A stallion.

When she was told what she was going to be doing today, she had set herself for a LONG and boring duty making sure Lady Fairheart would be safe. Instead she found herself enthralled with the tales of his exploits. He was certainly no unicorn she had ever heard of. She wanted to laugh when he spoke of using the child of BlueBlood as a weapon against the others. The image in her head was almost to much to maintain decorum. That and it was Blueblood they were discussing.

When the Lady's questions turned to his scars, and the reason behind them, she grew worried. This stallion willfully engaged in combat with over a hundred timber wolves in a night. On their own ground. And won. The reason behind it filled her with an odd sense of confidence. Should she fall she had no doubt he would be more then enough to defend her Ladyship from any harm. His own honor was no longer in question either. Despite his vulgarity, he had a strong moral compass his majesty would more then appreciate.

Arriving at the castle proper, the portcullis rose at their approach. The courtyard had at least a dozen guards milling about going through their daily routines. All was as it should be. Lady Screaming's retinue had set out two others, both drakes. Their armor polished to a proud shine as they each held their halberds at the ready against their shoulders. They took up positions besides her charge and her guest. The stallion looked about with a speculative glance. His eyes moved about like a veteran of wars. With a nod to the two guards, she broke off to a servants path. After three turns left and one right she found herself in front of the King's study rooms. 

She had been ordered to learn of the stallion and report to his majesty the moment they arrived. This was going to be an interesting report. She identified herself to the guard posted in front of the door, was granted entrance. She squared her shoulders and marched in. Interesting report indeed.







Orion had watched Gilda break off after the two male griffons formed up a post about both of them. Drakes, he though they called the males. Stupid, the were at best roosters, he chuckled, or better yet cocks. Bunch of penises running about.

His thoughts drifted back to the hen that had left them. He knew what had happened. Her duty was not just to guard but to report on him, made sense if he thought about it. The King would want to know who was speaking and hanging out with his niece. Holy shit. She was royalty. That just made him cringe inside. How and why was he always getting involved with royalty?

He wanted to climb back on the train and head to Minos or something. But this was his pen pal of seven years. He wasn't about to make her feel terrible just after arriving. So he smiled and made small talk with her, as he scanned the entire castle for escape routes. He also looked for cover on his way up to the structure with them. Never hurts to have as many plans to run as possible. 

The castle was spartan for the most part. Oh it had the scrolls, the paintings, the tapestries. Even some stain glass windows depicting ancient victories. The certainly had a lot of those. At this point it seemed a bitter reminder of what they once had. He noticed more and more the corners that no one went to, in disrepair. The kingdom was in a very bad state.

The walk to the stairs had shown him much. The streets seemed to be relatively clean. But it was the alleyways that told the real tale. Filled with trash and the bodies of sleeping refugees and homeless. Hatchlings peering at him from behind their parents. Fuck, that tug on his heart. He regretted forfeiting all his jerky on the train. These kids needed food just as much as the ones he rode in with.

The coughing got his attention. This city was on the verge of an epidemic. With so many sick and poor they were on the verge of losing a large portion of the population to disease. Many of the citizens he passed shared the same coughing as they worked. 

He touched the book of notes at his hip. He had read about all this before he hopped on the train. They didn't have grain silos for long term storage. The fishing industry was in shambles the further out into the country it went. Fish didn't last long enough to make it inward farther then a couple of days. The city itself was on the coastline, the people had a magnificent view of the sea. But due to the state of the city, it was the only pretty thing they had. 

He had decided to try his little experiment right here in the nation, somewhere. Though access to a King was not what he was expecting. He was hoping that her new father was a rich merchant or something. He had no idea how he was going to sell the ideas to a king. Appealing to his greed would not be enough. This would be an individual motivated by whether or not he had love for his people or power. 

Shit, he was going to have to goad another monarch just to see how they ticked. Nothing goaded royalty like being brutally honest. Double shit.







"Here is where you will stay." They were in a long hallway away from the royal wing. Scream had to go and speak with her aunt, so she had departed a little earlier. Leaving him with a guard that had absolutely zero humor. "Curfew is at nine pm. Do not be outside your room by that time. Morning meals are at eight am. Do not be late. Lunch is at noon. Do not be late. Dinner is at six. Do-"

"Yeah don't be late blah blah blah, go and pound a wall." That was getting annoying. He had been glaring at him the entire time he spoke. He didn't need this shit from what was essentially, to him, a mall cop.

The guard made to grab him and he just flowed around his hand. That Gray Blanket, the unicorn he payed for instruction in combat really knew what he was talking about when it came to flowing around a target.

"Don't. You will get hurt, and I will just get into trouble for hospitalizing a guard." 

The cock huffed, and left back down the hall. Orion could hear him grumbling about not being paid enough. He opened the door and was presented his temporary room, that looked exactly like the one he stayed in back in Canterlot. The window was even in the same place. But at least it had one hell of a view. He opened it to let in some fresh air as he began putting away his clothes. He would have to figure out the laundry system here to make sure he had clean clothes.

Then he would have to see about whether the castle had a gym that he could use. He was not about to let his time in the gym be wasted, even in Ponyville he had a farm to bust his ass on.

A knock on the open door drew his attention. There Gilda stood. She opened her mouth to speak, but he interrupted her. Confident in what she was about to say.

"He wants to see me already? That was quick." This King didn't waste time. That might bode well.

"Yes." Her eyes had widened a touch. Did she think he was that unobservant? "Come with me, his Majesty will see you in his private study."

"Lead the way oh quiet one." He shut the door as the proceeded down the hall. To meet, a King.
> A Fresh Start
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The door to the private study didn't look that much out of place from anything else in the castle. Simple, rugged. Built for the purpose of being a door. 

Where Celestia's palace overwhelmed with opulence. The castle of the King, Guardian of the Watch, seemed designed specifically for war, the banded thick iron straps that also served as the hinges toward the door jam itself. He liked it. Made more sense to him.

Then again, Canterlot palace was designed to impress. To display wealth and majesty. In and of itself, that was intimidating if you looked at it from the point of another nation leaders. 

King Bloodbeak's castle was more utilitarian. Designed for defense.

On the walk over to the private study, Orion had taken note of the battlements. The way the tower was set up with kill slots in the halls and in the walls to the outside. This fortification was designed to be difficult to breach, and make the invaders pay for that in blood and lives every step of the way. This place would not fall so easily.

At the door was two guards, both looked identical to the asshole that guided him to his room. Both clearly shared the same humorless birth as well. Orion made faces when his guide wasn't watching. Nothing.

Gilda announced themselves and their purpose at being summoned. He was told to go in, alone. Oh joy, he was going to meet daddy. The door slammed close behind him with a squeal of the iron hinges, they needed to be lubed something bad. 

Orion squared his shoulders, and walked to the center of the room. Heart suddenly picking up speed, it had been occurring a lot lately, since the nightmares had returned. He couldn't stop his eyes nor the rising paranoia from making him take in every detail of the room. Any chance at potential escape. Or a impromptu weapon to be had.

He had done the same when he was tossed into that cell inside the base. Even then he knew it was pointless, but after being locked up with very little light and the voices of those you wronged, he could not help himself. As he couldn't help himself now.

The massive desk in the rear of the room, in front of a wall full of bookcases, caught his eye. It was about the only thing ornate in the whole castle, and even it was heavy looking. A quick glance showed financial documents, many with large red marks and writing on them. Another sign of the kingdoms falling fortunes.

A low, deep voice spoke out from the corner of the room yanking him from his observations, near the windows. He was proud he didn't jump out of his skin.

"Your eyes haven't stopped moving since you walked in here." Bloodbeak Fairheart, who seemed to only embody the first part of his name, stood in the shadows of the room looking out the window. His eyes reflected, looking at him. They had locked eyes almost instantly. "If I didn't know better, I would say you're a veteran."

The first thing he took note of was the very eyes he stared into, golden in color they looked strained, he had been having sleepless nights if he was to guess. His beak seemed to be a fading orange red, giving him a fierce expression even as age waged its war on him. It certainly gave a stark reminder of his name. The feathers themselves that crested his head and neck were also showing signs of graying. The blacks and tans beginning to look faded. They were also thinning. He was under heavy stress indeed. 

This could be a good sign. If the he was desperate and tired enough, he might jump on what Orion was offering.

The royal garments had seen better days, military dressed that had still been cleaned and pressed to uniform detail. The gold filigree was only a touch. Much like his castle he chose to dress spartan. No frills. But it was looking worn, the cost must be too great, or his majesty didn't see it as anything other then a waste of money to replace it.

Orion sketched a bow,  the same one he gave to Celestia anytime he saw her, which wasn't much of one if he was honest with himself. "Your Majesty."

Bloodbeak turned from the window, never taking his eyes away from him. "Is that how you are taught to greet royalty?" There was more then a little touch of irritation in his voice. It was tight, just like the compression of his beak. Seriously how in the hell did their beaks bend like that?

"If its good enough for Celestia, than it is good enough for you." It was a gamble, but if this man was a nonsense as he suspected, he would ultimately not care. He got a huff of amusement in response. Dry, dry amusement.

"You bow to the Princess of Equestria like that? And she allows you to get away with it?" Coming into the light he got a clear look at the drake before him. The verb actually fit this guy. He was not anywhere near as tall as Orion was, but he was built heavily. 

The jacket he wore showed signs of a breastplate recently being there he walked the halls of his own castle armored up, that was disconcerting. He was a bit portly in the mid section but he had expected him to be of a stress eater. Those arms of his, ending in hands of fur and featherless fingers with claws filed to weapon levels of danger, did nothing to make the man look soft.

"I offered her to toss my happy ass in jail. She has yet to do it for whatever reason." He chuckled. Bloodbeak did not share in the chuckle. He had been steadily approaching him, the neck tilting back the closer he got. Clearly every cock in the nation was molded out of the same cast of humorless apathy.

"My niece had told me you were shorter then her. I certainly don't see that in evidence now." Even with his neck craned as it was, he seemed to be looking down at Orion, judging his every movement. Celestia had the same trick, only she seemed to judge his every crime with a look.

That had made him inwardly cringe back in the day. For awhile he believed the rumors true about her being able to see into your very mind with a look.

"Seven years and a lot of miracle grow helps, that and the entire time I spent eating meat for protein and the working in the gym." Before he could react, the old man's clawed hand shot out grabbing him by the mouth drawing him down and prying open his mouth at the same time. 

"You would strike a King?" His eyes were still peering into his mouth, Orion's fist just shy of blasting him in the face shaking inches away from his head. With the return of the nightmares he found it difficult to let anyone get near him. He relaxed, and dropped his hand but scowled down at the the ballsy royal.

"Not just you, anyone who grabs at me like that. The last one to do so got used as a weapon." His jaw was released, not bothering to try and adjust it.

Bloodbeak turned around and slowly approached his desk. "So I was informed." He stopped and pulled a packet of papers from the corner, off a mountain of other paper work. "I have heard rumors about you from, sources that shall remain nameless." He began flipping through papers, calling out what he regarded as important. "I will confess, I did not quite believe the stories on you eating actual meat." The unspoken 'till now hung in the air'.

"You appeared in Stalliongrad with no history. Found eating a rat. Raw." He flipped over, Orion chose to remain silent. The eggshells he was now on were very fragile indeed. How long had this guy been watching him, when did he begin?

"In Manehatten, you were involved in several altercations with fledglings your own age. Winning every one, even if you received punishment for their actions against you. At that point you showed," he looked at him then, an eye cocked, "impressive academic scores in all courses. Well beyond your age group." He flipped another paper. "But due to a final altercation in which you hospitalized three colts, you were then moved to Canterlot. The reason was never found out. Though there are rumors."

"In Canterlot, most notably in Celestia's school, you again out performed your age group. A careful look at your scores and points of study showed you nearly on par with her protege of all ponies. Who has since been seen around you regularly." Flip.

"The first time you interacted with the Princess was due to another altercation with a student. One that had sought you out as the papers and eye witnesses reported. In that meeting rumor has it you rebuked her, rebuked her and was proven correct, the subject matter never actually being recorded." Flip. 

"You were sent to Ponyville for the punishment of striking Princess Blueblood, with his own son." He smirked at that. A almost unheard chuckle briefly filled the room. Flip. 

"There you interacted with the people there, amicably."

Something occurred to Orion. It had been tickling the back of his mind since griffons started getting on the train with him. 

The griffons in large part spoke like him. Everyone, someone, no one. All the words he purposely stuck to. They spoke inclusively almost exclusively. "Huh, that is something." Flip.

"During a return trip to visit a family you had grown close with during your first stay, you were involved in another violent event.  The family had suffered the loss of the two parents in an attack by timber wolves." Flip. "You chose to systematically bait, lure, and slaughter one hundred and thirty three to their rather destructive deaths." Flip.

"One thirty two."

A look. "No, one thirty three. You had formed a storm cloud above and struck one down trying to run to the forest. I believe I have the recording of that event somewhere." He had agents inside Celestia's nation, inside her very castle walls if had his hands on that. Shit, just how much did he know. "Oh fuck, did he somehow know about the enchanting." 

Another thought. "I formed a storm cloud? How?" He knew next to nothing about magic involving weather itself.

"Since that last incident, that had hospitalized you for several days with reoccurring night terrors, you have been relatively quiet. Now, you are here. In my study. Because my niece invited you. Though you had no idea who she really was or her station. And the only thing you could say was, 'No way is that fair. Where in the hell is my crazy noble family looking for my ass.'" He had delivered that the same way he had the rough summary of his life in crazy horse world. Dry, monotone. Just stating the facts.

"Hey, that was a good line. Plus I was a bit weirded out. I just found out my pen pal hadn't bothered to let me know the minor thing that she was part of the royal family. You know, not a big detail." Not even a laugh.

"Yes, I suppose that is true. Just as you never told her of your violent exploits." Touche. "However, I wish to know your plans while being here. Why should I allow someone so closely connected to royalty to roam my lands without a watch set?"

This was not how he had imagined the meeting to go. He expected the whole dad speech- "And what are your intentions with my niece?" Ah there it is.

"My intention is to hang out with her for a month or two and then return home. I haven't seen her since I was a kid, and I did want to see Griffonia itself while I was here. I haven't been to the beach in years, so some swimming is definitely in order."

Bloodbeak returned to the neutral angry expression, "That is all?" His head cocked to the side in a very bird like manner that disturbed Orion. The combination of bird tilt with very human looking eyes was a bit off putting. "You are not here to seek a more, romantic entanglement from her?"

Expected but still left him reeling at the suddenness of it. "Uh yeah, no. I have no plans in actually engaging anyone in that way for quite some time. I have to finish school first then establish myself. Honestly, the mares kinda scare the holy hell out of me back home. They are so herd obsessive its insane. And please do not get me started on Celestia trotting my ass out for the newly formed herds in the city to come ogle at. So yeah. No thank you."

"I had received a report on that. Heh, well Screaming may have other plans Mr Falls. The way she would go on about you to my wife and I, we worried she might attempt to make claim to you the moment she saw you." Now he was laughing. A slight glint to his eye.

"Thus Gilda. Informant and enforcer all in one." A grinning nod, apparently once assured that he didn't intend to take Scream to pound town voluntarily, he became much more amicable. Then he frowned.

"What else do you have planned?" He was moving the paperwork he had on him into a hardwood case it looked like some sort of filing box. "I can't imagine just swimming and touring my broken land will keep you entertained. You must want more."

What Orion wanted to do was toss the book inside the satchel hanging from his body onto the desk. But during the conversation, or more accurately the talking to and recital of his life, he got the distinct impression that words and pretty drawings alone would be the only thing to motivate this man. 

There was no way in hell the old buzzard was just going to buy what he was selling. Not without proof. A merchant would have no problem buying as they can sell the idea, a king would want proof. He needed a testing ground. Someplace he could spend the summer. Someplace desperate enough to try his ideas.

"Really, that is actually it your majesty. Screaming had wanted to see me for the longest time. So I plan to spend time with her, do the hanging out I put off with her." He looked down. 

He was actually ashamed about that. He constantly put her off for his studies. It made sense to him at the time, the whole purpose behind it was so he could better prepare himself. His grandma enforced the very same thing on him, all was secondary to knowledge. His grandfather taught him survival and how to build what he might need. Anything after that was conditional. They were a rather paranoid couple.

He was, at first trying to survive. No, he was trying to thrive. Everything he had been doing, though often times poorly executed, was to that goal. 

In retrospect, he was failing. He drew to much attention to himself way to often, but in the heat of the moment, it always seemed the right course of action. Even now he knew going after those wolves was idiotic. But he never regretted it. They deserved some type of closure, even if he was not banned from Sweet Apple Acres.

But now, those goals altered course. The realization of the disaster of other nations economies, those poor kids on that train, only served to change his plans. 

Thankfully, Bloodbeak pulled him from his musings. "Never imagined my nation would become a tourist grounds for foreign ponies. Are you gonna need a stipend to travel about?"

"No I brought my own allowance and budgeted well. I should have no problem paying my own way. I will be happy to pay for whatever I need." He patted his coin purse, one of three he had brought with him. They were massive, Celestia paid wards of the state well. In this case his research showed him just might be able to buy a large town with what he brought. "So no need to be my sugar daddy." He chuckled at his own joke, and was surprised when the King followed suit.

"That is good, for once a foreigner not demanding special treatment. Though, the bits you bring will just be a drop on a nearly dead stream." He grew sober, staring at his desk as his expression became that of a scowl. "No matter at this point. Mr Falls, enjoy your stay in my kingdom. Such as it is. Thank you for your time." He did not get up to shake his hand. There was still a rather large gap of trust between the pair.

Orion figured he knew he was lying. Anyone who spent that much time researching an individual had big trust issues.

"And thank you for being creepy and spying on my entire life your majesty." He chuckled and shut the door behind him before he could respond. He laughed at slapped the guard on the left shoulder. Ignoring the squawk of indignation. "The King looked pretty fucking beat, he may need a drink, a strong one." 

Without waiting for a response he proceeded back to his room. He needed to find a map. Then choose a town that would be convenient for his project. Research the hell out of said town, and somehow make his way there. He didn't want to play with peoples lives but he needed to know if his ideas could actually work.







Bloodbeak stared at the door where the stallion had left through. Just as Gilda had said. This was a Stallion, not a colt despite the age. He was also up to something. That something he could not fathom. Orion was clever, with just enough honesty to be believable. He was a born liar, a politician, if he had ever seen one.

Shuffling through the papers on his desk he pulled out several reports on Celestia watching him. Reading over them he began to sort his own thoughts, she was dedicated to watching him off and on. The reasons were always after an incident, either involving him or the city itself. 

Those copies his agents had managed to smuggle to him of the two events of major violence he was involved him showed him much. Orion, for all his smiles and jokes, was highly dangerous. 

He could see why She was watching him so closely. But there seemed to be more to it. Her reasoning, as in the past when others of his fore bearers watched her, seemed to be erratic. As if her attention could never remain focused long enough. The recent reports coming out of Canterlot showed her scrambling to find an enchanter that had appeared. The very thought made his blood run cold.

An enchanter in her ranks would mean the end of his nation. The ancient air fleets he had heard only stories through his family absolutely terrified him. 

He too had agents in the city looking for them. But not to recruit. No. Like many in the past, he intended to have them put to the blade, as regrettable as it was. That whore can't have another avenue of power. She was already crippling his kingdom economically. An enchanter would make it so much worse, thus killing them off seemed to be the only option available. 

A habit that every ruler in the known world enacted. They had no choice. May the spirits forgive them.

He was pulled from his dark thoughts as the door squeaked open again, his wife entered the room closing the door behind her, carrying a goblet of what he was hoping to be a very stiff drink.

His wife, Gabriela Fairheart, was still as beautiful as the day they had married. Her feathers still that smokey gray that had caught his eye in his youth, the vibrant golden eyes that seemed to glow in the failing evening light. She had chosen the red makeup and dress, likely in solidarity with Screaming's attempt to get Orion's attention. 

The language of colors was ingrained into his citizen's very lives. They announced intentions and moods of his people. Red in his peoples culture was a sign of the amorous, of both love and desire. In this case she was showcasing her desire for a courtship with him.

The red tips of her ears and around her eyes quickened the pulse in his veins. The dress hugged her in just the right places, and it began to stir another area on his body. She was perfect. He gratefully accepted the goblet, a drink made him chirp in approval. Mulled wine with a mixed berry aftertaste. One of the better vintages they had left.

"Thank you my heart, I needed this more then I can put into words." Another sip as he watched her, she was looking over his reports. He chose not to be like the rest of his family line, he never hid anything from her. Choosing instead to let her in, and accept whatever council she had to offer. He often found her to be correct in many approaches to problems he would wrack his mind over. They may just be able to pull a little out of the hole this year. The first in many years since he took up his father's mantel.

"Do not thank me, my dear, thank the young colt. He had told the guard that a certain monarch was in need of refreshment. That guard informed me, and I decided you needed a particular brand of drink tonight." She smiled as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, sitting into his lap to hold him. Something he needed a lot of as of late. "I trust the meeting with him went well? What are my niece's chances?" Right to the gossip. He smiled.

"Your niece? By marriage my dear, I don't think I am entitled to give you anything on that." It was a game they would often play, it relieved the tension in his heart for a time, and often preluded to them not leaving the study for a long while.

She clucked her beak and bit at him in the neck lightly, the night was definitely looking up if she was feeling that feisty. "You know she loves me more then you. Thus, My niece." A weak argument to be sure, but he gave her the mock battle she desired.

"And whose agents, who with their sponsor, worked tirelessly to find her? Hmmm I hadn't heard anything about you recruiting." He smiled, accepting the light slap. A signal she was done with the game but not disappointed in the loss.

"So, will you answer me? Are we gonna have a nephew-in-law in the future?" She had a sparkle in her eye. Bloodbeak hated the idea of dimming that.

"I'm afraid this is one stallion not to be netted by any trap." That sad expression, he despised that. "He doesn't seem to be interested in pony or griffon. He seems completely focused on a future only he seems to see. There is a lot of drive, I just can't see where it leads. He is an enigma. He has ambition, rather admirable."

"Admirable? My little hatchling is gonna have her heart broken while he is here. That is not fair. She had been pinning away for him for years, and now the drake of her desires won't even look at her nest. That is not fair." She crossed her arms and leaned away, but had not left his lap yet.

"My heart, you cannot make anyone fall for another. Unless you are that mare Celestia hides away more often than not. That one breaks rules that should be ironclad." The hidden Princess, many knew of her but not much was known of her. Reports spoke of her taking interest with a new Lieutenant that had been promoted in the Royal Guard. "Besides, it is not fair to force our intentions on him. Besides I am not so sure about a union between those two." 

"What do you mean? He seems like a good fledgling, very selfless. Brave too. So what has you so against it?" She had loosened her grip on herself, now slowly stroking his arm.

"Because he lied to my face. I know he did, I just could not call attention to it because I had no substantial proof of it. He is a born politician if I have ever seen one. He is no colt, no he is a stallion and whatever his goals are, they will effect us. I have no idea what he is planning, but there is more then just visiting our niece. I do not like that." 

He took another sip from his goblet. "His ambition is dangerous. As you know, Celestia's eyes are on him as well." He though of something. "I just realized something, he speaks like a native of our lands, not as a pony. That is alarming."

"Considering his past, and the reports on his behavior, my concern is more to who could have left him. There is nothing on him before Stalliongrad, no sighting other then that one prostitute, Stone Mark. He claims he just appeared there one morning. Though there are reports of seeing him coming in from the north of the city. But those are as of yet unconfirmed." She sighed pushing the papers back to the center of her husbands desk. "In the end, your agents couldn't find much beyond that."

"Yes, and they couldn't be obvious with their observations. Celestia had one of her own following closely." He thought. "I wish I could have gotten one of them inside that orphanage. He is doing something in the basement. Never got a clear idea as to what, and the agent didn't want to expose our interests."

"Bah! He is here and I have time to ask him questions." He pulled her closer to him rubbing his beak along her own. "Enough of our latest visitor. I believe my time can be better spent with you."

The giggling coming from the room put a smile on both guards faces, their wish for the King to have a good evening, seemed to be coming true.







Celestia's morning was going exceptionally well. By all reports the trouble with the line going out to Appelosa was solved, a few visits to the local buffalo population freed up the path for the rail line to be completed. The buffalo were not truly happy, but once the benefits became apparent they would soon be as happy as her very own ponies. 

"Maybe they would see fit to finally move out of those smelly tepees." Truly those 'homes' were not suited for actual living. Yet, the buffalo made due, even seemed happy. "Filthy."

The nobles had fought her for a time, but that little war was over with now. The PR she had built up using Orion, and well placed reporters in her pocket, had allowed her to use public pressure in quieting down the dissenters. Celestia was going to have to send Mrs Heart a gift of some sort. Something expensive. 

True, she was now having to deal with more petitioners as of late. But she had managed to make a schedule of sorts so she would not have to be hounded at every waking moment. Just a few hours in the morning, and if she was being completely honest, she was actually rather enjoying herself in that regard. It was nice to solve easy common pony problems.

To add the cherry on the proverbial cake, and he cake last night, she got to try a new type of pancake. Belgium waffles, from the province of Germaneigh. They were delicious, all twelve of them. She had her's piled high with wild berries. Today, was going to be an amazingly wonderful day.

Earlier she sent a few members of her royal guard to retrieve Orion from the White's Orphanage. She had all summer to maneuver her student and him into each others arms. Maybe she would have Candace give her a little hand in that. The filly could use the practice after that last fiasco a couple years ago.

"Oh this is gonna be so much fun, and I get all the benefits, well Twilight will get some herself I suppose." She wiggled in her chair with glee. She took a sip of tea and sighed in contentment. Today, nothing could dampen her mood.

Just then a quiet knock at the dinning room double doors drew her attention. Using her magic she opened the door and spotted her current Captain of the Guard, Broad Blade, standing there nervously. "Now what has him looking so uncomfortable?"

"Come in captain. I was just about to request a fresh cup of tea, would you like one?" Her eyes glanced behind him. She was expecting Orion to pop his head out and say some ridiculous thing. "Have you not gone to get Mr Falls from the orphanage yet?" She smiled pleasantly. The colt may have been playing hard to get and hiding from her.

He saluted, stiffly, eyes widening in panic. "No your highness, I must decline. As to Mr Falls, well....he...he wasn't there." He gulped audibly.

A frown graced her features, that wasn't unusual though. Orion was often doing odd jobs in the city to earn more money, despite the fact that he was getting a monthly stipend to make sure he had enough necessities. He had been doing it since he was ten. But her guard captain was not acting in accordance with his office. Nor with the same cool reserve he normally had. Something was wrong.

"Perhaps he is on one of his courier jobs, have you checked with Master Forager? I understand he was one of those who often employed Mr Fall's services." She took a sip.

"That, that won't be necessary, we know where he is....just can't get to him." His voice had gotten quieter toward the end. Can't get to him? How was that possible?

"I'm afraid I don't understand Captain, if you know where he is, then why not just scoop him up?" She was staring full force at the poor stallion now, her face darkening a touch even if she didn't know it herself.

Captain Broad Blade had trouble meeting her eyes. "It's because two days ago he left a message with Daisy Evergarden, and hopped aboard a train heading to Griffonia, your highness."

The tea left in the cup flash evaporated, the Saddle Arabian porcelain cracking. "I'm sorry, I must not have heard you correctly, he is where now?" 

"He appears to be in Griffonia, your highness. Apparently he is visiting a friend, one Screaming Rush. Mrs Evergarden said he had been getting invites from her for several years, and always turned her down. This year however, he took her up on the offer and simply left. He did not get permission from what we have gathered, just left a message on Mrs Evergarden's desk." By the end of his recount he was back to his stoic self, but there was sweat lather on his forehead and neck.

The temperature in the room had noticeably picked up at this point.

Celestia had not realized that her hair had changed until it was too late, willing her body back to normal she quietly spoke. "Thank you Captain. You may go."







Captain Broad Blade quickly shut the doors, and walked swiftly away. A resounding crash reverberated from the room behind him. He did not stop, when the Princess was upset it was best to be elsewhere. His predecessor had told him that she may get truly angry once every few years. Once it took an entire decade before she expressed any anger.

For Blade this was going to be the fifth table the castle coffers were going to have to replace. The fifth this year.







After his meeting with Bloodbeak, Orion had settled into a routine of the next two weeks. In the morning he would rise before the sun. His goal was to keep in as much physical shape as possible while in Griffonia. So the butt crack of dawn found him on the garrison's only training field running laps with a burlap sack full of rocks. 

He was amused when a Major Greenquill, master at arms, came marching over, steaming cup of the piss water the griffons called kaf in hand, demanding to know what the tartarus was he doing on His training field.

It almost broke down into a fight between the two at first. The Major had a better idea, and for the next three hours Orion trained with the raw recruits in full battle rattle. Marching, running, going through numerous obstacle courses.

It was hell, and strangely he loved every fucking second of it. 

After that three hour period he simply got a nod from Major Greenquill, and was told to report in again tomorrow morning at the same time. He was going to tell him to piss up a rope. But his tired mind told him he might get some training in. Actual combat training. He nodded tiredly and headed back to his room to clean up.

After that, he went and grabbed breakfast from the dinning hall. The look on those guards faces as he scarfed down an entire plate of fried ham and bacon, coupled with six eggs, bread and milk, was priceless. Putting his dishes in a bin he just winked grinned and walked out of the room. What was silence before, the room exploded into conversation when he left. 

He caught snippets just before the door shut. It was mostly about him, and the horrible way he ate food. Though a few seemed to remark on the fact that he was eating meat as if it was nothing. He chuckled at the tones used.

His next stop was the library, of which he spent the next two hours pouring over cities and towns of the nation, the geographical makeup of the country itself. He even took a brief trip to the public records in town that he had spotted on the walk up to the castle. Walking be damned he was teleporting.

Screaming found him back in the library, fury etched across her beak.







"Are you bucking kidding me?!" She screeched. Jesus fuck was she loud. She had also slipped back into the pony way of swearing. That got a smile from him.

There she stood, in the door of the library. The librarian, who liked like she was turtling, was hiding behind her desk. Orion just stared at her for a moment trying not to laugh. Then he looked back to his irate friend.

"Okay first off, this is a library. Keep your voice down. Secondly, are you really that surprised? Or are you mad that you got your hopes up thinking I would not be in here. Come on. How many places did you check before you here?" He grinned.

She just huffed. "I went to your room first. Then came here." 

"Hahaha, so you knew it was going to happen. I trust you got plans for us today?" A curt nod was what he got in return. "Cool let's go do something fun then." The surprise look almost made him double over. He put all the books and maps he had been looking over back into their places swiftly with simple levitation spells. "What? I came here to hang with you feather head. This is just to pass the time." He grabbed her hand and pulled her from the room. 

He had lied, but she didn't need to know that yet.

"So? Where to?"







Screaming had a whole day planned for them, how she thought they were going to get through it all he had no idea. But her flying them, or asking him to just teleport them to certain places, easily quickened the pace. She dragged him to shops that looked like they were on their last legs. A restaurant, whose menus had items crossed out as no longer available.

Every place they went to was a reminder of the nation's failing fortunes. Prices were ridiculous. The clientele few. 

"Jesus H. Christ, how in the hell am I going to fix this mess."

It had been a reoccurring thought in his head for most of the day. The amount of people hidden in alleyways was worse then he realized. Nearly half the city was on the streets. Homes boarded up with for sale signs tacked out in front.

Screaming's face often would look stricken with worry when she would see the same things he had seen. She would give herself a shake, and smile. Each time that smile seemed harder to come by. The stress of her eyes made that smile a lie.

At his suggestion they went to the seaside cliffs to relax. For a time, the cares just melted away at the beautiful expanse of the sea. They leaned together as they watched quietly, the ocean battered itself against the cliff's bottoms. 

It was an afternoon of reflection for him. Plans pouring over in his mind as he thought furiously on how to go about repair an economy on the verge of collapse. Then spent a few hours just looking over the scenic view before them.

Quiet sniffling pulled his attention from his own thoughts. "I don't want my nation to die...." Orion's head jerked over to Scream, she was crying, tears streaming down her face. He did the only thing he could think of, and hugged her as she broke down completely. He looked over at their shadow, Gilda. She too held unshed tears in her eyes.

"How in the absolute hell am I going to fix this mess." The pressure just increased.







Two weeks. 

Two weeks of him pouring over every public report. Every scrap of rumors and hearsay. The entire map of the nation.

Two weeks of him dealing with parties, of greeting the King's extensive family.

Two weeks of being dragged around Griffonstone fighting every instinct to help those in need. To having to ignore children starving.

He had found his target.

Avery. A small town northeast of Griffonstone by one hundred and twenty miles. It was very close to the seaside port of Neighbon, the only city of hippogriffs in the world. That city had an absolutely thriving economy in the fishing industry. Word had it that the land was taken from Equestria and Griffonia. A gift of both nations to give a space for a people neither wanted to accept.

Apparently, three hundred some years ago the griffons had attacked Equestria during the estrus season. Thinking the females would be unable to mount a proper counter offensive. A mistake as their soldiers were taken and thoroughly violated by the mares of the seaboard cities. Resulting in the birth of over two thousand hippogriffs. 

No one wanted them, thus they were given a run down seaside town set between both nations. Some soft hearted ponies and griffons, chose to live with them, to raise them and teach them to survive.

Now the city state boasted an impressive fifty-six thousand, mostly of hippogriffs but other members of species existed there too. Their fishing market catered to both the locals and those outside who required fish. The problem was no one had figured out how to preserve fish without magic. So it could never make it too far inland to Griffonia's starving people.

They hadn't even attempted to look for another way to preserve meat goods. 

What made the small town of Avery the perfect candidate was its geographical location, and the resources surrounding it. The last census reported a massive deposit of rock salt. Salt, that can be used in preserving meat. Making soap, pottery, the list went on and on. Avery was about to become salt lords of Griffonia.

Another bonus, and something Orion was seeing as more then likely. The report on possible Iron deposits. The census had reported that strange grayish stone found in several locations around the town. He would bet all the bits he had that those grayish stones held Iron inside. With the nation having carbon at hand, he could almost see the amount of carbon steel that would be produced from there in short order.

Another bonus for the little town, flat fields that laid fallow due to no farming equipment. The steel they could produce would easily handle that. Making all the gear they would need. 

Honestly he was rather surprised that Avery had gone unnoticed for so long, all that ore and resources was an absolute waste. It was however, perfect for what he wanted to do. Far enough away from the border that Celestia wouldn't realize what was going on till it was far too late.

He smiled. Now to convince Screaming that it would be an amazing idea if they both, with Gilda of course, traveled to Avery for a little vacation on the beach. Which there was none. Not that she likely knew that. Oh, and her ever watchful uncle.







He wanted takesies backsies. He really needed a do over this was all a mistake.

They had to walk, fly, and teleport the entire way there. The small contingent of guards that accompanied them Northeast helped with luggage, but having to teleport twenty-three people to save time as well as the walking, exhausted him. His horn ached, his legs wanted to straight up quit the body.

Screaming had initially resisted the whole idea of leaving the capital. Till Orion bluntly pointed out what they all were seeing and not speaking on. How he just wanted to get away to not see that for awhile. Which pulled at her own guilt of ignoring what was happening. She eventually agreed.

Getting her uncles permission to whisk her away further north could only be accomplished by agreeing to take her entire personal guard. Something he still found as odd considering she was only a niece. Twelfth in line and all that. Speaking of his encounters with the rather expansive royal family, he was genuinely surprised by how down to earth they all were. Many were lords and ladies of provinces of land inside the nation.

Others had done their best to ply their management skills in mercantile businesses. Anything to bring money into the kingdom. The whole family seemed dedicated to saving their kingdom. It was touching. 

Many were impressed to see him exercising with the troops as often as he did. The first few nights was parties and story telling. Of which Orion had begrudgingly accepted a role in telling how he got his scars. He pulled a full Heath Ledger. It was great. But he could see why they had so many parties. They were ignoring the travesty on their streets, try as they might to fix it they were merely slowing the boulder down.

Another point in his favor of leaving for a vacation within a vacation.

So here he stood, outside the town of Avery, ragged and pissed off. With a group of equally ragged and pissed off griffons. All of whom was pissed off at him. "Piss off we got here."

The town itself was nothing to speak of. Surprisingly it house just over a thousand griffons. The homes were built in uniform with each other. All log style. If it wasn't for the state of disrepair some of them were in, Orion would have said this place was lovely. 

The villagers themselves came to greet them. Their chief, or what later he was told, Burgermeister came to greet them. She was tall for a Griffon hen, nearly eye to eye with him. Broad shoulders and strong looking arms showed this mayor of sorts was no stranger to work. It was actually rather intimidating.

"Hello, I am Grendal Plumage. I am the burgermeister of-," Orion stifled a chuckle and got a glare from the offended bird, "Of Avery. We welcome you to our town, to our nest. If I may ask, to what do we owe the pleasure of a royal visit?"

She was looking to Screaming, who was looking to Orion. He made to look to Gilda, but the tired hen just glared daggers at him.

"Oh heh, that would be my fault. We came here to vacation away from the city. Was hoping you had a couple of cabins to spare so that we could bed down and start fresh in the morning. It has been a LONG three days of walking, flying, teleporting....you know general suckatude of travel." His eyes said there was far more then what was being said, doing his best to hint that he had more to speak on privately. "Please tell me you do, these guys are already pissed at me, no need to make it worse."

The bergermeister cocked her head in that bird way griffons did, a trace of a smile on her beak. "We do, we actually have barracks for the soldiers that have come with you. Though they have no been used in many many years. You will all have to take time to clean them." Her voice was surprisingly soft for one someone so imposing, oddly warm and gentle. 

The guards behind him perked up and talked excitedly. Apparently someone saw fit to spare him the wrath of his unwilling traveling companions. He said a small prayer thanking whatever deity was responsible. A small white and yellow butterfly landed on his shoulder.

"We also have a few homes that the rest of you can stay, but I must ask? Why here for a vacation? We have nothing to really draw a crowd to us."

He grinned for the first time in three days since they started their march.

"Why my dear bergermeister to have a chance to really relax. A fresh start on a vacation already in motion."







Grendal looked up from the rather large book of notes to reappraise the fledgling siting in front of her.

She did not know what to make of him. He walked into her town, announced they were on a vacation, and the moment she got him in her office his horn lit up silencing the noise from outside. She suspected he had sound proofed her office, that made her very wary of him.

He then sat down and levitated a thick notebook. Full of manufacturing and extracting ideas for her town, and the resources around them. He said nothing. Every time she asked a question he would nod to the book. As if all the secrets in the world could be answered.

Apparently as far as her small world of the village she presided over, it did have all the answers.

He left her to read for better part of twenty minutes.

"You came here with ulterior motives. Why?" She was shocked at all the ideas to turn her town into a production hub. The fact that a pony was just handing out this information like it was nothing made her suspicious.

He hummed, and put his hands together as he slowly leaned forward. To say she was intimidated by this fledgling was an understatement. The air around him at that moment tickled her flight of fight responses. The fact that he was bigger then her at only the tender age of fifteen made her fear how big he might become. The muscles under his shirt rippled with the movement of his body.

"I came here because as I was coming north on the rail line, I got to see this nation, for what it truly was. I got to see the hardships your people face. I watched as kids no older then five having to be carried onto the train because they were too weak from hunger to stand on their own. Me sharing my meager travel rations might as well have been Hearth's Warming Eve for them."

He leaned back, she was quiet as she hung onto his words, mulling them over in her mind. "In a world of magic, we somehow lack the ability to help those around us. I do not see how that is, but here we are." He looked her in the eyes, his grey ones glistened with moisture. "The day we left Griffonstone, I heard a mother cry out her child's name. I heard the anguish in those screams. I can't sit by and do nothing while the world starves. I believe your people have suffered enough."

He paused. "My goal is to teach you and those under you how to innovate. In those notes are ideas. Ideas that still need to be fleshed out with solid work. Most of which I am ninety-nine percent positive can work."

He affixed her with a soft look, one filled with anguish. "I want to give you, and your people a fresh start."

He had her, and she knew it.
> Lies and Only Half Truthes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Screaming slept horribly. The bed was lumpy, the room she got was drafty, so the wind whistling the gaps between the logs of the old musty home. The home itself was poorly maintained due to the fact that the family that previously occupied it left for the capital when food became scarce some years ago.

 No one had come in to stuff moss or some type of insulation between the logs since their departure.

 So here she lay, the sun peaking over the horizon. The curtainless windows did nothing to shield her from it’s on ending rays of blinding brightness. She hated coming here. She couldn’t understand how Orion had talked her into this insanity. 





 “Screaming, we need to get the fuck outta here for awhile, don't you think?” Orion had entered her private room’s study earlier that afternoon and had made small talk to which she was finding herself hard to focus on considering the rather fetching outfit he wore was a major distraction for her.

 The outfit of this day seemed to have been one of comfort, but it did little to hide the tone muscle under the soft cotton sleeveless tunic. Red was the color of the day, coupled with the dark gray cotton pants that wrapped tightly around his cannons, she couldn’t help but daydream wistfully.

 She had noticed that much of his clothing had an ‘R’ etched in cursive that was on a tag with three diamonds, or crystals she could not tell. What she could tell was that most of his clothes were custom work. The distinct feminine tag begged questions that birthed jealous thoughts in her mind. “Just who had made his clothes?” 

 The idea of another female having already some claim on him often would send her into fits of unnecessary fury. Fury she only displayed away from Orion. She wasn’t sure how well he knew her culture, but she had no desire for him to see that side of her until he was well and truly caught in her net. Jealousy often showed ugly to those who had no idea it was there.

 Because her thoughts had been turning, again, to dark imaginings she nearly missed his last statement.

 “I’m sorry, what was that?” She blushed. She hadn't meant to ignore what he was saying, and being caught in doing so was more than embarrassing.

 “Man I often wonder where your head goes, Scream. I said we need to get outta her. Like leave the city for a while. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of the constant parties, seeing the same sights day in and day out. So I figured, why not go on a vacation within a vacation?”

 She mulled it over in her mind. On the one hand she too was tired of seeing the everyday sights she had seen for the last seven years. The increasing poverty only made her want to run away from it all. She wanted to help so badly. But when she asked her uncle to allow her to run programs to reeducate the populace in order to help them find work, he had to painfully explain the kingdom’s coffers could not support much more than shipping in grain from the south east.

 She cried that night. Seventeen and she could yet do nothing.

 But she was worried about leaving home. Fears of being on her own once again made her hesitant to leave. When she had learned the truth about who she was, and what had happened to her parents, she broke down and sobbed into her uncle’s arms.

 Since then, the very idea of stepping outside the city for longer than a day was often too much for her to contemplate. Now here he was, trying to convince her to go.

 “I don’t know Orion, I am not sure my uncle will just let us go off on our own. Where would we even go? Back to Canterlot? I haven’t really been back in a very long time. It would be nice to go someplace new though.” He had remained quiet the entire time with a small smile on his lips.

 “ I already got someplace picked out. North of us is a town called Avery. It’s on the coast. So what I was thinking is we head up there for a couple of weeks, swim, relax in the woods around it, maybe even take a brief trip to Neighbon, which is only another five miles north of there. Eat some seafood, take in the local atmosphere. Anything is better than seeing the same shit here.”

 She had always wanted to go to Neighbon. She heard that the city was bustling with life and festivals. Maybe they could see one in action! She quickly agreed after that.





 Her disappointment was immense when she learned they had no beaches in Avery. The land to sea ended at a sheer drop off the cliffs from one-hundred and twenty feet above sea level. There was a beach, about two or three hundred yards off their coast. A sandbar had formed against the jutting rocks out there. But there was no shade to be had. So she and some of her retinue would have to carry their supplies out by hand. 

 It would have been easier to just teleport them all out there. But Orion, the one that had planned and dragged them all out here, had left early that morning and no one could find him. 

 She nearly tore her own feathers out in frustration. Where had he gone? And why drag them all the way out here? Surely he knew in advance the area’s geographical disposition. Didn’t he?





 “Excuse me, beigermeister, have you seen Orion anywhere? He has been gone for almost two hours and I am beginning to get a little worried.” She was intimidated by the older hen. Her height and experience in life vastly dwarfed her. She commanded by sheer presence alone. 

 “I’m sorry, my Lady, but he saw me earlier this morning and said something about surveying the land. He took a few of my council with him and they have been gone since.” She smiled softly. “I’m sure your nest-mate will return soon. He has your arms-griffon, Gilda if I remember correctly, with him. He is in good claws.”

 Screaming blushed furiously. “He and I are not bound to the nest. He is yet of age.” What she kept to herself is that he hadn’t noticed her attempts to catch his eye. She was failing, spectacularly.

 A rye chuckle came from the older hen. “Does he know that? The way you look at him, he would have to be blind not to notice.” The crestfallen look on her face made Grendal frown. “He hasn’t noticed has he. His age is a problem? How old is he?”

 “Just turned fifteen in the spring, what?” The beigermeister was laughing.

 “You casted your net into the pond full of tadpoles dear. Though you reeled in a rather large one. Still, fledglings his age are often more concerned with boasting and displaying their colors to actually landing in a nest, maybe you are pushing for something not yet ready?”

 His disappearance, being out here nearly by herself, the fact that she has gotten nothing in return from him as far as any attraction. Now, this hen was laughing at her. Mocking her attempts to secure her future. She began to cry.

 “There there. I’m sorry if I seemed insensitive, truly. I was just surprised you would want for someone so young. But this is more than just him isn’t it?” Using a wing she had guided Screaming to a seat in her office.

 Composing herself after a time, she told her. Everything that was bothering her. From the state of the people of Griffonia, to her fears of being useless in her countries attempt to redevelop themselves.

 Grendal patted her arms, her wing still wrapped about her. “Well, I can assume he hasn’t told you why you all are really out here then. Well…..”





 First, she was shocked. Then angry. After that she went through a litany of emotions that ranged from pride to outright fury at what he was planning and how much he had lied to her and her uncle.

 “I see, he is using your town as a testing ground for ideas to...to improve our kingdom over all. He didn’t want to tell my uncle, because he was worried without proof of his ideas working, he would just reject it outright. So he devised this little scheme to improve the lives of one town, while also fleshing out the ideas in this notebook.” The very notebook she now held in her claws. She didn’t know whether she wanted to read more or tear it apart. He used her. Used her! Deceived her uncle, and lied about the reason he really came to see her. 

 But he was also trying to help, trying to save the very nation she had grown to love despite the failings of it. He was attempting to restore hope, and by the look on the beigermeister’s face, he had. Remembering the looks on the people’s faces here this morning, they knew. He had told her nothing, but the people had already heard. 

 The old drakes and hens of the village were smiling. A look she had not seen on their faces the night before. The hatchlings were somehow full of energy. He had brought in supplies, explained why they had lugged such a heavy wagon of items no one had seen yet. Didn’t charge them a dime yet he paid it all himself.

 He was out, right now, surveying where to plant the crops he had planned. The salt fields, she still couldn’t believe he had known a way to easily preserve meat with salt of all things, he was sizing up for mining.

 Orion had planned for all of this, she even figured he knew she would find out. This wasn’t a vacation. He was attempting to save her people. Using her to get away from the capital in order to get out from under Bloodbeak’s eye.

 She wanted to laugh. Cry. But mostly she just smiled proudly, he was growing up to be something special.





 “Now remember, we are NOT strip mining the place. Too much refuse from the site would likely damage the environment. If you noticed, nothing was really growing there. So we have to be careful and dispose of the non-product away correctly so as to not harm the local environment. Got it?

 Nodding heads, and smiling beaks were his response. Orion could hear the quiet murmurings of the council and few tradesmen, or was that tradesgriffons? They were of course in awe of his idea to mine out the salt in the ground. His scans showed that it was big, bigger than what he could easily read. 

 The wand he had made was still in his pocket, it had pulped itself. He had made it to gauge the depth and width of the potential mine, but it had failed at the fifty yard mark. Still, the scan showed a vast deposit, easily large enough to last several decades if not a couple of centuries. A broad sweeping scan showed him the area had more than a few like it in the area. 
 These fuckers were going to be loaded. 

 They were headed back to the village in the early afternoon. Having wanted to get back to report their findings and to make plans to mass produce how to books to go with each shipment of salt. He was leaving most of the logistics in distribution to them. It was their show after all. He was just giving them a much needed push.

 Earlier, he had sent back the farmers, with seedlings and how-to books on how to tend the potatoes, carrots, and other temperate climate vegetables that could grow this far north. They were already excitedly talking about how fast the produce could grow. 

 The masons that had gone with them, of which there were only two, each held a copy of a book showing how to make graineries. The grins on their faces were infectious. He was surprised to find out they were nearly on the verge of figuring out how to make them on their own. They especially liked the idea of the ground ones, as they can store the meat they hunt and fish on their own.

 They had no idea how fast these plans were going to accelerate them.

 Walking past the rough hewn gate, he stopped. Screaming was standing in front of the cabin she had been given. She had locked eyes with him and, well he couldn’t describe the expression. He wanted to say she was constipated. But a quick look to the mayor of this tiny ass village had told him all he needed to know.

 She knew. Likely was told the real reason they were here while he was gone, sooner then what he wanted but not unexpected. The guards around the village that had come with them were straight up glaring daggers at him. 

 “Well, that isn’t good.”

 He didn’t even wait to go somewhere private.

 “Yeah, yeah. I lied my ass off. The only way I figured it was going to work. I mean really, Scream, do you honestly think your uncle would have said yes if i would have said, ‘Golly gee sir, I’d really like to go to an out of the way place to run some ideas that may or may not work?’” He crossed his arms. “No I am quite certain he would have glared at me, and shortened my time with you.”

 “That doesn’t mean you had to lie to me!” Oh now he knew what that look meant, she was livid. Famous Griffonian temper was arising, he had heard a few rumors about her legendary meltdowns. Not going to happen.

 “Ah ah. Do you think you would have outright agreed to come with me? Knowing I was planning this? Would you have kept it from King Bloodbeak?”

 “Of course not!” Her hand quickly went to cover her beak eyes wide. Anger can be useful. In this case her emotions prevented her from lying. Orion just gave her a knowing look. “You, you jeopardize the very lives of these people if what your doing doesn’t work!”

 “Oh come on, that’s a weak ass argument if I have ever heard of one. By now you all realize what was in those wagons we had all been dragging here. Those were outrageously pricey by the way. That’s also why I am getting the death glares from your guards.”

 She sputtered. She was trying to find some way to stay furious at him, but he knew she couldn't. They all knew it. He was right in his planning even if it was a sneaky ass thing to do.

 “Why couldn’t you have told me last night?” She had him there, there wasn’t much reason to keep up the ruse once they had arrived.

 “To be honest, I didn’t know how to break it to you. You found out far sooner than I wanted, but it wasn’t unexpected. The odds were that if you found out, being as tired and crabby as you were, you’d likely murder me in my sleep. Either that or I was gonna be beaten by your guards with bars of soap in socks, either or.”

 He sighed, they had become a soap opera, the villagers looked on in amazement. The guards were surprisingly, chuckling, they were likely embracing the suck at this point.

 “This, is a chance to do something meaningful. Not budgeting against the tide. Not hoping that next year someone will come up with a way to bring in the cash to keep your economy afloat. God does not favor the man who does nothing but pray, he helps the one who helps themselves. In this case, I am helping you and yours not fade to nothing.”

 “You claimed that this was sanctioned by the king himself.” The quiet way that was spoken, yet carried to every ear in town, made him cringe. “Aww shit.” He had forgotten that particular lie.

 “Yeah I did-” He was knocked off his hooves so fast he didn’t realize what had happened. Hitting the ground in a skid, he grabbed the side of his muzzle. He had been hit, hard. The beigermeister stood over him, fury in her eyes.

 “You lied to me and my people, our lives are now in your claws and you couldn’t even tell that truth!” Oh yeah, pissed to the max.

 He went to stand up, but Grendal pushed him down. Going to stand up again she pushed him, he grabbed her hands, yanked her down and rolled her over till he was on top and she was pinned under him.

 Spitting out some blood to the side he grinned, “I let you hit me once, but if you think you are going to just keep pushing me around, I’ll magic your head into your own asshole understand?”

 She struggled vainly for a few minutes before finally giving up.

 “Now, I am actually sorry I lied. To everyone.” He said that last loudly and looked around, still holding the griffon under him firmly. “Had I thought of a better, more honest way I would have done so. But I have a lot of knowledge. But my social and charismatic skills suck ass.” 

 He stood up letting Grendal go. She glared at him, but didn’t try and further the conflict. “These ideas will work. I know they will, but I can’t give you a reason as to why. I know that sounds strange as fuck, but it’s true.” One hen glared at him as she placed her hands around her child's ears. “Great, we have a Karen.”

“So you know they work, but can’t tell us how you know.” This bitch wasn’t giving up on this. He was going to have to take a gamble.

 “Namely you would not believe me if I told you. Master Grimcrest, by the way epic name, in your professional opinion, what do you think the chances are the crops will grow quickly.”

 Being put on the spot Grimcrest nervously licked his beak as his mayor stared at him. “In truth, they will grow fast, much faster than we originally believed. We could have viable crops in as short as two months on many of them. Some even earlier. From what our masons have told me, we can apply the skills from making graineries to our own homes. To shore them up for winter. This can very well be a huge boon to our benefit.”

 Orion smiled smugly. Grendal was still angry, but she was no longer looking like she was going to bite nails out of boards.

 The less nervous griffon spoke on, “In addition to that, we have already seen the method of preserving fish. A barrel was brought in with the supplies, a barrel that contained almost eight hundred fish. They were packed a month ago by the ledger’s report. They have not rotted. And a little rinse has proven them edible. If this alone is all Master Falls had, I would call this a major improvement.” He had gained confidence in his speech, and his fellow council men had actually gone and hauled the barrel out of a nearby cellar.

 The mayor was no longer angry. She had walked up and began sifting through the barrel, inspecting each one. Quiet talk went on between her and the others for a whole thirty minutes.

 During that time Screaming had walked over to stand next to Orion.

 “I get it, you’re actually trying to help my people. But why? Why couldn’t you tell me? To let me in on the plan from the beginning.” She was quiet, and not because of the debate going on amongst the elders of the village. She had drawn in on herself. She looked so tiny standing there, shoulders hunched, unable or not willing to look at him. “Why?”

 “Scream, since day one I was lying. Not that I am not actually happy to see you. Honestly I was excited to spend time with you. But my original plan was to tell, who I believed at the time, your rich adopted family my ideas, to have them sell them without my name being dropped. An idea sold can have powerful ramifications. The mere mention of rumors of those ideas could have flashed through your nation like a storm. But then….”

 He sighed, running his hands through his mane.

 “Then I saw those people on the train. The little supplies I had on hand I gave freely, and it was if I gave them the world for that one moment. No one, and I mean no one, should live life like that. The fear in the parents eyes. The weeping of that mother on the day we departed to come here. Because your Uncle is actually the King, I couldn’t just say ‘hey these ideas will work’.” He looked over to her. “Do you believe he would have bought what I was selling?”

 She was quiet, the council and the mayor were getting a bit louder now. But Orion kept his eyes solely on Scream.

 “No…..he would have thrown you out of the castle, likely shipped you back to Canterlot faster than you arrived.” She sighed, and surprisingly leaned her body against his. He caught her gently and wrapped an arm about her. “You chose not to tell me because you couldn’t be sure of how I would react. To be fair, I would have likely run to tell him your ideas myself. Never really realizing that it would upset him.”

 “For what little it's worth Scream Queen, I’m sorry. Really. I fucked up out of fear of my plans being exposed early. I had to think hard and fast to pull all this off. If I had more time, I’d likely been able to come up with a better way to include you. As it is now, I have a month and a half, maybe more if I can squeeze it.”

 She sighed heavily, everyone seemed to be doing that. But when she went to open her mouth, Grendal and her council marched over. They didn’t seem angry, many had smiles on their faces. She was still frowning but it was far more speculative than before.

 “We have come to a decision. You have lied to us. All of us. But you knew we were going to find out about it anyway. That is why you had brought so many supplies. In case this didn’t work you planned to support our winter.” She smiled. “Thank you for considering my peoples needs should you have failed.”

 “After looking at several examples, speaking to the handwerkers we, or more appropriately I, have decided to allow you to continue with your projects here.” Orion gave a half smile, he knew the boot was about to drop. “You will however, have to tell me how you know these ideas will work, and where you got them.”

 “Absolutely not. As I said, you would not really believe me. No one would. I will be up front on what else I want to try. But the secret to the knowledge in my head is mine alone. You will just have to accept that little fact angry bird.” He chuckled to himself, getting confused looks in attendance. In his head he had already started to debate which angry bird she was, he was settling on Matilda. The white one.

 “And should this end our brief partnership?” She had cocked her left eye, not phased by his own quiet laughter.

 “Then it ends here. You at least got some ideas, and I may just bounce around to other villages to help where I can in their local economies. I can’t force any of you to accept my terms. Just as you cannot force me to accept yours.” He leaned back against a fence post marking the boundary between two homes. “The choice is, to accept my original plan, now under the knowledge that the nation has no idea what's going on out here. Or send me packing, your move lady.”

 Grendal chewed on a claw in thought. The whole village had gotten quiet, the children were even silent as hell. Orion was getting some Children of the Corn vibes with them.

 “Fine. I do not like it. But the evidence of you actually trying to help weighs heavily in your favor. However, no more lies. Only the truth now. What else do you plan?”

 He smiled, hooked with the same line, only without the bait this time. 

 “Well. I heard there is a non-griffon group up here. Likes to burrow a lot. That sort of thing.” The glares of the villagers told him much. “I see you have had dealings with them?”

 The mayor, and village elders, all spat onto the ground. The fact that the beaks bent the way they did to accommodate the action short circuited his brain. “They can fucking spit? How?!”

 “Yes, we have. They came into our village two months ago. Demanding workers to help clear out their tunnels. Filthy beasts had to be chased off. What?” She had noticed the miserable look on his face. 

 The reports pointed to the evidence of Diamond Dogs in the area. Knowing they were actually here was great, learning that they had been chased out meant the two groups were already going to start out as rocky to begin with. He needed them to get along.

 “Well shit, that isn’t going to work.”

 “What do you mean? Should we have driven them off?” She looked eager to do so, several of them were.

 “No. Fuck no. You need them.” The shocked look from the entire village almost made him break down, almost. “Well you see, they have a skill set you do not have, they have to scavenge everything they can to feed themselves. They have no agricultural capabilities. That’s why they steal constantly. They developed amazing mining skills. But shit all for anything else.”

 The perplexed looks he was getting made him explain.

 “You all have noticed the plans for a blast forge in the notes I have given you.” A few nods, still with that look of not understanding. “That furnace is for iron ore, the hills are packed with the stuff here.”

 He had seen them all over the place, a simple scan showed all he needed to know. He had to use the wand to its near failure in order to find a vein. And holy shit was there a big one. The nation of Griffonia had vast untapped resources. With careful planning and lessons about how to deal with pollution in a constructive way, this nation could rise to prominence in less than five years.

 “I still do not understand, Diamond Dogs care for nothing other than gems and crystals, to what possible reason would they want to dig up iron for?”

 He just smiled, “Why my dear beigermeister, food.”





 Rover yawned heavily, he had been outside under the afternoon sun for over two hours. While the Diamond Dog couldn’t be called intelligent in any sort of way by his fellow dogs, he even knew his brain was cooking in the bronze helmet that he wore on his skull.

 Such was his punishment for taking extra scraps during meal time this morning. It just smelled so good and he was soo hungry. He sniffled, he believed life was unfair to him. He never considered that his actions could have left one of the pups hungry, no Rover was not one to understand much beyond orders and his own desires.

 He stared at the grassy landscape in stupor, thinking he may just take a nap when he noticed something approaching. 

 His orders were to chase off griffons, and any beasty that came upon the tunnel to the warren. But what came over the hill was not a beasty, nor a griffon. It was a pony. A unicorn pony. He had no idea what to do. Being unable to think for himself beyond noting it was not who or what he was guarding against he just stood there.

 The pony walked right up to him, and Rover had to crane his neck back. This was a tall pony! He had only ever seen a few but none of them were ever that big. 

 The pony was dressed in a red tunic and gray pants. Under that he could see the solid black fur. The pony’s mane was brown, and he had a little scruff of the same on his chin. But what really drew his gaze was the large swirl pattern horn on his forehead. It reminded him of the pools of water in a cave when he was little. He would splash them and they would make the little ripples in the shallow waters.

 “Good day to you my fine friend. I hope the sun hasn’t baked that brain of yours to mush, you look like you’ve been out here awhile.” 

 The pony had spoke! To him! Rover had no idea what to do, his limited instructions never told him how to deal with a pony coming up and talking to him. What should he do? He thought hard.

 Soon enough something interrupted his arguably slow thought process. A, something had been pushed into his view. He blinked, slowly. It was a round tan-ish thing. With a stopper at the top.

 “Oh dear God, your brain likely is mush right now. Here, have some water. Just pull the stopper at the top and aim the spout into your mouth.”

 Water? Rover was so thirsty, he could definitely use a drink. But how was that holding water? He only lapped his water up in pools inside the caverns in the tunnels dug by his people. 

 Doing as instructed though he had to be guided to pull the stopper, the Diamond Dog soon found the joys of a bag of water. Guzzling greedily He drank the entire container in one fell swoop.

 He shook the bag looking for more and not finding any, he then tossed the bag aside and looked back to the pony, surprised to see him there.

 The pony sighed heavily, suddenly there was some type of  bag into his hands. “You have got to be fucking with me, I had to pull the dumb one.”





 Orion could not believe this shit. He had been watching the den, or warren of the resident  Diamond Dog clan for almost a week. 

 From what the villagers had told him back in Avery, these guys had moved in sometime before the snowfall of last year. Grendal had sent a request for their removal but with the limited resources of the nation they had yet to get a response. 

 For the most part, the dogs had kept to themselves. 

 The only time they had interacted with the locals was when the day two months ago were they seemed to demand help in clearing their tunnels. There were no kidnappings, which is usually typical of the mutts. 

 Diamond Dogs seemed to employ a weak form of slavery. They worked those they took to the bone, but once the job was done for what they wanted they would simply let them go. It was a strange way of running things. That had not happened here with the griffons.

 It could be possible that they had more to fear from the griffons as they did the ponies, but it seemed unlikely. The kidnappings often happen at night. 

 Because of that, Orion felt it was moderately safe to monitor them for a time, to see just how big the pack inside actually was. 

 That was made more difficult then he hoped. He felt guilty dragging Scream and her soldiers all the way up here, so he opted to spend time with them,  as well as help direct work efforts into improving the village.

 Many of the village houses were outright being torn down, replaced with a better block foundation, and already new supports were in place to begin building the walls. The fields had been plowed in record time, with a large stream being dug between them for a rudimentary irrigation system being put in place that could be at full capacity by next year's end.

 He even managed to spend time with Scream and Gilda. They, and the soldiers with them, had managed to build a little shack on the rocky islet off the coast. Took only two days and a lot of flying.

 It was actually a pretty cool place to chill, Orion figured once things were truly underway he could let himself relax and stay out there for a couple of nights.

 She was there now, relaxing in the June sun, while he was stuck here dealing with the dumbest fucking individual he had ever met. 

 Seriously, this mutt’s eyes even blinked out of order.

 He sighed again before putting the water bag away.

 “Okay bud, let’s try this again shall we? My name is Orion Falls. What’s yours?” He held his breath, hoping against failure.

 There was a pause, and then, “My name Rover.” Success! He wasn’t a complete retard.

 “Did he just drool all over himself…?” Shaking his head to put the thought away, and vowing to never let him touch anything of his again, “Well it is a pleasure to meet you Rover. I am looking for the man, or woman, in charge of this here pack. Are they in? May I see them?”

 The now named Rover just blinked in that stupefied way he did. “They here. No see dem.”

 Sweet baby Jesus, he spoke slower than shit moved in winter. “Why can’t I see them? What’s your job out here bud?”

 “No see dem, said no thing allowed. I guard. No let beasties or Griffies inside.”  He stood up straight, a look of pride on his face at doing his own job.

 “May you never breed my friend. I wonder, do you know what neutering is?” He wanted to groan in frustration. This was not how he wanted this to go. But there was something in what he said. He smiled, he did not want to enter by force and this dog just gave him the in.

 “Am I a griffon? Do I look like one?”

 Rover the Stupid blinked, and gave him a hard look up and down. “No….?”

 “So, would that mean that I am barred from entering? Considering I am not a beast nor a griffon I should have access to meet your leader correct? Considering I am not on the list of those to be stopped, yes?”

 The dog stared, and then adopted a position that Orion was sure was supposed to be thinking, but he looked like he was going to take a shit with the way he was suddenly concentrating so hard.

 He aged while the moron thought, it had to be at least five minutes before he finally got an answer.

 “Yes, you can go.” Rover smiled, thinking he was being benevolent.

 Well, now for the hard part, but given this guy’s intelligence he thought it likely he would snag that win too.

 “Excellent my good friend. I thank you humbly.” This was so not his style. “I do have one request if you would grant it.” He waited for what felt like an hour for the dog to respond with a nod and a tilt to his head. “I do not know the way, would you kindly show me?”

 This time it didn’t take him long at all. “Yes, Rover can show way. It dis way, come!” Wow, he was suddenly happy as a pig in slop, if Orion had to guess it was likely the idea of actually getting out of the sun.

 Thus he followed him down. As they entered the cave, his horn glowed weakly as he began to actively scan their position. He did not want to get lost while down there, so he began to construct a map in his head of where he was at all time. Just in case negotiations didn’t go as planned.

 The tunnel slopped sharply down and to the left at first, and then broadened out in a natural cave. Water was dripping from stalagmites into small pools throughout the moderately sized natural formation.

 This is when he got his first sight of a female Diamond Dog. “Jesus Christ they smell fucking terrible, do they not even give themselves tongue baths?!” 

 The female closest to him was all but naked. Where good Ol’ Rover was dressed in a rusted ass pair of greaves with a cuirass that was being held together with leather in places leather was going to get easily cut, this maybe lady only wore a rotting leather loincloth.

 These guys were worse off than the griffons. As he cast his gaze around the room, he spotted some more females and even a few males, all similarly dressed. They were drinking out of the pools of water.

 “They know how to at least use armor if not make it. But they can’t even figure out how to make stone cups or something. That can’t be healthy, shit.” This was beginning to paint an entirely different picture for him.

 While he had only been able to observe a couple hours out of a day, he got the impression that there were over eighty of them in all. Possibly more, if he were to count children. The marks in the river a mile to the west of them showed some very sad attempts at catching fish. 

 Now seeing their emaciated frames he was starting to get a better picture on what was wrong. 

 In books, there were interviews done to understand them. In those sessions it was discovered that Diamond Dogs were constantly infighting with each other. Observations further highlighted that when a pack, or ‘family’ as they were called, lost a fight, they were ejected from the lands they held and had to move on.

 That is likely what happened here. Judging by the state they were in, it was likely a bad loss on an already weakened group.

 Down they went again. Another chamber. This one branched off into eight halls. They took the third on the right and kept going. 

 Throughout the little journey they were making, Orion had noticed something. There were a lot of angry glares coming from the others. He expected that, he was an unknown coming into their home. But those looks weren’t directed at him, they were all falling on his guide.

 Rover obviously knew too, for as they kept going, he increasingly drew in on himself. The proud posture he once held was gone. In place was a pitiful thing. His eyes were watery, and filled with shame.

 “Oh you done fucked up somewhere didn’t you? Would explain why you were on guard detail for three days in a row…” He was actually starting to feel bad for the mutt.

 He went to ask what happened when he suddenly stopped.

 “Here wait. I go. Tell dem you here.”

 Orion was startled, and checked his internal map to see he had a complete scan of his path back to the surface. He sighed in relief and nodded giving the dog a thumbs up. “Yep, I’m cool to wait here bud.”

 Rover cocked his head, but never asked the question that was clearly occupying his likely small, small brain.

 Pushing back a stone wall, he marched in shutting it behind him. That is when he noticed the two guards looking at him, with heads cocked. How had he not noticed the fuckers before now? The both carried rusted spears, and of all things, long swords. How in the hell did they plan to fight him if it came to that?

 His thoughts came to a screeching halt when he heard a loud crash coming from behind the stone door. There was unintelligible shouting, a slam, more shouting. 

 Now he really felt bad. Hopefully he could improve the poor dog's luck with what he had to say. 

 More shouting, and then the stone door cracked open, and a chihuahua of all things looked up at him. Anger was clear on his face. “What da hell do you want?!” 

 Orion blinked. The fucker had a solid New York accent. The way he sounded, he almost thought there was a Diamond Dog Italy out there somewhere.

 “I have a proposal that may just benefit the both of us. Well the people I represent. And from what I have seen? You need to take me up on my offer.” He smiled. Showing his teeth.

 The midget mutt blinked, looked at his mouth and blinked again in shock. “Yeah, okay. Alright. Come ‘on in. Make yourself at home.” There was a look in his eye, one Orion did not think bode well for him.

 Walking in behind him the door slammed close with a boom startling him. Something was slipped over his horn and suddenly the map in his head was gone. The magic was still there but it couldn’t go anywhere.

 The blow came out of nowhere, he barely had time to dodge, got a glancing blow to the side of the head instead of the back of it. He sprang to a corner and took stock of his surroundings.

 Rover, that poor bastard, was in another corner cowering. In fear. 

 The little fucker chihuahua was smirking from a little throne he had placed toward his left. Center and to the rear of the room. 

 The one who took a swing at him was an absolute unit of a dog. Carrying a club the beast was grinning like one who had found a prize.

 Orion took a chance to look at his horn, a nullstone ring. His blood ran cold. Of all the places to be, he had no idea that they might have had one.

 He didn’t get much more time to contemplate, because Unit was coming for him. He barely managed to dodge the swing from the asshole and bounced over to the cowering mutt.

 “Hey, Rover. You didn’t warn me about a possible surprise beat down…” He said in a panicky voice. He only got whimpers in response. The poor guy looked like he got straight up jacked up. The left side of his head was swelling. 

 He didn’t get a second chance to get out of the way. A loud whack, and blackness.





 “Your Majesty, an emissary from Equestria is here.”

 Bloodbeak was startled out of his work at the sound of his stewards' voice. He had been up late again and the kaf was certainly doing him no favors in waking him up.

 The old bird stood by his King’s desk with a look of utter indifference. The griffon knew that his Steward, Stuart Sunclaw, a good drake. His placid look was a carefully constructed mask to be as unobtrusive as possible.

 “What? Celestia sent an emissary? What for?” He was grumpy, and stalling for time so that he could mentally deal with some prissy noble pony from Canterlot.

 “He claims he is here on some matter about a colt that came here. Orion Falls if I remember him correctly.” Holding up a clawed hand, “Do not worry m’lord. Nothing was said to him about the hatchling.”

 Bloodbeak smiled, as per instructions. No one talked to the ponies about anything without expressed leave to. It was standard to keep the whorse in her castle as blind as possible to the goings on in his nation.

 “Thank you Stuart, show him in please, and lock the door behind you.” His steward nodded and turned to his task.

 Shortly a tall stallion entered the room. He blinked at the pony. This was an officer in her majesty’s royal guard. The all white pony entered the room at a crisp pace and saluted. That took him for a loop. 

 Dressed in gold armor that had purple accents, he removed his helmet. A shock of well trimmed mane in three different shades of blue fell to his shoulders.

 Before Bloodbeak had a chance to speak, the stallion spoke first.

 “Good Afternoon, your majesty. Forgive the sudden arrival. I am here on a mission to ascertain the location of Orion Falls. My name and rank is First Lieutenant Shining Armor, of Her Majesty’s Royal Guard.”

 Composing himself he spoke. “Good Afternoon to you Lieutenant Armor. It is a rare occurance to have an officer of another nation on my doorstep. Please, sit.” He gestured to a chair in front of his desk.

 “All do respect, sir, but I wish to remain standing. The sooner I locate the colt the sooner I can get out of your mane.” He was ramrod straight. The very image of a soldier. And likely less imaginative as most.

 “Very well. To what purpose is there in finding my niece's guest?” He was choosing his words carefully. He did not want to offend Celestia’s goldencolt. The word was that the lieutenant was on the fast track officer program. The Princess was pushing him fast into a position of authority. Of what he did not know.

 “Your majesty. Orion Falls left Canterlot without permission from either his guardian, Daisy Evergarden, or Princess Celestia. He is a minor colt. That alone is enough.”

 “So she sent a junior officer out to retrieve him? All this for a fledgling?” It made no sense. Sure Orion was unusual. But to be so obvious in concern for what could arguably be a mostly ordinary individual. Why?

 Something wasn’t adding up. He had no idea what the Princess was up to, and why the on and off interest into the colt. He knew where he was. As to why he had chosen Avery of all places, dragging his niece with him, he had no idea.

 “Best to let this pony chase his tail for a bit.”

 “I see. I had no idea that he had left his home without permission. He and my niece, Screaming, left for Arber south east of here. I believe they planned to do some skiing in summer. He wanted to be cool and she wanted to go wherever he went. Such is youth and love.” He smiled.

 Lieutenant Armor grimaced. It was apparent that the young officer was hoping for a quick pick up and back to the capital with the pair of them. 

 “Very well, thank you. I hate to come and go so quickly but it was impressed upon me that I should acquire him as quickly as possible.” He saluted.

 Bloodbeak smiled again, and gave a nod in acknowledgement. “I understand, she was never one for waiting on results was she?”

 For the first time since he walked into his door, the stallion smiled. A tired smile. “No sir, she most certainly isn’t.”





 Pleasantries done, the tired King stood and looked out the window, his mind trying to make sense of what was actually happening. 

 He observed Shining Armor’s departure. 

 “A platoon for one hatchling? What are they expecting? Him to fight?” The whole affair spoke of an undercurrent he couldn’t quite figure out. With resolve he called in Stuart, time to get to the bottom of this.

“Just who are you Orion Falls? To warrant an entire platoon for your apparent capture is beyond what I expected from that crone.”

 “Yes, sir?” The dry tone of his steward spoke up behind him.

 “Inform my personal guard. I am making a trip to Avery. I wish to have all needed supplies ready within three days.”

 “At once your majesty.” The drake departed in pursuit of making the necessary preparations.

 “Who are you Orion Falls….”
> Despair
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a steady and distant drip echoing in the darkness. Orion coughed. Groaned and tried to roll over. “The fuck happened, ugh my head.” 

 While he had managed to roll over he was unable to move his arms, or his legs. He was bound.

 “Fuck!”

 Now he remembered his ill fated meeting with the midget mutt after he had conned an idiot guard. With a sigh he realized he could feel the nullstone still wrapped securely around his horn. He struggled a little more to free his arms or at least sit up right, both of which failed miserably. 

 The hard stone ground was damp. Fortunately there were no bars, not that it mattered considering they had him tied up in some pretty well maintained rope.

 “Shit. I’m stuck here.” He had not wanted to acknowledge that fact. He was an idiot.

 He adjusted himself as best he could while mulling over his options. Which were few. The steady drip was his only company.





 She watched as her charge angrily, and more than a bit worriedly, paced the floor of the drafty little cabin they were sitting in.

 Orion was missing, had been for days. It was obvious why when two days earlier in the week he announced his attempt to pull the Diamond Dogs into his little scheme.

 The scheme, as she was calling it, was massively impressive. The ramifications of success out here would mean the very survival of her nation. What self respecting griffon would not want to see that?

 Her issue was with his deception, and the knowledge that he was eventually going to get caught in the lies he was telling. She was even angry. For not only was his efforts hidden from the crown, but her charge’s heart was being broken. Even if the young lady had not realized it yet. Gilda could see the signs. 

 Deep down she knew he had no interest in Screaming. At first she assumed it was just a cultural difference. But during the couple of weeks in which he seemed to almost divide his time flawlessly with what his host wanted to do with his own desires, she noticed the almost sad look whenever she would get touchy with him. He knew. Knew and used that to further his admittedly honorable goals.

 She loved and hated him for his actions. 

 So it was with a conflicted heart that she watched as Screaming seemed about to tear her feathers out with worry over a stallion that doesn’t see her in that regard.

 “My Lady.” She had to be delicate, for she knew she had no knowledge when it came to matters concerning military procedures and assessments, and with their small force this would be more than difficult. 

 “We can not just charge in to rescue young Master Falls. He could be being held anywhere inside the vast tunnels Diamond Dogs typically dig. He might have already been moved for all we know. What we must do right now is consider our options. I have a trio of guards cycling turns to watch the entrances as best they can. While digging is their preferred method, they will likely transfer him over land rather than go that route.”

 “Oh so we have to hope they haven’t moved him yet?! So I have to worry that they….they may have just eaten him instead? Or just stand by while they may have already shuffled him off to be sold to the highest bidder!?” She was shrieking, that was to be expected. But this served them nothing.

 “My Lady, as of right now, we can only watch. We do not have the forces to storm the halls and caverns that must be down there. My advice is to send our fastest flyer to the capital, to purge this festering boil in our lands. By watching the mongrels we can keep an eye on their activities and update the incoming troops on the situation. This will facilitate a response that will put the least amount of lives on the line, and keep you both safe.”

 She knew Screaming hated the idea of holding off, truth be told so did she. She wanted nothing more than to put each and every dog to the blade. She also, along with several others in their troop, wanted a chance to punch Orion right in his muzzle. This was by far the stupidest thing he could have done.





 “Oh I’ll be fine. If shit gets too crazy, I’ll just ‘port the hell out. It’s not like they have any mages of their own.” He was standing there with that cocky grin he always had plastered on his face.

 A look that Gilda was dreaded seeing on his face. It meant that once again he was gambling with their lives, their people. Currently that smile was being used to placate Screaming as she hung on worriedly to his shirt.

 “This is silly Orion. Why not just send one of my soldiers to do it?” She was doing her best to put as much contact on his body as she reasonably could. If the older guard-griffon were to be honest, she found the whole spectacle shameful. Lady Rush was practically throwing herself at him and he was still trying to be gentle in letting her down. “Coward, just tell her honestly.”

 “I doubt they know what I am after, or could really even understand what it is they are asking. No offense but they are soldiers. They work well as a unit. But they are likely not trained in economics or infrastructure. Or are you hiding land surveyors in your team Corporal Ironwing?”

 How he had found out her rank and last name she had yet to figure out. But the bigger surprise was that he never said her full rank and name in a derisive manner. Though he was holding a smile at the moment.

 “No Orion I am not hiding any economists or engineers in my current platoon. I will let you know if I am made aware of any.” She looked back to her soldiers but they were all laughing. They had come to watch her Lady debase herself again.

 She hid the scowl on her face when she turned back around, the drakes grumbled as they went back to their duties.

 “Well then I guess this will all have to be up to me then.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry your pretty little head Scream, if it gets out of hand I will simply teleport out.”





 Something had gone wrong. Something that the young stallion did not think could happen, happened. 

 Gilda had floated the idea that he was being kept unconscious. That a scuffle had broken out and in the confusion the fool was hit in the head, and now they were keeping him prisoner. 

 Sergeant Ghostbill had a suggestion that she was now fearing more likely. That Orion had fallen victim to a nullstone ring. 

 The idea was at first preposterous to her. But the more she thought about it, the more she began to think it made more sense. How the filthy mutts had gotten a hold of one was beyond her.

 Equestria was the only place known currently that had the rare mineral to be found. Exclusively controlled by the Crown itself. The purpose of which is to create a way to imprison unicorn convicts without the massive wards that would be needed in order to bind them.

 None of this helped. Other than watching there was nothing that they could do. In fact she had to reason with her Ladyship every other hour to not mount a rescue with the paltry forces they had at hand.

 Gilda was interrupted from her thoughts.

 “Fine, who do we have that is the fastest?” It seemed she had finally seen reason. “ What else can we do?” She bit her claw with worry.

 “Specialist Redplume would likely be the fastest that we currently have. He says he can make the trip in a day with no stops. He will have to go armorless, but it means he can stay in the air for far longer.” She paused, “We can also double up on the patrol around the tunnels. Two for each shift. This will give us more coverage and give them less of a chance to make a move we won’t know about.”

 Lady Grace Screaming Rush hesitated. Then nodded to herself. “Do it.”





 “There’s two up there now boss. Just circlin’ ‘bout. They watching us good that's for sure.” 

 Barney was pacing back and forth angrily. To the diminutive leader this was getting more complicated than just a quick cash grab.

 When that pompous jackass of a pony had walked right into their home, he was pissed. The fool mutt Rover just had to bring trouble into his already failing pack. When he saw the unicorn, he realized they could make some actual money selling him to a more profitable outfit. So he had his personal guard go after him.

 He was rather surprised at how long it took Aspen to bring him down. Normally she would easily subdue any opponent she was put up against. The feisty stallion lasted a whole five minutes before she finally got him.

 The nullstone ring they had stolen all those years ago, finally had a use. He didn’t have to worry about the little shit escaping. The idea that he could actually help his people get food in their bellies and medicine for their wounds was becoming more of a reality to him. He had smiled at the idea of saving the lives of his pack.

 At least it was. Not a day after they had snagged their meal ticket, did those fucking griffons start circling the area. He could only assume they were looking for their captive as they had nothing else of real value.

 “Fuckin’ griffons.” He turned to look at Strudel, she had been on tunnel guard this morning. “They found the escape entrance too?” The nod he got redoubled his anger. “FUCK! We can’t exactly ransom this stallion off with these buzzards flappin’ about.”

 The need to get rid of this pony was growing all the larger after just two days. He had idly thought of just pushing the bastard out the tunnel entrance hoping they would just take him and go.

 His sister threw a wrench into that thought process. It would mean they had no bargaining chip to negotiate with if things got worse. With their luck, it was definitely going to get worse.

 Scratching furiously at his collar, the fleas were getting worse, he groaned with frustration. 

 Then there was his loyal bitch, Aspen. She had somehow taken a shine to the stallion. It was everything he could do to keep her from him. She was under the impression that he was her prize as she managed to beat him, and he had managed to stay away from her for so long.

 She wanted pups, and she was not satisfied with the current stock of studs. With that in mind she saw this stallion as the perfect replacement. Barney didn’t know whether to lock her away for awhile, or just let her have at it and get it out of her system.

 The heat season was not terrible this year but it still lingered. No Dog bothered to breed, being unable to feed the new pups weighed heavily enough on all of them that they didn’t want to risk one starving to death. Meat was already low, and their attempts to catch fish was laughable.

 Finding meat on the pony was a major oddity to the leader. Which prompted questions. Questions that were answered with a very rough examination.

 He himself was still in shock to find out that this, Orion, was a meat eater. That had set all the tongues wagging in the den. Judging by the teeth and the jerky that was on him, looking chewed on, it was easily apparent to every mutt of what he was. They just couldn’t figure out how.

 They had stripped him of almost everything, except that leather band on his wrist, and the golden bands around his biceps. They had tried everything to get them off. Not wanting to damage the goods he ordered a stop on it. Obviously they were magically bound to him. They would just have to wait till that binding failed.

 “Any peep out of da fucking pony?”

 “No boss, he awake, but no talkin’. Think he scared of Aspen. Almost got pants off last night.” The guards in the room chuckled at that.

 Barney just groaned. If she had not failed to muzzle him, she would likely have been pumped full of pups last night. Even with all the screaming and shouting, they almost didn’t make it in time. She had been in the process of trying to get him hard with his pants around his ankles. He wanted to laugh at the sight.

 That pony was babbling something about being ‘too young for the birds and the bees’ while the guards struggled with their own laughter and pulling Aspen off. She had bitten three of them before they finally muzzled her. Maybe the heat was a little worse for her this year. Though it should have ended for her by now.

 His sister was with her now, keeping the massive Diamond Dog restrained with words alone. Never could figure out how she did that.

 “Ugh, I’m gonna head down and get some answers. There has to be a reason why those feather brains are all over us.” He grabbed his staff, the Cane of Clan Barker, and paced down the tunnel, lost in what he planned to demand of the pony that brought all this trouble down on him.





 Orion had not slept since the attack of last night. 

 The crazy dog was just as bad as the horde of mares that had chased him throughout the city. The difference was, his ‘cell’ had no bars to protect him from Her. The realization that  the Diamond Dog that had clubbed him upside the head was female came when she started groping him his first morning there.

 The second time he had woken up to tugging on the rope around his legs. He instantly came awake at a tearing sound that had indicated his pants were being torn apart.

 He is not proud of it, but he screamed like a little girl. A little girl that had lost all hope in the world.

 Fortunately for him the screams had gotten the attention of every dog in the area to come running. He was saved.

 Well humiliated more like it, they had come in when she had buried her nose under his sack. The laughter and the cold ass nose just made his embarrassment all the worse. 

 To add insult to injury he was half mast by the time they got her off him.  

 Thus he vowed to stay awake for as long as possible. 

 The sound of paws slapping wet stone pulled him from his panicked thoughts. 

 “Oh what the hell do you want Fido?” He fairly growled that last bit at the small leader. “I ain’t got a stick for you to play fetch with.”

 “No you don’t, well not for me at least, Aspen may like your stick.” The impish smile coming from the chihuahua made him want to bite something. But he couldn’t suppress a shudder at the thought of that big bitch getting more time with him.

 “Why is it always me that gets chased by the crazy bitches.”

 “What. Do. You. Want.” He did nothing to hide the anger in his voice and eyes. He wanted to punt this yapping beanie baby into a wall.

 “Well, since you’re suddenly in a talkin’ mood I figured we could start with why griffons are hovering all over my SUN BLASTED DEN!” The little dog had suddenly gotten very heated and shouted that last. 

 “What griffons?” He smiled. Orion knew that he should just keep his attitude in check, but seeing the prick angry brought him so much joy given his circumstances.

 “The griffons that showed up after you lost the fight. The ones who have suddenly doubled their number in the air to watch our entrance, and or emergency exit. How do they know about that by the way?”

 Lost the fight? There was no fight, only an ambush.

 “Oh those griffons, well that's easy, I told them where I was going and the basic structure of your tunnels. I managed to scan the surface and found the other entrance that way, as to why they are up there? Come on genius even your pea brain should be able to figure it out.”

 The little bastard hit him with the stick he was holding. “You fucker! I can’t even send my people out to forage for food while they are up and about.” He was seething now.

 Orion’s horn flared to life but nothing came for the dog, though he still recoiled. “I don’t know why you keep trying. Nothing is getting around that ring you fuckin’ idiot.”

 True, while he could still pull magic to him, he couldn’t affect anything. Somehow it even managed to block his hands from emitting any magic at all. It was maddening to know he could hold magic but unable to lash out at his captors.

 “Listen. Asshole. If you don’t let me go, this is only going to get so much worse for you. In Avery right now is a troop of twenty soldiers. They are watching now yes, but if you think they haven’t sent a flyer back to the capital you are deluding yourself. Eventually you will have an entire division if not more breathing down your neck. Let. Me. Go.” 

 With every word the intensity of his horn’s glow got brighter and brighter. A hum began to fill the cavern.

 “What makes you think you're in any position to demand anything from me!” The midget was getting just as he heated. “And why in the tartarus would they be concerned over you!?” The stick smacked him again.

 “Because it just might be the fact that the twelfth in line of the Griffonia throne came with me to Avery.” He grinned. The hum in the room changed pitch and went higher. One of the guard dogs shook his head as if he had a fly in it. “She likes me. Which means she will go send for her dear uncle, you know, the KING?”

 He was letting his mouth run. Trying to impress on them the dire nature of their situation.

 Barney just stared at him. Incredulity plastered on his face. Ears wiggling. That’s when Orion noticed the sound, it was coming from him. 
 “My horn is like a fucking dog whistle. They can’t handle the frequency.”

 Many of the guard dogs were now wiggling their heads trying to get rid of a sound that was steadily increasing pitch and decibels. That was interesting.

 Lost in his musings on the impact of high frequency sound he was generating he did not see the massive fist that was incoming.





“Fuck, finally.”

The noise coming from the stallion had hurt his ears, and judging by the state of his guards, some of which were holding their own heads with a paw, they had all been affected.

 “He knows the king…..oh I have fucked up bad.”

 He should never have thought to turn a profit with this fucking pony. Should have gone with the original thought to shuffle his flanks out of his den right then and there. Should have just listened to his sister. 

 That thought pained him. She had been right. Back in Equestria, just past a place called Ghastly Gorge , they found that massive gem deposit in their tunnels, he should have listened to her then to keep quiet about it.

 But no, he had to brag. To tell every passing dog traveler about the wealth they had come into. That, had of course, attracted the attention of another pack. 

 Pack Sharp Fang immediately moved in and killed many of his able bodied dogs. It was a massacre, they barely got out with the numbers they had. It was a nightmare. 

 They resolved to travel north instead, but that only invited the wrath of that hateful Princess. They were all nearly arrested but some quick thinking from his sister took them through the badlands. 

 While they had lost more there, the pack survived. 

 Sneaking into the kingdom of Griffonia had been an easy affair. He wanted to stop in the foothills of the mountains southwest of the capital, again, his sister advised going further. 

 Thus they ended up north of a town called Avery.

 The original plan called for them to dig up gold and diamonds and trade the meager wealth to the hippogriffs in Neighbon. That didn’t work. Mostly because the location they had chosen to set up to live and work in had nothing but iron in the rock. 

 That led to another problem as they finally found a vein of gold, they dug for it in all haste. The tunnel collapsed on them. Trapping many of the dogs that were still healthy enough for regular work.

 In a desperate move Barney had sent Rover and several others to the town to ask for help. That was a disaster. The griffons had chased them out. By the time they dug out the tunnel again, it was too late. They buried their dead and mourned them.

 Now he had led them into another disaster.

 His paws had carried him to his sister’s quarters before he had realized it. Opening the decaying leather flap he stepped in, his guards flanking the entrance and waiting.

 “Sister.” 

 Where Barney was tan colored all over and short in comparison with many others, His sister was black all over, and tall. Easily doubling his height. It often surprised him that she was from the same litter as he was.

 “How is our guest?” Her amber eyes were warm as they peered back at him, she idly petted Aspen, who had taken up sleeping on the pillows with her, head in her lap.

 “An asshole. He didn’t give me much, but I think I fucked us. Again.” He hung his head in defeat. His rule of Clan Barker had been a disaster since his father died. If not for the laws of the pack he would have turned over authority to his sister long ago.

 Chuckling she replied, “well that much is apparent dear brother. How badly?” She had a gallows sense of humor. One she had developed over the course of years playing second to her brother.

 “Like, oh the army of Griffonia coming down on our heads.” That got her attention. Gone was the warm look, replaced  by shock and more than a little fear.

 “How?! Why?”

 “The how is simple. Apparently this bastard is attached to the King himself. The twelfth in line for the throne has taken an interest in him. Thus the why is even easier. She will want him rescued. If we let him go, then we have no bargaining chip. If we hold onto him, it just might save us from being slaughtered. Tilly, we are so fucked either way.”

 He flopped on the pillows with the pair and stared off into space.

 “If we bargain for our safety we will still have to leave, how many more will we lose this time? If we let him go….we are dead to a dog. I….I’ve fucked us.” He wept.

 The room was filled with the quiet sobs as his sister did her best to sooth her brother’s heart.

 The guards outside her door hung their own heads, tears quietly leaking down their muzzles.

 Why was fate so cruel to them was a thought that had flashed through everyone of their thoughts in some form or other.




 
 Grim Redplume’s wings burned like fire. He had set a fast pace that he was now regretting.

 At first light on the third day Orion had been missing he took to the skies with a water bag, jerky, his short sword, and a tunic and trousers. Clad in nothing else allowed him to soar high with little exertion. But not sleeping and only landing to do nothing much else but shit and piss was taking its toll on his body.

 He had wanted to leave yesterday. But Corporal Ironwing had advised waiting till he was well rested. So he left in the morning.

 He blamed himself for his own haste. He wanted to get to the capital as fast as possible. He liked the fledgeling. Funny with a snarky sense of humor, Orion had stayed up on occasion to trade jokes and stories with the Specialist. 

 While many in the company disparage the pony at first, they had quickly come to appreciate the uncommon wisdom he held. More importantly, they came to respect him despite the lies he had laid. 

 He was attempting to help their people. The very thought brought tears to their eyes, though they were soldiers, thus they hid it as best they could.

 Talking with Orion had also helped the Grim decide on what he wanted to do in the future. So he began taking notes of farm layouts. He had already found numerous ways to improve the rough irrigation system that they had put into place. 

 The pony had actually praised him for that. Taking notes on his own ideas. This had caused the drake to swell with pride.

 Now he was desperate to get back as soon as possible. 

Looking about to see where he could stop, he slowed and paused in the air. 

 Coming toward him were a pair of scouts. The red lacquered armor gave them away as the King’s own personal guards. What were they doing way out here?

 The rank that he could see from that distance spoke of a captain and a lieutenant. Shaking away the myriad of questions flooding into his brain he descended to the ground and waiting.

 The pair of griffons landed with a hasty slam.

 Not hesitating he saluted, clawed fist over heart. “Specialist Redplume, one-oh-third scout division, current attachment Lady Grace Screaming Rush.”

 The captain saluted back hastily. “At ease Specialist. I’m Captain Goldwing, this is Second Lieutenant Eggo. Currently attached to his Majesty’s Royal Guard. What are you doing this far out soldier?”





 “I knew we should have chased those damn dogs out when we first found out.” Redplume stood at the ready, watching as Captain Goldwing fumed about the news.

 After telling them the situation, he had stood by waiting for instructions.

 “Right. Specialist. You are to return to your platoon immediately. Inform her Ladyship that the King himself is on the way, shouldn’t be more than two days' time before he arrives in Avery.”

 The King himself was coming? He wondered as to what prompted his majesty to leave the capital and travel to the tiny town himself. But he didn’t dwell on the thought.

 Saluting he took to the air, his wings screaming at him to stop. Once he got to altitude he soared back to the north, finding the air current agreeable. That eased the pressure off his wings. Twenty minutes later he was hit by a thought.

 He had not informed the captain of the situation with the town itself. What was going on.

 “Oh fuck….”





 Bloodbeak soared through the air with his troops. He was not so lazy as to make them haul his feathered ass across the sky for his vanity. No. He would always fly with the griffons under him. He never asked them for anything he would not do himself. Such was the way of his entire bloodline.

 He had, however, set a pace he knew would leave many in his troops exhausted by the time they got to their destination. No matter. It was more of a formality that they come with, they would likely have no real use.

 A commotion at the front of the spear tip formation drew his attention. Giving his wings a hard flap he surged ahead to find out what was going on. Behind him, two elite troops followed closely behind their liege.

 He found Captain Goldwing altering course to fly beside him. The captain gave a quick salute.

 “Your Majesty. A situation has occurred.” They way he said that, got his feathers to bristle. Those words in that tone, never a good sign.





 “He was kidnapped by WHAT!?” His voice boomed out across the formation, catching the attention of his soldiers.

 Listening, he carefully schooled his face to a stern mask once again.

 “This stallion had a lot to answer for.”





 Gilda Ironwing was startled out of her half sleep from the sounds of shouting.

 The light sleep she had managed to get was not enough. Her worry for Orion had dominated her thoughts. In all honesty she liked the presumptuous stallion. He would run his mouth, which got him into more trouble then she could believe. But he had a heart that showed through when he was working.

 Crawling out of her bed she glanced at the dirty mirror in her room. She was a mess. Her feathers were in a desperate need to be preened, her eyes looked like they hadn’t seen sleep in a week.

 Running her claws through her feathers quickly, she stepped out of her private cabin to find Specialist Redplume swiftly approaching her. Straightening her uniform the best she could she called out to the young drake.

 “Specialist I seem to remember giving you orders to the capital. What are you doing here?”

 As he explained, relief visibly shook her frame. 

 The King was coming to Avery. She didn’t care for the reason. Only that this situation would be solved that much sooner.

 “Thank you Grim, go get some rest, I need to report this to her Ladyship.”

 He nodded, and with purpose now complete, the strength he had held failed him. He stumbled back to the barracks. Clearly he had worn himself out immensely in his flight.

 Squaring her shoulders with an energy she hadn’t felt in days she quickly walked to Screaming’s cabin.





 A hush had fallen over the assembled villagers. The small army that had landed in the fields outside of their town had already begun erecting tents and defensive fortifications. Grendal had not yet seen the King, but knowing he was there was making her nervous.

 She, and the council with her, had acted without the King’s knowledge in letting a foreign agent help in the development of her town. What had once been a sleepy little hamlet had transformed in just a little over two weeks into something different. 

 Already the fields had been plowed and the channels dug for irrigation. Before he had gone to do whatever he had planned with the filthy mutts, Orion had casted a strange spell that seemed to accelerate the growth of the crops. Projections from the farmers said that the potatoes and beans would be ready within the month at current growth rates.

 That had stirred an excitement in her breast that she had not had in years.

 Now, her monarch was here. With two full companies sitting on her doorstep. She would have to hope to appeal to his Majesty’s renown caring nature. She only hoped that he would see the benefit of working with the pony.

 It seemed impossible, but the crowd at the edge of the village somehow had gotten even quieter. 

 There was the King. His stern gaze glanced over them all. As one the people bowed to their ruler. 

 Grendal could feel the sweat drip off her feathers. She could only hope she did the right thing.





 When the town first came into view, Bloodbeak could not understand at first what he was seeing.

 Huge fields spread out before him, dotting the areas between the fields were sheds, a strange circular short tower, and channels of water. The fields looked freshly planted, but crops were growing as if they had been there for a month.

 What had happened in the tiny town of Avery? Were they attempting something new? What had the beigermeister come up with to set up farmland in such a bizarre way.

 Typical tracts of farmland were small. Occupied by several families tilling the same soil. Producing just enough to feed them, and maybe sell to market if they were lucky. 

 Here it was entirely different. 

 As he marched out from his command with only his personal guards to escort him he was given another shock. There were pigs in pens there. A good many looked pregnant. Where had they gotten pigs from?

 Shaking his head he approached the village elders, and their leader. If he remembered correctly her full name was Grendal Rivertail. She looked extremely nervous. Taking in the others, he noticed they all were. That raised more questions. Time for some answers.

 “Rise my people, there is no reason to bow, as I have invaded your home instead of the other way around.’ He gave his own bow, one that got a few smiles from the gathered crowd. That was always good. He wanted his people not to fear him.

 Looking back to the council and beigermeister he frowned. They were not smiling, in fact they looked like they were ready to run. What had happened?





 He flipped through the notes Grendal had given him. She stood by quietly in the corner of her office, she had insisted he occupy her seat. If he was being honest, the seat was far more comfortable than the one in his office.

 He had not said much once the truth had come out. He had not shown much on his face either. Though that had taken a herculean effort of will not to. The notes and blueprints before him painted a picture he could almost not comprehend. 

 The stallion had lied to him. Lied to them all. But not out of some attempt to gain wealth or power. But out of altruism. From a pony. Now he had seen everything. The notebook was packed, page after page, of different ways of keeping fish, storing food, the list went on. Techniques were written down in farming, irrigation that he had never heard of. It was too much. 

 Orion Falls was an absolute fountain of knowledge. He now realized why Celestia was so obsessed with him.

 The pigs he had seen earlier had come in four days ago by freight through Neighbon. They were purchased, at great cost, by the pony himself. Where had he gotten the finances to bring farm animals all the way out there?

 The wagons they had taken with them, were not packed full of items for his niece or him, but farm equipment. Plows, hoes, buckets, all manner of farming implements.

 Unable to keep the shock from his face any longer he looked at the beigermeister. Her worried look had softened.

 “He lied to you and said I approved of this. All of this.” Those weren’t questions. Statements of an unbelievable act of giving he had not seen from a pony in all his life. They never did anything without a motivation for self gain.

 “Yes, your Majesty. He did. By the time we learned of the lie we had already seen evidence of the practices working. So we chose to keep going, despite knowing we should have informed you. He had become honest. Saying he was using our town to test and ‘flesh’ out the ideas he had to improve our lives. He had brought more than enough food supplies to keep us fed through the coming winter. So we figured why not?”

 Bloodbeak was not often at a loss for words.

 Orion had paid for everything. He completely took the responsibility of his people in this town onto himself. 

 This stallion had a lot to speak of. And answer for.





 Tilly stepped lightly down the tunnel halls. Her thoughts on her sleeping brother. 

 He had cried himself asleep again tonight. This morning there were not two griffons patrolling the lands, but eight. The afternoon showed the same. The red armor made it clear. The King had come.

 Her own fists had balled up in fear and pain. They had suffered so much. They had worked so hard to save their pack. Now. Now it looked like the end for the struggling Clan Barker. What was once a mighty family, now numbers only ninety-three.

 She walked past small dens of families sleeping, her eyes had long adjusted to the dark she saw the little ones whimpering in their sleep. Many had no fathers anymore since the recent tunnel collapse a couple of months back. 

 Pain and anguish. Was that all that was left for them?

 Her paws had surprisingly taken her to the lone prisoner they had. The stallion, though she suspected he was more of a colt, sat with his back to the wall. Asleep. 

 She had not bothered to meet him in person before this, he looked exhausted with his clothes torn, bags under his eyes. She regretted all of this.

 She had been out when her brother had hatched this idiotic get rich quick scheme. Many Diamond Dog packs only held onto their captives till they couldn’t work no more. But a few, like the clan that had attacked them back in Equestria, kept their slaves till they died.

 She could not imagine handing a fate like that to anyone. Least of all this poor colt.

 She draped her shawl around him, truly he needed it much more than she.

 After all, it is only a matter of time before she, and her brother, and they pack itself, met their end. 

 “At least we will finally be able to rest.”





 Dawn found three hundred pissed off griffons outside their tunnel entrance. Barney swallowed thickly, despair eating away at him in large bites.

 He and his sister were peeking out the tunnel, staying in the darkness as much as possible, at the assembled force. He trembled. This was it. His last stupid plan. He had killed them all.

 A figure moved among the troops. They parted to make way for an older griffon, his armor black with three large feathers on his left paldron. He had seen pictures. That was the current King of Griffonia. They were well and truly fucked. 

 His sister squeezed his shoulders. She never once berated him. Never once blamed him for the failures for their people. How again, even now, he wished she had been the one to lead them. How he wished he would have stopped and consulted her before making a decision.

 Like his father, he had made gut decisions. Unlike his father, he had no talent to lead. His instincts were all wrong. His sister had gotten those.

 He watched as the King approached alone.	The confidence the old bird displayed he wished he had. 

 One last gamble. One last hope. Maybe with only his death, he could preserve his pack. His family.

 “Mongrel beast! Leader of this filthy pack of flea bitten bile! Come out and answer the charges of kidnapping and stealing of land not your own. Answer for your crimes against the people of Griffonia, of Equestria.” The King’s voice boomed out making Barney’s teeth rattle.

 “Shit, this is it. I don’t wanna die…” He looked back to his sister, fear was in her eyes, but there was an iron core of resolve in there as well. She nodded softly, again squeezing his shoulders once more, and then took position beside him. She would face this with him. 

 “If only she had led instead of me.”

 Stepping out as one of the tunnel into the harsh morning light they slowly approached His Majesty King Bloodbeak.

 He opened his mouth to speak once they got within ten paces of him, but was cut off.

 “Where is he?” The growl put new fear into him. He almost soiled himself.

 “I-in a makeshift cell.” He was actually surprised he could even speak properly. “B-b-before we turn him over to you. I’d like to request some concessions. Not for myself, but for my pack. My sister.”

 The large drake didn’t say anything just stared hard at him.

 “This was my idea, to kidnap the pony I mean. My sister, nor the rest of the pack were part of the decision to do this. All I wish is for them to have safe passage away.” He swallowed. “I-i-i, I am willing to accept the punishment you wish with no fight as long as you would allow this.”

 He really couldn’t demand anything. No one was fooled by that idea.

 Barney’s ears were hurting, and he was getting a headache from the stress. Wait. He could hear something, something getting louder and louder. He quickly looked to his sister and she too had a pained look on her face.

 Before anyone could say anything else a hollow boom echoed into the air, and the ground heaved under their paws. Falling to his hands and knees he struggled to turn back around as the flood of people that was his pack exploded from the tunnel entrance.

 The panicked expressions of mothers and fathers carrying their children as they burst forth from the caverns put a new dread into his bones that he did not think was possible. He looked to his sister finding the same fear etched into her eyes. 

 He then chanced a look back at the King. The drake was staring in shock into the tunnel entrance.

 Turning back he gasped.

 What could only be described as black and gold flames seemed to be making its way into the morning sun. Once he realized what he was seeing he just gaped.

 Standing inside the miss colored flames was the pony Orion Falls. In his left hand was the neck of Aspen. She wasn’t moving but there was no blood on her. His right hand was a fist, something was in his hand. 

 Barney looked to the horn, and his blood chilled. The nullstone ring was gone.

 Something landed at his paws. Looking down he pissed himself.

 The nullstone ring, or what was left of it, was shattered into several pieces. A loud thump drew his eyes back to the scene unfolding before him. Aspen had been tossed at his sister's paws. She was shockingly still breathing.

 The voice that came from the stallion was dead, as if the very life from the air had died upon hearing it.

 “Hello Barney. I think you and I need to have a little talk.”
> Prophecies and Hope
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Sunlight filtered in through stained glass, motes floated in the air undisturbed. Sitting at her desk, Twilight was nearing completion of her summer courses. It had been a little over a month since school let out, a school she no longer had to go to but insisted on going to anyways. Much to her surprise, the Princess agreed with her.

 As she worked, her mind elsewhere as her subconscious instinctively filled out the paperwork to perfection, she thought about the last year. Of the many thoughts that went through her head, a few stood prominent. 

 The events that landed Orion in front of her mentor, and the results of that meeting still plagued her. She had never really seen Princess Celestia that angry, or the way she seemed to change, it was mind boggling that anypony could do that.

 Him coming back from Ponyville with that frightening scar. The fact that he wouldn’t speak on how he got it. She had to ask her brother about where he even got such a thing. Well she had to ask repeatedly over the winter months till he relented and told her to read a newspaper.

 To not want to talk about it she could understand, but it left a stirring in her heart over it. He was so brave, willing to put everything out on the line to see justice done. She admired that. 

 Her desires drove her to try and get to know him, and in realizing she wouldn’t have time to crushed her. But in her sorrow, the Princess saw fit to extend her stay in school. So that she could be closer to him.

 This past month she was supposed to spend time with him, at least that was her plan. But when she went to see him to ask for his plans for the summer she found him gone. Whisked away on another adventure. Into Griffonia of all places.

 She supposed he would get along well there. Considering his higher aggression levels. But that threw her plans out the window. 

 Sure she could likely try hanging out with Moon Dancer and her friends. But she never really felt like part of the group. She often found herself buried in a book, using a location spell to keep from being separated from them.

 In truth she struggled to connect with them. They had invited her on numerous outings with them and she had only accepted a few. Deep down she knew she was being a terrible pony, and a worse friend, but she was unable to force herself to do more.

 Only Orion seemed to make engagement of any topic worthwhile. As if he was the only one capable of speaking on her level. He often went beyond her understanding on subjects she had only a passing interest in, but his passion for learning made her want to look into those as well.

 The fact that, to her, he was good looking even with that scar made it all to clear what her own biology wanted to do. Or was that more her heart? 

 But over the past month she was slowly realizing there was a gap. No, a chasm, between them. Not just between her and him, but him and everypony else out there. As if he knew some secret the world wasn’t ready for.

 The way he spoke, regarded the world at large, and his complete dismissal of authority made him seem aloof to the point of arrogance. But his concern for others showed that not to be the case.

 Leaning back in her seat she stretched, the work done, a few pops accompanied her actions. She had been sitting far longer than she thought. Getting up she stretched some more before making her way out her own personal study.

 That gave her a giggle every time she thought about it. Her own study, never in her foalhood would she have believed she would have a two story private room. Filled with books of her teacher’s choosing. The giant telescope in the center pointed out a window.

 She paused just before the door to the hall, her eyes drawn to a book she had recently picked up. Predictions and Prophecies, Starswirl the Bearded. Her inner fan screamed at the idea of owning a book that THE Starswirl had written.

 When she received this particular book she took it upon herself to find out what edition it was. She was soon surprised, and a little disturbed, to find out that this particular book never was produced in masse. 

 There was only one. One only. She was happy, but deeply bothered by the fact that this book was not common knowledge among the readers of Equestria.

 She had not realized she had even picked the book up. Setting it back down she grabbed the door handle, turned, and stepped out closing the heavy door behind her. 

 Walking down the hall with no real destination in mind other than stretching her legs, she chose at random the path she would take, guards nodding in greeting to her. They were stiff, but not unfriendly. Their job required them to be on alert, no time to make friends. No time for her other than a polite nod.

 Her mind was drawn from those thoughts to the book once again. The passages in those pages were written in old Equish. Very old Equish. It made the prophecies difficult to understand. She had trouble even translating them.

 “Lo when the Moon is high and all seems lost, one will stand with the heart of six, and so push back against the ichor of a dark malady of a poisoned mind. He too shall stand as her bulwark, her shield.” It seemed simple, but who was to stand with six hearts? Why six? And who was He?

 It confused her and she had lost more than a little sleep over it. There was another one that utterly confused her. “He shall lie, lie in his purpose, lie in his goals, none shall stop the changes he shall bring. Breaking the great throne, he shall put it together with bindings of truth.” What in the buck was that supposed to mean?!

 She shook her head, dispelling the thoughts. Surprised at where she found herself.

 She was outside Princess Celestia’s personal study. Maybe she could ask some questions that had been bothering her about the book, and about other things. Her teacher’s behavior being one of them.

 Over the last few weeks, she had been snappish with everypony. Guards, maids, even a few dignitaries. It was totally unlike her normal reserved self. Her mind flashed back to the moment the Princess seemed to change, the way her mane had gone from dawn colors to that of a hot flame. Her eyes, which had frightened her most of all, turning to almost black with the magenta eyes becoming gold.

 She was more frightened in that moment then even when Orion had changed. Something about the image spoke to the primal part of her mind. That the Princess was a danger unlike any other.
She couldn’t begin to understand that.

 She approached the door, and knocked, the guards not making a noise nor moving a muscle. 

 Raven Inkwell answered the door. Her bobbed mane looked a little frazzled. “Oh Miss Sparkle. What do you need?”

 That was rather short even for the rather brusque mare.

 “I was just, wondering if Princess Celestia is available. I have some questions I was hoping she might be able to answer.” She smiled, hoping to placate the secretary if she could.

 “She is in, but she is terribly busy at the moment. Would this not be better left till tomorrow? When you are scheduled to have lessons with her.” She didn’t seem to want to be rude, but she must have been as busy as she claimed the Princess was.

 “Yes.” She nodded sadly, the smile slipping from her face. “I can understand that. Thank you Miss Inkwell. Sorry to have intruded.” She turned to go, surprised to see the guards themselves looking a little sad for her.

 “I’m sorry she could not be available to you Miss Sparkle, I understand how studies sometimes need a direction pointed out. I hope she may answer your questions soon. Goodbye.” 

 With that, the double doors closed with a quiet slam. Twilight was left only with her worries, and the guards that shared them.





 “Why am I here?”

 Shining Armor had probably asked that question for the twelfth time that morning. He was cold, his troops were cold. This was supposed to be a simple retrieval. Instead they were left to go from door to door in the town of Arber. Looking for this little shit of a colt.

 He had no idea why the Princess was so invested in his retrieval. True, he was a colt thus special consideration was to be made with the gender imbalance of their species. But to mobilize a platoon to get him. He hardly thought him worth that.

 They had arrived in Arber this morning. Already wishing he and those under him had packed cold weather gear, the metal against their bare fur was unbearably cold. He had begun by securing lodgings, at an exorbitant price no doubt, and directed the guardsmares and three guardstallions under him to begin patrolling the town.

 His hope, which was now dashed, was to find Orion within the day. He had a feeling that he had been had. But he could not see to what purpose the King would lie to him. Thus he did his duty. He was going to make sure he had scoured the town for the colt before returning to Griffonstone and confronting Bloodbeak about his deception.

 Before he could knock on the door of the home before him, Corporal Broad Strokes rushed up to him. “Sir!”

 Turning he addressed the Corporal.

 “What is it Strokes?”

 Huffing from his run, which Shining could understand considering his route took him to the other side of the town, he doubled over and took gulping breaths. He needed to consider putting his troops through reconditioning. They were woefully out of shape. 

 “Sir….sir some griffons had actually seen him and his entourage here in the village.”

 He blinked, that was a surprise. He had been almost certain that Bloodbeak had lied to him. He smiled, maybe this could be wrapped up quicker than he had hope.

 “Well, out with it soldier where are they?”

 “Sir, they were here, but then they discovered the snow in the area was too sticky due to it being summer. Apparently it makes for more difficult skiing and the locals had recommended they move to a higher elevation for better conditions.”

 Shining Armor’s hopes sank faster than an anchor. “Where?”

 “According to what I and a few others have learned, Oberjoch. A four day journey north east. But considering the mountain weather conditions at the moment, likely eight days.”

 Eight bucking days?! This was not good. He would have to expend funds to get cold weather gear, and the locals only sold clothing with animal pelts in them. The very idea of wearing the skin of another animal disgusted him. But they had no choice if the little shit had gone further into the mountain range.

 “How many of you have confirmed this?”

 “Twelve of us sir. I made sure to ask others before bringing this information to you.” At least Strokes had thought ahead to ask the others. That saved them time.

 “Good thinking Corporal, my orders are to round up the others, we will have leave tonight with only a minimum guard on our accommodations.  This afternoon we will be getting cold weather gear.” He raised a hand at the disgusted look on Broad Strokes face. “I know I know, I am not happy about it either but we did not pack for this kind of engagement so we must do what we have to. I will not have soldiers falling out due to lack of protection.”

 Strokes nodded. “As you say sir, embrace the suck.”

 “With any luck we will catch the little shit in, what did you say? Oberjoch? What kinda name is that for a town?”

 “No clue sir, but that is where reports confirmed he had gone. I will inform the others.” He saluted, and jogged back into town at a slower pace than he had arrived.

 “Please, by Faust let us find this colt in this....whatever town.”





 Early morning saw the departure of a troop of ponies from the small town of Arber. The locals smiled with relief. They had bought it. Hook, line and sinker. 

 In truth they were happy that the ponies had arrived at all. It meant that they were going to get a substantial reward of coin for misdirecting them. By order of their King they were instructed to tell them that some colt had gone further north.

 The idea of making them travel further on a ruse made them collectively chuckle. The bonus was they had ended up selling more cold weather gear to outsiders then they had in years. The town would most certainly survive the coming winter this year.

 One villager, Gareth Overwing, was laughing the hardest. The look on those whorses faces as they unwilling pulled on the furs that had been sold to them was priceless. Never had he seen more revulsion then he had yesterday.

 He smiled at the backs of the retreating force. Good riddance.





 Celestia sat  before her vanity. Brushing the long multicolored mane with an ornate brush she studied herself in the mirror. She had washed her face of the light amount of makeup she had applied, and what she saw looking back at her made her frown.

 She had bags under her eyes. Not enough to be noticeable, but after millennia of uninterrupted ruling she could see them. In truth it was not a surprise. But she felt her alicorn nature should have compensated for this. She sighed. 

 Her dreams were to blame. More specifically her nightmares. She had been plagued by them for the past fifty years. They seemed to only increase in intensity over the last ten of those years. Dark halls of fire blackened marble, she would run down those constantly, never stopping. Sometimes she would see the sky, and see an eclipse that blanketed the castle in darkness.

 Something was always pursuing her down those dark halls. Her instinct to run always consumed her to run, for she had no way to fight whatever it was.

 For the millionth time she wished her sister was with her, her dreams might be interpreted then, a solution found and for once she could go to bed without dread.

 She shook her head, there were other worries. Always more worries, and her dreams didn’t even rank at the top of those. The explosive anger she had developed was likely another symptom of her lack of good rest. She had broken that dinning hall table at least five times this year. If she didn’t think it was a problem by now, she would never believe it was. 

 And it was. A major problem. The stress of ruling alone after all these years had finally caught up with her. The colt, Orion, was not making that stress lessen at all. 

 He frustrated her to no end. Had she not known better she would believe he was orchestrating her downfall all on his own. In reality, everything ended up being circumstantial. While his departure to Griffonia may have been a nice idea, he never let anypony know about it. He just simply left a message and hopped on the train northbound. 

She rubbed her temples. Already she could tell that she would awaken with another headache.

 Celestia stood and waved a hand, golden magic surrounding it as the drapes were pulled closed by an invisible hand. She did have to smile, the colt was inventive.

 Pulling back the covers she removed her nightgown, she never did feel right in sleeping in anything, even on the coldest of nights. A quick glance at her vanity’s mirror showed that her body was still shapely. Her breast hung with no sag, her hips, flank, and thighs firm. The muscle under her fur tensed as she flexed her body in the way those muscled stallions in the magazines did.

 “Well, I can say one thing, at least I still have my looks.” She giggled to herself, this was silly, but she needed a laugh. Looking back, she did notice that while she had the marely curves of a thirty something, she found that the muscle she had built during the time of unrest in her kingdom had not faded. 

 No stallion would wish to go to bed with a mare that could toss them around in bed like a ragdoll. Just another knife in her non-existent dating pool. Though she could largely blame the Church of Sol for that.

 She shook her head, her thoughts were already all over the place this evening and she hadn’t even climbed into bed yet. She needed some much needed stress relief. Maybe a vacation?

 Laying down and drawing the cool sheets over her she closed her eyes and sighed, already dreading having to rise with the sun tomorrow. Maybe tonight, she would sleep well.





 The pounding headache that had developed before bed had flared upon her waking. So bad was it that she had to cast healing spell after healing spell just to lessen its effect on her. 

 The nightmare she was hoping would leave her alone, didn’t. Of course. Her makeup applied, she looked into the mirror. There sat the High Princess, looking as motherly and kind as she always had. But her eyes looked like they had not seen hope in years.

 Ignoring the image that haunted her she glanced through the delivered mail that morning. A missive for building a pool from Lady Jewel was the first to be burned. That mare was as childish as she was tactless. She wanted to use crown funds to expand her estate, knocking down homes for the families of hardworking ponies that kept the city running smoothly.

 In truth Celestia found herself wanting to light the socialite on fire, or at least that gaudy travesty she called a home. Needless to say she would not be getting what she wished. 

 Most of her mail was more of the same. Noble ponies wanting this or that, and expecting her to pay for it.

 Every now and then she would get a letter from a foal, those were always so cute. One such letter was in her hands now. Sapphire Song, she was thanking her for helping the plants grow every year. That was too precious. She set the letter aside, she would put it in the room she had set aside for such letters. She had them plastered onto the marble walls.

 Getting to the end, she found nothing from the one she wanted to hear from most of all. Shining Armor had reported that Orion had gone south from Griffonstone. Apparently the colt wanted to ski of all things.

 Sighing, she picked up Sapphire’s letter and carried it into the private room. She stopped her mouth in gaped in horror.

 The room was blackened, the letters having been burned, many so badly that they were illegible. Her mind couldn’t understand how this could have happened. No pony was ever allowed in her, indeed she was the only one who could come and go as her magic was quite literally the key.

 She fell to her knees, soot staining the fresh dress. Her hands trembled as she picked up the burnt letters. They fell to ashes in her shaking hands. Who would do something like this. She wept, unable to do anything else. 

 Clearing her eyes after a time she noticed something scorched into the carpet. Soon. What under her mothers skies could that mean? She wept again. Clutching the only letter to her breast, tears falling and staining the tip of the paper.

 For once, it was all too much for the loan monarch. A moan of anguish ripped from her throat.





 Twilight greeted the day with a smile. She had slept well and rose with her Princess’s sun. 

 The evening prior she had resolved to speak with her mentor, she really needed help with that book. The pages written were a confusing mess of old time prophecy that she could hardly make sense of.

 So she had gotten an early start and headed toward Princess Celestia’s personal rooms. The guards let her pass without any trouble as they always did.

 She was not inside her bedroom, looking around Twilight’s ears turned toward the sound of weeping. That scared her, who could be crying this early inside the Princess’s bedchambers. Stepping forward she heard the weeping coming from a room she had not been allowed to go into.

 She hesitated at the door, should she just go in? The cries coming from the partially open door pulled on her heart strings, and she slowly pushed it open. 

 The room that greeted her had looked like a raging inferno had blasted through it. Burnt paper had littered the ground. There near the center, sat Princess Celestia, weeping and clutching a letter to her chest.

 “P-p-princess?” To see her mentor in such a state, she couldn’t comprehend what could bring somepony so powerful to their knees like this.

 Celestia turned to look at her student, tears streaking her makeup, her eyes bloodshot. “Twilight, I-” She swallowed thickly, “ I thought I told you to never come in here.” There was no anger in her voice, just a cracking pain, as if she had lost somepony very precious to her.

 “I k-know, but I….I heard crying and had to find...you.” She finished lamely. In that time she had approached her monarch, kneeling down in front of her. She smiled.

 The surprise came when Twilight was swept up into her arms as she again began crying. Tears fell onto her head. She didn’t know what to do. So she just held on and made soft noises like her mother had done for her when she was a filly, gently petting her back.





 “What was in here Princess?” 

 Celestia had stopped crying sometime ago, but both were quiet as they sat amongst the ashes of letters in the room. She had been quiet for some time, just holding her student in her lap and staring. Staring at the ashes of memories she had saved for terrible days. To remind her why she even bothered at all.

 “This, my dear student, was where I kept my hopes and dreams. I would often get letters in the mail from foals all over Equestria. I would keep them here as a reminder of what I was achieving every day.” She softly petted Twilight’s mane.

 “Was...was my letter in here?” She nodded. “Oh….”

 The filly in her arms, not much of a filly not quite a mare, fidgeted.

 “I, I remember what I wrote. I could write you another so you could have it again.” So earnest. Sometimes she forgot how the foal only wanted to make her happy. It had been a long time since she had anypony wish to do that for her.

 “I would like that very much, Twilight. Very much indeed.” Looking at the room again she couldn’t stop the dark thoughts that now plagued her, she knew who had done this.

 It was her, but how and the why escaped her. The magic signature in this room was strong, but days old. This had not been done last night. But sometime in the past month. What furthered her own confusion was the fact of how her magic was used. 

 Only during the time of war had she ever manipulated the energies within her in such a violent way. The way she used her magic now was gentle. Mostly to not frighten her ponies. But in this room, her magic had the signature of violence she had not had cause to use in centuries.

 How and why had she done this was all she could ask herself.





 Aspen woke from sleeping at the foot of Barney’s sister's bed. She had fallen asleep to the quiet weeping of the two siblings. 

 She did not understand what all the worry was. The chickens were above and they were below, safe. If it had been another pack she would have been far more scared, the last fight between her pack and another cost the lives of her mother and brothers. She was the last of her family now.

 That rational thought brought a pain to her heart. She missed her mother’s soothing voice. She missed the rough play of her brothers. She never knew her father, a dog who had wandered through their previous den. A night was all it took to produce her and her brothers.

 He had vanished the morning of never knowing his sired pups. She never dwelled on that fact. In truth most thoughts were regulated on what to eat and what Barney had for her to do. Truth be told she always found taking her orders from Tilly to be much easier. But she obeyed, it was easier to obey then think for herself. 

 Thinking would often cause her pain. It was explained to her that when she was young, and the pack still strong, she had gotten into trouble with soldier ant. The mammoth creatures often broke into the dug tunnels of the Diamond Dogs and preyed on the young if they found them.

 In her case she was slammed into the wall several times in an effort to daze the young pup. By the time rescue had come she was never quite the same. Oh she was still happy, but others around her found her without a lack of will for herself. 

 The only instincts she still carried were to fight, and breed. Of which she chose to ignore what her instincts told her was weak mutts. Those that tried to force their attentions on her often found themselves without a lack of equipment shortly there after. A harsh reminder that while broken, she was massively more powerful then most Diamond Dogs.

 Then, the pony came. She was surprised at first when the pony not only avoided all but the glancing blow of the club she wielded, he had managed to avoid her far longer than any dog. It made her excited to find a male so quick and strong. Her instincts claimed him to be the proper one.

 Every attempt she had made to get to him had been thwarted by guards, Barney, or Tilly herself.

 Now she was alone, and her ears had picked up that most if not all the pack were gathered at the entrance to the tunnels. Her sensitive ears were not picking up the sound of any dog further in the tunnels, where the pony sat bound and restrained.

 She smiled in eagerness, now was the time her instincts nearly screamed at her. 

 Rising from the bed she quickly made her way to the entrance of the den that Tilly and Barney called home. Glancing both ways she sprinted left heading deeper into the tunnels, the scent of her ‘prey’ now firmly caught in her nose.

 She almost rounded the corner too quickly. At the end of the tunnel, was Brick. Barney’s faithful. The older dog had been the one to stop her more times in the past than any before him. That would not happen now.

 Quietly she crept around the corner, listening intently as the old mutt was quietly speaking to her chosen. 

 She slowly moved to the other side of the tunnel wall, staying out of the crystal light hung at irregular intervals in the tunnels. She looked to her left and saw her prize. Catching herself from panting, already having given her away on more than one occasion, she slid up behind Brick and smashed his head on the tunnel side as hard as she could.

 She did feel bad for that, he had always been kind to her and never tried to force her to breed. Even gave her scraps when she was young, when the pack was lean on food. But he was wearing a helmet so she figured he would be okay.

 Thinking about all that hurt her head, any time she thought it would hurt. Shaking her head she smiled widely at her prize. 

 For his part, the pony sat there gaping in astonishment and more than a little fear.

 “Aspen can’t wait to make puppies with you!” She crowed excitedly, with no one to stop them, she could take her time and enjoy this, the burning itch inside her was almost gone. A few days later and it would have all been too late.

 She stepped around Brick’s body, the old hound breathing steadily.

 The pony’s horn was doing the glowy thing already, she didn’t fear that. The special rock Barney had her slip on his horn seemed to stop his spooky voodoo from touching her, or anyone for that matter. She smiled. “No no little pony, you can’t do that now. Rock stop that.”

 Instead of ceasing his attempts at magic, the blaze on his horn seemed to just increase in brightness, and this sound like wind but much higher pierced her ears. It hurt, and that was making her angry. 

 Shaking her head she decided that dragging this out might not be in her best interest. But the closer she got, the louder the noise got. What she thought would be easy, suddenly wasn’t. 

 Aspen had no idea how she had ended up on her knees, but her head was in her hands and she was howling at the noise that seemed to only increase in pitch. Under that sound was a rattling noise, she didn’t understand what that was.

 Through watery eyes she looked at the pony responsible for her pain and watched as the stone on his horn rattled violently, cracks were appearing on the stone, the blaze of his magic seeping through.

 Suddenly her world was sent all topsy turvy. Tumbling rear over head she crashed back first into the wall behind her, upside down. Her eyes slowly blinked the pain away and looked up in surprise. The pony was free, and looking very angry.

 As he stood up, the rope that once bound him fell off. So did his pants from her earlier efforts. She grinned, he wasn’t small like many of the mutts within the tribe.

 The pony looked down, then back at her. “Okay you little shit, time for you to know what the receiving end of an ass beating looks like.” She never saw him coming.





 Orion stepped back from the wall of which he partially buried the dog, Aspen, into. He spat, then thought better and did a quick scan. That hurt, he already had a massive headache from shattering the nullstone ring, doing more with his sensitive horn and mind only seemed to compound the pain. He pushed through.

 “Oh shit, I may have broken her brain...fuck. Damn I need to take a shit.”

 He be more concerned if she hadn’t been attempting to rape him. Again. He shook his head, he needed new pants, she had trashed his and he was now regretting free balling it on vacation.

 Checking on Brick he found that the old dog was going to be fine, just a minor headache when he woke up. He thought, no time for new pants, so using rope and the tattered remains of his pants he made a serviceable loin cloth.

 How low he had fallen. A fucking loin cloth. “Man I need to take a shit.”

 Dirt fell on his head, and he looked up. The magical explosion must have disturbed the delicate tunnels. He could see several spots sinking down. “Oh shit that’s not good.” Quickly he used his magic scoping up the shattered remains of the ring into his right hand, grabbing Aspen with his left he hoisted Brick on his right shoulder and shuffled down the tunnel.

 Using his magic he found his way back to a tunnel he had previously saturated with scanning magic. He grinned as the map he had made in his head quickly reformed pointing his way out. Small miracles. Which was good as the tunnels not too far behind him began collapsing.

 “Oh shit fuck!”

 He sprinted down the tunnel heading outside. The sound of a milling crowd reaching his ears before he could see them. Rounding a bend in the tunnel he nearly ran headlong into the entire pack of dogs gathered just outside the entrance.

 One of the guards just gaped at him. He tossed Brick at the poor dog, reflexively he caught him still staring at Orion. 

 “Well this is getting us nowhere, these idiots and myself will be caught in the tunnel collapse if they don’t move their collective furry asses.” He smiled having a sudden thought come to mind.

 Dropping the tracing spell he created a wall of air around him and Aspen. At the same time, just outside that wall flames of black and gold erupted around them both. Grinning he casted the final spell, though how he could smile with the pounding headache beating down his head was a wonder to him himself, his image had transformed into what he was hoping was a terrifying apparition.

 “Boo’”

 That seemed to work as the pack, as one, screamed in terror and bolted out the tunnel in a flood of furry bodies and piss. He grinned and dropped the last spell. Keeping the flamewall and the air protecting him and the mutt in his left hand from being harmed.

 The two spells he had used separately were of moderate strength. But not much use. But when he combined them he had a defense not many could likely physically get past. The airwall being far more useful of the two as it kept the flames from choking him with fumes and provided him with breathable air. The firewall was set two inches above the ground and attached to the previous spell. Both allowing the air to pass under and feeding the flames.

 He was rather proud of that trick.

The pain was getting almost unbearable, better make it quick.

Marching out of the tunnel he stepped into broad daylight and nearly lost control on his magic. Through sheer force and gritted teeth he hung on as his pained eyes landed on a gobsmacked Barney another dog he had only seen once, laying on their backs in terror.

 He nearly balked when he saw Bloodbeak. “What in the blue fuck is that asshole doing here. Nothing is ready for him to inspect yet!” This development only spurred his anger on. Blood surging in his ears with the throbbing of his head.

 On his approach he tossed the shattered remains of the nullstone ring at the fucko’s feet, paws whatever,  and the body of his lap dog to the all white mutt next to him.

 “Hello Barney. I think you and I need to have a little talk.” 

 He would have said more but the dog passed clear the hell out. “Fuck, man I need to take a shit.”





 Bloodbeak was in shock, what he thought was going to be a rescue, but it turned into a circus. The stallion that stood before him was wreathed in flame and the dead look on his face spoke of uncompromising anger.

 Before he could open his beak, Orion spoke to his commanders, completely ignoring him.

 “Hey assholes, make sure that lot that just bolted doesn’t get away. This will have all been for absolute shit if they managed to flee.” His officers to their credit hesitated, looking to their King for guidance. “ Hey assholes! While we are young!” A bolt of magic shot between them impacting the ground. They scrambled to obey in the face of wrath that was this pony.

 Bloodbeak bristled, how dare he order his soldiers. Opening his beak once again, magic encircled it and clamped it closed.

 “No, you already fucked up enough by marching up here with an army. Scaring these idiots with the theatrics. I have a massive headache and I don’t need to hear your blah blah blah.”

 His eyes bulged. No one, not even that whorse Celestia spoke to him like that. But at the same time he didn’t want to incite any more anger out of the stallion. Clearly he was no in a stable mind right now.

 Taking in Orion’s appearance he could see why he might be angry. There would be repercussions for his actions here, but Bloodbeak could be patient. The fact that he was trying to save his people gave him a little leeway in his eyes. Not that he was happy about it.

 The magic dissipated after a moment, a brief nod and the stallion walked passed him.

 “If anyone needs me, I’m going to take a shit.”





 “You want me to what?” King Bloodbeak spoke all too quietly. The village lodge was packed full of the villagers of Avery, many with angry looks on their faces at the bold demand. The two Diamond Dog leaders, who were bound and chained before the makeshift throne that was hastily thrown together for this impromptu trail, gaped at him as well.

 The dogs looked miserable. The white one, of which Orion learned was named Tilly, all but sobbing in front of them. He was surprised to find her taller than her brother. Coming up to his own chest she was clearly not a chihuahua. Or whatever the hell they called their own breeds.

 Aspen was there too, still unconscious. That worried him. If she didn’t waken soon she would likely be dead and no one would blame the dogs for not forgiving him.

 “I didn’t stutter your Majesty.” His guards bristled, but a look from him settled them down again.

 “You want me to not just spare them, but provide them lodging, food, and a village contract for...mining for me?” The old bird shook his head. Man their feathers were expressive. “And why would I ever want to waste valuable resources on them?”

 “Excellent question, and the right one.” Turning he looked at Barney who had been wearing a puzzled question. “Hey midget. Ready to hear my proposal now?” He nodded dumbly that unbelieving look in his eyes. 

 Orion pulled out a chunk of raw iron ore. “Know what this is? It's Iron ore. I’m sure you’ve come across it before.” Another dumb founded nod. “Excellent. See if you mine this stuff in mass, you might actually be able to EARN a home rather than just sneaking in and taking one. By mining this you can provide for your people food in trade for your services. Are you following me so far?”

 He was explaining this in detail not just for the dogs, but for Bloodbeak himself. He blinked, Tilly had stopped crying, her eyes locked on his own, a calculating look in her eye. 

 She was the brains behind the operation. Where the fuck was she when he first got captured? Both dogs nodded as one.

 Shaking his head he looked back to the King. “How long would it take you guys to set up a mine to get all this metal?”

 After a hurried conversation with one of his advisors he looked back to Orion. “A few months to survey the land, then another four to five to get the mine up and running proper with the right tools.”

 Looking back to Tilly, and not Barney. “How long would it take you? Provided you were given the proper shoring logs to hold up and support the tunnels you would dig?”

 She licked her lips. “Two maybe three weeks if we get that as soon as we start looking for a place.” He nodded and turned back to Bloodbeak.

 “Employing a species with the natural ability to dig effortlessly will reduce operation costs for you, thus saving lives and equipment. Fully taught to use mine carts and proper mining techniques these Diamond Dogs could become Iron Dogs.”

 He turned to the angry mutterings of the villagers. “Oh shut up. You are partly to blame for this mess. While I was in ‘their hotel resort’.” This got a snort of laughter from more than a few guards that was swiftly silenced. “I found out that they came to you for help. Help which you not only refused to give but chased them out of town. Thus twenty-three dogs suffocated to death in a collapsed tunnel network. Your help could have saved lives and built a connection with a people who were merely trying to do the same as you. Survive.”

 He was glaring. Didn’t care. He swiveled his glare to the drake sitting on a throne with a speculative look on his face. How did their beaks bend like that?

 “You propose that I fund them, feed them, house them, in exchange they produce ore for the two smelters you and the villages have built here? For what? Iron is not that valuable.”

 “No, but carbon steel most certainly is.” The gasp from many villagers echoed throughout the room. “All you need is carbon, which is abundant in coal, which is all over the place here. Make coke coal and you can blend that into super heated iron, once done quench and wallah, carbon steel.”

 For long moments Bloodbeak just stared into nothing, eyes darting back and forth, but the smile slowly forming over his beak could not be hidden. Orion knew that look. It was a Eureka moment.

 “Got your attention now don’t I?”





 Actual steel? He could hardly believe his ears. He looked back to the smug pony. He did have his attention. Steel, for his army, for his people, to sell to other nations at cost. The report on his temporary desk reported that the hills in the area were absolutely packed with iron and coal. Not to mention what looked to be some very promising gem locations.

 All he had to do was allow the mutts to remain, and work for him, for his people. He ran the numbers in his head again. But it was clear, this would turn the nation's fortunes around in a year. If not less if he played his cards right.

 He slowly nodded. “Yes, you do. But I must ask, how do I know these mutts, won’t run the first chance they can get?”

 The stallion smiled and looked down at the two leaders of the ragged pack at his mercy. “That's easy, this lot doesn’t have anywhere else they can go. If they leave now they risk most if not all of them dying out. According to a guard I managed to talk to, they have been running from hole to hole, being chased out till they came here. They have no food saved up. Hell they can barely hunt. They will all die out eventually. If they swear loyalty to the throne of Griffonia, they just might survive, maybe even thrive. All they have to do is agree to working for the betterment of not just themselves."

 A chill ran through Bloodbeak, Orion was right. “And you, dog. Are you willing to swear to my throne? In return for protection, food and your service to my nation. To send sons and daughters besides my own peoples in order to defend nest and tree? In your case I imagine it would be den and pack. To work hard in exchange for services needed for your own to survive?”

 Both dogs looked at each other, the black one nodding to the white one. A shift of power just happened. The white one turned and bowed low, as low as the chains allowed. “If you would accept such an oath from us, we would swear to it. My people, brother, and I are tired of running. Tired of watching our pups die of starvation. Tired of not knowing what the next day would bring. We would so swear to you, and not be Diamond Dogs any longer. We would be Iron Dogs. At the call of you, and your descendants.”

 Throughout that little speech, Bloodbeak watched the eyes of his citizens of Avery, many looked guilty, some nodded. Others still held onto some deep seated anger. True his nation had always been at a quiet war with the Diamond Dogs. Back when they once were a nation unto themselves they often fought his people for territory. Often with disastrous results on both sides.

 He sat back considering. He knew he was going to agree, the how was his only conundrum. Orion had handed him an opportunity that he or any ruler would be moronic in not taking. He would have to expend resources in education for the mutts, but in just a few short years he could start to pay debts he long since resigned would claim his nation. 

 To break Celestia’s economic hold, that would be a bigger slap in the face than any invasion. 

 He smiled broadly. “We will have to make it official. You will have to inform your people of your plan to swear fealty to me. And a formal document will have to be drafted to be signed by each of us. But yes, I think that will be a wonderful start.”





 Sitting in the private study of the burgermeister, Orion sat with cider in his hand. He had no idea how the stallion had gotten a hold of the beverage seeing as to the fact that he was still too young to legally drink. Bloodbeak ignored it. He deserved it after all. 

 It had been nearly a week since the events in the lodge, the town was in a flurry of activity. The Diamond Dogs, no they were Iron Dogs now, had quickly gotten to work once they were properly fed. It was amazing to see them scour the hills and valleys before selecting a location to mine and another to build a new den, as the old one was collapsed in the stallion's rage.

 During that time some of them were put to work digging out and creating a tunnel network into the salt fields. The salt that came from just the few days of digging was already more than most had seen in a decade. Again the pony had proven his knowledge, which was well ahead of his own inventors and investigators. 

 From Neighbon, four-hundred barrels of packed fish were processed here and already set to be shipped to distant towns to shore up food stocks for the coming winter. As far as he was concerned, those barrels were more precious than gold. So he would use his own guards to distribute the precious cargo. Next year in the early spring, seeds would be cultivated and shipped to farming communities with instructions on how to prepare farmland for new crops.

 Two Iron Dogs would also travel from village to village that same year to help dig trenches for water supply and till the soil. Bloodbeak was still in a state of shock. His people for the first time in over eight-hundred years, would make a comeback the likes of which never seen in their nation.

 “You laid claws on me colt.” He was still sore at the disrespect. But not so mad as he was the day it happened. Deep down he was glad Orion had interrupted him when he did. He would likely have said something very foolish.

 “Bullshit, I never physically touched you and I have hands not claws.” He took a sip of his cider and sighed in contentment. No reports had stated he was a secret drinker. To see him enjoying what was considered an acquired taste was confusing.

 “Your magic most certainly did, and that in itself is a crime. One usually punished with the minimum of twenty-five years in prison. If not death.” The stallion just gave him a look. He chuckled. “Yeah I would likely not get away with punishing you like that. It would be unpopular amongst my people knowing what you did. That and Celestia would likely not allow me to do it either.”

 Looking out the window, to the great Lunar Sea he finally asked the big question. 

 “Why Orion? Why help me and my people? You stand nothing to gain from this. You want your name stricken from the records of even coming here. The people to swear to silence of you even being here. You will get nothing, not even recognition of your incredible service to them. Why?”

 Another sip and a sigh. “Well your Majesty. What would you think the Princess would think if she found out I traveled all the way here, and helped a foreign nation achieve independence of her economic block?”

 Bloodbeak blinked. So he had actually considered what might happen to him if she found out. “I see. So you wish to lie by omission to your monarch. By doing so keeping you out of her eye of suspicion.”

 “Oh yeah, she would be all over my ass in a second. Madder than hell over it. Best not to rile up someone who can scorch my existence from this reality.” He chuckled to himself.

 This pony was playing a very dangerous game. Did he even know the rules? He suspected he knew exactly what he was doing, and that scared him more. A stallion of his age did not act with such motivations. Those his age had no ambition like this. A shudder ran through him. How dangerous was he?

 Switching tact. “When you first arrived in my kingdom, what did you think of it?”

 Orion was quite a moment, so Bloodbeak took a drink from his ale.

 “To be frank it’s a shit hole.” He spat his drink all over the floor. Glaring at him he huffed. 

 Holding up a hand to forestall his angry tirade he spoke quickly. “Lets face it, your predecessors ran this nation into the ground. Before you, each one threw massive amounts of bits and resources at trying to dislodge Celestia. That was bound to fail. Even you realize that now. Hell you were likely the only one of your line to consider the economic impact such futile attempts were having on your nation.”

 He sighed to himself, another swig of ale of which he quickly swallowed, calming his temper. “I see your point. As long as she controls the sun, our very lives will always depend on her.”

 Orion laughed so hard he choked. “Fuck no she doesn’t!”

 “What do you mean she doesn’t control the sun? There are witness reports of her getting up everyday and raising the sun. Even unicorns have confirmed it. That bitch has us all by the feathers.” He finished sourly.

 “It's a nice ruse she has going on I’ll admit. But she doesn’t control a sun that is roughly four-hundred and fifty-thousand miles in radius.” Bloodbeak’s mouth fell open.

 “W-what?” He couldn’t speak. How did this pony know the size of the sun itself?

 “You heard me, I’m just spitballing for the most part but it's around that size give or take a few thousand or so. No. What she has is a connection to the sun. I suspect it’s the reason for her massive amount of power. She pulls that little ritual everyday. For an entire month I watched how she did it. If anything there seemed to be a siphoning of power.”

 She didn’t control the sun? She had been lying to everyone for over a millennium? 

 “Hold it right there chief big shit. Just because killing her wouldn’t kill everyone doesn’t mean you should try and do it. Mostly because I believe the rumors of her ability of healing. She hasn’t been sick since she took over in Equestria. And she’s at least a thousand years old, though I suspect she is far older. Likely she will catch any agent you send long before they get to her.”

 “There is another reason. Out with it.”

 “Well, in this delicate stage of recovery, your nation would not handle the war that would follow when you fail.”

 Bloodbeak was quiet for a moment, swirling the ale in his mug as he collected his thoughts. “How do I know you're telling the truth?”

 Another swig. “You don’t. I can offer no proof other than my observations. But I am highly confident I’m right. That makes it all the more dangerous. My advice is to keep it to yourself for now. If word comes out that she doesn’t control the solar body that is the sun, you can bet she will hunt down the source of that rumor. So keep you and your nation safe. Stay quiet about that one.”

 Bloodbeak was contemplative for a long time, he knew it was a long time because the next time he took a drink the ale in his mug was sour and warm.

 “What are your plans now, Orion?”

 “To actually enjoy what is left of my vacation. Mind if I drag your niece to Neighbon?”
> Heartbreak
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The first thing to greet his nose was the sea sand and ocean. The second was the smell of over sun baked fish as they had come in from the wrong side of the city. Toward the docks and packaging warehouses of the city state known as Neighbon. It made him want to gag. The combination of smells made him think of someone trying desperately to hide the fact that they took a massive load in the toilet and had forgotten to flush. 

 It seemed not to affect his traveling companion all that much. A wrinkle of the beak, “seriously how the hell did that work,” and she went back to taking in the sights. Her guard behind her, the ever stone faced Gilda Broadwing, walked behind them taking in the sights for a different purpose. That one, before had seemed so stone face and job orientated, but over the last few weeks they had developed a working relationship. Both having worn the rough edges off each other.

 Behind her marched five porters, carrying the bare essentials as most had been left back in Avery. Behind them were fifty red armored guards. Her personal platoon of guards had stayed behind to oversee the revitalization effort in Avery. 

 During the time spent there, the troops had actively gotten involved in plowing fields with the new plows that had come with the shipment of equipment and food. Building small bridges inside the village where new streams for irrigation had been dug and shored up. Some had even taken on work helping the masons use the new ideas on plaster to both build silos, above and below ground, and insulate the homes for the coming winter.

 As things stood now, not only would Avery weather the coming season well, but thanks to Orion exhausting himself every other day, the farms surrounding the town would have a major bumper crop. So much so that only a small portion would actually be needed to be distributed with the locals.

 Bloodbeak had stayed behind to help organize the distribution plans to get the food stores to other towns in the immediate vicinity. There was also going to be a large shipment to Griffonstone itself, to feed the thousands of homeless there. Those shipments would involve most of the fast growing crops till the day the first snows fell. With any luck, Griffonia would see its first well fed winter in centuries.

 Coming back from his own musings, he eyeballed Screaming. No, her first name was actually Grace. How and why had no one told nor corrected him? 

 “Grace.” She cringed a little. 

 Truth be told he might have gone overboard with the tantrum he threw when he found out her first name. But he had been running around from party to party those first couple of weeks calling her Scream till he was blue in the face. What those nobles must have thought. Shit is embarrassing.

 “Yes Orion?” She was meek. Okay maybe he had raised more than a little stink about it. 

 “I wanted to apologize to you. I should not have lost my shit like I did. I felt, embarrassed, for calling you Screaming to a bunch of nobles. I felt I had made a fool of myself. But I should not have taken that out on you. I’m sorry.”

 Her ear tufts had perked up a little, a happier look graced her beak as her feathers stood up a little. He was beginning to understand the body language of the griffons. She was happy, and he had her interest. Before when he had said her name her ears hand laid flat, her feathers too. Indicating she was contrite. The tilt of her head down and to the right had made that abundantly clear.

 “It’s okay. I should have told you. Honestly I am so used to Screaming being used, even my Uncle and Aunt use it. But this isn’t what you wanted to talk about is it?” 

 “No it's not, but it was something that needed to be said. Anyway, my original question was going to be to ask: How in the fuck are we gonna hide fifty troops? They are not exactly the stealthiest of the flock so to speak. They can’t go marching into the city like this.”

 “That will be no problem Master Falls.” Captain Goldwing had spoken up. He had actually volunteered for this babysitting duty. Him and a Lieutenant Eggo, whom Orion was privately calling Leggo. 

 “Oh? What can you guys turn invisible or something?”

 A deep chuckle. “No Sir. Only a small contingent will go inside the city with you. Dressed in civilian clothes and spread out to minimize impact. We will stay armed with only daggers and short swords. In the event that you need quick extraction the rest of the troops will be on standby to sortie in and retrieve you both. We have a roster of rotations. So that all troops can both guard and enjoy some time off.”

 “Oh, shit that works. Though if it really came down to it, I can get both me and her out with a teleportation spell. How about we look for a good place for me to ‘port into should shit hit the fan. Have a contingent of guards stationed there. Then all you have to worry about is the guards still inside the city. With them being unmarked civilians, they can easily leave. Sound like a good idea?” 

 He could almost see the lightbulb go off above his head. “Sir that is a capital idea. I had already forgotten that you are a unicorn with no small amount of strength. This would minimize the impact we would have in an emergency. Still we will have to send notice to the local authorities. That way they know we are here. Would not wish to step on any toes.”

 Orion, didn’t much like that idea. Corruption can be in any form of government. He was worried that one of the council, which was pretty much just a bunch of hippogriff merchants that ruled the city state, might take it into their heads that they could auction off the fact that a wealthy noble was in the city. Easy for some band of pirates, who often used the port for resupply, to take it into their own heads that they could make a quick bit.

 “You sure? I don’t exactly think it would be in our best interests to let anyone know we are here. Honestly it would likely be better for us that no one knows where we are. Can I please impose on you the idea of keeping our mouths shut and not look for trouble?” 

 Goldenwing's head turned down, in the way most griffons did when they thought. Surprisingly the next to voice was neither him or Orion, but Eggo. “Sir, he may be correct about this. If we were to notify the local authorities of our presence, we could be asked to pay extra for special leeway.” He surprised him by voicing his own concerns next. “There is also the fact that one or more government officials may be corrupt, and use the information about nobility being in the city to gain influence and money.”

 The captain gaped for a moment before his beak slowly closed and his head started nodding. 

 “True, while normal procedure would be to announce our presence, as we do not have influence with Neighbon, it would likely not be a good idea to do so. Excellent thinking lieutenant, and you as well M’Lord.”

 He stopped, causing the column of soldiers and porters to do also. “What did you call me?” His voice was quiet and hand an undercut of a sharp edge.

 “I’m sorry sir, but I called you ‘M’Lord’. On account you are with the Lady Rush. I had assumed you were nobility.” He spoke tentatively.

 “I am an Orphan, captain. I hold no such title. I hate it that you insist on calling me ‘Sir’ all the time. Don’t call me, ‘My Lord’ again. Are we clear?” He didn’t want to yell. It was an innocent mistake in reality. But the idea of someone treating them as someone better, irked him in ways he did not understand himself. “Look I’m sorry, for some reason that pissed me off. Please don’t believe that I think any less of you. Just, none of that crap. Please?”

 Goldenwing had looked worried up to that point. With a polite smile he nodded in confirmation. “As you wish Orion, thank you for understanding, and I apologize if I had implied something offensive. Shall we continue on to the city proper?”





 Neighbon itself had taken much of the architecture from the griffons. Many of the shops, homes, and work areas were built into the cliff face. What they took from the ponies, more specifically the pegasus, were the roman style of design of their own buildings. It was like he had traveled back in time.

 The markets were already busy, considering it was approaching noon that was to be expected. Hawkers of fish, beads, furniture. It was a literal one-eighty from the near destitution of Griffonia’s towns and cities. 

 But all this was secondary to the people themselves. On hooved feet they walked, dressed lightly in silks and soft cottons. The wings having gold, silver, and even a strange black material, banded about the wings as cuffs. 

 The males, of which they followed the pony way and called themselves stallions, were naked from the waist up. Wearing baggy pants, the inseam rose only halfway, which allowed for ease of movement. Walking, or flying about with tools, ropes, shopping bags. Broad shouldered and lean. Many days of hard work were evident on their bodies. 

 Orion’s eyes were however drawn to the females, the mares. They too walked around in soft cotton and silks, colorful garments that did little to hide their lithe forms. Where the stallions were topeless, the females wore tops that seemed to gently wrap their breasts. Only providing covering, not support. It left very little to the imagination and he quickly had to avert his eyes to the faces.

 Of which brought even more speculation. The hippogriffs, one and all, had golden chains going from beak nostril holes to the bottom of the ear. Just one chain. But there seemed to be something important about those chains. It varied from one to the other, but some held tiny medallions. Two or three here. None on that one as they toiled away under the sun hauling in a box of fish from a ship.

 He suspected they might indicate rank amongst them. But he could not be sure. A merchant had five medallions, but they were of a different size, the merchant in the stall next to his had a similar set of medallions, at least in design. Though she was missing one large one.

 Still looking for more examples they made their way to the cliff face. His Majesty, King Bloodbeak, had recommended an inn that was not too rich but definitely not too poor that existed high on the cliff side wall. ‘Dawning Spray’. As far as names, it wasn’t the worst. Screaming spotted it before he did.

 “Orion! It’s up there!” She pointed to a similarly roman structured inn about halfway from the top of the cliff. A good hundred or so yards up. Obviously, at least to him, it had been meant for flying clients. He judged the distance thought about teleporting, but the potential hazard made him choose another option.

 “Ah cool. I’ll meet you up there.” A clawed hand landed on his shoulder. “What?” He asked annoyed.

 Eggo had been the one to stop him. “Sir would it not be better if we flew you up there? Teleporting might upset the locals.”

 He just grinned back. “Who said I was teleporting?” With that he jumped into the air making sure to clear the wooden docks by six feet before his horn blazed to life and flames burst forth from his hands in a controlled burn as he soared up and landed with a bit of a hop onto the platform leading into the inn.

 He could feel his arms shake from the effort of keeping himself righted, might have wanted to practice that a few times before giving it a real go. But it worked and he knew what to do to make it easier next time. 

 A pair of thuds behind him made him turn around, Goldenwing and Grace were both staring at him. “What?”

 “YOU CAN FLY?!” She screeched, drawing even more attention to them.

 He held up a finger. “Yes and no. Complicated really, it's more along the lines of falling with style. I can only go straight up for so long before my arms would give out. Any forward motion would see me descend at an even pace. If a bit fast” 

 “Where did you learn that sir?” The captain had seemed to have recovered his composure. Eyeing his hands warily.

 “Oh I figured this one out on my own. Most ponies don’t realize this but a unicorn’s magic doesn’t just come from their horn. As long as the horn remains free and unblocked they can channel that magic into their hands. It seems limited however, to only small scale spells. Nothing large, or mana draining intensive seems to be channeled through the hands. Still, the applications are useful.”

 Before anyone else could speak another pair of thuds alerted them to armored guards. Specifically hippogriff armored guards. Though similar in design to griffon armors the bright white gleamed in the noon day sunlight.

 “Sir, did you use a weapon earlier? Are you aware that magical weapons are prohibited inside Neighbon, as per article three section seven of the Neighbon Accords?” The lead one, his chain jingling as he spoke.

 “Yes I am aware, that wasn’t a weapon. It was propulsion. It allowed me to fly from the ground up here. If you had bothered to pay attention.” That got a more severe frown from the lead guard.

 “You discharged a spell that can have lethal effects.”

 “If I use levitation right, I can jam an apple down your throat. That's a lethal effect. You’re making a mountain out of an ant hill. You know it, I know it.” He glared back. Oddly enough this guard was as tall as he was. So the glare might not have been as intimidating as he hoped it would be.
 
“I am Sergeant Buck Thorn, Sir. Treat this with the gravity it deserves. You could have burned somepony.”

 “You saw me do what I did correct?” A nod. “Do you have any idea why I jumped so high into the air?” A head shake. “Because I already knew of the dangers and compensated for them by putting distance between myself, and everybody else. So how about we file all that crap you said under shit I already know. You wasted both my time, and yours. I have read the charters. I have read the codes. I know what was safe and what was not. And if you are going to stand there and argue with me, then you might want to tell everyone down on the docks to put out their torches and lamps at night. Because those represent a hazard too.” 

 Each sentence had been punctuated with a step, till they were both nose to beak. The glare he received back told of trouble. But he was prepared to make the cost too great for this asshole to want to continue.

“You can pocket that nullstone ring bud. It doesn’t work with me. I know how to break them.” That got a strangled look from both guards. He didn’t want to admit to the knowledge. But he saw little choice in this situation. He should have been apologetic. But they had already had the ring ready the moment he turned around. They fully planned to arrest him.

 “That is a lie.” The lead hippogriff stated, confidence restored.

 Before anyone could do anything Orion had snatched the ring from his partners hands, set it on his horn, and a hum could be heard quickly picking up in pitch. Glass was beginning to rattle in the window frames. Suddenly a crack was heard. Both guards looked at the glass in the inn’s frames. No glass was broken. Looking back they had noticed the nullstone ring had broken apart and was falling into his waiting palms.

 “Was it?”

 Joy, he had another massive headache.





 Checking into the Dawning Spray had been little trouble. Though for three in the party was oddly quiet, side glances from both officers and a still stunned looking Screaming. They moved to separate rooms and began putting away their things for the stay. 

 Captain Goldenwing could not believe it. The unicorn had just proven that nothing could hold him. At least not for long. His ability to fly, or as he called it falling with style, alarmed the older drake. The idea that other unicorns could do the same as he frightened him. If they could figure out how to fly, nowhere was safe for griffon forces.

 Putting away his things and arming himself with a pair of long daggers he walked down the hall and knocked on Corporal Broadwing’s room. He knocked quickly. Hoping to convey the urgency in his requirement to speak. 
 
“Can I help you Captain?” There was no salute. Technically they were incognito and any give away of the fact that they were armed escorts would be bad for their charges. 

 “Yes, can we speak inside. I’d rather this conversation not be overheard.” He stated meaningfully.

 She stood to one side and gestured for him to come in. The door thudded behind him as he began to pass in her small accommodations.

 “What's on your mind sir?” Though it was obvious, the events of earlier were also fresh in her mind as well. But her stoic demeanor never cracked. 

 “In your opinion, as you have had more contact and interactions with him, how dangerous is Orion Falls?” He stopped and watched her face. Judging for any hint of what she was really feeling.

 “I think in terms of potential crisis, he would likely be the worst thing outside of an invading force, sir.” Nothing else.

 “Can you expound on that Corporal.”

 She sighed. “Sir, I will admit that may have been a bit hyperbolic, but you have to understand something about him. He is normally full of jokes and being a pain in the tail feathers. Otherwise harmless.” She raised her hand to forestall any comments. “ You came to me, Sir.”

 Sitting down in the only seat in the room she gestured to her bed for him to sit.

 “How much do you know about him, Sir?”

 “Not much. I was only told about his potential for disruption. Then seeing him come out of that cave left me shaking. I had never seen anything so terrifying.”

 “Well, I believe you need to be briefed on the subject of Orion Falls.”





 “That can’t be true!” He screamed in a hushed whisper. 

 “I assure you Sir. Every detail is true. Or at least what his Majesty could gather. Orion Falls is a strangely benign walking hazard. He has the potential of great violence. But you have seen first hand what he pursues. Not glory, but help. Not violence, but compassion for those around him. Despite his mouth running away with him sometimes, I have grown to respect him. While he makes rash decisions he does so with the best intentions in mind.”

 “To be that capable, at his age. The only thing worse would be if Celestia showed up, and all he does with his time is help.”

 “Yes, Sir. Every act of violence we have recorded has been the last possible option. He tried to talk his way out of that fight with the students. His fight with the timberwolves was only in seeking justice for a family wronged. He has never gone out of his way to find trouble. But I doubt he will ever shy away from aggression.”

 Goldenwing could only shake his head in amazement. “He is a walking disaster, and instead of destruction he brings food.” A laugh erupted from him.

 “Likely from his viewpoint he was heading off trouble before it really began. The guards of Neighbon are known for scams. It is very likely they were attempting to extort money from us. There likely would have been no end once we were marked as easy. His actions likely made it clear that we knew how to act within the law. He saved us a hassle. If I were a betting hen, I would say he had planned it.”

 That got a very disturbed look from the Captain. “Are you saying he set a trap, one to catch corrupt guards?” A nod was all he got. “Well, that is frightening.” Getting up he coughed. Not knowing what to do.

 “You could just ask him Sir.”





 Orion had no idea how to respond. Sitting on his bed he looked between Gilda and Goldenwing with incredulity.

 “You're...asking me, if I had planned that shit?” A nod from the pair.

 How in the hell could he have planned for that nonsense. He didn’t even know the guards were there. While he had read the city’s charter and local codes, he had never planned for the event where some hustler would try and extort money out of him. The headache had abated none.

 He could lie, and make him seem a brilliant strategist. But too many stories he had read had shown that tactic to make things worse for the protagonist. Not better. So he went with the simple truth.

 “Fuck no I didn’t plan for the bullshit. I didn’t even know they were fucking there! How in the hell did you two figure I planned for that?”

 Both gaped at him. It was beginning to be a trend. 

 Gilda recovered first. “But sir, surely you knew about the less savory guards employed by the city?”

 “Oh that? Sure I did. Rumors abound in Avery. Not to mention I had asked others on the train before arriving to Griffonia. So yes, I knew about the extortionists. Did I expect them to come after me? Not on the first day, and not for some bullshit charge like that. The docks are fucking stone. Did they think I was an idiot. Don’t answer that.” 

 He had stopped Goldenwing from opening his beak.

 “Listen, as much as I would love to have you think I was some genius fourth dimensional chess player. I really am just an over aggressive dick. My only redeeming quality is I am knowledgeable and quick thinking. Mostly.” 

 Gilda looked thoughtful. “Sir, why not just have teleported and not had any issue at all?”

 Orion, rubbed the back of his head. “How much do you two know about teleportation?” He doubted they knew anything if at all.

 “As we are not of the pony race, next to nothing, Sir.” It was Goldenwing’s turn to speak. He was getting some weird twin vibes with these two. They played off each other well.

 “Okay, so story time. There once was a very accomplished mage. Years before the founding of the nation of Equestria. The mage’s name has been lost to history but he discovered the folly of teleporting to some place he had never been. Have you ever noticed that in major pony cities, they have an area set aside for teleportation on the various roads?”

 “Can’t say I have ever been to any pony city, Sir.”

 “Ah, understandable. Well we do have those. While it is true that unicorns break the rules and teleport all the time nearly everywhere, they are however encouraged to use those locations when in an unknown area. You see, that nameless mage teleported into a tree, he lived for about two or three minutes before he died. The moment he realized what he had done, and the unimaginable pain he must have been in, he tried to teleport away. Only now he dragged the tree with him. Unable to separate himself from the plant he caused major destruction and ended up fusing with several more things. A lamp, cart, a half eaten apple. The list goes on.”

 Both griffons stared at him in horror. He chuckled.

 “By the end of it he had to be chiselled out of a baron’s bedroom wall. He was burned, one of the few cremations ponies had ever had. There was no way they could bury him with all that shit he had in his body. Thus an excellent warning to those who can actually use the skill. I had no idea if someone might come out while I was teleporting up. I do not like the idea of becoming some sort of chimeric horror. Would you?”

 The rapid shakes of heads and flattening of ears spoke for them.

 “But, how did you break that ring? It should have been impossible.” Gilda was certainly on the course for employee of the year that was for sure. “They prevent unicorns and other magic channeling creatures from casting or even hold it.”

 “Not really, Miss Broadwing. First and foremost, it is a common misconception that unicorns lose the ability to channel, we still have our magic, we are just unable to project it from us. Secondly, do either of you know what harmonic frequencies are?” They both shook their heads, and he debated whether to tell them or not. “Well, in the case of the stone I matched the resonance frequency of the rock itself. That is what caused it to shatter. I won’t go into details, because honestly, not many even understand. That's unicorns, not just griffons.”

 Understanding dawned on Gilda’s face before Captain Goldwing. But when it did they both nodded. 

 “I take it, you don’t want that knowledge getting around. “ It was his turn to shake his head no at the Captain. “But you understand that this information will likely land in his Majesties hands, correct?”
 
 “I would be surprised if you didn’t tell him. He is your king, I just don’t want this becoming public knowledge, not that it would be the end of the world if other ponies found out about it. I just would rather not have it advertised.”

 “I would imagine not, criminals would fully take advantage of this apparent weakness.” Thank you Captain Obvious.

 “Yes, that would cause chaos and cruel measures to be put into place till a solution is put in place. No good for anyone.” They all nodded at that, arms folded. Orion smiled. “On the downside of that ring shattering trick, it gives one massive headache. Could someone please get me some aspirin or something?”





 “Annnnd that is nearly fourteen thousand tons of ore. I never imagined this would be our life. Sister, considering our luck, how good of an idea was this?”

 Barney stood in the middle of the vaulted storage hold they had built for themselves over the last couple of weeks. The massive cavern with supporting pillars was a feat that, until now, he had never imagined his people could do. Who could have known a pony would know so much about support structures for mines and underground tunnels.

 The effect of good food and sleep had done wonders for the Diamond Dogs. Over the course of the last three weeks they had sworn their oaths, dug a new home, which was done with the new knowledge that was held in the book of his sisters' paws. The new den no longer had the rough oval hallways so often associated with his people, instead they were wide half circles with supporting pillars. Plenty of room for traffic. 

 They were well lit too. Another gift of knowledge from the pony known as Orion Falls. It seemed some of the dogs were capable of crystal magic. A team of four, two for the home den, and two for the mine proper, kept the crystals set into the walls charged with their own magic.

 The pony was surprised to learn that it seemed. But he reasoned out that it might have something to do with the ease of dogs being able to carve through earth like they do. ‘A projection field’ he had called it. The way Barney understood it was that the little magic they could wield projected through their paws, to allow them to carve through stone as easy as dirt.

 It made sense to him. The four best diggers also seemed to be the only ones capable of charging the crystals. So while it hurt that they had lost the best diggers they had, the light allowed for the pups, mothers, and elderly to pass through the tunnels with no hassles. So the trade off was good.

 With the light and better tunnels, came better personal dens. Rooms that had once been carved for the very basics now had shelves, proper doors for both the entrance but private rooms as well. The pups who could dig were tasked with this idea of plumbing, which meant Tilly didn’t wrinkle her nose every time she left her own private rooms. Fresh water from a spring was even available. 

 A public bathing den had been created, at his sister’s suggestion. Dogs would go and wash up after a hard day working in the mine. The old would soak their bones in the cool water. Even the pups would splash and play. For the first time in a very long time, Barney heard laughter echoing in the tunnels, not just pup laughter. But Diamond Dog laughter. 

 No, not Diamond Dog. Iron Dog. It was a strange thing to be called such, but it seemed to fit them. For they were truly a different pack all together. The first and most notable change was leadership. Tilly had taken the leash firmly in hand the day they swore. No longer would a leader rule by gender but by capability. The days when a pack followed the lead of a dumb ignorant male was over. At least for them.

 Now, what was it that pony called their people? Yes, a meritocracy. Were the one most capable didn’t depend on strength or birth, but by knowledge. And it was working!
 Already Tilly had put in a system that numbered and labeled rooms. Private residences now had a number designation. With a hole carved out under the number. Where gifts or items even orders would be placed for those that lived there. Tunnels had names. Something he never thought of. But it made finding their way around so much easier. 

 Many of the dogs were having trouble using the system, but day by day improvements were made. When Orion had come down to view their work, he had remarked how some of the tunnels were marked in red, asking if they could see that.

 A smile crept onto his face when one of the dumbest of them, Rover, told them of course they could and asked if pony dumb. Sputtering the pony had tried to defend himself but it was a losing battle. They all could only laugh. A strange question, but the laughter was good.

 The same tunnel planning also went into their mine. With colors marking the sectors, with the name of those sectors subsections underneath. All in all. They were producing so much iron and coal that the town of Avery was having to build three more smelting facilities. There was even talk of building a couple inside a separate mine just to help process it all.

 Tilly looked up from her own checklist, brushing her pants, real pants not just some shaggy leather he had managed to stitch together. “What was that about luck brother?”

 “Oh I was just remarking on how good our luck has been lately and when the bottom might fall out on us.” He sheepishly said, looking away.

 “I wouldn’t worry about that too much cousin! We are doing great. I’m doing great!”

 The new voice in the vast room had to be the biggest surprise. They had been worried she might never wake up, but when she had. She sounded the same, but spoke different. Whatever had happened between her and Orion had knocked the dumb instinct right out of her. Aspen had slowly begun to speak with more cognitive reasoning over the last two weeks. Almost to the point where they couldn’t tell her from a normal Iron Dog.

 Barney was secretly considering how to get Rover to get the same treatment she had gotten. Maybe the mongrel would finally be competent. Though to be far, since he had started digging irrigation lines for the birds, he had been doing remarkably well. 

 Tilly laughed. “Of course you’re doing great Aspen, I think however what he means is, are we in for trouble again.” Turning to look at her brother she shook her head. “No, I do not believe we will. Careful planning and staying true to our oaths is what we must do. We will not give up this opportunity.”

 He nodded. It was true. They had been given a chance of a generation. Stable food, clothing, running water, even a rough form of income. Once they had become recognized. They could sell their services to those willing to pay. Their pack would be able to soon buy luxuries. Not just necessities. 

 Grinning he looked between the two females. His family. For once they had peace. True peace.





“This is absolute bullshit.”

 Shining was fuming. First Arber, than Oberjoch. Then it was Cochem. Somehow they had even ended up in Berry. A pony town that had likely not seen a tax collector in several generations, sat on the edge of the border between Equestria and Griffonia. Trudging back over the border they once again found themselves in Griffonstone.

 When he went to confront the King on his lies, he was informed he was no longer in the capital at all. The Queen. Made him want to eat his armor in vexsation. She told him in very friendly terms that she had no idea where her husband may have gone. He knew that was a lie. Judging by the flight activity of the scouts, they were headed north east. 

 He wanted to know where they had hidden away the wayward colt, and he wanted that knowledge NOW.

 “Sir! Sir!” Again Corporal Broad Strokes came pounding down the halls. Metal hooves making an echoing ring that only seemed to increase the headache he already was dealing with.

 “What is it, Corporal?!” He snapped, and immediately regretted it. Strokes had been one of the few confident ponies he had with him. The fact that he was a pegasus had long since stopped being a liability in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I have a headache that seems to get worse by the day, what is it, soldier?

 The hurt look vanished as quickly as it had come. “Sir, he has been spotted in Neighbon.”

 “What in the buck is he doing in Neighbon!?” Wait wait. This could be another ruse.” Rubbing his temples he asked. “Where did this information come from. If it's from the bucking birds I swear…”

 “No, Sir. An agent stationed in the city sent word down through our contacts. We just got word through dragon flame. Are we to move out, Sir?”

 Smiling for the first time in weeks. “Yes. Let's get this little shit. We will be taking the train. You guards need time off your feet.”





 Watching the poor stallion leave without so much as a fare thee well, Her Majesty Queen Fairheart sighed, before writing down a hastily written note to her husband. Knowing they would be using the train gave the advantage of speed to them, but not time. The train must loop back to Equestria before they switched to the one bound for Neighbon.

 She watched as the three couriers took flight. In war time, the griffons would send three out to deliver the same message. A practice the royal family did even now. With messages in code so that it would be difficult to crack. The cypher for this message remained in her husband's head.

 ‘Ponies on the move to Neighbon. Warn Orion.’

 She smiled. Orion may never become her nephew, but he had given a gift far more than the possibility of a hippogriff bloodline. He had given their nation hope, even if the general populace would never know it. For him, no favor was ever going to be great.





 This had been an amazing idea. 

 It had been a couple of weeks since their arrival. No more trouble from the local guard forces. The two missives sent to Orion from individual council members were ignored, and the general lack of responsibility was invigorating. Screaming was enjoying the sun and sand. She had taken to the local clothing style with vigor. He had to look away more often than he would have liked.

  “Jesus Christ the wrap is nothing but a suggestion!”

 It was true, she filled out the clothes which left even less to the imagination then many of the hippogriff mares. The first time she had stepped out of the tailor shop. There had been three accidents in flight. He would have laughed if he was not doing everything he could not to look below the neckline.

 Red, the whole set up was red. Even the jewelry was red. That meant something but he had no idea what. As his brain short circuited on priorities of what his eyes should be doing the curiosity for that particular inquiry was given to the squirrel in his head. That squirrel buried the question.

 Such was their time. Him spent looking at anything else but her below the neck, and her blushing and smiling softly. The glares he was getting seemed to want to start fights, but once he took his shirt off, those looks went elsewhere. Scars were good for something.

 In the markets they had bought trinkets to send home, he was already sending out things to various folks. Many would be surprised to hear from him in any such way. 

 He also discovered that the black metal bands the locals wore, were highly magically conductive. In fact it was better than gold. So he shipped three small crates of adamantine back to Forager. A message with bits to store it away for safekeeping.

 The food was great. Eating fish to the shock of many locals, had been almost orgasmic. The way they prepared their dishes with salt, actual seasalt, was heaven for him. Not to mention the spices complimented each dish impeccably. 

 Yesterday he had a brilliant idea. The hippogriffs had surf boards. This gave him the idea of making a Sailboard. It was mostly guess work. But his intuition had worked. He, and Screaming once she had fallen enough times to amuse him, were surfing about just beyond the crest of the waves enjoying the sun and breeze. He did nothing fancy, not trusting himself not to crash and burn into the waves. But the feeling of freedom had never felt so physical.

 On the shore, others were attempting to recreate his hedonistic abuse of his people’s creations. Some were doing better than others. He handed off his to a local with a brief instruction on how it works. Let them enjoy something fun.

 He had let his mind let go. Truly he had allowed for worries to fall by the wayside for once since he arrived and lived in the moment. Well, almost.

 Screaming had obviously stepped up her game to gain his attention. The new outfits were only the tip of the iceberg. She had begun to touch him, innocent at first, though contact was quickly lasting longer and longer. On top of that she had also pressed herself up against him, making sure her breasts were pressed into his arm.

 At one point he bit his lip so hard it caused him to bleed. Gilda and Goldenwing were no help. Gilda with a chip on her shoulder, and Goldenwing seemed to smile as if it were the grandest idea in the world that the pair should become a couple. 

 Yawning he put his pen down for a moment. The moon had risen only an hour ago. The stars twinkled brightly. He eyed the moon not for the first time. A silhouette of a unicorn seemed to be etched into the moon's surface. It would be just like Celestia to have a huge ego trip and plaster her likeness onto the lunar object.

 “Sir, are you not asleep?” Gilda poked her head in. The same disgruntled look on her face that seemed to be a mainstay these past few weeks.

 “Nah, was thinking about going to the balcony, having a beer to finish off the day. Want to join me? I have extra.” He closed his notebook. Placing the pen in a little holder on the front of it.

 “Sir, you have alcohol?” Well so much for that olive branch.

 “Yes I do. And if ya threaten to take it, I’ll magic a crab into your panties.” Her head shot up ears and feathers puffing out. Alarmed. “Come have a drink with me, and tell me what's got your knickers in a knot.” Not waiting for a reply he tossed a bottle to Gilda and proceeded to sit outside on his private balcony.

 He heard her close the door and watched as she took a hesitant seat on the bench opposite him. For a long time they just stared out into the night, listening to the waves crash, the murmurs of people going about their nightly visits. It was a festival. One just beginning but celebrated the dawning of the sun. Even in another country he couldn’t get away from Celestia’s shadow.

 It took so long for her to speak that Orion had finished two beers and was quickly starting to nod off.

 “Why will you not return my ladies affections.”

 “Fucking finally, my God did that take forever.”

 “Because despite her beauty I do not love her, Gilda.” The sharp look he got would have shaved his head right off if it was physical.

 “Why?! She has done everything for you. Went on this mad quest. Pinned for you for years. Spurned other potential mates in hopes that you would take her hand! So why?!”

 He did not rush, this was a delicate thing, and he was feeling a little buzzed. 

 “Not to be a dick, but what does that have to do with me? How am I bound to return her affections? Why is it expected of me to have to want her?” Taking a sip of his third beer he looked at her expectantly.

 “W-w-what?” She sputtered the winds having been knocked from her sails.

 “Okay look at it from this perspective: You have been a guard since you came of age. You have worked tirelessly to achieve goals you set for yourself. Now, a potential lover is asking for you to give up those dreams in favor of being with them. On the surface it's a major duh, of course you’ll stay with them. But as you commit to a relationship, and marriage, and children. You eventually realize that you never could accomplish what you set out in your heart to do.”

 Another sip.

 “You begin to resent your partner. Realizing had they not come along, you might have made something of yourself. Oh the thought occurs to you that you could have just dragged them with you, but they would likely have suffered their own loss of happiness. Would that have been better? No. And you know it. So instead you resent, that resentment turns to anger. The kids notice first because, hey kids are sensitive to that shit. Your partner doesn’t realize, nor understands where that anger comes from.”

 Sip.

 “Suddenly you are arguing everyday. It gets worse and worse. The kids are crying as your partner, the one you swore to have and to hold, storms out on you never to look back.”

 Gilda’s expression had started off angry, but as he kept going on, all that was left was resignation. Sadness and resignation.

 “Not saying that would happen between me and Scream, but I have the added baggage of being Celestia’s PR toy. Not that I have much choice in it. Imagine the political pressure she could enforce. This, coupled with my own personal goals that I will not bend on. I have my dreams and aspirations. In order to see those through I cannot tie myself to a relationship that would only be strained with my constant absence. I would not drag her from place to place, never staying more than a few years at a time. I could not in good conscious subject her to that. Would you?”

 She shook her head, a tear forming in her eyes. “No, what you're doing is a kindness, and you have no idea how to let her down easy.”

 “Exactly. I have wracked my brain for a way to let her down without hurting her. Dear God do I not want to hurt her. But as it stands I will eventually have to say something.” He paused and looked at her squarely in her eye. “When the time comes, be there for her. You may be just a guard in your eyes, but she does rely on you.”

 “I will, Sir. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

 “Me too, Gilda. Me too.” He downed the last vestiges of his fourth beer, when had he finished the third?





 Screaming couldn’t move, she could speak. Tears leaked from her eyes, smearing the red makeup she had carefully applied.

 Tonight was going to be the night, her plan was simple. She wore a translucent negligee of red, with rubies and fire drops sown into the top. The tailor claimed that he would never be able to resist this get up.

 She had believed it too. Covering up with a robe she had carefully crept down the hall and opened the door to his room, just a crack to listen, she wished to all that was good she hadn’t.

 He didn’t love her. Everything she had tried, every touch, hold, compliment. Nothing had worked. And now the truth had been laid bare.

 What hurt worse was the kindness in his voice. He didn’t want to hurt her. He didn’t want to break her heart. So he had stayed quiet, let her think she was winning the war for his heart.

 She fled back to her room quietly, her sobs barely being muffled behind her hands.

 The shadow of Captain Goldenwing watched her go, a sad frown creasing his beak.





 Guiding Gilda out of his room, he bid her goodnight. Stepping back and wobbling slightly he heard a splash. Looking down he found his hoof in water. Bending down and touching it, he brought it to his nose and sniffed. Salty. Oh shit.

“Well, that’s one way to find out I suppose.”





 Dawn brought Lieutenant Eggo into the ‘Dawning Spray’. A knock on Goldenwing’s door stirred the tired drake to alertness. His heart was heavy from the events from the night. Blinking away the crust of sleep he answered his door.

 “Lieutenant. What brings you here. You’re not due for rotation for another three days? Something happened?

 He did not say anything, just handed over a courier paper. Taking it into hand he opened, the memorized cypher in his head helping him translate the information.

 “Wake the others.”





 The sound of rapid knocks brought Orion from his reverie. He had woken early, unable to sleep later than he wanted. Opening up he was greeted by Leggo. 

 “What’s up buttercup?”

 The lieutenant shook his head. “Sir, do you just say things to confuse us all?”

 “Ahhh you’re learning. Still what's going on bud?”

 “I have been told to tell you to prepare for departure. A certain unicorn is on their way here, and will be here within five hours. Depending on any issues that may arise by traveling by rail.”

 “Oh shit, he finally wised up eh?” He smiled his horn already alight as his bags were being packed. “Agent in the city?”

 “More than likely, Sir. The Captain has asked whether you were up to teleporting everyone out. Are you?” The drake's eyes drifted to the seven bottles of empty beers he had put away last night.

 “I can totally make that jump. Don’t worry, I drank plenty of water. I don’t even have a headache.” 

“Just a heavy heart.”

 “Very good, Sir. We have arranged for one of the guards to come in and pay for your stay once you depart. The grounds are being kept clear.” He nodded and turned back to the captain’s room.

 Orion sighed heavily. Well today was going to take on a epic levels of suckitude.





 Screaming packed her things quietly. Her eyes were red, she had not gotten more than a few hours of sleep and she felt emotionally and mentaly drained.

 Gilda was helping her, the hen hadn’t left her side since she had woken her up this morning. Wordlessly she knew that she had overheard them last night.

 She wanted to be angry, she wanted to scream, to throw something, to beat Orion with a stick. Anything! But all she felt was defeat. She could not compete with goals that took him far away. She only wished she would have seen the signs sooner.

 Gilda picked up Screaming’s discarded negligee from the floor.

 “No, leave it” She said sadly.

 “Are you sure, my Lady? It was ridiculously expensive.”

 “I am sure. It would only be a reminder of my pain.” Her voice held barely any emotion. It was raw, and scratchy.  It would take some time before she could even speak to him again.

 Three knocks on the door. It was time to go. As her guard took the bulk of her baggage, Screaming looked to the scrap of fabric she had pinned her hopes on. One last tear trailed down her cheeks as she closed the door of the room.





 “And you are absolutely positive that they have not left?”

 “Yes, Sir. I am. There is no back entrance out from the inn. And while I couldn’t fly up to look through the windows, the colt was drinking heavily the night before so it is unlikely they have left due to him likely being under the weather.” The hippogriff said confidently, spoiling that with him licking his beak in a nervous tick.

 It meant little to Shining. Drinking, at his age? Bah foal of a colt.

 “Excellent, thank you for the information, you may go. Equestria thanks you for your service.” Dropping a small pouch of bits into their hand, he turned away eyeballing the distance. “Corporal Strokes, going to need you to make sure the landing remains clear.”

 A brief salute and Broad Strokes was off like a rocket. Seconds later Shining Armor found himself on the platform after receiving the okay from the reliable Corporal. 

 Walking in he observed the quiet dining room of the ‘Dawning Spray’. It was vacant at this time in the afternoon, the locals and those staying not yet coming in to enjoy the hospitality of the inn.

 Behind the bar stoop an older griffon. His once golden feathers now heavy with gray and white. Approaching the counter Shining smiled pleasantly. “Excuse me, Sir. I am here to inquire if Orion Falls is staying here? Black unicorn, Orange brown mane. Possibly with a goat’s beard?” He never understood the fad of having a beard, it was so unprofessional.

 Looking up from a mug he was cleaning with a fresh rag, the old bird nodded. “Aye, that he was. Left early this morning, though I don’t know how. But they paid up so I have no problem wiff em ‘porten out all willy nilly. Sorry friend, ‘fraid ya just missed em.” The smile on the old bird’s face said he wasn’t sorry.

 Shining Armor, First Lieutenant of Her Majesty’s Royal Guard, had been had once again.

 A sudden shout of anger could be heard across the waves, startling a young hippogriff off his new Sailboard. It was a gift from the coolest unicorn he had ever met. Not that he had met many. 
> Homecoming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The library was a bit of a mess, but Daisy supposed that was what happens when you let a bunch of foals in without supervision. She considered hiring another matron, considering that the last few years found an excess of foals without homes. Some coming in as far as Stalliongrad, it may be a good idea to have more eyes.

 That thought brought her to a pause, book in hand not yet pushed into it’s spot on the shelf. No news. No word on where a certain unicorn colt could be. She had left inquiries with the royal guard, even sent letters to the Princess herself. Her nor the guard had ever gotten back to her. Daisy’s grip on the encyclopedia tightened briefly. Where was he? Was he okay? Was he getting enough to eat?

 Shaking her head she continued to clean up the mess the newest residents of the orphanage had made. The drawings always put a smile on her face. They were so happy and bright. Always oozing with the hope for their future. Then, a frown. Orion had never drawn anything other than the plans for that, pen she believed he called it. Remarkable idea. One sure to bring in lots of bits for him when he becomes older. But never has he ever drawn anything for the joy of it. For the need to express himself.

 He never seeks comfort from other ponies. Never desires companionship unless it's forced on him. It always made her pause that he was so unlike a pony. Even griffons sought out others, but he could stay in the library for hours, even days without ever coming out. That thought made her think of another pony.

 Twilight Sparkle. It was still stunning that the Princess’s own protege had shown up on her doorstep. Never in her imaginations would she ever thought of actually getting to meet her. But there she was one day many years ago, asking after a reclusive colt. She would spend hours with Orion just reading and comparing notes. Often getting into shouting matches with him only to grumble later about him being somehow right. It touched her that he had found a friend. 

 Miss Sparkle had become something of a common sight at the orphanage. So much so that Mr White had funneled more money into the aging establishment, improving life for the orphans, and providing needed repairs that always seemed to be put off till the next year. Maybe she should request a second matron after all, while he was in a giving mood.

 The Princess’s personal student hadn’t been by since Daisy had told her about his unannounced trip. She did hope he was having fun. Due to that, if she hesitated, the owner may not be so giving now that it had been a couple of months since Twilight’s last visit.

 Speaking of visits, at least once a week a guard captain by the name of Errant Strikes would visit to see if he had returned. He hadn’t, but they had formed a friendship nevertheless. Often her visit would be an hour or so, of which they would talk over the latest gossip with tea and some biscuits. Those visits would often make her miss the times spent with Sapphire. 

 The legal trouble had finally calmed down, the CFP having fun out of things to throw at her. That had been a battle that had lasted far too long.  Over the years they had sent so many missives, often with the name of Velvet Backwater placed boldly on the cover. There had been so many that Daisy would often burn them, never even bothering to read them. The last one had shown up just after Orion had taken off for Griffonia. That one burned too.

 Sapphire was actually enjoying a bit of fame from all this. The CFP had rubbed many in Equestria with their barbarous tactics, but considering they are a branch of the Church of Sol. Not much could be done to curb the organization's power and reach. Still, her friend had thrived, her own orphanage having gotten several large donations that had immediately gone into the health and improvement of her own little resident’s lives. So good news for everypony it seemed.

 Picking the last of the discarded papers, Daisy noticed something off. One of the floorboards was slightly raised up, the nails having gone missing. Not much of a hazard with the wood being weighed down as it was by a rather large bookcase. Before she could investigate further the sound of the front door being opened and cursing could be heard as something large and heavy thumped into the foyer floor.

 Her thoughts on the mysterious floorboard having been all but blown out from her mind she left the library and a smile had finally graced her lips.

 There, still struggling and cussing enough to fit in with the Manehattan Dock workers, was Orion. He was saying something particularly vile about the bag's mother. She shook her head. It was good to have him finally home. Now to catch his attention.

 In her quiet grace she called out his name.





 “Useless sack of shit! You wait till now to break on me you fucking jackass strap. I swear your mother was soiled lobster netting covered in six months of rotted fish shit. I swear when I empty your carcass out I will bu-”

 “Orion. I believe that is quite enough of that nonsense. Don’t you?” The quiet soft motherly tone held no bite in it, but it did cause him to grin. It had been months since he had heard that voice. Turning around he teleported the bag the rest of the way into the room. Considering his struggle he should have just levitated it from the beginning, but he was so used to being magically exhausted from the field, that he had gotten used to using his physical body for normal labor.

 He swept her off the floor hugging her. “Hey Mom!What did I miss?!”

 Her normally calm demeanor was tossed aside as she laughed. He had missed that sound. “Orion! Put me down this instant young stallion!” There was no anger, amusement plain in her tone. He set her down and she adjusted her skirts, smiling as she looked him down head to hoof. “Did you get bigger again? What were they feeding you up there?”
 He grinned, teeth flashing. “I had my veggies, but I had so much fish and pork. Holy shit Mrs Evergarden I haven’t eaten that much in forever.”

 She did flinch a little. Knowing his diet was one thing, but hearing how he indulged himself must have been something different. Still she never judged. Just politely looked away whenever he had something of the meat variety in the evenings.

 “Well I’m glad to see that you have been eating well. So tell me? What have you been up to.” Her horn glowed the soft forest green, the same color as her eyes as his bags were whisked away to his room to be unpacked later.





 “I still can’t get over the fact that our Screaming was, is, royalty.” She shook her head. “Still it's wonderful to hear she is doing so well. I will have to write to her sometime soon. Still, to meet yet another ruler, Orion, you are quickly becoming a notable character to the ruling class.”

 He barely covered a flinch from that, he had stayed away from the sensitive subjects, such as his assistance in jump starting the economy of a foreign nation. And the unfortunate departure he had with Screaming Rush. She didn’t even show up when he got on the train to head home. Having traveled separately with just her guards, She had chosen to stay with her Uncle on the march back to Griffonstone.

 That had hurt. But it was not unexpected. Gilda had told him she was still crying almost every night. The glares he had received from her private guards had not been dulled a wit even after it was explained to them why. If anything they seemed to want to drag him to somewhere quiet and seek their own retribution.

 It never came to that, but he was sorely lacking in company. Gilda however, had often come to him just to chat, knowing he was likely feeling in the dumps about everything. She kept a smile on his face. 

 At the train station he had spoken quietly with Bloodbeak. They both agreed that contact at the moment would be ill advised. So he wished the King well and hugged his wife. Boarding the train his heart fell. Screaming had not been there to see him leave. He understood.

 The train ride home was filled with excited talk of a massive shipment of preserved fish having arrived in several towns across the nation. Rumor was that their King had shelled out thousands of bits to make sure his people survived the winter. The fact that it was preserved fish had many griffons on the train speculating on how he had managed to do it.

 Orion had smiled and sat back to read.

 Coming home no ponies had recognized him. No guards were there to greet him with shackles. So he had marched home with two large satchels filled with trinkets. Many to be used to cover up the fact that he was not where he was said to be. 

 He wondered how long it would take before Celestia sent some guards to retrieve him. By now she should know.

 Still Mrs Evergarden gushed over every little item he had given her. Many just books about local customs, but he also had been given a few pieces of art. Most trinkets however came from Neighbon. From those he had gifted her several pieces of jewelry, rare shells in earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Even a hooflet as they were called, a small chain of silver with shells accompanying it.

 They talked into the night, him spinning way more lies than he wanted to. But lies he had memorized for the last four days. So much so that he almost believed them himself. 

 The next morning found him with tea and half eaten toast as a familiar figure came strutting into the dinning hall. 

 “Morning Captain! Here to retrieve my ass?” He grinned biting into the buttered toast.

 Errant Strikes could only shake her head. “Even in as much trouble as you are, you can still sit there and make jokes like an idiot.” She laughed. “Yes, I am here to escort you to the Princess. You are lucky. No shackles.”

 He laughed after washing the rest of his meal down with the last vestiges of his tea. “Yeah, to be honest I expected there to be someone at the station yesterday. Shackles in hand. More surprised to not have any nocturnal visits last night. What was up with that?”

 Pulling off her helmet, shaking her mane back and forth a little. “That is because we had no idea you had even returned. The report came this morning that you had arrived yesterday evening.”

 “Oh shit, someone is losing their job.” He felt bad. But they had dropped the ball not him.

 “Already lost the job. Poor Feather Touch, she was nearly tossed out with her things this morning.” Ouch. That did suck. “You done eating? Because it is time to go.”

 “Yeah let me grab some stuff I had brought back with me. I hope to mollify our dear Princess with gifts so she doesn’t hang me outside the castle walls by my cannons.” He scooped up the bag he had prepared in advance and sat behind him. “Oh this is for you.” He tossed her a small wooden box. Cracking it open she smiled at him.

 “Swords for earrings? Wait? This is in the shape of my rank. You had custom earrings of my rank made?” She smirked at him.
 “Well to be honest, those were cheap as hell and easy to do. I figured they could be worn in uniform and not be out of regs.” He shouldered the rather heavy bag. “Shall we go?”





 Her nails clacked rhythmically on the thrones armrest. It had been two hours since she had sent her captain out to bring him to her. She held the letter of failure that Shining Armor had sent her the week before. It had already taken near the entire summer before he was sighted. And where was he found? At the orphanage.

 Orion Falls had, seemingly, avoided the First lieutenant for nearly two months by pure chance and happenstance. She didn’t buy it. Somehow this colt had purposely led them all on a merry little chase across Griffonia. Each week that went by made her grind her teeth in frustration. 

 She should have reacted sooner, but she was still in shock that he just boldly left as he did. No word, no message. By the time she had calmed down to rationally think it had been three days. Then she chose to employ Shining Armor. Her reasoning at the time was twofold. First it would test his leadership skills. To see if he could coordinate his troops effectively in the field. Secondly, seeing as how this was Twilight’s brother, it would be good for Orion to build a comfortable rapport with the stallion. 

 If he got along with the brother, he would get along with the family. If he got along with the family that was a roadblock removed from her plans. 

 None of that had happened. Instead, it took nearly two weeks for Shining to arrive in Canterlot due to the Applelosian train line having broken down. A breakdown that was still under investigation, but the more information she received the more it looked like sabotage. There were suspicions being laid by the investigation team that it was the tribes.

 After that, his arrival in Griffonstone was met with a king that was distracted by the continued failings of his own economy. That started the chase. One which ended in Neighbon. Or at least it should have. The morning Shining Armor went to pick up Orion. It was discovered that he had left early in the morning by teleportation. By the time he got to the destination of the spell, the colt was long gone.

 Now, suddenly a week later and just before school was set to begin, here the wayward pony is once again. In her borders, in her city. And no pony knew it before this morning. 

 In truth she should have given up after the initial reports of sightings with no actual sign of him. But at that point it had become a matter of pride and refusal to allow one colt to destroy carefully laid plans. Plans that had been thoroughly destroyed. 

 Now she waited patiently for her Captain of the guard to bring Orion to the throne room. A private audience, but there were a few nobles in attendance. That was fine. As everything she wanted to say would only really have meaning between the two of them.

 “Your Highness.” The voice of her secretary had caught her attention. “He is here.”

 She smiled. Much of Celestia’s anger had been spent. At this point she just wanted to know why he had up and left without so much as a request to go and visit. She would have likely let him, with supervision of course. 

 “Send him in if you would Raven.” She was calm, she was in control. No longer would she allow her emotions to get the best of her. A failing that had been weighing heavy on her these past few months.

 “By your will.” The clack of hooves on marble echoed in the larger chamber as her secretary walked swiftly to the large double doors and disappeared. Seconds later both her and the international colt of mystery appeared. He was carrying a rather large bag, She was curious as to what was in it. But not as curious to derail her thoughts on the young pony.

 “Did he get bigger?” 

 Stopping at the end of the red carpet. He set down the bag and bowed as Raven continued on and stopped to stand by the dais. His bow was as shallow as it always was. But he looked in good health. His outfit had her left brow raised. 

 Instead of the usual Canterlonian garb, he wore baggy tan cotton pants, and a sand colored cotton shirt with various colors in the stitching. It was rather fetching. Was he wearing jewelry? Indeed he was. It was made of seashells and cord. But the necklace was well crafted. The beads in his mane were new as well. She shook her head. Time to get started.

 “Orion. Good morning to you.” She spoke calm and evenly.

 “Hey Princess, and a good morning to you. First let me say how grateful I am that you are not meeting me in that friggin’ stateroom again.” Looking around he grinned at the few nobles who had decided to attend the court this morning. “I see this is going to be a show. But before you crucify me can I unload-” he checked the bag at his feet, “about half this bag? It was really heavy and I don’t think the guards would appreciate lugging it about if you toss me into jail today.”

 That earned a few quiet chuckles from the nobles. That was a surprise.

 “You have brought me gifts?” She was a bit surprised at that. But it did explain the satchel.

 “Well, yeah.” He gave her a look that said ‘duh’. A word she only learned of thanks to him. He continued, “ya don’t go on vacation without bringing souvenirs back with you for those who couldn’t go. Considering your position in government, you’d be the least likely to get away. Thus I hath gifts for her ladyship.” That last bit had him muzzle in the air, and voice sounding like old Canterlot blood.

 She chuckled. Still the same. “Yes that is true, okay out with your gifts Orion.” She was eager to see what he had. Her frustrations abated at the moment.

 “Okay well first I got ya two different teas” He handed off to Raven four different bronze boxes, each with a unique scene of the ocean on them in carved reliefs. They were beautiful. Celestia took one into own magic, forgoing a magical scan for dangers, she did trust him after all. Inside were dried tea leaves that were ground up and a floral smell hit her nose pleasantly. She smiled.

 “This smells good. What is it?”

 He looked at the box she held in her hand and squinted. “There is a seventy-five percent chance that is Black Tea. Floral smell?” She nodded. “Then yep, that is Black Tea. Its main job is to wake you up and give you focus throughout the day, I bought you three of those because you would likely get the most use out of them.” Her smile increased. He had thought of a practical gift to get her. One she could make full use of. If it worked as he advertised she would have Raven order for more.

 “That is a very thoughtful and practical gift my little pony, thank you.” He grimaced, and she chuckled. He hated when she called him that.

 “You’re welcome, Princess. But we are not done yet. Oh the fourth box is Lavender tea, came from a place called Prance. Figured you could use that to relax.” He dug into the bag, while she blinked. Lavender tea was rather expensive, and Prance was known to charge a large amount for their exported teas.

 “ Excuse me. But did you say Prance? That is some rather expensive tea, even with your stipend that would be costly.”

 “Oh? Well I suspected the ‘merchants’ who sold me those teas were likely pirates. Or at least the fence of pirates. So the deal was good for all four boxes. Ah here we are.” He smiled as he pulled out a stone that seemed to be bonded to a wooden plaque. “This here is from Oberjoch. The mountain top of Iseler. Beautiful view, if I had the equipment I would have brought a picture, instead I got you a paper weight.”

 She snorted trying to not laugh too loudly. He had delivered that in his usual humor that came fast and caught her off guard. She had been distracted by the fact that he purchased from pirates. That pirates were operating within Griffonia’s borders. A worry for later.

 “I see thank you. I can use this to decorate my desk with.” It was a rather pretty stone, blue with speckles of gold and silver. It would look nice.

 “Well there is one more item. More of a set actually, although certain pieces can be worn separately. Though thinking about it now, you may want to wear the outfit itself privately, or maybe with a lover.” He waggled his eyebrows, a cheshire grin adorning his face. This caused several of the nobles to whisper amongst each other. Her burning blush would only make the obvious rumors now being created true. “Not that the ladies of Neighbon seemed to mind walking about it them all the time. I heard a rumor that they go topless once they are away from shore, not sure as to the truth of those.”

 This was a mistake. She should have met him in her private stateroom after all. It was clear to her that no matter the audience, he was going to be himself. She had thought he would be more behaved in front of the nobles at the very least. That was her mistake.

 The bundle with two small wooden boxes sitting on top were quickly ushered away by Raven. Though she appreciated the effort, the likelihood of the whispers she could faintly hear would persist for sometime. 

 Clearing her throat helped focus her thoughts, her old anger being propped up by his shenanigans. In public no less! She trained her eyes onto him, a frown creasing her features.

 “I will make this brief as I’m sure you already know why you are here. But I will ask anyways. Why did you leave Canterlot, leave Equestria itself, without asking for permission? You are a minor and a ward of the state. My state. Your actions could have put you in jeopardy.”

 He cocked an eyebrow. “That’s easy Princess. If I asked, and if I got permission, I would have likely had a babysitter. That would have seriously hurt any fun I could have had. Too much concern for my safety and all that crap. If I would have asked and been rejected, I would have had someone watching to make sure I didn’t leave. I would have been bored to tears. The way I see it, the only option was to literally slip away with no one knowing what the hell I was doing.”

 She blinked, he was swearing again. But more than that, he had known what she would have done had asked. This had been fully thought out. She was not going to let this slide.

 “And what would you have done if somepony had kidnapped you? Taken advantage of you? We might never have found you. What would have happened then?” She was getting angry, not out of hate but out of concern. He was one of her own after all.

 “Well the likelihood of them dying by being burned alive would have reached a much higher percentage had they tried.” He raised his hand simply and ignited a flame that burned four feet into the air, the color of his magic being prominent. “I am sure you know of ‘Coram Deprehendere’.” He was right, she did know that spell. Detect Presence.  Or Life. It was a spell designed to track living bodies around them. It ranged anywhere from fifteen to one hundred feet around the one casting the spell. Did he really come up with an efficient way of casting it without exhausting himself?

 Looking to the magic he was now projecting, she could see two spells. The simple fire pillar spell, and the detect life spell. There was something odd, the spell had been altered, heavily. Taking a closer look she gasped. It was a purely passive spell. Designed on the same frame as the usually more mana draining spell, instead however, it relied on the ambient magic that leaked off anypony around them. Feeding on that magic to power the spell itself, while also keeping track of those around him. “Incredible.”
 
 She wanted to demand how he had thought up the spell, but chose to bite her tongue. No need to have the nobles asking questions of him best left alone. Still, once again he had come up with a unique solution to a problem that often stumped more experienced unicorns. She tested the spell herself, almost immediately she detected several life sources. He grinned at her again.

 “I see.” Was all she could say. In truth, she would have felt terrible for anypony who had attempted to take him. The likelihood that the average thug, or even pirate, could have harmed him was slim. But he was still just a foal. A colt which was more to the point. The struggle to keep the population alive depended on him and those like him. She would have to reign him in. 

 Before she could speak to that subject he spoke up on his own.

 “Besides. Apparently Screaming is royalty. You likely knew that already. So I had guards. Boring as hell guards. That still managed to restrict a lot of what I wanted to do.” He pouted.

 It was true. She did know about Grace Screaming Rush’s noble status. Had known for years. She had been content to keep that a secret but Bloodbeak had somehow found out about the little griffon inside her capital city. It was no matter. Truly she didn’t know why she had kept quiet on the knowledge that she was there.

 “Be that as it may have been, it might have not been. Orion. From now on, till your eighteenth birthday, you may not leave the city unless requested of me personally. Your name has been issued to both gates, and the guard has also been notified of your status.” She nodded with satisfaction, but she wasn’t yet done. “Furthermore, should you be lucky enough to get my permission. A guard will be assigned to make sure you don’t pull another disappearing act. I don’t need to worry about you again. I have lost sleep over this entire event. Though I am glad to hear that you did have guards while you were away.” She smiled to herself. A job well done and a colt in hand.

 Said colt during her verdict had crossed his arms and continued to pout petulantly. “Well fine, see if I ever get you a gift again. No more tea for you if you’re gonna be crabby about it.”

 The room had gone quiet, not that what he had said actually bothered her. She knew he was just venting a little. No the nobles were all staring in anger at him. Jet Set stepped forward and pushing his newly acquired glasses up on his muzzle a bit, she idly wondered if he believed anyone would take the brash young noble pony seriously. He didn’t need them.

 “Young stallion, I have sat idly by long enough while you insulted our Princess. The gall to speak to her as if you are equal to her! You will apologize or you will face the consequences!” He stared down his nose at Orion.

 At that moment she remembered that like a few of the younger noble ponies in Canterlot, he was a Dedicated to the Church of Sol. The church had been making ground with the rich elites of the country. The nobles being one such group of elites. She didn’t like it, what had seemed an innocent fad had become something of a movement. She had no idea how the religion even got started, but they state their charter began some six hundred years ago. She wondered how he would respond to the threat,

 He blinked at Jet for a couple of seconds. “Ooookay.” He paused, then smiled. There was something sinister in that seemingly innocent display. “What rank in the royal guard do you hold?”

 It was the noble pony’s turn to blink. “None. I don’t dirty my hands with the work of grunts.” That got some subtle movements of the guards. Celestia watched on passively. Curious as to what the colt was thinking.

 “So you hold no rank… I assume you do have some control on how the guard is distributed then. How they deploy and what orders they operate on, yes?” The smile had not changed, but the eyes held, something.

 “No, I don’t bother myself with their logistics either.” Jet Set was beginning to get annoyed with him now. “What does it matter, apologize, Now.”

 “So you hold absolutely no authority in the guard.” Orion spread his hands apart. “Then how in all that is good and beautiful, do you plan to make me? There is no law that states one cannot speak to the Princess in a comfortable manner. What consequences do you believe you can levy against me?”

 The stallion’s mouth worked, but no words came forth. Indeed many of the nobles but a few that had smiles of their own, were staring in shock.

 “Let me help you before you hurt what few brain cells you were born with. You cannot do anything to me in the legal sense. If you attempt to, the lady sitting on that throne may come down on you in an unpleasant way. I myself will take every last bit you own through the legal system. In case you were wondering, there is legal precedent. Lucky Petal vs Snowy Night. In that case The noble mare Night attempted to use her station to force one Lucky Petal from her stall for her own needs. The resulting lawsuit crippled Mrs Night and her husband. The family has been in decline since.” He paused, and the malicious grin he gave seemed to drop the temperature in the throne room by a couple of degrees. “This happened eighty years ago. So more than enough time for this to have weight in court. So, wanna play that game? I could use the cash after all.”

 Oh that clever colt, he had planned for this. He had counted on this eventuality. Even better, she had given him a platform to inform a good portion of the nobles about the odds of success in tangling with him. She could not contain the small smile that graced her lips. He was a young stallion after her own heart after all. She could not help admiring the way he had boxed him into the trap.

 Jet Set continued to gape at him, trying and failing to find the words to defend his position. 

 She decided to cut this short. “While I do wish that Orion would speak to me with a less cavalier approach, I do appreciate his honesty, and even his humor. While I do not let him get away too much, he does have the leeway to speak his mind. Even if he is only throwing a tantrum.” She grinned at the last. 

 “Well, I believe that will be all. Mr Falls, please forward any requests to me through my secretary, and please be in touch. I do wish to hear all about your trip to Griffonia.” He just made a distasteful face as he marched out of the room, bag in hand.





 Orion fairly stomped his way through the halls of the palace. It was nearly the absolute worst thing that could have happened. He was practically on house arrest. This sucked.

 He was alone, he had been called to the castle so many times he nearly knew every nook and cranny in the public floors, and some in the private floors as well. He was so angry that he failed to hear or notice and purple unicorn shouting his name as she raced up to him. He did notice when she bowled him over in a fierce hug.

 “Twilight get the fuck off me!” He was mad, and he didn’t want to take it out on her but she was making that difficult. It was like she had four arms instead of two. Every time he thought he had squirmed free she had somehow grabbed on tighter.

 “No! Why did you leave?!” He idly wondered if she had been working out this summer.

 “I left to go on vacation, plus an old friend really wanted to see me so I killed two birds with one stone. Why does it matter? I left a note saying what I was doing.” He had given up, attempting to cool his own rising anger. She was only concerned, he didn’t need to take it out on her.

 “Because I wanted to hang out with you this summer!” He blinked. Seriously?

 “Well you didn’t make an appointment. Didn’t file with my secretary. Nothing. How the hell was I supposed to know?”

 “Wait, what secretary?” The moment she was caught off guard he simply teleported out of her grip. He stood back defensively. She frowned and picked herself up off the floor. “Oh another distraction.” She pouted. He wanted to laugh because her cheeks puffed out like some weird horse anime character. It was adorable.

 “Yep. One day you will learn. Till then, here.” He thrust the satchel in her hands. “Gifts from another country.” She really was cute when her eyes lit up like that. He watched as she tore into the bag pulling out a couple of boxes of teas, a fancy quill set, seashell jewelry, and books on history from the various places he had ‘visited’.

 “Orion….thank you so much. You didn’t have to do this!” As expected she clutched the books to her chest while levitating the rest behind her.

 “Yeah, I didn’t have to, but I wanted to.” Digging into a side pouch he pulled out an incense dish. “This has lilac and several other smells I barely understand. Supposed to be good for focus in studies from what I was told. Might just put you to sleep. I’d advise experimenting with it.”

 The dish was bronze, much like the boxes he had given to Celestia and her. The relief was of waves battering against a primitive lighthouse. It was rather calming to look at.

 “Thank you. I...I didn’t get you anything this summer…”She hung her head in shame. 

 “Well yeah, you didn’t go on vacation did you?” Her head shook back and forth. “Then you weren’t obligated to buy me shit. When you do go somewhere think of me. I’m sure you will find something.”

 She smiled, then her expression brightened. “Oh my little brother is here in the castle today! Would you like to meet him?”

 No, no he would not like to meet him. He wanted to go back and pass out, he was still exhausted from all the work he had done in Avery. But he would be a bad friend if he said no. 

 “Bad friend? Where the hell did that thought come from?” He darkly chuckled. He didn’t want to get attached to anyone. But somehow, he had made friends with the people of this world. He supposed it was only natural considering he was trapped on an alien planet with no way of returning. And considering where he came from, he wasn’t too sure he wanted to go back.

 “Sure. Lead me to this little bro you got.”

 She squealed with joy, grabbed his arm and bolted down the hall dragging him and the items he had gotten for her.





 “Your little brother is a dragon.” He stared down on the small green and purple lizard that barely came up to his hips. The ‘dragon’ was not what he was expecting when someone tossed about the descriptive name. Instead, he looked like a cousin of the bearded dragon, the kind human’s kept as pets. 

 Well, that was inaccurate. He actually looked more like a Barney, the purple fucking dinosaur. But in his case he wasn’t dominated by a potbelly and a dopey looking face. He had a twin pair of spike trails going from the top of his head to his tail. The fins on the side of his head looked to direct sound to his ears better. Both spikes and fins were green as was his underbelly, or he assumed so. Considering while shoeless, he was wearing a rather adorable sailor outfit in the shade of blue. Honestly the outfit did not fit the little dude.

 “Uh huh! I hatched him during my entrance exam. He has been with me ever since.” That was a pet, this poor kid was a fucking pet. She just dressed it up as her little brother.

 “You gave him the name Spike I assume?” Another nod. “Not very imaginative at that age were you.” She pouted again. He grinned.

 As they were bantering back and forth, the little dragon’s face was growing darker and darker.”

 “Hey! Don’t talk about me like I’m a piece of furniture!” Orion blinked. He could talk. That was a surprise, though considering this world it shouldn’t surprise him at all. Taking in the kid’s expression and stance, he realized the mistake he had made. 

 He was treating him as less. He had hated it when others had done it to him when he was a child, this little guy’s perspective was likely the same as his was back then.

 “Hey, I’m sorry kiddo. I hated it when others did it to me, I should know better. My name is Orion. It’s nice to meet you my dude.” He held out his fist. Spike stared at it a minute, looked at his clawed hand and balled it into a little fist and punched his with it. 

 “I’m Spike! It’s cool to meet you too!” Thus began the most intense questioning he had ever experienced. The kid’s mouth had no off button, and he desperately was looking for the manual override. It took nearly an hour and half for the kid to run out of steam.

 They bounced from topic to topic, Twilight chiming in when Orion was drawing a blank. The thing that struck him the hardest was how smart this dragon was. The questions poured over details about comics and books alike. Considering his own-, sister, it should have not been a surprise.

 



 Getting home after sunset was not in the plans. After the question and answer hour, Twilight and Spike had dragged him across the city visiting various shops, mostly catering to books. It was cute if he was honest, they both shared an intense love of books. Of knowledge. The kid was smart as hell.

 Walking into the foyer of the orphanage he quietly closed the door, hung up his satchel, and trudged his way up the two flights of stairs and almost decided to drag his ass into his room. He had been too tired to even bother with a teleport. He chalked up his exhaustion to the jet lag, and not quite near warp speeds of which the not-so-siblings moved once they got into the city. His legs hurt. 

 Crawling into bed he prepared for the inevitable nightmares that had plagued him for over half a year. 





 Fog swirled and danced with denser fog. The silhouette of broken trees and what looked to be tower tops greeted Orion’s eyes. Looking about only caused his head to spin. Looking up he realized he had changed location. The sight was somewhat similar but under his hooves was stone instead of the field he had woken up in. Something was wrong, there was no magic signature. Yet, it almost seemed that the entire area was saturated in a magic field. It was both there and not.

 He pinched himself, and to his sudden realization it didn’t hurt. That was concerning.

 “Where the fuck am I?”

 “Thou art a most curious colt.” He heard it in his ears and his head. “Long hath it been since one drifteth so close to my realm.” He spun around and the surge caused him to stumble, stone was still under his hooves but now he was inside. Where he had no fucking clue and the female voice he kept hearing had a bit of a demonic bite to it.

 “Okay I must be dreaming, who are you?” He slowly turned about, no longer wanting to change locations or make himself sick with the blurs in his vision. The fog was everywhere. It seemed to deaden even his hoof steps.

 “Verily you art a clever one. A dream truly this be, but we would like to know what stallion dreams in terror so retched. Thou hath attracted our attention, we wish to know thee.” There, he heard steps coming from his left carefully turning he was greeted by something that chilled him to his bones.

 In front of him was a spot that was darker then the fog and shadows around him. Two cat like teal eyes greeted him. The position of those eyes had, the whatever the hell it was, at a much taller stature then his own.
 Those eyes chilled him to his very soul.

 “My grandma, what big eyes you have.” He wanted to hit himself. The first thing he says is an insult, what was it genetic?!

 The eyes narrowed. “Thou mocketh us? Doth thou not knoweth who we are?”

 Well, in for a penny in for a pound. “Yeah, I don’t know of anyone who speaks like they have a mouth full of cock, and talks like they are a teenager trying their hardest to be edgy. That fad died out in the nineties.

 Oh, he felt that. He was sent across the room to sprawl at the base of a pillar. Gasping for breath he stayed down, hoping to stay hidden in the fog from his would be murderer.

 “THOU DARES TO INSULT US!?” The boom of that fucking voice hurt as much as whatever hit him. “YOU SHALT GROVEL AT OUR HOOVES! WE SHALT MAKE THEE CRAWL ON THINE STOMACH WITH THE WORMS!”

 What he should have done was apologize. Instead. “Jesus Christ lady do you have a fucking volume control?! It’s not my fault you sound like a cock goblin high on acid!”

 Silence pervaded the fog, the room, his own head. It was like everything that could make a noise was silenced. Then a low sound. That could not be laughter. It was. What kind of LSD was he spiked with.

 “Colt, though certainly hath stones. To speaketh that way to us.”

 “Yeah some would say I have a problem with shutting up in stressful situations. You go on and on about this ‘we’ crap, but I am assuming there is only one of you. Who the hell are you? Wait, I’m sorry, I meant, ‘Who art thou?’ Better?”

 “Thou mocketh us, but verily thou are correct in thy query.” The voice seemed to gain in weight if that was somehow possible. “ We be Nightmare Moon, and thou art the first in an age to find thyself in our realm, the realm of dreams. Come, thou shalt answer our questions to satisfaction.”

 Nightmare Moon, he remembered that name, only because that was all Twilight would talk about that afternoon. She had found an old book, she said it was filled with prophecies and nonsense. Was this dream an influence of what he had talked about with her from earlier?

 No. Something screamed at him that he was in major trouble. He needed to wake up. Now.

 He sensed more than saw something reach for him and dove out of the way to another pillar. A dark chuckle permeated the air. “Now now, tis useless to resist. Giveth not a waste of our time, for we do not hath full control of this space. Time tis short for us.” The world trembled. “NO! Tis too soon for thou to awaken!”

 Even as the voice spoke already it sounded like it was fading, but it felt like something had hooked into his stomach and was pulling him away. Away and awake. Violently.





 Sitting bolt upright, he barely contained his scream of fear. He was awash with sweat foam, his head hurt like it had been bounced off the ground, and there was pain in his midsection. Like he had been suckerpunched in the gut. 

 His magic ignited, crushing the alarm clock that had pulled him out of his night terror.

 “What, in the fuck, was that?”





 He had later discovered that his midsection had a large bruise swelling underneath his fur. No amount of healing spells seemed to affect it a wit. It took nearly a week for him to sit properly. 

 Since that night he had not dreamt of any Nightmare Moon or that place again. But he had wasted no time in researching and then creating a small neck worn device that protected his mind. A risk he knew but whatever the hell that was hurt him. Physically from a dream realm of all things.

 Turns out good ol’ Bearded Star knew something of the dream realm. A real place in which dream walkers could invade another’s mind. That terrified him. The fact that dreamwalkers were even more rare then enchanters meant very little. There was a dreamwalker named Nightmare Moon attempting to hack into his thoughts.

 ‘Dreams and The Protections One Will Need.’ A book he had picked up merely because of the author, had much to say on the subject. Later Orion reflected that Bearded Star had his hands in nearly every branch of magic theorem and study. It was odd to hear, and read of anyone having that many interests and having the time and expertise to indulge.

 What he had learned was that there was once a Princess Luna a thousand years distant. Not much was known of her other than the fact that she was one of the very few accomplished dream walkers that had existed throughout history. No one knew what had happened to her. One day she was there, and the next not. Though he suspected there was a hidden war there somewhere. It may have cost her her own life.

 The other known dreamwalker of the time, was Nightmare Moon. A creature of great evil that Celestia herself banished to the moon. Supposedly for all eternity. But judging by the fact that he had appeared in his dream, that was not to be the case. That bothered him deeply, just how had the two made a connection over what should be over two-hundred thousand miles. He could not figure it out. And Bearded Star had no answers to that he could find. 

 No matter, Orion had found the spell to protect one’s own dreams. Anything else would require him to find a more knowledgeable source of dream magic. 

 He ended up making three necklaces. Each with the same enchantment. He was taking no chances. There was no actual name for the spell. So he dubbed it ‘Dreamcatcher’. He was getting tired of the latin names anyway. Maybe he would rename other spells he had altered for his uses.

 That night laying in bed he had fretted whether or not they would work. He had to take a sleeping aid in order to fully shut his mind down.

 It had worked. Or so he hoped. But what he did know is that he did not have any dreams at all. The spell's purpose was to force the sleeper into a deep sleep every single time. Thus no dreams, nor even his nightmares plagued him. He slept like a baby. 

Tomorrow was the start of the new school year. He was looking forward to what he might learn now that he didn’t have to acquire his knowledge through means of theft.





 The blue and green marble of the world spun lazily before her. As it always had done. At this distance she could see no real details. She knew nothing of the events of the past, almost thousand years now. It was boring. Life was boring for her. 

 The spell's curse kept her from needing food, water, or real rest while she waited out the centuries. But it was not as if madness would take root in her mind, she was not ‘alone’. Every now and then, if she didn’t seek the other out, she would feel a surge of resistance, as if somepony was attempting to wrestle control from her. Impossible at this point. But it was mild amusement when the attempts were made, as they broke up the monotony of her life.

 Though something new had happened just a few hours, no, it was days now. She had made a connection with something, somepony. 

 What she experienced was a cascade of emotions, fear, self loathing, anger, and resentment. The resentment was so strong that she suspected that might have been one pulled her to them. To him. There was more, but the images she saw made no sense, creatures without fur. What looked to be a courtroom. These things did not exist on Equis. Or she had been gone longer than she believed. Though she did entertain the idea, that her and her sister had not quite explored the entire world.

 The thought of that word. Sister. It still infuriated her. But not so bad that she would lash out and make even more craters in the lunar surface. No, instead she daydreamed about ways to torture the mare. 

 She shook her head, she might be more addle brained then she believed. She thought about the colt again. There had been no contact since that night. Something that hadn’t bothered her, not really. She could always feel dreamers in the realm, if not ever able to interact. No. The one she sought now, was gone. He had to dream sometime but it had been a week since his dreams never returned. She wondered what had gone wrong.

 “What doth thou think little, Woona?” She mocked the presence that was always in her mind. “Diddest the colt find a path away from us?” Only whimpers of pain and fear greeted her. She smiled, it was just as well. Nightmare Moon was content with her own thoughts as she designed painful apparatuses to inflict on the one who once controlled her body. The screams in her head allowed for a small smile to grace her lips.





 The school year started as any other before it. A short greeting by the teachers and then right into the lesson plan. The students had changed, many being from outside Canterlot and coming in with the new year. Few, like Fancy Breeze and Orion had remained in their studies. Though he suspected the filly had an ulterior motive. Another colt had joined the class just before school let out for the last year.

 Fancy Pants was a rather pleasant person to be around. The normal air of snobbery that usually wafted around a noble didn’t seem to infect him. Though little interaction had ever happened to occur between him and Fancy, he could appreciate the pleasant attitude and humble nature that he displayed. He was quickly becoming the center of attention in the class, his charm and class easily pushing Orion to the back of the attention line. 

 Which was fan-fucking-tastic for him. It meant no more leering looks from the mares. Which meant the bully’s attentions were not pulled to him, though many thought it likely suicide to engage him in anything more than a passing glare. It was all dandy to him.

 About a month in came something that he never expected. Physical Evaluation.





 “So, this is normal? How come we didn’t have it done last year? Or the year before that?” Fancy shook his head at him. “Screw you too, guy.” Out loud he spoke again. “Why suddenly start this up now? It's not like we don’t have doctors for this kind of thing.”

 “This is for the schools own records my good stallion.” The posh uppercrust voice, while not obnoxious the way he spoke, still made him want to poke him in the throat. “Doctors do not share with the school details of a students health. I will be honest I do agree with you. A simple request of forms would be all that is required and we can get back to our studies. But both establishments tend to be at odds for one reason or another. Thus we are forced to make due with the inconveniences that it brings.”

 He sighed again, having to strip down into his boxers was not something he was happy about, his clothes were in a locker in the gym. What made this worse was that the Principal, Violet Quill had not exempted herself from the colt’s examination. She stood at the curtained off places at the head of the line and helped guide the male students to each makeshift examination room. 

 He didn’t like her despite the reset in their relationship. Anytime she had looked at him since starting high school, she seemed to be judging him. Her look, while never malicious, always made his skin crawl. It was no different now.

 With the lower male student population, it meant that the examinations were going to be quick. Though not quick enough in Orion’s opinion.

 “Yeah, well this is still garbage and I should have the option to elect myself out.” He was complaining, but he knew there was no way he was going to get out of it.

 “Orion Falls? You are next.” Miss Quill’s voice spoke out, catching his attention and making him drag hooves as he went to the indicated examination booth. He gave her the side eye seeing her look at him appraisingly. That was disturbing, he quickly shuffled his ass into the booth.

 “I am Ed Horse.” It took everything in him not to bust out laughing, he might have broken something. “I will be doing your physical examination. While I am a Physician Assistant, I am not too far away from getting my Doctorate. You’re in good hands I promise.”

 “So you will soon be a Dr Horse huh?” Try as he could he couldn’t hide the mirth in his voice. “Can I call you Mr Ed in the meantime?” A snicker of laughter escaped before he could stop it.

 The stallion gave him an odd look. His carmel colored muzzle scrunched up in confusion. “I don’t see why not.,” he said slowly. Shrugging he pulled out a chart and a stethoscope. “Now, Mr Falls is it? I would like you to steady your breath and breathe deeply on my say so.”

 That was a tall order to fill considering he was still trying not to laugh, after five minutes they got on with the examination, which was pretty routine up until he was asked to remove his boxers. His weird horse dick and balls being seen was not what bothered him, it was Horse’s expression when he looked at Orion’s hips. 

 “Excuse me? But where is your cutie mark?”

 “The fuck is a cutie mark?”





 He could not see what the big deal was.

 After the examination, a disturbed not-doctor Ed Horse immediately spoke to an actual Doctor. Which then prompted him to be pulled back into the examination booth for another look-see. 

 It went quickly downhill from there. 

 Now he sat in the Principal’s Office, with Celestia on one side, Captain Strikes on the other and the principal herself sitting behind her desk.

 “Okay, I still don’t see what the big deal is? Why does it matter that I don’t have a fucking butt tattoo on my ass?”

 Celestia, who had not spoken to him since she arrived, turned slowly to him with an unsure look on her face. “Orion, a cutie mark is a very important part of a pony’s life, without one they don’t understand their purpose, what they are meant to do. It affects not only their standing in society, but their job opportunities as well.” She paused and thought for a second. “Imagine if you will, you attempt to get a job with a blacksmith, but with no mark indicating what you might be good at, not only would it be difficult to place you but you may be looked over if another were to apply for the same job and have theirs.”

 “Ooookay? I guess that would be a problem. But it’s not like there is a job posting for ‘Professional Traveler’. I am not planning on staying in the city after I graduate. Hell I am likely to bounce around from country to country to see what is out there.”

 “But would it not be better to have a secure future?” Miss Quill chimed in. The look of panic was not because he had no mark he suspected.

 “The future is not secure. A building could collapse on me, I could get hit by a carriage. Any number of weird and improbable things might happen that ends my life. I am more concerned with living that life, than having a mark that defines me. If anything I am more free than any of you.”

 The collection of bizarre looks had him laughing. “My future is one I decide for myself. Not some random ass tattoo that would restrict what I can and can’t do in life. Griffons don’t have them. Minotaurs either. They seem to thrive just fine without them. The only thing I have to worry about is a certain someone screeching in the gymnasium about my lack of a mark.” He cocked an eyebrow at his principal.

 She had the grace to blush and look ashamed.

 “So this does not bother you in the slightest that others will judge you as less.” Celestia took over again. The look of concern was actually touching, he hadn’t seen it on her face lately, it was nice to know she had a heart somewhere buried under all that politician.

 “No. Princess, I have already been judged as less since it's been known I am an orphan. What is one more issue that I could give a rats ass about?”
> Hearths Warming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The high pitch ringing caused him to smack his rather large skull on the shelf above the bench that he had been working on, a particularly delicate piece of jewelry that nearly fell off from the sudden jostle, was barely caught in his giant hand. He had been getting more and more orders for the garish wear that was ordered to be produced. Rumor had it that many nobles believed the skill to enchant was a subscious thing, only capable of being leaked out through work not intention. Thus the items he had been hired to manufacture varied in size, style and purpose.

 It was annoying. But while he could afford to just reject such requests, he saw them as practice for when he got older and could no longer swing a hammer. In that time, delicate intricate work would still see him working in the forge, his second home for years to come. By then his daughter will have taken over the main work. 

 He was proud of his little calf, who wasn’t so little anymore as her height was just shy of his own now. Duula Stouthorn was growing into a fine smith. At the moment she was more prone to the weapons and armor than anything else. It was expected, young calves at that age are always trying to show their metal in being about to forge fearsome equipment.

 A second and third ring prompted him to set down the fanciful cage and look for that blasted crystal. He found it buried under discarded pieces that didn’t make the cut of the master craftbull.

 “Hello, is this blasted thing working? I swear if this is another one of your ‘butt dials’ Orion, I will be very unhappy!” He had suffered more of those then what should have been. Waking both he and his daughter in the early hours of the morning, on more than one occasion.

 “No, it's not one of my freakin’ butt dials you old goat. Tell me? Did you get a couple of shipments in? One from Neighbon, the other unlisted?” Forager blinked. He had indeed gotten two shipments. One of which confused him because he had no idea Diamond Dogs even knew where his forge was? The other, was filled with Adamantine. A useful material but could only take so much abuse before it breaks. It is why he and others never committed to more than design work that was not critical components to the various creations that they produced.

 Until he had opened up the first crate he had no idea why it had arrived, buried under the ingots, was a note from the colt himself. Explaining why the rare material was even there. The second shipment, while he was sure it was for Orion, had a weird note in it as well. Not written in the young stallions hand at all.

 ‘Not look. Pony eyes only.’

 That note too was found at the bottom of the crate. Defeating the purpose of said note. He got the purpose of the message however, and hid both crates in the floor of his shop at night.

 “Aye, I do. Got them somewhere safe. Not that the guards are following me about anymore. I’m sure you could swing by and pick ‘em up if you wanted to and nopony would be the wiser.” He hated that he had gotten used to the way the ponies spoke, it's one of the reasons why he liked the young pony so much. His flat refusal to debase himself with the exclusionary way of speech that was so common for his kind.

 “Nah too risky….” The crystal went silent once again. 

 “Well then lad, not sure what good these materials are gonna be if you can’t use ‘em.” He sat back down on the stool in front of the bench much to it’s protest of his weight and knuckling his back, not for the first time he thought about getting the roof increased in height.

 “No...tell me, is your shop still set up the exact same way as before?” That was an odd question.

 “Aye, that it is. What are ya thinkin’?”

 “Make sure the space is clear. Place the walkie talkie on the ground in the center away from everything. I’ll give you five minutes.”

 Forager blinked and stared at his own walkie talkie. He was unsure of what the young stallion planned, but ultimately he just shrugged his shoulders, and did what he was told. Then waited. And waited. He was beginning to think whatever Orion had planned was not going to work when suddenly a blinding flash and the colt in question dropped to the floor holding his head.

 “Ah fuckin’ Christ that hurts!” He leaned over and pressed his head into the stone floor of the shop.

 “By the forgefires of the first ones, lad how did ye do that!?” Some of his old tongue peaked through in his astonishment. 

 “Oh God that hurts, I-I followed the magical connection between the two devices.” A sharp intake of breath as he went on. “It was a simple matter of tracing the path, but what I should have done was widen the connection. It feels like I was squeezed through a goddamn garden hose!” He groaned in pain rocking on his knees. “Just gimme a minute to sort myself o-ut, oh God.”

 It took more than a minute. After nearly half an hour Orion had finally stopped groaning, though he still held his head, grimacing in time with the blood pumping in his veins, he stood. In that time Forager had really taken a look at the colt.

 He had gotten much taller than the last time they stood in the same room. He damn near came up to his chin. Other than Celestia herself, Orion was quickly becoming the second tallest pony he knew. The scars were a new thing, though not unknown to him, for some time back he had been plastered all over the Canterlot papers. His adventure in Ponyville was still a topic of speculation in the bars some nights.

 His shoulders seemed to have finally found muscle not from some gym, but from labor. Good honest labor. Which meant the rest of his frame was sharing that muscle under all those baggy foreign clothes.

 The beads in his mane were new, made of bronze, but he could tell there was something more inside them, not understanding what they were for mattered little to the old bull. He was just happy to see he had not slackened off in his own craft.

 He had to snort derisively to the weak attempt at a beard slowly growing from his chin to the cheeks. He was not old enough to be wearing a beard. It was an ugly thing.

 “Okay, okay okay okay. I think it's over. Holy shit did that hurt.” He looked up at the smith. “It's good to see your ugly ass mug after so long. How ya been, bud?”

 Forager could only snort in laughter. “Ugly? Me? Lad have you seen the travesty that is that fuzz on your chin? It’s a crime against nature it is.” Chuckling softly. “Aye I do be doing well. Though I wish I was getting less orders from ponce nobles that changed their minds every other day. Because of you, they all think I don’t consciously enchant, that it be a subconscious thing.”

 Both colt and bull got a chuckle over that.

 “Sorry man, I didn’t mean to actually cause you so much trouble” He hopped up on the workbench, sitting down in front of his old teacher. “So what's been happening here while I have been away?”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Over the course of the next hour, they engaged in a back and forth. For Forager, much of his time, not trying to smuggle materials to Orion, was spent doing the same thing he always did. The various nobles coming to grill him under the guise of actually being interested in his work becoming less and less over the last few months. The pick up in orders from them instead attempting to prove his ability in otherways had become a mainstay. Not that he was complaining, the money made was going into the savings for a new forge, one possibly away from Canterlot entirely.

 For the young pony, life had been interesting to say the least. The various stories of his misadventures were something he wished he could put to history with quill and scroll. However, the topic of Griffonia brought him up real short.

 “You did what, lad?”

 “I said I revolutionized the farming and forging capabilities of the birds up north.” The dark look from the Forager got a questioning one from his. “What?”

 “Orion, the griffons have no love for Equestria, you giving them a leg up means they could start a new war, and they certainly won’t make the same mistake as last time. Ponies will die when that happens.”

 “Oh, OOOHHHH. You think Bloodbeak is as war hungry as his predecessors.” It was the bull’s turn to have a confused look on his face as the colt laughed. “No, dude. That guy is WAY more concerned with feeding his people then he is starting a war that will, no doubt, turn out against him. He is actually not that dumb. Practical actually. Last I heard he was using the steel they were making to shore up crumbling foundations temporarily so that real work crews could begin next year putting in the actual patch work. Plus I think that wife of his, runs the country more than he does. She is one smart cookie.”

 That prompted a new round of questions. Questions that had Forager wanting to hug the colt something fierce. Then beat the living tartarus out of him. The helping of not only the griffon people, but of Diamond Dogs was incredible. To forge a symbiotic relationship between the two races was an incredible feat of negotiation and patience. There had been bad blood between the species for so long that nopony really knew how it had even started.

 “Listen we can talk till the dawn shines, I don’t have school tomorrow and I am itching to do some work with an old teacher.” He grinned. “What say you? Care to see how I have improved?”

 The grin he gave back was all the indication the other needed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “Well, that’s not gonna work.” Orion was more than a little upset. 

 After clearing the bench, they had gotten started with the actual forging of two new arm bands. They looked beautiful considering the blend of gold and black material that he fused together in an amazing pattern like the seas, as if they swirled with one another. On the side that contacted fur and skin was the new lines with ruins carved into them. It was all an amazingly beautiful piece of work. Which is now useless after running magic through it to test the connections.

 Suspended in the air, with his own magic being channeled through them, the problem was readily apparent. The adamantine was glowing, not like with one the crystals, but as if someone had held a candle behind a smokey green glass.

 “Aye lad, that isn’t going to work. Not at all. It’s beautiful, but while it might not be seen in the day, at night. Oh at night it be a beacon that something be up.” Forager had a speculative look on his face, stroking his own beard. Well this put a damper on his plans, that was for sure.

 He still went and created near copies of his current enchanted set up, but then he and the old bull decided to pack them away, stowing them under the stone floor, for they day he had to leave Canterlot.

 He did however take time to improve his old equipment. Replacing the amethyst gems for blue diamond ones instead. Not only would it allow for a better connection, but the blue diamonds had flecks of gold embedded into them at his request for the dogs. It was crazy how useful their skill at working with precious gems was.

 The gold flecks, including the new foraged equipment, was incredible to say the least. It meant that while not as strong as the adamantine equipment set up, the new equipment he would wear was a moderate increase over the old. They had smelted all the old equipment down, and Forager had kept the material to be forged into something new at a later date.

 In payment for storage and help, Orion offered choice gems from the Iron Dog shipment. What he neglected to tell the old bull was that King Bloodbeak had begun a tax of sorts on anything coming out of the mines of Avery. The King was not satisfied with just a thank you. He was determined for him to have some type of reward. Thus a hidden account had been created in the treasury of Griffonia, one that only he and his wife were aware of. So instead of the promise of cash, he just paid the smith in something more substantial.

 With a man hug and a promise to visit in the future, he headed home to bed, to sleep in and be a layabout for the rest of the weekend, while he thought about alternatives to his glowing armband issue. He did want to kick himself after a while thinking, he never tested them on himself. Oh well.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Late summer made it’s slow ponderous way into fall, early fall was a lot more wet this year than the last. The weather ponies, or as he like to affectionately call them storm horses, called for rain nearly all month. Something about low water levels in the lakes for this time of year.

 For Orion, it meant he spent a lot of time indoors. Which was just as well for him, though he did miss classes that were sometimes hosted outside for a change of scenery.

 One of his new teachers, Mrs Ivy Dream, came in with a huge grin on her face. To him she was kind of adorable. With the rare freckles that one does not often find on anyone, Her green fur always seemed a bit messy, though it was likely from forgetfulness then anything like laziness. As always she had her lighter green striped mane with an aquamarine base bound up in a ponytail. Her light purple eyes practically blazed with excitement.

 “Class I have a very exciting announcement for you. For the first time in ten years, we have a culture exchange program for early January!” That got a lot of them talking excitedly, on the same level as their teacher. Orion thought it best to curtail some of that enthusiasm. In his experience cultural exchange meant either someone was visiting from another nation, or they would be watching many dull ass videos that one was expected to remember at the end of the week. He raised his hand.

 “Yo teach, who's coming here to put up with all the rich snobs?” He gave a grin as he got a few glares. Fancy just chuckled as sat beside him. Finding that the guy shared the same mindset as he on the nobles and their children was a surprise, he was slowly realizing  that he had a real friend in the colt. 

 “Now now Mr Falls. That is no way to speak about your classmates.” She didn’t harp on it, she apparently listened to the memos about him. He was positive they had a dossier on him hidden somewhere listing all his annoying little habits. So other than rebuking him mildly, she often ignored what he said when it was not involved in classes themselves. She went on.

 “We, along with one other class, are going to be traveling to Prance the first week of January! We will still be studying, but  in their auditorium. We will be able to visit the various museums, plays, and historical landmarks in the nation. It is a rare opportunity.”

 He had tuned her out. It didn’t matter, Celestia was not about to allow him to go across an entire ocean just to visit some fru fru ponies. Not to mention he absolutely did not want to go. Not yet at least.

 As far as he had read, the nation of Prance started out as a colony of upper noble unicorns that had wanted to get away from Equestria after the Princess had united the tribes under one banner. She was apparently all too eager for them to leave, as many were dangerous to her tentative control over the stumbling steps of the new nation. Getting rid of them would make her happy, and them happy that they never had to deal with common mud ponies.

 They established the first colony, La Hoofevre, in the southern tip of a massive peninsula, south and across the waters of the ever reclusive nation of Minos. That colony nearly fell apart its first tentative years. 

 Thousands of workers and nobles alike died in the first one hundred years after it had been established. Mostly due to cooperation issues. After that they slowly built up, making new cities and towns. One city that had been planted on a particularly good crop of land eventually became, what amounted to Orion as a very weird parallel, Paris. 

 Since then the nation has enjoyed an extremely wealthy shipping industry, many of its port cities catering to shipping between Equestria and the other nations. At exorbitant prices. They had their own industries, and crafts. But the shipping business was still a national powerhouse for the nation as a whole.

 As the excitement died down he could not help getting a jab in again. “So instead of suffering from our version of snobbery, we have to suffer theirs?” Fancy nearly smacked his head into the desk trying to stifle, and failing, his laughter.

 He got a stern talking to by Mrs Dream after class.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “I’m surprised you're not going Twilight.” 

 The young mare had somehow managed to coerce Orion out to tea in a new cafe he had not bothered to memorize, the tea was freakin’ awful. He blamed Celestia for his taste in teas, bland with no uplifting flavour whatsoever. They should be ashamed.

 “No, I have too much to study up on.” She shook her head sadly. “Besides, I don’t do very well on those kinds of trips. I almost always get air sick. Last time I went anywhere the turbulence kept me in my cabin and holding onto a wastebasket most of the trip.”

 Turbulence? What turbulence?

 “Wait, I thought all the airships got mothballed? How would everyone be flying there?” His quizzical look got her to giggle.

 “There are only a few airships. To hear the way the Princess tells it, they are clunky and ungainly in the air. Still faster than to go by ocean sail. The school is fortunate to have one of its own. In the past it was enchanters that powered up the engines and anti-gravity drives. Thus incredibly powerful ships could move quickly from one side of the nation to another in times of crisis. Now, the ships have balloons and sails attached to them. They are often too expensive to use because of the cost of the repairs and upkeep to maintain the vessels.”

 Orion could only stare at her. Not about the fact that they had any airships at all. “Anti-gravity drives?” He decided not to ask. He likely couldn’t handle the explanation, and him trying to rationalize the fact that the tech was possible made his brain hurt. He would be looking into that subject later on.

 “So why does the school have an airship if it's so costly to operate?” Safer question.

 “Oh that's because Princess Celestia personally donated her old model to the school. She has a team of retired royal guards to operate the vessel, as they have the most experience. Often when ponies retire out of service to the crown, they seek similar work they have done before. In the case of the airship sailors, they take up a career with the school to manage the ship they own.” Wow, he was learning so much today.

 “So those idiots plan to fly across the ocean, to visit F-Prance in a leaky old air tub? Yeah that makes me soo glad I’m not going.” He sat back, pushing the absolutely awful tea away from him. He had tried to drink it, really he had. But it made him sick.

 “Wait? Why are you not going? This is a class trip you are obligated to go.” She was understandably confused, he supposed Celestia had not told her student about his house arrest. It's not like it's an easy thing to bring up in casual conversation.

 “Oh I’m on house arrest, well more like city arrest for the stunt I pulled over the summer. You know, leaving to Griffonia for almost three months?” He chuckled, an unintended boon if he did think so himself. And he did. “Besides, I’d rather not have to put up with a whole new level of snobbery, thank you. It's bad enough that the ones here have their noses so high in the air that it ends up buried in their own backsides.”

 That earned him more than a few offended looks from those sitting around him. He just chuckled and went back to nibbling on the biscuit. It was slowly removing the taste of that tea from his mouth.

 “You have been restricted to the city?” She stared back in shock.

 “Well yeah, come on Twilight do you honestly think I was going to get away with that? Even I knew some type of punishment was coming. As far as those go...this one is rather effective. It means I have to ask for permission if I wanted to visit Ponyville for the holidays coming up. That sucks. Not to mention if I should get that permission, I have to go with an escort. To make sure I don’t do anything stupid like run away.”

 She was quiet for a while after that. When she spoke up her voice was muted, almost as if she was feeling sad about something. “What’s in Ponyville?”

 Orion put his biscuit down and looked at her. She was idly stirring her tea, looking at the table and not him. Was she jealous of something? It couldn’t be. He decided to be as tactful, and half honest.

 “There’s an apple farm down there. I am good friends with the family. They cook bomb ass meals and I get to eat actual meat when  I head on down there. Last year, I didn’t really get to enjoy it. Other things came up as you know. So I am hoping to get a chance to head back down there, ‘sides, Big Mac said the cider should be ready by this time and I wanted to try that drink out.” 

 It had been a surprise last month when Granny Smith had sent him a message asking if he could come back down for the holidays. It was nice, and would have loved to have looked forward to it. But if he went down there now, with a guard no less and anyone mentioned that spot on the hill. Some uncomfortable questions would be asked, and he wasn’t sure if he could answer them satisfactorily.

 So he sent a letter back apologizing and saying that he was trapped in Canterlot for the foreseeable future. He was honest with the old mare, and he was rewarded with a strongly worded reply on how he should not be breaking the law as he seemed to always do. He just laughed and shipped the souvenirs he collected back with a final response of ‘yeah yeah yeah’. 

 He got a message back not two days later, from Rarity thanking him profusely for the book on clothing styles from Neighbon, and the near ton of various silk cloth he had shipped down. Applejack hadn’t sent a message back. That bothered him.

 Pulling himself back to the present he spoke again. “So it’s gonna be a lonely holiday season for me this year. That's okay, I got shit to study up on myself. And I have been doing a lot of running around this year. I could use the downtime.”

 Twilight seemed to fidget with herself a moment, and then nodded. Must be arguing in her own head. “Or, you could, you know, maybe...um have...or no…” She was really struggling with the words, but he had a suspicion. 

 She stopped, took a deep breath. “Youcouldspendtheholidayswithmyfamily!” And then she clammed up. Breathing hard. He had to appreciate the effort. It took a lot for the girl to go out of the way for social interaction. Even with him sometimes. To ask this took more courage then he believed she realized. Sucks for people who suffer social anxiety.

 The more he thought about the more it didn’t seem like a terrible idea. Spike was cool, and she spoke about an actual older pony brother. It also wouldn’t be the first time her parents had asked about him. Maybe putting a face to whatever crazy stories she had attached to him, and toning those stories down with actual truth would be fun. Besides. No one was going to be at the orphanage, and the new kids seemed to treat him with either disdain for not having yet been adopted. Or as a god-like figure who went on adventures and saved the mare.

 “You know what Twig Spriggles, I think I’d like that.” The smile he got back was nearly blinding.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Celestia stood at the window of her study. It faced out to the poorer sections of her city. She had had the window placed there as a reminder that the little ponies whose lives were not steeped in wealth and opportunity. A reminder that she still had work to do to elevate even the poorest of her citizens to comfortable lives. Though she did sometimes have the foreign thought that it was impossible and that she should force them all out and build a park or something. That always bothered her and she chastised herself more than once about thinking it.

 Today however, she was not plagued by thoughts of the needy in her nation. But again, by one colt. One colt who seemed to defy all logic. 

 Orion had come up in her head after she got a recent request from her school on availability of the ship, she had long since donated to them, being taken out of storage and sent on a trip to Prance. A wonderful idea in her opinion. Her students needed more exposure to different cultures and this was truly a unique opportunity. Mostly due to the fact that the nation itself was largely independent, and successful at it despite the early rough start, a feat few nations had the ability to accomplish outside of her influence.

 But this also brought up a wrinkle. The colt had been restricted from leaving the city, by her own order and word. That meant in order for him to go, she would have to send somepony to watch him, to make sure he stayed out of trouble. This also made her ask herself, did she want him to leave so soon? It was a school approved trip, and with the aging airship, the trip would be short going both ways. A month gone and then back, two days travel time for one way wasn’t that big of a deal. 

 Twilight had already opted out, and for once the filly was putting her hoof down. She had gotten behind in some of her studies, and to be fair she had been getting some rather large assignments from her mentor lately. In Celestia’s opinion, she wasted too much time on Starswirl’s old book of prophecies. But that meant that once again, Orion and her would miss out on bonding time. But she could see no reasonable way to force the issue without being too obvious about it.

 As she mulled over in her mind on how best to proceed, she thought of what happened not too long ago. His physical examination had brought light to a problem she did not realize was even there. He had no Cutie Mark. 

 Cutie marks arrived shortly before puberty really set in. Sometimes they came early, sometimes a little late. But it always came before their thirteenth birthday. The fact that his had not come yet, and he was nearing his sixteenth bothered her. He had no purpose in life. Nothing that truly was him. It made her sad. On a logical level he was right. Not having a cutie mark meant he was not yet bound to a certain future. But she knew from a societal standpoint, that if he didn’t develop one by the time he graduated, his future looked grim.

 She did not want that for him, she had become a bit of a fan of Orions’. Through his failures and triumphs, he had shown himself to be a young stallion of remarkable talent and humbleness. Not to mention his potential political career was not to be overlooked. She still chuckled over how he boxed Jet Set into that trap. It happened so quickly, but seemed to take forever. 

 Still, no cutie mark meant no future. Even if he became an inventor it would be hard for him to find somepony to go in on manufacturing partnerships. There would be no way for the other to validate his skill and knowledge despite the schooling. She sighed, at this point she could only hope. She couldn’t force a mark on him.

 A knock at the door broke her away from her sad thoughts. Turning around she quickly sat down in her chair, adjusted herself and bid the knocker to enter.

 Not a surprise was her student entered. What was a surprise was the smile on her face. It wasn’t the normal smile where she was happy to see her teacher. No this was a smile because something good just happened. It was rare on her Twilight’s face, normally she carried a frown as she studied some tome or scroll she had found in the library. To see a smile on Twilight’s face lifted her own sour mood.

 “Good afternoon Twilight. What has you in such a good mood?”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 She could not be more proud of her student. She had solved a problem that Celestia was having difficulties in solving herself. Orion was going to be spending the holidays with her and her family. This was an excellent turn of events.

 This also freed up her worries about allowing him to go on the school trip. And just like that, she knew just who to send with him.

 He had a long way to go, but worrying about what can only come naturally would do her no good. But that didn’t mean she could not try and create conditions to improve the odds of a pair between two wayward foals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Orion was doing rather well in his new studies. The three electives he had applied for last year were going excellently. Advanced Alchemic Theories 103 was amazing in his opinion. Instead of using the typically normal regents that were the normal mainstay in any lab, he had access to magically infused material. The effects of some potions were altered in different ways from what the original intended ingredients had. He was also apparently the first ever to make magnesium. The magically infused material had to be dispatched with a void spell because nothing was able to snuff out the flames. He had nearly destroyed the lab.

 Rather than being upset Professor Rock Metal, whose name was totally metal to him, was excited. Asking a dozen questions about how he did what he did and what regents were used. What followed was a three day break down for both teacher and class as he explained the concept behind the burning material and its effects. It was weird to be a teacher for that short amount of time but he enjoyed it nevertheless. Maybe when all was said and done he would get into teaching. It wasn’t like he was going to live forever after all. 

 To him, the class on Modern Applications of Magic Fields and Their Effects was the most useful he had had by far. He had knowledge, learned from the borrowed books he had relieved forgetful students of. But learning what it meant to those around him allowed him to branch out his own ideas. There was only so much you can learn from a book after all, and although he did develop his own detection spell, a truly ingenious design if he said so himself. He had completely bypassed the mana drain issue after all.

 He had learned that could set up a subtle field that would be very difficult to detect unless someone was actually looking for it. With the spell up and running, he was calling it a detection grid, he could not only see the details of someone standing in the field, but also create a sort of magical recording. Thinking back he now realized how Celestia had known what went on that night in Ponyville. She, or those she employed, had set up a kind of after detection system to see what happened by reading the magical fluxes in the air. Kinda like looking at a time stamp on Youtube live. His set up was made to be done in advance, like a security system. One he immediately set up in his room, the basement, and even the library. 

 He had used black crystals to both record and be hard to see. He could finally have his own closed circuit television. He looked forward to seeing if anything changed in the building, and how Mrs Evergarden went about her day. He regretted that later and had to carefully view and delete hours of footage, despite having had children, her husband still came by for some rather vigorous visits. He felt like a child having caught his parents having sex and not knowing what to do about it. After that incident he had decided to add a second layer of spells to the system, one that passively identified okay targets and shut down recording till their departure. 

 Then he smacked himself and went back to alter and add a third layer spell, one that programmed the shut off only to happen when certain conditions were met. He didn’t want to run the risk of someone, who was okayed for visits, that was accompanied by a person not okay, and not knowing what might have happened. In truth he felt like a creep but his paranoia after that nightmare had made him cautious. Though now he wanted to beat the noble that funded the orphanage with a shovel.

 It seemed Mrs Evergarden had to beg for everything so her wards could have the appropriate food, clothing, and a proper roof over their heads. Currently she was trying to get him to okay funding for another matron to help her with the kids. Which made sense, if there was a second employee watching the kids they could take turns and have some actual time off. If Orion was being truthful, he thought there should be at least four of them.

 Mr White was being rather resistant to the idea, but seemed to be giving it some serious thought when she spoke about how many orphans had been appearing since adults had been going missing on the roads near the Everfree. He resolved to look into that later.

 Another bonus was he was able to watch his own sleep patterns. It was a little weird to see his own body sleeping away, but he learned that he had not gotten rid of the nightmares, but removed his memory of ever having them. It seemed he had some work to do on ‘Dreamcatcher’, but it was good to find out then and not later.

 The last class was the biggest disappointment. For the fillies, they actually got training on various spells to use to subdue an attacker, the colts, they got to learn how to delay and run away. Even after he had subdued the instructor three times. He got an D on his assignment because he didn’t do what a ‘proper colt should have done in that situation’. One visit of tea and cookies later, and Orion was leaving the school in the last hour to study combat with someone who actually wanted to give you a fighting chance. Straight A’s from there bitches.

 That was not the first time he experienced sexism.  As he was growing older, the antics that normally made him quirky and weird, was now being viewed as improper and he had a million and one mares AND stallions telling him so. In which he would tell them to stuff it, and have afternoon detention for it. 

 The biggest aggressor had to be his Principal herself. Often detention was spent alone with her. Her just staring away as he worked on his homework, every now and then he would catch her slouched in her seat, and had heavily lidded eyes. But she never looked away from him. Talk about creep-y.

 Other than the general courses that still covered history, math, and economics, not much was going on for him. Even the visits with Celestia seemed to decrease the closer time got to the holidays. It was nice, but he was missing the good tea. 

 Speaking of holidays, he finally got to celebrate Halloween. And promptly was arrested and held in jail for eight hours. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”

 That had to have been the sixth teenager that had dropped their candy and bolted down the street in panic. The night was going great.

 He had set up shop in an alleyway between the school and the orphanage. It was not a super high traffic area at night, which meant students and kids walked through as a shortcut to get to the richer sections of town. It was the perfect ambush spot.

 His costume of the evening was the grim reaper, he was affectionately calling the outfit ‘Death Horse’ and he was having a blast. Instead of the normal human head he was familiar with, he swapped it for a unicorn skull design. He made sure to have lots of ‘bones’ exposed as well as creepy patterns of red flashing throughout the outfit like something evil and ethereal was churning inside. To be able to recreate his outfit from when he was a kid back on earth was amazing. Making it ten times more terrifying was incredible.

 Back then he had to use a fog machine to set the ambience. Here all he had to do was create a spell that churned fog out like a factory. The spell had the added effect of alerting him to who was coming into the fog field, he had opted to leave the leather band on his wrist at home because it was getting in the way of the bone gloves, and would increase the amount of fog that would be created to make it harder to see. That was his mistake. Leaving behind that leather bracelet. He would have seen the attack coming.

 What he hadn’t realized was that apparently the students and foals were going to the guard. To report of an actual monster lurking in the alleyways. That last screaming teenager was what tipped the local forces off to his location. And that night, he learned why Celestia had so much trust in Errant Strikes. The mare was a monster in combat, though he would have likely won had she not had a team of four others with her. At one point during the battle he had the surreal feeling of being the final boss monster in a video game, and had to laugh. The laugh was augmented by the creepy voice spell he had concotted. So while he heard himself, everyone else heard Satan incarnate. That only seemed to piss her off even more. Things got confusing after that and he doesn't remember much of that part.

 In the end, three of the five members of that strike team were down, and so was he. Somewhere in the battle they had gone from trying to catch him to straight up trying to kill him. He had managed to break their weapons, which was really only a matter of luck he believed. And they ended up beating him into submission.

 Only heavy breathing could be heard as he laid up against the brickwall to a mason shop, groans from three of her soldiers could be heard.

 “Any-” breathing raggedly she took another gulp of air “pony got something sharp I can stab this bucking monster with?!” Errant was slowly approaching him, grim determination on her face.

 “No, no the thing broke them all. The Princess will want this creature examined. Ma’am, it is subdued, we likely can’t get away with killing it now. It may be a-a new type of lich.” Was that? No it couldn’t be...but it was Pale Water, she had completely changed since the last time he saw her. The fight would have likely gone his way had she not been here. The two had worked amazingly well to bring him down. The mare herself looked like she hit the gym more than Big Mac.

 Then he thought about it. Why in the fuck had he fought. Initially he thought it was a bunch of street toughs, once he realized it was the royal guard, he could have just called for a stop, ripped the head off and gotten the confusion out of the way. Instead he fought back all the harder. The only thing he could chalk it up to, and this was later in which he figured it out, was the sheer panic of having police of a sort apprehending him again. The last time had him ending up becoming a guinea pig, and being brought here.

 “I don’t think that will be necessary, Cap.” The voice they all heard was likely still satanic as all hell, but the dawning realization on Errant’s face was a mixture of shock, and anger. “Can….someone help me get this helmet off, I think one of you asses broke my left arm.” It hurt like hell and he was trying to be manly about it.

 No one said anything as Pale Water slowly pulled the mask off his head.

 “Hey guys, I can explain everything.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 For the second time he found himself in chains with a null ring strapped to his horn. He might need to get a punch card if this was going to be a regular thing, maybe he could get a free sundae out of the whole deal.
 
Celestia herself sat aghast as the charges were being laid out against him. Scaring a bunch of kids was one thing, but property damage and assaulting royal guards was another. He sat there, unsure of how to feel, he felt it unfair that he was being attacked for scaring on a holiday meant for fright. At the same time he was ashamed that he had gotten into the altercation to begin with. All he had to do was take the helmet off, or at least speak up.

 Done with the charges, Errant Strikes spun around and glared at him. He had lost a friend in her it seems. Stupid.

 “What I wish to know is why did you fight back Orion?” Celestia had schooled her face behind the mask of hers again. But the look in her eyes was massive disappointment. Shit, now he felt worse somehow. She should weaponize that look, would be less fighting.

 “I...shit I have no idea, at first I thought they were a bunch of thugs. It was only about halfway through the fight that I realized they were guards. By then I was worried what they would do when they caught me.” He rubbed the back of his head, or as best he tried with the chains that bound him. There was a knot there that he had received from the Captain after his helmet came off. “Then the sharp and pointies came out, and I might have gone beyond panic by that point. Thus I fought all the harder.”

 This got a chaste look from Errant, and a considering one from the Princess.

 “I just wanted to enjoy Nightmare Night. I didn’t think scaring the pants off of a bunch of people was going to result in a conflict like that. I am actually sorry.” And he was damnit, though he was a little proud of the fact that he had made something they all considered horrifying. From the reports that had been read outloud earlier, his costume was seen as some sort of evil Lich. 

 “So if I am to understand this correctly, in the spirit of Nightmare Night, you decided to scare little ponies with an absolutely terrifying outfit,” she looked at the costume that was laid out in front of the dais and shuddered, “and engage in combat with my guard, all because you wanted to scare ponies.” She shook her head. “Two weeks with the nullstone ring, eighty hours community service, and you WILL apologize to each and every pony you scared tonight. I can’t believe you. This was utterly absurd. Do you have anything else to say?”

 Oh she was pissed. “Okay Orion, let's play this cool and be chaste about it all.”

 Instead what he said was: “Hey do you think if i keep coming back here I get a hole punch card with a ‘ten visits and you get a Get out of Jail for free’ card. No one laughed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The worst was not the horn ring, again. Though he did expect someone from the 405th to be up his way by the end of his sentence, it was almost a ritual at this point. It wasn’t even the community service.

 No, it was the apologies he had to make. The kids he happened to scare, well, many of them were the rich asshole elitist dickwads he would normally tell to piss off. With the ring firmly in place many of the kids, of which more than a few went to school with him, thought they could make him grovel as some sort of retribution. What made it worse were the parents who encouraged it and demanded the guards assist their child in making him. That thought process was short circuited when he proceeded to punch the kid in the mouth, and then the father for good measure. 

 There was never any mention of it in the guards report. Though it was likely Celestia had heard about it in any case. After that mild little assault, the rest lined up and fearfully accepted his apologies. The sooner it was over the better.

 The moment his horn was free he had to play major catch up with the rest of the class, before he knew it, classes were on holiday till after the new year and he was still behind. Shit. My how time flies when one is having fun.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 He was nervous. It was like meeting Applejack’s ginormous family members all over again.

 Twilight had arrived at the orphanage early that morning. The plan, that they both agreed to, was to get shopping early so he had something to gift her family. He had already had done Spike, a bowl of ruby red gems. Who knew dragons liked to eat stone like that. He had a very long argument with the sister on whether it would be okay for him to give the little guy some well cooked meat.

 She argued that he was a vegetarian, he pointed out that was only because she never fed him anything else. This got the retort that he had never complained, which earned the snide remark from him that she never gave him the option. Needless to say, the little dragon was getting cured meats in a basket. Miss Stick-up her ass thought it was a waste of bits, that her little brother would never eat them. He grinned at her, and asked if she wanted to make a bet on that. Sadly she declined. Pity.

 Her father was easy, though a surprise. Like his eldest son, Night Light was a guard as well, retired, but a guard. He was also heavily into military history literature. A few queries were made to Twilight, and he had gotten the older stallion ‘Hooves and Saddles’. It was an interesting read from the widower of General Lily Custard. The story seemed vaguely familiar to something he read back on earth. The strange parallels between words only seemed to grow with time.

 Her mother, one Twilight Velvet, was a famous novelist. That made it more difficult as it's hard to figure out writers. He bit the bullet and ended up buying a rather expensive typewriter and ink set. He hoped it would go over well, he had no idea what writers actually needed.

 The older brother, well, he was nervous about. He knew him, at least of him. This was Shining Armour, the poor bastard that had gone chasing after him across most of Griffonia, only to return home empty handed. He had been told by Twilight that he had been punished severely for his failures. A book was gotten for him as well. ‘Conserving Magic in the Field’. That one was more toward easing the burden on shield craft. She had told him his shields were incredible, but very taxing. So he figured the stallion could use a lesson or two in how to manage his own magic use. He hoped it didn’t get him killed.

 So there he was, all gifts from both her and him securely in his hands, though she insisted on carrying them. And he was sweating bullets. One very pissed off dude was in there, and knew he was coming.

 Before he could work up his courage Twilight knocked quickly on the door. In three seconds a very tall and smiling Shining Armor had pulled open the door. The stallion only had a couple of inches on Orion, but it seemed like he had strained for every inch as he smile glared at him. 

 “So that's how it's going to be, eh?”

 He resolved not to get into any altercations with the guy. Truthfully he knew why he was pissed. Just, how long would it be before he got the business he didn’t know, and was not eager for that. It was not going to be that nice.

 “Twilight! It's so good to see you!” The big brother swept her into his arms and spun her around, every single rotation got a glare from him. “I see you have brought a friend.” He was smiling, but he definitely was not smiling.

 “Yep this Orion Falls, he’s a friend from school and since he is an orphan and has nowhere to go this year I thought he could join us for the holidays!” She was completely oblivious to hostility.

 “Oh! Interesting, I believe I have heard of you somewhere before.” He was being overly dramatic. That is enough of that.

 “Twilight this past summer your brother was sent chasing my ass across Griffonia. I never even knew he was doing so, but he seems hell bent on being an ass.” Turning to the now gaping Shining Armor, “listen you little turd nugget, this is the holidays. A time in which no one is supposed to be a dick to another. So how about you pull on your big boy pants, and act like the adult you are supposed to be.” He shouldered past the stallion, leaving both ponies with a strangled look.

 As he set the packages down on a nearby entry table, it was a rather beautiful piece with the swirl of patterns that he couldn’t make sense of, fierce whispering and arguing cropped up behind him. He didn’t want to stir up trouble right from the moment he stepped into the door, but Orion was most certainly not going to put up with this beta male passive aggressive attack. The fact that his little story was only half of the truth. But they didn’t need to know that.

 “You will apologize Shining. He didn’t know, and you’re being rude!” She was really tearing into him. So odd to see, well hear her in such a dominant position. He could see a hidden dominatrix under all that bookworm.

 By the time the two were done arguing with each other, he had stripped off the thick overcoat made of leather and hung up his scarf. Turning around he came face to face with a blushing, and chastised Shining Armor.

 “I’m sorry, that was...unworthy of me. I suppose I ended up villainizing you after chasing your ghost all through Griffonia. I didn’t realize my chase was over till I got the message about you being in Canterlot. I have been a rude host, again, I am sorry.”

 As far as apologies go, that was a pretty good one. He could tell that there was still some veiled anger in the stallion, but that was to be expected. He couldn’t really blame him. If it had been him he would have likely marched off and punched someone, or the person who he was assigned to retrieve.

 “Apology accepted Captain Armor.” None of his usual snark was in evidence. He didn’t want to stir up even more trouble and ruin the night further.

 As Twilight disrobed and Orion picked up the packages, a hand fell on his shoulder. It was the big brother again.

 “Whats up?”

 Shining was not looking at him, but at his coat. The very same coat he had ‘bought’ in Arber. The sick look on the stallion’s face could not be ignored. “You kept that?” He almost sounded like he was going to vomit.

 “Um yeah, why waste a purchase. It’s warm on the inside with all the fur lining. And the leather makes a great water repellant. An excellent purchase, and as long as I take care of it, the leather will last for years and years. One of the best coats I have.”

 Twilight was no longer oblivious to the true nature of his coat. Her own face had paled upon hearing and really taking a look at it. In truth he would have worn something else, but after careful consideration, he needed to show that he was most certainly in those places that he claimed he was. If there was ever a doubt, everything would be called into question.

 “Orion, why do you keep such a coat, it's a tragedy that some animal had to die. Why carry it’s corpse on your shoulders?” That question irritated him. Made him angry actually.

 His grandfather had always told him that a true hunter uses as much of the animal as he possibly can. That no matter the reason for that animal's death, one should honor that kill by making it mean something. In this case his survival. Now that didn’t mean he approved of fur farms or the like, in fact his grandfather would often rage at the idea of animals of any kind being kept in cages for the purpose of only their fur. He wanted to freerange everything, and have a reduction in the human population to lessen the impact they would have. 

 Later on in life Orion understood the purpose of farms better, and while he liked what his grandfather preached, ultimately he could not side with the man on account that without the industry, many would starve and not be able to survive. Not everyone has survival instincts.

 Hearing Twilight ask a question like that had anger flash across his eyes. Time for a lesson in accepting others.

 “Ookay, let me answer your question with one of my own, Twilight. You understand that griffons have to have meat in their diet, right?” A nod and he spoke quickly. “Good, that wasn’t the question. The question is, would you have that same griffon, after hunting and killing his meal, waste the fur that might keep his chicks warm the coming winter? Would you rather that animals' death mean nothing else but food and rot? Would it not be better to allow for everything that can be used, to be used so it's not a waste?”

 Both siblings were quiet for a moment. 

 “He’s right Twily, as much as it makes me uncomfortable, many creatures out there do not eat as we do. To use all of an animal is actually rather kind. Considering I have heard of poachers in forests sawing off the tails and horns of animals.”

 Twilight didn’t seem to want to argue, she too had a pensive look on her face as she mulled over his words.

 “Well I couldn’t have said it better myself!” The masculine voice boomed out from behind them startling all but Orion himself. “Thank you detect movement, I love you.” 

 Turning around he was met with a lanky stallion, only an inch or two taller then himself, in a blue sweater vest and green pants of an indeterminate texture. The golden hue in his eyes twinkled merrily. “You must be the ever elusive Orion Falls!” The sudden hug was expected, parents and hugging anyone and anything had become a staple for him. 

 Releasing him, they both took in the other. Blue was all Orion, could think of as he noted the strands of grey in the old guy’s mane. Blue in fur and darker blue for the mane. The stallion seemed to bubble with joy and enthusiasm. That could have just been the holidays though.

 “When you described him to me I didn’t quite believe you, my wittle Sparkle. But you weren’t kidding, he is a big colt for his age, Shiny I think this one is gonna be taller than you!” Both of them exploded with protests over the affectionate nicknames their father belted out. He was so keeping ‘wittle Sparkle’. And judging by the look on her face as she looked to him, she knew it.

 After that, the night just kept getting better and better. At least for him. Twilight’s mother was an absolute delight for him. She spoke of the most embarrassing stories for all three youngest family members, Spike was there too of course, be he didn’t seem to last as long after stuffing himself full of gems, and the meat he had been gifted. That earned a grin from Orion and a pouty frown from Twilight.

 Twilight Velvet noticed apparently. Adjusting the thick cotton blue dress she wore, she looked at her daughter. “What's with the frown my dear, tonight has been a good night!” She was likely meaning him, but he refrained from making a comment. Thus began the conversation from earlier this morning. Turns out, dear ma and pa Sparkle had been feeding the young dragon meat whenever Twilight was at school or with the Princess.

 Even Shining new of the hidden arrangement.

 That started an argument over what was appropriate for the slumbering kid. It ended with Twilight conceding to her parents that it was important that Spike get his full dietary needs. 

 Seeing the little tike tuckered out, she took him upstairs to put him to bed. Orion was roped into helping do the dishes with her mother, the inevitable had come.

 “It is so nice to see Twilight finally bring a colt home.” Oh Jesus, she wastes no time. “For a while I was worried she would bring home a book named Roy, and say they were getting married.” She giggled to herself, her purple and white striped mane shaking with mirth. “Can you imagine her trying to have sex with a book?” 

 Orion’s eyes had steadily gotten wider and wider, cleaning dishes was on autopilot as he wished he was anywhere but there. She didn’t stop.

 “Though one time I did catch her in a rather salacious act with one of her larger books…” The Mad World began playing the back of his skull. What in the hell is wrong with this lady. “Why I remember when I was young and still working for the palace library, that's where I met Night Light. I remember him in uniform, oh did he look stunning, we would often get together behind the bookshelves in E section because it was just secluded enough for a little romp and play.”

 And she went on, and on. What was wrong with this mare. It didn’t help when the husband decided to chim in.

 “Oh I remember taking you behind the barracks on that stormy day. Talk about intense, I was worried about getting caught, but I was also worried about getting struck with lightning.” He laughed. It was then that Orion spotted Shining Armor, eyes very wide, sneaking out the kitchen door. “Don’t abandon me you prick!”

 Thankfully a knock at the door stopped the onslaught of lewd unwanted images parading through his head. Twilight Velvet smiled, dried the gray fur of her hands with a towel. “I wonder who that could be at this hour?” She proceeded to practically dance out the room to the foyer. Orion was left wondering who the hell these people actually were.

 “Don’t let her get to you my young stallion, my wife, believes in a healthy relationship. That a healthy relationship needs….healthy adventures.” 

 “Oh you better not ask if I swing for older mares you cuck fuck.” He was interrupted from those dangerous thoughts. It was unfair to call, even in his own head, the older stallion as a cuck. The dude was just trying to be funny and fun.

 “Honey, we have a guest.” Came from the foyer. It did not carry her usual playful voice, it was stiff and formal. That alarmed both Orion and Night. He quickly dried his hands and followed the older male out of the kitchen

 There stood Celestia, in a thick white dress with a just as white overcoat perched gracefully on her shoulders. Behind her were four guards dressed warm and in plate armor and thick fabrics in the royal colors of her station.

 “I am sorry to intrude. But it has been so long since I last visited with you. I thought it would be nice to see you all. Oh and Orion too.”
> Rules Need Not Apply
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Snow fell onto the balcony of her office. Another year spent alone. Like every year she felt the loss of her sister keenly on a day like today. It was Hearth's Warming Eve, and she was once again in her office, unable to even focus on the work in front of her, what little there was. She had visited the room of letters hidden away in her bedroom, hoping that the few letters she now had would make her feel better. It did not, the few letters she now possessed, though one was Twilight’s and that did make her smile fondly, had done nothing to alleviate the isolation in her own heart.

 Not even the cake that she had pushed away sometime ago had helped any. She was lonely, and it was becoming something she was not able to handle on her own no longer. She stood, and walked to the mirror in her study, to see if anypony else could see what she feared. No, the mask was still there. After all these years she had still somehow managed to continue the facade that everything was fine.

 But it wasn’t. As she looked on, tears leaked from her eyes. In that little moment of weakness, everything crashed down on her. She huddled down to her hands and knees, holding to herself tightly as she cried out her anguish. For her lost sister, for all the mortal beings she had made friends with over the years only to watch as they were buried or shunned her for reasons unknown, and the stone that marked them faded to obscurity.

 She had wanted so much more than this bureaucratic life. She wanted to go on adventures of her own again, like in her youth. But could she really give up all she had worked so hard to achieve? Could she drop the illusion of an all powerful monarch that none dare oppose?

 No. No for in doing so she would assign the very people she swore to protect a fate of destruction. Ponykind would suffer at the hands of all those she had stepped on to secure this nation's future. She could not, would not, allow that to come to pass. It had taken a great deal of manipulation to get where she was. The power she had amassed was by right, hers to control.

 But once again, it's lonely at the top. The long lived friends she made amongst the dragons had long since lost contact with her. As if they disappeared of their own accord. The Dragonlands had become closed to her at near the same time. Thus she could no longer even seek them out, if any still lived.

 That had always bothered her. Not long after the banishment of Luna, the borders between her lands and the dragon’s had closed down. The missives she had sent through enchanted dragonfire had not been replied to ever. In the nearly one thousand years since then, she has heard no whispers of them. She couldn’t even remember the last conversation she had with Yndraiss. The albino dragoness who was her closest ally in the early days of her nation. But she had not heard from her in so long.

 There was only one other, and she dared not let him out of his stone prison. Discord was a force beyond understanding. Like her, he was ageless. The only one of his kind to ever live. For a long time nopony had a name for such a creature. So he had dubbed himself as a Draconequus. 
 
And for that time he ruled them. He ruled in chaos. Life had become misery for all mortal races. His downfall was only thanks to friends who had helped forge six items that made the intangible, tangible. That day, they had cast the gems on him, what later became known as the Elements of Harmony, and he had been imprisoned forever. Or so she had hoped. So far, in four thousand years his statue has remained inert. His history had been wiped from existence, or as much as she and her sister could find. The memory of him only existing inside her own mind.

 She would keep it there for all time.

 She rose from her place on the floor, wiping her tears with the sleeves of her dress. The small trip down memory lane just drove home how alone she was. Time to change that. But what to do. A thought had her smile, though she knew it might be rude, she had decided.





 She quietly drank from her cup. The room was as silent as her own throne room was, more often than not. The guards who had accompanied her were stationed around the outside of her student’s family home. Only one was inside, stationed in the kitchen as was the protocol. Not that she had much use of this particular situation. It was not often she visited other ponies homes after all.

 Night Light and his wife both sat stiffly on their love-seat. Almost too nervous to move a muscle. Twilight had taken up a chair next to her, and had tried to get a conversation going, but it fizzled for the last six or so minutes. Shining Armor was standing at attention in the corner of the room. He must still be a little sore over the dressing down she had given him upon his return from Griffonia. Another mistake in her leadership.

 Spike had been put to bed before she had arrived, which was just as well. He would be confused as to why everypony was so stiff and quiet. Well, almost everypony.

 Orion, the unruly. Lounged in his seat drinking tea and looking about, waiting. She had no idea what was going on inside his head, and she had grown frustrated with attempting to predict what he might do next. Though surprisingly there was often a poll being hosted in the barracks about whether he will make a fuss that week. Somepony had won the last one for Nightmare Night. She had heard that the betting pool had been quite large up to that point.

 Still he sat, and did nothing but smile every now and then. Like he knew what was going on and how to fix it but chose to keep his words to himself.

 “This isn’t working, you old crone. You have made a joyous get together something awkward. Nopony knows how to react around you. Even Twilight is having difficulties talking. This was a mistake, I should apologise and leave.” But before she could speak, Orion had finally chosen at that moment to do the same.

 “So now that the awkwardness is good and thick and everyone, well not me, is uncomfortable. How about we finally find out why you're here Celestia.” The strangled noise coming from Shining sounded as a death rattle. The guard assigned to the kitchen slowly peeked her head out, eyes very wide. Twilight just stared at the colt, while her parents were doing everything they could to not even look in his direction.

 She almost burst out laughing right then and there. The gall on him to call her by name. No he had long surpassed Ironwall in boldness. What was he going to do, what was he thinking? She had half a mind to call him to account. But she was excited to find out what was coming next. She should have silenced him.

 “Oh I’m sorry,” He looked around grinning at them all.” Everyone bows and scraps to your hooves, they often forget that you were, as far as we know and you have admitted, born the same as all of us. Kicking and screaming into this world.” He turned his eyes to the rest of the family in the room, ignoring their shocked looks, and addressed them. “You all see her as a deity. Someone to be worshiped and thanked everyday for the security she brings. But do any of you know anything about her?” 

 What was he planning, a sinking feeling in her stomach made her want to stop him, but something in her heart waited to hear what more he could say. Something in the back of her mind screamed at her to silence him then and there. It was a struggle to ignore such a voice, but she did.

 He looked back at Celestia, a sad look in his eyes. “It should be very obvious to everyone here why she is, well, here. Hey whittle Twily, does the Princess have any friends? Anyone that comes in to spend time with her purely to spend time with her?” He held her gaze, never looking away. She wanted to divert the conversation elsewhere but she feared it was too late. 

 “No…..no I don’t believe I had ever seen anypony visit her. It was always for some such political reason. Or state function.” It was true, never had Celestia had a visit from just a friend.  Not for many long years. There were no friends for those that stood at the top.

 “No, I bet she hasn’t.” He smiled, not a snarky one, but a sad one that matched his eyes. “Hey you!” He stabbed out a finger at the guard who had been trying to slide back into the kitchen. “Have you ever seen her laugh openly with a friend? Even one of the guards?” The quick shake of the head and she was gone. Was likely for the best.

 His eyes drifted back to hers once more. “ So why, has she graced us with her presence? She could have gone to any nobles house this fine evening. But instead, she came here. To the home of her student. Where, not to pull my own horn, a certain colt she has been using as PR was celebrating the holidays. I think the answer is very simple folks.”

 That was enough for her, she had to escape from this creature who could see through her and her fears. The teleport matrix fell apart. He had disrupted her own flows with minute pin pricks in the structure to cause the force of the spell to collapse in on itself harmlessly. It was by no means a powerful technique. But it was difficult for some masters to learn. Where had he learned that?! A blade of steel being drawn rang into the air. She raised her hand to forestall the soldier who had come back into the room from the kitchen, an angry look on her face.

 “Your Princess, for all her power, all her influence, is alone in the world. IT is lonely at the top, or so they say. I believe you can attest to this. Right Celestia?” He had ceased his interference with her casting the teleport spell. Not that he had needed to continue. She had not the will to even think of the math to create the spell again. He had called her out, exposed a weakness she had thought long since hidden. How? How did he know? What tipped him off?

 Her gaze finally pulled from his, to look at the other faces in the room. The looks she was receiving was not what she was expecting. Twilight Velvet had tears in her eyes, her husband was looking like he was struggling to contain his own. Shining was looking to his hooves, one of which was idly kicking the wooden floors.

 “P-p-princess…...I had no-hic-no ide-a…” She felt a soft thud collide into her side, arms gently wrapped around her. Twilight proceeded to bawl her eyes out into her bosom. Almost mechanically she had wrapped her arms around her.

 He knelt down next to her. “She is thousands of years old, she has buried more friends than any of us will make in our lifetimes. She has seen the rise and fall of kingdoms. And she has done it alone as far as I know. And because of her position, no one has, at least in a long time, seen to it to invite her for normal gatherings. She is that far removed.”

 The next thing she knew, she was being hugged on both sides. On one side, was her student, in a submissive position. But to the other, she was being hugged as if she was the child. It was an odd feeling to have both emotions war within her. Tears leaked from her eyes for the second time that day.

 “Drop the mask, just for tonight Celestia. Be open, and ask others anything you want. We may refuse to answer, but this isn’t your court. So the rules need not apply.”

 What followed was one of the most surreal nights she had experienced in a very long time. The conversation, once so stagnant bloomed for her, and she asked many questions, and answered with stories of her own. Some had to be tamed, as her little ponies had grown soft over the centuries, but she laughed with them happily, both enjoying their reactions and living in the memories of those moments. It was bitter sweet, but it left her heart for the first time in a very long time feeling light as a feather.

 Tomorrow, she would have to contend with the world once again. But tonight, was a night for her to be warmed by the fires of friendship. No titles, no stations. Just ponies sharing one night.

 That night she went back to the palace tired, but not exhausted. She barely had enough energy to magic her clothes off, for the first time leaving them piled on the floor. She slid under the thick covers, and chuckled. Orion was right, she was almost obsessed with white. Maybe she should add some blue.





 The night had finally came to a close. And all through the house, not a single creature was stirring, except for Orion. Who laid in the guest bed and wished for new sheets. “What in the hell happened tonight?!” 

 Not for the first time did that thought cross his mind during the evening's surprising festivities. When Celestia had first stepped through the foyer door, he had wanted to just sit down and cry. Not one week could he escape her presence. This week leading up to the holiday had been the first week she had not sent a messenger for tea, so he had thought he would get a break from the often twice a week meeting.

 Then she had shown up. 

 As they were sitting down, everyone was being awkward because the only two in the room that had any real contact with her had either sat with a smile to hide their nervousness, or tried to awkwardly hold a conversation that sounded like it belonged in the throne room. 

 He was holding the insolent smile for all he was worth, when a thought had flashed in his head: Why was she here? In that moment the puzzle of that question started to shift, and as he thought on it further, it was as if someone else had taken a hand in the way his mind viewed Celestia.

 The next thing he knew, he was speaking to her loneliness, the ache of isolation that only she could feel so keenly. They were his thoughts, his words. But it felt as if it had come from somewhere else, yet rationally he knew that he had come up with them on his own. He just didn’t know how he came to those conclusions.

 Calling her by name was something he would never have done in a million years. He was not suicidal. Yet, he spoke the name as if it was the most natural thing in the world to him. After he hugged her, and saw her tears, the feeling of being guided had left him. He had chuckled then and said he was sorry for using her name in such a context, and instead got a hug from her and permission, permission, to address her as that in private. 

 He was not going to hold his breath but knowing he wasn’t going to be neutered immediately was comforting. Still, something had happened in that room four hours ago. Something significant, and he could not be sure what it was. 

 He rolled over, closed his eyes and cast a spell to will himself to sleep. His head couldn’t handle the assured headache that would be coming if he continued to think about it.





 Orion’s eyes snapped open. The room was still dark, but the lightning of the sky told him that dawn was soon to come. Something was off, the air was too calm. No drafty breezes. It felt like he was in a tomb. Rising he took another look outside, the sky wasn’t changing, it was as if someone was teasing the idea of a dawn but never giving it.

 Something was very wrong. He opened the door to a hallway, a hallway whose floors were covered in an almost unnoticeable layer of mist. 

 “What in the hell?” He kicked at the mist and watched the swirls and eddies of the fog violently warp around his hoof, but never rose past the rest. That was unnatural. He quickly walked on down the hall and knocked on Twilight’s room door. “Yo, Twig! You in there? Did you cast a spell in your sleep?” No response, opening the door he looked in and saw no one. The bed was little more than a haze, the desk and bookshelf being the only solid looking things in the room.

 He backed away, leaving the door open, shaking his head. The door shut on him. That was enough for Orion, he bolted down the hall nearly colliding with the wall at the end. Looking down into the foyer, and at the angle of the stairs, the living room. It was steeped in fog, at least up to his knees. No higher, all uniform as if someone had laid glass at knee height.

 This was too much, he couldn’t understand what was going on, where was the Sparkle family? At the bottom of the steps, he slowly spun around. Kitchen, nothing but fog. So was the living room, dining room, and of course the foyer he stood in. A shadow moved in the corner of his sight. He jerked in its direction and was greeted by something small. The object couldn’t be taller then his stomach.

 When the object moved on its own, his bones wanted to crawl out of his body. He was petrified as it got closer, the edges coalescing into a little filly. She couldn’t be more than eight or nine years old. The odd thought of how she got into the house was somewhere in the scrambled thoughts of his mind, but he was still too terrified. This had to be the Shining Two: Screw with You.

 As she got closer he really took her in, a deep soft blue mane and tail. It was rather pretty for a little filly, there was something, airy about it. The fur was a deep dark blue, the closest he could compare was to blueberries. Once she stepped into the foyer, his heart sank. Her fur was crisscross in various cuts and scars. Someone had tortured the poor child. The dress she wore was torn and bloody. It was so bad he couldn’t tell what the original color might have been.

 “Thou shouldn’t be here, thou shouldest flee from here.” The small voice broke him of his fear. What had happened to this foal. Shaking his head and working up his courage, he knelt down.
 “Little girl, what am I doing here? What are you doing here? How the hell did you get inside the house? And most importantly, who the fuck do I need to kill for doing all….this to you.” He gestured to her before scoping her up in his arms. “We need to get you to a Dr, now.”

 He spun around toward the door intending to grab the handle, his hand went right through it.

 “Twon’t work. Thou must awaken from this realm of dreams. All is within her power. Thou hath no power to stop her in this place. Thou must awaken and soon. Prithee do as we ask. Run. Awaken.”

 Awaken? Her? Who was her? Then it hit him. Her, Nightmare Moon. 

 “That's impossible, I’m wearing…” He left them back in his room in the orphanage. He hadn’t planned to spend the night so he left all of them there for safe keeping. He fell asleep with the ‘Dreamcatchers’ off. “...oh I am so fucked....”

 “Not if thou awakens now.” The archaic speech had finally registered with him who she might be.

 Ducking low into the fog of the floor he asked, “I take it you are the one known as Luna?” Her grip on him tightened.

 “Long hath it been since our name was uttered without contempt. Verily, tis we Princess Luna. Rather, what is left of us. Thou must awaken now! She senses thee.”

 “And how do you propose I do that?” The fog had darkened, that was a bad sign if he ever saw one. Looking to the little filly in his arms she noticed a sigh escape through her frowning lips. “What?”

 “Prithee forgive us, young colt.” Searing pain shot into his very soul and he screamed.





 Last night was an absolutely amazing for Twilight. She was humming to herself as she brushed her mane meticulously, in her head reviewing the stories the Princess had to tell them all. It was truly one of the best evenings she had ever had.

 Even Orion was having a good time. Though she could not shake the feeling that he was not responsible for what he brought about. It was strange, it almost seemed like he was another person in that moment. But to see her mentor smiling and happy, well she could not complain. A loud thump and a shout broke her from her thoughts causing her to race from the bathroom to the guest bedroom she found Orion, head first, on the floor groaning and rocking back and forth.

 “Jesus Fucking Christ! Was that necessary!?” He flopped the rest of the way, trying to sit up. He groaned again. “Feels like I’ve been set on fire….the hell was that.”

 She could only stare, no longer worried about his health as he seemed to be fine. No what had her attention was the colt was wrapped only in a sheet, and only a sheet. She felt her face heating up. 

 “Ummm, Orion, why are you naked?”

 He looked at her, and blushed himself. “What? Can’t a guy sleep naked? Besides, I could say the same to you.”

 Just in that moment she realized that she too was in the nude, having just stepped out of the shower.





 “I must say dear, I never expected the Princess to be so down to Equis. She seemed so different than all those years ago when she asked to take our little Twilight under her tutelage.” Night Light was whipping up a batch of pancake batter as he sipped his coffee, carefully watching to make sure he didn’t spill a drop. 

 Across from him Velvet was sipping her own steaming mug, she sighed and set the cup down. “That is true, I have never seen her in that light before, it was sad. But it does give me an idea for another story. One of a lonely Queen, standing at the top but no pony to lean. As the weight of her office, a dashing young stallion appears among the ranks of the student body, beguiling her with his charms. And showing her the love she once thought she had given up forever.”

 Night cocked an eye at his wife. “Don’t you think you might be a little too obvious about that? Ponies are definitely going to draw conclusions between the book and her. Considering the whispers I have been hearing, I would not be surprised if she was accused of impropriety between her and Orion.” He set the bowel aside, picking up in his magic the fruit he planned to chop up. “Besides, I don’t think the colt would enjoy the heat of attention once that did get out. Best to direct the source of her affections a little older.”

 She huffed and pouted, but after another sip and some thought she nodded in agreement. “You’re right my knight, I can’t very well jeopardize the Princess’s image.” A look from her husband, she sheepishly added, “or our daughters very good friend.”

 The shout and thump had both parents looking to the ceiling in puzzlement.

 “Don’t you think it’s a bit early to be breaking the bed springs this early?” Velvet asked with a grin.

 “As if that ever stopped you.” He gave a leer. They grinned at each other before a screech and a surge of magic that both of them felt pulled their attention back to the ceiling. Then a splash and another, deeper shriek pulled them to their hooves to gaze out the window into the backyard.

 There was Orion Falls, pulling himself out of their half frozen pool shivering. Night Light considered he may have to go back to the gym if this young stallion was going to keep coming by the house. A glance at his wife told him all he needed to know. Yep, gym time. Maybe he would ask Orion for some pointers. “My dear, you can make a stallion jealous.”

 “I’m sorry my heart, but he does remind me of you when we were young.”

 He snorted. “Not even in the peak of my career was I ever that built. What do they feed him in that orphanage?”

 At that point Orion had stepped into the room naked as the day he was born. “They feed me meat, lots of protein in meat. Now if you’ll excuse me, oh, you do have fire insurance don’t you?”

 After they had talked him down from lighting Twilight’s room on fire, he was ushered to his room to get dressed and sit down to breakfast with the family. Shining was already in uniform and hastily consuming his breakfast. Spike had yet to be roused from bed, whining about another five or so  minutes and Velvet had not the heart to force him up just yet.

 Twilight was doing everything she could to not look at Orion, who was glaring at her. They as parents admonished her for teleporting him into the backyard pool. But Velvet couldn’t help but conspiratorially whisper to her that she was thankful for the show. Which got the filly to blush all the harder. 

 It seemed the young stallion either heard or had enough, because he soon left, grumbling about a dreamcatcher and never leaving home without it. Soon, the rest of the foals had filed out. Shining being the last. Spike was still sleeping.

 Velvet leaned into her husband and smiled. “I want another.” Night Light spit out his coffee.





 It had been a week since his second visit to that world he knew he didn’t belong in. A week and he had nearly decided to just wear the three ‘Dreamcatchers’ permanently, for fear of falling into that place again. The idea that the evil villainous mare was hunting him actually terrified him. He had almost convinced himself that it was just his wild imagination because of Twilight constantly going on about her. That morning he woke up in a massive amount of pain, had convinced him completely.

 His first thought was to ask Twilight about Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna. But the idea that Celestia might hear about this problem, made it seem like going that route would be like sticking your head in the tiger's mouth. No way in hell was he going to do that. So he brooded, and looked through the meager books his school library had on both people.

 Princess Luna, from what he could gather and he was guessing a lot of her background, was a warrior of great renown. Her skill as a battle tactician was said to have been legendary. What was obscure was her relation to Princess Celestia, and her role outside of combat and war. On one hand it was said she was the warden of dreams, giving credence to her presence inside his own mind. But the only reason he even came to that conclusion was the random poem about her other profession. It spoke of her need to protect the ponies from nightmares most foul. 

 But it was only that one poem. Nothing else spoke of her abilities or relation to Equestria and it’s formation.

 The other, and if he was being honest, difficult to really confirm, was that she might actually be the sister to Celestia herself. But he was pulling that out of his ass, the only reference to that was in a small sentence in the back of a musty old book that seemed to have been buried and almost purposely hidden.

 ‘Royal Houses and their Progeny’ had been a headache to read, it spoke the same as the two from his dreams. About midway through the book under the title Eos, which turned out that it was Celestia’s second part in her full name, it spoke of a sister known under another name as Urania. No first name was mentioned, and in truth he was grasping at straws on that one.

 It was as if she had been scrubbed from history with bleach. None of what was said in one book could be corroborated to another. It was frustrating. He had made only one attempt to gain access to the royal records, but had never gotten close to the doors. Battlemages were literally everywhere down there, and it was hard to give reason as to why he might even be in the castle at night. So he had quickly given up that option as impossible. 

 In the end his hope of finding out who Luna was awash. He didn’t even consider contacting Bloodbeak about it, though he did know the old bird’s agents were in the city. He had not been told how to get a hold of them. So that was doa the moment it passed into his head.

 In the end he had wasted a week learning about a war princess that may or may not even exist. Life was shit.





 “So why am I here?” He finally thought it was safe to ask. He had been asked to the Principal's Office the following Monday, no reason as to why just told to be there. When he arrived, Princess Celestia was there as well as Miss Quill. The latter still gave him the creeps.

 “Orion this meeting is in regards to you going with the class to Prance.” Oh. He assumed not to even bother applying, but she likely wanted him to know he wasn’t going. “You will be allowed to attend, under the supervision of one guard. That way you don’t have to miss out on anything!” 

 “Do what now?”

 The Princess was smiling. He knew he was not smiling, he didn’t want to go.

 “Uhhhhh Princess, what if...say I didn’t want to go to fru fru land? Anyway I could just stay here, do extra work. Oh maybe some good ol’ community service.” he was grinning now, but it was a more manic grin.

 She sat for a long moment contemplating. Then finally shook her head, “no Orion, your education is very important and this cultural visit is important as well. You will go, and you will have someone to watch over you. Have fun, and bring me back more souvenirs.” She said that last bit with a smile and a chuckle.

 Resigned to his fate he had to ask, “And just who, is to be my illustrious caretaker while we are out there?”

 The door opened up behind him and a familiar masculine voice spoke up behind him. “That would be me Orion.” He groaned audibly.

 Turning around he was greeted by the sight of Shining Armor, his armor all decked out in gold, with purple accents to it. He looked ridiculous. 

 “I hope you don’t plan on wearing that on our tour of Prenchy hell.” He felt a smack to the back of his head. Only one in the room knew what he said and he glared at her.

 “Why? What is wrong with my armor?” He looked at himself, patting his chest plate.

 “Well other than the obvious…” Orion was not one to look down on the color choice of another, but he never understood why the soldiers of Equestria were issued such shiny ass armor that blended in with absolutely nothing. 

 “Well, it could be the fact that you stand out like a metal rod in someone's sandwich. Or it could be the fact that anyone who sees you following my happy ass around is going to figure me as some kind of noble. If you are the only one going to be watching me, you're gonna get mobbed quick, and some gangsters are gonna be real disappointed to find I am worth less than the shiny little boots you wear.”

 It looked like he wanted to object, but even he had to nod in careful consideration after a moment. It was clear he could see Orion’s point.

 “Well, what would you recommend then, my little pony?” He cringed at that. He absolutely hated when she said it, more so because he technically wasn’t a pony, not that she needed to know that. He turned back to the monarch.

 “If I am gonna have to do this, then I would recommend thin leather under civilian clothes. Maybe strap some plain steel to the leather rig in places where a stab might get through. Thus minimizing the chance of him getting hurt. Second, he should be an acting chaperone, so he doesn’t look like it's just me that has a lap dog.” He heard Shining sputtering behind him in protest, but chose to ignore him.

 “Lastly, I am gonna have to be seen getting away from him, this has the added benefit of me seemingly not important as well as him discouraging the vagabonds from bothering the class as a whole. Oh and a short sword rather than the typical long sword, easier to conceal.” He nodded to himself. This would also allow him to breath a bit, not having the brother loom over everything he did was gonna allow him to relax.

 The frown on Celestia’s face said he wasn’t going to get off that easily. “Fine, but he rooms with you at night. No negotiation on that.” Success, and shit. Oh well take what he could get.

 “You better not snore.” More protests.

 “Are you sure he should be leaving after all the trouble he has caused lately? Maybe he should just remain here. I could look over his studies, personally, while his class is away.” Miss Violet Quill chose that moment to speak up, and his hackles wanted to rise. The moment she said personally, connected all the dots for him. All the weird looks, all the detentions, in which she nearly laid in the chair watching him with half lidded eyes. The constant reprimands, and occasional touching.

 The bitch was thirsty. A quick look to the Princess showed she too had figured it out, shock and then veiled anger. Shining still seemed to be clueless. He shared the missed social cues with his sister.

 “No, no I believe it will be good for him to participate in class. He needs to be around the students more. Thank you, Miss Quill but that will not be necessary.” She spoke her name hard. The mistress of the sun was not happy. “Orion, Shining, you can leave, I would advise you pack for a lengthy trip.”





 The door had shut only five minutes ago, but Celestia had not taken her eyes off the hand picked principal of her school. Her mind was pouring over every scrap of information she had on the mare. None of it indicated her to be into colts of that age.

 “Why?” Violet winced.

 “I am unsure of what y-”

 “Do not lie to me foal. But if you wish to play the fool, I’ll spell it out for you. Why are you interested in the colt at all? He is junior to you. He has no standing in society. He is even combative, personally. So why the interest?”

 She was fuming. The look on Orion’s face showed that he too had realized what was going on behind her back. She would never have suspected the by-the-book principal of being a colt diddler.

 “I-it’s not w-what you think Princess I swear!” She licked her lips nervously. “I w-would nev-er think to take a c-colt.”

 Celestia snorted, heat emanating from her. “Then what is it, Miss Quill?!” The motherly monarch was gone. She had been having such a good day too.

 “He….he um….he ticks….oh by the sun, he ticks off all my wants. He is a predator in the guise of a pony. He is powerful, and dominant. If I could tame him he would be the ultimate partner, one in which I would not be mocked for finding a mate outside of our species. It’s a once in a lifetime, if not a millennium opportunity!” She was breathing hard. The panic and rush of her confession seemed to exhaust the mare. Not that Celestia cared.

 Gathering her focus, her calm demeanor as best she could. She opened her eyes and spoke. 

 “You will stay professional with Orion Falls. Not that you could likely ‘tame’ him as you say. The colt is more trouble then you possibly could know, and far smarter than you.” Quill visibly recoiled. She did not care for her offense. “I have plans for that colt, and not even you will get in the way. Do I make myself clear?”

 The stricken mare gaped openly, like a fish as Orion would say, but for a moment she looked like she was unable to speak. Finally one word whispered from her lips. It was not an affirmative.

 “Twilight.” She breathlessly spoke.

 Celestia smiled, a mock of her gentle one, this one was vicious and the danger was clear. “Yes, indeed. I plan to pair them off, and you will not interfere with that. If I even catch a whisper of an attempt to get between them or disrupt what I am developing, they will never find you.” The threat had come so hard and fast that Violet broke down in tears and fear.

 She left a weeping mare in that office. Already taking into account any possibility that she might ignore what her monarch had to say, and dismissed them. She was stubborn, but nopony was worth her life to the elitist mare.

 Now to requisition the gear the rather clever colt had recommended. She would have to schedule some one on one time with an instructor so Shining armor could get used to working with a shorter blade. She smiled.

 Once again the young stallion had proven his intelligence and resourcefulness. His reasoning, and Twilight’s knowledge would make for fine foals.





 Orion had decided he did not like flying on a ship. He was sick to his stomach the entire two day trip to Prance. No one knew what Dramamine was. Thus he suffered hell on that ship.

 The ship was the ‘Sun’s Grace’. It was exactly as he pictured it. The hull of a 1800s frigate, with the masts swapped out for an array of massive balloons, the top half being weighed down by a metal bowl shaped plate of steel. It was gold and white. Of course. Even when she no longer owned a ship she still owned said ship.

 The cabins were large, and thankfully, in plain if not ornate wood paneling. It had more than enough room for his one rucksack of clothes and essentials. He had another bag inside to carry any souvenirs he might nab while on yet another vacation. He had to laugh, some of the ponies that had come aboard had more than eight bags and were complaining that they had to carry their own suitcases, yelling loudly at the captain to order his sailors to haul their things. 

 The Captain, a rotund grey pegasus with an eye patch of all things, told them to literally pound salt and get their shit below decks. It was beautiful to hear and he laughed loud enough for everyone to hear. Which got a ripple of chuckles from the crew. Had he not been sick the entirety of the trip he might have gotten some good stories out of ‘em. Instead he was seeing yesterday’s breakfast lay before him in a bucket.

 Arriving in Prance they settled down in the harbor of La Hoofevre, and quickly shuffled off the ship, much to Orion’s joy. The train ride was uneventful, and they soon found themselves in Paris. It looked like every photo he had ever seen of the early 1900s of the place back in his own world. There were food shops everywhere. 

 As they were ushered away from the Mare du Nord and into the city proper, all five chaperones, including a very disgruntled Shining Armor, were looking for the hotel the schools two classes would be taking over for the duration of their stay in grand ol’ Paris.

 It was near midnight when they had finally found the ‘Le Mareice’ in the middle of the Louvre district. The horse puns were getting to him again. He was beginning to already hate this fucking place. 

 Inside they all got settled into their rooms, his personal chaperone snoring away on top of his own bedspread. Orion shut that down with a muffle spell. It was meant for sneaking, but worked amazing here.

 “Heh, gonna have to call that one the ‘Silencer’. Was hoping he didn’t snore, but at least I planned for one disaster.”

 He used the washroom, which thankfully had running water, and showered the travel grime of his body as he thought of how best to lose Shining in the city with the rest of the students. If he was going to be trapped here, he was gonna have his own fun. 





 Morning brought sunlight and amusement. He had woken up before Shining, the stallion must have been exhausted, but the comedy gold could not be left to rot before it had time to bloom.

 After washing his face and running fingers through his tangled mane, he idly thought about getting it cut, it had gotten wild and unruly in his time in Griffonia. Those thoughts were pushed aside when his warden was still snoring away in lala land. He figured by now the soldier would have woken up due to the noise he was making, then he realized that the spell blocked sound from coming in, as well as going out.

 Orion grinned, the opportunity was just too damn good.

 Sidling up beside his bed, he dispelled the magic surrounding his head and leaned in real close, his mouth right next to his ear. It took everything in him not to laugh outright. He better do this quick.

 “RECRUIT WHAT IN THE BUCKING TARTARUS ARE YOU STILL DOING IN YOUR RACK!?” He screamed at the top of his lungs. “I WANT YOU ON YOUR HOOVES AND PRESENTABLE IN FIVE BUCKING SECONDS!”

 The desired result was achieved in splendid fashion. Shining Armor, first lieutenant in her highness’s royal guard, yelped in a very unstallion-like fashion and fell off the bed face first in his haste to get to standing  as soon as possible. The end result was a disheveled stallion with his face scraped up by rug burn.

 Orion was having difficulties breathing.





 “That was not funny.” Shining stood in the bathroom fixing his own mane after the meager healing hid the rug burn and lost fur. “You are not supposed to make a soldier panic like that! What if I would have cut you!”

 A snort was what he received from the colt. “Not likely, and be grateful for the fact that I could heal that pretty colt face up for you bud.” After getting yelled at by the stallion for the better part of half an hour they were both too hungry to really put much effort into arguing.

 “Really? You believe that you have a chance in combat with me?” He had tossed his towel back into the sink and addressed his charge in a carefully neutral tone.

 “I am quick enough, but a full on fight? Even I don’t know that. But you must have seen at least some of my handiwork. Or heard of it. So that brings up an interesting question, how would you go about stopping me if I decide to go rogue. Escape or something. ”

 Indeed he had, and thought it a joke till the Princess played the crystal recording for him when she gave him this assignment. He had heard the rumors, but thought it was just barrack’s room talk. The recording showed otherwise.

 To say he was impressed was an understatement. He was also more than a little upset that she hadn’t told him sooner. But it was not like he was in a position to complain. He hadn’t even known the colt could teleport. He wasn’t nervous, he knew he could and would contain Orion if it ever came down to any hostile situation.

 “There is a reason I was chosen. My ability to create and maintain shields is second to none. The Princess herself has tested my abilities and was thoroughly impressed. So I have no doubt I could stop you if it came to that.” He smirked and so did Orion. He got the distinct impression that something was amiss.

 “Okay, cool.” That was it. He didn’t believe him. And because of the loss of that belief, Shining was beginning to doubt his own ability to stop him. He magic'd a bubble around the colt and held him there. It was one of the best shields he could form under such quick circumstances, and was rather proud of the strength in it.

 “Shining, what are you doing?”

 “I am proving a point since you don’t believe me. Try and break the shield around you.”

 Orion began laughing. He was beginning to feel insulted. 

 “That is going to be a big no dude. I am not gonna bother even putting in the effort, besides I am hungry as hell, and if we don’t get going soon the other chaperones are going to be wondering what is keeping us.” He folded his arms and waited. 

 After a debate with himself he dropped the shield, eyeballing Orion, but nothing was said between the two. They walked down the halls to the elevators, a heavy tension hanging over them. It made Shining angry, without knowing why. Was this how everypony felt being around him for any length of time? How did his sister cope with this?

 Breakfast was an expansive affair, fruits and pastries from all over the world and good solid coffee was to greet the stallions tongue. His ward had gone off to sit with Fancy Pants, a rather well to do gentlecolt who projected calm confidence. The image of what a noble colt should be. He had no idea how they were even friends, but there was Fancy, laughing at something Orion had told him. Shining’s ears burned, likely knowing the subject of humor.

 He ignored it. Not much he could do to stop the little ass. It didn’t matter. He pushed thoughts of his assignment away as he thought of another pony that was in the city. A pony he had not seen in nearly a year. The last time they had parted had left him soaring, even if he fumbled that kiss terribly.

 Princess Candace, had snagged his heart with little effort. The fact that she was so stunning had been only part of her charm. If he was being fair it was a big part, but she had an amazingly large heart. He had gotten to know the mare during her foal sitting days with Twilight. His babysitter had allowed him a chance to actually get to know her, and what he found was a kind understanding soul who forgave him of his nerdy habits.

 The only sticking point for him was she would likely never grow old with him. She already had nearly six hundred years on him by this point, and he was surprised that he interested her at all. But, here he was, in a tentative relationship with a not yet ruling monarch. He hoped for so much more, and he jumped at this assignment even after finding out the potential danger his charge presented.

 But how was he to get away from his duties in order to spend any time with her. He had sent a message to her stating he was in the city and his wish to see her, but he had no idea how to play it out. 

 As he munched on a raspberry tart, he sighed whimsically. Just one day with her is all he asked.





 “Fr-Prench school is weird. God damnit I am never getting used to the horse puns around here.”

 The school was strange. For one, they got a two hour lunch break. What kind of bullshit was that? Their classes were held in the schools auditorium. The opulent structure belonged in the palace back in Canterlot. The only difference was the various purples and blues strewn about in fabrics and paint. It was gaudy, and the patterns they chose gave him a headache.

 The second thing that caught him off guard was the schedule. No school on Wednesday, but half a day on Saturday. Not only was it confusing, but they went to school less than he did. Bullshit.
 The last thing to irk him wasn’t the weirdness that seemed to be in the school as a whole, it was the attitude. The majority of classes were ninety-eight percent of the classes seemed to be made up of all fillies. That was not bad on its own. No, it was the rather apparent sexism that the little whores all seemed to display. He wasn’t even the main target.

 Poor Fancy Pants seemed to have become an instant target of harassment, it was bordering on sexual assault as far as Orion was concerned. His presence seemed to drive the fillies away so they colts in the class seemed to gravitate around him the most. It had placed him in an oddly popular position. He didn’t like it.

 Once things had gotten settled that first week, it seemed things were going fine. When not in classes they were touring everything in the city, divided among the four chaperones. So far Shining had been stuck to him like a boil. 

 The middle of the second week was when trouble actually struck.





 “Zey call you, Fancy Pants, oui?” Orion heard her before he turned around in his friend's direction. In front of the poor guy was a trio of fillies. Well fillies might have been stretching it in the literal sense of the word. They looked more like adults. A quick glance to their badges placed them in the same age group as them.

 The one who spoke was a soft pink mare with a coiffed pink and blue mane. She was smiling, but it was an unkind thing. Her friends who seemed to be mirrors of each other, both blue with black manes seemed to share the same smile. It was purely predatory. 

 For Fancy’s part he had put on a brave face. They had been warned before their arrival that the school was dominated by the female population. Only a few colts being allowed to attend. The casual and almost blatant sexism they displayed was bordering on fourteenth century male chivalry. If he wasn’t so mad, he would have been impressed.

 “I am.” Steady voice like a rock as always. But Orion was still tense.

 “Oui, of course.” The way she said of course sounded like ‘o’curse. “It is so wonderful to have a visage to la name.” Wonderful, her english was just bad enough that it took him a minute to reason out what she had said. He had learned Prench, and then promptly forgotten it. He wished he hadn’t.

 “Tell me, how viens, come that’s is la word, how come you have rejected ma proposal?” They were all still smiling, but not Fancy.

 “Well Miss Belle Cherie, I am afraid I have somepony else in mind and I would be remiss to not consider my feelings for her. I am sorry, but perhaps on a later date I can send you a response by mail. I know it is inconvenient but matters of the heart are not to be forced.” As diplomatic as his answer his smile was thin, and nervous. “Besides, you sent the request when I had not even met any of you.”

 That’s when things got ugly, she shoved him firmly back in his chair and sat down straddling him, what made this worse was none of the Canterlot students were helping him. The fillies were not even raising an objection.

 “Tue are a very handsome colt, you belong in the bedchamber, or at the very least the kitchenette. Je would be very, idiote, if je would allow you to walk away. Non, tue will accept our proposal. The wealth and influence of ton family will be a wonderful boon to notre propre.”

 Fancy was looking for a teacher to help, so was Orion as he was trying not to cause an international incident. The balls on these bitches. He would never not appreciate Equestria mares again.

 There were teachers, french mare teachers. Chuckling. No sign of his own teachers, including Shining. Oh he was getting some Blueballs vibes all over again.

 “Awww Christ, I’m gonna have to beat someone with another someone.”

 Rising from where he was sitting he snatched the mare up by her mane before anyone could react and unceremoniously tossed her to go sliding on the floor. “ And I thought mares back home were sexist. Jesus girl you really put it on thick didn’t you. How about you leave my friend and the rest of us alone eh?”

 The two goons had squawked and rushed to her as she picked herself up and dusted herself off. “Do tue have any idea how couteuse these clothes are? Tue mongrel!”

 “Young lady I know mongrels, and they are better behaved then your rabid ass. You are a slimy worm thinly wrapped in silk. So, again. I am gonna be polite, because I really don’t want to cause an international incident, leave us alone. Okay?” He smiled, but hid his teeth. Deep down he knew what was likely coming and he wanted to keep that gem in check.

 She stood back up, adjusting the rather racy outfit she was wearing, the glare turning into a sneer. “Tue would call moi a worm? Tue are less than a worm, tue are poor, without family or standing. What makes tue think tue can say anything to moi?”

 “Oh that's easy, miss priss. I have lived in the gutter. I know what worms are, and you my dear,” He chuckled, “are one of the slimiest I have ever come across. And if you honestly think your sad little opinion of myself matters a hill of shit,” a collective gasp erupted from the prench side, “than you are sadly mistaken. Now get your gnarly little ass out of here, before I decide Princess Celestia’s wrath would be worth it to crush you into the dirt.” He wasn’t smiling now. “Because the moment I do, the rules need not apply for the duration of the ass whooping you and your little friends will receive. He paused and smiled. “Tu m'emmerdes avec ton bruit.”

 That had gotten her attention. She stalked forward, and Orion set himself.

 “That is enough!” The english was clear if heavily accented. He was saved from getting into trouble it seemed. The adult mare that had shouted strode forward to stand between the pair. “If you have a problem, take it to the ring. Not in the field like two foals on a piece of cheese!”

 Shit, he hadn’t avoided trouble after all. There was going to be a venue. With ticket sales and popcorn. Fuck.
> Frenchy Prenchy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “Il has no standing! Tue can not expect to soil the arene with ses presence!”

 “First of all, you need to learn to use Equish properly. I’m getting sorely pissed at having to think back and try and translate your mashed up way of speaking Miss Hoity-Toity. Second, what the hell does she mean I have no standing? What standing?”

 At first there was a stunned silence as the mare announced for them to work their issues out in the ring. Orion hadn’t even known that they had an arena of any type, so when it came out that there was a training ground, his first question was to ask how no one knew about it.

 That's when he, and the rest of his class, learned that there was a mares and fillies only training ground inside the school. Apparently, females of this country were a bit more, militant, then Equestria was when it came to gender roles. The colts were absolutely not allowed inside, unless to be some weird cheerleading squad, and heaven forbid that they ever be allowed to participate.

 The Prench nation as a whole was suffering from a severe lack of stallions in their society. The ratio of male to female ended up varying from one in ten, to one in fifteen. In recent years they were recovering, but that did not stop aggressive mares from traveling outside their nation in order to scoop up any willing, and sometimes though the rumor has never been proven, not so willing stallions to bolster the breeding population.

 Because of the lack of males in the population, the poor bastards who lived in the country were regulated to second class citizens by sheer need to protect future generations, and over the course of the past near six-eight hundred years, they have become soft and easily manipulated into a very submissive group. And finally, in an effort to curb any further loss of stallions, it was mandated that they never be allowed in combat, nor even to learn to defend themselves.

 This is why Orion had no standing. By law he and the colts with him were not even allowed to know about the arena, even if they were foreigners. The teacher, Miss Honey Spice, had actually violated the rules to even mention it.  Cats outta the bag on that one.

 “Monsieur Falls I regret even saying anything, I am sorry. But she is correct. You are not allowed to engage in any kind of combat. It is simply not done. I had thought she was in an argument with a filly of her age. Not a colt. You will of course forget that you have heard anything about it, and concede to Mademoiselle Cherie that you were wrong.” Her english was far better then the filly’s, but the tone and implication of what was said was he was expected to back down.

 That pissed him off. The angry ha ha pissed off.

 “Oh I don’t think so on either of those. You mistake me as one of those simpering cowards who have allowed arrogance and ego of the mares around them to make them pliable. You will find I am, what is the word...ah yeah, far more combative than the rest. Even among those in my own nation.” He grinned, but he was certain it didn’t match his eyes. Standing at his full height he loomed over both ladies, causing them to step back.

 The teacher actually swallowed. The filly, however, well she was glaring back defiantly. She apparently didn’t have the honed sense of danger that those around them had.

 “Tue wil-” She never got a further word out for Orion had slammed a rolled up napkin into mouth and held it there.

 “The next words that come out of your mouth will be an apology to my friend Fancy and one for the rest of us for disturbing our lunch. If I do not hear that apology well,” He chuckled, “the auditorium will make for a fine substitute for your precious arena. Are we clear?” He had not realized he had walked her back into a wall, so the accidental sudden stop nearly jammed the rolled up napkin down her throat.

 There was very real fear in her eyes now. Not that he got to enjoy it. “Monsieur Falls! You will let her go this instant!” Well, he was already going to get into huge trouble, what's a little more?

 “And what will you do if I don’t?” The bulge of her eyes was damn near comical. “The way I see it, she had done enough damage to my friend and I’s pride that in any other situation, I could request satisfaction. But being that I have exterior plumbing, somehow I have to kotow the line and be all apologetic for something she started. Now that ain’t right.” That southern twang that had reawakened since meeting Applejack had made an annoying return. He hadn’t spoken like that since his grandparent’s passing, and his move to Florida.

 “This is not how it’s done here in Prance. You must obey!” Miss Spice was looking a lot more than flustered now. She was getting angry, and he supposed she had a right to be, he was being a dick now. “You will apologize now!”

 He let Belle Cherie go and strode quickly over to the beat of her hacking, to the teacher. He smiled. “Pardon my Prench, but go fuck yourself.” His smile morphed into that shit eating grin, teeth glinting in the light. 

 The combination of sharp teeth and his words had her recoiling visibly. She tried to speak, but no words could escape her lips. That was when a new voice spoke up.

 “I say let him learn the lesson he so begs for.” Orion’s head slowly turned left, to the direction of the new voice. His grin, vanishing to a thin line. There stood a thick looking mare. As if she was born to the gym. He wanted to quote a modified line from a Batman movie he once watched, but he was in no mood for it now.

 She was tall, only reaching to his shoulder but that was tall enough to be noticeable among the others in the room. Her fur was as black as his was, and the steel gray mane, while stylish, was bound in a ponytail. She was missing her right eye, a nasty looking scar barely hidden behind the patch spoke of something violet in her past. Her yellow green eye regarded him with amusement and a fair amount of disdain if he had to guess. She adjusted the purple and silver uniform, embroidered with vines and what looked to be a shield over the sword emblem. She smirked at him confidently.

 “Mademoiselle Shadow! It is against the rules, this would break every custom regarding the arena! He has no standing, to allow him to have one would be to set a precedent of other colts and stallions to make a challenge.” He had never actually seen anyone wring their hands, but he imagined this was exactly what it looked like. Like dry washing with a towel.

 “Mademoiselle Spice, relax. This will be an excellent lesson to the fillies that their training is superior. And will put this young upstart in his place all at once. Besides, as Maîtresse des Terres, I take full responsibility. The fact is, the rules are only custom. As it stands right now there is no official rule barring a colt student from participating in a match. Only training.” She looked back to him, her smile wicked. She looked like a Disney villain. “Besides, I have heard of this one. He is supposedly dangerous. I think he has let the fame go to his head. No?”





 The Arena of Nimes was built upon an actual arena from when the Minotaurs ruled. Their territory having been reduced by unknown means meant a lot of the land was up for grabs. And grab the Prench did.

 They had kept the name, but built what was, at least to him, a long and slightly less wide hallway. The ceiling caped at fifteen meters from the ground in ornate painting that would give the Sistine Chapel a run for its money. Tall thin windows were to his right, evenly spaced between gray pillars. On his left, bleachers for what he supposed was an audience and those awaiting their own turn.

 The entire place was decked out in the flags of their nation, and the school flag. Purple and silver were liberally applied everywhere. At the other end stood Belle Cherie. Not looking nervous at all after a bit of talking to from the Maleficent wannabe, who stood calmly off to the left, that smug smirk on her face.

 It bothered him that there had yet to be any sign of their teachers and lone escort. By now someone should have notified them that he was about to murder someone. Just what had happened, and was this planned from the beginning. Well maybe not the match, but cornering Fancy Pants was certainly.

 Speaking of whom, he was standing nervously to Orion’s left, pleading for what seemed like the tenth time for him not to do it.

 “Orion, for the last time, please stop this and just apologize. She has no idea what she is getting herself into. Please, before you hurt her. Please stop this.” He had grabbed his arm in a tight grip. His friend was of the mind that you just don’t beat on the opposite gender, even if they deserve it. He shared the same mind on it, but sometimes you just had to put your fo-hoof down.

 “Fancy, she made her bed. Now let me go so I can go smack this Ho. Besides, if I was a betting stallion, I’d say she is not the main course. I have a sneaky suspicion that the moment she goes down, Atilia the Nun over there is gonna be livid and may just try and fight me herself. She is the one I have to look out for.” He patted his friend’s hand and smiled. “No dear, would you be so kind as to let go of me so I can defend your honor.” His nose in the air, and speaking in a nasally tone he got the results he wanted.

 Fancy Pant’s huffed, let go and marched over to the bleachers. A sour look on his face as he sat down. He had to chuckle. 

 At that moment Shadow stepped forward and stood between the two. “Now, as I have allowed for this joke to go this far, I will officiate.” She turned to regard Orion, and him alone. “There will be no killing blows, so you won’t have to worry about anything other than a well deserved spanking, colt. For your benefit there will also be no hitting below the belt. You are rather fine for a street rat, I’m sure we can find a mare to take you in.” She chuckled. “Now we shall get the match underway!”





 Fancy was not worried about Orion’s safety. Far be it he was worried about what he had said just before sending him away. If he damaged that mare’s pride enough, it was likely going to fall right into the scenario that Orion had said it would. She would demand satisfaction. 

 As she began to count down he looked to his friend. The strange colt he had attached himself to. Most would say it was the other way around, but he knew better. Despite his standing in life, Orion knew of things no other pony had knowledge of. There was a stubborn wisdom to his thoughts and actions, and if he was being honest with himself, he was inspired by him every time he stood for what he believed was right.

 He had to laugh, the colt looked bored to tears standing there watching as Miss Cherrie bounced, flexed, and generally limbered up. He had to admit, she was gorgeous. But her attitude was poor, and another had caught his eye, though he was too nervous to approach that vision of beauty. 

 Fleur de Lis was a tall, graceful filly. Her soft pink fur was complemented by the two tone white and slightly darker pink of her mane. The lavender eyes, while gentle and kind looking, threatened to sear his soul to ash with a glance. Her form was lithe. She was well proportioned but not built with the same thickness as other mares of Canterlot, still did not stop him from ashamedly stealing peeks at the rest of her. 

 To his delight, she was there in the bleachers. Her face bore a worried look. There also spoke an undertone of anger. Was she angry at Orion? No, her gaze was directed at Miss Shadow. He had to agree, this was a foolish waste of time only to prove a point. He wondered what Fleur was thinking.





 This was beyond foolish. How could Mademoiselle Iridescent Shadow think this was a good idea? She turned her gaze to the colt in the arena proper. This was her first time actually seeing this Orion Falls, and she did admit he was a handsome young stallion. His height was more than a little intimidating however.

 He could have been a younger brother to Mademoiselle Shadow, all black fur. But that mane and beard were of a fiery orange brown. Like embers losing their luster. There was a scar, that while rather ugly, did not distract from his overall features. The horn was surprisingly large, even for his frame. But again, like the scar it did not distract. But those eyes, they frightened her. The dangerous gleam within bellied the bored look he displayed.

 “Begin!”

 She was broken from her musing as the fight had begun. 

 The colt had not moved, but Belle Cherie stalked forward as her horn alighted with the red hue she was so familiar with. The bar of red light formed between her hands, and she gripped the magic forged weapon in her hands like one would a staff of war.

 Orion blinked, eyes going wide, a grin flashing acrossed his face. “Dude that is so fucking cool how did you do that?!” The crowd had been silenced from their cheering by the boom of his outburst.

 Belle had paused looking confused. Indeed Fleur was confused as well. Why was he asking her questions in the middle of a match. A match that the poor colt was about to be trounced in.

 “I will offer this, if you manage to beat her, I will tell you how it's done. Would that satisfy your curiosity Monsior Falls?” Mademoiselle Shadow shouted back.

 He grinned, those frightening canines showing briefly. “Deal! No takesies backsies!” He laughed.

 Did he really believe he had a chance against the number two duelist in the academy?

 The next few seconds left her wondering what had happened. One moment he was just casually standing there, the next he was in Belle’s position facing the wall, and Belle was slammed into the defense barrier hard enough that a snap was clearly heard. One of the boucliers was on her knees holding her head.

 There was stunned silence from the students of the academy. She too could not produce words for what had happened. The groan from the Canterlot school drew her attention. They looked, upset with Orion of all things.

 A filly stood up in the bleachers. “Orion! Couldn’t you be just a little gentler! You could have killed her!” 

 “They knew what was going to happen?! And they're angry that he didn’t hold back?!” Her mind was a whirl with the implications. She detected no teleportation magic, it was almost as if he willed himself across the grounds. Wait. It wasn’t will, he had developed a spell set that allowed him to fuel his natural strength and speed. He bolstered his physical abilities with magic. His mane was oddly aglow. As if someone was holding a fire inside of it.

 “Oh please, I just smacked her open handed. I didn’t even put that much into it. Shut your hole Breezy.” His tongue was rude and crass. He was definitely no noble pony.

 “WHAT WAS THAT!” Mademoiselle Shadow was in the arena crouching over Belle Cherie’s unconscious form. Anger blazed within her eyes as she stared at him.

 “That, was me showing you the number one rule that you seemed to have forgotten. Never underestimate what your opponent can do. Well, that was more of a broad lesson for everyone here.” He didn’t say everypony. He said everyone. The more he spoke, the more puzzling he was to her. “Now. I believe you and I had a deal. Care to hold up to your end of the bargain?”

 The look of absolute fury exploded on her face. Then she grinned. Fleur shuddered, she hated that grin, it always preceded something awful. The last time she smiled like that, she herself had been on the receiving end of her abuse. Now it was directed at the smug colt. Things were not going to end well, though now she had to wonder, for whom would come out on top.

 “D’accord.” Mademoiselle Shadow had slipped back into their native tongue. “I shall give you a demonstration on how it is do-”

 A boom of the doors brought everypony to silence,  a shield surrounded Orion. All gazes swept to the entrance to the arena. There stood one of the chaperones, Shining Armor, fury was painted across his face as he glared daggers at him.

 “Aww Goddamnit. Shining could you wait, like five minutes. I was about to learn something legitimately cool.”





 “So, while we were drawn away, one of their fillies got aggressive with Fancy Pants and his refusal to consider their herd. You stood up for him, seeing as none of the Canterlonian fillies had bothered, and you all ended up in the arena in an attempt to correct Orion’s behavior and make him more submissive. Or so that is your belief.”

 While upset that he had missed out on learning a cool new trick, the idea of him being able to have an available weapon on hand at any time was ideal, he had to admit that Shadow was up to something nasty. It was likely for the best that they had been interrupted. Still, he had to ask.

 “Is that your go to move? Just a shield?”

 “Yes, it is the best way to incapacitate your opponent, and not cause harm. Once my shield is up, it is over with. Nopony has ever been able to escape as it negates teleportation.” That was, actually pretty cool. It was effective without major impact. The fact that it can prevent teleportation was an interesting side effect. One of these days he was going to have to test whether or not that shield could actually hold him. But not today.

 “I am getting a headache.” Shining sat down and a chair and glanced between the two of them. The other being Fancy sitting in on the edge of the bed. They had decided to do this in their shared room. The idea was likely to not let any others listen in on their conversation.

 For his friend’s part, he looked nervous and relieved at the same time. After his warden's initial outburst things had moved quickly. The two Canterlot class groups were ushered back to the hotel, the other chaperones wanting to let tempers cool and figure out what had happened. This led to a two hour interrogation by both Shining Armor and Mrs Dream. 

 Not satisfied with just the one way Q and A, Orion fired back his own questions, and the answers were not surprising. The teachers had been lured away by the faculty, a promise of watching over their students themselves coupled with a tour of the grounds. A tour that took them far away from the auditorium. The mistake was made when Miss Shadow, unsurprising that the bitch was not married, decided to pit what they believed was one of their best students against him. 

 Celestia had actually bothered to train Shining in sensing Orion’s magic signature. The moment he had charged his magic field, the Lieutenant had sensed the mana surge and had come running despite the cries to stop and return to the tour group. By that point the other four teachers that had come with chased off, figuring if a soldier was running back to the school proper that something was off.

 In the end, it was learned that there had been a warning that something like this might happen. Mares and fillies in this country were absolutely desperate to recoup any loss of their male population in any way they could. It was predatory, and violated several customs. But it broke no laws. Thus there was no legal recourse to punish them.

 It pissed him off to no end that they could get away with this kind of barbarism. But now he had a real question. “Why Fancy? Why him?” His friend looked up in alarm, but nodded. It seemed he too wished to know why he had been targeted for grooming.

 Mrs Dream looked to the ground and sighed. “I should have known something was up when they asked if Fancy Pants was going to be attending the field trip. It had been a specific inquiry. But considering his family is high nobility I believed  it was in the interest of the school to be very respectful of his position, so they wanted to be sure that if he was coming he would be afforded the best comfort.” She looked back up and looked at the victimized colt. “I am so sorry your Lordship, had I known I would have cancelled this trip immediately.”

 “Your Lordship? Just how high on the totem pole was he? A question for later.”

 “I can assume this has happened before?” A hesitant nod. “When?”

 “Ten years ago. It was the reason why we had not had a school trip outside the nation. Well one of the reasons. But in the events back then, five male students were coerced into staying behind. We never found out if they were forced into it, but by today's events I would say that is all but confirmed. Of the two classes, only Fancy Pants was a viable candidate it would seem. Though a few other colts have reported that they have received similar requests from groups with less standing than Belle Cherie’s. I can only assume they were going after the main prize before moving on the others.”

 “Okay, what's so important about you bud?Why go through so much effort to isolate students from the teachers over you.” Orion had fixed his friend with a hard but not cruel stare. He wilted under the gaze anyway.

 “I….I have no parents. My mother and father were killed in a carriage accident on the border of Griffonia during the hunger riots. They were attempting to get food to the griffon people, but the royal guard at the time were making things difficult. When it all came to a head, they….they and their carriage were pushed off the cliff. I…” His eyes misted over, and Orion’s own stomach turned painfully. “I was inside the carriage with them, but father was always the stronger in magic of the two, and he teleported me out of the carriage and back onto the cliff. The effort was more than he could bear at that point and he….and he and mother…”

 Fancy Pants began to cry like a foal. Unable to speak more, Mrs Dream wrapped him up in her arms, cooing softly to him. Shining stepped up besides Orion.

 “I had studied the incident.” He spoke quietly. “Seven, no eight years ago now, his father saved him, but the mana surge he called forth ripped him and his wife apart when he pulled that much magic into himself. Lord Pleats was a strong magic caster, but his ability to teleport was limited in strength. He just could not form a proper circle to cast it. I myself can’t do it. No one save maybe the Princess or Starswirl the Bearded know the answer to why certain unicorns can’t do what others can.” He sighed. “In any case, the resulting explosion terrified the crowd and the mad rush to flee killed another noble family from Griffonia; they had been working with Lord Pleats to get food to a starving people. No pony to this day knows what happened, and Lord Fancy Pants was left alone. Distant relatives attempted to intervene. But the Princess selected an impartial magistrate to handle the estate affairs till he came of age, a good thing too, there have been attempts to usurp his right of heir.”

 His friend, was essentially the head of his own house. He felt terrible for the loss of his family, the knowledge that scratched at a still raw wound in his own heart with the Apple family. Fancy had borne the responsibility of rule, even if he is aided by a magistrate to oversee the major affairs. To him, the guy just seemed like the average noble, carefree and happy with his station in life. It reminded him of just how little he knew of him.

 Pulling himself slowly from Mrs Dream’s arms, Fancy straightened his clothes, blew his nose, and with a determined look stood and looked to Orion.

 “I don’t talk about it because that face you're making right now my friend. To have others look at me with such pity, it pains me and puts a gap between those I wish to be close to. That is why you never knew, why I never invited you over.” Despite the red eyes he looked every inch the noble he was born to be.

 “Man I don’t give a shit about that.” The noble colt blinked. “You think because I know you gone through some shit means I’ll treat you differently? Who the hell do you think I am? Dude, anyone would be sad as hell for a friend who lost their loved ones. The only regret I have is I can’t just go out and kill those responsible.”

 Both chaperones did a double take, and Fancy cracked a smile. “I don’t think the people intended that to happen. My heart still hurts, but I have since learned to walk with pride, as my father once did. I will not allow my family’s honor to be soiled with wanton revenge over events that were overcome by chaos and confusion. So please, no killing my friend.”

 There it was, the calm take command reserve that he was so known for. He accepted the events of what happened to be unchangeable, and even though it pains him to this day he keeps taking the next step. First Applejack, and now him. It amazed him to find such strength in what he honestly believed was a soft people.

 Chuckling to themselves, Orion looked to Mrs Dream. “So, in light of recent events, what are we going to do about this? Will there be repercussions for what was essentially a bitch slap to that Belle Cherie filly?”

 “Oh there most certainly will be, Belle Cherie isn’t just some silly filly, she is the daughter of Comtesse Iris Petal. Who is the headmistress for Lycee Marearago. She is also incharge of education, under the current Queen. She holds no small amount of power. I have decided it would be  best if we left as soon as possible. With that in mind I have already alerted the captain of the ‘Sun’s Grace’, but it will take three days to have him ready for flight. They were in the middle of a tear down repair for the starboard engine, or so I am told. We will remain here in the hotel. Once word has been received we will depart immediately. I have already sent a message to the Principal as well, she will inform the Princess of what has happened. That will take a few days for the spell to take time to travel that distance.” Not for the first time He wished they had internet, or at least phones.

 “I know it's a long shot, but is there any way I can go to the national library? If Shining is escorting me I can get there and back. Hell, I am actually damn decent at teleporting. Despite my range with magic, teleportations seem to be no problem for me. After four or five miles I will have trouble, but the library is public, and only about a quarter of a mile away. I just want to look up some history texts, and it shouldn’t take more than two hours. Please?”





 It had taken more than a little coercing, but he managed to get his way. On the second day of their self enforced isolation from much of the nation, he had managed to get permission to go. So he, Fancy, and Shining had teleported four blocks away at an intersection he had managed to memorize. They almost got run over from a carriage.

 The first day, while he had still been trying to get them to relent and allow him to go, they had gotten several missives and visits from the school. All of which were politely, but quite firmly refused. There would be no going back. The second day a vice principal, one of three that tended to the school, had personally showed up with a writ for him to come in for punishment, for striking a daughter of nobility. That too was rebuffed, as it was done under the rules for a duel. It was a weak argument, but that lady was pissed when she left.

 Finally, what got Shining to relent was when Orion told him about his only chance to see the lady he was so obviously pining away for. He had caught whispers from the other teachers that he was looking forward to seeing his ‘special somepony’, and decided to use that as leverage. The smaller head won, and they were off to the library. The plan was to leave Fancy and him in a protective field inside the library while he went and dipped his wick, or whatever he planned to do. If someone attempted to breach the shield he would know immediately and come running.

 They had gotten to the Bibliotheque nationale de Prance no problems. Got set up, bribing the hell out of the staff to allow a shield inside the library, and Shining guiltily slipped away shortly after getting a message that popped in his face. Though he was smiling.

 While Fancy busied himself with learning trade law, or some other such thing that involved logistics Orion himself didn’t care to learn, he dived into the history books contained in their private section. A fair amount of bribery, and noble bullying from his friend, got him access to records not open to the public.

 The reason he was so desperate for history, particularly involving the early years of Equestria and it’s formation was because as the school years had gone on, he was more and more convinced that history for the citizens had been heavily rewritten. He wished he had been wrong. 

 Celestia, and then at the time Princess Luna, were warlords, warlordesses? Whatever, they were extremely militaristic. It seemed there really were two reunification wars, the second one more of a reclamation. Given what was going on during that time, he could see why they were so hell bent on it all. The nobles in the land now known as Equestria were fighting petty battles, and killing off whole villages in their desires to dominate the other. 

 As he read, he realized that this might also be what started the decline in the male population. They were killing them off like a deal at a Dollar General for two for one snack packs. By the time the Celestia and her sister had rolled in on the scene, the mares were in charge. There wasn’t much detail about the first reunification, only that again, Celestia and Lune seemed to be at the center of that one as well.

 The second however, ended when Luna deployed a massive airfleet to absolutely crush the few noble families and their castles that resisted. It is said that victory is secured by those who hold the high ground. Minus orbit, the air is the next best thing, and she had been absolutely ruthless.

 One thing that stuck out to him was the fact that she knew exactly where they were, and had struck before dawn. That told him all he needed to know about the lost Alicorn’s abilities. 

 Rumors in the book were easy to confirm, along with his own suspicions considering recent events that she was able to find a person's dream, and thus find their location in the waking world. That absolutely terrified him to his core. Because if she could do it. Then Nightmare Moon could as well.

 “Orion, why are you so obsessed with Equestria’s history?” He nearly leaped out of his skin. He had not heard Fancy approaching, so engrossed in what he had been reading.

 “Jesus Christ on a squeegee, Fancy. You scared the hell outta me.” He leaned back in his mountain of books and put a hand to his chest, his heart beating violently. 

 “I’m sorry, you were just so engrossed in what you're reading that I had to wonder what was so interesting.” He chuckled and sat on the floor besides him. “Tell me, what has your attention so ensnared?”

 He glared balefully back at his friend, and then shrugged. “History has a habit of being rewritten by the victors. All throughout my education, reading our history was like trying to read words off swiss cheese. There was always something missing. I suspected two unification wars. I was right if this is all to be believed. Did you know Celestia has a sister? Or at least had.” The fact that she was still alive and stuck on the fucking moon seemed not to be needed to be said at the moment.

 “I had heard rumors that she might have had one, but a second war? Are you sure?” The way he said that last was not as much of a question as it seemed. Looking into Fancy’s eyes, he realized that he had already been aware of both.

 “Yeah, and by the look on your face, you already knew. How?”

 The how had been simple, all the high nobles kept a hidden library, or at least his family did. One that he stumbled over by accident when he was still a recently orphaned colt. Once he had gotten inside, he had discovered a pretty grim secret history. In them, was the first war, as well as the second one. The last ended officially after the sisters had departed for a year, leaving temporary magistrates in charge while they were away. When they had returned, they were both a little different. At that time, enchanters had started to dwindle, slowly at first, but by the time of Starswirl’s disappearance they were all but gone. 

 What was worse was shortly after his sudden vanishing act, Luna turned on Celestia in an attempt to take over completely. Something about no one appreciating who she was, and the sacrifices she had made in order to secure victory. 

 Celestia had countered using ancient, even for her, artifacts to banish her sister to the moon. That had been nearly a thousand years ago. Two hundred years later, the last of the enchanters had died, and with no one to realign Equestria’s airfleet, they were shut down and stored away. What expansion that had been done was swiftly halted as other nations, embolden by the loss of Equestrian air power, fought back and forced the lone Princess to stop her advances for resources.

 The history of Equestria was steeped in rivers of blood and death. It was no wonder things were as stale as they were. The people were still recovering nearly a thousand years later. 

 “Holy shit. Like holy fuckin’ shit dude. That is heavy.” He was stunned. Both the history and the fact that it was well known to the noble class of what truly happened. Talk about censoring history. 

 They were both sitting at one the tables in the library, books having long since been put away. Just talking about all that Fancy had learned so long ago. The world would have been a different place indeed had she still had her air fleet. Something stuck with him.

 “What were the artifacts she used?” It had been gnawing at him for some time. He had heard about them before but not their name.

 “No pony knows, the name of those artifacts were never recorded. No pony knows what happened to them after the old palace had been destroyed. They were never recovered, and Princess Celestia had never indicated she still retained possession over them. Though some suspect she still does.”

 He shook his head and looked at the colt sitting across from him.

 “If you wish for my honest opinion, I suspect she does not. Otherwise, given her nature she may have tried to use them again.” Orion nodded. He suspected that to be the case too. It was not unlike one to give up that much power just because it was right. Less so in her case.

 “So, I learned WAY more than I thought I would about history. You wouldn’t mind letting me see inside that hidden little library would you?”

 “Hah sure my friend, but it will have to be done late at night when Miss Croft is asleep. She will not like me having a non-noble looking through noble things.” They both chuckled.

 His goals being met, Orion allowed himself to be talked into learning about logistics and the way to keep a nation supplied for emergencies. He wanted to tear his own heart out. It was so dull. 

 Thankfully, less than an hour later Shining had returned in a rush. Worry etched on his face.

 “Oh thank bucking Celestia you both are okay.” He sank to his knees, breathing heavily.

 “Man that must have been one HOT date if she left you this exhausted my dude.” He failed to pick up the air of tension that was coming from his shadow. Fancy had not.

 “What is wrong Lieutenant? You seem to be in some distress.”

 Oh and distress it was.





 While they had gone off to play, terrorists had attacked the very hotel he and the students were staying at. No one was a fool and knew that it had been a set up. But that was the official statement from the Grendamare, the Prench royal guard. It had happened less than an hour after they had left.

 So far no one had been injured but some rather ridiculous demands had been issued already that was in no way going to be fulfilled in the time they demanded. This had obviously been planned as a smash and grab, the target was on the roof across from the hotel with Orion and Shining.

 “This is fucking ridiculous. How ballsy can one be? Thank fuck we left when we did or Fancy would have been long gone by now.” The spell, ‘visum prope’, of which Shining of all people knew, gave them a very up close view of the dining hall where the Equestrians had been gathered. It was on the eighth floor, facing toward the palace. There were at least two dozen pirates, of all things, guarding them. No attempt had been made in freeing them in the past six hours. The afternoon was turning to evening, and it was getting colder and the light dimming early. 

 From where he sat, Orion could see one, a female griffon yelling into something. Likely still in communication with whoever had organized this shit. He had tossed ideas to free them but Shining had shot them all down. The only thing he had agreed with was not going to Prench authorities. There was far too much of a chance they would simply make Fancy disappear.

 This was making him grind his teeth so hard he was sure he heard one crack. Fancy’s look of dismay was substantial. His idea of being tossed to them to free the others had been shot down by both of them. No way were they just going to get what they wanted.

 Sitting back against the wall, Orion’s mind raced for a solution. It was clear that the Prench were going to do next to nothing. The demands for money would not be met, someone was gonna get hurt.

 “Is that….is that Fleur De Lis?!” Fancy’s straggled shout broke him from his thoughts. Looking closely, he saw her. She too had a ring on her horn just like the rest. What in the blue hell was she even doing there?

 “Yeah, that's the supermodel alright. The hell is she doing there?”

 “Who is Fleur De Lis?” Shining was bewildered. 

 “Filly that our colt here, is crushing on, Hard.” The spluttering from his friend brought a brief smile to his face. Then he frowned. “Well she must not be that high on the pyramid of power if they aren’t making a move for even her. As it stands without much…..wait...Hey Shining Arse.”

 “That is not my name you little shit!”

 “Yeah sure whatever, tell me, can you make an irregular shield that can bond to a floor?”

 “I can, why?”

 The grin that came over Orion’s face made both visibly nervous. “I gotsa plan.”





 Fleur questioned for the thousandth time why she was even there. And for the thousandth time she was reminded that she had wanted to speak to Orion Falls. It wasn’t for romantic interests, though he was certainly more than appealing, it was how he had won that duel. 

 It plagued her mind how fast he had beaten Belle Cherie. A brief flash of power, and that was it. It was over. There wasn’t even enough to gauge his actual strength. Her curiosity to know brought her here. Into a hostage situation.

 It had been nearly eight hours if she was correct. No pony had tried to negotiate, a demand had been sent out, but it seemed to only be for distraction. The pirate crew had tossed rooms more than once. They were looking for something, or somepony. And judging by the increased and frantic shouts from their captain, they weren’t finding what they sought.

 None of the ponies she was stuck with had made an attempt at escape. Of which she was extremely grateful. Odds are they would have gotten themselves killed had they tried. The crew’s interest in them was very fleeting it seemed. Only as a bargaining chip. Nothing more.

 “I’m telling you mare! He is not here. We have torn apart their rooms, we have not spotted him, nor the one you want dead anywhere. Their male guard is gone too…..no, no one saw any of them leave the building. We have been watching for them since this morning. It’s as if they were never here.” She paused, grunted as a scowl crossed her face, the crystal in her ear must be giving her bad news. “What do you want me to do?! Forge him out of clay?” She stormed off, nearly screaming at somepony when nopony was there. Such a curious invention, she was more than a little curious about how that device worked.

 Suddenly a pop, a woosh of air, and a purplish vision crossed over her eyes. After blinking a moment she turned around to see Monsieur Shining Armor sitting amongst them, scowling as he looked outside the shield.

 “THAT WASN”T PART OF THE PLAN!!!!!” He roared, nearly deafening her.

 Looking back outside she realized they were all under some sort of shield. A shield that enveloped all but two. There stood Orion Falls and, if she wasn’t mistaken Fancy Pants. In Orion’s left hand was the neck of one of the pirates. He had casually snatched the pony’s sword and handed it to Fancy, whom was now testing the blade with graceful swings.

 “Sure it was, we just didn’t tell you about it or we would have gotten nowhere, you sit tight Mr Tank, let the dps’s handle the grunt work.” The sound of a snap shook her to her core, in his left hand was now a very dead pirate. “You ready Fancy?”

 The colt with the sword nodded grimly.

 She had never seen somepony killed before, now the lifeless corpse of a brigand dropped to the floor nearly in front of her. She wanted to scream, but the casualness in which he had done that had forced her into numbness. Around the pair, the pirates just stared in shock, unable to move or comprehend what had just happened. The strangled sound coming from behind her forced her attention back to Monsieur Armor. His eyes held stunned shock.

 The battle commenced the moment she turned back around. Orion was pure carnage, and for once she got a true measurement of his potential power. He was terrifying. He held no weapon, but his fists, hooves, and knees tore through any who thought to stand before him. He punched through plate armor. Tossed mares and stallions alike like rag dolls. On the other side, Fancy stood, facing off against several himself.

 Where Orion was a brutal dance of destruction, Fancy danced gracefully around opponents, his blade biting deep, felling foe after foe. It was oddly beautiful and captivating, the blood sprayed like water, he bore a grim look, not liking what he was doing, but resolute in his actions to see it through.
 
 Her horror was forgotten, as she watched this colt valiantly fight for the lives of his friends and classmates in a dance of death that had her heart beating, not for fear, but of excitement. It was not long before those that faced him, threw down their weapons to flee.

 The crash as two bodies were violently tossed out the window drew her back to the obviously more dangerous of the pair.

 Orion stood, the captain of these would be kidnappers secured in his right hand by his throat.

 “You can’t touch me you little shit, my armor is packed with nullstone!”

 For the first time since the fight started, Orion spoke. “Oh? You need to seriously learn what that means. Sure it blocks magical influence, but it doesn’t block heat that is generated from magic.”

 As he spoke, his horn blazed a bright angry orange and black, his mane began to waft in some unfelt breeze. Lightning crackled from him. His mane began to softly glow as even those inside the shield felt a smoldering heat emanating from him.

 The captain screamed. Nothing but fury was painted on Orion’s face. It was like seeing the face of an angry demon, one she was not sure was there to save her, or kill her.

 “Orion, that's enough. It is over. Let her go.” Fancy stood there, a hand pleadingly reaching out to his friend as sweat foam collected on his brow. He was beautiful, and brave. She had never seen a more brave colt in all her young life. 

 She watched as Orion nodded, and dropped his would be victim. And then he vomited.





 Shining watched as the bodies were carried away, only a little numb from what he had seen before. “Orion is a killer.” The fact that Fancy had also ended the lives of others tonight had not escaped him. But it was the manner in which the former had gone about the grizzly work that scared him so much. He was no longer sure he could contain him. The level of violence was beyond what was expected. The violet vomiting and subsequent shaking from him, confused the stallion. He could not understand how somepony could go from crushing a head into vomiting and trembling like a leaf.

 Fancy was also trembling, but he had not left his friend's side no matter what. There would be no charges filed, a terrorist act was often met with death. If anything these two colts likely saved the Grendamares paperwork and time. 

 He expected the students to be fearful of the pair, instead he had seen something that amazed him. The moment they were free they had run to get water for both colts, none hesitated to come near them. Even Ivy Dream was surprisingly enthusiastic in getting them blankets. Thank yous and tears were flowing freely. These poor foals believed their death was soon. They also believed they were alive because of these two.

 Shining also got his share of thanks. Fillies hugged him, colts shook his hand. It felt hollow. He had done very little, the two young stallions had done all the hard work, and excelled. 

 “D-don’t.”

 He looked into Orion’s eyes. They stared back, unwavering. “Y-ou did the job that needed to be done m-man.” He spoke with that slight tremble. “If you hadn’t neither of us would have been able to do ours.”

 Fancy also had the same resolute look. A firm but trembling nod. These two were going to need counseling. 

 “I take it this is actually your first time, ending a life?”

 “Please don’t go into details, but yeah. Never killed anyone before today. Unless you count a hundred and thirty three timberwolves.” He chuckled, burped and was promptly handed a bucket of which he noisily used.

 He had to chuckle. As brave a face as he put on, he was still only a foal. But one that Shining felt he was beginning to understand. Brash, arrogant, and courage to put the stoutest soldier to shame with an equal amount of honesty. This was one he wanted to see serving with him.





 Iridescent Shadow fairly growled. An unknown sound to come from her voice. They would not get a second chance like this, not with the Grendamare in full force, now that the hostage situation had been resolved.

 The plan had thoroughly failed. Her Ladyship would not like this, who knew that Shining Armor was actually that accomplished of a soldier, or that the chosen pirates would fail so miserably initially. She crushed the crystal under hoof, she would not be able to try again so soon, no sense in allowing anypony to trace the magical signature back to her. Turning she quietly vowed that this was not the end as she slipped into the shadows of the ally.

 She didn’t get twenty feet before a searing pain lanced through her chest. Teetering, she spun around, a tall shadow moved in the unlit ally.

 “W-ho ther-'' Blood poured from her lips as she gagged. The question went unanswered, though it wasn’t a mystery for too much longer. Out of the shadows came a mare. Thee Mare. One of white as snow, with a mane that suddenly alighted in flames. Golden black eyes stared into her soul.

 “You have been a bad bad pony.” The voice sent levels of fear through her as she fell over, Or at least she started to. Flames scorched her flesh as they held her up, she tried to scream but nothing more than blood erupted from her muzzle.

 “Shhhhhhhhh no pony can hear you. Now, you may not be able to speak, but, your mind will tell me all I need to know about who attempted this.”

 The mare was right. No pony heard her scream. Even after she had managed to clear her throat and the wail had fled her, not a single soul heard the terror laden scream belt out its dying last breath.





 Stepping over the pile of ash. She looked up at the hotel. A smile on her lips. Just as she was about to intervene, he had done the work for her. While her heart hurt for what he had to do, she could not be more than a little proud. Of both of them.

 Still, tonight she had her own work to do before she returned home. Her control was tenuous at best. So she had to be quick.

 “Well done Orion. Well done indeed.”

 The hollow pop started those walking by, wondering what the noise had been.
> Guilt and....CAKE!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The wash of cool night ocean air washed over him. He couldn’t sleep no matter how many sleep tonics he had used. So he figured a bit of night walking might get him to the point where he could actually fall asleep. He sighed and leaned against the rail looking down at the unobstructed view of the ocean before him. Well, the good news was he had gotten over his air sickness.
 
 Departure had sadly, not been as quick as Orion had wanted. Unfortunately for him, the Grendamares were apparently not pleased with the fact that two colts had basically done their jobs for them. Though they didn’t say that. No.

 A Captain, whom Orion never even paid attention to their name because he honestly couldn’t bring himself to care, went on and on about how the whole affair had nearly become an international incident. Honesty, he wasn’t paying attention to that either. Though he did however, notice they never yelled at Fancy or Shining for their involvement in the event. Just him. 

 Though to be fair, he did kill most of the pirates, scorched their leader to near death, and tossed two of them through the eighth floor dining hall window to land in the public square outside, possibly causing a panic. That was likely the reason for it. Of the thirty-two pirates, twenty-seven were killed. The captain and four others were severely wounded.

 If he was being honest with himself, just thinking of what he did made him want to hurl every last meal he had ever eaten. He had never killed before. Not back on earth despite what was said about him. Not a thinking, feeling person. Now he had ended the lives of nineteen. He cooked that griffon female inside her own armor in his anger. If not for Fancy, he would have likely reduced her to ash.

 If that would have been it, things would have been gravy. He was being banned from Prance for ten years, though no court was being held to make that decision by a jury of his peers. Nope instead they just told him once he left he wasn’t allowed back. They got offended when he started to giggle. Like he wanted to come back to this mess of a nation.

 If that would have been all then it would have ended there, the class could have left three days ago. But another complication reared its ugly little head. Miss Iridescent Shadow was missing. No one knew where she was and because he had been the last to have a, combative, altercation with her, he was suspect number one. Apparently Iris Petal, the head of education and a Comtesse, had gone missing and Queen Amethyst Aura had decided to abdicate the throne of Prance entirely. Overnight. He was being questioned for that as well.

 That was highly suspect, even to him and he didn’t even care that much. Belle Cherie had been questioned, but as she had spent the last few days in the hospital, both arms of which were broken from his ‘love tap’. She had no idea where her own mother might be, and was rather distraught all things told. 

 In the end, he was cleared of all suspicions when everything came out in the wash about where he had been in the last twenty-four hours. Just a ten year banishment that he didn’t care if it lasted a lifetime. Though to say he got off scott free would be a lie. His teachers, well of the five chaperones that had gone with them, three were highly pissed off at him. And scared if they were honest with themselves, their body language was more than a indication when he came near. Shining and Mrs Ivy Dream had his back though, and when it was later learned that the Grendamares were doing absolutely nothing to alleviate the situation, the other three were mollified.

 Instead of anger, it was just subdued terror. He could not imagine the reception he was going to get when they all got home.

 Celestia was likely to be more than a little pissed. Another month or two spent with a fuckin’ null ring on his horn was likely the tip of the iceberg. Then of course, public opinion was always a gambit. You never quite knew where the public stood when it came to acts of violence. With the timber wolves, he had been praised as a hero colt.
 
 With the schoolyard brawl, he was named a menace, one not fit for pony society. It was really up in the air. Considering he had killed sapient life this time, the thought again made his stomach roll, he was guessing it would be toward the later. He could only hope no one would hear about it, but he had performed an act of extreme violence in front of students at his school. Noble students, they may like him now but it was the parents that would tell their story.

 As he continued to stare at the water, the leather bracelet alerted him to someone approaching. Judging by the heavy footfalls it wasn’t Shining Armor. He needed to figure out a way to update the thing to let him know at least the species, but he had no idea how to program that level of sophistication into an enchantment.

 Cocking his head back he saw it was the captain of the ‘Sun’s Grace’. The stallion was still dressed formally. They had departed with cameras flashing, so he had decided he and the crew needed to wear their old dress uniforms for a sense of unity or some shit. 

 Captain Windy Skies was thick for a pegasus. The stallion had seen the better part of a buffet table for at least ten years. Not that it seemed to bother him on his hooves or by air as he still stormed about most days, cracking down on his deckhands. He had retired with the ship itself, being a hundred and forty-four he was enjoying his autumn years as being a casual captain of one of the few air vessels outside the military.

 Equestria’s air fleet only consisted of personnel carriers. Mostly converted ships no longer good for the sea but still serviceable in the air, they acted as fast deployment ships to get a moderate amount of troops on the ground at any time. Not that they had reason to deploy, there hadn’t been a skirmish in fifty or so years with anyone on the borders. That being the case it was a good time for him to retire and try his hand at ushering kids around.

 Windy was looking out to sea, just as he had been doing early. Not much was said between the two as the older stallion leaned up against the rail and sighed. Turning to look back, Orion did his own sighing, it was really peaceful, and it allowed his mind to let go of so much. But the one thing that stayed was the thing that kept him awake. He had, for the first time in his strange life, had taken the life of another. 

 It made him nauseous, and the ship’s gentle rocking in the wind had nothing to do with it. It frightened him how easily he had done it. At the time he had tried to convince himself that he did what he had to. That it was necessary. But the moment it was over, he couldn’t contain his own fear and disgust anymore. Fear that it could have very well been him who got carried out, a sheet over his face. Or Fancy. Or any of the students had he failed. 

 What was worse, was the feeling he had that eventually, he would do it again. Not because he wanted to, the idea of getting comfortable with killing people made the nausea double. No, it was the fact that his life seemed to take him to more and more violent conclusions to situations he didn’t see a solution to. That angered him. He was far smarter than the average horse. Yet he could not think of a better solution to that hostage situation. Even now he wracked his brain for another solution.

 He was gonna be sick again.

 “No use dwelling on what ifs, son.” Windy Skies must have been watching him, and he must have been telegraphing his emotions on his face. “What is done is done. Yes, you had to kill. I understand that better than many I think. This feeling isn’t just gonna go away either. It's going to linger on for the rest of your days. It has for me, and many of my stallions under me.”

 Orion looked up at him, the wind ruffled both of their manes, as the stallion looked back at him. Gray eyes met gray eyes. He knew what this feeling felt like. He knew the inner turmoil that he was going through. Knew the price of the choice. 

 “You had the courage to act where others sat and did nothing. You did it for the right reasons, even if malice was carried in your heart that weighed the scales in that direction. You did do it for the right reasons. You did not seek glory, or accolades. Tartarus, they way I have read it, every action you have taken has never been for your own personal gain.”

 At this point both stallions had turned fully to each other, one listening for some vestige of hope, the other in understanding of what was plaguing their mind. That still plagued their own mind. The sea had long been forgotten by both.

 “The decision might not get the reception it should, rarely does. But those foals down in the belly of my ship are going home to their families. They have a life ahead of them because you made a choice to act in their defense. That means something. You could have waited like all the rest, stayed hidden on the sidelines. And if it is never said to you, I thank you on behalf of Princess Celestia. On behalf of the fathers and mothers who’s foals they will be able to hug once again.”

 He hadn’t realized he was crying till his vision had blurred. “God fucking damnit you stupid sonbvabitch. You’re not a fucking kid. What the hell is wrong with you!? You’re a grown ass man. You don’t need this old fuck telling you what you already know!”

 But he did. Somewhere deep down inside him he knew that he needed someone, anyone to understand. That gnawing fear that it could have been him burst forth and he did everything he could to stifle the sob that threatened to tear his soul apart. He had not realized he had been wrapped up into a hug. For the second time in his weird, strange, fucked up life he openly cried. Not the cries of a man, but of a child. Ugly sobs that threaten to tear the world of bravado and self confidence he had built right out from under him. 

 The supposed self confidence he had built up around him crumbled as he wept into the shoulder of a complete stranger.





 Shining Armor sat in his private room, his half written report still sitting in front of him. The ink on the parchment had long since dried. He had been staring at nothing for the last half an hour. His own thoughts a jumble. Just how did one write out the justified the death of twenty-seven souls to a monarch that preached for love and compassion?

 The events kept replaying in his mind. The shock of the killing wasn’t what bothered him. He had been on bandit duty, he knew what it meant and felt and had dealt with the fact that he would likely one day have to do it again. It was the fact that two fifteen year old colts had done the deed. While the supposed military leader did nothing but shield the students from stray battle. He had long accepted his role in the short and most one sided conflict.

 What he could not accept was being duped into playing tank while two, admittedly dangerous, foals did the work of dispatching the opposition. How does one justify allowing foals to fight for him.

 The situation was an extraordinary event, and some could even recognize the actions as solid teamwork in a crisis situation. But that would not be how his superiors would view it. They would see it as a complete failure of his primary mission. Which was to keep Orion Falls out of trouble. Not only did he fail at that. But he did it in spectacular fashion. There was no doubt that he could kiss the early promotion goodbye for Captaincy.

 He knew he was advancing quickly, and in the back of his mind he knew why. Candace had taken an interest in him, thus he had to at least be of sufficient rank in order to really be considered worthy of her time. Even if neither of them cared. 

 In truth he wanted to be a train conductor. The idea of traveling the rails seeing new things, talking to new ponies, and all the stories he could bring home to his little sister. The walking sponge would likely absorb all he learned and wanted more. With a detailed explanation as to the reason why things happened as they did.

 But when Candace has started making advances on him, something he had not dreamed of in high school, though everypony he knew drooled over the absolutely gorgeous alicorn, he had been immediately approached by not just officers, but Princess Celestia herself who had told him in no uncertain terms that if he wanted an actual chance at her niece, that he would have to get a commission.

 He had not wanted a commission. He wanted the safe and easy job. His fiance convinced him otherwise, in a very teasing and lust filled manner. Before he knew what had happened he was on a train bound for boot. Bad enough he has still yet to sleep with her in any manner. Unless you got the very quick handy she had given him in order to get him to sign up. Her hands were very very skilled.

 He shook his head, mane smacking against his chin. He fingered the mane realizing he needed a manecut the moment they touched down in Canterlot. There was no way he was going to get berated out of regs. He looked to the still unfinished after action report. The best thing was to tell the truth. Even if it made you look like the biggest fool. And here he was hoping to be married before Twilight graduated.





 Celestia had read the report from her spies on the events that transpired in Paris. Not that she really needed to. 

 Her involvement had been more than a little personal. She had warned the tart, Amethyst, that nothing like the events of ten years ago would be tolerated again. She was still dealing with the headache of that fallout. 

 As to going there herself, she couldn’t quite remember what prompted her to draw such a large portion of magic to her in order to make the trip instant. After hearing of the situation all she could think of was the audacity they had to try this again. Even worse fail, and become more brazen in their attempt to kidnap Fancy Pants.

 That must have been it. They dared to ignore her edicts, and the agreement that they begged for, just to net one they figured would be a huge pawn in her own courts. Foolish little ponies. 

 Her arrival there had been just before Orion, Shining, and to her surprise, Fancy led the charge to save the students from a rather tentative and dangerous situation. She wondered whose idea it was, though if she were a betting mare she would wager the entire royal purse on Orion being the culprit for that ambitious gamble.

 Seeing the two colts in action reminded her much of the days when she and her sister Luna engaged in contests of death with bandits and monsters so long ago. Fancy’s sword work was very reminiscent of her sisters. Though the lunar princess was much more graceful, and accurate. Still he had for that moment reminded her of battles of old, and that stirred her blood.

 What sent it near to boiling was Orion. She almost wondered if she somehow had a foal and not known of it. Give him a halberd, and he would have been the spitting image of her in her heyday. To say he was savage was an understatement. He had been all over the place in that dining hall. In the excitement of the melee she almost overlooked the fact that as he pulled more magic in his mane had taken on a noticeable fiery look.

 It had stunned her to see. She had never seen a unicorn even come close to the outpouring of mana as he had. Except, Twilight. Who had done something similar in her more formative years. His potential was astounding in her eyes.

 The short lived battle did however, affect her next course of decisions. That foolish mare in the alleyway below her had been too loud, but it might have been fate. The crushing of that crystal didn’t come soon enough for Celestia to track the link back to the one inside the eighth floor. So she decided to investigate in a way she often wanted to do on the daily in her own court. 

 She didn’t even feel terrible about the hole she had put into the little pony’s chest. As she dug into her victim's mind, her anger leapt to the forefront of her own. Here was the organizer of the whole kidnapping. Under orders from both the Comtesse and Queen Aura, she had been tasked with giving an opportunity to Belle Cherie to pressure Fancy Pants into an arranged marriage.

 When that had not worked, Iris Petal had ordered the kidnapping. Amethyst was surprisingly against the idea, which is why she had only been forced to stand down from power. Celestia had already picked the replacement, and they knew their place.

 She was never this comfortable with manipulation from behind the scenes. Always before she had attempted to have an open and honest relationship with the other rulers of the world. But over the last near thousand years she had learned that none of them had any real long term goals. So she took steps to insure they remained no real threat.

 Ruling Prance from behind the shadows of the throne was not to her liking, but there were advantages in letting the ponies believe themselves their own mistresses. What she did not like is when carefully laid plans go awry.

 She had not nominated or even given her support to Amethyst Aura. Hers had been behind Pond Lily Rose. When she had been trounced it left a sour taste on her tongue. And fury in her heart. But it was corrected now, and Lily Rose’s daughter Snow Flower would be the one to take the throne, and start pushing Celestia’s agenda. Which meant cheaper taxes on transports.

 Going back to the notes, she was reminded of what she had done to Iridescent. Burning her from the inside out, while pumping enough magical energy to keep her alive through most of it had been a split second decision. At the time she had been pleased with herself. Very pleased.

 But once she had returned home, she felt guilty. Extending her suffering was the last thing she had wanted, or so she told herself now. It almost made her want to let Iris die mercifully. But a voice she couldn’t quite hear, or know, made her change her mind. No, that one would suffer, for she had been one to sign the agreement before ever allowing students of her school to visit. By going against those wishes almost immediately, she had proven herself a liar.

 And the one pillar of harmony she liked the most was honesty. How could she let a mare who so flagrantly lie, not suffer her punishment to the fullest. Speaking of the mare, she took one last look at the report then casually burned it to ash, she had to see how she was liking being physically separated and yet still alive. Her sister did always come up with the strangest but most effective forms of torture.





 He hadn’t cried like that since the last time on the Apple Family graves, and before then he had barely shed a tear, unless you counted when he was a human child. Though thinking of that seemed frivolous. 

 He was seated in his own room, he had already packed his things and now sat waiting for the ship to make port. Waiting for the public to either call for his banishment or praise him. The latter was still, in his mind, highly unlikely.

 Two wailing blasts of the ship's whistle told him he had another thirty or so minutes before dock. Long enough to review his own feelings. 

 After Windy Skies had ‘helped’ him with his own fears and self disgust, he hadn’t tried to think about what had happened. Now he couldn’t keep the thoughts from his head. 

 The idea that something terrible could have happened to him had never occurred to him until after he had seen what he and Fancy had done. The very first thought that made him vomit, was how easily his own life could have been ended as he had done theirs. What kept him going long after was how disgusted he was that he had done it so casually.

 What the hell was wrong with him? He went from being a scapegoat for mass murder, to actually performing murder, if not in mass at least in vulgar violence. He had seen the fear in those peoples eyes as he came for them. Would he carry that same terror in his own eyes when it was his time? 

 That it was his second chance at life just made it worse, instead of playing it smart he was playing fast and loose as if this is some game. He doubted he could get another one up like in some retarded Mario game. He trembled. This was not like with the timberwolves. This callous disregard of his own well-being was going to get him killed, and his destination was not likely to be the verdant fields of Elysium the ponies so claimed to exist.

 This was no game, and he was doing the exact opposite of what he had set out to do in Griffonia. He had to do better. There was no choice, one for his sanity as well as his soul. Whether it be immortal or not.

 Three more shrill blasts yanked him back from his dark thoughts. They were docking, even as he rose to grab his bag he felt the shuddering of the floor as they made contact with the air pier. Time to face the court of public opinion.





 “Okay, this was not what I was expecting. Like not fucking at all. The fuck?”

 “Course language aside, I have to agree with you, my friend. I was honestly expecting much worse.”

 They stood at the rails side by side, the gangway had yet to be lowered into place. On the pier were tens of hundreds of people. Signs were being hoisted up by several noble families with one recurring theme amongst them all. 'Thank you for bringing our foals home, Lieutenant Shining Armor'.

 The subject of the banners himself, was staring gobsmacked at all the signs almost singing his praises. The sea of ponies let out a deafening cry when he had placed hooves on the deck. He had to be dragged to the rail by one of the chaperones which only made the crowd scream all the louder.

 The colts and stallion were not the only one to be shocked, the entire two classes that had been part of the incident in the hotel were also bewildered. They knew it wasn’t just Shining that had been there to defend them, but Fancy’s nor Orion’s names were anywhere in evidence.

 “You know, this might actually be a good thing. If our fellow ponies believe it was all Shining Armor’s courage and bravery, we might not get in as bad of trouble as I feared. This could be quite the boon if I do say so myself. I will be honest, I was not looking forward to the judgment of my peers when they learned of my involvement. Now it seems to have somehow been taken care of.” Fancy was looking pleased with the idea. Then Orion stabbed holes in everything.

 “Yeah except our names and faces were plastered all over Prance news rags. Oh sure it might take a couple of weeks, but everyone here is going to learn rather quickly of what happened. Not to mention one very crucial thing,” he gestured to the rest of the students, “they were all there and you can bet your fluffy ass they will be doing a tell all story of how one student had grace in the defense of his fellow ponies, and the other one went balls to the wall nuts.”
 
 Fancy frowned. He didn’t like the idea of his friend being thrown to the media wolves.

 The gangway slammed into position and they all began filling down, a small force of guards were holding back the families from flooding them. The cameras flashed, many at Shining but more than a few were pointed at the two colts doing their best to stay out of most people’s view. A futile attempt it seemed.

 Once everyone had gotten off the ship, the floodgates were let loose and families and the media surged as one to surround the Canterlot students. Parents kissing and hugging their kids, more cameras flashing to capture the touching moments as they happened with blinding frequency. Questions from interviewers flew back and forth. In any other situation, this would have been an amazing event of struggles being overcome. Families being reunited.

 Orion just wanted to get the hell out of there. Then he smacked himself.

 “I am a fucking idiot, hey Fancy?” He caught his friend’s attention. “I can friggin’ teleport. Wanna blow this joint and get some sleep?” The sheer relief on the colt’s face told him all he needed to know. “Okay let's get some space, don’t want to drag anyone with us by accident. No telling what that could do to some poor bastard unprepared for it.” Then he stopped, it had gotten quiet except for some shouting at the front of the group.

 “NO NO NO! Shining did not single handedly save us! It was through the teamwork of-” The buzz in Orion’s head drowned out what he already knew she was saying. Fancy Breeze was an ignorant stupid little bitch.

 “No shut up you little fuckin’ idiot!” It was too late.

 As one the crowd parted and both of them stared in horror at the families that now looked back at them. Had he taken more time to really look he might have noticed the still happy looks on many of the faces of nobles and the well to do. In his own mind he saw torches and pitchforks being raised.

 That was enough for him, he grabbed Fancy and teleported.





 Celestia had remained hidden in the crowd. She had, for once, not wanted to take away from the tearful and heartfelt homecoming of the students. She also had wanted to gauge the reactions of her ponies when they learned the truth. For the truth would be learned despite the efforts of the ruling class she should have taken hold of in her firm control long ago.

 She had been angry when she found out that her advisors had instructed the heads of her military to lie about the two colts' involvement. She knew that it was to cast the military, and thus the government and nation, in a good light for their forward thinking. But they were being short sighted. It would not be long before the real news would make its way across the seas into every pony ear. They would be made a laughing stock and the credibility of her nation’s information network would take a hit. That would actually be a good thing if it did if she was honest. However, she still didn't like it.

 Had she known two days ago she might have been able to stop it.

 But she had not known. Not until early this morning that is, by then it was too late with the pier already beginning to swell with families and the general populace of Canterlot. Another reason for her not to have a public appearance. She would not allow this farce to have her name attached to it in any way. 

 As she watched the foals and their chaperones descend to the pier, she noted many of the faces were tired and worn. Mostly the chaperones themselves, but Orion too looked like he had spent too many nights awake. She wondered if he was suffering shell shock from the killing he did. She would be surprised if he didn’t. 

 Fancy himself was a little more tired then she had last seen him, though he carried himself the same way his father had. Lord Striking Pleats would have been proud of his son, and often she found regret for what had happened to the noble and his wife. But looking at their son she knew they would have been very pleased ponies.

 The last one she individually sought out was Shining Armor. The guardstallion was looking confused and more than a little unsure. She snorted. They hadn’t even thought ahead to inform him of the original plan. Did she have nothing but imbeciles in her council chambers. The more events played out the more she was beginning to think a complete overhaul and subsequent firings would have to be done. This kind of idiocy had no place in her court.

 She watched, content, as families rushed to each other hugging and happy with the tearful reunions. It made her feel good to have a mostly happy ending. She almost busted out laughing as she watched the two colts shuffle to the rear. She may not be able to hear but Orion was berating himself for forgetting he could teleport. It seemed they were going to escape the crowd early.

 Shouting from the front drew her attention. Fancy Breeze was arguing with her parents and as the voices quieted down around them all, she heard the argument as plain as day.

 “NO NO NO! Shining did not single handedly save us! It was through the teamwork of him, Orion, and Fancy Pants that saved our lives. Shining shielded us while those two,” she gestured wildly at the now panicking colts, “fought the kidnappers. They were forced to kill but I am here, alive because of them!”

 Support from one, Miss Breeze, was high praise indeed. Considering her family's herd had a hand in many of the businesses in the city they had a large influence on what was believed and what was not.

 Celestia was curious to see how the colts would react. Panic and fear warred for equal hoofing on Orion’s face. She did not get to take a measure of Fancy’s own reaction as they both teleported away in a violent flash of light. She bit back a chuckle. 

 “Ahhh poor poor, Orion. I fear you will not avoid the media storm forever. Seeing as I have forbidden you from leaving without my permission you are rather trapped with them.” She giggled as she made her way out of the crowd, now coming out of their own shock and demanding answers. A glance toward her commanders almost made her burst out laughing, they had been caught red handed in their lie. 

 She made her way down an alley left of the pier and teleported back to her private rooms. “ You know, I won’t even call either of the two forth to answer for their actions. Let’s see you squirm Orion.”





 To date, Orion had broken seven cameras and five noses. He had avoided legal trouble on the grounds he was a minor and they were harassing him. But he may, just may get in trouble for this one.

 He had come out of his own private shower, and something blocked his doorway, something larger than the hamper in his room. That was enough of a threat for him. He hadn’t bothered to check who, or what, it was and just used a kinetic bolt of lightning to toss the offending body out his window.





 “I am terribly sorry about that Mr Falls!” Now he was being apologized to by an individual he barely remembered. Petal Grace, her sun colored mane now in a disheveled up-do hung to the side as she bowed low.

 She had barely managed to get a shield up before he hit her with a blast that sent her flying, and the second impact with the ground had shattered it, giving her a headache.

 He honestly felt bad. For a reporter, she wasn’t that bad, and her articles always seemed to be based in facts with very little embellishment, or sensationalism. 

 After dressing himself he went down and tried to apologize himself to the mare. She was sitting on a patio chair holding her head, chuckling and grimacing at the same time.

 “Dude you can’t be going into people's rooms like that. Not this close to season at least. Are you okay?” He summoned a couple of glasses and a pitcher of water he knew Mrs Evergarden kept in the fridge for any occasion, he also summoned his own little headache cure all, a potion with a heal spell bonded to a small amount of magnesium and mixed with butterbur. It helped in the morning after he spent a night cramming in the late evening before.

 “It was my fault, I was looking for you and I did not realize you were in the shower.” She looked askance at the thin little tube of green liquid.

 “It’s called ‘Morning Migraine Cure’. Yes it works I use it all the damn time for my own head. You have no idea how stressful it is to be a student at that school.

 She nodded thoughtfully and gulped it down, making a face she guzzled her freshly poured water and went to pour another glass. “That is terrible tasting!”

 “Heh yeah I know, I think the taste is what kills the pain and not the medicine at all. Seriously though, I am thinking of giving it cherry flavoring. Something to knock down that vile taste.” He sipped his own glass.

 Petal, now on her third glass, just nodded in agreement. “I will say it works remarkably well. I barely even feel the pain now. What's in it?”

 He smirked. “Love and I’m not telling you shit.”

 The both chuckled.

 “Alright keep your secrets.” She paused and looked at him. “I suppose you know why I am here?” He nodded, allowing his frustrations to be known in the form of a very pointed look. “Yes, I wish to interview you. The events surrounding the hostage situation in the eighth floor dining hall of ‘Le Mareice’ has the whole city talking. But there are too many unknowns. Rumors are flying about but other than Miss Breeze, concrete information is largely hard to come by. I would hope that you, would set the record straight. Five questions is all I am hoping to ask.”

 He had to laugh a little, she had remembered. “Oh what’s the harm, at least she will be fucking honest.”

 “Alright. If it has to be someone it might as well be you. Hurry up, you got five questions.” He chuckled and waited.

 Her smile almost outshone the sun. “Thank you Mr Falls. Thank you very much.” She pulled out a notepad and paper. “This is not my first question, but my husband is in the foyer, still waiting. He has his camera and we would like to get one solid photo of you for the paper. Would that be okay?”

 He groaned audibly. Well in for a penny and all that bullshit. “Fine, fine. Just no more. That is the last favor I do for you.”

 She smiled that dazzling smile of hers as her horn lit up and a ping sound was heard somewhere inside the orphanage. Soon enough Snap Shot, the earth pony stallion that had been with the mare when last they spoke, came bustling around the corner. All grins.

 “I had no idea you two were married. When did that happen?” He was rather surprised, Canterlonian Unicorn mares tended to go for other unicorns.

 “Oh we have been married for some time actually, we met back in Manehattan when we were both going through college. He was getting into photography and documentary sciences, and I was of course, going through journalism. Now, enough of us, this is about you Mr Falls. Are you ready?”

 “Yeah and please stop calling me Mr, or I am gonna start calling you ancient one for shits and giggles. Just Orion is fine.”

 “Thank you for the rare privilege. Okay, M-Orion,” she grinned sheepishly, “it is reported that you were actually the one to come up with the plan for rescuing your fellow students, is that correct?”

 “Right to the juicy bits I see. Yes, I did come up with the plan for the rescue. We had watched for the better part of six hours. Six hours as those wannabes trashed our rooms. Six hours in which the Prench Royal Guard did absolutely shit to help us. So after tossing ideas back and forth it was decided that since I could teleport I should drop us in among the group and Shining was going to shield them all. I’ll save you a question by the way. Shining Armor’s skill with shield magic is second to none, or so he claimed to me.” He took a sip of water. Snap had taken at least seventeen pictures since the start. 

 “Offensively he isn’t much good with combat without a team around him. Not because he lacks magic, but because he specializes in protections. The pirates were too spaced out for him to round them all up. So me and Fancy had to run as combat. I didn’t even know Fancy knew how to use a sword before that day. Judging by his side of the battle, he more than made up for inexperience with skill. I hope that satisfies your question fully.”

 He knew he had given a lot for a simple answer, but he wasn’t about to be misinterpreted.

 “Yes it does thank you. Second question: It is also rumored that you killed many of the pirates yourself, is that true?” She looked up, and he could see more than a little worry in her eyes.

 No adult liked to know a kid was forced to kill, even if it was necessary.

 “Yes.” He was not going to elaborate on it.

 “I see.” She grimaced. He supposed she was hoping for a more pleasant answer. “If I may ask this third question, how did you feel after the battle?”

 “I vomited the moment it was over. In all honesty, beating people because they deserve it is one thing. Killing someone even if they deserved it, I don’t think the idea will ever be comfortable with me. Life is uncertain, but I learned something of myself that night. I do not like killing people.” He left out the part where he feared, and was more than certain, that it would happen again.

 Petal smiled warmly, if a bit sadly. “I understand that Orion, I can’t imagine the weight that might have placed on your consciousness.” She took a long drink of her own. He poured her another glass of which she murmured a thank you. 

 He glanced at Snap Shot, who had not stopped taking pictures the entire time, a tear was stuck in the corner of his closed eye. “Man, males are big pussies in this world.” He pulled another glass from the kitchen to his hand with a simple thought, and pour a glass for the stallion.

 “Next?”

 “Oh yes. This is a long shot, but it was reported that Queen Amethyst Aura had suddenly stepped down the same time as the attempted kidnapping. Do you know why that was?”

 He thought for a moment. He had not really dwelled on it all that much but he could hazard a guess. It was fairly obvious that she failed on the part of keeping foreigners, minors at that, safe inside her own city.

 “I can’t be one hundred on this, but I’d imagine she stepped down due to the failure of keeping what was supposed to be protected foreigners safe from any possible danger, if I had to elaborate it was likely Princess Celestia she feared more. While she was the ruler of her own country and the Princess had no or at least only a little influence there, she likely wanted to make amends for her failure. Heh if you were her, do you think you would want to face the wrath of the mover of the Sun?”

 All three got a chuckle out of that. “Very true, I’d just go dig my own grave at that point.” A surprise comment from Snap himself. That got another round of laughter.

 “Alright, I have one final question. This has less to do with you, and more to do with Comtesse Iris Petal. The morning after the events of the day before, she was reported to be missing. As in completely gone. No pony saw her leave her home. The last report from her personal maids was that she had gone to bed furious. Though no pony knew what about. In the morning a maid had gone in to wake her, and found her missing from the room. A large search was conducted and she was not found on her manor grounds at all. My question, is did you hear anything before they left? I would have not bothered to ask, but the Prench are playing this one very close and not much information has gotten to us in the last week.”

 This was a question he was bothered by himself. During his interrogation, that had been mentioned on a few occasions. He was originally suspect because of the report on his fight with the pirates, the fire that he produced during combat pegged him as a possible assailant. The reason for that was because inside the room were charred marks in the middle of the floor. But he was cleared because the timing was off, he was still being interviewed when she had gone to bed. 

 Ultimately, he had to sign an NDA, a non-disclosure agreement, before they officially let him go. He could have refused but Shining had pleaded with him to just sign the paperwork. So he did.

 “I actually can’t comment much on that one. I had to sign an NDA before I left in regards to any questions and information on that case. I can say I was asked if I knew anything. I don’t. I didn’t even know the Comtesse was the mother of Belle Cherie till that day. So I can’t help you much there.” He shrugged helplessly.

 “I completely understand and am more than a little familiar with NDAs. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. I’d pay attention to the newsstands tomorrow if I was you. I plan to bust my flanks over this tonight. Again, thank you Orion. I know this was still more than a little raw, and I appreciate the fact that you faced it even if only a little bit.”

 Pleasantries were made, glasses washed and put away. He refilled the pitcher and placed it back into the fridge. He sighed in exhaustion, that had taken way more out of him than he realized it would. Time for a nap.





 Twilight sat besides Princess Celestia in the Royal Private Dining hall. Having just finished her breakfast, of just toasted and jam. Lots of jam. On the table before her was Saturday morning’s paper. A familiar face was on it next to another. It was Orion.

 Before she realized it she had snatched up the paper. It was indeed Orion, next to his picture was Fancy Pants’s own image. They had been interviewed.

 She had been worried about them. Mostly the former. Finding out he had been a part of that had left a hole in her stomach. Princess Celestia had assured her he was fine. That no harm had come to him. So she was more than a little shocked to read the headline.

 ‘Hero Colts Save Classmates from a Dastardly Kidnapping Attempt.’

 She almost tossed the paper away. Many of the newspapers over the last week had been filled with such nonsense. But curiosity got the better of her. She wished it hadn’t.

 As she read more of the article, flipping to page three to finish, she had failed to notice the Princess was carefully watching her. 





 Celestia herself, had already read that particular piece of news. She was honestly relieved, Orion kept his mouth shut for the most part. All three had. Even during Shining’s almost court martial that she had barely stopped, he had remained quiet on the details. Only admitting to the original plan, and how he had been duped in a stressful situation into thinking he was just going to keep a shield around them till the gardesmares finally got their act together to storm the room.

 Now she was watching her student for any sign of an explosion of worry and panic. 

 Twilight gently placed the paper down, the skin inside her ears slightly pale. “He killed someponies….he killed a lot of someponies.” There was a look of heartbreak on her face. “It hurt him so much to do it, and yet he did it anyway because they were going to hurt everypony if he didn’t. He didn’t like it.”

 “That's right, my protege. He didn’t want to kill anypony. But in that situation he saw no other recourse.” She felt it was okay for a little bit of truth to ease her student’s mind.  “From my own investigation. It seemed they Prench guard were not going to bother helping until the following day, when the pirates were exhausted from the stand off. Even if they had gone with just waiting for the next day, Shining’s shield would have collapsed from exhaustion. To keep a shield going for longer than twelve hours, he would have needed a focus stone. It would have taken most of the burden of him. But seeing as I have the only one still functioning, I didn’t think to give it to him for his assignment.”

 “So Orion and Fancy acted. I hear Fancy has already seen a therapist. He has been to her office three times now. I’m afraid Orion has refused again. Saying his problems are his own. An unnecessary burden he is taking on himself but I cannot force him.” Well she could but she didn’t want Twilight breeding with a vegetable afterwards.

 “I understand.” Celestia could tell she did not, but there was no way for her to ease her students heart any further. That damnable colt would have to do so when next she saw him. “Come it is time for today's lesson.” She would have to figure out some way for that colt to get help. He could not possibly continue to carry his burdens alone.





The middle March had brought a bizarre singular event. It was his supposed birthday and while Mrs Evergarden celebrated it every year, it was usually the standard affair. Unfortunately this year there was no cake to be had. The local bakery in which she usually got the cake had burned down the night before. Some idiot had left a candle burning near the flour it had seemed.

 So non cake. Or they all thought.

 A pounding knock on the door had drawn Mrs Evergarden from the festivities in the library. He had not paid it any mind but when she came back he took note of a very large box in her arms with a letter on top.

 “Orion, do you know anyone named Pie?” He looked at her puzzled.

 “No I don’t, at least I don’t think so. Why?” He had taken the box from her and set it down on the table. Lifting back the lid he was shocked to find an absolutely immaculate birthday cake inside. 

 It had a creamy white surface with fruit of various types piled on top toward the sides with a ‘Happy 16th Birthday Orion’ in black cursive. “Where in the fuck did this come from? OW!” He rubbed the back of his head. He deserved it, already several foals were emulating his language and it was causing trouble at their own school.

 “Well there is a letter here too. Maybe that will explain who sent the cake. Though it is a blessing that it arrived today of all days.” He only nodded as he opened and read the card.

 “Happy 16th Birthday, Orion. I am so sorry that the bakery that had your cake burned down, so I made you this one to replace. To be honest it was going to be too sweet and you would only ever have eaten a slice. This is much more your style. Enjoy! ~Pinkie.” Who in the blue fuck was Pinkie?! How the hell did they know about his cake eating habits!? There was more.

 “P.S. Jackie and Rares miss you! You should beg the Princess for you to go see them soon!!!”

 His eye twitched. There was still more.

 “P.P.S. No silly pony, we have not met yet but we will soon! Watch out for sea monsters!!!”

 Sea monsters? What sea monsters? He handed the letter off in a daze to his caretaker. She read it, and reread it.

 “How does she know you if you have never met before?” She asked, bewildered.

 “I have no freakin’ clue.” He cut a slice from the cake and took a bite. He almost wanted to cry. It had to have been the best cake he had ever had in two worlds.

 He ended up eating six slices himself that day. 

 “Just who in the hell is Pinkie Pie?”





 The mare in question was just finishing up her packing. She had a one way ticket to a place called Ponyville. There her life of fun and adventure waited. She knew there would be dark times, but that in the end life was going to be superduperfantabulously amazing!

 She smiled to herself. Her very first birthday cake for somepony else other than family, and he loved it. She knew it. Didn’t know how but she did. The twitchiness of her tail and the droopy left ear told her so. She couldn’t wait to meet him!
> Dark Magic with Tragic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The rest of the month of March and a good portion of April had left him hiding inside the orphanage. This year was special, something about an every ten year cycle being longer than the last. So Orion and the other colts got to stay locked up. 

 The fillies, of which there were a fair number, were moved to another orphanage. Many had started their own cycles, or were getting too close for comfort. This was done every year, but this year there had been a lot of fillies in the orphanage. So when they left, only six colts remained. Orion was one of them and as the eldest he was left in charge to take care of them this year. 

 Chip, the guardstallion, was there. But he was relatively useless when it came to taking care of kids that he often just napped in the corner. He looked like he had put on more weight. The stallion was still perverted, but it seemed to have been tempered by something. Upon investigation, he had learned that Chip Block had actually gotten married to two mares.

 How anyone could marry the overweight and pervy stallion was anyone’s guess. But he seemed happy, and apparently his wives were as well. They didn’t want foals yet this year and were waiting for the next three before starting a family. Something about him looking forward to an advancement. He didn’t know he stopped paying attention to him after a while.

 Seeing as he was the only responsible colt, no wait he was now officially considered a stallion at sixteen, so he was the only responsible adult in the entire building he had taken on the responsibility of taking care of the colts. That meant all the fun stuff like cooking, cleaning, making sure the little shits washed themselves properly. 

 The cooking and cleaning was actually no big deal, for years he had been helping Mrs Evergarden with daily chores, so he fell into the role of dad very easily. Thus his routine was set for the next six weeks. It was oddly peaceful.

 During that time he just existed, he had wanted for nothing but that. No studies. No experiments in the basement. Just to be. His time in Prance had changed his viewpoint on life and he knew it. He made less snarky remarks, something Mrs Evergarden herself had commented on, well more like worried herself on.





 Carrying down a satchel more than stuffed with paperwork, and what looked to be applications for some type of job, Orion placed the overburdened bag on the floor next to the door.

 “Hey Mrs E! Your things are at the front door!” He shouted. Somewhere inside the expansive manor turned orphanage he heard what could maybe be taken as an affirmative coming from the library. She really did have a soft voice that didn’t often carry very far. He smiled as he proceeded down the hall.

 “Yo Mrs E, your ride will be here in twenty minutes you got all your things?” He spotted her in the library just staring at the wall full of pictures. Pictures that showed the many happy smiling adoptees over the years. She herself was in a good many of them. He leaned against the door, this wasn’t the first time he caught her like this. Anytime she had to leave for any length she was always in this room, staring at these pictures.

 “Hmm, wha..oh yes yes I do thank you Orion.” She blushed, in the past he had teased her about this but she had maintained the ritual despite his good natured ribbing. “Just looking at memories like always.” They both chuckled.

 “Okay well I got your things down at the foyer. As I am somehow considered an adult yet not an adult till I graduate I will watch out for the kids. Anything you want done around her besides the usual?”

 “No. No my dear young stallion I do not need anything done while I am away, thank you.” She smiled, her eyes drifting back to the frames on the wall.

 “Okay then. If there is nothing else Chip should be here in a couple of hours, I think I can handle everything till then.” His stomach gurgled, he should have not missed lunch. Seeking to rectify that he pushed off the door support.

 “Orion….” She had turned fully back to the pictures, but her voice stopped him in his tracks, he glanced over at his not-mom.

 “Uh, yeah?” She was unusually quiet, the melancholy tone of her voice catching his attention.

 “Are...are you okay? In the chaos of everypony wanting interviews and to speak to you, I never got the chance to ask. Are you okay?” She had gently pulled a picture frame from the wall, though he could not see what was on it he could guess it might just be him. She hugged it to her chest as she looked at him. Her eyes threatening the water works.

 “I’m okay. Tired, a little worn out from everything. Stressed as all hell which is understandable when you consider what happened a couple of weeks ago. Yeah. I’m okay. Just….I…” He was having trouble placating the mare in front of him. Hell he wasn’t buying what he was saying too.

 “No...No Mrs Evergarden, I am not okay. I...I killed people.” The admission of both his state of mind and what he had done made her recoil slightly. She had broke down when she first heard what he had been forced to do to save others. She had insisted on seeing a therapist, but like always he stubbornly refused. He didn’t want them getting into his head. Nor did he want to accidentally let slip something that would draw suspicion to himself.

 “I figured as much,” she spoke sadly, “you’re not your usual snarky self. In fact I don’t think I have heard you make an ill comment since you returned. I wish you would take our advice and consider seeing Mrs Heart.” It wasn’t just her pressuring him, the Princess and several teachers were also showing concern in him not seeking help.

 “Heh, not gonna happen I will live with these scars thank you. I just...I couldn’t figure a better way of doing it, and by the time we got started I was….so fucking angry. I just lost my head and didn’t think about what I was doing till it was done. There. Therapy session over.” He chuckled but she did not. 

 Before he had realized it, she had buried her face into his abdomen, still with one arm around that picture and the other wrapped tightly around his waist. If she was silent the shuddering of her body would have more than indicated she was crying. She was not. He hugged her back gently, and awkwardly waited for her own grief to be sated.

 “Why do you bottle yourself up? Why not just share your grief and pain? Celestia knows you hold more than most ponies. So why? Why not talk to somepony about what happened?” Her muffled speech wasn’t hard to decipher. In that moment, he decided he would be a little bit more honest with her. She deserved at least a little truth.

 “Because there are thoughts and memories in my head I would rather not risk sharing.” She looked up at him, confusion clear. “I have thoughts that will get me in more than a little trouble, and a therapist will often pull your deepest thoughts into the light. Ideas that should remain hidden risk exposure.” He held up a hand as he stood back, separating them both with her still clutching at the photo she had taken years ago. “There is the Dr and patient confidentiality agreement. But there is also a law that allows our government to go through personal records, I’d rather they not read mine.”

 Mrs Evergarden wiped tears from her eyes. “If that is what you want, I can’t make you. But please, promise me Orion, that if it ever becomes too much to bear, that you seek help. One pony can’t carry a burden like what you are doing without long term repercussions.” 

 “Yeah.” The look on her face told him be better give more of a confirmation than that. “Okay, okay, I promise if it ever gets too much I will tell someone Jesus.” He stood aside and gestured for her to head to the foyer. “Now please get on outta here. Your family awaits you and I need to finish securing the orphanage. After a quick bite from the kitchen, think I got some fish left…”

 She placed his photo back on the wall, did another quick wipe of her eyes, and proceeded past him with a pat on his cheek. Yep, she was mom. Even if they both knew they weren’t gonna say it. He chuckled and headed to the kitchen. 

 “Have a great month, Not-Mom!”





 He chuckled at the memory. One of these days he was gonna slip up and call her mom and he had no idea what might happen after that. Still, would be one mistake he wouldn’t mind making. Outside his grandparents, the best parental figure he had ever had.

 He hummed as he threw out the trash. Now what else did he need to do? “Oh right, friggin’ chandeliers. How in the hell do those things collect so much dust?”





 Once Mrs Evergarden returned, things got back to normal. Well almost.

 She had returned with a new matron, Miss Icy Rose. She totally embodied that name. Young but not fresh out of school she stood tall at six-one, she nearly came up to his chin. With white fur, and two tone light blue mane, she had eyes of rose. Like many ponies in Canterlot, she was a unicorn. Honestly, to Orion, she was attractive. A little on the slender side, she still had a figure many might call a runway model.

 And she was a complete and total Ice Queen to him. Right from the start she maintained an aloof manner with him. Neither he nor Mrs Evergarden could quite understand her attitude. She was friendly toward the other kids. Helped them with their homework, cooked them meals, and cleaned the orphanage with no small amount of skill. 

 The worst however, wasn’t her lack of a heart when it came to him. It was her alertness, even at night she seemed to spring from her room when Orion thought of heading to the basement on one of his late night experimentations. It had taken nearly a week before he had finally figured out how she knew when he came close to his door. 

 That was the night of the first major argument between the two of them.

 He was idly working on his detection spell when he picked up a subtle vibration in his room. Upon a deeper and more focused scan he began to pick up sliver-like threads of magic that were not his own criss crossing his door and window. Tracing those back he found an active spell net heading to her room. Was she keeping an eye on all the kids?

 Fine tuning the spell to detect this subtle use of magic he found that his room was the only one being monitored. The spell was active. As in the moment he moved toward the door or window she would be notified. He wanted to storm out and confront her. Instead he had a better idea. Running the calculations in his head he decided to use a similar vibration pattern that shattered the null ring back in the Iron Dog’s den.

 Placing his own magic lines gently across her own he didn’t wait to build the vibrations up. The shriek of pain that echoed from Icy’s room woke the entire building up. He grinned, he had shattered the lines and given her a massive headache. At least he hoped for the last.

 Soon enough the pounding of hooves could be heard rapidly approaching his room. He thought about pretending to sleep, but he decided leaning back and waiting for her to charge into his room was a better idea. In case she got handsy he could get out of the way quickly if absolutely necessary.

 The door slammed open, knocking some of his books off the shelf he had behind it. That annoyed him. There Icy Rose stood, holding her head with the right hand, pointing with her left and glaring at him like he had skinned a baby seal in front of the foals.

 “WHAT IN TARTARUS DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!” If her cries of pain weren’t enough, that surely would have woken the entire block from rem sleep. He decided it was time to get back to the tried and true.

 “Well, I happened to be laying on my bed as you know, one ought to do before sleeping. Just running some calculations for spells and all that. You know, to keep up practice before school Monday.” He grinned. “What did you think you were doing?”

 “Holy hell, did she just growl at me?”

 She had indeed growled at him as she stalked into the room. “What spell were you practicing that would give me, of all ponies, a headache!?”

 “Oh that would be the spell, I haven’t got a fancy name for it yet, that disrupts intrusive magic lines that shouldn’t be where they might have been. You know something? I may just have to practice that every night and morning. With increasing intensities to really see the limits of what it can do. What’d ya think Miss Rosey?” 

 He could hear the teeth grinding behind her closed lips. He hadn’t had this kinda fun in awhile. He grinned at her again. Bigger this time.

 That was when Mrs Evergarden entered.

 “What under Celestia’s Sun is going on in here?” She demanded, but nowhere near the anger level of the Ice Queen had projected moments earlier.

 Before said queen of ice could respond he beat her to the punch. “Oh nothing Mrs E. Just getting rid of pesky magic lines that seemed to be all over my room and no one else’s. It was funny. Every time I tried to go to the bathroom, or get a drink of water. Miss Rose here was out the door and watching me. Do you know why she would know when I would leave my room?”

 The headmistress of White’s Orphanarium frowned, thought, then the frown deepened as she directed a glare at Icy Rose. “I’m sorry, but why do you know when he gets up for any reason in the night?”

 It was at that moment the offended mare’s attitude dwindled to embarrassment, and she looked to the floor. Contented, Orion chose to actually wait this one out rather than egg her on. He wanted to see what kind of excuse she would come up with.

 “I am waiting, Miss Rose. Why did you know what Orion was doing in his own room?” The tone had gone from question to suspicion.

 “I….I heard that he was a violent trouble maker. That he cared little for his fellow pony. So, in an effort to make sure the foals remained safe, I had a spell I would cast at night to help me keep an eye on him.” That last bit nearly tailed off into a whisper so quiet he couldn’t even hear, and he was only a foot or so away from her.

 While she had been putting out the lame lie that he knew it was, he had begun to spread his detection magic out from himself, he was actually getting tired so he had more trouble than he liked. What he found angered him. Like the lines of magic that were in his room, the entire building was covered in them. The decay in the spell seemed to point to them having been cast in the morning.

 The worst was the basement itself. It was absolutely covered in them. Every window and doorway. She even managed to flood the dumbwaiter with them as well. These were not connected to her so he sent vibrations along every spell he could reach. 

 He could not figure out how she had placed these up without him sensing anything before now. Pops in the air sounded out as each line was broken, Icy Rose flinched as each one was dispelled. Mrs Evergarden’s ears twitched at each one.

 “What is that?”

 “That would be some near hundred more lines all over the orphanage that I am currently breaking. It seems Miss Rose has been a busy little spider.” That earned him a look so filled with hatred it actually made him nervous.

 “Holy shit she doesn’t like being called out does she?”

 “They were everywhere?” Mrs Evergarden’s eyes were wide with shock. “Why? I get that you were worried,but that many? And for what reason?”

 Sheepishly she looked back to her and shrugged. “There was no telling what he might do. I could not accurately predict what trouble he may have caused so I thought to blanket the entire building just in case.”

 His senses had finally reached the room he used privately, it was everything he could do to keep his eyes from bulging out of his own head. 

 Unlike the rest of the manor turned twenty-four hour child care center, the room in which he experimented in had a whole new style of magic inside. It was a recording spell. One tied to a similar crystal like the ones he had in his own room. 

 Now that he thought about it he should have been looking at the crystals he had placed in various rooms. That would have told him exactly what she had been up to. He would have to look at them later. 

 Back to his private study, he seized upon the spell's point of focus and crushed it ruthlessly. There was no pop, not even a boom. But he felt the feedback of magic nearly caused him to nearly lose control of his own.

 He stared at Icy Rose with incredulity. She had rigged that crystal to blow up. Had he reached for it by hand he would have had to be rushed to the doctor. 

 Mrs Evergarden didn’t seem to notice his look. Both mares were talking, but not quietly. He refocused on the conversation. 

 “-you musn't violate the foals' privacy like that, Icy. It set a terrible precedent if they were to find out. It’s bad enough that you were targeting Orion. But at least he can be a little understanding. Do not do this again. Okay?”

 The scolded mare hung her head briefly and muttered out an affirmative, all while glaring daggers at him. “Oh, so that's how you want to play it? Okay then. Game on.”





 Everyday since that night Orion did a major scan of the building, once in the morning, and again at night before bed. He busted the bitch once more. After that, she seemed to have given up on this weird vendetta she seemed to have with him.

 Again, the room in the basement had been heavily laced with magic lines meant for recording. This time the crystal had been in her room. He wasn’t crafty, or skilled enough to disrupt it subtly. So he crushed that one too. Forcing the magic to feed back on itself it shattered and he was satisfied to hear a shriek coming from her. 

 The good news was she seemed focused on his room and his basement study. Where he had only notes on alchemical reagents for the potion class he was taking. The library had largely been left untouched. But Orion was no fool, and as much as he hated it, he had moved his things from under the floorboard there.

 It took him a while to find a suitable home for his things, away from prying eyes and still inside his zone of stay. If he teleported at all, Celestia would know it. He had already run that risk the last week and she popped up at school an hour later, and had him pulled from class to answer questions. He sheepishly told her had woken up late. Since then he had not bothered to attempt to teleport. He didn’t need her dragging his ass out of the shower.

 It was rather obvious. No ponies ever went down into the sewers unless they absolutely had to. With a shield spell that was more for air filtration than protection, he had managed to find a location two blocks away using the servicing grate back behind his home. Thankfully, these ponies really cared about their own sewer systems. Instead of finding the mounds of fecal matter and rivers of piss that he had expected, the pathways were rather clear if a bit slippery.

 He found what looked to be an abandoned service room, if the massive amount of cobwebs and dust were any indication as well as no equipment whatsoever, and began moving his things down into the sewers. He moved stones around and reinforced them to be able to move on command and hide his tools he had made. Then, he found some discount bare furniture, broke them down and reassembled them inside the room. The last thing he had done was make a magic illusion tied to a crystal, to make the entrance look like a brick wall. It wouldn’t hold up to much else than a casual glance, but he was hopeful.

 That entire process took nearly a week, and his studies showed the effects of his lack of sleep. It didn’t matter. Grades could be caught up. Detention could be done for sleeping in class. Hiding his shit was priceless.





 ‘Sometimes you wish to be somepony else for a change. Or because you have to evade pursuit. Oftentimes one makes the mistake of thinking a light reflection spell will work, in order to hide from your pursuers. Well I am here to tell you dear reader, that doesn’t work.’

 Orion shook his head. Often when he read through anything Bearded Star wrote, he found himself thinking of the stallion as an often stuck up pony that only let his mane down when writing his manuals.

 During the fiasco that was the Prance trip, he had found this particular book in a run down little book store. The cashier, a tired eyed old mare, didn’t even know how much the book was or it’s value. He snagged it for three copper bits.

 Said book was so old, that the name was illegible. The name wasn’t even found in the pages either. Complete unknown when or even what the book was. Inside were only a few pages and they covered something very interesting. 

 Espionage. How to sabotage magic lines without detection, which he had attempted to do and was terrible at it, and had given Icy Rose an even greater headache and him one as well from the screaming match they got into.

 Other instructions included how to use a magic he was not yet comfortable exploring. Dark magic in his book was a danger. Anything done with it had the chance of backfiring, which many spells had that chance, but nothing to the degree of dark magic spells could do. So he steered clear of much of what was in the book. Instead, he found the last chapter interesting. Mostly because it had to do with crafting an enchantment.

 ‘This little device is designed to make you see, look, sound and feel like the pony you are impersonating. The upside, no pony but close friends and family will notice a difference. Should you study who you're impersonating, maybe not even then. The downside is the spell only lasts a duration of twenty or thirty minutes, so whatever you plan to do with it, do it quickly.’

 At first the whole thing seemed rather simple. Then it was not. Then it kept him up the entire weekend. Still nothing. Nearing the end of school, in which he endured Twilight’s weekends to the six libraries, all of which claimed to be the library of Canterlot. Dinners with her family. And Celestia’s fuckin’ tea dates. Still nothing.

 He could not figure this spell out. He knew why. The book was based in espionage, which derived its skill and structure from dark magic itself. The events made him hesitant to dabble in a magic skill he had little to no knowledge of. Icy Rose wasn’t the only one to get a headache from the failed experiment. What would happen if he tried unknown magic now?

 He decided to put it away, there was always next year. Placing the book, the necklace, and the locks of mane he had ‘borrowed’, he sighed in defeat. He had no idea what he was going to do with figuring it all out, and didn’t want to risk alerting anyone if he failed.





 School was out, and he was trapped in Canterlot. Celestia had rejected his request to visit Ponyville for the summer. That had actually bummed him out, as well as Rarity and Applejack. He sent letters to both apologizing about not being able to come down.

 So he was stuck, even hanging with Twilight was a chore. 

 More often than not the filly was stuck in her own summer studies. With her teacher actually being his jailer, he made himself scarce rather than sit in with her lessons. As the first month wore on, he had begun getting bored with the extra training he decided to take on. The gym wasn’t the problem itself, but the lessons in combat had begun to get routine. He had actually fallen asleep watching two mares duke it out on the mat before the instructor came and hit him upside the head telling him to go home.

 Being at home was both boring, and hot. Mostly because the crystal that supplied energy to push cool air into the orphanage had shattered a week ago, and it was uncomfortably hot inside his own room.

 Speaking of cool air, Icy was acting strangely for the past month. She would leave in the evening and be back before bed time. It happened every three or four days. No rhyme nor reason to it. 

 He had idly thought about sneaking into her room and doing some snooping, but he suspected that she had some way of knowing if her privacy was invaded, and he was not about to upset the tentative peace. Thus, her activities remained a mystery. Because he certainly wasn’t about to follow her around the city.

 Thus, at the end of the fourth week, found Orion in front of ‘Canterlot Torre della Magia e della Ricerca’. A mouth full that basically stated the Tower was for magic research. He idly wondered if they had been petitioned to change the name to something pronounceable. Not likely, tradition and all that crap.

 The tower itself was massive at its base, stretching some thirty-five meters in width, it was actually a squat thing, only coming to the height of sixty meters. With those dimensions it would seem like it would be one of the tallest, if not the tallest in Canterlot. However, it ended up looking like a squat rook chess piece, and fell several meters shy of the palace itself.

 Dressed in grey stone, there wasn’t much decoration on the outside. Just two large banners with the Equestria nation crest in purple and gold. The deep almost black wooden doors were banded in thick iron straps, it was an imposing if ugly sight. It had been built in the shadow of the mountain itself, nearly flush against it. In fact there were several canted brick bridges of the same drab grey stone heading into tunnels inside the mountain itself.

 “Huh, wonder where those go?” He shook his head, dispelling the thoughts. He was here for answers for questions already existing, not to have more likely unanswered questions. Squaring his shoulders he pounded on a subdoor built into the massive door gate on the left.

 The door creaked open, and Chip was staring at him from the other side.

 “Orion, what in tartarus are you here for? Making a delivery or sumthin’?” He gave a toothy grin, a pervert, but a good dude all around.

 “I’m actually here to ask some questions, bud. I was hoping to speak with one of the researchers here if they have the time. You think it’s cool if I come in and ask around?”

 “Oh sure sure. Come on in, not like they get much visitors anyway. I hear it, the Princess herself doesn’t come but once a year. Or whenever one of the geezers makes a discovery of some magical sumthin’ or other.” He stepped aside to let the young stallion pass, slamming the small gate closed.

 “Well, it seems they live an exciting life don’t they?” His curiosity got the better of him. “Okay I wasn’t going to ask, but where do those bridges in the back of the tower go to?”

 “Oh them? They go to the old royal hangers. Where the majority of the ancient airships be parked.” That got a look from his escortee. “What you think them twenty under the palace was all of ‘em? Nah, most of ‘em are locked up in the mountain itself. But you didn’t hear nuffin’ from me. There is some official count, but it's classified. Or sumthin’. I know there is more than fifty of ‘em.”

 “More than fifty airships inside the mountain, and twenty under the palace. Just how big is the freakin’ fleet?”

 “That is a lot of ships my dude. Change of subject. How are the wifes?” He didn’t want to contemplate just how large the airpower that Equestria once held was.

 Chip spat, a surprisingly disgusted look on his face. “They’re fine. Both pregnant. But fine. Damn the two of ‘em.” Orion shook his head in bewilderment.

 “Dude I thought you were waiting for a few years?”

 “So was I, no one told ‘em I guess. I get back from your orphanage, and those two whorses ‘strus hadn’t finished. Next thing I know, it’s morning and I done bucked them both the entire night. They ain’t even upset or nuffin’. Just shrugged their shoulders and told me to pick up extra hours. Like work is easy to find or sumthin’.”

 “Ah, take it this isn’t your normal work then?”

 “That’s right. I normally stay away from this place, strange goings on all hours and such. But the pay was too good to pass up, you tell that lady that runs your house that she haft ta get her ‘nother guard next year. Between this and the warehouse near train district, I got not time for anything else.”

 “Hah, okay yeah I can imagine you're gonna be busy. More pay is gonna be needed for that growing family. I’ll let her know.” Chip just spit again and waved him inside. Grumbling how life was so unfair.

 Orion chuckled and pushed the well oiled doors open. The short walk between the main gate and the end of the foyer was not that long, and inside that was a surprisingly clean lobby. On both sides was a stairwell that traveled up with the curve of the tower. Not much else besides a desk that had a very bored looking stallion in dirty overcoat sitting behind it. Carpets in the same gold and purple, with the same crest of Equestria. They looked like they had been there for centuries. Likely had. 

 On the walls were several paintings depicting what looked like great moments in history of discoveries that had occurred in the tower over the years. Nothing recent. While clean, the entire lobby reeked of age. And mildew.

 Approaching the desk he knocked on the top, because the stallion, an old silver furred gray maned fellow, had fallen asleep. 

 “Gah!” The stallion glanced around for a moment before settling on Orion. “You could give an old stallion a heart attack doing something like that! What do you want?! Got a delivery? Take it to the dumbwaiter and send it to the appropriate floor and get out.” He glared, blurry and red eyed.

 “Actually I am hoping to ask a few questions. I’m a stud-”

 “I don’t care. You want to ask questions go and use the directory. Departments are listed. Now leave me alone!” His voice was the sound of tombs in a dry season of the Sahara. 

 “Okay grandpa, go and suck down some prune juice and apple sauce you old fart.” He ignored the tirade that followed him down the hall, shaking his head at the idea of using a fossil like him to be the attendant of the lobby. He wondered who was older, him or the rugs.

 Looking at the directory he found what he was looking for, and groaned. It was on the fourteenth floor. He sighed and trudged up the left staircase. His legs were going to kill him.





 By floor eleven he was begging for the sweet release of death. He could have just teleported to the needed floor, but he didn’t want to bring Sauron down upon himself. So trudging the stairs was what he was left with.

 The entire journey he saw not a soul. He heard however, plenty. Explosions, yelling, and someone was crying somewhere on the eighth floor. Those cries sounded manic, and spurred him to climb faster.

 In his daze he almost went up to the final floor. Realizing his mistake, he sat down and rested. He needed to come back here just to run the stairs. His legs burned and ached, and the small amount of healing he could do eased it only a little. He resolved to keep using the only spell he knew until he felt marginally better. 

 It was ten minutes before he got back up, walked down two steps and approached the lone door on this floor. 

 ‘Professor White Stripe  Tesla Coil.’

 Apparently a change in head researchers had occurred, and no one had thought to properly update the plaque, just marked one name out for another. The name had him nervous. He could picture a mad scientist with a giant machine and a corpse, trying to raise it to life, then watch as it terrorized a small Austrian town.

 He shuddered and knocked. No answer, only a strange low hum that seemed to vibrate his teeth was the only response. 

 Despite his own inner small voice telling him it was an absolutely terrible idea and he should leave, he eased the lock door and stepped into a room that belonged in a sci-fi movie.

 It was as he feared, he had found Victor Frankenstien’s lab. Dials and bulbs were lit up on, well he wouldn’t call it a computer by any stretch but it looked like a rudimentary circuit board. 

 In the center of the room was a shallow pit, and inside that pit was a gyro sphere. Only no wires, bolts or metal of any kind held them together. Instead they spun, individually from one another, without support. Inside the rings was a sight that made his blood run cold.

 In the very center of the rings is a tiny black circle, the air around it looked like some beveled warping, as if someone was using a fun house mirror or glass and he was seeing it in a circle pattern. His mind screamed for him to run.

 “HOW IN THE FUCK IS THERE A BLACKHOLE HERE!?” He was hyperventilating. He near pissed himself in fear

 After ten minutes of that, he noticed his end wasn’t nigh, that the world wasn’t being compressed and sucked down a noodle of death. Taking another fearful look is when he saw them. Containment spells. Thousands of them. Powered by massive crystal battery banks. And on the other side, stood a mare in a disheveled lab coat taking notes.

 She was tall, as tall as he was and lanky to boot. Her mane was a disheveled copper color, the fur looked like it was iron in color. She  wore goggles and had a grim look on her face. It was clear she had yet to see him.

 He edged around the room, staying as far away as possible from the containment fields and that world ender they contained. He was about ten feet away when the mare, he could only hope was Professor Tesla Coil, let out an explosive sigh and with a brief glow of her horn, everything began to power down. Thankfully, the rings that created death, first.

 “I don’t understand, why won’t it sustain itself?” Her high meliodas voice was a stark contrast to the image she displayed. She sounded like a noble of all things.

 As the rest of the machines powered down he coughed politely. “Um good afternoon?”

 She shrieked and jumped away, she had picked up a tube and brandished it menacingly overhead.
 “Who the buck are you?! A thief? Good luck everything in here is too big or unstable for you to steal!” She did not sound confident.

 “Um, no. I am a student at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. I just finished my first year of my advanced classes and I was hoping to get some questions answered. The teachers there are less forthcoming about such advanced inquiries. I was hoping you, or a junior researcher could help me. Please, I’d rather not get beaten to death with a test tube.”

 She stared for a long moment, before lowering her improvised weapon, smiling sheepishly.

 “I’m sorry, as you can likely tell, I do not get many visitors. Sorry for threatening to beat you with a beaker, to be honest, it wouldn’t have survived after the first hit.” She set it down on the table of which she swept it up from.

 He chuckled and quipped, “So instead of a blunt beating I would have been sliced to death, awesome.” He grinned, she grinned, they both ended up chuckling over the gallows humor.

 “Haaaaa, okay. What can I help you with…? What is your name?” She stuck out a hand, and Orion walked to embrace it, standing on the raised platform with her.

 “Name is Orion Falls. And if I am wildly off target, you’re Professor Coil?” 

 She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes I am.” Stopping she looked at him. “Oh my you are a tall one. It is rare that I get to talk to a stallion face to face like this.”

 “You think I’m tall? There's a guy down in Ponyville, he has me by eight or so inches, dude is built like a brick house.” He gestured with his free hand of how tall Big Mac really was.

 “Really now? I have heard there are some earth ponies that set the record. Anyway, how may I help you Mr Falls?” He groaned and she cocked her head. “What?”

 “Please don’t call me Mr Falls, I got enough of that outside this place, Orion is fine.” She nodded and smiled again. “Okay I’ll get to the point. Why is dark magic so hard to influence and control? I have read that it is damn near impossible to use. Why?”

 “Well you certainly picked the right place to ask that sort of question.” She sat down on her table, and crossed her arms.

 “I would hope so, I was looking for the Dark Magic Department after all. Unless someone switched your plaque?” He grinned and leaned against one of the cabinets. Gently, wary of turning something on he shouldn’t.

 “Oh ha ha.” She snarked. “Alright, I don’t know why they don’t inform you of this in class, but dark magic shares a close connection with chaos magic itself. It’s less about numbers, and more about the will one puts into the spell. Equations, mean very little, so it's the intent and words that are needed. It is theorized, not by me mind you, that dark magic is one of the first magics after chaos. I think it was-”

 “Hold up, first magics? Like they came about in stages?”

 She glared at him. “Do not interrupt me. But yes, they did. They were derived from the original source of magic, chaos. No pony knows why chaos was paramount and first among magic, but through trial and error our race, and a few others that could harness magic, carved out order from the chaos. Now as I was saying, Star Swirl the Bearded was once quoted, ‘Magic is an ever changing creature. It is still very much in flux, and sometimes incantations and equations are less than the sum or our own worth’. We don’t know what he meant by that last bit, but when it comes to dark magic, the message is clear. More will, less invoking.” She nodded.

 “That, kinda makes sense? Are you telling me that Dark Magic requires strong will?” He asked puzzled.

 “Yes, what you saw here was my will being forced. Oh sure there were numbers being run, but less for the spell itself and more for me. So I know the magical values to input.” She saw the confusion in his eyes and sighed. “This is why it's important to teach them while they are young. Magic has its own will Orion. Normally we unicorns use order to structure the flows how we wish. That works for nearly every branch. But for Light and Dark Magic, it is more intent than a numbers game.”

 He had to stop and think, was it really that simple? Was he trying too hard to force the course of magic through numbers? Thinking back on his own lessons, he noted that each variation of magic had its own taste or feel. One could tell the difference with just the feeling or weird taste it left on the tongue when you first began to learn their uses. Fire for instance felt warm, and before he had gotten used to it, a little spicy. It was a strange thing to be able to taste magic like that.

 On the other hand, Dark magic vibrated in his head, neither warm nor cold, it left an oily feel on the tongue. It was almost alien to everything else he knew, it was one of the reasons why he stayed away from it. “Are you saying that Dark Magic has its own purpose?”

 She shrugged, “Kinda yeah. That's about the best description I have heard yet. It moves on its own. We may have given it a branch separate from chaos, but that doesn’t mean we have tamed it. Many have tried and failed. It takes a focused mind to really control it.” Her horn lit up blue and a shudder passed through him. “Yeah, you might be able to do it, but you won’t be able to do much more than party tricks. Still that is more than most. Out of sixty students from my own class, I was the only one that was capable of bending it to my will. So don’t be too disheartened.”

 He stayed there, running through examples she had, and even watching her perform those examples more than a few times. While the words had not been enough he had watched and felt what she did with it. He was impressed. She was far and away superior in magic in general then him. He knew combat magic, she knew how to influence her environment to get what she wanted with almost minimal effort. He lacked her finesse. And it was a humbling experience to say the least.

 Afternoon gave way to evening. By the time he walked out of the tower, he had learned more about the basic structure of magic and its effects than he had in the last school year. He walked home in a daze. His head swam with formulas to problems he hadn’t considered. 

 By the time he had gotten home, he had another headache brewing.





 “Orion, have you seen Miss Rose today?”

 He was in the library, a habit he had developed when doing casual studying with the new set of eyes that had been around for the past near two months. The new school year was approaching, and he had wanted an advantage over the course curriculum that he had signed up for. Again he was going with Fields and Effects classes. His talk with Tesla Coil had gotten him to think about influencing the local area about him. It might do well in a survival sense. Being able to detect was one thing, but being able to influence the environment to suit his needs might one day save his ass.

 The other classes were the standard affair, but he decided to drop Combat Studies 101. Considering that he wasn’t taught much to begin with, and went to the gym after school, it was better than he spent more time looking into other pursuits. So he picked up Defense Against the Dark Arts. He snickered everytime he thought about it. Shame he had no Snape to educate him. Would have been hilarious.

 “Naw, I haven’t really seen her today. Or last night now that I think of it...She have an emergency or something?” He didn’t actually care, but looking concerned always scored brownie points.

 “Not that she has told me. I haven’t seen her all morning, nor have the other foals. It is very strange.” Mrs Evergarden frowned and lowered her head in thought.  

 “Heh, maybe she quit?” Wrong question.

 “I would hope not Orion. It means I will have to go back to relying on you to keep the colts in line again.” She pondered a bit more before a sudden knock was heard echoing down the hall. “Now who could...I hope it's not what I fear.”

 Both walked to the front entrance and he did the gentlemanly thing and opened it for her. Two mares in sharp dressed business suits stood on the other side, one with her fist still raised to knock.

 Thinking about it now, he could not understand why they had both mid millennia clothing as well as early nineties garb. It was so bizarre to see both styles and era of clothing side by side. He himself was wearing a blue tunic with a black cotton undershirt. With the gray pants, of which the legs were secured to his cannons with cloth string, he looked the part of some viking in the early years.

 He shook his head, he had not heard a damn thing either had said but they were clearly addressing him. Which was odd.

 “I’m sorry I zoned out on a fashion question, what did you two say?” He just grinned as the both looked at each other in confusion.

 “Ahem, you are Orion Falls, yes?” She had a vaguely Russian accent going on. He was idly wondering if he was gonna be able to get a few mother Russia jokes off before they really got annoyed.

 “I am. What can I do for the motherland?” He grinned, already one was frowning. 

 “We would appreciate it if you would take this situation with the respect it deserves. As you have confirmed that you are in fact Orion Falls, I hereby serve you these papers.”

 “Um, come again?” The papers she was holding he was now holding. It was thick with legalese. “I am not sure I understand what is going on. Why am I being served with what looks like…” He stopped. These were papers for espionage, and treason. “Treason and espionage. How...why...what in the fuck?”

 “Not my concern Mr Falls. Since it is known you are locked down in the city without the ability to flee, you are hereby remanded to these premises. Any attempt to leave the grounds without escort or permission during this time will see you in a dungeon cell. A lawyer will be provided for you tomorrow when you are brought before court to stand trial.” 

 A total of ten guards, not in the Royal Guards uniform of Canterlot, took up positions with two at the door, the rest taking up various posts around the building.

 “Wait, what trial? The fuck did I even do?” One guard, a stallion wearing a strange uniform with a sun on it restrained him unnecessarily.

 The two mares took a step back, and smiled. Actually fucking smilled. “All your questions will be answered in the packet. I would advise you to dress in something other than, villager wear, tomorrow. Have a good day Mr Falls.” With that they both turned and walked to a waiting carriage he had not seen before.

 That carriage looked familiar. There was a sun emblem on as well, above it were words he now could place. ‘Dux noster Sol, Non dat ei vitam Fidelium.’

 “The Sun is our guide, she gives life to the faithful.” It was the Church of Sol. And in the back seat as the door was opened, sat a smiling Backwater.





 “This is insane, they can’t charge you for espionage and treason!”

 Twilight was pacing back and forth. She had come in like a storm the moment news got around. Considering this was done to him early in the morning, it meant she was there in only two hours. 

 Orion was numb. How had they known? How had they found out?

 In the packet was laid out a secret that he had thought he and Bloodbeak had kept well hidden. His involvement in the restoration of hope for a dying nation.

 There were pictures of him showing how to run the forge, till soil for optimal conditions, even a crystal recording of his interactions with the Iron Dogs, directing how they should account for their own pollution.

 The claim was Orion had stolen state secrets and given to a non-aligned country for monetary gain. Under that accusation, was listed two articles.

 ‘Article Four Section Three; The use of spies to acquire and sell knowledge of a military nature.’

‘Article Nine Section One; Giving aid to a non-allied nation.’

 This basically fucked him in the ass with no lube. With a barbed wire bat. He was screwed.

 “Yeah they can.” He spoke quietly.

 “What do you mean!?” The worried filly practically tore his ears apart, he didn’t even flinch.

 “While I didn’t steal any knowledge. I did teach the griffons how to farm properly, how to store grain, and how to mine with the Iron Dog’s assistance.”

 Mrs Evergarden kept shaking her head no. Tears streaming down her face.

 He was fucked.

 “But how did you know how to do all that stuff...why did you? I thought you were on vacation!” Man she was annoying.

 “I never actually went on vacation. I...went there to help people, Twilight. They were dying. Every night as I stayed in the castle I could hear some mother cry. Kids were dying daily just in the capital alone.” He had been staring ahead for some time. How could he have screwed up so badly? How had he not noticed?

 “Oh Celestia….”

 There was the nail in the coffin. At the bottom of his court summons was a small addendum. “As Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria and the Sun, Light of the Heavens, has an emotional connection with the accused, She will have no jurisdiction in these matters.”

 He was fucked.
> Misconceptions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 He had to be dragged. Just like the last time he was accused of a heinous act.

 The walls were different. Instead of the white columns, walls and red curtains, there was intricate wood paneling. Stained glass windows depicted landmark court cases. Where the US Flags might have been placed, now was the Equestrian National Flag. The floor was purple and gold. At the center, between prosecution and defense seating, was the sigil of the nation, in high detail.

 “Oh dear God, it’s happening again.” Tears slowly snaked down his eyes, the cut on his cheek burned as the salt water leaked into it. He trembled. “It’s happening again.”





 They had come for him the next morning, a horn ring and manacles. They had made a show by waking the entire neighborhood at four in the morning making as much noise as possible. Mrs Evergarden just wept and collapsed onto the ground as they pulled him out the foyer door. His last view of her that day was a broken mare. The colts and fillies stared on in a numb shock that he shared with them.

 They had thrown him in an open cage sitting on a cart that was strapped between two earth ponies. Both mares. His escorts were all mares as well. Every single one a unicorn. All dressed not in the armor of Her Highness’s Royal Guard. But in the armor of those dedicated to the Church of Sol. A clear sign that he had no support from anyone.

 How had it gone so wrong? He had been careful. He had never sensed anyone following him once. What more did they have on him? Did they know what he was capable of? What he could do? He knew there was no way for them to know his original age, or species. But as he wracked his brain he worried more and more that they may have discovered something to allude to his nature, even if they didn’t know what it was they had uncovered yet.

 The journey to the castle had been purposely slow. He was being put on display, so that everyone knew his face. His charges were proclaimed loudly at every intersection they had passed. It wasn’t too long before objects began to fly. He wished they were fruit and vegetables. He was lucky he supposed, the well to do of Canterlot couldn’t throw to save their own lives.

 Before long, the roar of the crowd began to drown out his own inner turmoil. Or added to it. Condemning him for crimes he never committed. Deja vu was not just a saying today. Over the shouts of traitor from the crowd of ponies, he heard in his mind the shouts of murderer, killer. Monster. The voices of the past could only haunt him.

 The sun rose over the horizon, shining down on his back as he sat forward, toward the oncoming gates. A stone flew through the air, between the bars and struck his left cheek ripping it open. It was likely a one in a million shot. He didn’t even notice, and if his captors did notice they cared not a wit for it.

 The portcullis cranked upwards, lifted by a pair of mares in the royal guards armor. The sight of that armor brought him no comfort.  Standing by the inner gate was Captain Errant Strikes. Her eyes were red and puffy. She looked into his own. The same questions appeared in them as it had many eyes of familiar faces not screaming and jeering in the crowd.

 ‘Why? Why you? What have you done? Did you really betray Equestria?’

 He had no answer for those questions. He couldn’t. To give an answer would be to expose himself for the alien he really was. He feared that even more than this trial, even if only barely. What might they do if they found out he was some accidental invader?

 The gate slammed shut, portcullis dropping as well, the noise from both seemed to silence the crowds, or maybe he was trying to ignore the words that seemed to etched themselves onto his very soul. Alongside other words that were spoken so long ago. “Oh Jesus, fuck. It’s happening again.” More tears joined the stained trail going down his face.

 They dragged him from the cage, his own hooves no longer able to carry him.





 The slam of a staff broke him from his reverie. He looked around vacantly. On both sides of the room sat nobles on alleviated seats surrounded by low banisters. Blueballs was there. As well as Jet Set. Both seated on one side. Each grinning. His mind, betraying his sense of reality, briefly warped them into the devils of his nightmares wrapped in human flesh. He shook his head groggily and peered to the left side, and found Fancy.

 He wasn’t smiling. A stone mask had descended on his face. His one time friend had not looked at him once he arrived. Almost afraid to. His jaw locked. His eyes, hard. It looked like he too was crying.

 It was then that he noticed they were all standing. He fumbled for a thought before he looked to the stallion on his right. The small lawyer of tan fur and gray-white mane was brushed immaculately. He was wearing the black robes of the defense. His yellow eyes held worry as he gently pulled at his arms. The sight of him jogged his memory.





 “Mr Falls? I am Plea Deal.” The stallion stuck his hand through the bars of his cell for a handshake, then he smiled sheepishly and put his hand back to his side to nervously play with the coat he wore.

 Orion had been chained to a wall. After all the items he wore on him had been taken away. The night before he had been wise to remove all the enchanted items he wore on himself. Stowing it away in various rooms of the orphanage. It was likely futile, but he wore nothing to this trial that might  expose him any further. 

 The items they had taken were trinkets from his trip into Griffonia. The necklace and bracelet he had purchased at the stalls, along with the beads of ivory he wore in his mane. None enchanted. He didn’t want to make himself even more suspect.

 He looked at Plea, wondering why he was here.

 “Uh ha haha I’m sorry. I had forgotten how they restrained ponies like you.” He watched as the stallion winced when tracing over his features. The cut on his face had yet to be treated.

 “The crowd, uh, sure did a number on you didn’t they.” It sounded like a question, but was delivered as a statement. “Well, I am your court appointed lawyer. I will be defending you and I believe I might be able to reduce the severity of your sentence. I, um. I will be honest with you Mr Falls. I don’t see you getting out of this free and clear.”

 He blinked at his lawyer. Getting him out of this with a reduced sentence? Did the guy even look at the charges. This was false bravado at best. They both knew it. He couldn’t even be bothered to give a snarky response.

 “Um, right. Well the trial has actually been pushed back several days. So this gives us a chance to mount a decent defense. I can assume you know the charges?” That was a question he only had to nod to. Treason, in all honesty that was bullshit. He did not operate in a military capacity for the nation. He was a private citizen. Though this was horseland, they may just have a law somewhere buried to include a citizen of being guilty as any soldier.

 The one that would be damning, was Espionage. The fact that he might have stolen secrets from the nation and given to another nation for monetary gain, was for all intents and purposes, the most probable way of screwing him over.

 “Now I’m afraid under the current law, Article nine does unfortunately apply to you. Because of your close connection to the Princess, your actions are being considered as a direct betrayal of her Highness.” Well that answers that. He would be charged despite being a citizen. “Because of this reasoning, she is being barred by law, Article Eleven.” That law pertained that any pony with close ties or a victim of the crime were to sit in only as a witness and nothing more. Meaning she can’t just throw the case out. 

 “I know it would have been a boon to our defense if she wasn’t blocked. It is odd though, Article Eleven had only ever meant to block families from lying on behalf of the defendant. But in February this month, parliament had voted to alter this law.” Orion wanted to laugh, this had been set up long in advance. If anyone stopped to think about it they would realize it, wouldn’t they?

 He reflected on that question, and it slowly dawned on him that they couldn’t. He could see it because whoever had pulled all that evidence together, which was likely not all the evidence, they had been biding their time and playing the long game. How long had they been watching him? Why had they even bothered?

 “Espionage will unfortunately be harder to reduce. You did after all give the secret of mining and forging steel to the Griffons. But I am hoping to play that off to your naivety in trusting them to use that knowledge to save their people.” He shuffled his papers. “There are also charges of slander against royalty. More specifically the Princess herself.” He looked at Orion incredulously. “Though those were pre-forgiven at the time and will likely be used to smear your character, rather than be any real obstacle. But with your help, and the rumors I have heard, I believe we can circumvent those to just be the nature of your personality growing up on the streets. We can play to the court’s heart in understanding that you are just that way.”

 Now Orion really did want to laugh. “Play to the court’s heart? Buddy, that's the biggest joke in the world. Courts don't have hearts. They are machines bought and paid for.”

 He didn’t voice his opinion.

 Plea Deal stared at him for a moment, likely waiting for something. “Right, please write down any witnesses, I see they gave you enough chain to write, here you go.” With a resigned sigh he started to write, and stopped. If he were to go for any witnesses, this farce of a trial will likely only pull others into trouble.

 “I will not drag anyone else into this. Mr Deal, I’m sure you can read the signs. This is over from the moment they served me those papers. You are just a fancy horse in a suit. Don’t play dumb either, you know it as well as I.”

 Plea Deal gulped audibly as he packed his things.





 With little prompting, he rose from his seat not bothering to look who was coming in, they would soon reach his vision anyway. Words were spoken, but he barely registered them.

 The bailiff was first, a large mare dressed in thick plate and cloth of the royal guard. The helmet hid all but her eyes, giving no discernible idea of who she was other than a white horn. Next to arrive with more words he barely understood, was the judicator. 

 Judge Gavel Hammer, did not look like his name sake. If oil was a pony it would be him. Tall and thin, his brown mane and mustache were done in what Orion would call a snake oil salesman style. His tan fur seemed to share the same sheen today. The stallion smiled as he walked down the aisle in front of him, giving a wink to the right side of parliament.

 He was forced to bow by the guard at his own right shoulder when the announcement of royalty had been made. His head down, he didn’t even bother to look up as he watched three sets of hooves march by. Two he recognized, Twilight’s and Celestia’s. The third was new. 

 Wrapped in soft white with purple flower patterns on the cuffs around the cannons, the legs gracefully stepped one in front of the other, the shoes were golden.

 Once passed, a gavel was banged twice, and he was promptly forced back into his seat. The owner of the third set of hooves was revealed, and despite it all he blinked. He had heard there was an actual second alicorn, but he had not believed it. 

 There, sitting in what could be best described as a theater box, sat Princess Celestia, decked out in gold and black, more black than anything else, and stiff faced. The normal mask she wore was gone in favor of the grim one she now wore. Next to her was Twilight Sparkle, she was in her school uniform of all things. She had been crying, heavily.

 On the High Princess’s left, was a soft pink alicorn, her mane done in ringlets and of three colors, soft yellow, pink, and purple. Her dress was white and conservatibve, but did little to muffle the air of pure lust that seemed to surround her. She was voluptuous. She was sex. Even with that frown she was still incredibly stunning. The mare was beyond gorgeous and made Celestia almost look like a peasant in pretty robes. That might have been because she was glaring more than anything else.

 Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

 He didn’t get a chance to dwell on her for long. He had only a chance to lock eyes with both princesses before opening arguments were to commence. At this point he wanted it to just be over, and yet in his heart, he knew he wanted to scream. 

 “Please, let me wake up!”





 “He is terrified. Resolute but absolutely terrified nevertheless.” That was the first time Cadence had spoken since the three had walked in. Her eyes had not left Orion. Not once. The nearly thousand year old reclusive princess had gripped her skirts hard the moment she had laid eyes on him.

 Celestia didn’t know how to respond. When she had been informed of what he had apparently been doing outside her own observations, she had denied them. Then came the evidence. She could never have imagined he could be that clever. Or that sneaky. Now, now she was angered. Both at him and herself for being so easy to be lulled into believing him nothing but an innocent colt lost in the world. 

 Oh she knew some of what the prosecution were going to declare today was likely untrue, but the concrete evidence of him giving away technology and methods of extracting ore, even helping an unaligned country was all too real. She gripped her own skirts. 

 She wanted to march over there and yank him up by his neck and demand he spill everything. To tear into his mind and find the truth of who he is. But she restrained herself. She only hoped that it was merely him wanting to save lives that prompted his betrayal. She may somehow be able to still intervene.

 “I would imagine so Cadence, he is going on trial for very grievous crimes after all.” She would be shocked if he wasn’t terrified. He had been caught. Her only question was how he had learned so much.

 It had made no sense, he had never been near the nation owned forges that she could tell. She paused, her head coming up sharply. He had been once reported to have visited Master Forager sometime in his first year in the city. Could he have somehow learned of it then? Cadence pulled her from her thoughts.

 “No auntie. This is deeper. Much deeper. I feel, I feel like this isn’t his first time in this situation, but that cannot be right. He is still so young. I don’t understand where this terror comes from.”

 Deeper? Experienced this before? She thought briefly.

 “Likely when he was a colt on the streets of Stalliongrad. If I remember correctly he was almost raped on more than one occasion.” Twilight whimpered at this. Tears slowly leaking down her face. She couldn’t blame the poor filly, this was one of the very few friends she had after all.

 “It could be, but I just can’t place it. All I know is it's a very old fear. The poor thing.”

 Poor thing indeed. She would wait, and see how this played out. She may still be able to do something once it was all over. But she would have at least one answer before the day was out. No more deflections from him.





 “Before you sits a young stallion, well my good stallions and gentlemares. Do not be fooled. Today I will prove that this seemingly innocent ‘Hero Colt’, is nothing more than a long term plant by the kingdom of Griffonia! An incredible act of long range thinking from those birds above to infiltrate and steal our technology, our practices, or very way of life and he just handed it over to those filthy creatures.” He turned and grinned at Orion. “And to be paid quite handsomely too on top of it.”

 He could only stare in shock. Knowing what evidence that they had was one thing, but understanding how it would be spun was a completely different beast all together. How in the hell did they figure he was some mole?

 “By the end. Once the overwhelmingly large evidence is placed before you, I am confident we will have a conviction, and once done, we can turn our attention to the ones who perpetrated this conspiracy against us. I trust in the wisdom of the court, and the future decisions of the Princess, long may she rule.”

 Class Action finished his opening statement with a flourish and a bow, to the sound of clapping from the right hand seats of parliament and the crowd behind them. They were standing for this prick.

 “Thank you Mr Action. The floor is now open to Mr Deal.” Plea Deal rose from his seat next to Orion, his shoulder bumping into Class’s, he heard a ‘good luck' and saw the smirk on the prosecutor's face.

 “Thank you, your honor.” Adjusting his robes he turned to face the crowd more than the nobles themselves. “Stallion’s and gentlemares. Today I hope to prove that my client, Orion Falls, is not some crafty infiltrator. But a kind soul, one who worked hard to save a species not his own for no other reason than to do what was right.” Orion inwardly cringed. Already this was a very bad start. “Orion Falls is not some hardened agent of a supposed enemy, but of a compassionate soul who has always put the needs of others before his own.”

 Spinning he turned to the judge. “My hope is you will see through the fabrications of a devious and evil plot, and see the young stallion with a ponitarian heart. Thank you.”

 Short and sweet, and likely pointless. He had received no standing ovation. If this guy could pull off a miracle, he better be manufacturing it now. His mouth was dry again. It had been so since it was announced his trial was today.





 “When building this case, we at first had a distinct lack of evidence. Orion Falls had been very clever, even in his early years, to cover his tracks. But in so doing he had made his first mistake.” 

 Orion perked up, there was more evidence? Equestrian law didn’t have a rule that said that all evidence must be presented before any trial. Which seemed a severe oversight in his book. It was easy to abuse the added evidence. Without time for the defense to study and come to their own conclusions, there was nearly no way to refute it, thus they couldn’t couldn’t mount a proper defense. The first stirrings of anger flooded his veins.

 A cart was wheeled in that was covered with a purple cloth. The nobles leaned forward to see what exactly it was. With a flourish Class Action ripped the cloth away, and Orion’s heart sank. “How in the fuck had they found that?”

 On the cart was the suit he wore when he was pushed through the portal that had brought him to this crazy magical world. Lying next to that were the recording gadgets that had been strapped to the suit. None of it looked like it had decayed, not a bit. Though dirty from being buried was in evidence.

 “When setting out in our investigation, we first question the ponies where he was first sighted. As we dug deeper, we discovered he had come from the woods to the northeast of the city of Stalliongrad. It had been late evening. He had wandered in naked.” The crowd murmured some chuckling. “We scoured that forest and nearly missed this strange cloth. It had been buried with those mysterious devices you see lying next to it in a glade next to a small river. Our examination has shown that the burial of this equipment happened some eleven years ago. Coincidentally right around the time of his first recorded presence.”

 “What are you implying Mr Action!?” The call had come from the right, but there was no telling which noble had said it, only the feminine touch of the voice.

 “Ah, I am implying that somehow, the Griffons had gotten hold of an ancient piece of enchanted technology. The magic has long since been dead on the device itself, but the remenant  warping of magic in the glade it was found in still left a scar on the very essence of ambient magic. We can only theorize at this point, that Orion Falls is not actually a pony at all. But a warped abomination of a griffon to take on pony form. He gained the benefit of being a unicorn during that time. Much as it shames us to admit that is even possible.”

 The crowd behind them laughed. To them it was preposterous. Magic cannot do that. Celestia was not laughing, she stared hard at Orion. Eyes seeking answers from his own surprised ones. He wasn’t even going to mouth the words of ‘I have no idea’. He just shook his head and had a bewildered look on his face.

 “Mr Action, as entertaining as that idea is, a griffon being able to use pony magic, I’m afraid I will have to dismiss that suggestion unless you think you can prove it.” Say what you will about Oily McFuckstick, but he was doing his job. That didn’t last long.

 “I believe I can.” The prosecution stated rather confidently. “When Orion was taken in by the Foal Protections services, and before being placed in Manehattan’s Orphanage, he had been subjected to a battery of tests. In those tests was a surprise.” He turned to face him. “Mr Falls, would you kindly bare your teeth for the court?”

 “Aw shit.” He couldn’t refuse, not with the one guard that sat next to him breathing down his neck. Reluctantly he stood up and showed his teeth, baring them to the judge. The nobles, and even the crowd of ponies behind them.

 “As you can see your Honor. Mr Falls has the typical pony teeth, but he has the edition of canines. Nowhere in ponykind’s genealogy will you find sharp teeth as a genetic trait.” He sat back down glaring daggers at the lawyer. He had pulled this nonsense out his asshole for sure. The fact that he looked like he believed it was concerning. The fact that the judge was taking this more seriously was even more concerning.

 “What's more, Mr Fall’s bloodwork came back with an oddity. You see your Honor, as a species, we can indeed interbreed with many other races. But in his case, while there is unicorn blood though heavily diluted, and an unknown element is present. As if the blood was scrambled on purpose to hide what he is. We believe that to fool us and hide his origins, the device he wore warped his blood in a way that would not be traceable.”

 “You believe, that this suit has, or at least had, the ability to alter a creature's form to match the target creature in such a way as to hide that species' original origins?” He was no longer looking skeptical. The hush that had fallen over the room meant the crowd and nobles were also considering the ramifications.

 “If I may interrupt, why was I not informed of this when it was found?” Celestia’s voice rang out in the quiet air. It was hard and angry as hell.

 “I’m afraid, your Highness, that you may not ask your own questions at this time.” She glared daggers at Gavel. He swallowed. “However, I would also like to know why this wasn’t brought forth the moment it had been discovered as well.”

 “Ah, well as to that we only recently started building this case against Mr Falls, once we had been alerted to some alarming information. Until a month ago, this information wasn’t even available to me either. I would have to ask you to make that request of the investigation team. Unfortunately none of which are here in the city.” Convenient.

 “Very well. My office will make a formal inquiry at a later date. Proceed.” 

 That was it? Nothing further? He could tell that he wasn’t the only one pissed off. Celestia was staring daggers at the both of them. Though Class Action affected not to even notice. Fucking bold as hell power move.

 “Thank you, your Honor. Now as I was saying, we do believe this suit somehow hid his true nature in a rather permanent fashion, the how is what we hope to learn. The last bit of evidence is his diet. Mr Falls requires meat in order to remain active and healthy. Much like a griffon, he is an omnivore, and has proven to prefer meat over vegetables and fruits.” He smiled pleasantly, as if this was a walk in the park.

 “Do you have proof?”

 “Yes your Honor, right here.” He handed a stack of papers to the judge, and he lightly glanced through it to the highlighted documents.

 “Ah I see. Yes very good thank you Mr Class. If you have more, you may proceed.”

 “Thank you sir and I most certainly do.” Adjusting his robe he looked to the nobles once again. “Now for a very long time, Mr Falls had made no waves. Nothing indicated his duplicitous nature. Other than the occasional brawl with other colts his age.”

 Orion had been wondering why his defense hadn’t objected even once to any of the farfetched ideas being spouted about him. One look told him all he needed to know. Plea Deal had never thought that this kind of argument could be constructed, his gaping mouth and bulging eyes was a very clear indication. He leaned over and whispered into the stallion’s ear.

 “Say, how long have you been a lawyer anyway?” He asked quietly, drawing a glare from his shackle holder.

 “Wh-, oh I graduated in May from Vanhoover. This is my second case. Why?” He looked back innocently.

 Orion’s eyes went wide. “No reason. Just that I am fucked.” He was then silenced by Attila the Cunt. Oh he was so fucked. The more he realized it, the more angry he got. He was still terrified, but of the war of emotions, fear was beginning to quickly lose ground.

 He tuned back into the prosecution. “It wasn’t until his fourteenth year that another event would occur. The Ponyville Timberwolf incident.” Well, that was to be expected.





 “We will adjourn for two hours. I expect that you will be ready with your arguments by then Mr Deal.”

 “Oh, um yes your honor.” He nervously replied.

 It had been a disaster. After laying out the ‘evidence’, which included the events in griffon stone and Prance, as well the day he threw Golden Trot into his father, Blueblood.

 The evidence itself was damning. In Griffonia they hadn’t gotten everything. But plenty of still images of him pointing out how to set up the forges. The deal brokered with the Iron dogs. He was surprised they didn’t somehow get the incident just outside their den. 

 Even parts of his visit to Neighbon had somehow been documented. They had also discovered that Bloodbeak was having a tax of sorts on all goods and services going out of Avery being put aside to pay him for his help, which had been a hell of a surprise for him.

  It was much worse in Prance. They got nearly everything, some of it on recording crystals. They had been especially interested in his book selection in the library.

 That had gotten a glare directed at him from Celestia herself. It seemed to have startled both mares sitting in the box with her. 

 The fight was recorded live, and someone in the school group was the one to record all of it.





 The record had finished playing, and the lights illuminated once more. 

 “As you can see your Honor, stallion’s and gentlemares. Mr Fall’s fought as a veteran of many battles. You don’t learn that from fighting a few timberwolves. This is a creature who has clearly seen combat on more than one occasion.” At this point Orion kicked the shit out of his defense.

 “Raise an objection, you moron. I was not the only one to fight, the recording clearly showed Fancy killing more than his fair share.” He whispered fiercely. He shouldn’t  have bothered. 

 Fancy stood in his place and called out. “I too was at the fight in the dining hall Mr Action. Orion did not stand alone in that battle. I regrettably had to end the lives of eight souls myself. I may also remind the court that Mr Falls regularly attended combat classes at Iron Will’s Gymnasium. It is clear where his knowledge of fighting came from. And a final note, reports indicate that while he did win his battle with the timberwolves, he was laid up in the hospital for almost a solid week from his injuries.”

 He wanted to hug his still friend. He had not abandoned him. He only wished he had begun his studies in law, rather than management.

 Class Action had stopped regarding Orion as a stallion after the first hour. Nice way of deponizing him. Make him seem an other. A similar tactic had been used in his last trail to paint him as an enemy agent. Or at least imply.

 Fancy’s comments only got a grunt from him. But judge Gavel once again showed that he might actually be a real judge, though Orion was slowly beginning to see evidence that this trial was little more than a show.

 “That is very true Lord Pants. I will make a note of that, thank you.” Translated to shut the hell up.

 It hadn’t improved when the witnesses came forth.





 There was no testimonies from any griffons from the events in Griffonia. No pony court would have listened to them even if they condemned him. But Golden Trot was surprisingly generous in not slandering the hell out of him.

 “Orion Falls is not a pony you fight. He was a monster. I will admit, I wanted to prove his superior that day I provoked him. But his response was far out of line. He sent me and my friends, as well as my beloved father, to the hospital. I had suffered to broken legs when he used me as some sort of flail!”

 That actually made him smile, and the crowd outright laughed, much to the young noble on the witness stand. His white fur did little to hide the massive blush of outrage as well to do and commoners alike, laughed at him.

 Surprisingly they didn’t have any witnesses from Ponyville. Other than news articles, the people of that town had seemed to practically chase the investigators out.

 “In your own words, describe Mr Falls behavior when he was in your classes.” The witness was none other than Belle Cherie. The glare she was giving said much as to her disposition.

 “Oui, I will try to speak clearly. So I need not speak again.” Well that's a first. “Mr Falls was extremely aggressive in his actions against students, and the faculty. Even myself, interrupting me as I was attempting to offer an arrangement of herding to Mr Pants.” She glanced his way with a smile, all she got was a look of revulsion. She grimaced. “I suspect he may be responsible for my mother being missing as well.”

 Gasps rang out, and Celestia, oddly, clutched at her seat. A look of anger in her eyes.

 There were more, some of the librarians from the library he had gone to, to a grendamare that had been allowed to testify that had been present. None of it was good, they all spoke to his seeming shiftiness and attitude.

 Plea Deal’s attempt to cross-examine was so comical that Orion wanted to cry. No way in hell was getting a reduced sentence of whatever it was. And the more the poor stallion spoke, the more nervous he got, by the time the recess had happened he was shaking.





 He was thrown into a holding cell next to the courtroom and given an suspect looking slop to consume while he waited for his public lynching to continue. It was then that he finally got a visitor. He wished he hadn’t.

 Celestia had walked calmly in, to the protest of the guards of whom she merely glared at till they dismissed themselves in haste. She stared at him through the bars as he slowly consumed his gray diarrhea.

 “You have hidden much Orion.” He blinked, how the hell had she gotten into the cell without teleporting. Her hand wrapped around his throat. He was beginning to wonder if she was getting bigger when she spoke again. “Do you know anything about that suit? If you know of it and how it is made I can save your life. But as it stands now, it looks like either death or a life sentence in the custody of the Church. They are actually petitioning for your custody to be placed with them surprisingly. I think they want to know as much as I how you were able to do what you did.”

 He said nothing. What could he tell her? That he was an alien? That the suit was a fiber-mesh designed to turn away sharp objects and repel high velocity impacts? That the equipment attached was just recording equipment? He couldn’t. To tell her that would be worse than death. She Would make him a vegetable to find out all he knew.

 “Answer me Orion.” Her eyes bored into his own, the magenta color slowly being taken over by a darker gold color. He remained silent. Even after she had hoisted him up and slammed him into the wall, he had remained silent.

 “Fine, then give me at least one answer. Are you a spy for the griffons?” That, he could answer.

 “Fuck no.” He choked out. “Before I arrived they couldn’t even preserve food properly.” She cocked her head, and that was when he noticed a spell was in force.

 She dropped him after a deep stare into his eyes. “I believe you, and the spell proves that you at least spoke truth in that. Are you really a griffon?” He looked at her like she was stupid.

 “Fuck. No.” She nodded again satisfied with her two answers.

 “They won’t call you to the stand for testimony. They don’t want you to speak to your own defense. But once this is done, the Church may think they will get you, but I will be getting my answers from you before them. Rest assured. You have betrayed my trust. I do not know how you learned about the secrets of our metallurgy, though I have my suspicions, but I had been wondering why the bucking birds had figured out how we crafted our own steel. You will be telling me everything. That I promise you.” With that she swept through the bars as if they were not there and out the door. A guard peeked her head in to see if he was still alive.

 He had never heard her swear before. It would have been hilarious if not for the threat implied.

 He did not get a replacement for the bowl that was split in his one sided tussle with the Princess. “I really could have used those calories.”





 Say what you will about medieval court systems, they did not drag on like the US. 

 He had been escorted back into court just before two hours was up. The usual happened, standing for the nobles arrival, and the judges as well and both Princess and a now openly sobbing Twilight. She didn’t once look at him.

 But there was one exception. One very, very very very, crucial exception. His lawyer seemed to have misplaced himself. It was an hour before they finally found a lead, Plea Deal on his second defense case, had fled Canterlot on a train bound for Vanhoover. What had been a small chance had become a nothing. At that point anger was once again in full control.

 “Man I need to take a shit.”





 “Well Mr Falls, seeing as how getting another lawyer who would not likely know anything about your case, I am going to have to pronounce judgement, but before I do. Do you have anything you wish to say in your defense?” Gavel had that grin back on his face.

 It was over, not that he had much of a chance of winning to begin with. But it was clear, it was truly over. There was really no point. He stood anyway.

 “Yes I do Judge Oily McFuckstick.” Shock seemed to grab everyone’s tongue, except for Princess Cadenza. She giggled. Weird chick. “I have watched this trial, if you can even call it that, go on with little regard to truth. Just supposition to my nature and false claims of my ‘duplicitous nature’. Nothing really concrete. Had it never occurred to you fuckle-sticks that I may have actually figured out on my own how to forge steel? Had it never occurred to you to help your neighbors to the north? Kids were dying every fucking day. And you monsters allowed it to happen.”

 He took a deep breath, “Let's bring up the so-called evidence of the suit. How do you propose it is tied to me? My God, just because it was in some fuckin’ forest in a city I was living in is not concrete evidence it was ever mine. That is some mental gymnastics if I ever saw them.” He was careful not to deny it outright. Celestia was watching like a hawk.

 “Now lets address my, ugh, adventures. There are bullies in every school. Nothing special. I agree, I went very far with what I had done to Golden and his friends. But in my defense, they were beating the hell out of me until they lost focus. I was angry. And fourteen. Cut me some slack.”

 “In Ponyville, I was serving out a punishment from the Princess for my actions at the school. I was surprised to find friends there. So when I went back for Hearth’s Warming and found that the family I had grown close to had lost their parents. I, kinda fucking lost it. If i had been in control of myself, I would not have come back so banged up. I paid for that in the hospital.” So far he had told the truth, a version of it.

 “When it came to Griffonia. I had heard about the mass starvation. I also learned the cause. Before three hundred years ago, Equestria was providing a service of crystals being used to preserve food. After the arguably brief war, the nation denied that service to the griffons.” He licked his lips. “The resulting economic collapse happened slowly, but still happened. They couldn’t preserve their food long enough for shipment around the country. They had no way of moving goods quickly because you also shut down most of the train system that you ran. They ended up with one rail line. You starved them.” He glared at Celestia, and she had the graces to actually look ashamed for once.

 “Prance, fuck you you guys were aggressive assholes from day one. When I bitch smacked your ass for harassing Fancy, you deserved it. And how in the bloody hell am I responsible for your missing mother?!” Belle Cherie paled. “I was being detained by the friggin’ Prench guard at the time of her disappears you neanderthal.” He was on a roll. He caught Fancy slightly smiling in the corner of his eye.

 He looked around the room. “All I have ever done, is save lives. Sometimes at cost to myself. I asked for nothing. Desired nothing. I worked my ass off for the money I had. I pulled jobs all year round to pay for things I wanted.” He spun to glare at Gavel. “I saved up to help the people, not the freakin’ government of Griffonia. Those people did not deserve to suffer because our two nations could not get along.”

 He glared at the lawyer, who was smiling smugly. “ It's really easy to sit there and think you won when you made up a bullshit lie that everyone here bought long ago with the cash the Church fed you all.” That made him frown. “Because as I looked around this room, I noticed something during the trial. You must think I am dumb. At least the commoners in the room. A vast majority of you fucks are wearing crosses of the Church on your collars, or as necklaces. You’re not clever. You’re stupid. It’s easy to see how this was going to go when you were already bought.” He grinned maliciously at McFuckstick.

 “Even you Senior Fuckhead. I knew where this was going the moment I paid attention. The only question I have is why? Why frame a sixteen year old colt for something so outrageous. Please by all means. Tell us all why you think it’s cool and hip. Because for real, with all the anti-griffon rhetoric, it's easy to tell you and all the cronies are attempting to drum up enthusiasm for warmongering. The fucks up north were starving, they are not keen for a fight. Don’t get someone’s kid here killed because you want to drive home some supposed superiority over others.”

 He was starting to ramble, and he knew it. The rest seemed to not have caught on however, as they were all still gaping from his profanity laced tirade. Time to wrap it up.

 “I’m guilty of only one thing. Being brave enough to do the right thing. So let's get this bullshit over with, I’m tired, and thanks to a certain someone who will not be named I didn’t even get to eat my lunch. So I’m hungry to. And likely not to get shit when I get to wherever you shits have planned for me to go. Oh and by the way fuck heads, I ain’t no goddamn griffon. Fuckin’ morons.”

 He sat back down and glared. Celestia was angry and blushing, so at least he scored a hit there. Cadenza was staring in mild awe and amusement. Sure glad he could give the pornstar a show. Twilight was smiling a little. At least she would remember him as he usually was. Contentious.

 It took a moment for everyone to get over their own shock.

 “Um, well. I, uh.” Shaking his head, Gavel gripped his gavel tighter. “I will now lay out the verdict. Mr Falls. Stand.” And he chose to ignore his speech. Figures.

 “Make me.” All that got him was to be hoisted up by his pits from the guard behind him. He didn’t even attempt to put any weight on his hooves. Make the bitch work for it.

 “Mr Falls, it is by mine, and the court's power, that I find you guilty of all charges.” Wow, not even a one got knocked off. Surprise surprise. He slammed the gavel. “Furthermore I will go ahead and pronounce sentence, since you wish to get it over with.”

 He stood and pointed the end of his hammer at him. “I hereby place you into the custody of the Church of Sol. Since it was their efforts that have brought you to justice. It is they who will decide your fate. As it stands, I would imagine they have a great many questions about those ancient enchantments in that suit. With that. I pronounce this case closed.”

 The gavel slammed down.





 Celestia angrily paced her room, her hands squeezing only air. She had yet to learn where they had moved him, all she knew was that he was still in the capital. 

 She grabbed and threw her mirror in a rage, flames seething around her. She could not even do anything! Had she known what they were planning back in February, she would have shut this whole farce down the moment it started. Instead she was left in the dark. So many things had happened without her knowledge or consent. It was a slap in her face.

 Her own agents had not even known about this. Though she could not be too angry at them. She had been too busy looking for trouble coming into her nation and not expected this trouble, not this upstart cult attempting to subvert her authority.

 The bed swiftly followed the mirror, blackened by fire. How could she not have known!

 Then there was him, exposing a closely held secret. The cutting off of resources to Griffonia for the affront of attacking them during estrus. At the time she was right in her decision. She still believed it so. But she had been convinced it was time to stop wasting time and effort in keeping that nation fed. They had never signed no formal agreements, thus were not eligible for support.

 The public had been kept in the dark. No official announcement had been pronounced. She had made it seem they were in complete humiliation that their army was beaten not with force, but lust. Now that bit of truth was out in the open.

 Her opinion of Orion Falls had been severely damaged today. Her trust broken, her respect for him tarnished. He was going to answer for that.





 Twilight had left the castle the moment the sentence was pronounced. She had wandered the park for a time, remembering the moments she had with him as she dragged him to read under a tree, or get coffee from Donut Joes. She couldn’t even cry. Her heart was vacant. She would never see him again.

 That thought was too much for the young mare.

 Unable to even be in that place of memories, she fled home. To her mother and father. Where she told them of what happened, how poorly the trial had gone for him. On his sentencing. Both mother and daughter wept, as Night Light stared out the window into the street in shock.

 He would never have thought that colt to be some type of spy.





 He ignored her when she had entered the cell. It had been four hours since he was sentenced. Four hours in which he had been stripped naked, hosed down, and denied food.

 He was suspended by another set of chains, ones that held him in the center of the cage. His hooves just barely touched the stone floor. He had not seen where they had taken him, only that he was not under ground.

 She sighed in exasperation. “You are just as stubborn as you always were. More mouthy than I remember too. I am surprised Her Highness allowed that little speech.” Backwater was frowning. Obviously she had been hoping to see him rage at her. Lifting away from the cage of which she leaned against she strode forward, placing a hand on his chest. “I must admit, despite your plain colors, you really filled in the costume you donned all those years ago. I’m even more impressed that you bird brains figured out how to use that enchanted gear.”

 He couldn’t help himself, she really believed it. All of that nonsense. He laughed, a strained almost manic sound. “You honestly believe that nonsense. Hahaha oh god you fucks are so stup-” He wheezed and doubled in on himself, increasing the pressure on his wrists as the shackles dug in, his hooves rising jerkily from the floor as he labored to breathe.

 Backwater’s horn ceased its glow after a moment. “Do not attempt to fool me colt. I am not as ignorant as you may think. The suit is far more sophisticated than anything we have seen. While we cannot determine its age yet, we are confident it's at least two or three thousand years old. It is a shame about the other objects that seemed to have once been attached to it. Other than the strange internal strings of wires and glass, we can’t understand it's true function. But you will tell us what it did to you. In detail.” She finished with a flick to his muzzle.

 They really did believe it. He just stared in awe at the sheer idiocy she was displaying, as if she knew all of life’s little answers. If anything he had to give her props for her bravado. But she also scared him. 

 Backwater was known to be willing to go to extreme machinations to get the results she desired. If she believes in this narrative so profusely, then he would crack. One way or another he would end up spilling all that he knew. He had to get out of there, and soon. 

 “Now, this is no place to begin any kind of little Q&A session, so get some rest. I suggest you really consider the cost of holding out information, but please, don’t be too eager.” She smiled and walked out the gate. “Feed it at eleven.” She looked back at him. “Maybe give it some water. Your relief will come at one. Oh and put something over his head, I don’t want to look at that mockery of a unicorn.” The guard mare just grinned and nodded. 

 Seconds later a thick cloth sack was violently wrapped around his head,and a punch was delivered to his stomach once again nearly doubling him over. He was in for a long night.





 His arms burned. It had to have been close to six hours by now. He couldn’t really tell since they covered his head. The clang of bars alerted him to a visitor.

 The sack cloth was ripped from his head and he was presented with a bowl of the same gray mush. He didn’t even hesitate, greedily gulping it down. The mare didn’t bother to comment. Didn’t even smile. Once done she placed the bowl on the floor and went to grab the water. 

 He didn’t wait. The moment she had ducked down his legs rose up and wrapped themselves around her neck, knocking the helmet off. She of course fought back, or tried to. Using the chains that held him up, he changed his position every time she went for her weapon, him, or tried to pull away. Keeping her from striking against him, or getting away. He constricted his legs tighter each time, slowly cutting off her ability to draw breath.

 It took far longer than he had hoped for, but eventually, her struggles ceased, and she stopped fighting to become dead weight. He held on for twenty more seconds. And finally, chanced letting her go.

 She dropped like a stone. Now he was concerned if he actually killed her.

 “Well step one done. Now for step two.”

 Step two made him forget all about the burning pain in his arms that had quadrupled in the struggle. If anyone was in the hall he was screwed. The hollow boom echoed and he groaned in pain. It was like a thousand needles were pushed into his brain all at once. Each injecting a new type of poison.

 This hurt way worse than normal. He could only think it was the fact that he had done it without any assistance to increase his magic, so he bore the whole load of effort on himself. 

 The pain didn’t stop him, embracing his magic was agony but he levitated the keys off her waist, and slowly unlocked the right shackle. Once free he caught the keys in his now free hand and struggled mightily to unlock the other, his arm sluggish to move and difficult to lift.

 Finally he was free. It was time for step three and four. Three was going to be gross. He dug into his ass until he managed to snag the ring he had shoved deep into there. It was not pleasant going in or coming out. He drank his fill of water before he began to wash the ring and his left hand with a combination straw and water. Once clean, he stuck it on the middle finger of his right hand and embraced his magic again, now with a greater pool, to begin healing himself. He really should figure out healing magic. 

 While he was recovering from aches and pains, he stripped the guard, stole a lock of her mane. Confirming she was still alive, a thought that he might have killed her nearly made him vomit, he shoved her into a hay pile at the back of the cell. Donning her gear he was happy to see that she kept her gear clean. Step four done. Now step five. Get the fuck out of there.





 They had actually taken him into the sewers. Luck had finally given him a win. Better yet, he knew the area in which they had stashed him. He quickly, and quietly, avoided patrols as he worked his way back toward the orphanage, though it was not his first destination. He passed through a wall that had seemed solid, into the very room he had set up after Icy Rose had started showing far too much interest in his activities.

 He packed quickly and kept the armor, though he did first shed it to throw on clothes that actually fit him. Once he had gathered up his things, he turned to what was likely his only salvation. 

 He had thought long and hard about what Professor Coil had said as he waited for eleven. He picked up the necklace, and placed it on the worn table in the room. Redrawing the runes after filling them in, he grabbed at the, to him, dangerous threads of magic that he had avoided for the most part and forced them with few alterations to the flow. As the dark magic began to resonate with the black opal at the center of magic, sweat started to pour from his body. This was hard as hell.

 He almost broke the fucking thing. One moment, it was fighting him tooth and nail, the next moment it slipped in like it was made to fit, and he nearly over compensated. But it had worked. Or at least he hoped. He was hesitant to find out. But at this point he could not be seen. 

 He pulled the lock of mane he stole from the guard who fell victim to him earlier. Before he lost his nerve he wrapped the mane around the opal and tied it off, and slung it around his neck.

 The pain was instantaneous. He could hear his bones crack as they shifted and shrunk. His fur and skin felt like they were on fire. He threw up everywhere. He regretted everything and then as he began to feel heavy and lite all at the same time. 

 He regretted everything. And he felt really weird in his nethers.





 He was startled awake when a gong sounded, destroying his peace. No it wasn’t a gong, it was a bell. And more than one. His head hurt.

 “Oh Jesus Christ knock it off….the fuck?” His voice was higher pitched. Soft and feminine. His chest felt, heavier. “Oh no.” He looked into the only piece of vanity he had allowed himself down in his sewer retreat. What stared back at him nearly had him passing out again. He looked exactly like his guard. He was a fucking mare. 

 “Oh fuck me running with a rooster. I am a god damn chick!” Further exploration did indeed point to the fact that he was now a female pony. Pussy and all. He had to stop and think. The book never said anything about altering his genetics! Was it permanent?! A quick read through said book eased his fears a little. The moment he woke is when his twenty minute countdown had begun. He couldn’t waste time. He would worry after he got away.

 Tracing the steps back to the orphanage itself he lifted the grate behind the building and peered out. Guards were everywhere, he was lucky he kept the armor that he stole. Waiting for the moment when no one was looking, he slipped out and hid in the hedge till he was sure no one had spotted him.

 “He’s not here!” Oh shit they were already looking for him. 

 There was incomprehensible yelling as the rather massive force bolted for the streets, spreading out. He chose that time to slip out and make his way for the back entrance. Checking through the windows he slowly eased into the manor. There was crying and sobbing coming from the library. From the sounds it was likely all of the orphans. He could hear Mrs Evergarden among them. He resisted the urge to go comfort them. He couldn’t stay, nor let them know he was there. He went up the servants stairs and headed for his room first. Transferring his books and clothing into the larger rucksack he shouldered the load and then made for his second location, carefully stepping so as not to alert anyone by a creak or squeak. 

 Inside Icy Rose’s room he found it to be empty. Of everything. No personal effects, nothing. That worried him but as he lifted the board under the bed he found all of the items he had hidden away before he had been dragged off. He pulled the armlets on. The beads, all of it. He was finally feeling a bit more confident about this thrown together plan. A creak from behind him alerted him to someone else in the room. He spun around.

 Mrs Evergarden stared at him, tears still in her eyes but she was brandishing a cast iron skillet. “Tho-se, don’t belong to you.” Holy shit was she courageous as fuck.

 “I am quite certain they do, Mrs E.” He smiled as her eyes widened in shock. Before she could speak he rushed and put a finger over her lips. “Shhh, I don’t have a lot of time. Yes its me, and yes I am getting the fuck out of here. No, I will not tell you how I did this. Just please, pretend you didn’t see me.” He quickly shoved a letter into her hands, a letter he had written the day he was served. “Read it later. But please. Go back downstairs and try and forget that I was here.”

 She nodded, and they hugged each other before he shoo’d her down the stairs. He went back the way he had come.





 “Would somepony please explain to me what is going on? Are we under attack!?”

 “Your Highness!” Errant Strikes came running up to Celestia, nearly colliding into her.

 “Captain Strikes, will you please tell me what the Tartarus is going on?!” The gonging had been going on for the better part of four minutes, and no one had bothered to come inform her of the why.

 “Begging your forgiveness, your Highness. I would have come sooner but I had to confirm the reports. Orion Falls has escaped from the Church of Sol! They seemed to have no idea where he has gone.”

 Celestia stared uncomprehendingly. “Would you repeat that? I am afraid I must be getting old, did you say Orion has managed to escape his imprisonment?!”

 “Yes, my Princess. He escaped sometime around eleven this evening and has already been missing for more than two hours.” Captain Strikes looked worried.

 “He’s been missing two hours, and nopony knows where he might have gone? Was the orphanage checked?” She strode back into her private rooms to get dressed. A smile was threatening to pull at her lips.

 “Yes Princess, he is not there. Or at least not since two minutes ago.” So he had not returned to gather anything of his. That was interesting. She donned the garb she wore to the trial this morning, not caring of the accidental show she might have put on for her Captain.

 “What else can you tell me?” She idly thought about taking her sword, not for Orion, no. Maybe for the whorse Blackwater. If she got the chance.

 “The church guards are in an absolute panic. They have no idea where he may be, and no organization to their ranks. Everypony is just going everywhere. It's a scramble.”

 Celestia just smiled, She had a chance to snag him up before the church found him, once she had, she can deny knowing where he was. Who were they to claim she lied. “Come Captain, we are going stallion hunting.” She marched out the door, broadsword comfortably weighted on her hip.





 Backwater had been having such an amazing day too. She had finally seen years of effort and investigations finally come to fruition. Only now, the one that started it all had somehow escaped.
 
 He had not gone home. She had received a report that he wasn’t there and had made no attempt to contact the Headmistress. A guard was left behind patrolling the bushes in the rear of the manor. 

 She had already disemboweled the idiot guard for getting so close to him. Though she too was surprised he had enough strength to strangle her and make his escape. So that might have been a rash action. What chilled her blood were the pieces of stone found scattered about the cell. Null Stone. He had somehow figured out how to break it. Nothing in any of the reports gathered had said anything about that sort of talent. But it had shattered from the inside out.

 Wiping her knife off she strode out of the room that had housed him. She was determined to find him at all cost. 
> The Great Escape
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Things had been happening quick, too quick in his opinion. It had been eight minutes since he awoke and he had moved quickly to get into the orphanage and grab his things, be confronted by, then hugged by Mrs Evergarden one last time. Damn he was going to miss her.

 Eight minutes lost. How in the absolute hell was he supposed to get the fuck out of the city.

 He was still in the guise of the mare whose identity he stole. Scammers only dreamed they could do this shit. Maybe not, it was rather painful to pull off. “Oh God, what would it feel like when I revert back?” He was not looking forward to the feeling of his dick regrowing. Hopefully it would end up the same size and not, smaller.

 So he had twelve minutes and not a lot of options. After a very brief debate with himself he decided on the only one that seemed available to him. A stupid plan, but he had not thought that far ahead yet, and if he let himself, he was likely to panic.

 With his disguise he actually had a much easier time than he believed possible. The streets were filled with guards from two different factions. One of the Church and the Royal Guard. Both swarmed like angry hornets and bees. As he passed through the streets he could not help but notice that there were a lot of collisions between the two groups as they scrambled to look for him.

It was clear as glass to him that no love was  lost between either side as they cursed each other out when one group got in another’s way. Because of the chaos between them, he decided to capitalize on that by moving as they did. While the form he took wasn’t a particularly large mare, the weight of the armor was much greater than the standard guard armor. In the end he knocked down a string of guards as he cut across the city for the most direct and quickest route. Uttering a string of curses in the cute way the ponies did.

 He could barely contain his laughter. His grand escape amounted to cussing people out like a kindergartner. This would be a joke for the ages. If he managed to get out alive.

 He was going to have to seriously move if he was to make it before times up. The clock was ticking.





 The toiling of the bells woke the family of Twilight. They had ended up cuddled up on the couch and falling asleep. Night Light and Velvet hadn’t wanted their daughter to spend her night alone. Not after today.

 “What the buck is going on?” Night had been the first to speak, sleep still clinging to his mind. “I swear if somepony got drunk off cider again and thought it would be hilarious to ring the church-”

 “No dear. These are alarm bells.” Velvet had gently but firmly interrupted her husband’s building tirade. “We may be under attack.”She said grimly.
 
 In eighty years, he had never seen or heard of Canterlot being attacked. In fact, he had never even heard of the city being attacked since its foundation. He rushed to his and his wife’s study and rummaging into the cases as both mares slowly came to full alertness.

 “Attacked? What mommy? What do you mean.” Twilight rubbed the sleep from her eyes, her current woes forgotten as her brain tried to catch up with current events. She heard the pounding of steel clad hooves from the cobblestone street outside their home, but hadn’t really focused on what they might have meant.

 “Hush dear, it will be okay.” Her mother gently nuzzled the top of her head. A loud clanging noise could be heard from in the hallway, suddenly Night Light  burst out brandishing a short-sword. He was garbed in his old Royal Guard uniform; it was clear to all that he had ‘grown’ out of the outfit since he last wore the purple and gold. The breastplate gleamed dully in the living room's fire light.

 “Velvet, Twilight. I want you to stay here. Canterlot will NOT fall.” He proclaimed, with that he charged out the house’s front door.

 Both mares looked at each other. “Daddy?” Twilight spoke quizzically.

 “That stallion I swear.” She laughed incredulously. “Don’t worry, dear. Your father will be back soon.” How true that turned out to be.

  Less than a minute later he had returned, with a group of Royal Guards practically carrying him. “Mrs Velvet? Is this your stallion, ma’am?” A lean mare asked, the insignia stating her rank as lieutenant.

 She wanted to laugh but didn’t want to hurt his pride any further. He already looked ashamed, they had taken his sword away from him. “Yes, that is my husband. What is the problem? I sent him out to get something to drink and he came back with, entertainment. I am sure we could, indulge, the lot of you if you're up for it?” The way she said entertain made her daughter groan, but pulled a rueful chuckle from her husband. It also served to disarm the situation. She had long ago learned that an awkward word could calm a dangerous situation.

 The lieutenant, for her part, sputtered as those she led chuckled around her. They let him go and handed his sword back. “I-i….No. NO! He just shouldn’t be outside during a time of crisis!” She was flustered, and the laughter from her soldiers only inflamed her embarrassment.

 Velvet allowed herself a small smile. “Shame, he’s a real slayer in bed. Oh well, I suppose you are correct. Sometimes my brave soldier wishes he could relieve his glory days.” That was a shot, but one to remind him he was no spring pony anymore. He took the jab with a sheepish smile, sliding his blade back in it’s scabbard with less enthusiasm than he had pulling it out.

 One of the guards, a stallion himself, spoke up, “Sorry no offense old timer, but if we need you. Then we are seriously in trouble. “The rest cackled as they politely made their goodbyes and headed back out to the streets.

 “WAIT!” It seemed Twilight had finally woken up enough to realize the situation. Catching the attention of the lieutenant once more. “What is going on? Are we under attack?”

 “I’m afraid I cannot answer that Miss. Just please, stay in your home. Do not go outside till the all clear has been sounded. I can say, don’t allow anypony in your home that you do not know tonight. Even then, I’d advise against friends. No pony that is up to any good should be out tonight. We are advising all citizens to bar their doors and to keep indoors. Have a good night.”

 With that, the officer walked briskly out closing the door behind her.

 They all looked at each other in bewilderment. After a few moments, Velvet decided to break the ice. “Honey, what did you see out there?” 

 “Honestly, my heart, chaos. There are two groups of guards, one belonging to the Royal Guard, the other the Church.” He frowned. “ I have never seen a more contentious group. I refer to all of them, not just the Church. The couple of minutes I had to look around, they were fighting each other, or near enough. I haven’t seen that many swears being tossed around since hoofcamp. I am glad it’s not an invasion, or we really would be screwed.” He looked upset. To him to see the state of the guard like that was beyond reprehensible. They were to act with the dignity of their station, and represent all of the best of Equestria.

 After all these years she could easily read his face and know his thoughts. “I’m sorry my love, this must be hard for you to see. I suppose we should just wait it out. Twilight? Make sure all the doors…” Turning around she found that her daughter was not where she expected. Not even in the same room.

 A quick search by the parents showed that she wasn’t in the home any longer. Her coat was gone from the foyer closet. They both tried to search for her outside, but the lieutenant had left one of her squad to make sure Night Light caused no further trouble, and barred them inside.

 “I understand Mrs Velvet. As soon as I am able I will send a message to my detachment and we will find your daughter. But you MUST remain inside. The criminal is highly dangerous. He has already killed one guard tonight.”

 “HE?!” There was only one pony she could think of that could be that dangerous. For him to escape so soon after his trial, and kill somepony, was a stunning shock. The thought he would murder anypony was appalling. “But he did kill those would be kidnappers…”

 They could do nothing. Night clenched his fists in anger, and Velvet prayed as they both sat on their couch. Hoping that their daughter didn’t find him. 





 Her wings beat powerfully in the cool night air. Above the city, she had a perfect vantage point to see the near chaos below, and she idly wondered if Discord was somehow at work despite being trapped in stone for thousands of years. Celestia surveyed the guards, her guards, as they ran about in an unorganized mess. 

 In the initial announcement that he had escaped custody, no pony knew what to do. Orders had been sparse. The only objective that had been accomplished had been the lock down of the city gates. They now stood secured by more guards than was needed. That was however, beginning to change.

 The more of her council that was brought awake in the wee hours of the morning, the more things started to move with purpose. Air search parties were taking to the air in organized search patterns. The city blocks closest to the palace were already being cordoned off in sections, and the first true search parties were being used to go from home to home.

 On the other hand, the Church of Sol’s guards were hindering these efforts. She ground her teeth every time she saw a verbal match break out when the two groups got in each other's way. From her vantage point, she could see one mare knocking over various guards as she quickly marched, shouting obscenities. She made a note that she would find out which guard that was and met out punishment for her impudent behavior, she had disrupted the search in that entire square, but Celestia was too distracted by other things to pursue now.

 “Your Highness!” A pegasus stallion flew up besides her as she continued to look over her city, trying to figure out possible escape routes he could be using to escape the city.

 “Yes? What is it?” She said distractedly.

 “Princess, it has been determined to send four teams down into the sewers, we have discovered that was where he was originally being kept and it is suspected he may be hiding in one of the processing plants throughout the city.”

 She wanted to use Orion’s ‘duh’ but that was unprincess like, and would give her an image of not being in control. That should have been one of the first things they should have done the moment they found out where he had been kept. They had made the obvious choice, and given the situation four units would have to do, as her troops were still in disarray. She nodded.

 “Very good. Inform my generals to not slacken on working the rest of the city with a fine tooth comb. I want him found within the hour.” The likelihood that the crafty colt would be found as soon as that was slim. But she wanted to light a fire under the bottoms of her so-called military advisors to do their jobs. Recent events only served to prove that a serious overhaul of training and discipline would have to be enacted.

 “At once your Highness!” With that, the obviously fresh faced recruit snapped out a quick salute and burst back down to the castle. Hopefully the message would get them motivated enough to pick up the pace. She turned her gaze back to her city.

 A scuffle broke out in the very square the one Sol Guard had passed through. Their path through was enough to set off both sides into an actual fist fight. Celestia was appalled and angered beyond words. It was like seeing foals brawl in preschool. She had had it.

 She could have been gentler with her landing, but she didn’t want to waste time, nor was she inclined to be nice this night.

 Her landing in the square sent a shock wave around her as she hit the cobblestone in the middle of the two fighting parties, knocking several soldiers over and putting an immediate end to all fighting in the entire square.

 “THAT IS ENOUGH!” Her voice boomed out across the square, silencing arguments and causing many ponies to cover their ears. “I have had it. Where is your Captain?!” She had snatched up a Sol Guard and practically spat in her face. “Who is giving you your orders?!”

 The mare she had snatched up wet herself in her attempt to answer. “C-aptain Blue Falcon!” She screamed out in terror. Celestia held her away from herself. 

 “Where are they?!” She growled out.

 “Last kn-know position was-” She licked her lips, “I-in the Art District, Princess!”

 She nodded and dropped the mare, who simply fell into her own urine on the cobblestone. “Listen and pass the word. There will be NO more fighting between Royal and Sol Guards. Is that understood?!” She roared. The collection of strangled ‘yes my princess’ in various tones was all she needed before she took to the air once more. Her wings beating powerfully as she gained altitude and turned toward the Art District.

 She hoped that mare hadn’t managed to get any of her ‘fear’ onto her. It disgusted her how easily frightened her ponies had become.

 She was really beginning to regret sending Shining Armor out on deployment. His ability in magic was not just shielding, but tracking as well. He might have been able to trace Orion’s path. But Shining was in the frozen wastes of the north on a scouting mission.

 “Buck me for a fool.”





 Two minutes had gone by since he made his way towards the main gates. He had heard Celestia, and felt her impact into the ground before she went off on her short tirade. He did not have a lot of time. That had been way too close for him.

 As he passed by a main thoroughfare he noticed that many of the Royal Guards were climbing into the sewers. That was not a good sign. It meant that the longer this went on, the less likely of him escaping. He started to run until he ran into a group of Sol Guards. God was certainly not giving him favors. This was bullshit.

 “Halt!” He stopped, because if he didn’t, they would have suspected him of being up to no good in the neighborhood. “Purpose and Destination!”

 The mare barking orders at him had a higher rank, a lieutenant of something judging by the rank on her breastplate, he wasn’t certain because Sol and the Royal Guards ranking system seemed to be different. But he figured a quick lie would work.

 “I was ordered to the main city gates!” He shouted out. “I am to help our search in that area, we are hoping to catch him sneaking in from the alleyways!” No wonder that mare never talked while guarding him, her voice sounded like Franny from the Nanny. It was awful.

 “Where is your unit?” She said less stiffly than before.

 He decided to play it up a bit, despite his time constraints, it would be all for nothing if he looked too rushed and they detained him. “Mare, I don’t even know! We got broken up coming through Celestial Square when we ran into a group of the bucking Royal Guard. We got separated when a scuffle broke out.” He shrugged his shoulders then let them hang.

 “Bucking Tartarus.” The mare muttered. “Did you see what they were doing?” That gave him pause, he had an idea, and evil wonderful, creative idea. He grinned, though no one could see it with the helmet on and being in the dark.

 “It seemed they were heading into the sewers, I saw at least two groups pulling up ponyhole covers. Why?” This was wasting time, he had five minutes left, and he could feel time speeding up on him. But if he could somehow impede progress in the search that would be all for the better.

 “Because we were ordered to follow whatever they were doing. You're wasting your time going to the city gates anyways, the Royal Guard isn’t letting no pony close, not even us. Come we can use your help in the sewers.”

 He hesitated only a moment, if they already had the gates locked down then it was pointless to go further. He would risk too much. Maybe he could lose these assholes in the sewer by letting them go first, then see if he could find a path out. He chose to ignore the fact that he was about to step back into the filthy, nasty leavings of snobby elites.

 “Understood. Lead the way ma’am!” 





 Twilight had left before she realized what she was doing. She had to find him. The very first place she went was the orphanage, his bedroom. She wasted no time walking in, but rather  just teleported inside. She was greeted with a sight she never saw while he stayed. His room was a chaotic mess. Clothes thrown about, the bed had been flipped, and the books were the worst. That had been torn apart in some cases, and stomped all over. But many were missing entirely.

 She shook her head and grabbed his school uniform. Her brother had taught her how to do this with marginal success. As her horn came to life the clothing took a purple glow as she began to cast her brother’s tracing spell. She wasn’t very good with it yet, but as long as nothing was purposely hidden she could do a decent job of finding obvious things, and the trail was fresh.

 Suddenly before her a purple cloud seemed to fill the room before heading out the door. She followed. The cloud did not lead her outside, but rather to her surprise, to another room, the door still open. Inside she found the floor under the bed had been torn up. Wrapping papers were everywhere.

 “He must have come for something he left here. But what was it?” A sudden thought brought her up short, she remembered his biggest secret and she wanted to kick herself. He had not worn any of his trinkets while in court that morning. He must have hidden them away before the trial, and the moment he escaped came back here. She had to admit he was being pretty sneaky.

 The purple cloud did not tarry for long. For a moment it filled the room, before heading back out and down the old servant’s stairs. At the bottom she ran into Mrs Evergarden, haggard eyes but shocked to see her there. She looked to be having the same horrible night as her.

 “Lady Twilight! What under the sun are you doing here?” She seemed genuinely surprised to see her, as was Twilight for running into her as well.

 “I...uh…” She bit her lip then spoke plainly. “I heard he managed to get away.” She said sheepishly, noticing that the older mare couldn’t see the purple cloud that happened to go through her left bosom. Her brother had been correct. No pony could see it but her.

 “Oh, I... uh yes. Yes I heard that too.” She was nervous about something, and she had a feeling she knew what the headmistress was hiding.

 “He was here wasn’t he? You’ve seen him?” The question caused the older mare to stiffen noticeably. That was all the confirmation she needed. “I see, well I must be going  Mrs Evergarden. Stay safe and stay indoors.” Before the mare could say anything more, Twilight ran out the backdoor, following the purple haze that led her out the backyard, and down the alleyway heading deeper into the city. Hopefully she could find him before her teacher or anypony else. 

 In the back of her mind she knew she was going against her mentor’s wishes. But for once, Twilight did not care.

 “Please be safe!”





 Velvet Backwater paced inside the warehouse that the Church had purchased for moving their own goods some time ago. Mostly it had gone to food and furniture for the wealthy, but it had since been turned into a command post the moment he went missing. No, escaped he had escaped.

 He. That colt was the source of all her troubles.

 Had she known then what she knew now, she would have taken him into custody as soon as possible. But she only believed him to be a horrible foal with a foul mouth that had filed his teeth in order to scare others. That he only needed to be educated on proper pony behavior. Proper Unicorn behavior.

 She had been only upset when she had learned he was swept out of the city in the middle of the night. And while she had sent missives to the courts of Canterlot for his return, it had only been a token effort. She was more interested in improving her standing within the Church at that time. So while he would have been a feather in her cap, he ultimately did not matter.

 Or so she had thought. 





 It was six years later that she truly regretted letting him slip away as he did. She woke up one morning to find the Manehattan Herald plastered with a front page article: ‘Colt proves Princess wrong!’ Below the headline was his image. Bound in chains, but a cocky grin on his face as he faced up to the Princess herself.  It was a rendering from an unnamed artist depicting the events told, but it also showed her Highness looking chaste. Not an image that should ever be shown.

 Not even a week later she was tapped to head a new commission. To investigate the foal who would dare rebuke the Sun. The Church had not liked the fact that he had gotten away with it. There were calls to have him arrested. Though the Princess herself had shot them all down.

 It was inexcusable. Why give such leeway to this brat?

 For a long time after the commission had begun, nothing had happened. No leads other than his boorish and antagonistic behavior, which would never stand up in court for anything other than a slap on the wrist.

 Then he vanished from Canterlot last summer. They had finally gotten their break, and oh what a break it was. Between the surprising discovery of what appeared to be an ancient artifact that had recently been used, to his secret dealings with the griffons. His actions painted an incredible picture of nefarious crimes against the Equestrian ponies, and their righteous Princess.

 By staying in the limelight ,as he had done, he had been allowed to carry out what had to be the most clever subterfuge in recorded history. Everypony was paying attention to what he did, not noticing his sneaking around, they were all blinded by his clever achievements. Only she could see the danger that he now represented. 

 During the summer it was decided he needed even closer monitoring as they finished the case against him. Mostly to keep him in check, but she wanted to know what other secrets he was hiding inside the orphanage.

 Other than recording devices, there had been nothing. Or at least so it seemed, before Ivy Rose’s investigation could delve further she had been exposed. By him. Ivy had been careless and overzealous, and if she could find the suddenly vanished mare, she would exact a price on her for failure.

 It was no matter, the trial went effortlessly, hands were greased with the right ‘lubrication’, and all was as it should be. Even his valiant speech at the end was for naught. His fate sealed, and she finally had him in her grasp. 

 Till she didn’t.

 This had to be rectified, and soon. She had already taken the first steps, blaming him for the murder of the pathetic waste of a guard. Though she did wonder how he got out of the cuffs.





 “Lady Backwater!” The shout of her name broke her from the brief trip into her thoughts.

 “What!?” She testily responded storming through the warehouse toward a mare dressed in the uniform of the Royal Guard. “If this is not a message of good news or at least that somepony has discovered where the little shit has gone, I.Don’t. Want. To. Hear. It.” She nearly screamed.

 “Oh I believe you may wish to listen, Backwater, I am not pleased.” The tone of the voice made her blood run cold as she immediately dropped to one knee, along with everypony else in the warehouse. 

 She knew she would eventually show up, but not before they were ready to transfer him to one of the facilities in the Ponary Islands. It was too soon. She was set to arrive in the morning.

 A pair of hooves stopped in front of her, steel shod. They were attached to legs armored also in steel, lacquered white. Backwater trembled, this was the absolute worst time to have the Mare of War call upon her.

 Lady Artful Hammer was her namesake, a hammer to everything regardless if it looked like a nail or not. She was notorious for brute tactics. If she wasn’t so effective she would likely have remained in the normal Church forces. Instead, she had a way of hitting the problem just in the right way to get results. But she was absolutely ruthless and came down on anypony who failed her, or the Church itself.

 “Thank you guardsmare, I would advise you to return to your unit, lest the Royal Guard learn of your duplicitous nature.” The calm, gentle, even melodic voice did not belong to this mare, it just didn’t fit. “Mrs Backwater, rise. You and I have words to discuss, and your failure to hold one colt to be held to account.”





 Three minutes. It was fair to say he was beginning to panic. 

 They had climbed down into the sewers and split off into two groups of six. Getting into the tunnels had been surprisingly fast. But now he was stuck with the lieutenant of this unit as they waded knee deep into the water of the sewers.

 “This, is absolutely disgusting.” That hadn’t been the first time she had spoken about the filthiness of the under city. She had not stopped bitching about the stench or the suspicious floating objects of dubious nature around them. He felt sickened himself, and most certainly didn’t want to change back in this muck.

 Coming to a cross section, there were three other paths they could take and he hoped they would split up even further, dividing their force into two per path. He was in luck. Then not.

 “Alright mares, we will separate into three now. Armored Scout, you and Dodgers take the left tunnel. Hassle Hoof, you and Green Fields take the right.” She turned to him, “You’re with  me, we are taking the center. Let's move it ponies, time is wasting.” With nothing further the already divided unit separated further, and moved into their respective tunnels.

 Two minutes.





 Celestia landed with far less velocity than she had the last time. However, she still moved in haste now flanked by a pair of personal guards, their armor gleaming the same royal purple, but instead of silver or gold to denote rank, their armor was lined in black.

 It wasn’t long before she made her way to the command ‘base’, which was really nothing more than one of the temples of the Church. With the difference shown to one of her station she was ushered inside, a quick glance around revealed her current quarry. And was given quite the surprise.

 Captain Blue Falcon was a griffon with blue markings to an otherwise normal brown fur and feather pattern. He was standing at a table pouring over reports and making notes. While the rest of his command swirled in chaotic activity he casually handed out orders, calm in a sea of chaos.

 “Captain Falcon. A word.” Her voice cut through the panic chatter, silencing all and garnering his full attention. The look of mild shock was soon replaced with an easy going smile and a low bow. He looked up to her, a twinkle in his light golden eyes.

 “Ah Princess. A pleasure to meet your highness in person!” He smiled, no hint of malice or even mildly perturbed by the interruption could be seen on his face, she wished Cadance had remained in the city, her abilities could have help here. She might have better read his emotions. But she had already left for Griffonia, to demand answers from Bloodbeak on what had happened in his nation. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this most cherished visit?”

 It was all she could do to keep from gawking at this bird. She shook her head, wondering why he was the way he was, wasn’t going to get her anywhere. She cleared her throat.

 “Captain, why are your guards impeding mine?”

 “Oh I do apologize Princess, I was still in the process of getting things organized, that colt has made a mess of everything and we honestly never planned for this scenario.” His face showed anger for the first time in speaking of Orion. “In fact we only learned just now that he may be hiding inside the sewer system. We have deployed troops into them in order to flush him out. Also, we suspect he is without a null ring now. Pieces were found in the cell he had occupied.”

 She heard the words, but could not comprehend them. “He broke a null ring? How?!” Questions for later. Though she needed to know all he did. If he was unable to be contained through normal methods new methods would have to be instituted to restrain him.

 “He managed to kill his guard and break a null ring in such a short span of time? I will be honest with you Captain Falcon, but I find it hard to believe he managed to break that on his own. Could he have had inside help?” She knew he was dictating the course of this conversation, but she had to learn as much as she could about his escape.

 “We honestly do not know, but that seems to be the running theory, we unfortunately have no way of investigating at this time. We have a pony to catch and restrain once again. It's bad enough that he managed to kill somepony, but he has evaded capture for the past two hours. I assure you, the more I learn, the more organized my troops will become and no longer interfere with yours. I apologize for the inconvenience.” He bowed again.

 She sighed, she was expecting to do a lot more yelling, but this griffon was too amicable. “See that you do, I wish a report every twenty minutes till he is found. I will be in the air overseeing and searching myself.” Without waiting for acknowledgment, she stormed out of the temple.

 “As you wish, your highness.” She should have turned around then, or she would have noticed the calculating look directed at her head.





 She did not want to be down here, if not for the fact that she was freezing the sewage water, she likely would never have bothered to come down into the dank tunnels.

 She could not believe that he had gone underground. When his path had suddenly veered from heading to the city gates to down a ponyhole cover, she balked at entering herself. But after brief reflection, she realized that was likely the only place he could go. But she was puzzled as to why he had gone down. 

 The sewer system was completely enclosed. With water being the only thing to escape through long ago forged grates that were magically resistant. She had studied everything about the city, and while not a favored subject it was still amazing to her how clever past ponies had been in securing the capital.

 She had looked around then, noticing many ponyhole covers off as well. Was he following the guard into the tunnels? That did seem plausible. Now she was down there with them. Following the trail of purple haze slowly, she was not about to stick her feet in the muck and gunk. So her magic would flare every few feet to freeze the water into something she could walk on.

 Coming to a four way split, she noticed the purple haze continued to travel straight and true, and was happy to find that there was a raised stone platform. No longer would she waste magic freezing her path forward.

 “This must be one of the old processing sewage plants….”

 The entrance had been recently opened, to a layer of dust and crumbling masonry was nearly everywhere. Old indeed. Not likely been in use in years. It was then she could hear a voice coming from inside. She steeled her nerves, and quietly crept inside.





 Times up. It was over. He was now on borrowed time. But he had a plan. During the forced opening of  the old sanitation plant door, he had managed to pickpocket the lieutenant whom he learned was Stunning Strike, of a null ring. As they proceeded to carefully make their way through the plant, he palmed an hourglass vial, waiting for his chance.

 “You know corporal? You're a rather quiet mare. Not that I’m complaining mind you, but who are you? What do you like to do?” She was making conversation, but she had given him the chance he needed with her back turned to him.

 “Oh you know. I like to play around with chemicals and I don’t like to talk much.” That was a lie, he ran his mouth far too much. “Oh and my name is Orion, Orion Falls.” He grinned. This was too good to pass up.

 The mare whipped around. “That is not funny soldier-” The ring slipped over her horn and he punched her hard in the stomach with the other hand sending her into a crumbling wall. The wall fell apart under her and she was left sitting in a pile of stone and mortar. 

 He slammed the vial onto her chest and took several steps back as the chemicals made contact and expanded in a red foam around her body that quickly hardened. The small magical charge in the two crystals on both ends of the vial supercharging the foam’s reaction and hardening time. It didn’t take long, and he had managed to avoid covering her face.

 Still regaining her ability to breath she stared at him in shock.

 “What? You never thought to crossdress before?” He didn’t wait for a response, he simply knocked her out. Just in time too. A surge of pain rippled across his body. “Oh shit.” He collapsed to the ground. Twenty three minutes seemed to be the time limit for him.

 On his hands and knees he bit back the pain as his muscles and bones expanded. He certainly wasn’t liking the feeling going on in his crotch.

 “Oh….fuuuuuuccccckkkk.” A pair of purple hooves stepped next to his head and his body was suddenly eased of pain as the transformation quickly reverted back into who and what he was. 

 Looking up he was stunned to see, “Twilight?”





 She couldn’t figure it out. Why was the trail ending at the short mare on the right. It seemed to go right to her. The gray maned and brown furred mare was unremarkable. Was she holding something of his?

 Her pondering was interrupted by the sudden conversation. She listened in.

 
 “-with chemicals and I don’t like to talk much.” The mare smiled as if there was some great joke, and spoke her name. “Oh and my name is Orion, Orion Falls.” The mare’s smile morphed into a grin as the lieutenant spun around to reprimand the mare. That was when she slipped a null ring onto her horn and she was punched into the wall behind her.

 Then the mare slammed some sort of hourglass onto the down guard, she was shocked to see a rapidly expanding red substance spring up and surround the fallen soldier.

 “What? You never crossdress before?” And she punched her in the face, knocking the mare cold.

 Just as she was about to rise, the mare doubled over and groaned in pain, teeth gritting. “Is she getting bigger?”

 She was, and her fur was turning black, the horn growing longer, as well the mane began to become a brown-orange in color, followed by the snapping of bones in the air. There was a groan of pain. Embracing her magic she stepped up to ‘her’ head and sent waves of healing magic into the now larger than her mare.

 No, there was a beard beginning to sprout. This was Orion, her Orion. How had he managed to do this?!

 “Twilight?” He looked up at her, the blue eyes becoming gray once again. “The fuck are you doing here?”

 “Trying to save you. Though it doesn’t seem like you need much rescuing. But what did you do to yourself?” She knelt down, propping up his head as her magic continued to pour into him. He was nearly his full height again.

 “Oh you know, a gamble. I think someone is looking out for me, considering your here. Do you have any idea what it feels like to regrow a penis?” He grinned.





 Celestia stopped in mid air, just hovering as her aerial guard swooped around to surround her.

 Ever since she was informed he was unfettered, she had been casting out her spells in an effort to pick up any of his magic. She had no luck at first, till now. A surge, very faint but just strong enough for her to detect rippled across her magic’s senses. But it wasn’t his magic. It was her student’s. Judging by the strength she had realized it was in the sewers, where Orion was suspected of being.

 “The sewers!” He had gone to ground in the sewers, and her student was down there with him. He was trapped. But why was Twilight with him? A chill ran through her, had she been betrayed by her own chosen protege again?

 “You!” She stabbed a finger at a messenger that had followed behind her and her retinue in case she needed anything. “Alert my generals, he is below in the sewer system. He is trapped, it is completely self contained! Hurry now!” She once again didn’t wait for acknowledgement. Instead choosing to dive down to one of the many open ponyholes.

 “I have you now Orion. You will have much to explain. You as well Twilight.”





 “Are you going to explain to me how you did this?” That was the third time, in the third variation she had asked for an explanation. “I have never heard of a spell that changes a pony’s gender like what you just did.”

 “Oh dear God she isn’t going to give up.” Also the third variation of previous thoughts on the filly’s tenacity for information. She had already talked his ear off enough for him to tell her about the chemical regents he had used in the creation of the quick foam he had developed.

 “You know what? No. No I am not, the less you know the better. Let’s just chalk it up to magic and forget how much pain I was in back there. By the way. Why the fuck are you following me?!”

 She had been following him, as he had made his way out the other end of the plant and into tunnels even older than the ones they had traversed before, she had stuck to his side like a knowledge sucking leech. The only light, a torch he had packed away barely illuminated five feet in front of them. He only hoped there were no methane pockets or they were both screwed.

 “Clearly I am trying to help you. And what do you mean you're not going to tell me!? If this was some new spell you came up with I want to learn it!”

 “A) You have helped me. Immensely. I would have been passed out on the floor in that nasty as room if not for you. And B) That spell was the most painful thing I have ever gone through. There is no way in hell I am teaching or even showing you how I did it. Plus I didn’t come up with it, it is a dark magic spell. So there is your only hint, you can go be a dude elsewhere. Now, go home.”

 “Dark magic? That’s evil!” She practically wailed and took a step back. “You shouldn’t be using evil magic like that!”

 “It’s not evil ya idiot. Magic is magic. I can just as easily burn someone alive, or drown them. It is all about intent not purpose.” That seemed to bring her up short. He paused and watched her face contort as she tried to puzzle that one out. “Remember Twilight, never judge a book by its cover, always look for the intent in others. Not everything is evil just because it looks menacing.”

 He turned around and proceeded down the dark hallway. She was still trailing him. He ground his teeth.

 “I suppose you're right.” She said after a time. “Magic is not without purpose, and does not function without input. Dark magic is no different in that respect. Still, it is wild and often uncontrollable. I have only heard of a few being able to use it effectively.

 “Ha yeah. Professor Tesla Coil is using it now, and is quite proficient in it. She is the reason I even knew a fraction of how to do what I did. Smart lady, you should pepper her with your questions. Not me.” 

 “I think I will do that.” They both lapsed into silence. She, stewing over the events that have so far happened. Him, wondering why the hell she was still here. He should have been paying more attention.

 Without warning, the bottom dropped out beneath both of them, and they were enveloped in the inky blackness of the suddenly rushing river that enveloped them both.





 Backwater sweated, she had never had the displeasure of being subject to one of Lady Hammer’s inventive punishments, and truth be told this was mild compared to what she had heard done. A mere slap on the wrist. She wanted to laugh at the rueful thought. But the strain in her arms and legs was getting worse.

 Below her, a collection of candles burned low. Above her, Artful Hammer sat, nearly lounged, on her back. She had been holding this position only a couple of minutes and already she wanted the flames to take her.

 “Lady Backwa...ter…” A Sol Guard stood transfixed at the sight in front of him, which only increased her shame as she had been striped bare from the waist up for this particular punishment. Her breasts hanging dangerously low to the flames.

 “Out with your report Sergeant. Mrs Backwater is busy now, so I will receive her message.” The calm almost playful tone only served to humiliate her further. It was as if this was another night for the War Mare. That she was in her private study sitting on her favorite chair.

 “Um, I….uh yes. Yes ma’am. We just got confirmation through Princess Celestia herself. She has picked up his trail heading into the sewers. We already have several patrols in the sewers.” He licked his lips. Staring straight ahead and definitely not looking at the scene before him.

 “Ah so it is a race now. I see, well Mrs Blackwater, it looks like you get a reprieve.” She stood up, much to her aching joint’s joy. “You will proceed into the tunnels to direct the effort. Spare no corner a glance.” She turned to go but stopped, not even bothering to turn around. “Oh and I would advise against coming back without him. The Church will not be pleased, I will not be pleased if the Princess manages to catch him first. Long live the Dawn, Mrs Backwater.”

 And just like that she was gone. The guard had seen fit to turn around when she was released from her punishment. A point in his favor, she would not kill him. She had no time anyway.





 The magic she had sensed indeed was her student’s, the ice path she had made for herself had yet to melt, a fact that she was more than appreciative of. Not only did she not have to craft her own path but Twilight also pointed out where she had gone. Where he might be. She prayed that her student hadn’t done what she feared. 

 Now she only had to follow, and hope her hunch was right, and her fears unfounded.





 “Where is she at now?” Backwater asked.

 “The beacon is coming further in ma’am. We are not sure why Lieutenant Strike has not answered, all we know is her beacon went off shortly before the Princess led a small team of elites with her into the tunnels. We are, however, closer than she is.” 

 She smiled, they would have to be fast, but all the signs pointed to him being down here with them. She set a fast pace, racing over the crumbling debris that littered the cramped hall.

 Bursting into the room she stopped and stared in puzzled alarm. There, stuck to a collapsed wall by a weird red substance, lay Stunning Strike. She was awake, which would make getting answers easier. Though the red substance gave her pause until her own soldiers began to break the material with the hilts of swords and spear butts.

 “What happened?!” She demanded as she glared at the still trapped mare.

 “We-” The mare gulped briefly as water was poured into her mouth. “I was fooled ma’am. We ran into a Sol Guard mare heading toward the gates. ‘She’ had told us that she was separated from her unit in the square, and was heading to the gates per her original orders. I assumed she would wait for her unit there.” As she spoke they quickly removed most of the and lifted into a sitting position.

 “Get on with it, soldier, I do not have all night.” She stood over the lieutenant clearly not happy that the mare wanted to tell her life story.

 “R-right, apologies ma’am. As I was about to say, when she had informed us of her original plans I made a decision and ordered her to come with us, as I had just come from there and the Royal Guard weren’t allowing us to post with them-” 

 As the mare went on, Backwater’s mouth could only gape. He had somehow disguised himself as the mare she had put to death earlier in the night. No wonder he couldn’t be found so quickly, he had somehow managed to remove the null ring and hide amongst her own troops.

 Her eyes snapped open. The guard left at the orphanage was him. He had gone back to gather his things, he had planned for this inevitably early on. It was the only explanation she could reason out. Now he was loose somewhere down here with an unknown agent assisting him. Strikes couldn’t see the mare, but she heard the voice and the clop of hooves. Somepony had assisted him in his escape, and now they were both seeking a way out of the city through the sewers.

 “Does anypony know of a way out of the sewer system other than the street access points?”

 “No ma’am, Canterlot’s sewer system is fairly enclosed, for reasons of security. The grates have been magic forged by enchanters long ago. If somepony were to try and break through they would need some serious magical power. We would be able to feel it if they tried.” A private stated.

 “How sure are you of that?” Hope was beginning to rise in her chest, and she mercilessly beat it back down. She would not get her hopes up until he was in custody once again. Her custody.

 “Fairly certain, ma’am. My mother helps maintain the sanitation plants around the city. From what she told me, many criminals get caught down here because they can find no way out.”

 She smiled, finally some good news.

 “Do you know which way they went Lieutenant Strikes?” She asked, the first hint of a smile in hours gracing her lips.

 “Yes ma’am. Down that tunnel. It is the only way they could have gone or I would have seen them.” Stunning spoke with confidence. “I may have been groggy from that punch, but he didn’t knock me out for long. It was strange. He suddenly sounded male again.” That last remark Blackwater heard, but understood it was more for her than anypony else.

 “If you can walk, come. If not, wait for reinforcements.” They marched out of the room. No longer concerned about speed but about the search. He could not hide forever down here.





 Celestia could not figure out what had happened in the old sewage room. There was a strange red material everywhere, a piece was in her hand. It was strong yet with enough effort it could be broken, and she picked up a faint whiff of magical power in the foam. As if somepony had used raw magic to power whatever had produced the substance. The only thing she could tell, was that it was recently created.

 “I want a few pieces to be cataloged and bagged. I’d like to know what this stuff is. Captain Strikes, you’re with me. The rest of you spread out. I want this place searched top to bottom.”

 She eyed the only other exit of the facility. She had not seen or sensed him on the way here, so that left the tunnel leading deeper into the dilapidated network. The fact that there were a great many hoof prints in the dust and debris of the ground heading in the same direction, meant she wasn’t the only one tracking him down here.

 She gritted her teeth. She would not lose him. One way or another, Orion Falls was going to be in her possession by dawn.





 The roar of water rushing by pulled him awake. As his senses began to collect he realized that he was jammed between two stalagmites. Twilight was wrapped in his arms, though he didn’t know when that had happened. Shifting to get his feet out from under himself he rose from the shallows and got to the rocky shore of the cave.

 As he laid her down he checked her pulse and found it strong and steady. Her breathing seemed to be okay too. But without a magical scan, which he was unwilling to yet risk due to the close proximity of the city, and thus Celestia herself, he could not be sure.

 He blinked. The cave was a bit brighter than he expected. The roaring sound of rushing water had maintained a steady volume. Turning around his knees almost buckled with relief.

 They had nearly gone over a natural waterfall. The hole the water had cut long ago was an outlet into the open sky. Freedom. He had finally found a way out, luck truly was on his side. He was starting to worry that he was never going to get the hell out of the city. That he would round a corner and there would be Backwater’s grinning mug. Or worse, Celestia.

 Looking back to Twilight he debated whether or not to try and wake her. A faint noise made his ear flick. Again another noise. Voices. 

 “Oh fuck.” They had somehow found him, which group he was not about to wait to find out. Looking down to Twilight he pulled out an envelope he was intending to mail to her and stuck it down her shirt before pulling her further up the cavern floor, away from the water. 

 For a moment, he just looked at her sleeping waterlogged face. This would be his last time seeing her, the thought made his heart hurt. He would miss her terribly. The realization that he would likely never see anyone again had finally settled in. His eyes burned.

 Squaring his shoulders he resolutely turned around and bolted for the cave exit. Maybe there was a natural pathway down the mountain. 

 That hope was dashed. It was a sheer drop to the lake below. He had to be a hundred and twenty or so yards up, he wasn’t a good judge of distance. Could he even survive that? He hastily looked around for another option.

 Shouts of surprise brought him up short. They had found Twilight. No time. He was really going to Harrison Ford this?

 Turning around he jumped.

 “I am the dumbest mother fucker in the world. Oh that is coming up fast!”





 Twilight woke to being violently shaken.

 “WHERE IS HE YOU LITTLE WHORSE!” A voice screamed into her face. The roar of rushing water could be heard under the insistent shouting of more than one pony. 

 Opening her eyes she was greeted with the furious face of a blue furred mare. Her white mane disheveled and dirty as her gray pantsuit. She blinked as her mind started to collect herself. Then both eyes bulged as she shoved the older mare off of her.

 “ORION!?” The shouts of other ponies halted as many armored clad heads turned in her direction. But she did not hear his voice in return. “Where's Orion?!” She cried out.

 The slap came suddenly and hard, rocking her head to the side and cutting off the beginnings of tears. “That is what I would like to know you little shit. I knew he had to have help, but you? The Princess’s own student?!” The mare practically spat in her face. “Where is he?!”

 Twilight couldn’t answer. She had no answer. She had no idea what had happened after they fell through the floor of the tunnel, a sharp pain not caused by the blow to her jaw, ached from the side of her head. Tears came to her eyes. Had he abandoned her? No. Orion was many things but he would never leave her if he did not think she would be safe.

 The roaring water drew her eyes to the waterfall, and her heart sank like a stone. Her panicking mind latched onto the possibility that he had been washed out of the cave and out into whatever her imagination could conjure up. Worse and worse possibilities flooded her thoughts, everything from a broken corpse to a drowned one. Her eyes burned and she realized she was crying.

 “Stop that crying! You have been exposed for the traitorous foal that you are! If you don’t tell me where he went to I swear-”

 “You Swear what, Backwater?” A hardened voice of steel echoed into the cavern, silencing the guards, the mare she now knew as Backwater, and even the noise of the rushing water to some extent.

 Looking over through her tears, she saw Princess Celestia, flanked by troops she vaguely recognized as her elite Royal Guard. The sight did not relieve her of her thoughts, but it did calm her nerves.

 “Ah Princess Celestia. I have discovered that your own student has betrayed you.” The mare said with a sneer. “She had been seduced by that beast, and helped him escape!”

 Princess turned to look at Twilight, and she wanted nothing more than to become one with the rocky formation behind her. That was not the face of her always calm teacher.

 “Twilight. It is very important that you answer me.” Her horn glowed, filling the cavity with her golden warm light. “Did you help Orion escape from his imprisonment?”

 Her mouth blurted out the answer before she realized what she was doing. “NO! When I had heard he had escaped I-i was asleep at home with my parents…” It was as if something had pulled the words from her. It had to be the Princess, but for once she could not see how the Alicorn had done it.

 “How did you come to be here?” Her teacher’s face has softened. The relief that flooded her nearly made her pass out. But she told of how she came to be in a cave nearly a mile under the city.





 The angry flame of suspicion slowly faded away inside her. Aside from wanting to smack herself for not realizing Twilight may have learned her brother's technique she was happy to know her own student was a victim of poor choices. And not some elaborate subterfuge designed to make a fool of her.

 Still the revelation that Orion knew of a spell to alter his own gender was a shock. She had not realized he was studying dark magic at the time. A poor oversight. One of many it seemed.

 She could see the surprise in Backwaters eyes as well. 

 She figured he had something to do with the red material in the old pump room, so that was not a surprise. Twilight had drilled him on it till he had revealed it was a chemical reaction fueled with magic to accelerate the process. That was interesting.

 “So you have no culpability in his escape so much as being swept along in the events of things. This was very foolish Twilight. We will talk later. But there will be consequences. You may not have helped him escape, but neither did you attempt to stop him.” Her student cringed, but the tears were not for her coming punishment. 

 She knew why. Orion had gone over the edge, already she was getting reports that his body had yet to be found. One hundred and eighty meters was not a small drop. If he survived, he would be broken and battered. They would find him, or his corpse. The thought stirred anger in her heart once again, and she directed her gaze at a fuming Backwater. Before she could even open her mouth to speak, the mare exploded.

 “Princess! Don’t tell me you are buying this obvious fabrication?!” The words were spoken to her, but the mare's eyes glared daggers at Twilight.

 “I do, because if she had lied, the spell I cast would have pulled the truth from her regardless. She is not guilty. I also know Orion’s only guilt is trying to help a people not his own. I confirmed that yesterday afternoon during the recess. But I was barred from revealing that truth.” Truth be told the spell only worked if the subject answered. If they said nothing, then there was no way for her to force them to tell the truth. With Twilight’s need to validate her reasonings in a pathological sense, she was nearly compelled to answer by rote.

 Backwater’s eyes widened. “There is no such spell.”

 She couldn’t help but giggle. “Of course there is. I don’t share the knowledge of such spells because of the great harm they can cause. No. My secrets stay with me, and I will not be goaded to reveal any of them.” She regarded the mare briefly.





 “Captain Featherhoof. Take her, guards, and Twilight to the castle. I need to clarify something with Lady Backwater.” The look on the Princess’s face changed suddenly. Gone was the kindly features. Instead there was a hardness to her face that had not been there before. 

 “Did she just tremble?”

 “Captain Strikes, would you remain. I would like a witness in case she attempts to falsify reports to the Church.” The tone had shifted to. It was harder.

 “Yes your Highness.” The mare next to her confirmed. Though her eyes did not stray from one of her own. 

 “Captain Strikes? Could she be related to Stunning?”

 Long after her soldiers had departed with the Princess’s Royal Guard, said monarch remained quiet. A shrewd and calculated look upon her face. Backwater began to fidget under her stern gaze.

 “I dislike wasting resources. You understand this correct?” She could only dumbly nod. Where was her Highness going with this she wondered.

 Suddenly the Princess’s horn illuminated and Backwater’s dagger left it scabbard in an orange flamed glow and impaled itself into a very surprised Captain Errant Strike’s throat. A gurgle of blood rushed past her lips as she collapsed to her knees. Backwater herself didn’t get a chance to react much more than a widening of her eyes as she was thrown back and slammed against the cavern wall. The orange flames that held her carried a heat that made her instantly wash with sweat.

 She looked back to the monarch and her eyes bulged. The Alicorn that stood before her had a frown as if she discovered someone had taken her favorite book. She looked almost nothing like the Princess she knew. Orange flames were her mane and tail, the eyes now gold in a field of near black.

 “Captain Strikes, you have done your duty with distinction. It is a shame that circumstances have forced your demise far sooner than I wanted, or needed. Elysium will honor you.” She turned from the stricken officer and calmly glared at her. “Backwater. Because of you, I will be delayed years in assuming full control of this body. I did not start the Church for you to get in my way.”

 Stepping around the now dead guard she stood inches from her own muzzle.

 “Because of you, a useful tool had to die to give me the excuse to break you, and to make you pay for the failure of keeping that colt in hand. It also delays my plans for the future.” She sighed. “I am going to have to fabricate a whole set of memories to make little Tia think she had lashed out and killed you for striking down one of her most loyal of guards.”

 The mare, that was most certainly not the Princess, grinned. Amused eyes looking into terrified eyes. “This is the first time in centuries I have had to take control like this. I am going to enjoy tearing through your mind. After that, I will have a nice corpse for the coroner to examine. Now, tell me your secrets.” She purred.

 Velvet couldn’t even scream.
> Epilogue: Uncertain Fates
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 He could see Port Orthos from the top of the hill line, the small seaside town that possessed only one pier for large freight ships, sat quietly, as many of its inhabitants knocked off early after the departure of the ‘Sea Spray’. Likely the only large ship the town would see in two or three months. Such was the fate of port towns that never truly served their intended purpose.

 Fortunately the nation of Minos sent enough bits to keep it running for the ‘just in case’. Though many could count on one hand how many minotaurs came from the closed tight borders in a year. Only special orders would arrive by dragon fire, or by one of the Border Keepers. Not many deemed it worth their time to leave the safety of the vast walls that surrounded the kingdom in its totality.

 Once the nation of Minos covered thousands of miles of territory, rivaling Equestria itself in sheer land space. But for reasons unknown the country shrank, not in population, but in size. Withdrawing in upon itself to the point it could affordably set up it’s walls. Locking everyone out. Especially ponies.

 “Okay Dad, it’s your turn with the cart I’ll carry the damnable anvil.” Duula groaned, slipping the straps free of her shoulders as she slowly rotated the arms, blood flowing back into them. Despite their situation, he wanted to laugh at his daughter. 

 When they first left the ‘Spray’ he had offered to take the wagon. The solid crafttaurship could clearly be seen in the sturdy cart. More metal than wood, it rolled with a smoothness you could not find inside Equestria. 

 Duula had rejected the offer and claimed she was more than strong enough to haul the wagon and forge equipment they had swiftly snapped up in their speedy flight from Canterlot. Now six hours later, with the sun blazing overhead yet not at its peak, she had clearly had enough, groaning and whining after the second hour into the jaunt from the port to the Wintaven Gate. 

 He nodded and easily handed over the three hundred pound anvil, she just as easily  shouldered it without any complaints and trudged up the well paved path before them, he slipped into the harness with practiced ease and after a little struggle to get started, followed close behind.

 He wished he had something to work on, like the little trinkets he made for the crew, or making sure the tribute he had remade every single year was in presentable order. It distracted him from the thoughts he had managed to keep at bay for over a month since their departure of the land of ponies.

 He had watched as Orion Falls, shackled to the floor of a caged wagon, was escorted through the city in a show of his capture. He heard the crimes he was accused of committing as they were proclaimed at every major intersection. It took nearly everything in him to not call out the lies for what they were. 

 Oh he knew what Orion had done, they had talked about it the evening he had forged his auspicious set of enchanted wear. Those very same items were in the wagon, in a large steel bound box with several locks that only he had the keys to. 

 He had found it silly when he had arrived in Canterlot nearly thirty-five years ago with his wife and a single anvil of his own in tow after going back to his family's home nation in search of his own bride, that he had to sign an agreement to not share the secrets of how he made steel outside the nation. It was the same agreement his father had signed, his grandfather too. He had hardly paid any attention to it then, just like his father and grandfather. Now, those very same laws that the colt had likely known about and disregarded them anyway, had caused his incarceration.

 Well brief incarceration. A day or two outside Manehattan, and news had reached him and his daughter about his escape, and disappearance. Rumors were that he had died and was swept away by the rushing currents of the lake and river that sat below Canterlot. 

 But judging by the bounty on any word of him, he doubted very much if they believed for even a moment that he had died. 

 It did not matter. He had done the one thing he had been forced to promise A request made of him the day the first band had been forged. 





 “Hey Forager. I need you to do something for me.”

 He had been put away with his hammers, and was in the middle of gleefully wiping the recently repaired gate down in an effort to buff years of grime out of it. He could not wait to reveal this to her Highness tomorrow.

 Looking up from his work, he eyed the young colt, a smile dancing on his lips. “Aye what is it lad?” His smile held for only a moment as he took in the seriousness of Orion’s face. There was a hardness there he had not noticed before. As if there were years of worry built up behind those gray eyes of his.

 “If….if something were to happen to me. If I was to disappear. Or something worse. I want you to gather up all your shit and leave. Take your daughter and go. Where is up to you, but you will need to leave as soon as you can, as fast as you can.” 

 He wanted to laugh. But that look froze him, and he turned over in his mind the possible reasons why he would even make that request. He began to realize the frightening implications and trouble he would face, after all, he agreed to keep his secret. By not telling the Princess who had fixed the gate, he was dancing on the cusp of treason himself. While only a working migrant of the nation, he was still beholden to their laws as much as a citizen was. More so.

 “Aye lad, I will do so.”





 And he had. The morning after he had returned from what had been hoped was a glorious day of accomplishment, turned into a harrowing trial of his own self control and fear, he set about making everything ready for a swift departure that he prayed would never happen in his or his daughter’s lifetime.

 At the time, Duula had questioned why they had rebuilt much of their shop to be easily stored away by wagon, and he had only given her vague ideas about possibly setting up shop in a remote area between Canterlot and Manehattan so they could take on larger work and more apprentices. With the money he had brought home, it had given his half formed lie weight. But they had never left.

 Not till that morning after he burst into their shop and began packing. 

 His daughter had not questioned then, nor had she done so when they were riding out the stormy seas in their all too small cabin, trying to keep what they ate the day before down. Not even now. She just followed suit with what he was doing and packed swiftly, they were gone before the sun had reached it’s noon day peak.

 Now as they slowly trudged he decided that it was time to speak of the why, she deserved to know the truth if anyone did.

 Stopping he applied the brake on the wagon, as they were on another hill going up. 

 “Duula, my dear, I think it's time I told you why we left as we had. Come let us rest, we only have an hour or so before we get to the Gate Town of Wintaven. We could use the rest anyway.” Unstrapping himself he sat on the large stone fencing that bordered the road. She set down the anvil gently next to the wagon and sat with her father.

 He told her. Everything. She stayed quiet throughout it all, eyes only widening a few times. If he was a betting bull, he would say she knew most of what he told her. But the surprise was he suspected Orion was responsible for the Griffon kingdom’s sudden improvement, rather than knowing that he was an enchanter.

 “That….I….I can see why he wanted us to leave. Father, he really looked out for us, didn’t he?” She tilted her head back staring at the clouds overhead as they passed by. It was a strange sight for her, the only time she had ever been to the lands of her people, had been to register her as a citizen. She had been just a wee calf then.  Forager and his wife had tried to get back to Minos for her birth, but she had other ideas and was born a little too early on the deck of an old merchant frigate en route to Port Orthos.

 Yet she was still welcomed by both the courts and their family. It had been a wonderful month-long celebration.

 Now he was sure that to her, the clouds moved strangely. The nations outside of Equestria bent to the will of the world. Not the other way around. 

 He was relieved that she did not feel animosity toward Orion, of whom he now considered a true friend. That she fully understood the need to leave and what could have happened to both of them should Celestia, or the Church catch an inkling of their help and support.

 The silence stretched on for so long, that they had picked up where they had left off, and had nearly been to the gates before she spoke up next.

 “Do you think he actually managed to escape?” He almost laughed out loud.

 “Aye, if I were a bettin’ bull, I’d say he is living in the lap of luxury. He was a bit pincher through and through. He likely had himself some bits squirreled away just in case.” They both chuckled. He had been a fierce haggler over the use of materials when he managed to get an order in. 

 The day wore on and by noon, they had arrived before the massive gates that separated Minos from the rest of the world.

 “Name and papers?” A stern guard in the black and brown armor of Minos approached, a clipboard in one hand and a crystal in the other.

 “Forager Stouthorn. My daughter, Duula Stouthorn.” He sealed his lips and handed bother of the rudimentary passports they had received when they left Minos. One thing any returning minotaur knew, was to answer the questions, and only the questions. The guards were fickle and would tie up travelers for days if they were annoyed even slightly.

 “Purpose” The crystal was passed over the clipboard, their names being written in blocky letters. 

 “Returning home. We do not plan to ever leave again.”

 That got a raised eyebrow from the guard, but he said nothing to that.

 “Skill?”

 “We are both Blacksmiths.”

 A nod. “Family?”

 “The Stouthorns” He said that with not a small measure of pride in his voice. 

 For the first time the guard cracked a smile. No true minotaur could speak of their family without being prideful. It was also another test. Every inflection. Every look was noted. All to judge what the intentions would be of the entraints. 

 “Wait here Master Stouthorn.” As always they would have to verify the information with matching records and then come out with a special device only found in Minos: a blood analyzer.

 The special tool was fiercely guarded, and was created four hundred years ago to discourage another invasion from a still unknown race. It determined whether or not the blood was minotaur, pony, or other sapient creatures that call Equis home.

 Said tool was now pressed up against his daughter’s left arm. A small sample stolen away. The light turned green, then it was his turn. Another green light.

 “Master Stouthorn, welcome home to Minos.”

 “Thank you.” He hesitated, then shook his head. “Upon our arrival home, may we have a Fiosrach come by. We have news and information that must reach the King’s ears and the council. It is very important.” He held the surprised minotaur guard’s gaze. Trying to push the urgency of the information by will alone.

 He nodded. “If you need a Truth Seeker that badly, we have one stationed here that is in need of being rotated out. You three can travel together. Relay whatever information you have with her.”

 Forager nodded. He had thought about it for a long time once they had gotten on the ‘Sea Spray’. His nation would need to know of the rogue enchanter outside of its borders. 

 There was a secret Minos held as tightly as a cow holds her newborn calf amongst the wolves. A secret that he had accidentally discovered and kept silent of, even to Orion. Now he wished he had not.

  The minotaurs long lost the secret to how they crafted their greatest creations. But deep inside it’s borders, a tribe of unicorn ponies lived. Their ancestors had fled the fallout of war between Celestia and Nightmare Moon. The aftermath had disillusioned the enchanters of old to the horrors their creations wrought. And all but one fled. 

 The tribe that lived today still carried the abilities of their forefathers and mothers. They could enchant not to the degree their own could do once long ago. The ability had diminished some. And agents around the known world, under the employ of Minos, worked in hospitals, huts, anywhere there might be need of medical attention.

  When a pony was born with the abilities to do so, they were kidnapped. A distasteful practice. But one necessary, if they did not, then other nations would send out their own, and kill them before their abilities fully awakened. Only the unicorns themselves could perform this mission. So the non-gifted took on the duties to identify enchanters. 

 It was all an attempt to keep the terrifying fleet that was Equestria’s from ever taking to the skies again.

 The news of a missed pony would shake both the nation and the tribe to their core. He should have found some way to send a message, but he feared some pony would read what was written down. And then Orion would have been caught because of him.

 “Yes, I would like to speak to her as soon as she is ready.” Maybe, just maybe he could be found and helped out of this mess.





 Artful Hammer sipped from her goblet, the fire in the room warmed her hooves and legs as she lounged in the opulent chair that once belonged to the former Bishop of the Temple she currently resided in. The Temple, “Her Promise of Hope’ was small when compared to the massive building that was her sister Temple in Canterlot, ‘Our Lady’s Shining Light’.

 But it too was built just as lavishly, with high, ornate ceilings of red and gold. All Temples followed the same color scheme as had been ordained since their founding in the distant past. The room Artful stayed in. once belonged to Bishop Blessed Light. She, along with many other high ranking Bishops, along with three Cardinals that resided across Equestria had been arrested on charges of treason. That had been three weeks ago, and new Bishops were on their way to replace her, as well as other temporary position holders in their hastily assigned appointments.

 It was just as well. She was no religious leader, she hated the position she was in, and the whininess of the ‘flock’ that seemed to call on her everyday only drove that point home. She had built herself up for one thing, for the battles that would one day be needed to be waged when the Sun truly took her rightful place.

 The recent purge had clearly shown that that time was not soon, and she lamented the idea of having to instruct the next generation rather than take part herself. 

 To her, the recent purge was a message. The Church had overstepped its bounds in what their Matriarch would allow, though this had been the first time in several centuries they had received any kind of message from Her. Their edicts back then had been clear, but over the centuries of operation, those ponies in charge had gotten things muddled, they had taken on greater roles then they were meant for. Greed for power in government had been their downfall.

 Now they had paid the price for this overreach. All because of one colt.

 She herself did not understand why he was such a big deal. Sure he had been disrespectful of Celestia’s position. But it was just the Princess. Not Her. Thus they could have left it alone. It was likely one of the Cardinals got their tail in a knot because they saw it as a weakening of their own power rather than the one they all were supposed to serve. Still, his file had been an interesting read, and she had looked forward to questioning him about his activities.

 She however, did not believe the accepted story that was now suddenly being debunked by the government. 

 Celestia herself had called the trial a farce, and presented some rather substantial evidence that he was never who Backwater claimed he was. Most of that knowledge was likely from the formerly alive power hungry hopeful. Instead the suit had been thrown out as evidence on grounds that it literally could not fit a pony or griffon. The sleeves and appendages did not bend properly, and it was confirmed by not only the Princess, but the magic research tower as well.

 A Tesla Coil, had been placed in charge to study the strange outfit, and the only thing she could remark on was how advanced the construction had been. There was also the fact that testing had shown the material only to be a decade or so old. But there was no residual magic sensed at all. Artful suspected that the Church’s original arguments were not strong enough, so they allowed Backwater to stretch the truth, even if the mare had actually believed what she was making claims of.

 The Church was not the only one suffering the purge, and for the first time in many years a beheading had taken place just last week. It seemed one Gavel Hammer, the judge in Orion Falls’s trial, was guilty of his own crimes. She curled her upper lip in disgust, a colt diddler. Not only was he guilty of that, but it was discovered that he had been given a substantial amount of bits to run the trial how Backwater wished.

 She chuckled, the noble class had not escaped punishment either, though sadly, no beheadings for them. Instead they lost influence and power, and support amongst their ranks for the Church also declined. Many renounced their loyalty and cut ties completely.

 That was a setback. One that would hurt their influence greatly, it would take years before the ponies of Equestria would find faith in them once again. Just as well. In her opinion the Church had needed a realignment to begin with. To go back to their original purpose. To build, recruit, and wait.

 A tremble shook her legs, which brought her back to the present. She checked the time and nodded.

 “You can go, I need to make an appearance in the ‘Hall of the Sun’, and I’m sure your back needs a rest. However, think before you open your mouth next time Prioress. I do not like my orders to be challenged.” She had actually sat too close to the fire, not that it bothered her much, she had experienced hotter. But it was still early in the fall season, and not really cold enough for the raging fire that burned in the hearth.

 Her ‘ottoman’ trembled again, this time in relief as she took her legs off her back. Naked, the blue furred mare struggled to stand, red welts decorated her body in fresh angry lines. This one had annoyed her too often since she had taken the reins. She had taken great pleasure as she beat her and then let the sweat gained by the heat of the fireplace drip into the lash marks.

 The mare said nothing as she shuffled to her cassock, not even bothering to don it as she jerkily fled the room. A whimper as the door began to close brought a smile to Artful’s lips. That had been an easy session, but one that would break most. A frown replaced the smile.

 “I wonder how long that colt would have held up. Considering how he was bound, most would have waited in silence. For him to not only refuse but escape from what should have been an impossible situation, I wonder if he would have been my muse.” She sighed with some regret, she would never know.

 She began to dress herself in her own cassock, the red and gold colors glimmered in the afternoon light. She hated the garment, but she knew she had to present the right image for the expectations of the masses. The omophorion came next, and to her it was by far the most gaudy thing a pony could subject themselves to. While the garment was more reserved in patterns it depicted the dominance of the Sun over all life. The problem was it was all in gems, and was thicker than some plate steel she had worn.

 “Time to greet my loving flock.”





 Her right hand messaged her temple. The day was not going well again. No. It’s now been three weeks since her arrival in Griffonia, and every single day has been a roadblock of frustrations with no resolution.

 King Bloodbeak and his wife, Queen Gabriela, were every bit as cordial, polite, and as cooperative as a mountain. Not that they did not answer her questions to the fullest. But that they had kept their emotions carefully locked away. The answers were thought out and useless.

 If this trip had shown her anything, it was that her Aunt’s own agents were not as good at digging up information as the King’s own had been. They knew much about her, if not the full extent. 

 Every morning there were a hundred servants in the dining hall for breakfast, and again at other meal times. Anytime she sought them both out they were surrounded by others, and would not dismiss them. With that many about it was hard to discern their emotions, too much interference. She as of yet had not brought herself to ask if they servants could, or would, be dismissed. 

 So everyday was the same, carefully crafted questions to draw out what they knew about the colt, that by all rights, had restarted the nation's economic growth.

 Her last trip to the once crippled nation had not been as pleasant, present situation excluded. Before she could feel the pain of this nation as she walked in disguise amongst its people. She had wanted to get a feel for the neighbor from the north after the events that costed the lives of two nobles some years back.

 The difference between then and now was like night and day. Where weeping could be heard in the streets, only laughter and confident shouting could be heard. The once failing market places were bursting at the seams with griffons from all over the kingdom. Where the foundations of many buildings had begun to breakdown, now work crews packed the streets at an initiative from his Majesty to repair and even improve the infrastructure.

 The most alarming however, was what she woke to every morning just north of the city, in plain sight of her balcony. A massive training camp had been constructed. And the small almost insignificant armed forces they once held, had now exploded to almost nine thousand in just over a year. With no end in sight as everyday she could see new recruits marching in formation.

 The castle blacksmiths had been moved out to what was quickly becoming a small town. She could see the forge fires going hard at work forging armors and weapons for the new troops.

 She found herself looking at the camp again, ignoring the quickly cooling lavender tea she had requested. They had taken what Orion had shown, and had managed to nearly turn the nation around in just shy of a year. The sheer drive and focus of Griffonia as a people frightened her.

 She had expected some improvement, but not this. She feared what might come.

 “I knocked, but you seem distracted Princess Cadance.” The calm almost singing voice of the Queen spoke behind and to her right, startling her out of her revelry. “Oh I’m sorry dear. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” She was holding a small collection of notes in one clawed hand, and Cadance wondered about them.

 “I-its okay, I got lost in my own world there I suppose.” She smiled as graciously as she could.

 “I can imagine, the trouble we bear for the good of our own people can oftentimes leave us at a loss of what to do. But I think your worries are more of that, ”she pointed to the camp, “and what it means for our two nations.”

 She blushed, not for the first time since coming here. It always surprised her, she was so much older than any of the other rulers she had met, but often found herself to be their junior. It may have been due to their short ages, but they seemed to adapt and accept much quicker then either her or Celestia.

 It was embarrassing that they could read her so easily.

 “I suppose you could be correct. I’ll be honest with you, your Majesty. The last time your nation had a build up like this, you invaded.” She wanted to wince at her own bluntness but forced her face to be passive. “While that last invasion hadn’t done so much damage as waste bits and embarrassment for both nations, you can see why I am concerned I hope.” 

 “Oh I can imagine, may I sit?” She gave a nod. “Thank you, your Highness.” She settled in gracefully and placed the held scrolls in the middle of the table, gaining a surprised look from the Alicorn before her. “Last year around this time, it was decided we would follow a piece of advice, and we had our nation’s land borders amongst the noble families redrawn.”

 Cadance’s eyes widened, a redrawing of territorial lands between royalty was huge. More so for griffons as they were notoriously stubborn in giving up what they believed was theirs.

 “Yes, it wasn’t easy. But it had to be done. To why, we wanted the people to have more of a hand in how they were governed. The amount of rumors both I and my husband heard every year about abuses that were committed by the ruling class were too much to ignore any longer. So we decided that the nobles would lead their county’s guard forces, but the people would lead their lives.” She smiled, and for once she felt true emotion coming from the hen. Pride.

 “That...is honestly...incredible. But why?”

 The Queen chuckled, “Oh that’s easy. To prevent us from ever dragging our people into war again like that. Back then there was a large sentiment from many royal as well as common families that we not engage your nation. They were largely ignored.” She paused then shook her head sadly, “No they were completely ignored. We didn’t want that to happen again. While we still hold ultimate power, and can exercise it if we so choose, we want our people to decide their fate.”

 A system almost but not quite like Equestria’s. It was a major reform for the stubborn and proud griffons. “And the armies now cropping up around the nation?” She was more than a little alarmed at knowing many nobles now had their own standing armies now.

 “That is more for patrolling our own lands. Our nation has been plagued by bands of raiders and thieves. We had to pretty much close down all but one coastal town because of piracy. To curb these acts, each territory enacts its own force to protect merchants and the citizens from bandit attacks and the like.” She chuckled, another emotion, joy. “We are proud to say that two of our old ports should be open by this coming summer.” She beamed.

 It was truly a complete turn around, but she had to ask.

 “These changes, not just to your economy, but the social structure of how you govern your people. They were because of him weren’t they? He introduced the ideas and concepts to you.”

 Instead of answering, Queen Gabriela just pushed the papers she had brought in with her closer.

 Cadance cocked her head, and picked up the first sheet. As she began to read her eyes widened. The handwriting was sloppy to say the least, but the words were clear. It was a bill of some sort of rights, guaranteed to the people. The very first one would give Celestia a heart attack.

 “You will allow your citizens the freedom to say what they wish?” She said in a strangled whisper.

 “Yes, a completely foreign idea to tell you the truth, but there are some merits to it. It will relieve frustrations and make us aware of problems plaguing our nation. That, and the following laws will also be implemented. It is an unprecedented level of freedom for our people. But, my husband and I believe it is necessary. Not for us. But for all who will, and may one day, call this place home. They have suffered enough under our family’s terrible leadership. We don’t want the threat that it might happen again, to hang over their heads any longer.”

 She quickly read over the others, and then returned to the second one. “Why allow all citizens to carry arms?”

 “That one is, hah, ‘in case the first one don’t work out’.” She chuckled to herself. “The idea is actually two fold. With many farm communities being isolated from major trade roads, our own guards will not be able to cover them all, though we do hope to do something about that in the future. In the meantime, we will send our own trainers out to instruct our people in the various uses of weapons and offer them for sale.” She sighed, “and should the worst happen, should we be invaded ourselves, our people can defend nest and egg against an attacking force to their last breath.”

 That actually had merits to it, and she nodded in agreement. But all this just begged the question.

 “Why tell me this though. For weeks you have pretty much rebuffed every question I have asked. Why now? Why the armies? Why such vast and sweeping changes?”

 “That is because we can no longer do things as our people have once done. If we are to survive, we have to adapt and change. Yes, Orion did tell us about all these ideas, in your c-hands, are his notes on everything we have planned. He had a lot, but we threw out many of the ideas just because we did not believe they would work for us.” 

 She paused then smiled, “As to why we are telling you this now, it was not a joint decision. To be honest my husband does not trust you. But if we are to plead our case as to the sudden changes in our nation, I felt it was best to give you some idea of what we plan and what we wish between our two kingdoms. We do not war, just help for our people. Orion just happened to be the most unlikely source.”

 The confession that he was directly responsible for the new laws had her rereading everything. She had no doubt she would not be permitted to keep these notes and wanted to commit many of them to memory. Gabriela kept quiet, watching the Princess with calm eyes.

 “One last question. Okay maybe three. We know he was not your agent. Princess Celestia had confirmed that on the day of his trial. So we no longer believe you to be guilty of espionage. But, why you? Why help your people? And, where did he get his knowledge from?”

 “I would imagine you would have to ask him that. We asked him the same thing. His answer was not one we expected.”





 “Why? Because it's the right thing to do.” The colt had not even hesitated.

 They were sitting in the middle of Bloodbeak’s study. Gabriela had no idea how, but he had somehow managed to get his claws on hard cider and was drinking it with great satisfaction.

 “That’s it?” Her husband was incredulous. She was confused as well. “Care to elaborate?”

 Orion chuckled, “I know you have seen your own country. I know you have seen the poor, the dying in your streets. I have read about it, and never imagined it to be as bad as it is. I had merely planned to sell ideas and let you all naturally do as you would. But, the day me and Scream went out after my first night here. Holy shit, I had to do something, and you being you, words were not going to be enough. I needed proof that my plans were going to work.”

 He shrugged his shoulders and took another swig.

 “I can only hope you take my other advice as well. But I am not certain what all might work. Your people are certainly a whole other culture on its own.”

 “So you wasted thousands of bits, all to prove your theories?” A nod. “That was a tartarus of a gamble young drake.”

 “Yup, but I am glad to see the practical stuff is panning out for you guys.”

 He lifted the last of his drink. “Cheers, I gotta get going. Train leaves in an hour and I bought too much shit.” They all laughed and drank the last of their own beverages.





 The Queen left her chambers not too long after, taking the handwritten notes with her. Her last question had remained unanswered. Cadance knew why. They had no idea where he had gained his knowledge from.

 She drummed her fingers on the table before her, biting her lip in consternation. 





 Celestia sighed. As much in exasperation as emotional exhaustion.

 The loss of Errant Strikes still cut her deeply. In her rage she charred Velvet Backwater’s corpse to a nearly unrecognizable slag. Between the funeral, the discovery that much of the accusations against Orion Falls had no real facts to support them, and the judge and nobles who participated in that farce trial willingly, it was all she could do not to bring the castle down on everypony.

 The nobles she could do little against, not without long term problems. So she simply removed them from positions of interest and authority. It would be difficult to replace them but she would figure out something. Sending them home with little to do but spend their own savings as they would no longer be getting bits from their territories. It was a slap on the wrist, but it removed them from power so it was better than nothing. She couldn’t afford to ruin her support too much after all.

 She glanced at another report that had been laid on her desk that morning. Still no sign of Orion, or his corpse. As the days and weeks wore on, she was more and more certain he had somehow managed to survive the fall and had in all likelihood, fled from her borders. There was little chance that he would return despite the proclamation denouncing the lies spoken at his trial.

 Still, she could not believe that all this had happened right under her nose. It had heavily damaged her image amongst her ponies. The executions, while necessary, would not be forgotten in a long time. But she had to send the message that there would be consequences for deception. Sadly, she was once again back to being the aloof ruler who loved her ponies, but had no real connection with them. All the work she had put in, destroyed by overeager supporters.

 Though she did wonder if they were really her supporters. During the interrogations they had shown very little respect to her, their supposed ‘Sun’, and during their private executions they had called her a ‘false sun’ just as the ax fell. It was very disconcerting. Both having to put to death ponies that she would have done a great deal for, and their accusations.

 Then there was her student, a lot of trust had been lost there, and she could only blame herself. Things with the filly should have progressed naturally. Instead Celestia had attempted to force her own desires onto the young mare. The rift between them would have to be repaired. How it was only now, after everything that has happened, she could see the error in trying to play matchmaker she had no idea. Even Cadance did not force love.

 Thinking of the other Alicorn, she had yet to receive a report on her investigation of Griffonia. The nation itself was still far from a threat, but the fact that again, her spy network had been so inept not to have any clue what was going on in the north bothered her greatly. She did not know as much about the world as she once thought she had. And that made her more than a little uncomfortable.

 She sighed again. Now in total exhaustion. The morning was only beginning.





 Thunder Chaser was rather pleased with himself. The recent repairs had the ‘Ocean Spirit’ back almost as good as new. Well, new enough for a seventy-five year old merchant ship turned smuggler vessel. His cargo hold was full. The ‘goods’ procured through means he would call extraordinary circumstances.

 The small port town of Hollyhoof had an unspoken agreement with ponies like him and his crew. As long as they paid the extra fee, the mayor and town guard looked the other way when it came down to merchants like him. 

 More good news, with the recent repairs done the past evening, his ship could part with the outgoing tide, before the shallows got too low for proper departure. Would do no good to beach after finally getting the haul reinforced.

 But now he sat on the deck of his railing, and what held him up had to be the oldest looking stallion he had ever seen. It was a brown earth pony with more gray in their fur than the original color. The mane all but gone. One eye looked like it had been blinded. Truth be told he would have never looked twice at somepony like this.

 What had him on pause, was the bits clenched in the old pony’s gnarled fingers. A substantial amount. Thunder couldn’t be sure as he never had taken on passengers before, but it might have been triple what most vessels would charge for passengers on the regular. 

 “I understand ye be wanting safe passage old timer, but this here is not a liner. It’s a merchant vessel. I only have some much space.” His senses were tingling. He did not know why, but despite what the stallion looked like, all hunched over, there was something off.

 The voice that spoke back was as if a tomb was speaking, he half expected dust to pelt his face. 

 “I understand that sonny. But….see this is all I have left in this world. I have been stuck in Dodge City all my life. I have no family, nor grandfoals to call my own. I want to see something of the world while I can still keep two hooves under me. I won’t get in the way. And I’ll stick to myself as best I can. I’m still healthy despite this bent back of mine. Besides.” He winked his blind eye, mucus webbed between the two lids, Thunder barely kept himself from shuddering. “I know this vessel is not just a freighter. Not that I would tell a soul, but I figured you ponies would not mind making some easy bits on the side for one passenger.”

 He blinked. This pony was not as blind as his left eye would make anypony believe. He almost chuckled. “You do realize, our profession is dangerous, and taking an old timer like yourself on would not mean we would protect you. Right?” If this old stallion was that gung ho about it, he would take his bits, even give him meals. But he wasn’t going to promise to take care of him. “You know how to use the head right?”

 “Oh yes, just like a regular toilet but without the flushing. I trust there will be a bucket of water to wash out the nastiness?” The old pony grinned back. Missing teeth making Thunder want to brush his own again.

 “Yes, but you will have to fill it up yourself, understand?” The stallion just nodded, shouldering his surprisingly large rucksack and still holding out the bits. 

 “I trust meals will be provided?” He got a nod in return. “I would pay extra to have them delivered to whatever closet you plan to shove my flank into. Somehow, judging by your reactions to me, your crew might not be as pleased to watch me eat.”

 That got a sage nod from the captain. His crew was mostly mares, tough seafaring ladies, but he doubted they would want to watch the old codger eat either. He knew he didn’t.

 “For the amount you’re offering, I would say I could have them served to you on a silver platter, if we had any.” The both chuckled, and he swiped two thirds of the bits offered. “I’ll not be ripping an old pony like you off. You seem the decent sort, not minding my business and such.” He was a stallion of principal after all. No weapons, and no slaves. Now he would add not ripping off the elderly to his list of no’s.

 The stallion pressed the rest of the bits into his pocket surprisingly fast. “I insist. After all, you are looking after an old pony.”

 “If that's what you want. See the red mare over there? That's Bright Star, she will show you to one of the very few private rooms we have, it’s not big, but it should accommodate you just fine.” He watched as the spry old stallion practically danced onto the deck, the shoulders not as bowed as before. “Huh, might not be a burden after all.”

 Looking to the horizon he judged it time. Time to once again set to sea where he could be as free as he wanted to be. Horslulu was supposed to be lovely this time of year, and much of his goods were heading in that direction.

 “Miss Gibbon. Let's get this old girl to sea.”