Having escaped the Silos, Arcane, Astral, and Sassi try to adjust to the normal life that now awaits them. But evil never sleeps, and when it digs its claws into Equestria, the three three friends are on the frontlines. But they've got lots of ammo.
With the nightmares of the Silos behind them, Astral and Sassi begin to adapt to a world that lacks any understanding of the horrors now buried underneath glass and stone. The only creature in their life who can serve as a confidant is Arcane. However, the chaos-unicorn is busy learning to adapt to a world and society now alien to him. But they have each other, and their lives start to settle into a form of pleasant normality.
As life in Equestria and the Gryphon Empire continues on, Twilight and Tanzil are forced to confront troubles both within and outside their borders. Sometimes peace is but a thin, false veneer over chaos, and the two rulers quickly discover that their budding relationship may be the least of their troubles.
When a familiar horror emerges from the shadows, Astral, Sassi, and Arcane are forced to confront a terrorthat looms not only to engulf their new home, but all of Equestria and beyond. With their nightmares no longer confined to their minds, the three ponies desperately try to save who they can from the oncoming storm. When faced with some threats, all you can do is run and pray that it doesn't find you.
But for the two Thestrals, a unicorn, and their friends, they're sick of running. And they've got lots, and lots of ammunition.
Twilight took a few deep breaths, the mare looking out across the rainy Canterlot scenery. A migraine threatened to take hold, hardly a surprise due to the subject matter she had been immersed in.
Well, some of it.
This week is my official date with Tanzil. Yes, we’ll have concealment spells and an official reason to meet, but the news will get out eventually. I don’t even know how to handle all of it. I already had to postpone it once due to the news Joro sent me. As the thought had a dozen times, the mare contemplated putting any sort of social activities off until the crisis was resolved.
Twilight couldn’t keep her shoulders from finally slumping, the Princess shaking her head. I can’t keep putting it off. I need to make friends. I just can’t do this alone. And with the scale of this potential disaster…
The crushing loneliness was nearly as dampening to her spirits as the rain outside. Twilight took another set of deep breaths; in, and out. She hadn’t realized how isolating her life had been, not until it all had come crashing down a few months ago with the harsh realization of her failures. A panic attack was looming, as was more often than not these days. At least every other day, Twilight had to force herself to read a book unrelated to everything. Even then, the evenings were the worst, and her mental health had been fragmenting.
I can’t keep doing this alone.
Currently, Tanzil was her main companion in this mess. Whether that was a healthy start to a relationship or not, time would tell. They had put off their initial date until this month, for obvious reasons. But all Twilight could do was be completely honest with the Emperor. That included both about herself, and the coming storm.
She had already sent over the general situation report to all nations so they could be on the same page. Equestria would have to lead the efforts, as they had the most magical resources.
That didn’t make Twilight’s job any easier, of course.
Her eyes drifted over to the documents that occupied her mind like a swarm of locusts. She had read them a hundred times by now.
“Simplified steps to contain outbreak of Limbo Pathogen (Fungal):
- Do not use normal fire. It would carry the spores upwards - On confirmation of an infection, sterilize the city. Erect a quarantine zone at least two day’s flight around the infected city- as high as the shield can reach into your atmosphere - Superheat the entire quarantine zone. Ensure the land is burned to glass and the air is turned to plasma. - Drop the shield only after the land and air have naturally cooled to a safe temperature.”
Twilight sat down, reaching up and rubbing a hoof on her head. What she needed aside from more painkillers was a hug. A very, very long hug. Forget books or anything that required mental exertion; she just wanted to feel like things would be okay.
The stakes were astronomical and that alone was crushing. While there hadn’t been any signs that a pathogen had escaped, it wasn’t comforting. Because they knew something had escaped. What exactly it was, nobody knew. Only that it was out there and carried a potential ticking time bomb of disease. Magical scans over the entire continent and beyond yielded nothing.
At first, the heightened security had been easily justifiable. But as the weeks wore on, the population’s nervousness settled into a general annoyance. Small, medium, and then large sports and carnival events came and went. Gatherings of tens of thousands had come together and dispersed without so much as a single incident.
The doubt dug into Twilight’s analytical mind.
Is it even in Equestria?!
Her magic reached out, tapping a recording from the High Queen during their initial conversation three months ago. She had to. It was so easy to get lost in emotion. But this was the one matter where the Elements couldn’t help, that emotion would get creatures killed. It was odd, watching herself interact with the messenger sent by the Queen; but it helped the Princess analyze the situation and know how to act in the future. “Superheat the air- one day’s flight? Two? That could kill more than a fifth of our population!” The mare exclaimed. “Princess Twilight,” the Queen said with a grave tone. “I have seen similar fungal diseases here. Generations ago, a Limbo fungus mutated and began to infect my brood and outlying hive clusters- similar to your cities. We controlled a geographic area larger than three of your kingdoms, and far more populated.” Twilight had only been able to stare in horror at the Queen as the messenger shook her head. “The fungal spores spread through both tunnels and above-ground cities, ones that were completely isolated in every way except for air medium. It was at least a day or two travel between the closest cities at first, and yet they fell within a week to the infection. Infected individuals will likewise do anything to break containment and spread the contagion. That is why it all must burn. I do not give this recommendation lightly.” A knife of pain slid across Joro’s expression, agony writing itself across her alien features. “I paid a heavy price for trying to save everyone and for not acting on pure numbers and logic. The moment you confirm the method of transmission; viral, bacterial, or fungal, that is when you act. A virus or bacteria in your world can be contained. But from what I saw, it was fungal in nature, and not entirely stable. The spores wouldn’t act like normal particles in your world. They’d be energized with magic and spread far more like an aerosol. A single Pegasus at a high enough altitude could inject the spores into the wind. Tears now trickled from the Queen’s eyes, desperate fear flickering in their depths as she met Twilight’s gaze. “Princess, my hive was nearly a million souls. Due to my failure, we now number less than ten thousand. I beg of you, do not make the same mistake.”
Twilight took a few deep breaths as the recording ended, her eyes starting to burn. She needed to sleep. Such a thing hadn’t been common for the past few months.
But the fear was nearly all-encompassing. Last Light had stepped in to help quell various rumors and unease among various nations. The organization had generously opened up its ever-growing resources to add another surveillance net to look for the elusive foe. But Twilight had heard legitimate rumors behind the scenes concerning the island nation. While some nations were blowing off the threat, the Organization was preparing for the worst. High-tech shields, bunkers; things that would have been written off by the Princess as paranoid extremism but a few months ago.
Not anymore.
In Equestria, even with Celestia, Luna, and their spouses helping behind the scenes, the nation wasn’t ready for this. It never would be. If this pathogen took root, life would change forever.
The worst part about all of it was that all Twilight could do was prepare and wait for the storm. Dragging herself over to the desk, she opened one of the drawers, staring at a single, simple object. A simple metal square containing a red button, and a speaker.
A certain mare had given it to her a month ago with a knowing look. Twilight’s efforts to increasingly, but quietly, draw upon Sassi Satin’s experience had not gone unnoticed.
“If you need us, call. -Sassi & Astral”
Twilight curled up on her bed, tightly clutching a pillow between her forelimbs. The heavy weighted blanket provided some comfort, but she still shivered slightly. It was times like this that the bookish mare would have traded half her library for a warm hug.
Her dreams were mercifully blank.
“Zucchini?” Astral asked, stifling a laugh at the horrified look on Sassi’s face.
“Ew. No. Nooooo!”
“Another reason I love you. So long, slimy vegetable,” the dark-grey Thestral chuckled with a grin as he returned the produce to its shelf in the grocery store aisle. “Hmmm. Mangos, oranges, apples, strawberries, blueberries…
“Pineapple!” Sassi exclaimed trotting off and snagging a few of the spikey items. “Cannot forget pineapple!”
“How could I forget those…?”
She giggled, taking the lead of pushing the significantly laden-down cart as they meandered through the stores. Her tail would occasionally swish to brush his side, the dark-blue Thestral clearly enjoying a constant bit of contact with her special somepony. At least as much as was reasonable and not overbearing.
Perhaps others would have found it annoying, but Astral had come to rely on it as a source of comfort.
“This…still feels so weird.”
Sassi nodded in agreement to Astral’s mental words, her violet eyes glancing over at him briefly.
“No freaky mutants. No objective outside of “get tasty food.”"
The stallion bumped his side against her, casually snagging some pancake mix. “It’s nice, doing normal things with you,” he whispered.
While still able to walk next to her special somepony, Sassi abruptly had to make a significant effort not to cry. It was a more common occurrence than not, a bit of trauma mixed with finally being comfortable enough with someone to cry with. Despite her efforts, the mare sniffled as a lump formed in her throat.
“Sas?”
“Give me a minute.”
Thank the stars she was able to talk to Astral at least in one way without opening up the waterworks. They checked out their groceries, casually tapping a crystal adhered to their shoulder to open a portal back to their home. With the public still very aware of their escapades, being out and about was a journey in and of itself without concealment spells.
Before walking in the door, Sassi rest a hoof on Astral’s shoulder.
“Just. It’s the silly, stupid, normal things that get me,” she admitted, a wave of embarrassment making the Thestral mare look at the ground. “Shopping with you. Being able to just…do normal things. I always wondered what it’d feel like. And it’s just really nice.”
As Astral always did, he took a few steps forward and wrapped his special somepony up in a tight hug, nuzzling into her shoulder. It was a gesture that never got old, and, if anything, seemed to mean more and more as time went on.
Considering what they were still dealing with, neither pony was about to complain.
Not able to resist a smirk, Astral reached over and gave Sassi a kiss just as she started to speak. The half-annoyed, half-affectionate glare she shot his way made it worth it. It was a fun, cheeky thing to make her mind blank just as she was about to talk.
He loved how flustered it always made her. His green eyes sparkled with mirth as the mare sputtered and tried to regain her lost thoughts- only to always fail.
Worth it.
Sassi let out a long sigh, the mare relaxing as she reached over to nudge Astral’s shoulder with her own. The two hauled the groceries inside, their home’s lights flickering on automatically. In terms of a location to live, they had hit the jackpot.
Tall Pines was the lovely city nearby. They were on the outskirts, skyscrapers visible in the distance. It was a growing population center to be sure, but was quickly starting to rival portions of Manehatten. It had the energy of a city for those who like it, and then still offered rural suburbs. Sassi and Astral preferred the latter. The mayor, Gold Mint, had gifted them the property, happy that the run-down observatory and unused areas were being put to good use.
The two Thestrals had an initial feeling it was more for a PR move, but on further investigation, the property had indeed been empty for some time. Due to the refurbishment cost, it just wasn’t worth it.
But, to be fair, investors didn’t have a chaos-wielding unicorn to help out with that.
Their personal home was, essentially, two houses joined together with a long hallway, a large living room, and a kitchen in the middle. Each side of the home had multiple bedrooms and areas to make their own. The hallway allowed both closeness and a bit of distance as the two tried to acclimate to being…well, free.
On the outside, it looked like a large cabin-like structure, similar to a large visitor’s center at a nature park. Natural wood and stone blended together to give the entire house a very relaxed feel. The Observatory construction had finished a few weeks ago, and the dome was neatly hidden by a large artificial hill on the edge of their property. It allowed an uninterrupted view of the ocean nearby, along with gently rolling grassy knolls dotted with trees.
They needed clear lines of fire, after all.
“I gotta say, these industrial blenders are pretty great,” Astral chuckled. The items were bigger than his head and could process their various foodstuffs into the smoothest smoothies he had ever tasted.
“And we have two.”
“I mean duh? That’s how wealth is measured nowadays, right? By how many blenders you own?”
Sassi snorted in amusement, throwing a piece of dried mango at her special somepony. Managing to catch it, Astral casually trotted over to her…
With a rather well-practice heave, he casually swept Sassi off her hooves with a yelp. Landing with a slight wince, Astral couldn’t help but grin.
Perfect.
Reaching up and poking his chest, Sassi then adjusted herself to snuggle underneath his wing, rolling her eyes.
“You are getting way too good at that,” she sighed, cuddling closer and using Astral’s shoulder as a pillow.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Nope. I’m rather impressed, honestly.”
Stars above how she loved that roguish, proud grin.
“Movie?”
She reached up to give him a long kiss, thoroughly enjoying her coltfriend pillow.
“Movie. How about Floor-E?” Sassi suggested.
“We always could use a daily dose of robotic adorableness,” he reached down to gently boop Sassi’s nose with a hoof. “Well, in addition to you, that is.”
Her face went a bright red, and Astral couldn’t help but cackle. It was cheesy, silly, but also true. And Sassi knew it.
As far as recovering from a mutant-filled death cavern went things were going pretty well.
The lights were nearly blinding. If not for the enchanted contacts Nilliana wore, she’d have been seeing stars for an hour.
But this wasn’t her first rodeo.
Honestly, a rodeo would be more entertaining. The gryphoness thought, managing to suppress a chuckle as she walked down the model runway, making a simple, clean-cut turn. Even if it was itchy beyond all measure, the teal and cream arrangement around her neck stood out starkly against her white and grey colorations. The black and red streaks on her face and wrist only made the arrangements pop more, one of many reasons she apparently was “perfect” for such things.
Last one for the night.
It was a race between the gryphoness reaching the curtains and ripping off the itchy, flowery thing around her neck. Thankfully, for her paycheck’s sake, the former won. Even so, her dark green eyes narrowed as she neared the curtains. It was a battle, to say the least.
At last safe behind the obnoxiously lavender curtains, the gryphoness blew out a tired breath. Her manager, Garti, tossed her a bag of coins.
“Thanks, Nilli,” the brown gryphon said with a laugh. “I know the designers appreciate you not shredding this one.”
“Hey, that was once, okay, twice,” Nilliana retorted as she carefully unclasped the teal and cream-colored arrangement from around her neck and shoulders. “And it was their fault for leaving pins in the wrong places. I warned them!”
“Yeah, fair enough. I think that’s it for the next two weeks, but then there are three shows back-to-back. Usual pay plus overtime. I’ll send you a schedule when we’re a week out. They’re still nailing down the specifics. That sound good?”
Setting the shawl arrangement down on a table littered with the other items, Nilli nodded.
“I’ll be there. Take care, Garti.”
“Same, Nilli.”
The backstage area opened directly to a small park behind the downtown venue. The gryphoness ruffled her feathers and took a few deep breaths of the air. It wasn’t exactly fresh in the middle of the concrete jungle, but it was better than the stuffy interior of that runway area.
Sometimes it was a bit of a thrill, being able to show off. But at the end of the day, it was for the paycheck more than anything. To quote Gardi a year or two ago, “You’ve got a body type that is in demand, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. You can model scaled-up Kirin wear, slimmed-down Hippogriff garb, and Gryphon fashion all in one. And designers will pay handsomely for that.”
Considering the pay for a single event was more than Nilli made in three months running her magic shop, it was an obvious choice. Besides, the various designers (and her manager,) abided by her refusal to do anything too risqué.
Which ironically, was a thing even though races didn’t normally wear clothes.
I’m there to show off some fashion, not be eye candy. Even if that is a side effect, a big one. Hence moving. Maybe this will be the last time.
She wrapped herself up in a teleportation spell, reappearing in her shop. The wooden and stone building was located on the edge of the city, but adjacent to a transportation hub which was starting to increase her customer base after a mere few months.
Of course, considering the shop was able to move cities at a whim also helped with that. The current location was new. It had been an easy matter to send her shop to the bought property. She had moved around before.
Having her home on the opposite end of the medium-sized property was an added bonus. All she had to do was walk a few minutes to open the shop. Unlike other cities, there was actually space to breathe in this area.
Flopping down onto a massive bean bag, Nilli let out a groan. Conjuring a small cube, she tossed the arcane item up into the air and caught it. The blue, magical creation reflected off of the few similarly-colored feathers across the gryphoness’s face. She always liked her blue feathers, even if they were just spattered here and there across her midsection and top half.
When you had to stare at yourself in a mirror when getting done up for events, you learned to appreciate things about yourself. Or drown yourself in the voices forcing you to learn the opposite.
She let the magical item fade, curling up on the beanbag with a frustrated huff.
Things felt different.
Emperor Tanzil was…off. It wasn’t just the fact he was interested in the pony princess. If Nilliana was being honest, the poor guy needed some sanity in his life. And Twilight at least had a sane, if not slightly neurotic head on her shoulders.
No, this was deeper.
There was a tension whenever she spoke with her once-mentor. When he had approved her transfer to Tall Pines a few months ago, it had been with a fair bit of caution. Yes, it was for research, and he had also understood the deeper reasons. But there was something else.
She got up, examining a military trunk in the corner of the wooden living room. It had been a non-negotiable gift from the Emperor a few months ago, along with a series of high-stress combat courses. Popping open the hinges, the gryphoness examined the large pistol with a sigh. A new rifle also lay in the foam in the case, multiple magazines already loaded with explosive rounds and packed side to side, lining the edges of the military container.
What are you expecting, Tanzil?
With a wave of her claws, the pistol was returned and the container latched. Powerful magic spread through her home, the gryphoness double-checking the various defensive spells coating every atom of the building. Even something nearly immune to magic would have trouble getting into the house.
Nilli shuddered, shaking her head. Her home and shop had defensive measures rivaling the royal gryphon castle.
So why do I feel like there are eyes burrowing into the back of my skull?
The home should feel cozy, with magic candles casting a comforting glow across the table, chairs, kitchen, and living room. And yet the gryphoness’s chest was tight with anxiety.
Another sleepless night, I guess.
She curled up on the beanbag again, levitating a few pillows to nest in. Insomnia was ever-present in her life. Sure, spells and drugs worked, but the gryphoness didn’t like waking up in a cold sweat from the nightmares.
Sleeplessness, or night terrors. Sometimes, she had to just get some shuteye, like tonight. With the world on a razor’s edge, she’d think herself into a tizzy. Everyone was just waiting for a threat that was out there. Waiting, but still going about their business.
A simple sleeping spell settled over the gryphoness, a final thought drifting through her mind.
I need a project. Maybe I’ll get started on that research this week.
Of course, that meant tracking down a certain chaos unicorn.
Arcane trotted through the air, the light-violet unicorn all smiles as the city sprawled out beneath him.
All of this is mine. But it won’t just be me, not forever.
Entropy was nearly complete. Plumbed with water, sewage, electricity, everything a city-state needed to provide for its inhabitants. Nobody was here yet, of course. But it was almost done. The infrastructure had triplicate of backups and could house tens of thousands without breaking a sweat!
For all intents and purposes, it was livable. Automated golems patrolled the streets and kept up with maintenance in the absence of citizens; they even grew and cooked food! All of it went into the warehouses and deep cellars of course.
Sure, magic could have made it so nothing ever broke. He could have made plumbing that was unbreakable, devices that never ran out of power, or plants that grew without being tended to, but then it didn’t feel lived in. Natural. It was an ironic statement for a city in the Chaos dimension. Entropy itself sailed through the stars, an arc of normality amidst a never-ending dimension of wonders. Plumbing would need fixing, electric outlets would need wiring, and tables would need serving. Keeping things grounded in a semblance of normality just felt right, especially when the inhabitants would be those who didn’t have anywhere else to go.
Yet he now found another purpose to the city.
Nobody had said anything, but the stallion had heard whispers. Something had gotten out of the Silos. Something bad. He had even tried to locate it, but the “thing” being from Limbo was resistant to chaos magic even trying to find it.
Discord was even unsettled, and his dimensional shields around portals had been strengthened significantly. Arcane had quickly learned to do the same.
The stone walkway and platform for the portal sites in his city had been refurbished. Pony-shaped Golems now waited to receive guests, and chaos-powered decontamination equipment surrounded the entry points. Automated turrets ringed the platform and edges of the city; a point defense system that would fry anything that got too close.
Arcane wasn’t sure if anything could survive in the chaos realm. But belt-fed autocannons with various payloads were a good enough insurance policy as any. The portal locations were similarly covered by their fields of fire. If anything bad managed to come through, it wouldn’t leave the entry platform in any form other than a fleshy paste.
He wanted to be wrong. But the anxiety of the world was getting to him. Even when living in his house down the street from Astral and Sassi, the stallion could feel something horrifically wrong with the realm. There was something out there that nullified his magic, something that shouldn’t exist in this plane. And it was waiting.
If my nightmares come true, I want a fallback point. Entropy is a safe haven, but it can also be a fortress against nightmares.
And Arcane had plenty of horrific dreams to go around.
He prepared all the same. Astral and Sassi were going to far greater lengths than; after all, the unicorn had installed and tested the majority of their equipment.
All of which was likely breaking every arms-control law in the book, even if the two Thestrals had permits. But they knew what dangers were in the Silos.
To that end, Arcane decided to take a brief trip. He conjured a portal, popping out near the observatory in Tall Pines. The structure had been completely rebuilt, an ornate wall surrounding it, and the distant house of his friends. The wall also cut off the observatory from the other part of the property, leaving the majority of empty fields around Astral and Sassi’s house for privacy.
Astral had said to test the systems whenever he wanted; Arcane appreciated that. It gave him purpose, something to do. The refurbishment of the telescope and observatory had been child’s play for the unicorn to accomplish. Rebuilding Sass and Astral’s house had been likewise simple, as had the structural reinforcements.
It was the only way they could be completely sure there weren’t listening devices in the walls, after all. It wasn’t such a paranoid thought considering the creatures vying to develop a RASP procedure of their own.
Yet now, all of the unicorn’s spare time was spent trying to figure out the answer to a very simple, yet infinitely complex question.
What do I want to do with my life?
At present, helping others was high on the list. That was why the unicorn had offered his magical services to Astral and Sassi. Well, and being part of their weird RASP family of course. All of the highly illegal, or at least dangerous, countermeasures within their property had a singular purpose.
They were to keep every creature inside the walls safe.
Even after everything Astral and Sassi had been through, they looked outwards. Of course, their home was their castle. But Arcane wasn’t a fool. There were things here and there that made him realize these two Thestrals saw a coming storm and weren’t about to abandon creatures to it. It was nice to know Arcane’s anxieties weren’t just in his head. Everyone was on edge.
The unicorn examined one of a few dozen pillars along the tall wall near the gated entrance. There was a small visitors center, the stone entry path leading to the observatory for tours and the like. Visibly, the simple yet elegant marble column was indistinguishable from the dozens within view. A simple, polished orb of stone adorned the top of the circular pillar.
Arcane grinned, blowing a dark blue mane out of his black and kaleidoscope-colored eyes as he looked closer at the item. In terms of creations, he was quite proud of this one. Astral and Sassi had given him goals, parameters, and overall specifications. And Arcane had gone to work. It was funny; one might think performing orderly tasks like creating a house or electronic devices went against chaos magic.
But what was more chaotic? Chaos being chaotic, or chaos being normal. The latter was far less expected. That was how Arcane saw it, at least. And so far, he had been right. You simply had to utilize the magic in a non-conventional way.
The pillar itself was armored to withstand everything short of an airship’s cannon blast, along with the walls. Inside housed within the orb, a reinforced minigun was cradled within an armored frame. Of a similar model to Sassi’s that she had carried through the Silo, the turret was tied into an entire automated system enveloping the property. Each pillar was fed by a self-replicating system of repair parts, ammunition, and targeting information with a dozen backup spells.
A similar defensive system was set around Astral and Sassi’s house, but the observatory was, as far as Arcane could tell, a fallback point.
While the unicorn didn’t know the first thing about electrician work, chaos magic did. He thought of something, and it was created, perfectly wired, and set up. It had all been tested, of course, a bubble having been erected around the facility each time. What began as a crude sketch and an idea for each segment of the device had come together in a beautiful array of technology and chaos magic.
Arcane wasn’t about to tell his friends, but the measures they had put in were a bit terrifying even to him. There were turrets, magical repulsion fields on the walls, bubble-shielding systems, and quite a few bunker-like structures underneath the observatory. It exceeded the security of almost every military base the unicorn knew of, only rivaled by the militant island of the Last Light Organization.
To Arcane’s knowledge, nobody knew about it, and he wasn’t about to tell a soul.
Besides, they had let him paint faces on all of the claymores. So Arcane was just as guilty in this case.
He’d have thought them crazy, if not for knowing full well what they were facing. If he was unable to flee to his own dimension, Arcane would have done the same thing. In fact, his own home down the street was hardened in a similar manner after the Thestral’s.
They could all feel it, and they were preparing as best they could. Sassi and Astral trusted him to keep them safe with these systems in an emergency, and Arcane wasn’t about to let them down.
They were his friends, after all.
It took only an hour or two, Arcane testing all of the turret systems, stocked tripwires, cameras, armored doors, and a dozen other rather interesting countermeasures. As expected, they performed flawlessly. Any bugs had been worked out a hundred tests ago. The automation was flawless and had multiple safety features to prevent any unfortunate accidents. In the end, a living creature had to give certain orders which prevented any deadly automated. That had been, of course, a priority. Astral and Sassi had been given their fill of homicidal AI’s.
With that done, that meant he could have the evening free.
Teleporting back to his house, the unicorn sat down on a rather ugly plaid, but plush, sofa. Free time should have been a freeing thought. Yet without a daily job (for now,) it meant…nothing. Yet “nothing” somehow meant everything.
Having nothing to do used to be such a horrible thing. It just meant I sat in my cell.
Even now, Arcane fought the looming urge to stay busy, anything to prevent the boredom from creeping in. It had taken some long talks with Fluttershy, but he was adjusting. Doing nothing was okay. There wasn’t any pain coming after doing nothing.
It was okay to think, to just be.
But that didn’t mean Arcane didn’t try to stay busy. He tried to help creatures every day. Even if it was something simple. In fact, the unicorn had created a crude system in his city to track various instances of need, which made it easy. A truly random selection of the most serious cases of creatures seeking help.
He couldn’t fix the world, but Arcane could try to patch what he could. Maybe in the future, he could do more. He would do more.
But first, I need to fix myself. And that’s okay.
A rumbling in his stomach indicated Arcane’s destination would likely be somewhere out for dinner. It was something of a regular occurrence now. Sure, he could just conjure food, but it didn’t taste or feel the same. Eating a fresh-cooked meal out and among creatures was, he found, a low-stress way of acclimating back to what real life was.
Maybe I can also visit Mally.
The reunion with his mother months ago had been a relief, but slightly awkward. He was a different pony from before but his mom loved him all the same. She immediately had picked up on his nervousness and simply smiled.
“I’m just so happy you’re free from that place. I’m always here to talk,” she had said. “May I make a selfish request?” “Of course.” “Can you visit next month?” The gryphoness had been struggling not to cry, and Arcane had wrapped her up in a hug, even though he was still getting used to the whole “positive physical touch” aspect of life.
“I promise to try and talk every week and visit every month. At least for the near future while I’m figuring stuff out.”
He had, thus far, held up that promise. His mother thankfully understood boundaries, but Arcane appreciated someone checking in on him. Someone he could trust.
That list is few and far between these days.
Wrapping a simple blurring spell around his frame, Arcane teleported to downtown in Tall Pines. The spell wasn’t anything fancy, just something to hide his fangs and eyes. Pitch-black pupils surrounded with a scintillating, kaleidoscope of colors generally drew attention. Besides, enough creatures knew about him from his stint of helping publicly to be recognized.
Unfortunately, they knew him far more as the unicorn who could use Chaos Magic.
It had only taken him a week to realize how essential the concealment spell was. Even with Astral and Sassi vouching for him, Arcane saw the same reactions as he did in his youth. Fear, distrust, hostility. A few kind smiles, but when creatures actively moved out of the way to avoid you…it hurt.
Not much had changed since he was young.
It was a simple equation for many. Arcane used chaos magic. Discord used chaos magic. Discord was random. Chaos magic was random and often harmful. Therefore, Arcane was a ticking time bomb, extremely publicized good deeds or not. He wasn’t to be trusted, because chaos magic couldn’t be trusted. A swath of heroics couldn’t undo generations of mistrusting chaos magic. And even if all of that was to be ignored, Arcane certainly looked odd with his multicolored eyes.
To Discord’s credit, the Draconequus had shown genuine remorse when realizing the negative association wielding Chaos brought. But that was no matter. Maybe in time, creatures wouldn’t fear him, and realize he wasn’t Discord. Arcane had seen glimmers of that. He had ventured out without the spell a few times, and far more creatures smiled at him. A few even waved.
He didn’t really know how to respond to that.
For now, Arcane didn’t mind a simple hiding spell. It was disheartening knowing that creatures didn’t trust him, but at the same time, he felt so unbelievably awkward when there was a wave or a smile.
He just wasn’t ready to deal with it 24/7, not like Astral or Sassi could.
He meandered the street, looking down at the signs in the distance. There was a 24-hour bar and diner that was highly recommended, so that was the unicorn’s destination for the night. Maybe he’d stay and have a drink. Non-alcoholic of course. Some of the worst parts of Arcane’s life had been when the Guards had been drunk and decided to beat him senseless with their batons. He’d never touch the stuff as long as he lived, nor associate with that sort of crowd.
But perhaps, just some hot cider and listening to normal conversation would do him some good. It felt nice to be in society again. Even just sitting at a table in the diner and nibbling on appetizers all night felt freeing. Seeing usual patrons come and go, families have dinner, and then the night life kicking into gear before then settling down before morning. He kept his eye out for any magical creature with green eyes; a perhaps futile attempt to locate whoever saw him in the Silos those many years ago.
If nothing else, Arcane wanted to at least say thank you.
It gave him a reason to learn who each creature was who entered. It took effort to do so without magic, to pay attention to mannerisms out of the corner of his eye. Things that were difficult felt nice to accomplish after trial and error.
Even if that meant learning how to be a normal pony, sitting at a table, and ordering a meal. It had taken him a few tries to not stammer and squirm when placing a request. Eventually, he wanted to ask the recipe for a few of the dishes. The unicorn had started cooking in his own kitchen, and was slowly beginning to make a routine out of it.
A smile twitched onto the pony’s face at that. Just being able to experience the flow of normality around him felt good, a counterbalance to his chaos magic. But in the end…
Astral’s heart was nearly beating out of his chest. The stallion ducked behind a corner, the smell of damp carpet filling his nostrils. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. The glare from above coupled with the stench of mildew sent pain digging into the Thestral’s temples.
A set of dark claws reached around the corner, digging into the wallpaper above his head. A fungus-filled face slowly turned to look at him, wide mouth parting to expose a thousand needle-like teeth.
The creature laughed as Sassi’s detached face hung from its fangs, bloodied mouth moving in a disembodied whisper.
“Why didn’t you save me, Astral?”
Astral practically fell out of bed as he woke up with a yell. He barely made it to the bathroom before heaving up what was left in his stomach. A cold sweat plastered the Thestral’s fur to his frame, Astral flopping over the toilet as he heaved.
Just when things started to settle down something always snapped him back to reality. A nightmare, a panic attack; just some reminder that he wasn’t ok. He probably wouldn’t be for a while.
And that’s not a bad thing inherently. But this is awful.
His limbs were weak, the stallion rinsing his mouth out before tottering back to his bed. Considering a few aches that now began to manifest along his flanks, the stallion settled in for a miserable remainder of the night. Their half-day, half-night schedule was useful but made falling asleep once the sun was up a bit difficult.
Not that it mattered in this case.
As he hugged a pillow, Astral tried to calm the shivers wracking his frame but to no avail. The episodes were starting to increase. While his body was largely healed from the stab wounds, there were still moments when the RASP modifications and prior rapid healing caught up with him. Sometimes it was random. Other times brought on by heavy exertion or a panic attack. Of course, an onset meant a day or so of feeling under the weather at annoyingly regular intervals. The longest had been for a week.
Naturally, that was all in addition to severe nightmares and other unpleasantness.
Just peachy.
A soft knock made his ears perk up, and his favorite mare trotted in, immediately hopping up on the bed with a yawn. Their hive mind link tended to wake the other when nightmares cropped up, for better or worse. Astral felt horrible that it woke Sassi, but he was grateful for the extra comfort.
Sassi frowned Seeing his fur soaked through. She quickly retrieved a towel before returning.
“Nightmare?” Sassi whispered, toweling him off before covering the stallion with a blanket.
“Y-yeah,” he admitted between chattering teeth. “And d-don’t feel so hot…”
“I gathered. But you’re doing great, Astral. Even if you feel lousy.”
He managed a pained chuckle, Sassi carefully wrapping herself around him protectively, placing her chest against his back. Her tight embrace made the shivers subside ever so slightly.
“S-sorry for waking you,” he whispered, “this w-was a bad one…” The mare tightened her hold with a disproving huff. The stallion couldn’t keep a soft whimper from escaping his lips, the pony desperately trying to forget the nightmarish images.
“Don’t apologize for that. Ever. I’ve done the same to you,” she said firmly. “I need you during those bad nights. So, I’m not about to let you go through this alone. If you ever want to share, I’m here. Nothing you tell me is going to scare or scar me. I’ve had plenty of my bad days, and I’ll have plenty more.”
“Pretty sure I’ve had more bad nights than you.”
Sassi yawned, adjusting her position to nuzzle Astral’s ears.
“Well, obviously. But I grew up in the trauma. You got a condensed version after a somewhat normal life. I’m able to adjust to a life of “always better”. You get extreme whiplash. So, I’m not surprised you’re having a rougher time.”
“So basically, what our therapist said?”
She nodded, nuzzling the side of his head. “Exactly. Now if you can, let’s get some sleep.”
Even with the nightmares and his body wracked with shivers, Astral managed to doze off. Having the best pillow ever certainly added to that fact, Sassi nuzzling his ears as her hug tightened around his middle. “Love you, Sas.” “Love you too, Astral.”
Sassi woke up with a gasp, the stallion at her side jerking awake as the mare took a few deep breaths. She didn’t remember the nightmare, mercifully. But the feeling of the control spell still lingered, and the mare shivered.
It happened, more often than not. A strange contagion in their hive mind. If one of them had a nightmare, chances are, the other would too.
Astral didn’t move for a few moments, waiting for Sassi to reach over and hold his hoof. Another thing she loved about him, the stallion constantly remembered that for most of her nightmares, she didn’t want immediate comfort.
As she squeezed his hoof, Astral mumbled, scooting a bit closer.
“Sorr-”
“Don’t you start again,” Sassi whispered, rolling over to hug him. “I’ve given you plenty of nightmares.” Even though her special somepony was a sweaty mess, he still didn’t smell horrible as Sassi used his side as a pillow. Either she was used to it, or that was just Astral.
Maybe a bit of both.
He yawned, still clearly halfway between wakefulness and dozing.
“Plenty of nightmares, but plenty of dreams too,” he mumbled. “Worth it. My dream mare.”
Even half-asleep her stallion was adorable. It made the last claws of the nightmare vanish, Astral hugging her as he dozed off again.
We’ll get through this.
“Dude, you look like crud,” Gabbro said, looking at the Thestral across the small table. “Like, more than usual.”
“Love you too, dude,” Astral grumbled, adjusting the sunglasses on his face as he sipped a dangerously caffeinated soda. “Just the usual stuff.”
The two friends had tried to catch up every few weeks, Gabbro meeting Astral at a simple yet tasty diner on the outskirts of Tall Pines for lunch. Other times, Astral would travel to Canterlot. Both trips were easy with portals. Thankfully, the Thestral’s flu-like rebound hadn’t lasted more than a day and a half, leaving him a bit of time to recover before the meeting with his friend.
“I just want you to feel better,” the hippogriff admitted, shrugging his wings. “But at least you’ve got Sassi.”
“She’s, yeah. She’s the one,” Astral said, a tired but dopey grin meandering onto his face. “And I hear you’re finally thinking you found someone steady?”
“I think so,” Gabbro admitted, the usually perky hippogriff drumming his claws nervously. “I mean, I’m thinking about it. She’s thinking about it. We’re both kind of just seeing how things go.”
“Huh. Never seen you nervous about your special somegriffs before.”
“Because I wasn’t!” Gabbro exclaimed with a huff, slumping onto the table. “That was just a fun night or two. This is like, potentially all of the nights of my life if things keep going as they are. Which is awesome! But scary.”
Astral casually took a fried chunk of potatoes and gently shoved it into his friend’s beak, the hippogriff chewing rebelliously.
“There, there. Drown your sorrows in deep-fried, carby goodness,” he chuckled. “But seriously, I’m happy for you. Scary can be good.”
“I haven’t really asked you much, because of...y’know,” Gabbro admitted. “But was it like this with Sassi? Or totally not relatable?”
The Thestral’s brow furrowed, Astral taking a few moments to think. “It’s both relatable and not. We just learned to trust each other in the Silos so much, I can’t imagine that with anyone else,” he explained. “Nobody else knows what went on down there, even with films and such. It kind of just happened.”
Seeing his friend still thinking, Astral reached over to poke his shoulder with a hoof. “But the whole “together forever” thing is still a bit nerve-wracking. I’m going to talk to Flask this week. Get his blessing and all that.”
Gabbro’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “WaitwaitwaitWAIT!What? This week? Why didn’t you lead with that?!” he exclaimed, Astral holding up a hoof in defense.
“Because you clearly were troubled! And we got there eventually!”
“Fair enough.”
The hippogriff chuckled, shaking his head. “So, you’re really going to ask her? I mean, I don’t totally understand your situation. You both know someone will propose, but it’s the actual asking that’s the fun mystery? A semi-planned proposal?”
“Something like that. She’ll probably want to try and talk to my parents, for however that’ll go. But you’ve pretty much got it. There’s nobody else I’d want to spend my life with, so, yeah.”
“Dude.”
The simple exclamation made Astral chuckle, his friend shaking his head again. “Well, congrats! To be honest, I still don’t really know how you do the whole “living together but not” thing. That’d drive me nuts,” the hippogriff chuckled. “Talk about a distraction. Living like that, we’d not get anything done like, ever! Probably never leave the bedroom.”
“That’s fair enough, but it’s kind of hard to think about sex when I see dead ponies at night, including Sassi,” Astral said casually, his mouth making an audible snap as it shut, seeing the mortified look on Gabbro’s face. “Wow. I-sorry,” he muttered, ears flattening to his skull. There was often a mental buffer Astral had when speaking, a filter between what the truth was, and what the other creature could fully understand.
Sometimes it was just too much energy to catch it all.
“Stars. I knew it was bad, but I didn’t know it was…” Gabbro’s words trailed off, the hippogriff shrugging. “I’m sorry. That just sounds awful.”
“It is. But that’s why I didn’t tell you. Or anyone,” Astral said, finally looking up to his friend. Thankfully, Gabbro was more concerned than anything. “The stuff I saw, that we saw; I don’t want to burden anyone else with that.”
“I wish I could say that I’m happy to listen. And I want to. But I think my stomach already did a flip-flop,” Gabbro said defeatedly. “I’m happy to do my best though.”
“Nah, don’t worry about it,” Astral reached out his hoof, Gabbro bumping it with his clenched claws. “I still need someone to hang out with. We’ve got a paid therapist for all the other stuff.”
“Fair enough. Then how about a toast to whatever the world has planned for us and our special somecreature’s?”
Astral raised his soda glass to Gabbro’s with a grin. “I’ll cheers to that!”
“You’re looking better,” Flask said with a gentle smile, the stallion sitting next to his daughter. The two of them were outside, the small yard next to his designated home in Canterlot providing a surprisingly nice meeting place.
“How so?” the mare asked, trying to not shift nervously. It wasn’t Flask- not specifically. But without her armor, Sass just felt incomplete. It was why she usually wore a slimmed-down breastplate at the very least.
“Just in general. You seem more relaxed. Well, until we get talking,” Flask said, a regretful expression on his face. “I really…” emotion clogged the stallion’s throat abruptly, Sassi’s father taking a slow, deep breath. “I’ve come to realize seeing me brings up a lot of stuff. I know you said that you still want to meet, but if not, I get it.”
“I have to deal with it all sooner or later, Dad,” Sassi said, shoulders slumping. She scooted over, leaning on his shoulder with a huff. Flask was one of two stallions where the mare wouldn’t flinch as he gently lay a comforting hoof across her back. “It’s going to take a while. I see you, and I’m back in that place. But it doesn’t happen with only you. So, don’t think you’re that special.”
Flask managed a chuckle at that. “Well, that makes me feel a bit better. I don’t-you’ve been hurt enough. I don’t want to be another cause of it.”
“You aren’t. Not completely,” Sassi said with a sigh. “I mean, the therapist says it’s good to see you, both because you’re one of the few good role models I had-” she raised a hoof to point at her dad “and you were. But they also said it’ll help pin down what exactly I’m trying to process. Or something like that.” Her shoulders slumped. “It’s just hard sometimes. But I’ve got Astral.”
“He’s a good one. I’m glad you’re able to help each other.”
“My life is pretty, well, normalized at this point. But how are you holding up? House arrest doesn’t sound terribly fun,” Sassi asked, Flask letting out a huff.
“I think it’s a very lenient sentence. I still don’t feel comfortable with it,” her father admitted. “But apparently, it’s one of the stricter punishments. So, I keep myself busy helping out Vial and the other scientists when assigned. Otherwise, reading books and writing my memoirs.”
“Oh?”
“Well, someone has to know what happened. Besides, haven’t you made mountains of bits selling your brief accounts?”
Sassi couldn’t help but laugh. “Ok, fair enough! I actually have a training after this. Well, a question-and-answer session at least.”
A guard trotted around the building, poking their head over with a nod. Flask let out a sigh, waving to the fellow earth pony.
“Visiting time up?” Sassi asked, standing up with her dad.
“Yep. But I’m grateful I even get this.”
The stallion drew a shaky breath as his daughter hugged him, Flask not able to resist a smile.
“Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, Sassi.”
He let her go, the mare trotting off and casually activating a portal crystal. Flask would have been fully content in a jail cell if it meant knowing his daughter was safe and happy.
In his current situation, every day felt like nothing short of a gift.
“Ms. Satin? What tactical strategies did you find both useful and useless during your escape?” a stallion asked.
Sassi tapped a hoof to her chin, the mare sitting in the center of a large classroom. The recent military Q&A sessions with members of the Guard had been surprisingly high-quality. It paid well and added structure to her day. The increasingly in-depth and specific questions from the participants had been a pleasant, if not interesting development.
Which, given what the mare had gleaned from rumors, lined up with her suspicions.
“Strategies? I’d say close-quarters strategies proved to be invaluable. Medium to long range is an ideal engagement distance when dealing with the usual threats down there, but all of that goes out the window when you’re in an enclosed hallway,” she explained. “Even with my saddle guns, I had to know how to move on every surface to keep out of range. So, if it was an above-ground engagement, I’d emphasize keeping one’s distance and, failing that, close-quarters combat. Not all enemies you face will have ranged weaponry. In the case of the Silos, they used claws and teeth.”
The royal guard nodded in thanks, scribbling a few notes as Sassi scanned the crowd.
“I think we’ve got time for one more question. Anyone else?”
“What’s something you learned that’s both applicable to life and military tactics?”
Sassi let out an impressed hum, looking over the Pegasus mare. That was a good question indeed.
After a few moments of thinking, she smiled.
“You can only get so far without a team.”
A chime then sounded, every creature packing up their items and orderly filing out of the doors of the circular classroom. Astral had likely finished his get-together with Gabbro, and hopefully, the Thestral had remembered to pick up the groceries.
Speaking of which…
“Hey, Astral? Can you snag those fruits we forgot?”
“Way ahead of you. Done with the Q&A?” “Yup. See you at home soon.”
It was starting to become second nature, using their hive mind link to check on the other. The warm glow in the back of her mind always made the mare smile. They had done some tests, and the range was impressive. Emotions and direct thoughts could reach at least across two cities before fading to just basic emotions. Obviously, there were “a few more experiments that needed to be run” on them.
The scientist who had uttered those exact words had immediately turned pale at seeing the look on Astral’s face. Apparently, the Thestral had unconsciously glared at the pony for the rather…insensitive phrasing.
Sassi had admitted later to Astral that even though she knew the phrase logically wasn’t any threat, it still had made her skin crawl. That sensation had been shared with Astral over their link, hence his glare of death.
From what she understood, the scientist in question had nearly wet himself. Astral’s enraged expression had been out of pure reflex; all out of concern for her.
I love that stallion.
The current situation abruptly captured her focus again in a very specific manner. Despite their somewhat normal routine, the past few Q&A’s had Sassi on edge. As the creatures passed by her and began to file out, her senses heightened, the RASP modifications kicking in slightly to give her a laser focus on certain observations.
Nodding and accepting the thanks many sent her way, Sassi was the picture-perfect guest speaker. Yet her mind was in overdrive as the ponies filed out of the classroom. Things were noticed, cataloged, and a conclusion drawn in her mind.
They’re almost in formation. Moving in time, forcing themselves to spread apart and not be too close. You can’t force natural randomness. When you do, it looks off to those who are watching. There were other tells. A few of the soldiers moved a tad clumsily on their hooves. The specific manner they did so was a sign of not acclimating to armor-assisted movement just yet. Wear the stuff too much, and normal movements seemed like an over-exaggeration. Some others walked with a specific gait, one that indicated the usual bounce of a side saddle was missing.
All of these things were the result of long training hours, rapid acclimation, and a mix of veteran and new soldiers.
The conclusion?
I guess there is something to those reports of increased tensions. Equestria knows something out there, and it has the world on edge. They’re trying to train more troops, and fast.
Her mind wandered as the mare tapped a teleportation crystal, the spell yanking her back to the house.
Twilight has been annoyingly vague. I’m thankful she’s kept the nosy paparazzi away, and I know she’s keeping us in the dark to heal. But there’s a point where I want to know how much ammo to stack.
Of course, to that end, they had a basement full of the stuff. Among other things.
Not that we’d ever say that out loud.
She shrugged off her saddlebags and the minimalist armor that accompanied the mare wherever she went. Even though she was home, it still felt odd to not wear armor. But it was so much nicer to cuddle without it.
It was so strange to have a home that was hers, stallion and all.
“Fruits are in the fridge! Can’t believe we burned through that many already,” Astral said as he meandered over from the kitchen to the living room.
Trotting over, Sassi wrapped her stallion up in a hug, unable to contain a happy squeak as he did the same, burying his muzzle into her shoulder with a loving sigh. It never got old, being able to wrap up the stallion she loved in a hug. That hadn’t changed in the slightest. If anything, as they continued to process everything, it just made the gesture mean even more.
He was the only creature she could hug without reservations, and that alone meant the world. The kiss he then gave Sassi made the mare’s head spin, his soft lips making her wings flare as she eagerly pressed back. The blush on her cheeks drew a rather proud grin to the other Thestral’s face. He gently let her go, partitioning the groceries into their massive fridges.
Astral paused as a twang of annoyance hummed through their link.
“Astraaaaaaal…”
The stallion winced, already knowing what Sassi was looking at.
“Sorry! I just forgot!”
Despite her nonchalant shrug, Astral could tell the mare was a bit miffed with him. To be fair, it wasn’t the first time he had forgotten to put the blender parts in the dishwasher, leaving a fair pile of them in the sink.
If he was being honest, it was probably the tenth. Or twentieth? Or more?
“Just-mmmmf!” Sassi grumbled, shaking her head and flopping on the couch as Astral put said blender parts in their proper place. He really didn’t mean to forget. It was difficult shifting from “I’ll put them away when I get back tonight,” as a single stallion, to “I need to put them away right after we use them.”
Should be simple. In reality? Not so much.
Once the dishwasher was chugging away, Astral joined his marefriend on the couch, her ears perking up as he scooted closer. A smile quickly slid onto Sassi’s face as he draped himself over her shoulders; the world’s best weighted blanket.
“So, how’d the Q and A go?”
“It went rather well. The questions have been getting better and better. Which is a bit worrying,” she admitted, frowning as Astral hissed in pain, his side spasming briefly.
“Sorry. Just the usual tweaks and stuff. I did get impaled,” he said, seeing her concerned glance.
“That you did,” Sassi said, unable to stop her body from tensing at the mention of it. Astral’s hoof caressing her ears immediately helped that matter, however.
“Sorry. And blender parts aside, you are one tense mare,” he remarked, Sassi reaching over to hold his hoof. After a lifetime of necessary aversion to physical touch, being able to have someone she trusted so close was still incredibly new, scary, and utterly relieving at the same time.
“What’s up? I know there have been rumblings. I assume they haven’t caught whatever they are looking for. You’ve been getting tenser with each session.”
“It’s that obvious?” she sighed, “It’s just the continued reports and rumors. I’ve started to notice signs that the soldiers are showing signs of rapid training. Like, extremely rapid. And I can tell some of them are special forces, royal guards. Sure, they’re mixed in with newbies, but they’re more and more common. The world is preparing for a storm. And we don’t know if it’ll be over in a day, or engulf the entire world.”
Sassi’s words made Astral let out a long breath, hugging her closer. “Is there anything we need to do?”
She shook her head, enjoying feeling Astral’s sides rising and falling against her back. “I don’t think so. What we need to do is not focus on that stuff so we can heal. We’re both hurting. But how can we not think about it? We wouldn’t be any use until they found the creature that escaped. So, all we can do is be here and wait. But I don’t want to just do nothing! Like, ugh…”
Astral shifted around, angling so he could wrap his marefriend up in a hug as she lay next to him. All Sassi wanted to do was just forget about it all.
Her head resting against Astral’s chest, the mare actually was able to relax. The scent she had grown so used to pleasantly clouded out everything else, and Sassi felt her eyes starting to grow heavy. A gentle, comforting rub on the back of her neck made the Thestral slip right into a doze. Underneath a scarred chest, a familiar heartbeat lulled Sassi right off into a pleasant sleep.
It was brief moments like this where Astral was usually able to relax. He had hoped escaping the Silos would reduce the stress. And for a time, it had. But after Twilight had given them both a rather terse summary of the exchange with Joro, the stress never left.
He had to give the Princess credit though. She had banked on being honest with them being a priority. That was certainly appreciated.
Astral winced, adjusting his wings as he held his marefriend close, Sassi completely passed out on his chest. A happy, warm glow of affection radiated from their little hive mind. The stallion finally felt the mare relax, muscles finally loosening in sleep.
The whole situation had her worried. But she wasn’t alone in that.
Alone.
That just wasn’t a word in his life that held any weight anymore. He and Sassi had discussed a lot of things the month after they escaped. One of those was being honest. If there was a stressor, they’d share it to meet it head-on, no matter how uncomfortable the initial talk may be.
Their hive mind meant such things couldn’t be hidden, not like normal ponies would. Astral was thankful for that. It just taught them to be honest. Not just with each other, but with themselves. It was still an adjustment, essentially living together aside from more intimate stuff.
Both of them were learning to get along with each other outside of a survival situation, but they were managing. More than managing, thriving. But it was still an adjustment, and that would have been the case even without the trauma.
Sassi mumbled in her sleep, the mare tensing. She immediately relaxed as Astral shifted, hugging her a bit closer and resting his neck across the mare’s shoulders. The stallion let his mind wander, a slight frown meandering onto his face.
He wasn’t a fool. Seeing Sassi suffer in any way ignited a dangerous protective streak in him. There were other, random instances where the stallion knew that his internal emotional barometer was off. The more common surges of anger had nearly gotten the stallion in trouble a few times, a fire of rage nearly burning out of control over small, insignificant things. A late appointment, a dropped bag of groceries…
It all forced Astral to realize a very humbling fact.
I’m not ok.
Sassi was dealing with the adjustment far better than he was; she had been spot-on the other day when she re-hashed what the therapist had noted. True, she had bad days. But hers were a linear increase. She had days of things building up before something snapped. For Astral, it was getting hit by a freight train of trauma at the drop of a hat, and it could continue for a few days due to the physical health effects.
The fine line he walked day to day between feeling terrible and somewhat alright was a thin one indeed. But he had quickly realized Sassi had her own protective streak. When it had become clear that Astral was going to have a rougher time adjusting than she was, Sassi had always made sure to have his back. Not in an overbearing way, for which Astral was thankful, but just like in the Silos. Paying attention when he had bad days, and just being open.
She was always there when he needed her, and Astral made sure the opposite was true. While her bad days were less frequent, the mare still had times when she needed a comforting hug. He wanted to protect her, and it was humbling when his capacity to do so was minimized.
That thought was aggravating to no end. But Sassi had (repeatedly) reassured the stallion there wasn’t anything to be annoyed about. He was there when she needed him, and that didn’t mean guns blazing or being 100% okay.
It meant giving her a hug when she was crying, or simply letting Sassi know he cared.
He could do that.
Maybe being me, is enough.
Whether due to the Silo or just being able to open up with someone, Astral wasn’t sure. But that thought made his eyes water as he hugged Sassi closer. At the very least, they were free and safe. Even with all the bumps and bruises ahead, and the occasionally-forgotten blender parts…
Twilight appeared in front of the diner with a puff of magic. The royal guard had previously swept the area, but she trusted her magical scans a bit more, of which she had done many. True, there were regular customers, but the concealment spell would surround their table quite nicely.
The mare had to stop herself from smirking. It was a spell the mare was proud of. A typical external layer showed an illusion of the occupants, and then an inner layer that was adapted to portray the moving disguises of the occupants of the bubble, constantly adjusting to match the external spell. It also completely obfuscated their words, translating conversation into a fluid back-and-forth of small talk. It was the perfect spell for those who wanted to meet in public and interact with other creatures without risking being seen or heard.
She sat in the agreed-upon seat, thanking the unicorn waitress as they set out some water.
Spell holding steady. And now I can focus on the actual meeting. Date. Thing.
Events hadn’t calmed down after Astral and Sassi had escaped those many months ago. Well, they technically had, once the perimeter had been established and the site was slated for decontamination, each part being burned to glass bit by bit. That was a journey that would take years, if not longer. But the overall issue still loomed, which weighed heavily on the mare’s mind. It was a constant back and forth to manage the fear and preparations, and try to find whatever it was. It was maddening and was wearing down Twilight’s nerves something fierce.
Today’s meeting was double-duty. She needed to talk with Tanzil about international relations, but she also wanted to get to know her friend in a more personal way. They didn’t have that much time, unfortunately. Not even half an hour with their busy schedules.
But she did like him, after all. Yet it all was swirling around in her head like a never-ending-
“Is this a bad time?”
The mare nearly jumped out of her seat as a blueish-white, ethereal figure materialized beside her. Twilight blew out an exasperated breath as Harmony winced.
“I take that as a yes?”
Twilight leaned her head on the table with a soft *thunk* and a groan, the magical mare next to her looking rather befuddled.
“A bit of a bad time, yes. I’ve appreciated our weekly check-ins, but this isn’t the best moment. Tanzil should be here shortly.”
Harmony blinked at that. “Ah. Apologies. I just wanted to see if we could reschedule our lunch tomorrow, for the next day?”
To Harmony’s credit, she was trying. In a way, the Guardian of Equestria reminded Twilight of her own social manners ages ago. Whatever Harmony was, they just took a lot longer to learn such mannerisms.
Considering Harmony had started out as a tree, Twilight was willing to cut the mare some slack in terms of adapting to social norms.
“That’s fine. I appreciate the heads-up. I assume this was a good time for you due to the concealment spell?”
The mare nodded, visibly jerking in surprise as another figure slid into the seat across from them.
“Twilight. Guardian,” the gryphon rumbled. A flash of magic crackled away, and Tanzil’s concealment spell vanished, leaving only Twilight’s.
That was the least of the mare’s concerns, however.
“Wait. You know her?!” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing to Harmony, who looked a bit uncomfortable.
“I do,” the dark-blue gryphon replied smoothly. There was a weight to his tone as if it wasn’t a subject he was comfortable discussing. “She has checked in a few times during my rule to ensure my actions weren’t threatening Equestria. It was an informative, nice wake-up call.”
“I’ll…leave you to it,” Harmony stammered, vanishing abruptly. Tanzil’s amber eyes were still narrowed at where the mare had been, the gryphon shaking his head slightly.
That was odd; a question for their lunch, perhaps?
“I think things are a bit awkward between Equestria’s Guardian and myself,” Tanzil admitted, smiling tiredly. “It’s good to see you, Princess.” There was an immediate warmth in the gryphon’s eyes, one that made an odd flutter rise in Twilight’s chest.
“It’s good to see you too, Emperor. I’m sorry we haven’t been able to meet face-to-face recently.”
“Well, we’ve both been a bit busy with our nations. I haven’t taken any offense. I assume this meeting is a more formal one?”
“At first. But if I just was interested in building international ties, a conference room in Canterlot would have sufficed.”
The Emperor smiled, relaxing slightly in the plush chair.
“I’m glad to hear it. I suppose I can go first?” he suggested. “I know you’re not one for small talk. One of the many reasons I enjoy your company.” Tanzil couldn’t help but cheer internally, the slightest of blushes rising to Twilight’s cheeks as she nodded.
“Well, in terms of diplomatic matters, there’s not much to report other than some unrest on my end,” he admitted, claws starting to drum on the table. “Interestingly, it has nothing to do with the situation concerning the disease carrier or another coup. Those are rather normal threats, as far as gryphons are concerned. Change in leadership? Some sort of hostile creature? The population is rather at ease. However, a normal threat can be amplified by other factors. In this case, having Equestria ruled by multiple ageless ponies. In their minds, it makes them question how secure the situation is. It makes the majority of the population nervous now and again.”
“Really? I’m surprised that sentiment persists,” Twilight mused, Tanzil sighing.
“Oh, it’s ever-present. It just tends to increase when external threats arise. It usually can unite the population, but that’s often at odds with doubt and unease,” the Emperor explained. “For example, while the Crystal Empire is fairly removed, they’re still lumped in with Equestria. So, having your brother and Princess Cadence still ruling, even as general figureheads, makes it seem like all of Equestria is ruled by ageless individuals in my people’s eyes. Celestia and Luna’s involvement in helping sterilize the Silo area has further illuminated that.” He raised a claw, then wincing. “I really don’t mean to say this asking for change. I’m simply trying to indicate how there are tensions I really can’t do much about, and that’s a bit frustrating. I don’t see an issue with it, but I can understand it.”
“I mean, it’s a logical fear,” Twilight admitted. “Myself, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining…all the rulers are technically ageless. I can empathize with how that may unsettle creatures. Interestingly, the reverse can be true of ponies. They see gryphons as rather gruff and uncivil and lacking in harmony,” the mare couldn’t help but giggle. “Yet such a description can also apply to ponies, more often than not. Thankfully, here we are, our nations closer than ever before.”
Another smile, Tanzil taking a moment to place his order, Twilight doing the same. She had a hayburger, of course, and Tanzil went with a large fish-and-chips dish.
“I admit, Princess, I’m unsure how assuage my subject’s concerns. They feel vulnerable, as we’ve gone through hundreds of rulers over the time Equestria has had two. They worry the Empire will fragment, and yet I must continually provide that stability.”
Twilight quickly learned two things.
One: Tanzil’s use of a word or two that qualified as even slightly “advanced vocabulary” made her cheeks blush far, far more than the mare was comfortable admitting. Two: he was being rather brutally honest, which deserved a reply in kind.
“If I may offer some advice?”
“One of the reasons I’m here,” he said with a chuckle.
“Apply the same things you just said to me to your subjects. You were extremely honest about your concerns. By and large, the public will respond to a confident leader even if they have concerns. It’s a fine line, but you can build confidence by being open with challenges and rallying them together to meet them, as opposed to deflecting.”
Tension bled from Tanzil’s shoulders, the gryphon’s brow furrowing. He nodded, claws freezing on the table for a few moments.
“Wise words indeed,” he mused. “I suppose I need a reminder of that, amidst the song and dance of politics. Thank you, Princess.”
“Anytime. I don’t really have any other diplomatic business other than checking in, not to have things be lopsided. Astral and Sassi are acclimating as best they can, but we don’t want to put them under specific surveillance. But the RASP armor projects are progressing, as you know. Your scientists have been very helpful.” Twilight then let out a rather frustrated groan. “Unfortunately, in terms of the biggest issue, we’re still searching for that creature.”
“Likewise. Still nothing on our end.”
“I did have one question for you.”
The Emperor’s fluffy ears perked up at that, warm eyes looking over to the mare. “Oh?”
“It’s about during the rescue with Sassi and Astral,” Twilight explained, clopping her hooves together nervously. It was an odd question, after all. “Why and how did you give the rifle to Astral so quickly? I admit, I froze. Embarrassing, but I did.”
An odd look came over Tanzil, the gryphon’s gaze cooling. There was an abrupt edge in his amber eyes, the ruler taking a moment to pause.
“Gryphons, myself included, are far more accustomed to violence and injuries than you are, Princess. That’s why I wasn’t fazed. For better or worse, I might add. Our history is one of selfishness and conflict. That produces a bit of desensitization. As to why I did it? That’s a fairly simple answer.” His voice then softened, and there was an odd turmoil in Tanzil’s eyes despite his demeanor remaining passive.
“Astral would have killed any of us that stood in his way if it came down to it. He was willing to do anything to save the mare he loved. I wasn’t about to stand in the way of that.”
Twilight’s brow furrowed as their food arrived, a nice segue as the two thanked the waitress. Tanzil then chuckled, tossing a hot chip into his mouth. Even if it was a slightly stilted conversation, it was with a friend. That made it all somehow a bit easier. At least the Princess had relaxed slightly as they spoke.
“A bit of a heavy question, but that’s the most honest answer I can give.”
“Well, I appreciate it. Celestia and Luna have far more experience with the brutal realities of war than I do. I’m still learning,” the mare admitted.
“Join the club. It never ends,” Tanzil chuckled, drawing a smile from Twilight.
He really did like that smile. Not too confident, but that of a pony learning and trying to do better. It was genuine, something lacking in politics and much of the world. Her professional, confident demeanor had started to flake away, something the gryphon had amusingly seen multiple times when speaking with Twilight.
The Princess was very savvy and professional. The normal pony underneath that necessary, ruling mask was, in his opinion, far more genuine and interesting.
“I did have another question if we’re being honest,” Twilight said, her ears flattening nervously. “Or rather, an observation. When we were attacked by those Skitters, you were far faster than you should be.” A fire ignited behind Twilight’s violet gaze as she looked up at him, caution and curiosity battling in their depths. “If not for my time dilation spells, you’d have been as fast as me, an alicorn. That’s not normal. Not even our most advanced mages can do that with such precision.”
A lead weight settled into Tanzil’s chest. He had played his cards close for so long. Eventually, cracks would form.
“No, it’s not normal at all,” he said calmly. “I know there have been rumors surrounding me and my abilities.”
The mare nodded, keen eyes locked onto the gryphon. “Quite a few rumors. Like the fact you’re supposed to be in your late fifties, but don’t look a day past your thirties? I’ve seen the videos of dueling challengers to your rule years ago. It wasn’t even a contest. It might have fooled almost everyone else, but I know when a creature is holding back. You could have ended each fight seconds after it began, yet you dragged it out to please the crowds.”
He nodded, not able to meet the mare’s eyes. “I certainly won’t try to refute any of that.” Tanzil finally managed to look up at the Princess. He wanted to tell her. So much…
But not yet.
“Princess, I can promise that such things will be clarified in the future. I can’t say any more, and I’d prefer, respectfully, that you don’t ask any more about it,” Tanzil said as kindly as he could. “But you aren’t wrong in what you observed, and I promise it poses no threat to you or your nation.”
She blew out a frustrated breath at that. “I suppose that’ll have to do then. We all have some secrets.”
I can’t leave things like that.
“While I can’t explain some things fully, Princess. I can, perhaps, be a bit more honest right now.”
With a wave of his claws, Tanzil removed the cosmetic touch-up spell around his figure. The bags under his eyes would likely now be visible, and the streaks of silver and white feathers on his dark-blue chest weren’t the most well-arranged. That was, of course, the consequence of coming straight from a previous meeting that ran far too long.
Twilight looked at him, smiling as her horn glowed. Abruptly, the mare across from Tanzil became so much more real. He wasn’t the only one with bags under his eyes, and a few faint blemishes from stress dotted Twilight’s upper cheeks.
He couldn’t help but smile, a warmth glowing in the gryphon’s breast. It just made her all the more attractive, real. Flaws and all.
Perhaps that’s why I like her original form more.
“Well. I appreciate the honesty, and can return it in kind,” Twilight said with a nod. “I guess we both could use some more sleep?”
“And food. Which, speaking off…” Tanzil took a few bites of the fried fish happily. Sure, professionally-made dishes were technically superior in every way. And yet, the imperfections made foods like this even better. It wasn’t the healthiest thing, but it tasted so good.
Twilight’s blissful bites of the hayburger nearly had Tanzil laughing. Apparently, the mare also had a sweet spot for the greasy food.
“A pity the chefs in the castles don’t appreciate these sorts of things,” he managed to say with a chuckle, Twilight blushing. There was quite a bit of sauce on her face, which was rather adorable.
“Sorry.”
“For enjoying food? No apologies needed for that.”
The two ate silently for a bit, Twilight then being the next to speak as she snacked on the fries.
“Where do we go from here, Tanzil?” she asked, her shoulders slumping. It wasn’t often that the leader of a nation appeared vulnerable. And this was different. This wasn’t the Princess opening up. This was Twilight.
“In general?” he asked, not wanting to misunderstand anything.
“In general, and with us. I don’t-I’ve learned that I’ve not been the best Princess of Friendship. As you may have heard about the changes I’ve enacted,” Twilight admitted, averting her eyes. “But that includes not going out and making friends.” She held up a hoof as he opened his mouth to speak, looking up at the gryphon.
It made Tanzil pause, seeing a flicker of genuine fear and nervousness in Twilight’s gaze. “I don’t want to mess this up, Tanzil,” she whispered. “I mean that in terms of being friends and seeing if there’s something more. But I want to see where it goes.”
He picked up his water glass, holding it over to her. “Then how about we toast to that?” Tanzil suggested with a kind smile. “To see where it goes?”
She clinked her glass against his, a nervous smile replacing the pensive one.
“You know,” he mused, “you’re not the only one worried about messing this up. Not even close. I’d say we’re neck and neck if we’re having a competition.”
“Really?”
Staring at her, Tanzil could only nod with a rather deadpan expression. “Just because I appear calm and collected doesn’t mean I’m not internally screaming.”
*Snrk*
Twilight tried to stifle a laugh, then utterly failed as she held her sides. Tears eventually trickled down her cheeks, the mare settling into giggles as Tanzil chuckled along with her.
“I should frame that and put it in my bedroom,” she sighed. “Thank you, Tanzil.”
“Any time. But I’m serious. I don’t want to mess this up either,” he said. “This isn’t a normal way to explore a relationship by any measurement, especially with us being leaders of nations. But I’d still very much like to see where things go.” He felt a bit of heat rising to his face, feathers fluffing slightly. “You’re a very attractive mare in many ways, Twilight, and I care about you. So, safe to say, messing things up is one of my primary worries.”
It was only a split second, but Tanzil saw something else in Twilight’s eyes. It made his heart immediately ache because he knew the feeling. It was the look of someone who was struggling to accept a compliment, but it seemed to reach far deeper than that.
But then it was gone, a bit of a mask being put into place. But it seemed to be out of reflex to avoid any awkwardness than anything.
“I…” Twilight began, shaking her head as if trying to focus. “Thank you, Tanzil. Really. I just-I think too much. So, I’m honestly not sure where to go.” She looked up at him, and the brief flash of vulnerability returned.
“I like you too, for quite a few reasons. But I have no idea what to do about it.”
“I mean, saying yes to a more formal, official first date would be a start?” he suggested.
His response shattered any nerves, the mare giggling softly. “Ok, well, my answer is absolutely yes. But I wasn’t even sure if you’d want that,” Twilight gestured to herself. “Different form and all that. I know you briefly mentioned it, but I wasn’t sure if you were just being polite. I’m curious about your thoughts.”
“Do you want my honest opinion that may or may not make you blush? I promise it’s nothing crass.”
The analytical mare was intrigued, nodding to the gryphon. Tanzil had put in quite a bit of thought about the matter.
I mean, how could I ignore it?
“I prefer you like this,” he admitted, voice soft. Even so, it held a bit of nervousness. “You seem much more expressive and genuine. Before, you were…I don’t know how to say this. Removed? More royal? Professional? No, that doesn’t really cover it,” he admitted with a frown. “You were still you, but your mannerisms seemed more split. You came off as trying to be more like Celestia than Twilight, if that makes sense.”
“Always calm, collected, and not as expressive as most creatures would be. Understandable if you’re a ruler. You can’t fly off the handle in public. At least you shouldn’t,” Tanzil continued. “And while you still have that professional mask, it’s not as big of a divide anymore. You seem much more like a pony now. A fellow creature with aches, pains, dreams, and worries. Then there’s Princess Twilight, an impassive ruler of Equestria. Celestia’s perfect pupil.” He couldn’t help but smile, claws fiddling with each other. “Personally, I like the former quite a bit. And besides, now we’re almost at the same height. Neither of us will get a neck cramp looking at the other.”
Twilight stared at him, her cheeks rapidly reddening as she stifled a giggle at Tanzil’s last words. At least he had been on the money for some of it.
“That’s really sweet, Tanzil. I wasn’t expecting that,” she admitted. “I think some of that has to do with me realizing how I’ve messed up things. But I’ve been worried about what you would think, if I’m being honest.”
“I’m flattered, but you needn’t have worried. I find your new look very…” his words trailed off, the first word coming to mind not exactly being a soliloquy. “Erm, approachable.”
“That is not what you were going to say,” Twilight said with a rather pink face. “But you get points for recovery. So? What was it?”
“It’s not exactly a mature term in terms of descriptiveness. You’re really going to pry it out of me?”
She levitated a fried bit of potato like a sword, waggling it in front of the gryphon. “Don’t tempt me.”
He groaned, knowing his face was already starting to puff. “Very well. But you asked. I find your new, or rather, original look very cute. It’s an adorable balance to your rather intimidating intellect.”
Tanzil had thought Twilight had already been blushing. He was proven quite wrong by the bright pink color on the mare’s cheeks, and he couldn’t help but grin.
“You asked!”
“I…did,” Twilight admitted, unable to meet Tanzil’s gaze. The increasingly attractive, genuine demeanor returned, the mare smiling shyly as she glanced up at him. “Thank you, Tanzil,” she whispered. Her voice was far softer, and it was rather endearing. Knowing they both were in uncharted waters was a pleasant comfort.
But apparently, Twilight was utterly not used to these sorts of compliments. Tanzil made a mental note to change that. The mare had significantly relaxed, and a definite shyness poked through. It was a relatively new emotion to be seeing in the usually-confident princess. But it certainly wasn’t a bad thing.
The gryphon couldn’t conceal a huff of annoyance as a soft chime emanated from the crystal bracelet on his left wrist, a similar tone echoing from the concealment spell.
“That wasn’t long at all,” he muttered with a frown. “I suppose mixing business with personal matters isn’t the best idea, and we cut this one a bit close. Maybe we can keep them separate, so we have longer?” The Emperor then paused, a few nerves itching at his heart. “If you’d like for there to be, perhaps, an official first date? Or second? One and a half?”
His words made Twilight giggle. “I’d say this is a solid one-third date. So, the next can round it off?” she suggested, Tanzil chuckling.
“I like that plan indeed. Would later in this week be too presumptuous?”
“Day after tomorrow? Same time?”
Her eager reply settled the nerves, Tanzil unable to keep a smile off his face. “That sounds good to me. I have an idea for the date, too.”
“Oh?”
He chuckled, conjuring up an image of a scroll. “Try to find some of the worst poetry ever written. I’ll bring my best competitors, and we can decide what poem is truly the worst.”
A familiar *snrk* reached his ears, the mare already in thought. “Ohhh I like that idea. I have a few in mind already,” Twilight said. “Can’t ever say I’ve done a poetry competition before!”
“I can certainly come up with a few more literary-focused ideas.”
The Princess’s ears drooped slightly, hooves clopping together a bit nervously. “You don’t have to do that on my account,” she whispered. “I know I’m a bit over the top with my love of books. But if you have other ideas, don’t put them aside on my account. I do appreciate it, though...” Her words trailed off as she saw Tanzil looking at her curiously.
“Twilight, what makes you think you have a corner on the market of bookworms?” the gryphon said with a smirk. “I grew up reading Daring Do, and I cleaned out the library’s “adventure” section within a year as a cub. The Arcane Theory section took me a few more years, but it fell prey to my talons all the same.”
The mare stared at him in shock, Tanzil stifling a cackle. “In fact, I can get through a few dozen books a year if I put my mind to it. Did you really think our book battle years ago was just for diplomatic amusement? I was dead serious about winning!”
The return of the pink blush was in full force, and the gryphon filed that away for future amusement. In fact, he was fairly certain a soft squeak was uttered.
“So, how about a question to start off our next date?”
“S-sure!”
The mare blushed even further as her voice squeaked, and it took all of Tanzil’s self-control to not chuckle. It seemed Twilight was incredibly composed in familiar situations, but the moment she was thrown off balance with personal topics, she struggled to try and regulate her response.
It was adorable in the best way possible.
“What would an ideal evening look like for you? If you had six hours of completely free time. No limits.” He then held up a claw with a wink. “And no essays.”
The pout she fired his way was legendary, and Tanzil couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose I wrote my own essay, though, considering how much I talked,” he admitted, Twilight giggling softly.
“I didn’t mind at all, Tanzil. I promise to return the favor on our first official date…again,” the mare said with a genuine smile. “This all is just- it’s not what I expected.”
“It is a bit unorthodox. But I suppose that’s fitting for our situation?”
That earned an agreeing nod, the two paying the bill and walking out underneath the concealment spell. The diner had a small outdoor section underneath a canvas roof. At least for now, it was empty, granting the two some general privacy in addition to the spell.
“Tanzil, even if this was all a bit…” the mare gestured in the air with a hoof. “Odd in terms of starting things off, I really did enjoy it. Just spending time with you…” her voice drifted off, a bit of a shy smile now on Twilight’s face as she glanced up at him. “It’s a nice break from everything.”
“I’m-” words abruptly failed the gryphon, Tanzil finding a lump in his throat. “I enjoy it as well. It’s also nice to know neither of us are facing this threat alone.”
Twilight was a smart mare, and Tanzil could see her reading between the lines easily enough. The gryphon’s defenses were always down around her; he couldn’t help it.
Perhaps not having many trusted friends has made me soft in that respect. He thought.
Any further musing was cut short as Twilight walked over and promptly wrapped Tanzil up in a tight hug, surprising the gryphon.
“If nothing else but a friend, Tanzil, if you need a listening ear, I’m always here,” Twilight said softly. “Ruling is so isolating. I get it. I fell into that trap,” her hug tightened ever so slightly, “I’m still pulling myself out of it.”
After a moment of hesitation, he returned the embrace, the Emperor finding his thoughts melting away.
When was the last time I had a hug?
“Thank you, Twilight,” he whispered, finding himself not wanting to let go. Was he truly so isolated that this could make him melt?
Evidently, yes.
Another bonus of Twilight’s new look? It made her very huggable. With the mare being a bit taller than usual mares, and Tanzil not being one of the bigger gryphons, it made for the perfect hugging height. She was surprisingly strong, making the mare’s embrace all the more appealing. It didn’t feel like Tanzil would accidentally squeeze too hard. If anything, the Alicorn matched or, more likely, far exceeded his own physical strength.
“Y’know, gryphons really need to adopt hugging more,” Twilight said with a soft giggle. “You guys have all of these fluffy feathers. Everyone is missing out.”
“Agre-ed.”
Tanzil hadn’t meant for his voice to crack partially, yet embarrassingly, it did. He pulled away from Twilight with a shake of his head, concern glimmering in the mare’s eyes. She let go, but one of her hooves drifted down against his right arm as if reluctant to release him.
It took all of his willpower to step back, but if he hadn’t, Tanzil knew that tears would have started to flow from his eyes. He wouldn’t have minded staying in this lovely mare’s embrace for far longer than appropriate on barely a first date.
I have to go. If I linger, I’ll crack. I can’t. Not here.
Sitting in front of him, Twilight didn’t raise any questions, only nodded once. Her caring gaze was still brimming with concern, but she didn’t pry.
“Time to go?” the mare asked. It was the first time she had seen the gryphon ruler visibly and audibly deviate from his usually confident demeanor.
“For now,” he admitted, finally trusting his voice. “I believe there’s a lovely park down the street; same time the day after tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there. And I’ll bring the worst poems I can find!” Twilight said with a cheerful smile, yet there was still an air of concern in her demeanor.
“I’ve got quite the arsenal. Gryphons are not known for their poetry,” he chuckled, nodding to the mare as he spun up a spell around his left claw.
“I had fun, Tanzil. See you soon,” Twilight added, nodding to the Emperor.
“Likewise, take care, Twilight.”
He reappeared in the castle, the gryphon abruptly slumping. His cozy quarters automatically lit up, the blue-flamed magical candles flickering on.
“Very nice,” Tanzil hissed, walking over to a large wooden desk and leaning on it as his claws scored the wood. “Quite the composed Emperor until you get a hug? What is wrong with me?”
A fresh stack of papers lay to his right, magically-delivered reports that needed his attention. He took a few deep breaths. Unfortunately, that did nothing to clear his head. The fact that things went well was soured by his unsettled lapse in decorum at the end.
Was he overthinking it?
His mood had flipped disturbingly fast, one of the many red flags to the gryphon that he was reaching his limit of emotional stamina. Perhaps he had pushed things too much. Tanzil looked at the top paper, anything to distract the growing anxiety in his mind. Unfortunately, the first two reports did anything but.
Discrepancies with castle guard patrols and troop transfers? But the audit reveals nothing? What is going on? The next paper was from Ridlar, one of the lead Counsel Gryphons responsible for helping Tanzil dissipate the potential coup attempt.
Tax reductions for individuals involved in high-asset transfers and increased for those not involved…
He set the paper aside with a growl, a headache immediately forming in his temples. “What are they thinking?!” Tanzil growled, shunning the desk to lay on a rather plush beanbag. “They try to obscure tax breaks for the wealthy and increases for the poor with fancy language?”
Talking out loud had always helped Tanzil think. More often than not, his voice was the only one that persisted through the decades when others guttered out.
As he massaged his temples, the gryphon took a shaky breath. The room seemed to close in on him, the once-composed emperor forcing back a few tears. How he had forged ahead this long without everything crashing down, the gryphon still wasn’t sure.
The façade of a completely confident and held-together emperor had been cracking for years. It couldn’t crumble now. It mustn’t. And yet…
“I can’t do this alone,” Tanzil whispered. “The rumblings of a coup attempt were resolved; I haven’t heard anything since then! But I don’t feel safe even in my own castle! Military discrepancies, the council acting increasingly out of turn. What is going on?”
The gryphon covered his face with his claws, wishing he could just sink into the beanbag and forget it all.
“Why is it falling apart now?”
There was a soft knock on his desk, which meant the arrival of a friend. Only one individual knocked on the inside of a room, after all.
“I tried to warn you, Tanzil, of the isolation that would come. It’s the price any ruler pays, especially one such as yourself after we met,” a kind, deep voice rumbled. A spectral gryphon materialized in front of the prone emperor. Its form was tall and broad, and the ghostly gryphon wore both ceremonial armor and a crown upon his head. The eyes, even though transparent, shone with wisdom and, now, also pity.
“Oh yes, you warned me. But I haven’t been in a position to remedy that!” Tanzil said with a bit fiercer of a snarl than he intended. “I’ve barely had time to pull this nation together with tape and prayers, let alone find friends! It’s taken me decades just to establish our own culture again. Stars above, it’s been generations, and our kind is still learning how to naturally forge relationships not based on coin and profit!”
“But they are learning.”
The spectral gryphon’s reply made Tanzil sigh. “They are learning,” Tanzil repeated in confirmation. “But I can’t do this alone, Garret. Today was the heavy stone that cracked the foundation. If I can’t rely on the council, and my strength is failing, who can I turn to?”
The other gryphon chuckled, reaching over to place a set of claws on the distraught emperor’s shoulder. His grip wasn’t entirely tangible but felt slightly cool to touch.
“Tanzil Ironclaw, you’ve had feelings for the Princess for some time, and yet you haven’t learned one of the most important lessons that ponies can teach us,” Garret chuckled. “If your strength is failing, and the council is fracturing, trust in your friends, in the creatures that care about you. You have more than you think. I would argue you have, in a rudimentary sense, tens, no, hundreds of thousands of those such friends. You are loved by the creatures under your rule. I have never seen our people more united in both the praise of a ruler and finding their own purpose.”
Garret’s voice then became a bit graver.
“But if nothing else, Emperor Ironclaw, do what you must to secure the future of our people. You have tried to show our kind a better way. But perhaps they aren’t ready. Sometimes, your subjects don’t know what’s best; that is true. Other times, however, you must give the people what inspires hope and security, all while being prepared to learn from the past to build a better future.”
“And what if building that future requires rivers of blood?”
Garret’s eyes dropped to the floor, the gryphon sighing. “I wish I could refute your concerns of the council, but they have been acting erratic as of late. If there is a threat to the future of your people, then make sure you wield the sword in their defense and do so in righteousness, not in greed or the seeking of selfish power. That was one of my many undoing’s during my reign. You can do better. You already have.” He looked up, beak set in a firm, determined smile.
“You have my trust, Tanzil. And you have that of the people. Such a thing is not easily earned nor thrown aside. Go forward and do what you must.” Garret bowed his head with a sympathetic smile. “I sympathize with you, I really do. You may not have the close friends you desire, but you have a nation of creatures who want to see you succeed. If your strength fails, and your plans are dashed…rely on the strength of your subjects and of your friends.”
Astral yawned, the mare in his embrace giggling before she followed suit.
“Ugh. Now you have me yawning!” Sassi grumbled, scooting up a bit to nuzzle underneath Astral’s head. “But still, I’d say these times are worth it. Even if we are nocturnal.”
The two Thestrals were currently perched on their favorite hill overlooking both the rolling fields and the distant city. A large tree overshadowed them, and the sun had started to rise. It only happened once a week, but the rapid switch from day to night was eased with a slow, beautiful sunrise and sunset. It was one of the few official times Celestia and Luna continued their age-old duties. But it certainly made for quite the sight.
Astral and Sassi were exhausted, sure. But sacrificing a bit of sleep for their bi-weekly dates on this spot was worth it.
But that was the point, to visit this spot occasionally as they recovered. It was a barometer of sorts when the two of them could evaluate how well they were recovering when underneath the tree.
Of course, today, Astral had a specific topic for discussion.
Unwrapping one hoof from around Sassi (with a rather annoyed huff from the mare,) Astral fished around in a nearby saddlebag. He withdrew the desired item with a grin. To say he had been practicing was an understatement.
The braided vines circlet had an arrangement of pink and blue flowers on it, and the Thestral had gotten significantly better at braiding them since the Silos.
It also never failed to cause Sassi to smile and tear up. That alone made the hours of practice worth it.
Gently pushing Sassi back a bit as she looked at him, Astral held up the circlet for her to see. Her eyes flooded with tears, the mare sniffling as he gently set it on her head, brushing her adorable bangs off to the side.
He had plans for another one, but it was being forged by the royal blacksmiths in Canterlot. A beautiful circlet of silver, complete with flowers set with gems. The order had already been placed, of course. The Princess had offered to do it for free, but Astral refused. It didn’t feel right, not for this.
The Thestral’s thoughts flat-lined as Sassi gave him a kiss, the mare wrapping him up in a hug. Astral still didn’t believe that she hadn’t taken kissing classes. He’d never get tired of her soft lips on his.
She broke the kiss, gently reaching up to tap the circlet. “I love these. I wish they lasted longer.”
He could barely conceal a giggle at that and had to force his thoughts to not broadcast to the mare. Oh, there’d be a circlet that wouldn’t ever fade, just not yet. But soon. Very soon.
“Well, it just means I have to keep making them. And I’m getting better and better at it!” he proclaimed, Sassi smiling. Her lips then trembled, the mare sniffling.
“You know how much it means to me. So, thank you,” she whispered. Astral only nodded, hugging her close to snuggle up with his special somepony again. He hadn’t forgotten that moment in the Silos when Sassi had started to see herself as a pony.
“I did have something I wanted to talk to you about,” he admitted.
“Oh?”
“I’m going to speak with Flask today. About something rather important.”
Sassi froze, but she then immediately hugged him tighter.
“O-oh?” her voice squeaked.
“Yup. So, if I’m not in the city, that’s where I’m at. I have to keep some things pleasantly secret.”
She smiled, the mare looking up at him. Her expression then shifted into that of a rather smug smirk.
“Well, I’ve been thinking about visiting your parents for the same reason,” Sassi replied. She reached up and tapped his muzzle with a hoof before Astral could speak. “And I know it might go badly. Doesn’t matter. If they don’t want to talk to me, then fine. But I’ll have made the effort, and anything else is on them. Is that okay for me to do? I don’t want to make things more complicated than they already are.”
“You’re welcome to try and speak with them. It won’t make things worse at this point,” Astral said with a sigh, nuzzling her ears. “Thank you for at least making the effort. It means a lot.”
“Hey, you’re worth it.”
Sassi paused, listening to her stallion’s heartbeat with a happy smile. Maybe it was due to the RASP modifications, but she loved being able to be aware of every little touch, every subtle movement as he hugged her close.
She had no idea how to speak with his parents, only that it needed to happen. If nothing else, they deserved the courtesy of being informed.
“Y’know, I like how it’s not an “if” I’ll marry you. It’s a when,” Sassi mused as Astral began to chuckle.
“It does make it a bit easier. Less of a surprise. It’s really not a question in my mind. I guess we’ll figure out the whole “how long” later.”
“Well, we need to still recover. But not too long.”
Sassi couldn’t help but laugh at seeing the cheesy grin on Astral’s face as he pulled back, settling down to rest against her shoulder as they leaned on each other.
“Oh yes, not too long,” he admitted, his ears then flattening. The Thestral’s expression then darkened.
“Gabbro mentioned something that made me think. How he’d go nuts in our current situation. Which isn’t to say we haven’t needed an occasional cold shower. But…”
The mare at his side waited patiently, immediately clued in that this ran a bit deeper than a mere observation.
“The fact we have boundaries is weird to so many, but I’m glad we do,” Astral said softly. “Even if it doesn’t make sense to others, or myself at times. Just,” he looked over to Sassi, resting his forehead against hers. “I don’t want our first intimate moments to be an escape, a distraction. And right now, that’s what it’d be. So, I’m just thankful you’re okay with it.”
“I think that’s very sweet,” Sassi replied after a moment’s pause. “And I completely agree. I’m just happy you share my view about being married first as well. I know so many creatures think it’s outdated.”
“To be fair, Gabbro came around. He now thinks it’s very romantic. Kind of the whole “the old way is now cool” sort of thing.”
“Did he now?”
The two of them chuckled, Astral shrugging his wings. “I know that if we wait to be totally okay, our relationship won’t move forward,” he said softly. “So, it’s just getting over the initial hump. I’m going to be dealing with this trauma for the rest of my life. But I want to share that road with you in every way. So, not too long of an engagement.”
“That is one of the more romantic things you’ve said to date,” Sassi whispered, moving over to hug him, the sun now casting its rays on them. “And I agree. Not too fast, not too slow.” The city below began to slowly wake up. Sassi gave him a long kiss, a reassuring smile on her face.
“I guess this week is going to be a busy one?” she asked.
“Eyyyyyup.”
Oddly, Astral didn’t feel nervous. Not as much as he would have thought at least.
The Thestral was sitting outside of Flask’s home, the stallion having been given rather spacious accommodations. Considering he was under house arrest other than scheduled outings once a week, it could have been worse.
The door opened, and a guard nodded to Astral as he trotted in. There was an amusing bit of awe, whenever guards or creatures occasionally saw the Thestral. Understandable, but also misguided.
I can’t blame them for it. I’m some comic-book hero to many. What I’ve gone through isn’t really publishable…
Waiting in the carpeted entryway, Astral took a few deep breaths as he was led into a cozy living room lined with bookshelves and a softly-burning fire in the fireplace. That wasn’t the focus of today. Right now, a certain mare was on his mind. Hence the visit.
Perhaps that’s why I’m not nervous. It’s not a matter if we get married. I just would like Flask’s blessing.
Sassi’s question about visiting his parents had been a genuine surprise. He appreciated the gesture if nothing else. Maybe his boneheaded parents would at least acknowledge that much.
Nope. Can’t think about that. I’ll just get angry. And that’s far too easy nowadays.
Of course, the idea of proposing to Sassi erased any negative emotions. There were nerves, but not of if she’d say yes.
I just want it to be special.
“Hey, Astral!” Flask said, the orange earth pony shaking the Thestral’s hoof as the two settled down on some dark crimson cushions. The guards nodded, taking their leave and returning to their posts outside. “I appreciate the visit. It’s nice to have some conversation. The guards are warming up to me though,” the stallion admitted. “What can I do for you?”
“Well, I had a question for you, a rather important one,” Astral admitted. Flask’s ears perked up at that.
“Oh?”
“I’m going to ask Sassi to marry me,” the Thestral said, unable to stop himself from smiling. “And, if you’re willing, I’d like your blessing to do so.”
The earth pony stared, brown eyes starting to well up with tears.
“W-what?” he whispered. “I…” The stallion took a deep breath, struggling to compose himself. “I don’t understand. You’d marry her no matter what I say. I don’t understand why you’d want a blessing from someone like me. You shouldn’t want that, not after what I’ve done,” Flask said, his posture slumping as his brown eyes drifted to the floor.
“True, I don’t need permission or a blessing; we’d get married regardless,” Astral admitted. “But I want it, if you’re willing.”
Flask looked up at him, confusion, and a sliver of hope swimming in his eyes.
“Look, Flask. You did some horrid stuff. That’s on you. But in a world of suffering and pain, you tried to make Sassi’s life better. That was out of genuine love.” Astral then pointed to the stallion with a hoof. “That’s also on you. You saved her from a life of unimaginable agony and were there for her when nobody else was. You’re her father, and she loves you.” Tears began to stream from Flask’s eyes, the earth pony’s lips trembling.
“So, of course, I’d like your blessing,” Astral said, chuckling softly. “I mean, you’re also the reason I’m alive and were more of a parent to me for a few years than my own flesh and blood. I’d say between saving my life and keeping Sassi as safe and happy as you could, you’ve proven where your heart is.”
The older stallion across from Astral began to sob, his head hanging as struggled to try and speak. Despite both Astral and Sassi’s efforts, Flask obviously was struggling to see himself as anything but another horrible creature of the Stairway Company.
“I’m…I don’t deserve this,” Flask cried. “To be happy. To be there with both of you. I’m not a good pony, not even close!”
“Okay, but are you trying to be better?” Astral asked with a shrug, Flask looking up at him in surprise. The earth pony nodded firmly as he wiped his eyes.
“Then you’re doing better than most. I don’t hate you, and Sassi certainly doesn’t.” He paused, expression softening. “Flask, whether or not you feel like you deserve it...look, your daughter wants you there.”
Flask managed to compose himself, eyes wide in genuine surprise. “We’ve talked about what the ceremony would be like. Small, and simple.” Astral found the words catching in his throat, a warmth in his chest threatening to turn into tears. “Sassi wants her dad to be there for her when she gets married. Think you’ll be able to make it?”
Tears ran freely from the older stallion’s eyes. Flask got up and walked over to Astral. He held out a quivering hoof, Astral shaking it firmly.
“I’ll b-be there,” the earth pony said, struggling to stay composed. “And I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law, Astral. You have my blessing. And…” his words trailed off, Flask looking to the ground as he tried to prevent himself from crying again. “Thank you for making my daughter the happiest I’ve ever seen her,” He lifted his eyes, a genuine smile on his face. “I only ask that you continue to do so.”
“I promise. Thank you, Flask. Astral then wrapped the other stallion up in a warm hug, Flask letting out a choked laugh.
“Best. Day. Ever.”
Night had settled over Fillydelphia, and Sassi glided towards a large, residential home. It matched the occupants; minimalistic, and not too gaudy. The white home was lit on the outside with ornate lanterns, and a simple flag of the Night Guard flew in the yard.
This…would be interesting. From their brief interaction, Halberd Sentinel had been far more open than Edge, his wife. The Lieutenant had been, to say the least, extremely hostile towards Sassi when Astral had completely cut ties with them a few months ago.
And he had kept his word. Zero contact until Lieutenant Edge apologized for referring to Sassi as an “it.” It had hurt, but Astral had privately admitted not having any pressure to speak with them removed a massive weight from his life. They had no more influence; he had taken control.
She didn’t have high hopes, but the mare needed to try. Sassi knew she’d regret it forever if she didn’t give them a chance. And she had faced far more intimidating creatures.
Perhaps that’s another reason Edge also hates me. I’m not scared of her, and she has to earn my respect.
She landed, the minimalistic RASP armor on her frame having been buffed to a shine. This was one instance where having a sort of “uniform” would play in her favor.
With a final deep breath, the mare knocked and waited.
“Coming, coming. This early in the night?” a voice said.
The door opened, and a light-purple Thestral stared.
“Ah,” Halberd said with a blink. “Edge? Erm…”
“I’d like to speak with both of you. If you’re willing to listen,” Sassi said calmly.
“I don’t get surprised often,” Edge huffed, the dark violet mare trotting to the door. “So, congratulations on achieving that. What do you want?”
As pleasant as when we last talked.
“I’d like to speak with you about a very important matter regarding Astral if you’re willing to listen. Nothing more. I can say my brief piece, and leave. You’ll never see me again if you want.”
Edge paused, finally letting out a frustrated growl. She motioned for the armored mare to come inside. The Thestral gestured to the living room, the teal-painted home adorned with paraphernalia of all sorts. It was all related to the military of course. Medals, and ancient flags, but not in an overwhelming fashion.
In a different circumstance, Sassi would have found it fascinating.
Sitting on a plush carpet rather than the couch, Edge’s judging gaze scanned over Sassi as she did the same.
“Alright. What is it you want to say?” the Lieutenant huffed, Halberd staying silent.
“I’m here to inform you that I’m going to ask Astral to marry me. Well, assuming he doesn’t ask me first, which he probably will.”
Edge stared in utter shock, but Halberd’s lips curled up in the faintest of smiles.
“What?” the older mare hissed.
Sassi shrugged her wings casually, despite the venom in Edge’s tone. “You deserve to know as his parents. I’m not asking for your blessing or permission, because even though I’d appreciate it, I doubt you’d ever give the former based on our last conversation. And, to be blunt, Lieutenant, I don’t need the latter.” Her words drew an angry growl from Edge at that.
“But as a fellow soldier and his parents, you should know. You deserve that professional courtesy.”
Edge’s anger visibly cooled. Not entirely, more like the blast from a volcano to a forest fire. But it did lessen.
“I...suspected this would happen,” she muttered. “With what you did to-”
“I didn’t do anything to him!” Sassi interrupted. “All I did was listen and love him! And the more I listened, the more I realized what an incredible stallion your son is! Do you think I intended to fall in love with your son?” The mare took a deep breath, cooling her nerves as best she could.
Edge stared at Sassi in shock. Whether due to being interrupted or Sassi’s words, she didn’t know.
“I hope this entire conversation isn’t because you’re pregnant,” Edge said almost bitterly. Her eyes widened as Sassi abruptly laughed.
“What? No! We aren’t ever going to have kids. Don’t want to, and thankfully, neither of us medically can, for multiple reasons. You already know that after the RASP modifications.”
“Not have kids? I suppose that’s something you convinced him to avoid as well? With that treatment and all? A nice side effect?”
The genuine sadness in Sassi’s eyes and demeanor seemed to surprise Edge even further as she shook her head.
“He did all of that to save me. I wouldn’t ever try to change his mind on something as important and personal like kids,” Sassi said softly, then lifting her gaze. "But he never wanted them either. He tried to tell you that, but you didn’t listen. We haven’t even slept together. I don’t know why you’re so focused on that. I’d never try to manipulate him in any way. Especially like that.”
She shook her head, sitting up a bit straighter. “I just wanted to inform you of my intentions,” the mare continued firmly. “I just hope I can make your son as happy as he makes me. I don’t know if I can, because I’m far from perfect.” Despite Sassi’s best efforts, she heard her voice start to quiver with emotion. “But I’ll try my whole life to do so. I just want him to be happy. So, consider this my formal stating of intent to marry your son,” she looked up at Edge, an impassive mask on the mare’s face.
“I’m not asking to be friends. I’m simply stating it’d be nice to not be enemies,” Sassi said. “I’ve put my life on the line to protect Astral, and I’d do it again without hesitation. You’re a fellow soldier. However much of me did or didn’t come from a laboratory tube is irrelevant. The bonds that are forged in battle mean something. When the life of your friend is on the line, when the ones you love are threatened on the battlefield, fighting for that is something that can’t be broken. And I’ve fought many, many battles with your son.”
Sassi paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. “If you say that my words mean nothing, that the battles we have fought together are meaningless, I won’t believe you.”
She let out a breath. That was it. For the briefest moment, the mare thought that she saw a glint of respect in Edge’s eyes, a crack in the impassive expression.
“That’s all. You don’t have to like me or even think I’m a pony. You don’t have to ever accept me as a creature. I can live with that. I’ve lived with those types of creatures my entire life. I grew up with that mindset drilled into me as a foal. That I’m just an anomaly whose worth is measured in bits, and nothing else.” her words made Halberd physically recoil, and Edge’s anger seemed to have faded to an odd, masked indifference.
“But I’ll always be grateful for you raising Astral how you did. I wouldn’t trade him for the world. Your son showed me what it’s like to be loved and valued outside of what I was created to be.”
She stood up, walking a few steps to the side. “I’m sure I’ve interrupted your evening. I won’t keep you any longer.”
Halberd nodded, Edge then holding up a hoof. “I’ll…walk our guest to the door,” she said, a nod to her husband a signal enough for him to meander off.
Odd.
Edge opened the door, Sassi calmly trotting out and spreading her wings to leave.
That went better than expected.
“Wait.”
The mare turned around, Edge appearing visibly uncomfortable. For the first time, the Thestral looked at Sassi with unease in her eyes, genuine worry. The stern demeanor was gone, the mare looking genuinely unsettled.
“Is…Astral doing okay?” Edge asked with a trembling whisper, not able to meet Sassi’s gaze. “He’s never refused to talk to us before like this. No notes. Nothing. But he looked troubled in those interviews, the few he appeared on. I know what trauma looks like. I could see it in his eyes. It’s bad, isn’t it?”
Sassi was frozen for a moment. The shell of the Lieutenant had cracked; a caring mother started to shine through, in her own way.
So, there is a good pony underneath all that fear.
“He’s still healing mentally and physically,” Sassi said calmly, measuring her words carefully. “But he has bad days. He’s not as hardened as you or I. He saw and went through things in that place which hurt him, badly. The nightmares and panic attacks are often severe, and he’s still physically healing in addition to psychologically.”
It was for a moment, but Sassi saw Edge’s eyes dampen ever so slightly.
“He’s a sensitive stallion, and he never lost that. That alone makes him a far stronger pony than anyone would initially assume. He’ll get through this, but it’s a long road. I just wish I could help him more. I just…” Sassi took a deep breath, setting her jaw. “But he’s doing ok.”
Turmoil was written across every aspect of Edge’s character. Her previously ramrod demeanor was slouched, and her expression was torn between that of genuine worry and a mask desperately struggling to stay in place.
Sassi thought Edge was simply going to stare at her until she flew off, but the older mare finally spoke.
As the Thestral flew away, the Lieutenant closed the door, sitting down in their entryway.
“Well, that was…” Halberd said, words trailing off to sit next to his wife. “Edge?”
“Am I a bad mother?”
The stallion’s eyes widened in shock, Edge looking at him with desperate sincerity.
“No,” he said firmly, the mare’s shoulders relaxing. “But I think we both fear what we can’t understand, and that has caused us to not look at what makes Astral happy. And while I don’t understand what Sassi is, I do understand that she cares a lot for our son. I do think we’ve made some serious mistakes,” the stallion took a breath, letting it out slowly. “We wanted what was best for Astral. But I think we got lost in what was best for us.”
“Astral is in trouble, Halberd,” Edge whispered, the previously stoic mare hanging her head as her shoulders began to shake. “Sassi told me as such. It’s so much worse than she said. I could see it in her eyes. Our son is in pain, and even that mare wants to help him! She wants him to be happy, to help him. But what are we doing?” she paused, eyes widening in genuine horror. “What am I doing?”
Halberd placed a caring hoof on Edge’s back, the mare leaning over to rest against his shoulder for a few moments.
“I…” she abruptly moved away, head shaking. “I need to think.”
As she retreated to her study, Halberd couldn’t resist a loving, knowing smile.
So, I'm at a bit of an impasse, and thought I'd share my thoughts; a bit of a stream of consciousness that hopefully makes sense.
A recent comment on SL-5 prompted me to think things over, and honestly, I can't thank them enough for it. Due to life circumstances, updates to this story have been sporadic (obviously,) and the comment also caused me to think about, or rather, accept a few things about this story.
I've got a significant portion written, 200 pages in a word document to be precise. And yet, there's an underlying problem with it all.
While yes, there's not much motivation on my part right now, that's due to multiple factors. I've got a bunch of other RL projects I am working on. That actually includes getting the first of an entire series of books ready for formal beta-reading, editing, and publishing, which takes priority over FimFiction stuff, but that's not the entirety of it.
What I realized, is that I want to, and need to shift gears.
SL-5, and the "Radverse" Series in general was a fantastic journey and a blast to write; I also learned a ton from it! However, SL-5 had a lot of problems, mainly stemming from me not planning ahead and building up various things, or having certain arcs drag on far too long. Stakes were raised more and more, and without proper background, it just became fragmented. Which, to be fair, makes sense. The original trilogy that influenced this one (Timeless, Sunspots, Cure for a Toxin,) was meant to be self contained. As the stories have progressed, so have the stakes and scope been raised and elevated. I've stayed with the similar universe and characters for a long, long time over multiple stories. The "Radverse", if you will.
What I really enjoyed from this comment was that they noticed things started to fall apart as soon as those stakes and overall scope was increased; and they were right. I can write high-stakes and extremely powerful creatures, but it needs to be planned out to avoid the pitfalls of just being more "high stakes, more power, more EVERYTHING" for the sake of tension. And that planning wasn't there from the start, and I tried my best to fill in the gaps as I went, with obviously mixed results.
Which comes to the impasse with this story.
I know how I'd want this story to continue to go; I've written a good amount and have an outline. But that's just it though- it would be more of the same. It'd be a fun romp, to be sure. But there's nothing that new about it compared to SL-5, not in the same way that SL-5 introduced things. This story has action, romance, freaky creatures, sure. But the more I've thought about it, the more I've realized it's a re-blended SL-5, and is starting to show some of the same failings. And that's not terribly fun to write, nor to read.
I want to put things out for people to read that I have fun writing. If I don't have fun writing it, it's likely not going to be terribly fun to read. And there's some more ideas that I've already got 30+ pages written in that take a new direction, and one that would involve the readers as well! (Such as voting/commenting on events to occur in the next chapter or two.)
And I'd love to get started on that. But, I don't want to just cancel this story and say that's it.
There's very few, if any stories I leave unfinished on this platform. But this might be the one. So, I leave it to the comments to decide how you'd like me to proceed. I can stop the chapters now, or I can publish what I have up to the decent stopping point, and mark the story as complete at that good point- which is about 12 chapters from here. (There's more I've written after that, but there isn't a good stopping point.) It'd naturally be a cliffhanger in some respects, but it also would serve as a nice and satisfying conclusion in other respects. I assume that's what people would want, but I wanted to make sure, as the adage for "he who assumes" holds true.
So, I'm curious on your thoughts on all of this. It has been a bit of a crazy few weeks over here, and while this is more of a journal, it's applicable to this story, hence why I'm publishing it as a chapter.
The two potential stories to be next would be these; and I'm curious if either sound more or less interesting. I'm leaning towards the first, but both have very different settings and characters.
The Frost: (A good number of comment-driven chapters/arcs are planned.) Alloy Aegis started at the bottom. No parents, no money, and no chance of being anything but one of 'those pony orphans' in a big city with a non-pony majority. At last, after years of grinding labor, he had finally secured a well-paying job as a fabrication technician. Life was good, and he even had a date!
Sure, there were rumors of a harsh winter, but everyone dismissed that as fearful gossip. Surely that's all it was...right?
Four words hidden within a job contract made Alloy wonder if all was what it seemed. They loomed far more threatening than the storm-clouds on the horizon.
"Save who you can."
The truth of the disaster hit his life as fast as the frost did. When the lights go out, Alloy is shown what the cost of survival truly is.
How much will you give when hope freezes over? What will it take to thaw both physical walls of ice, and the frost that settles into the hearts of all survivors?
Beneath the Clouds: (Few, if any comment-driven chapters/arcs planned.) Equus is a hazardous wasteland. After decades of environmental pollution from the powerful Flim Flam corporation and multiple magical mishaps, a world once inhabited by ponies, kirins, gryphons, and more, is now utterly toxic to all life. In their desperate flight to an orbiting space station, the survivors of the exodus picked up a viral hitchhiker which now sickens much of the previously-healthy population.
Fern Lopper is the next in the line of dozens of scouts sent to the surface to prepare for another large-scale expedition. No family, few friends, a broad skillset, and thus the perfect candidate to secure a new landing site.
His life expectancy? Measured in days. The dangers? Too many to count. The local flora? Usually deadly to the touch. Command assured the stallion that he was the only intelligent creature on the entire planet. He was completely alone.
For Fern’s sake, it’s a good thing they were wrong.
The cozy atmosphere of the bar shifted as the night fell. While other establishments would become rowdy and obnoxious, this one changed to a more mellow tone. It was a place to get a few drinks, yes. But it was also known to those in the nightlife as the restaurant to snag delicious food, rain or shine, day or night. And tonight was, to many, a dreary one. A drizzle of rain fell outside, the streetlamps illuminating the droplets as they fell.
Arcane loved it.
The stallion relaxed in a secluded chair, the general disguise on his figure good enough for a casual glance. He wasn’t here for the booze or the food. Well, perhaps some of the latter at a later time. Instead, he just wanted to hear some conversations and see normal creatures. He didn’t usually venture out this late, so this would be interesting.
Just a bit of creature-watching, as it were. A book on meditation was an additional distraction as well.
He thanked the waitress, a young unicorn mare, as she refilled his water.
Sure, he could have created a meal for himself or even cooked a different dish at home. But the point was to be out among creatures, and food created with magic didn’t taste the same.
It was a simple pastime, and it helped him feel normal. Even if it was just for a moment.
Nilli drew the cloak around her tighter, the tired gryphoness meandering into the restaurant. She wanted to sleep, but that wouldn’t come for many hours. A headache throbbed in her temples, and a slight shiver ran through her lithe frame.
Waking up from a nap with a nameless, formless nightmare wasn’t on the gryphoness’s plans, nor was the dreary atmosphere that soaked her feathers. She had half a mind to stay indoors, but her stomach demanded hot, restaurant-quality food.
This was the only place she could get the salmon seared the perfect way, after all.
She meandered into the sparsely-populated restaurant with a huff, shaking her cloak off as Cream Jug, the unicorn bartender, waved to her.
“Hey, Nilli! The usual?” the bartender asked.
“Yep. And some of that hot chocolate. Load it up with whipped cream too.”
“On it!”
Cream was one of the few creatures that Nilli had found that recognized her from her career. But he hadn’t breathed a word to a single creature, the loyal stallion having completely understood her predicament.
Of course, it also helped that Cream’s coltfriend was a total fan of Nilli’s work, and the protective Pegasus had nearly had blown a gasket when learning about her reasons for moving. She didn’t know the pair well, but they were nice enough to respect her desire to be incognito. And they were friendly despite her initially prickly demeanor. She had learned that was worth quite a bit nowadays.
The gryphoness relaxed on the chair, leaning over the counter with an exhausted sigh. These days were becoming more common, insomnia digging into her emotional and mental reservoirs which were in drought conditions on a good day.
“Long day?” a voice called out from behind her. The gryphoness let out a huff, too tired to turn around. The voice was from a booth that looked away from her. Unless the creature was turning around, they wouldn’t see her, and vice versa. Even if they did see her, the cloak covered almost the entire gryphoness.
“You could say that,” she replied. “You?” the gryphoness half-expected it to be someone who recognized her even with the cloak. That was the last thing she needed; it was one of the reasons she moved around far outside of the Gryphon lands.
Wouldn’t that fit my mood? I’ll throw them through a window if I have to.
“Long-ish day. Not too bad myself. A pity the tension that’s everywhere can’t be bottled and sold as a soda. It’d probably be a hit.”
As the creature talked, Nilliana couldn’t help but recognize the voice from somewhere. It was a male, as far as she could tell. It also seemed a bit distorted, but her magical senses didn’t pick up anything. There simply wasn’t anything magical about the creature behind her at the table. It was about as bland of a signature as could be. A unicorn perhaps?
She didn’t mind. It was oddly nice to talk to someone without having to look at them. Just two nameless creatures in a bar. Her usual prickly barriers were muted; no reason to be antagonistic here.
“Is the hot chocolate good here? I may snag some of that,” the creature mused, Nilli nodding.
“I come here for the salmon and hot chocolate. So, I’d suggest it.”
“Well, in that case, I’ll take an order!”
The bartender waved in affirmative, Nilli shaking her head.
“You’re quite the chatty one.”
She could almost sense the physical wince from the creature. “Sorry. I’ve not had the chance to speak with creatures for a while. Still getting used to it. Talking, that is.”
That’s a loaded sentence if I’ve ever heard one.
“Fair enough. I’m too tired to care if I’m being honest. I doubt you come here for the conversation. Or is it the booze?”
There was an audible “yuck” from the creature, animated enough to have a smile twitch at Nilli’s beak.
“Neither. I find it a nice place to read and just get the general flow of the public. I’m not a drinker. Never will be. I’ve seen too many creatures do bad things when they get a few bottles in them.”
There was an odd weight to the creature’s words as if they were forcing themselves to censor words unsaid.
“Well, at least we can drink hot chocolate as a toast to that,” Nilli said, taking the steaming beverage and sipping at it. “I won’t touch the stuff. I’ve had to break quite a few gryphon’s beaks for not understanding what “back off,” means, and countless others decided to try and win me over after downing a few shots.”
“Not a fan of drunken soliloquies?”
That drew a snort from Nilli, along with the ghost of a smile. It had been a while since a stranger had said something that nearly made the gryphoness laugh.
“Pretty sure a bunch of puckwudgies banging on a typewriter would produce better pick-up lines than those idiots. I moved away to get as far from that stuff as possible.”
She hadn’t meant to say that out loud, but not sleeping for more than a few hours for a week had worn the gryphoness’s mental barriers to a hair.
“Sounds frustrating,” the voice said. “I’m sorry to hear that, for whatever a stranger’s sympathy is worth.”
“It’s worth more than some,” Nilli huffed, shaking her head. “I’d rather be a stranger to most, honestly. The attention is exhausting. And I don’t say that to brag.”
“I can somewhat relate,” the voice said softly. “Not completely, but it’s why I come here. It’s nice to be just another face in the crowd.”
“A celebrity? Or just another creature running?” the gryphoness mused. “Huh. Well, what are you running from then, fame?” she then waved a set of claws in the air. “Nah. Too personal. Sorry I asked.”
The voice didn’t respond immediately, but Nilli’s sharp hearing picked up a shaky intake of breath, the creature letting it out slowly.
“Some things always catch you. Doesn’t matter how far you run,” the voice said. “I don’t get to escape it. I have to learn how to deal with it. That involves learning how to talk to creatures again.” A mirthless chuckle left their mouth. “So, sorry if I talk your ears off. Feel free to tell me to shut it. I won’t mind.”
“Nah. You’re good. I haven’t shot the breeze with someone in…” her voice drifted off, and Nilli’s ears flattened. “A long time. I can do with some mindless chatter, no offense.”
“None taken.” The voice paused. “What do most creatures talk about in a bar? I haven’t spent enough time during other hours to know.”
The innocent question made Nilli snort in amusement. Quite the sheltered creature, this one.
She envied them.
“Depends on the time of day. Booze, mates, sex, politics, money, basically anything that isn’t usually discussed at a family dinner,” the gryphoness said with a tired huff. “That sort of thing.”
“That sounds interesting at least. Live entertainment if nothing else.”
Nilliana chuckled, taking a bite of the seared salmon with a satisfied hum. Whoever this creature was, they provided the exact balance of conversation she didn’t mind. The type that didn’t require a lot of thinking, but wasn’t entirely mindless. Perfect for a sleep-deprived and headache-ridden gryphoness. She didn’t have to be on guard as much.
“Oh, very interesting. Don’t get me started on creatures trying to pick up stallions, hens, mares, whoever. Sometimes it works, other times it’s free entertainment. It’s fun to watch until it’s you in the crosshairs.” Her tone was far more bitter than originally intended, the gryphoness then turning to her meal. To the other creature’s credit, he didn’t immediately respond.
“Ah. Hence the moving? This is a big city, but a fairly new one at that.”
“Your levels of perception are astounding,” Nilli replied with a bit more sarcastic of a snort than she intended. “But more or less. I’d like to think this is the place I can settle down, but we’ll see. Only been here a few months.”
“Well, I can safely say there’s one creature who has no idea who you are,” the voice said with a chuckle. “Pony, kirin, gryphon, not a clue. And I suppose there’s a nice comfort in that. I don’t really care who someone is, as long as they’re kind.” A soft laugh echoed from behind the gryphoness. “Sounds so childish. But sometimes the simplest approach is the correct one.”
“Well, aren’t you quite the philosopher,” Nilli said with a soft laugh. “Wouldn’t expect to find your type at a restaurant this late.”
“Eh. I don’t have a normal sleep schedule,” the creature admitted.
“Well, as an insomniac myself, welcome to the club.”
An amused hum was the creature’s reply, the two of them delving into their various foods. The fact they ate salmon was a clue to Nilli- that meant not a pony. Or at least one who was far more adventurous than most. Judging from the lack of gagging, the stranger wasn’t a pony; they couldn’t have eaten an entire salmon meal straight-faced.
Funny enough, she didn’t care who they were. Well, not at this moment. But for the future, she was curious indeed.
“Alright, here’s a question for you, faceless stranger,” Nilli asked, having finished her meal. “What’s something you’d never say to a pony? Or a hippogriff? Or whatever society you grew up with?”
The voice chuckled; it was a rather pleasant sound. It had a deep, genuine tone to it, but not to the point of being obnoxious.
“An appropriate question between strangers I suppose. Alright. My answer fits the current setting, from what you described.”
“Oh?”
Another chuckle, a soft sigh echoing out. “Well, I’m far more at ease around predators such as gryphons, rather than creatures similar to myself,” the voice said softly. “That includes romantic interest and generally writes off almost all ponies. No offense, if applicable.”
So. He’s a pony or a kirin then? Maybe hippogriffs, but they’re less predatory.
“None taken. But that doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. Not with all the integration and travel back and forth nowadays. Plenty of creatures have preferred company.” Nilli mused, rather happy to discuss the topic as long as it wasn’t focused on her.
It was a bit refreshing.
“Oh, it isn’t that a big deal to many,” the creature admitted. “But I…scare creatures.”
“Oh? Big, scary philosopher? Color me surprised.”
Another chuckle, but this one had a darker undertone that abruptly made Nilli’s hackles prickle. And then it was gone. A definite tinge of sadness was in the air.
“I don’t know you, and you certainly don’t know me. Maybe that’s for the best,” the voice said, its tone rather soft and melancholy. “It’s hard to relate to creatures like ponies when their worst fears are having a rain storm ruin their manes, or the power shutting off for a day and ruining a single meal. By and large, they know nothing of-” The creature stopped talking, and Nilli could have sworn she heard the gritting of teeth. “Sorry. That turned into a rant.”
“Eh. A valid one I suppose,” Nilli mused. “Most creatures, ponies especially, are soft, but they can teach those of us who lack their friendship and life-is-good structure of living. Pleasant, but not in overwhelming doses.” She then let out a chuckle, draining her hot chocolate mug. “Eh. You don’t seem that bad. Besides, not like you’ve killed anyone.”
The following pause was the definition of an awkward silence. She almost missed it, but her sensitive hearing picked up a very long, slow exhale of breath.
“Ah,” Nilliana finally said calmly. Despite her casual tone, a dozen defensive spells began to creep along her frame. For a split second, she felt like prey, rather than the predator.
Out late at night, alone. Of course. I should have seen the red flags. I was stupid for letting my guard down. I never can. I should have learned that by now.
The bartender had a few emergency options, that much Nilli knew when he ran off a few drunken idiots every month with a metal baseball bat.
Somehow, the gryphoness didn’t think that’d do much good. Her spells could bring down an airship, she knew that much. So, unless this guy was something the Elements of Harmony should be dealing with, she could handle him. All she had to do was-
“And that’s the reason why I don’t usually talk to creatures. Something always slips out. You won’t need those spells. I’ll leave.” The soft voice abruptly cut off Nilliana’s frantic thoughts. It sounded almost like the creature was near tears; quivering and scared.
“I can’t even pretend to be normal for long. I just don’t want to be feared,” the voice said, struggling to keep an even tone. “But I’m so tired of lies.”
The creature got up, hugging the isle opposite Nilli. Whoever they were, they were making an active effort to stay as far away from the on-edge gryphoness as possible. She hadn’t even done anything yet other than have her spells on a hair-trigger. Detecting her efforts would require significant skill in mage-craft indeed.
The creature neared the door, and a heavy sack of coins gently landed on the counter as the barkeep stared.
“Sorry for ruining your evening. That’s the bill and a tip.”
“Now wait just a-” Nilli began with a bit of a snarl, turning to look.
They were gone. There wasn’t the sound or signature of a teleportation spell either. The creature may as well have never been there in the first place.
“Ok, who in the world was that, Cream?” Nilli asked, rounding on the shocked unicorn. The barkeeper staring.
“Uh, I have no idea.”
“What, he’s never been here before?”
“No, it’s the same guy. He’s just different every single time,” the waitress piped up, the mare sitting down with a conflicted expression. “Sometimes he’s a pony or a gryphon. Other times a kirin or hippogriff. But he always acts the same, so it’s easy to know it’s him. He’s always really nice though, if not a bit chatty. Just orders non-alcoholic drinks, and various meals. He sits in a corner booth and reads. Sometimes seems to be napping or just listening. His tips are beyond generous too. I didn’t think he was unhinged or anything.”
Nilli let out a frustrated grunt, her head shaking. “Well, that doesn’t add up. A changeling perhaps? But there’s some crazy-powerful magic at work here. I should have been able to sense it. But there’s nothing, not even a spark.”
“Do you want me to ban him from the place?” Cream asked cautiously.
“No. That’s-he didn’t do anything. Just sounded like he was dealing with some stuff,” Nilli said. “He just sounded like he was dealing with some stuff. And quite frankly, I know you’ve entertained sketchier company than him.”
“Fair.”
The gryphoness ordered a dessert, her mind musing over what had just transpired.
Who in the world was that?!
The unicorn tottered on his hooves, his limbs trembling. Slumping down with a *thud* on the living room floor, Arcane tried futilely to wipe away the tears streaming from his eyes.
Stupid.
He couldn’t escape it. There was always something. A sentence, a mannerism, something always gave away his tortured past and inexperience with society. He could change his form, his voice, everything that creatures could see, smell, or touch.
But he couldn’t change what was underneath. He couldn’t change him.
It ate into the unicorn’s mind. The memories and horror eagerly pounced upon the weakness, threatening to overwhelm him. It was so hard to not monologue, to engage in small talk.
Fluttershy was trying to help. But when nobody listened to you for fifteen years, it was an almost desperate, gripping fear that you’d never be heard again. And so, the words just ran out of his mouth. It was a difficult mindset to break.
But, as in the past, when the memories and trauma were overwhelming, Arcane did the only thing he knew would help.
Chaos. Give me someone to help.
In his city, a spinning wheel rotated around franticly. Eventually, it settled on a random event, and a portal opened in front of Arcane. A single word guided him as he jumped in.
“Save.”
Jumping into an alleyway, Arcane looked around. It was a large city, darkness shrouding every nook and cranny off of the main street.
A group of ten ponies stared at him in response; all stallions. A terrified squeak then made him turn, and Arcane saw two young mares cowering against the dead-end of the alley. They had been crying and running. Makeup ran down their face as they struggled to catch their breath. A young stallion was wheezing next to them, his face bloodied as he struggled to stay awake.
“What the- who are you?” one of the stallions barked. “Take a hike!”
Arcane saw them wearing matching bracelets and headbands; gang identification. A simple orange color, with some sort of markings on them. A few of the ponies were holding rope…
And the leader had a teleportation crystal on them. It was pre-charged to take a large group to a warehouse in the city industrial area.
They’re trying to take them.
A simple spell confirmed the basest emotional intentions of the group.
Lust. Greed.
“Oi! Are you deaf? This doesn’t concern you! Last chance. Get lost!”
Arcane snarled, his form convulsing as the concealment spell from the bar shattered. Arm-like tendrils sprouted from his back, the unicorn’s multicolored eyes erupting with a crimson glow.
“And if I don’t?” Arcane growled, fangs showing as he stared down the group. Three of the stallions turned and ran, the rest of the group freezing.
“It’s t-the chaos monster. Run!” a younger earth pony stammered, abruptly scampering away in terror.
“Oh, that do-gooder. I’ve seen the news,” the leader huffed, “so, what? You’re here to ruin our fun and business? All this for these two? Is it really worth the effort for these two nobodies?”
Shadowy streamers of magic abruptly yanked the stallion and his two closest lackeys off of their hooves, slamming the would-be assailants into a wall. Arcane’s form stretched to fill the alleyway, the rest of the group dashing away.
“Nobodies?” Arcane growled, liquid flames dripping from his mouth as he stared down the stallion. “I’m just a nobody!”
Anger was easy. This situation was simple. Black and white. Good and evil. There wasn’t room for memories. For pain. There was only a singular purpose.
Send a message.
Only once the ponies began to blubber in horror did Arcane let them go, the stallions slumping to the ground. A simple flare of magic created three recording crystals. The chaos unicorn affixed each one to the chests of the three terrified stallions.
Monologues were silly and embarrassing in normal conversations. But with villains? Oh, how they worked. Equestria’s underworld practically ran on the stuff.
Arcane was happy to oblige, especially to a rapt audience. He hadn’t been listened to for fifteen years. More than a decade of his cries and pleas had gone unanswered.
Now, he could command the attention of creatures, of those who needed to hear him. He would demand it.
“These will drop off once you meet with your boss. Whoever that is, they will then send them to every backwater group they know of,” Arcane growled. His two eyes were affixed on the recording crystals, but a third sprouted from his chest and stayed locked onto the mortified stallions.
His magic lifted the heads of the terrified creatures. “I don’t know what group you are, but either you didn’t get the memo about who is watching for you types, or you don’t care. I hope it’s the former. I’ve visited every single province and every capital, but maybe my message hasn’t reached you yet. These lackeys of yours are being unharmed to deliver this message. And they’ll do so promptly. Isn’t that right?”
A simple, terrified nod was their reply.
“Very good. If you don’t believe me, then ask what happened to the creatures running a trafficking ring in Manehatten. They’ll tell you, if their teeth and bones have grown back by now. So, listen closely. I don’t report to anyone. I’m not some royal guard or police pony. Creatures need help, and I show up. I’m not a hero with some sacred code, and I’m certainly not the Elements of Harmony who will blast you with rainbows,” Arcane leaned closer, glaring at the crystal. His gaze then shifted to look at the ponies. “Do you know what that makes me? Yes, or no?”
“N-no?”
“Then let me explain to you, your boss, and every single trafficker or creature who preys on others. Because eventually, every one of you types will hear this message,” Arcane hissed, burning tears dripping from his eyes.
“What it makes me, is the monster under your bed,” the chaos unicorn growled. “Everyone has those days. The times the closet door opens just a hair and you see something moving inside. The feeling that you didn’t lock the door, but you really should have. I’m that shadow in the mirror, the reason you hear a floorboard squeak. I’m that flicker of movement in the corner of your eye just before you turn the lights out.
Whoever is listening to this message, I will make this very clear. If you make a living out of harming others, out of preying on the nobodies, I’ll find you. And when I do, I will break you.”
The unicorn’s eyes bored into the terrified ponies, and then shifted to look at the crystal, and whoever would be watching.
“You have until we meet to turn your lives around. When I find you, and I will, you’re going to have one chance to convince me that you’re mending your ways. And creatures like you are going to need all the time you can salvage. So, start running.”
His fangs parted into a horrifying, eager smile. “Tick tock…”
With a simple heave, the unicorn sent the ponies flying out of the alleyway and into the street. Bruised, but unharmed.
Arcane’s form flickered, the unicorn taking a few deep breaths. Considering their intentions, he had gone easy on them.
They deserved worse. I’ll wipe slavery out of every single city block by block if I have to!
As an afterthought, he tapped into the crystals the three panicking lackeys were carrying. The new spell was simple. A temporary, shadow-induced hallucination for whoever was close by when they reached their destination. The entire criminal group would literally be seeing movement in the shadows for days, and no innocent creatures would be affected.
Chaos magic was helpful like that. Targeting only who he wanted. Those who sought to put others in chains. It was a sore spot, for obvious reasons. Creatures who traffic others for sick goals. He wouldn’t kill them, not unless there was no other choice.
But oh, how Arcane wanted to! Arcane knew what it felt like to be tied up and locked in a dark room. To be used. To be trapped. The rage began to bubble again. The memories. The fear. The mindless terror as-
“S-sir?”
Arcane’s thoughts flatlined, one of the mares carefully approaching him.
“T-thank…” she stammered, abruptly leaning forward and hugging the stallion tightly as she bawled into his chest.
He tentatively placed a hoof on her shoulder- nothing more. The other mare helped the wounded stallion up, Arcane’s magic sparking to life.
Fractured bones. Bruising. Risky to heal.
Arcane didn’t dare try to heal a living creature, not yet. He could, but it required a lot more focus than the stallion currently had available. A spell for the pain was simple enough, and the stallion let out a sigh of relief almost immediately.
“Do you two have somewhere you can go?” he asked. “Your friend needs to get to a hospital.”
The mare pulled back from his hug, nodding. “Our mom’s place is just down the street,” she said, looking up at him. “I k-knew she wasn’t lying. T-thank you.”
The stallion managed to stand on his hooves, nursing a swollen face. “They jumped us,” he mumbled, swaying on his hooves. “Without you, they’d have…” a few tears trickled from his eyes. “You’re the chaos pony saving creatures, right?” he asked. “You saved our mom two months ago. That train derailment. I can’t thank- just-” words failed the stallion, the young colt trying to hold back more tears. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Arcane managed to say, an odd, pleasant numbness in his chest. “This one’s on the house.”
The stallion managed a weak chuckle as the trio trotted off, and the unicorn was left alone in the alleyway. Looking down at his form as light flickered across the walls, Arcane’s brown furrowed at seeing his usually black magic shining a bright golden.
Huh.
The numbness in his chest had spread into a comforting warmth. The golden tendrils spiraled around his body like spider threads floating on a breeze.
It was beautiful.
Gathering himself up into a crouch, the unicorn jumped. The cobblestones melted instantly, reforming back to normal as the pony tore through the sky, a golden trail marking his path.
Sometimes, he didn’t feel like a monster. Maybe in time, Arcane could believe it.
Birthdays weren’t something she had ever really celebrated that much, but Flask had always made the occasion at least a bit pleasant. Astral’s family hadn’t made a huge deal of it either.
But as his special somepony, Sassi wasn’t about to let today pass by without a simple gift. Sure, they’d have some cake later. But that wasn’t the focus.
The day had been fairly standard; relaxing with Astral and watching a movie or two. He must have suspected something, but little did he know Sassi had planned this for a good month or two.
Thankfully, a certain purple alicorn owed her. Well, sort of. There weren’t too many strings to pull for this.
“Ok, Sas. What’s going on?” Astral sighed as he was led into the Observatory. The massive telescope was shut down, and the fairly vast space was partitioned off into various study areas for work and, occasionally, tours put on by the stallion.
“What’s going on, is your present. You didn’t think we’d just have some cake, did you?”
“If you wanted to kiss me blindfolded, I wouldn’t complain,” the stallion mused. “Or are we saving the blindfolds for later?”
Sassi gave him a shove, the stallion catching himself and cackling.
“Do I need to get a spray bottle?”
He made a zipping motion with his hoof, then stood still as Sassi gently pressed against his chest with a shoulder.
“Alright. Ooooone second,” she said, rummaging through a pile of innocent cardboard boxes. The gift wasn’t hidden in them, of course, but the large safe in the floor under said boxes.
She pulled out the wrapped item; a thick square about the width and breadth of a nightstand.
“Alright! You can take it off.”
Astral did so, blinking as he looked at Sassi. She was concealing her excitement rather poorly.
“Aww, a square? You shouldn’t have,” he chuckled, the mare rolling her eyes.
“Oh, just open it!”
Carefully setting the item down, Astral slowly undid the pine-needle patterned wrapping paper. “Oooooh what is this?” he muttered, seeing a picture of some stars starting to be revealed. “This looks…wait.”
His eyes darted down to the bottom of the picture frame, the Thestral all but tearing off the wrapping paper with a flurry of motions.
“S-sas?” Astral whispered, eyes locked onto the baseplate of the framed photograph. “W-what is this?”
“You’re the first outside of the science team and the Princess to get a look,” Sassi said with a wide grin. “That is the first set of high-resolution photos from the Bubble Space Telescope, Mark 2. They focused on a specific part of the sky where there wasn’t anything visible like the old model did. There’s a digital frame in there too. You just need to promise not to show it to anyone else until they officially release it next month. I haven’t seen it, actually.”
Scooting over to sit at Astral’s side, Sassi saw his forelimbs shaking as he gently propped up the massive photograph. The mare couldn’t help but gasp; innumerable dots spread out across the black expanse.
“There’s…so many stars,” she whispered, a familiar feeling creeping into her chest. “It’s like that video you showed me. But there’s so many!”
The stallion at her side began to cry, gesturing to the image with a shaking hoof.
“Not stars, Sas,” he whispered. “Galaxies.”
The mare’s jaw dropped, and Astral gently retrieved the smaller digital frame from the package. He pressed the crystal and electronic datapad, eyes widening as he saw a few options. His hoof tapped one of the small buttons, and the room immediately brightened.
Spread out above the two Thestrals, thousands of galaxies spun around them; a rendering of the new photograph.
Tears ran down Astral’s face as the Thestral looked around in wonder, his hoof tightly grasping Sassi’s. After a few moments, he pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss that made the mare’s wings flare. Parting briefly, she had barely taken a breath before he kissed her again, this time a gentle, chaste gesture as he gently held her hoof.
Pulling back, Astral reached up to gently rest a hoof against Sassi’s cheek, a wide smile on his face.
“Thank you, Sassi,” he whispered, pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you so much.”
“Happy birthday, Astral.”
The stallion didn’t try to stem the tears that flowed down his cheeks. Sassi hugged him close, the two of them cuddling next to each other as they continued to look at the galaxies whirling above them.
As Astral gazed on both the stars, and the love of his life, a single thought cemented itself in his mind.
He knew exactly how to ask Sassi to marry him.
“The second mysterious death continues to baffle local authorities. The only identifiable markings from the body were dental records and DNA samples. As with the prior victim, a suspected cause is an illicit spell matrix…”
Sassi shook her head as she walked out of the shop.
Another death?
Such things were rare in Equestria. Less so in the Gryphon Empire. But this was just…odd. Then again, a magical spell could easily liquefy a body if it was tuned wrong. And with crystal matrices being used in everything from electrical power to recording a song, there were bound to be weird events.
She knew it was being investigated, and that every abnormality didn’t mean a worse-case scenario. Yet it still made her fur prickle.
Ugh.
It was one of many reasons she and Astral had been training. They had enrolled in multiple tactical courses, learning how to work together in a more formal structure. Sassi already knew the basics from the Silo and their training programs, and Astral had his experience as a guard. But having to run courses in a more formal setting let them iron out the kinks, learning how each of their styles blended.
Astral had been unsettled, but he had pushed through it- he had wanted to push through. He knew that to ignore it all would just make it worse. And sure enough, after the first few weeks, the two of them were tearing through the combat courses like butter. It was liberating to have Astral know how she’s act in a combat situation outside of the Silos. If she swung a gun to the left, he knew to move- and vice versa.
She had also learned his affinity for long-ranged engagements, as well as how he used the shotgun side saddles. Yes, they had fought together in the Silos. But there was a big difference between close-quarters combat against a horde, and pretty much every other engagement.
Now, they took a day-long course every week or two just for fun. Somehow, it just brought them closer.
We’ll get through this.
Meandering into a shop, Sassi immediately grinned at seeing her stallion browsing the shelves. It was an old antique store, the building joined with a more modern business front. But, like in many cases, the interesting stuff was in the back.
“Concealment spell ran out?” Astral asked, his own armored form shrugging.
“Yep. But eh, creatures are going to have to get used to us. And Twilight telling them to leave us alone carries some weight,” Sassi mused. “Find anything neat?”
He held up an item, and the mare’s face immediately lit up.
“And that’s yet another reason I love you,” Astral chuckled. “I hold up an antique bayonet, and you smile.
She gave his shoulder a bump, not able to resist a giggle.
“Love you too,” the mare added, looking at the knife a bit closer. “It’s a third generation of this type, I think. The markings are a bit worn though.”
“Indeed. You’re spot on. It’s about four decades old, third generation,” a gentle voice chimed in.
A large blue and grey stallion walked over, white mane making his yellow eyes stand out from behind some spectacles.
“Sorry to intrude. But it’s rare I get visitors who both are interested in the items and know what they’re talking about,” the stallion said with a friendly nod. “Dusty Gear; I’m the owner of the shop. Been in my family for generations.”
“Well, it’s quite a lovely one,” Sassi said kindly. “I’m a bit of a military-minded mare myself.”
Dusty chuckled, waving a hoof at a rather old television crackling away in the corner.
“I imagine so! I’ve seen you and Astral on the news,” he said. “I won’t pry. Doesn’t matter who you are. If my shop can make someone happy with these odds and ends, then that’s good enough for me.”
He nodded to the pair, meandering to a small area behind a counter with an older-style cash register.
“I won’t bother you. Feel free to stop in; I usually get shipments once every two weeks, give or take. And I put the older stuff on sale if it has been sitting on a shelf for a while!”
The two Thestrals waved to Dusty, meandering back onto the streets after perusing the shelves for a bit.
Thankfully, the next pony to recognize them was a friendly face.
“Astral! Sassi!” Gold Mint said with a cheerful grin. “I won’t interrupt. I just hope everything has been working out well?”
Astral couldn’t help but smile. The Mayor was the pony who had leveraged the delivery of their land and the observatory, after all.
“It has been much nicer without having to worry about where we’ll live. I can’t thank you enough for the observatory and…well, everything,” the stallion admitted.
“Ditto. The paperwork would have been a nightmare.”
Gold waved away both of the Thestral’s words good-naturedly. “Think nothing of it! It was the least I could do after, well, everything,” he said, looking to the ground awkwardly. It was an expression many ponies and creatures had. Sympathy, but unable to relate to what the pair had endured.
“Regardless, I’m just glad I…” the stallion’s words drifted off, Gold letting out a groan at seeing some ponies in the distance. “Oh great, there’s the attendance for this afternoon’s meeting. More minutia,” he muttered, then brightening back up. “I won’t keep you both. Take care!”
The Mayor trotted off, leaving two chuckling Thestrals in his wake.
“He’s always amusing,” Astral chuckled. “Kind of scatterbrained, but he did get us our house.”
Sassi smiled, nudging his side with hers as the two of them walked along a side street.
“I agree. He means well though, and that’s more than most.”
She fished out a small crystal from her saddlebags, tapping the arcane creation and summoning a portal. It was a simple hop through, and they were at their home.
“Y’know, Astral,” Sassi said softly after the two shed the armor and relaxed on the couch. “Visiting your parents actually went well. About as well as it could have gone.”
“Really?” the Thestral’s ears perked up, but Sassi felt the anxiety immediately hum through their link.
“Your mom cares. It was…interesting.”
“She cares? That’s a first,” Astral muttered rather bitterly. He knew deep down it wasn’t true, but the sentiment was the same.
“Not at all. I just think she’s really, really lousy at knowing how to show it, and knowing how to adjust to what’s going on. Like realizing their son would be miserable if he followed in their hoofsteps.”
“You’re not going to tell me the specifics?”
She snuggled up underneath his wing, shaking her head.
“Not yet. Just like you wouldn’t tell me the specifics about talking with my dad.”
The mare let out a squeak as Astral flopped over, wrapping his arms around her middle and grinning. She pursed her lips in the best attempt to pout, but utterly failed as Astral gently kissed her nose.
“That’s fair enough,” he chuckled. “But now we’ve got time for an afternoon nap.”
“I never liked naps,” Sassi grumbled, poking Astral’s chest. “But I have to say you make them a lot more appealing.”
The mare’s eyes then narrowed as she saw Astral yawn.
“You need a nap. Not me.”
“Both?”
She couldn’t resist the cheerful chirp of her stallion, Sassi reaching down to kiss him.
“Fine. We both can snooze for a bit. And then we can make smoothies.”
“Not a bad day…”
Dusty Gear flipped the sign on the shop to “closed”, the older stallion looking down at his shaking hooves.
He hated this. But what could he do? The anger did nothing, and the frustration just gave him heartburn. Any rebellious thoughts had long since died out. It wasn’t for a matter of wanting. But he couldn’t risk it. It wasn’t just about him.
“I did what you asked,” the shopkeeper said, looking at an old security camera in the corner of the shop. The device slowly turned to look at him, red light blinking. “But I won’t do anything more. I’ll activate the camera for you whenever they come back- but nothing else. Haven’t they suffered under your hoof enough?”
The camera looked away, and then the device slowly panned back. It eventually locked onto the stallion, lenses focusing on the pony with a soft whirring.
“I…” his voice failed him, Dusty looking at the wooden floor. “Alright. I know my role. I’ll let you know if they come back again, as we agreed. Just leave me be. Please.”
The recording light on the camera switched off, and the shopkeeper slumped to the floor in defeat.
“Who was that, Dusty?” A lime-green mare asked as she poked her head around the corner, orange eyes shining with concern. He had never lied to her about this. With a single word, the mare would know exactly who he had been talking to.
“Just…work.”
Dusty leaned into the hug from his wife. He only wished it quelled the despair in his heart.
Arcane blinked, his eyes aching as a bit of sun streaming in through a crack in the blackout curtains. The stallion shifted on the beanbag he was curled up on, hugging the pillow a bit tighter.
Morning.
It had been a bad night. The nightmares had jolted him awake multiple times, and sleeping spells only made the memories more vivid. He had another therapy session with Fluttershy in a day or so. It helped, but slowly. Fifteen years of daily torture couldn’t be undone with a few months of therapy, no matter how effective. The containment spell emitters had done their job in containing any magical outbursts at least.
Before he got them calibrated, Arcane had accidentally destroyed half of the house. Twice. Thankfully, that wasn’t a thing anymore.
The golden-hearted mare she was, Fluttershy had offered multiple times for Arcane to bunk at their guest house on bad days. But he didn’t want to keep intruding. It wasn’t Fluttershy’s job to comfort him, as much as Arcane appreciated it.
Sometimes, yes, if things got really bad. But he needed to figure out how to live on his own with that support system. That meant learning to cope with nightmares. The chaos magic helped; powerful runes built into the home helped make sure any energy surges were dampened and re-routed. No altering of realities or matter, just unpleasant dreams or memories.
He managed to get up and wash his face, a rather futile attempt to wake himself up. A headache already began to gnaw at the stallion’s temples.
Thankfully, he only had a single goal today; visit a magic shop and try to find their most powerful stabilization potion. Discord had suggested it’d help with the headaches and generally feeling like garbage. Something about the normal part of Arcane needing to be balanced with the chaotic side. But it had to be something that’d make a normal unicorn’s horn melt clean off. Once he had a reference, he could replicate it. Arcane didn’t want to bug Discord about this.
Find a magic shop. I can do that.
His defensive spells abruptly activated, the chaotic matrices spinning up with enough power to melt the intruder without hesitation. Arcane paused them, a pony shimmering into existence in his living room.
Oh. Well, better late than never, I guess.
“Huh. Harmony,” Arcane muttered. “What do you want?”
The mare frowned at his dismissive tone, looking at the stallion cautiously as he sat down in front of her.
“I am concerned about your interference,” she said slowly, Arcane stifling an abrupt laugh.
“W-wait, really?” he asked. An almost physical pain made the stallion’s chest ache, an emotional lump forming in his throat.
That’s what this is about?
“You’re concerned about my actions. Ok, that’s nice. And?”
The mare’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “I’d like you to do less of it.”
“Too bad,” Arcane huffed, anger driving out the despair in his heart. Both threatened to overwhelm him; he chose the fire instead. “I don’t play by your rules. I never will.”
Harmony blinked, sitting down as she looked at the chaos unicorn.
“You are angry,” she said slowly.
“Oh, that’s a very astute observation,” Arcane growled sarcastically, Harmony’s head tilting to the side.
“Why?”
The stallion stared at her for a moment. “Wow. Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“The so-called Guardian of Equestria shows up, and the first thing they say is to tell me to stop meddling? And then you have the guts to ask me if I’m angry? Ok, one question for you. What did I do wrong?”
“I do not understand,” Harmony said, eyes darting to glance around the home. Chaos magic began to spark along the wooden walls with black tendrils, and the mare started to visibly become nervous.
“You help creatures, right? The Elements of Harmony, Twilight, Astral, Sassi, random creatures, and so forth, correct? You look out for those who need help.”
Harmony winced, nodding slowly. “Yes, but I make mistakes.”
“Then you should have led with that,” Arcane said, bitterness creeping into his tone. “I can’t help but wonder if leaving me to rot in that silo was just a mistake. Or was that an active effort to try and get rid of me?”
“I didn’t know!” The mare exclaimed, her demeanor cracking. “I told Sassi this and she understood! I’m not omnipotent! I didn’t know she was in the Silo, and that lack of knowledge extends to you!”
Arcane looked at her with a barely held-back sneer.
“Well, the Fates with Last Light knew!” he said. “They knew all about me. But at least they showed up to explain.”
He wanted to believe the utter shock on Harmony’s face. Maybe she didn’t know about that. But that wasn’t the biggest issue.
“They appeared three months ago in tears after knocking at my door; they even had that courtesy. Fide had to do all the talking because Clari was crying too hard. They had to conceal where I was because the alternative was the death of myself, them, and tens of thousands of innocent creatures! I wouldn’t want them to have rescued me at that cost!” he then pointed a hoof at the shocked mare. “But at least they showed up and told me! They apologized, and even said they didn’t expect my forgiveness.”
His tone then softened, the unicorn lowering his head. “But I gave it to them. I have an idea what it’s like to have so much power and need to set limits, lest the consequences be too severe,” he whispered. “I can understand their position, but I certainly don’t trust them.”
The snarl then returned, Arcane glaring at Harmony. “But they at least had the guts to show up and apologize. That was the first thing out of their mouths! “We’re so sorry.” At least they treated me like a creature with feelings. Sure, you say you didn’t know. Okay, what about months ago? Or maybe the fifteen years before that?” he asked, his voice deadly calm and carrying an edge.
“What about the days I got my face punched in? It took everything I had to keep my magic from killing those bullies if I lost control. Where were you then? I was just as dangerous, if not more so! I could have hurt creatures- I almost did! Sassi is a very different case, so that’s not even relevant right now.” His tone then darkened, multicolored eyes sparking crimson. “You could have explained why you weren’t there before. Yet even now, it’s taken you three months to show up. Why?”
“I was worried.”
A dark chuckle left Arcane’s mouth, the unicorn rolling his eyes. “Oh really? Is little old me able to make the Tree of Harmony worried?”
“Yes.”
The honest and immediate answer made Arcane’s heart sink into his hooves. “I assume due to my chaos magic, hence wanting me to not interfere?”
“Correct.”
Arcane couldn’t keep the distasteful snarl off of his face, the stallion standing up as the migraine pounded inside his skull.
“Okay, Harmony. I’m already not having a good day, and you’re really starting to tick me off. I’ll spell this out for you as nicely as I can,” he said, gesturing around.
“After meeting with Sassi months ago to apologize, you show up here, out of the blue. After everything I’ve been through, the first thing the guardian of Equestria and Friendship asks me is to stop meddling. That’s the first thing you said. You didn’t check in to see how I’m handling fifteen years of daily torture. You didn’t even show up to say hello. You did that much for everyone else. Instead, you come here trying to get me to behave. Do you see anything wrong with that?”
Harmoney’s eyes widened ever so slightly in realization. Arcane’s form began to drip with chaotic sparks, the unicorn pacing.
“You probably should have led with something a bit more realistic. You know, like apologizing for the fifteen years your failure cost me. Clari and Fide at least dared to do that! But you, you apologized to Sassi within a few days. You seemed to care deeply about how your screw-up hurt her.”
He stopped moving, locking eyes with the mare. “But I guess I’m different, huh? Your concern with me has nothing to do with my well-being. Is it just because I have power? Is that all I am to you? Some creature with power to be contained? Perhaps a resource to be used if needed? Y’know, I was held captive by creatures with the same viewpoint. So, I find your behavior disgusting. Vile.”
“No, I didn’t- I meant-” Harmony said franticly, shaking her head. The mare’s demeanor began to fragment, confidence shredding in an instant. Regret, horror, and borderline panic shone in her expression and gaze as chaos magic made the house creak.
She jerked in shock as the ethereal mare found her muzzle gently closed with a magical tap, the unicorn in front of her glaring.
“Shush. You don’t get to talk. You get to listen to me for once in your life. Here’s the thing,” Arcane said, his face a mask of disgust and anger. He felt dirty. Violated in some odd way the unicorn didn’t fully understand. To have someone like her just show up and not even care…
“You failed. Completely and totally. Tens of thousands of creatures died and I was tortured for fifteen years by an organization right under your nose. Clari and Fide don’t have specific jurisdiction in Equestria. You do. And even then, they made it a priority to explain and apologize for what happened.”
He shook his head. “You’ve done nothing to earn my trust, let alone show you care about my well-being, and today is no exception. You might not have acted maliciously, but it sure felt pretty personal I was begging for help as needles drilled into my bones. All those stories I grew up with about peace love and friendship? Some good-feeling, rainbow-hearted entity looking out for everyone? Yeah, that evaporated when I grew up trying to control my magic and only got shunned for what I was. When I lost my voice screaming for mercy in the Silos, all of those stories may have well died. I’m not ok, not even close.”
The unicorn’s anger abruptly faded, and Harmony couldn’t stop the tears that welled up in her eyes. Genuine pain radiated from Arcane’s gaze, the unicorn’s lips trembling as he looked at her.
“I’ve been here for months trying to learn how to live again. Discord and Fluttershy are the only creatures outside of Astral and Sassi who have shown they remotely care about me. It’s taken an Element of Harmony and the God of Chaos to just begin to try and convince me that maybe I’m worth the effort to help. That just maybe, just maybe, I didn’t deserve what I went through. Even Fide explaining the cost of helping me made me feel better. But that’s just it, they were here. They at least tried to make things right,” he said, jaw clenching.
“I don’t have that many friends, creatures who actually care about me. I know that. Most creatures are scared of me. It would have been nice to add you to my small list of creatures who care. I really could have used another friendly face,” he said softly, expression then darkening.
“But instead, you were too concerned about how I was acting. Sure, maybe my actions right now are a way of me coping with what was done to me, but my goal is to still help creatures who need it. And then you show up here as if you have the right to ask anything of me? Who do you think you are to ask me for anything?”
Harmony’s mouth hung open, no words coming. Her eyes occasionally darted around before settling back onto Arcane, his magic encompassing every corner of the room as it begged to be unleashed. Yet it remained on standby, watching.
“I don’t know what you were thinking coming here and telling me to behave. You’re just another creature worried about what I can do, aren’t you?” Arcane said. “You’re just another scared pony desperate for control. My life, my struggles; all afterthoughts as long as you get to try and make me color inside the lines. Does that sound right? Does that sound familiar?” he said with a deep growl.
The tears starting to trickle from Harmony’s eyes did nothing to dissuade Arcane, even if the mare was crumpling under self-loathing.
“Let me make something very, very clear. We aren’t friends. Based on how you acted today, I don’t entirely trust you aren’t my enemy. So, stay away from me, and don’t ever intrude into my home again. If you want to talk, have someone else speak with me first. And no, I will absolutely not stop interfering. Just because you, or creatures like you, won’t help creatures in some sacred name of balance doesn’t mean I’m bound by that. Chaos doesn’t care about order, and if that means I can lessen some of the pain in the world, I will,” Arcane growled firmly.
“Whether or not that makes your kind happy really doesn’t matter to me. I’m not as powerful as Discord, but someday I will be, or more. I’ll try and grow stronger for no other reason than to prevent creatures like you from saying that I can’t help someone. I’ll surpass Discord’s levels of power if I have to!” His eyes narrowed. “And I know there are other fates out there. Clari and Fide told me all about them. And I hope they’re listening.”
The unicorn tossed his head with a wince of pain, the chaos magic in the room dispelling. He turned away, not wanting to look at the ethereal mare any longer.
“Now go away, and maybe practice saying “I’m sorry” a few hundred times. Don’t ever show up unannounced again.” Arcane’s voice then softened, shoulders slumping as his volume dropped to an almost regretful whisper. “I could have accidentally hurt you. I almost did.”
Harmony vanished without a word, leaving the unicorn alone in his house.
It took everything Arcane had to not break down and sob. Even then, a few burning tears slipped out of his multicolored eyes as he nearly choked trying to breathe. He was so close to losing it. The migraine thudded in his temples, despair clawing at his heart.
Even to a creature many believe is a god, I’m just some loose end. At least Clari and Fide had a cosmic reason for not helping. I wouldn’t have been able to live with the knowledge tens of thousands were sacrificed for me. But if Harmony, the embodiment of friendship and magic doesn’t care how I’m doing, what does that make me? Could anyone ever…?
He couldn’t dwell on that. It hurt too much. The unicorn cast a haphazard concealment spell and teleported himself to the outskirts of the city. Once he found a potion to at least dull the pain, Arcane could go home, wrap himself up in a blanket, and try to not feel so alone.
Nilli rearranged the potions on the wooden shop shelf with a wave of her claws. It had been a slow day, but her entire business was about quality, not quantity. A single custom potion could sell for ten times what a run-of-the-mill unicorn spell would.
The door chimed, an identification spell kicking in.
Single creature. Unicorn.
The gryphoness turned to look, and couldn’t keep herself from wincing. The most run-down pony she had ever seen dragged himself in, struggling to look up at her.
“Welcome, but wow, dude, you ok?” Nilli asked.
“Not entirely,” the yellow unicorn admitted, wincing. “Just looking for the most powerful arcane stabilization potion you have. Something way above what’s suggested.”
She let out a soft whistle, levitating a few options from a top shelf. His voice seemed familiar.
“I’ve got these,” the gryphoness mage mused. “They’re meant to be mixed and titrated with others. If you want to drink it directly, I can’t recommend that. It’d give you an immediate migraine and probably set your horn on fire.”
“I understand. I won’t hold you liable for anything. I’ll sign something if I need foo,” the unicorn said, words starting to slur. “Oh, horshaffles.”
His entire body shimmered, a concealment spell beginning to fade. Arcane crumbled to the floor. The unicorn struggled to take deep breaths as he barely stood on half a bent forelimb.
“Well. Crud,” he muttered to himself.
Nilli could only stare. She had been wondering how best to approach the unicorn, and he just showed up in her shop?
“You’re Arcane Flare, right?” she asked, the unicorn nodding.
“Yep.”
“I’ve actually been looking for you,” Nilli began, “would-”
Magical alarms abruptly chimed. The gryphoness’s green eyes widened abruptly as Arcane stared at her. Chaos magic flickered around his flame, a rainbow of colors swirling in his eyes.
“Why?” he asked with a narrowed gaze, fangs protruding from his lips. “Normal creatures don’t look for me. What do you want?” One of the unicorn’s eyes was nearly completely closed in pain, the migraine making his own magic blinding. The other was locked onto the gryphoness, suspicion swirling in their multicolored depths.
Nilli was about to reply, but then she got completely, and utterly, distracted. Her magic refused to respond, defensive spells or otherwise. For a second, she was terrified. But then wonder and curiosity drove away the fear with ease.
It was frozen. Every particle of arcane energy was suspended, non-moving. It should be impossible. Her shop’s spells were inoperative, along with every other particle of magic in the area. Even the potions were frozen! There was an odd weirdness to it, an oddity that permeated the gryphoness’s entire frame.
She loved it!
“This. Is. So. COOL!” Nilliana giggled, the usually impassive Gryphon jumping in the air. “My magic is totally paused! How in the world did you do that?! It shouldn’t be possible!”
“W-what?” he stammered, the stallion forgetting about his migraine for a moment as the gryphoness rolled her eyes.
“The magic! How are you doing that? It defies what I know about arcane physics! Oh my gosh, this opens so many doors!” Nilli gushed as she hopped around the shop examining runes and potions alike.
“There are spells that shouldn’t be able to be suspended just utterly stopped! I didn’t think even chaos could do that! If so many types of particles can be frozen, that means they…” her voice drifted off, an extremely bright blush now radiating on her cheeks. The gryphoness composed herself, not able to look at the confused unicorn.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” she admitted. “Nothing formal or anything. I just was really curious about how chaos magic worked. I wasn’t sure how best to approach you, since you’re still working through stuff. I can’t imagine how hard that is.”
The chaos magic faded, the spells in her shop resuming as if nothing had been out of the ordinary. Arcane stared at her, confusion written across every part of his being.
“You’re not scared?” he asked. “I just froze your magic, rendered defensive spells utterly useless. And you got…excited?”
Nilliana shrugged, now more embarrassed than anything. She wasn’t able to look at the unicorn as her face feathers fluffed up, a pink blush still on her cheeks. “I mean, y-yeah? Duh? H-how could I not?” she stammered. “I love magic theory and stuff, it’s why I run a shop. You weren’t going to hurt me,” she said awkwardly.
“How do you know?”
She actually laughed, waving a claw at him. “Because you’re not a bad pony. I saw that much back in the throne room.”
Arcane stared at her, eyes widening in realization. “The-that’s right. You were there,” he said softly. “I wasn’t very composed.”
She walked over to him, sitting down with a nod. “No, you weren’t. But who would be? I still didn’t see a bad pony,” she said softly. “I saw a pony who was tortured beyond what I can imagine. But instead of lashing out, you showed mercy. And now you’re helping creatures. Why would I be afraid of a pony like that?”
The last thing Nilli expected was to see Arcane stare at her for a second before hanging his head to cry, the unicorn struggling to get control of himself. Just from his demeanor, it was clear that a lot was going on she didn’t know about.
Well. In addition to the years of torture. I’d be a wreck too.
Arcane’s limbs began to shake, and Nilli levitated a few potions off the wall. The unicorn was miserable and embarrassed. That much was obvious. She wasn’t about to try and ignore that.
“Arcane, look, I’m not going to ask if you’re ok. Because you’re not. But maybe one of these will help?” she suggested. “On the house. If you don’t want to chat, that’s fine. You’ve got enough to work through without me stirring stuff up. Just…” her words trailed off, the gryphoness sighing. The poor pony was the definition of misery, so her usually gruff demeanor naturally blunted itself.
“I hope you feel better, for what it’s worth,” she finally said.
Looking up at her, their eyes met. Arcane’s multicolored gaze bore into her own. The unicorn’s body abruptly stiffened, some sort of realization making the tears stem for a moment.
“It’s you,” he whispered. “I know those eyes.”
She didn’t fully understand what was going on in the stallion’s mind, but the look in his eyes made the gryphoness’s cheeks heat up again. There was an immediate warmth, a gratefulness beyond measure that made Nilliana’s heart thud in her chest.
The unicorn looked around as if seeing his surroundings for the first time. Wiping the tears off his face, embarrassment saturated Arcane’s demeanor before he vanished with a *pop* of magic. He left a rather confused gryphoness behind, Nilli rolling her eyes at seeing the potions missing and a pile of coins on the counter.
“Nice to meet you too, Arcane,” she said to herself with a smile.
Twilight relaxed on her throne, glancing through reports. Usual tensions aside, it was a slow day.
A hum of magic made her ears perk up, and the mare dismissed the guards. It was a recognizable signature, after all.
The last thing the Princess expected was to see Harmony appear in the center of the room, the magical mare’s lips trembling, a distraught expression on her face.
“T-twilight?” Harmony asked, sitting down with a faint *thump*.
The Princess immediately trotted down to sit in front of the ethereal mare. She was utterly unprepared as Harmony leaned forward and wrapped her up in a tight hug. Tears fell from Harmony’s eyes and evaporated into mist on Twilight’s fur as the ethereal mare bawled.
“I’ve m-made a mistake. A horrible m-mistake. I don’t know who else to talk to.”
