Prologue: Reunions

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Master Prize hated the heat. While the Saddle Arabian had been born and raised to the sands of his home nation, he never enjoyed the often oppressive dry heat that was so prevalent in his homeland. His mother had been a diplomat, and that had allowed him to be spoiled in the temperate climate of other more fortunate nations such as Equestria. It was a luxury he would often lord over the other foals in Riyolt whenever he had returned for the winter months, and even more relished it when his mother’s business took him to the much fairer countries he so envied.

In his fifty years since he left his mother’s herd he had not found purchase in establishing himself in those more pleasant nations that he preferred. His gambles of business seemed to tug him back constantly to the sands, to the misery of the heat.

It wasn’t for a lack of effort that kept him close to the accursed desert. But his business dealings seemed to always fall through. Lucrative opportunities dried up faster than spilled water. For years he just barely eked out a living, relying on his sole caravan to keep him and his employees afloat. Every route plotted, however, seemed to drag him deeper into debt. Deeper into the sands.

This also transitioned to his love life as well.

His prospects for a herd of his own also seemed to vanish as fast as a mirage. The mares of his nation judged harshly, and he was often left with the mostly homely of fillies darkening his door and warming his bed. It was as if he had been cursed to mediocrity from the day of his birth despite the station his mother had attained. Was he destined for this life of just enough?

Bitterly he suspected that the sands themselves had finally decided to claim him this day, the sandy blonde maned stallion gazed out at the approaching dust cloud, indicating they were not alone on the barely marked out trail to Zeygpt. That cloud was not a good sign, it often meant trouble, and in this area it often meant worse, Abyssians.

The nomadic cat-like creatures often raided along the travel routes between Zebrica and the rest of the world. Normally they stuck to the more well traveled paths that were clearly marked. Master had hoped that this route would be ignored, as it hadn’t been used in fifteen or so years. Another gamble lost.

He wondered what he would lose. Abyssians were a contentious lot. One never really knew what they would take. Sometimes it was just supplies, most often all of them. But it wasn’t unheard of for them to claim tribute of flesh. It had been centuries since the practice of taking the whole caravan had been abandoned. Master suspected that they had learned that if they killed all of the traders that came through these lands they would run out of prey quickly. So while he had little fear of losing his own life, as they often went for the underlings instead, he would have to watch as they dragged good mares and stallions away.

There was little doubt as to what awaited those unfortunate souls.

He called a halt, there was no point in trying to defend, the cats were often better equipped than the guards of caravans were, and the last ones to try and defend against them met a violent end to a mare and stallion, as a warning. Not even the foals had been spared.

Time to await what fate the sands held for him.

He had decided to sleep the harshest part of the day away. Considering what he paid in travel fees to the asshole Master Prize, he could take that liberty. Which was why he was annoyed to be awoken to shouting. He rubbed his pink furred muzzle trying to wake himself faster.

A shouting match seemed to be in progress. The language itself he could not place, it was harsh and seemed to be punctuated by hisses. There was a response, it was more in the form of pleading, without the hisses in it. That tone was recognizable as Master Prize.

“Dear fuckin’ God what did he do?”

Orion suspected that stallion had disrespected someone’s sacred land. It seemed on every route there were historical sites that were sacred to some such pony or zebra. It was annoying, and added hours if not days onto the travel time.

Thinking about it even now, he should have gone by ship, would have gone by ship. Except for some reason the Equestrian Royal fleet was operating in the Southern Celestial Sea, monitoring and often stopping ships from coming in and out of Zeygpt. For whatever reason, Equestria had taken an issue with the nation, his destination.

None of that mattered in the end. The only thing that did matter was he was unable to take the easy route. As being stopped, boarded and then discovered would not be good for him. Thus he had hitched a ride with Master Prize’s obviously failing caravan into the desert. All to avoid trouble.

The people who helped run and maintain the convoy of wagons were actually rather pleasant. Despite the sour nature of the owner, the wagon pullers and merchants were often an energetic lot. Putting a smile on his face at the oddest times.

His favorites were actually the guards. Their humor often aligning with him they would often be willing to share a rather powerful drink known as Zorkul, made of some cactus from the desert. They would often crack jokes and rib each other, and more often than not, he found himself among them.

How they ended up with such an inept, scamming, slimy, and all together awful employer was beyond him. But Master Prize was never going to win the coveted leader of the year award. Or decade.

He could only assume, as he slowly and quietly crawled out from one of the wagons in the rear making sure to keep the surprisingly cool scarf he had purchased just before his departure from Riyolt, that he had fucked up somehow. Now they were stuck, judging by the sun that burned his retinas, it was just coming into mid afternoon and they were not in an ideal place to camp. Turns out it was much worse than that.

What he was not expecting to see was a bunch of bipedal cats on some strange elongated lizard things practically surrounding the entire merchant train. Though he suspected that explained the hissing.

Looking about he took comfort that he had not really been noticed yet. Surreptitiously approaching the forward wagons, where all the shouting and pleading was taking place, he weaved through the carts grateful that Saddle Arabians were a tall and lanky people. The look of fear and apprehension caught his attention as he passed several of them. This wasn’t just a simple stop, nor some ruffians looking for an easy mark.

A guard backed into him, one who he recognized as Fair Gaze, she looked absolutely terrified. Her fur was matted in sweat foam as if she had run a thousand miles in the heat.

“Yo Fair, you okay? What's going on here?” He placed a hand on her shoulder to steady her as she whirled about defensively. This was not the crude mare he had gotten to know the past five weeks of travel through the hellish landscape. Gone was the cocky jovial smile, just terror and a strange sort of resignation. Her blue eyes were almost dead looking.

“...the ab….abyssians.....” He barely heard her.

“Abyssians? Where have I heard that...na…” Instantly he remembered the warnings and documents he had to sign in order to even have the privilege of paying for this luxury trip.

The Abyssians were a race of nomadic cat-like beings. Bipedal like many of the species on Equis, this species was wholly carnivorous. Though there was rumor that they might eat certain plants, they preferred flesh overall. A chill rippled down his spine as he recalled a very strong rumor that all signs pointed to being true.

Abyssians had no qualms of eating other sapient races.

“Oh fuck me running…” He barely noticed his semi-friend quickly retreating further down the line. It didn’t matter, he knew the what, and likely the why now.

This left him with a choice to make. If the rumors were to be believed they only ever took a few if any. And no one of importance when they did. The question was, could he abandon these people if things got out of hand? Would he be one of those on the chopping block should the caravan master decide he was expendable in place of his people?

He shook his head. Best to make plans for any eventuality, but he was not about to choose a course of action. Not yet anyway. He needed more information. With that thought in mind he hitched up his scarf, and began to stalk from wagon to wagon, staying to the shadows of the tall cloth covered carts as he moved to the forefront.

This was a nightmare. Caliban, the name of the Abyssian that led this particular warband, wanted fifteen of his workers and or guards as tribute. He had pleaded to trade with the cat with the goods he was loaded down with, but the old tom had dismissed the notion.

“Listen you worthless pile of carthic shit. My soldiers are very hungry, what good will your goods do to feed their bellies.” He leaned down into Master’s face, towering over the panicking stallion. “You have nothing I want, and you are making me consider increasing tribute. I have not the time nor the desire to debate with you. Unless you have something exotic to give me, I will have what I am owed.”

“You are owed nothing, all you do is take you mange infested beast!” He could not bring himself to speak those words. He cursed his own cowardice. This was a disaster. He had been lucky to never have encountered a warband before. Of course he had known of the rumors, but to hear the dreaded words actually spoken aloud, to his face no less, was a new kind of terror. Not only would he be ruined, but he had to pick which ones they would take!

He could not bear that responsibility. He would never sleep another night peacefully knowing he had a hand in the death of fifteen innocent souls.

His panicked mind seized on something. “Exotic?” Mr Barrel Underhill! That damnable, pain in the flank pink stallion was his way out of this mess. Sure he would feel bad. But he did not like him. The unicorn had been nothing but trouble and demanded all kinds of concessions. Nevermind the fact that he paid well and knew the value of his coin. “He did sign the ‘Death and Dismemberment’ contract after all.”

It was a contract that any traveler was required to sign when going across the sands with a caravan. Even the employees under him had to sign it. The stallion had spent several hours arguing and haggling with him over the contract and payment. If the riyal had not been so desperately needed, he would have thrown the young unicorn out of his office. Now it seemed the stallion would be of some use after all.

“If….if I may, I do have something you might want more than my own employees.” He nearly shrieked at the sharp look in Caliban’s eyes as the wiry old cat stared him down.

“I’m listening…” He practically hissed. “But be warned, if I am not pleased with this offer, you will be coming with us as well. Speak son of a worm!” He spat.

“Before my departure from Riyolt, I took on a passenger.” He hurried on as the warband leader’s face darkened. “A unicorn. Pink with a pure blond mane. He is well muscled from what I remember. Would you be interested in that?” His voice gained confidence as the old cat’s eyes seemed to light up.

“Now you have my attention.” He grinned, and the true negotiations for his people’s lives began. This time, with a chance of saving more of them then he thought possible. Sure he would take a hit on his reputation, but he would sleep well knowing he did the best he could for his own. Buck the pony.

“Jesus this caravan is longer than I thought!” He never had cause to move through the whole convoy before, and now he wished they had not gone single file.

It had been more than a few hours since he started moving carefully among the wagons. He had to stop several times and avoid the eyes of the Abyssians who had taken positions up on the dune above the caravan train.

The good news, is these guys were so self assured they were overconfident. Which made them lazy as hell. The bad news was that there were so many of them. Which made it difficult for him to move in the open. He often spent up to half an hour sitting behind a wheel, waiting for them to get distracted so he could move forward. During those long waits he took stock of what was against them.

The warband seemed to not be that large. In fact the number of guards compared to the cats was three or four to one, not that it mattered considering most if not all ponies were less than confrontational. However, what lent any confrontation in favor of the felines was almost every single Abyssian that he could see was mounted on some type of strange ugly ass bipedal lizard. They bore dark tan stripes from neck to tail.

To him they looked like pug velociraptors. Skimpily armored in pieces of strips of leather with banded metal to hold it all together and a leather saddle, these creatures stood tall. The eyes didn’t quite sit in the face properly, but the most worrying part were the claws on the forearms. Long sickle looking hooks that filled his mind with the uncomfortable thoughts of what those would feel like digging into flesh.

The cats, Abyssians he had to remind himself, were as ugly as their mounts. He didn’t know if it was this lot, or the entire species, but they bore the same flat-like face as the lizards. He had to laugh to himself, they looked like the house cats back in his word. The ones with the flat faces and derpy expression. Only these had a perpetual scowl, even when smiling. The teeth certainly didn’t help their situation. Jagged and unevenly spaced, they were in serious need of a dentist.

Like most ponies of Saddle Arabia, they came in a variety of browns. Likely easier to blend in with rocks and sand that way. Yay evolution. They all wore leather armor, as mismatched as it was, that covered most of their bodies quite effectively. The wicked spears and swords reminded him of the old style of Arab weaponry from his world.

All things tallied up, despite the caravan’s numerical advantage and defensive position, these cats were more than capable of taking the entire wagon line by force if necessary.

He grimaced, there might be a slim chance of victory, but it would all depend on timing and if he could get Master Prize to cooperate. Which likely meant no chance if it came down to a fight.

About halfway to the front of the wagons he was stopped by another guard. Quick Wit was not his name sake. Friendly, if a bit slow in the up stairs, Quick always seemed to be in the know of what was going on. Orion wished he didn’t know anything now.

“Barrel...Um...I...I hate to...um…” He looked down and pushed on. “Master has struck a bargain, five of ours are going to the Abyssians.” He said it like it was a foregone conclusion. “And….you. I’m here to take you to them.”

He couldn’t believe his ears. That asshole had actually sold him out? He sold him out to be eaten by a bunch of cats. "The fuck."

“So, he is just going to let them take what they want?”

“Ye-yeah. My friend, this is the only way. They will kill us all. I’m sorry....” He hadn’t made a move yet, clearly not wanting to do what he was told to do. The fact that he was so resigned meant they had lost the will to fight the moment they were surrounded. But he still had to ask.

“None of you want to fight?” The words passed through his lips numbly, his mind racing for a way out of this. He could teleport, but he would be lost in the desert and likely starve to death. Or die of dehydration, whichever of his supplies he runs out of first. They will likely knock him out once they got a hold of him so no chance of fighting back before it was too late.

“Well, yeah. Many are arguing for that. But Master Prize won’t have any of it. We don’t want to lose anypony, but what can we do?” Defeat. No sword had been swung and they had embraced defeat. Then he had a thought.

They were willing to fight? But Mr Greedy was not letting them? He grinned and pulled off the straps of his bag. Unhitching the clasps on the side he pulled out a small box. “I can give us a chance, and make other fuck-head felines think twice about raiding another route. Here’s what I need you to do…” He flipped the box lid open revealing more than thirty metal vials with a little red button on the top. As he spoke, his slow witted friend started to smile, even he it seemed, could appreciate the plan being set into motion.

It wasn't just him either. Other Saddle Arabians had started to gather around, many of them nodding. More than one grim smile adorned the faces of the once terrified people. He handed over one the vials. A plan had been made. Let's see if they could pull it off.

The sun had just gone down past the dunes, and only its warm glow had remained to light up the quickly darkening sky. Master Prize was getting nervous, it had been over two hours since he had sent the fool Quick to find Barrel Underhill. Two hours of sweating nervously wondering if the stallion had caught wind to what was happening and had already left the caravan to try his luck surviving the desert.

He had managed to barter the lives of his ponies down to only five, and the stallion. It was the best he could do, but he had saved more employees than he imagined he would. Now all that was left was to wait. The delay only let him stew on his own actions. Regret already eating away at him.

“Better him than the others, oh I wish he was the only one.” Truth be told he would rather not have had to give him up either. He had been hoping to avoid any trouble by taking this almost forgotten route. He blinked. “When had the wagons lined up side by side?”

Indeed they had been moved side by side, and were very close together. Most of his guards were between the gaps in the wagons. A flash of metal in the dying light of the sun. The pull teams were carrying blades.

“What under the Sun is going on?”

It struck him then. His ponies had decided to ignore his orders, and fight rather than bear the guilt of sending anypony to their deaths. They were ignoring his commands entirely. The chill he felt had not come from the cooling night air.

He glanced at Caliban, the tom had a bored look on his face and was not even looking at him. Master thought furiously, how could he get out of this and get back to the not so apparent safety of the wagon line?

“That blasted Quick! How long does it take to find one bucking stallion not employed by me!? He’s pink for buck sake!” He raged, anger both being real and feigned all at once. “Excuse me Warchief, but if you want something right then you have to do it yourself it seems.” He made to walk away.

“Hold it.” The command wasn’t loud, but it stopped him in his tracks as if he was bound with chains. “Tourmil go with the good Master Prize. Make sure he brings me back my price.”

Tourmil wasn’t a large cat. But the milky white left orb that stared out of the old grizzled veteran’s scared face chilled him to the bone. Being unable to reject the offer he nodded and stiffly made his way to his wagons. The Abyssian stalking behind him.

“Barrel!” A fierce whispered shout pulled him from instructing some of the wagon crews.

“What?! Can’t you see I’m trying to save our fucking lives! What now?” He all but roared whispered back. Organizing a defense was far harder than he thought it would be. Every problem solved only brought a new issue to the forefront. Not to mention his little ‘army’ knew even less than him about armed combat between groups. If they all survived it would be a miracle.

Shining wasn’t lying when he said it was easier to plan for an attack than to hold a location. Even fortified a million things could go wrong.

“I guess you didn’t want to know if Master started coming down to us before we were ready for this mad idea of a fight you had.” Fair sarcastically replied. She seemed to have rallied to the idea of fighting rather than letting the Abyssians take what they wanted. It was good to see the helplessness that had been painted on her face all but gone now.

In fact, most if not all these ponies had taken to the idea like flies to honey. Those that didn’t were being watched. Their lives on the line, not a one could alert anyone else with the zealotry of the guards set over them. Weapons were placed by them, a risk, but he would not allow them to sit by without being able to fight back when the time came and all hell broke loose.

“Shit. Not unexpected but a little too soon…fuck.” He grimaced and shooed the teams away, hoping they understood the gist of what they were supposed to do. At the same time he stepped out of the way as the canvases that had been hastily sewn together made its way down the center between the wagons. Poles dragged with them and the team working were careful to keep them from being tucked under the thick cloth.

“I guess it doesn’t matter, we are nearly ready. Anyone with him?” He glanced around making sure there were no last minute issues that he needed to attend to.

“Yeah, a cat. Old looking bastard too.” Her returning foul language made him smile. She might complain, but she was starting to sound eager for this fight. Twenty years of being a caravan guard in some capacity, and this night she was about to fulfill an item on her bucket list.

“Well that’s a complication. They are likely looking for me.” He was close to the front of the wagons, no time to hide and prolong things. “Okay, let the squad teams know we are about to begin. Say a prayer for whatever fuckin’ deity you believe in.” He moved past her and hid himself under a wagon. Time to see if this worked as he hoped. He shook his head. All this trouble, he should have just teleported out and took his chances.

Master Prize and his new shadow walked into the wagon line at a brisk pace. He could not understand what he was seeing. It looked like they had ruined most if not all of the tents in sewing together one massive tent that was now laid out in between the wagons. Rather than draw attention to the blaring irregularity, he chose to act like it was nothing.

“Do you normally set up for the night this way?” The gravelly voice of the Abyssian behind him purred.

“Oh, uh yes! Yes this way we can keep an eye on everypony in the caravan and no thieves may get away with any ill gotten goods.” It was a weak excuse for not knowing what the buck was going on and throwing out a lie in hopes to be believed was his only hope. They were in the wagons proper now. He was determined to find the pink bastard of a unicorn and put a stop to this foolishness before it got worse.

“This is wise. Much smarter than most ponies I have stalked.” The chill he felt at the word ‘stalked’ snaked up his spine. “You keep a better eye on your people, this is good I think.”

“Uh, I thank you.” He didn’t know how to respond.

“Tell me Master Prize. How do you know the unico-hurrk arrgghhhh!” The strangled cry from behind him spun him about as he tripped on his own hooves and fell over. Looking up he saw a pink arm wrapped around Tourmil’s throat. The body shuddering from blows to the back.

Suddenly all struggle went out from the cat, and his body slumped to the ground, a dagger standing out from it’s ribs. The Abyssian was dead. Mr Underhill stood before him covered in the feline’s blood. Hands shaking but the glare on his face was very hard to ignore.

“What have you done!? They will kill us all for sure!” He whimpered out, ashamed of his own voice betraying his fear. The stallion ignored him. Glaring instead at the ponies who paused in shock at the casual assassination of the once intimidating feline.

“The fuck are y’all staring at? This is the end game now folks. No going back, get to your positions!” He looked down at him. “I am going to try and save your people you fuck-head. Stay under a wagon, and stay out of the way.”

He was losing control. The thought made anger boil in his mind. Grabbing the worthless stallion he screamed into his pink face. "This is MY CARAVAN!" He roared, spittle flying from his lips. "You can't just-"

His world went into a spin. Before he realized it he was painfully slammed against a wagon wheel, his jaw screaming in pain. The unicorn he had grabbed had now grabbed him by the throat, staring murder into his eyes. A squeeze and his vision went blurry almost instantly.

"Listen here you sack of shit. You tried to sell my ass out for a happy meal to the dickbags on that ridge. You also were resigned to allow some of your own be served up as BBQ appetizers on the spit. You lost the right to lead anything the moment you gave up and accepted your peoples fate." Another harder squeeze, the hand holding him trembled. "We are going to save ourselves. Not only this caravan, but others that come later. By bloodying the noses of these fuckers, we set the precedent that maybe, just maybe, they shouldn't fuck with ponies anymore."

A single last shove and Mr Underhill had released him.

"Now do as your told. And stay outta my goddamn way."

He marched past without so much as another glance.

“What just happened?” It was the only thought in his head as he crawled under a wagon and watched as they dragged the still warm corpse of Tourmil away.

It did not take the Abyssians ten minutes to realize something was very wrong. Soon enough there was shouting coming from a particularly large cat on the ridge, but Orion had noted with a rueful smile that they had not bothered to close the distance between the two groups. Yet.

From what he could gather from a still petrified Master Prize, they were calling for the one that had followed after the caravan owner. The one he had repeatedly stuck a knife into. So they gave him back. One of the biggest mares he had ever seen in his life, outside of the Isles of Maroe and the one solider who worked with Errant Strikes, did the honor of giving Tourmil back.

The body flew through the air to land a dozen or so paces from the feet of the stunned leader, whom he later learned was a warband chief known as Caliban.

Well, that just set them all off in a frenzy. It was really amusing to see the spittle fly from their lips as they raged and cursed the caravan. One of them flew into such a blind fury that he slammed his own head into his shield repeatedly. It was sheer insanity.

It took another ten or so minutes for the warchief to get them together to mount an assault. A volley of arrows went up in flight but never reached the ponies inside the wagon line. The stitched together tent went up on the long tent poles as one and deflected or caught most if not all arrows. Only a few suffered anything more than a graze. It was truly a miracle.

Then came the charge.

“MR UNDERHILL! THEY ARE COMING!!!”

The shout echoed in repeat down the line to his ears. After the second volley of arrows the Abyssians abandoned the effort in favor of surrounding and charging in on all sides. The moment of truth was upon them all.

“REMEMBER THE PLAN! AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T FORGET TO DUCK!!!” He roared back. The moment the battle line closed to fifty meters, the caravan’s own guards let loose a volley of their own arrows, out from under the temporary shield of the tent they flew right into the enemy’s forward line. The entire first row dropped like ragdolls.

That did not dissuade the cats one bit. Which would have been bad if it had. On they charged and Orion grinned as he pressed the red metal button on top of his cylinder.

“READY!” He heard the shuffling and the clicking of several of the devices around him. He had only thirty-five of the little tubes of metal, so he had them distributed evenly around the defensive line. “SET!” The defensive canopy snapped up into the air. He hadn’t wanted to risk them hitting the lip of the cloth and bouncing back. “RELEASE! DUCK!”

As one everyone that had one, threw the little tubes into the air to land amongst the surprised line of cats. Who were all dumb enough to look at what had been thrown, even their mounts had been distracted by the metal shining in the dull moonlight. Their world erupted in a deafening roar of light and sound that turned their advantage of sight and hearing oh so advanced, into a liability they never knew they could have.

“ALRIGHT! TAKE ‘EM-”

“Wait a minute! What were those metal tubes?” This had been the sixth time he had been interrupted.

“God-fucking-damn it Twilight! Wait till after the story is done before you pepper me with questions! Fucking hell…” Orion grumbled as he took a sip of his coffee. It had taken him the better part of half an hour to tell that much and she had taken every little break in the story to pepper him with what he believed where inane questions. Like why he was now pink, what was he doing heading to Zegypt, all that nonsense.

Then there was the other room’s occupant.

“Well to be fair darling, you haven't even explained how you got here. Or what happened to you after you escaped Canterlot.” Rarity sat elegantly in white bodice with a plunging neckline that hadn’t been there an hour ago.

“Oh goddamnit.”

In truth he had been hoping to avoid the telling of the dumb fuckery that was his life after he had managed to flee the capital city and the nation as a whole. He should have known better.

“I have to agree with Rarity. You completely ignored me the first time I asked. Now please. Orion, how did you survive?” In her hands was a quill and scroll from seemingly nowhere. “Also, are you not banned from Prance?”

He rubbed his face as he groaned both internally and verbally.

It had literally been pure chance for him to run into the pair of them in Paris. Of all places for these two mares to be, it was in the shopping district, though considering who one of the pair were, it was not surprising. Further complications was the fact that somehow, Rarity recognized him. His disguise fooled many, but had not fooled the fashionista. Likely because there was still the large scar that ran across his face.

Ponies in general were unobservant in most cases. But Eagle-eye McGee here picked him off in a crowded intersection and they proceeded to follow him to the coffee shop, simply known as ‘Qahua’, that they now sat in one the private balconies of.

After the initial accusations, followed by the awkward shuffling them against their will into this room, they had hugged and greeted one another as old friends did. Then the questions had come. And come flying.

“Unlike Rarity, most people are unobservant as hell. I’m still shocked at how you picked my pink ass out of a crowd like that.” This hadn’t been the first time he had used the potions provided by that rhyming zebra mare to hide himself among the populace. Though he was running low, maybe he should have asked for more before leaving the Everfree.

“Darling, it wasn’t just the scar I noticed. You have that look in your eye that anypony who has known you for a time can easily place. Any designer worth their art would have been able to do it. Though I am curious, why pink? Of all the colors a deep blue would have been more your style.”

Through gritted teeth, “Because it was random to the batch made. The next batch of potions could turn me seagreen who the fuck knows!” He all but shouted out, grateful that Twilight had casted a sound blocking barrier of some kind.

“Language.”

“Oh screw you! You're not my mom.” He huffed back at Rarity.

“ANYWAY.” Twilight loudly interrupted. Probably for the best. In his current mood he might just toss Rarity into the fountain below. “Let’s get back on track. Orion. Please. Tell us, from the beginning, what have you been doing the last six years.”

“Fine, but tit for tat. You tell me about your own lives, and how the hell did you got involved with that Nightmare Moon fiasco. Also what have you both been up to since the castle. Deal?” He held out his hand.

It was apparent that neither mare wanted to speak on the events of that month long disaster that had pulled him back from Zebrica, with Zecora in tow.

“Fine.” They shook, and she smiled. “But you first.”

“Fuck.” So he settled into the seat and rang the bell for more coffee. “So you had passed out on the rocks…”

Author's Notes:

Welcome back folks!

I don't know about you but I am happy to be writing more of Orion's story. The three weeks I took off made me a little stir crazy. Monster Hunter Rise, while fun, did not fill the hole in my heart to entertain others.

Y'all are gonna find some weird ass issues in this first chapter. But I promise the answers will all come out in the following chapters.

While the story does start off as the perspectives of Twilight, Rarity and Orion. There will be more to it than just them. More viewpoints, such is your privilege as the reader.

Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Please remember to like, comment, send me pictures of your animals, or even do a little dance.

As always, thanks for reading.

Oh and by all means leave a like, a comment, a strongly worded message to your internet provider.

Peace.

A Monument to the Past

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Blinding sunlight greeted his eyes first, causing him to squint and try to pull away from the infernal orb in the sky. That brought to his attention far more pressing concerns.

Pain shot through his body forcing him to gasp and try not to curl into a ball. He had most certainly broken some ribs. From the feel, more than a few.

Through the pain he tried to pull his magic into some semblance of the healing spell he barely knew. His grasp and focus barely formed the complexities, but relief began to eb into him with each pulse. Though far from accomplished with any type of healing magic he began to reason that he might be able to move with minimal pain in a few hours.

For the moment he just held onto the spell and focused on trying to piece together what had happened. Broken images began to flit through his mind, the recent past slowly being pieced together, the events that brought him to what seemed like a riverbank beginning to unfold.

“Holy shit…” By all rights he should have been caught a dozen times over. From the moment he escaped to the moment he jumped off the waterfall, a million things should have failed him. Yet here he was, laying on soft rounded stones, the sun shining down on him through the branches of trees.

All in all he was lucky to be alive. He had taken a huge risk and it had paid off. His ribs begged to differ as another pang of pain shot through him when he chuckled.

“Oh I’m gonna feel that for awhile.”

Several hours later, the sun had passed its zenith and was beginning to make its descent to the horizon. Orion had slowly made his way to the edge of a forest. Using levitation, he had pulled sticks and a small log close to him and a simple fire spell got them cooking. He dared not use too much magic. He could see Canterlot from his position under the trees.

He was stunned to see all of his things, including the enchanted ornaments in his mane, were still with him. He had worried that his rucksack would have been washed away by the river, but it had been less than a dozen feet from where he had washed up. Talk about divine intervention.

Thinking about it now, the fire itself was a risk, but it would have been more of a risk to freeze to death with winter being a week or so away. As he lay, fire warming his wet clothes and his feeble skill at healing slowly pushed his ribs back into place, he took stock of his situation.

He could no longer remain in Equestria. That much was very clear to him. Eventually he would be made no matter where he hid and he would be on the run all over again, if he was lucky. Options on where to flee were also limited. He was banned in Prance. Not that he wanted to be there, but it could have been places he could have easily hid considering the population density. But seeing as he had been restricted for ten years from stepping a hoof on its shores, he was not about to waste his time heading there.

Griffonia was also out of the question. Not only would he be on Celestia’s doorstep, he would also be jeopardizing Bloodbeak and his family with her wraith. He was not about to risk nations going to war because of him. Not to mention if anything happened to Screaming he would never forgive himself.

Second verse same as the first. He couldn’t stay in Neighbon either. That was too close as well. Not to mention there were opportunities for agents of the Equestria to hide among the populace. The moment he showed his face there he was equally screwed. Not to mention the merchant council would not have any problem selling his fluffy rear out the moment they thought they could make a bit out of it.

Ruling out places he had been only made him realize just how limited his knowledge of the rest of the world was. He knew of Saddle Arabia. They at least had plumbing, but their close ties with the nation he was running away from meant that again, there were too many chances of agents to find him. Though the distance between the two nations meant less surveillance overall.

Zebrica was more of a concept really. There was a collection of nations hidden on the continent. Only a few of them were friendly to ponies in general. Or at least tolerant. The good news was that there was no formal agreement nor even embassies in most of those nations. The bad news was the few that at least tolerated ponies did have some sort of representation from Celestia. But he might be able to hide there considering her influence was not that great in the southern continent.

But all that speculation brought up another issue. How in the absolute hell was he going to get anywhere looking like himself. He shuddered at the idea of using the pendant that was still around his neck. The pain had been the absolute worst thing he had ever felt. Regrowing his dick had felt like fire itself had been born in his pants, a gift to no one. Least of all him.

Not to mention twenty-three minutes was most definitely not enough time to accomplish anything of note other than leaving an area. Maybe he could fiddle with it and expand that time frame, but in his current situation time was not a luxury in abundance for him to even attempt such an experiment. So he had to rule that option out as well.

Lepers were a thing in this world, if he could adopt the shuffling gait of a leper he might fool a passing glance. Maybe wrap one of his fingers to his palm and cast an illusion spell to make it look like it had fallen off. There was merit in that strategy. He would have to steal a cloak or purchase one if he could. He had plenty of bandages after all. Then practice the spell, another skill that he was not very good at.

The last issue was likely to be the most difficult. All ports were heavily monitored by the Equestrian government. How was he supposed to escape the nation when he had to pass through checkpoints that would no doubt take up so much time that a strategy involving the ‘False Skin’ pendant a no go? Not to mention on every vessel there has a chance of an inspector being aboard that had the right, and likely would, to check on any passengers he or she deemed suspicious at any time.

So even if he was able to get aboard a ship within twenty-three minutes. Having the whole mane of hair from a stallion would not be enough with a potential inspection happening any time of the day. Not to mention the catastrophic amount of pain he would almost certainly be in.

Every idea he came up with, met with increasingly bad scenarios in his mind. It might have been his own paranoia at play, but his worries of failure and getting caught were increasingly weighing down on him. Like the longer this went on, the worse it was going to be.

Popping from his ribs pulled him from his darkening thoughts. A quick scan showed him that while the pain was still very much a problem, he could now move without risk of breaking another rib. With his clothes now dry except the seat of his pants, he doused the flames with dirt and gathered his things. He would need to get deeper into the woods if he hoped to avoid patrols. No more nice warm fire for him tonight.

Dawn didn’t blind him as much as the sun did yesterday. But he had already been on the move before it broke the horizon so that mattered little to him. When he settled down the night before he laid out much of his clothes that were in his rucksack. So they were mostly dry by morning. His books were sadly a loss. Of the ten he managed to snag back in Canterlot, only two managed to dry out with any legibility, his personal notes.

While he was grateful that he wouldn’t have to start again in recording personal spells and enchantments, those others were far more valuable. Especially the four enchantment books, now just runny lines of ink and disappointment.

“Fuck, I should’ve casted a keeping spell for a short duration.”

It would have likely only lasted a few hours, and there was no telling how long he had been in the water both times he had been knocked out, but it could have given them at least a chance to survive the deluge of his bag.

The glass vials of hardening foam had not survived either, but neither had they blown up the satchel. He wondered if they were defective and he just got lucky with the one he originally used. Another miracle if that were the case.

That thought brought him up short. Was it a miracle? The only working vial of foam was the one he randomly grabbed in a grouping of twelve hourglasses that he had, not to mention his bag just happened to wash up near him. On top of all that, not only had he survived a fall from hundreds of feet up in the air into the waters below, but both he and Twilight had washed up near the waterfall that just happened to be his ticket out. They could have both hurtled over if not for the rushing water just pushing them up on the stone embankment that elbowed its way around before the stream hit the fall.

It was hard to stretch luck and coincidence that far. The implications of what might have happened made him sick, his mind replaying possible events in his head of Twilight being dashed against rocks below. The concept of divine intervention, however, just made him angry.

He had long given up the idea of a god despite his chosen vernacular in life. It was the one concept his grandparents could not get him to accept even in his youth. He had always been skeptical of an all powerful being with a ‘divine plan’. It was a ludicrous notion based on his own opinion that humanity had long killed its god, if one ever truly existed in the first place. Thus whatever befell them was what they had coming.

Now he was seriously considering that there might actually be a deity in this world that was taking an active role in the events that transpired around him. He did not like it. Because if all that had happened so far was through divine means, it meant this being might have taken an interest in him. With magic actually existing, the possibility of divinity being a real and tangible thing actually frightened him. Though he would never admit to it except in the deepest parts of his own thoughts.

He snorted in wry amusement at his own mind. “Okay you idiot. I think we both know our own paranoia is inflating our ego a bit too much here. You were extremely unlucky, and cosmic whim fixed our losing streak. I hope.”

He shook his head. The more he thought about it, the more unrealistic the idea of some celestial being watching over him became. Maybe the fame of being a bit of a badass in public discourse had actually affected him. That and the constant religious propaganda being word vomited on every corner of Canterlot for years.

Packing his now mostly dried things he set out to resume his trek through the woods.

“How the fuck am I lost!?”

It had been two days. The good news was that his ribs barely twinged now. Though healing had severely exhausted him. The bad news was what he thought was only a mile hike into the woods had turned out to be a lot worse than he imagined. Fortunately, he had packed dried goods. Though he wished he had snagged a thicker jacket.

To top it all off, the woods he was once in had changed from normal woods that he was used to, with lush grasses and spaced out trees. It had turned into a mix of tropical jungle and pine forest. An oppressive air permeated these woods. Vines were everywhere, impeding his path Trees were gnarled and clumped together in tight spots, making a normal jaunt difficult. What made things worse was for the past hour he felt as if he was being watched.

With night swiftly approaching, those unseen eyes did not make him feel like he was going to be invited to a party. He might have to take refuge in the treetops. They looked thick enough. He started to come up with ways of setting up camp in the trees for the evening.

He nearly went over the edge. At a particularly thick patch a vegetation he had not bothered trying to go around his left hoof met air. If not for the quick grab at a vine he might have just fallen to his death despite the fact that he could teleport.

A chasm several meters wide gaped before him. It gave off a strange vibe of the very ground being broken open only to try and eat the sky and had been stopped. He looked down its expanse to get a measure of it and was stunned to see a fortification. No, a castle in the distance.

The idea of staying somewhere where he could hole up from the unknown dangers of what he now was realizing might actually be the Everfree itself, pushed the small voice in his mind warning him of possible worse dangers inside the ruins, to the back. He pushed through bushes and bolted around trees in a race against the failing sun, and the ever watchful eyes whose presence seemed to grow with malevolence with each passing moment.

His hasty flight was halted by a bridge. A decrepit looking collection of planks and old rope made him reconsider everything. A bone chilling roar made him change his mind again in a flash.

Placing both hands on the moldy and frayed ropes on both sides, he carefully made his way across. Each board he tentatively placed his weight on till he was sure it would hold him. His progress was slow, but he was making headway when in the distance on the other side of the bridge he heard a sound he couldn’t place. The rope bridge suddenly shuddered, and it dawned on him what the sound had been. The sound reaching his ears was the strands of fiber breaking at a pace matching the sagging of the boards under his hooves. “Oh fuck, oh shit of fuck!”

The mantra repeated in his head as he picked up the pace. He only had a little less than halfway to go, but he wasn’t going to make it. His fear of teleporting, and thus possibly alerting Celestia to his possible location, was quickly being outweighed by his fear of falling to his death. He pushed on, hoping to close the distances for a jump.

Five meters from the end, the ropes snapped, a sickening sound, and the planks of rotted wood fell out from under him, and with them, so too did he begin to fall.

The idea of teleporting flashed in his mind till he reached out and grabbed for purchase on something that he had not seen in his rush to get across. A lot of those today. He scrambled up and over and laid awkwardly on his back just breathing. His rucksack digging roughly into his side.

Terror slowly loosened its hold on his mind. For the moment, he just existed grateful not to have had to light what could have been a beacon fire to the Princess in order to save his own neck. He had no idea what her range of detection was, and if she had his magical signature dialed in.

Looking back across the distance between landmasses, he smiled with relief then lost that smile, his blood went cold. In the shadows of the trees, were three enormous creatures. Angry yellow gold eyes stared back at him from shaggy maned faces carrying huge teeth that gleamed wetly in the last rays of the sun. Leathery like wings twitched in obvious irritation and the hint of barbed tailed waved fitfully behind them.

Three Manticores stood glaring back at him, a male and two females the lizard part of his brain calmly told him in the clinical way a doctor tells you that you have cancer. The less lizard parts of his mind were pissing themselves in abject terror and were no longer capable of providing rational thought.

Their eyes caught the failing sunlight, glowing eerily. One flexed its small wings with what could only be described as a contemplative expression, if they were capable of such. But whatever considerations were being weighed in the feline’s mind was dismissed as all three melted back into the forest. The one that had flexed its wings giving one last glare as they all vanished.

He wished his terror had left with him.

He just laid there. Fighting timberwolves was one thing, a full blown manticore was another. For one, they had a higher magic resistance, only surpassed by Chimeras and dragons. For two, there were three and they were not small. He tried not to pass out.

After collecting himself he rolled over to see what exactly had caught his attention. What were likely once elegantly carved steps into the stone, were now eroded steps. They were stairs coming from a tunnel that led under the ruins, but proceeded down steps into the chasm itself. To say he was curious was an understatement, though his survival instincts were telling him he was being an idiot for even holding that thought.

He reorientated himself, the sunlight was just about gone and he needed to get somewhere warm and dry. But as the night began to grow darker, a soft blue-white glow shone, pulling him almost by force, to the bottom of those steps. As he slowly approached he noticed his first assessment to be wrong.

It wasn’t white and blue, there were undertones of purple, and oranges and reds and pinks. He had a brief panicked thought that it was Celestia’s mane that was glowing. He dismissed that irrational as hell thought as he could not feel her magic at all down there.

Strong magic users often had a feel, or vibe about them. This feel, was greater than any magic user he had ever encountered. Including the venerated Equestrian Princess. Though overwhelming power was only a part of it, the air seemed to carry a gentleness with it.

Stepping down onto the platform he was somewhat blinded by the soft, yet powerful light shining from within. He noticed the tunnel looked like a natural formation rather than something handmade.

The walls at first glance looked like they had veins buried in the earth. But a closer look showed each glowing ‘vein’ was actually a root. Roots that seemed to hold a rainbow of colors that pulsed and danced within.

Again his desires to flee back up the steps surged forth, but something about the way the lights shined and danced pushed back the negative notions. It felt warm and inviting. The feeling that washed over him reminded him of his grandparent’s kitchen on a rainy afternoon. He had not realized he had continued forward till he was halfway down the tunnel. Well he was committed now.

The walls of the tunnel opened up into a massive chamber. From the ceiling of its highest point had to be a least a hundred feet up. The diameter of the place, while uneven was at least another couple of hundred feet across. But those details quickly faded as he beheld the massive glowing tree that dominated the center of the underground refuge.

In the tunnel, the light emanating from roots and tree was nearly blinding, here he could see it in crystal clear clarity. Crystal being the appropriate word here.

The tree stood tall, nearly brushing the ceiling. Its branches filled with leaves that shared the trees' same glow and lack of definitive color, as it seemed to pulse with the same patterns as the branches and trunk. If he had to say what the tree was, it looked like a maple that had rolled itself in glitter and headed out on an evening of rave party hopping.

The entire chamber was also alight with more roots and even crystal shards jutting out from the walls and ceiling. The ground that it all sat upon was steeped in ankle deep clear water, that held its own shine of soft green, or turquoise. A path from the tunnel he had left behind snaked its way through the water and wrapped around the base of the tree.

He knew now what this tree was, but it had only been told to him as a legend in class. The Tree of Harmony, and just as it’s namesake, he felt at peace. As one with the world around him. It was a strange feeling that his logical mind screamed that this was not natural. The less logical side of him had a different response.

“Of course it’s not natural. It's a glowing tree in the middle of one of the most dangerous forests in the world. It sits below the decaying remains of what might have once been the capital of Equestria itself. What's natural about any of this?”

However, he felt something else from the Tree. What had been tugging him down those steps since his eyes first saw the glow. Compassion. It was a huge shock to feel something like that from what amounted to a crystalline plant. To actually know what that emotion felt like was stunning itself.

Compassion isn’t a feeling that one often gets to suss out in the way other emotions are shown. It’s an action, driven by a variety of other emotions such as love and sadness. It never stood alone. But this tree exuded that in time with the pulses of light.

He had not realized he had taken any steps at all before his hand was brushing against the crystalline trunk. Peace washed over him, and with it, the exhaustion he had kept back since that night he had been served came with it.

Dawn came as it always had. As it hopefully, always would. Deep in the chasm, that the sun had yet to pierce, sat a contented Orion Falls. Sitting on the ledge in front of a now darkened tunnel with a soft smile upon his lips. Other than ambient light from the roots and crystals, the path and tree itself were muted. As if tired and wanting to sleep in.

He did not share in that feeling. If anything he felt refreshed. The exhaustion that had plagued him since the day this mess started was gone. His mind that had once been nothing more than a frazzled mess, lurching from one crisis to impending doom the next, was at peace.

He didn’t think he ever had experienced anything like this in either life before. It was liberating.

The gouge in the earth he now sat inside, did not look as frightening as it had the night before. Along the walls flowers were beginning to bloom. Vines traveled up and down cliffs, clinging gently. The dead smell that often permeated the Everfree did not touch this place. Instead there was a flower scent that wafted down the ravine in waves.

It was so, peaceful.

After a time he rose from his perch and stretched. Not a single jolt of pain wracked his body.

When he had awoken to a darkened chamber, he discovered that the wounds he received, the still tender ribs, the various cuts and scratches he had gotten from the fall off the waterfall and jungle trek, were all gone. All of it. Hell his back that had been hurting him for an entire month was no longer an issue either.

He chuckled. “I’ve been restored to factory settings.”

Taking one last glance down the tunnel he noted that while not bright he could still see the warm comforting light emanating from within. The feeling he got was happy. A happy tree. He stifled his laughter.

The world he was in was by far too strange and too amazing all at once. It was home to peoples that stood upright and talked while looking like the animals of his world. Or at least close to it. They bent the laws of physics to their whim, controlling the environment in ways humans could never have conceived.

This world itself possessed creatures that by all rights should not exist, but did, in fact they thrived and it was logical to the inhabitants if sometimes lost to himself.

And now, he believed somewhat in the existence of a higher power for the first time in his life. That Tree was orders of magnitude greater than anything he could compare it to, and it cared about the lesser beings in this world.

He shook his head. Daylight was wasting and he needed to get a measure of where he was at if he hoped to get out of the Everfree before snowfall. That was very close and he doubted his chances if he ended up being trapped inside the decayed ruins.

He blinked. Flowers were not supposed to be in bloom now. Looking around him he noticed that while the breeze was more than chilly, the flowers and plants in the chasm were in fact in full bloom. They had not been there last night.

Another look at the tunnel. In exerting its power to heal him, had the Tree also affected the local environment? He shuddered. Just how much power did it have?

He shook his head once more, and made the trek into the castle from below.

“HIIIIIIIYYYYYYCHU!”

Inside the castle the layer of dust was so thick even the shirt he had wrapped around his muzzle was doing little to keep out the particles that were thrown up into the air as he walked. Often stopping to cough and hack the loose dirt out of his throat and lungs.

It had been slow going at first getting inside the castle proper. The tunnel that had been available to him was nearly impassable. With rotted beams and collapsed walls in the way, he was forced to clamber over the obstacles with little grace, or double back cursing shoddy construction. Which wasn’t fair considering the age of this place. However, once he had gotten past all of that he realized he was in the prison cells, and almost tripped over a bone.

The idea that Celestia had ever kept prisoners to the point of them rotting in cells never actually seemed like a thing she would do, but here they were, and more than a few. Strips of decayed cloth were the only things that remained on the bones of collapsed corpses, a few looked to have been gnawed on at one point. Many of the arms were still held by rusted chains.

It was a morbid scene, the implications of which made him more than a little sick. These people were left to die alone down in this dungeon. Yes he had killed, but that had been in the heat of the moment. This was done with deliberate intentions. After so long, there was likely no telling why it was done or what might have happened.

So, was this Celestia’s doing? The forgotten sisters’? Or some underling that was leveraging their own power under the guise of serving them both. Unless a log book had somehow survived, he doubted he would ever know.

He pushed on. Grateful when he finally found stairs that ascended to the floors above. Most went into collapsed tunnels. But one thoroughly rebuffed him when he attempted to pass through. Taking a more careful look he saw the hint of elegant writing in connected patterns. An enchantment prevented entry. Carefully controlling his magic he attempted to scan and was again rebuffed. Far more harshly than before and he immediately let go of his spell and magic at once.

Only two things he got out of it was the spell encapsulated the entire tunnel, more like a wing, and it was old. Real old. Whoever had made the original casting had somehow managed to circumvent the resonance issue with crystals falling out of sync with the ambient magic.

Whoever had done this, was an absolute master of the craft. Which Orion was absolutely not. He swiftly got away from the tunnel in case he tripped some sort of alarm, and quickly headed up the spiraling staircase.

After a few more tunnels in which he panicked and fried a larger than normal spider, in which he cursed himself for using any magic at all, he made it to the top. Judging by the light coming in through the many gaps in the walls it had to be coming close to noon. Stepping out of the spiral staircase he was greeted to a humbling sight.

The stairs had led into what he could only assume was the throne room itself. He was behind a throne so he surmised that he was actually in the back of the chamber. He took in the sight as he walked around the raised dais.

Despite the apparent age and wear, the room spoke of old glory and pride. Done in gray stone work it was the trappings that really spoke of the care that had once been put into this place. On one side white, red and gold tapestries and streamers decorated the left side. Some were torn, all were covered in the ages of dust and grime. But their beauty and craftsmanship still shown through despite it all.

Canterlot may be opulent to the point of garish, but this old castle in a way the other never could hope to capture, spoke of long held strength. Considering the time of its construction it actually made sense.

Turning to the right side had him stepping back. The right hand side of the throne room was scorched. It was clear the damage had been done long ago, but the flames must have been immense due to the very stone having melted some. Where tapestries would have been were holes where the hooks would have sat.

“The fuck happened he-agghhh!”

Orion tripped and fell into a depression in the floor. He swiftly rolled to his feet fearing some type of trap had been set off, but that was not the case. Instead he found himself in a crater in the center of the room. A break in the clouds caused the sun to shine down from above causing him to look up to a massive hole blasted from upwards out of the room.

Hopping out he took in the scene. The blackened walls, the crater, and the hole in the roof. Turning around he looked to the dias. It was clear there was not just one throne. Walking up he saw a similar event had played out here, though he suspected this might have been the aftermath of whatever the hell had occurred in the center.

The throne on the right still stood, but it's right side had been melted. The stone looked to have been actually bubbling before it had cooled. If there was a throne on the right side it had been reduced to nothing but slag. The spot pitted. Looking toward where he came out, he noticed large chunks of stone had been embedded into the wall to the right of another set of stairs spiraling up.

“Well, there's the rest of the throne….I think?” If it was a throne it no longer had much semblance. Just jagged pieces with melted ends. The stairs drew his attention so he chose to waste a little more time. “Maybe there is a vantage point I could use to see where the hell I’m at.”

He was talking to himself. Does madness set in that fast? Or was it an effect the Tree had on him. He shrugged telling himself to worry about it later. He took one last look at the throne room. A tragedy happened here. Of this he was sure. Under all the destruction. The air was mournful, as if the events had implanted themselves into the very stone as a record for the ages. Whatever it was that happened, was devastating.

As he headed for the stairs, he noticed that his was not the only hoof prints in the dust. The ones he could see were larger than his own. But old dust was present over those as well. Celestia had visited, but she had not returned.

His march up the tower quickly became an endurance trial. It was a tall ass tower, and he worried that he had become too reliant on magic to get him around the past couple of years. Considering the age of the ruins it was a wonder it was still standing. But as he placed hooves at the top he realized why. He abruptly walked into a vast library, or at least what was left of one.

The difference here was while there were no longer any books on the shelves, the shelves themselves carried little in the way of dust. The floor had been swept clean for the most part. The windows here were largely intact. Two corridors sat on opposing sides. One with the crest of the sun, the other with the moon.

He had just wandered into the private rooms of the castle's previous owners. One of which was still alive and in control at Canterlot. In the center of the library was a platform, a very familiar platform. He grinned. It might have been a short sighted idea, but he wasn’t going to remain in the castle any longer than absolutely necessary.

“It will alert her that someone was here, but I can’t leave the chance that she could pop up on me at any moment. Best to do this now and not wander about with the chance of an unwanted visit.”

It didn’t take him long to disengage the crystals and he added a vibration of his own along the lines of magic force to disrupt the connection further. The gate was now useless. Just a pretty ornament in an empty room.

Pleased with himself he stood up and took a step back from the platform, and his left hoof went straight through the floor. “GAH FUCKIN’ HELL!” He had cracked his head on one of the bookcases, caving it in. Pulling himself from the rubble of what was once a bookcase, Orion’s hand landed on something soft.

Looking down he picked up the book that had not been there before. The soft dark blue leather looked pristine, turning it over explained why. Another enchantment that seemed to violate set precedent. Opening the book up revealed a language he had never seen before. Unlike modern day writing, this was a flowing script that he couldn’t even begin to make heads or tails of.

He shoved the book into his rucksack, the way he figured it, if nothing else he could study the enchantment on the back. Perhaps reverse engineer it. While his own enchantments gave him no issues when it came to realigning them, not having to do it at all from constant use would be amazing.

Looking at the debris around him he said a quick prayer hoping that he wasn’t here if and when Celestia returned. Speaking of, he eyeballed the hallway to the left and grinned as he dusted himself off.

“Time to see what ancient dildos looked like.” He laughed, because the idea truly was laughable. Likely the first thing she retrieved was her private collection if she even had one. That brought up an interesting line of thought as he made his way over, when was the last time the Princess had gotten laid?

The hall was short and opened to an even shorter foyer with oak double doors, another emblem of the sun plastered on both. He reached out to grab the handles and halted. He wanted to smack himself. Embracing his magic, he casted a low level scan spell.

And promptly recoiled as if smacked in the face. There were locking spells, then there was this abomination that would have a locksmith tear their mane out in frustration.

Whatever the spell was he couldn’t even grasp the complexities much beyond that one of the functions was to alert the caster that someone was screwing with things they shouldn’t. He didn’t hesitate. He bolted, cursing himself as he barreled his way down the stairs. He only could pray that it wasn’t a long distance spell. That the spell only let her know when next she came that someone was here.

Panting he breathed hard at the top of a tree deep in the Everfree. The sun was going down and he had not slowed down in the slightest since his mad flight from the ruins. He sucked in huge gulps of breath as he stared back at where he came from. He didn’t see signs of pursuit, which meant that the disruption of the gate worked. So he collapsed.

He had taken a massive risk rocketing across the chasm with what his limited imagination had dubbed ‘Flame Jet’. He had not paused from there.

“Orion, buddy. That had to be the stupidest fuckin’ shit you have ever done!” He wanted to hit himself. But he was tired. His stomach rumbled reminding him that he hadn’t eaten anything in a couple of days. He fished out his canteen and a packet of cured meat. Settling himself against a branch he munched and drank from the canteen greedily.

No fire tonight despite the weather dropping. He couldn’t risk it with the royal screw up he had done in the castle. He wished he would have checked the room with the moon first instead. Though he suspected Celestia had likely warded that one as well. Packing his rations back he noticed something he hadn’t before. A Manticore head. Staring right at him.

The big cat jaws exposed in a mockery of a grin. It had somehow climbed the tree without alerting him. They had not given up stalking him. “Sonvabitch, that's how you fucks wanna play it?”

He grinned back. “Okay, maybe I can risk another fire after all. Your name is Anakin now. And I have the high ground. ”

The bolt of fire sent the great beast tumbling back down, a large burning wound adorning the left side of its face. The howls that tore the air pulled two others out of hiding near the base of the tree he had taken refuge in. The two females looked up as he grinned back down at them. His horn glowed but not fully alight yet. A flame in his right hand.

“Hey ladies, wanna try your luck?”

The male that had been ballsy enough to climb the tree had finally stopped yowling in pain, it glared back at him in hate. The left eye had quite literally been cooked from its socket. What was left running down it’s cheek with the blood. Likely stinging the raw charred flesh. It roared in rage.

“Hey jackass, unless you want the right to match the left I would give up this hunt. Next time I’ll make you eat a firebolt directly. Fuck. Off.” He felt calmer than he had when he initially encountered the felines. He had already outed himself that he had been at the castle. So it was rather freeing to at least be able to fight back in some capacity.

It only took a moment, and a couple of more challenging roars before they trio once again melted back into the forest. He was not going to get much sleep. Hoping down on a small jet of fire he quickly set up a spell to detect and alert him should any more beasties attempt to approach.

Just in time to because out of nowhere one of the females burst from the foliage in a charge that he had been alerted to coming just seconds before. It all happened so fast and he didn’t know what he had done till it was over. Dashing back with a quick burst of magically induced speed, he cast a spell through his hand and touched the ground before him. The big cat never stood a chance.

The spell activated and a large spike of earthen stone and roots jutted up into the feline’s bowels. She yowled in pain as the stone and roots tore through her midsection nearly cutting the poor manticore in half. His heart actually broke a bit at the act of killing this poor animal. He shuddered in revulsion of how easily he had done it as well. A reminder of the not so distant past.

Thankfully this time he didn’t throw up, but he wanted to. Later he worried that he was getting used to the idea of killing, and wondered if he was changing into something for the worse.

Unlike the timberwolves, these reminded him too closely to the cats of his world. The spells didn’t detect the other two in the vicinity. He looked back at the now dead cat, and sighed. He would not leave her to rot like this.

It took only twenty minutes to bury the female. A rough stone marker was erected and he scrawled the name ‘Padme’ into it. Morbid to be sure but he wasn’t about to leave her nameless. He sat there, keenly monitoring the spell to make sure he was as alone as it seemed, looking over his handiwork he sighed heavily.

He had briefly considered skinning the beast for its pelt. But thought better of it. He would not have felt right. Even if the manticore was trying to get vengeance and a possible meal for it’s pack. Pride? Whatever, in any case it just felt wrong.

He was at a loss for words and didn’t know what to do. He wanted to seek the safety of the tree, but he also wanted to say something, as if digging a six foot hole and making a gravestone wasn’t enough as it was. Still, he had to say something.

“Uh, listen...I...uh…” He looked down and then back up. “ I’m sorry our paths crossed like this. I know it means nothing to you now. And if wishes were fishes we would all be fed and fat. I hope the next life you have, is full of a life of ease and joy.”

He started to walk away then turned around. “May the Sun warm your heart, may the Stars guide your path. May the last embrace of the Mother welcome you home.” He had no idea why he spoke the words or even where they had come from, it was too poetic coming from him. But they seemed the right words to say at this moment.

He climbed back up into the tree. Despite the security of the spells in place, he only got a few hours when a mournful sound jolted him awake. They were near, not close enough to trigger the alarms but close enough that it seemed they knew what had happened. “Well, now I feel even worse for somehow living. Orion, you’re the embodiment of contradictions.”

He didn’t set out until full light, not willing to risk running into very pissed off gigantic cats. While sitting in his glorious refuge he licked his teeth. The one thing no one ever mentions in adventure stories is the nasty feeling of not being able to brush your teeth after a few days, and his was feeling pretty rough. Not to mention he was in desperate need of a shower.

He had debated using a little of the water in his canteen, but without knowing where fresh water might be, he decided against wasting it just in case.

When the sun was about mid morning he hiked up his bag and dropped to the ground. His magic flaring slightly to make his landing a bit softer, the up current of magically charged air tussling his mane and tail. He landed softly, did a brief scan to see if anything was in the area. The area around Padme’s grave was patted down, in two places where depressions indicating large objects had come to rest there.

He hiked his bag again and frowned, hoping the other two were not near; he set off toward what he hoped was the edge of the forest at a more than brisk pace.

The plan at this point was to skirt the forest, ducking in when seeing people, avoid Ponyville if he came out anywhere near it, and make his way to the coast in hopes of boarding a ship with none the wiser. The sooner he got to the coast the better, winter was fast approaching and he didn’t want to be caught living under some pier like a vagabond.

It seemed like luck was somewhat with him this morning. A river, though not vast, was flowing north. Considering the Everfree sat on a kind of plateau it did make sense. The temptation to bathe gnawed at him, but he still wanted to wait till after he got out of the hellish forest in case something was lurking in the river.

It wasn’t till late in the afternoon that he finally found the edge of the forest. There was also a road that went over a little bridge. The signs at the crossroads made him groan. Despite everything, he had still ended up on the wrong side of Ponyville. While he debated, he decided to have that much needed bath.

However, under the bridge where he hoped to stay out of sight of any passerbys was a small package wrapped in pink ribbon and even pinker paper. He stared at it long and hard. The ominous feeling he got made him want to run.

There was a card without an envelope sitting on top, and curiosity had gotten the better of him. Approaching with wariness he got a strange sense of deja-fuckin'-vu. He reached over and opened the card, his jaw dropping as he read the neat script.

‘Hey Silly Filly! Wait you're not a filly, you're a colt. I need to work on my intros in letters. Anywho you left before you could pack basic toiletries! I know you were in a rush and it's hard to remember everything you need for a trip. Like one time I had forgotten my toothbrush for a sleepover and my breath was all yucky ucky and Limestone almost-’

He had to stop reading. He was getting a headache and he didn’t know why. After a few moments he looked at the contents of the card again, skipping ahead and hoping to avoid the worst of the letter.

‘-so that’s why I always carry my plunger with me in my mane! Welcome back by the way! I’m sorry I tend to ramble sometimes, like one time- No no Pinkie stay focused you can do this.’

The writer of this card was giving herself a pep talk while writing. Pinkie, where had he heard that name before. The cake! He wanted to hit himself. The cake had come in a similar set up. He was hesitant to read further.

‘So yeah I packed you some things you would need! In a nifty little bag too! You have a good two hours before anypony decides to cross the bridge so nopony should be able to see your naughty bits’ There was a winky face. ‘ So get to scrubba dub dubbin’! Oh and remember! Watch out for sea monsters! They scarey with the big pointed teeth!’

‘Best Party Wishes!

Pinkie Pie’

He wanted to run. He did not know how, or the why. But some crazy ass mare out there knew when and where he was going to be. Twice now. That terrified him.

“The fuck is she? Psychic?!”

Looking at the card again he noticed something on the back. With dread he took a closer look.

‘Of course not silly. I’m just Pinkie!’

He was going to have an aneurysm. He could feel it. Setting the card aside he opened the package with more than a little trepidation. His left eye twitched. Inside the box was three bars of soap. They smelt like sandalwood. A screw top can of shampoo as well. He took a sniff, sage and some soft fruity smell.

A brush for his coat and a comb for his mane and tail. There was even a toothbrush with a couple of cans of paste. To top it off was a cloth carrying case that ended up fitting perfectly in the left pocket of his rucksack.

Somehow this mysterious mare he knew nothing about knew far too much about him. He washed up quickly. Though his instincts to run immediately screamed at him the entire time. The logical part of his mind figured if she was actually an enemy, she likely would have already notified the authorities about him the moment he survived the falls.

Feeling like a new stallion he climbed out from under the bridge and smiled. He hadn’t lost enough time, and if he was smart, he could skirt the edges of Ponyville and be on his way to the coast before sundown. Getting close to the forest, he kept one eye on the road and one eye on the sky. The occasional low passive scan pulsed out from him just in case the manticores wanted to play again.

The desire to stop really pulled at him. He was just outside the orchards of a certain farm. The name of which pulled at his heart.

Sweet Apple Acres hadn’t changed in the time he had last been there. The barn had gotten a new paint job. But otherwise the farmstead had remained the way he had last seen it. He had been careful to remain inside the forest as he slowly made his way around. He was unwilling to be seen by anyone.

He most certainly didn’t want AJ to see him. So in the thick of it he trudged. Keeping an eye out for any wandering farm mares.

Stopping to rest in a tree he had a birds eye view of the main house on the hill, and just east of that, on a higher hill sat the cemetery. It still looked like spring was still in full bloom there. There was a bees nest in the lower branches. He smiled. Nice to know his enchantment was still holding.

The sound of a screen door banging against its frame brought his attention back to the main building. On the porch was AJ. She looked so mature. Her golden blond mane was tied up in a loose ponytail, the actual tail had something wrapped around the bottom of it. He assumed it was to keep it from going all over the place.

Dressed in the Canadian Tuxedo she also wore a red flannel undershirt. It seemed the weather had finally forced her out of her daisy dukes.

He stopped at her face. She had a red stripe in her hair. Likely something Rarity had talked her into. It was cute, but something about her all natural look still charmed him. Her green eyes sparkled in the afternoon light.

He rubbed his eyes as he dropped the vision enhancement spell. Seeing her Hurt. It brought back memories of Rarity too. He wondered as to what change had happened to her while he had been away.

After a few minutes he composed himself and resumed his watch. On the porch in front of her was someone else. He cocked his head. It was another earth pony.

Pink was the theme for this one. From what he could see she was pink furred and only slightly darker in mane and tail. Both of which were rather, poofy. Her outfit was also dressed for the cooling weather, with a thick pink jacket. The pants, much like her mane, were a slightly darker color of pink.

He suddenly got a chill down his spine. He knew this mare. How he had no idea how but he knew her.

The pair of them talked for a bit, then hugged and the pink one turned around as AJ made her way back inside. The bang of the door echoed all the way to the forest.

The pink mare had turned around and was walking toward the gate, and the road beyond it. He blinked. The eyes were a stunning blue. They sparkled with or without sunlight. Which was a bit concerning. But the feeling of knowing her had not ebbed one bit. On the front of her jacket next to a pocket was a collection of balloons.

In major cities the practice of wearing your cutie mark on your clothing was seen as garish. Socialites wanted the air of mystery so they kept their own marks hidden. In small towns like Ponyville many still often showed off their marks on their clothing. So he could assume she was a small town mare from somewhere else. He would have remembered that much pink if she had lived in town before during his visits.

Arriving at the gate she skipped and hopped as she started down the road. She stopped. Not quite in mid air but it almost seemed like she had. Her tail was wiggling oddly and her right leg did an odd little kicking motion. The hackles on his neck rose as she spun around suddenly with an impossibly large grin, and waved. At him.

The name burst forth in his mind like an explosion. Pinkie Pie. The one who had sent him cake on his birthday, and had left him what amounted to a care package under the bridge a couple of hours down the road. And she knew exactly where he was.

He didn’t know what to do. He waved back stiffly. She grinned all the broader, which should have been impossible, and resumed skipping down the road. He was terrified. He left the area as fast as he could, his mind reeling as he tried to comprehend how an earth pony could zero in on him like that.

It had been a little over a week since the bizarre events outside of the apple farm. His dreams had been strange involving parties with the pink mare. He had thought that might have been a failing of the ‘Dreamcatchers’ but they were still in good working order.

During the time of unending party dreams he had managed to make the trip to Manehattan by following the rail lines that left Ponyville, circumnavigating the other small towns on the way. Sleeping under bushes and trees were uncomfortable, but they were dry and warm once properly set up for camp.

It had been about two weeks since his escape from Canterlot. Keeping out of towns and cities had left him without knowing what had been going on. Stealing a blue cloak, grateful that the cold weather would give him an excuse to keep the hood up, he set about looking for a news kiosk.

He had to read the paper twice. Fortunately for him the ‘Present Times’ newspaper was delivered out here. On the front page was news he had not been expecting, but hoped for.

‘First Execution in three hundred years had been carried out today. Disgraced Judge Gavel Hammer was beheaded this morning at the breaking of the dawn. The crimes he had committed, including taking a bribe for a rigged trial and falsifying court documents, were listed out just before punishment was meted out. Full list of crimes can be found on page six.’

He shook his head and took a quick look at page six, he blinked. “This fucker was a pedophile?! Jesus Christ!” The list had been long, including foal trafficking. The more he read the angrier he got. Sitting on a bench in a crowded park he centered himself before going back to the main article.

‘The trial that had been Gavel Hammer’s last appointment has been overturned. Information has been released by Princess Celestia herself that the ‘evidence’ the prosecution had put out had been fabricated in order to make a villain out of the colt, Orion Falls. To what reason has yet to be revealed, and we may never get the full story.’

They knew it was a sham? Something didn’t feel right. He didn’t get the feeling of elation he thought he would. He read further, his heart sinking.

‘A memorial service is being held for Captain Errant Strikes. She will be laid to rest at Equestria National Cemetery. Captain Strikes had given her life in defense of Princess Celestia, who had been assaulted by Velvet Backwater during what some are now calling ‘The Great Escape’ of wrongfully accused Orion Falls. She is survived-’

His eyes had gone blurry and he was fighting from hunching over. Errant Strikes was dead. His throat suddenly felt strangled. The last image he had of her was that accusing broken hearted stare. She had died before she could have ever learned the truth.

It was some minutes before he could read again.

-by her twin sister, Stunning Strikes, who has since resigned her commission with the Church of Sol. Her mother, Lunar Twirl could not be reached for comment. Our condolences go out to her family.’

He couldn’t bring himself to read much more, though he knew he was getting most of the truth considering who wrote the article. Petal Grace seemed to be rising fast in the world of investigative journalism. There was one other piece of news that caught his attention before he threw the newspaper away.

‘Equestrian Royal Guard seeking information on Orion Falls. Since his escape from Canterlot there has been no sighting of the colt. The Royal Guard is asking you readers to report any news on possible whereabouts. He is not a fugitive but he is likely injured and without food. Any information leading to his discovery will be rewarded substantially.’

He was not out of the woods yet it seemed. On the one hand, it was now coming out that the entire trial had been bullshit from start to finish. Which was excellent. At least now he wouldn’t be known as some type of criminal mastermind. But on the other hand, the reward was apparently substantial. Meaning there was more than concern for his wellbeing in mind. He was still a wanted stallion.

Which meant the ports were definitely on lockdown.

He could not stay in this city tonight. With information now in hand, he threw away the paper, and left the city with night swiftly closing in. He had no idea what to do. With no way he could leave by boat he was effectively trapped. Could he risk passing through griffon lands? Could he get that far? How was he going to feed himself? Too many questions and ifs.

Two days later found him in the tiny town of Hollyhoof. While industrialized like its much larger counterpart further up the coast. It still held the small town quaint feel that permeated Ponyville. It was nice.

He had also been fortunate enough to find a room to rent with an old geezer named Bulky Surfer. The more gray than brown stallion looked terrifying. Considering his nearly gone mane and clouded left eye. But the pony was likely one of the more friendly of the towns people that had greeted him.

He paid more in service helping the old pone around his home, which had seen better days, than actual bits out of pocket. It was, again, nice. For a week he stayed, listening to the old pony’s stories as he hammered away at some such wall or fixture that had started to fall apart.

Toward the end of the week after his arrival the conversation focused on him. It was not the first time, but there was an air of something different in this conversation. A knowing tone from the older pony.

“You're running from something ain’tcha colt.” The creaky voice of the stallion suddenly spoke up.

They had been discussing trading routes. Him reminiscing about once being on the seas, Orion just trying to gather more information on possible escapes. The statement had been alluded to before but never so direct as it was now.

“What makes you think that ya old fart?” He chuckled back, careful to not sound forced. He had managed to steer the line of thought to other things before, he should be able to again as he continued to search for a way off the continent.

“Oh I would say it's anytime we go into the market. Always got that cloak over your head. Always looking behind ya as if you're being pursued. The way you have your room setup, window unlatched and bag always mostly packed. You jerk awake at the slightest noise. I’d say that’s a stallion on the run if I ever heard it. What did ya do? Kill somepony in a fit of passion? Naw, you're too young. Can’t be older than seventeen at best despite your height. No I’d say you’re on the run from something bigger.”

The tone made it very clear that he would not be able to divert the conversation this time. That and the way he jabed at him verbally. Something in the way the old stallion fixed him with his gaze. A paper plopped down in front of him. His face plastered on the front page. “Fuck.”

“I can tell by that look. This is you. Orion Falls.” He paused, took a hit off a pipe he kept always nearby. “Your innocent, my friend. So why not go back.” Orion said nothing. Trying to think of how to get out without breaking the old stallion in the process. Bulky took this as a sign to keep talking. “Oh I know what it is, you don’t trust it. You suspect somepony is up to something that is not within your best interests.”

He had made no move to block the entrance. Had been there all morning. So there was likely no one waiting for him on the other side of that door. He eased himself in his seat, hair trigger from bolting.

“No shit Sherlock.” He practically growled out. He had been hoping for another week before moving on. “You try having a religious organization rig an entire trial against you and then see it suddenly called into question. There are too many irregularities. And I do not trust Celestia.”

The old stallion roared with laughter, it morphed quickly into a hacking cough, but he still held mirth in his eye. “Aye that is the smartest thing I’ve heard you say yet. All these ponies constantly praising her. Always saying how great she is and how wonderful it is that she brings the sun or some such nonsense. Not denying her power or nothing. But no politician is squeaky clean. In my day I bought off enough of them to know better.” He smiled ruefully, still chuckling.

He voiced the obvious question. “So where does that leave us?”

“Well, seeing as how you remind me so much of myself back in the day, and you've been so helpful around the house, how about I tell you a little secret.” He leaned in, “Behind the ridge toward shore there is a hidden pier. It's maintained by the town for our guests who, well, don’t like to be noticed.” He grinned. “And wouldn’t ya know it, there's a ship in port right now, making repairs. Off loading cargo and taking on new. I’m sure they’d have a spot open for an unintended cabin colt. Even hear the cap’n is a stallion. Rare these days.”

“You weren’t a merchant were you?” Orion was skeptical.

“Of course I was. I was a merchant who acquired things through extraordinary means!” He practically crowed.

“Yeah this old bastard was a fucking pirate.” He laughed and shook his head. “So, how do I get aboard this particular ‘merchant vessel?’ I doubt they are just gonna welcome a wanted stallion on board their ship. From what I hear,” He leaned in close, sharing a grin with Bulky, “they’re a rather sketchy folk. Not wanting to take on risk. I’m a pretty big risk.”

“Heh, that is your trouble youngin’ I’m giving you the opportunity. I can’t hold ya damned hand to do it.” He laughed heartily.

So he figured it out. In the middle of the night he had shaved the stallion’s mane the rest of the way off. Collecting the feeble amount he stuffed it in the locket and grimaced. He did not like the idea of doing this again, but at least he would have a dick this time.

He left fifty bits on the table for Bulky’s trouble.

Mid-morning found him negotiating with the Captain of the ‘Ocean Spirit’. The ship was a surprisingly large three-masted frigate. He didn’t know much about sailing ships to know if that was a good thing, but the hull below the waterline seemed to be plated in copper. Something from history class told him that was a good thing.

Several pegasus flitted throughout the rigging. Double checking lines and sail. The way they danced about in the air made him regret that he would have to spend the majority of the voyage trapped in his room. It was hypnotic to watch.

After a brief chat with the Captain, a stallion named Thunder Chaser, he was led below decks by a hard but not ugly faced mare named Bright Star. She wasn’t one for small talk and avoided looking at him as much as possible. He understood, Bulky’s face wasn’t exactly pretty by any stretch.

She left him there in front of a not too tiny of a room, he watched her go, his eye lingering on the way her hips swayed with the soft rocking of the ship. He shook his head, cracking a crooked smile. “Dude this is no time to ogle the females. But Jesus Christ the ass on her!”

He quickly shuffled in. According to his internal clock he had twelve or so minutes before the enchantment lost power and he was forced to painfully revert back. Though this time changing hadn’t been so painful. Likely due to only his height and horn going missing.

Stowing his things in the provided for empty chest, he noticed that everything from the bed to the lamp holder was bolted to the floor. Thinking about it he realized with how small the vessel was, the ship likely rocked a lot. He hoped he didn’t get sea sick. He had only ever been on a pontoon boat in the Everglades. So he had no idea how his body would handle the rocking motion. He locked the chest with his own padlock, not trusting the one provided.

Orion sat in the just big enough bed and waited for the enchantment to wear off. A last minute thought before pain wracked his body was to muffle his mouth from crying out. Without his horn he discovered that he could not use magic. He hadn't run into this problem when he had turned into the guardmare, but that was because she had a horn herself.

As the pain finally loosened its grip on him he noticed the violent rocking that nearly tossed him from the bed. It seemed they had finally set sail. Tiredly he cast a locking spell on the door, sliding the bolt closed and putting the key Bright had tossed at him through the keyhole to prevent someone using a spare to open the door from the other side. He settled in and pulled up the wooden slides to keep him in the bed. It was going to be a long trip, might as well get a nap in.

“So yeah, there ya go. I used a spell to nearly smuggle my ass onboard a pirate ship.” He grinned at the two baffled mares across from him.

There was a lot he kept back from the pair. Like the enchantment he used to disguise himself, instead saying it was a spell he had worked out with a time limit. Nor did he ever mention the name of the vessel or Bulky’s name. Nor did he mention the book that was once again in his possession.

He reasoned the less Twilight knew the less Celestia might find out. What with her writing nearly every word he said he no doubt knew that somehow the Princess would get a hold of her notes one way or another.

“So you knew you were innocent, but chose to stay away anyway? Why?” Twilight seemed to be more than a little upset. But she should know he didn’t trust many. He just smiled, declining to answer.

“You never said what town or the name of the ship Orion.” Rarity piped up. She had lost another button somewhere in his story. But why did she care about the ship? Or town for that matter.

But it had been six years, and his memory of them was a bit foggy. Who knew what interests they had taken on. Though he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being interviewed. He chose to plead the fifth.

A knock on the door broke him from his thoughts. “That should be the coffee.” He got up and answered.

Little Feldspar stood at the door, a tray almost too big for him in hand. Orion smiled and handed the colt a bag and thanked the colt. Watching the colt make his way down the hall, the pony opened it up to look into the bag and back at him, a surprised look on his face. He just smiled at him and nodded. He gently closed the door and smiled back at his two compatriots.

“Okay, I told a little of my story, tell me what the hell you two have been up to? How’d you two meet first and foremost.

Twilight had a look of frustration, no doubt finding his story more exciting than her own. But he wanted to get a feel for what had been going on in the land of horses, and he wasn’t about to let this chance slip.

“Will you at least clarify why you didn’t return to Canterlot once you learned you had been found innocent?” He had neglected to tell her about him and Bulky’s conversation on Celestia and his extreme distrust for the mare. Come to think of it he left a lot out.

Sitting back down he lifted the carafe.

“Nope. Now out with it.” He poured three cups.

Why Do We Fall

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Twilight stared into the bathroom mirror. She looked terrible.

Her mane was stuck to the side of her head as if somepony had doused her head in grease. Violet eyes dully glared back in a field of spidery red lines. Her fur needed more than a good brushing with a curry comb. In short, she was an absolute mess.

But she supposed that was what happened when you shut yourself in and cried for four days straight. Or was it five?

In truth she had lost track, her normal fastidiousness had all but vanished in the blurring of days that had come after Orion Falls escape from Canterlot. In place of the normally studious and primly manner that she held, was a lost filly barely into her sixteenth year.

Twilight pulled herself out of the ponyhole leading back into the sewage system of Canterlot. The dawn was fast approaching, its rays just peaking over the side of the mountain that shared the city’s name.

She was still in a daze. She had been violently woken by a mare screaming into her face over the roar of rushing water. Her first thought was how rude it was to call anypony a whorse. “What was her name again? Backwater? Oh yes, Velvet Backwater.”

That quickly changed to panic when she remembered where she was and why she was there. Screaming Orion’s name only elicited a powerful blow to the side of her face, causing her head to roll and sparks to blossom in her vision. So powerful had the blow been that tears that had been forming in fear for her friend were halted.

The right side of her face was still hurting even now, a dull throb to the sharp pain she had initially felt.

Accusations came flying, too fast for her to really process what they truly meant. Irrational fear had drowned out most things as she worried first as to what had happened to him, then that fear had morphed at the idea that he would abandon her.

Backwater’s tirade had been cut short by a voice that even pulled her out of her stupor.

Princess Celestia stood inside the cavern with them. The normally warm and kind eyes held a fiery steel, that she had been unaware of until recently, that seemed to still the very elements around them.

Still holding onto Twilight’s night shirt, Backwater belted out her accusations. The look on her teacher’s face made her want to curl in on herself in fear.

She answered truthfully to the accusations, and her mentor smiled, almost in relief. Her horn winking out.

After that her relief in being proven innocent had her lapse back into a semi-conscious state. Until the guards escorting her, more carrying her, had arrived back into the newer sewer tunnels.

She was surprised that Princess Celestia had decided not to return with her; when asked, the Royal Guardsmare that had carried her was vague, not in an attempt at deception, but she just didn’t know.

The sun’s rays yanked her back into the present as they did a fair job in blinding her. Squinting in the harsh light she was led over to a stone bench. She had not realized that her group had come up in the Marevista Gardens.

Being on the cusp of winter, the barren branches and tucked away flower beds had been hard for her to identify their location at first glance. In the back of her mind, she had immediately set to discerning where in Canterlot they were, as the rest of her remained listless.

Twenty minutes later she was brought once again to full alertness, by a wailing sound coming from the ponyhole they had crawled out of. Guards scrambled, many of the pegasus diving back into the tunnel.

It wasn’t long before they came back out, carrying a body in a covered sheet carefully out of the hole. A dark red stain covering one side, dripping onto the cobblestone street in a slow irregular trickle. She turned her head from the sight, her mind already conjuring up the worst.

The wailing grew closer as the guards stirred into even more of a frenzy, the street going silent save for the thundering of hooves and the flap of wings.

Next to come out of the tunnel was Princess Celestia helped through a combination of hands and magic, tears pouring from her eyes as the keening noise they all heard increased in pitch. The cries were coming from her? She was covered in the same red stain as the sheet. “Orion!?”

She hadn’t realized she moved until she had embraced her. Blood stained her face as she buried her face into her mentor’s breast.

She shoved back the memory of that morning. Guilt welling up in her heart as she briefly remembered her relief that the pony in the sheet was not him.

Turning the tap for the hot water she waited patiently as the old pipes warmed up. A groan echoed as the ancient system took on the added burden of providing her a shower. More memories returned as she gathered the things she would need for a proper wash.

Rain made an even somber day, gloomier. The clouds dark and heavy as those gathered in the cemetery did their best not to become drenched in the late afternoon downpour. Most were being shielded by unicorn magic, while the rest bore umbrellas provided for the ceremony.

All but one stood under protective covering. Princess Celestia, used no magic, nor held no umbrella, the rain beat down upon her undeterred. The black dress was thick but not weather treated to stand against the elements for long and were already showing signs of being waterlogged.

To the casual observer, she stood there stoically staring at the coffin that held the late Captain Strikes within. But to Twilight’s careful watch, she could see the slight shaking to her teacher’s shoulders. The rain masking the tears, if not the bloodshot look in her magenta eyes.

Twilight had been forced to stand with her family, they had been there to represent her brother as he could not have been there with him in the north.

He and Errant Strikes had come up together from basic to officer academy. Her mother often speculated that they would eventually get together. No chance of that now.

“Gentlestallions and mares. It is with a heavy heart that we gather here today. For today we bury one of our own.”

General Duke Twister had been selected to preside over the funeral. It was rare that a general held such a position. But the usual method of a priest of the Church of Sol presiding had been largely rejected in light of recent events. It was clear to many that the stallion was not used to functioning in this capacity.

“I had not had the pleasure of working closely with Captain Errant Strikes. Her records…” Twilight had already begun to tune him out. As far as speeches were concerned, his left much to be desired. It brought no comfort to the family. Sounding sterile, fake to her ears and likely to all that stood there.

Looking across the coffin, was Errant Strikes’s family. Dressed head to hoof in black, like everypony else, her mother barely stood. Lunar Twirl in any other situation would have been considered hard and unyielding. She had been known to be strict and often harsh to those around her.

Now the mare barely held herself together, short quick jerks of her shoulders gave a good impression of her current state. Her daughter, the former Lieutenant Stunning Strikes was on her knees, no shaking of her shoulders as she stared vacantly at the coffin. Behind the pair was a single guard, holding a large umbrella over them.

“I will now turn this over to Princess Celestia, so that she might say a few words.” Twilight blinked, she had missed the majority of his speech outright.

“My little ponies. It is with a heavy heart that I stand her before you today.” She paused, mouth slowly working. “Errant was….Errant was my most trusted officer.”

Twilight noticed several Officers behind her bristle at the words. “Buck, can you not? This is a funeral and you’re getting mad that the Princess has a preference for somepony else?!” She blinked. That was not something she had ever thought about. Even in her own head she was hesitant to swear.

“She proved more than just a competent soldier. She was a mare that chose the hard path while still maintaining a smile. Both in and out of the armor she was friendly and caring. Willing to help those around her not for her own gain but for the gain of all.” She paused, shaking her head, hands gripping one another tightly. “Errant Strikes was a daughter, a sister….and was to be a wife… She was a brave mare that chose to save my own life at the cost of her future. Words…”

Her voice began to shake, somehow the monarch seemed diminished in that moment much to Twilight’s shock. “There are no words that I can say to ease the hearts here, my own is broken. I shall hold her in my heart always, her memory will live on through me.”

Princess Celestia stepped away, Twilight’s eyes following her hunched form as she stepped away from the small assembly of ponies.

They did not attend the repast after.

Twilight shut the water off, doing her best to wring out the water from her mane with her hands rather than the usual method of magic she normally employed. She did not have the energy or focus to bother.

Wrapping her mane up in a towel she began to dry herself off while looking over her form once again in the mirror.

She looked better, the bloodshot eyes remained, but they were not as angry looking as they were before. She picked up a comb and began to brush out her fur.

Celestia was quiet in the carriage ride back. The royal coach service maintained a good pace despite the slippery streets.

Twilight sat across from her, unwilling to break the silence she chose to look out the window, the dreary day impacting the city as much as the two mares inside.

Her mind was a whirl with questions and worry.

She had never seen her mentor in such a state. She had seen her happy, sad, upset, angry, and in recent years angry to the point of fury. To see her in what could only be described as broken, was something new and more than a little frightening.

Seeing this side of her made her wonder about her own end. With the Princess being an immortal, or at least as far as ponykind was concerned, she would eventually bury her as well. Would her passing hit her just as hard as Errant Strikes?

Or would it be worse somehow. Considering the closeness of the pair, it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination for them to consider one another family.

The answer she reasoned made her feel worse. Her ears splayed back as she sunk further into her seat.

“It’s okay Twilight.” Looking up she saw her teacher's eyes looking at her, bloodshot and sunken in slightly but her kind eyes still bore warmth. “I can guess what is going through your mind.” She smiled. “And yes, it would most assuredly hurt that day I might lose you as well. Not for a long time I hope.”

Shifting, she slid over to the otherside, a slight groan coming from the shifting weight echoed underneath, and wrapped her student in her arms.

“But I feel as though my life would be less without you in it. The memory of you is more important to me than the potential loss.” She smiled as Twilight buried herself into her arms, silent tears echoing her own. “So take heart, that while it will hurt, I will never regret growing close to you.”

They snuggled together, the beating of raindrops their only company.

“Potential loss? Wonder what she means?” She never got an answer, swept away by her emotions she soon lost track of her inner thoughts as she buried herself further into her embrace.

Walking out of the bathroom she had unwrapped her mane to let it air dry a bit. Tossing the used towel in the hamper she took stock of her room. Not her bedroom in the palace, but the one she largely grew up in as a filly.

It was in a similar state that she was in not an hour ago. Clothes littered a corner of the room, triggering her compulsive need for order.

Her desk was covered in newspaper clippings. She had collected every article that had even a mention of Orion in them. She would need a board soon to stick them to. It was her hope that she might be able to find out where he might have gone. She picked up one, it held a black and white image of him, the title reading : ‘Where is he now?’

“Where did you go Orion? Are you okay?”

She was startled from her thoughts by a snort from the other corner of the room. She barely stifled a giggle as she looked at her little brother. Setting the paper back down she walked over to his smaller bed and tucked the blanket that had been pushed down back up to his chin.

Spike was the other reason she was hesitant to start cleaning. The little dragon had stayed up late into the night helping her cut out clippings and hand her tissues when she began to tear up. He was such a good little brother.

Though not of the same species she never let that detract from how wonderful he had been as both a sibling and a helper. At six years old, he barely came up to her hip. Having been like that for over a year now she worried that he wasn’t getting enough gems. Despite her efforts there were not a lot of books on dragon growth patterns, so she had been playing it by ear.

While lacking in the height department, he more than made up for it in his intelligence, often finding things she was looking for much easier than herself. His reading and comprehension skills were coming along nicely, but he was still having trouble spelling certain words correctly. The hope was his teacher would finally find a way for him to learn easier. But instead he still spelled words the way they sounded, not the way they were structured.

His mathematical capabilities however were not lacking in the slightest. She often caught him counting his hidden gem stash when he thought no pony was looking had been adorable, and showed the level at which he understood basic arithmetic. He certainly proved he knew how to ration and divvy up for each day.

She smiled at the memory before leaning down and giving him a little kiss and nuzzle.

“No...the pancakes come after the spaghetti….” He moaned out, causing her to snort in response, turning away quickly so as to not wake him.

She shook her head, grateful for the unintended humor of the moment to lift her spirits.

Looking back at the corner full of her clothes, she squared her shoulders. Figuring that doing laundry wouldn’t wake him as the laundry room was downstairs on the other side of her family’s home.

Walking over she scooped a portion into her arms and carried it down to its destination. The smell from the clothes had her wrinkling her nose in disgust. She had really let it go for far too long.

She dumped the load into the washer, and climbed quietly back up the stairs for more. It was still early yet and it seemed her own parents had yet to waken like she had. She managed to skip over the step that often gave her away when she was younger and tried to sneak about.

Entering her room she found that once again Spike had managed to remove most of the blanket off him. Shaking her head she went to pick up more of her clothes, judging this would be the last trip until the washer was free again.

A thud came from beneath her as she stood up. It sounded like paper. “Maybe a bundle of the clippings had somehow gotten pushed into the laundry when I wasn’t looking?” Stepping back and shifting her weight on her hooves to the left she noticed an oddly thick letter sitting on the floor.

“What is that?”

Lifting it in her magic she noticed an old red stain on it. She set it down on her desk, worried for the contents as she dropped the clothes back into the corner of her room. It was a wax treated envelope with a red string and button set up that secured the contents within. She wondered where it came from.

She debated opening it for a brief moment, her curiosity getting the better of her she unwrapped the string and poured out the contents. Two keys hit the desk with a clatter. She cringed and looked back to see if her little brother had been roused from his sleep.

The snoring had never stopped and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Turning back she pulled out the pages that were inside with the keys. The paper itself was thick, but clear. She knew it wasn’t hers as she used scrolls more than the more modern day stationary, such as the letter in her hands.

Her desire to emulate the Princess when she was younger got her into the more ancient way of keeping messages. She smiled at the memory and refocused on this mystery letter.

“Okay Twilight, this is likely someone else’s letter that likely got into your clothes. Somehow. Just read enough to identify who it should have gone to and put it all back.”

She unfolded the pages carefully and blinked. It was for her.

‘Dear Twiggle Spriggles,

I hope this letter gets to you without too much fuss. Not sure how the hell it's gonna as I am currently under house arrest till they come get me in the morning.

But if you are reading this, then I have likely done the impossible. The incredible! I, Orion Falls, have managed to get the fuck out of Canterlot. Now I’m not sure how I did it. I either won the lawsuit and quickly dipped out from there. Or, and this is far more likely, I failed and managed to land my pretty fluffy ass in jail. Either way, you wouldn’t be seeing this letter if I was incarcerated, meaning I am long gone. So bow before my magnificence!

All seriousness, if you are reading this and not some douche-canoe from the Alphabet Agencies under Celestia’s control, then I want to thank you.

Thank you for sticking by me all these years. I know I am not the easiest to get along with, what with my asshole nature often in full swing I know I can be a bit abrasive when it comes to normal interactions.

I also want to thank you for stopping by yesterday after I got served. Likely right now you are surrounded by the last eight-hundred years of law trying to find a way out of this. Just know I appreciate your efforts. Appreciate your efforts, that sounds so insincere. Sorry I don’t really know how to say it better.

Regardless, thank you for trying to help. It meant a lot just you being there.

Honestly, I don’t see a way out of this legally. The evidence itself is cooked, and half baked at that, but it's enough to fool people into believing it anyways. It’s wrong, but it’s solidly put together, and I am more than certain that the trial has already been bought out. So there is little chance of me mounting anything to fight against it anyways.

That being said and you are reading this, then I have somehow overcome all of it, and got my happy ass out of the city.

It is likely that as you are reading this I have already left the country. I will have mailed it to your house rather than your room in the palace. Mostly so you don’t get in trouble with your teacher and all that. Not that there will be anything in here that is damning, but I am hoping that you get to see it before her.

Listen Twi. I need you to do something for me. Likely you have already discovered the two keys that were shoved into the envelope. One is for a safety deposit box in ‘Celestial Bank’. The one on Juniper and Oak near the old church for Faust.

The area is not the best but it should be safe during daylight hours. Inside that box are a couple of patents. Use them how you see fit. I’m positive you will love ‘em both.

The second key goes to a safe in the basement of White’s Orphanarium. It’s under the floorboards on the street side. Inside that safe is roughly eleven-thousand bits. Put your eyes back in your head, it's not for me or you.

Two years ago a little filly was dumped on the porch one night. She is a pegasus. I didn’t learn much about her till this year, Mrs Evergarden wanted to keep what was wrong with her a secret in case the other kids caught wind and got mean about it. She plans to send her to an orphanage in Ponyville come next year, as odds are she won’t be adopted here.

She was born with stunted wings, which means she’ll never be able to maintain any altitude much less get off the ground. I think it's called Bright Light Syndrome or something. However, all is not lost. This happens more often than one would think, and while rare there is a procedure that might mitigate or downright erase the issue entirely. But it is expensive. Ten-thousand bits expensive.

There is also a time frame issue. If she reaches six before her surgery, the likelihood of it succeeding drops to twenty percent. That’s way too low. Something about the bones in the wings still developing or some such. I don’t know, I haven’t studied pegasus biology. Barely understand my own.

Her parents probably couldn’t afford it. Or at least that’s my reasoning for them abandoning their fucking daughter. So, I collected some money for her. Don’t ask me how because I ain’t telling.

But, this bullshit came down before I can give it to Mrs Evergarden. So what I’d like you to do is give it to her as soon as you can. Likely in the next couple of weeks. I’m not sure how old she is but I’d rather not waste anymore time. Tell her who it’s for, and get Scootaloo the help she deserves.

Thanks in advance.

Now, final words. Again, thank you for being there. Thank you for believing in me.

I have one piece of advice if I may. Twilight in the years I have known you, you have been smart, goofy, and all around big sweetheart even with your head crammed so far into books it's a wonder you're not dating them.

You are powerful, but not a douche about it. You are humble, and I like that about you.

But you doubt yourself too much. Whenever something goes wrong, or you get bad news, you tend to lose focus and start letting worries bury you. Knock it off. Mistakes happen. Accidents happen. Life fuckin’ happens and no one wins that. Not even Celestia.

I’m reminded often of an old question that I once heard long ago. Why do we fall? Why do we sometimes fail in our efforts to do right?

It is no big mystery. It is so we learn to pick ourselves up again. We are going to make mistakes, we are not going to have the answers to life at our fingertips. It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s how we learn to live.

Don’t be afraid of them, learn and move on.

Enough of the Great Sage Orion. Much wiser than I could tell you more and much more eloquently than me. Be safe Twilight, keep your chin up. Who knows, maybe we will see each other again sometime.

Sincerely,
Orion’

Tears dripped onto the last page, she was biting her lip trying to keep from making a noise and alerting her little brother to her plight.

She couldn’t believe it. He had written her a letter. He never wrote letters to her despite how many she had sent him. He had already known what was going to happen at the trial and had planned for an escape. That was just like him, ever the pessimist.

She reread the pages again and again. Committing the last few paragraphs to memory. Once done, she folded them up and slid them into a secret compartment her brother had put into the desk for her when she was younger.

She looked at the keys on the desk, one was large and clearly marked ‘B236’. It was likely for the lockbox. She put that in the compartment as well. She could get the items from the bank at any time.

The other key, smaller with intricate teeth, was much more important. That would need to be taken care of today if she could. He impressed upon her that time was of the essence. In this case.

She smiled. Even in his hasty departure he was trying to care for others.

After doing her laundry, and waking up Spike for breakfast and school, she made her way over to the orphanage.

She wasn’t due back in school till next week, as the principal and Princess Celestia agreed that some time away to grieve was in order. So this gave her a chance to go unaccosted to his old home.

Stepping up to the small patio, she used the door knocker to hopefully get somepony’s attention inside. She knocked four times before the door cracked open. A small blue furred filly peaked out from behind the door.

“C-can I help you Miss?” Her high pitched voice nervously questioned. Shifting to look out behind her then back to her face.

“Yes, little one.” Now she was starting to sound like her mentor. “I am hoping to speak with Mrs Evergarden. Is she in?” She had knelt down to the little fillies level smiling gently so as not to startle the nervous foal.

“Ye-yes, but she is really upset. Ummm, I’m not sure s-she would like a visitor.”

“Oh I am an old friend of hers, and it is really important that I speak with her. I promise I am only here to speak with her, may I come in?”

Clearly the little filly had run out of words to use as her brow furrowed in thought, but she did slowly open the door for Twilight to slip inside.

The inside of the orphanage was eerily quiet. When last she visited the lights had been on, and the windows opened. Now, the curtains were drawn shut and the lights were minimal at best.

The little filly whose name she neglected to get had already dashed down the hall and into a side room. Hushed voices could be heard coming from there. Twilight removed her coat and scarf and softly as she could followed after her.

Inside the room was Mrs Evergarden, the poor mare looked the worse for wear. Her eyes had sunken in and her dress, normally kept crisp, was wrinkled. She looked up from the little blue foal and smiled.

“Good morning Miss Sparkle. Shouldn’t you be in school?” So much for being going unaccosted about school. She smiled in good humor.

“Normally yes, but I am off till next week. Because of….you know.” She ended lamely and only got a sad nod in return.

“Yes, I know.” Her voice was hollow in her ears. “What brings you by today?”

“Oh, well...can we speak in private. This should be best talked about between the two of us.”

Mrs Evergarden cocked her head a little in confusion, but didn’t say anything on the matter. She rose and a surprising number of foals appeared around her. She clapped her hands together with more energy then she likely had.

“Okay everypony, why don’t you go clean up your rooms. Maybe read. I need to speak with Miss Sparkle here in private. Lunch is in a couple of hours, don't forget. Wouldn’t want all your tummies to rumble in the afternoon.” She chuckled.

All the foals filed out, and Twilight noticed a small pegasus in the rear of the group, her head was down so her dark fuchsia mane covered up her face. But not the tinier than normal wings on her back.

“That must be the one.”

Daisy ended up snapping her back from her musings as she shut the door and turned to face her. “Now what can I do for you Miss Sparkle?”

Without asking she cast a ‘Silentium’ around the pair of them, the sound of running foals as the dashed about the orphanage going silent. “Sorry, I didn't want anypony to overhear.” At a lifted eyebrow and a nod from the older mare she continued. “I am not here asking after Orion, but I am here at his behest.”

That got the startled reaction she was expecting. She quickly spoke before unneeded questions came.

“Orion said he had something in the basement, he gave me the key to it. It’s meant for somepony special.” She almost held her breath, waiting for her response.

“He managed to write you a letter too, didn’t he?” The small knowing smile. “What is it?”

“It’s a safe with eleven-thousand bits in it. Or so he claims.” The smile fell away, again open shock was registered on the Mistress’s face.

“Why would he have eleven-thousand bits here of all places?! Where did he even get it all?!” She sat back down hard in the chair she previously sat in. “What was it all for? You said it was for a special somepony? Who?”

Twilight remained standing a small smile now adorning her own face. “For a little filly named Scootaloo. Apparently she is in need of a special surgery and the cost for it is roughly ten-thousand. He wouldn’t say in his letter where or how he got the bits. Only that they are for her.”

A smile blossomed on the older mare’s face. “Even away he still somehow pulls off a miracle. Come. Let's find this mystery safe of his.”

It was more than a little chore to find it. As he had stated it was on the street side.

What he failed to mention was the fact that it was forged with nullstone as well as standard steel. Meaning it would not show up on a traditional void scan because the spell wouldn't identify it as anything else but stone. Only a much more careful look and tweaking of magic would be able to tell the difference between actual stone, and the inert properties of nullstone.

Earth ponies during the time of the three tribes had discovered the trick by accident. During a skirmish in which unicorns had been forced to raid farms for supplies as their supply line had been severed, and revealed the interesting properties of the ore.

One farmer had commissioned a vault to store her farm's goods below ground. To skimp on valuable steel, which had just been invented at the time, the foundry that made the walls and door for the pony’s use had mixed in nullstone ore to cut cost to both them and the pony that had commissioned it.

At the time they had no idea what the effects were that were contained in the metallic and virtually useless mineral, it being even more malleable than gold. But not nearly as valuable.

It had come as quite a surprise when the collectors from the unicorn army, under the command of General Prickle Blaze, had come to that particular pony’s farm and found nothing.

Cherry Harvest, was like many earth ponies of the time, stubborn to a fault and refused to reveal the location of her hidden food stores. Before the soldiers had arrived she had shuffled her herd into the food vault beneath the family farm and then buried it to hide a trail. This unfortunately led to her death as the commander of that particular unit was known to be cruel and was unhappy that they had found nothing.

When it was all said and done, her family had come out of hiding from inside the vault, being earth ponies they moved the earth easily enough as it was still soft and not set, to discover their matriarch's demise. They were understandably broken up about it. But the mystery of how they weren’t found made the rounds through other isolated communities of farmers.

It was later learned, after a thorough investigation, that the walls of the underground storage unit had rendered normal unicorn magic useless. That was the turning point for the earth ponies during that tumultuous time.

Instead of being the victims they became a true contender in the battle of land and resources. No longer the whipping pony of Romane and Dustria, the pegasus tribe and unicorn tribe nations at the time, they fought back regaining lost territory. Even the pegasus’s manipulation of clouds washed harmlessly over the legion that now bore armor with nullstone mixed in. The lightning harmlessly dissipating off the armor as if nothing.

In the end, the Princesses had come before the true horror of war and united the three warring factions under one banner. Thus ending that violent history and securing peace for a millenia.

“How did he acquire such a thing?”

They were actually rare, and required a fair share of legal work in order to own one in today's time. Unicorns, wanting to prevent the exposure of their weakness, ended up regulating the now rare metal to holding prisoners instead.

To this day, nullstone armor and weapons go for a great deal in markets across the known world.

They had to remove stacks on stacks of crates up from the floor and then most of the floor before they found what they had been looking for. The safe wasn’t large. But was still heavy with weight as the container had been designed to be impervious to all but the key. A key that had fit perfectly and turned easily.

Inside were two and a half bags, filled with bits, and several chemical formulas that Twilight could not yet understand.

After a quick count both mares looked at each other in surprise, tears in Mrs Evergardens eyes. Happy tears to be sure.

“He really did it.” She dabbed with a handkerchief and grinned broadly. “I shouldn’t be surprised really, that colt could accomplish anything if he set his mind to it.”

“Yes, he could, but I wonder where he got the nullstone safe from? It’s not exactly legal.”

“Oh that’s been here awhile Miss Sparkle. No pony had the key to it so it just sat. I had not realized he had moved it but I am not sure where he could have gotten a key for it. A mystery I suppose that only he could answer.” Both sat on the dust floor smiling and putting away the bits and notes. The bits went with Daisy while they both agreed that Twilight could make better use of the chemical notes then the orphanage could.

Twilight left ‘White’s Orphanarium’ shortly after that, eager to get the notes home and now more curious as to what he had left behind in the deposit box at Celestia Bank. With a final wave and a reminder that she wanted to hear how the surgery went for Scootaloo she teleported home rather than attempt to walk the now chaotic streets.

Early morning traffic was not something she was willing to contend with.

Arriving home with a flash, she walked into the kitchen greeting both her parents warmly, a little surprised to see them both home.

“We both decided to take some time away from our own interests, honey. Considering how you have been feeling the last few days we thought it was appropriate.” Her father wrapped her in a hug. “You seemed to be doing much better, good news?”

She told them, about everything that had happened so far, and what had been asked of her in the letter.

“My goodness, he certainly has a way with getting things done even without being here. I’m so happy for little Scootaloo. Bright Wing Syndrome is a very serious if not rare affliction.” Her mother even smiled happily, sharing in the joy. “I’m glad he managed to get the amount needed, though where a colt would get that kinda bits I can’t imagine. Are you going to tell the Princess?”

That was a question that had been running in circles in the back of her mind. She wasn’t sure and said as much. “I’m not sure really.”

“Well there is certainly no rush to do so, in the meantime, would you like us to come with you to that bank? I know he said it was in a rather unsavory location and if I remember correctly Juniper and Oak was near the ‘Rot.”

The Rot, colloquially known as Canterrot, was where the less desirables or down on their luck ponies would eventually find themselves. Not just ponies either, griffons seeking to hide away, displaced zebras, even the rare minotaur more often than not would end up there for at least a little time.

Over time good ponies ended up moving away, and the area fell into disrepair. It was a place where illicit deals in stolen goods and drugs often took place. Every month there seemed to be a raid that confiscated thousands of bits worth of merchandise, but it never seemed to make an impact or slow the illegal activities that now carried on there.

Twilight was more than a little nervous to go there by herself.

“Yes, I would like that very much.”

While not quite inside of the Lower Garden district, the Rot, one could see the creeping effect of the dilapidated urban area. Rusted light poles, cobblestone streets in mild disrepair, even the bank they were approaching was in need of a good wash and minor repair work.

It was sad to see such a place inside the walls of Canterlot.

The trio stuck together, her mother more or less leading as her father guarded the back. They had argued the merits of taking his sword with them, her in favor of leaving at home to not rile the locals, him in keeping it because the locals might be more bold at unarmed pedestrians.

In the end Velvet won the argument stating the obvious that he seemed to have forgotten. The Royal Guard would likely have confiscated it the moment they saw it. But he did manage to talk her into letting him take a pair of daggers along, carrying one herself on her hip.

Stepping into ‘Celestial Bank’, they all noted the cleanliness of the inside compared to the outside. The exterior was in the traditional old style, with large once white pillars and tall windows, Those windows now covered in bars as well as two imposing looking stallions glaring at the family as they entered, were guarding the door.

Inside was surprisingly pleasant and well kept. A stallion in a business suit stood behind the counter, which was heavily fortified with iron bars and glass.

“Good Afternoon! How may I help you fine ponies today?” Clearly the tan pony was happy to see a normal looking family inside the establishment, his face spoke of evident relief.

“Good afternoon to you as well, sir.” Her mother replied smoothly. “ We are looking for the security box room. Can we have access?”

“Oh yes, as long as you have the key?” Twilight raised the key up, making sure ‘B236’ was clearly visible. “That key also opens the room, just go right in, it’s on the left. Will you be needing anything else?”

“No, I do not believe we will, we are just here to retrieve something that belongs to my daughter. Thank you so much.” She nodded kindly, receiving one in turn they proceeded down the hall to a locked door.

The stallion had been correct, the lock door easily opened to Orion’s key and they quickly found aisle B in the surprisingly large chamber.

“It’s over here Twilight.” Her dad spoke, several steps away from her. He was hunched down pointing to an average sized box. Set into the wall. A turn of the key, and they lifted the lid to peer inside. She pulled out a strange quill first. The tip was the same, but the rest was vastly different.

Instead of a feather, there was a fat metal casing that ended in a sudden rounded end, about six inches from the tip base. It was thicker than any quill she had seen and a little heavy. Underneath that were two folded stacks of papers.

Her mother had opened one while her father had picked up the other. “What is an ‘Offset Printing Press’?” Twilight’s ears swiveled in her direction.

“I know what a Printing Press is, earth ponies invented them to help make books faster. During the early years of Equestria, unicorns were the only ones capable of copying books quickly and efficiently, often charging exorbitant prices to both pegasus and earth ponies for their services.”

“To combat this, an earth pony inventor by the name of Written Heart had created the first printing press. It wasn’t perfect at the time, but greatly accelerated the creation of books in any case and undercutted the unfair price unicorns were charging for books of that era. They did attempt to make that illegal-”

Her father interrupted her with a chuckle.

“Okay professor, we know what a Printing Press is. What we want to know is what’s so different about this one?” He ruffled her mane much to her embarrassment, she wasn’t a little filly anymore.

“I am not actually sure. May I see it mom?”

Velvet handed over the pages and she carefully looked over the design. It was a rolling press, and there were several different designs set up depending on purpose. Interchangeable rollers allowed for quick swapping out. A large roll of paper was indicated at the beginning of a cycle.

The more she read, a finger following the path of where the paper would go in the machine, the more her jaw slowly fell open. There were even ink sinks to keep the rollers fresh so as not to run out of ink.

“Twilight? What's wrong dear?” Her mother shook her shoulder gently.

“Thi-this-” She spluttered for a moment. “This is incredible! With a system like this a pony could mass produce books in a fraction of the time as we are now!” Her mind swam with the potential that mass produced books could do for Equestria.

Still isolated farming communities could get up to date text books for foals in their community. Years could be shaved off in updating the curriculum. Instead of the near stand still roll out of knowledge that would often take years to reach the farthest corners of the nation, if at all.

“That….IS incredible.” Her father’s voice came out in a breathy whisper.

“Sweety, what does that one say?” Velvet gestured excitedly toward the packet held in his hand.

“Oh, um there are two here. One has the look of that quill that was pulled out.” That instantly pulled Twilight’s attention from her own as she looked over her fathers shoulder.

“A ‘Fountain Pen’?” The diagram showed the internals of the quill that sat in her magic. Her mind reeled. “Where had he come up with the idea for this?!” She looked the pen over again and noticed a little ‘window’ as indicated on the sheet that showed ink level. It was full as best she could tell.

The diagram showed an internal reservoir as well as the channels that allowed ink to seep into the nib at a steady rate. There was even a collector of sorts to prevent the ink from just flooding out. It was incredible and he had come up with it on his own.

The other packet was the rough draft of another kind of ‘pen’ , one that had a little ball in place of the nib. Too much was scratched out and he was clearly frustrated with the process of that invention.

But he was right, she loved both inventions.

Looking back to the fountain pen packet she noticed that the pen was supposed to have a cap as an added prevention of spillage. Smart. She tilted the box and the cap came rolling out, along with a large box. Taking the cap she put it on the pen and then looked over the case.

It was a pine wood box about as long as her forearm. Dyed a dark red it was wrapped in soft off colored red ribbons with a little card. ‘To: Celestia. Happy Hearth's Warming.’

“This is a gift to Princess Celestia!” It had been wrapped carefully, thus stopping her from knowing what was inside.

“Well looks like you have a gift to give to the Princess on his behalf this Hearth’s Warming.” Her father replied with humor.

That got a smile from all of them. Putting away the container they soon turned in the key and left the bank, Twilight’s mind heavy with more questions than she came in with.

Fears

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What Twilight did not expect to hit her in the face today was letters.

Monday morning saw her seeing her father, Night Light, off on the train bright and early. The dawn was just barely peeking over the mountain. With both patents in his satchel and a duffel bag at his hooves, he bid his wife and daughter goodbye with a sad smile. Over the weekend it had been decided to get in contact with a few entrepreneurs.

His first stop was Manehattan, and then from there he would cross the Celestial Sea to Prance.

The first top would take less than a few hours before his ship departed for Cheval. Both he and Velvet had decided it wasn’t worth the effort to seek a backer in Paris as that often came at a price. One neither was willing to accept. That was why he was taking a marriage ring that was bound to his horn.

The marriage ring was a simple gold band with the etching of the two cutie marks of the couple. Woven into that band was a matrix of both the bearer of the ring, and the spouse’s magic. As long as even one individual magic flow was connected then the ring could not be unbound till both parties did it together.

Back in the days of the three tribes, and even some of early Equestria, unicorns would often do this. In today’s times it was not often employed, unless one was journeying outside of the nation, to such locations as the mare heavy population of Prance itself.

Besides Cheval was a nice city with a booming industrial sector, there was no doubt they could find a wealthy aristocrat willing to shell out the money on a sure thing. The plans were highly detailed and thorough, a smart pony would know what they were seeing. And Cheval had more than its fair share of engineers to work out the fine details of logistics.

Twilight didn’t understand why they wanted to go across the ocean to set up the offset printing press. She had even asked why not just do it in Baltimare, or even Seaddle as that city was recently going through their own rapid expansion of industry.

What she got were vague answers about how they wanted a sure thing, and Cheval was likely the best place for it. It wasn’t enough to really satisfy her questions, but she trusted her parents and believed they knew what they were doing better than she.

So Monday morning two hours before classes began she and her mother stood on the loading platform and waved goodbye to her father as the train pulled out of the station. Steam billowing and even hiding his passenger car as the engine picked up speed and power. Already the pair’s hearts feeling heavy at the loss of his presence.

“Okay Twilight, time for you to get ready for school.” The usual joking tone her mother often spoke with, replaced with one of melancholy.

Twilight just smiled in response, giving her mother a tight hug as she teleported them both home. She was getting quite good at that, though the effects still left her a little dizzy as she didn’t often have to transport anypony else with her.

With a slight list to her gait she quickly thundered up the steps to get ready for school, narrowly avoiding Spike coming out of the bathroom and just avoiding colliding with the wall.

“Oh hey Twilight, is dad ready to go on his trip?” She winced at that.

His sleeping habits were more than a little annoying. They had tried to wake the sleeping juvenile dragon, but other than a possible detonation or gem encrusted fresh baked donuts, it was almost impossible to ever wake him up on time, thus he was often sent to bed early.

On the other hand, if she was attempting to stay quiet and not disturb him in the wee hours of the morning during one of her more vigorous study sessions, he would snap awake as if he had been struck by a book.

Last night in all the excitement of packing and Night Light going on a tribe, he had gotten to sleep late. So this morning they decided to let him sleep in once it became clear that nothing short of Canterlot sliding off the mountain would wake him.

“I’m sorry Spike, we tried to wake you. But you didn’t even acknowledge we were in the room.” Her saddened expression was mirrored by his own. He and her father got along rather well despite the difference in species, they were definitely father and son. She was victim to more than one of their combined pranks, so was her mother.

“Yeah, I get it. Stupid brain not waking up for important things.” He grumbled staring at the floor.

Her heart broke at the sight. “Well dad did say he was coming back with some Malachite gems for you while he was away in Prance.” She sad in an offhand way, watching her little brother go from moross to excited in less than an eye blink, she carefully hid her smile.

“REALLY?! That would be awesome!” He hopped around in a little spin.

“Oh and he mentioned something about on his way back he would be picking up some comic books, not that you would be interested in that or anything.” It was all she could do not to giggle at the stunned expression on his face.

“But why?” She blinked, not expecting the question. “I didn’t wake up in time. He should be at least a little upset with me.” The fins on the side of his face drooped a little. “I’d be upset if somepony was late to see me off.”

Twilight smiled gently, and picked her little brother up in a hug. “ Dad loves you. He knows you sleep harder than most ponies. And while I am sure he would have loved to have you there, just knowing that you’ll be happy to see him come home is more than enough for him.” She swung him about before giving a peck on the cheek and setting him down.

“Now it’s time to get ready for school. Mom is making blueberry pancakes this morning!” His eyes lit up as he bolted down the stairs and around the corner. She grinned ruefully and set about getting ready for the day.

Coming into a school was uneventful. With a slightly overcast morning, some rain was scheduled today and the weather team planned to do it during the wane hours of the morning when there was hardly any hoof traffic. That caused most ponies to stay indoors unless they had something pressing to do in the city.

That made her walk to the campus pleasant. Upon opening her locker she was met with something unusual. Something far outside the norm for the young mare.

An entire armload of letters and cards poured out of her locker, some pelting her in the face as they pooled to an unruly heap at her hooves. It was still fairly early, considering most students didn’t arrive for another fifteen minutes or so. That meant that there was none around to see the stunned expression on her face.

Picking the pile up in her magic she began to sift through them, a theme started to emerge.

While many were well wishes and hoping she was okay, more than a few were heartfelt condolences about the loss of her coltfriend, Orion. Her face and ears burned and heated up, she was no doubt blushing rather fiercely. She quickly teleported the collection of letters home as she tried to compose herself as best she could.

“Hopefully this is peak for my embarrassment.” Though she did note the warm feeling she got with having him associated with her as a couple, even if her feelings about him had yet been decided. “Maybe that’s why he never got anything on Hearts and Hooves day. Everypony thought we were together.”

That would also explain why more than a few mares were being friendly toward her. More so than she would normally expect at least.

Twilight wasn’t exactly a social mare. As before she had a few friends but even then she was more standoff-ish than normal, often seeking the comfort of books rather than in the company of ponies. It wasn’t that she didn’t like anypony, it was just that books tended not to look at her weird when she began to expound upon that days' lectures in magical force lines.

Over the past couple of years, an increasing number of mares and fillies had sat down at her table, at first she believed they were just trying to be friendly. Now however, pieces of a puzzle she had not understood before were starting to fall into place.

That made her frown as she walked to her first class. She did not want to be seen as a means to an end, and the good feeling she had before at the overwhelming consideration was doused out with the stark reality that might have been all she was good for in her fellow ponies eyes.

It left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Lunch hour brought her a surprise, however.

Fancy Breeze, the often snooty sky blue and dark crimson maned mare was looking rather subdued when she sat down across from her. In her hands was a letter of her own. For once she was dressed conservatively, whereas before she would often bend the rules of the established dress code.

Twilight decided to wait on her to start the conversation, part of it was bitterness from the realization of earlier, the other part was her hoping she would take the hint and leave her to her studies. That other half might have been triggered from the same source.

A full three minutes passed before she spoke, she had counted in the back of her mind.

“Twilight….I…” She paused, clearly not knowing how to begin, however it did pull her full attention to the nervous mare across from her. “I’m sorry about Orion. I...uh… I can’t imagine how you must have felt losing your coltfriend like that.”

She felt her ears burn a little at the misconception she and many others had assumed of their relationship that never existed. “He wasn’t my coltfriend, we were just friends.” That came out stiffer than she wanted. This was really difficult. How did Orion make it look so easy?

“Oh!” Fancy’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I t-thought you and he were, well you know, in one of those exclusive relationships. Like your parents.” So that's what ponies thought.

It was true, Velvet and Night Light’s relationship was not the norm. Both had agreed that there was only really room for the pair of them for a herd. So they became monogamous and refused to even see any other mares as potential partners in their relationship.

It bucked the normal trend in Canterlot, usually four or more mares would share a stallion, as the population in the city was particularly low for males as opposed to females. There was a similar problem in Manehattan as well from what she had heard, and no doubt other major cities were plagued with the same issues.

“No.” She paused, then decided to be honest. “I didn’t really know how I felt about him. Some days he frustrated me so badly I wanted to tear my mane out. Other days he would show the kindest of gestures. He was a very frustrating stallion. Still is more than likely.”

Fancy’s eyes narrowed. “You believe he is alive?”

“Oh yes, of that I have no doubt, and as far as Princess Celestia has said no body was recovered.” She smiled. “I think he had a plan the entire time and already somehow had an out.”

“Heh, you are likely right. I can imagine he would be rather stubborn about dying as much as he was about studying for anything other than magic. To this day I don’t know how he has bucking passed the common core classes.” They both laughed.

“I wanted to give you this personally. I know many have placed theirs in your locker but it seemed a hollow gesture to me.” She slowly slid over the folded letter. “If you ever want to talk or get together for anything, feel free to ask. I can see you're still busy, so I’ll get out of your mane. Later Twilight.” She arose with a nod and headed back to her usual table.

Twilight looked at the letter for a few seconds before opening it briefly.

For letters, it was rather brief. Expressing condolences for a misunderstanding but it was thoughtful and kind. At the bottom was Fancy Breeze’s address. She had never gotten a personal invitation before.

True she got invited by her small group of friends out quite often, but this was the first time she ever had a noble offer her a visit. She put the small letter away and went back to her personal studies. Her mind turning over the invitation as she solved Silver Turing’s often convoluted way of programming golems for simple jobs.

The weeks that followed were mostly a blur as she threw herself back into her studies. Before she even realized it, school was being let out for the holidays.

Sitting in her room she eyeballed the box she had yet to open from the safety deposit box in that bank some weeks ago. Her father had yet to return but did send a message that he would likely be out of the nation for another month. It was a shame he would not be home for Hearths Warming.

The good news was that he had managed to secure funding for both projects, but he was to remain on hand for planning. Those two factories would likely not produce anything viable for another three months. She could wait, she had already figured out how to refill the fountain pen she was using so she figured another few months was worth it.

But the mystery of what was in Orion’s gift to the Princess gnawed at her. She wanted to respect his privacy and not take a peek, but at the same time to know what it was was driving her a little mad.

“Okay Twilight it's just three days. Three days before you give this to the Princess. Just….three days…” She teleported the wrappings off the case. Too late now.

The pine box was beautifully hand crafted. A closer look at it showed that the sides had been lightly carved with a relief of the dawn. Rather thoughtful of him if she thought so herself. As she thought about it, she realized it matched the tea boxes he had purchased for the Princess on his trip to Neighbon.

The cover was on small hinges and opened easily. Inside was a fountain pen that took her breath away. It was so much better looking then the plain one she now used.

It was enamel white with golden scroll work traveling along the nine inches of the casing. Clearly meant for a larger hand. Inside the scroll work were suns and waves matching the exterior packaging. It was all beautifully done and it was easy to tell a lot of work went into it.

Surprisingly no gem work had gone into the crafting of this pen, but the cap was adorned with more of the same. The little window in the side was beautifully highlighted, and it was full of ink. A keeping spell had been cast over the object but the strength was already waning. Twilight reinforced it. Along with the case was ten of what she now knew as cartridges each set within the wood carved holding case. It was all so beautifully done.

Inside the lid was a message that made her laugh in mortification.

“Dear Sunbutt,

If you have gotten this gift, and reading this particular message, it means my ass is long gone and you can’t punish me for the aforementioned name. I’ll likely have it mailed, or at the very least, have Twilight be my method of delivery. So na nana boo boo go stick your head in doo doo.

Seriously have a great holiday and thanks for helping me with my math homework. Oh and yes, I did make everything myself. No one else saw this little gem, unless Twilight went ahead and peeked, which I wouldn’t put it past her.

Sincerely to the Eternal Ass,
Orion’

That was definitely him.

Once she calmed down from her fit of giggles, she had to wonder how far along did he actually plan out his departure. Was he going to leave immediately once school was over for them? Did he know she would be the one to deliver his gift?

The more she learned about him the more she realized she knew very little about what motivated him. What he was seeking. Princess Celestia had believed he was preparing to seek out the family that had abandoned him. But she wasn’t so sure that was the case.

She placed everything back into the box, teleporting the wrapping back around the case.

“What math homework?”

Snow finally fell over Canterlot. Before today the weather ponies had been hard at work keeping the temperature warm enough to allow for regular rainfall to occur.

The past summer had been unusually warm, which had brought on an unexpected mild drought that lingered. To combat this, the weather ponies had decided to keep the rainfall going for longer than normal, thus allowing lakes and reservoirs to fill back up to normal levels before the first official snows actually hit.

So stepping out of her family's home was a very pleasant experience first thing in the morning. The snow crunching a little wetly beneath her hooves.

The door shut a little harder than normal, and she turned to see Spike, bundled up for the weather, waddle his way up behind her. “Oh so you did decided to come with me.” She smirked.

She had wanted to bring him along but he had been rather resistant. Preferring to read the comic books he had gotten last night. So it was a surprise to see him waddling up behind her after all the arguing the pair had done.

“Yeah. You deserve some company after all.” He smiled cheekily and nudged her hip with a cloth bound fist. “Besides, mom wouldn’t stop nagging me till I did.”

They both laughed.

“Oh I see how it is, it was because mom demanded you come, you don’t really love me.” She feigned hurtfulness, knowing it wasn’t true.

“NO no. I do love you! But...comics…” He made a grumbling whine.

“Yes, yes. The comics will be there when we get back. Besides I’m sure the Princess would love to see you. Might even have a treat for you there…”

His eyes lit up and he shuffled past her, the thick jacket and pants making it difficult for him to move with any speed. “Well what are we waiting for!? Come on!”

She laughed and followed after him. The trail he was making made her giggle with its uneven patterns.

It didn’t take them long to get to the castle, with hoof traffic being down for the holidays it made it rather easy to arrive within the hour from where they started.

The guards just smiled and politely stepped aside, both being normal visitors, Twilight being a near daily one.

Inside the castle grounds were quiet, the air still but not heavy, the castle itself shared the same atmosphere. The maids they passed by were polite and pleasant, though not frequent as many were home with their families.

No lines for petition, no nobles as they too were with their families. The castle was peaceful.

And all together, lonely feeling. Twilight could understand why Princess Celestia had visited them last year. She would have done the same, even if she preferred the company of books to ponies as she often did, she would have sought out company too on a day like this.

As a pair they proceeded past the halls and chambers that led to who knows where, and ascended the stairs to the private royal wing where they were stopped.

“Uhm, is everything okay?” She had of course encountered the elite Royal Guard before. They often accompanied the Princess on official business and generally guarded the more private locations throughout the castle. It was rumored that a select group from within the ranks was used to handle the more dangerous tasks that couldn’t be assigned to the royal guard, or soldiers in the field.

“Everything is fine Miss, we just need to verify that you are who you claim to be. It's a new procedure. I’m sorry Miss Sparkle.” That brought a grimace to the mare’s muzzle and a cart load of questions to her mind.

“Has something happened? Are we under threat?” She blurted out before she could stop herself.

“No, Miss. It is a ruling the generals had decided to pass down in response to some unsubstantiated rumors going around. Unfortunately I cannot go into explanations at this time.” As the mare spoke her horn had alighted and a teal green glow that passed over both Twilight and Spike. “You're both clear, sorry about the inconvenience.”

With that they stepped aside to allow the duo to pass by. A brief scan passed over the packages she was carrying with her that got a brief query from another. A stallion this time.

“Excuse me Miss Sparkle, but what is in that thin box?” His tone and stance brooked no argument. She chose to answer honestly but in a whisper.

“It’s a new type of quill that was made recently. One with the ink being inside the handle rather than having to constantly dip it into an ink pot.” That got several raised eyebrows and a considering nod from the questioner.

“Understood please proceed.”

She understood why they questioned it, it was an unusual item they had never seen before and would spark some intrigue. She was grateful they stopped at questions alone. She didn’t want to have to open the package up to show everypony.

They passed by with a nod and quickly approached her mentor’s private study door. During this time of day she was likely in there with no Day Court to preside over. It wasn’t often that the Princess got a day off, Twilight didn’t know how she did it. Raising and lowering the celestial bodies in the sky and dealing with the ponies of her nation seemed an insurmountable amount of work for one pony.

Yet Princess Celestia persevered. It was inspiring.

The guards let them through after a brief announcement, and they walked in.

Her teacher, as most times she had seen her, sat behind her desk looking over paperwork, but her head quickly looked up and she vanished what she had been checking over and placed her full attention on the pair. No sign of Raven, the mare was likely with her family today as well.

“TWILIGHT! And little Spike too! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit.” As if she didn’t know. The cheeky smile gave away that. Though Spike seemed to have missed the notice.

“It’s Hearths Warming Day, Princess! Of course we would come and see you.” Wasn’t it an hour ago that he had to be nagged away from his new comic books? Twilight just shook her head, not holding back the giggles that claimed her tongue.

“Why I supposed it is, isn't it. I swear I would lose my head if it weren’t attached to me.” She smiled gleefully and came around her desk, packages suddenly popping into her two hands in a flash of golden light. “I suppose these are for you.”

Spike tore into his with passion. As she had suspected, the Princess went with a multitude of rare gems. No machalite though, that would make her father’s gift more meaningful when he brought them home. The little dragon had set to counting them out and ordering them in taste preferences almost immediately.

Twilight received hers but ended up giving her mentor her gifts as well, and waited for her to notice the unexpected gift at the bottom. Her own gift from the Princess was likely to be books anyways.

Her personal gift was handmade gloves, it was her first attempt. It might have been her thirtieth attempt, but the first time she ever gave something she made herself. Her mother had to help all too often for her taste but she was proud of her work nevertheless.

She had attempted to bake banana bread but she had been banned from the kitchen by her mother after she lit the sink on fire.

“Oh Twilight, these are gorgeous! Where did you get them?” She exclaimed while pulling them over her wiggling fingers. They fit rather well.

“I actually made them myself.” She blush at her praise.

“Mom helped her. A lot!” Spike offhandedly said, still counting and divvying up his small horde.

“Thank you little brother.” She said through clenched teeth as her teacher giggled at her.

“Still, it is a wonderful gift, one that you have put much time and effort into. That makes it all the more special to me.” The blushing returned.

“Thank you Princess.” She shyly spoke.

“Now what’s….this….”She had gotten to Orion's gift. Her hands drifted over to the card tied to the wrapping. No message from who it was from just his poorly written scrawl. She looked askance at her and Twilight only smiled and nodded her head toward the box in her hand and smiled.

Looking at the box again dubiously she pulled the wrapping off and traced her fingers over the carvings with a smile. “This is from your father isn’t it?”

“No it's from- mrmph!” She shot her little brother with a glare that silenced his protest, her magic sealing his lips closed.

“You’ll find out inside.” She smiled mischievously.

Peeling back the lid Princess Celestia blinked, not understanding what she was looking at at first glance. Then her eyes widened in surprise, and then she noticed the little message in the lid.

“Sunbutt!?” She fairly squawked. Which earned a giggle from the room's other two occupants. As she read further, it was all Twilight could do not to burst out laughing at the disgusted look on her teacher's face as she mouthed the words, ‘Na nana boo boo go stick your head in doo doo.’

“Well, this is certainly him to a ‘T’ that's for sure.” She ran her fingers over the pen. “Did you know I first saw something like this in his hand a few years ago? I had been having him come out as my, as he would call it, social beard to tea houses around Canterlot.” She chuckled.

“To be honest I was using him as a PR stunt. I had no idea the sharp tongue and wit he had and would often employ against me publicly. He had no respect for my station, and if I am being honest, it was likely the best time I’ve had in a very long time.” Smiled down at the pen.

“When I first saw, what I can now assume was the prototype, I was rather intrigued by it. I ended up seeing it put to use after he had asked me about thermodynamics. It was a remarkable device.” Picking the pen up she wrote her name smoothly on a scrap piece of paper. “He made one for me because I showed an interest in his creation.”

Twilight was quiet for a bit, her little brother having not paid attention was still counting his gems.

“She was trying to use him as a ‘social beard’? Why would the Princess do that?” She was unsure of whether to ask or not. But she did so anyway.

“Oh it’s as I said. I wanted a way to show the ponies that I wasn’t above them. That I was a mare just like any other. Orion seemed a great way to showcase that as he treated me more like anypony else, than well anypony else.” She shrugged sheepishly.

“It ended up working a little in the end, even if he resisted. But I do wonder, how did you get a hold of his gift to me?”

The explanation was brief, but the neutral look that adorned the monarch’s face as she spoke of the advanced printing press and where her father had taken the blueprints spoke volumes that she could not decipher.

Maybe she would have preferred the new industry to stay in the nation. She didn’t blame her if that was the case.

The rest of the visit went smoothly, though Twilight was still a little stunned at the fact that her mentor used somepony in an effort to have good PR.

But by the time she had gotten home, Spike rushing past her to hide away his gems, she figured that Princess Celestia was right. It did make her appear more sociable. The problem with being a millennia old ruler was that often, ponies would stop referring to her as a ruler, and more as a deity.

Though she rarely thought about it, she too treated her as a higher creature. She would have to try and fix that.

Again time marched on for her.

Her father returned late spring looking harried but otherwise in good health. The factories were both up in running, deciding at the last minute to keep both in Prance. As the nation was central in the known world for distribution.

Though on his arrival, both Twilight and Spike were kicked out of the house, something about relieving stress. Though she easily guessed what it was and made herself scarce at the library, taking a protesting little dragon along.

The only real change at school was Fancy Breeze. The mare seemed to make it her mission to visit her every chance she got during lunch or on the walk home. She never took up her invitation to visit her at her home as it didn’t feel like she belonged in a place like that. But the conversations were pleasant, and touched only briefly on what Orion might be up to. If he ever did come up at all.

On her seventeenth birthday, Princess Celestia gifted her an observatory tower for her own use. A Surprise that caught the whole family off.

Just outside the castle grounds it sat, though it was much older than most observatories as it was first built just after the castle was completed. However, the main chamber sported a rather impressive brand new brass telescope, one that took up a great deal of the room. It was everything she could ever want.

Simply put, she was in love. Before long she had new bookshelves put in, a project that her parents more than happily financed with the increased bankroll from royalties they had been receiving for the past year. Though at the mention, her mother and father had gotten a frown from the Princess.

Soon she had her dream home. There was even a small kitchen and washroom, and she ended up spending more time there than at her family’s home, much to her shame when her mother would often bring up how little they saw of her. But every time she stepped into the halls of her personal sanctuary, she would become absorbed into studying anything and everything that came across her mind.

It was getting bad enough that she was losing sleep and had to be ordered by the Princess to get the full eight hours, otherwise be banned from the tower for a month. She adhered tightly to that. For a little while at least.

Eventually in concern, Spike moved into the tower with her. Making sure she was fed and properly cleaned. She had been sent home twice due to her own personal negligence of her hygiene.

But in the end she established a schedule with her new found freedom, and learned to take care of herself to a passable extent. Though her mother still complained that she was not home enough, her father however, said it had been a great time and that she could come home less often. The smell in the house when she did visit spoke of what he meant.

She graduated, with little fanfare, as she preferred, from Celestia’s School of Gifted Unicorns.

There was of course a party that the Princess herself hosted. Her family was also, of course, there. Even her brother had been able to attend. He had been back and forth on deployment over the last couple years. Going as far as Zegypt, of which he complained long and loudly about how hot it was there.

He never discussed specifics of his mission to those far off locations, only what is like and a few obviously watered down stories he felt comfortable sharing with her. She decided then and there that books were the best way to travel the world. Let other ponies experience the ever changing landscapes. What pony ever heard of clouds moving on their own after all?

Another surprise that day was her old babysitter, Cadance, was there. Being an alicorn and a Princess herself had never really registered with Twilight the way Princess Celestia’s position had. But she loved her no less. Besides their childish greeting, which they often did with even more childish glee, not much was said between the pair.

She was happy to have her there, but noticed with increasing regularity how often she found Shining and her standing near each other, conversing quietly with one another. Something was up with those two.

Her friends also had their graduation party with hers. Princess Celestia figured that it would be a great way to solidify their friendships as they moved forward for their own pursuits. Twilight for once only moderately paid attention to what was being said. Her eyes drifted to the books she had received. Their seductive siren calls, calling to her and her alone.

With graduation, she finally was given free reign for study. The assignments she now received from the Princess were more subjective, obviously designed for her to come to her own conclusions rather than any set curriculum.

Upon receiving her chemistry set from her parents, she began to set up a portion of the lower room in the tower that was quickly becoming the ‘lab’ for chemical study. It was then she realized that she had not thought about Orion in over a year. The vials and swirly glass reminded her of him.

When was it that she stopped wondering about where he was? Or where he had gone to. In fact, when was the last time he had actually crossed her mind?

She sat down amongst the recently open boxes to ponder those questions.

That was where Spike had found her some two hours later. Sitting amongst the chaos of her still unassembled chemistry set.

“Yo Twilight. Everything alright?” Placing the bags of groceries he had gone out to get that day aside, he gingerly made his way over to her. He almost broke a beaker.

“Yeah, I...Spike. Am I a bad pony?” Clearly her question had caught him by surprise.

“I don’t think so. Why? Did something happen?” He sat down on a stool and looked at her, concern etched on his features.

“I just realized, I….I haven’t thought about Orion Falls in over a year, and I can’t seem to figure out when I had last thought about him specifically.” She wiped away the budding tears in her eyes.

“Oh yeah, I haven’t heard about him in awhile. It's been a couple years since he vanished.” He looked at her and smiled. “But that doesn’t make you a bad pony, Twilight. It just means you're moving on and growing. From what I can remember of him I doubt he would be very hurt by you forgetting about him.”

Surprising wisdom from the dragon that still read comics like the end of the world was coming. He was likely right. Orion wasn’t one of those ponies to get hurt over being forgotten. She smiled.

“No your right, he would likely say something along the lines of, ‘buck you too buddy.’” They both giggled. Standing up she levitated the pieces of her kit and set to work as he went to put the groceries away.

“Oh Twilight! This was in the mail this morning, sorry I forgot to give it to you. I was busy, heh.” By busy he likely meant that his nose was buried in a comic book. She shook her head and took the surprisingly heavy package from him.

Setting it down she quickly removed the package paper without tearing, that could be used for later after all. On top of the book, was a little note from the Princess:

‘My Faithful Student,

It has been a few years since I have seen you with this book. When I found it in your old room I was a bit surprised that you had forgotten to take it with you. So I am sending it along with my best wishes. Maybe you can understand the messages Starswhirl left us. Just remember, he was an old pony when he wrote this.

Good Luck,
Princess Celestia’

Setting the note aside she was shocked to see ‘Predictions and Prophecies By Starswirl the Bearded’. Like she had with Orion, she had forgotten about the book as well. A fact that stunned her upon realization.

Picking up the familiar tome, she opened the pages to the last thing she had ever looked at, the return of the dread mare, Nightmare Moon. She shuddered and put the book on a pedestal, but in the back of her mind questions were raised.

Why did the Princess send her a book that she so readily dismissed when she was younger?

The next few years, like school, was a blur for Twilight.

With the new assignments she was receiving, answers to those assignments were harder to find. For one she found it difficult to think laterally. Up until graduation, most if not all problems could be found and solved through research and study of needed materials.

But now the assignments were vague in origin and when she thought she had discovered a solution, she found that she only raised more questions. It forced her to consider other perspectives, which she was not good at, and ended up taking far longer to solve issues that would arise while seeking answers.

Her private study sessions were better for her. There she found that she could still answer the linear problems with relative ease and enough study.

Most were simple problems and easily picked apart in an afternoon. But the one that really drew her back again and again, was the Nightmare Moon conundrum. This was something that continued to intrude on her thoughts often.

So often in fact she would often pause in her work for the Princess to only frustratingly run into the proverbial brick wall.

It wasn’t until she read further into Starswirl’s book that she found a star chart and even that only gave her more questions, until she started tracking the heaven’s themselves.

It was accepted fact that after Princess Luna’s disappearance that duty fell to Princess Celestia to paint the night sky in her remembrance. That she would keep to a system of schedules that only she herself knew of.

But what Starswirl suggested was bordering on heresy. He never said it outright, but she could not help but think that he was telling the reader that the Princesses never controlled the sun and night sky at all.

It flew in the face of all teaching she had ever received. Until the day she began to study the stars herself.

SLAM!

“Why won’t she believe me Spike?!”

Twilight was near spitting in frustration, something she only got at the worst of problems presented to her.

Last night she had finally found proof of the correlation between Nightmare Moon and the current stars' alignment in the sky. If what she feared was true, then the evil creature would soon return to Equis, and nopony was taking her seriously!

Why did Princess Celestia even bother giving the book back to her if she was never going to take her seriously with her research into it!?

The Princess just politely laughed, and suggested she leave the tower to spend time with friends instead. That research was no good without downtime. That she needed a break.

“Hah! As if! I know I’m right!” She didn’t mean to be so disparaging of Princess Celestia’s remarks, but she felt like a rat in a maze with no way out, and her mentor was controlling it all for some strange purpose.

“Well Twilight, you were ranting an awful lot. Maybe you're spending too much time looking through that musty old book. I’m sure Starswirl was amazing and all that but it has been almost a thousand years when it was written. Odds are what he wrote was just, I don’t want to sound harsh…”

He was about to say the stallion who pioneered magic, who catapulted all of ponykind years if not centuries ahead of accepted research at the time, was wrong. Her glare made him gulp and step back.

A few moments was all it took to bring some clarity, and a fair bit of sorrow at what she was doing.

Her face softened and she looked at the floor in misery.

“I’m sorry Spike, it’s just what if he is right? What if the Princess is...actually wrong? I don’t want something terrible to happen that could have been avoided.” Her little brother came over and wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her fiercely. He had grown again without her noticing, his fin just passing her breasts.

“Hey it’s okay Twilight. It’s the Princess! She likely knows better than anypony, and if she’s not worried. Then I’m not worried, and neither should you be. Besides, isn’t Moon Dancer’s birthday party today?”

She inwardly cringed. It was her friend’s birthday today, and Princess Celestia rented out the western courtyard of the castle to her and her family. She had gotten the invitation a month ago but had been avoiding it, though she did have Spike pick something up to give as a gift anyways.

With her proposal rejected, and her drive for anything study related relatively shattered, today was as good any day to take a break. Spike was likely correct and the Princess was more than aware of any trouble that might befall the nation.

Stepping away from her little brother she opened her mouth, and with a bright flash of green was pelted in the face with a scroll.

It was too much for Spike who ended up cracking up and rolling on the floor in mirth.

Deadpanned, she picked up the scroll, cracking it open to read the contents.

‘My Faithful Student,

When you came to me with your fears, I am saddened to say I was unkind to you by laughing at your expense. I understand that you care and have worries like anypony. In all the years you have been my student you have never once let me down.

But work must be balanced with leisure, and I fear you have devoted far too much of your time to being stuck in that tower of yours. You simply must stop reading those old tomes. Much of what is in there has been disproven, and while Starswirl was the pinnacle of researchers in his time, today's ponies have discovered far more than he could ever dream.

‘A pony in constant motion will break down.’

With this in mind I have an assignment for you. In one month’s time is the Summer Sun Festival. As you know every year I host one in smaller towns around Equestria. This year the town that had been selected is Ponyville.

My charge to you, is to travel to Ponyville, and make sure all proceedings leading up to the festival are done in a timely manner. I do know how you enjoy your check lists. It should be easy, and give you plenty of leisure time to enjoy that small town feel.

And Twilight, remember to make some friends.

Your Loving Mentor,
Princess Celestia’

Inside was a checklist, the location of their living arrangements, and two tickets for the train that afternoon. With that her heart deflated.

“Spike, please send Moon Dancer her gifts with my apologies. It looks like we are heading to Ponyville today.” She shuffled to her room to pack her essentials. Ears and tail hanging limply.

“And look who turned out to be right after all! Hah take that Sunbutt!” Orion practically crowed, enjoying the look of discomfort on the faces of the two mares across from him. He took a sip from his tea and grinned, his canines flashing in the afternoon light.

“She still hasn’t forgiven you for that remark by the way.” Twilight responded tersely.

“Yeah yeah I don’t give a shit.” His grin never wavered as he fixed Rarity with his gaze. “Your turn Marshmallow. Regale me with tales of Ponyville and what the hap has been.”

“I’m sorry Darling, but was that even Equish?” He laughed. He was having more fun at these two’s expense then they realized.

“What has been happening down in sleepy old Ponyville, Rares?”

Nodding like a schoolmarm that got the right answer out of a student, she leaned back and began to tell of what he had missed while he had been away. His fingers traced his left pocket on his pants.

Author's Notes:

Wooo another chapter completed, mostly on time.

Some of you may have noticed that this differs from the events of the show. I have taken liberties in creativity as I wanted Twilight to be different from the usual manic mare you all know in the show.

With this comes the end of Twilight's tale. Rarity's story will likely be a little longer as it will encompass not just her life up to Nightmare Moon, but the other lives of the elements that will soon call Ponyville home.

Then it will be onto his story, you know, the juicy bits, and what he got up to before the events that changed Equis.

I want to thank you all for your patience. As some of you know I recently found employment. I am placing updates to a two week period till I know more about how schedule will effect writing.

Finally I want to give a HUGE shout out to Omegacannon. They have helped keep my spirits up with some fan art that I am unable to set as a link so I will give their profile. Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your work my dude!

You can find them here.

Go give 'em some love.

Please leave a comment to remind me that y'all are here and watching for my eventual fall into madness. I love to hear from you guys.

I thank you for your continued support.

Thanks as always for reading.

Peace.

Purple Hopes

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Author's Notes:

PLEASE READ!

Hey folks. Long time no chat. I'm sure many of you have seen my postings about me getting a job and a new car. (Yay loans I love being in debt)

But I just wanted to give a y'all an update on this story and how it will be further updated. As I had stated in earlier messages, I will likely be taking two weeks to push out a chapter. The reason for this is because what I thought was going to be a part time gig, turned into a full-time gig with benefits.

This means I have more time to think about chapters, but less time to write them out, and I am sadly a slow worker when it comes to this stuff. So until I get a reliable schedule I will be keeping at a bi-monthly update.

Sorry.

Secondly I am in the market for an artist. I am looking to get characters illustrated for the story so if anyone knows of an artist comfortable with anthropomorphic art style, please send me a message.

Lastly. If you haven't noticed it yet. I love you guys. I am grateful for your support in likes and comments. Yesterday we broke 200 likes on this story and I could not be more floored. Thank you all so very much.

As always, thanks for reading.

Peace.

P.S. No 7,666 for this one. I guess I am safe from the devil this time.

Dawn had broken only an hour ago, yet the clash of steel on steel echoed from a third floor balcony nearby City Hall. Placed near the center of Ponyville, the Carousel Boutique was a large three story building that had once been a giant windmill for grain milling.

Rarity breathed evenly through her nose and out her mouth. A technique taught to her early in her instruction and she employed it now. Though she had long lost the feeling of being ‘centered’ as it had been explained to her, it did keep her from running out of breath. Which was important because her opponent was absolutely ruthless in the press of their attacks.

Speaking of, peering at the calm pose of her instructor she wanted to curse in disgust, but a lady does not debase herself in such a way.

Keen Edge was every bit as calm and collected as Rarity tried to project. Not a single strand of cherry blossom mane and tail were out of place. The touch of gray at her temples did not mar her almost regal appearance. Her blond fur still looked like it did when she had burst into her room an hour before dawn to begin her ‘training’.

A ritual that had been going on for the better part of six months, and this wasn’t the first time she felt she might have paid too much. To be treated this way was just so undignified.

Another wave of disgust washed over her, the damnable mare’s clothes weren’t even wrinkled! Meanwhile here she was sweating buckets, in the middle of the cooler part of April, still in her pajamas! It was enough to make any mare cry.

She slightly shifted her grip on the blunted sabre in her left hand. The fingers were still tingling after that last exchange and she had been forced to use that hand as Keen had stated ; “You are unbalanced. You must be able to use your weapon in any situation no matter what. You have relied far too much on your dominante.”

Thus had begun a grueling month of practice with her left hand. If not for the recently opened spa, Rarity would never have gotten through that first week of beatings.

But she had improved, measurably so. The problem was that it had been three hours now and she had yet to take a break at all. Even Mademoiselle Edge had taken breaks, only to make her go through forms over and over again as she sipped tea.

The attack would come again. Her instructor liked to wait before launching another barrage of swipes and strikes, never at any real set pattern that she could see. She could feel the bruises forming on her left hip and both sides of her rib cage where she had failed to defend herself properly.

“That is enough, I think.” The sudden but soft spoken words jolted her and she nearly lunged forward. “You are improving. I wasn’t sure if it was a fluke yesterday but today I can see it. At this rate I could likely enter you into a few tournaments back home without feeling ashamed that you are my student.” She smiled warmly, a gesture that softened the blow of those words. If only a little.

Rarity could only groan, but followed the proper forms of putting her weapon away. Once done she balefully glared at the source of her torture, rubbing at her left hand to work feeling back into it.

“Oh don’t pout my dear, this wasn’t that bad, and we learned the limits of your stamina as it is now. Besides, you will form wrinkles if you keep your face like that.” She had already long returned her own sword to it’s sheath, and had grabbed her cloak off the chaise lounger that had held the garment since the half asleep mare was forced up here. “I will see you in two days. Make sure to drink plenty of water,” and with that, she simply left.

Rarity wanted to drop something on the spiteful mare’s head as she exited her home. But she had paid for the service, and it was proving beneficial in keeping her waistline slim and her arms tone, and if she was being honest, her legs were absolutely fantastic. Anytime she caught a glimpse of them in her mirror she would stop to admire, then chide herself for being a narcissistic beast.

She grumbled, noticing the tea cup that had been left sitting on the patio table and she growled in exasperation. That wasn’t the first time Mademoiselle Edge had left a teacup behind without at least putting in the sink.

Snatching the porcelain up in her magic she stormed into her home proper, starting a pot of coffee and dumping out the tea. What a waste, though she could not bring herself to really care as she knew the tea brewed would not give her the kick she needed in order to motivate her to open her to start the day proper.

As she set about getting ready for the day she glanced at her apartment, and smiled through her exhaustion. She had come a long way from buying a dilapidated building to a full fledged business owner in a little more than two years. As the shower heated up her, mind wandered back to the journey she had undertaken to get to where she was now.

When she first bought the old mill she had gotten it at a steal, and was even happier with the location. Right down the street from the train station itself. She knew that new arrivals could see her store and would eventually come to look at one of the more unique looking buildings in town.

The reason she got it so cheap was simple, and more than once she wondered if she had been had. The old building had been a cheap buy, but the cost to refurbish ended up being more than she had a budget for. She was still paying off the loans.

As Ponyville expanded the windmill, which was now a boutique, had fallen into diservice as farms moved ever outward. This encouraged the construction of newer milling facilities to be built further out. That and the inefficiency the vertical-axis windmill presented at the time was not as productive as the later horizontal models proved to be.

Another reason was as the town grew in size, more and more pegasi arrived to manage weather and deliver important equipment to help the town in its early expansion efforts. The danger present to the flyers was apparent, as much of the air traffic congealed above the center of town. Which meant the windmill there presented a flight hazard, thus it was shut down in order to prevent unnecessary injuries.

Being the practical ponies that they were, the denizens of Ponyville opted to keep the structure and converted it into a makeshift warehouse. With the already sturdy nature of the building due to its original purpose, not much was needed to be done to the outside, save for removing the internal milling system and patching in holes left behind with their removal.

For years afterward the warehouse served the town well, seeing them through several disasters, however, poor management and even poorer repair schedules would be its downfall once again. After only a few decades the deed was surrendered to city hall for none to pick it up again. It seemed it was fated to be a blemish on the quaint rural town.

Until Rarity Belle had finally gotten a loan from her parents.

The mare had had her eye on the run down establishment since she was a filly. To her eyes, the place had such potential. She could see the colors, the layout out of where she could put all the ponyquins that would best display her work. There was a shop section in which she could bring forth her greatest creations. Even a living space at the top of the three story structure where she would never be far from welcoming her customers.

It would be transformed into a beacon of fashion to the entire world!

Of course she was being a bit dramatic, even she knew that. But the building did hold promise, and she had sold that idea to the Ponyville Chamber of Commerce. Though it had almost failed.

Mostly because Ponyville, for better or worse, was a farming community. Ponies didn’t care too much about fashion in the small town, as they were more concerned with crop yields and what might come out of the Everfree. Fashion was the last thing on anypony’s mind.

Rarity could have gone elsewhere. Could have set up shop in Manehattan, or even Baltimare. Though she shuddered to think of going to that last. With respect to the ponies of that city, it was rather unsavory. The stench alone was enough to peel the coat of polish right off her hooves.

In Manehattan she had the problem of competition. Too many boutiques for her to get her name out, and odds were she would likely be muscled out. The world of fashion was a dangerous place to be in for the mare that was unwary. Many in the business practiced less than pleasant negotiation tactics. She didn’t wish to awaken in the night to see her wares vandalized by the lowest bidder.

Canterlot had the problem of rental cost. Everything was far more expensive than what she could afford. That fact broke her heart every time she thought about it for she dreamed of being among the well-to-do upper crust of society. To attend the fancy balls and parties that were so common, and show off her abilities as a tailor.

But renting a property was nearly impossible with funds she currently had, and she would have to go through the government itself in order to get a place that was suitable.

Other cities were just too far away from her family. She knew one day she may have to leave them for greener pastures, but she was reluctant to do so just yet.

So she settled for opening up her store in Ponyville first. She would have to make practical things in order to make bits for upkeep. Expansion could come later, and with a store already anchored in one location, she could easily expand to the city of her dreams later.

But she couldn’t help taking a small measure of pride in it. While she was a city mare at heart, giving back to her community filled her with warmth. And maybe, just maybe, she could bring a little culture to her lovable backwards neighbors.

In the end it may have been less her passion for fashion, and more the practical nature of the residents themselves. It would cost more to tear down the structure than to sell it to her. Would save time too, and the local contractors could use the business.

So she got the building, at cost surprisingly, and began refurbishing.

It had taken nearly six months before she was ready to open for business. In that time she had behaved in a rather uncivilized manner much to her later shame.

Oh, it had been wonderful at first. But somewhere along the path of becoming a business owner, the rose colored glasses came off, and the ugly reality of maintenance reared its head.

The spiral started with the restoration itself.

She knew that the old mill turned warehouse was badly in need of repairs. It hadn’t been taken care of regularly since it was turned over to the city. What she hadn’t known was that it was infested with termites. Many of the support beams had to be replaced, and all the floorboards would have to be taken care of as well. Even some of the walls had the little beasts lurking inside them. Disgusting.

Her father jokingly asked if she got the insects at cost as well? She screeched, but otherwise said nothing to the laughing stallion. Though he was kind enough to increase the loan to cover the cost of repairs, he never quite let the humor go, much to her embarrassment.

The good news however, was that they discovered that the building still had its basement fully intact. Which meant she had a place to store her unfinished goods and fabrics. With enough mothballs to choke a leviathan of course.

The delay in restoration of the exterior was complicated by the weather ponies as they had to constantly usher in rain storms into place to make sure that crops got enough water. In retrospect she should have just waited till mid summer to start, but in the excitement of becoming a business owner she hadn’t realized what problems might arise.

That would prove to be her undoing for a great deal of the delays. As she had not bothered to check the schedule of many ponies that would be involved with her goals. Screaming could often be heard from the mare as mounting frustrations had gotten the better of her.

Spring was the high point of fabric sales, and she was fortunate that her father owned his own textile company because it meant that any purchases could come at a discount. The downside was she had to be placed on a waiting list. Spring was a busy time for her family's company, and just because she was family, didn’t mean she could cut in front of others.

It was horribly rude after all, and judging by progress on her store, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Still it irked her and she ground her teeth more than once when she realized she could not even get the fabric to start decorating the inside of the establishment till much later.

What began as a planted two month schedule ended up as a six month delay before everything was repaired and put just right. Finally, she could pick out the paint and make the decorations, even if she was already bone tired she would not allow for anypony else to make the decisions for her.

When it was all done however, excitement bubbled within her breast once again.

On the day of her grand opening she stared in wonder at the beauty of her establishment.

Soft sky blue walls with white trim, the support columns of a deep purple, the golden dark yellow curtains and shades that popped in the morning light, and all of it was covered in three separate tiled roofs of checkered pinks.

Even the glass was newly furnished and created colorful patterns inside her store when the sun shone just right. She had gone with glass with lead infused in it to give that rainbow effect.

It was Magnificent! Beyond what she had actually hoped toward the end. With her enthusiasm for the project waning she dreamed of just giving it up. But Hondo Flanks didn’t raise a quitter. So she stuck it out and was ecstatic that she did.

Just over the door sat her sign, ‘Carousel Boutique’. The lettering was written inside a ribbon that wrapped itself around the silhouette of a ponyquin. It was perfect.

Her family was of course there, as were the Apples they cheered their support loudly. The Mayor was a surprise indeed considering she had just barely approved the council’s decision.

With her, were the three council members that had actually given her the business license to operate inside the town limits. But Mayor Mare often liked to put her name on everything if it looked like a sure thing. She was always running for reelection after all.

The fact that she was there actually gave Rarity a little boost in confidence. It meant somepony believed in her idea and if there was one, there would be more. Even if the pony in question could flip in the other direction as quickly as one could blink.

There was one other notable attendee. An all pink mare that had come into town during the late fall of last year. She was a very strange mare, one that the burgeoning fashionista was having trouble deciding if she liked or not. But was leaning toward the liked column.

Her first encounter of the pony had not been a good one.

During the early days of surveying and evaluating the site for reconstruction, she had appeared and scared Rarity so terribly that she fell into the mud that had formed after a recent rainshower and ruined the gem encrusted speed suit she had made just for overseeing the construction efforts. It was white number that had a smattering of blue sapphires on the lapels. One of her best works.

And this deranged mare had RUINED it.

She had heard of this menace beforehand, going around town to introduce herself and asking a great deal of personal questions in a rush so fast that she left many a pony confused as to what had happened. It seemed her time was now.

She voiced her opinion of her state of filth quite loudly.

“YOU RUINED MY OUTFIT!” She proclaimed loudly over the fast talking disaster that had waltzed into her life.

“Oh silly filly! That’s a speedsuit! Its whole purpose is to get dirty and icky! Duh! Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah! My name is Pinkie Pie! It's so nice to meet you! You don’t mind if I ask you a few questions do you?! Of course not! You're a generous pony after all! Everypony says so! And if they say so then it must be so so I want to ask you about when your birthday is…”

It went on and on. Rarity idly wondered if the mare even needed to breathe. Just as quickly as she arrived she was bouncing away, her skirt fluttering up to anypony that cared to look as she wore no underwear. Ghastly.

She couldn’t be sure, but she was positive for whatever reason Miss Pie had weaseled out of her all of the important moments of her life. She dreaded what was to come of it.

Nothing truly terrifying ever did come of it. Instead was an odd sequence of events that led her to believe, once she had actually thought about it, that somehow Miss Pie was leaving cupcakes on days that held significance for her. They were her favorite too, Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting.

There seemed to be no malice from the mare other than her almost uncontainable joy at everything around her.

The biggest shock from her came on Rarity’s birthday.

She awoke that morning with a headache. More delays of course. There were always more delays. It was driving her mad.

Today was also her birthday, but unfortunately her parents were gone to Manehattan that week. They made promises to celebrate it on the weekend when they returned, but right then, Rarity would have loved to have had her spirits raised by her family.

But even little Sweetie Belle had been taken away, not that she needed the distraction but she would have loved to have been able to dote on the little filly instead of slumming it with the restoration crew she had hired.

Arriving at work, in a far more plain and less than presentable work speedsuit, she nearly lept out of her own fur at the combined shout of several ponies, mostly the work crew, as she had opened the door to her soon to be business.

“SURPRISE!!!”

She fell over in shock, and sat in an unseemly position on the stoop. Pinkie Pie was there to help her up, immediately giggling like a loon with a comical smile that seemed to stretch the mare’s face.

“Were ya surprised?! Huh? Huh?! HUH?!” She rapid-fired at her.

“Y-yes Miss Pie I was. Am! I am very surprised. But, what is the meaning of all this?” Somewhere along the so far brief conversation she had been ushered in and a cup of coffee had been pushed into her right hand. The smells of vanilla bean with some unknown spice assaulted her nose pleasantly.

“Oh silly, call me PINKIE!! This is your birthday party! What did you think it was? A wake for a funeral? No, don't answer, that was a silly question even for me!” Bewildered by the continued onrush of words and the well wishes from the many ponies already tearing into the cake, Red Velvet of course, Rarity was sat in a chair and a little purple party hat was stuck on her head. A larger than what she would permit herself slice of cake was pushed into her free hand.

“Oh thank you Darling, but I mean why? I didn’t ask for a party or anything like it. So why go through all of this?” Taking a sip of coffee, she elected to hold her cake plate in her magic as she gazed about the unfinished room that was now covered in streamers and balloons in various colours. How had the pink monster gotten all of this done? She had left late the previous night due to helping haul lumber up to the third floor, with her magic it had been easy but was also the source of her morning’s current headache.

“It’s your birthday! Why wouldn’t I do this?! Oh, here is some aspirin too! I almost forgot silly me!” A pair of white pills were pushed into her other hand.

“How did you know I had a headache, Miss Pie?” She took the pills quickly with a splash of the surprisingly delicious coffee.

“Call me Pinkie! And my Pinkie Sense told me!” She was still grinning.

“Pinkie...Sense?” Rarity replied dubiously.

“Yep, Pinkie Sense. First coined by my sister Limestone! Just before you walked in I got a twitchy right hoof and my third finger on my left hand curled in all twitchy itchy too! That meant that the next pony to walk through that door was going to have a headache! So I had some aspirin ready because, like, who doesn’t need pills after lifting all that wood by yourself. Especially after you sent everypony else home! So there ya go!”

Rarity’s mind swirled with the onslaught of thoughts that raged through her head. But the party had picked up into full swing and before she knew it she was enjoying herself. No work got done that day, but she didn’t mind in the end. It was nice that everypony wanted to celebrate her day with her, it was truly touching. Even her headache had vanished before the first hour was even over.

Mid-afternoon arrived and she decided it was a good idea to let everypony go home early. Choosing at the last minute she stuck around to help with cleanup, and she wasn’t the only one though she didn’t remember Mayor Mare joining in the festivities, but the elder pony was just as quick as those around her to pick up the trash and get the place ready to resume work tomorrow.

She shook her head and focused on the host of the party.

“Oh Darling. Thank you for such a wonderful birthday. I can’t remember when I last had that much fun.” She smiled warmly to whom she thought was the bane of her existence only a few months prior.

“No problem! I had lots and lots of fun too! I think a lot of ponies had fun today!” She giggled back as she quickly cleared tables at inpony speeds.

Rarity decided not to focus on the fact that the mare was doing the near impossible and asked a question she had asked before and hadn’t gotten a true answer to.” But I must ask dear, why throw me a party?”

Pinkie had stopped, a giant trash bag in her hands and her back to her. “Because everypony needs a pick me up when they are down. Because no pony should go through their birthday without a party and fun.” Turning around, the two tone pink mare had a small smile. The usual mirth in her eyes was subdued. “No pony should go through life without joy in their hearts. And you definitely needed and deserved joy.”

It was an oddly sentimental and a real feeling response she had gotten from her. It was not expected, and she had no real words to reply back with. So she simply said; “Thank you Miss Pie, for a wonderful day.”

The party mare was quick to boop her nose gently. “Silly filly, that's what friends are for!! And call me Pinkie!”

And friends they were, though she had never imagined she would ever become friends with somepony so energetic. It still somehow worked, but her efforts to get the mare to take care of that awful poofy mane had yet to bear fruit, but she wouldn’t give up!

Of course she hosted another party at Rarity’s grand opening. It was every bit as fun as her birthday, and of course she had more than her personal allowance in cake.

As she had suspected, the ponies of Ponyville didn’t go for her better, more fashionable clothing lines. At least, not at first.

Instead she sold more practical sets. Plain simple clothes were often what they wore in general. But she learned quickly that if she subtly combined her style with the cottons and wool that they preferred, the result was a far more fashionable populace without damaging their conservatives tastes.

At this rate she might have them wearing High Canterlonian fashion in a century. She had chuckled at the idea, for all her imagination she could not see it possible to watch a bunch of farmers and craftsponies greeting each other with the sophistication of blue bloods.

Opening her store in the fall called for her to produce the autumn and winter clothing lines that had been hastily drawn up and put together, she personally knew it wasn’t her best and that had upset her. However, it ended up working out surprisingly well, and by Hearths Warming she was already making more than cost for her monthly payments on her loans, if only barely. It was a miraculous holiday after all.

Watching herself in the mirror as she curled her mane, her coffee held at the ready in her magical grip, she sighed wistfully. Thinking back on the hectic day to day in those early months of opening, she found herself rather fond of the memories.

While she wouldn’t want to relive those days for all the bits in Canterlot, she still cherished the new friendships she had formed with the ruff and tough work crews, the pink ball of energy that was Pinkie Pie, even her suppliers were on first name basis with her.

Applying the complementing purple eye shadow she couldn’t help but smile. Almost three years on and she was thriving in the fashion world. Okay maybe that was a little too optimistic, but she was nearly done with her loans and the ponies of Ponyville were actually starting to buy much more decadent clothes, it made her giddy that her ideas somehow managed to catch on to everypony despite their rather reserved nature.

And last month she had gotten her first visitor from Canterlot. A noble mare named Fancy Breeze had just walked into her door and started pursuing her wares. The moment she had found out where she was from sent her blood racing.

That afternoon the mare had walked away with three custom dresses. It was only a matter of time before other nobles from Canterlot sought her out. Though the questions the mare asked did cause a mix of emotions.

She had no idea that the mare might have been Orion’s classmate. The noble mare had mentioned in passing that dreadful business a few years ago that had ended with his disappearance.

She had gotten Miss Breeze to speak a little more on him, but was surprised to learn he had very little overall interaction with anypony at his former academia. Not a single one save for some mare named Twilight.

To hear of his heroic efforts to save his class along with another noble sent her heart aflutter and remembering those strong arms that ended up holding her for a night.

But as always when it came to thoughts that drifted to the stallion, her mood became one of melancholy. He was still missing. No pony had heard anything. In the papers they announced that his body had never been recovered after going over one of the many waterfalls that fell from the city.

In Ponyville he was still venerated as a hero. A foolish one, but a hero nevertheless.

When news arrived that he was being tried as a spy for another nation, a few ponies believed it, but more refused to accept that the colt that nearly lost his life seeking peace for a family of their community was a traitor. Granny Smith being the loudest objector.

After the truth came out from the Princess’s own lips, a small shrine in the park was built to honor him, as no grave had yet been placed for him. Many residents suspected he died that night, and wished to honor him in some way.

Shaking her head, she applied her lipstick, red of course, after taking one last sip of her coffee. “Enough of that Rarity Belle! You have ponies to make fabulous today!”

It was a good day. Despite how the morning began Rarity had been busy getting measurements for custom orders and chatting excitedly with the mares who came in for an outfit for the Summer Sun festival coming up in a few months.

The town had petitioned for the event to happen here this year but was again disappointed. That honor would go to Dodge City. But that didn’t mean there would be no celebration in Ponyville. This meant a bunch of ponies would be coming to her, considering she was the only tailor in town, for a more flamboyant attire.

She loved this time of year because it allowed her to showcase her skill and style to everypony. She could take artistic liberties, to a certain extent, with new outfits during this time of year. Then afterward she could take what worked and apply it to everyday wear for the rest of the year because of how much they all enjoyed it.

Flipping the sign on her window closed she magically locked the door as she began to roll up the sleeves on her white blouse. Time to clean then make herself some dinner.

She barely stifled a shriek from the abrupt pounding on her door and jiggling handle. Placing her hand over her heart, her gaze bore holes into the wood of the door at whomever had scared her the tartarus out of her.

Finally after her heart had run its course in its panicked flight, she checked her visage in the mirror in case she needed to fix her mane, and marched to the still pounding door. Swinging it open revealed a panting, drenched wet, cerulean mare with of all things a short kept rainbow mane and tail.

It was a bizarre style that at first she thought was a terrible mane dye job. But as she really took in her look she realized the poor mare was actually born that way. If she remembered correctly, Multi-hue Poliosis often caused ponies to have three or more colors, but until today she had only read about the condition in fashion magazines.

Taking in the mare’s appearances as she slowly stood up the first thing that came to her mind was tiny. Not to say she was a filly. But her height came up to just below Rarity’s neck as best she could guess. Rarity by no means was a giant of a mare herself but she was a bit over average. To her eye the rainbowed maned individual may have been no taller than five foot two.

She was surprised to see such a dainty mare in the Ponyville Weather Patrol gear, even with the larger than normal wings she couldn’t imagine her doing the job with anything other than difficulties.

The one piece blue with white piping speed suit had actually been designed by her this year. She had cut the city council a huge discount to snag the contract from a company in Manehattan. The suit was fashionable and functional as it was made partially with cloud cotton to allow pegasi to channel their natural magics in manipulating the clouds to their purpose.

She even added gloves of the same material for added cloud control.

She was rather proud of that one as she had stayed up studying pegasus morphology so she could make the pitch to them just right.

To top off the outfit were a pair of specialized goggles that had a special chemical treatment for rainwater to slide right off.

It was a uniform Rarity was proud to design and a little surprised to see it as soaked as it was. Perspiration couldn’t account for this. There was also no rain scheduled for today.

“May….may I help you, Miss…?” She finally asked with more than a bit of trepidation. Her anger at being scared had all but vanished and she was beginning to be a little concerned for the pony.

The blue mare raised her hand, a finger pointed up, “Gimme...a second...storm….big...too long.” The scratchy voice was not what she had expected to erupt from her mouth. She had reasoned a more quiet tone.

“Take your time, dear. I would not want you passing out on my doorstep after all.” She folded her arms and waited.

“Hah hah...yeah. Wouldn’t be good for...my image.” She gulped audibly and Rarity made a note to offer her some water once her business was concluded. “Okay… I think I’m good.”

Standing up to her full height the diminutive mare gazed up at her with a frown on her face. “Great another giant. Are all you Ponyville types ginormous or something?”

She bit back a laugh for the sake of the mare’s pride. “I believe so, yes. I think it’s something in the water. Maybe our diet. It is a mostly earth pony farming community after all.” She smiled.

“Oh ha ha. Not like I haven’t heard that joke everyday since I got here. Anywho. My name is Rainbow Dash. Sorry I’m late, but I got wrapped up in something important that I couldn’t avoid.” She stuck out her still wet hand.

Not wanting to be impolite, Rarity shook it with only a slight grimace. “And I am Rarity Belle. Owner and Operator of Carousel Boutique, and you mentioned something about a storm?”

“Oooh yeah that. No biggie really. Just one of those Everfree storms I had been warned about. We got a message about one coming in and I went out to handle it. It was bigger than I thought it would be. But I beat it back no problem” She stuck out her chest proudly, her wings slightly expanding to accentuate her size.

“You handled an Everfree storm front. By yourself?” She said incredulously. This mare handling any storm from that damnable forest? “Highly unlikely.”

“Yep. Not only am I the newest member of the Ponyville Weather Team, I’m also the fastest flyer in all of Equestria!” Fists on hips joined the pose.

Rather than call the mare a lair, as she was tempted to do. She would withhold judgement as she had learned never to judge one's character by their appearance. A certain ruffian taught her that.

“That sounds impressive. But I must apologize Miss Dash, I have closed for the evening. If you’d like to come back tomorrow…” She trailed off seeing the forlorn look on the mare’s face.

“Awww man. I’m gonna be busy training for the next three days. I won’t have time. Between the weather team and my training this was the only day I could schedule to come out here and that bucking storm ruined it all.” She kicked a hoof into the stone patio. Rarity cringed at the word ‘buck’. She never did like cursing.

“Well if you had made time to come in earlier today, why didn’t you just hand off the storm to another member of the team?” A small blush formed on her blue face.

“I guess I didn't really think about it. Everypony has been really awesome in showing me the ropes. They all knocked off early today and I thought I could wrap it up quickly so the stand-by team would be rested to handle any trouble tonight.”

A small smile graced Rarity’s lips.

That was a kind and thoughtful gesture, a generous one. And the loyalty she showed despite being a new hire was commendable. She caved.

“Alright Darling, since you were held up by the weather, I’ll make a one time exception. But don’t expect this to be a regular event.” She admonished with a finger.

“YES! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!” The exuberant mare shouted in that scratchy tone of hers as she leapt into the air and hovered in a spin. That was an impressive move as she had only seen pegasi hover in the air with a wobble. It was almost like she wasn’t even moving. Most impressive indeed.

“Settle down Miss Dash, and please come in. I'll get you a towel and then we can work out what you need.” She ushered in her newest client with a smile. “This may prove interesting.”

After Rainbow Dash had dried off they retired to her work room on the second level.

The room was purples and pinks much like the rest of her establishment, the carpet holding the deepest purple. Bolts of cloth proudly sat on their shelves in order of importance. She also had three ponyquins set up in the left corner, to be pulled out and used as needed. Finally there was her tilted drawing table and crafting table in front of the window off to the right. She was rather proud of the set up and allowed her to maximize the small space as needed.

“Stand over on the dias Miss Dash.” She gestured toward the raised platform in the center of the room. “First I would like to take your measurements then we can discuss the style you wish, with some helpful suggestions from myself. Oh and be a dear and remove the suit if you would. I would like to get accurate measurements.”

“What's a dias?” The mare looked at her, befuddled.

“Oh Dear.”

“The raised platform right there” She gestured again.

“Ah Okay! You sure you want me to strip? All I got is my underwear on….and it isn’t my best.” She undid the flight belt and began to snap the button off the top to get at the zipper underneath.

“That’s fine Darling. I am a professional and I understand when a mare can only wear her not so fancy undergarments.” She smiled kindly, turning to grab some sketch paper, her notepad, and her trusty sewing tape.

She could hear zippers in motion and the shuffle of clothes as the weather gear was dropped to the ground. Turning around she hissed through her teeth.

Apparently, Rainbow Dash was noticeably bustier than she had suspected. The aging wire bra that held her assets in place was not just old, but several sizes too small for the poor mare. A quick examination of the rest of her showed the athletic body she suspected. Besides her breasts, the wings were the biggest thing about her.

“Miss Dash. Please for the love of Celestia, tell me that is not the average for your bra size.” She had already stormed around the again visibly confused mare.

“Uh, yeah actually. It’s so these things don’t slow me down. They're too big and they cut down on my speed if I don’t wear smaller bras.” She gripped the subjects, attempting to make them appear smaller.

Rarity was appalled. Not only was this mare wearing smaller bras, but she was doing it on purpose! “Does that not hurt!?”

“Well yeah. But I’m used to it. I barely noticed anymore so it's all good.” She smiled at the fashionista, oblivious to the horror she had visited upon her store.

Said fashionista scowled and walked over and flicked her right in the left breast.

“OW!!! WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT FOR!!!” Rainbow Dash fell over sprawling as she clutched her chest.

“That is tenderness. Your breasts are over sensitive to pain now. I would imagine you have trouble breathing to boot. You can not be wearing undergarments too small for you.” It was then she noticed how thread bare the mare’s underwear was and glanced away blushing. “I would also advise you to purchase serviceable underwear. I can see everything and it makes you look like a dirty vagabond.”

It was the cerulean mare’s turn to blush as she struggled to stand once again, hiding her decrepit panties. “That shit is expensive. I don’t have the money for all that.”

“But you're working for the Ponyville Weather Team! How do you not have the money for new clothes?!” This was ridiculous. She couldn’t understand what was going on with the multi-colored maned mare.

“I just started, okay! I don’t get paid till the end of the week and I needed clothes. I have no bits to pay for anything yet so I was hoping to use a credit system and pay you on Friday…” She trailed off, then snapped her lips shut looking anywhere but at the proprietress.

Rarity gapped for a moment as thoughts whirled in her head. “Miss Dash. Where are you staying?”

She didn’t get an answer. But she could see tears forming in her eyes as her gaze looked anywhere but at her.

“You are homeless…”She spoke in a breathy whisper. “You don’t have anywhere to stay?”

“I do, but my aunts adopted a filly a couple years back and had yet to let me or my parents know. They….they offered me to stay, but with the kid their bits are tight and I didn’t want to cramp their style.” She chuckled. “The filly is a spitfire though.”

She sat down and appraised the mare once again. “So to ease any burden on family, you are living on your own out in nature of all places. That is a very noble action, but is so foolish. Where are you staying?”

“Um….heh heh...In the clouds...actually.” She ran her fingers through her mane.

“Not anymore.” She was no longer surprised, and even expected it. Pegasi did enjoy taking naps in clouds, but to do so every night, however temporary, was abhorrent.

“Huh?”

“Miss Dash, until you gain the funds suitable to purchase your own home or afford to have one built you will stay with me. I cannot in good conscience allow you to continue on this way. You will get sick, and I will not abide that possibility.” She stated, sitting primly in her stool.

“Uh, yeah I think I know what you’re sayin’....are you sure though? I don’t want to be any trouble. It’s okay I should have enough to have my home built in a couple of months….” She trailed off under Rarity’s stern gaze.

“I am sure, and you will accept. If you feel guilty I will charge you appropriate rent for your stay.”

“I….okay….yeah...sure that would be awesome. Thank you so much! I don’t know how I’m ever going to pay you back for this!” A real smile blossomed on her face.

“Well rent can handle that. But we will discuss that later. I have several spare rooms I am not using and a spare bed we can move into any of them. It will be a single. But it should be more than enough to meet your needs.” She grabbed her tape measure and stood up.

“Yeah I don’t need a whole lotta room, just a place to stash my things.” Rainbow Dash smiled and climbed back on the dias. “Okay. Let’s get this over with. I gotta go grab my things, it's not much but I left them in somepony’s barn today. Not sure they will be happy about that.”

“Was it a red one in an apple orchard?” There were several farms out and around Ponyville, but none as large as Sweet Apple Acres.

“Oh yeah it was, it was tempting to snatch a couple apples but I didn’t have the bits to pay for that outside normal meals.” She stretched out her arms.

“Oh yes Applejack would be very upset with you if she were to find out you stole apples from her family.” She had yet to step up to the dias. “Now, would you do me a favor?”

“Yeah sure what do ya need?”

“Lose the bra, and the underwear. I am going to have to replace your undergarments with something more...suitable.”

“But I can’t afford that!” She nearly screeched, not yet moving to shed her final wear.

“Pish posh, I am doing this on the house, for your health and my peace of mind. Now, STRIP!”

Painful Hope

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The sudden sound of splintering wood and shattered tile broke Rarity’s concentration like a dinner plate. She had been working on a customer's dress for the better part of three days, and the sudden and violent noise had caused her to prick her finger with a needle.

She knew she should have just used magic to do the work rather than her own hands, but needlework was rather intricate and she wanted to be precise.

The pricked finger had leaked a drop of blood almost instantly into the white cashmere that made up the majority of the wedding dress, which caused her to tisk in frustration as she used a low level charm spell to clean the spot before it became a stain.

She personally liked charm spells herself as they were easy to learn and less mana draining then other more formulaic spells that required more focus and discipline. Charms like the ‘deiectionem’ often saved her in her early days, as it did so today.

Sunny Day would not have so sunny a disposition should something befall her wedding dress after all.

Putting away her equipment for the time being she rose calmly from her stool and marched toward where the sound of destruction had come from. She suspected the guest bathroom judging from the impact and sound of tile breaking.

She sighed. Rarity knew it was going to happen eventually. Too many near misses by her athletic housemate in the past couple of months to even be surprised it happened. If anything she was astonished it took so long.

Despite Rainbow Dash’s immense speed and agility in the air, the cerulean pegasus had an almost comical and often clumsy touchdown strategy. It often involved extreme speeds of which left very little room for deceleration.

Today was the day she had finally paid for it.

Rather than be upset, Rarity could only laugh. After the first close flyby that had rattled the windows and scared a customer out of the changing rooms, she had begun putting the weekly rent money aside for such an occasion that she knew would one day arrive.

This, however, was not the only issue she had had with her guest.

The mare was notorious for leaving her dirty laundry all over her room, and just outside her door as well. Rather than complain with no solution, she had purchased a hamper from Barnyard Bargains and placed it inside her room.

Surprisingly Rainbow Dash had used it, though the morning after when she had walked into the kitchen she bore a sheepish expression. At least the mare was not slow to take the hint.

Walking down the hall she opened the door into Rainbow’s room, marched around the unkempt bed, and then opened the door into the bathroom. She almost guffawed to the sight that she beheld, hand tightly over her mouth till she regained control of herself.

The prismatic speedster had managed to bury herself through the wall from the outside. She hung from her waist up into the bathtub. Remarkably, she was not bleeding, but she must have been going faster than normal for her to plow straight through the wall like that. Still the scene did leave her with some giggles at the mare’s misfortunes.

“Well Rainbow, dear.” Mirth was heavy in her voice as she tried to sound stern. “Per-perhaps you should have paid more attention during basic flight training.” She struggled to hold her laughter in as the mare could only glare in frustration as pieces of tile continued to drop unmercifully onto her head as she struggled to free herself.

“Oh ha ha, Rares.” She deadpanned. “Could you give me a hand, my flank is stuck…”She shimmied her hips in a vain attempt to dislodge herself. “I’m so stupid. The ‘Double Double Barrel Corkscrew Supreme’ was not ready yet, and I let that little filly talk me into showing it off to her friends anyway….”

As Rainbow complained, Rarity encircled her hips in her magic and tugged hard, with their combined strength the plaster covered mare finally popped free and landed on her face on the tile floor.

“Well my dear, I hope you have learned the lesson of peer pressure and its ills. I know you like the attention, but I hope the embarrassment has shown you it is not worth it. Although I must advise, the next time you decide to pull off one of your stunts, do it outside and away from town. Not everypony is going to be as understanding as I am.”

“Yeah yeah. Though I’m surprised you’re not more pissed off. I thought for sure that you would be yelling at me by now.” Standing up she started to dust herself off, as futile as that was considering the plaster was literally everywhere.

“Language Rainbow Dash.” Not the first time, nor would it be the last. She was just grateful that Sweetie was never around when the colorful mare decided to be well, colorful. “As to your question. I am frustrated with you. But yelling at you will accomplish nothing other than cause a rift between us that should not be.”

“I know you are practicing to get into the Wonderbolts. But you need situational awareness when performing your stunts and tricks. But while we are on the subject, would you kindly stop ‘buzzing’ my home when you are working?” She was more than a bit peeved by that. It happens at least twice a week.

“Yeah, I suppose that's fair. Well better take off and find Scoots and her friends, make sure they aren’t causing any trouble. I will pay for this to be cleaned up and fixed. I’m really sorry Rarity…” She stuck her hands into the pockets of her loose capri pants.

“You already have, Darling. That is what your rent is for after all. Now go make sure your cousin and my little sister are not getting into any mischief. Oh and Applebloom I suppose, though she is the more responsible of the three.” She mused.

“Che’yeah right. That’s like saying Derpy is always on time!” Rainbow chortled to herself.

“Hush, Derpy is a good mailmare. She may not get your package to you right on schedule, but she always gets your package to you without fail.” She liked the pony, but she did have to agree that delivery through her tended to be a longer affair then one would desire.

The soft bong from the clock in the room made her jerk in surprise. It was half past eleven.

“Drat. It seems that is all the work I am going to get done with today.” She grumbled.

The prismatic mare looked at her puzzled. “What? Why? There's still plenty of time in the day. Aren’t you still working on that dress for Sun Spot?”

“Her name is Sunny Day, Rainbow. I swear you never listen in the morning when we talk of our plans. I was hoping to get most of the embroidery done this morning. However, with your ill-timed stunt pulling me away, I will have to shelve the project till tomorrow. I have other things that must be done before the day is out.”

Both walked out of the guest bathroom to stand in the hall. “Like what….OH! You got a hot date dontcha!?” Exclaimed Rainbow, a sly grin plastered onto her face.

Rarity could only blush a little from embarrassment. Mostly because her love life had not gotten the traction she wanted despite the many admirers and offers for such events and more.

Most stallions, and a few mares, were just so boring. Not that she tried to be rude about it, a lady should never be rude after all. But if she were being completely honest, they lived linear lives with no clear goal other than enjoying themselves. It was nice, but it wasn’t what she was seeking.

“No Rainbow, not a date. I do have an appointment however. Well, Opalescence has an appointment to be accurate. I have put it off long enough and she must have her check up.”

The mention of the feline’s name made her friend’s face scrunch up in disgust. “Oh you talkin’ about ‘The Beast’!” She waved her arms dramatically.

She hated when Rainbow Dash disparaged her precious kitten like that. Opalescence was just a bit of a moody feline is all. Though she did wonder what put the two at odds.

“Don’t call her that!” She had proceeded to retrieve her cat carrier, with her housemate in tow, from the attic and began to shut the curtains with her magic as she passed in search of the other elusive housemate.

Her fluffy snuggly kitten was in the kitchen at her bowl waiting to be fed. Just as originally planned.

Opalescence was definitely a creature of habit. Two meals twice a day without fail, and she would always be near her bowl when it was feeding time. However, today she didn’t get her morning meal as her veterinarian advised against it.

So that forced the poor feline to come back again and again for her food that was sadly not there.

“I’m so sorry my Opal-wopal!” She could hear gagging noises from behind her that she chose to ignore. “I have to take you to the veterinarian now. Mrs Dew Drop asked me not to feed you for your check up.”

At the word ‘veterinarian’, Opalescence went into panic mode and tried to scamper, claws fully extended, out the smooth tiled kitchen. Wise to the feline’s tactics, including what happens if she picks her up by hand, Rarity smoothly levitated the fleeing kitten right into the carrier.

Ignoring the low yowls of anger coming from within the container, she turned to address Rainbow Dash.

“Now Rainbow, I expect you to clean up the rubble from the bathroom as soon as possible. After I drop off Opalescence at her appointment I will be stopping by ‘Ponyville Accel Construction’. I have to commission them to rebuild the wall you so thoroughly destroyed. So make sure to cover up the wall to keep the elements out as I have no idea how long it will take them to make time in their schedule for me.”

The mare sighed in exasperation. “Fine. Yeah I know it's my fault in all that. After that I hafta find the fillies. No telling where they went off to.”

“If anypony could find them quickly, it’s you Miss Dash.” She smirked at her irked friend. She hated being called by a title. With that she was out the door with the cat carrier in tow.

“I am sorry Dear, but what do you mean she is out? I made this appointment three weeks ago?”

While not quite the wail she could produce, the question still made the poor purple stallion behind the reception desk cringe slightly.

“I am truly sorry Miss Belle, but unfortunately Mrs Drop hasn’t been into the office in over four days. Nopony knows where she has gone to. Her family hasn’t seen her, nor has any ponies in Ponyville to be honest. She's just…..gone.” There was more than a little fright in his eyes at the idea.

The idea was unsettling for her as well. She said a small prayer for the mare, hoping for her safe return. But now she was out of options, unless she wanted to go to Manehattan just for Opalescence to get an appointment.

Noticing the down look that she bore, the stallion spoke up. “There is somepony else that might be able to take a look at Miss Opalescence.” Her ears perked up before her head, hope gleaming in her eyes. He smiled. “This mare is a licensed veterinarian as well, however she tends to take care of wild animals as opposed to domesticated house pets. But she may be willing to help you. I hear she has a soft heart for animals. Though she is very shy around ponies.”

She only hoped her prayer for Mrs Drop was answered as well as this one was.

“Oh thank you so much. Where does this mare have her office?”

“Oh she lives on the southern outskirts of town, near where the Everfree and Whitetail woods nearly meet. You remember the old cottage out there?” A nod. “Well apparently she bought it in loose bits and fixed it up. So it looks brand new. I think she moved in at the beginning of spring.”

Ah one after her own heart. A shrewd businessmare that looked for the deal and struck true. Though she wished her place of business and residence didn’t reside so close to that ghastly forest. It should be safe enough.

“I feared I would have to leave Ponyville for her appointment! I do so hope they find Mrs Dew Drop soon, but if you would excuse me.” He nodded with a smile as she briskly walked out of the reception office. “Thank you again!” She shouted as she exited.

On her way back across town, she decided to take a side street and get that request in. Accel Point should be in her office this close to lunch time. Her and her brother had organized the work crews that helped reconstruct her home and business, and she couldn’t imagine anypony else doing the much needed repair then them.

A quick stop and a just as brief discussion and she was back on the march across town. Now with a receipt and a time when they would come out and take care of the hole in her home. It was going to be in the afternoon. Much to her joy.

As she was passing across the market district she could easily spot Applejack sitting at her stall. It was the low point in shopping as most ponies were either working, or out getting lunch. So the market held only a few ponies that were looking through wares.

Another quick decision and she turned to have a chat with her longtime friend.

Of the pair, Rarity believed Applejack had been the one to change the most. Still shorter than her brother, the mare stood tall over most other ponies in town. Her manner of dress had largely stayed the same, despite the white mare’s best efforts, and she still wore her father’s hat. Though she had certainly grown into that.

The real change had come in her manner of speech and the raw muscle that she had put on her body in recent years. Both a product of her visits to Appleloosa during the winter months.

Applejack took Orion’s disappearance particularly hard. Her whole family did, though that was not surprising considering the close bonds they had formed with him. From what she could squeeze out of Big Mac, Granny Smith had actually tried to sue the throne for negligence over it all. Of course nothing came of that.

But for her friend, she threw herself into farm work with abandon. It was months before she came into town again, and her mood had been dark and angry. Many ponies avoided her all together, and more often than not her brother attended the stall instead of her.

It had finally come to a head one day after Applejack had nearly beaten a stallion into unconsciousness. Straight Steel had always been a pernicious colt growing up, and it was no secret he wanted to bed the mare since they were teens.

From what Rarity could later gather, Straight had made the grievous mistake of speaking ill of Orion in front of AJ. Before anypony realized what happened she had grabbed the stallion and proceeded to make him one with the apple stall. It was not a pretty picture.

That summer she was sent to Appleloosa. The Ponyville Guard had been understanding of the situation, but had demanded some kind of punishment, so off to the desert town she had been sent. After she had been thoroughly chewed out by Granny Smith, of course.

When her friend came back the spring of next year, she was very different.

The morning the first train had pulled into the station, out had stepped Applejack. Her fur had been bleached somewhat, another byproduct of working in the hot sun of the south. But what really caught the attention of everypony was her build. The baby fat was gone. In place was an intimidating looking mare.

It had been told to Rarity that she had marched from the train station directly to Straight Steel’s home, and apologized to him, leaving him baffled to say the least. After that things seemed to settle down for the cow mare.

However, every winter she would leave Ponyville for Appleloosa once more, right after Hearths Warming.

It was then that she had learned that her friend had become quite the pugilist. Her cousin, a stallion named Braeburn had helped her get over her anger and resentment by teaching her to box, and she would often return to learn new techniques and brush up on her talent with somepony that could take a hit from her.

This had actually prompted the fashionista to look for her own method of self defense education. Not wanting to bulk up like her friend, she chose the path of nobles and spent a great deal of both money and time learning to fence. At first she had wanted nothing to do with the dirty mess of self improvement, but the more she had thought about it, she began to see why her friend had done it.

Not just for a way to vent her anger and frustrations, Applejack blamed herself for the injuries that Orion had sustained that night against the timberwolves. She truly believed it should have been her to seek vengeance for her family and not him.

Her own feelings on it had been the same. A lady does not allow a stallion to get hurt like that after all. Thus she hired the services of Keen Edge and had begun her own training. The results were more pleasurable than she had ever suspected.

She smiled as she approached the stall, Applejack had just finished receiving payment from a customer and grinned broadly at her white friend.

“Well howdy, Rarity! What brings you to my stand? Looking for some delicious apples straight from the farm?” She belted out in a thick southern drawl.

And there was the other change. She had always held a twang of the south in the manner of her speech, but since her regular visits to Appleloosa had begun, the accent had thickened. Internally anytime she heard her speak she cringed. She just sounded so undignified, though she never judged her friend for it.

“No Applejack, I am just visiting you today, and perhaps inviting you over for dinner this weekend so we can catch up. It has been ages since we last sat down together and I miss that.” She smiled broadly herself.

“Well shucks, I think that would be a swell time. Haven’t had your home cooking in a coon’s age. That sounds mighty fine time indeed. Should I bring anythang?”

“Oh just yourself, and maybe some of your grandmother’s pie. Does Saturday afternoon sound good to you?” She stood off to the side so other ponies could approach the stand. No sense in impeding commerce after all.

“I think I can get ya some of that fer sure.” Just then she noticed the cat carrier held in Rarity’s telekinetic grasp. “What’s with the ol’ cat cage? Opal finally made you madder than two badgers in a sack?”

“Why does no pony like Opalescence?”

“No dear. I’m just taking her in for a check up. But my usual veterinarian Mrs Dew Drop is missing. Has been for four days. Nopony knows where she has gone. Nor have they seen her leave. It is quite concerning.”

“Huh, well don’t that beat all. Last time I was down in Appleloosa, some folks had gone missing as well. Nopony had seen anythang then either.” Both mares grew quiet from that little revelation. “Well, where ya off ta then is not the vets?”

“I was informed that there was another with a license and practice. She lives south of town toward the Everfree.”

“Oh yeah! I know her! She’s a real quiet type. Don’t get along with ponies that well, but loves animals. Beware she has a bear over there.” She chuckled. “I just made a rhyme. Anyway, just speak real soft like, she's pretty timid but she gots a way with animals. Even Winona pays attention when she speaks. Really strange if I’m bein’ honest.”

Alarmed at the thought of a wild bear living in residence she had to ask. “Shouldn’t I be concerned about the bear!?”

“Naw. Harry is harmless. The only thang you gots to worry about is him sneakin’ up on ya and giving you a hug. Heh! For you that would be a death sentence for your fancy clothes.” She could barely contain her laughter at the idea of Rarity attire getting a hairy mauling.

The fashionista’s stomach sank. Maybe she should just make the trip to Manehattan instead.

The cottage was gorgeous. Not something Rarity herself would wish to live in herself, but it was wonderfully scenic.

Just over a short bridge that crossed a small stream coming out of the Whitetail woods, was a deceptively small home that seemed to have been grown from the hill itself. The path from the bridge to the home was gravel with a mix of larger stones for stepping on in regular intervals.

Around the side there was a small chicken coop, complete with its complementary assortment of chickens and a rooster. They clucked away pecking the ground as the rooster stood guard. Little chicks running about beneath his bulky body.

Dug into the hills were a myriad of dens and holes she had noticed before the crossing of the bridge, but now they were in abundance. Rabbits, stoats and even a few foxes played around with each other. A true miracle considering the predatory nature of the foxes.

The house itself was lovely, looking almost as one with the hillside, it had tan yellowish walls with wood beams as support. The windows were rounded, one being left open as birds zipped in and out. The door was also rounded with a doorknob right in the center gleaming brightly.

The roof was verdant green, and on a closer inspection, she could see that it was actually grass that swept back into the hill itself, a novel concept but she couldn’t help but wonder how the home stayed dry. It must leak terribly.

Intermingled with the grasses on the roof were more windows, in half shapes, and birdhouses in a plethora of colors and designs. With the birds flitting about it set such a wonderful scene. Like something out of a fairytale, and for a moment, Rarity was taken back to her childhood.

As she steadily approached she noticed all the animals had stopped to look at her. No. That's not right, they were looking past her. A white rabbit amongst them seemed to be, was it grinning?

She had never heard the bear approach. The advice Applejack had given her had fled her mind the moment she laid eyes on the gargantuan beast that was already on his hind legs, paws outstretched.

Rarity didn’t know what happened next though surely she did scream. As her heart decelerated from its rapid beat she noticed a solid wood ceiling above her head. Sitting none to quickly she held her head with a hand as she gazed about the surprisingly large and comfy looking living room.

She had been laying on a large green upholstered couch with simplistic wood trim and feet. A matching green chair in a similar style sat adjacent to it with a large coffee table between them.

Behind the chair was a moderately sized fireplace, its firebox and grate clean with a pile of wood sitting just ready to be lit. Her eyes were drawn to the walls next as she slowly rose to her hooves.

Said walls had bookshelves set inside them as one with the structure. Painting of animals and a few pictures of what she suspected was the owner of the home’s family was all around her. She noticed the round door and managed to put two and two together to realize she had not been eaten by the beast, but whisked away inside the home after she had likely passed out.

She blinked, the door actually sat a few feet off the ground, a set of stairs leading up to it. That did explain why the windows were set so high, and why the house seemed bigger than normal at first glance. It was because it was literally built into the hill itself.

Rarity shook herself from her musings and inspection.

It was time she found her saviour, and belatedly realized that Opalescence was nowhere to be found either. She reeled in panic as she felt the desire to faint away wash over her. Steeling herself she set out to find her lost kitten.

She gently walked around the coffee table and toward an open portal that she found led into the kitchen. The scent of fresh mint tea being brewed wafted into her nose. The kitchen itself shared the same motif as the living room. An all wood table sat with a tea set and cookies upon its surface, four green and brown kitchen chairs sat around pushed in.

A noise brought one of her ears around, tilted back. That came from above if she was not mistaken. Walking back out of the kitchen she noticed another set of stairs, this one ascending to a second floor. Set under those stairs was a door she could only presume went to some sort of cellar or basement.

She decided to take the stairs up and see what she could find on the floor above.

At the top of the stairs she heard voices. Well one actually, it was soft and melodic and was punctuated with giggles and soft coos. “Is there a foal in the house?”

As turned around looking for the source, words began to reach her constantly moving ears.

“Oh my, that must have been very silly. But again, I’m sorry about Harry. He didn’t mean to scare your owner. Oh sorry. I mean your servant.” Another giggle.

“Just who is talking and to whom?”

She approached a door on the far end of the hall, now ignoring the environment around her as she crept as quietly as she could. The door was cracked open and she peered in.

There sat Opalescence on a small cushion, a dish that looked to have been full of cream in front of her. She looked quite content and purred and meowed regularly as a slender butter yellow furred hand petting and scratching her head.

“I really should be checking on her, Miss Opalescence. Yes I know she was planning to take you to a veterinarian. Technically, I’m a veterinarian.” A pause and a low meow from Rarity’s companion. “Oh no I would never use needles unless you were sick. I know it hurts but sometimes they’re necessary.”

“She….she’s talking to Opalescence?” The one sided conversation began to replay in Rarity’s head and something stuck out to her. “Servant?!”

Shifting her weight to the other hoof her view panned until she spotted the owner to the hand.

Her breath caught. She had been expecting an earth pony, as most veterinarians were. It was theorized that because of an earth pony’s nature to be one with the environment, rather than controlling it like the pegasi and unicorns do, that made them better animal caretakers as well as harvesting crops.

Instead, sitting next to her kitten’s makeshift bed, was a demure yet tall pegasus mare. Wearing a cream colored blouse that was conservatively buttoned to the top and a long ankle length green skirt. Despite the somewhat thicker clothing, Rarity could tell that the mare bore a svelte form over all, but she could not help but notice the flared hips and broad chest that the chosen outfit was trying in vain to hide.

Taking her face in she had a flash of jealousy rip its way through her. The pegasus was absolutely beautiful. Where the fashionista had to work, not much mind you, to gain that extra bit of beauty she always bore, this mare had it in spades. The long curling mane, and rich butter cream fur complimented her apparent gentle nature nicely.

“Some mares just have all the luck do they not? Not even a mar or blemish. No makeup even!”

She shook her head and silently chastised herself. Those were not the thoughts of a lady, the admitted veterinarian didn’t have a personal hand in the genetics lottery. She was just blessed.

The creek under her left hoof made her want to curse, and of course the subject of her examinations just had to notice that.

The butter yellow mare had gone from a relaxed pose to wide eyed fright, wings extended and pupils the size of pinpricks.

“I… I am so sorry, Darling. I did not mean to frighten you, however, when one wakes up in a place they were not before they tend to investigate.” Which was true, to an extent. She should have called out the moment she woke up, but nerves and suspicion kept her lips sealed as she skulked about.

“Skulked. Such an awful word.” But she would not deny that was essentially what she had done.

Standing up she slowly pushed the door all the way and looked at her kitten. “There you are, Opalescence. I was worried when I woke up and you were not there. Or anywhere I looked.” She turned back to the mare, her stance more relaxed but she had taken time to draw her mane over the majority of her lovely face. “Thank you as well for taking such good care of her. I take it you are the veterinarian I was told about?”

For a long moment Rarity wasn’t sure she would get an answer. The pegasus mare had almost recoiled when she had spoken to her.

“I am…”

She blinked, she thought she had heard something.

“I’m sorry, Darling….but did you...say something?” She wasn’t sure she did, but she wanted to be safe rather than sorry in assuming.

“I am a veterinarian….”

So she was speaking, it was just so quiet she hadn’t been sure. She smiled carefully, she was beginning to suspect this mare was of a fragile constitution. No sense in frightening her after coming this far.

“Oh, I am very happy to meet you. Again, please excuse my snooping from earlier. I was just unsure of what happened after that bear had sprung up behind me. I must have fainted dead away. I do apologize for any inconvenience I might have brought you. Could I have your name dear?”

“Oh...um...I’m Fluttershy..”

“Drat. She has gotten quiet again.” She smiled as jovially as she could.

“I am truly sorry to have to ask, but would you repeat that. I cannot hear as easily as Applejack’s Winona, I am afraid.”

Mentioning the mutt’s name seemed to have drawn her out of her shell a little. She seemed to perk up.

“You know Winona?”

“Yes Darling, I do. She is a bit….more rambunctious for my tastes but she is a companion to my best friend after all, so of course I would know her.” She smiled. The mare was smiling back a twinkle in her eye.

“Oh yes, she is such a good dog. Oh...um my name is…” She squinted her eyes for a moment. “Fluttershy.” She smiled hesitantly. “I’m not very good with other...ponies. I...I have a hard time talking to them. Forgive me.” She bowed her head.

Rarity softly laughed. “ A lovely name Miss Shy, and do not apologize. I have learned a long time ago that others grow up differently. That not everypony can be boisterous. Or quiet in a couple pony’s cases.” This was good, she had her talking now, and with each sentence Fluttershy’s rather shy nature was being pushed back.

“Oh, well...I...I didn’t have a good time in school when I was growing up. I’d rather not talk about it…” She looked away.

“And I would not expect you to. We’ve just met after all. Tell me, Miss Shy, have you ever been to a spa?” She smiled as the other mare’s ears perked up and turned toward her.

The plan had been three-fold.

First and foremost, get the mare out of her home and amongst the ponies of Ponyville without putting too much stress on her. Which meant very few ponies about.

It was clear to her that Fluttershy was more than a bit of a recluse, judging the low stocks of tea and food for herself that she had in her pantry.

It couldn’t be more obvious that the mare took infrequent trips for herself. As they were getting ready to leave, the mare had actually donned a headscarf that covered up most of her mane and face. A true crime, but one she could not dissuade her from hiding her beauty.

Second was actually rather strange to her. As the idea had blossomed into her mind, Rarity realized that the actual thought came more as a feeling, a feeling that sprung from inside herself. The same feeling she had when Rainbow Dash had showed up on her doorstep two months prior. Her instincts never proved her wrong so she went with the feeling and decided to ask her to the spa. On her of course.

And finally, she REALLY needed to destress after the crazy events of the day. Nearly ruining a dress, having to find a new vet, getting the hole in her house repaired, and then meeting a bear face to face was more than the fashionista could take and she was looking forward to unwinding. The Ponyville Day Spa practically shouted her name.

While that may have been the plan, which was going well, a small complication had appeared.

“Fluttershy? Is that you?” A somewhat scratchy and familiar tomcolt voice sprung up as they were slowly removing their clothes. Slowly, because the named mare was having trouble getting over undressing in front of others.

“Oh...oh my Rainbow!” That had to be the loudest sound Rarity had heard from the mare. “Why are you here?” Both mares embraced laughing joyously.

“Duh, I work in the weather team! Why else would I be here? I see you met my roommate.” She laughed.

“Roommate? I’m sorry Darling, I am your landlady.” She sniped playfully back. “Has Accel and her brother already fixed that little accident of yours?”

“Ah ha, heh. Yeah they did. Came over as I was about to shower. Found the girls by the way, they are over at Applebloom’s. But they, the construction ponies you hired, got it done quick as lightning.” She had the good grace to look ashamed.

“Rainbow Dash. Did you break another pony’s house?” Rarity blinked. The demure and quiet mare was gone. While still not loud there was a strange authoritative posture the mare had taken on.

“I only broke a wall! These are not Cloudsdale homes after all! They’re not gonna break that easily!” Blink. The brash pegasus was meekly, if loudly defending herself from the now upset pink maned mare.

Clearly there was a history between the pair. A cheshire like grin blossomed on the fashionista’s face. She could not wait to hear the juicy details.

Oh what history it was! Turns out, both mares grew up together in the city of Cloudsdale, and had gone to school together. The conversation began in the showers as the mares got ready for their treatment, and continued as they all slid into the hot tub to soak.

To hear Rainbow Dash tell it, she often defended the timid mare when classmates would start to pick on her.

To hear Fluttershy tell of it, in her quiet manner, the very same prismatic mare would often accidentally destroy entire homes in either the defense of her or practice.

That started an argument. Mostly the cerulean mare almost shouting that it wasn’t her fault when it came to property destruction. It was all very fun to hear, and made her thankful her home was made with brick, wood, and mortar instead of flimsy clouds.

But it wasn’t the only reason that Rarity smiled and laughed. Between the pair she could see years of friendship that bonded them together. It was a wonderful sight. In it she could see herself and Applejack, maybe not in attitudes and personalities, but in spirit.

“Ladies.” Both mares looked at her, one grumpy, the other attentive. “I have a proposal for you. This coming Saturday in the afternoon, I am having dinner with an old friend. Now normally I would not alter plans like this, but I think you two should come. It will be great fun and I think you would enjoy meeting my friend AJ. What do you say?”

“Free food? You know I’m down!”

“Are you sure...I don’t want to be a bother…”

“Of course you would be eager for the food,” she smirked, “I would hope you would be just as eager for the company. And no Miss Shy you wouldn’t be a bother at all, in fact I am positive Applejack would love the company as well.” She smiled at the hesitant nod she received.

“Now if you will excuse me Darlings, I just want to drift for a bit,” and with that she settled in and let the steamy water take her cares away. Forgetting that her clothes were still laden with bear fur.

“I wish ya had gone and told me you was having more ponies over, Rares. I could have brought some more of Granny’s pie with me.” Applejack was more than a bit upset. She didn’t like not having enough for everypony.

Alright, so Saturday dinner could have started off better in Rarity’s opinion.

“Oh….I could leave if that's what you want. I don’t want to be a bother.” Spoke up Fluttershy. The mare had decided to wear a short sleeve pink shirt and a white skirt that was still conservative. The white mare had begun thinking of the outfits she currently had in stock that would compliment the busty mare the moment she stepped through the door.

“No way Flutter! You have got to try out her Rata-tao….something I can’t pronounce the frou frou name. But it is delicious! You can’t leave now!”

“It is fine Darling, I made plenty of extra, and Rainbow it is Ratatouille. I chose to go with a Prench cuisine for the night. I thought it would-” Rapid knocking from downstairs gave her pause. She smiled. “Excuse me a moment would you?”

This wasn’t the first time, and she wasn’t surprised. Pinkie Pie stood at her door, arm full of party supplies. “Right on time Miss Pie. But I am afraid this isn’t that kind of party.”

In the past year or so, any time Rarity and Applejack got together, Pinkie was not far behind in her arrival. Always with supplies for a party in tow. She had built a reputation on being the premiere, if not the only, party planner in Ponyville.

Her parties were actually quite good if everypony was being honest.

“Awwww….Okay!” She just casually tossed her things to the side and slipped past Rarity to dart upstairs. The fashionista took a look to see where her supplies had landed, only to find nothing.

“Do not think about it, you will only drive yourself insane.”

Coming back into the third floor dining room she was met with a strange sight. Rainbow Dash had started bantering with the farm mare as poor poor Fluttershy was being bombarded with the standard thousand questions from the Pink Menace.

“That was fast.”

The strangeness came from Fluttershy, who warmly responded to each question without too much hesitancy.

“Alright everypony, we can continue as we eat. Rainbow? Would you set the table?” She asked politely.

“Awww yeah! You got it, Rares!”

Soon enough all five mares were sitting around a smaller than Rarity would have liked table, passing around food and chatting away as if they had done this every Saturday. She couldn’t help but smile. This felt almost right somehow.

They talked about all manner of things from future goals to what they did in their lives before meeting each other. It was all so much fun.

A quiet moment in the conversation brought up somepony she hadn’t thought of in awhile.

“Hey what’s up with that statue in the park? I saw some old mare cleaning it and putting down fresh flowers the other day. Is it some Ponyville hero I never heard about?”

Ah, of course Orion would just have to pop up.

Applejack chose to answer.

“That mare were more than likely Granny. She ‘ften goes there inna afternoons every month. The statue...well...that's Orion Falls.” Her mouth drew thin and she said no more.

“I’ve heard of that name before...I think mom and dad talked about him. I don’t remember why? It was a few years ago.” Fluttershy chimed in. “Who was he?”

“A very brave and foolish colt is who he was.” Rarity began. She ignored the look from the farm mare. Applejack didn’t like the idea of him actually being dead, but the more the white mare had thought about it, the more she had come to accept that he in fact died in his mad escape plan.

“Orion Falls had more courage than wits, and a mean streak larger than any pony had a right to have. He was rude, and crass. Had absolutely no fashion sense….and be foolish enough to jeopardize his own life for the sake of others.” She sniffed. “And the more I think on it, the more I realize that he is likely never coming back.”

“Rares. There's just no way he could've died. That rascal is about as stubborn as they come. I refuse ta think that some stupid waterfall had gotten the best of him.” Applejack glared.

This had been a point of contention with them. She was ready to admit reality and move on, yet her friend refused to concede that he is anything but passed on. It was the whole reason they hadn’t spent much time together and she had been hoping this little get together would rekindle their relationship.

“Hold up! He’s dead? You all make him sound like an idiot. Why? If he is some big hero, why is he an idiot?”

Applejack sighed, and told them. Rarity chimed in where she thought appropriate but otherwise kept silent.

“Wow…. He sounds like he was a total badflank of a stallion.” Rainbow’s eyes were as wide as the dinner plates they had finished washing. “It sucks that he’s dead, would've been awesome to meet him.”

“Oh my, he sounds dangerous.”

“He’s not dead silly fillys!” The pronouncement silenced the entire living room where they had retired with cups of tea and Granny Smith’s apple pie.

“I’m sorry D-dear….but how could you possibly know that?” Rarity stuttered. Applejack gripped the arm rest to her seat so hard the creaking would likely be heard outside.

“I saw him when I visited Applejack’s farm after I arrived. He was in the trees of the Everfree watching! He looked like a baboon all the way up there!” She giggled. No one shared in her humor.

“Ya tellin’ me. That-that lowdown scoundrel of a stallion was right across from muh farm and didn’t bother ta tell me!” The arms of the chair snapped violently. Rarity tisked vexedly.

“Why would he? He was on the run from the authorities. Why would he want to risk getting you in trouble?” The response was so logical in it’s delivery that Rarity had to do a double take to make sure it wasn’t another mare sitting in Pinkie’s seat.

“Well I...that is...hmm...buck I don’t know but here I’ve been worried sick about em and he was up in a tree and couldn’t even bother telling me.” There were tears in her friend’s eyes, and to her surprise, her own.

“He’s been alive this entire time?!” Both relief and anger flooded through her.

“Wait.” Her more rational mind forced a thought through. “ How do we know he is still alive now? Something could have happened.” She ignored another glare from Applejack. She did not want to get her hopes up.

“Oh he almost wasn’t. I told him to watch out for those sea monsters, but he still took the boat anyway. But he’s alive. Somewhere out east now. Though he was stuck on an island or something for a while.” She smiled brightly. “Don’t worry he’s not in a herd or anything like that yet.”

“You haven’t answered how you know that.” If she said Pinkie Sense, she might lose it.

“If I tell you how I know, you’ll just get angry. My left ear is twitchy and my tail wants to wag up and down.” Technically an admittance, but not an outright confession of it.

The revelation that he was still out there. Alive and safe, did little to comfort her as it might have. He wasn’t here, and the odds are he wasn’t coming back.

Everypony went home or to their rooms after that.

Climbing into bed, Rarity tried to capture in her mind the feel of his arms wrapped around her like that night so long ago. It amazed her that her heart still yearned for the idiotic colt. Maybe it wasn’t other ponies being boring, maybe it was her wishing for the right one that had been long gone.

“Damn you Pinkie.” She snuggled into bed, tears in her eyes as she slowly drifted to sleep.

Preparations

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Orion smiled. He had been taking a sip from his cup when his pocket warmed and one of the bands attached to his left ear chimed just loud enough for him to hear.

“Almost showtime.”

It took everything in him not to bust out grinning. He hoped that they liked surprises.

“Okay, so it's safe to say Ponyville sounds amazing. But a statue in my honor? Really?!” He laughed. “But you two still haven’t told me how you both met. So out with it ladies.”

Both mares in question looked at each other. Any male knew that look. Exasperation. He started grinning.

“Come out with it, or you won’t hear how I got here.”

That finally did it.

Rarity huffed cutely, “Fine Darling, but after this you will tell us where you’ve been. We’ve been worried.”

He grinned. “Oh yeah sure. Totally!” He covertly crossed his fingers under the table. No telling if they understood that reference but he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Now all he needed was a little time.

It was with some trepidation that five mares approached Ponyville Town Hall.

A summons from Mayor Mare was almost unheard of as the mare believed that a government best served it’s ponies with a certain degree of a “hands-off'' approach. Only when a pony had made a mistake in a grievous manner did one get a request like this, usually delivered by guard.

Rarity was wracking her mind with any malfeasance that her or any of her friends could have done. They had become quite famous as of late, each being a prominent member of their community. Even Fluttershy had become well known for being a miracle worker when it came to the less sapient farm animals.

Rainbow Dash had moved her stunt practice to the north-side, on the outskirts of the town. So there was less chance of an ‘accident’ in town. It still happened for the show boating mare, but nowhere near the frequency that it had first plagued the community.

Pinkie Pie’s parties had become a staple in Ponyville life. Her Cutieceanera parties had become a hallmark of fillies and colts coming of age when they discovered their purpose. Even her pranks had become somewhat subdued in recent months, as she had received a cease and desist order from the town itself on more than one occasion. Signed by over half the town. They loved the party mare, but it was clear that her shenanigans would not be tolerated to that extent anymore.

Applejack, well the farm mare hadn’t had a mix up with authority in years. In fact many ponies had found employment in the Apple Family farm as they had acquired Thorny Thistle’s farm last year.

It hadn’t been a good last few years for the family. So Thorny had decided to just sell her plot, and move her family further west in hopes of a better land to farm their herbs and vegetables.

The Apple Family had wasted no time in setting up those newly purchased acres for their own use. Hiring on a multitude of ponies for reshaping the field, plans were in motion for the whole extended family to come and help cultivate the land for the main crop. Bringing in saplings from across the nation itself.

Fluttershy never made waves with anypony, and had become the go to veterinarian when it came to anything related to animals. Miss Dew Drop had not been found, and her practice had vanished with the family, who could no longer stay in town because of the painful loss.

But the demure mare filled in the void of that loss beautifully. Her advice and guidance had helped a multitude of farms in the community better care for livestock.

She had even built a small community amongst the foals, who would often bring her injured wild animals to care for, and taught them what to do when she wasn’t able to help in time. The new School teacher, Miss Cheerilee, had arranged to have her come in once a month to teach about anatomy.

Though those classes were often done in utter silence so they could listen to the shy mare.

A recent development had been that birds had begun singing in popular tunes around town during the morning. It was a pleasant way to wake up and when the source had been traced back, it had been discovered that Fluttershy had been singing to herself and the birds had picked up on the songs naturally.

Even Rarity herself had made significant contributions to the town. Not only was she still providing free clothing to Ponyville Orphanarium, but she had capitalized on Pinkie’s Cutieceanera parties by making clothing as a gift to fillies and colts with their new Mark on them.

That in turn had older ponies clamoring to get their own Cutie Marks placed on clothing of their own, and for a while she had been worried she would never get sleep again. But in the end many in Ponyville now sported their marks on various pieces of clothing, and she was finally getting more rest.

Okay, maybe that last was more self serving, but she would never make any kind of social faux pas.

So she was utterly baffled when she and her friends got a summons from Mayor Mare late into February.

Any speculation seemed to only make the mares even more nervous, poor Fluttershy was very nearly in tears at the possible trouble.

So with great reluctance the five friends had made the trudge through snow and ice, next week was supposed to start the Wrap Up. Of which they were happy to see coming, as the snow had gotten ridiculous this year.

Entering into Town Hall they were greeted by the mayor’s secretary, Quick Correspondence. A handsome champagne colored stallion that bordered on gorgeous, he was sadly wasted in his current role considering he wasn’t given much to do.

“Miss Mare is upstairs in conference room B. May I get you anything while you are up there?” The hope in his eyes for something to do was palpable.

“I’m afraid I will have to decline, Darling. It was indicated that this meeting would be swift.” Various other confirmations from her friends were of the same. It broke her heart to see his expression become forlorn.

Not having time to dwell on it, they ascended the stairs and made their way to the conference room. The door was open and they filed in to see Mayor Mare herself sitting at the end of the table going through some papers with what appeared to be excited energy. A huge smile plastered on her face.

Perhaps the day would not begin with doom and gloom after all.

“Ah Ladies! Thank you so much for coming so promptly, I will keep this brief as there is much to do and little time to do it in! Please sit, sit! Has my nephew asked if you wanted anything?”

“Nephew!? I thought...well….I mean...buck…” Rainbow had started and quickly shut her mouth before she dug any deeper than a divot. Though she almost voiced the shock in Rarity’s mind.

“Yes, my nephew….wait. I’m sorry, did you think he was my eye candy?” The mayor’s lips quivered in a half hidden smile. “Well Miss Dash, while I’m flattered you think I still got it, he is my brother’s son. He is here to get some experience and I’m trying to ease him into his new role as a budding bureaucrat.”

She shook her head laughing softly. The prismatic mare could only blush in embarrassment.

“Anyway, enough of that! Ladies, as you no doubt know, every year we apply for the honor of hoisting the ‘Summer Sun Celebration’.” She paused, struggling to hide her grin. “And as you know doubt also know, we have been passed over again and again.”

Rarity’s eyes began to widen. Could it be? Did they actually win?!

“This year we have been selected to host the celebration ourselves!!” She practically shrieked only to be drowned out by Pinkie Pie launching off a firework.

“What?!” Pinke loudly responded to all the glares in the room as everypony tried various ways of getting their hearing back.

After a few minutes Mayor Mare spoke up once again, though a bit loudly.

“Miss Pie, what have I told you about launching fireworks indoors?! Where did you even get that?” The bureaucrat was clearly incensed, and to be fair this hadn’t been the first time the part mare had unleashed minor explosives indoors.

“I always have a stash of party supplies on hand in town. Never know when a bottle rocket is needed!” She happily and loudly replied.

“Why would you need a firework indoors?!” The mayor’s hair was disheveled as she glared even harder at the party pony.

“I don’t know. That’s why I said you never know?” She smiled back oblivious to the incoming storm that was brewing in the elder mare’s eyes.

“Oh this does not bode well.”

Thinking quickly Rarity decided it's time to speak up in hopes of heading off the worst. There had been blowouts recently between the pair. Mostly fire code violations that the perpetually plucky party pony outright ignores.

“Mayor Mare? Why did you call for us? I, as I’m sure a few of us here, am confused as to why we have been called in for such an occasion.”

Huffing the tanned pony takes a moment to fix her mane before explaining.

“Well Miss Belle I am glad you asked. And more than happy to move this along.” The fashionista catches her say as she sits back down.

“You five, have become pillars of this community. When an issue rears its head you have been able to collectively, or individually, solve the problem. Ponies rely on you all. Yes. Even you Miss Pie.” The bubbly pink mare squirmed in her seat excitedly, a happy smile plastered on her face.

The mayor just groans.

“You are also in the best position to help preparations for what is now the biggest event for Ponyville. Ponies from all over the nation will be coming, and I and the council would like you all to coordinate together.” She smiles graciously.

“Now, ma’am. I know my family and I are well known around these here parts, but what use could farmers be to this here fancy shindig?” Rarity had to wonder herself, her best friend wasn’t exactly known for her high society blending.

“I’m glad you asked Miss Apple. This year your family is hosting the near entirety of your extended family for a reunion. I know this because Granny Smith applied for the permits to reserve the field south of your farm for the family’s tents.” She pushed forward a piece of parchment that no doubt held the permit itself.

It was true, Applejack’s family held a reunion every four to five years, and everytime it was hosted in a different community as a way of strengthening the bonds between them all. Always done during the celebration as to make use of the holiday to its fullest. It was really rather touching and would be nice to experience this time around.

“I suppose she did, but that doesn’t answer the question, Mayor. Why?” The farm pony doggedly pursued.

“It is well known how well your family cooks, and cooks well Miss Apple. Considering the majority of your ‘kin’ will be in attendance for the summer celebration we, the council and I, figured what better way to showcase what this community had to offer by giving the visiting ‘city folk’ a taste of country cooking. Really it was quite fortuitous that you’re hosting the reunion this year.” But the mayor wasn’t done.

She turned to Rarity. “Miss Belle, your fashion sense is beyond anypony else here. Oh sure we could hire a decorator, but I don’t believe they would be able to capture who and what Ponyville is. I want visitors to see our town through our eyes. The way we see it. Who better than Ponyville's own premier fashion designer to represent us?” Rarity flushed at the praise.

“Besides. Your generosity has drawn in more than just customers. Over the past few years we have seen both an influx of industry as well as ponies that actually moved into town. We have more revenue this year alone than the last ten!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“Well, I suppose my name getting out there would draw in a crowd.” She could tell her ego was being inflated a little bit. Just a little though.

“Of course! There's even a rumor that a certain rising singer is fond of your work.” Mayor Mare was laying it on thick, everypony in that room knew it too, but Rarity could not help but swell with pride that her work often adorned Sapphire Shore’s shoulders.

Smiling like a cat that got the cream, the bureaucrat set her sights on Rainbow.

“And let us not forget our aspiring Wonderbolt. Miss Dash, from what I hear, has been scoring exemplary marks in her job. Ponyville hasn’t suffered an Everfree storm since you signed on.”

“Ex-exemplary?” The prismatic maned mare said dubiously.

“She means you are top of your weather crew Dash, dear.” Rarity piped up.

“Oh….Che’yeah of course. I’m awesome!” She puffed up her chest and stuck a thumb at herself, eyes closed.

“Indeed, you are Miss Dash. With you in the ranks of our weather team I do not doubt your ability to keep the skies clear for the eventful day. I even heard a rumor that you can do it in ten seconds flat. Is that true?” She knew what answer she was going to get.

“Duh! Of course I can! Would show ya now if it wasn’t scheduled to snow for the morning.” She grinned victoriously.

“I am sure you could.” She turned to Pinkie, and visibly braced herself.

“Miss Pie, your parties are truly second to none. I have never enjoyed myself as much as when you throw one for whatever the occasion. Because of you a fledgling business now thrives in our town. However, this will be unlike any party you have thrown before.” She said seriously.

Pinkie just cocked her head. Waiting.

“I’m afraid you have to plan a party with less of your trademark zanniness and more pomp and circumstance.” There was a small frown on the pink muzzle of the party pony. Rarity inwardly cringed for her.

“What do you mean? Ponies like my parties just fine! I even came up with new things to do for each one!” She stuffed her hand into her mane and pulled out a planner crammed full of notes and scribblings when she opened it up to shove into the mayor’s face.

Politely Mayor Mare pushed the binder away. Everypony else was attempting to figure out how she hid it in there.

The mysteries surrounding the bubblegum colored mare was as deep as her energy, no pony really knew how she did certain things, and her friends had long given up trying to figure that out.

“And they are truly engaging and fun to do. But sadly, not everypony is going to get your brand of fun and excitement. That means no roulette cupcake games. At all.” The mayor had been a victim of that particular game more than once. “Or any party games like it. My advice, and I hope you will take it, is to work with Miss Belle. She is far more familiar with the etiquette that the guest will have than I.”

The fashionista was a bit hesitant at the idea at first, but as she thought she realized that Pinkie could still have some of her games just off to the side where younger visitors would enjoy them more.

“I believe I can help reach a compromise that will satisfy all here for the criteria you wish to have, Mayor.” She smiled and winked at Pinkie. “Even you.”

She hadn’t realized it, but the part time baker had somehow turned a grayish pink, at her encouraging words the pink in the fur seemed to surge forth and she was back to her bubbly giggly self as she gave several winks with varying degrees of success.

Mayor Mare just chuckled and shook her head in amusement. “I hope that you can, Miss Belle, Miss Pie.” She gently turned to the last member in the quintet, then turned away to look out the window.

“Do you know what I, and likely many citizens of our fair town, woke to this morning?” She paused for effect. “Bird song. Most notably the snow finch singing, but I do believe I saw a few buntings as well.” Sme smiled softly at the memory.

Rarity had heard them too. In fact it had been going on for quite some time. Various birds chirping away in the morning happy little tunes. In concert to one another.

It had surprised ponies all over town when it first began. Slowly at first, a flock here, a collection of them there. But soon in the morning happy tunes were being echoed throughout the farming community. Rarity, and many others had spent a great deal of time wondering how it had happened, and where they had learned those tunes from.

It was Rainbow Dash that had found out first.

During an early morning cloud busting routine, she had overheard a soft voice singing in tune with the birds. When she investigated, Fluttershy was in a small clearing in the Whitetail woods, picking various plants and insects for feed for the many animals that came to see her.

In that clearing with her, were hundreds, if not thousands of native birds singing along to a familiar tune.

Well it had soon come out, that the demure mare had been singing to the birds everyday with different tunes. Some from her home city of Cloudsdale, and many from right there in Ponyville. Anything from lullabies to the more complicated pop music that had come out on the radios that had started to make an appearance in homes around town.

That same mare was now blushing a lovely shade of ruby under her fur as she tried in vain to hide behind her voluminous mane.

Mayor Mare smiled softly, not quite looking straight at her. “Miss Shy, if you would do us the honor of coordinating with your feathery friends and Miss Belle in creating a symphony in which to not only greet our guests, but our Princess herself, we would be most grateful. If that is of course, okay with you?”

For a long minute no pony breathed. An almost imperceptible nod and everypony broke out into grins and smiles. This was a big step for the reclusive mare.

Rarity looked at her friends, meeting each one in the eye and smiled, turning back to their town’s elected official. “Mayor Mare, I do believe we would be delighted to help host this years ‘Summer Sun Celebration.’ In fact, it would be our honor.”

“Wonderful! I will give you a list of everything that we will need done to prepare for the coming event. Sadly, I’m afraid we may just be late for Wrap Up once again this year.” They collectively groaned.

It had been that way for years, always something that ended up getting in the way and delaying the Winter Wrap Up festival every single time. Though this year, they all at least had a good excuse.

“C’est la vie, Mayor. It can’t be helped this year. But one day.”

“But not this day,” replied the frustrated bureaucrat.

Hooves and scaled feet hit the dirt just outside of Ponyville. The flight team was already pulling the carriage around for the return trip to Canterlot.

“Thank you very much for the smooth landing.” Truthfully Twilight hated to fly, trusting in her magic or the train to get her where she needed to be. Having grown up in Canterlot she was privileged to have trams capable of taking her anywhere on the four great plates that made up the platform that supported the city.

They should have been here two weeks ago. But she had delayed her departure, once again obsessing over Starswirl’s book.

Thus she lost the train option this morning as she would not make it in time to quickly run through the preparations she would no doubt need to sign off on.

Spike hauled onto his shoulders their bags. Both had packed more than their fair share and the little drake struggled under the weight of it all, but insisted on being the one to carry them.

“No problem ma’am. Happy to be of service.” The one, Stone, if she remembered his name correctly, replied. He had been more talkative of the pair and had been a delight in distracting herself from the mild fear she was having on the flight over.

Though when she had asked about the strange warping on the rails of the carriage, both stallions had clammed up tighter than a locked book. It had been annoying and she didn’t know why they both refused to talk on the subject.

She shook her head, it didn’t matter.

As they took to the sky, she sighed. There went her chance to go back to Canterlot. No, she would not disappoint her mentor. She squared her shoulders and turned around to face the town.

Pulling out a scroll with her pen, she marked off their arrival at the top. Next was visiting the Mayor’s office and then getting settled into their temporary lodgings before she began her inspections to make sure everything was running smoothly.

“Alright Spike. Let's get this going. I want to be settled in and see what resources they have in the library by five pm.” She stated smoothly. It was very warm down in the valley. She was glad she had dressed in a summer dress of blue instead of her normal thick skirt and sweater vest attire.

“Y-yeah….the soo-oner the better.” The young drake piped up, causing Twilight to turn around.

Her poor little brother’s legs were shaking trying to hold up both bags, her’s being the larger and heavier of the two. She shook her head and levitated her bag off of him.

“H-hey! I could have gotten that!” He stood up straight, shouldering his own with more ease.

“I’m sure you could Spike, but I can’t subject you to carrying such a load, your legs looked like they were about to give out.” She smiled gently trying to spare the young drake’s feelings but needing to be honest.

“I could have handled it! Besides, how am I supposed to get any of the mares to notice me if I don’t! I have to look strong!” It was everything she could do not to laugh out loud as she turned around and made her way into the town proper, passing by the residential district with a grumbling little brother at her heels. She could hear the near stomping of his scaled feet as he trudged behind her.

Well he was at that age she supposed.

Since he had turned fifteen he had taken less interest in his comic book collection, and started looking at mares and fillies more and more. It was really adorable to watch him puff up his chest and march through Canterlot Market on Saturdays.

It was a shame his list of rejections dominated his list of acceptance. She felt it unfair, but knew his carnivore nature was mostly to blame for those rejections. It was too bad that there wasn’t another dragon in his situation.

As they walked, the amount of greetings and nods they were receiving from the crowd was a little overwhelming. Neither of them were used to this as most ponies in Canterlot would walk on by somepony without a second glance.

Here she had shaken more hands and accepted more greetings than she had ever done in the entirety of her life!

It was with a sigh of relief from both siblings when they rounded the square and found Ponyville town hall sitting at the end. They both fairly sprinted up the short steps and into the building awning before stopping to take a breath.

“Twilight?” Huffed Spike.

“Yes?” She panted back.

“This town is weird.”

“Yes. Yes it is.”

Opening the door they walked in, and was greeted by a young champagne colored stallion with and off white mane and sapphire eyes.

“Oh...um...How can I help you today Miss…?” He blushed profusely, and it was evident he was trying not to turn his head away from her in his embarrassment.

She smiled gently and tried to spared him.

“Good morning. My name is Twilight Sparkle, I have been sent from Canterlot to oversee the production of the Summer Sun Celebration. Is Mayor Mare in?” She held up the scroll with her title and duties written within.

“Oh! Weren’t you supposed to be here a couple of weeks ago?” It was her turn to flush with embarrassment as Spike snickered behind her.

“Yes, I was. I apologize for not showing up sooner, but I ended up getting caught up in my research and had not realized how fast time had flown by till it was too late. I am here now, however.”

“Yeah research chasing her own tail!” Her little brother barely gasped out through increasing laughter.

“Spike!” She hissed through her teeth.

“Yeah. yeah.” He turned to the secretary. “Hey dude, where's the bathroom?”

“Oh it’s just down the hall to the left over there.” He pointed right.

“Thanks. Well Twilight, I’m gonna hit the little dragon’s room while you deal with the boring stuff. I’ll wait with our bags when I get back.” Not waiting for a reply he made a beeline to the restrooms.

There were several awkward seconds between the two ponies that remained. Finally she had had enough of the silence.

“The mayor’s office?”

“Oh...um right it’s upstairs to the right!” He blurted out. He followed up with jabbing his other hand up the stairs.

“Oh thank you very much.” She smiled, the fire in her cheeks finally retreating.

“You’re quite welcome….Um...My name is Quick by the way. Quick Correspondence.” He blushed fiercely.

Twilight’s head cocked to the side as she looked at the squirming stallion. “Good to know his name but why was he so nervous telling me?”

“Thank you for letting me know.” She didn’t know what else to say, so she turned around and proceeded up the stairs.

‘Um...yeah no problem!” He called out. She didn’t see him smack his head into the desk before him.

“Well, no offense but it is about time you arrived. Were you not scheduled to be here two weeks ago?” The dull tan mare behind the desk asked with a frown.

Twilight gritted her teeth in frustration. It seemed she was going to have to apologize every step of the way.

“I apologize. Really I am sorry. I ended up getting caught up in one of my research projects and didn’t even realize.” She blushed. This was embarrassing, and she did not like the constant blushing becoming a habit.

“You managed to get caught up in research...for two weeks?” The arched eyebrow screamed disbelief.

“Yes, I did. I get a lot of assignments from Princess Celestia, sometimes it puts me behind my own.”

“The Princess gives you assignments?” Mayor Mare rose from her seat, pulling off a suit jacket from the back of it. Twilight noted with some curiosity that there was a small ‘R’ on both the navy blue jacket, and the black skirt on the hem. On the shoulder was a scroll wrapped in blue ribbon.

“Is that her mark?”

“Yes. I am Princess Celestia’s student. I have been since I was seven.” She was not prepared.

“OH MY FAUST! I am so sorry, My Lady, I had no idea!” The bookworm blinked in response, as the bureaucrat fell over herself to bow before her.

“Um. What are you doing?”

Looking up from her ninety degree position the mayor answered her, “I’m making up for my mistake. I was rude to you, My Lady. I should not have had such a crass tongue with one of your rank and station.” The mare was actually sweating.

Seizing her magic she straightened her out. This had happened more than once and it literally made her sick to her stomach anytime anypony did this when they discovered her connection to the Princess.

“Please don’t. I have no title, and I am no noble despite my family’s well to do stature. So please…..don’t bow. I hate it.” She cringed at the surprised look on that tan face.

“Oh. Well Miss Sparkle I still apologize regardless. I have been under a lot of pressure and cannot imagine the strain you must contend with being in direct service to Her Highness.” She coughed into her fist.

“Allow me to start again. I am Mayor Mare, let me be the first to welcome you to Ponyville, Miss Twilight Sparkle.”

The meeting had gone fine after that, she had received her itinerary, and the keys to the Golden Oaks Library where she and her little brother would be staying for the duration of the celebration.

After the initial embarrassment and confusion, she found the mayor to be insightful and calm with plenty of advice on how to treat her constituents. Though she did name drop her nephew, Quick, more than a few times during their meeting. Mentioning what a bright future he had.

Twilight shook those thoughts away as she and Spike finally unlocked the door to the library, and was promptly greeted by dusty air. Both coughed a little as they made their way inside, she generating orbs of light in each room they passed till they could open the curtains.

“Wow they couldn’t even clean up the place before we got here?” Spike groused as they picked out their rooms. He chose a rather small one, but with a great view of the park from the double windows over his bed.

“Well Spike, let's be honest. They have been really busy the past few months getting set up for this event. Nopony likely had time. Besides, from the records nopony has occupied this place in a few years. There was bound to be some dust. I only hope the books haven’t been damaged.”

She had opened all the windows to allow a breeze to roll in and take the heavier particles out into the open air.

For herself she had chosen the loft in the upper reaches of the structure. It was a shock to find out the library had been built inside of a still living tree.

When they had approached, she couldn’t help but admire the natural beauty of the place. Nothing looked sawed or cut, everything grew naturally, if larger than any oak she had read or seen. Truth spoken, the base of the old oak was massive.

Inside on the first floor, though laden with dust, was an entire room stuffed with books on shelves. With a round table in a shallow dip in the middle surrounded by a pair of crescent moon wooden couches. The little steps into the depression between the couches was cute to her.

At the back of the library sat a door that she later learned went down into a basement of sorts. A boiler for water and a small heat unit kept water and warm air through the winter. But there was a massive amount of open space down there.

A stairwell led up and over the basement entrance and into the second and third floor respectively. On the second floor was a dining room attached to an open kitchen. Moderately sized, what the kitchen lacked in room made up for in storage space. If she had been moving in, she would have had to have ordered a new stove and fridge as there was none.

Spike’s room was on the second floor, opposite the stairs. Really he had chosen a good one, as she watched him combat the dust and cobwebs in his temporary room. A full bath was to his room’s left.

On the third floor was, of course, her chosen room. It was much larger with an attached full bath of her own, and a large open balcony. More bookshelves looked to be molded into the walls but with no books of their own this time.

The whole establishment made her smile, the Princess certainly knew her well. In another time, Twilight would have chosen to live in a place like this herself. It was calm and quiet, the hustle and bustle of Canterlot would often disrupt her studies till she cast a sound dampening spell.

Just then the whole tree shook as a violent whooshing noise drowned out her thoughts.

“Okay, perhaps not.”

It took two full days to clean out all the dust, cobwebs, and random debris left to settle inside the Golden Oaks.

She couldn't help herself. After they had gone out to get some hay burgers and fries they had settled back into a casually cleaned dining room, and ate what was likely to become a staple of their diet while staying in the sleepy town.

It was then that the filth had finally broken her resolve. Staring at it, with nothing much else to look at, had made her eye twitch. She could see Spike out of the corner of her eye, his grin getting bigger and bigger as the minutes wore on. He knew what was about to happen, and likely looked forward to it.

The little drake had a surprising interest, he actually enjoyed cleaning. He was the single reason why her little tower had not turned into a full blown disaster area. Couple that with his gift for cooking and it was clear that one day he was going to make some mares very very happy.

She broke. She could not take the disaster that had befallen those poor books, so at Spike's direction, they began to clean in earnest.

It wasn't like they had anything better to do as it was.

When they had arrived at their home away from home, she had opened the packet that Mayor Mare had given her to discover there wasn't much for her to do.

Her delay in getting to the task Princess Celestia had assigned her quite firmly removed her from the planning phase. Her entire purpose now was just to make sure things were going well in the final week, and nothing else.

So with budding joy, as this would involve books, she helped clean the great tree from top to bottom. A list hovering nearby with what was needed in order of priority.

Not only was cleaning needed, but a fair amount of repairs were also required. Spike ended up heading out a number of times, for broken hinges, various wall hangings, even a window on the second floor had been cracked.

She hadn't even realized that she was dipping into her own funds to repair the library until just before it was done.

In the end she shrugged. It's not like she was really spending her allotment on anything, and with that acknowledgement she had her little brother order a fridge and stove that arrived on the fifth day.

The third day had her going over the organization of the shelves. The books were all over the place. There was no system of organization and it made her grind her teeth.

"Who in Tartarus ran this library!" She screeched on the fourth day.

"Oh Twilight, clearly the town wanted to punish you for not getting here when you should have." Spike sing songed as he installed the new window on the second floor.

She glared in his direction ineffectually as she couldn't see him.

Her face burned in embarrassment once more. He was right. Not about setting up the library in such a mangled way, but that she SHOULD have been here. Instead she had once more lost herself in trying to solve a millenia old riddle.

At night, when her little brother had long gone to sleep, she would dive once again back into that ancient tome. Hoping in vain to uncover some new piece of information, and discovering nothing.

It had been a week since their arrival, and it was finally time for Twilight to do her job. It would involve a preliminary visit at the beginning of the week, then a final run down on the day before the event.

Her first real conversation with a resident of Ponyville did not go the way she expected.

"Okay Spike, we need somepony to tell us where Sweet Apple Acres. So grab the first pony you see."

"You got it Twilight!" And he flagged down the nearest resident he saw. A bubble gum pink mare skipping, no she was hopping, of all things, down the road. "Hey Miss! Can you tell us-" He never finished.

Impossibly, the pink mare stopped in mid air and gasped loudly. One sparkling blue eye looking at her, and the other at her little brother, which boggled her mind how she did that considering how far apart they were from each other. Before either sibling could much more than step away she herself bolted back down the avenue.

She was itching to know how the mare pulled that particular move off considering an earth pony such as her lacked the appendages to suddenly halt her forward motion. Or magic.

But the pair of siblings just looked at each other and shrugged. Soon a lovely young mare named Roseluck had directed them on the south path heading toward the Whitetail woods.

She nearly had to drag Spike away as he was busy making eyes at the blushing pale yellow mare.

She laughed and poked fun of him as they made the short journey. He fussed back in denial.

It took nearly an hour before the farmstead finally came into view. Twilight wished she had kept the pair of pegasus stallions for the day just to make getting around a little easier. Her hooves were beginning to throb painfully.

Another thirty minutes and they finally found the gated entrance. The farm was expansive, calculating what she saw she guessed was at least four hundred acres if not more.

It was a normal farm despite its sheer size with one large barn and a couple of smaller ones set amongst the orchard itself. The home was a beautiful two story structure that, on approach and closer inspection, bore carvings on the door and window frames.

As they walked up the path, Spike was first to mention what she was beginning to notice.

"Awfully noisy for a farm."

It was true. There was a low murmur of voices that drew them over the hill further west. On the other side they could see a sprawling tent city. Various earth ponies and a few pegasus and unicorns mingled amongst the tents.

Between them and the tent city was a small crowd gathered around a row of apple trees.

"Well that seems to be where the party is!" Her little brother announced excitedly. He was already making his way down the hill.

"Uh huh…" came her hesitant reply as she followed after the enthusiastic dragon.

Nopony seemed to notice them just yet, and the din of noise masked their approach.

"Alright alright! One mer time. But all y'all are picking up these here baskets and taken 'em to the barn right after. They just barely ripe enough ta harvest as it is. Ya hear me?" A feminine, strong voice rang out.

A course of agreements rang out, some disgruntled, some excited. Twilight and Spike managed to get through the crowd in time to see a tall sun kissed orange furred mare wipe her brow as she turned to a lone apple tree.

She wore denim short shorts and a flannel red shirt that was tied up at the bottom showing her midriff. Her blond mane was a simple tie back, a ponytail as some called it, and on top of her head was a strange hat she had read about but never seen before.

The mare squared her shoulders, spun around and landed a bone breaking kick straight into the tree. From the tree rained apples which miraculously landed into baskets that seemed to have been placed at the bottom beforehand.

"And that ladies and gentlestallions, is how the Apple Family bucks a tree." She huffed proudly. Turning around she reached down and grabbed a towel and slung it over her shoulders. "Now ya all best be picking up these here baskets and doin' what ya was told ta do. I see ya tryna sneak off there Buttermilk."

The chargrined soft yellow filly grinned sheepishly and picked up a basket with the other on watchers.

"Are you not worried about bruising the trees?" A green maned mare asked.

"Naw not really Sour. These here trees is tough. And they may get a little bit scuffed from time ta time, but they handle anything thrown at 'em."

Tilting her hat back she wiped her forehead and smiled glancing over the now moving crowd and spotted the two still stunned Canterloanians.

"Now I don't recken I've seen the pair of you before. You twos an Apple?" She cocked an eye at the dragon, skeptical.

It took Twilight a moment to shake off her confusion.

"Ah no. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my little brother Spike." That seemed to only generate an even harder skeptical look from the mare. The purple mare knew what that look implied.

"Adopted. But very much my brother." The sun blessed mare smiled kindly nodding.

"We are from Canterlot on behalf of Princess Celestia to make sure that all is going according to schedule.

The frown was back. No skeptical looks this time.

"Weren't ya supposed ta be here something like three weeks ago?"

"Ah yes. I was. I am so sorry, I got distracted in my studies and didn't realize. We arrived last week." She looked down. Once again having to explain herself.

In the time they had begun speaking the farm mare had closed the gap and Twilight had discovered just how much taller the mare was then her, and those muscles.

The blonde mare stared her down, and then smiled. "Well I don't quite know how ya can lose a couple of weeks studying but I can see ya tryna do right. My name is Applejack Apple. Most just call me AJ. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres."

The now named Applejack practically shook her arm right off.

"Hey she's the one we were supposed to meet!" Spike grinned broadly at the antics going on between his sister and the intimidating mare.

"Well sure as rain I am. Me and my family have been asked ta make sure there would be nuff food for all them fancy ponies coming in from the cities. Show them what real cookin' is!" She crowed proudly.

Once again both siblings could only look at one another before turning back to the beaming cow mare.

“Right.” Twilight says slowly, “I’m just here to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you have no issues. Is there anything you need that is not readily available?”

“No maree we gots everything in hand!” Still standing there now with both fists on her hips.

“Oh well that’s great to hear. Well we must be going no-”

“Now hold on a minute Missy. Ya can’t just come over and not meet the family! Besides, it's juuussst about lunch time. Y’all can stay fer a bit to eat and make some friends now can’t ya?!”

“I-” Twilight sputtered.

“Ain’t ya gonna stay for a little while, Miss?” A soft voice spoke up behind them.

Spinning around she noticed a little light yellow filly in a flannel red shirt and overalls. A Big red bow bound her pink mane in a ponytail, much like Applejack’s. They didn’t even hear her coming, and the pouty look on her face was quickly breaking Twilight’s resolve.

Spike was more than happy at the idea of free food.

“Oh, alright.” Cheers erupted from the gathering ponies, and Applejack began to recite the names of her family.

With every name came a confection or dish of an apple related food.

"This was a mistake…."

A flash of purple light illuminated the mid-afternoon streets of ponyville. Twilight groaned in both relief and agony as she slowly sat down on a bench.

"Well that was fun!" Exclaimed Spike. He was finishing off three Apple fritters. She wanted to throw up.

"Ugh...Spike, how can you still be eating?"

"Hey! It's delicious, how could I not?" He chuckled in response. He could see she had eaten way too much. But with that little filly Apple Bloom there looking forlorn anytime she looked to be stopping she just kept going.

Evil little foal.

"Hey just think, we got three more places to visit. Plenty of time to walk off all that food." He sat down next to her and fished out another apple fritter.

"Where does he keep getting those? How many does he have? Oh Celestia, I think I'm gonna be sick."

She turned her head and burped, managing to keep everything down. "Who's next on that list?"

"Oh let me see…." She could hear him digging into his satchel for the list they had been given. She sat there, just trying not to think of food. "Ah, there's supposed to be a pony pegasus named...Rainbow Dash? She's in charge of the weather team for this event."

"Well, let's go find her then." She groaned, getting up from the bench and facing Ponyville. "Any idea where she is?"

"Says here, ya gotta look up." He shrugged. He picked up a twang in his pronunciation she did not like.

She shook her head. This was already turning out to be a long day.

The Longest Night Begins

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WARNING! Pirate Captain Morgan says: Yar! There be violence in the waters of this chapter! Ye have been warned!

“Hahaha...excuse me.” Twilight ground her teeth as she pulled herself from the mud. Spike had fallen over in his laughter, clearly being unable to stand.

Sitting on her flank in a puddle of mud she stared up at the clouds. It hadn’t rained in three days. Where did the mud come from? Answers she was likely not to get from anypony.

Looking up from her near prone position, she realized they had found the elusive prismatic mare. The same one that they had been looking for, for over an hour. She was still laughing clutching her sides.

“Yay. Found her.” She grumbled.

“Let me help you, haha.” Pulling herself together she raced off into the sky only to return with a very dark cloud head seconds later. Twilight did not like where this was going. She watched in growing horror as the sky blue pegasus pounded on top of the cloud with her fists, a small rumble, and water poured from the cloud in a deluge washing the mud from her clothes and soaking her down to her panties.

“Oh, hahaha that's no good either!” The rainbow maned mare, still laughing, punched the cloud into non-existence. “I guess I went too hard on the shower…..OH wait how about this!” She dove down hugging the ground and began to spin around her victim at high velocity. Spike had not stopped laughing, in fact he was nearly shrieking now as he pound the ground.

“I am so happy he is having such a wonderful time.”

Faster and faster she went, becoming a blur of rainbow colors. The wind had picked up inside the sudden cyclone and started to blow, mud being lifted away and disappearing as well as moisture as it seemed all matter that was even close to liquid was being sucked up and away.

Twilight stood there, her mane no longer straight as she liked it, her tail resembling that of the poodle. The kind the wealthy spent far too many bits on.

“My patented Rainblow Dry-” She had turned around, and started snorting with laughter. Her dear sweet brother was having trouble taking in oxygen.

“So, I can assume you’re Rainbow Dash.” She groused. This day seemed to have gone downhill the moment she stepped out the door.

“That’s me! The one and only!” She flew up and hovered again in front of the disheveled mare, an eye cocked up, a smug expression beginning to blossom on her face.

“I am Twilight Sparkle, and I heard that you are in charge of keeping the skies clear for the celebration.” She stated flatly. Hopefully this ordeal would be short lived.

A bored look replaced the smug. “Oh yeah, that. Yeah yeah I got it, I got it.” She turned around and ascended to a low floating cloud and laid down. “I got a couple of days before the event so I can clear that up no problem. Rains not even scheduled till two days after. Besides, I gotta practice more before then anyways.”

“Practice? For what?” Twilight did not like having to crank her neck at such an angle just to see the mare, and she was beginning to believe this pony was the wrong one for the job given to her.

“For what? For what?!” Rainbow Dash spun around on the cloud and glared back down. "FOR THE WONDERBOLTS!" She thrust out a finger and pointed to a poster plastered on one of the town billboards.

Seeing the blue and yellow poster in its vibrant colors brought a memory from the depths of her past. A time when she was eight years old, and her older brother tried to get her interested in the aerial team. She smiled, she had spent the entire time calculating their velocity and trajectories. Attempting to predict where they would end up in their extreme turns.

"You mean thee Wonderbolts? One of the most disciplined air wings in the Royal Air Force?" She asked snidely.

"Yep! That's them!" She grinned as her eyes took a far off look.

"No offense, Rainbow Dash, but why would they want to recruit somepony who is too distracted in doing their own job? They are one of the most disciplined units in the entire military, they carry the Pride of Equestria wherever they fly to. What makes you believe you can even hope to be in their ranks?"

"HEY! I can have this whole sky clear in ten seconds flat! I am the fastest flyer in the world!" The incensed mare shouted back, the cloud she was standing upon was starting to drift up, but powerful beats of her surprisingly large wing span had quickly banished it as she dove off and back in front of her detractor.

Twilight smiled devilishly, and Spike cringed. "Prove it."

Another glare from the prismatic mare, and she was gone. Just one moment she was there, the next a rainbow trail started impacting clouds all over the valley.

As the cloud cover began to dissipate, the bookworm's jaw slowly fell open.

Ten seconds. Flat. She had counted.

The ground buckled and both siblings were sent stumbling, barely managing not to land on their flanks or their faces as dust blew up around them.

As a cloud dust billowed past them, they stared in awe at the pegasus known as Rainbow Dash, grinning smugly at them, fists on her hips.

"Ten. Seconds. Flat."

Twilight had heard of exceptionally gifted flyers, but had never seen evidence like this. By her calculations the mare had approached six-hundred miles and hour at intense accelerations in almost constant state. To be able to withstand the forces, it screamed for research.

"HAHAHA the look on your faces! You're a riot Twilight Sparkle! We should definitely hang out! That was a really good workout. I got to try a couple of moves I had been working on. Hey! Maybe I should do that more often, mix work with practice."

And with that, the prismatic mare flew off muttering to herself shifting her body as she planned out her next stunts.

She wanted to stop her, to question what she had seen, but she was still too stunned. The bookworm snapped out of her reverie a few minutes later at the feeling of her tail bobbing up and down, a giggle coming from behind her.

She peered over her shoulder to see her little brother trying to stifle his giggles as he bounced her overly puffy and twisted tail.

"Weather control. Check." She groused, snatching her tail away as she marched to the next destination, Spike's giggles nearly chasing her as she marked off the visit on her list.

"No, no, no. What was I thinking? Lime green would never match the drapes."

Rarity was having an absolutely dreadful time trying to find just the right color that would match both the Princess accessories, and the drapes which were caramel in color. Thinking about it now, lime green wouldn't match good and amethyst gem that was often seen on the monarch either. It was a silly idea and she had no clue where it had even come from.

"Take these away please. And if you would be a dear, Mr Correspondence, would you bring that other box over there? I do believe I have not checked that one as of yet." She had put all the ribbons back inside and boxed them up levitating them over to her impromptu helper, of which he eagerly complied.

As activity picked up for the event, it had become apparent that Quick Correspondence was left with precious little to do. Mayor Mare was a more hands-on bureaucrat, and often did the paperwork herself.

So Rarity commandeered the young stallion into her service three to four hours a day. It was simple to convince the Mayor, and even easier to convince him. He was very eager for activity, and the batting of her eyes made him quite pliable to her whims. She felt a little guilty for using him in such a manner, but she needed help and he was a resource she could use to great effect.

With the chaos that was Pinkie, he had been a marvel at getting what needed to be done, despite her constantly catching him eyeing her. She didn't mind the attention, but it sometimes slowed her efforts down when she had to remind him of what he should be doing.

As she was musing over her own thoughts, her ears perked at the sound of the front doors of the Grand Hall being opened, and the muffled voices of two ponies as they talked excitedly between themselves. She ignored them as Quick had brought her the next box and she had begun sifting through. She was beginning to like this one, but which color would work?

"Excuse me. I-" A feminine voice spoke up behind her.

"Pardon me, Darling, I will be with you in a moment. I am in the zone as it t'were." She almost nodded to herself. She had been trying to expand her lexicon with terminology used in Canterlot. She had so nailed that.

"No, no….no….Yes! Yes yes yes yes! This is it!" She held up a bright red ribbon. A huge smile on her face. " I am a genius." It was egocentric of her, but it had been a frustrating week finding the right color to match the decor she had picked out and made herself two weeks before.

Levitating the ribbons with her magic she placed them throughout the pillars of the hall. It was stunning.

"Now forgive the delay, I am Rarity Belle, how may I help yoooooOoOOOOOOO!" She was ashamed by her unladylike behavior, but the mare before her was an absolute mess. The lavender mare before her looked like she had been dragged through a pig pen, one of Applejack’s pig pens.

The mare's mane was a bird's nest of navy and dark blue with strips of pink and fuschia throughout. She feared her tail was in no better shape considering she couldn’t even see sign of it.

There was mud smeared into her clothes, a classic librarian get-up if she had ever seen it. It matched her fur color, but it was completely ruined and would take some serious work to restore it to its rather subdued glory.

"Mr Correspondence, be a dear and make sure to pack the ribbons away, I cannot let this travesty against fashion continue." She did not wait for his affirmation and began to push the spluttering mare out the door.

A small dragon in a smart outfit of khaki and a white dress shirt with suspenders got the door for them, though his eyes never left her or her form. She knew that look.

"Oh no, another one."

Twilight struggled to breathe as the mare that had effectively foalnapped her started to tighten the white gem encrusted corset around her midsection.

"Now, Miss Sparkle was it? You were about to tell me where you hail from." She could hear the strain as the white mare used both magic and her hands to tighten the strings, suddenly cutting off oxygen to her body.

As she started to black out, she could only gasp as she tried to explain why she was there to begin with.

She had been impressed when her and her brother had walked into the Ponyville Grand Hall. It had nearly been done and was absolutely beautiful.

"Beautiful…." Spike had whispered.

Twilight had to agree, it was absolutely gorgeous.

"Yes it is Spike. It is an excellent job done. Princess Celestia will be very pleased." She smiled. Finally something already done, or near enough that didn’t need her goading or sampling the goods. This was all laid out before her and it was perfect.

"No, her." His voice had taken on a dreamy tone.

"Her?"

On the raised dias was an all white unicorn mare with an indigo mane. Fluttering eyelashes that held a touch of sky blue eyeshadow.

Her outfit had Twilight flush with envy. An all white blouse that hugged her chest tightly, and an indigo skirt that matched her mane and tail. "Some mares are just born blessed I suppose…"

She pushed down that rogue feeling of envy that threatened to overtake her and smiled sweetly as the pair approached who she could only assume was the mare, Rarity Belle.

"Excuse me I-" and that was all she got out as the mare interrupted her, politely, but still interrupted her.

She waited impatiently for her to be done selecting a color of ribbon before she finally turned around. What started as a formal greeting turned into a shriek of terror.

Before she knew what was happening the lavender mare had been pushed out the building, and then bundled down the street toward a garish looking carousel building, all while the fashionista babbled on about how terrible her coiffure was and the abysmal state of her clothes.

"I'm…..from…...Canterlot!" She gasped out. Suddenly the tightening had lost all tension, she stumbled forward catching herself on a rack before falling flat on her face. She seemed to be falling a lot since she arrived in this increasingly crazy town.

"Canterlot!" Rarity cried breathlessly. "Oh how I dream of one day living there! The glamour, the sophistication! You must tell me all about it!” She paused and beamed at Twilight. “I believe that you and I will become the best of friends." That glowing smile, turned into a frown.

"Emeralds with your fur color? Whatever was I thinking? Hold a moment Darling, I think I have something that will suit you better." The fashionista nearly danced into the back mumbling and giggling to herself.

Twilight had already worn no less then seven outfits that afternoon, she was not sticking around for more torture.

She began to shimmy out of the death trap corset and levitated her normal clothes to her.

It was rather generous of Rarity to clean up her clothes as well as her mane and tail, but she would be damned if she stuck around for more. Though she was impressed with the mare’s command of charm spells. Those were really handy and she would have to make a note to study up on a few herself.

"Let's go!" She whispered fiercely.

Spike was less enthusiastic to leave, he had been staring at the passionate mare in a rather lascivious manner, earning a chastising word and a smile on occasion.

"But can't we stay just a little longer?" He pleaded, his eyes drifting to the backroom door, biting his lower lip.

"Come on Casanova!" She dragged the dragon out the door by his tail, quickly picking up speed as they left the establishment with a slam of the door.

The slamming of a door got Rarity's attention, she was in the midst of examining three other dresses she had in mind for her new friend. Or so she hoped to be her new friend. Despite her popularity in town it had been difficult to gain any new acquaintances due to her busy schedule and the already formed cliques that had blossomed in her youth.

A mare from Canterlot was rare. At least one that actually spoke to her in a kind manner. Outside of that one mare that had been so full of questions, she had not really had the chance to meet another one from the illustrious place from on high.

Exiting her backroom she realized what had occured.

"Drat. She's gone." She huffed.

Then she chastised herself. She had come on rather strong, even if she was trying to be helpful she noticed that she had done most of the talking, almost all of it really, and in her excitement had largely ignored what the mare was trying to say. Something about being a representative of the throne? Double drat.

Picking up the discarded clothing with her telekinesis, she realized that she would end up having to apologize for her behavior, and rightly so considering the results.

As she finished putting away the dresses, now once again to her standard of perfection, a knock on the door brought her out of her own reflection of her behavior.

Pinkie was at the door. At least judging by the poofy hair, that was now green, coming out from under what looked to be a strange helmet that was the same shade. It held a weird type of netting over the shell, with the words ‘Born to Party’ written in white on the side. The strap was securely locked over her chin.

Other than the bright blue eyes she had completely covered herself in various green paint and some type of clothing with pockets and patches in a similar pattern. The mare saluted.

"Pinkie? What under Celestia's sun are you doing?" She exclaimed worriedly.

"I'm assessing the target and learning about them, ma’am." She spoke. Her tone and bearing were official. "Here is an invitation to a party at the Golden Oaks Library on Summer Sun Celebration Eve."

In her hand was an invitation, in the standard pink she always used but half the folded letter was splattered in the various shades that now adorned the mare.

"Thank you Darling, but what is the party for?"

"New mare moved into town ma'am." She stoically replied.

"Oh you mean Miss Sparkle? I'm afraid she is only here to supervise us, I do believe, and provide material help should we need it. After the Summer Sun Celebration she will be returning to Canterlot I'm afraid." She frowned, she really did come on too strong and she knew it.

"No ma'am, tail spun clockwise once, then counterclockwise twice and a half. Right hoof turned left. The left ear is still twitchy. She is staying ma'am."

Rarity had long learned not to question the 'Pinkie Sense'.

"Okay, but the library? Why there?"

"Ma'am, that will be her chosen residence, as she prefers the company of books to ponies. It will be our duty to ensure that she enjoys the company of ponies more."

"Oh, oh my. She seemed to have it just so together. For her to be so introverted...well I will just have to lend my assistance." She smiled, maybe she would have a new friend after all, after she apologized of course. Maybe a new wardrobe would go a long way in patching any rift she might have caused. Something that would suit the more insular pony.

"Ma'am, that will certainly help in acclimating the subject to Ponyville. Excuse me. I still need more information and get the rest of these invitations out." And with that, Pinkie Pie was gone in a flash of green.

"That mare is so strange." She giggled. " Now what kind of gift do you get for an introvert you know so little about? She’s living in the library? Maybe a new quill. Oh maybe one of those new ‘pens’ I keep hearing about."

She giggled as she shut the door.

Twilight panted as they came to a stop in the park. Spike just grumbled and sat on a bench upset at their abrupt departure. “Least you could have let me say goodbye.”

She eyeballed her disgruntled brother and had to giggle. He really was head over hooves in love with that mare.

"What?!" He huffed indignantly.

"Nothing Spike, I often forget you're not that much of a baby dragon anymore.” Well he totally was a baby dragon, but his maturity was more akin to a young colt breaking into stallionhood. “You like her huh?" She got a blush in return as he turned to look anywhere but at her.

She chuckled as she pulled out the list. "Decorations are a check." She crossed off Rarity’s name. “Let’s take a break, we only have one more name on the list, and then we are done.”

It was a bit quiet for a moment before Spike spoke up again.

"Twilight,” he said slowly, pointing behind her. “Is….is that who I think it is?”

She gave him a puzzled look before turning her head to stare, her mouth slowly fell open as she really took in what she was seeing.

Behind her stood a life sized statue of Orion. He was depicted with a victorious smile on his face and a gleam in his eye. Fire was held in right hand, in his left he held what looked to be an apple.

At his hooves were a bunch of timberwolves in various broken states, as if they had been struck down by him.

"What? What is this?" She breathed.

Spike hopped down and wandered over to the sculpture. "It says here; 'In vengeance for those who could not avenge themselves. Orion Falls struck down one-hundred and thirty-two timberwolves. Year eleven twenty-seven.' Whoa." He said breathlessly, taking steps back to look at the statue in greater detail.

How could she have forgotten? This was the town he had been sent for punishment. The town he had returned to, and gotten hurt so badly. The very town he had gotten that ugly scar in that adorned his face.

"Oh hey this statue was commissioned by the Apples. We met them." He was reading the plaque again.

She only dumbly nodded. She had completely forgotten his connection to this place, or why Ponyville had sounded so familiar when the Princess had first given her her assignment.

For a long time she sat on that bench just staring, her mind a whirl of thoughts she could not place. Spike had gotten bored and pulled out a comic book from the satchel he was carrying with him.

"Hey, do you hear birds?" Spike suddenly spoke, looking around.

Pulling herself from her reverie, she tilted her ears, catching the sound of bird song. Bird song singing a familiar tune. In unison.

"I do, is that the national anthem?"

"Huh, it is. That is so weird!' he giggled.

Twilight filled the discovery of this statue for later and rose to her feet, tucking the list in her own bag. "What would you like to bet that this is the music we are here to oversee?"

"Odd that they would choose birds instead of a band.” He paused, carefully putting away his comic book and looked up to her. “You really think they would? Seems a bit of a stretch to me to try and use birds of all things."

"Yeah, that is true. But it would be like this strange town to go with birds instead of a more traditional manner." She half chuckled.

Turns out, she was right.

In the clearing of the park were hundreds of not thousands of birds singing in tune, they were all arranged by color in the branches of the trees. It was incredibly beautiful. All kinds of birds sang, many she knew, others she had seen only in textbooks.

In the center of it all was a willowy looking pegasus, tall and soft yellow fur with a pink mane and tail, she was flitting about the open space saying nothing, but listening intently. Her ears cocked as well as her head as she was listening to the bird's song.

She shook her head and looked at a particular branch of common blue birds.

Raising her hand the entirety of the clearing went eerily silent, all the avian creatures watching her with rapt attention.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry Mr Jay. But you are singing a bit off key with everypony else.” She spoke softly. “ I-If you don't mind, feel the rhythm of the song. I know you can do it." Twilight could barely hear her even in the stillness of the moment.

Looking down at her list. "In charge of Music: Fluttershy. This must be her."

A small conversation had gone on between pegasus and bird, it was bizarre that it seems they pair could understand one another.

She shook her head, there was no way that was possible.

Not thinking about what she was about to do, she called out. "Hello!"

Birds shrieked and scattered, and the mare swooped up into the air with an inaudible cry looking like she was ready to bolt.

"Way to go Twilight, you just scared the feathers off the mare." She facepalmed herself.

"Heh, sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you.” She paused before speaking gently, “are you Fluttershy? That music was absolutely beautiful. I could barely tell between the Royal Orchestra and you and your birds." She smiled softly, suddenly very cautious of how she walked and approached the demure pegasus.

"Oh, and I'm sorry for scaring your birds away. I am Twilight Sparkle, I am here on behalf of Princess Celestia to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration. I understand that a mare named Fluttershy is coordinating the music for the event. Is that you?"

Instead of a response, the mare just looked away, her mane covering up her face in near totality as an awkward silence descended over the pair.

"Umm...are you Fluttershy?" She tried again, hoping to get a response from the suddenly quiet mare.

"I'm Fluttershy." A tiny voice squeaked out.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that." She stepped closer.

"I'm Fluttershy." Somehow the voice was both quieter and higher. Twilight shook her head in confusion, a look of annoyance flashing on her face.

"Can you repeat that, just one more time?" She strained. Casting a small sound enhancement spell.

All that came back was a squeak as the mare took another step away, staring at the ground as if all the secrets of the universe could be found there.

It was clear this mare was her name sake, talk about predictive naming. She felt it was best to cut her losses, satisfied that the music was going to be a great hit.

"Well, I won't keep you. It sounds beautiful, Spike let's get going." The dragon pulled himself from the bushes, pulling stray leaves off his clothes.

Once again she was introduced to dirt.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! A baby dragon?!"

Where had this pegasus come from? Gone was the demure and quiet mare. Instead, she was now fluttering about looking Spike over squeeing excitedly to herself, asking all sorts of questions.

Her brother, for his part, actually looked a little annoyed.

"My name is Spike and I'm not a baby. I'm a teenager!" He grumbled irritatingly, interrupting the barrage of queries being thrown his way.

"Oh! You even talk!” Then she paused a finger to her chin. That is so exciting! You have to be about two hundred years old then? Oh this is the best day."

He blinked at her. "Um, I'm fifteen." He responded confused.

"Oh, then you are a baby dragon!" She clapped her hands together. “Just as good, and already able to speak so well at your age!”

Twilight had finally gotten to her hooves and approached the pair. Spike worriedly turned to his sister.

"Twilight, what is she talking about?"

"Well Spike, for ponies you are a teenager. But for dragons you would likely still be considered an infant in many respects because your species lives for thousands of years. Two hundred years is barely considered the beginning of teenage years for dragons." That left a pang of pain in her breast, his face had taken on a crestfallen look.

"I'm a baby?" He started to wander away. "Fuck me...I'm an infant."

Her jaw dropped. "Did he just swear?!"

"Spike! Where did you hear that from!?" She screeched. Fluttershy looked on, confused.

"Huh, not sure. Just know what it means. I remember….oh hey it was Orion! He…." He wilted under her glare. "Uhhh...heh heh."

"We will discuss this. Later." She pulled out the list to mark off the last stop. Irritated that her little brother had picked up swearing from him, and happy to have the list completed.

"Umm, excuse me. You know Orion too?" A quiet voice spoke up from behind them.

"Uh yeah. He went to school with my sister here." Spike stabbed a thumb at Twilight. "But he disappeared years ago. Why did you know him?" The lavender mare had chosen to remain silent, a scroll and her pen appearing in her hands as she began to jot down notes.

"Oh, oh me? No….. But I heard his name mentioned a few times by Rarity and Applejack." More connections to the Apple family, and now another mare knew him, Rarity, the crazy fashion centric mare.

From there the conversation drifted away from the wayward colt, to Spike and his history. In that time they had journeyed back through town, and to the front door of the library.

They had passed the Carousel at one point and Twilight itched to investigate the proprietress and her connection to Orion. But the place was closed and it looked like nopony was home judging by the closed curtains of the upper floors.

She was polite in her goodbye to Fluttershy, in which the mare actually responded in kind with a happy smile. That had actually been the nicest interaction she had with anypony from town. Despite the rocky beginning.

Inside with the lights on, she made her way to the stairs to go up to her room. Her supplies were there and she wanted to compile a list of questions to ask those two mares the moment she saw them again.

"Um, what are we supposed to do now?" Her little brother looked lost as he gazed around a perfectly cleaned, perfectly organized library, as it should be.

Twilight paused. The last week had been a flurry of activity. This was the first night they really didn't have anything to commit to. She of course would be studying, but he would have nothing. She eyed the kitchen.

"How about you cook something, I remember you buying a bunch of groceries, and that stove does need to be broken in before we leave. After that….hmmm maybe read some comics. Or a book. This library contains a lot of surprisingly old books."

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. We got like, a little under a week before the celebration. We can actually relax now.” He perked up, given a new purpose. “Alright, I'm feeling a casserole for dinner." He grinned. He loved to cook.

She smiled, now for that list. She took the first step up the stairs.

"Hey Twilight?"

The lavender mare turned back to her little brother, seeing him stand at the kitchen entrance head down.

"Yes Spike?"

"Am I really considered a baby?" He said morosely. Her heart hurt a little for him. But she couldn't lie.

"Yes. Yes you are. It's as I said. Your kind live for thousands of years." The fins on the side of his head wilted. "But, I have never met a more mentally mature individual as yourself. Spike, you are so smart, and so independent that I have come to rely on you as my number one assistant. Not only just as my brother." She walked forward and hugged him tightly. "I could not have gotten to where I am now if not for you."

He hugged back tightly. "Thanks Twi."

As the week carried on, the siblings fell into a routine.

In the morning they would eat breakfast, go over the books to make sure nothing was out of place, she idly thought about another reorganization but resisted the idea. Another would be in charge once she left and they had done a good job, she didn't need to devote that much time to maintaining a place they would not remain in.

After all of that, they would go out into town and scour for information. The resurgence of Orion's name had lit a fire in her. She wanted to know if he had come and stayed in Ponyville after he escaped the city.

She had found nothing. Oh many ponies had interacted with him, and he had an amazingly good reputation as helpful and kind. If a bit rough around the edges. But it had all been in during the time of his first two visits to the not so sleepy town.

The two mares that might have been able to shed some light on his whereabouts were nowhere to be found though ponies had sworn up and down that they would be either here, or there. But nothing.

Rainbow Dash would sometimes appear in the skies above going at breakneck speed to wherever she was going, but they were on able to catch the boasting mare. Though Twilight and Spike were treated to the sight of her busting a storm front moving in from the Everfree. That was impressive.

A trio of fillies had also made their presence known in a pretty comical, if very dangerous, way.

Really they were only a little younger then Spike was. But the three mares-to-be had been the source of chaos on more than one occasion since they first saw them.

For instance on Wednesday, they were seen rocketing across the roofs on some type of cart with a giant rocket attached to the back. It had exploded just as they attempted to fly from one side of the market to the other. Sending debris and fillies in all directions.

Nopony was hurt, thank Celestia for that. But they had been quickly carried off by a still laughing Rainbow Dash after a very thorough collective scolding by the entire town.

It was actually amazing to see an entire town raising foals. There was an old saying: 'it takes a village to raise a foal.' And in Ponyville never was that saying more apparent.

Another anomaly was that the pair was being shadowed by, something, she didn’t know what. They had caught glimpses of green moving about behind them but never managed to catch what it was.

Twilight wondered if whomever was tailing them was responsible for her not finding Rarity or Applejack. As if warning them just before she got there.

If that was the case, why? What were they hiding?

It had been a particularly long day for Twilight. Not only had she had to run around ensuring there were no last minute changes or needed supplies, it was her last day to find out anything about Orion and where he might have gone. If he even came here at all.

But again nothing. She tried the ponies known to her. But they ALL were missing now. It bothered her. It felt like a great majority of the populace was avoiding her for some reason. Had she done something wrong?

It didn't matter, she needed to study as tonight was the final night before Nightmare Moon's predicted return. She knew she was right and the celebration, Orion, and the mysterious stalker had all served to distract her.

She needed to hit the book once more. Maybe read further ahead as she had ignored the passages after the prediction once she initially read them. Focusing solely on the claim of evil’s return.

"Well maybe ponies were super busy, Twilight. It is festival night after all." Spike walked into the surprisingly dark library. She was sure she had left a few lights on.

"I don't know, Spike. This town seems to be full of crazy ponies who were all smiles and friendly greetings, and now you'd think I broke a town statue or something." It bothered her and she wasn't entirely sure why.

"Maybe you smell funny?" He took a couple sniffs humorously.

"Very funny. Can you get the lights, I wore myself out teleporting everywhere today."

The lights clicked on before the little dragon could move.

"SURPRISE!" The cacophony of noise deafened her and made Spike shriek in fear.

All around them were dozens of ponies that were laughing and smiling. The library had been decorated with balloons, streamers ,and confetti. A huge banner hung from the balcony of the kitchen to the wall above the entrance.

'Welcome to Ponyville Twilight and Spike.'

"What is this!?" Her ears hurt but we're slowly coming back to her with muffled sounds and a repeated-

"-urprised you didn't we?! Huh?! Huh?! Hu-"

It was the pink mare they had first asked for help, the one who rushed off after performing an impossibility at the beginning of the week.

"Pinkie now jest calm down now. Can't ya see the poor mare is dazed." A southern accent broke through. "'sides ya haven't even introduced yerself yet!"

"Ohohoh! That's right! HIMYNAMEISPINKIEPIE! WEMETATTHEBIGINNINGOFTHISWEEKREMEMBER!?" And on and on it came. A fast stream of noise she could barely stitch together as words, she slowly walked over to what looked like the beverage table, desperate for a drink as pain began to build in her temples.

"Pinkie, Darling, slow down a bit. Did you already eat half the cupcakes again?" Rarity pipped in. Silencing the jabbering pink menace bouncing around behind Twilight.

The lavender mare decided to turn around and stared at the bubblegum mare in disbelief and concern.

"Half? Already!?"

"Nope. Hehe sorry I just get so excited welcoming new ponies!" She coughed, and smiled a nearly impossibly wide smile.

"Hi, my name is Pinkie Pie. I threw this party just for you! And your little brother of course. Were you surprised?!" It looked like it hurt to talk that slowly for the mare.

"Yes, very surprised. But a library is supposed to be a place of quiet learning." She rubbed her head and continued to the table.

"Well that's just silly, you can't have a party if it's quiet!" She chased after Twilight. "Remember!? I was the first pony you met this week and I was all like *gasp*" At this her eyes bulged.

" I had never seen you before and I know everypony in Ponyville so that meant you were new! But if you were new that meant you had no friends...So ran off to research you! I've followed you everywhere learning what your likes and dislikes are! What you like to do for fun so that everypony got the right kinda gift for you and everything!"

She was the stalker. Her headache spiked.

"All so I can host this party for you and you can make lots and lots of new friends!" She said excitedly, hands waving in the air and confetti falling from nowhere.

Quickly, Twilight poured herself a drink, not even bothering to read the label, and downed it. She regretted everything.

Her mouth felt like she had drunk the molten metal from a forge.

"Sugarcube? Ya alright?" She bolted up the stairs for the kitchen, positive everypony could see the smoke.

Later she was told by her little brother that Pinkie Pie had left a bottle of Burning Coal's Apocalyptic Hot Sauce out.

Apparently a favorite party gimmick of hers was to contaminate one of the cupcakes with hot sauce. If a pony fell victim to the prank, they would win a prize to compensate for the pain of having their mouth set on fire by the insane party pony.

She also learned that the mare loved the sauce, and put it on everything. Cupcakes, regular cakes, hay, flowers, the list went on.

She didn't really care. She currently sat in her room in the middle of the night, Starswirl's book neglected to her left.

Twilight had tried to study. Despite her desire to go back down stairs and grill both Rarity and Applejack on their knowledge on the whereabouts of Orion, she needed to focus on the prophecy. She had wasted most of her time as it was.

But it wasn't thoughts of long lost colts that had her grinding her teeth.

Shortly after she had isolated herself on the third floor, music began to pound throughout the building. Due to that she could not focus. Even with a sound dampening spell the vibration thrummed through the floor and into her bones causing her to toss aside the tome in frustration.

"Come on Twilight! Their playing pin the tail on the pony!" Spike had burst through the door to her room.

It had not been the first time the young dragon had done so. Often throughout the night he had come up to bring her food and try and to try and coax her down and join everypony else. She refused, but deep down she had appreciated his efforts.

He was the best brother she could ever ask for. Now, if only he would shoo everypony out like she had asked four hours ago that would be fantastic.

"No thank you Spike. I am fine here." She sighed and laid down across her bed. "Do you know what time it is? This is way too late to be having a party."

"Twi, it's the Eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to be up all night! You should really lighten up. It's a party!" He proceeded to march back out, shutting the door.

"Why was he wearing a lampshade on his head?" She shook her head. It shouldn’t matter to her, but his words stung her. 'Lighten up'.

She couldn't understand why nopony was taking her seriously. The world could be in grave danger and the Princess just sent her away to oversee a party. Spike clearly didn't see the danger despite her numerous warnings. It was enough to drive a pony mad.

Turning over her eyes drifted out the window and to the night sky. She hadn't looked at that sight without a telescope in such a long time. The moon was bright and full, with the mare in the moon still emblazoned upon its surface. Stars spread out like bright white spots on the darkest of canvases.

She stayed like that for hours, just staring at the night sky. She found herself thinking of the story, of how Nightmare Moon was first banished to the moon. To be sealed away.

"Thus Celestia, with the power of the Elements, bound the evil that was Nightmare Moon to the moon she so loved." Her face scrunched up in thought. "But the prophecy says that on the eve of the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars would aid in her escape and she would return to blanket the sun and cast the land in darkness."

She sat up abruptly. Elements? She had heard mention of Elements before but she had no idea what they were. Thinking about it now, she always contributed that to a spell Princess Celestia had invoked to bind the evil.

She remembered more of the tale, of the fact that there were two alicorn sisters. What had happened to the other and why was there no mention of her name. Did Nightmare Moon destroy her?

She stared out into the sky again.

"Were those stars always there?" It was a thought that floated along in her head with all the others that cropped up in her head.

Four stars seemed to sit perfectly around the moon, that seemed to glow with a mysterious rainbow light. But as she looked closer she could see no colors other than the bright light they showed.

"Was that my imagination?" She whispered to herself. The door banged open, startling the mare.

"Hey Twilight! It's time to get to the grand hall!" Spike shouted.

Looking at the clock she had realized three hours had passed since his last visit. "Oh no! I'm going to be late!" She scrambled down off the bed and practically bowled over her brother getting down the stairs.

She would later wish she had remained a couple of more minutes. For in that moment, the four stars pulsed once, twice, and shattered. With their disappearance, the Mare in the Moon vanished from the lunar surface.

The Ponyville Grand Hall was a buzz with excited ponies. Despite the large banquet hall, the place was packed.

Partly due to the sheer amount of visitors, ponies from all over the nation were there, and it showed in the way slight lines of segregation could be seen here and there.

Then there was the fact that the hall seemed to also have an inordinate amount of Royal Guards in attendance. That had given Twilight pause as she entered the building.

They were lined up around the walls on both sides of the banquet room. Stoic faces giving nothing away. But as she drew closer, she could see the nervous flick of ears and tails and the way the eyes darted about. Something was very wrong. As she looked about, she noticed her brother was missing. He was supposed to be leading them as the newly minted Caption of the Guard.

"Ah Miss Sparkle. We are all set and prepared." Mayor Mare had swept into her line of sight suddenly, smiling just as excitedly as everypony else that wasn't a guard. "If you will please stand right over here we will get this show on the road. Mustn't be late!"

"Wait." The tan mare turned back to her expectantly. "Has Princess Celestia arrived yet?"

"Not that I know of, but she is likely to show up right on time. She is nothing if not punctual." While true she could not stop the sinking feeling in her stomach. She looked at the guards, they were looking visibly agitated. Why?

Rarity was so excited, not only had she managed to decorate the entire town, with the help of Pinkie and her unorthodox methods, but she would be pulling the rope to herald in the dawn of the new day. It was enough to make a mare faint.

As she looked out across the crowd her eyes fell to her friends. They had made this day happen. Each working together so excellently to accomplish a goal the town would be talking about for generations to come.

Fluttershy looked very nervous as she had finally gotten the last of her avian choir into position. It had taken longer than she would have expected. The birds seemingly agitated about some.

There was Rainbow Dash, coming in from the last minute sky clearing no doubt. There was a frown on her face, she had landed the moment she had entered the hall. She waved the cerulean mare over.

"Dash Darling, what is wrong?"

"I don't know. It's a lot darker out there than it should be, the moon seems to be just gone. Made it hard to bust clouds when I could barely see 'em." She replied, shaking her head. "It's the damnedest thing Rares. It was there, and then it lowered rapidly. Not only that, but the moon looked really weird but I can't figure out why."

The fashionista took a moment to ponder then shook her own head. "Likely Princess Celestia lowered the moon so that the sun could shine even brighter when she brought it up."

"Maybe…but one more thing, the air….no that's not right. The world itself feels wrong. I was having a hard time orientating myself up there. I don't know…" she walked away to stand by her friends.

Rainbow Dash, having trouble flying? As she glanced about again, she noticed a lot of pegasus were grounded. Actually nearly all of them but a few and those few still in the air were shaking their heads. That was concerning. Applejack’s family’s food was practically the only food available. If it was somehow fouled, well then she would be sick as well. Though she did feel a little dizzy.

The more she looked the more she began to feel a weird energy in the room. As if everypony as one was feeling off. Twilight Sparkle was there as well looking equally concerned. Head darting about.

To her shame, she had avoided the mare this entire past week. But Pinkie had insisted that it was not yet time for them to interact, and she trusted her friend and did what she could to keep out of sight. She figured it was for the party proper that the pink mare wanted them all to get together.

She traced the lavender mare’s eyes to the guards around the room. Their faces. There was something wrong and she could feel the fur on the back of her neck standing on end.

She looked back to her friends. Fluttershy was shaking her head, with Rainbow holding her steady. Applejack was gazing about with a frown on her face herself, hands suddenly turning to fists. Something was very wrong.

Pinkie seemed to be the only one amongst them not affected. She smiled gleefully as she pulled a cupcake from somewhere and covered it in hot sauce.

How that mare could eat that stuff she will never know.

Discreetly, Rarity summoned her saber. And hid it under the tails of her jacket. They were likely all suffering from the pre-celebration jitters but that didn't mean she would just ignore her instincts.

"Uh...haha it seems all is in readiness. Ladies and Gentlestallions. It is with great pleasure that we ponies of Ponyville have the privilege to host this year's Summer Sun Celebration!" Even the mayor was having some trouble. She was licking her lips nervously.

Rarity gripped the handle of her weapon with her left hand, the right holding onto the curtain rope tightly.

"Without further delay, I give you the Wise, the most Benevolent, our wonderful ruler, Princess Celestia!” She raised her hands up to the balcony on which the Princess was to appear.

Rarity pulled the rope, a tad hastily, the curtain rose, and nothing.

The hall was utterly silent. Everypony looking at each other and the balcony where the Princess was supposed to step out on to.

Taking it upon herself Rarity teleported to that very balcony. She fought off the dizzy spell momentarily, she had never been very good at it, and despite her instructors orders she didn't practice it all that much. It was such a difficult spell for her, and she had only known of it because of her mother.

She carefully looked around but beyond the balcony was a wall of black. No lights came from the hall behind the curtain.

"She's not here! She's gone!"

Where once was silent, the hall exploded in a cacophony of shouts and shrieks. Many in the crowd were demanding to know what was going on. Mayor Mare was having trouble being heard in the increasing roar of confusion.

Rarity's eyes never left that wall of darkness, and it was a good thing too. A tendril of black that seemed to absorb the light shot at her at blinding speeds. She teleported out of the way and back amongst her friends, fighting down the bile that threatened to erupt from her mouth.

Twilight could only stare on in horror as the black tendril struck the ceiling. The blackness exploded and ozzed down the walls on either side of the crowd.

Guards backed hastily away as they pushed ponies to the center of the room. The demands of the crowd had quickly turned to shrieks of terror.

She was pushed into a group of ponies she recognized.

Rarity had a handkerchief to her lips, she looked a little green.

Rainbow Dash scowled as she glared at the now billowing smoke that trapped them, while Applejack glared up at the balcony. Something was moving up there.

Fluttershy was being supported by Pinkie, who looked around in puzzlement.

Turning back to the farm mare, her gaze followed hers again.

The black smoke had taken on a purple hue, and was coalescing into something tall.

A hand broke the surface, nearly as black as night, there was a dark blue sheen to the fur.

All at once the smoke broke away and her fears were realized.

Rarity starred up aghast at what she was seeing.

On the balcony where the ruler of the sun was supposed to stand, was a mare of black.

No, that was not quite her color, there seemed to be blue there as well. Like raven's feathers. The mare was statuesque. Easily overcoming even Big Macintosh in height.

The more details she took in, the more surprised she was. The dark mare bore armor of silver and darkened steel.

From an amorer's perspective her equipment was rather impractical. It looked more like it belonged to a courtesan than anypony else. Though it was absolutely beautiful with silver swirls and deep blue stones embedded at key points throughout.

Her eyes widened at the horn poking up through the helm she wore, and the wings that flexed and waved behind her named her for what she was. If not who she was.

"Ah, my subjects. It has been too long since I gazed upon your sun loving faces." The sarcasm dripped like venom from her tone.

Nopony spoke.

"What? Surprised to see me? To understand me? I had to drain the lexicon of this new tongue from one of your own so I made sure you know my voice." The alicorn mocked them as she floated gracefully down to the ground floor.

It forced the ponies into a tighter knot, pushing her and her friends to the forefront.

The smoke around them writhed and twisted, as if sharing in their owner's agitation.

"Did none remember me? Did you not see the signs? Did none remember the legend?!" She spat as she stalked around the room, a finger curling under Fluttershy’s trembling chin before swiping off a tear from her cheek. She smirked.

"Oh oh I love guessing games!" Shouted an all too cheery voice.

"Pinkie! NO!" She could not speak. Could not voice her fears. It was like something had a hold of her very voice.

"Hokey Smokes! No, Queen Meanie! Oh-" Applejack's hand had come down around the pink mare's muzzle, thankfully silencing her. Her other hand gripped Rainbow Dash's neck straining to keep the violently flapping mare in place.

"What have you done with OUR Princess!" The prismatic mare bellowed.

"Oh, your Princess? Am I not royal enough for you? Truly, does no one remember me?" A dark look overtook the mare's features. Rarity couldn't help but notice the pronoun that she used. It sounded very familiar.

"I-I know who you are." The crowd turned to the voice as one.

Twilight Sparkle, stood there hands balled into fists, and glared uncertainly at the invader.

"Oh?"

"You are the Mare in The Moon. Nightmare Moon!" She proclaimed taking another step forward.
The fashionista admired her bravery.

Everypony gasped. Rarity wanted to smack herself. That old pony's tale. She had grown up hearing about it, they even had a holiday to serve as a reminder of it every year in the fall. She shuddered. Nightmare Moon was real, and in front of them all.

"Well, well, well, someone actually remembers me." She smiled with no joy or humor. The frown returned. "If you remember who I am, then you know why I am here."

"Your…. you're here to…" it seemed Twilight's courage had finally waned. In the absence of her courage, a dark chuckle filled it.

All eyes turned to the alicorn, she was laughing. Deep and melodic, it carried with it a promise of violence never seen before.

"Remember this day my subjects. For it will be the last 'day' you will ever have." As she spoke, light flooded in from the window. But not the light of the sun. But of the moon itself, glowing bright as it would at a midnight peak. A ring of gold seemed to envelope it as the sky remained darkened.

As Nightmare Moon continued to laugh, the black smoke that had filled the edges of the room fell away to reveal ponies in black and silver armor. Eyes of various reds glowed eerily at them from behind their helmets.

The sound of fluttering reached Rarity's ears as she watched many stretched almost see through wings.

Twilight gave name to the terror before their eyes.

"BAT PONIES!"

Chaos. Pure chaos took hold of the room as ponies shrieked in terror only to be drowned out by the roar of battle as soldier fought soldier in a violent clash.

The Royal Guard was faltering from the beginning, several civilians died from the violent crash of steel on steel, unable to protect the very ponies they were sworn to defend.

Nightmare Moon cackled gleefully from her place on the dias. "Now die you worms."

BOOM

The battle stopped. All eyes turned to the wall behind the dark alicorn. She too turned to stare in shock at the embedded bat pony in the wall. Their body mangled to almost unrecognizable mush if not for the armor that still held them together.

"Nothing. Will take another member of mah family away from me." It was a voice filled with rage and pain. And belong to none other than her longest friend, Applejack.

"My." The evil creature chortled. "Some of you actu-" she barely dodged the body of another of her broken minions being hurled at her from another source. ".... actually have some fight in you…" She stared wide eyed at another pony, Big Mac.

He was glaring daggers at Nightmare Moon, her status seemed not to phase him a wit. He spoke only one word. "Eyup."

That broke the spell of stillness. The battle resumed, only now the ponies of Ponyville fought with their guards. Picking up fallen weapons, pulling the wounded out of the way.

Rainbow Dash had become a blur in the relatively small space. Tearing any who met her in the air apart with near sonic speeds. Their bodies striking the floor, wall, and sometimes ceiling to never rise again.

Rarity herself cut down two stunned assailants, remembering the words of her instructor. "Never allow the element of surprise go wasted. It is not fair, but it is battle, so it means very little in the long term to be fair when you are fighting for your life." She knew she would be sick later. Fear kept a lock of steel on her stomach.

Suddenly two bat ponies dove towards her, and she only had time to block one, the other would end her. Suddenly both were gone in a loud explosion.

Pinkie Pie, with that strange green metal helmet on her head grinned maniacally as she reloaded a bright pink and blue cannon.

"Where in the Tartarus did she get that thing?!"

She shook her head, questions for later. Turning around she witnessed a bizarre sight.

Several of the enemy were being flung about by their necks in magical fields of lavender. The source was apparent as Twilight fought back with a most clever, if frightening only for the fact the sheer power the mare held, use of levitation she had ever seen.

It caused disorder in the enemy ranks as their own comrades were used as projectiles to knock them over. The Royal Guard wasted no time capitalizing on that fact and cut down the already fallen opponents.

Explosions shook the room but ponies fought on. Mares defending their stallions to the last and stallions tending to the wounded.

Yet another pair of bat ponies sought her life. It was clear this force comprised of females, as expected. She blocked and danced back with a following slash to give her room to maneuver. As they swept back towards each other another blade joined hers and swiftly dispatched the enemy on her left. The shock startled the other and her blade found its way into that enemy’s heart.

She turned to thank her rescuer only to stumble on her words.

A stallion stood with a bloody longsword, likely from a fallen guard, and swiped the blade downward shedding blood that had stuck to the blade.

"Are you alright Miss?" Was she alright? What was he thinking!?

"I'm fine," she responded numbly. What was a stallion doing fighting of all things. She had heard some had entered service, but it was a token force that was often used for ceremonial purposes. Very rarely getting involved in any actual work.

The stallion that stood before her was in a once rather stunning noble attire, now splattered with blood. His white fur was stained red along his neck, but he didn’t look wounded. Only angry.

"I see. I am Sir Fancy Pants, a pleasure to fight by your side. Now we should not tarry!" He struck down another as if it was normal, his face not even twitching at taking a life.

Rarity fought on, too dazed to focus on anything other than the clash of steel and the noise of battle. The noble stallion known as Fancy Pants fought beside her, complaining of all things about how heavy his sword was and how he wished he would have brought his scimitar instead.

Just like a stallion to find something to moan about.

Twilight had finally gotten some breathing room as the enemy had started to avoid going anywhere near her.

She was going to have nightmares about this day and she knew it. She could feel through her magic when she grabbed them too hard, or threw them in a panic, the bones in their necks shattering under the force of her hastily thrown together spells.

As she peered over the battle, she could see Nightmare Moon. She was no longer laughing but glaring as her forces were starting to be overwhelmed by the courageous town of ponies.

Suddenly Applejack and Rainbow Dash burst from the throng striking out at the alicorn as one.

"Get back you fools!" A wave of dark magic swept over the two, sending them sprawling across the floor.

Twilight didn't really study combat magic. Had never really thought she would ever need to. She struck out anyway with raw magic, and actually sent the ancient alicorn enemy stumbling, nearly falling to her knees. Eyes wide in shock.

"Enough of this. Retreat!" Nightmare Moon bellowed out. Her eyes glared death at the lavender mare.

No other words were spoken as less than a third of the attacking force fled through the windows, shattering glass in their escape.

The alicorn was the last to leave. Turning into smoke before she too left in the same manner.

She looked about herself. The hall was now filled with the dead, or dying. Screams of agony wrung out, as well as whimpers of pain filled the silence between cries. Foals wept. Mares cried out holding their fallen.

As Twilight looked, she could see the chart of the battle. She could see where Applejack and her brother had carved a path through the enemy, broken bodies scattered everywhere.

She tried not to look at the corpses.

Rainbow Dash, nursed a cut to her left arm. Growling in anger.

Rarity was putting her sword away, hands shaking violently but her face was resolute. Twilight had thought her a posh mare, but clearly that was not the case.

The demure mare that was Fluttershy tore pieces of her clothes to bind wounds with a determined if terrified look upon her face.

Pinkie stood almost in the middle of the room, her mane flat, her fur dull pink. Her eyes filled with tears.

“This party was no fun at all.”

Twilight couldn’t agree more.

The tally had come. Of the ponies of Ponyville, they had suffered the loss of only six of their number. A true miracle.

The visitors did not fare so well. Heavy losses of both guards and civilians. Resulting in almost half the guard still with fighting capability, though many were gonna be bandaged for the next engagement.

The civilians suffered even worse. Many ponies would be burying their dead when it was all over.

Once the count had been taken, Twilight left. Immediately heading towards her home. Spike had slipped out in the chaos and had thankfully hidden in the bushes outside the Great Hall. He trembled and clung to her all the way home, crying into her leg.

After putting Spike to bed, in which he needed to sleep medication to finally succumb to slumber, she stumbled into the shower and washed blood and dirt off herself. She wept in the shower.

Coming out, her mind was still numb by what had happened. Stumbling down the stairs to make sure the door was locked, her mind tried and failed to form a plan. All she could think about was sleep.

As she approached, the door burst open and an angry blue pony was in her face.

"You've got some explaining to do!"

"Oh come on! That's it?! You were just getting to the good part!" Orion complained loudly.

Both mares had decided now was a good place to stop their tale. Frowns adorned their faces as they stared at him with annoyance.

"Well pardon me, Darling. But we have been talking all day, and other than that horrible tale you started off with you've not told us anything."

"I agree with Rarity. It's your turn." Twilight fixated him with a glare.

Orion sat back and sighed heavily. He supposed they were right. He had wasted enough time considering everything going on.

"Fine, fine! Have it your way. Let me just get my notes." He started searching through his jacket.

"Notes?" Twilight perked up. "You finally decided to write things down? I remember you just sitting in class like you were bored with the teachers."

He chuckled. "My life is infinitely more interesting than them." He found what he was looking for and brought out a green, slightly curved rectangular canister on two sets of thin legs, setting it on the table before them he smiled slightly.

"Darling, that does not look like any notebook I have seen. What does 'This side toward the enemy’ mean.” Rarity spoke with alarm.

"Oh, it means this," he reached over and grabbed a small pin, pulling it out. He grinned as his magic formed a surface shield around him. The room was filled with light and noise.

Author's Notes:

Exciting huh?

And I know what your thinking: "Finally some fucking violence!"

Yes I know I know. I have eagerly been awaiting it too.

Now some of you may have a complaint with the turn the story has taken. I will be frank, I do not care in this regard. Part of what made me start this story was the happy go lucky attitude the show, and many fanfics had taken with the story.

DO NOT GET ME WRONG.

I understand this show, and the work many fics are based on was originally meant for children. I get that entirely. But I often found the progression, to bright. Not within some realm of reality. So, I decided to write my fic. Believing many would not enjoy it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the opposite, so once again thank you.

As always, please leave a comment. I do like to hear from you guys even if I don't agree with some of your disputes. It lets me know how I'm doing, and I love seeing your predictions. This next chapter is going to be exciting to as new characters will be introduced, as well as the appearance of one who will be in a largely different capacity.

Till next time.

Thanks for reading.

Peace.

Partings

View Online

"Okay, so...a little too much."

It was too much. Like the entire wall covered with giant expanding foam, pony limbs, and whatever got caught in the blast. Like the coffee set, and the couch.

"Oh...it would have been cool if a cup of coffee had survived. I could have played a villain or some shit taking the last drink, monologuing my evil escape plan." He laughed to himself.

The mares were now the pony parts of the foam meeting wall modern art piece.

Fortunately for the pair, their heads were clear and the occasional limb sat exposed, if unmovable. He bit his lip to keep from laughing. Fancy Breeze was upside down.

Opening a window he used 'Ventum Impetu Dis', and forced the smoke that had filled the room out the windows. The strong wind that had picked up with the winter storms dissipating the smoke before it could be really seen from the streets.

"Yep, too much."

He chuckled as he stood up and pulled a pair of null rings from his pocket. He looked down at the coffee table and sighed. It had fallen over after having half the table wrecked in the blast. Safér was not gonna be happy with the sudden remodel.

Taking a closer look around he could see that the entire right side of the room had suffered, the carpet had been blown apart and the lovely paintings that had adorned the walls were just gone.

"Oh boy."

As he walked over the remnants of what was once a very nice floral patterned couch with wood trim, he got his first real look at his 'friends'.

"Fuck me your not even a goddamn unicorn." He whispered.

Navy blue mane with a bright thick pink highlight almost down the middle was in place of the indigo he had seen a minute ago. The white fur had given way to a yellow cake color, similar to what the folks down in Riyolt liked to eat on remembrance days. Was good stuff if a bit dry.

But with this, his suspicions were confirmed. These were not his friends from Ponyville.

Looking to the right of the mare he had to blink, then look again.

“It couldn’t be…” But it was.

"Jesus, is that….holy hell that's Fancy Breeze." He quickly pushed a ring over her horn before pocketing the other one. She groaned as he forced the ring on her horn so it didn't fall off.

He couldn't believe it. The posh, snooty mare he had contended verbally in middle and highschool for years was now cosplaying as Twilight Sparkle. He noticed both mares were wearing what might have been a non-descriptive jumpsuit of blue. It was in tatters if the side boob that the yellow one was showing off in the gap of the foam.

"Nice….."

He shook his head, berating himself for being a perv in the middle of a serious situation, as he walked to the other side of the room. He had no idea what to do with them now. His instincts screamed at him that it was long since time for him to run. But he remained.

Partly because he wanted answers, and partly because he went far too hard on the 'Flash Bang Foam Surprise'. He hadn't tested it before this moment, though he wished he would have had it back in the Everfree. Could have really come in handy tying up all those guards in the castle of the Two Sisters.

The other reason that kept him there was the fact that he did fire off that not-claymore at point blank range, he was more than a bit concerned that he may have done some serious damage to the pair.

Looking back at the mares he was sorely tempted to rifle through their pockets regardless of any injuries and just go, but he didn't want to weaken the hold that foam had on them. Information would be nice to come by, but if he could wake them up he might be able to glean something from his would-be kidnappers without weakening their imprisonment. That would be for the best.

That was likely what was about to happen, he figured. They were feeding him just enough of a story to keep him occupied, while demanding questions of their own. Hell the story that was told to him was inaccurate and old news considering he learned of almost everything after about three months after the events of what was now being called the ‘Longest Night’.

Ponies had apparently never seen an eclipse before, then again he had never seen one where the moon was actually bright at the same time as it was parked in front of the sun. So he couldn't be too harsh on the ignorant populace. But they should have at least had an eclipse at some point in their history. A normal one at least.

A flower vase had survived the explosion, though not the flowers, "oh there they are." The flowers in question were smeared into a colorful paste on the wall behind where the vase was still sitting.

He checked for water and was grateful to find it nearly full. He levitated two large orbs and threw it at the pair.

He smiled as they gagged and coughed, they would at least live, shaking their heads as they tried to slowly come to and piece together what had happened. He leaned against the wall as he watched them struggle for a bit. The yellow mare being the first to notice both their impromptu imprisonment and that he was no longer on the couch in front of them.

"Darling, what is the meaning of this?" She spoke out in that north-atlantic tone, it sounded a little off, and the realization that it was off caused her to look about in shock at both herself and Fancy, who was still shaking her head to clear it.

"I think you need the whole costume to make it work 'Rarity'." He air-quoted, chuckling to himself.

"How?" The mare croaked out. Her face hardened into a flat glare. Her real voice sounded like she was from one of the western cities.

"Well clearly my 'notes' were more powerful than you two could handle, and disrupted whatever spell that had been cast on you to make the pair of you look like the real Rarity and Twilight." He replied grinning.

“Oh shit, this bitch is so mad!” He chuckled.

"That was not a note." She bit back, her heated glare threatening to melt his face off.

"Sure it was, it was a dm of my love for how amazing your cosplay looked. I was almost convinced. Almost." He dusted himself off, some of the debris managed to hit him.

He was embarrassed to say he truly was almost convinced. Had he not created that enchantment to detect passive magic fields, and she hadn't overplayed her 'Rarity' impersonation, he would have never known.

Fancy's characterization of Twilight was so damn near on point that he noticed nothing.

"How did you know?" She flexed one partially free hand, and he noticed her frown when that was all she could move. "What is this bucking stuff?"

He turned over a flipped chair and sat down. "That is super expanding foam. Originally it would have been used as insulation, but when you add a hardening chemical, of which I will not name by the way, you get something that can stop people in their tracks. It acts like rock and they are gonna have to chisel you out. Might even lose some mane over it." He grinned. "It came with an extra gimmick if you couldn't tell."

"Yes, something loud and disorientating. This would be the 'flash bang' you originally spoke about during that little story earlier that you told us about."

He clapped. "Very good, you can pay attention."

"You still haven't told me how you figured it out." She stated. She had gone into a neutral tone, clearly not wishing to give away anything else. But he could already tell she was off her game. Like with the manticore in the Everfree, he held the high ground.

He thought about what to tell her. Partial truth seemed to be a good idea. He didn't want to drop the hints that he made an item to specifically detect the magic that had been used in their disguises, even if it wasn't it's intended purpose.

It had been originally designed to detect power fluctuations. Most notably ones with ancient equipment.

"Honestly, I was almost fooled. Till you started popping buttons on that top like a pez dispenser. Rarity for all her vanity would never damage an article of clothing she worked on." He leaned slightly forward, "and she only ever wears her own clothes."

"Damn." She hung her head, the illusion of being composed shattering just like that. They really couldn’t keep a ruse for long that was for sure.

"That and you never asked about my own clothes, she would have either gushed over them or condemned them to hell for being awful. Oh and there's also the fact that those two ladies, as well as four others, are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony." He finally growled out, losing a bit of his own composure.

He went on in an increasingly angry tone. "You know, the artifacts that are practically the Equestrian nation's defense weapon? Do you really think I would be dumb enough to believe that any of them would be allowed to go anywhere outside Equestria without am armed escort?"

When he had first seen them, he had started to surreptitiously look for guards trailing them, when none showed he knew something was very wrong. After seeing what those gems could do he had no doubt that Celestia would do everything she could to ensure their safety. This entire plan was doomed to fail from the start.

And the fact that the enchantment practically screamed at him when they got close was enough to tell him that he was in danger. Since then he had actively kept them distracted by asking them how they met, which was a question he already got an answer to when he asked the first time back in Ponyville, which they obviously never learned about. Good it meant the girls would not get in trouble for any of this, and he wasn’t about to narc on them like that.

While he kept her talking he began to form an escape plan. Odds were, they were not alone. It was more than likely that the shop below had slowly started filling with disguised soldiers in civilian attire. He couldn’t leave out that way, and they would be watching from the street for any attempt to leave by window or roof. As he was thinking, and keeping the conversation going, he started to feel around in his jacket, and smiled as his hands brushed against a large box strapped to his back. A plan of his own was forming.

"I told them this plan would not work. The moment you had been spotted we should have just observed you and learned your habits, what you might have been here for, and where you disappeared to in the night." She looked him up and down. "Honestly, pink does not suit you."

“Yeah that’s true, I think I was played on that one. Never compliment a mare’s tits so brazenly.” So they had spotted him. How soon?

"When did you notice I was not what I was pretending to be?"

"I'm not gonna tell you that!" She snapped back. Ignoring the tits comment entirely. True, he hadn't expected an actual answer, but he was still trying to piece together an actual line of questioning.

Just then, Fancy decided to chime in.

"Orion, you can't escape." He laughed, and she blushed. "I'm serious," she looked at her accomplice, and shook her head. "There's no harm in telling him Agent."

"Agent? As in secret agent?" He did his best to hide his bewilderment and amusement.

"I suppose you're right, Agent Breeze." The yellow mare sighed, and then fixed him in her gaze. "I am Agent Drops. This, as you know, is Agent Breeze. And what she said about there being no escape is quite true. By now fellow members are already in position inside the establishment and-" He tuned her out, and turned around slipping the box free from it’s straps.

He hated when people overestimated their capabilities. It was often sloppy and not a real assessment of what they were capable of. His grandfather would have said she was ‘ten pounds of shit in a one pound bag made to look like roses’.

He started to sing instead, while fiddling with the black box with a few switches on it. Fixing it to the center of the wall behind his own original seating.

"Secret, Aaaaaagent Mare. Secret, Aaaaagent Mare. They've given you a number…" He sang on.

Behind him heard Agent Drops yell at him.

"Listen," he interrupted, "I already figured you guys were all over the place by now." Not taking his eyes away from what he was doing.

Fancy again spoke up before her partner could scream at him again.

"Orion! They're gonna know! The explosion! The smoke. They have likely already set up the anti-teleport field by now. You really can't escape. Please, turn yourself in. It's not like you're really in trouble. Tartarus, if it wasn't for your intervention the Elements might have failed in their duty!"

He started to laugh as he looked over his shoulder at them.

"Did you forget the spell you cast? Or did you not know that sound dampening spells work both ways." Her eyes bulged. "And correct me if I am wrong, but is it not a pretty windy, rainy day?" Her partner's face color paled." No, I've got a little time to plan. Thanks to you." He chuckled, opening up the panel to start making some adjustments.

He really needed to make these more situationally compliant. This was taking far too long as it was.

Quiet arguing went on behind him that he ignored till his high school acquaintance spoke up once more.

"By now everypony has your description, Orion." Man she was determined to have him give up. "The Grendamares know you're still banished from Paris after all. They were pretty mad to find out you violated that order. If it wasn't for our intervention they would have moved on you last week!"

He paused. So they had known of him last week? That meant his disguise was now utterly useless, likely had been since he entered the city two weeks ago.

"Well, I guess I won't have to be pink anymore." He smiled. Never in his life was he happy a plan fell through, he was so tired of pink. That fucking zebra likely played a huge joke on him. Maybe he shouldn't have complimented her tits, and her ass.

Finishing, he closed the panel, the wires looked good. By now everything had likely been ready judging by the activation of that crystal in his pocket. It meant they were aware of the situation and were preparing for departure.

“What is that?” Agent Yellow finally asked cautiously. He was surprised they hadn’t demanded sooner. Man their priorities were askew.

“Oh don’t worry, you’ll find out in a minute.” He laughed.

He dusted himself off as he stood back up and turned to them.

"Well, it's nice to know Equestria has a shadowy spook agency that Celestia controls. Good to know Big Sister is always watching." He was done, they had given him enough without him even needing to ask. Man ponies like to talk too much. Plus he was burning daylight.

"Now, I gotta jet. Thank you for wasting my time." He grumbled. "Fancy, try and stay outta trouble, and you, frowny face, fuck off."

He walked toward them, lifted the couch he had been sitting on, setting it on its end and placing his back against it, and magically activated the switch of the bow.

The explosion was much greater as this was far more destructive. However, it was quieter, because most of the energy was sent into the alleyway instead of filling the room itself. The force from the bomb ripped away brick and mortar in a showering spray that pelted the ground below.

"Oh no doubt they heard that!" He laughed. The two mares gaped at him. He winked and jumped out the hole he had made in the wall.

With that, the great chase had begun.

This was not a perfect plan. First, he was on the wrong side of the city. Secondly, because of the anti-teleportation field, he couldn't shorten the distance he would have to run with a series of short teleports. That, however, came with the advantage that they couldn't track his movements as easily through the wormholes that were formed after a 'port. But he wasn't sure it was a good trade off anyways as he had a huge amount of ground to cover.

Third, and not the least, every officer and agent was now alerted to the fact that there was trouble. Thus Orion began his mad dash journey across Paris. Well it started like that.

He rocketed out the hole in the wall using a spell he had become all too comfortable using. As his horn blazed to life flames poured from his hand sending him up and over some rooftops and into an entirely different block of the city.

Cutting the flames, he timed the landing to his max range before casting an air cushion spell to cause him to land gently, if with a little stumble, in an unremarkable alley. Much like any other in Paris. Absolutely filthy. They should really hire a sanitation crew to sweep through the place.

He did not look behind him as he bolted down the tight quarters and into the street beyond.

Tugging the hood of his cloak over his head he slowed down and blended in with the crowd as they slowly made their way through the road, each of them going about their day as normal and ignorant to the presence of the pink fugitive in their midst.

Orion activated his detect life enchantment and nearly cursed out loud. Too many people here, and with a glowing horn he would soon be spotted. He would just have to keep his head on a swivel. He deactivated the charm, and did his best to appear like he belonged.

He had to change streets, often backtracking because of increased presence from the Grendamares on those roads.

They were everywhere, and milled about like angry ants looking for something to bite if their faces were anything to go by. More than once he had to slip into a side street or filthy alley narrowly avoiding whatever the puddles that emanated foul odors. It wasted time, and the more he had double back, the more his window of escape narrowed.

“Damn their checkpoints.” The delay made him increasingly aware of time slipping by.

Those fuckin' pirates would leave his ass behind he just knew it. Evening began to fall, and with it, a moon rose with no silhouette. It was unusual to see after so long, even for him, and because of that the streets began to rapidly clear because of the fear of what might happen now that the Mare in the Moon was once more walking the earth.

This only served to slow him down further as he had to surreptitiously look about whenever he changed streets. He focused on just getting a mile in range. Which meant just over the perimeter wall.

He had not failed to pick up on the gossip as he went, and what he heard he did not like.

The entire city was on lock down. No one in or out. The anti-teleportation field was city wide, the amount of unicorns they would need to keep a spell like that running must have been enormous as well as taxing. He could hole up and wait them out, but his ride would likely leave him behind.

“Fucking pirates.”

He should have checked, he forgot to check. Before he had realized it he had come out onto a wide street with no hoof traffic. At all.

Looking around he bit back a curse. They must have spotted him from the air. On both ends of the thoroughfare was a line of Grendamares.

"Not good,shit."

Turning around brought no joy, at least three pegasi bared his path back the way he had come.

"Double shit!"

Before he could weigh his options a shout from his right drew his attention.

"ORION FALLS! YOU ARE SURROUNDED. THERE IS NO WAY OUT!" It was that bitch Agent Drops, she was in a new uniform, but pieces of foam still stuck to her mane. He shifted his eyes to see if Fancy Breeze was about but did not find her.

"SURRENDER, NOW!" For someone who wasn't in trouble they certainly acted like he was an international criminal. He really wished that the coffee tray had survived, he would have looked so badass taking a drink before he had escaped.

"Hey squirrel brain, pay attention, you gotta get out of this ya moron."

He thought furiously on how the hell he was going to get out of this mess. The good news was he no longer needed to be subtle, which meant he didn't have to hold back expending his magic to fight. The bad news. He was isolated against what was shaping up to be a small army.

"Fuck it. All or nothing."

"What? Can't a stallion go on a moonlit stroll through fair París without being accosted? Man, what has this city come to?" He smiled at the confused looks he got. The guards in the alleyway chuckled.

"ORI-!" He dove right for the three guards, horn blazing as he struck, knocking them all to the ground and dashed up the wall as the metal on his hooves glowed. He was so happy his daydreams of being Spiderman had finally paid off for him.

Bursting onto the rooftops he bolted in a direct line toward the edge of the city. He was already so close. He just needed to be within a mile of the target. Though this was a gamble, if that field prevented what he was about to do he was going to be in serious trouble.

It didn't take them long to organize, now that he was no longer hiding and the streets were empty, he could now see them coming in a three D image in his mind. The enchantment flapping at his temple fed him what was coming.

He would have mocked them if he had the time.

Spinning around he grabbed six little metal vials and threw them into the air behind him, landing he took off running before a massive flash of light, sound, and a little concussive force hammered at his back. He was a little deaf, but he didn't need to hear anyways.

Even partially deaf he could still hear the screams of panic and the vibrations of impact let him know the pegasi had gotten the full force of the flashbangs.

They likely wouldn't fall for the same trick twice so he dove back down to the ground and passed into another alley, one he hoped would be as straight as it looked from the air.

It might have been, if not for a team of unicorns suddenly blocking up the far end. He didn't hesitate and dove through a window into a house on his left, tearing the drapes off the wall and knocking over a chase.

The homeowner started screaming in prench at him before he even rolled to his hooves. "SHUT THE FUCK UP! I DON'T SPEAK FRU FRU BULLSHIT LANGUAGE, BITCH!" She recoiled as if slapped.

He didn't waste any time before bursting out what he hoped was the front door and continued on in a westerly direction. He was almost to the edge of the city now, he jerked and almost fell over at the double chime in his ear. That was a lot sooner than it should have been.

"Did they actually move closer?" There was no way. They were closer to the city then they should have been. It's not like they could remove the other end of the device from the mast of the ship after all, so there was not a chance they could just dump it overboard before fleeing.

It was a good thing too. "Ah there's Agent Breeze." He chuckled as he came to a jogging halt. She at least took the time to remove all the foam.

If he guessed he was about five hundred meters from the city wall. If this didn't work he could just hop the fence so to speak. He prayed it worked. Because if not he was about to go against what had to be a battalion of soldiers, and he wasn't sure he could get out of this without being lethal.

As he drew closer, now walking and looking as casually as possible, hands jammed into his pants, he noticed the uniforms. These were Equestrians. So it was true. Celestia owned Prance in all but name. There was no way the Prench would allow her to have forces within their borders, much less in the capital city otherwise.

"Fuck me, does The Great Marshmallow own everything?" He called out.

The line of soldiers shifted, gripping their weapons tighter. Insulting the sun monarch was still a big no-no in Equestria it seemed.

"Orion, enough of this. You can't win, though we are all very impressed you managed to get this far." She smiled gently, trying her best to keep the sting of her words from biting too deep. She turned out to be a nice person after all.

"But it does mean I won the bet!" A new masculine voice spoke out. "I told you both that he would likely almost get away before we finally stopped him! And look where we are!"

Keeping the line of soldiers in his sight he peeked over his shoulder and almost laughed. This was almost too ridiculous to believe.

"Hey! There's my living flail!" Which brought Golden Trot up short. In the moonlight Orion could just make out the stallion flushing in embarrassment. "How's the legs?"

"Fine. Thank you." He responded flatly. Lots of that going on around him lately. He managed to hear laughter somewhere amongst the Equestrians.

"Oh this is fun."

"But she's right. We have you now. There is no escape. We will not be falling for that little flash trick again." He gave him a wide berth however, coming over to stand beside Fancy Breeze.

The fugitive stallion had to chuckle. "Anyone got a bet on me totally escaping?" A hand shot up. A mare wearing sergeant stripes stepped forward, she looked vaguely familiar.

"I do." She simply spoke. Okay now she was really starting to remind him of someone.

"Welp, you're about to get paid." He stuck his left hand in his pocket and the world turned into pain.

“Oh goddamnit.”

The first words he heard we're shouts for water and bandages.

"I said get some bucking water you fools! Our meal ticket isn't dying on us today!" It was Thunder Chaser. His eyes fought their way open to see the concerned stallion bellowing orders as he stood over him. Boulder Springs cradling his head, concern etched on his face.

"You fucking idiots. You moved the damn ship closer?" He groaned out.

The Captain's head jerked down at Orion, a concerned glare warred with an angry scowl on his face. "Lad you're the bucking idiot here. What in creation made you think going back into the city was a bright idea?"

"Needed...a...book" he could only wheeze in return. Why did he feel like he was on fire? "I…. I'm just gonna shut my eyes for a bit."

When he opened his eyes again he was in a private room, wrapped in bandages nearly head to hoof. They hadn’t bothered to install planks on the inside of the vessel, so the ornate patterns of gold on white walls and ceiling were a welcome sight. At least he didn't feel like he was on fire anymore. Now he just itched. Terribly.

The clinking of glass and metal drew his attention to his left. The ship's cook, Griff, was setting down a tray of food on a metal platter.

"Oh? You're awake young drake!" He exclaimed. The short griffon smiled gleefully. The moment the old bird had found out who he was he had fought hard in his defense. Almost coming to blows with the much larger Captain. It was good to see him.

"Hey Old Man how's it going," he croaked out. God his throat was dry. A wooden straw met his cracked lips and he drank deeply. Cool water flushing his throat.

"Don't hey me you fuckin' idiot. You could have killed yourself!" The griffon squawked at him, shaking his black clawed finger at him.

That forced a chuckle out of him that hurt. When he composed himself, he asked. "Where?"

"I'll let the captain tell you. For now, let's get some stew into you." Orion groaned. It was that blasted fish stew, he could smell it.

"It's good for you!"

"It tastes like lemony piss!" He fought back.

"It's good for you and you WILL eat it." Roared back the diminutive bird.

"Screw you ya overgrown chicken!"

After a bit of arguing and a lot of force feeding, Griff left to get Thunder Chaser. Laughing to himself.

For a long moment Orion just stared at the ceiling. He had escaped, but something had seriously gone wrong if he was this injured. It hurt to move, hell it hurt not to move.

Not too long later the Captain came in, being gentle about shutting the door. He grimaced as he looked the injured stallion over. "Lad, what in the buck happened out there?

"Ambush. They knew who I was despite the pink. Where are we?"

Taking a chair he eased himself in with a groan. "Still in Prance. It seems Equestria has mobilized their air force in a foreign nation. They have airships everywhere, so we've been forced to move slowly and at night. You have 'em madder than a squid who can't open a can." He chuckled despite their situation.

"Figures." He shifted and winced. "Are we safe?"

"Yep, Sunny Glare managed to get the stealth field up. We are lucky he at least knows how to read the damn language on this ancient heap, otherwise we would have to spend time covering the whole damn thing in branches!"

That was good. "Just be glad I grabbed a recon ship and not a light cruiser or something….how is the ship?" He asked hesitantly.

"It's in fine condition lad. We did have to shut down engine three again. Once you're better you can see about finally nailing down the issue, but for right now you need to rest. Oh and He wants to see you." He growled out that last bit.

Six months on and they were still at odds.

"How long was I out?" He finally asked.

"About five days, Orion. Sunny was worried you weren't going to make it. I may not like him, but his heart is in the right place. That's likely what he wants to talk about." He got up to leave. "Rest, I'll send him in to check you over and talk."

Thunder Chaser left, and he just rested his eyes. When he opened them again Sunny Glare was locking the door and casting a sound proofing spell on the room.

"Oh boy, that can't be good."

"So what's up Doc? Is it cancerous?" He jokingly asked.

The short sun yellow stallion just fixed him with a puzzled glare. "What's cancerous mean?"

"Of course the crazy horse world doesn't have cancer, what the hell was I thinking?"

"Nevermind, what did ya need man?" He was feeling a little better. Griff would likely try and take credit and feed him more of his abominable soup. So he wasn't about to admit it any time soon.

It took a moment for the effeminate stallion to speak, oddly twirling his red mane with the bold yellow highlights that matched his fur. It was easy to see why he attracted so many mares, and disappointed them all at once.

"What I need is to understand why magic affects you this badly. It's as if you have no bucking natural defense against anything." Orion was shocked to hear the guy swear. He never swore.

"What?"

"Orion, when they brought you to me, you were covered in burns. Your fur was damn near scorched off. Certainly so in quite a few places. The worst you should have gotten was a tingle. Your bucking horn is cracked, again!" He fumed.

"Well, I just teleported through a city-wide anti-teleportation zone. Could that have been what happened? And where did the foul language come from? What would your mother say!?" He laughed, a hoarse wheezing sound. Come to think of it, his horn did feel numb.

"Oh sure, if you wanted just a headache." He scooted closer, not that he needed to. "You have to understand, I did a resonance check on you. All that anti magic they were using clung to you like spider webs. The feedback from all that discharge had to go somewhere and it went out your horn. Which is why it's broken. You remember the last time that happened?"

He did, it was during his fight with Nightmare Moon. It had damn near killed him, it was a miracle that he got out of there at all. She had hit him with something nasty and it drove a crack nearly straight through his horn. Had he not been able to channel through his hands and hooves as well he would have been toast. Even still, every spell he cast could still be felt in the damaged appendage despite him not using it. He barely got out of there when it was all over.

"Jesus, how bad was it this time?"

The scholar turned medic shook his head. "Honestly, not as bad as last time. The force used by Prance and the power behind what Nightmare hit you with is about the same. You haven't vomited up anything this time, and the crack is not as big and healing rapidly. I just don't understand why you're so susceptible."

"Well, no one has ever actually hit me with magic before. Even in school I never got struck directly." He mused.

"Orion, that's not the problem. You have the magical absorption capacity of a three week old foal. It's why hospitals keep foals for a month, every single one born is largely weak to magic till about a month after. It's why foals being born is often a terrifying ordeal, Boulder and his family got lucky. A rogue magical storm could end the lives of dozens in the wrong place."

"Oh….oh shit."

"Oh shit indeed." A silence descended over the pair. "In any case it seems you might be finally building some type of tolerance. I can only hope this continues. In the meantime your training will now involve being hit with different magic attacks. Till we eliminate this problem entirely you are in danger. And I'd advise you to set about creating some enchantments designed to redirect any foreign magic away from you. Okay?" He was deadly serious.

"Yeah, yeah okay. Thanks for letting me know. So how long am I trapped in bed?" He asked. Hopeful that it wouldn't be another two months.

"Well as I said, you've taken this one far better than the last, but you're stuck in bed for at least three weeks. Don't give me that look, I'll have you strapped down."

"Ew, no thanks I don't wanna be chained up by you thank you very much." Seriously ew, no thank you.

"Ahhh, a prude like all the others." He responded morosely. "Oh well, the point still stands. You WILL stay in bed till you're better. This wasn't as bad as last time, but I will take no chances in you making it worse for yourself."

"But the ship... engine three still has that bug in it. I'm the only one that can keep this bucket of bolts running." If another engine went down he worried the strain on the remaining two would be too much. The ship was thousands of years old after all. Who knew when the next problem would rear its ugly little head.

"We will handle it. I can read the language just fine, I get better with each day. Tartarus Orion, you had to learn most of the systems through trial and error. You were out in that desert for months. No doubt you are likely the cause of engine three's issues. Just rest. The more I translate the better we will be able to work the systems. The power core is stable, and we are moving slow. We have to. There's enough airships and search posts that one could walk from one side of Prance to the other without setting a hoof on the ground. Relax."

He wanted to argue, but his body was telling him to listen. His eyes were already heavy as it was. He was exhausted.

"Can you and Thunder stay out of each other's way that long?" His own voice sounded leaden to him.

"Yes, yes. He is not the first surly stallion I've met. We will be fine. You get some rest. I will see you in the morning." He opened and closed the door gently after one more peek.

That was it for Orion. He was out.

Three days later, and a whole lot of napping, saw the invasion of the crotch goblins. His peace shattered in a morning already bad for having to wolf down that damnable fish stew. He wasn't surprised when his door slammed open and all five of the little hellions poured into his room at a near dead run.

"UNCLE ORION!" they screamed out as one. It was fuckin' adorable the way he had somehow taken on uncle status with the brats. But he would never tell them that. He held a comfortably annoyed look on his face.

"Ah children. Come to make my day a living hell?" That got the expected round of giggles.

"Nooooo Uncle Orion, we came for a story!" Oh no.

He had promised them the story of how he had survived the storm, and his adventures all leading up to their reunion and even his battle with Nightmare Moon.

"Fuck."

Before he had to answer, their father bolted into the room, breathing heavily.

Boulder Springs was a large stallion though he still came well short of Orion's own height, not that his wives had minded considering he had five of them.

Only a fool asks for more than he needs.

The last time he had seen this pony, before the events of the Storm and their reunion in Zeygpt, had been him rolling around on the ground at age eight, holding his broken arm and wailing into the air. The scar were it had punctured through was still visible

The five little giggling monsters were his brood, and it showed in their faces when they saw him hunched over gasping for breath.

"I am sooo so sorry about this Orion." He panted. Apparently it was his turn to babysit the kids.

His family situation was different from most herds.

In your traditional herd the mares provided, defended the family, and generally took a more dominant role in the relationship in general. There was an Alpha mare that usually defaulted to the very first one that married him, and the pecking order went down in order of marriage.

The stallion was more often than not subservient to them, and often kept the home clean, children and mares fed, and attended to any menial tasks that might need to be done such as shopping and making sure finances stayed up to date.

In Boulder's case he married all five at the same time. Though if Orion had to say, he figured the pegasus, Thunder Peal, was the actual mare in charge. She was the first born of Thunder Chaser's own herd and it made sense since they lived and worked under him.

Because of that, their family was unique in that everyone had a voice, and everyone shared in the duties that kept that family together. Including child rearing. Simply put, a normal American family.

Well except for the multiple wives part. That was more a Mormon thing.

In any case he waited in his bed, scratching at the bald patches in his fur, where black was starting to grow in between the pink, as Boulder struggled to get his heart rate down.

"Children," he had picked up the term from him, "Uncle Orion is still recovering. You can't be in here. He needs to rest up. Now come on, let's go to the galley so we can play a game."

A chorus of awes and grumbling followed on the heels of his request. Of which somehow tugged on the bed ridden stallion's heart strings.

"You know," little ears flicked in his direction, "I did promise them some stories...and seeing how I am laid up with nothing to do, I suppose I could share some tales to your abominations. Besides," he laughed, "you look like they ran you ragged already. I can entertain 'em for awhile."

Their little eyes grew big and round as they all turned back to their father, peering into his very soul.

"I..uh…" They said not a sound, it was eerie, but continued to stare. He sighed, "fine but keep your stories appropriate, please? I don't want them reciting tales of your exploits with mares or something."

"Hahaha dude I have no tales of that kind. I still got my 'V Card' after all." Well, relatively speaking. New body, new V Card.

He gave Orion a confused look. "What's a 'V Card'? He wanted to throw something.

Everytime he thought he plumbed the depths of pony ignorance, he found the floor gave way and it sank deeper.

"It means I've never had a relationship," he hissed. Trying to convey his meaning with his eyes.

"Oh….OH! Wait, seriously? You?!...no way…" Boulder whispered to himself. Looking incredulous at him the entire time.

"Jesus Christ this is embarrassing." He scratched the side of his face, the fur was beginning to grow back there as well.

"It's not that big a deal dude. Just get outta here and go, do something with one of your wives man. I got this." He turned his attention to the excited smiles of the children with a wicked smile of his own. "And if they misbehave, well Grandpa Thunder might have some words with them in his study." The smiles vanished.

"Heh, okay I suppose you do. Um, please keep your stories appropriate. Wouldn't want them to have nightmares, you know?" A book came flying at his face and he yelped and dove behind the door. "Okay, okay I'm gone." He chuckled, closing the door.

He waited a moment, the expected smiles returning, him listening for the tell tale footsteps of their father leaving.

"Okay, first. Thunder Springs? Would you be a total bro and go get that book, I'm not finished with it." The little tan pegasus giggled and went to retrieve it.

Once the book was back on his bedside table he smiled at them. "Alrighty, now that the parental unit is gone I will make a deal with you. I will tell you a bit more than what he wants me to tell," he raised a hand as the smiles turned into grins, "but you must promise me that what you hear will never leave your lips till I am long dead. Deal?"

The collective nod was his response.

"Good enough. Now, I am no storyteller. That means it's likely to get a bit janky and not well put together. Bite me, you wanted a story you don't get to pick how it's told. So where would you like me to start?"

They all thought really hard. The problem for them is they heard all kinds of half spoken tales about him that had managed to get around the crew., but nothing ever concrete or from him directly.

Finally, Bright Star's child, Shooting, raised her white hand.

"I think it would be best to start at the beginning. When you met our parents!" She said excitedly. After a few seconds the others agreed with her.

"Okay, that's as good a place to start as any. Thinking about it now, it might end up that you lot will have to come back for a few days to get the full story then." That just got them even more excited.

"Poor kids, since the disaster that is this trip started, they've had to remain below decks this entire time. They must be craving stimulation like none other." He smiled.

"Okay, so when I met your parents it was on the very vessel you all were born on…."

High-seas Horror

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Scrambling to stuff the handle into his bag he levitated the locket over to himself.

"Stupid, stupid, dumb stupid idiot. What the fuck were you thinking?!" It wasn't ready. He knew it. Yet he activated the damn thing anyway.

The pounding of hooves was swiftly heading to his room. Along with a bunch of nervous voices.

"Where the fuck is that mane?" He hissed searching everywhere for the pouch with what was left of the old stallion's mane that he had 'appropriated' in the middle of the night.

Of course he would look everywhere, but on top of the side table to his bed. He mentally berated himself as he drew out a few of the precious hairs and stuck them into the locket with shaking fingers, he then draped it around his neck.

The door shook with a pounding fist. "Mr Underhill! Are you okay?!" More pounding followed.

"Uh, just a minute these old bones ain't what they used to be," he called out in his best old man voice. It was shit, and judging by the sudden stop of pounding and a renewed uproar of voices, now ladden with fear, they knew it was shit.

Instead of another forceful knocking, the door was kicked in with a resounding boom, knocking over an unlit candle as the door slammed into the desk it was sitting on.

He fell back on his ass, hand forming a fist as it closed over the locket.

"Ahhhhh….shit."

"Who the buck are you and what do you be doing on my ship?! Where is the stallion that-" The captain roared at first only to become abruptly silent.

Orion had just clicked close the locket completely on accident. The pain caused him to black out, but not before he heard them all screaming in terror.

"-m telling you Capt'n, it's dark magic he is using. I ain't never heard of no spell that can warp the body like that." A mare declared confidently.

He had the mother of all headaches as he slowly woke up, the pain pounding behind his eyes, and he was hot. They must have had him outside judging by the distinct sound of waves meeting the hull.

As he came to, he noticed that he was bound hand and hoof, with a blindfold and a gag on his face.

All things considered this was going better than he expected from pirates.

Not three days into their journey, and he put a hole in the ceiling, which then led to his instant exposure. He supposed his luck was going to run out sometime, just didn't want it to happen so soon or with villains on the high-seas.

Even if they seemed decent folks for the most part. They were still pirates, and reality never really matched up with movies so he wasn't expecting them to be good people.

He shifted around in an attempt to sit up but he seemed to be jammed between something. His movements however, did attract the attention of the people on deck, judging by the collective sharp intake of breath there were a great deal of them.

Possibly the entire twenty-six members of the crew.

No one said anything, which gave him time to mull how he wanted to play it. He could be the merciless murder and threaten them. Or he could play the hapless colt he physically was, with knowledge greater than what he should know.

No, enough lies. He would be himself. God help them all.

"Mmmfffdpoo." He didn't bother trying to actually speak through the gag, just made a bunch of noise to let them know he wanted to talk.

They had done quite a good job of jamming, what he hoped was clean, cloth in his mouth and secured it rather well. It was shoved so deep into his mouth he couldn't taste it to know. His goal was to get someone to take it the fuck off.

"Griff, remove his gag." A deep baritone spoke up. He knew that voice, it was the Captain's.

"You got to be fuckin' kidding me, Captain. What if he hexes me?!" Squawked a distinctly griffon voice.

"Huh? I didn't see him on deck when I came aboard."

"I don't see how he could, considering he doesn't have a horn anymore. Do it or I'll be looking for a new chef come next port."

Orion could hear the gulp as the paws thumped softly over to him, trembling claws fumbled before finally managing to remove the wad of cloth from his mouth.

He wretched. It was not clean.

"Ya could have at least used a clean rag fuckin' hell." For first words to his captors, they could have been better.

"You sound like an old stallion now. But I know what I did see. Your bones warped in front of us. That horn you had vanished into your skull. Was kinda magic was that, interloper?" That deep voice spoke out once again. He moved his head slowly in that direction.

Time for a gamble.

"It's Dark magic."

Gasps filled the air. He could hear the various hooves and a pair of paws retreat further away from him. Man, his hearing was really good, not being able to see would do that he supposed.

He chuckled.

"Don't fall over the edge guys. Wouldn't want to make this hostage situation a rescue at sea now would we?"

"How do you know that?" Thunder Chaser bellowed. He was further away now.

Even bound and gagged Orion was pretty positive he gave the best equivalent of a duh look as he responded. "Dude I am cooking in my fur and I can hear the fucking waves hitting the hull of the ship, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure that I'm on the damn deck."

A quiet voice spoke up, a stallion, "What's a rocket scientist?"

Well shit, how the hell was he supposed to answer that?

"Doesn't matter, the research goes over my head too so I couldn't explain it to you if I wanted to." A good lie, considering he pulled it out of his ass. Him and his grandfather built their own rockets on the weekend. Right down to fuel cells.

"Belay that Thorn." Silence. "My first mate tells me that Dark magic is evil, why are you using it aboard my ship!"

"First, it's not evil. Secondly, what I did is more akin to genetic manipulation. In incorporated a number of different disciplines, namely light magic for it's healing properties, into the spell to make it work."

Oh wow, now he was echoing Professor Coil.

"That's a Celestia-damn lie!" Shouted the familiar voice of the mare from before. "Dark magic is evil and can only cause evil!"

He gaped at her. She had completely ignored what he said and focused solely on the dark magic. "Oh this dumbass…"

"Obviously you don't know jack. Tell me something if you were to use wind to pull the air from someone's lungs, thus causing them to die by asphyxiation, is that not evil?"

Silence. Then a new voice, another female.

"He's got ya there ,Thunder." She chortled.

He couldn't tell what was going on but figured she was doing her best impression of a puffer fish. Or someone constipated.

He decided to be nice and try to explain his stance.

"Listen, one of my instructors told me not too long ago that dark magic is a tool like any other magic. When have a nail that needs to be pounded in, you use a hammer not a rope right? It's the same thing here."

He took a breath, "Yes it does have a corrupting influence. But as long as you're cautious, and take the proper steps, you can avoid the worst and the spell I used on myself is rather mild. It only causes massive amounts of pain swapping back and forth and that's only because I am literally reshaping my body to match my requirements." He gritted his teeth, something was digging into the small of the back.

There was a pause, before the Captain spoke up again. "The pony you do be now, is not you?"

"No, an old stallion I roomed with in Hollyhoof was the basis for this disguise. His name is Bulky Surfer. Pretty sure he was a pirate."

"Did he die, for this 'basis'?" The gray maned captain inquired hesitantly, with a mixture of anger and fear in his voice.

He laughed, "The very worst that happened to him, is he woke up bald. Odds are he hasn't even realized it yet. If ya can't tell, he doesn't have much mane to work with as it is." Speaking with the raspy tone of Bulky was actually rather fun, the gravelly voice lending ancient wisdom to his words.

"Give us a minute, we have to discuss this."

"Oh yeah sure, I'll just hang out here between my good friend Rock, and his buddy Hard Place." He chuckled.

It was expected, not everyday you see a shape shifting pony. By the time they returned he estimated he had two minutes before he shifted back.

"Do you be planning to kill us?"

For a moment Orion just gaped. "Seriously? That's all they want assurances for? Not to be killed. Really?"

He, of course being who he was, responded in a very cavalier manner.

"Wait, that's an option?" He laughed. One hoof hit the deck very very hard with a lot of weight behind it. "Geeze okay, okay. I was kidding of course I'm not gonna kill you. I'm just a teenager after all. Murder is not in my skill set."

He started to feel a tingle in his forehead as the first dull throbs of pain started to thump their way through him.

"Then we be letting you out of those bindings then. Don't attempt to revert back now."

Orion groaned. "Yeah fat chance of that. This shit is on a tiiiimmmeerrrr...oh fuck. It doesn't give a damn about what anyone here wannnnnnNNNNNnts." Oh this one was going to really hurt.

A few minutes later he woke to screaming. Not his. One or more of the crew was absolutely terrified. Given what they likely saw, he couldn't blame them, he'd be screaming his head off too if he saw what they saw.

Happy to have his horn once again, he levitated the blindfold off and started healing himself with the single spell he knew. He really needed to learn more if this was going to be a regular thing.

Pain in his muscles and bones began to ebb away and he took the chance to look up, snorting in barely contained laughter at the scene the scene before him.

The deck was absolute chaos. A couple of stallions, one being the captain, were being guarded by at least eleven mares. Several of them held catch hooks and an honest-to-God boat oar in their hands.

The griffon he had heard, but had not seen, was now up in the rigging. All were looking at him with terrified eyes and gaping mouths.

"Oh come on you bunch of pussies, it's not that bad." He managed to look over his shoulder and saw the rope that bound him and severed it with a quick spell.

Sitting up he cracked his neck and started working proper blood flow back into his limbs.

The other stallion frowned, still looking a bit fearful, but was staring hard at him.

"I've seen you somewhere before…" Right after that came a mare's voice he recognized.

An all red unicorn mare with a pretty stunning looking golden mane done up in a scarf pointed a finger at him yelling. He thought her name was Gibbons if he remembered her correctly.

"Not that bad?! NOT THAT BAD?! Your horn split your forehead like cyst popping! It was horrifying!"

He stuck a finger in his left ear and wiggled. "Yeah no need to scream I can hear ya just fine." No one else had made a move.

"Jesus guys I'm not gonna eat ya in your sleep. Just a colt trying to make his way in the world. I was just forced to choose a painful way of going about it." He popped an elbow and sat cross legged, waiting for their next move.

"You're a colt?" Thunder Chaser finally had a reason to speak up. The gray maned and blue furred stallion took several steps forward, passing and ignore the objections from his crew. "What be your name lad?"

"Heh you kinda sound like this minotaur I used to know. And my name 'do be Orion Falls, yar'." He chuckled. They were going to learn one way or another. Might as well tell them now.

All was silent.

"I say we throw him over the side." Spoke the mare, Gibbons. She was so nice to him before all this too. No that was wrong, the moment he had come aboard she had pawned him off to Bright to handle.

The stallion whose name had still not been said gripped his arm hard. Eyes bulging. That was curious, and more than a little alarming.

"We will do no such thing!" The lone griffon had suddenly gone from terrified, to landing with a thud in opposition of his crewmates. "I will not see the one who saved my fellow countrygriffs from starvation and desolation be vilified." He looked back at him in wonder.

"Oh please don't look at me like I'm Jesus."

"It is you. To think I would ever meet you…."

Great, just what he needed, hero worship.

"What you be talking about? What makes him so special?" Thunder Chaser looked between his first mate and his chef in confusion.

Griff spoke up before Orion could.

"Captain, this is the very colt who taught my people how to live again. He put his future in jeopardy in order to save the very soul of my nation." He spoke fevently. "It had come out at his trial, remember the papers? Remember pulling into Nestholm? That port had been shut down for years. Then suddenly it's open, and we hauled honest steel for the first time in years."

He couldn't see the bird's face, but he did not doubt that it was bordering on zealotry.

"That was the first honest bit we had made in some time." The sea captain mused.

"That was because of him!" Orion wanted to hide. It wasn't the fact that he hated people knowing what he did. He liked the appreciation. He hated the hero worship that came with it.

"Oh he did all that for sure. He's also a fugitive. The Princess herself is seeking him. If it was anypony else looking for him I would say we turn him in for a reward, but the Princess won't turn a blind eye to our activities if she learns of us because of him." Countered Gibbons. "That's why I say we toss him overboard and be done with it."

"Well I most certainly will not be getting you any birthday gifts." Unless they really wanted to try and fight him, he figured she was blowing off stress by making that suggestion. Strong though it may be.

"Babe, what's wrong? You're shaking…." One of the mares, a blue pegasus spoke up, addressing the still protected stallion.

Everyone turned to the shaking stallion.

"Um...w-when I was a colt, he broke my arm in two places." He said shakily.

Orion really looked at the stallion. When did he break someone's arm? It hit him like a hammer.

"No way….Boulder Springs is that you?" Orion said excitedly, happy to see someone he recognized. Then he realized what that meant. "Ah shit."

He had been isolated to the front of the ship, the bow. He could have resisted. But he was already on shaky ground with the crew. Especially the five mares who seemed to have somehow married Boulder. All at once.

Suicidal was clearly the only way of describing the green maned stallion.

It had taken all of the command authority of Thunder Chaser to keep them in check. But one spiteful mare, Rare Blend he later learned, struck out at him.

Unfortunately for the green pegasus, he was much faster than she had anticipated and he ended up knocking her out with a well placed punch to the jaw.

That had scared the shit out of the rest of them and he had been "requested" to stay at the bow till they could figure out what to do.

He agreed, what else could he do, and was now sitting on his ass waiting to see what the huddled group would do. There seemed to be some arguing, some shouting, but between the waves and distance, not mention one of three big ass masts in the way, he could only make out that it was more than one yelling.

It was getting late, and he hadn't eaten since early that morning. With them bickering like cats locked in a box ,and him not having much to do besides sit there, he was beginning to get a little hangry.

Finally, as the sun dipped into the horizon, Thunder Chaser made his way over. When he stood before him he seemed at a loss for things to say.

"Lad. The way I hear it, you're a hero in some respects and a bit of a social pariah in others." He paused and shuffled his hooves awkwardly. "But I believe actions speak louder than words. You impersonated a stallion to sneak aboard my vessel, using dark magic to do it." He looked away and sat down on the rail with a heavy thump, gazing out across the gentle waters.

"I know it seems hypocritical of me of all ponies to be spouting morality. But even I do be trying to keep to some kinda moral compass."

"Heh, a pirate with morals?" Orion smiled at the older stallion.

"As my mother would have said it, 'Merchants who acquire wares through extraordinary means." He smirked, the younger stallion just chuckled having heard something similar before. "Fancy way of saying smugglers. A pirate's trade for sure, but it do be one of the less violent ones. More reputable."

He hadn't actually thought of it that way. "That's...fair. So what's the verdict?"

Thunder Chaser stared at him, he did it for so long he was starting to wonder if he died sitting there. It didn't even seem like he was breathing.

"I'll take ya as far as Tackanrog. It's a port town south of Stalliongrad. We have a minor stop in Horseululu. You can keep the room, you paid it after all, and paid well considering the tip. Tell me something, did you know you were gonna get caught? Is that why you paid so much?"

Orion burst out laughing, drawing the eyes of the crew near the stern of the ship. "Hell no! Man I thought for sure I was gonna coast under everyone's notice. Had it all planned out too."

"For true? Not meaning to pry lad, but you must have needed to use the head at some point. How were you getting around that wrinkle in the canvas?" The weathered captain asked.

"Sir, I have a horn. I was teleporting my waste right into the water every time I needed to go. I never planned to leave the room till I got to a subtle location that I thought I might be safe at."

"That, would have actually been a brilliant plan. Now, I do be wondering how you put a hole in my ship." He frowned, "also, why you be running in the first place? The way I hear of it, you're free and clear. You be going through an awful amount of effort to remain hidden. So why?"

The Captain of the 'Ocean Spirit' did deserve an answer, but he wondered how much he should tell. He figured he would starte out with the truth in regards to his extreme departure, but chose to keep the fact that he had been attempting to make a lightsaber when he had gotten bored a secret. That would reveal a particular skill set he would rather no one know about.

"I got bored, started practicing some spells, I may have missed a step in one of the matrices...and uh...yeah. Sorry. I didn't hit anyone did I?"

"No, but you not be doing that again on my ship. Use what you know and nothing else." The gruff sea pony stated. "Now, about the other thing. Why the running?"

"Ah yeah...ummm what do you know of me?"

Thunder Chaser put his hand to his chin, scratching the tidy fur there. Thinking about it, Orion had never heard of a "clean shaven" pirate before.

"Well, I know you were on trial as some type of spy. Heard about that in Manehattan. But by the time we got to Hollyhoof, word was that you had been set up and was innocent. As far as you personally, not much other than what I stated. Griff was more interested than I, as I have a vessel to run and don't care for the goings on of mainlanders unless it impacts me ore my business directly."

That was the longest the stallion has spoken without 'do be' and 'I be'. He would learn why in a minute he had a short, half-story to tell.

"Well, what you may not know, and why it's a big deal is…"

He kept it minimal, only explaining his direct relationship with the Princess and his involvement with Griffonia.

"I see…." Thunder Chaser's eyes were wide with shock. "To know the Princess and her personal student personally, lad, I'm not sure I want you on my ship another hour much less two months." He rubbed his face. "No, I made a commitment, and Thunder Chaser doesn't back out of a promise. I'll get you to Tackanrog. After that, you're on your own."

"That sounds fair." He sighed.

"And no more dark magic." He laughed and agreed.

"Alright, anything else?" Of course there was.

There ended up being a fair amount he had to abide by.

He continued to take his meals in his room. The cook, Griff, actually knew of his proclivity to meat, having read about it in the news. So his meals became much more filling then at the start of the journey. Though that fish stew he constantly liked to cook was just nasty.

The crew avoided him for the most part. Thunder Chaser, Griff, and Boulder were the only ones to interact with him on a daily basis. Though the second day after his deception had been discovered, one of Boulder's wives pulled him aside.

Turns out, they had foals aboard. Their own, not kidnapped or anything. He was told in no uncertain terms to stay away from third deck as that was where the ship's nursery was. It was heavily implied that the thick ropes they had aboard left no bruises.

He could respect that.

He also, with Boulder Springs, had to explain their early relationship as well apologize to Rare Blend for knocking her ass out.

He didn't want to, but Thunder Chaser didn't want animosity to reign over his crew for him.

The apology he got from her was a surprise, but judging the way she constantly looked to a surprisingly stern Boulder made him believe it was forced.

Speaking of the one time fellow orphan, it turned out he never got adopted either.

Something the pair of them shared if only one of them constantly lamented the fact. Turns out Swift Charge was the reason behind that. His constant goading and ordering around of the poor colt resulted in Boulder being the only one to get in trouble repeatedly. Seems even herds looking for prospective colts wouldn't adopt a constant troublemaker.

Speaking of Swift, his lucky ass got adopted by a rather well to do earth pony herd. They were steel manufacturers, and while the process was slow it didn't cut their profits not a bit. So he got the rich life he felt he so rightly deserved. Prick.

Last heard, the stallion had joined the guard under the sea patrol division. May they never encounter him.

No one had seen Jester, that colt vanished one night a couple of years after he had been whisked away to Canterlot. No sign ever showed where he might have gone on to and there was no sign of a kidnapping.

He said a small prayer for the kid, no doubt a stallion by now. But he decided not to dwell on it.

Boulder, when he had graduated, had gone right to the docks and began looking for work. His first and only job had been to sign on with the 'Ocean Spirit'. He had no idea it was a smuggler's vessel until much later.

The Captain took him under his wing, literally considering that he was a pegasus, and soon he fell into a herd with Bright Star, his daughter. The one whose ass Orion had ogled when he first came aboard.

Now he has five wives, and five little growing goblins. All of them pegasi. He must have a thing for wings.

When it was announced that he would remain aboard till Tackanrog, well it was met with a little resistance. Mostly from the unicorn mare Gibbons.

The red bitch had accused him of planning to sacrifice them all, children first of course, to some dark lord named 'Sombra'. Whoever the hell that was.

If not for Boulder's testimony on the fact that as I child Orion had kept to himself and that he never started any confrontations himself, she would have likely whipped the crew into a frenzy all over again. His former antagonist had really gone the extra mile in easing the fears of the crew.

But he was allowed to stay. If only it was just to satisfy the Captain's sense of honor, he could understand that. Though he hated stepping like he was on eggshells.

He stayed below for the first few days, not wanting to shake things up too much. On the fourth day he had enough of the inactivity and decided he needed to exercise in the mornings, or he was going to lose all the progress he had made back in Canterlot. He had been imprisoned for a time after all and no doubt that played havoc with his endury and mass.

If nothing else a dozen or so laps would keep him in at least moderate shape. Maybe they would let him do curl ups on the spar.

So the fourth morning just as dawn broke the eastern sky, Thunder Chaser, and crew that were awake, were treated to a sweating, shirtless black stallion running laps up and down the deck. A muffle spell had been placed into the wood to keep his hooves from waking anyone still asleep below. Mostly for the foals likely still sleeping.

"Lad, what the buck you doing?" The bewildered stallion asked as he passed him by.

"Bored as hell, and felt like," he ran by huffing, "getting a morning workout in." He responded when he came back around.

He kept that up for another hour, the crew ignoring him for the most part, before finally diving into the ocean from the bow to rinse off. This set everyone on deck to panic, a few threw ropes and even a life ring into the water after him.

It was rather touching if unneeded, Orion skipped all that by literally rocketing out of the water, his fingers guiding the flames from his palms. He landed on the deck with what would have been a heavy thud, if not for the spell still bound to the deck, and smiled at their bewildered faces.

"Lad….w-what was that?!" Thunder Chaser hollered from the bow. He didn't take a step toward him. No one did.

Rather than shout, he just teleported in front of the sea captain, startling him. "That was me rinsing off. I worked up a bit of sweat after all." His horn was still ignited so he began to dry off, first pushing the water from his fur as best he could, water pooled at his hooves. "What?"

"Is there going to be a thing with you? Everyday a new terrifying surprise do be your plan?" He fumed.

"This was just normal exercise, captain. And are you not supposed to be speaking proper Equish? Wouldn't want to damage your grandkids' futures with all that salty sea dog talk, now would you?" He smirked at the glare of the older stallion.

Turns out, when Thunder Chaser was either out of sight of his daughter, or in a panic, he speaks as a pirate would. His daughter, Bright Star, had been harassing him on his manner of speech for some time and had made him vow to attempt to use proper sentence structure.

It was wildly entertaining for Orion when the stallion would get busted, and he cheerfully played the part of sarcastic helpful cabin colt in reminding him every single chance he got.

Unfortunately, this also got him the cabin colt treatment. Every morning as part of his exercise, the captain had him scrubbing the deck. It was annoying, and his back hurt, but it did help put him in the tentative graces of everyone else aboard. Except of course Boulder's wives.

He was allowed to do his morning exercises, but he was forbidden from jumping into the water to cool off. That sucked because it had been fun, and worked off a lot of the stir crazy energy he had built up since escaping Equestria.

After a few days of this, the crew had come to terms with him being aboard. Not going out of their way to avoid him as much anymore.

Something was bothering Orion, and he wanted an answer.

It looked like it was shaping into a slow afternoon, the deck had long been washed. The equipment looked over. Even writing in that book he had started to jot down notes about the simpler spells he no doubt would forget without a reminder hadn't kept boredom from creeping into his skull.

It had been about a week since his identity had been revealed to the crew, and they often enough treated him as part of the back ground.

The question that had been in his head since he first laid eyes on Captain Thunder Chaser returned with the boredom.

Putting his book back in the cabin he wandered to the captain's cabin. Hand on the wall to steady himself as the ship rocked sluggishly up and down.

He was never going to get sea legs.

He had to knock a few times before the door was answered.

Bare chested, Thunder Chaser answered with a disgruntled expression. He must have been asleep.

"What do you want now lad? A new horror to grace my evening with?"

"Heh, no. But I do have a question that I believe only you can answer."

They looked at each other for a long moment, the older stallion clearly deciding if he was going to take time to indulge him.

"Buck it, I do be awake now. Come in lad, and mind the trinkets." He turned around and walked like it was nothing to his desk and sat down in his chair, snapping the arm in place to keep him from sliding out.

Orion followed him in sitting in the other bolted down chair across from him.

The room was filled with items that were likely picked up from the sea stallion's travels. Many looking time-worn. He focused on the pony in front of him.

"This has been bothering me awhile, since I met you actually. I have seen wealthy stallions in charge of their own businesses. But all at directions from herds." He paused to collect his thoughts. "I've never seen any stallion be willing or allowed to work the worst of the jobs that civilized society had to offer. Except maybe farmers, and hell with Ponyville, everyone worked. But most stallions work secretary jobs. Shop keeps, and maybe a warehouse manager or too."

"Why there be no mare in charge of the 'Spirit' be what ya askin'?" The frowning captain asked.

"Exactly. Sorry if it seems rude to ask, but with the way pony society is set up, it's just a surprise to see someone like you working in what is arguably considered a hard line or work, and in charge no less."

"Nay, lad. I get your meaning. I do be even understanding the meaning." He smiled and pulled a bottle from a drawer in his desk, with a glass following shortly afterwards. He poured, put the bottle away, and took an appreciative sip.

Orion licked his lips. He could really use one of those.

"Me mother was a captain. As did her mother before her. I was me- my," he finally corrected himself, "mother's only child. Father had died with the last vessel and she raised me alone, though she had never really wanted foals of her own."

He took a sip, and smiled.

"But she did love me. And taught me the love of the sea. I learned everything I knew of the sea and of pirating from her."

"She passed away in a storm some time ago. Working for another captain she owed favors too. I inherited this ship from her." He frowned, relieving memories that Orion could only imagine.

"When I first started out, nopony took me seriously. A stallion captaining a ship? The thought must have been laughable to them." He barked a laugh.

"It took time, and I ended up with a lot of what other smugglers considered worthless. I spent months training my crew, showing them what my mother taught me. They now crew this ship. And I dare you to find a better group than they." He smiled, clearly proud of how far they came.

"That is something I can respect. Hard work and faith in others is a tall order. I….I can do the hard work, but having faith in others, I can't do that." He couldn't really trust anyone in this world. The moment he did he feared that would be the biggest mistake he would ever make.

"We all have our hang ups, lad. Some more than others, and I won't pry. You deserve your secrets considering what you're running from."

He pulled another glass and poured more, sliding the tumbler to him.

Orion looked with surprise, and took it carefully. Taking a sip he hummed at the surprising smooth burn as the liquid cascaded down his throat.

It was good stuff.

"That, right there is just one of the many mysteries that surround you, young Master Falls. You know and enjoy the taste of liquor. You understand conversations that should be over your head. Don't look so surprised. You are not the only one that watches when others would be oblivious."

Damn he had been busted. Truth be told he was studying them all. Here were ponies that had grown outside on the fringes of society. Pony society. They seemed to be much better adjusted than the ones in the small towns and cities that dotted the country. They were harder, and knew the realities of going without. Yet they still retained their kindness despite the darkness of the world.

He wondered if it might actually be genetic. That ponies were just naturally more forgiving than anyone else. It was a weird concept to accept, kindness as a genetic trait.

They siped rum together, and Orion started to tell a bit more of his story to the stallion across from him. He couldn't bring himself to trust him with secret details, but he could with the little details that made up his life. They ended up drinking into the night.

Thinking of it, he noticed a trend with the crew.

Other than Boulder and the unicorn mare, Gibbons, the entirety of the crew was flight bound. Meaning they were either pegasi, or the lone cook's case, a griffon.

And the thought had only occurred to him later.

It had come as quite the surprise when a few of the crew approached him about his flight capabilities, and then their great disappointment when he informed them that it was essentially functionally useless as anything other than a modified jump spell.

He tried to explain as more of a running leap that's extended. It's still falling. Just with some style.

Some of the mares had been hoping he could fly them about as if he were some fucking magic carpet. He snorted at that and kept his distance, he knew what that meant. He was grateful that he wouldn't be aboard when estrus season came around once more.

Gibbons, the only other unicorn aboard, kept her distance from him. Anytime he walked onto the deck she would head below. When they ran into each other in the halls below, she would just go into a room and close the door.

Clearly she suspected him of something nefarious. It annoyed him, but other than that he chose to ignore her.

That was life for a while. It wasn't bad.

"Okay Captain why are we parked at least twenty miles off the coast of the island, and not in the port itself?"

It was day sixteen, and he had been informed they were nearing Horseululu two days ago. When he came topside that morning, he found that the crew had lowered the anchor, and now sat like a lump in the middle of the windy ocean.

Looking to the right he could see the massive island in the distance, if barely. Using the enhanced vision spell that Shining had taught him, he could clearly make out the port town. Looked busy with the amount of ships in port. Plenty of room for their cargo to be unloaded.

What puzzled him was the fact that they were nowhere near it, and we're loading up crates from the hold onto the deck as if they were gonna just dump them overboard instead.

Thunder Chaser ignored him and flew over the rail, waving a red flag in the air before unlatching the rail on the left side, which he learned was called the starboard side. He had no idea why they just didn't call it the left side.

He was answered by Griff. Who had come up to watch as well.

"It's because the port is not our stop. This is." He said simply.

He turned his eyes back to the crates only to see Boulder, with a huge ass board about ten feet across, just shove all of them over the side at once. No wonder they had hired him on, dude is strong as hell.

He looked over to Thunder Chaser, an eyebrow cocked. How in the hell were they supposed to turn a profit if they were dumping their shit right into the ocean?

Those crates were weather sealed so they would float for some time before rot got to the wood and they sank, so they could still salvage them if they wanted. But no one moved. In fact no one was looking down at the water on that side, choosing instead to wait on the bow, stern and port side of the ship.

That was the day Orion learned that seaponies were real, and not at all as pretty as what the stories claim.

Suddenly, from the starboard side of the ship, a sucking noise could be heard as if something was being pulled under. It was at that moment he had become very alarmed. Activating his detect life enchantment with barely a flicker of magic, he saw what the ship and water blocked from sight.

He lost count after thirty-five or so. The waters below the ship teeming with life. Everywhere else was a void, other than the twenty-six members of the crew above on board the ship of course.

The lifeforms he was picking up were large, bigger than any pony he had ever met before and they were fast.

"Um-" a clawed hand covered his mouth and he saw Griff shake his head.

Five minutes later, the waters were empty save for one, and it was rapidly rising up under the ship. He was alarmed, and he believed it was with good reason.

Contact. The 'Ocean Spirit' listed slightly to starboard, and a gray and clammy looking clawed hand rose from over the side, gripped the deck and pulled.

With the hand came another, pulling as well up came a grayish green horse head. The mane looked more like seaweed. It had fur, if sparse, but it looked like it was coated in blue grease instead, scales made up for much of the rest that he could see.

He later learned that their fur was just like that for some reason.

His eyes were drawn to it's face, try as he might not to look for long. The first thing that stood out was exposed sharp teeth, with what looked like molars in the back. They were off-white drifting into sea green much like the rest of it.

The eyes had no pupils. Just a sickening shine of puke green and yellow.

Like a pony, they had ears. Unlike a pony, there was a membrane of milky gray and white that was inside those ears. Every noise seemed to make those surfaces jiggle. No wonder no one spoke.

Another detail he had started to realize was as she looked about, her neck exposed the gills that ran from base of the jaw to shoulders, with sharp red protrusions intermingled within them. They pulsed in time with the way her mouth gaped regularly, her jaw gaping wide then closing again.

The way she moved her body about as it settled into the deck, reminded him of an eel.

The final detail made him very happy to have been reborn on land.

She was a female. A heavily endowed female who did not bother with seashells to cover up. Little Mermaid lied to him as a kid.

Everything about this mare, could he call her that? Everything about this mare scared seven shades of black off his hide. He did not wish to be here any long and he damn near teleported, but he couldn't grab onto his magic for some reason.

She gazed around the deck for a moment, pausing to size up the crew, before her eyes locked onto him. His spine wanted to crawl right out of his body.

"Heeeeee iiiisssss neeeeewwwww. Saaaaallleeeee?"

When Orion was a child, a human child, his grandfather had his own tool shop behind the house. A few employees worked for him and they specialized in tool making.

One day, when he was ten or so he had wandered into the shop looking for the old man. He had long forgotten what it was he wanted from him, but the moment he had walked in he heard these sounds all at once.

The smelter, which had steel or iron being melted, was burbling and hissing. Someone was putting more into it causing it to blurp up. Somebody else was wet sanding in the corner of the shop. And then there was Rodney, the only person he actually remembered because he shared his weed with him when he was fifteen, was lubing up some bearings for some job that needed to be done that afternoon.

The voice of this creature was that, all at once, and feminine. His mane wanted to stand on end.

"No Grenola, you know I don't be into that trade." Thunder Chaser said carefully, slowly interposing himself between Orion and what amounted to a sea monster at that point.

"Is this what the psychic pink horse was talking about?" He was in full panic mode.

Pinkie Pie sneezed rather hard sending flour everywhere in the small work kitchen at the back of Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh my Pinkie, are you okay?" Called Mrs Cake called from the counter. It was late, but the special they had going was still pulling ponies in. So it was all hands on deck to make sure everypony was satisfied.

"I'm fine! Somepony was just thinking of me!" She called out giggling.

"A special somepony?" The older mare responded, a salacious tone to her voice.

"Well he is special to a few ponies but not to me." Pinkie giggled back, cleaning up the mess.

She only got a quiet humm of disappointment in response, and just shrugged her shoulders.

"Silly Orion, she's not the monster." She giggled to herself, singing a happy tune.

"Sssssshhhhaaaammmeeee. Heeeeee iiiisssss pppprreeeetttyyyy."

"Oh Jesus!"

"I don't see it, Grenola. Payment?" Both of them chuckled, hers made Orion want to puke.

"Yeeeeesssss, wwwweeeeeeeeee aaallllmmmooossstttt beeeelllliiiivvvveeeddd yyyyooouuuuu nnnnoootttttt cccccoooommmmeeee." She dragged from somewhere behind her a large fleshy gray sack and placed it on the deck. The clinking of gold could clearly be heard from inside. "Wwwwwwhhhhhhyyyyyyyyy lllllaaaatttteeeeee?"

The slow speech only made this living nightmare worse. She pushed the bag toward Thunder Chaser who picked it up and held it, not bothering to count what was within.

"The pretty colt here delayed us a bit. We didn't know we had a stowaway aboard." He chuckled again.

That got her attention, she pulled her entire bulk up over the side and nearly knocked over the captain with alarming speed.

Griff locked up, clawed hand still over Orion's mouth. The almost stallion couldn't even piss himself in fear as her face came within an inch or two of his own.

Her breath was terrible, and if he wasn't so scared he would have vomited all over her, griffon hand in the way or not.

"Heeeeeeeee brrrreeaaaakkkkkssssss rrrrruuuuullllleeeeessssss? Iiiiiiiii tttttaaaaakkkeeeeeee." She reached for him.

He squeaked.

"NO GRENOLA!" Roared Thunder Chaser, pushing both Orion and Griff away from her.

Her face morphed into pure rage. "WWWHHHYYYYY?! HEEEEE BRRRRREEEAKKKK RRRRULLLLLEEESSSSS. HEEEEEEEE NNNNOOOTTTTTT PAAAAAYYYYY!"

"HE DID PAY!" He shouted back. "He did pay, he just hid who he was from us. I misspoke as a jest. If anything he paid more than he should have," he calmly spoke and raised his hand in a placating gesture.

The creature's heavy breathing was the only thing that could be heard besides the waves. She actually looked worse now. Maybe too long out of the water?

"Iiiiiii ssssssseeeee." She finally spoke. Eyes narrowed. "Nnnnnnneeeeeeexxxxxtttttttt mmmmooooooooooooonnnnn tttttthhhhheeeeennnnn." And with that, she slipped back into the sea, the nightmare was over. The last thing Orion had seen of her was the backend of an eel like body.

"Well lad, at least you didn't faint like I did my first time meeting her." Thunder Chaser chortled. Both of them were in his private study. Him counting coins, and Orion taking very long pulls from a rum bottle.

The Captain hadn't made any interjections when he had made a beeline for the liquor cabinet that he had spotted on his last visit into this room.

"R-r-r-realy?" He chattered out.

"Heh yes, when I was your age, me mother introduced me to Grenola. Just as her mother did before her. I do be telling you for true that I soiled meself then passed out. This was the first time she hadn't brought it up." He made another neat stack of the gold, now having five of them.. "Going to have to get these cleaned."

Orion reached out a still shaking hand and used a charm spell to clean the gunk that had built up on the coins, burning the filth away.

"Thank you Rarity."

The older stallion blinked and laughed. "I should get you to teach that to my First."

He took another swig of the rum, his nerves slowly steadying. "Why was, she, so intent on taking me?"

"Ah that, seaponies like to hold to a certain set of rules. You keep the law, no matter where you are, and you always pay, to name a couple. She believed you had broken both, and thus she was going to take you. To them, your free cargo at that point and they do be loving their salvage." He finished.

"Fuck me…...thank God I paid extra." And that the Captain was a pony of his word. "Heh. When I was in school, seaponies were depicted as beautiful colorful ponies of the sea. That they shimmered in shallow water."

"Reality do be disappointing, eh lad?" He responded with a snarky grin on his face.

"Aren't you supposed to be practicing speaking proper Equish, sir?"

He kicked him out with an angry grunt, but let him keep the bottle.

They didn't pull into Horseululu. Instead they went around the island and headed north. The reason was due to sea patrols by the Equestrian Navy. The fuckers were everywhere apparently, and a directly route would almost guarantee an encounter.

The island that they had left, actually had a base on the other side. So it had been a very risky stop, but the seaponies would trade nowhere else. It felt like years had been stolen from him in that encounter. Fortunately, he still wore the 'dreamcatchers', so if his dreams were haunted, he didn't know it.

The event had had a net positive come out of it though. The crew had gotten over almost all their hang ups over him after that. Apparently seeing the 'dark wizard' nearly shit himself was enough to make them realize he was just what he appeared to be, an on the run colt that knew a few tricks that made him seem scarry. He was eating with them now, and for the first time saw Boulder's kids.

They were friggin' adorable.

Even Gibbons stopped giving him death glares.

That was in part due to Thunder Chaser forcing her to sit down with him and actually learn the charm spell he had used to clean the coins with. With that first lesson came more as the only spell she knew was levitation.

She had never had formal schooling from what he could gather, and it showed.

The older mare absorbed all the common spells he knew like a sponge, often being seen on deck practicing religiously. That was cute as hell watching her concentrate so hard, tongue stuck between her teeth. He had to stop her from doing that, telling her that she might bite her tongue off if something went wrong.

All in all they weren't a bad group. Like many ponies, easy to be forgiving given enough time. Just a bunch of outcasts making it through the world as best they could. At night when there was nothing to do they would share stories with each other. Even he told the funnier ones that happened to him over the course of his life.

They all agreed that his 'Hondo Flanks' story was the best story and he had to repeat it often much to their delight. Ha ha. Dicks.

-------------

But the good times couldn't last. About two weeks from Tackanrog trouble came in the form of three Equestrian Naval Warships appearing on the horizon late one afternoon.

Gibbons had been the first to spot them, using the spell Shining Armor had taught him and she eagerly learned. She had scampered down the ship's mast in a rush, using an air cushion spell she had been practicing, to land lightly on the deck.

"CAPTAIN! EQUESTRIANS! AFT AT OUR 5!" She belted out the moment she hit the deck.

That woke the entire ship up, and set the crew running to their stations.

Orion ran to the stern and took a look for himself. His vision was much better with the spell as he had been able to modify it long ago, and he saw all three with crystal clarity.

On the deck of the lead ship was a green unicorn mare seeming to look right at him, a grim look on her face.

Flying off the deck of all three was entire flights of pegasi, already there were more in the air before the vessels.

They were doing something in the air, but he couldn't tell what yet.

Thunder Chaser came up beside him. "Your vision is still better than hers', lad, what do you see?"

"Three ships, she's right on the colors they are certainly flying the Equestrian Flag. Seems they are stocked with mostly pegasi, but I see at least six or seven unicorns so far." He dispelled the spell. "They are doing something in the air above and in front of their ships. I'm not sure what."

"I do." He growled out. He had been getting better about his speech lately, much to his daughter's delight. "They are creating a storm front. They're gonna shove it at us to slow us down."

"They can do that?!" Orion yelped.

"Yes, they can. It's a common tactic they use against smugglers and pirates alike. That storm will disrupt the wind in our sails. They know they can't catch us. We are lighter and faster. But by morning they will have launched that at us and we won't be able to avoid it." He cursed. "They must know who we are if they started it up right away."

The young stallion sat down hard on the rail.

"What if they somehow tracked me?! Did I put these people in danger?"

"I don't believe this is your fault." He looked up at the older stallion. "They likely have been tracking us from Horseululu. Picking up supplies and an additional ship or two. I should have trusted my gut and waited." He mumbled the last to himself but was clearly heard.

The rest of the crew not working on prepping the ship lined up behind them.

"It's the goods or our lives. We can get more wares. But I'll be damned it they take my grandfoals from me." He growled again, harsher this time. "Alright ponies. Everything not essential goes over the side. Gold included. If we can throw off enough weight we may outrun that storm the flank-kissers are brewing." He paused looking at them sharply. "YESTERDAY PONIES! ARE FAMILIES ARE AT STAKE HERE!" He roared at them.

Turning to Orion he asked a question the young stallion had been regretting before it was even uttered.

"Lad, can you disrupt what they're doing? Not asking you to kill, just keep 'em from making it for a while?"

He shook his head. "I wish I could tell you yes. But the issue here isn't strength, it's range. I'm….I'm stunted Captain. Not trying to toot my own horn here but I am extremely strong." Unnaturally so considering he was cheating. "But I have a max range of thirteen, maybe fifteen, meters. If I was unhindered I could likely cut holes into their hulls with ease if you asked."

"PONY FEATHERS!" In any other situation, he would have laughed at the sea stallion's use of swears. But he was thinking hard. Anything from a torpedo to a bomb on a parachute flashed through his mind.

An idea popped in his head.

"I may not be able to interrupt them," he spoke softly, his voice gaining confidence. "But I may be able to push us along faster. I'm gonna need Gibbons for this."

"You have her. Do what you can, lad!"

The idea was simple. Compress air behind the ship and shove it into the sails at constant pulsing rate, and wouldn't you know it? It worked.

The spell he had created on the fly took a massive amount of power from both of them. It forced them to take long breaks in order to keep putting on bursts of speed.

Supplies were dumped, and wind was created. But it was futile in the end.

Sometime early in the morning, just before the sun broke the horizon, they released the storm.

By dawn the waves were already churning violently. The wind kept changing direction so quickly Orion couldn't even keep up to channel it in a workable direction. Lightning flashed violently blinding him as well as making the crew jump constantly with how close the bolts hit.

Lines of blue and white courses acrossed his vision anytime he blinked. He was going to need glasses if this kept up.

The Equestrian Naval ships were drawing nearer, their path being cleared by a team of pegasi that wrangled the wind and cleared the sky as they got closer to the floundering smugglers vessel.

In another hour, maybe two, it would be over, they would all be captured. The scarred unicorn was at a complete loss on what to do.

A hand clapped him on the shoulder. "Thank you, lad. You've done everything you know to do. More than any passenger I've ever heard of or had the pleasure of carrying. I'm sorry I couldn't hold up my end of the bargain." There was no cheer in his voice.

In fact most of the crew looked worn out, those not trying to keep the ship from flipping over just hung their heads, he could hear Boulder and his wives crying below deck, likely holding their children for what was likely to be the final time.

"This is so fucked. This could not possibly get worse." Griff muttered.

You know how you should never test fate? How life positively delights in exceeding expectations? Yeah. This was one of those moments.

A low sonorous noise echoed across the waters. It seemed to rise up all around them in one ominous tone, with more following shortly afterwards.

Orion had always been fascinated with how pony fur could just drain of color. He had seen it a few times but he could never figure out how it happened, and as he watched Thunder Chaser's face, it captivated him for a moment.

"Oh buck me."

Suddenly the whole ship jerked to the side, as if a great arm had just slapped it to the left. The groan of wood splintering came up from below.

"The fuck was that?!" Whispered Griff.

"That, is you jinxing us asshole." The black stallion looked to the Captain. "Seriously though. The hell is that?"

"Get everypony to the lifeboats. Now!" The pale stallion whispered. "Now!" With more urgency as he barreled his way below deck.

Shouts broke out as others began grabbing emergency supplies and rope and heading aft.

Orion didn't wait and ran down after him, making his way to his own room. Inside he found a large crack going down the middle, a trickle of water leaking in from the base.

"What in the hell did that…"

He wasted no time in grabbing his things. It was easy with the fact that he kept everything packed as if he was leaving in a minute anyway.

If he was to be captured, he wouldn't stop trying to escape right up to the last moment. He grit his teeth, throwing his satchel over his shoulder he cast a keeping spell and an attachment spell to keep the bag with him no matter what. Water would remain out for at least three hours.

Those spells made the older tired orange maned pony sag to his knees, just as another blow struck the ship on the port side. The groan from the ship was far more audible as wood splintered throughout the room, he slammed into the bolted down bed and fell into the shallow water that had begun pooling on the floor. The crack had widened even if he couldn't see it yet. The water was no longer a trickle.

Cursing he went to rise, but halfway up he noticed a book on the small table in his room.

He weakly grabbed the book off the table, something he had first been writing in for himself now intended for another. She better appreciate it, he wrote a lot of instructions.

Stumbling his way out and into the hall he could now see the entire ship was listing heavily to port. Not good.

Up on deck things were not as chaotic as he had thought it would be. There was no one there. At all.

He got cold chills.

"ORION! LAD! GET YOUR SKINNY FLANK OVER HERE!" Shouting from the aft drew his attention to Thunder Chaser. They hadn't abandoned him.

He fought down the feeling in his chest as he dashed over to the stallion.

"Get in the boat, it's our only chance, the Equestrians are already turning around and running. Cowards. They caused this mess!"

Both of them made it to the rear to see two emergency lifeboats already gone, being tugged away by three pegasi, they were making a beeline right for the fleeing naval vessels. They would easily catch up to them considering the lumbering hulks were having trouble turning around quickly.

He spotted Boulder and his family in both boats. That was good.

At the third lifeboat was Gibbons, Griff and a few others he never bothered to learn the names of. He prepared to jump in.

Something caught his eye. A long slithering thing was making its way to the rear fleeing lifeboat. It was quickly closing the distance at unnatural speed.

He didn't think he just struck out, a bolt of black and gold lightning came down from the clouds and struck the thing causing it to shriek and dive back under. That had been eighteen meters away. How had he done that?

He shook his head, questions for later. He noticed more tentacles speeding toward the small boats. He struck again and again, the light of his strikes searing his vision.

Thunder Chaser was screaming something at him but he couldn't hear him, the sound of thunder the only thing in his ears. He looked at Gibbons, fear etched on her face.

He made the decision. He grabbed her and stuffed the book he had spent so much time writing in, down her shirt.

"LISTEN TO ME!" He shouted into her face, gaining her attention immediately. "WHEN THEY CATCH YOU, THEY ARE GOING TO LIKELY PUT A NULL RING ON YOU!"

The deafening roar of the storm above would drown out any words spoken in secret.

"ALL OBJECTS IN THIS WORLD HAVE A RESONANCE FREQUENCY, WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT! YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING!"

She blinked, and he realized she knew what he was about to do. She nodded anyway, biting her lip. Another more powerful blow struck the ship once more.

Staggering, he remained upright. "ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS MATCH THE FREQUENCY OF THAT RING AND IT WILL BREAK! BIDE YOUR TIME! WAIT! THEN FREE EVERYONE AND TAKE THE SHIP IN THE NIGHT. EQUESTRIANS ARE FUCKING STUPID, THEY WILL LIGHTLY GUARD YOU IF AT ALL!" She laughed with him, the rain hiding both of their tears. Tears of fear.

"LAD! WHAT THE BUCK DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING!?" The captain of a ship no longer, gripped his jacket, eyes wide with realization as Orion stunned him with a shock spell from his hand.

"GET HIM THE FUCK OUTTA HERE! GO I WILL COVER FOR YOU! DON'T FUCKING ARGUE!"

They left, it was just him, the monsters, and the storm. He watched as the arms slithered again toward the now trailing third boat, and struck them down. Even the ones below water did not escape the strikes of lightning that rained down upon them. That eerie black and gold color blinding and dismissing all colors as they struck, blanketing the world in gray.

Mana poisoning. He was actually suffering mana poisoning. "Fuck it."

He began to send out vibrating pulses into the water. This thing, or things, went after anything that moved or made a noise. So he made a noise. A lot of it.

It wasn't long before the ship began to suffer for his actions, water rushing up to his hooves as the monstrous limbs relentlessly battered the hull.

He stared up into the sky, the pounding rain making him squint. He glared hatefully at it all.

"IS THIS ALL THERE IS FOR ME?!" He screamed. "IS THIS WHAT A SECOND CHANCE WAS FOR?!"

Oh his heart hurt, and it had nothing to do with the overuse of his magic. The bands on his arm burned hot.

"I KNOW I FUCKED UP! I KNOW I DESTROYED LIVES IN MY LAST LIFE! BUT COULD IT KILL YOU TO JUST LEAVE ME ALONE FOR ONCE!?" He roared. His own regrets tore at his thoughts as he vented on everything around him.

One of those limbs had come aboard, the end opening up into a mouth of horrors that he scarcely paid attention to. He struck it down, blasting the head apart in a fountain of gore.

Deep below there was a roar and the ship groaned as it was jerked away from under him. He stumbled, barely staying upright.

"IS MY LIFE JUST A LIGHTNING ROD OF ANGUISH AND PAIN!" That seemed to be all this world was for him, one disaster to the next. Just barely keeping ahead of what fate had planned for him.

"Lightning rod…." Much like the bolts he somehow wielded, the thought struck him.

He didn't think just reached up to the sky, before he really knew what it was he was doing a matrix formed over what was left of the entire ship. Much larger than anything he had ever made or tried to. Another layer formed under that one, and another after that. Equations forming in spinning patterns suddenly locking into place.

Five matrices, in descending order of size, now hovered above the stricken vessel.

"You're hungry, eh? Hurt? Angry?" He grinned. "Good." If he was going to go, it would be on his terms. And he would be damned if he was going alone.

"Open wide you sack of shit." He whispered.

As if physically pulling something down, his hands descended, and with them the sky fell and his world turned white.

Thunder Chaser had jerked awake. The roar of the storm was still in his twitching ears, though it sounded further away than it should. He looked at a horrified Gibbons, who clutched the book that fool of a colt stuffed down her shirt, before turning awkwardly around to see what she was seeing.

He gaped.

Some type of giant circle hung into the air above his once proud vessel. No, there was more than one, but the black and gold glow was equally dark and too bright to make out how many there actually were.

As he watched, the seas around them calmed as the storm, made by those whorses, coalesced above what he had to assume was a massive spell.

"Orion…." He breathed.

Black-gold lightning arced violently above, one, twice, then struck.

It was like all the rage in the world poured out onto the waters below. Multiple strikes tore straight through what was left of the deck of his ship, racing into the depths below.

More and more strikes came, somehow increasing in speed, looking for all the world like one giant lightning strike.

The storm vanished, the seas calmed. And as the morning sunshine graced the waves once more, the ship was gone. Orion Falls, was gone.

Three weeks later a packet came across Raven Inkwell's desk, late in the evening.

CLASSFIED.

It was an after action report from the eastern naval fleet, 3rd theater. The 'Victory in Repose' had spotted and pursued a smuggling vessel leaving the waters of Horseululu.

In the course of the chase they hooked up with brother ships, 'Her Blazing Glory' and 'Hammer'. Staying out of sight till they were ready to strike.

That's when the report took a strange turn.

The smuggler vessel had noticed them, and started shedding cargo and picking up massive bursts of speed every hour.

At that point the captains of all three of her Highness's royal navy ordered all hands to battle stations and launch pull teams to tug the three vessels forward while still generating the Storm Trap. A standard method to slow and disorientate ship and crew alike.

The following morning they judged they were in range and launched the magically created cumulus front at the fleeing vessel.

By sunrise the ship was trapped, and they were swiftly closing the gap. All seemed to be going according to standard.

She gasped as she read the next passage.

A mournful sound had been recorded echoing all around the ships, with more following the first. The captains turned their ships around correctly assuming leviathans were in the water. Likely attracted by the sudden frothing of the waves due to the generated storm.

The creatures attacked the floundering ship and it began to go down. The crew predictably abandoned the vessel though one was reported to have remained behind. They were reported to look like a black stallion in ragged clothes, with a red or orange mane.

As Raven read further, she realized that this had to get to the Princess immediately. No wonder Reign Command sent it directly to her the moment they had received it.

She ran from the room, her hooves breaking the silence of the halls in the night.

The swift knocking on her bedroom door startled Celestia.

She had been drinking wine and reading one of her older journals, from before her and her sister came to an unfortunate split.

She didn't feel like getting up, angry that whoever it was had interrupted some very good memories. Instead she magiced the door open, allowing whoever had dared disturb her see that she was relaxing and think better of it.

Her secretary strode in, mane looking like it hadn't seen a good brush in days.

Before she could speak Raven Inkwell did.

"I am so sorry for interrupting your evening my Princess. But I received an after action report from the 3rd theater. I believe that you, should read it, your Highness." She offered the packet to her.

"The third? That would be the eastern fleet, yes?" She took it from her and opened it, scanning the contents. Stopping. Blinking, and then reading much slower. This time really focusing on the pages and their stale words.

"Yes, Highness."

She quickly got to what alarmed her secretary, and it alarmed her!

As the leviathans struck at the ship. A spell matrix was reported to form from above the slowly sinking vessel. The details could not be made out. But the effect was noticeable as the generated storm altered its properties, an impossibility once a pegasus had made it so, and struck down all as one into and straight through the ship.

The storm expended the massive magical energies that had been built up, and dissipated. Nothing was left.

The crew of the sunk smuggler's vessel was taken into custody aboard the 'Hammer'. But questioning was met with silence. The foals that were with them were separated, which had caused a fight as the females and the single stallion laid claim that they were theirs.

They were sedated and the foals given into the care of the medical deck, to check for health and keep for the journey back.

The lone unicorn mare of the crew was fitted with a null ring.

They had yet to identify who the ship captain was but suspected the red unicorn mare.

About a day out from Horseululu, a fog bank in the evening had swarmed up and surrounded all three ships in the middle of the night.

By morning, the fog bank was gone, and with it the 'Hammer'. The crew of the vessel were found unconscious and tied to empty barrels. Pirates with a conscious.

Currently no ship matching the 'Hammer's' description has been found as of the issue of the report.

'See attachment for recorded evidence of the storm events'.

Her heart was beating hard. Could it be him?

"Have you looked at this crystal yet, Raven?" She pulled a small blue green gem from the folder.

"No, your Highness. Once I knew the nature of the report….well I believed it was best to anger you then let you not see this first."

Celestia smiled. A good mare, willing to upset her evening rather than catch her by surprise in the morning by parliament. Those filthy leeches.

"Well then. Let's see if my suspicions are true." Her magic activated the crystal.

"So, he is alive." She didn't know how to feel about that. On one hand she was furious that he had somehow gotten that far away before she even knew where he was. That he lived.

She had wasted thousands of bits trawling the lake and river below Canterlot for his corpse.

At the same time she was filled to the brim with excitement. He was alive, and had shown his immense potential in a devastating way. Calling down a lightning storm like that, incredible. Rare the unicorn with weather magic.

That spell he unleashed was the largest she had seen since 'The War'. Even then not many were able to harness the very storms themselves to their whims. Less a creation of another.

Yet here he was, pulling off something she believed she would never see again.

Not for the first time she wondered what would have happened if he had become her student instead of Twilight.

"Alive, Princess? Forgive my doubt, your Highness, but there could be no foreseeable possibility that he survived whatever that was! If the magic he wielded didn't kill him, those monsters most certainly did."

She fixed her secretary with a smug look. "Somehow I doubt it. How much time and bits have we wasted searching the lake and river? The forests? Yet here he is, over a thousand miles away from our shores and he shows up."

She stood and began to pace. "No, that stallion possesses unusual luck. We ran the tests. The moment a pony hit a body of water from as high up as he dropped, the body's internal organs would have suffered massive trauma leading quickly to death."

The tests involved dropping murders, rapists, and thieves from the mouth of the cave. None survived the fall and all were easily found.

"Could he have been added by…..Him?" Raven Inkwell gulped audibly. The name was known but never spoken. He had been imprisoned since long before the three tribes came together as one.

That ancient menace.

"No. He is still bound in his prison." His was one of stone and darkness. Trapped at the center of the vast labyrinth at the base of the castle. It had been the masterpiece of the last ambassador of Minos, and she thought it brilliant to move His prison there in the center, where nopony could ever reach.

"Then how?" Whispered her secretary.

How indeed. How had Orion Falls survived a fall that killed anypony else, and somehow manage to get so far without alerting anypony before then?

Was it his own skill? Or was he perhaps, the recipient of the divine? She shuddered at that thought and its implications.

Author's Notes:

So how the hell did Orion create a spell using power from someone else's?

That's likely a question some of you will likely have. Or the fact that it was so massive. Both will be answered in the coming story, one earlier than the other. I swear to God the amount of notes I have is boggling my mind.

You may also notice I am doing more than one person's perspective again. That's because the story cannot be told for very long in only one persons POV. Plus your the audience, you're gonna know way more about whats going on that dumb-ass Orion.

As you can also see, I am starting to post regularly again. "But Morgan, what happened to post every two weeks?" My brain said, "Fuck that", and has me pressing the gas pedal through the floor of imagination. Seriously, the damn thing won't leave me alone. That and I've begun writing at work which has actually been a huge boon for me because I do not have any distractions other than my actual job. It seriously works for me.

So while I will be keeping to the two week maximum, If I get a chapter done within a week, I will post it. Now this chapter was done entirely by phone, including editing. So it may or may not have errors. Forgive me!

But thank you all for coming, please leave a comment on what you thought of the end of this chapter.

Hope to see you again.

Thanks for reading.

Peace!

Cruelty

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The seabirds' cries were his only companion on the shore. The black and gray stone pebbles ranging from about the size of a thumb to the size of his fist, supported his weight as he fairly stomped down the shoreline in frustration.

This was the sixth time he had been rejected for the path of Leiòsögumadur. It was always the same reason and he cursed his forebears for the curse that had plagued him since birth.

The world wobbled in front of him, reminding him of what cost him the coveted position so many colts vied for.

The opportunity to learn from the Framvardi Valkmari was a true honor, few are chosen in general, less from stallions and colts for the obvious reason.

When the call goes out, which may happen once every two or three years, ponies are gathered from across the islands to be judged worthy. Those that pass the tests of their tribes will go on to compete at the Halumgatha, a grand tournament that only a three may win at a time.

The titles a stallion can attain amount to only three positions that they can hold.

Leiòsögumadur was one such role, one he had been interested in the most of all. He could spot details that others miss, find things others overlook, and his ability to judge the weather left many pegasus envious. Those that actually knew of his ability, or of him in general.

He was more than qualified, in his opinion, for the position. More than any in his village at the very least.

But his physical attributes were where he lacked in capability. Since he had been a foal, Asmund had been afflicted with dizzy spells that kept him from the more rigorous activities that those his age partook in. It hadn't gotten easier with age.

His mother cursed his father for this affliction but he had no idea what that had meant. His father had long since vanished when he had yet learned to walk. No one would say why he had disappeared. Only his mother would end the conversation whenever he was brought up.

It was clear the adults knew something, but would not share with him the details. Often outright denying anything was wrong, even if he saw evidence to say otherwise.

Was his missing father the reason for his mother's ostracization from the village? For his own isolation? Another issue that likely barred him from participating. As with his father's mysterious absence, was his mother's status among their people, and by extension, his own.

It wasn't like no one dealt with her. In fact as one of the few healers in the village, she was sought for her skill with magic and herbs. But there was no pit warmed for them during the holidays. No gifts left on their stoop when spring graced their small lands again.

It bothered him when her face took on a pain expression anytime she finished helping someone. As if she knew that nothing good would be gained from it, but to not offer her services might bring worse.

In turn he could not join the village foals in any activities. They ignored him just like the adults did his mother. And when he had arrived to be tested, he was almost dismissed had it not been for one of the klerkurs. But he still failed.

He kicked a stone with his hoof, and did not hear a splash or the clacking of stone striking stone. Always alert, his attention was drawn to where the errant object that suffered his mild wraith had gone, and spotted a large blackish object standing out among the pebbles of the beach. If only because of sheer size alone.

It was likely a log, but then why not a hollow thumping sound instead? As he drew close he soon realized why.

The object that had drawn his curiosity turned out to be a very tall black unicorn pony. The gray and blue clothing was torn and waterlogged.

He knew most in the village fairly well, but as he looked the stricken stallion over he realized he had never seen anyone like him.

His fur was scorched and there were fresh burn marks, as if he had been beaten with a brand just recently. The mane was a ragged, soggy dark orange. He seemed to bear a beard, though most of it had been burned off by what might have been the same attack that accosted the rest of his body.

A cold chill washed over him as he laid eyes upon his horn. Several small fractures could be seen up and down it's length. Asmund gripped his own in commiseration, having once suffered a crack to his as well. It had hurt terribly for weeks after.

A violent splash pulled his attention to the ocean in panic. But when he looked, he found nothing there but the heavy ripples that indicated there was something. A fish was likely the culprit and his attention soon turned back to what he believed was a dead stallion.

Then the unicorn gasped raggedly and jerked awake with a shriek that caused the poor colt to stumble back in panic, tripping over his own hooves as he backpedaled, landing on his flank on the cold beach.

Meanwhile the black pony just stared into his green eyes with his stone gray ones, fear, anger and resentment seemed to boil from them. Then suddenly, and without indication, his head just dropped to the sand, his unconscious and irregular, breathing intermixing with the lap of the waves on the otherwise silent shore.

"MÓDIR!" He did not stop calling for her his entire stumbling journey back to their home.

He was warm. It had been so cold, and finally he was warm. His eyes were too heavy to open, and the only thing he could hear was a crackling fire nearby.

Why did his head hurt so much? Where was he?

Trying to think only brought pain that he could not make sense of. Unconsciousness claimed him quickly, and he was grateful.

His head jostled, and a low murmur of voices grabbed his attention, bringing him to full alertness. Or at least as full as his current state would allow. His eyelids still wouldn't respond to him, feeling like five hundred pound lead weights had been attached, so he had yet to be able to see his surroundings. But his hearing seemed to be okay, if only he could understand what was being said as the language sounded light, yet strong and a bit thick. A different dialect maybe?

Something was being pressed against his lips. Instinctually he opened his mouth to take whatever it was that was presented. Likely stupid, but the moment whatever it was that hit his lips, Orion became painfully aware of how dry he was.

Water!

Cool refreshing water struck his throat, and if he had use of his limbs he would have likely yanked the cup away from whoever it was, but he drank deeply and greedily. It was suddenly pulled away and he felt himself growl in frustration.

But he soon passed out again, unable to even voice a thank you or demand more.

"Módir, is he….going to live?" Asmund spoke tentatively. He sat in the corner of their small lodge. More of a hut, but theirs all the same.

"I do not know." She responded. It was frustrating for the mare to attempt to get anything into the young stallion. This was the first time she had managed to get him to drink since her son had found him.

But it was heartening to know he still fought for life despite his injuries. She was also more than a little amused by the fact that he had the strength to growl at her for making sure he didn't make himself sick. If only her face would show a smile.

The burns on his body had been severe. If not for her skill with herbs they would likely have become infected by now. But her first assumption had been fire burns, had been proven wrong.

The spell resonance had been pure energy. Like a lightning strike. Someone had attacked this poor stallion, barely more than a colt if she had to guess.

Why would anyone do this?

After she had initially treated him, cleaning his wounds and pushing magic into accelerating his own natural healing, she had decided to examine the rest of him.

What she found was puzzling. His body was slow to accept external magic. Yet whatever had been done to him had been extremely effective, bypassing the natural defenses easily. It was a puzzling conundrum.

Her confusion only grew when she had peeled his lips back and saw his teeth. For the most part normal save for the cuspids, and to some extent incisors. They were sharp. Especially the cuspids, no they were canines.

Another mystery was the things found with him. Books of notes in a language she struggled to read. Her skill with reading had never been strong. Survival was the skill most Gleymt employed.

Not to say they were destitute. But life came harder on the islands. Why their ancestors chose here to land and live was best left to the klerkurs. Keepers of the Sun and Moon records. They were a secretive lot, and if they knew the why, they never shared it.

She shook her head and looked at her patient again, his mane once cleaned was actually quite lovely. The strange orange and brown blend seemed to look more akin to embers in the pit. A combination she had never seen in her life as ponies bore either solid colored manes, or distinct patterns.

The glint of metal in his mane caught her attention. Though already aware of them, she dared not remove the metal ornaments that seemed to pepper his braided tresses. The significance of them were lost on her, but she would not offend him by removing them.

Though she did wonder about the ones that represented spider webs. Were they a rite of passage? A pivotal moment in his life that marked his progress? Why only three? She could not know.

She thought of the klerkurs again. She looked at the large satchel with it's mysteries for a long time, and made a decision.

"Asmund."

Her son, both the blemish on her soul and the light of her life perked up instantly. He had been investigating once again the strange clothing this unusual pony wore.

"Yes, módir?" He said eagerly. Her heart hurt for him.

He would never gain standing in the village and would likely never find a herd either. Too many here knew the truth of him. She often thought about sending him away to another island, but she worried that he would say things best left quiet.

"I want you to watch over him, I must go to the village. You know what to do, try and get some soup into him if you can, but water is the priority right now." He nodded sadly. He would have liked to go with her, despite the other village foals shunning him he still liked to see the various sights one saw when entering the tiny seaport.

She picked up the large satchel, making sure it was tightly closed. "I will return as soon as I can. Be safe my sonur." She slipped out of the flap that was the door to her home, and into the night.

The journey to Avirstable was never a long one, though it always seemed to be so. The darkness of the night made it worse, and she hated the dark.

Before long the homes of the villagers loomed before her, lit by torchlight and the occasional candle. None held activity. Clearly all were asleep.

She passed them by.

She knew not all slept this night. Sangéquines had long held contracts to patrol the night for the sleeping residents. It was common among many of the villages and towns of the islands to have them guard them from the night.

They did not frighten her, but she was no fool. Their darker natures were often at odds with the day walking counterparts, and many have run afoul of their rougher treatment.

It did not matter, her destination was near.

A well lit, large stone tower in the center of the village was one of the few structures made of the precious resource. The wood supports that were evenly spaced around and up the building helped shore up and support the three story structure.

She stopped and sighed.

Of course there would be Sangéquines guarding the tower openly. The imposing red eyes mares watched with growing smirks as the outcast approached.

"Looky looky, Saffron. His daughter comes to call. So late in the evening no less." The taller of the two laughed uproariously at her own implied joke.

The mare, Saffron, only grinned. Sharp fangs glinting in the torchlight.

She wasted no time.

"I have come to seek the Adalritari." She stated simply. She would not bend to their goading.

"Of course you have, best to do that in this hour, less to see so to speak." They shifted, leather armor straining with their movements. "But what if he wishes not to see his disgrace of a daughter?"

"I have come to seek the Adalritari." She stated once more. Careful to not change her tone at all for fear they would take that as an excuse of hostility.

Saffron frowned and removed her helmet, a shock of heavily braided red mane fell to her shoulders. She moved in close to her face.

"Why should we wake him for you, svívirt? He has not wished to see you in years. Tartarus, no one wishes to see you or your ill-gotten spawn. We have a bet on how much longer you last. Please tell me you plan to die within the month. It would please many greatly."

She meant her own wager was riding on the month. The healer bit her lip before she said something ton offend.

"Is accosting travelers seeking knowledge what we do, Verdir?" A new voice spoke up from behind. She dared not flinch. The voice was heavy with age and the last pony she had expected to be out in the night.

A brief silence stole the night before their voices spoke out as one. "No, Adalritari." And they smoothly regained their positions with no hint of the earlier open animosity.

A stallion shambled up to her left, she carefully did not look at him. She could not till he addressed her.

His position was one no few mares absolutely must respect. For he kept the records of their history, and his voice carried with it the law. A shiver shot down her spine, it had been a few years since she had last heard his voice. Just as on that fateful day dread filled her to the brim.

"I would expect more discipline, from ones who count themselves among the Sangéquine." He spoke softly, almost gently. But that was as much a slap in the face as the actual action itself, and both mares shuffled, their helmets hiding the blushes that were no doubt forming.

He walked past without another word to them, and as he reached out his hand to open the door to the tower, His Tower. He spoke but one word.

"Come." It was cold, void of the warmth she once knew. Hearing it made ice grip her heart, but she dared not disobey and rushed in after him, as she fought the surge of dread that threatened to wash over her continuously.

She shut the door behind her gently as she gazed about the first floor, it had been a long time since she had last been here. The familiar sight of the scrolls that sat in their cubbyholes caused memory to stir. Lamps with oil lit the inside with a comfortable warm glow. Always the words of the past were well cared for and always watched over.

Three klerkurs sat, reading from scrolls they had pulled from the racks. Their eyes drawn to the door, and glares replacing apathetic eyes when they spotted her darkening the sanctity of their domain.

They made no move to stop her following him however. His word was law and they would not dare go against it. She was here for a reason, and only by the grace of the Sun and Moon was she to remain here.

Her father had not stopped, seeming to ignore the hostile air around them as he walked to the stairs and ascended them. Of course he would not wait for her. It was a sign of his displeasure that he didn't even speak up for her, her reprimanded their lack of discipline. Like before, she quickly followed after.

They passed the sleeping quarters on the second floor and approached his private rooms of the third, her heart hammering in her chest. He entered, leaving the door open for her, and she in kind quietly closed it as she so often did when she was a foal visiting him in the past, though those were better times.

He sat at his desk, and she stood at the door, sweating under her hood. He did not address her, but stared hard at her for long moments.

"Remove your hood." He barked suddenly. Far harsher than the tone he used with others. She jerked and hastily removed the garment. "It seems you are still healthy, Leanna. I trust the mistök still lives?" She merely nodded, and he likewise, only grunted. "Why have you come? Have you finally acknowledged your culpability? No, you would not easily revoke your claim of innocence." He sighed angrily.

Of anything she took from him in her birth, it would be his refusal to bend on what she believed true. Even if no one else saw it. Or wanted to.

"What could be so important that you would come in the quiet of the night? Well, speak filly, I have not the time to look upon your face."

She grit her teeth in agitation, but held what she really wanted to say inside her heart. As always those words festered there in the darkness, and ate at her soul for it. "Four days ago Asmund f-"

"Do not speak its name!" He hissed out. She gulped and nodded. One does not anger the Adalritari.

"Four days ago, we found a pony, barely a stallion, on the beach. He has suffered horrible afflictions, burns being the most prominent." He cocked his head at this, his ears swiveling fully toward her. She finally had his attention, even if it was not for her.

"I trust he is receiving your care?" She nodded. "Well that is good, if for nothing else your ability to heal is a saving grace. Likely this colt had suffered during the storm five days ago. It's not uncommon for the Hugrakkur to throw their colts into a storm to prove their worth. But for one of them to wash up this far and be alive is a miracle itself. Does he have a name?"

"No. He is in very bad shape. I believe he suffered not just one strike but multiple targeted lightning strikes judging from the multitude of burns. It's very possible his horn was overloaded with the discharge of magic being directed at him. It bears several stress cracks."

While the Hugrakkur were known to demand the best of the best from their own people, she doubted very much that they would allow this to happen. Those storm blinded ponies were not so careless, just foolhardy, and to do it to a stallion would be just as unthinkable.

"Horn? A unicorn? Then he is not of them. But maybe one of the others, we are not the only island of unicorns after all."

That was true. Of the ponies who lived on the islands, more than a few held unicorns amongst their ranks. The fact that Haust was primarily a unicorn colony made no difference, just one of the many if a bit smaller then the rest.

"I don't believe he is from the islands." She hefted the sack to the floor, grateful the weight had finally been removed. "This was found with him, and I was never the strongest reader. But he has books in here. I removed his clothes should he awaken and have need, but the books and a strange device remain inside." She levitated the satchel to the center of the room and set it down and waited.

"A visitor from the Lands eh? Now that has not happened in many years, it was believed that Celestia had learned better than to try those waters."

It was an understatement. It hadn't happened ever. Oh there were rumors of outlanders arriving on shore. But none could confirm the veracity of those claims. They knew of the leviathans that patrolled the waters around their islands. It had been a pure miracle when their people first came here, supplementing the dying population that called this place home with their own. By all accounts, the beasts should have destroyed them all.

But the blessing of the lost sisters were upon their ancestors, and they had arrived safely.

These days most were careful never to go out too far, both fear of dying or worse, leading one of the creatures back home. Accidents still happened, and ponies didn't return from the seas. Then there were the condemned.

He picked up the bag with his own magic and brought it to his desk. It did not take him long to pull the contents and start perusing them when he jerked in surprise. "Do you believe he will live?"

"He seems to have a strong will to fight, judging by how greedy he got with the water. There is something else."

"Yes, what is it?" He distractedly asked, flipping through another book.

"His teeth. They are mostly normal except not. He bears sharp teeth where his cuspids would be. That and the front of his teeth share in a similar trait."

His head jerked up. "A Sangéquine unicorn? That's impossible. They've never produced anything more than what they are!" He fairly shouted in alarm. He was correct however, the night pony species only ever produced their leather wing offspring. There had never been a successful union, and they did try.

She was quick to respond. "No, his teeth are thicker than theirs. If I didn't know better I would think I was looking at the teeth of a predator. But the molars indicate he does eat vegetation."

The elder stallion sat for a moment in silence.

"You will not mention that detail to anyone. Not until I've had a chance to speak with him." He drummed his fingers in contemplation. "I will….be sending a verdir to your home. They shall be a runner for when and if he awakens. Now leave me. You have given me much to think about and none of it is what I really wanted." Another pause. "According to this book, his name might be Orion Falls. Be sure to remember that."

He waved his hand and the door opened with his magic. She did not hesitate to depart.

Asmund poked the black pony again, for what must have been the hundredth time. Getting no reaction. Not unexpected at this point.

He had long lost interest in the strangers' clothes, while unusual, they were not all that different from his own. He had been warned not to touch the ornaments in his mane enough times that he actually listened.

Instead he had begun poking the stallion, hoping for a reaction. So far nothing. In a way, he was kind of hoping that the pony would wake from annoyance and then he could surprise his mother with the fact that he managed to wake him. He wondered if she would praise him if this method proved successful.

Poke. Nothing.

Po-

His mother burst into their home with a burst of cold air and annoyance. She paused in the middle of the room and looked at him.

"Asmund, what were you doing just now?"

"I was trying to wake him up so he could eat, modír." That was a well reasoned, well rehearsed thought, but not the truth, and by her narrowed eyes, she likely didn't believe him.

It was rare that he ever got words of praise from her or even chastisement. As far as he could remember she barely ever said a cruel or kind word to him.

To him it was somehow worse than being chastised. Like his own mother couldn't acknowledge him.

He had watched from the bushes, as he always did, as other foals were either praised or punished depending on what they had done. He knew right and wrong from those interactions, but it made him yearn for his own mother's voice to be raised in a similar way.

He wanted to know what it felt like to feel the warmth of praise in her voice. Or the cold judgement in her punishments. He never got any of that, even when he acted out.

"Do not bother him. He needs his rest, he will wake when his body demands food. The only thing we can do is attend his wounds." She said neutrally. "But I have returned, so you should be getting to bed. I shall wake you should things change for good or ill."

And that was it. Dismissed as if he were nothing more than a day laborer. He nearly stomped his way to his mat.

Sleep came slowly to him, and his only view was that of his mother, carefully and tenderly changing the strangers wounds. That somehow hurt him more.

She sighed when her son had finally fallen asleep. The mask she wore around him falling as bitter tears leaked from her brown eyes.

Those tears were born of her own mistreatment of her foal. But anytime she looked at him, she saw his father in those green eyes of his, and that stirred in her a raging anger that threatened to burn her very soul.

So the mask remained so she did not lash out at him. Even when he did good she could not bring herself to praise him. She knew it to be wrong but it was as if the bitterness held her tongue captive. Even if he showed such promise.

In these moments of helplessness she would weep silently, biting her lips to keep from whimpering aloud.

Wiping her tears she set about finishing redressing the black pony's wounds. They were healing, even the horn, if taking far longer than normal. She didn't understand why that was, but they seemed to be good regardless.

Even the ones around where a pair of arm bands seemed to have burned their way into almost bonding with his flesh. She had tried to remove them, getting only a bit of wiggle room, but found a field of magic keeping them on. A very powerful field. No doubt from the pony himself.

Her understanding of magic outside healing was quite limited. She had no idea how she might go about disrupting that field, so they remained.

That decision didn't seem to disrupt the healing, already fresh skin and fur was starting to return under the bands.

"Orion Falls," she said quietly. Brushing his mane from his face and revealing a scar nearly running the length of it.

His arrival had been so strange. When they had pulled him into their home, he had been a riddle that no answers had yet revealed themselves.

He was not quite as tall as her, though he was close. His mane held a tangle of ornaments she knew not the meaning of, and had largely ignored due to more pressing concerns. She eyed the scar over his face. It was large and much older then the fresh wounds that decorated his body. But it wasn't the only one.

Once she had gotten his clothes off that first time she nearly gasped, his entire body was covered in a myriad of old cuts, clearly more had happened to this young stallion then just what was recent.

What kinda life had he lived before showing up on the beach? As she worked on him, that same question, or a version of it, would pass through her mind with each new scar found.

A sudden thought occurred to her, she had not mentioned the scars or the unmovable bands. She shrugged, what more could they really do to punish her.

Pulling the woven blanket over him she sighed tiredly. Another long night of quick naps and bandage replacement was in store for her.

Just as her father had said, a verdir had been dispatched to her home that very morning. The lithe mare that scowled at her the moment she pulled back the door flap.

"Is he awake yet?" The tone was neutral despite the face. At least normal verdir knew to keep their civility with a healer. Even one as reviled as her.

"No, he still sleeps." She did manage to get more water in him this morning. He drank more this time then the last, and managed to mumble something she did not understand, but hoped was a thank you.

"I will see him." That was not a request. She had no choice.

"That is fine, but you will remove your helmet and be quiet. My sonur still sleeps and I will not have you frightening him." It was about as much authority she was going to get and she held onto it tightly.

The mare just stared at her but did as she was told. The earth pony had a forest green mane to match the earth tone color of her body. Her yellow eyes held no warmth.

They both stepped in, one clearly more alert and wary than the other, despite this being her home.

The verdir quickly approached her sleeping patient and examined him, being gentle in pulling back his coverings.

"He looks to be in worse shape than I was told."

"The scars were there before his wounds, he is actually healing well if a bit too slow for my liking." She stated simply.

"Slow? Is there something wrong?" The green maned mare looked back at her accusingly. The healer maintained her calm.

"I'm not sure, it's as if his body lacks the ability to process magic correctly. I wasn't sure till this morning if that was correct. There seems to be three flows of magic in him at the moment. Mine, his own, and this foreign one I do not recognize. I can only tell it's properties, it seems to be pegasus magic of all things."

It had been a surprise for her this morning to finally identify that third magic. It was the direct cause of his wounds, though for some reason a lot of his own magic was entwined with it. She suspected he had attempted to protect himself from his attacker.

"The mystery deepens." The mare considered for a moment. "I am Fabiola Dust. I will watch over you and him, and your...sonur." Not quite the curse but almost. "How long will he remain like this?"

"I cannot say. He is better than when he first arrived, but other than water I am unable to get anything else into him."

"Then I wait for his life or his death," she sighed. "Where may I sleep and take out my things?"

"I must keep him near the fire till he is well, so you can take his spot over there."

Her home was shorter than others but was built much like everyone else's. Inside were sturdy wood walls and a gentle sloped ceiling. Decorations of bright colors including woven wall mats that could be moved to change the way the home was divided. She had pulled hers down so she could keep an eye on her charge, but normally had them up for privacy for her and her son.

The place she had indicated was a walled off section of the home, meant for patients but with her current one's state of health she dared not leave him out of her sight for long. The room held its own fire pit which would be good to heat the home better. Winter had long since settled in and it was bitterly cold at night.

Fabiola just nodded and set her things inside, taking time to roll out a bed mat. Once done she grabbed her spear and exited, presumedly to go and secure the area.

As far as recent interactions with those of the village this had been pretty typical, and vastly better considering the fact that the mare would be staying in her home for sometime.

She looked to her charge, not for the first time wondering if he was worth the trouble.

Asmund woke up with a snort, and the mask slipped on as he went to help him set about his morning. She was teaching him his numbers this week.

Crackling fire greeted his ears once again. He was cold again, but not uncomfortably so. His mind wasn't so fogged either. For the first time in what felt like a long time Orion took stock of himself and his situation.

He hurt. Everywhere.

He had trouble remembering what had happened so he left it up to future him to worry about and just focused on seeing what worked and didn't.

Vague memories told him that his eyes hadn't responded to him the few times he had been semi-alert. So he left that check for last, he wanted to build some hope after all.

He slowly moved his arms, relief flooded him to know those worked, even the fingers moved, if a little sluggish.

He couldn't move his legs, but he could feel them. Maybe muscle entropy? How long had he been here?

His horn was throbbing, but still attached, he likely did something that nearly destroyed it judging by the pain that dully pulsed from there. Even the very idea of channeling magic through it was quickly dismissed as a sharp pain threatened to make him groan in agony.

"I must have done something really, really stupid."

He ran a tongue along the backside of his teeth, still there. So far charming good looks were still in working order. But a brief inhale through his nose made him very well aware of the problem. He smelled like piss and old sweat rolled in a shit burrito.

"How long have I fucking been here?!" If he had anything in his stomach he would have thrown up. In either case he squirmed uncomfortably and noted that he could move his hips and back just fine, and found that his legs had finally begun to respond as well, moving as if in jelly.

Ignoring the smell, he decided it was time to see if he was blind or not. He prayed for not.

His eyes slowly cracked open, the harsh light of a fire making him squint, but he doggedly continued till he had them mostly open. He could see. Thank Christ.

As his eyes adjusted slowly, he took in his first view of his surroundings. He seemed to be in a large hut with several mats hung between posts.

"Dividing walls for individual rooms? Not very private if you ask me…"

The ceiling was uniform dark brown wood that seemed to have tar in the seams to prevent leaks. Smart. His head turned to note the walls were made of the same wood, they and the posts supporting the home seemed to bear carvings that reminded him of the Apple Family farm.

Though as he focused on the carvings, he noted the very archaic, almost rudimentary markings that seemed to adorn the walls in set patterns that only bordered the edges, leaving bare the wall itself.

"I feel like an archeologist finding some lost language. Shit where's my hat and whip?" He chuckled and moved on from his inspection of the walls, he would make no sense of them today.

Time to see if he could sit up, and decide if he was going to be mute, an amnesiac, or be honest.

Seems he always considered three options.

As he began to push himself up with unsure limbs, he decided on the amnesiac role for the moment. Playing dumb would give him a chance to construct whatever lie he needed in order to be convincing, she he actually need it.

It was a struggle, his arms shook with the effort and his abs didn't want to work with him, but he finally got to a sitting position. He was snorting in frustration. That had been entirely too much work, how long had he been out of it? He knew his mind was repeating the question, he was just too distracted to stop it.

He peeled back the covers to see what he looked like, and his nose wrinkled at the smell. Jesus, he stank. But the bandages looked fresh.

A noise caused him to jerk around and spot a very tall tan colored mare with a dirt brown mane. The wide blue eyes on his stone gray ones.

"Oh boy, time to act."

And act he did. Shatner would have been so proud.

Scrambling as best he could, he heaved himself off the mat he laid on and tried to scramble away from the mare, and toward the wall. As he made his mad dash he noticed not all the walls were solid. There were closed windows there that almost seamlessly blended with the rest of the structure.

She in turn raised both her hands up and wide and started babbling out words in a calm tone that he had only ever heard in the classroom. She was speaking in ancient Equish.

"Did I fucking time travel? The hell did I do!?"

She had been stunned when she walked back into her home from the market. The stallion was not only awake, but sitting up.

She had tended to him for four weeks in hopes he would awaken. Managing after the first week to get broth into him on a somewhat regular basis.

It had been tentative for a while in the second week. His horn, for whatever reason, started firing off spells at random in the night. As if he was fighting something off. It was fortunate that the spells lost power almost immediately, but it had frightened everyone. Even Fabiola starred in terror.

After that he seemed to have settled down again, though sleeping fitfully. His wounds were again looking better. But the slow rate in which he was recovering still had her puzzled. She just didn't know what to do about it.

By the end of the third week she began to seriously worry he would never truly awaken. That like her son, he would be a permanent drain upon her.

So her surprise at seeing him not only awake, but sitting up put unusual joy in her heart. That's when he noticed her. Eyes wide with fear. She didn't know what to do. But he had quickly given her a course of action.

He scrambled with his hands to rapidly pull himself away from her. Rather than approach him, she held her arms up, palms forward, to show she was not a threat.

"I mean you no harm. Do you remember your name? Do you know where you are?" She spoke calmly, soothingly. There was little chance they actually understood one another, but she would try.

She continued to speak softly in reassurances as she slowly got down on her knees. This might take a while, and it was fortunate that Asmund had gone off to play near a creek behind the house.

He would likely overwhelm him with questions, and she did not want to push the stallion out of his comfort zone, as much as he already was.

No, she wasn't speaking in ancient Equish. There were words intermixed that he could infer, but not really understand.

Her voice was light like a feather, if a bit thick in pronunciation.

Still pretending to panic he took in her clothing and how she carried herself.

The tan mare wore a thick yellow gown, the material undetermined to his eyes. Underneath peaked what looked to be a petticoat of a drab gray. He watched on, keeping his ruse up, flinching when she pulled the red shawl she had draped around her neck and head off. This got her to babble more soothing words.

It was clear who likely took care of him. Still finding out how he got here would likely take a while considering the language barrier and the role he decided to play. He would have to plan out when he would 'gain' his memory back. Choosing a time like that was going to be difficult depending on how distrustful her and her people were.

He slowed his breathing, but kept his eyes wide. His nose took in his most apparent need and he decided on a course of action. He set about greeting her tentatively, and getting something to clean himself.

The sun felt nice against his fur, and the first of the spring breeze gave a nice bite in cool contrast to it.

He sat outside next to the grassy home, watching as clouds rolled by. He still couldn't believe it, he had been living inside a hobbit home. Well close enough at least.

The house had either been built into the hill, or the hill was formed around it. In either case the front could easily be seen. Wood walls with no paint and plenty of carvings of nature scrawled into them met in the middle with an oval doorway that had nothing more than a thick cloth covering it.

Apparently they had not heard of actual doors.

They knew his name. Which meant that his things were somewhere just not in the immediate vicinity. He shouldn't be surprised by that but it did annoy him to no end that they chose to deceive him by not mentioning it.

His only hope was they didn't have a clue as to what the books he carried with him meant. With the crystal removed, the 'lightsaber' was useless. A paper weight at best.

He sighed to himself, just more bullshit to worry about.

He watched as Leanna waved to him with a carefully neutral face, and headed down the hill. Likely off to pick more plants to make as medicine. She did that a lot.

His host, who's name he learned, was Leanna Song, though she gave that reluctantly, had been gracious and extremely helpful in his rehabilitation.

It was embarrassing to admit, but her name had been the first human sounding name he had heard in so long, that he just stared at her until she squirmed under his bewildered gaze.

He apologized of course. But it was so surreal for him.

He soon learned of her son, Asmund Song. Much like her, he too was tan but of a lighter color more akin to bone yellow. His mane was of the same dirt brown like her own. Though his eyes were bright verdant green unlike his mother's deep blue ones.

A bright kid if a little airheaded, he had proven instrumental in learning the local language. The little colt was exceedingly smart with a mind like a trap. Tell him a story and he could repeat it verbatim and he absorbed absolutely anything. He even remembered fine details that others might miss.

His understanding of their written and spoken word was top notch as well, and he was surprisingly adept at teaching. He certainly lucked out. For once.

And as Orion had suspected, their language was a variation of a dialect of ancient Equish, and if he wasn't too off, some type of Norse.

He couldn't be sure because he had only heard the Scandinavian language, or something like it, a handful of times, and only because of YouTube. This sounded close, but still off.

They were essentially Norse Ponies. Norse Horse. It was everything he could do not to burst out laughing when the thought occurred to him. He ended up wheezing in a coughing fit, much to the panic and concern of Leanna.

Still as his grasp of their language strengthened, he found himself engaging in idle conversation with Asmund. It wasn't hard to figure out the poor kid had no friends. At ten years old the colt would often be learning his letters and numbers, or going off in the opposite direction he assumed the village was in.

So in the lulls of his therapy into learning to walk again, something he never thought would happen to him, and studying to better his ability to communicate with his saviors he would tell humorous stories to him. Careful to censor and make it look like his memory was coming back in fits and spurts.

The first time the colt had laughed it had been a startling sound. It had sounded unpracticed and strained, even his mother stared at him in shock.

Fabiola, the lone guard that had been assigned to this place, had grabbed her spear as if they were under attack.

It was very clear to him then, that Asmund had very little to be happy about.

Speaking of the guard, there was no love lost between the two. He hated the snide and arrogant bitch.

It was obvious that the guard had a very low opinion of the healer. Often making stabbing comments to Leanna that at first, he only barely understood.

What surprised him was she just accepted the jabs. As if that was her lot in life. She didn't even defend her son from similar verbal treatment. There was something very wrong, but he had yet to understand what it was.

Where Fabiola had been cruel to his hoists, she was sweet as honey to him. Often bring him sweet treats once she was done reporting in for the week thathe would put aside, complaining of being full or tired, then tossing them into the fire of giving them to Asmund when he could.

Her behavior disgusted him, and if had any knowledge of the situation he would have either done something, or at least spoken out. But to his shame he remained silent on the matter. In his current position he had no power or authority. Hell he couldn't even walk to punch her.

She always asked if he was ready to visit the tower, like he was going to let her carry him or something. In those instances he was rather blunt and told her no, while still trying to maintain the air of nervousness and uncertainty as one might expect a nervous amnesiac.

It had been a month since she had last asked him, with the same result. She had not been too happy with that last response, her lips pursed tightly, but had not pressed the issue further much to his relief.

If he was going to go anywhere, it would be on his own two legs.

He found his mind going back to the trouble with the Songs. The manner in which the guard, or verdir as they referred to the as, treated them, and their seeming acceptance of that treatment, was beginning to lead him to believe that the mother and son were not very well accepted in this society. He had yet to determine the why, and he was too cautious to ask directly so as not to expose himself.

He sighed and settled back into his seat in the grassy hill that was part house. Too many questions in his head, and it was beginning to wear on him. He was bored, and all this internal reflection only reminded him of the fact that he still could not channel his magic safely. The cracks in his horn had healed. But running more than a trickle through it brought pain, even if he was willing to power through it he could only channel his magic enough to pick up an empty cup.

He could not even channel his magic through his hands effectively either, which led him to believe that even while not active, the horn was still the foci for magic manipulation. Would explain why a null ring stopped his ability outright till it was either removed or destroyed.

He closed his eyes and yawned. At least he could say he was able to walk now, if somewhat shakily. But how to convey that the all vegetarian diet was doing nothing for speedy muscle growth? They had already seen how violently he reacted to eating hay and flowers.

He had thrown up everywhere. It was horrible and he had to act like he didn't know what he could and could not have, or what would happen when he ate their normal food staple.

He mentally shuddered at the memory, but his stomach growled, telling him that food would still not be a bad idea at the moment.

"I suppose I will have to feed the beast."

Opening his eyes he jerked back, well as far as the hillside would allow it.

In front of him was an older stallion, the brown and gray peppered maned pony was looking at him rather inquisitively. His robes made him look like a cleric from a Catholic church of all things.

With him were four more verdir. No Fabiola. These were all new, and all mares as well. He could see a rather tall one with red eyes just over the stallion's shoulder grinning at him like he was a piece of meat.

He waited, and waited. This guy wasn't saying anything. Neither were the mares.

"Ummm….can I help you?" He said slowly, despite the practice this language was quite a bit different then he was used to. Had he not been isolated with only this language he likely would have still been struggling with it. As it was he still had to speak carefully.

The pepper maned stallion finally smiled and pulled out a small navy blue book with a silver moon emblem on it.

"I believe you can."

Author's Notes:

Not much can be said for this chapter other than it is a chapter. It's not one of my more exciting and fast pace ones that's for sure.

You will however, notice the change in naming. I stuck with the last name being more of Pony origins, but the original inhabitants of the islands impressed upon the refugees of the past in some small way. Not just language but in the way they named themselves. As the story progresses you will find more and more examples of this with the more a pony colony is separated from the main nation.

But it will led into a more later on.

My plan is not to tell any of you anything MWHAHAHAHAHAH! You think I would reveal my grand plan to all of you. Nay I say nay!

As per always, leave a comment. Let me know what your thinking and where you think this story might be headed.

Thanks for reading.

Peace!

Fractured Pasts

by Morgan83

Prologue: Reunions

A Monument to the Past

Why Do We Fall

Fears

Purple Hopes

Painful Hope

Preparations

The Longest Night Begins

Partings

High-seas Horror

Cruelty