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Ponyman
|
864
| 14 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-10T16:54:49+00:00
| 14,668 |
“I don't know, eh. Sounds kind of boring.” Snails protested, the gangly and somewhat unattractive colt shook his head, his normally clueless expression looking as bored as ever.
“Yeah! You can come up with better games than Doctor!” Snips added, frowning. He was smaller and rounder than the other ponies of his class. Scootaloo wanted to call him a pig, but remember her own mocking of being called a chicken and decided against it. “I thought Scootaloo knew games to play!” he mocked.
“But the two colts I saw doing it seemed to be having lots of fun!” Scootaloo explained, her tiny wings erect at the thought of what she had witnessed in the barn of Sweet Apple Acres. She wasn't about to name names however, as she did have some respect for privacy. “You can pretend you got some serious disease or something! Snails could be turning into a zombie pony!”
“I AM?!” the blue colt began to panic.
“No!” Scootaloo waved a hoof. “I'm just saying that Doctor is more fun than you make it sound.” Fortunately for the little pegasus, Snips and Snails were the type easily swayed by a cute filly, and her penchant for knowing fun games did come in handy.
“Well, we haven't played it before, eh. Maybe it won't be so bad.” Snails relented. “So how do we start, eh?”
“First you got to start by checking out the patient, making sure everything is still there.” Scootaloo smirked. Snails shrugged and began looking over Snips, who stood stoic, trying not to snicker at the awkward feeling this was bringing.
“Looks fine to me, eh.” Snails replied, looking up. “Now what?”
“No no no! You got to be hooves on, and check everywhere!” Scootaloo snapped, using her forehooves to elaborate that last word. Her little wings flared at the thought of the colt stupidly groping his friend, and a mischievous smirk spread across her face.
Snails sighed in frustration as he began prodding around Snips rotund body, the points of his hooves sinking painlessly into the chubby colt. Snips giggled at the tickling sensation each prod caused, but his eyes went wide when Snails' hooves ventured lower, to the place between his flanks.
Scootaloo was grinning madly now as she watched the scene play out. She didn't know why she enjoyed this so much, but the sight of Snails stupidly groping his friend was appealing nonetheless.
Snails finished his examination of Snips, and stood up, blushing slightly but thinking nothing of it. “He looks fine to me, eh.”
“You mean I'm not turning into a zombie pony?” Snips asked, his face showing relief more that he was still among the living than towards his friend ceasing his explorations. Though he did feel kind of excited about the whole ordeal, especially with Scootaloo watching like she was. Snails had noticed Snips excitement, but shrugged it off because he got those sometimes too.
“Well, now you have to take his temperature.” Scootaloo explained, her voice having an air of authority on the subject. This prompted Snips and Snails to look around dumbly at nothing in particular for a few moments, before the both looked back at the pegasus and shrugged.
“We don't have a thermometer, eh.” Snails replied.
The orange filly's smile grew wider. “Yes you do.”
“Pinkie, we need to talk.” Twilight spoke to the door of Sugarcube Corner. She absentmindedly tapped a hoof as she waited for the party pony to answer. After a few moments, the door cracked open.
“I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry....” Pinkie began chanting, the one blue eye that peered from behind the door staring into infinity. Twilight bit her lip, as this confirmed all of her suspicions. Pinkie would never survive being banished to the Everfree Forest, or even worse given the weight of the crime.
“Pinkie, I believe you. I'm sure it was only an accident or some crazy situation you created...” Twilight rolled her eyes as she waved a hoof passively. That's all it is, an accident...
“No....I....forced myself on her....” Pinkie opened the door a bit more, showing she had been crying. Her mane was flat as the day she was born. Twilight flinched at the sight, and even more at these words.
“You...forced yourself....” she jerked her head to look Pinkie in the eyes. “Pinkie, this is a very serious situation! If Princess Celestia finds out about this she'll....” Twilight was cut off by Pinkie's wide eyed stare. She shouldn't have frightened her like that, but it was the truth. “I....I need to know what happened....”
“I was selfish. I hurt Minty, and I was so sad.” she looked up at the unicorn. “That's not me, Twilight! I'm not a bad pony!”
Twilight draped a hoof across Pinkie's back and pulled her close. “It's okay Pinkie...I know what it's like to be caught up in the moment,” the pink pony nodded in understanding. “But, you still have to apologize, and hope Minty forgives you.”
“How can she forgive me if I can't forgive myself?” Pinkie whispered. Twilight was stunned at how frighteningly profound she could be, especially when in this kind of mood.
“Ow, ow, OW!” Snails cried out at the pain. Snips was now behind him, attempting to take the green pony's temperature with his thermometer, his forelegs gripping Snail's flanks tightly. “I think you're doing it wrong, eh!”
“You got to push it in and pull it out!” Scootaloo continued to provide instructions, enjoying this way more than she should. Snips' legs began to cramp as he strained to reach Snails, and he finally gave up, placing his front hooves back on the ground with a frustrated sigh. “Come on guys! Don't stop now!”
“Why don't you play with us, eh?” Snails asked, sneering a bit.
“Yeah, it's easier to show than tell.” Snips added, his face daring the filly to join the fun.
Scootaloo cocked her head in a manner similar to her idol. Never one to back down from a challenge, she accepted and approached the two colts, both of them now somewhat excited from the physicality of their game. Snips and Snails decided to start over, both being doctors while Scootaloo was their patient.
“First we have to look you over, eh.” Snails remembered, pushing Scootaloo over onto her back. He commanded Snips to help and soon the two were looking over and poking the pegasus, who giggled when the pokes tickled her somtach and flanks.
“SNAILS! SNAILS!” Snips cried out in alarm, causing the green colt to rush to his colluge's side. His glance followed the blue hoof to where Snips was pointing. “Her thingy is missing!”
Scootaloo glanced down to see the two staring between her flanks, and blushed slightly. That place was private. “Girls don't have one,” she explained.
“Then how can you take anypony's temperature?” Snips asked, his head tilted like a confused puppy. Scootaloo only rolled her eyes at how dense these two actually were.
“Well, we can take her temperature for her, eh.” Snails replied, getting into position. Scootaloo gritted her teeth and braced herself for the inevitable insertion into her butt. Her eyes were closed, so she could only feel Snails moving around as he tried to get ready. She wondered what it felt like when she saw Big Mac and Braeburn do it in the barn, and now was her chance.
Snails thrust forward, and Scootaloo's eyes shot open in horror as pain tore through her flanks. That's not my butt! The green pony began thrusting blindly, remembering to push in and pull out like Scootaloo said. His already simple brain was addled with the awakening instinct to mate.
“I wanna take her temperature too!” Snips protested. Snails glanced over at the bounding blue colt and thought for a moment.
“You can take it in her mouth.” Snails replied, pointing with a hoof.
WHAT?! Scootaloo was afraid now. Forgoing all sense of toughness and attitude, the filly began thrashing and screaming. “NO! NO! NO!”
Snips and Snails were horrified by this sudden shift in behavior, as they thought Scootaloo actually liked this. Snails stopped and pulled back. He gasped in horror when he saw blood. Snips saw it too, and felt sick to his stomach. The two colts scrambled backwards, shaking their heads in disbelief as they clumsily turned and ran off.
Scootaloo got to her hooves, her legs shaking from the pain in her rear and other places, and coughing because of her violent sobs. “Jerks!” she muttered, looking over her shoulder at the retreating cowards. Wait till Princess Celestia hears about this.... but her thoughts paused when she remembered she was a part of the act to. She looked at the quiet expanse of the forest and sighed. For some strange reason, she felt more sadness than anger at the two. A strange hollow feeling in her heart. It wasn't out of love for those two, nor was it lack of any more attention. Her mind eventually settled on a definition. Garbage.
Sweetie Belle, meanwhile, was alone in the CMC clubhouse for the day. After her friends went their separate ways, she whiled away the hours pondering what they found out, as well as take some time to contemplate the obtuse yet disturbing meanings of Scootaloo's crayon art. She glanced up from a particularly red covered drawing when she heard familiar hoofsteps. Apple Bloom came bounding in, her head held high and a smile on her face. “So, what did you find out?” Sweetie asked, her eyes lit up with wonder at how Apple Bloom seemed to be carrying herself now.
“Ah just bucked with Spike! It was amazing!” she exclaimed, bounding even higher as she dove into the clubhouse, scattering the papers and other items around. “He's so cute! Ah feel like a big girl now!”
Sweetie Belle let this sink in for a moment before she smiled weakly and nodded. “Well, congratulations....I think....” This felt wrong to her still, and she couldn't place a hoof on rather it was out of fear or jealously. She wanted her friends to be happy, but now that Apple Bloom had experienced something more personal and enjoyable than getting a cutie mark, how could she ever hope to compete?
Another sound followed, weak and coughing. The two turned to see Scootaloo hobbling towards the clubhouse. The others knew something was terribly wrong, as they never seen Scootaloo cry before. At least not when she didn't need to.
“What the hay happened to you?!” Apple Bloom ran over to help the pegasus up.
“Now I know why Dash hates colts....” the filly groaned, collapsing onto the ground again. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle didn't press further, instead volunteering to help give her a bath and talk it out if needed. Scootaloo smiled at her friends caring, but that didn't hide the feeling she still had in her heart.
“And that's what happened...” Minty concluded. Fluttershy was overjoyed that she was talking a lot more than she did when she first arrived. But the terrible incident related to her made her wish she hadn't heard anything.
“Well....that is sad...but...Pinkie isn't like that.” Fluttershy replied, pouring more tea. Minty nodded in response, staring at her newly acquired socks.
“I know she isn't. But....I don't know if I can forgive her...It's my fault for letting her do it anyway...” she was cut off when hooves grabbed her own, and she glanced up to see the yellow Pegasus staring at her. It wasn't the normally potent stare she was known for, but enough to get her attention.
“Listen here, Minty! What happened was an accident! Neither of you are to blame, especially not yourself!” Fluttershy's voice was firm yet still soothing and sweet. The right mix of being serious but not too mean. Minty was more surprised by this feat than the actual statement, but she sighed and looked back at her own tea.
“You think Pinkie will apologize?” she asked, glancing back up at the face which now wore an expression of worry.
“I'm sure she will. In fact, I KNOW she will! She's not that kind of pony.” Fluttershy nodded.
“Do you think I should forgive her?” Minty asked, not missing a beat. This made Fluttershy pause, and her eyes searched around for something to change the subject but to no avail. She sighed in defeat, and looked up at the mint pony.
“I don't know....”
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 15 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-06T00:35:06+00:00
| 11,270 |
“Rarity!” Twilight called, looking up at the open window that belonged to Rarity's bedroom. She grunted in frustration when there was no response. Night had began to set once again, but that was no excuse. “RARITY!” she cried louder, her lungs almost giving out. Finally a light came on, and the white unicorn emerged from the window, her face covered in green mud and cucumbers in her eyes. Her mane, done up in curlers, bobbed around as she looked frantically for the source of the screaming before remembering the slices on her eyes and removing them.
“Twilight? What's wrong?” she asked, concern in her voice. Twilight wouldn't be up so late, at least not outside, so it must be serious.
“We need to talk,” Twilight replied flatly, her eyes narrowing.
“Can't it wait until morning?” Rarity asked. “I need to get my beauty sleep!” She pointed a hoof to her face.
“No, it can't.” Twilight seethed through gritted teeth. “This is serious, Rarity!”
Rarity left the window and turned off the light. Twilight was about to object when the front door opened. “Well, in that case, come on in.”
Twilight stared into her coffee mug as she tried to piece together how she was going to break this news. Rarity's blue eyes watched with intensity as she visualized the gears turning in Twilight's mind. Finally, the purple unicorn sighed and looked up, her eyes serious but showing a sadness. “I talked to Pinkie Pie...”
Rarity's eyes widened at this news as she sipped her own coffee. She hadn't seen or heard from Pinkie since that strange out of character moment she witnessed. “Oh, do tell me what's wrong, dear,” she waved a hoof.
“If....if she can't find forgiveness,” Twilight glanced away, focusing on the elaborate wall designs, “she'll never forgive herself...” her gaze returned to her coffee. “She's already in serious trouble as it is.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity placed a hoof on her chest as if trying to still her heart. Her fear was justified if Pinkie returning that gag was any indication of her behavior.
“Well...Pinkie kind of....” this was going to be hard to say. “raped Minty...” Twilight's face was visibly pained when she spoke that word.
“You're kidding, right?” Rarity shook her head sending her curls bobbing frantically, eyes widened in terror. “She would never do something like that!”
“She did it because she was caught up in the moment, because of one of your toys that she didn't get instruction on how to properly use!” Twilight snapped, pointing an accusing hoof at Rarity, who recoiled slightly in shock.
“Are you saying....that I'm an accessory to this?” Rarity's mouth hung agape as she tried to process this.
“I don't think you are,” Twilight looked back at her mug once more. “But pray that Celestia thinks the same way.” She didn't really know how Equestrian law worked on such crimes, since they never really were a problem. Such things did exist, however, and she was certain the punishment wouldn't be very pleasant for either of them.
It was Rarity's turn to stare at her own mug, her face showing deep thought. “I...I just thought that I would be generous. Share the joy with others and make a little more money for the shop,” she frowned. “I had no idea it would hurt anypony...Why, just tonight I sold Bonbon something!” Rarity's expression perked up for a moment when she recalled that. Bonbon was so happy, and even said that she intended to try something else to repay Lyra.
Twilight frowned. She didn't want to take away Rarity's business, nor did she want to lose her or her friends. “The only recourse for this is for you to accompany Pinkie tomorrow, and make amends to Minty,” she spoke calmly, thumping a hoof lightly on the table to signify her finality on the affair.
Rarity nodded in agreement. “Will we still be punished?” She cocked her head, pouting slightly like Twilight had any power to convince Celestia otherwise. Twilight saw this expression, and shook her head.
“It might make it less severe,” she replied with a long sigh. Why do you ponies always put me into these messes?
“Then...I will accompany her and apologize as well,” Rarity bowed her head. “It's the only ladylike thing to do.”
Bonbon couldn't wait much longer. She looked up from her book to stare at the door of their cottage like the act would make time pass faster. Lyra was never this late from a performance, if her lamenting about the crowd size was anything to go by. The thought of her mate having so few adoring fans made her frown, but she quickly smiled. She was the true love of Lyra's life, and any other pony would be lucky to have her. She returned to her trashy novel when the door finally opened and Lyra sulked in.
“What happened dear?!” Bonbon was quick to rush to her lover's side and offer comfort. She could see the sadness in Lyra's eyes.
The green unicorn glanced up, into those cyan eyes filled with worry for her. She muster a fake smile. “Nothing...just...” her smile dropped as she looked at the floor. “It was another poor turnout.”
Bonbon frowned. “Well, at least Sonata was there, right?” She felt kind of guilty for not being able to make it due to working late, but she knew Lyra understood. There will be plenty of quality time tonight.
“Yeah,” Lyra smiled, this time genuine. “She's such an adorable girl! I'm glad I could be an inspiration to at least somepony.”
“You're an inspiration to more than you know. You just don't see them, probably because they're too nervous to see you.” Bonbon playfully jabbed Lyra's side, eliciting a giggle from the two as they locked eyes once more.
“So, what's for dinner?” the green unicorn asked, her stomach rumbling breaking the romantic silence.
“I made something special! To celebrate tonight!” Bonbon trotted off to the kitchen, a spring in her step.
“Tonight? What's tonight?” Lyra asked, quirking a brow. Her wandering eyes then fell onto the bag from Rarity's on the table, and a smile crossed her lips. She silently crept into the kitchen, stopping to admire the flank in front of her, the blue and pink tail swaying happily as she set to work. Bonbon was a bit pudgy from all the candy she ate at work, but Lyra didn't mind. In fact, she thought it kind of cute. A few more silent steps, and Lyra was now right behind her, smiling as she stood on her hind hooves.
Bonbon's humming was cut off by a small yelp of surprise when she felt hooves around her waist. “Lyra, you naughty filly! At least have dinner first!” She looked over her shoulder at the pony straddling her and gave a smile, her eyes narrowed.
“How about I take care of the rest of dinner? After all, it's your time to shine tonight,” she leaned forward and their lips met in a passionate kiss. Bonbon smiled and gently wiggled free of Lyra's grasp, walking back into the living room. Lyra glanced over at the pots of boiling water on the stove, and realized she didn't know what was being made. Rolling her eyes, she glanced over her shoulder. “Bonbon, dear? What are we having for dinner?”
The dinner of vegetarian spaghetti was delicious if Lyra could say so herself. She wasn't one to brag however, and remained quiet and humble as Bonbon relished her cooking. She blushed slightly when Bonbon let out an orgasmic moan at the flavor of a particular bite. “Lyra, darling, you've outdone yourself!”
“Did we, uh...drink all of the wine?” Lyra asked, trying not to get to excited at the table, lest she ruin the nice cushion. Too late.
“Really? You're getting to be as bad as Berry Punch! Yes we drank all of the wine, but I want you sober anyway to appreciate what I've got in store.” Bonbon smiled again and continued eating. Lyra glanced away, her golden eyes wandering as she tried to place why she was always so nervous. She never suffered from this extreme of nervosa from performing for crowds. Another playful moan from Bonbon as she helped herself snapped Lyra from her thoughts, and she blushed again, feeling the small puddle forming under her on the cushion. What is she planning? A few casual glances from her plate caused her to notice that Bonbon was staring at her, a mischievous grin.
“I'm serious, you really outdid yourself!” Bonbon repeated as she lie on the bed, clutching her stuffed belly with her hooves. “I normally don't eat that much.”
Lyra emerged from the bathroom, having brushed her teeth thoroughly to remove the smell of garlic on her breath. That wouldn't be very pleasant in the heat of the moment. She pulled herself up onto the bed, making Bonbon squirm humorously as the contents of her stomach bounced around, making a sickly look appear on the earth pony's face. Lyra giggled as she lay down beside her, her legs bracing Bonbon's flank she cuddled closer. “So, what's the plan for tonight?” The whisper of hot breath sent a chill down Bonbon's spine, and she shuddered, her eyes snapped open when she felt a tug on her ear.
“Well....the way you used your horn the last time...” Bonbon blushed, “It got me to thinking that it could be used for other...things....”
“Really?” Lyra asked, cuddling even closer still, her wetness rubbing on her lover's thigh. “Like what?” She played a hoof over Bonbon's chest, then lower still to her slightly bulging stomach.
“Well...” Bonbon sat up on the bed and placed a pillow against the headboard, giving it a tap with her hoof to signal Lyra to lie upon it. The green pony pressed her back against the cool fabric, an eyebrow raised at what was going to happen. “Now close your eyes.” Lyra smirked as she did so, figuring that she would be told to open them and see Bonbon wearing some ridiculous fake horn on her head in an attempt to return the experience. After a few minuets however, she frowned in confusion at the shifting weight next to her, the sudden weight against the side of her head, and the wetness on her shoulder. Her eyes wanted to snap open and see what in Equestria she was doing, but she decided against it as she awaited this surprise.
Bonbon took a moment to admire the elegance of the structure before her. The fluted horn was never really much more than a tool to either of them until that faithful night. But now, she looked at it in a very different perspective. She shifted a bit closer, her chest pressing against Lyra's ear, allowing the pony to hear her rapid heartbeat. Lyra shifted a bit at the sudden pain in her shoulders, but remained still, a smile across her face as she realized what was about to happen. She started slow at first, licking at the tip. Lyra jolted, a sudden feeling shooting down her spine. Her eyes were open now, and she glanced over to get a clear view of the wetness smearing against her shoulder. The smell was intoxicating, sitrring her own needs as she began to reach a hoof down to the depths between her own flanks. Another lap at the tip eliminated the need for that as her hoof froze involuntarily with the rest of her body. She had no idea the horn was that sensitive.
The earth pony began to pick up the pace a bit, getting a feel for how much she could take in without choking. Her mouth slid down the shaft, more moans from Lyra as her tongue scrapped against the ridges on her way back up. Each bob of her head took her lower and lower until her lips were touching the base of the horn. She swirled her tongue around the bone, magic sparks tingling her tongue. Lyra's eyes had rolled to the back of her head, her own hoof uncosciously grinding at the wetness between her flanks. Every lick on her horn sent more pleasure through her as the wetness on her shoulder began to drip furiously. Bonbon could feel the heat emitting from the horn and let off just in time for a small spurt of sparks to fly out. Lyra began shaking as the horn symbolized her orgasm, her hoof prodding in a vain attempt to prolong the pleasure even further. Bonbon continued to grind against Lyra's shoulder, the shuddering muscles of her lover driving her closer to her own conclusion. Her head threw back as she let out a short yelp, her wetness soaking Lyra's shoulder and down her leg. Bonbon almost fell over backwards as Lyra collapsed, her shoulder no longer supporting the earth pony. She directed her weight to fall and land across Lyra's stomach, both gulping for air as they lie in silence.
“So...” Lyra panted, glancing down at the sopping mess on top of her. “What was in the bag?”
Bonbon looked away and blushed, closing her eyes. “A fake horn...”
After another moment of silence, they both began to giggle.
Fluttershy lie down next to Minty and sighed contentedly. It was such a relief to see the pony back in good spirits. But it troubled her on whose side to take in this affair. She didn't want Minty to think she turned on her, nor did she want to lose Pinkie as a friend for getting her in trouble. Biting her lip at this tough decision, she looked over to see Minty was staring at her.
“Are you okay?” She asked, violet eyes locking with cyan. Fluttershy nodded weakly. “I didn't want to get anypony else involved. If....if you don't want to choose, I understand...”
“No...I believe you...but I also believe in Pinkie. I know you do too.” Fluttershy nodded knowingly.
“I shouldn't impose anymore. I'm sorry.” Minty tried to leave but a yellow leg around her withers stopped her from rising up. She looked back at the Pegasus, who now had her stare. It wasn't the normal stare, but potent enough to get Minty's attention.
“I told you, it's nopony's fault. Now relax. Pinkie will be here tomorrow to make amends, and I want you to do what you think is right.” Fluttershy sounded wise beyond her years, but the advice was sound. The mint pony nodded in defeat and reclaimed her spot on the floor. Her longing glance at the door of the cottage was cut off by a nibble at her ear, and she closed her eyes and smiled in content once more.
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 16 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-08T12:25:41+00:00
| 11,812 |
Twilight Sparkle sighed to herself as she lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. She was glad she got Rarity to admit she was in the wrong, and very glad that she volunteered to accompany Pinkie to apologize to Minty about the whole thing. Part of her hoped for the best outcome there could be out of this whole sordid affair. However, she wasn't so gullible as to believe it would be that simple. Fluttershy may have broken through Minty's defenses, but the wounds were still there.
With a sigh she reached a hoof under her pillow and found one of those novels she borrowed from Rarity. She pulled it out and began to flip through it with her magic, finding her jealously at the females in the story returning as she lamented the fact she had the bed all to herself. She sat up and peered over the foot of the bed, checking to see if Spike was indeed asleep. He had a goofy smile on his face, no doubt dreaming about being Rarity's knight in shining armor. She rolled her eyes at the hopeless romantic when something faint caught her attention.
“Oh, Apple Bloom....” Spike muttered to himself, rolling over just as Twilight shot a surprised glance in his direction, otherwise she would've seen the dragon was excited about something in particular.
Well, that's new... Twilight blushed. She didn't like keeping secrets, as she was terrible at it. Nor did she like eavesdropping on her friends, especially her little brother. But here he was, proclaiming love for a filly no older than he. For some strange reason, this intimate moment served to make Twilight more flustered, as she felt that all too familiar heat below. She stared at the sleeping dragon as her hoof began to subconsciously slide below the blanket, parting her outer lips as she let out a small moan of pleasure. Her eyes shot open and hoof retreated as she stared intently at the dragon, hoping she didn't wake him. WHAT AM I DOING?! she scolded herself. He's my little brother! I can't look at him like that.....can I? She bit her lip as these strange thoughts began to bubble in her stomach. If Spike was indeed going out with Apple Bloom, the last thing she wanted was for him to be unfaithful to satisfy her own needs. Then again, what she didn't know.....
NO! Twilight shook her head violently. Sure I'm desperate for a guy. But am I honestly THAT desperate? At least Spike was someone she knew loved her in return, and could trust not to use or abuse her. Her gaze fell back on the dragon and she let out a frustrated sigh. You're lucky I'm gonna to be busy tomorrow. With a final huff that she wasn't going to get to sleep in this condition, she used her magic to levitate the bag from under her bed, quietly slid out from under the covers, and trotted towards the bathroom. With a soft click of the door, she was alone once again in her fortress of solitude.
She clicked on the light and blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted. Smirking at her reflection showing her messy mane, she took a seat upon the toilet, her hind legs spread. She levitated the toy from the bag, ensuring that she was going to get it in the proper opening this time. After examining it a bit further, she gripped it in her hooves and slowly brought it to her mouth. She froze when she realized where it had been, then got up and began washing it off in the sink. Idiot...
The sound of running water banging in the pipes woke Spike from his slumber, which made him quickly realize that he had business he needed to tend to. He blushed as the thoughts of Apple Bloom continued to play in his head, his smile turning into a frown as he craved release. He didn't notice Twilight was gone as he headed towards the bathroom, which made him frown in confusion when he encountered the locked door. The water had stopped running so he decided to wait for Twilight to finish and exit. After a few more minuets, nothing happened and he was still stranded. He folded his arms and fumed at this turn of events, but vowed not to go anywhere so as not to miss the next opening.
Twilight had taken her place back upon the toilet, slowly bringing the newly clean toy to her mouth as she licked at the tip. Still no flavor, but she didn't care as she slowly took in the length, moaning slightly at the feeling. Her hoof returned to the ministrations she was performing earlier, the pointed tip hammering upon the fleshy nub as she shivered from the jolts emitting from her joy buzzer. Spike could hear noises but couldn't for the life of him figure out what was going on. He recalled the last time Twilight locked herself in the bathroom, but it wasn't that time of season yet. He pressed a curious ear to the door and held his breath, blushing as he felt perverted for spying on his big sister. After his experience with Apple Bloom, he hadn't been thinking straight anyway, and now he felt this was a good a time as any to 'take notes' as it were, so he would be prepared for their next get together.
The toy slid from Twilight's muzzle with a lewd sound, making her blush slightly as she lowered it to the burning fire between her flanks. She paused long enough to get her thoughts in order this time, deciding to take the manual route instead of using her magic. Once she was positive she was in the right opening, she pressed it forward, a loud gasp as she parted around the wide toy. Her cheeks were on fire as she relished the feeling of being filled, the design of the toy making sure to rub against her clit as it went in further. So this is what it feels like... she thought, her mind drifting back to those filthy novels. Words didn't do the experience justice as her hoof began thrusting the toy in and out, eliciting mouthed swears and short breaths.
Spike found himself blushing madly as he heard the noises from within the porcelain tomb. His paw began reaching down to his own length, remembering why he was here to begin with. Part of him felt kind of dirty for doing this to the sounds of his own surrogate sister. Then again, they were just siblings in concept only. Twilight had been so good to him, raising him like a son but loving him like a brother. Maybe...maybe their relationship could be something more. He frowned when he thought of Apple Bloom and how she might react. Could he bring himself to be a stud about town?
Twilight began reaching her climax, her hoof working faster than before as she began gulping down the air like she was drowning. She felt her inner walls gripping the toy, trying to pull it deeper on their own accord, and finally her orgasm struck, tearing through every nerve in her body. Her cheeks burned as her back arched to the point she almost slid off of the toilet. Her hind legs kicked wildly at the air, twitching in time with her inner walls as her hoof became soaked with nectar. Her other hoof found her nipples and began rubbing them out of sheer bliss, her mind unaware she was even doing such a task. Her tongue hung from her mouth as a final wave came through, her hips thrusting forward as she cried out. “OH! SPIKE!”
Spike fell over backwards at the shouting of his name, staring dumbly at the door. Did that just happen? He heard hooves shuffling around in the bathroom, and quickly scrambled back to his bed, pulling the blankets up as high as he could, and crushing his eyes shut in an attempt to be asleep. He heard the bathroom door open, heard the light shut off. Hoofsteps back to the bed nearby as the blushing unicorn climbed back under the covers, scolding hereslf at such an outburst. She took one last glance at the dragon, who seemed to be breathing faster, and sighed. Good, still asleep. That would've been awkward.
She lie back, sinking into her pillow, her vision still fuzzy as her body began to come down. How was she going to contend with this? With a final yawn, she closed her eyes and drifted off to a blissful sleep.
The next morning came and went off without a hitch, except for the strange silence that hung in the air of the kitchen as Spike and Twilight stared at each other in some sort of unspoken contest. Both of them knew things that could utterly destroy the other, but neither of them dared speak of their forbidden knowledge. Their troubled eyes locked more than once as thoughts of does he/she know?! cycled through their addled brains. Twilight finally broke the silence with a loud sigh. She looked terrible, since she didn't get much sleep last night, for obvious reasons. “Today is the day Pinkie and Rarity apologize to Minty. I hope it goes well.” A loud yawn escaped her lips, and she quickly placed a hoof over her mouth in embarrassment.
“You sound tired. Didn't sleep well last night?” Spike asked, quirking a brow.
“Well, it was kind of hard when a certain dragon was talking in his sleep.” Twilight smirked. She saw Spike freeze and stare at her, his green eyes filled with sudden horror. “I swear, I've never heard Rarity's name mentioned so many times,” the unicorn finished, waving a passive hoof. She glanced at Spike, who visibly relaxed his tense muscles.
“Yeah...well....you know how it is....” Spike muttered, thankful that was as far as his nocturnal emissions went. “I was worried about you last night, too. I thought you were getting sick in the bathroom.”
It was Twilight's turn to freeze now, her eyes darting around for anything to change the subject, or at least a quick exit from the room. The dragon didn't let on that he knew anything, his poker face showing genuine concern instead of that grin one gets when somepony was caught in a lie. “Well, I thought I was going to, but I didn't. Cold weather and all,” she closed her eyes and nodded, more out of self confirmation than Spike buying it. The dragon only nodded, his concern melting away. Twilight couldn't tell if that was genuine, but figured it sweet nonetheless. She sighed at the thought that this elephant in the room would have to be dealt with eventually. Both of them obviously knew what the other was hiding, which made all the acting dumb even more unbearable. Twilight wanted to clear the air right then and there, but decided against it on the off chance Spike really was oblivious to last night's events.
A knock on the front door provided the excuse she needed to leave the oppressive kitchen and Spike's constant stare. Twilight trotted to the front door and opened it to see Rarity and Pinkie standing before her. Rarity had done herself up to look nice for the occasion, her mane more coiffed than usual. Pinkie just pawed at the ground with a nervous hoof, dreading the potential outcome this could have.
“Darling, you look beat! Didn't you get any sleep last night?” Rarity asked, her sapphire eyes quickly noticing the bags under the eyes of her fellow unicorn.
“Not really,” Twilight blushed. “Guess I was just worried about today, ya know?” She mustered a half-hearted smile. Rarity stared blankly at the purple unicorn before a knowing smile crossed her face and she nodded in agreement.
“I understand dear,” she waved a hoof. “I for one was also on pins and needles after our talk last night. I do hope this goes well, for Pinkie's sake,” she glanced over that the pink earth pony, who had remained uncharacteristically quiet the whole time.
“Don't worry, Pinkie....If Minty is a true friend, she will understand.” Twilight reassured, patting Pinkie on the back.
“I hope so...” Pinkie frowned.
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 17 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-11T06:58:36+00:00
| 10,846 |
After some helpful input and some rethinking, Scootaloo's chapter has now been re-worked to fit more in line with the rest of the story, but is no less traumatic. ENJOY!
The wait was agonizing.
Twilight didn't know what was taking them so long, but each passing minute added another brick to the already heavy load of the two guilty ponies. Rarity's mane had started to slowly become unhinged, her stress more from trying to keep Pinkie Pie from bolting off than her own apology at the moment. The look in the party pony's eyes was one of pure fear. Fear of rejection, of self loathing, of loneliness. Twilight remembered that look in her eyes at Pinkie's birthday party. She hoped to never see it again.
The door finally opened all to slowly for the waiting trio. Fluttershy emerged and shut the door almost completely behind her, those cyan eyes giving her three friends a mild form of the stare she was known for. “I've gotten Minty to talk, and I know what happened. She's in a much better mood, but still fragile,” she looked at Pinkie. “Be careful what you say to her.”
Pinkie nodded slowly, never taking her eyes off the ground. Fluttershy nodded in agreement, and let the three inside. Twilight's breathing became short as she felt the air inside was more oppressive than outside, thick with guilt and tension. Minty sat at the living room table, eyes fixed on the wall in front of her. She didn't feel like making eye contact with Pinkie, which made the pink pony shrink back even more. Rarity sighed and gently tapped her forward with her horn until she was sitting across from her best friend.
“Minty...I'm...I'm sorry for what I did to you. That's not the kind of pony I am. I.... just wanted us to have fun and....I'm sorry.....” Pinkie felt tears sting her eyes.
“I am sorry as well, Minty,” Rarity chimed in, appearing behind the sniffling earth pony. “If I had not of sold Pinkie that offending item, neigh, if I had not been foalish enough to not explain proper use, none of this would have happened.”
Minty’s sorrowful violet eyes stared at the pony she once called a friend for the longest time, searching for any hint of sincerity in those words she barely heard. Could she bring herself to forgive her? Twilight was nervously fidgeting her hooves, biting her lip as she held out for the fateful answer. With a deep breath, Pinkie’s world shattered.
“No..”
Fluttershy was horrified. She didn’t want to choose sides in all of this, but the sight of Pinkie in tears drew the line. She opened her mouth, about to protest, when Minty began talking again.
“Pinkie, I understand that what happened was an accident. I accept your apology, but...I just can't forgive you.” she shook her head sadly. “You understand, don't you?”
The pink pony nodded. “I really am sorry, Minty....are....are we still friends?” Pinkie began fumbling her hooves.
Minty nodded slowly, glancing away from the terrible sight of the happiest pony in Equestria now a whimpering heap.
Twilight was about to cry herself when she felt the reassuring hoof of Rarity across her back. “Don't worry, Twilight. It'll take Pinkie a while to earn Minty's trust again, but I know she can do it.” That didn't make her feel any better about the outcome. Pinkie still had her friend, but now had a long road ahead of her. In a way, she understood Pinkie's pain, as she had to earn her own friends back at one point.
In a surprising move, Minty had worked up the courage to at least lean forward and give Pinkie a hug. Fluttershy nodded, though her eyes shown she was also unhappy about the conclusion that took place. Twilight thought to herself that perhaps it was too optimistic to think something like this could easily be forgiven with a simple apology. Pinkie, however, was learning a new lesson in humility and responsibility. Twilight made a note to include that in her friendship report the next time around.
“Want to go do something...?” Pinkie asked, her demeanor returning somewhat. Twilight noticed as Minty looked away, towards Fluttershy, as if she were a foal asking her mother for permission. That's strange.
After a few seconds of silence, the green pony shook her head. “I....I still need some time to think. Maybe later, okay?” she mustered a smile.
“Okay....thank you, Minty. I promise, no more games...” Pinkie did all the motions for her Pinkie Pie Swear then rose from the table and joined her friends. Twilight quirked a brow at Minty's behavior, but shook it off in favor of the task at hand. Pinkie needed comforting, otherwise she might revert.
Spike was alone in the library. He had wished Twilight the best of luck with helping Pinkie, but didn't want to come along for what he felt was a 'private matter'. He wasn't really kept in the loop to begin with, so figured it was none of his business. After checking himself in the mirror to make sure the spines on his head were straight, he adjusted his garish looking bow tie and grabbed the flowers he had picked from outside. No harm would come from visiting Apple Bloom and it would get his mind off the tension from this morning. He idly walked along the main thoroughfare as his mind wandered between if he should ease Twilight's tensions by submitting an admission and let her down gently, or if he should just keep playing dumb and let her drop it on her own accord. He knew Twilight would never want to impose on his relationship with Apple Bloom, but she didn't even know about that. So many secrets... Spike lamented as he tried to remember the path to the CMC clubhouse.
He neared the clubhouse, seeing that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were occupied with a very sad looking Scootaloo. “What's going on?” he asked, worry in his voice as he approached the three.
“Scootaloo had a bad experience,” Sweetie Belle explained, rubbing a comforting hoof on the pegsai's back.
“What happened?” Spike walked up to the orange filly and began offering his own comforting pats on her head.
“She don't want to talk about it, but ah think ah know what happened.” Apple Bloom spoke up. Spike didn't notice she was right beside him until she began leaning into him slightly, a smirk on her face as her eyes cast a sidelong glance at him. He blushed slightly, but the gravity of the situation cleared that away. “Are those flowers for me?”
“Huh?” Spike snapped from his thoughts, glancing at the flowers in his hands. He blinked a few times then held them up to her. “Uh...yeah.”
“Aww! That's sweet!” Apple Bloom smiled. She ate one of them right out of his hand, giving him a seductive wink.
Scootaloo was calming down, her face showing disgust at what she saw between the dragon and her friend. She wanted no part of love right now. She hated this feeling of showing weakness, and hated even more that those two idiots violated her without even realizing it, or even an apology. She gritted her teeth at the thoughts of revenge swirling through her brain.
“Apple Bloom, can I talk to you a minute?” Spike asked, glancing at the other two to make sure there was no suspicions. The filly nodded and they walked a safe distance away from earshot, Apple Bloom looking at Spike with a mix of anticipation for more fun and worry for bad news. “I....” he began, swallowing. “I think Twilight might be developing a crush on me....”
Apple Bloom blinked for a moment before a smile spread across her face. “Awww, Spike. You're such a stud!” Spike was taken aback by this reaction, figuring that she would at least be jealous or upset. But here she was, praising him for being so adorable that no pony can resist him.
“That's the thing. I want to be with you. But I don't want Twilight to feel bad that she might get between us.” Spike explained, fumbling with his claws as he began to blush.
“Do you like her in that way?” the filly asked, tilting her head.
Spike jerked his head to look at the filly, eyes wide in fright. “Of course not! She's like a sister to me! I mean, that would be just, well....weird....” Spike sighed. “But, I don't want to break her heart either. I saw those novels she reads. I think she wants me because she can't find a guy.” DO I like her like that.... his mind began to wander.
“Well shoot! We can find her a guy!” Apple Bloom perked up. “In fact, ah know just the pony! Cutie Mark Crusaders Dating Service!” she proclaimed, ready to run and tell her friends about their sudden business opportunity.
“I don't want to be any trouble.” Spike shook his head, trying to decline her offer. He pushed back as hard as he could to keep the filly in place until she relented.
“Aw it ain't nutthin! Ah'll send a letter no problem!” Apple Bloom broke free and bounded off to get what she needed, leaving Spike to stand in utter shock at what he had just done. On the one hoof, he just did his 'sister' a big favor. On the other, well, it wasn't that he didn't trust Apple Bloom's judgement, but he just felt unsettled by the whole thing. Apple Bloom then bounded back and grabbed Spike's tail in his teeth, pulling him into the clubhouse.
Rarity was back in her shop, staring at the now ornate door that blocked the room full of forbidden objects. Had her business venture really just caused that mess back there? A brief thought crossed her mind as she pondered to end her business venture. Well, that would probably make Pinkie feel worse because she hurt my business, she shook her head. That option wouldn't be viable. No more guilt.
The unicorn decided that she did indeed need a better education on how these devices worked, or at least some personal experience with them.
But who to ask? Who would be so eager as to help try out and learn how these things worked so she was no longer lying to her customers?
“IDDEEEAAA!” she sang out to herself, a hoof of triumph in the air. She knew just the pony to help her out with such things.
She rushed over to her work table and began to prepare a scroll for a friend she had known all her life. Rarity's false accent and obsession with being part of the Canterlot elite was only a mask to hide the fact that she was not a pure unicorn. Her sire was an earth pony, but he did have connections. She had known this family friend all her life, which made them the perfect unexpected match when she was of age. Rarity thought for a moment about what to say, knowing that it didn't matter because they would come anyway. In fact, this friend already knew about the objects here, but only tried a few in their first visit. Surely they would be hungry for more, schedule permitting of course.
Taking quill to parchment with her magic, Rarity began her message.
“Dear....Mayor Mare...”
“Minty...” Fluttershy called, her voice almost a whisper. “Did you mean that when you said you and Pinkie were still friends?”
Minty nodded, her eyes wet from fresh tears as she thought about what had happened. “We can still be friends, but I can't trust her anymore. At least, not now.”
Fluttershy nodded in understanding. “So will you be going back to Fillydelphia?”
“Actually, I kind of like it here.” Minty replied.
“So you're moving to Ponyville?”
“No....I like it here” The yellow pegasus blinked in confusion. Minty lay down next to her on the floor and sighed. “You're so nice to me. I like you...”
Fluttershy's face instantly turned crimson as she looked away, hiding behind her mane. She hesitated on how to approach this, her cyan eyes looking around as her mind processed what had happened. “Minty....did you....understand what Pinkie was doing to you?”
The green pony shook her head. “I was sheltered when I was young. I know what sex is, but not much else. Is....is that what Pinkie was trying to do to me?” She looked at the pegasus still in hiding, her stare forcing Fluttershy to reply.
Fluttershy jerked around to look at Minty, eyes wide. “No! Well...yes, but she was doing it wrong...” her voice trailed off.
“So what's the right way?” Minty tilted her head.
Fluttershy felt her blush grow hotter.
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 18 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-15T06:54:05+00:00
| 12,203 |
“So...um...” Braeburn trailed off as his glance met the ground. “We kind of haven't said much to each other about, ya know, that night.”
Big Macintosh blushed slightly at the memories. Applejack had done an admirable job keeping their cousin busy with the sights of the town, but every day ended in more awkward silence between the two men. It wasn't until Applejack started questioning why they were so quiet that spurred Braeburn to take the initiative. Reputation was at stake, after all. Mac always knew of Braeburn's 'tendencies' but never gave it much thought. Big Mac paused in his plowing duties and sighed.
“There isn't really much ta say.” Big Mac shook his head. “We was both drunk. Ain't no emotion behind it.”
“Oh...” the tan pony nodded slowly. “I see...” Great, I disgust him now, he thought as his eyes grew dark. For some reason, part of him hoped for the alternative. “I just felt that...”
Big Mac turned quickly, a frown on his face. “Ain't nutthin' to feel! What we did...it didn't mean anythin'...alright?” The workhorse turned back and began pulling his plow once more. Braeburn could only stand in open mouthed awe. Those words tore at his heart in a way they shouldn't have. Why does this have to be so hard?! With that last thought, he ran off, his vision blurry from the tears.
Twilight Sparkle sat in the silence of her library home's kitchen, mulling over the days events. The ordeal with Pinkie Pie was finally over, removing a tremendous weight from the unicorn's shoulders. But, she remembered, this also freed up more time to deal with her own feelings towards someone. She glanced over to Spike, who was busy making a batch of his famous triple fudge cookies, and swallowed hard.
“Spike...” Twilight was about to ask the obvious question, but instead a completely different one came out. “Who are those cookies for?” She facehoofed, cursing herself for being so weak.
“Oh, the Crusaders wanted me to make some, so I am.” Spike explained, shrugging off any suspicion that there may be.
“Making cookies for Apple Bloom?” Twilight asked, an accidental smirk appearing on her face. A loud clang of a dropping spoon echoed off the kitchen tile. The dragon spun around, his face blushing madly.
“Uh...no....all three of them. Why?” Spike was terrible at lying.
“Spike, it's okay. I think it's kind of adorable really.” Twilight waved a hoof. “Just as long as you don't do anything to extreme that is...” Spike's blush grew even hotter causing Twilight's mouth hang open in shock. “No...you didn't...”
Spike nodded slowly, his blush so visible he could burst into flames.
“Oh...Spike....I....it's just that...well...” the unicorn didn't want to outright say it was wrong. But it didn't feel right either. Her jealously also tipped the decision unfavorably, contaminating her social experiment further.
“You're not....jealous...are you?” Spike stammered, twiddling his claws.
“WHAT?! Why would I be jealous?” Twilight chuckled weakly, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.
“Well, since we're clearing the air and all...” Spike continued. “I heard what you were doing in the bathroom last night.”
Twilight nearly choked on her coffee, her futile attempt at avoiding a spit take causing some of it to come from her nose. “WHAT?!?!”
“So, I knew how you would feel if you got between me and Apple Bloom so....Apple Bloom volunteered to get you a boyfriend...” Spike began backing away as he spoke, noticing that the unicorn was slowly approaching him. Her face bore a scowl as she loomed over him now, breathing hard and shallow.
“Spiiikkeee...”
“Thank you so much for coming, Mayor!” Rarity beamed as she opened the door of her shop for the esteemed guest of honor.
The gray maned earth pony cantered inside, still impressed as always with how immaculate things were. “Oh, spare the formalities dear!” she waved a hoof. “Now then, how can I help a friend in need, hmm?” she blinked her eyes a few times, giving a seductive sway of her flanks.
“Well Mayor...I mean...Emily...” Rarity corrected herself, “I was needing a fellow pony to help try out more of my...product as you would say. I have realized my ignorance of what I purvey and wish to rectify this grievous offense post haste.”
“Always so proper.” Emily smirked. “Very well, what did you have in mind?”
The unicorn smiled a mischievous smile. “Follow me, dear.”
Fluttershy was blushing madly as she continued to groom Minty as before. But after that awkward question the green pony proposed to her, the simple act took on a different meaning. She found herself willing to educate the pony, but the last thing she wanted to do was force herself. Not after what she had been through.
“Minty...do you want me to show you the right way?” the pegasus finally asked, worry in her eyes that she was going to damage the earth pony again.
Minty nodded slowly. “Just...be gentle...”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement, and continued her grooming duties, only this time, they were a bit more seductive. The green pony shuddered at each lick of her ear, each nibble of her neck and back. Fluttershy worked her way down Minty's spine, grooming along the way until she got to the base of her pink tail. Gently taking the appendage into her teeth, she jerked it away to reveal Minty's need, already twitching with anticipation.
Minty's eyes widened when she realized what was happening, and began to squirm slightly. She knew Fluttershy wasn't going to hurt her, but the memories were still too painful. She felt a gentle lick against her most private of areas, and shuddered. Her eyes closed as she realized that her shivering wasn't out of fear this time. Minty threw her head back and let out a moan, which made Fluttershy blush even hotter.
Noticing that the pegasi's hindquarters was now in her view, Minty decided to repay Fluttershy's kindness by returning the favor. She gently took the tail in her teeth and pulled it aside. After shaking from a few more licks from Fluttershy, she began to emulate the actions she felt.
Fluttershy's eyes widened when she felt the licks against her. Minty's surprising eagerness to learn drove her to continue her own grooming, noticing a slight taste of peppermint from the nectar that flowed forth onto her tongue. The pegasi's own sweet taste spurred Minty on, almost as if she was attempting to outdo her benefactor's kindness.
Minty shuddered again, this time more intense as she blushed. Whatever was happening to her, she didn't want it to stop. Fluttershy knew the earth pony was close, and didn't want to quit now. With a few long licks, Minty began to shake and spasm as she attempted to hold herself in place on the floor. Her bright pink tail swayed madly as Fluttershy felt the hot panting against her need. She had had her first orgasm, and Fluttershy was honored to give it to her.
“That's the right way.” Fluttershy replied, licking her lips of any residue. Minty didn't respond, and for a moment, the pegasus felt she had broken her again. She opened her mouth to say something, but only a squeak came out as Minty resumed her own attempt. She's trying to do the same to me. That's so sweet... her thoughts were drowned out by the pleasure washing through her as her tongue lolled out of her mouth. Her eyes rolled back as her orgasm hit, sending a spurt into Minty's unsuspecting face. Her back arched downwards as her head jerked up, her moans almost as quiet as her voice.
The green pony flinched at first, but continued her licks. The erratic and clumsy nature of her tongue addled by her own orgasm, kept the yellow pegasus on edge until the event had passed.
Fluttershy collapsed to the ground, panting as her muscles relaxed. She looked over her shoulder at Minty, who was blushing even more than she was.
“Sorry....” Minty glanced away.
“For what? That was wonderful. Thank you,” Fluttershy replied, her voice even calmer than normal. “It's nothing to be ashamed of, Minty.”
The green pony only nodded, her mind wandering to why Pinkie couldn't have been this nice to her.
“I am surprised at you, Spike!” Twilight frowned. “You better have not done anything to break her heart.”
“NO! I would never do something like that!” Spike shook his head. “I just didn't want you feeling left out. Getting you a boyfriend was her idea.”
“Spike...” Twilight facehoofed. “Just because I may be a tiny bit jealous of the mares in those novels, doesn't mean I'm desperate or selfish enough to hamper somepony else in their love.” There was no denying the strange feelings she got when she thought of Spike now.
“I tried to stop her, Twilight. I really did. But she insisted.” Spike tried to explain. Twilight raised a hoof, a somber expression on her face.
“Don't worry about it. Besides, if it takes care of this awkward mess, I'll give it a shot.” Twilight sat down back at the table, glancing over to the relieved dragon. “What did it fell like? You know...when you and her...” the unicorn blushed at the fact she was asking such a question.
“It was wonderful.” Spike replied, his voice having a somewhat dreamy quality as he seemed to float off of the ground at the mere thought of that magical moment.
Twilight smiled and nodded, forcing herself to be happy for her number one assistant despite her own unfounded jealously. She turned to the paper and began to read. At least some things are back to normal, she thought as she scanned the articles.
PINK PONY PERSECUTED FOR PEGASI PROBING!
Twilight spat her coffee in shock. Her eyes re-read the offending article to make sure.
Pinkamina Diane Pie was accused of the rape of a minor when reports say the filly, who will remain unnamed, was sighted hobbling away from Ponyville Park with tears in her eyes. A few eyewitness reports say they saw evidence of rape, but the filly refused any help. Townsponies that had recently learned of a similar incident involving a mysterious green mare running through the streets of Ponyville in the same condition, concluded that the two must be connected. Our sources confirmed that Pinkamina Diane Pie was involved in the rape of the green mare.
“Oh no....oh Celestia...why?!” Twilight fought back tears of frustration, her anger causing the bubble of magic holding the paper to condense until the hateful rag was nothing but a wad. It was going to take all of her knowledge to help Pinkie out of this. But she knew she had to find her before anypony else.
“TWILIGHT!” a familiar voice cried though the pounding on her door. The unicorn realized who it was, and used her magic to open the door, allowing the frantic blur of pink inside. The door slammed shut and locked behind her. “I THINK THEY'RE TRYING TO KILL ME!” Pinkie shouted as she glanced at the door to make sure she wasn't followed.
“Relax, Pinkie. I don't know what happened, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this.” Twilight looked out the window to see that there was no angry mob with torches or pitchforks. At least, not yet. Pinkie was safe for now, but for how long?
“Pinkie, I want you to hide in the basement. Don't ask questions. I know you're innocent, but until I can convince them, you've got to stay out of sight. Understand?”
Pinkie nodded, tears in her eyes.
“Good, now go!” Twilight commanded, and the pink pony rushed to the basement stairs. Twilight looked to see that there were a few angry ponies heading to Sugarcube Corner. She hoped none of them saw her come to the library.
Pinkie Pie huddled in a corner of the basement. One mistake and my life is ruined... she began to sob.
“Hey now, what's with all the crying?” a calm voice asked from the other side of the room. Pinkie recoiled in fright.
“No don't hurt me! I'm innocent!” Pinkie began failing her hooves.
“I'm not going to hurt you.” a brown earth colt appeared from the shadows. “In fact, maybe I can help you.”
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 19 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-18T03:09:42+00:00
| 8,101 |
DISCLAIMER: Thank you all for the overwhelming support over the course of Season One! Thanks to the dedicated base, production values have increased. As such, no more foalin around! What started as a trollfic, accidentally gained a deep plot through character interaction alone! With a few seasons worth of threads to wrap up out of the first season alone, this should be a fun ride! As such, the clop will be graphic this time. You deserve it! So stay tuned!
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 20 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-18T10:11:23+00:00
| 17,675 |
Disclaimer: Contains consensual minors and proof I'm not foalin' around this time!
The sun was shining brightly over Ponyville, illuminating the changing leaves of the coming fall and providing just a touch of warmth to the otherwise frigid air. The pegasi, led by the ever present Rainbow Dash, had ensured a clear day today to help with any last minute harvesting that needed to be finished before the frost set in. Schedules said that a big winter snow was planned eventually, so food needed to be stored while it was available.
Pacing the kitchen of her library home, Twilight Sparkle was too lost in thought to appreciate this beautiful day. Hooves tapped in a steady rhythm as the unicorn trotted back and forth, keeping the circulation to her brain going as it puzzled its way through another conundrum. Twilight paused to take stock of the current situation once more, parsing out the details she already knew. Currently, Pinkie Pie was safely locked in the basement of the library, on the run from a terrible crime she didn't commit. The townsponies were reacting surprisingly calm about the whole situation, but Twilight surmised that was only because they couldn't find the pink pony in question.
Twilight knew to take her friends feelings seriously, and this was as serious as it got. Crimes of this magnitude were so rare in occurrence that some believed them to be old pony tales created as warnings of what dangers lurked in the darkness, and putting faith and trust in the hooves of strangers. Now Pinkie's fate was in Twilight's hooves, balanced only by the unicorn's unwavering trust in her friends. Sure Pinkie could be random at times, and Twilight had no doubt that the party pony was open minded in matters such as sex. But to outright violate a filly, on purpose...
NO! Twilight shook her head hard. Pinkie is incapable of hurting anypony! She paused again and glanced around. Well, at least when she's sane, she rolled her eyes. The best course of action would be to find out the identity of this filly and go from there. As Ponyville's Premier Private Investigative Pony, the unicorn was shouldered with even more responsibility to the town. Curse my intelligence for making me so valuable! she frowned.
But somewhere, deep in the back of her thoughts, was the lingering doubt that Rarity and her new stock had something to do with these current events. Be it a sick pony looking for a good time, or another accident, Rarity was assuredly involved somehow. That bothered Twilight more than anything. Her stomach growled, snapping her from her dark thoughts. I'll grab a bite to eat so I can think straight, then I'll be on my way! I'll have this case cracked in no time! Twilight proudly raised a hoof and tilted her head back in a confident pose. However her new-found pride was quickly deflated at the thought that all roads led back to Carousel Boutique. She also had a feeling that this was going to be more than she bargained for.
A knock at the front door caused Twilight to jump slightly, her head having drooped low enough she was sniffing the floor. The lavender pony made sure her mane was straightened, and walked out to greet her visitor. Standing at her door was a young colt, his blue eyes looking up and down as if he was sizing Twilight up.
“Can I help you?” Twilight asked, slightly annoyed that she had been interrupted from something important for nothing.
“Wow, Apple Bloom wasn't lying. You're pretty.” the tan pony said, shaking his curiously long mane from his eyes.
“Excuse me?” Twilight was confused now. “Wait, Apple Bloom?” This must be the boyfriend Spike was talking about. “Ummm, thanks?”
“So ummm, you uh. Want to go on a date or something?”
“Who are you, exactly?”
“Oh! My name's Caramel,” he held out a shaking hoof, his eyes filled with nervousness as he blushed. “You must be the Twilight Sparkle I heard so much about.”
“Yeeeeeeeah, about that.” Twilight took a deep breath, “See, I'm kind of super busy right now. So the date thing will have to wait, I really apologize you caught me at such a bad time, but duty calls!” Twilight gasped for air, as she had rattled all of that out in one breath. She slammed the door before Caramel could say anything else, and wiped the sweat from her brow. I hated to do that, but Pinkie is more important right now. She pressed an ear to the door, listening intently to ensure that the colt was gone. After the hoofsteps had faded, Twilight sighed in relief and turned towards the kitchen door where Spike was emerging.
“Spike, I'm going out! Keep an eye on Pinkie and give her whatever she needs....” Twilight paused for a moment, eyes wandering to the ceiling as she thought about that command. “Within reason, I mean.”
The dragon nodded, somewhat distracted. He was blushing, but Twilight didn't know why. Probably still embarrassed over me knowing about Apple Bloom, the unicorn nodded. “Oh,” she remembered. “Don't let her pressure the Doctor to take her back in time to stop this, okay?”
Spike quirked a brow at this command. Sure Pinkie was crazy, but she would never attempt something like that. Would she? “Uh...You got it, Twilight!” he beamed a fanged smile.
Twilight nodded in satisfaction and left, ready to get down to business and clear Pinkie's name. Wrapping her favorite orange and red striped scarf around her neck, the unicorn trotted off into town towards Sugarcube Corner. Something sweet will fill me up and get the mind working. The town was oddly quiet, the only sounds being the muffled gossip of the breaking news and a few mumbles of ponies who wanted to find Pinkie and do terrible things to her. Twilight understood their anger, but it was directed at the wrong pony. Celestia help me, you better not be part of this Pinkie...
Sugarcube Corner was crowded, but none of the ponies there wanted any treats. They wanted retribution. Some of the words Twilight heard made her fold her ears to her head and frown. She had no idea ponies could be that vindictive, even with a crime of such magnitude. Mrs. Cake did well in calming the crowd down, or at least convincing them Pinkie wasn't here. The ponies finally cleared out, leaving the lavender mare and Mrs. Cake alone among the gingerbread walls and candy cane pillars.
“Oh, Twilight!” Mrs. Cake exclaimed, a smile on her face. “If you're looking for Pinkie too, she's not here. But she could use a friend right now,” the smile on her face faded as she spoke those words.
“No, I'm actually here to get something to eat. I'm sure wherever Pinkie is, she's safe.” Twilight nodded, her face one of confidence.
“Well in that case, I feel much better.” Mrs. Cake sighed. “I was so worried. I've known Pinkie for a long time and she would never....”
“I know, Mrs. Cake.” Twilight raised a hoof. “As Ponyville's Premier Private Pony, I am going to get to the bottom of this mess!” She blinked as a thought came to her. “You...wouldn't happen to know anything that could help...would you?” Twilight cringed slightly, hoping that she wasn't prying or making Mrs. Cake uncomfortable.
“Unfortunately, no. All I know is what those ponies were saying, and I don't believe a word of it!” Mrs. Cake stomped a hoof on the wooden floor. “But thank you so much for helping her out, Twilight. It would mean a lot to her.”
Twilight nodded, a sheepish smile. I'm not making any promises.
“Now then dear, what would you like?” Mrs. Cake smiled once more now that her thoughts were at ease.
“I'll have...uh...” Twilight's eyes scanned the confection case. Everything looked good, but she didn't need all of it. “Give me, four double chocolate, chocolate cookies please.”
“Well, sounds like you've got quite the appetite today!” Mrs. Cake chuckled.
No, just depressed is all, “What can I say, you make good stuff!” Twilight shrugged, mustering a smile.
The library was quiet now that Twilight was gone. Occasionally in the eerie silence, Spike could barely hear Pinkie's sobs emanating from the basement. He wanted to go down and offer some words of comfort, but he was at a loss of what to say. Thus, Spike took to amusing himself in the kitchen, figuring that another batch of his famous Triple Decker Nut Crazy Vanilla Cream Cookies would lighten the mood. Pinkie was probably hungry too.
Digging around in the cabinet for a mixing bowl, he found his mind wandering to Apple Bloom again. That magical night they had shared together. Those memories made him blush as he felt himself getting aroused. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind for the time being.
Maybe he could invite her over or something? Keep him company while Twilight was off on her mission. He glanced up at the clock on the wall, noticing it was almost time for that mailmare to make her rounds. Setting the bowl on the counter, Spike fetched a scroll and began to write an invite to Apple Bloom. He quickly wrapped it in a ribbon and ran outside to put in the mailbox just as Ditzy landed nearby.
“Oh hey!” Spike exclaimed to the grey pegasus. “Could you deliver this to Apple Bloom please?” He tried not to snicker at the mare's unfortunate wandering eye. Ditzy smiled and took the scroll in her mouth, placing it carefully in her mailbag. “Thanks, Derpy.”
Ditzy frowned, turning her nose up into the air and closing her eyes. Her nostrils flared as she let out a snort of disappointment.
“OH! Hey, I'm sorry....force of habit.” Spike apologized, twiddling his claws. He glanced up to see Ditzy had managed to align both eyes to stare at him, a scowl on her face. Without saying a word, she flared her wings and flew off. She had a job to do, after all.
Idiot... Spike slapped a hand against his forehead. He marched back inside, shaking his head at his own stupidity. After he shut the front door, he cocked an ear to see if Pinkie was still sobbing.
Nothing.
Spike crept to the basement door, holding his breath for no reason as he reached for the handle. He cracked open the door and peered down the stairs. “Everything okay down there, Pinkie?” he asked, his voice echoing off the stone walls.
“Everything is fine! NO PUT THAT DOWN!” the Doctor cried out. “She seems to be in a better mood at the moment!”
“Oh...uh. I'm making some cookies. You guys want any?” Spike asked, confused at the racket that only grew in decibel level.
“You bet I want some cookies!” Pinkie yelled back, a giggle escaping her lips.
“Yes, sounds wonderful. Bring some tea to!” the Doctor added. “Pinkie STOP THAT!”
Spike rolled his eyes and shut the door. He paused for a moment as his eyes fell on the wooden door, amazed that it could muffle all that commotion. He shrugged it off as magic and went back into the kitchen.
An hour had passed, and Spike was pulling the pan of cookies from the oven, licking his lips at the delicious smell. He had outdone himself on this batch and silently vowed to get them sold at Sugarcube Corner someday.
A knock at the front door caught the dragon's attention, and he padded out into the foyer to answer. There was Apple Bloom, with a familiar bag clenched in her teeth. Rarity's Carousel Boutique it read. Spike quirked a brow at this, a smirk on his face.
“Where did you get that, young lady?” Spike asked, mocking a scolding tone as he put his hands on his hips.
Apple Bloom looked away and blushed as she placed the bag on the ground. “Ah found it in the barn. Looks like Applejack was gettin' in on it too!”
“Well, you're just in time for cookies. I could use the company with Twilight being gone and all.” Spike held the door for the filly, who walked in and headed towards the kitchen, following the smell of cookies. Spike followed, heading towards the counter to place the cookies on a plate and pour some milk. He glanced at the tea pot on the stove and remembered the duo in the basement.
“So where's Twilight? On a date with Caramel ah hope.” Apple Bloom smiled. “Can I pick em or what?” she winked seductively at Spike, who could only blush. He quickly turned his attention to filling the teapot and placing it on the stove.
“Actually, she kind of blew him off in favor of her mission.” Spike explained, not looking back for fear his blush would give the filly ideas, not that he didn't mind.
“Oh, that's too bad. Once Caramel sets his mind on something, he won't let it go. But he's pretty clumsy too sometimes. Ah'd hate to be Twilight right about now.” Apple Bloom frowned, setting the bag on the table and idly shuffling it with her hooves.
“What, is he going to be like Pinkie and pop out of nowhere to try and woo her?” the dragon asked, a smirk across his face.
“Wouldn't surprise me.” Apple Bloom giggled.
“Want to help me?” Spike asked, glancing at Apple Bloom. He noticed that her red curls seemed bouncier than usual, and her bow was pressed and vibrant instead of the usual dirty one she got from adventuring hard. Is she wearing eyeshadow?! Spike noticed, and felt the fire in his cheeks.
“Sure, Spike. What's going on?” the filly asked. She walked up next to Spike, and that was when he caught the scent of flowers. She's wearing perfume? Now he was anxious. Apple Bloom was obviously expecting something to happen, and Spike was more than happy to oblige. Later, of course. It's more fun to keep her waiting.
“Uh...” Spike stammered, trying to recollect his thoughts. “Pinkie and the Doctor are in the basement, and want some tea and cookies. Wanna help me carry everything?”
“Doctor? As in playing Doctor?” Apple Bloom asked, cocking a brow. “Maybe we can do that too.” She began nuzzling under Spike's chin, causing him to almost drop the teapot on her head.
“Uh....sure?” Spike shook his head. “I mean, uh...no he calls himself the Doctor! Nice guy, but a bit weird.”
“What's Pinkie doing down there?” Apple Bloom took a cookie off the plate and began chewing it slowly and sloppily. For some reason, this turned Spike on even more.
“Uh...she's hiding...”
“From what?” She took another cookie, noticing that her flirtations were working.
“She's in trouble...” Spike wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Over what?” Another cookie. Spike gritted his teeth as he tried to remain focused.
“The town thinks that she raped a filly....” the dragon blurted out.
Apple Bloom choked on the cookie, coughing violently. After she caught her breath, she snapped her golden eyes up to meet the dragon's green orbs. “That's awful!”
Spike was too flustered to notice Apple Bloom's eyes were giving away that she knew something. The blush in his cheeks grew hotter as the teapot whistled, right on cue. Both snapped their longing gazes to the offending pot, scowling that they were interrupted.
Twilight sat in Ponyville Park, trying in vain to quell her nerves with the cookies. They were rich, and a little too sweet for her taste. But they got the job done all the same. Her violet eyes scanned the area, absently looking for any signs of clues. The leaves of varying shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold littered the ground and wandered by in the chilly wind. There were few ponies in the park during winter, since all the trees were dead and bare, leaving not much to look at. Twilight hoped that she could find something at the scene of the crime to point her in a direction, lest she be wandering around town aimlessly chatting with random ponies.
Her mind drifted back to the library, and she bit her lip hoping that nopony would attempt to look in there for Pinkie. Their words were one thing, but Twilight didn't want to risk potential actions.
Twilight's wandering eyes now landed on Lyra and Bonbon. They were Ponyville's resident couple, and so adorable together. They also frequented the park for the view and to have a relaxing time together.
Aha! Witnesses! They come here all the time, maybe they saw something. Twilight smiled at this turnabout of fortune, and cantered casually up to the two, trying to look confident without raising suspicion of her true motives.
“Excuse me, could I ask you some questions?” Twilight approached, hoping that this little interview would get her somewhere. She had read enough mystery novels to know how the process worked in interrogating a suspect or a witness. The only difference was this wasn't black and white like Twilight had imagined the stories in her head. There was also a real life on the line, so she couldn't mess this up.
“Well, of course dear.” Bonbon replied, her voice having a New Jerneigh or lower Manehattan accent. It was a surprising contrast to her humble appearance for those who didn't know her.
“Well, there was a crime here, involving a filly. Were either of you here that day?” Twilight asked, cocking her head. Her ears perked up to make sure she didn't miss any detail.
Lyra and Bonbon looked at each other for a few seconds. The sea-green unicorn turned her gold eyes back to Twilight and sighed. She looked regretful. “I did see a filly here one day. She looked in pain, but I wasn't sure.” Lyra shook her head.
“What did she look like?” Twilight continued, smiling internally that she was getting somewhere.
“She was orange, with a purple mane.” Lyra replied. “Is she in trouble? Is she okay?”
Twilight frowned at the pain in Lyra's voice. Why didn't she help her? “Did she...” Twilight paused, praying that she would get no for an answer. There was only one pony she knew of with that distinct coloration. “...have wings?” she finished, swallowing the tension building in her throat.
Lyra nodded.
Oh Sweet Celestia.... Twilight tried not to show her shock. It couldn't be....no..... She knew a certain pegasus that was not going to take this news well at all.
Twilight hung her head and walked off without saying a word. This was worse than she thought. But at least she had a lead. Poor Scootaloo was probably huddled up somewhere, broken and terrified. She needed somepony's help, and that pony was Twilight Sparkle. But she had a case to solve. No, Scootaloo needed a more personal touch. Twilight had to find Rainbow Dash.
Nodding to herself, she searched the sky for any traces of a rainbow streak. Dash was probably still tending to the weather duties for the big snow, but that didn't mean she was hard to find. Breaking the news to her, that would be the difficult thing. Even though Dash didn't show it, she loved Scootaloo like a sister, and always wanted what was best for her.
Yes, if anyone can help Scootaloo heal, it's Rainbow Dash.
“That Doctor fella is pretty funny.” Apple Bloom spoke as her and Spike emerged from the basement. “What were all those parts all over the floor?”
“Don't know, don't care.” Spike replied, heading back to the kitchen. Apple Bloom followed, her face showing worry that Spike didn't notice her makeup of perfume.
“Spike, have you been ignorin' me?”
The dragon smirked, but lost it as he turned to face the filly.
“No. You look beautiful.” Spike stammered.
Apple Bloom trotted up and planted a kiss on Spike's lips. “Wanna try out what I found?”
“Uh....sure?”
Apple Bloom smiled, and rushed over to the bag, rattling around until she produced the items inside.
“It that a.....dog leash and a riding crop?” Spike asked, pointing and quirking a brow. Apple Bloom already had the leash rope in her teeth, giving it a practiced twirl that she learned from Applejack. With a light toss, the leash landed around Spike's neck. The dragon's eyes widened in horror as he was violently yanked forward and right into Apple Bloom's puckered lips. It was forceful, but at the same time, exhilarating. Spike began sweating even more now, his hands gripping the sides of Apple Bloom's face as their tongues began to exchange laps at each other. Both had their eyes closed, lost in the sheer bliss of the moment. Spike could taste cookie residue and apple juice, and it was wonderful.
After a few minuets, Apple Bloom pulled away, her face as red as her mane. “Let's go upstairs.”
“What? But where would we...ya know?”
Apple Bloom smiled. “Ya got a bed, silly!”
“My bed is just a basket. It's too small.” Spike shook his head slowly. This was a buzzkill.
“What about Twilight's?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice to innocent for her own good.
Spike's eyes widened in terror. Wouldn't that be crossing the line? She doesn't care about our relationship, but....in her bed?! Before the dragon could object, he was reminded of the leash around his neck as he was pulled up the stairs by one strong filly.
Apple Bloom made her way to the ladder leading up to Twilight's bed and began to climb. She pulled on the leash enough to get Spike to follow, unless he wanted to be lynched, which the dragon did begrudgingly. This had better be worth it.
“You said Twilight was gone for awhile, an we can wash the sheets when we're done.” Apple Bloom laid out her plan, as well as herself onto the bed. Spike made it to the top of the ladder to be greeted with the sight of the filly on her side, hind legs parted ever so slightly to give just a peek at that barely visible pencil line between her flanks. Spike almost fell off the ladder as he felt the heat in his cheeks threaten to burst out of his nose in a spray of blood.
Apple Bloom chuckled at this expression, dropping the leash rope from her teeth as she moved towards the window to give Spike room. The dragon eagerly scrambled onto the mattress, laying down on his back. Placing a hoof across his chest and pulling him closer, the smell of her perfume now overwhelmed Spike as their lips met once more. Tongues soon escaped their confines and explored around each others faces. Apple Bloom shuddered at the feeling of the forked tongue sliding along her face, matting her coat. Her own tongue relished the textures of Spikes scales, each one as unique as a snowflake. Durable yet delicate.
Spike curled his claws into Apple Bloom's mane, pulling her closer to lick at her neck, burying his snout into her throat latch. Apple Blossoms, of course, Spike rolled his eyes at the obvious choice of fragrance. He could feel the rumbles of Apple Bloom's moaning as she continued her own assault, lapping at the small opening that acted as an ear. She shifted her weight to get closer to Spike, feeling his dual cock poking her in the thigh. She was already wet and willing, but wanted Spike to suffer a little longer. Her hoof ran along his smooth chest, and Apple Bloom could feel Spike's heart beating, powering the blush in his cheeks. The filly thought it curious at Spike's lack of nipples, but shrugged it off as lack of personal knowledge.
The dragon was letting out short, gasping breaths as he was worked over. Apple Bloom's hoof would slide down his small body, stopping before it reached his member, then sliding back up to repeat the process. A few more passes, then Apple Bloom paused and glanced down at the twitching protuberance. Spike's member ached for release, the pink flesh now almost as purple as his scales. It was choking. She glanced back at his face, his eyes closed and tongue hanging out, lost in mind bending pleasure yet no closer to reliving the pain in his loins.
Spike's eyes shot open when he felt Apple Bloom's mouth envelope him. Once again, she took both at once, tongue sliding around and between in a flurry of passion. For her second time, she was surprisingly skilled. Maybe she thinks of it as bobbing for apples?
Apple Bloom could taste the saltiness of Spike's pre on her tongue, and this spurred her to continue. Her ministrations causing Spike to buck and squirm under her, feet kicking the air as he knees hit her throat. He was close, she could feel his cocks beginning to undulate, like they did when they were inside her.
Spike couldn't talk at this point, his eyes long since exploring the back of his head as he almost stopped breathing altogether. His claws frantically groped at her mane and poll, trying to keep her head down until he was finished. Apple Bloom fought against him, and raised her head, releasing him with a lewd slurping sound.
The dragon snapped back to reality, raising his head to cast his disappointed eyes down onto the filly that dared stop. Apple Bloom giggled as she wiped her mouth with a hoof, her eyes showing a gleeful mirth. “Wouldn't be fair if ya gave it up now.” She stood and turned to reposition herself, then laid back down. Her front legs folded against her chest on the bed, while her hindquarters rested near Spike's head, allowing him to smell Apple Bloom's sex.
The swaying red tail beckoned Spike like a snake that had him under its spell. He gripped it in his hand and jerked it aside, Apple Bloom yelping in pain as her head shot up. “Do that again!”
Oh, she likes it rough? Spike pulled harder this time, causing Apple Bloom to cry out even louder as it trailed off into an awkward moan. Curious and inspired, Spike brought his hand down upon her hindquarters, giving an audible slap. Apple Bloom squirmed as tears formed in her eyes.
It never feels this good when I get punished! Apple Bloom smiles despite the pain. She turned her head to ask for more, but Spike was already moving into the next phase, burying his face into her waiting slit. Her lips were engorged and winking seductively as Spike dove in, his forked tongue reaching as far at it could into her, tasting more of that sweet cider. Apple Bloom found herself oddly aroused by the obscene noises her wetness made against Spike's tongue. She gave a few playful licks to the draconic member before her, getting a few more spurts of pre in return. This teasing made Spike speed up his end, prehensile tongue finding and revealing the hardened clit and snaking around it with ease. This sent a jolt of pleasure through Apple Bloom's spine as she moaned even louder. Spike smiled around the nub as he got another wicked idea to pay back for his teasing. He reached a claw up and inserted it into Apple Bloom's tailhole.
“GHA! Spike what in the.....” but she trailed off as the pleasure intensified. She had to admit, he was good at this. Too good in fact, as she would cum before she wanted to. Apple Bloom fought against her desires and wiggled away, not wanting to end this just yet. Both were so close, yet seemed so far. The filly stood again, positioning herself atop the dragon. “Now I get to be on top!” she gave a lecherous grin as she reached down to guide one of Spike's members into her awaiting tunnel.
Spike's back arched instantly as he was taken. His eyes crushed shut as his body was consumed by the heat from Apple Bloom's own need. The filly began moving up and down, teasing in her speed and how much she would let out and back in, driving Spike nuts. He had no idea Apple Bloom was so devious, yet so adorable.
Their eyes locked one final time before they became lost in ecstasy. Both let out moans that sounded almost feral. Faint plumes of smoke rose from Spike's nostrils as he tried to catch his breath, hoping that he didn't lose control and hurt her.
Apple Bloom arched her back, going full speed as the wave of pleasure began to rise. All too soon, it crashed to the shore, sending shock waves though the filly's body as she clenched at Spike's member, milking him for all he was worth. The dragon's head wrenched back as he came harder than the last time, the build up from Apple Bloom's teasing creating a reservoir that now burst forth, washing her insides with warmth.
Apple Bloom sighed and collapsed on top of Spike, his snout burred in her blossom scented chest. Her hind legs kicked slightly as her body continued to twitch involuntarily, her inner walls still clenching in an attempts to pull Spike deeper.
“You're pretty good at this.” Spike replied, kissing Apple Bloom on her forehead.
“You're washing the sheets, ah'm tired.” Apple Bloom yawned, her normally boundless energy drained.
“You're tired?" Spike asked, stifling a yawn of his own. With that, they were both fast asleep.
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 21 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-24T07:15:18+00:00
| 13,429 |
“Come on, guys! Keep those clouds away or it's the Rainbow Factory for you!” Dash commanded, the giant smirk on her face shown she wasn't the least bit serious. Rainbow Dash prided herself in her job as head of the weather team, but she knew that employee morale was proportionate to the amount of work done. Thus she had become good friends with her team, and had one of the most causal workplace dynamics over any other team. Pegasi clamored for the chance to work Ponyville, but some learned that it wasn't all fun and games. They also learned you had to earn that casual relationship with Dash.
Not that Dash didn't earn her own position, far from it. She was not only a stellar employee in her own right, but also pride of her entire species when she performed the Sonic Rainboom.
“Dash, why you always bring up that old mare's tale?” Cloud Kicker asked, snickering.
“Well, it's the right season for it.” Dash shrugged.
“Mrs. Dash! Mrs. Dash!” another mare called out, flying up to her rainbow maned boss. Dash raised a hoof to pause her flight path, a sour look on her face.
“Blue October, there are three things you need to know.” Dash explained calmly, her eyes closed. “First, I'm not married, so don't call me Mrs.” The blue mare blushed and glanced away. “Second, rainbows are not a good spice for ANYTHING.”
Cloud Kicker snickered, drawing Dash's glance over to her as a smile crept across her lips. At least SHE gets the joke.
“Third. You've worked here long enough that you can just call me Dash, or even R.D. I may run a tight ship, but I don't wanna feel like it.” Dash finished, noticing that Blue October had shrunk away considerably.
“Sorry...Mrs....I mean....Dash,” the sky blue mare stammered.
“Nah, it's cool. I admire that work ethic.” Dash shrugged. “Now, what did you need to tell me?”
“The snow storm coming from Everfree has sped up. We might need more pegasi on the front line to stave it off.” Blue October explained.
Dash nodded, concern in her eyes. “I'll see what I can do. We've got to hold it off for at least one more day.”
Blue October nodded and turned to fly off. Dash stopped her, turning her back around to look her in the eye.
“Don't take it so hard. I know what it's like to be the new pony.”
Blue nodded, a smile on her face. With newfound confidence, she flew off.
“I love the rookies,” Dash smiled, noticing Cloud Kicker was still snickering at the whole 'Mrs. Dash' incident. “Get back to work!” Dash snapped, her voice loud but playful .
“Got it boss!” Cloud Kicker saluted then set about her duties.
“Rainbow Dash!” a familiar voice caught the rainbow pegasi's attention and she glanced down to see Twilight Sparkle calling up to her. She swooped down to eye level, curious as to why the unicorn sounded so serious.
“Hey, Twilight. I can't talk long. I need to round up some more pegasi to keep that snow storm away.” Dash glanced around as she spoke, hoping to see any errant pegasi that weren't busy so she could recruit them to the cause.
“This is serious Dash. I need you,” Twilight replied, her voice calm yet strangely on edge.
“I can't just take off in the middle of a project like this. You know how loyal I am.” Dash gave a playful wink.
“What happened to taking your friends feelings seriously?” Twilight cocked her head, eyes narrowing.
“I am taking you seriously. You're not taking me seriously!” Dash argued.
“Pinkie Pie is in trouble, and I need to clear her name!” Twilight snapped, stomping a hoof.
“What happened? What's going on?” Dash placed a hoof to her chin in mock thought. “I know Pinkie is annoying but...”
Twilight shook her head. “Damn it, this is serious! It's about Scootaloo!”
“What about her?” Dash's eyes were suddenly wide as her gaze snapped to the unicorn.
Spike groggily opened his eyes, which immediately drifted to the cuckoo clock on the wall. It had only been a couple of hours, and Twilight still wasn't home yet. He hoped she was okay. His eyes then glanced down to the filly laying on top him him, lightly snoring as she smiled in her sleep. Her eyeshadow was smeared by her sweat and had dried around her eyes. The dragon swore she was glowing the way the sunlight played through the window. His hand hung over the edge of the bed, his claws brushing something. He hooked a claw under what he felt was a handle of some sort, and lifted the object up. Another bag from Rarity's. Twilight's toy. He smirked at this and placed it back where it belonged, figuring Twilight wouldn't appreciate that.
Not that she'd appreciate knowing her number one assistant just got laid, AGAIN. In her own bed no less. He didn't want Twilight to feel jealous, but at the same time there was a nagging guilt he never felt before haunting his own mental recesses.
“Mmm...time to wake up, Bloom.” Spike placed a hand on Apple Bloom's shoulder and gently shook her awake.
“Ah told ya, yer washin' the sheets.” the filly mumbled, rolling over and off of the dragon.
“No, we got to get up. Twilight will probably be home soon.” Spike explained, sitting upright and flexing his cramped shoulders.
“Awww, you ashamed of me, Spike?” Apple Bloom smirked, rolling over and locking eyes with him.
“Of course not, you silly filly!” Spike swatted at her nose with his claws, just enough so as not to hurt her.
“You sound like Pinkie Pie!” Apple Bloom snickered.
Spike shook his head and climbed out of bed. He didn't make it far down the ladder, as he instantly began choking. He had forgotten he had the leash around his neck, and Apple Bloom was holding the other end in her teeth. The corners of her mouth were curled in a devious smile.
“I'm gonna take a bath, then figure out when to make something for Twilght to eat. If she ever gets home. Care to join me?” Spike asked, hanging onto the ladder so he didn't hang himself.
Apple Bloom dropped the cord, her eyes wide. “Ya mean? Ya want me to stay for dinner?”
“Well, maybe. Or stay the night if you want.” Spike winked teasingly. “But only if Applejack says it's okay.”
“Awwww! Then ah'd never get ta stay!” Apple Bloom whined, following Spike out of the bed.
“A.J's not that bad, Bloom. I'm sure she'll let you stay.” Spike walked towards the bathroom, Apple Bloom following close behind.
“Yeah, but...she don't know about us yet, an....I don't know if she'll like it,” she frowned, her eyes on the brink of tears.
“Well, yeah..there is that...” Spike paused, looking down at the floor in disappointment.
Apple Bloom felt bad now. Spike was really liking this and she went and started making him doubt the whole thing.
“Nah. Ah'm sure she won't care,” Apple Bloom waved a hoof dismissively. She smiled when Spike's eyes lit up. There was the dragon she knew.
“Care to join me for a bath, m'lady?” Spike bowed as he gestured towards the tub.
The filly smiled. “Like ya have ta ask?”
“...what?” Rainbow Dash asked, Her eyes shown no emotion, yet Twilight knew that the pegasus was more than willing to take off at the first mention of a name, and let whatever pony that committed the crime feel her wrath. No one messed with Scootaloo, especially not like this.
“Scootaloo needs you, Dash. Surely you can take time out of work to talk to her?”
I'd take the whole year off if I needed to. “Where is she?”
“At the clubhouse I think but....” Dash was off.
Twilight turned around to follow the rainbow blur, and saw Caramel lying on his back, nervously staring at the razor sharp rainbow trail that was mere inches from his flesh.
“Caramel, what are you doing?” Twilight sighed. She didn't have time for this.
“It took a while to find you. But I was thinkin', since you were busy and all, if you wanted my help...” the colt let out a weak chuckle in a pathetic attempt to hide the fact he was blushing.
Twilight sighed, her hoof hitting her face. Then she had an idea. “Caramel, maybe you can help me.” Twilight glanced over her hoof at the clumsy colt struggling to his hooves.
“Really? How?” Caramel asked, his blue eyes hopeful.
“Go back to the library and check on Spike for me. Okay?” Twilight smiled, hoping this made the poor, deperate pony feel somewhat useful.
“Oh....okay....sure. You got it Twilight.” Caramel nodded, and galloped off towards the library. Twilight shook her head. If he was going to keep popping up like this, it could be a real problem. Her mind drifted to other thoughts as she tried to work from her lead. Dash can deal with Scootaloo. Maybe I need to find one of the other crusaders and see what they know.
Her mind began to wander as idly as her hooves. Now with a clear path set out before her, all of the clutter of what if scenarios and possible leads was gone, leaving room for stranger thoughts to emerge.
Now that I think about it. I don't know when Caramel arrived here. He seems pretty eager to go on a date with me. Maybe.... Twilight shook her head, but the terrible thoughts clung on. As much as I'd hate to say it...Caramel is now a suspect.
Frowning, Twilight glanced around for the next course of action. Surely Scootaloo confided in her friends. Maybe I should find Rarity and talk to Sweetie Belle.
Spike gasped for air as a wall of tepid bath water hit him in the face, snapping him back to a reality he didn't know he left. It didn't take long for the water to get cold, and it was even less time before Apple Bloom found out how to weaponize it. For all her newfound maturity, Spike admired that the filly still wanted to have fun.
“You seem distracted, Spike. Is something wrong?” Apple Bloom asked, refraining from her play as she tilted her head in genuine concern.
“I don't know...Caramel springing on Twilight so suddenly probably won't end well for either of them,” Spike rubbed the back of his head. “and I just think she's gonna come back to eying me, which will make me feel bad because I'm with you.”
“Were ya thinkin' of Twilight when we was...” Apple Bloom asked.
“NO! Of course not!” Spike shook his head, more out of denial towards himself than her accusation.
“Then what's ta worry about?” the filly asked, preparing to unleash another tidal wave.
“Excuse me! Need to get something.” The Doctor pardoned himself as he barged into the bathroom.
“Uh, hello? We're trying to take a bath.” Spike replied, his eyes narrowed in frustration as he gestured to the water in the tub..
“That's all very well and good,” the Doctor nodded “But, for mammals who don't wear clothing, I find it rather daft to worry about privacy now,” he explained as he glanced around then headed straight for the medicine cabinet. He popped open the door and found what he was looking for, his head reemerging with something in his mouth that rattled with every movement.
“How did you know Twilight had those?” Spike quirked a brow as he pointed to the offending item.
“No time! Pinkie is having another one of her 'bi-polar' episodes.” the Doctor spoke through the bottle in his teeth.
“So you're just going to dope her up?” Spike asked, giving a shrug that mocked the Doctor's own callous nonchalance.
“I don't see you doing anything to help,” the Doctor replied flatly. He left with the pills in tow, the rattling growing distant until he returned to his basement domicile. Apple Bloom tilted her head at Spike, who was resting his head on his hand upon the edge of the tub.
“Sometimes the Doctor is to honest for his own good.” Spike's voice was flat and unimpressed by the colt's bravado.
Apple Bloom pulled the plug to begin draining the water that had lost its appeal. “What was that bottle he took?”
“Those? Ah, Twilight gets a little too wound up sometimes. I don't think it's a good idea, but whatever keeps her from going off like she did before.” Spike sighed. “That and she has, well, problems.”
“What kind of problems?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice one of concern for her favorite unicorn.
“Ah, I'll explain more later. I'm hungry. How about you?” Spike asked, hoping to change the subject.
A knock at the door grabbed their attention. Spike and Apple Bloom looked at each other then climbed out of the tub to dry off. Spike headed downstairs to answer the door and was greeted with Caramel. The colt had a cheesy smile on his face as he looked Spike over. “Well, everything seems to be fine! I can tell Twilight the good news!”
“What are you talking about?” Spike asked, blinking in confusion.
“Oh! Twilight sent me to check up on you! I'm helping out! Hey, Apple Bloom! How are things?” Caramel called to his cusion. Spike turned to see the filly approaching behind him.
“Why aren't you takin' Twilight out on a date?” Apple Bloom asked, sitting on the floor next to Spike.
“She said she was busy.” Caramel hung his head in disappointment. “I think she hates me.”
“Now, don't think like that! She's just a bit....high maintenance is all. Come on, I'll tell you what you need to know.” Spike invited the colt inside and shut the door.
“Sweetie Belle hasn't said a word for a few days now. Something is on her mind.” Rarity explained, glancing over her shoulder at her little sister. Her green eyes bore that same blank expression, but she was far from clueless. “I honestly don't think she could be of much help to you.”
“I have to try. It is my job after all.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, ready for the challenge. Taking a deep breath, she trotted over to Sweetie Belle, who was busy trying to look amused by rolling a ball.
“Sweetie...do you know anything about what happened to Scootaloo? Did she tell you anything?” Twilight asked, trying to remain calm and professional despite her growing tension and worries.
The unicorn shook her head, biting her lip to elaborate her vow of silence. She wasn't about to sell out her friends, nor get in trouble herself.
“Sweeite, please. Pinkie is in big trouble. Anything you know could help her.” Twilight pleaded now, her eyes watering slightly.
Sweetie Belle shook her head once more, though her eyes were crying out for an audience. There's something on her mind, alright, Twilight thought, eying the filly like she was another puzzle to solve.
“I'm sorry, dear. I wish she could have been more help.” Rarity replied, walking up next to her fellow unicorn. “OH! Since you're on 'active duty' and all, I'd like to report something myself.”
“What?” Twilight asked, raising her head to meet Rarity's sapphire eyes.
“Somepony stole something from my stock! While I was taking inventory, I noticed a tube...well....a tube of lubricant, was missing.” Rarity explained, her voice growing to a whisper.
Twilight rubbed a hoof over her eyes. “I'll look into that later. I promise. But this takes precedence.”
“I understand dear.” Rarity nodded. “I just thought you would like to know, since I found dragon scales in the lock of my boutique door.”
“Wait...what?” Twilight snapped her eyes back to the white unicorn. “Dragon scales?”
“Yes dear....purple, I'm afraid.” Rarity shook her head, not wanting to believe the news herself.
Spiiiike.... Twilight frowned, her eyes filled with worry. Great, she rolled her eyes. Now he's a suspect too. She looked at Sweetie Belle, and sighed that the filly was also a suspect. Her list was growing, but Twilight refused to believe any of them. Something was wrong, yet a bigger mystery was uncovering itself in the process.
I just hope Dash is having better luck.
“Twilight is very insecure in herself. All you have to do is provide positive reinforcement.” Spike explained, sitting a cup of coffee in front of a very confused Caramel. Apple Bloom sat next to the dragon, nodding in agreement.
“You don't do that to me, do you Spike?” the filly asked, playfully swatting the dragon with her forehoof.
“No,” Spike muttered. “Anyway, another thing about her, is she's so focused on whatever task is given to her, she bypasses everything else, including eating. Keep her fed throughout the day, because a unicorn of her power can't afford to lose concentration,” the dragon explained, tossing a cookie into his mouth.
“So, treat her like a pet?” Apple Bloom asked, cocking a brow in confusion.
“NO! Well...” the dragon thought a moment. “Kind of, I guess...give her love and food and she'll be fine. Just don't prey on her emotions.”
Caramel nodded, unsure of this advice but happy he had some guidance. “Well, thanks for the advice, Spike. You two stay out of trouble now,” the colt smiled his dopey smile and shown himself out, leaving the dragon and the filly alone on the couch.
“You seem to know a lot about Twilight.” Apple Bloom observed, a devious smile on her face.
“Well, I have to. Imagine how insane she would've went if I wasn't here to ask for Princess Celestia's help.” Spike nodded, his eyes closed in confidence.
“Ah'm bored. Let's have some fun!” Apple Bloom perked up, bounding on the couch.
“Nah, not right now...” Spike mumbled, turning on the television. Apple Bloom frowned, but finally decided to join in Spike's viewing session, resting her head on his lap.
Scootaloo was alone in the CMC clubhouse, sitting in the dark as her mind tried to come to terms with what had happened to her. What made the process even more painful, was her mind automatically tried to justify the situation instead of admit it was her own fault.
The soft flutter of wings and the shuffling of hooves outside alerted Scootaloo to another presence. Applejack had already checked on her, but this pony gave a different feeling. Scootaloo quickly wiped her eyes and tried to hide any sign that she had been crying. Her eyes widened when Rainbow Dash stepped into the tree fort, her face a mask of concern.
“Hey, Scoots...” Dash replied, rubbing her leg with a hoof. “I...uh...heard what happened. If you want to talk about it I'm....”
“NO!” Scootaloo snapped. “I'm fine! Why can't anypony see that?”
“Scootaloo, I know you're hurt. Everypony gets hurt and afraid,” Dash's gaze drifted to the ground, “even me.”
“Really?” Scootaloo's eyes widened. She had never seen her idol so vulnerable. “You get afraid?”
“I was afraid when I heard what happened to you,” Dash ran a hoof through Scootaloo's mane. “Rather you believe it or not, I'm always there for you.”
“I know you'd never abandon me, Dash.” Scootaloo replied, sinking into the warm feeling of being stroked by a powerful hoof.
“Look,” Dash stopped her stroking. Scootaloo frowned, but cocked her ears forward to listen to what Dash had to say. “I'm no good with this kind of stuff. So...” the rainbow pegasus trailed off as her eyes followed the whisps of breath. “..if you want to tell me what happened.”
“No....not right now. But when I'm ready, you'll be the first to know.” Scootaloo smiled.
“That's all I can ask for. I want you to carry on my legacy, not my criminal record.” Dash snickered, giving Scootaloo a noogie.
“Thank you, Dash.”
Twilight Sparkle swooned in her lovers arms. Her violet eyes looking up at the manly dragon before her. The sunlight through the antebellum windows illuminated the bright red Puebla dress she wore, and she tossed her shimmering mane aside to bask in the glow of her captor's green eyed gaze.
Spike sneered, adjusting his black top hat and cape, which made him very mysterious and forbidden. He also had a glorious mustache, ready to tickle Twilight in places unknown.
"Oh, Twilight! Quiero hacértelo como la salvaje yegua que eres!" Spike's words were filled with a wild passion.
"Si, Spike! Tómame como la sucia y salvaje yegua que soy!" Twilight spoke, her words strained from being breathless in the hands of this stranger.
Spike tossed Twilight onto the sofa violent, willing to appease her wishes as he tore the dress from her. She lay bare, hind legs splayed as Spike took in the sight before him. A grin spread across his mustachioed face and he lowered himself between her flanks. Twilight tensed like a spring ready to snap, licking her lips in anticipation at the mustache that will soon grace her nethers.
The feeling struck, unexpected. Thick hairs brushed against her mound, causing the unicorn to buck her hips in wild fury. She was close now, hips undulating in time to Spike's caress. Her breath became short and strained as she cried out in ecstasy.
“Ay! Spike! SPIKE!”
“SPIIIIKKEEE!” Apple Bloom shouted, startling the dragon as he fell off the couch. “You okay?”
“Ugh...yeah. Just, kinda nodded off I guess.” Spike shook his head, wondering where in Equestria those images came from. He glanced at the television, which shown some lame soap opera from Mexicolt. “What's wrong?”
“Ah'm bored!” Apple Bloom frowned. “Ya want me ta stay the night, but we're not havin' any fun!”
“Well...”
The library door opened, and Twilight Sparkle stepped inside. She looked tired, and her mane was a mess. She could feel each hair stand on end as the thoughts of her long list of impossible suspects scrolled through her mind.
“Spike....we need to talk.”
“If this is about me and Apple Bloom....” Spike tried to interject, but was silenced by a raised hoof.
“Spike, I'm happy that you found a relationship. But that does NOT give you permission to steal from our friends!” Twilight explained, stomping her hoof on the floor.
“Oh....that....” Spike hung his head.
“Now because of this, you're a suspect.” Twilight added, hanging her head. It clearly pained her to say those words.
“A...a suspect? For what?” Spike stammered, taken aback.
“Scootaloo's rape.” Twilight replied flatly.
It was Apple Bloom's turn to be horrified. But she didn't show it. “Twilight, ah...”
“No, Apple Bloom! Spike has to learn from his mistakes. He just better hope he's innocent.” Twilight sighed. The unicorn trotted upstairs without saying another word. She needed her rest for tomorrow after all.
Spike dropped to the floor, his rear making an audible thump as he landed. Apple Bloom frowned at the sight of her lover almost in tears, and realized just how innocent he really is. This was all her fault, and that pained the filly more than any thoughts of Spike sleeping with another pony.
|
Ponyman
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864
| 22 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-10-31T21:16:22+00:00
| 12,916 |
Here we are, face to face... the gray filly sang to herself as she looked around the playground for her best friend. Silver Spoon paused at the thought that Diamond Tiara was her only friend, and that made her a little sad. Despite her best attempts to emulate her pink friend's behavior, Silver Spoon just wasn't as in to it, and she didn't know why.
She had also noticed that one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders was missing from class. Not that she figured Scootaloo to be the learning type in the first place, though she did admire the way the pegasus carried herself. Whereas Silver Spoon blindly followed Diamond Tiara's lead, Scootaloo was her own filly.
Speaking of Diamond Tiara, the pink coated filly with her well styled purple hair finally made her approach. A huge grin was spread across her face, and that told Silver Spoon that something must've happened to somepony. She had gotten good at reading Diamond's body language, though she didn't always like the reasons for it.
“Silver Spoon, did you hear the news?” Diamond asked, her voice dripping with an odd combination of sarcasm and enthusiasm that Spoon hadn't heard in a while. This gossip must be really juicy.
“Uh....what news?” the gray filly asked, adjusting her glasses.
“One of our resident Blank Flanks got raped! Word on the street it was Scootaloo! Couldn't have happened to a nicer filly if you ask me!” Diamond exclaimed, her grin splitting into a full smile of porcelain covered teeth.
Silver Spoon was horrified. Whatever Fruedian excuses she had told herself Diamond had long ago, did nothing to explain the sheer joy the pink filly now had at such news. Rape was every mare's nightmare, and for it to happen to a filly was frightening. Yet, here was Diamond Tiara, actually smiling that it happened to a Blank Flank.
“Well, that would explain why she hasn't been in class for the last week,” Silver Spoon nodded, trying to act like she agreed with Diamond's position, no matter how much it twisted her stomach.
“We should totally go find her and laugh! Serves her right for being such a....well ya know,” Diamond shook her head, but her voice didn't lose that sarcastic whine. “I didn't think she even liked colts anyway! I mean, you've seen how she drools over Rainbow Dash!”
Silver Spoon had stopped listening after the word 'laugh'. Her best, nay, only friend couldn't be that heartless, could she?
“You coming?” Diamond Tiara's voice snapped Spoon from her thoughts.
“No, I'll catch up,” Silver Spoon waved a hoof, shaking her head.
“Alright. Don't be late!” Diamond giggled at her latest idea, making Silver Spoon cringe a little.
Silver Spoon glanced around the playground once more, and saw Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom talking amongst themselves. The latter looking around as if to make sure their conversation was secret. This piqued the gray filly's curiosity as she tilted her head to the side. She needed to ease her nagging conscience.
If anypony knows that Scootaloo is okay, it's those two, Spoon bit her lip as she made sure Diamond Tiara wasn't around. Last thing she needed was the pink filly to ridicule her for speaking to the Blank Flanks. Spoon sighed, and began her slow approach.
“So Twilight was all mad because we got the sheets all dirty, and it was funny to see her all grossed out because she laid in a wet spot and....” Apple Bloom paused when she saw Silver Spoon staring at her. “What do you want?”
Silver Spoon rubbed her leg with a hoof. “I was just wondering if....she was okay....”
“Who?” Sweetie Belle asked. The adorable blank look in her eyes shown she wasn't kidding.
“Scootaloo,” Spoon replied. “I....I heard what happened....and I was just wondering if she was okay.”
“Why would ya'll care anyway?!” Apple Bloom snapped.
Silver Spoon flinched. She kind of deserved that. She didn't want to be mean to them, especially now. But that behavior was the only way to keep Diamond Tiara around. Of course it didn't mean she couldn't have a heart and be concerned for the well being of a pony who had a horrible experience.
“I was....just worried...is all....” Silver Spoon explained, glancing away. “I'm sorry...”
The grey filly walked away. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, confusion at what just happened. Did Silver Spoon really care?
“Silver Spoon, wait!” Sweetie Belle squealed, catching up to the retreating filly. Silver Spoon paused and turned back around, her equally grey eyes wide with surprise. “Scootaloo is okay. I think she would be happy to know that even somepony as mean as you cares about her.”
“I'm not totally mean...” Silver Spoon glanced at the ground. Instead of getting a reply, she glanced up to see Sweetie had run off back to Apple Bloom.
The bell on top of the red schoolhouse rang, signaling the end of recess. As the fillies and colts all headed back to class, Silver Spoon couldn't help but notice that Snips and Snails were acting a bit strange. She noticed Snails was glancing around, his teeth clenched as if he was expecting retaliation for something terrible. Snips was cowering behind his friend, hoping that nopony saw him at all.
What's got them so unnerved? Silver Spoon tapped her chin with a hoof. Though Snails does look cute. Wonder what has him so scared? The grey filly regained composure as the two slowly walked by, still keeping an eye out for anypony. For a brief moment, Snail's eyes locked with Silver Spoon's and he gave a weak smile and a nod. Silver and Snails had gotten to know each other over the last few weeks, but she had a reputation to keep. She felt bad lying to both Snails and Diamond Tiara about what was going on, but it was the only way. At least for now.
Shaking her head, Silver Spoon followed the two into the school. Everypony took their seats and awaited today's lesson from Cheerilee. Spoon glanced over to see the new student, Pipsqueak, sitting next to Sweetie Belle. She couldn't help but giggle at how the little brown spotted pinto was staring at the unicorn. Spoon then noticed that Snails was staring at her in the same fashion, and blushed slightly.
“Okay class, everypony settle down!” Cheerilee commanded as she prepared for the next lesson.
Twilight sat at the table in the library kitchen, staring at her reflection in the coffee. Spike stood nearby, nervously playing with his claws, blushing slightly.
“Sorry I forgot to change the sheets, Twilight,” Spike had said for the umpteenth time that day.
“That's not the problem, Spike,” Twilight groaned as she slumped back in her chair. “It's just...I never wanted this job. Now I'm looking at all my friends and random ponies like they're criminals. I don't know who to trust anymore,” she leaned forward and buried her face in her hooves.
“You'll figure it out, Twilight. You always do,” Spike tried to be reassuring.
“That's just it, Spike! This isn't some logic problem or test to pass! This is serious! Lives are on the line, and if I fail.....” the unicorn shuddered slightly. “I don't want fail Pinkie or Scootaloo. I couldn't live with myself if I did.”
“Don't say that Twilight,” Spike patted her on the shoulder. “I believe in you.”
Twilight mustered a smile. “Thank you, Spike.” Her glance drifted to the basement door. “How's Pinkie holding up? She's been awful quiet.”
“Uh...well....the Doctor kind of gave her some of your....sleeping pills...so....” Spike replied, glancing away.
Twilight sighed. “How many times have I told him not to go through my stuff?” She rested her face in her hoof, trying to get her mind straight. “For all I know, he could be a suspect too. I don't know anymore.”
“Don't beat yourself up over this. The fact that you're even trying shows you care. You don't have to force yourself to succeed,” Spike tried to hid the urgency in his voice. The last thing he wanted was Twilight going off again.
“Do you realize how difficult this is, Spike? Pinkie's life hangs in the balance, and if I can't prove she's innocent she could DIE!” Twilight felt the individual hairs of her mane begin to stand on end as the rest of her coat bristled in fright. “I have to do this!”
“You have to be a good friend and show Pinkie she's not alone in all of this. Show her that you have faith in her and that will be more than enough.” Spike nodded. He knew his words fell on deaf ears.
“This is my job, Spike! I can't just up and quit! If it wasn't for me, Ponyville wouldn't have any authority at all!”
“It never did before you got here. Crimes like this don't happen often.” Spike shrugged.
“EXACTLY! Twilight shouted as she slammed her hooves on the table. She was growing more unhinged. “It's not like I can just pick up a book about rape and learn everything about how to solve it and.....” Twilight paused....”Wait! Nurse Redheart! She might know how to go about this! Maybe I can get Scootaloo to get checked out, get some DNA and....”
“Twilight, you're losing it again...” Spike sighed.
“No time, Spike! I've got a job to do!” Twilight was out the door while the idea was still fresh.
Spike grumbled to himself. “Guess I'll just eat lunch alone then...”
Twilight galloped through Ponyville, her mind reeling with why she never thought of confiding in Nurse Redheart to begin with. She was helpful with checking out Minty so she would be the obvious choices....Wait! How did everypony else find out about Pinkie raping Minty to begin with? Another mystery on top of the one she was dealing with, and the one that was unfolding....great.
There was no time to worry about that though. Finally at the makeshift infirmary, Twilight jerked the curtain aside and rushed in. “Nurse Redheart!”
The nurse pony turned and eyed Twilight curiously. Uniform code mandated that all nurse ponies keep their manes up so as not to interfere in their work. Twilight didn't notice that this nurse had blonde hair.
“Sorry, dear. Nurse Redheart is off today. I'm Nurse Tenderheart.” the white mare replied. Twilight's eyes glanced to the nurse pony's cutie mark to see a heart being held by a blue teddy bear who had been bandaged up.
“Oh....uh. Well, maybe you can help me. You see, there's been a rape and...”
“Oh my! Well they should come in immediately.” Tenderheart gasped.
“It happened a week ago, but I was wondering if it was possible to get a DNA sample or...”
Nurse Tenderheart shook her head. “Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the less likely we'll find anything. Natural processes and all.”
Twilight nodded, somewhat expecting this answer. Then she realized that there may not be books on rape. But there's bound to be something about a genetic analyzing spell. If not, she could make one. Frustrated that she wasted her time, Twilight turned to leave, but was stopped by Nurse Tenderheart.
“Have you been getting enough rest?” the gray mare asked, looking over Twilight.
“Well, not really. Stress and all...” Twilight lied. She wasn't going to mention the wet spot.
“That's bad for your health, dear,” the nurse shook her head slowly.
Twilight quietly groaned at this delay, rolling her eyes. Then she realized something. “You or Nurse Redheart haven't said anything about a patient here named Minty, have you?” Her eyes grew hopeful that if she found the source of who spread the word Pinkie had raped Minty, she could at least quell that issue.
“No. Patient confidentiality forbids us sharing any personal knowledge without written consent. Did you know this, Minty?” Nurse Tenderheart tilted her head slightly.
“Not personally. But she was treated here. I was just curious.” Twilight sighed. “Somepony knows something and told everypony else.”
“That's terrible!” Nurse Tenderheart gasped. “Rest assured if there are any information leaks here, we will tend to them.”
“Thank you. Keep me posted.” Twilight nodded, glad that she at least has one source of information.
Another day, another performance at the park. Lyra tried to focus on her music as she always had done, but her eyes kept drifting off beyond the sparse crowd of ponies to where she saw that poor filly. If only she had stopped the show to help. She should've seen it sooner, but by the time she realized what had happened it was too late. That nice lavender unicorn bringing it up only made the memories more painful, and she could hear her music start to suffer from the emotion in her magic. Her eyes returned to the crowd, focusing on two ponies in particular, both of whom wore pained expressions of their own.
Much to her relief, she managed to save face and pluck the final notes. A smattering of applause became quickly drowned out by the frantic and loud hoofclaps of the two special ponies in the crowd. Lyra frowned when her eyes fell on Sonata. Brief thoughts of her not being safe out here flashed in the unicorn's mind, causing her to tear up slightly.
Bonbon had come up beside her, catching Lyra off guard. “Lyra, dear. Are you okay?”
The unicorn could only nod, her face still wearing a frown. Her golden eyes rose up to lock with Bonbon's own cyan orbs. The candy pony could see the pain behind the eyes of her love, and couldn't help but hold back tears of her own. “I should've helped that filly, Bonnie...”
“That's all in the past now. Besides, you are helping her. You told Twilight all she needed to know to find whoever did this.” Bonbon tried to be reassuring. “Come on, I got some more wine waiting at home.”
Lyra smiled slightly, then shook her head. She couldn't wrap her mind around why she was becoming an alcohaloic all of the sudden, but didn't really care. “I'm just worried is all. What if whoever did it tries again? You could be hurt, or Sonata...” her voice trailed off.
Bonbon placed a hoof under Lyra's chin and brought her back up to meet her gaze. “Twilight is taking care of things. Relax...for my sake....please...” she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Lyra's, causing the unicorn to close her eyes as her troubles melted away.
“HEY LYRA!” Sonata cried out, snapping her back to reality. Bonbon jerked away quickly, blushing and hoping she hadn't been caught.
“Yes, dear?” The unicorn looked at her second biggest fan with a genuine smile on her face.
“Are you going to be here again tomorrow?” the blue filly asked, bouncing with excitement.
Lyra glanced over to her love, who only nodded in approval. She turned back to Sonata and smiled. “Yes, I will be. Same time?”
“You bet!” Sonata squealed, then trotted off to her mother waiting at edge of the park. Bonbon noticed Lyra was keeping a closer eye on the filly than usual during the departure phase.
“She'll be okay. I'll be okay. Let's go home and relax.” Bonbon placed a hoof across Lyra's shoulders to guide her along, as the unicorn's attention was still fixed on the blue filly.
The trip home was pretty uneventful, and Lyra was all to happy to know her and Bonbon were safe. She didn't know why this news had her so on edge, but accepted it as a plausible excuse for more wine. Lyra noticed Bonbon staring at her somewhat seductively, but she wasn't in the mood. At least, not yet.
“Why don't I make us some lunch, dear? You'll feel better,” Bonbon began walking towards the kitchen. Lyra could only nod.
Bonbon entered the kitchen and frowned at seeing Lyra in this mood. Her blue eyes trailed off in an attempt to reason why. She gasped when she remembered a certain part of Lyra's past that had been divulged to her. Of course! Why didn't I see it sooner? Bonbon facehoofed. She saw the bottle of wine and gravitated towards it, grabbing it up to bring to her lover in need.
The cream colored pony reemerged from the kitchen, holding the bottle of wine by the cork in her teeth. She placed it on the table before Lyra and sat next to her.
“I've been a terrible pony. I should've known sooner. Sorry if I told you to get over it.” Bonbon apologized, nuzzling close to the unicorn. She wasn't even annoyed that Lyra was sitting in her normally unnatural position.
“It's okay. I thought I actually did for a while. But now that this happened, all those memories came back,” Lyra turned her watering eyes to her lover. “I just don't want Sonata to suffer like I did.”
“It's understandable. But she has good ponies like us looking out for her. She'll be fine.” Bonbon nodded, a smile on her face. The cream pony stood, leaving Lyra suddenly feeling cold and alone. She trotted to the stairs and began to ascend them, stopping halfway to shake her flank at Lyra's glance. “Come up and see me sometime...”
Once the earth pony was gone, Lyra's eyes glanced at the bottle of wine. She closed her eyes as her magic went to work, uncorking the bottle and raising the glass she had grabbed from their minibar. The unicorn stared at the glass for a long moment as her conflicting thoughts continued to swirl around like so much fog. With a shrug, Lyra snatched the bottle from the bubble of magic it was held in, and began gulping it down with abandon.
Bonbon lay on their bed, hoof idly swirling around the sheets. A sad sigh escaped her lips as she was about to give up hope. Lyra stumbled into the bedroom, a dopey grin plastered on her face. She reeked of wine, which prompted the earth pony to shake her head in disappointment.
“Lyra, seriously. I'm starting to worry about you.” Bonbon frowned, shifting around on the bed so Lyra could join her.
“I'm fine...” Lyra slurred, her breath smelling of sour grapes. “I just want you is all...”
Bonbon blushed slightly. She was honored to have been Lyra's first, and only love. It was also her that broke Lyra from the shell she had built around herself after that terrible incident. Bonbon had instructed Lyra in the ways of proper sex, and the unicorn never looked back.
Their lips met, and Bonbon's eyes widened at the bitter taste of wine. Did she drink the whole bottle?! Before she could respond, Lyra had already shoved Bonbon onto her back, straddling her hips violently. The earth pony was suddenly afraid at Lyra's new attitude, but was somehow also thrilled by this forcefulness. She felt the wetness sliding against her thigh as Lyra tried to shift into position, her stupor making it hard to tell which Bonbon was under her at the moment.
Bonbon tried to get comfortable, but the weight of her partner made it impossible to move as Lyra took a more aggressive approach. Soon, Lyra gasped as her engorged clit came into contact with Bonbon’s own need. The pleasure amplified by the alcohol coursing through her body as she forced her nub against her lover’s. The earth pony gasped with each new sensation, the smell of wine pouring from Lyra’s pores made her all the more amorous for the rough way she was being handled. Bonbon reached up and grasped Lyra’s hips, pushing her deeper into their embrace and increasing the friction on their already burning loins.
The unicorn leaned forward as she pressed harder, her eyes screwed shut as she continued to thrust forward, begging for release from all her troubles. Her stupor made her unaware to anything but her own desires, which made it all the more surprising when she felt a tongue begin to swirl around her horn. Her eyes shot open to see Bonbon, straining her neck to reach. Lyra lowered her head to make it easier for her lover. The earth pony obliged this gesture, and took the horn deeper into her muzzle, her tongue tracing the fluted appendage as Lyra’s addled brain sent the pleasure throughout.
Lyra could feel herself twitching against Bonbon, who was already moist with pleasure. Their clits pressing together as she picked up speed. The pleasure from both ends was intense as her muscles seized and ached, her thighs gripping like a vice on the pony under her. Her horn began to run hot, causing her to sweat even more than she had been. Finally, she let out a moan of pleasure, her body shuddering from the intensity. Bonbon could feel the twitching against her own lips, the heat from the juices coating her thighs. The warmth of the horn in her mouth sent sparks of magic dancing across her gums, the sensation working its way through her body and down to her own need, making her moan. Lyra shoved Bonbon’s hooves into the mattress, holding her prey captive. Finally, with one last thrust, the unicorn fell forward, a quivering mass of emotions both good and bad. Her sudden fall almost choked Bonbon as she released the horn from her muzzle, noticing faint sparks falling from the tip. Bonbon shuddered as well, her own release adding to the mess as she felt her inner walls clenching on their own, grasping greedily for more desire.
“Feel better now?” Bonbon gasped, glancing down at the teary eyed unicorn upon her.
Lyra could only muster a weak nod. Her energy drained more than usual as her body tried to overcome the hangover.
“You always knew how to treat a goil,” the earth pony smiled. “I’m glad I could be there for you. But you really need to stop drinking.”
Lyra rolled her eyes at the thought of being scolded like a filly. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 23 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-11-20T07:23:18+00:00
| 10,546 |
“I do hope I'm not taking away from your busy schedule, darling,” Rarity spoke between the kisses that were constantly assaulting her lips.
“Oh, nonsense, dear! If only the council meetings were this fun!” Emily replied, sweat plastering the mayor's gray mane to her forehead. “Besides, everypony in town has been pretty angry since I announced there was another rape in the park,” she lowered herself to plant another kiss.
Rarity's sapphire eyes shot open and she shoved Emily off of her. “You did what?!” The mayor was shocked at this sudden outburst. “Twilight came by here asking about that! You knew this whole time?!”
“I don't know who did it,” Emily replied, subconsciously adjusting her hair. “But I assumed it was the same pony who raped that mare a while back.”
“That 'same pony' is my friend!” Rarity snapped. “Her life is ruined because of this mess! Because of you she's...she probably ran off to the Everfree Forest.”
“Rarity, I'm not the one who put the other ponies up to it. All I do is my job. They draw their own conclusions. If you're confident she didn't do it, I believe you. But Twilight still has to hold up her end of the deal and prove it to the others,” Emily nodded.
“I don't know...” Rarity fumbled with her hooves. “Twilight doesn't exactly work well under stress.”
Emily had produced a dragon shaped toy from under the covers. The rubber was still slick from earlier overuse. “Well then, maybe she needs a stress reliever,” she narrowed her eyes and smirked as she glanced at the unicorn. She held the toy up seductively.
Rarity let out a sad sigh. “All I wanted was to make ponies happy. These products provided that, but now...I can't help but feel I'm responsible for all that's happened here, rather it involved my product or not.”
“You provided ponies an outlet and some of them took it too far. Happens with everything,” Emily replied, tossing the toy onto the mattress. “I try to keep tabs of what goes on in town, and I haven't seen anything wrong outside of the crimes.”
Rarity nodded, any passion she had left was gone as her thoughts turned to all the damage she probably caused.
“The dragon is coming, Rarity! Better run!” Emily spoke in a deep voice as she brought the toy closer to the unicorn.
The bell atop the school house rang once more, signaling the end of another boring school day. Cheerilee had felt it prudent to bring in other ponies to lecture about various subjects that were part of the curriculum, but she had little knowledge about. Today's lecture about life on other worlds by that tan colt with the hourglass mark was interesting, but Apple Bloom didnt care. As far as she knew, humans were as much a myth as Seaponies and Schmoos.
Sweetie Belle walked alongside, her face blank as always as she tried to process what she had learned today. When that pony called the universe a 'fabric', Sweetie giggled that the sky was a piece of dumb fabric, then briefly thought if she could get a piece of that fabric and make something special for her big sister. Such was Sweetie Belle's well meaning thought process. She noticed Apple Bloom was silent, her eyes showing she was thinking of something as she subconsciously led Sweetie Belle to the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse.
“You okay, Apple Bloom?” Sweetie finally asked, breaking the silence that hung in the air.
“No! Ah could hear Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon giggling in the back of the class, and when I listened in, they were talking about Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom spat.
“Silver Spoon seemed worried about Scootaloo. Maybe she was just laughing for Diamond's sake?” Sweetie Belle replied, her green eyes glancing at the angry filly next to her.
Apple Bloom paused and turned to look at the unicorn. “You're kidding right? Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are the meanest, nastiest fillies ever!” She sighed as she looked at the ground. “I wish I shared your optimism about ponies.”
“No! It's true! She sounded really worried!” Sweetie Belle protested.
“Just drop it,” Apple Bloom snapped, sounding meaner than she intended. “We got to get to Scootaloo before they do.”
Little did they know Silver Spoon was following behind, hearing every word. She was hurt by Apple Bloom's insults in the face of Sweetie's defense. The poor unicorn was only trying to convince her friend Silver Spoon wasn't such a heartless monster, but the earth pony had her mind made up. Silver figured it was her own fault for associating with Diamond to begin with, but there was a side to her friend the others didn't know about. If only they knew...
She picked up the pace, trying to stay out of sight. She was curious where the self proclaimed crusaders met, and perhaps join them if they had met each other under different circumstances. The walk was a long one, from one end of Ponyville to the other. Silver Spoon's pampered body couldn't handle the pressure as muscles she didn't know she had began to ache with all the walking. It was all worth it to try and make peace with the crusaders. Though Silver felt bad that it took this happening to make her realize it.
The grey earth pony hid in the bushes as Sweetie and Apple Bloom walked into the clubhouse. Voices could be heard, mostly Scootaloo sobbing. Then she heard the pegasus say something about meeting at the edge of the Everfree Forest. The three flied out of the clubhouse, Sweetie and Apple Bloom acting almost like escorts for Scootaloo as they flanked her and kept watch. Silver Spoon ducked back into the bush so as to not be seen. Once hey were gone, the grey filly emerged and began following once more. Her mind began to wander to why she was acting so afraid of them.
Twilight figured that her best option would be to ask Scootaloo herself. If she could obtain something to work from, she could analyze the DNA. But matching it to the suspect would be tricky without access to any form of database. That's my next project, apparently.
The best place to start looking was at the CMC clubhouse, which prompted Twilight to think that she had never seen any parents or siblings of Scootaloo's. In fact, outside of the other crusaders and Dash, she had no true family to speak of.
Such a prospect was heart wrenching to think about, especially with what Scootaloo was going through now. The whole situation being public didn't help matters either. Hopefully Dash provided the comfort she needed, otherwise approaching her would be more difficult than Twilight wanted it to be.
The walk to Sweet Apple Acres didn't take long, and Twilight could sense a growing feeling of foreboding in the air as she made her way to the clearing where Apple Bloom's little hoof built shack sat. Twilight knocked three times, but got no response.
“Scootaloo? It's me, Twilight. I...I need to ask you some questions,” Twilight nervously fidgeted her hooves as she awaited an answer.
Nothing.
“Scootaloo?” Twilight peeked her head into the clubhouse to find it empty, save for the map of Ponyville that they've probably traversed hundreds of times in their quest for a cutie mark. Twilight felt her stomach turn as her eyes darted around to make sure she didn't miss anything.
“No.....nononononono! Oh, Celestia NO!” Twilight began muttering to herself as she paced in a circle. She knew it was a bad idea to leave her alone, especially with the realization she had no family to look after her. Without her, there's no way to find the suspect! Then Pinkie will suffer the consequences! Oh, Celestia...
Twilight hated using the Princess' name in vain, but couldn't think of any other appropriate exclamation at the moment. Bad enough she had all these other mysteries to tend to, but losing the victim was the final straw. Scootaloo is goddess knows where, I could lose my job, Pinkie could lose her life..... Twilight could feel her left eye twitching, her emotions making the build up of magical energy in her horn painful as it coursed through her temples.
She jerked her head upwards and peered at the sky, then began screaming.
“DAAAAAASH!” Twilight shouted up to the clouds, hoping that the rainbow pegasus heard her. “DASH! WHERE ARE YOU?!”
“Right here, Twi. What's up?” Dash swooped down and landed next to the unicorn.
“Where's Scootaloo?”
“Last I saw her, she was right here,” Dash gestured with a hoof. Her glance followed and she saw the little shed was empty.
Twilight shook her head, “She's not there now.”
Dash's face became determined. “Celestia help me if I find whoever...”
“Settle down, Dash,” Twilight wasn't surprised by this outburst. Dash did a lousy job hiding that she cared about Scootaloo. “You take to the air and see what you can find, I'll check the ground.”
Dash saluted and took off without another word.
“Okay, Twilight. You can do this...you may not have found the suspect yet and you may have lost the victim, but you can still...do...this...” Twilight could feel an all to familiar warmth radiating through her body. It was the same feeling when she lost control of her magic, but this wasn't painful, just annoying. Her body tingled with the dormant energy that increased with her stress level, ionizing the air around her enough to make her mane begin to curl at the ends.
“Twilight, are you okay?” A gentle voice snapped the unicorn from focusing on her rampant magic. Twilight jerked her gaze to the source to see Fluttershy trying to hide her face out of shame for disturbing her. Behind her, was Minty. The green earth pony was silent, but her eyes shown she had recovered well enough.
“Fluttershy? What are you doing here?” Twilight quirked a brow.
“Oh, well, Minty and I thought we could go get something to eat,” the yellow pegasus explained, shrinking as if she was going to be punished. Twilight had wondered where Minty had went off to, if she even went back home. Obviously something happened between her and Fluttershy that prompted her to remain. But Twilight didn't care about that detail now.
“Have you seen Scootaloo anywhere?”
Fluttershy shook her head, a frown on her face. “Is everything okay?”
Twilight let out a frustrated sigh, her mane hanging in her eyes. “No...everything is NOT okay.”
The yellow pegasus cringed at the anger in Twilight's voice. She froze when Twilight jerked her determined gaze up to the couple, her eyes giving an angry glare.
“Minty, did you say anything to anypony else about what happened between you and Pinkie?” Twilight asked, her voice sounding annoyed and stressed.
“Uh...no....just you and Fluttershy. That nice nurse pony knows too. But that's it.”
Twilight stomped a hoof on the ground. Damnit, no pony is any help! “Okay, thank you anyway.”
Twilight was getting nowhere fast, and it was causing a swil of dark emotions to twist inside her. She could not fail at this, she had to see it through. She glanced back at the sky, hoping Dash would have better luck than her.
“Why are we here again?” Apple Bloom asked, glancing around at the edge of the Everfree Forest.
“Because I wanted to get somewhere far away so Dash couldn't see me like this,” Scootaloo snapped. “It was bad enough she saw me in such a state earlier.”
“You need help Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle interjected, “Twilight was asking me about what happened, but I didnt' say anything. She looked really worried and said Pinkie was in big trouble.”
“What? Why would Pinkie be in trouble?” Scootaloo asked, her eyes widened at the horror her situation brought onto the others.
“I don't know, but you really need to say something to somepony. This sounds bad,” Sweetie replied.
“What exactly caused all o this anyway?” Apple Bloom asked, her tongue running subconsciously over her chipped tooth.
“I was just playing a game with Snips and Snails, then things got out of control and..Snails....well....hurt me,” Scootaloo explained, glancing away as she blushed in shame.
“What in Equestria were ya thinkin playin a game like that with those two anyway?!” Apple Bloom asked, her voice louder than it should have been.
Scootaloo flinched, her mouth turned dry as she mulled over rather or not to tell Apple Bloom about the inspiration. With a heavy sigh, the orange pegasus decided to come clean. “I...I saw Big Mac and another guy pony in the barn one night...they were drunk and...well....doing it....” Images of Braeburn impaled on Big Mac's rather large cock appeared in her mind once more, causing her little wings to pop up, though they were to small for anypony else to notice.
Apple Bloom stood in silence, her mouth hanging open as her firey eyes darted around searching for a response. Her face then twisted up in anger as she glared at the pegasus filly. “YOU TAKE THAT BACK! BIG MAC WOULDN'T DO SUCH A THING!”
“It's true!” Scootalo protested, completely unaware she was digging her grave deeper. “I saw Big Mac and a guy pony in a cowboy hat and...”
“BRAEBURN?” Apple Bloom shouted, not caring who heard them at this point. “SCOOTALOO! AH ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE A SICK PONY! BUT WHAT YER SAYIN BOUT MAH FAMILY IS JUST WRONG!”
Scootaloo was hut by these words. She never meant to damage her friend's family pride, but the truth was the truth. Scootaloo swallowed hard and opened her mouth to respond. Apple Bloom only stuck her snout into the air, turned on her hooves, and stomped off.
The distraught pegasus glanced over to Sweetie Belle, who wore her trademark blank stare, not saying a word. “You believe me, don't you Sweetie?” Scootaloo croaked, tears welling in her eyes.
The unicorn sighed, hanging her head and shaking it slowly. “It's not nice to tell lies, Scoots,” With those words, the white filly took off after Apple Bloom, hoping to calm her down.
Scootaloo was alone now, having just potentially lost her two best friends, and the closest thing to a family she ever had. The CMC were officially disbanded, and it was all the fault of her own voyeuristic tendencies. Part of her wanted to find evidence to prove Apple Bloom wrong, but Scootaloo knew that was a bad idea. The Apple Clan had a strong sense of pide, and were as stubborn as mules.
With no other option, the orange pegasus burred her face in her hooves and sobbed.
“Hey, Scootaloo....are you okay?” A gentle voice caught Scootaloo's attention, and she glanced up to see a grey coated filly with a silvery mane staring at her. Violet eyes filled with genuine worry watered behind her blue framed glasses.
Scootaloo didn't recognize the pony, as she was blurred by the tears in her eyes. But when she saw the spoon cutie mark, Scootaloo clenched her teeth in anger. “What do you want?”
Silver Spoon flinched at the sound of Scootaloo's voice. The mix of hate for Silver as well as herself and the ponies who hurt her, gave it a venom that could kill on contact.
“I...I heard what happened, and I wanted to see if you were okay. Diamond Tiara said she was to find and laugh at you. I came to warn you,” Silver explained, pawing the ground with a hoof as she tried to avoid eye contact.
“How did you know I was here?” Scootaloo snarled, her voice not losing any of the anger it had before.
“I overheard you three talking after school. I kind of followed the other two here. I just wanted to be sure you were okay,” Silver Spoon nodded, a weak smile across her face.
Scootaloo didn't understand the sudden kindness Silver Spoon was displaying, nor did she buy it for one minute. This was probably part of some elaborate prank.
“Just go away...I'm fine...” Scootaloo replied glumly.
“I just want to help...”
“I SAID GO!” Scootaloo snapped.
Silver Spoon nodded, feeling tears run down her cheeks. She turned and galloped off, leaving Scootaloo to stew in her own self pity.
|
Ponyman
|
864
| 24 |
Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life
|
The Back Room
|
Rarirty decides to put the "boutique" part of her stores name to use, with strange results.
|
hiatus
| 261 | 31 |
<p>Everyone knows Rarity sells dresses. But in a town where ponies go naked 95% of the time, just how DOES she stay in business? Well, it's called Carousel BOUTIQUE for a reason, darling.<br /><br />The long awaited Season 2 finale holiday special is here!</p>
|
mature
| null |
2011-12-25T04:26:12+00:00
| 9,283 |
Hearth Warming Eve was all about friendship. At least, that’s what the holiday play had told her once. Perhaps a Wendigo would come and consume her, freezing her in it’s icy embrace. Scootaloo already felt worthless and alone. Bad enough she couldn’t control what happened to her with Snips and Snails. Now it was even worse because her only friends had left her for telling lies. They would never understand.
The worst part of the whole situation, was Snips and Snails never apologized. Scootaloo knew it was her own fault for getting into that situation, but those two took it too far.
What bothered Scootaloo the most about her current state, was how the other ponies seemed to ignore her. They acknowledged her presence, and gave an occasional wave. But other than that, it was just normal to see the copper pegasus wandering the streets alone. Somehow, the thought of her very existence being mundane hurt her. Much like her idol Rainbow Dash, she desired attention. Being denied that annoyed her more than anything, especially when it was her friends.
I should go down there, call out Big Mac in front of Apple Bloom, and prove that I’m not a liar!
Yeah, that would end well.
No, she would rather do as she always did. Before she met Sweetie Belle. Before they met Apple Bloom. Her against the world.
“Oi! ‘Ello there!” That voice sounded familiar but at the same time unknown. Scootaloo looked around until her eyes fell on the small pinto standing before her. His small stature made the pegasus feel a bit more confident as she spread her tiny wings in a show of bravado.
“Who are you?” Scootaloo rolled her eyes, not in the mood to talk to anypony.
“Why, I’m Pip Squire of course! You can call me Pipsqueak!” The foal bounced happily as if he were trying to channel Pinkie Pie. “This is my first Hearth Warming in Ponyville and I can’t wait! I heard that Princess Celestia brings all the good ponies toys while Princess Luna punishes the naughty ponies! But that can’t be right, Princess Luna is awesome!”
Scootaloo shook her head, as she couldn’t bring herself to be mad at such innocence. “Kid, if you knew the holidays like I have, you wouldn’t be so excited.”
“Well, how do you know the holidays?” Pip asked, tilting his head.
“Nah. I don’t want to ruin them for you. Run along,” Scootaloo waved a hoof, surprising herself at how much she sounded like her idol at that moment.
She felt a hoof upon her own, and glanced down to see Pip staring up at her with sad eyes. “Everypony needs a friend on Hearth Warming Eve.”
Scootaloo smiled a bit, feeling her eyes water. She didn’t let on any emotion as she replied. “Okay, kid. You can hang with me.”
-“Scootaloo’s Carol”
There was absolutely nothing worse than being completely alone on Hearth's Warming Eve. But Scootaloo knew that would be exactly what would happen to her. Everypony was preparing for the coming festivities, almost completely forgetting about the pegasus filly and what had transpired. Not that Scootaloo felt comfortable with everypony knowing about it anyway.
Now she felt like those dirty street ponies she saw in that one holiday show. Stealing bread and causing mischief. Practically compelled to smack a Loopity Hoop down the street with a stick.
All alone with no family to speak of, and no friends to confide in. She should be used to this by now, but it still hurt inside. No matter how much of a brave face she put on, how high she held her head, nothing could mask the visible pain her eyes.
She could always count on Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to keep her fed. Keep her warm...and keep her secret. Nopony knew she was homeless, abandoned. Even if they did, Scootaloo wouldn’t want their pity. She felt bad accepting her friend’s charity, but what could she do? A pegasai’s job was to command the weather, and she couldn’t even fly.
“Scootaloo?” A voice caught the copper filly’s attention. She turned her eyes up to see Twilight Sparkle, almost angelic in the glow of the festive lights in the window of Sugarcube Corner. The neon alicorn decoration gave the impression Twilight herself had wings.
“Oh, hey Twilight...” she muttered, looking away.
“I need to know what happened. I tried to find the one who did it myself, but...I can’t,” Twilight hung her head in disappointment. “I’m going to fail, and let everypony down.”
Scootaloo hated seeing Twilight upset, and felt a stabbing pain in her own gut as she looked at the purple unicorn on the brink of tears. “Twilight...I...”
“Pinkie Pie would never forgive me!” Twilight blurted out, finally relieving herself of the guilt gnawing at her.
“Why?” Scootaloo tilted her head.
Twilight didn’t reply, just sulked off as tears began to form. The copper filly turned to look at Pip, who was also on the brink of tears. “You know what she’s talkin’ about?”
Pip shook his head. He began walking off, prompting Scootaloo to follow out of curiosity.
-“Stocking Stuffer”
“Where are we?” Scootaloo found herself on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. “How did we get here?” She was confused at this turn of events. How did they get here so quickly?
“C’mon! We’re gonna go lookin’ for Princess Luna! She’s probably out here right now waiting to punish the naughty ponies! I hope I’m on her nice list!” Pip exclaimed, darting off to the depths of the forest. Scootaloo was taken aback by his brazen attitude, and part of her felt it was her responsibility to make sure he came back safe.
With a heavy sigh, the copper filly followed, staring at the ground the whole way. The scenery began to change into something more familiar as she realized she was in the area of Fluttershy’s cottage. Wouldn’t hurt to ask her for help in corralling Pip. After all, Scootaloo knew from experience that the yellow pegasus wasn’t one to be crossed. Approaching the door filled her with an unexplained sense of dread. She knocked three times, but there was no answer. She tried again, and there was still no reply.
“She must be out helping the animals,” Scootaloo muttered to herself, a scowl on her face.
“C’mon! We might see her!” Pip called from out of the darkness ahead. Scootaloo shook her head in protest, wanting to find out what was going on. She couldn’t explain it, but everything felt dreamlike to her. Finding a good hoofhold on the side of the tree, Scootaloo began putting her limber body to use as she worked her way to one of the upstairs windows. The bedroom they slept in when the Crusaders were having a sleepover.
Bittersweet memories of the time she had with her friends came flooding back, but Scootaloo bit back the tears. She could hear voices, and strained to see if everything was alright.
“Minty,” Fluttershy began, glancing away from the green mare before her. “I...well...I can’t help but notice that you’ve become...well...attached...”
Minty turned away from the upstairs window, her eyes filled with worry. “What do you mean? You’ve been so kind to me, and...”
“That’s just it. I’ve only been kind to you because you needed it. But what you’re wanting now...I...I don’t think I can provide that for you.” Fluttershy glanced away again, trying not to cry. “I’m sorry...”
“What about what we did before? Didn’t that have some meaning?” Minty’s eyes were shimmering, and Fluttershy didn’t have to look to know what was coming. She felt her stomach twist as her mind groped for the words.
“That was just...” the pegasus froze as she tried to word this in a way that wouldn’t undo all the work she done. The last thing Fluttershy wanted was Minty to think she was raped again. “I wanted you to understand the difference, so you wouldn’t live in constant fear.”
Minty blinked, trying to process what she was hearing. “I’ve never had a pony be so kind to me before. I...I only wanted to return the favor...somehow...”
Fluttershy sniffed loudly, obviously trying her best not to cry. “I know but...I don’t want Pinkie to feel I’m keeping you away from her. She’s trying awfully hard to get you back.”
“She will, but for now...I only want to be with you,” Minty nodded.
Fluttershy let out a weary sigh. “I...I can’t...”
“Then at least let me spend this holiday with you before I leave,” Minty replied, fighting tears of her own. She hesitantly stepped forward, closing the distance between her and Fluttershy. Before the pegasus could react, Minty pressed her lips to hers. Fluttershy felt the blush overtake her face almost instantly, her tail twitching with a life of its own.
“It’s always best to forgive friends, even when they’re wrong,” Pip exclaimed, popping up next to Scootaloo unexpectedly.
“How did you...” the copper filly glanced down to see he was clinging on the tree next to her. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Your friends!” Pip replied. “You have to forgive them, otherwise you’ll be alone forever! You can be replaced, and some ponies might not be so nice about it.”
“I don’t know who you are, but you’re way to insightful to be...” Scootaloo stopped when she noticed Pip was gone again. She rolled her eyes and went back to watching the scene unfold. Her little wings began to stiffen at the sight.
“I still don’t think this is a good idea, Minty...” Fluttershy continued, but couldn’t bring herself to protest any further. Perhaps this was the only way Minty could cope with what had happened to her. Experience it in a positive light to know it isn’t all terrible.
Minty didn’t say anything more as she began nuzzling her caretaker. Her quiet nickering making Fluttershy begin to feel excited. No pony had ever loved her in this capacity before, and part of her really wanted this to work out. But Fluttershy knew it wouldn’t be fair to Pinkie to continue this beyond tonight. She’d let Minty have her fun, then that would be the end of it. She would receive, but only give in moderation.
The green earth pony began nibbling at Fluttershy’s ear, her breathing short and passionate. For a brief moment, Minty wondered why it couldn’t feel like this with Pinkie. She frowned when she realized it probably never would now. She had lost Pinkie, and now she was about to lose Fluttershy.
“Why...” Minty whispered into the pegasi’s ear. “Why do I have to lose my friends?”
Fluttershy turned to make eye contact, her face visibly flushed. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve lost Pinkie...now after tonight I’m going to lose you. I can’t stand that thought,” she began to tear up.
“Minty...I’m...well...flattered I mean so much to you. But I just don’t feel right doing this,” Fluttershy sighed.
“And here you say I need more confidence...” Minty smirked, resuming her nibbling and occasional licking. Fluttershy cringed slightly, but didn’t want to offend Minty in her time of emotional need.
The peppermint pony continued, pressing with her hooves to make Fluttershy lie down on the floor so she could be more comfortable. Fluttershy didn’t struggle, just let Minty continue with her need. The earth pony began nibbling down the pegasai’s mane, continuing back and forth as she nickered and panted. Soon, her hooves were working their way down, massaging Fluttershy’s flanks and cutie marks. Minty smiled as the yellow wings before her slowly stiffened and shuddered with each touch.
“I’m so glad I can return the favor for all of your kindness, Fluttershy,” the smell of mints filled the pegasi’s nose as a bright pink tail began flagging against her snout.
The yellow pegasus flinched when she felt Minty’s hot breath working it’s way down her flank and towards her need. She bit her lip and crushed her eyes shut, trying to ignore the nagging voice of her conscience. Tears began stinging her eyes. A soft tongue against her clit made Fluttershy jolt upright as a spark surged up her spine. It had taken her by surprise, as the next lick only felt numb and distant. Minty was trying her best, but all Fluttershy could do, was weep.
“What’s wrong?” Minty asked, her voice filled with concern as she stopped and looked over her shoulder. The sight of the most generous pony in the world, sobbing because of Minty’s own actions, made the green pony’s heart sink.
“I’m sorry...I didn’t want to hurt you...” Minty pleaded. Tears began stinging her own eyes when a sudden realization hit her.
“C’MON!” Pip called out, standing at the base of the tree. “I think I saw Princess Luna!”
Scootaloo wiped her eyes with a hoof and nodded, not wanting to see any more of this painful scene. She pushed herself off the tree and landed deftly on all fours next to Pip.
“I suppose this was to teach me something about becoming the bully I hated?” Scootaloo rolled her eyes at such a morality fable being shoved down her throat.
“I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about,” Pip answered, tilting his head. The honesty in his voice was enough to drop the subject, and the copper filly followed the pinto into the forest.
After what felt like hours, there was no sight of the princess of the night. Not that Scootaloo was in the mood to see her anyway. She looked over to Pip, who stood rigid and alert, staring at the moon hoping to see a passing shadow of an alicorn.
Something did pass by the moon, but it didn’t look like a pony. Scootaloo sighed and tore her stare away from the object, giving Pip a mild glare.
“Well, she didn’t come, or we missed her. Guess I haven’t been naughty enough,” the filly smirked.
Pip shook his head. “It’s not nice to enjoy bein’ naughty! You might miss your chance!”
“Chance at what?” Scootaloo quirked a brow. Pip had already taken off once again, leaving the filly to grumble about how this had better be worth it. Following the hoofprints in the snow, Scootaloo found herself back in Ponyville proper, with no feeling of any passage of time. She paced in a circle, taking in the sights as she attempted to parse out any differences that could alert her to something wrong.
“What is going on here?”
“Thank you so much! This is the best holiday ever!”
Scootaloo jerked her head in the direction of the voice. She knew that voice, her mind having developed a defense against it.
“Silver Spoon...” Scootaloo seethed through her teeth.
“Who?” Pip asked, popping up beside her.
The filly ignored him as she glared at the entrance to Sugarcube Corner. The door swung open and out walked Silver Spoon. Her smile as arrogant as ever. Diamond Tiara would soon follow, no doubt. They were inseparable. Bonded only by their egos and their hatred for blank flanks.
But to Scootaloo’s surprise, it was not an overbearing pink pony that emerged from the confection shop. No, it was certain white unicorn filly. One that utterly shocked Scootaloo into reality.
“Sweetie Belle...?”
-“Silver Belle”
That was all the proof she needed. Staring her right in the face. Sweetie Belle socializing with the likes of Silver Spoon. The pegasus gritted her teeth at this saccharine sight, feeling the ghostly knife in her back twist further and deeper. This is who Sweetie left her for? This was the best option she could come up with? Scootaloo felt that she should’ve been honored that no pony could take her place. But at the same token, as quickly as she was forgotten hurt all the same.
Maybe that was the “lesson” she learned back at Fluttershy’s place. Fluttershy didn’t want Minty to replace Pinkie with her. But here, Sweetie Belle didn’t seem to mind replacing her best friend with a mortal enemy.
“Trust me, squirt. I know that feeling of rejection too.”
Scootaloo’s eyes widened as her head jerked to the left, hoping to see Rainbow Dash smiling at her and wanting to take her home where it was warm and cozy. Instead, she got a face adorned with a scowling beak and eyes filled with disdain.
“Who...who are you?” Scootaloo managed to ask, realizing that it wasn’t the cold wind making her shiver.
“I’m no one special. Look kid,” the creature pointed a talon at the copper filly. “I’ve seen the way you drool
over Rainbow Dash. You’re making a mistake. She’ll dump you for the next piece of tail just like that!” The creature emphasised with a snap of her claws.
“Rainbow Dash is loyal! She’d never leave her friends behind!” Scootaloo snapped, suddenly feeling her idol surging through her. She remembered the stories Dash told her of the villains they had faced, and how she had helped to save the day by being there.
“She’s loyal to herself!” The creature let out a hawk-like screech as her wings unfurled. “She made the wrong choice, and she’ll have to live with that.”
“Don’t listen to that mean ol’ bugger!” Pip spoke up, waving a hoof. “She’s just upset because she don’t have a friend. Well I can be your friend!”
“Piss off, kid!” The gryphon snapped, slashing at the air with her claws. Pip flinched and fell back on his rump.
“Leave him alone you bully!” Scootaloo shouted, standing in front of the recovering pinto.
“Wow...you’re just like her. Shame really, you had potential.” Gilda shook her head as a smirk spread across her beak.
“I stand up for my friends!” Scootaloo snapped, holding her ground.
“Like they stood up for you?” Gilda sneered. “I saw what happened back there in the forest. The way they ditched you. I bet they won’t come back either.”
“Well...I’m still loyal to them, because I know that they’ll come around!” Scootaloo replied, her eyes filled with determination.
Gilda snickered, “Like you were loyal to Dash when that superhero came to town? I saw what happened.”
Scootaloo’s confidence deflated at the mention of that. She did seem to forget Dash in all of that hype. Was this how Dash felt when Mare Do Well took her glory?
“I know they’ll come back...” Scootaloo muttered, dropping to her rear. “They just got to...I’ll show you!” Her eyes narrowed in determination as she sprinted towards the two ponies. “SWEETIE BELLE! HEY!”
The unicorn, nor Silver Spoon gave any acknowledgement. Scootaloo stood on her hind hooves and waved her forelegs fanatically, whistling, shouting, and anything else she could think of.
“They can’t see me...” Scootaloo frowned, slumping to the ground once again. “Wait a minuet...” Scootaloo stuck out a hoof experimentally, and to her horror, it passed right through Silver Spoon. The gray pony shivered slightly.
“Did you feel a cold wind just now?” Silver Spoon asked, adjusting her blue framed glasses.
“No...but it is kind of cold out here,” Sweetie Belle nodded. “I sure do miss Scootaloo though...”
“SEE! SHE MISSES ME! I TOLD YOU!” Scootaloo stood and pointed, rubbing this moment of triumph in the gryphon’s ugly face.
“Such a shame that she died like she did...alone and forgotten...” Silver Spoon added, her voice filled with genuine sadness.
Scootaloo froze and fell to the ground. Her mind reeling as her stomach twisted. Strange thoughts surging all at once until they settled on the cold reality. Scootaloo’s eyes lit up in a moment of epiphany, and she sat up and turned to the pinto and the gryphon.
“If I’m dead, how can you see me?”
“Because during the winter solstice, the barrier between our world and the spirit realm is at its weakest,” a voice explained. The three turned to see Princess Luna swoop down and land elegantly. Her starry mane swayed in the breeze, highlighted by the glare of her aura off of the snow.
“PRINCESS LUNA!” Pip squealed, running over to give a nuzzle to the princess.
The dark alicorn looked down and smiled. “Hello, Dear Pip. I trust you are enjoying my night? Princess Celestia made the day shorter for just such an occasion.”
“Wait, wait...so how come they can see me, but Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon can’t?” Scootaloo asked, trying to get back on topic.
“Perhaps it’s because you don’t want them to see you?” Luna suggested. “I notice you are very prideful, and your friends seeing you have passed on is scarring enough to them. You don’t want them to see you in your current state because you are ashamed.”
“Well, can’t you use your magic to bring me back to life?” Scootaloo asked, sounding more frustrated than she would’ve liked. She didn’t want Princess Luna to think her ungrateful.
Luna frowned, “Unfortunately, I cannot. Even magic as powerful as ours has its limits and rules. But perhaps I can appeal to make sure your afterlife is a joyous one.”
Scootaloo shook her head, “No thanks. I’d rather haunt here.”
“You don’t really punish the naughty ponies...do you?” Pip asked, his eyes wide and pleading.
Luna chuckled, “No, I do not. You have nothing to fear from me anymore.” The mighty alicorn turned and spread her wings, “Now I must return to my duties, as my sister does not know I snuck out to enjoy some of the festivities.”
Pip waved a frantic goodbye with his forelegs as Luna took off towards the castle in the distance, lit up with the royal holiday decorations and trees. Scootaloo remembered Twilight said that evergreen trees became part of the celebration because they were the only trees still green in the winter months.
“Twilight! She talked to me! She saw me!” Scootaloo remembered, her eyes filled with hope. “Maybe she can help me!”
“Probably just saw you’re dead body, twerp...” Gilda rolled her eyes. Scootaloo shot a dirty look at the gryphon, but sighed in defeat.
“Ah really enjoy helpin’ ya, Zecora! Ah’d never learn all this cool stuff with Applejack!”
Scootaloo looked up to see Apple Bloom bounding alongside Zecora, both wearing saddlebags filled with supplies.
“Indeed, in the solstice the spirits will roam
But us mortal ponies need comforts of home
If I do not get supplies before the snow will fall
I shall not leave again, for hunger will make it’s call”
“Hey Apple Bloom! HEY!” Scootaloo jumped in front of the two ponies, hoping that maybe she would have a better shot at being seen.
Zecora froze, her eyes wide in shock as her mouth hung open.
“What is this? I think I can see it
It appears to be a lonely, lost spirit
I hope perhaps, you can see it too
Because it is your friend, Scootaloo”
Of course she could see me...
Apple Bloom stared at Zecora and blinked, then turned her gaze to where the zebra was pointing. Sure enough, Scootaloo was standing there, a sheepish smile on her face.
“Scootaloo? Ah...ah thought you was dead.”
“Apparently I am...but Sweetie Belle couldn’t see me,” Scootaloo muttered, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.
“Aw, Sweetie’s always been slow like that. Nothin’ personal...um...hey....I know it doesn’t change the fact that...well....that yer dead an’ all...but...” Apple Bloom began, trying to hold back her tears.
“Apology accepted,” Scootaloo replied...holding out a hoof. Apple Bloom slowly held out her own and reached towards the apparition. She felt stinging cold through her leg and into her body, but she wasn’t afraid.
“Come along now, Apple Bloom. Time has long past
The barrier between realms will no longer last
Say your goodbyes and apologies while you can
Or our journey in this weather will take a longer span”
“Goodbye, Scootaloo...and ah’m sorry. We all are. Ah should’ve believed you,” Apple Bloom sniffed, her eyes beginning to water.
“Well, it was kind of my own fault too. I shouldn’t let curiosity get the better of me,” Scootaloo conceded. “Just wish I would’ve known that sooner.”
“The future won’t be the same without you, Scoot...” Apple Bloom frowned. She turned and picked up her pace to catch up to Zecora, leaving the filly alone once more.
Scootaloo sobbed to herself, turning her bleary eyes to where Pip and Gilda were standing. They were gone. She really was alone.
“Time?”
The copper filly bolted upright and looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw a hooded pony standing before her, hoof pointed straight out at her. Its face obscured by its hood.
“Wha...wha....what are you?”
“Do you have the time?” The figure asked again. Scootaloo was to afraid to answer, only stare.
“Wait a minute...Apple Bloom said ‘future’, then you show up. So you must be...”
“OH! You got me! So much for keeping my secret then, eh?” The stallion smiled, looking a bit embarrassed.
“You’re all ghosts like me aren’t you? Taking form of things I know, and showing me the error of my ways!” Scootaloo struck a defensive pose, a look of anger in her eyes. “Well I don’t need anypony preaching to me!”
“What are you talking about?” Pip asked, sitting on the ground. How did they get back so fast? Or were they really gone? “We’re not ghosts.”
“Then how can you...”
“I think I can explain that,” the stallion cut her off. “Come with me!”
-“Holiday Treat”
“Ah, yes! The future! So many wondrous possibilities and outcomes! Why, the very fate of the world could rest on what color trousers you decide to wear today!”
Scootaloo cocked a brow at the odd behavior of the colt before her. His messy brown mane and hourglass cutie mark did nothing to show what he was good at, or who he was for that matter.
“I didn’t ask about the future. You asked me what time it was,” the copper filly shook her head. She glanced over to see Pip was busy admiring this strange pony while Gilda was rolling her eyes out of boredom.
“Yes, I did! See, rather we know it or not, we’re traveling through time as we speak! Each passing second is one step into the future! We don’t feel it for obvious reasons, but it’s marvelous all the same!”
“So if you aren’t ghosts, and I am...then...” Scootaloo’s head hurt as she tried to make sense of all this information.
“I’ve seen stranger things in my day,” the stallion replied. His smile looked kind of smug. Too smug for Scootaloo’s liking. Almost like....
“Anyway! I am, the Doctor! Nice to meet you, Pikachu!” The stallion bowed his head formally.
“Scootaloo...” the filly replied, narrowing her eyes.
“Right...so...you are a ghost, yet everyone can see you and...”
“Pony.”
“What?”
“Every PONY can see me,” Scootaloo reminded.
“Oh, you ponies and your grammar! Anyway, but you said your friends couldn’t see you?”
“Silver Spoon isn’t my friend,” Scootaloo’s voice took a dark edge. “She probably couldn’t see me because her nose is to far up her...”
“Hey now...” Pip cut the filly off before she could finish.
“Well it sounds to me that you are becoming the thing that you hate...” the Doctor nodded, his face taking a solemn expression.
“I’m being like my hero, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo replied, flaring her little wings out as far as she could.
“And doing it wrong apparently...” Gilda replied, rolling her eyes.
“Like you have room to talk!” Scootaloo looked ready to pounce before Pip came in between them.
“EVERYONE...er...PONY! STOP IT!” The Doctor stomped his hooves on the ground. “Now then...if you seem so intent on learning a lesson that we’re not even here to teach you...I suppose I could show you the future. IF you promise not to share what you know.”
“I didn’t really want to learn anything. But the future does sound pretty cool!” Scootaloo’s eyes lit up at the prospect of being the first pony of her class to travel through time.
“Very well then! Onwards and upwards!” The three of them proceeded to follow the Doctor, only for Pip and Gilda to be stopped at the door. “Sorry, this is a solo adventure. You all just have to wait here.” He flashed a smile, then glanced over his shoulder, “NO! Don’t touch that!”
In the blink of an eye, the machine that Scootaloo was inside of came to a halt. The Doctor opened the door and gestured for the filly to go first. She hesitated, but regained composure and took a step into the unknown. Everything looked the same as they left it, complete with the same decorations.
“I thought we were going into the future?” Scootaloo frowned, looking over to the Doctor.
“We are in the future, take a look over there.” He ponited to Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were seated at an outdoor table, talking and laughing.
“Well, at least Pinkie is okay...” Scootaloo nodded. “Don’t know why she would be in trouble over what happened to me though.” She approached carefully, not knowing if they could see her or not, and listened in.
“It feels great to be free!” Pinkie exclaimed as she turned her sapphire eyes to Rainbow Dash. “That Doctor is a nice pony, but kinda weird!” She swirled a hoof around her ear as her eyes went cross.
Dash chuckled, “You’re one to talk about being weird.” It was great to have her back, especially after all the pain she went through to get to this point.
“I was so upset, and worried that you were gone.” Pinkie continued, her eyes almost tearing up before she blinked and returned to her bright smile.
A cold breeze whipped by, causing the two to shiver. “Hey, wanna go inside?” Dash asked, nodding towards the door.
Pinkie nodded, “I’ll pour us some eggnog and we’ll warm up! OH! It can be that slumber party I wanted, but the others are busy...” the party pony frowned.
Scootaloo noticed Dash glancing around nervously, as if trying to think of something. “Well, I’m the pony who makes a sleepover fun anyway. So no loss, right?”
Pinkie nodded, her smile returning. Dash let out a sigh as she got up from the table. The two headed in, leaving Scootaloo alone to think about what was going on. She realized that the two were talking about an event that was yet to happen, and her eyes widened that the Doctor really did take her to the future. How far, though, was uncertain. She wanted to see more.
Pinkie sat the mug of eggnog in front of the pegasus, who looked deep in thought.
“What’s wrong, Dashie?”
“Oh, just thinking. I always get upset around the holidays anymore, because I always think of her,” Dash blinked, trying not to let any tears escape.
“None of us knew, Dashie. It wasn’t your fault,” Pinkie placed a hoof on Dash’s and rubbed it lightly.
“Yes it was!” Dash snapped, jerking her hoof away. “She idolized me! She looked up to me, depended on me to steer her right...and I left her to die...” Pinkie had never seen Dash so angry, especially at herself. “Some Element of Loyalty I turned out to be.”
“Rainbow Dash, that wasn’t your fault!” Pinkie snapped, sounding more forceful than usual. “Now cheer up already, it’s the holidays!”
“Ya know, Pinkie...I got something that would make this eggnog taste better,” Dash smirked, narrowing her eyes into a sly expression.
“Really? Is it candy? Ginger? OH! I know! Cupcakes!” Pinkie clapped her hooves together.
“Cupcakes in eggnog?” Dash muttered, then shook her head. “No, better. Hold on.” Dash darted over to where she left her saddlebags that were packed for Pinkie’s sleepover. Finding the item she sought, the pegasus gripped the top in her teeth and darted back to the table in the center of Pinkie’s loft. Dash sat it on the table with a loud clunk, the dark brown liquid sloshing inside as it reflected the light.
Pinkie’s eyes widened as she looked the ornate glass bottle, adorned with the image of a pony in captains garb. “This is neat! Where’d ya get this, Dashie?” Pinkie looked up, her blue eyes filled with curiosity.
“Berry Punch’s store. Never been in there before, but thought, hey, it’s the holidays right?” Dash shrugged. She needed a drink to escape those dark thoughts. “Anyway, she said this is good to mix in eggnog, so...”
“You’re the best Dashie! Always know how to make the party fun!” Pinkie dove forward and grabbed Dash in an awkward hug. The pegasus felt her face grow hot, the faint smell of cotton candy in her nostrils as Pinkie’s mane brushed her face. The pink pony released her captive and sat back down. She grabbed the lid in her teeth and the bottle with her hooves, giving a twist to pop it off. She carefully tipped the bottle over to pour the liquid into her mug. Dash’s eyes widened when she saw how much was going in, and her hooves shot forward to tip the bottle back up. Some of it almost spilt onto the table.
“Pinkie! Don’t bogart it! I spent good money on that, and I want some too!” Dash replied, jerking the bottle away from the giggling pony.
“Sorry, Dashie!”
Dash rolled her eyes and began pouring some into her own mug, frowning that there wasn’t much left.
Pinkie was already happily sipping away though her straw, not even flinching at the amount of alcohol she was consuming. Dash quirked a brow at this and took a hard sip of her own, immediately scrunching her face up at the bite. “Gha! Pinkie, how can you drink so much?”
“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked, her straw held gingerly between her lips as she spoke.
“I never knew you to be a heavy drinker,” Dash explained, shaking her head. The buzz of the liquor already creeping into her head. She blinked a few times to refocus and looked back at the pink pony. Dash cursed herself for not preparing for this sooner. Her lack of food intake and the energy she burned to get to Sugarcube Corner in record speed were now making the alcohol course though her system faster than normal. Not to mention the sweets Pinkie had fed to Dash were reacting badly in her stomach.
Dash grabbed her straw in her lips again, and gave another hard pull, her eyes shutting on reflex as the liquor buzzed through her head even harder now. She opened them to see Pinkie had already finished hers, looking a little tipsy, but not as out of it as Dash was feeling. The pegaus swore the room behind the pink pony was starting to tilt slightly.
“Ugh...I feel sick...” Dash rubbed a hoof on her stomach. “Cupcakes and alcohol do not mix.”
“Well, I feel fine!” Pinkie chirped. Dash glared at the pink pony, feeling a bit jealous at her insanely fast metabolism. That had to be it. No way she could eat as much as she did and not get fat. She could tell by looking in Pinkie’s eyes that she wasn’t entirely there. Even less than usual.
“You sure you’re okay? I had nowhere near as much as you, and I’m feeling it already,” Dash placed a hoof to her head. “I need something high in carbs.”
“Of course I’m fine, you silly filly!” Pinkie waved a passive hoof, almost falling over in the process. “WHOO!”
Dash grinned. Of course Pinkie can hide it, she always acts that way!
Pinkie staggered towards the stairs, hoping to get more cupcakes. But a misplaced hoof ensured that she made it to the bottom painfully. Dash rushed down the stairs to see if she was okay.
“Maybe you should sleep this off, Pinkie. Don’t want you hurting yourself now,” Dash placed her forelegs under Pinkie’s and clumsily lifted her off the floor.
Pinkie began giggling more than usual, her blue eyes glancing up to something hanging above them. Dash followed her look up to see something green hanging from the rafter.
“Uh...is that what I think it is?” Dash asked, feeling her face blush. She could feel Pinkie twist and struggle in her hooves, and before she knew it, a pink face was in hers. Dash’s eyes widened as she felt the pink pony’s soft lips press against her own. The sheer passion behind the kiss shown that this was not the alcohol controlling her actions.
Dash placed her hooves on Pinkie’s chest and shoved her away. The pink pony frowned at this, which for some reason, made Dash’s heart hurt. Maybe it was the booze.
“Well, uh...that was...um....nice?” the pegasus stammered, sounding more like Fluttershy than herself.
“I got plenty more where that came from, Dashie,” Pinkie replied, her voice slow and seductive. Her slurred words making Dash smirk a little.
“Yeah...you need to lie down,” Dash shook her head, trying to drag Pinkie back up the stairs. The volatile mix of cupcakes and rum in her stomach making her feel dizzy. Pinkie was dead weight as she continued to try and go the opposite direction, occasionally coming back around to nip at Dash’s ear.
“Pinkie stop it. You’re scaring me!” Dash brushed her away from sniffing her mane. “We shouldn’t have done this.”
“Oh, shush! I’d do you even if we weren’t drunk!” Pinkie replied, batting Dash with a hoof. This made the pegasus freeze in place.
“What?”
“I’ve always loved you, Dashie! When I heard what you did with Applejack, I was so jealous!” Pinkie shook her head, giggling again. “But I knew you would come around, and now here we are!”
Dash jerked her head around to stare Pinkie in the eyes. “How did you know about that?!”
“Duh! I know everypony in Ponyville! Word of mouth, silly! You’re quite the legend!” Pinkie giggled again.
Dash sighed. “I only came here for the sleepover, and I expected everypony else to show up,” Dash spoke, trying to fight the butterflies in her stomach. “You’re a good friend, Pinkie. Really, you are. But...I can’t commit to you like that.”
“Why not?” Pinkie’s eyes widened, a frown on her face that didn’t belong.
“I don’t want to hurt you like I hurt...” Dash trailed off, breaking eye contact with the pink pony.
“You didn’t hurt anypony silly!” Pinkie smiled again. “It may be our first time, but it won’t hurt!”
“That’s not what I...” Dash shook her head. “Never mind. Let’s get you to bed.”
Pinkie finally quit squirming and fighting, making the job much easier as the pegasus crested the stairs. She made a mental note to have a talk with Applejack about keeping secrets as she drug Pinkie towards the bed. A surge of dizziness hit and Dash felt her wings lock up. She hit the floor painfully, taking Pinkie down with her.
Pinkie began giggling even louder now, her pink tail brushing across Dash’s hind legs. She saw the pegasi’s wings begin to spread as Dash tried to fight the sensation. She felt a warmth pressing against her stomach, and a devious smile spread across Pinkie’s face as she began to slide lower. The sensation of her coat sliding along the pegasi’s most private of areas made Dash shudder slightly and let out a moan.
Dash threw her hooves to her mouth, hoping Pinkie didn’t hear that. She glanced down to see Pinkie gave no reaction, but was still continuing her seductive journey. Soon she was on the floor staring between Dash’s legs. The smell was overwhelming as it winked at her to come forth. Pinkie didn’t waste any time in meeting this request.
Dash’s pupils shrank as she watched Pinkie’s head dip down between her flanks. She felt a tongue slide gently up her thighs, rubbing the soft coat as Pinkie set to work. Each lick inched agonizingly closer to Dash’s wetness, up and down as Pinkie shown a surprising expertise.
“Pinkie...how do you know all of this?” Dash couldn’t help ask the question, feeling that gnawing at the back of her brain disappear.
“My job is to make ponies smile, Dahsie. No matter what it takes,” Pinkie replied, setting back to her work. Dash blinked, trying not to think too hard about that statement. She felt the party pony’s hot breath on her labia, and let out a sharp gasp. But Pinkie left again, running her tongue down the opposite thigh. The pegasus didn’t know if it was desire or the liquor, but her hooves reached out and grabbed Pinkie’s head, shoving the earth pony’s face right into her need. Pinkie let out a muffled yelp of surprise, but her eyes soon closed as she went to work.
The rough tongue scraping against Dash’s clit made her throw her head back and moan, her walls gripping for something to satisfy the void. Pinkie continued her work, lapping sloppily with humorously lewd noises that made Dash chuckle between moans.
“You don’t taste like raisin’s, Dashie!” Pinkie spoke up, glancing up to lock eyes with the pegasus. Dash stared into the sapphire pools as Pinkie began licking again, never breaking eye contact. Another rough lap at her nub made Dash shudder and she could feel her clit beginning to harden. Pinkie quickly took the nub in her teeth, tugging gently yet firmly, making Dash yelp and bite her bottom lip. Her eyes screwed shut as she moaned through her teeth, sweat forming on her brow. Another lick against the engorged nub and the pegasus threw her head back, not caring who heard her moan.
Pinkie could taste the juices pooling on her tongue. Spicy like a rainbow, but not as much as the real thing. Her blue eyes glanced down to the passage before her, winking and inviting. Leaving Dash’s sensitive area alone, Pinkie inserted her tongue into the gripping opening. She could hear Dash hiss through her teeth as her hips bucked forward. Her walls squeezing Pinkie’s tongue in their attempts to pull her in deeper.
The pink pony stopped before Dash was finished, and gave a sly smirk. “I got an idea!” She darted off to the kitchen, leaving Dash panting on the floor as her mind began to wonder what Pinkie had in store. Something involving food no doubt. She emerged from the kitchen, holding a rather large candy cane, complete with a red bow tied around the top. The tag hanging off of it read “TO: DASHIE FROM: PINKIE”
“Uh, Pinkie...you sure this is a good idea?” Dash asked, cocking a brow at the sight before her. Pinkie held up the candy cane, the end of it already wet with her saliva. The pink pony flashed a smile that had a streak of wickedness behind it, and lunged forward.
“I made this myself...” Pinkie panted as she went to work lapping at Dash’s clit once more. “Thought it would be weird if I asked Twist to make it.”
Dash chuckled as she shuddered again, Pinkie setting to work. The party pony wasn’t going to make the same mistake again, not after all that had happened. She glanced up to see Dash tossing her mane about, eyes screwed shut. She wants it, not like...
NO! Pinkie stops herself. She wasn’t going to ruin this moment with memories of past mistakes. Dash’s hips thrust forward, making her entrance wink against Pinkie’s snout as the party pony giggled. She was ready.
Pinkie pulled herself away, sticking the end of the candy cane in her mouth once more to moisten it again. She watched as Dash’s breathing steadied and she opened her rosy eyes to stare at the pink pony, pleading for more. Her face was flushed, all the way down to her shoulders. Dash brushed her rainbow mane from her eyes, slicked back with sweat. “Why...why did you stop?” she panted.
Pinkie giggled and pulled the confection from her mouth with a loud, purposeful pop. She took aim at Dash’s slit and looked up for reassurance. Dash nodded in conformation, so Pinkie pressed forward. The stickiness pulling at her damp flesh hurt in a good way, and the smooth sting of peppermint seeping into her folds gave Dash a strange numb sensation.
“OH SHI...” Dash grunted, her head jerking left and right.
“You like it when I stuff your stocking?” Pinkie giggled.
Dash glance down and blinked dumbly, almost losing the moment. A smile spread across her face as she shook her head. “Pinkie, just fuck me.”
Pinkie obliged, thrusting the sticky treat in and out. She couldn’t help but giggle at the sounds of popping flesh and the sucking sound of pulling it back out. Dash was panting harder now, her racing heart sending more of the alcohol into her brain at a faster pace. The room was spinning, but Dash couldn’t tell if it was from pleasure or being drunk. The thrusting had increased in pace, and Dash glanced down to see what was going on, forcing her eyes to stay open.
The tip of the candy cane was wiggling around inside of her as Pinkie struggled with the other end, putting the whole curve in her mouth and biting it off. Dash swallowed as the back of her mind pondered what this could imply. She gingerly chewed the candy, staring into Dash’s eyes, then slowly stood up on all fours, swaying slightly as she guided the other end of the candy cane to her own entrance.
Dash’s eyes widened as she could see the whole thing. The thick lips parting to make way for the confection as Pinkie gasped and giggled. She shook her rump a few times, enjoying the feel of the jagged edges against her walls. After a few more inches, Pinkie hesitated as if to stop the room from spinning, then slid her back hooves across the floor to hilt herself on the rest of the length.
Dash gasped as the weight of the pink pony fell upon her, now face to face. The odd combination of her cotton candy smelling hair, the alcohol and peppermint on her breath tinged by the sent of her own sex, drove Dash wild for some reason she couldn’t explain. Pinkie lunged forward and kissed Dash, sliding her tongue in as soon as there was a chance. Dash let out a muffled protest, but soon succumbed to the odd feeling of candy cane crumbs scraping across her gums. The mix of flavors was indescribable, but at the same time, made Dash’s temples throb as her alcoholic blood continued its journey.
Pinkie broke the kiss, a trail of crumbs and saliva falling between them. She thrust her hips, bucking Dash hard into the wooden floor. The pegasi’s wings were fully spread now, stiff and trembling as Pinkie reached out and gave them a gentle stroke. Dash jerked, her hips thrusting upwards as she gasped from the jolt of pleasure that shot up her spine.
“I made it to the North Pole!” Pinkie shouted in triumph as she began riding the candy cane, now made even sticker with her own fluids. The strange feeling of their clits sticking and pulling apart sent tiny shocks, as each of their inner walls began to tug for control of the ever shrinking treat between them. The burning of the peppermint gave a painless but hot sensation through their moist openings.
Only Pinkie would giggle during sex, and that was exactly what she was doing as she continued to ride the striped makeshift phallus between them.
“Oh yeah! Make me smile!” Pinkie began babbling. “Party with my Pinkie Hole! Ride that pie!”
Dash only rolled her eyes, which weren’t too far from the back of her head to begin with. With another thrust, Dash felt Pinkie clench around the candy, pulling it up with her as she began fucking Dash with her new peppermint penis.
“OH...” Dash bit her lip, twisting and writhing beneath her pink tormentor. She could feel the pressure building up within her stomach, her back legs stretching and twitching in preparation for the oncoming storm.
Pinkie began thrusting faster, her hooves reaching down to fumble over Dash’s now pert nipples. Soon they found their way to her wings once more, and a slight caress across the joint was enough to send Dash to the brink.
“AH! SWEET CELESTIA!!” Dash cried out as her body tensed and locked, hooves launching forth to pull Pinkie closer and deeper into her grabbing folds. Pinkie continued her rhythm, riding out Dash’s orgasm as she approached her own. The sticky combination of candy residue from the melting treat and their own juices cemented what was left of the candy cane between them as Pinkie shuddered, her tail going stiff and twitching as if something was going to fall.
Her Pinkie Sense rang true as she fell on top of Dash hard, her hooves slipping and losing balance. She began to laugh, cackling as her orgasm washed through her. Dash had never heard of a pony laugh while coming before, but it was music to her ears all the same.
Scootaloo stared in open mouth awe at what just happened. Hopefully the Doctor could make it to where she couldn’t remember what she saw. Though a small part of her didn’t want to forget.
“Well they don’t look too affected by my loss,” she noted with a nod. “What was the point of this?”
“Do you love me, Dashie?” Pinkie whispered, nuzzling her head under the pegasi’s chin.
“You know I do...” Dash replied, rubbing her hoof through the frizzy mane.
“Then say it,” Pinkie replied.
“I can’t...” Dash whispered, glancing away. “I can’t make that commitment.”
“Why not?” Pinkie raised her head and stared deep into Dash’s rosy eyes.
“I don’t like making promises I can’t keep. I already lost two friends because of that...I don’t need to...”
“You and you’re self loathing!” Pinkie snapped, her mane appearing to go flat. “All you think about is yourself!”
“I just don’t want to hurt you, Pinkie. You understand,” Dash began to get nervous.
“I always understood!” Pinkie shouted, violently pushing herself off of the pegasus. “I thought you would understand too!”
“What? Pinkie what are you...” Dash’s eyes widened and her pupils shrank to dots. Pinkie turned to reveal she was holding a large cake knife in her teeth.
“We could’ve had something together, but you kept pushing me away because you didn’t want to hurt me. You know how I get when I think my friends don’t love me anymore...” Pinkie inched closer, her words somewhat obscured by the knife.
“Pinkie, I’m sorry okay? I do love you...and that is why I can’t...” Dash was inching backwards across the floor. “It’s just the liquor talking...you don’t mean this...do you?”
Scootaloo looked away, tears stinging her eyes. She ran as far as she could so she couldn’t hear the
cries and screams. Once out of earshot, she looked up to the Doctor. His blue eyes were filled with a sadness she never noticed before.
“Am I responsible for all that?”
“Well...indirectly,” the Doctor nodded. “You have no idea just how much you meant to your friends and the others. Rather they knew you were homeless or not, they still cared for you.”
“I don’t want this to be the future. Is there...is there some way you could take me back?” Scootaloo looked to the Doctor with pleading eyes.
The Doctor sighed, defeated. “Only if you promise not to make the same mistakes.”
“I promise!” Scootaloo nodded, her smile almost outgrowing her face.
“Allons-y!”
-“It’s A Scootaful Life
Scootaloo’s eyes shot open, and the first thing she felt was stabbing pain in her chest. Her lungs burned with every breath, and she couldn’t feel her hooves or wings. Once her eyes regained focus, she saw she was in the Ponyville infirmary. The simple one room structure filled with cots wasn’t much, but served it’s purpose when need be.
“Scootaloo! You’re awake!” Apple Bloom cried out as she gave a flying leap to embrace her friend. Sweetie Belle stopped her, shaking her head.
“What happened?” Scootaloo managed to ask, noticing her jaw shivered with each word. She felt something frozen on her snout and her bones ached.
“Sweetie Belle came and got me to help as soon as she found you. You must’ve passed out in a snow drift. Why were you wandering around town alone anyway?” Twilight Sparkle asked as she entered the room. Her horn was glowing as she pulled two familiar looking colts behind her. Snips and Snails were being drug by their ears.
“You...you cared about me?” Scootaloo felt herself about to cry, but her eyes hurt to much to do so. That made her all the more upset.
“Of course we do! Ah may have been mad, but ah didn’t mean all that nonsense back there! Sweetie Belle helped to calm me down to!” Apple Bloom nodded to the unicorn filly, who blushed slightly.
Twilight frowned that Scootaloo was ignoring her question, but figured it a subject best saved for later. With a jerk of her head, her magic pulled Snips and Snails closer to the pegasai’s bedside.
“Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom told me everything that happened, and that these two were responsible,”
Twilight jerked them forward roughly and cleared her throat.
“We’re sorry Scootaloo...” Snips began, trying not to make eye contact.
“Yeah...I’m sorry to, eh,” Snails added, also looking away.
Scootaloo smiled, “That’s all i wanted to hear.”
“Of course, there’s the matter of you being involved to. So don’t think your off the hook either. I think I’m
going to have to give you some lessons about what you claim to have seen,” Twilight shook her head.
“I don’t care! All that matters is I’m here, and my friends are back! The others were wrong! I knew you’d come back for me!” Scootaloo smiled, even though it hurt to do so.
“Others? Who are ya talkin’ bout?” Apple Bloom quirked a brow.
“I saw Pip, and a gryphon, and...and that funny stallion with the hourglass...he took me to the future and...”
Scootaloo trailed off when she notied the others were staring at her.
“Sounds like quite the dream you had,” Twilight smiled nervously. Part of her wondered if Scootaloo was more affected by the cold than she thought.
“But...but...it wasn’t a dream...” Scootaloo frowned. The others turned and left the pegasus to rest. However, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom remained, her eyes tearing up.
“I believe you...” she whispered, placing a warm hoof on Scootaloo’s frozen foreleg.
“So do ah...Ah saw yer ghost, remember?” Apple Bloom blushed slightly, as if she sounded silly for saying such things.
Scootaloo felt a tear run down her cheek, its warmth a stark contrast to the rest of her face. “Thank you...you guys...”
THE END
Happy Hearth’s Warming Everypony!
|
Sturm Panzer
|
865
| 1 |
Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Stormy Weather
|
An anthology of shipping stories, writtena round a common theme.
|
incomplete
| 43 | 8 |
<p>This started as just a one-shot story, but it's since turned into an anthology of short stories, all of them written around the central theme of 'storms'.</p>
|
mature
|
2011-11-05T09:56:10+00:00
|
2011-11-05T09:56:10+00:00
| 14,275 |
Thunderstruck
By Sturm Panzer
It was a pretty nice day in late spring out in some foothills, a few hours hike from Ponyville. The weather was nice and warm, the sky a brilliant blue, with only a few scattered clouds. It was a perfect afternoon for some hiking and exploring, which was exactly what Twilight Sparkle had in mind.
It didn't really take that long to get there from Ponyville, perhaps not even three hours to trot it there? Certainly it would have taken Twilight's companion, Rainbow Dash, a lot less time to just fly there, if it wasn't for the fact that she had to stick with Twilight and guide her along to a particular spot.
“Yeah, we're getting pretty close to the spot,” said Rainbow dash, spreading her wings out. “It can't be too much longer. I'm gonna fly up for a bit to get my bearings and make sure we're going the right way.” And with that, the pale cyan Pegasus leapt up into the air, flapping her wings and soaring upward.
Twilight Sparkle used her magic to pull the map out of her saddlebags, taking a moment to mark the course they're been taking on it, to make it easier to navigate back to the same place again next time. “Hmm, looks like it's well into the foothills. At least the ground's firm and easy going.” Tucking the map back away, the unicorn continued on, taking a brief look up I the sky for the Pegasus.
It was only a couple of minutes before Rainbow Dash spiraled back down out of the sky, hovering beside Twilight as they continued along. “We're almost there. See that big rock over there that sticks up at an angle? That's it.”
It only took Twilight a second to recognize the rock in question. It was a like a broken finger of stone that rose up above the surrounding hills. “Maybe 10 more minutes, you think?”
“Yeah, maybe,” Dash nodding, pointing over with one hoof. “Just one more hill past this one and then around to the other side of the stone, and then we're there. It's pretty awesome, I think you're going to like it.”
Twilight was getting more excited as she neared their goal. “If this crystal formation is even half as good as you say it is, it would be worth every step of the trip to study it.”
They sped up a little, cresting the last hill in just a few minutes, giving them both an amazing view. To Twilight, it looked like the finger of stone had fractured ages ago, and in the jumble of boulders and slabs of rock the size of houses, there was numerous crystals that could be easily seen, glittering as the sun reflected off them.
Twilight was awed by the sight. “Wow, I can see how you were able to notice it even from high up. There must be hundreds of crystal deposits exposed there.”
The pair sped down the hill at a full gallop, with Twilight leading the way down with a big smile as she was eager to study the formations.
Once in amongst the titanic boulders and slabs, Twilight saw the rocks did indeed look like they have been a single stone that fractured some time ago, leaving the patches of crystals exposed, waiting to be discovered. She wasted no time in starting to gather samples here and there. And even sit down to study some particularly interesting ones.
Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, didn't have much interest in crystals, but was content to drag down a piece of low-hanging cloud and turn it into a small puffy bed for her to flop down on and take a nap while her friend was busy with examine the crystals.
Twilight got so wrapped up in her studies, she didn't notice the shifting weather patterns. Dash, being an experienced weather Pegasus, would have noticed but she was deep in her nap. In fact, it wasn't until the ominous rumble of thunder echoed across the valley that Twilight realized that there was a problem. Having been woken by the thunder, Dash also realized things were suddenly a little precarious.
“Hey Twilight, we should get out of here. There's no cover for when it starts to…” a fat drop of water landed right on Dash's head. The first of many more that started to come down, “Rain. Great…”
“Let's just head back the way we came, we'll find some cover and then wait out the storm,” Twilight reasoned, still in a good mood from the crystal discovery that Rainbow Dash has shown her this afternoon.
The rain quickly turned into an outright downpour, coming down heavily enough that it quickly started to saturate Dash’s wings, making it hard for her to fly with the water-logged feathers. In short order, the Pegasus was forced to trot along beside Twilight as they got throughly soaked.
Peering through the rain, Twilight spotted a crack in between some rocks, which looked big enough for two. “Over there. I think I see something we can use for cover.”
Once at the pile of boulders, there was a small space under one of the largest stones. It looked big enough to fit two ponys, but it would be more than a little snug.
“You first, Twilight, I don't want my wings getting mushed up against the rocks”
“Ok, hold on Dash..” Twilight slipped into the crevice, find it covered with a layer of moss, making it better than bare rock at least. She took off her saddlebags and pushed them into a smaller nook so they wouldn't take up space.
At least it was big enough for two, barely. Rainbow Dash's body crowded in with Twilight, using a quick flick of her wings to shake off as much water as she could beforehand.
“Cozy..” Dash commented dryly as she found herself pressed in close belly-to-belly with Twilight. “Normally like more room on my bed, but what the hay, If the company's good,” she said with a laugh.
Twilight tried to frown, but ended up with a slight smirk. “At least it's dry and mostly out of the wind.” She peered over Dash's shoulder, ti take a brief look at the storm that was still coming down outside. Her attention was suddenly drawn back to Dash, who had craned her neck around to look outside, and her slight shift ended up with the Pegasus's thigh, which had been between Twilight's legs, was now pressing up against Twilight's body.
When Dash looked back to Twilight, she thought for a moment, then asked, “You know, Twi… Since we're stuck here for a bit, do you mind if I ask you a kind of personal question?”
“Personal? Well, I guess not. I mean, it's not like there's anyone else here to listen in. We have saved each other's lives after all..”
Dash nodding slightly and smile, “Yeah, no kidding. Ok. Is the rumour true? The one about you being a virgin? I'm just curious.”
As soon as the words came out of Dash's mouth, Twilight blushed, turning her head slightly to look outside. It took several seconds before she was able to answer. “Yes. Well… Yes. There was this one filly I liked back in school, but all we did was kiss once. It wasn't anything special, and it didn't really, well.. Turn me on or anything.”
“Only once?” commented Dash with a slight smile. “Then you've got nothing to base it on for a comparison.”
“Uhh, well.. I guess not..” stammered Twilight a little, who could feel her face starting to heat up, as she quickly realized where Rainbow Dash was going with this.
“Well then. You can't decide if kissing was nothing special with just a single test.” Dash's mouth moved down close to Twilight's, who could feel the warmth of the Pegasus's breath.
“I uh… I guess you’re right?” Twilight tried to shrink back a bit, but in the right confines of the crevice, there wasn't really anywhere to go. But with the warmth spreading through the unicorn's belly that was competing with the nervous hammering of her heart, she wasn't so sure she wanted to escape.
When Rainbow Dash's lips met Twilight's, it was like an electric spark had jumped from the Pegasus to her. The unicorn tensed up for a moment, then relaxed as her muscles sagged and went limp. Somewhere in there, that thigh that Twilight felt pressed up between her legs started to gently slide back and forth, which only increased the warmth In her belly.
The kiss felt like it lasted for hours before Dash pulled back, a thin ribbon of saliva linking her lips to Twilight's for a few seconds. “What do you think?”
It took a few seconds before Twilight was able to answer with a soft “…Not bad…”
Dash smirked as she starts backing up a bit, sliding back into the crevice a little more with what little room there was. “Then I think you need a tie-breaker kiss. One to decide once and for all if you like kissing.” The Pegasus's lips slide down along Twilight's chest and then belly.
“A tie-breaker? Um, ok?” The unicorn was a little flustered as she watched Dash slide downward. “But where are you going.. Oh?…“ she seemed puzzled. Then the gears started to turn. “Oh. Oh!” she said as Dash's head slipped down in between her thighs, followed by a soft “Ohhhh…”
“A little kiss,” Dash murmured, dipping her head back down for another kiss, one that was held for longer.
Twilight felt her breath catch at that warm, soft caress of Dash's lips on that most sensitive part of her body. She heard a low, soft moan, and it took her a moment to realize that it came from her own lips. It was exquisite pleasure, so much more wonderful than what she had done with just herself.
When Dash made that erotic kiss one more interesting by switching to her tongue, Twilight's moan sounded again, louder, and the unicorn's eyes drifted closed.
In the back of Twilight's mind, she noted that the storm's intensity had increased a notch. She also noted that her horn had started to glow a little, as if she was channeling magic through it. While that concerned her, those worries quickly evaporated when Dash's tongue sped up it's movements, increasing the sensations Twilight was feeling significantly.
It was when Twilight felt Dash's tongue slide inside that she felt a shiver run up her spine, which caused her back to arch with an sharp gasp, and her head to snap back, smacking the back of her head on the rock wall. She wasn't sure of the stars bursting inside her eyelids was because of the pleasure she was feeling, or because she had just given herself a mild concussion.
Twilight was certain that something was happening inside her. She could feel her thighs tensing up. Then her belly tensing, which caused her rapid panting to get louder and more laboured as her diaphragm tried to pull more air in, even with her belly's muscles squeezing hard.
Dimly, Twilight was aware of her horn glowing brightly, and beyond, the storm had ramped up to a rather frightening level of intensity. Wind howling, even large hailstones smashing down against the rocks and ground, making a thunderous racket just a couple of scant feet away from her.
Twilight could feel muscles inside her belly, ones she never even knew existed, she could feel them cramping up hard. The tension in her body was so strong, she could barely breathe. She knew, deep down, that something was about to happen.
Then it hit. Liquid fire surged through Twilight's belly and up her spine. When it hit her brain, it exploded. Her scream was entirely drowned out by the lighting stroke that slammed down at exactly the same time, shattering a small tree not twenty feet from where they were sheltered.
She felt the wave of heat and pressure from the explosion wash over her body, but she couldn't see the blast with her eyes rolling back into her head as she rode the wave of the most intense pleasure she had ever felt as it coursed through her body.
They there together for several seconds, with Twilight being only dimly aware that her horn was no longer channeling magical energy through it, and that Dash slowly crawling back to belly up with her. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by Rainbow Dash giving her a smug little smile. “How was that kiss?” she asked.
Twilight could smell a bit of unusual sweetness of Dash's breath, but it wasn't until she lifted her head to kiss the Pegasus that she really became aware of it's source. A faint memory from a few years back when she had tasted herself out of curiosity. While she didn't care for it back then, her second taste, from her friend's lips, was one that she thought she could enjoy.
Outside the crevice, the storm's energy had been almost totally depleted. A faint misting of rain and gentle breeze was all that was left of it's fury.
|
Sturm Panzer
|
865
| 2 |
Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Stormy Weather
|
An anthology of shipping stories, writtena round a common theme.
|
incomplete
| 43 | 8 |
<p>This started as just a one-shot story, but it's since turned into an anthology of short stories, all of them written around the central theme of 'storms'.</p>
|
mature
|
2012-05-03T12:44:57+00:00
|
2012-05-03T12:44:57+00:00
| 9,050 |
Summer Rain
By Sturm Panzer
“Hurry the hay up, Applejack, or we're gonna miss the darn train!”
“I'm comin' a'ready, Mac!” The young orange filly was just shoving the last couple of things into her saddlebags, and tucking them closed. It took a moment more to sling them over her back as the load was heavier than she anticipated it was, but nothing she couldn't handle. “Can't forget Pa's hat,” she said to herself. The hat was for a pony bigger than Applejack, so when she put it on, it came down a little over her forehead, but kind of stuck in place thanks to her mane.
“Applejack! Yo' get yo' flank out here right now, or ah'm gonna tan yo' hide red!” That loud voice could only belong to dear old Granny Smith. She was such a sweetie, and a real mother figure to Applejack after her parents passed away; but make no mistake, she had plenty of that Apple Family fire.
“I'm comin' Gran!” Applejack called out as she ran out the front door of the Apple Family's home, and skidded to a stop in front of a rather stern-looking Granny Smith. Her brother Big Macintosh was standing beside her, and neither was looking to happy.
“ 'bout time you showed up, Applejack.” Gran looked cross, and her voice had the sting of a switch. “And here I was thinkin' we were gonna have ta' wait 'till t'mara to leave for Hooveston' And that would'a meant maybe missin' the birthin'.”
Lowering her head, Applejack looked down at the ground. “Sorry Granny. Ah had to make sure that Ah had everthin' packed.”
“A'righty then, since we're all here, we 'kin finally go.” Granny Smith motioned with her head off toward Ponyville, and then started heading out, letting the rest follow behind her.
As Applejack was heading down the road, she turned to take a brief look at home. The grand house was old when Granny Smith was born; her grandma said she was born in it too. Generations of Apple Family ponies were born, grew up, and passed away in that big red house. It had seen successive additions over the years; a room here, a shed there. It was the only home Applejack had ever known, having spent all her live on the farm.
The trek into Ponyville took a bit of time, with the Sweet Apple Acres farm being well outside the town boundaries. The afternoon air had a tinge of dampness that was refreshing, invigorating, even.
The time just gave more opportunities for the butterflies in Applejack's belly to kick around some more. She's been to Ponyville lots of times with Granny and her older brother Big Macintosh, and even a few times on her own; but this was only her second time leaving the Ponyville area. That time she went to Manehattan to stay with Aunt and Uncle Orange for a while. That was what led to her getting her Cutie Mark.
Taking a look back along her flank, Applejack could easily see the trio of bright red apples displayed there. It was barely 6 years ago that it had happened, but Applejack could remember it like it was only yesterday. The memory of that moment was still enough to lift her spirits and bring a smile to her face.
“Shoot, the train's a'ready here! Both ya', git on 'er,” Granny Smith ordered Mac and AJ. “Ah'll git the tickets.” And with that, the older green mare headed over to the small outbuilding that held the small train office.
Applejack and Big Mac climbed up onto the train and then settled onto the benches inside the passenger car. “Have ya' ever bin on a train b'fore, Big Mac?”
“Nope.” Mac was as concise as always.
It was only another minute or so before Granny Smith got on, walking along the aisle to take a seat on the bench behind Applejack, and then settle down, pulling her hat down over her face. “Ya' might wanna git a nap or three in. It'll be a borin’ ride.”
AJ was much too excited about the prospect of her first train ride, and hearing the call of “All aboard!” just before the train started moving got her perked right up to watch out the window as the train started pulling out of the Ponyville station.
It was really interesting at first. The feeling of moving on a train was something she'd never experienced before, and the landscape that rolled past her window was new and different. But, it took all about an hour for her to get bored with it. The green hills, trees and occasional river became dull, like the scenery was stuck on a loop. “Takin' a nap sounds like a good idea,” she said softly, noting that Granny and Big Mac were already in a light snooze.
The filly leaned her head to the side, resting it against the back of the bench and let the gentle rocking movement of the train lull her off to sleep.
It only seemed like a short nap before she was awoken by a hoof shaking her. “Wake up Applejack. We're almost there.”
“Huh, wha?” Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Applejack noticed that it was in fact a number of hours later, judging by how far the sun had moved across the sky.
The landscape had also changed. The verdant hills of her home had been replaced by flat prairies that were broken by large mesas of stone that rose up. And just ahead, the town of Hooveston. But what Applejack really noticed was the heat; it was well past the hottest point of any summer in Ponyville she'd ever seen.
As the three ponies were disembarking from the train, they were met by another trio of Earth Ponies. “Well howdy there. Good ta' see y'all arrived safe and sound.”
“Stonehoof! Good to see ya', dear nephew,” Granny Smith said with a smile to the burly grey-coloured pony with the dark mane, and bearing a Cutie Mark of hoof breaking a rock. “Cornsilk, ya' look fit ta' burst!” she said to the second pony, a very pregnant-looking mare, golden in both mane and hide and with a the Cutie Mark of an ear of corn. “An' this mus' be yo' son, Braeburn,” she said with a smile to the amber-coloured colt, who looked to be about the same age as Applejack.
Granny Smith nodded to the big red colt that was already bigger than she was. “This is my grandson, Big Macintosh. An’ then lil’ Applejack.”
“Ah ain’t little. Ah’m a big pony,” Applejack huffed, much the amused chuckles of Stonehoof and Cornsilk.
“Shame on y’a, Stonehoof, draggin’ Cornsilk all th’way here, with her all carry’in’ like that, Granny chided the big stallion, who just laughed it off.
“Oh, I tried tellin’ ‘er ta’ stay at home, but she wouldn’t hear nothing of it,” Stonehoof said with a soft chuckle. “She right insisted on comin’ along.”
“Darn right, Auntie. I wouldn’t be stuck at home and let this big lunk get lost on his way to town and back. I’d just have to go out and find ‘im myself, anyway.”
“C’mon, then. It’s about a good hour to the farm. This way,” Stonehoof led them along southward from the train station.
For the first part of that leisurely walk, Applejack was mostly looking at the passing scenery, and idly listening to Stonehoof and Cornsilk talk to Granny about the farm, how their crops were doing, and about her foal, that’s soon to be brought into the world.
“So you’re cousin Applejack,” Braeburn said as he fell in alongside the filly. “Pleasure ta’ meet ya’.”
“Hey there… Braeburn,” it took a moment for Applejack to recall his name, but she made up for it be flashing him a big, bright smile. “How many ponies are coming down for your mom’s birthing?”
“Well, there’s you three. Ma’ Granny’s already here from New Ormanes; I reckon she’s your granny’s sister, then? Ma and Pa Kettle are coming over in the morning. They ain’t family, but they’re my god-parents. They’ve known Pa since he was a foal, grew up together, I’m told.”
Applejack nodded as she listened to the colt walking along side of her. “That’s a few ponies,” she said with a slight nod.
“Yeah,” Braeburn commented. Then nodded to Applejack, “So I heard you’re from Ponyville? What’s it like?”
“Ponyville’s… well, green.” Casting a quick look around at all the brown and gold of short grass and rock that surrounded them, Applejack quickly added, “In the summer, anyway. We get lots of rain up there. It’s also cooler than it is down here in the south.”
“We don’ get a lot o’ rain around here. We have ta’ pump most of our water in from wells in the hills. The water’s pumped up with windmill-powered pumps, an’ then it runs down along these raised irrigation troughs ‘til it gets to where it’s goin’. There’s a lot’a complicated engineerin’ involved, with making sure the water’s constantly runnin’ downhill all the way.” Braeburn sounded downright proud with his knowledge of the farm’s irrigation system.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Applejack said with a smile. “For us, when we need rain, we just need ta’ put in some paperwork with the weather office so they can get some pegasus ponies to bring the clouds in. An’ if we get too much rain, or we need the sun for our crops, then the pegasus clears the clouds from the sky.”
“There’s only a handful of pegasus ponies that live ‘round here. They don’t much like the heat, and they say that the aridness means they can’t build homes in the clouds. A home in the clouds…” There was a sense of awe in Braeburn’s voice, “That sounds ‘mazing. I’d sure like to see that someday.”
The scenery they saw as they walked was quite impressive in it’s own right. Scattered stone mesas rose up from the ground; some were as big as a house or tree, while some were distant titans that looked like they could fit all of Sweet Apple Acres on top of it. Small scraggly trees sheltered against the bases of these stone buttes.
The ground was unlike anything Applejack had ever seen, too. In most places it was bare soil, hard packed into something not unlike a dry riverbed in the peak of the dry season. In some places, mainly close to the buttes, in some of the valleys, and along the few, meager streams she saw, it was short grass. The arid nature of Hooveston and the surrounding areas really impressed Applejack with the tenacity and ingenuity of the ponies that not only lived here, but also thrived in this rugged landscape.
AJ and Braeburn continued to chat, swapping stories about what it was like in their home towns, she found herself genuinely liking the colt. It wasn’t hard, he was as open and honest as any of the family, and he had that sense of adventure that she admired, which led her to journey to Manehattan.
Before too much longer they finally arrived at the farm, walking along the road that ran between waving stalks of corn. The house wasn’t nearly as impressive as the Apple Family’s, but it was also a lot newer, having been built by Stonehoof’s parents. As they walked up to the house, the sun’s waning light was well down near the horizon, and despite the nap that Applejack had taken on the train, she was already feeling worn out. The stress of traveling, she figured.
AJ’s eyelids were drooping even as she tiredly walked the last handful of feet down the hallway and into the guestroom that she was sharing with Big Mac. “If ya start snorin’ like ya usually do, Mac, ah’m gonna grab one o’ those corn an’ shove it in yer mouth.”
Big Mac just answered with a soft chuckle, “Good night, Applejack.”
Rising early, like she usually did, Applejack found the other members of the household already up and about. Granny Smith was helping Cornsilk prepare breakfast, while Big Mac and Stonehoof could be seen outside the kitchen windows pushing some stones around as they built a firepit.
“Good morning Applejack,” Cornsilk said with a smile, “Oh and good morning, sleepyhead,” she said good-naturedly to a sleepy-looking Braeburn that was just walking into the kitchen. “You two are just in time for breakfast,” she said, starting to move some dishes over to the table with Granny Smith’s help.
Moving up to the table with Braeburn, breakfast was unlike anything that Applejack had had before. Beans, cornbread, warm biscuits fresh from the oven, and an odd corn porridge. It was certainly tasty, and filling.
The two of them had mostly finished eating when Stonehoof and Big Mac came back inside, and over to the table to join in the repast. “Looks like the Red Rock pump’s stopped workin’ again,“ Stonehoof commented between bites of cornbread. “The pump kin go a day or two so it’s not vital. But what can’t wait is a ‘nother leak the south field aqueduct. Prolly gonna have to tear out a whole section and rebuild it, ah think. The fence over on tha’ south side o’ the orchard fallin’ down, too, so we need to get that shored up as well. Looks like a long day.”
“Ahy, I goh ah idaha !” Braeburn mumbled around a mouth full of grits.
“Braeburn, don’t talk with your mouth full,” Cornsilk scolded. “Now swallow that BEFORE you start talking.”
The colt swallowed down the food, looking sheepishly. “Sorry ma. Pa? That aqueduct will prob’ly be an all-day chore if you got to tear it down and rebuild it, even with help.”
“I reckon I kin help with that,“ Big Mac said before sticking an entire biscuit into his mouth.
“ ‘preceate the hoof, Big Macintosh,” Stonehoof said.
“Then me an’ Braeburn can tackle that fence,” Applejack piped in.
“Huhhh. We’re gonna need more wire from town to fix tha’ fence,” Stonehoof mused. “Best leave it fer now. You two can help Big Macintosh and me with the aqueduct, it’s the most important thing on ma’ plate right now.”
“Other than breakfast, you mean, “ Cornsilk said with a soft laugh.
The round of laughing was broken, literally, by Cornsilk dropping a plate from her mouth as she was clearing the table, and suddenly doubling over with a grunt of pain.
Stonehoof was instantly beside the mare with an anxious look on his face. “Are you ok, hun? What is it? Do ya’ need a doctor?”
Cornsilk took a few deep breaths and then stood up once more, looking a little pale, but otherwise ok. “I’m fine. It was a contraction.”
The immediate excited murmuring was broken by Granny Maize. “Relax, it’ll be a few hours yet. Probably not ‘ntil after dark. Plenty of time to get those chores done,” she said, giving Stonehoof a shove with one of her hooves. “Git. You’ll be back in time fer it.”
Stonehoof rolled his eyes slightly, “Yes, Ma,” he said with a resigned tone. “A’right, let’s git tacklin’ the aqueduct, ‘fore Ma starts ‘nother one of her stories.”
Quickly getting shooed out, the four ponies gathered up the supplies they’d need for the repairs, with Stonehoof and Big Mac carrying the timbers and wood needed for the heavy work on the aqueduct.
It was maybe half an hour to actually get to the aqueduct in question. The engineering for it was pretty impressive to Applejack, and she found herself marvelling at its ingenuity. It was basically a miles-long water trough that was raised up on an ‘A’-frame of stilts. The section they were at looked like the stilts on one side had partially broken off the trough, which was canted over to the side. A sluice was closed, so they could work on it without getting soaked.
The warmth of the morning quickly turned into scorching heat, enough so they had to reopen the sluice gate a bit to get a steady trickle of water coming down, dripping onto the dry ground. Water to slake the thirst of working in the heat, and for the wonderful relief of just sticking one’s head under it to help cool off a little.
With four sets of hooves to work on it, the repairs went pretty quick, enough so that it was still late morning when they seemed to get the worst of the tedious part done.
“Ok, I reckon that Big Macintosh and me got this well in hoof now,” Stonehoof said finally. “We should be done in a few more hours. The rest is all heavy lifting which you two aren’t old enough for yet.”
Applejack was silently thankful for the break, but was determined to stand up. “I’m sure Braeburn and I kin help with some of it.”
Stonehoof just laughed as he shook his head, his mane plastered to the back of his head from the sweat. “Naa, this is serious lifting that we got to do now. You two head on back.”
“Hey Pa?” Braeburn said as he looked over to the hills in the distance. “Why don’t Applejack and I go fix the Red Rock pump? It’s prob’ly jus’ stuck ‘gain, right? Little bit ‘a grease, little buckin’ and it should get going again.”
“Huhhh. A’right, I guess you two can handle it,” Stonehoof said as he looked over a piece of the aqueduct. “If it’s actually broke an’ not jus’ stuck, then don’ try ta fix it ya’selves, just c’mon back home.”
“Ok Pa. Let’s go, Applejack.”
Braeburn walked alongside Applejack as they walked alongside the apple orchard. “The Red Rock pump is fer the orchard, so we’ll just follow the aqueduct once we get to it. It’s prob’ly the longest one we have, an’ it takes ‘bout an hour to get to the pump from the orchard.”
Applejack was just thankful for the chance to get into the shade from the trees, giving her a chance to cool off, she wasn’t used to this heat.
The trek south to the pump house was about as bad as Applejack figured it would be. The ground was dry and the soil was packed hard as rock, while the relentless sun beat down on them. They were both sweating profusely the entire way, and the stifling heat made even trying to talk while walking a chore on it’s own. It also increased her respect for Braeburn and his family.
Finally, the pump house came into view. A windmill on top of it was standing still, despite the slight breeze that only carried hot, dry air into their faces, along with bits of sand.
Amazingly, there was green grass growing under where the aqueduct exited the wall of the building, probably from water that leaked down from it. While she was sorely tempted to grab a mouthful of the green grass, there was work to do first.
The inside of the pump house was even hotter than the outside, if that was somehow possible. Well lit from holes in the walls to allow some ventilation, but not enough. The pump was a big copper device mounted on the ground, with a rod and a flywheel that was linked to the windmill.
“Yeah, looks like it’s stuck.” Braeburn walked over to the wheel and took a look at it. The picked up a brush that was dunked into a bucket of grease, he slathered it over where the pivot rod was attached to the wheel. “Ok, just buck this arm up and it should work.”
“I got this,” Applejack said with confidence. “Buckin’ is what the apple family does best.” Rearing up, she bucked the iron rod hard with her rear hooves, which jarred the arm. Then with a screech of tortured metal, it started lifting up, the wheel starting to turn. The screech quickly stopped as the grease spread enough to help it along, and the arm came back down. The pair was rewarded by the sound of water rushing down the trough and out the wall of the house.
“Yee haw, we did it,” Braeburn cheered and walked out of the pump house to settle on the sparse grass in the shade. “Let’s take a break before heading back.”
“No complaints from me,” Applejack murmured as she dropped down on the grass, her eyes drifting closed on their own.
It was the crack of thunder that woke both ponies up, and instantly brought them to their hooves, looking up at a slate-grey sky.
“The clouds must’ve just rolled in while we were napping,” Braeburn said excitedly. “Rain! Ah kin smell it!”
As if on command, fat drops of rain started falling from the sky.
“Let’s get headed back.” Braeburn led the way as the pair of ponies started the walk back to the farm.
The rain was warm, and felt very refreshing after the heat of the day. AJ lifted her head eyes closed to feel the warm wetness washing over her face. Ponyville didn’t often get rain like this.
They didn’t speak as they walked along. As if on an unspoken signal, both ponies sped up the pace and started trotting.
They both turned that trot into a jog at the same time.
The next thing Applejack knew, they were both galloping at full tilt through the pouring rain.
As one, they both veered away from the aqueduct that they were following and galloped up the side of the hill, thundering over the crest and then sprinting down into the valley on the other side.
Despite the exertions of the day, Applejack felt like she had limitless energy. There was something deep inside her that was driving her onward, urging her to keep going. It sent a thrill down her spine the like of which she had never felt before.
The two of them galloped along the valley, churning up mud that was ankle deep, but it felt like nothing, it didn’t slow them or impede them in any way. They run through the mud as if didn’t even exist.
As one, they both suddenly turned and started up a hill, thundering along the hard ground at a perfectly matched pace. Applejack didn’t need to look over beside her, she know Braeburn was right beside her. She KNEW. She could practically feel his presence.
As they came over the top of the hill and down the other side, they came to a road, and promptly swung onto it, following it. AJ had no idea where they were going, but she knew they were going to end up somewhere.
Applejack’s chest heaved with her rapid breathing, the heat of her breath felt like a furnace in the back of her throat. She could feel the burning pain in her muscles from the exertion. But she didn’t stop. She couldn’t stop. Something was driving her onward.
As they thundered past a house, Applejack’s throat felt like she was breathing fire, even hotter than the fire in her young, overstressed muscles. She totally ignored the old pair of ponies sitting on the porch that gawked at the young pair that was running through the rain.
“The Run!” Applejack thought to herself. “This must be The Run!” While Applejack had never encountered The Run, like all Earth Ponies, she had heard of it before, from other ponies, from Big Mac. She knew it was a blessing that was for the Earth Ponies alone. Pegasus Ponies could control weather, Unicorn Ponies could control magic, Earth Ponies had The Run. It was something special, that every Earth Pony does at some point after they get their Cutie Mark, and on rare occasions afterward. The significance of The Run was hotly debated, she knew. But it was undeniably, something very special.
Applejack and Braeburn took another sudden turn off the road and up over the hill and into a small wash. It was there that the mud created some treacherous footing, and one of Applejack’s hooves slide out from under her, causing her to suddenly tumble over into Braeburn, knocking him down too. She slid down into the wash on her side, with the colt coming down on top of her other side.
As they lay in the gulley, gasping for breath air, the burning in her throat and muscles was suddenly matched by a burning in her haunches of a totally different sort. AJ’s head was swimming as she was still flush with the hormones for The Run, and her body was demanding that she get up and keep running.
Braeburn was still where he’d landed, draped partially over Applejack’s flank. Quite suddenly, she became acutely aware of something under the colt that was pinned between his belly and her flank. Something that was hot, firm and very, very male.
Applejack turned her head to look up at Braeburn, who was looking down at the filly under him. They both froze there, noses a scant inch apart, and just stared into each other’s eyes.
It was like a moment frozen in time. The rain pouring down, dripping from Braeburn’s head onto Applejack’s face. Then, like two magnets, their lips were pulled together. That first touch of their lips was like kissing a live wire, and sent an electric surge through Applejack’s lips, right to her brain, and then down her spine to the heat that was starting to build between her hind legs.
Hungrily, they kissed, lips pressed tightly against each other, eyes closed. It was a perfect moment, and Applejack could have spent the rest of her life just like that, but she was getting distracted by the twitching of that firm ridge that was pressed against her flank. The ridge that was getting longer, and harder with each passing second.
All of a sudden, AJ’s exaused body started making demands of a totally different sort. She felt a twitch run down her spine, and when it hit in between her haunches, it caused her to jerk, rolling over onto her belly, putting her directly underneath Braeburn.
He was squirming on top of her, torn between trying to get back up, and stopping to make sure she was alright. Even with the weight on her flanks, Applejack suddenly lifted her haunches up into the air without even thinking about it. Her mind was swimming, like it was caught in a whirlpool of emotions and sensations.
The colt was probably swimming in his own mental storm, but as soon as AJ felt that warm, hard tip slide from cool mud-covered hide, to her own warm heat, the response was instant and she pushed back against it out of instinct.
There was no thinking, just acting. That fat head of Braeburn’s shaft met and then started spreading AJ’s nethers open. IT felt huge, and the filly had to grit her teeth as she panted harshly. The sensation of being stretched grew quite acute, even painful as she was taken for the first time. Despite the tightness, she was wet enough that his shaft slid into her easily. The sensation of being penetrated for the first time forced a low, soft moan from Applejack, which was abruptly turned into a sharp gasp of pain.
Braeburn’s shaft had hit something a short distance inside her, a barrier of some kind, and it hurt. It took a couple of pants to get over the shock of pain that hit her. Applejack has just exhaled a heavy breath when the colt on her back suddenly bucked into her. It’s hard to scream when your lungs are already empty.
AJ felt like she was being ripped apart. “Stop!” she wanted to scream, but she couldn’t. Her body wasn’t capable of making those words. “Oh please Celestia, make it stop,” she thought for an instant. The pain between her haunches was intense, and then spiked as Braeburn drove his shaft into her fully, bring his hips to contact her’s. Stars swam in front of Applejack’s eyes and she through she was going to pass out from the pain.
But as the starts cleared from her vision, she became aware of a rush of pleasure in her haunches that matched the burning pain she felt from getting stretched around that thick shaft. A pleasure that increased with each thrust of Braeburn’s hard shaft into her tight, receptive passage.
AJ could feel the cold mud under her body. The warmth of Braeburn’s body covering her back. And most of all, that hot girth of the colt’s shaft that was buried inside her passage. The mud was making soft squish sounds under her, but that thick shaft that was taking her in hard, deep strokes was making a wet squish that was almost as loud.
Braeburn’s shaft felt huge inside her, like she’d just be taken with a tree or something. And there was a… A tension , a pressure that was starting to build inside Applejack’s belly.
Her belly tensed and flexed. Her thighs started cramping up, even as they were locked in place, holding Braeburn up over her back. She could feel her rump muscles tensing. It was all building up to... Applejack had no idea what, but it was going to be big.
The pressure inside of her continued to build. Even breathing became hard, as her breath rasped in harsh pants, even with the stars that were bursting in front of her eyes. AJ felt like she was going to explode at any moment.
Then she did. A sudden rush of warmth spread through AJ’s groin, and a spike of pleasure ran up her spine, slamming into the back of her head. Applejack screamed. Loudly. She couldn’t help it. Muscles that she never even knew existed suddenly woke up and started cramping rhythmically around Braeburn’s hard shaft as AJ’s eyes rolled back into her head.
Then she just collapsed, feeling Braeburn’s weight on top of her, and the strong pulsating of his shaft inside her. The throbbing of that shaft slowed and had finally stop by the time AJ was able to open her eyes.
“Applejack…” Braeburn said in a soft whisper, the first words that either of them had spoken since they left the pump house.
Applejack could only respond with “…Shush…” She experimentally tensed those inner muscles that she had just discovered, feeling them grip around Braeburn’s girth, and drawing a soft groan from the colt over her back.
Quite suddenly, Braeburn pulled out of her as he rolled over onto his back. The feeling of that shaft pulling out of her caused AJ to reflexively bear down around the shaft. Her jaw clamped down hard to try and prevent herself from making any sounds, but a soft whimper still escaped her.
“Don’t look,” she thought to herself, but her eyes were drawn over to where Braeburn was laying on his back beside her and then down along his belly where… “Holy sweet Celestia!” Applejack thought, her eyes widening as she saw what had just been inside her, and how big it was.
AJ’s inner muscles flexed as she tried to bear down, fearing she’s now have a hole the size of a hoof back there, and a moment afterward she felt something warm start leaking down along the backs of her thighs.
They just lay there together in the mud with the light rain coming down, eyes closed and panting softly, their bodies recovering from the exertions they’d just gone through. No words were spoken, that would have been too much effort.
AJ suddenly had the feeling she was being watched and opened her eyes to see a set of red hooves on the ground in front of her.
Applejack tried to sink down father into the ground, while covering her face with one forehoof . “Big Mac…” she said a slightly anguished tone.
“Wha?” Braeburn opened his eyes and stared at the big red pony that was standing there, looking down at them.
Big Mac didn’t say anything. His face was totally neutral, like he was looking at a bucket of apples. Instead of actually saying anything, he simply removed his saddle bags and set them on a large rock. Then turned to look at the pair. “Dinner’ll ready soon. Best get cleaned up and head on back.” And then turned and walked off, leaving his saddle bags there.
“You fergot yer bags, Mac,” Applejack said as she started getting up.
Without even looking over his shoulder, Big Mac replied “Ya’ll need ‘em more’n I will,” and continued walking toward the farm.
Confused, Applejack and Braeburn both walked over to the bags and looked them over. Inside they found some household good that Mac must have picked up in Hooveston, to take home, AJ figured. Then she suddenly realized what Mac was thinking.
“What’s that stuff for?” Braeburn asked, still not having clued in yet.
Mac’s givin’ us an alibi!” Applejack said. “C’mon, we need to get cleaned up and get back.”
“There’s a water pump over on th’ corner of that field over there, we kin borrow that and get washed off,” Braeburn said as he nodded over to one of the neighbouring farms.
“Sounds good, let’s go.”
As they walked along, neither of them said anything, and it wasn’t until they reached the pump that Applejack said what was on her mind. “Braeburn. We’ve got to keep this to ourselves, ya’ know?”
He just nodded as he started working the pump to fill a bucket with water. “Yeah. I reckon Ma and Pa, not to mention your Granny would be none too happy ‘bout this if they found out.”
“Yer mah cousin, Braeburn. I love ya’ like family, that’ll never change. Speaking of family, your ma’s due to pop any time now, we need to get on back as soon as we’re clean.”
It didn’t take too much time to get cleaned up and all the mud washed off. Applejack also cleaned up back there, feeling very self-conscious and slightly embarrassed as she made sure she wasn’t dripping any more. The rain had stopped by the time they were done and they started back toward the farm.
The sun was angling off toward going down as they were walking up and they could hear the cheering and whooping from the walkway. “Looks like yer a big brother now, Braeburn,” Applejack said with a chuckle as they walked up to the house.
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UGuardian
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866
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Applejack,Cheerilee,Diamond Tiara,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Silver Spoon,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Silver
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Diamond Tiara and silver Spoon find themselves lost in a storm during a class trip
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complete
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<p>A class field trip to Sweet Apple Acres goes awry when rogue weather from Everfree Forest drifts in. Making matters worse, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon find themselves separated from the class and left to deal with the storm on their own.</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-16T15:32:37+00:00
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2011-09-16T15:32:37+00:00
| 2,252 |
Heart of Silver
Chapter 1
"Alright class," Cheerilee called out as she clapped her hooves, "please quiet down so we can begin." The hubbub in the classroom soon quieted down as the foals turned their attention back to the front of the room. "Today is going to be an extra special day. We're going on a field trip to Sweet Apple Acres to learn about where some of our favorite foods come from. As you already know, the Apple family provides nearly all of the apples and apple products we enjoy everyday in Ponyville. Now, can anypony tell us what the best part of this trip is going to be?"
A voice from the back of the room called out, "Yeah, no homework!"
She waited patiently for the ensuing round of giggling to die down before replying "Careful, Archer. You just might give me inspiration for some." The room became silent abruptly and the blue filly's cheeks went red at the possibility that little joke had just cost them. Looking around the room, she asked "Anypony else?"
"Oh, oh!" said a filly with curly red hair as she waved her forehoof high.
"Yes Twist?"
"We're gonna be having a picnic in the orchard!"
"Exactly! There's nothing like getting out and having a little fresh air in your lungs! Did everypony remember to pack a picnic lunch?" Waves of nods answered, with the exception of Sun Glimmer, who was looking embarrassed.
Perhaps noticing this, Apple Bloom excitedly added "And mah big sister Applejack said that there'll be free samples and baked treats for everypony too!" Most of the class cheered at that; after all, the Apple family's baking was pretty famous in Ponyville. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon however exchanged a quick glance and rolled their eyes.
"Well then," Cheerilee began, "the sooner we leave, the sooner we can have fun under the trees! Let's get going!"
* * *
A hail of apples fell as Applejack stood back from her work. Turning to the foals, she continued with their tour of the farm. "And that's how we harvest 'em here at Sweet Apple Acres. One good buck and down they come." Gesturing to the fallen apples, she continued "Come on! Try a few!"
The class descended on the fallen apples excitedly, rushing to get the choicest ones before somepony else beat them to it.
Seeing that two fillies hadn't approached the tree, Applejack motioned for them to come over. "Come on girls, don't be shy. There's plenty of apples for everypony."
"You want us to eat something that's been like, on the ground?" Diamond Tiara winced.
"Like, GAH-ROHSS." Silver Spoon agreed, hanging her tongue out in disgust. "It should, you know, be washed first or something."
"Seriously."
Insulted, Applejack was about to give the pair a quick lecture on hospitality when Cheerilee came over and drew her attention away. "Miss Applejack, is there more to the tour of your farm?"
Applejack paused and scratched her head. "Ah, let's see here. Ah've shown y'all the barns, the cellar and now the orchard." Shrugging she added, "Ah reckon that's about it actually."
"Well then," Cheerilee began, turning to face her class, "Okay everypony! I hope those apples got your appetites warmed up. It's time for the class picnic!"
The foals cheered, and then hurried about setting up their things. Friends formed little rings around blankets, food was set out from saddlebags, and the sound of talking soon filled the area.
As everypony was finding a flat spot for their meal, Diamond Tiara nudged her gray friend. "Come on. Let's, like, go somewhere away from these losers." Nodding, Silver Spoon followed her friend behind a nearby bush and out of sight of the rest of the class. As she set down a brand-new pink and purple picnic blanket, she continued, "Mom, like, got me this. It totally matches my coat and mane don't you think?"
Getting out her own lunch, Silver Spoon agreed. "Like totally! So, what did you pack for your lunch?"
The pink earth pony pulled out two containers from her saddlebags and held them open for her friend to see. "Chestnut and wild mushroom risotto, and some chocolate truffle with raspberry sauce for desert."
"Like, that's so much better than those stupid apples."
"Totally."
Their conversation soon drifted into gossip about their classmates, plans for later, and other things of interest only to them.
* * *
As the day wore on, the foals had moved from lunch to playing games amid the apple trees. Applejack had brought out a cart loaded with various apple-themed treats for everypony, and now that it had been picked clean, she had joined Cheerilee in a comfortable spot in the shade. They were quietly enjoying the last of some apple fritters when the orange mare spotted a dozen streaks in the sky overhead.
One of them suddenly turned and headed for the duo, leaving a familiar multicolored trail behind it. As her colorful friend landed, Applejack noticed she seemed unusually concerned. "Afternoon Rainbow; what's up?"
Lightly brushing some dust off her neon-yellow weather patrol vest, she replied, "I don't have time for much of a chat. There's some rogue weather coming this way from the Everfree Forest, and you're going to have to take everypony inside somewhere while we deal with this."
"Oh dear." Cheerilee said with a frown, "How bad do you think it'll be?"
"It doesn't look like it'll be more than a big thunderstorm, but there's still a chance of flash floods or the river swelling. No worries though, after all, I'm on it. Just keep everypony safe and indoors kay?"
"Alright Rainbow." Applejack nodded, "We'll take this party inside ASAP."
"Stay safe yourself miss Dash."
With a quick salute, Rainbow was airborne again and quickly catching up to the rest of the weather team as they headed for the edge of Everfree.
Turning to Applejack, Cheerilee sighed. "We'll need to come up with a way to explain this without alarming the children. Any ideas?"
The farmer rubbed her chin for a minute, thinking over possible options before speaking. They'd pretty much covered the farm already, so anything new would have to be improvised. "How about having y'all come down to the farm house and learn how to make some caramel apples? Just treat it like part of the tour."
"That's a great idea! It will keep them busy with something indoors while the storm passes over. You go and start setting up, and I'll go round the class up."
* * *
"Are you, like, sure this is the way back to the rest of the class?"
"I thought it was."
Diamond Tiara slumped against a nearby tree. While their picnic had been fun, they weren't having much at the moment. She had tried to retrace her steps to return to the clearing they had left their classmates in, but nopony was there. Now the sky was growing dark, and neither of them had much of an idea of where they were.
"This is so not fun." remarked Silver Spoon as she kicked a pebble. "I wanna go back home."
"Like, totally."
* * *
In the Apple family kitchen, the children had taken to the idea of making their own caramel apples with gusto. Some were being very competitive about it, trying to put more nuts or a thicker layer of caramel on theirs than their peers were using. Others were just having fun experimenting with different combinations of toppings or making silly designs. As usual, Apple Bloom had overdone herself in an attempt to earn a caramel apple making cutie mark. She'd managed to spill a fair amount of caramel and was busily trying to detach herself from the counter.
Applejack merely stood back with a smile. "Would ya look at 'em all? Not a care in the world."
"They certainly are enjoying themselves," Cheerilee agreed, "and none of them seem to have any idea that outside the weather is turning ugly."
"Yeah, now that ya mention it, even those two rich fillies didn't raise a fuss."
As Cheerilee heard that, something clicked. "What do you mean, they didn't raise a fuss? Those two are always complaining about something, even when they are getting their way."
"Well, they didn't this time."
Cheerilee walked around the room, quickly looking over everypony before returning to her friend with a worried look on her face. "Applejack, they aren't in here."
"What do ya mean they aren't in here? 'course they are! Ah saw everypony in that clearing follow you in." Taking a moment to look around, Applejack swore under her breath. "Great. Ah don't see 'em either. We can't risk leaving 'em out there when the storm hits."
As she started to head for the door Cheerilee called back to Applejack over her shoulder, "Come on, we have to go looking for them."
"No we won't." Shocked, the purple mare stopped in her tracks and looked back at the farmer. "You stay here and keep an eye on your class. Ah'll go get Big Macintosh and the two of us'll find yer missing students."
Without another word, Cheerilee stood aside and Applejack hurried off to the barn where her brother was working.
* * *
Wandering about Sweet Apple Acres in silence, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had run out of ideas and things to complain about. They had decided to continue walking and hoped they would run across either a landmark or somepony. While they had both spent many weekends in the Filly Scouts, neither had really paid much attention to the scout leader; they had only really attended at their parent's insistence. After all, why in Equestria would civilized and special ponies like themselves ever need wilderness survival skills?
Presently, Diamond Tiara spotted something in the distance and quickened her pace. Noticing this, Silver Spoon hurried to keep up. A few moments later, they were standing in front of a small building, seemingly left alone in the orchard.
Looking over the pink walls and heart shape decorations, Diamond Tiara started thinking aloud. "Does somepony, like, live here?"
Walking up the short ramp to the building's only door, Silver Spoon shook her head. "I don't think so. I mean, it's like, too quiet." She started to knock on the door and both of them let out a gasp as it swung open slightly. "It's not even like, locked?"
"Whatever. Let's get inside. The sky looks totally mean."
What the two fillies saw inside the small building surprised them. The only furniture in the single room was a nondescript chest next to the far wall. Save for the curtains, the only other decor in the room was a map of Ponyville, drawn using crayon, taped to the wall opposite the window.
Walking over to the map, Diamond Tiara chuckled. "Who drew this? It's like, seriously obvious that drawing wasn't their special talent." After taking a moment to look the map over, she added "and why is like, just about everything crossed out? Were they using this as a checklist or something?"
"Check this out." Silver Spoon called over. She'd opened the chest to discover it was full of random toys, board games and crafting supplies. "There's a lot of things in here."
"So this is like, somepony's play house? Who in Ponyville could afford a place like this? I mean, since when could working-class ponies like the Apple family have a spare house for their foals?"
A loud crack of thunder interrupted Silver Spoon's reply, startling and panicking both fillies.
* * *
Flying fast above the storm, Rainbow Dash was getting worried. This storm cloud was larger than expected, and was threatening to turn more violent. One of the weather team's members had already been grounded by an unexpected burst of lightning, and her replacement was taking too long to arrive.
Looking down at the clouds below, she spotted a solitary orange mare running randomly in the trees despite the weather. Concerned for her friend, she changed course and flew down to intercept her. "Applejack! What are you doing out here?"
Shouting over the wind, Applejack called back "We've got a major problem here Rainbow!"
The multicolored pegasus swooped down and landed in front of her friend. "I'll say! You shouldn't be out in this!"
"Rainbow, two of the foals are missing. We need to find 'em 'fore this gets much worse!"
"Great. Just great. You go back where it's safe AJ. I'll have the rest of the weather patrol watch for them while we deal with this from up there."
"It's my farm Dash. Ah'll handle this."
"No can do Applejack. It's too dangerous, besides we can cover more ground faster than you can. Go back inside."
Applejack started to speak again, but then had second thoughts and held her tongue. Turning to head back to the farmhouse, she called back "We're countin' on ya Dash. Don't let us down okay?"
"What's that?" Rainbow smirked as she started to take off again, "You doubt the best flyer in Equestria can save the day? I'll have 'em safe and sound before you know it."
* * *
Diamond Tiara pressed her nose against the windowpane. "Wow, look at it come down! It's like, a waterfall or something!"
"More importantly," Silver Spoon pointed, "look at that!"
The two fillies looked closer at the ground. They quickly noticed with horror that what were mere puddles moments ago had swelled into a solid layer of muddy water. Perhaps more disturbing was the fact that it was starting to flow on its own.
"It's flooding!"
Shying back from the window, the gray filly tried to find some courage. "We - we should be safe in here." After swallowing quickly, she continued, "I mean, this house is built on like, stilts or something. The water shouldn't reach us."
Shaken, Diamond Tiara backed away from the window. "I hope you're right."
"Maybe," Silver Spoon began as she walked back to the toy chest, "maybe we'd feel better if we could like, get our minds off the storm outside."
"How do you expect us to do that?" As if intending to drive her point home, the storm released another loud thunder crack.
"Let's see if there's something worth our time in this chest." As she rummaged through the contents, she pulled out various pieces of sports equipment, several hoof puppets, a ball of string, the remains of a kite and a cube covered in stickers of various colors. "Hey look, it's one of those stupid cubes that everypony was passing around a while ago."
"Ugh, how boring. I mean, who even cared about them?"
"Agreed." she replied as she continued to root about. "Here's something." Holding up a box, they read its cover together. "It's some kind of board game called chess."
"You mean 'bored' game. I remember seeing that egghead Twilight play that. She took forever between turns."
Silver Spoon set the box aside. "Pass on that. I've never understood what she sees in this stuff." A few moments later she resurfaced with another, larger box.
Diamond Tiara sighed. "Another board game? Seriously, how much fun can those be?"
"Actually this one sounds like, interesting." she said as set the box closer to her friend and began reading from the cover. "Graduate, raise a family and retire with the most money in Ponyville's Game of Life."
"Wait, the goal is to like, make more money than anypony else? That's it? Oh I'll win that game easily."
Silver Spoon grinned. "I don't think so. I mean, after all my special talent is being born rich."
"Alright, you're on."
Opening the box, they went about setting up the game. After a brief argument over who got to use the pink carriage and who would be the banker, they quickly lost themselves in the game.
* * *
From a hill safely out of the range of the rogue storm, the weather team surveyed their situation. Every member of Ponyville's weather team had been called in to deal with this storm now, but things weren't going very well for them. Since several members of the team had been grounded already as a result of either being blown into something or shocked by errant lighting, the entire team had retreated to a safe distance.
"We're not going to be able to handle this on our own." Cloud Kicker said as she helped patch up one of the unlucky weather patrol members. "This thing is huge."
Honeysuckle winced as Cloud Kicker continued to bandage her injured wing. "We need a new strategy." Wincing again, she turned to her friend and whispered "Careful! That stings!"
"It's bad enough that we can't seem to make a big enough hole to dent this thing," Firefly began as she fluttered her wings to knock damaged feathers loose, "but we're getting grazed by lightning too often."
Not being one to admit when she was defeated, Rainbow Dash paced constantly. "We can't just give up. Those foals could be in some real danger. And what if this storm starts moving into Ponyville?"
Plucking a few burnt feathers from her wings, Firefly disagreed. "The storm seems to be fairly content to stay where it is actually. We probably don't have to worry about that just yet."
Looking up from her work on Honeysuckle's wings, Cloud Kicker asked, "So, any ideas girls?"
Rainbow nodded. "I've got one. Firefly, you go to Cloudsdale and have their weather team come back us up. Cloud Kicker, you keep tending to our wounded. I'll scout the farm for the missing fillies."
Firefly started to take off, but then turned around. "Wait, that means nopony is dealing with the storm cloud itself."
"I know. Since three of us aren't doing any good, one of us will fare even worse. We'll have to ignore it for now."
* * *
Hearing the door to the farmhouse click open, Cheerilee looked up from her conversation with Sun Glimmer. Shouting, "Applejack! You're back!", she quickly bounded over to her muddy friend. "Did you find them?"
"No;" she replied, "Turns out this here storm is getting right nasty. The weather patrol is looking for them now, but they wanted me to head back inside somewhere."
"Oh dear; this isn't going well." Taking her hoof off her chin, she looked at the floor solemnly. "How bad is it out there?"
"Well, some areas have started flooding. It's not terribly deep yet, but that will change if the rain keeps up." Seeing Cheerilee's countenance fall further, Applejack walked over and put a reassuring forehoof on her shoulder. "Don't go makin' yerself sick with worry now. Rainbow and the others will find them. I promise."
|
UGuardian
|
866
| 2 |
Applejack,Cheerilee,Diamond Tiara,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Silver Spoon,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Heart of Silver
|
Diamond Tiara and silver Spoon find themselves lost in a storm during a class trip
|
complete
| 48 | 1 |
<p>A class field trip to Sweet Apple Acres goes awry when rogue weather from Everfree Forest drifts in. Making matters worse, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon find themselves separated from the class and left to deal with the storm on their own.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-19T23:27:16+00:00
|
2011-09-19T23:27:16+00:00
| 1,842 |
Heart of Silver
Chapter 2
Since they were stuck waiting for Firefly to return with assistance, the Weather Patrol had established a field base on a nearby hill. The rogue storm from Everfree had now grown to cover a large portion of Sweet Apple Acres, and the constant rain had flooded the more low-lying areas.
Rainbow Dash sighed at the sight of the monstrosity, and then turned to survey the team's conditions. Most of their weaker flyers had been grounded by the strong winds alone, but many had been injured in their attempts to tackle the beast of a storm behind her. As Cloud Kicker finished setting up a small tent, Rainbow walked over. "So, just how bad off are we?"
"Well, if the wind picks up too much I don't think these tents will stay put long." the gray pegasus answered.
"No no. I mean how badly are our teammates injured?"
"Mostly bruises, small cuts and sprains. Nothing they won't recover from, but some of them might not be ready to try again when the Cloudsdale team arrives." Pausing a moment to adjust her saddlebags, she continued "Honeysuckle got the worst of it; blown into a tree at high speed. Broke her wing."
Looking back at the thunderhead, Rainbow prepared for another run. "I'm going to try spotting those foals again. Be back in a jiffy." Once they saluted each other, she was off for the northern edge of the orchard.
* * *
Archer was slowly growing rather bored. Being a habitual clock watcher, she glanced up at the clock in the Apple family kitchen and did a double take. According to it, class should've been dismissed fifteen minutes ago. Waving over her teacher, she asked "Miss Cheerilee, is class over yet?"
"Excuse me?" Glancing over at the clock the earth pony was pointing to, Cheerilee gulped. This was it; she and Applejack had been careful to prevent the class from realizing that anything was wrong, but now they wouldn't be able to hide it behind the appearance of a class project.
"Miss?"
"One moment." Biting her lip, she walked over to the only other adult in the room. "Applejack, we're going to have to tell them."
Several of the foals had already stopped what they were doing when they heard Archer's question, but now the entire room was staring silently at the two mares.
Sun Glimmer spoke for all of the foals as she asked "Tell us? Tell us what?"
"Ah'm sorry ta have ta tell ya'll this," Applejack began, "but that there storm outside? It's not the work of the Weather Patrol."
"But if the Weather Patrol didn't make it..." Twist said, shifting on her hooves, "... then that means it came from... from..."
"Yep. This'n here storm came from the Everfree Forest."
The foals swarmed to windows, trying to get the best view of the clouds overhead. After a moment, Twist turned back to the mares, looking worried. "The Weather Patrol can clear this up right?"
"Ah hope so sugarcube. Ah really hope so."
* * *
"ANOTHER foal?"
Diamond Tiara snickered as her friend placed a sixth peg into her carriage. "My my, Silver Spoon. I didn't know you had it in you."
Grinning, Silver Spoon replied, "At least some ponies don't need like, a second carriage to hold them all."
Looking at her two carriages full of pegs, the pink earth filly scratched her head. "Just what are foals like, doing in this game anyway? Some sort of penalty at the end or whatever?"
"Honestly, I have like, no idea. I mean, this game is about making more bits than anypony else." Silver Spoon leaned over, picked up the lid to the game's box and started skimming the rules.
While she did so, Diamond Tiara quietly reached over and helped herself to a bill worth 20,000 bits from the bank. Acting as if nothing had happened, she asked, "Find anything?"
"Well," the gray filly began with a frown, "It says that every time someone has a foal, everyone else has to like, give them 500 bits."
"Seriously? Then what are you like, waiting for! Pass me the 5,000 bits you owe!"
Looking at the bills in front of her, Silver selected a 10,000 bit bill and started making change for it. Stopping mid-count, she looked up. "Wait, did you like, just hear something?"
"Just the sound of you not giving me my bits."
After pausing a moment, she resumed getting the change for her bill and gave her friend the play money she owed.
"Thanks!" Diamond Tiara cackled as she added the money to her growing loot. "Hey, wait a second. This is only 3,000 bits. I mean, where's the other half?"
"I thought I'd like, speed things up a little." Silver Spoon replied, "I owed you 5,000 bits, but you also totally owed me 2,000. I just kept it."
"Hmph."
As her friend reached to for the dial to take her turn, Silver's ears perked up. "There it was again!"
"What was it again?"
"That sound! I'm totally sure I heard it that time."
"Pfft, Whatever."
* * *
Honeysuckle looked up as she heard the familiar flutter of wings outside the tent. A moment later, a soaked and clearly exasperated Dash let herself in. "Any luck finding them?"
"No."
The yellow mare offered her teammate a fresh towel. "Things just don't seem to be on our side today."
Rainbow took the towel and sighed. "Any luck coming up with a way to deal with this mess?"
Cloud Kicker nodded, and pointed to a chalkboard that had been set up near the back of the tent. "We've been working on a plan, and we think we have an idea of what to do."
Dash frowned. "I hear a 'but' coming."
"Yeah. We don't have enough pegasi to pull it off ourselves anymore."
"How many more do we need?"
"Only about six. The team from Cloudsdale will give us more than enough help."
Finding a comfortable spot on one of the cots, Rainbow tried to relax. "Great. Then all we have to do is wait for Firefly to return with the cavalry and we're good to go."
"Um, excuse me." All eyes in the tent turned to the door flap, in which a very worried and thoroughly drenched pegasus was standing. "I hope I'm not interrupting, but I really could use your help."
"Come inside Fluttershy." Rainbow waved, "It won't do you any good to just stand there in the rain. So, what can we help you with?"
With a gentle "Thank you," Fluttershy took the blanket offered to her by Cloud Kicker and walked over to the cot occupied by her friend. She was followed closely by Angel, who had the foresight to be wearing a yellow raincoat and galoshes. "Um, it's like this. This storm has flooded most of the area, and the river near my home has flooded too."
"This storm turned out to be more than we were ready for. Sorry about getting you caught up in it."
"No no, that's not the problem." she apologized, "Everyone made it to higher ground safely. Well, almost everyone."
Looking over at Cloud Kicker, Rainbow muttered "This doesn't sound good."
"My kitty friend Percy didn't get all of her kittens out before the water washed away her home."
"Great, so now we have two lost foals and a litter of kittens lost in this thing."
Fluttershy balked at this news. "Oh no! Two foals are lost in this somewhere? We have to find them quickly!"
"We've been trying." Cloud Kicker replied, "No luck yet. It's too dark and too difficult to stay in the air and search the ground at the same time."
Getting up, Rainbow Dash walked over and put a hoof on her friend's shoulder. "I know you're worried Fluttershy, but the best thing to do now is to wait for backup to arrive and then take out this storm. We'll find everypony once the sky is cleared up."
* * *
"Right, now that's how ya do it!" Applejack cheered as Sun Glimmer reached the end of the obstacle course without dropping the spoonful of nuts balanced on her nose.
Cheerilee smiled and called out for her team's runner to try their luck. "Come on Archer! You can do it!" As the blue earth pony took up her spoon and started slowly across, the purple mare turned to her friend. "Suggesting we play party games was a great idea Applejack. It's simple, fun and it's keeping everypony from going stir crazy."
"Well, ya can't say I didn't try. If ya want to be cooped up with a herd o' anxious an' bored foals, ya can do that in yer own house!"
The group cheered as Archer reached the end of the course and Bonnie moved to take her turn. Watching from the sidelines, Apple Bloom walked over to her sister. "Say Applejack, ah was wonderin' somethin."
Keeping her eyes fixed on the wavering pony moving towards her, Applejack replied, "Wonderin what?"
"When's Diamond Tiara gonna take a turn? Archer's gone three times now!"
With a shudder, Applejack sighed. "Cheerilee, they got us again." Leaning down to look her little sister in the face, she began, "Sis, I gotta be level with ya. When ya'll came inside, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon didn't follow. We don't right know where they are; just that they're in that mess out yonder. Sorry."
"Well," the filly said with a huff, "Good riddance!"
"APPLE BLOOM!"
Suddenly, the entire room went silent and turned to look at the pair of Apples. Bonnie stopped abruptly, spilling her spoonful of nuts everywhere.
"What?" Apple Bloom asked.
Speaking in a tone that made it very clear she was less than pleased, Applejack answered "That's no way to talk about yer friends - or anypony for that matter!"
"Well ah was just bein' honest. It's not like they ever treated us nicely," the filly began, shifting on her hooves and avoiding eye contact with anypony, "and they ain't ma friends neither."
"That doesn't mean it's alright to go wishing ill on anypony. Now say yer sorry Apple Bloom."
"I'm sorry." came the reply as she backed away from the angry mare. Heading back to a spot in line she added quietly "But ah still don't like em."
"Didn't say ya had to sugarcube." Turning back to the slack-jawed crowd, Applejack raised her voice. "Sorry 'bout that ya'll. Let's start that round over."
* * *
With a few light taps, the blue carriage moved further down the track. Looking over her options, Silver Spoon picked up a Stock Market ticket. "I'll try my luck with the stock market."
Handing over the number strip, Diamond Tiara grinned. "Good luck, you'll like totally need it."
As she placed the ticket over her chosen numbers, Silver's ears pricked up again. "Where IS that noise coming from? I just like, heard it again!"
Her friend rolled her eyes. "'That noise'. 'That noise'. Seriously, that's all you've been talking about."
Looking out the window, the gray pony couldn't see anything. "It's like, too dark out there now. I totally can't see anything." Stepping back, she walked over to the toy chest and started rummaging about in it.
"Is it too much trouble for you to like, take your turn? Whatever this thing your hearing is, it's obviously not like, interested in bothering us."
Finding a flashlight (albeit a goofy one shaped shaped like a large red fish), Silver Spoon walked back over to the window and shined it outside. After looking around, her light settled on a branch that had lodged itself against the house's stilt-like supports. It floated just above the water line, and a wreck of what appeared to be a wet cardboard box and linens was crumpled in the twigs and sticks gathered around it. "What is that thing? Hey Di. There's like, something out there! Come over here and see for yourself!"
Gritting her teeth in annoyance, Diamond Tiara went over to the window. "What could be so like, interesting out there?" Looking the box and branch over, she looked over at her friend like she'd grown a third eyeball. "It's a box. So what?"
"I think there's something in it."
"Like, whatever." Stepping down, Diamond Tiara returned to her spot next to the game board. "Come on Silver Spoon. You're like, holding up the game."
Silver Spoon watched the box for a few moments, then headed back over and started to spin the dial as Diamond Tiara watched closely.
|
UGuardian
|
866
| 3 |
Applejack,Cheerilee,Diamond Tiara,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Silver Spoon,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Heart of Silver
|
Diamond Tiara and silver Spoon find themselves lost in a storm during a class trip
|
complete
| 48 | 1 |
<p>A class field trip to Sweet Apple Acres goes awry when rogue weather from Everfree Forest drifts in. Making matters worse, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon find themselves separated from the class and left to deal with the storm on their own.</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-01-16T04:34:37+00:00
|
2013-01-23T20:44:20+00:00
| 1,910 |
Heart of Silver
Chapter 3
So far the Weather Patrol's field base had withstood the wind beating against it. The storm cloud itself hadn't grown much, but the wind was starting to reach even the distant hill where the base had been set up. Since Firefly was expected to return with the Cloudsdale team any moment, Rainbow and the rest of the pegasi present had come out of the makeshift field hospital to stretch their wings and ready themselves.
"Um, Rainbow?"
The blue pegasus paused from her stretches to face her friend. "Yeah Fluttershy?"
"I was just wondering..." she began, pawing the ground gently, "if it wouldn't be a problem, could I maybe fly with the team?"
"Wait, you're seriously asking to go up against that?" Rainbow pointed the ominous thunderhead over Sweet Apple Acres. "No way. This thing's grounded enough pegasi already." she finished, shaking her head.
"I won't get in the way, I promise."
Sighing, Rainbow tried not to let her frustration show too much. "Honestly Fluttershy? How about helping Cloud Kicker and Honeysuckle deal with the medical supplies? You'd be more useful to us as a medic than a flyer."
"Right. I can do that." she replied, her countenance lifting slightly.
As she started to resume her pre-flight stretches, Rainbow thought of something. "By the way, what's with the sudden desire to fly into danger?"
"It's, it's nothing." Finding herself starting to blush, the yellow pony looked away. As it happened, she ended up looking at Angel. The little rabbit had switched from his yellow rain slicker to a uniform befitting an air traffic official (complete with glowing red wands), and was giving her a glare. With a gulp she turned back to Dash. "I I mean, yes, there is something. I'm really worried about everypony lost in this."
"So that's it." Moving to a more relaxed position, Rainbow Dash grinned. "As soon as this storm gets taken out, I'll find them all. I'm not the greatest flyer in Equestria for nothing you know."
* * *
The Day of Reckoning was just around the bend for Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon. Their game of Life nearly over, it was clear that the pink filly was going to win. As the game drew nearer to a close, their attention was starting to wander.
"Hey," Silver Spoon began, her ears perking, "there's that sound again."
"I thought we'd like, agreed about it already. I mean, you're just hearing that box thing rub against the branch it's caught on. Ignore it."
"I guess."
As she watched Silver move her carriage, Diamond Tiara changed the subject. "So who do you think like, owns this place? I'm thinking it's owned by somepony daddy knows from work or someplace."
"I dunno; I think we're still totally on the Apple family property. It probably belongs to them." Silver Spoon replied, adjusting her glasses.
"Pfft, yeah right. Everything they do is apples. Apples on their carts, apples on their clothes, apples on seriously everything. Do you like, see any apples around here?"
"Well no." Shortly after Diamond Tiara had spun the wheel, Silver thought of something more and added, "But isn't this house built against an apple tree?"
"I don't think so. I mean, I don't remember seeing apples on it." After moving her carriage a few spaces, Diamond Tiara stopped. "Now I totally can't think of anything else. I hate not knowing something stupid like this." Glaring at the darkness out the window, she muttered "It's totally too dark out there to see if anything is like, actually on the tree."
"There's that silly flashlight you know."
"Great idea!" Bolting up and over to the window, the little filly took up the flashlight and shown it upwards. "I seriously can't make anything out." After fiddling with the flashlight further, she sighed and set it back down. "Great. I'm going to be totally bothered by not knowing this for the rest of the day."
* * *
"What'cha looking at Cloud Kicker?" Dash asked as she walked over to her teammate.
"The stress of the day must be getting to me," the gray mare began as she continued staring at a spot in the trees a distance away, "but for a moment there I could've sworn I saw a flicker near ground level."
"Um, a flicker?" Fluttershy asked, walking over and looking more timid than usual. "You mean like, a fire?"
Cloud Kicker shook her head. "No no, not like that at all. It was a white light, like a flashlight or something." After a pause she added, "I guess I was just seeing things."
Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin, looking over the orchard. "Tell ya what. Once we get the sky under control, that's the first area we'll check."
* * *
"Can you like, give me a hoof here?"
Silver Spoon walked over to the window where her friend was struggling to aim the toy flashlight. Looking through the glass, she couldn't make anything out. "I think the problem is the glass is totally smeared from all of the rain." Moving to the side of the window, she reached up and undid the latch. "Ready Di?"
Diamond Tiara moved to a better spot (namely, one that would likely remain dry once the window was open). "Totally ready."
As her friend shined the light at the window, Silver Spoon shoved it open. She quickly recoiled from the initial burst of wind and rain, but climbed up to get a better look a moment later. Looking skyward, she tried to make out what was in the tree above them. "Can you like, shine the light up more? There's totally something in the branches."
Wincing a little at the errant rain drop that reached her, the pink filly moved slightly closer to the window and held the light high. With a snort of disgust, she set the flashlight on the windowsill. "Apples."
"So I was totally right!"
"Yeah," Diamond Tiara said as she looked away. "Whatever." She was already headed back to the board game when she heard a muffled noise and paused. "What was..."
"Di! Come quick!"
Racing back to the window, Diamond Tiara looked where her friend was pointing the flashlight. She'd aimed it back at the box they'd seen earlier, but now there was something white on top of it. Squinting to see clearer, she soon realized there were two of whatever it was. "What are those?"
"Whatever it is, I think it like, heard you." Silver Spoon said as both of the creatures on the box turned to face the ponies in the window, their blue eyes shining in the flashlight's beam. As they began crying louder, she realized what they were. "Oh my goodness! Di, those are kittens!"
"What in Equestria are kittens doing out here?"
"I don't know. Maybe that box was their home and it got washed down here?"
Diamond Tiara shrugged and turned away from the window, heading back to her position at the game. "Well, now that we know what that noise was and what kind of tree this is, maybe we can totally get back to the game."
"But what about the kittens?" Silver Spoon asked, pointing out the window, "Shouldn't we like, do something?"
Rolling her eyes, the pink pony replied, "Why bother? I mean, they've been out there this whole time and they're already wet. A little more rain isn't going to make that much of a difference."
"You really think so?" Silver asked as she looked back at the kittens. They were still crying, and climbing over each other and the wreckage of the box.
"Seriously. Come on. It's your turn you know."
Closing the window, she started to rejoin the game. Glancing back out the window one last time, she winced as one of the kittens lost its footing momentarily and slipped down the cardboard, stopping an inch or so from the water.
* * *
The crowd gathered on the hilltop watched the skies, anxiously waiting. In the distance, a cluster of objects could be seen rushing towards them. As they drew closer, the Ponyville Weather Patrol began cheering. In front of the pack was Firefly, and behind her flew in the entire Cloudsdale Weather Team and several additional ponies that had volunteered to assist with dispersing the storm.
Shortly after they landed, everypony hurried to gather around them. Firefly, tired from her round-trip flight, walked over and saluted Rainbow Dash. "I'm back and ready to give this thunderstorm what for!" Gesturing to a large brown stallion next to her, she continued, "Meet Al. He's in charge of the Cloudsdale Weather Team."
With a nod, the unshaven pegasus stepped forwards. "You can count on us, Miss Dash." Pausing to scratch his chin he added, "Say, you look familiar. Aren't you the filly that won the last annual Best Flyer competition?"
"Yep, that would indeed be me!" Rainbow said, beaming with pride.
"Well, if you handle this like you did that mishap at the contest, things should go pretty quickly. What's the plan?"
* * *
Diamond Tiara's carriage sat contentedly on its spot on the number strip, having successfully made the journey through the Game of Life and become a Millionaire. Now she just waited for Silver Spoon's carriage to reach the Day of Reckoning. "So, are you going to like, take your turn or just sit there fidgeting?"
"Sorry." Silver began as she turned back to the game again. "I just don't feel like playing this anymore."
"What? Afraid of losing?" Diamond Tiara replied as she eyed the promissory notes Silver Spoon had collected during the game.
"It's not that." Getting up, the gray filly walked back over to the window and pointed beyond it. "It's just that I keep like, thinking about those poor kittens out there."
With an aggravated sigh, Diamond Tiara stood up. "Let me get this straight," she began as she started walking over to her friend, "You're not going to be happy until we go outside where it's like, dark and storming, then work our way through the muddy water to prevent two totally soaking wet cats from getting a little more wet?"
"Yeah, kinda." Silver replied, "But wouldn't getting them inside and dry be a good thing?"
"Well..."
"Maybe we'd even be called heroes!"
"Heroes...?" The prospect of getting lavish amounts of praise and attention wasn't completely lost on the pink filly. After a few moments of thinking it over, she nodded. "Okay. Let's get those kittens inside. But I'm still not going to do anything that will get me totally covered in ick."
"First things first though; Let's like, put the game away. There's not much room in here, and that will totally clear up some floor space." A few moments later, with the game was safely back in the toy chest the pair was ready to begin their task. Turning for the door, Silver Spoon started taking off her pearls. "Di, if you just aim the flashlight and light the way, I think I can get the kittens back here on my own. I mean, this way you'll stay out of the mud."
Nodding, Diamond Tiara walked over to the window. As she set down her infamous tiara, she paused. Picking up the flashlight, she asked "What about your glasses?"
"What about them?"
"What happens if they get dirty or lost in the water?"
"I hadn't thought of that..." Silver Spoon paused. "I guess I'll have to leave them here too." Setting them aside, she looked over at the pink blur in front of her. "Don't worry, I'm not totally blind without them. They just correct my astigma... ashtingma... er, whatever's wrong."
The two fillies headed over to the house's only door, and braced themselves for the inevitable blast of cold rain and wind. Wincing at the first splash of rain, they walked out onto the ramp and walkway around the cabin. The darkness was nearly complete; though there was light coming from the house itself, the only visible areas were those caught in the flashlight's beam. As Diamond Tiara lit the way, Silver Spoon walked slowly to down the ramp, stopping at the edge of the muddy water.
Testing the water by dipping in a single foreleg, she shivered as the chill liquid ate away the warmth in her. Biting her lip, she quickly skipped down the ramp, submerging herself. Thrusting her head above the water, she started paddling vigorously. The water was deeper than it looked; it was easily a good deal higher than she stood. Once she'd stabilized herself, she called over to her friend and the journey towards the wrecked box began.
Concentrating on keeping her rhythm, Silver Spoon swam through the water towards the stuck branch. As she passed a tree one of her back legs clipped it, causing her to temporarily flounder. After getting herself stabilized again and spitting out some water, she continued towards her goal.
As she drew nearer, the two kittens became more excited and animated. They danced about their ruined home, crying and pleading for attention. Once she was close enough, Silver Spoon reached out and leaned on the branch as she stopped for a quick breather. Looking things over, the filly called over to her friend on the edge of the walkway. "Small problem here Di!"
Diamond carefully set down the flashlight, freeing her mouth for replying. "What is it?"
"I don't think I can get them both!" the gray filly called back.
"Then don't try! Just bring over the first one and go back again!"
Silver Spoon turned back to the crying kittens and moved quickly to grab the nearest one by the neck. Holding it up out of the drink, she pushed off the branch and started her journey back. Even with the speed she gained by pushing off the branch, she moved much slower. Paddling faster and tapping her resources, she held her head high enough to keep the kitten out of the water.
After what seemed like an eternity of swimming, she reached the ramp and set the soaked kitten down. Weary but still determined, she immediately pushed off again and started working her way back to the branch. This time around she was more careful to avoid the nearby trees, aiming strictly for the white blur in the distance.
As the gray filly swam, Diamond Tiara slowly moved around the house's walkway, carefully keeping the area in front of her friend lit. Focusing solely on her friend's progress, she was oblivious to the kitten walking up beside her. When its cold nose touched her flank, she shrieked and dropped the flashlight.
"Oh Celestia! I'm so sorry Silver! I-it was an accident!" As she watched the flashlight bounce off the walkway and disappear below the murky water, she panicked and started crying.
Silver Spoon looked about in the dim light. Without her glasses to clear her vision and now without a light to guide her, she was left floating somewhere between the house and the branch where the kitten was left stranded. As Diamond Tiara continued to cry and shout from the walkway, Silver had an idea and started swimming away from her friend's voice. After a few minutes, she heard the crying of the other kitten and began swimming towards the sound.
Finally, her forelegs hit a familiar piece of wood. Turning her head, she yelled back at the pink blur in the distance. "Diamond Tiara! Keep talking! I'll head for your voice!"
Wasting little time, Silver Spoon felt around for the second kitten. Upon finding it, she picked it up and started swimming towards her friend's constant calling. Once they drew near to the cabin, Diamond started guiding her friend around to the ramp.
At last, the gray filly came ashore with her passenger. Exhausted from the effort and numb from the cold water, she shook off as much of the mud and debris as she could. Once free of the gunk, she walked inside and collapsed.
Diamond Tiara followed quickly, ushering in the kittens and shutting the door behind her. Hurrying over to the gray filly, she hugged her tight. "Never leave me alone like that again! You had me so scared!"
Looking up at her friend, Silver Spoon asked "Is there like, anything around here for us to dry off with?"
"I don't know..." Diamond Tiara looked around the sparse cabin, but came up empty. "I don't see anything."
"What about the picnic blanket?" Pointing to the saddlebags by the wall she asked, "Isn't it still in your saddlebags?"
Recoiling from the idea of having her new blanket get dirty, Diamond quickly searched for an excuse to keep it clean. "But, that's my blanket. Mom just bought it for me." Pausing to look over the wet group, she sighed. "Okay fine, but don't tell anyone about this okay?"
* * *
With an authoritative boom, Al called out "Gauntlet One! Take off!" Obediently, a group of pegasi took off and flew towards the back of the thunderhead.
As they began to take their positions, Rainbow Dash followed up. "Gauntlet Two, take your positions!"
With the second group zooming into position in front of the cloud, Fluttershy walked over to her friend. "Um, Rainbow? If I'm not interrupting,"
"DITZY DOO! More to your left! No, your other left!"
"EEP!"
Rainbow sighed. "Sorry Fluttershy. You wanted something?"
"I was just wondering, um, what exactly are they doing up there?"
"Gauntlet Three! Go!" Al suddenly boomed, and another group took off.
"It's actually pretty simple Fluttershy," Rainbow began, "Normally we take out a thundercloud with a swift buck to the top, but that didn't work this time. Hang on a sec; Gauntlet Four! Get your flanks up there!" As she watched the next group fly up and take their positions she continued, "So we've come up with a little round about plan. Four groups of pegasi are going to form gauntlets, two in front and two in back." Looking over, Dash asked, "You know what a gauntlet is right?"
Fluttershy shook her head. "No, not really. Sorry."
"I'll make it quick. A gauntlet is when two rows of ponies form a hallway, and then somepony tries to make it through this hallway while the ponies pelt them."
Fluttershy shuddered. "That sounds terrible! Why would anypony do such an awful thing?"
"Well, it used to be done to prisoners by the military, but these days it's just a hazing ritual."
"Oh my..."
"Anyway, this time around, groups of flyers are going to skim the thundercloud. If timed right, small amounts of the cloud should get caught in their wake and pulled along through the gauntlets where the ponies will buck it to bits."
Al's voice boomed again. "Flyers, take your positions!"
"Sorry," Rainbow said as she moved to take off, "That's my cue. I gotta go kick some thundercloud flank!"
* * *
Cheerilee smiled as she handed out another blanket. "You've just been full of good ideas today Applejack."
The orange mare set another piece of furniture against the wall. "Yeah, ah reckoned this would be a good way ta handle things." As she looked over the foals finding comfortable spots around the room she continued, "When me an' Rarity got trapped out in a storm like this we ended up havin' a slumber party at Twilight's. Ah just thought maybe it'd work again."
"With any luck, the skies should clear soon."
"Really? What's makin' ya think that's the case? Didja see somethin' out there yonder?" Walking over to the windows, Applejack tried to see into the sky. As she watched, several streaks became visible darting across the clouds. "Ah see. The weather team's upta somethin'."
With a yawn Cheerilee walked over to her friend. "Come on, we'd better see about getting some rest while they work. It's been a long day for us too."
* * *
Having split the leftovers from their lunches, the two foals watched the kittens fussing at them. As one started batting at Silver Spoon's braids, Diamond Tiara sighed. "Do these things ever like, sleep?"
"Maybe they're just as totally board as we are." Heading over to the toy chest, Silver Spoon rummaged through its contents again. As she pushed aside a figure of a white unicorn clad in red armor, she sighed. "Sorry Di, but I'm like, not seeing anything in here than the kittens would play with."
Diamond Tiara turned and frowned at the kitten attempting to tangle itself in her tail. "Any other bright ideas?"
Closing the chest, Silver rolled onto her side. "Honestly, it's like, late. Maybe if we stop moving around and fussing the kittens will too."
"I guess." she replied as she turned out the light and tried to find a comfortable position.
* * *
"Is everyone back already?" Fluttershy asked the two team leaders. Group by group, the pegasi had started returning to the hilltop.
Rainbow looked over the remaining clouds. "Not quite yet. A few are still going after what's left of the storm clouds."
"Um, I was wondering, what are we going to do about the flood itself?" Gesturing to the mess beyond the hill, she continued, "I mean, the sky's all clear, but the ground is still under water."
"I was wondering about that myself," Al said as he walked over. "I don't suppose you have some trick up your sleeve?"
Chuckling, Rainbow grinned and shifted her goggles over her eyes. "Oh be serious you two! Of course I have a plan for this." Taking off, she flew low between the trees. "Just watch as I whip out the ol' patented Rainblow Dry!"
Speeding up, she started circling around rapidly, causing her multicolor trail to turn into a sizable funnel. The whirling air started sucking in water vapor from the flood and as the spinning continued, the flood water itself began to be drawn up into the vortex. As the group on the hilltop watched in amazement, the water trapped in the pegasus' wake began to vaporize, drying the land below it.
Moving her miniature tornado outwards and deeper into the forest, Rainbow kept a watchful eye out for the missing children and animals. As she approached the area where Cloud Kicker had glimpsed a light she discovered a small building nestled in the trees. Breaking off, she allowed the vortex to dissipate before she got too close to this oddity.
Hovering quietly next to her find, she peeked in the only window she could see. After seeing both foals and the two kittens inside the building, she let out a satisfied sigh returned to the task of drying up the flood waters. With her famous speed, she managed to dry off the entire orchard in just under half an hour.
When Rainbow Dash arrived back at the hilltop, she found several ponies had been waiting for her. Fluttershy hurried over, eager to help. "Now that the water's dried up, we can look for the foals and kittens!"
"Sorry Fluttershy," Rainbow laughed, "but I spotted where they are while I dried up the place."
"Are they...?"
"They're fine. Turns out there's some kind of tree house over there. Come on, let's go get the others and I'll show you where it is."
"Well, " Al began as he walked past his small counterpart, "I guess our part in this is over. We'd better be heading home."
"What?" Rainbow asked as she poked him in the ribs, "and let us be the heroes?"
"Nah, you gals go on ahead with that." Motioning for his team to start gathering up to leave, he continued, "We're needed back in Cloudsdale; while our weather isn't this exciting, it won't tend to itself."
When Al gave the signal, the Cloudsdale Weather Patrol lifted off and started flying back home amid the cheers and cries from the Ponyvillians. As she watched from a distance, Rainbow Dash quietly muttered, "We owe you one pal."
* * *
"So where is this tree house?" Cheerilee asked as she followed behind the little group.
Calling back over her shoulder, Rainbow replied, "It's just over here."
"Ah know these parts of the farm." Applejack muttered as she walked along. "We're all headin' ta our old club house. Ah knew it was a great place to hold up fer a spell, but ah never thought it would end up bein' a storm shelter!"
"And you said the kittens are here too?"
"Yeah, they're here too Fluttershy." Dash said as she came to a stop a few steps from the stairs leading up to the club house. Turning around, she motioned for everyone to be quiet. The door to the house in the orchard opened silently as the four mares let themselves inside.
"See?" Rainbow grinned, "I told you I'd find them all safe and sound."
"Land sakes," Applejack quietly muttered as she took in the scene. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were fast asleep on the floor, with the kittens curled up against them. "Ah never thought ah'd ever see those two lookin' all angelic like."
Fluttershy nodded, "They look so sweet."
Smiling herself, Cheerilee walked over and gently nudged the foals. "Wake up my little ponies; it's time for you to go home."
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UGuardian
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866
| 4 |
Applejack,Cheerilee,Diamond Tiara,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Silver Spoon,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Silver
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Diamond Tiara and silver Spoon find themselves lost in a storm during a class trip
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complete
| 48 | 1 |
<p>A class field trip to Sweet Apple Acres goes awry when rogue weather from Everfree Forest drifts in. Making matters worse, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon find themselves separated from the class and left to deal with the storm on their own.</p>
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everyone
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2011-12-21T21:02:03+00:00
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2013-01-23T20:44:46+00:00
| 1,900 |
Heart of Silver
Chapter 4
"Come on, we're going to be late!"
The little pink filly was beside herself. She'd been anticipating today's award ceremony all night, and was growing increasingly anxious with each delay. As she started to rap on the door to Silver Spoon's home yet again, there was a light shuffling sound from the other side. Hoping it was her friend getting ready to finally open the door, she hopped back and tried to calm herself down.
Sure enough, as she smoothed out the last wrinkle from her new dress, the door opened and out stepped Silver Spoon, wearing a new outfit of her own. "Sorry about taking like forever," she said, fussing with her sleeve, "but I had trouble with this dress."
"You had trouble with it?" Diamond Tiara asked, walking around her friend while giving her a quick look over. Not seeing anything obviously amiss, she asked, "What's the problem with it? I mean, it totally looks fine to me."
"It's just like, really tight in a few places."
"Oh. Um, well, it could be much worse. Could you imagine having all of Ponyville watch you meet the mayor while like, wearing an old dress? or even worse: no dress at all?"
"Talk about embarrassing!" As she moved to shut the door, the shoulder pulled uncomfortably again, making her wince slightly. "Could we maybe like, make a stop at the Carousel Boutique on the way to get it fixed?"
"The ceremony begins at noon; I think it's already half past eleven now, so we don't have time for that." Seeing Silver's mood drop, she quickly added, "But it's not like we want to keep our audience waiting. We're the stars remember! We can endure being a little bit uncomfortable for our fans!"
Silver thought this over for a moment. Smiling, she agreed. "You're right. For our fans!"
Taking care not to pull too hard on the dress' seams, she hurried to follow Diamond Tiara toward the celebration being set up in the town's square.
***
Ponies of all types were wandering about the town square already. While a few were finishing the last minute preparations for an elaborate ceremony and celebration, the majority was just milling about, waiting for things to begin.
A makeshift stage had been erected on the steps of the town hall, complete with a podium and microphone off to one side. Ribbons and banners of all colors were hung from just about any surface that they could be attached to, while tables had been set up throughout the general area. With the exception of the two tables nearest the stage, all of the tables were stacked high with apple themed treats and drinks.
It was these last two tables that held the interest of the majority of the ponies gathered around. Their contents had been hidden from view by long white sheets, and whatever was covered was creating unusually square and artificial-looking bumps.
One mare however, had something else on her mind. Running around the square in a frantic search, Applejack was starting to let her worry give way to panic. There were a number of things that needed taken care of to get the ceremony started, and one of the more important elements, namely one of the guests of honor, was missing. Coming across a pair of ponies, Applejack slowed down long enough to address them. "Pardon me fer interrupting, but have y'all seen Rainbow Dash around here this morn'?"
"Sorry miss," one of them replied, "But I haven't seen her in a few days."
"Ah see," Applejack began as she turned to head off in another direction, "Thanks anyhow."
As she continued her search for the missing pegasus, she thought over everything she'd already checked. None of the Weather Patrol members knew where Dash was currently, nor had any of the ponies she'd met so far. The fastest flyer in Equestria had effectively disappeared shortly after saving the orchard from the wayward storm. Looking around for another possible lead, Applejack spotted Fluttershy and her ever-present companion Angel in the distance hanging up more ribbons.
Hurrying over, she slowed down well before she actually came close. In an attempt to keep from scaring her friend, Applejack called over her greeting just loud enough for Fluttershy to hear. It didn't work; when Fluttershy heard the voice come from behind her she let out a squeak and froze in place. After a moment it registered who had spoken to her, and as her body unstiffened her ability to speak returned. "Um, good morning to you too, Applejack."
"Ah hate to ask," Applejack said, sounding a little defeated, "but ah need a little favor."
"What is it? I'm not in any hurry or anything."
"The problem is, nopony's seen Dash fer a few days now." Nodding in the general direction of the pegasus' cloud home, she continued, "Could ya go over an' see what's up? She's supposed ta be here."
"Oh sure. I need to go back home and pick up a few things anyway, so I'll stop over on the way." Looking down at her assistant, she asked, "Angel, can you finish hanging the ribbons without me?"
Angel seemed to be expecting that request, as he'd already picked up a spool of the ribbons they had been using. With a quick salute, he hopped away toward the next place the ribbons were to go. As he bounded past, Applejack noted the determined look on his face and silently wondered if any of the trees in the square would still have bark visible by the time he'd finished hanging ribbons on them.
Mentally reviewing her list of what else needed to be done to prepare for the ceremony, Applejack's eyes wandered over the many tables. Spotting something that made her frown, she sighed. "Well, thank ya kindly fer checking on Rainbow, Fluttershy. I'd better go check on Berry Punch; I'm afraid that mare's already had enough 'refreshments' for one morn' if ya know what I mean."
As she watched Applejack head off toward a swaying pony, Fluttershy muttered, "Um, no, I don't think I do know what you mean. You're welcome anyway."
***
Diamond Tiara's eyes were as wide as saucers. Beaming all the while, she just drank the scene in. "Before those letters arrived, I'd seriously thought that they weren't going to actually do anything to honor us for our heroics!"
"Totally!" Silver Spoon responded, hurrying up a little to keep up with her friend, "I guess it just took a few days for them to get everything ready."
Stopping to look over the suspicious lumps on the tables near the stage, Diamond Tiara thought about this. There was certainly a lot of work involved in setting everything up, and all of the food that was laid out on the tables couldn't have been scrounged up in a few hours. "Whatever. Anyway, this is going to be so totally awesome!"
"Yeah, it's going to be so much better than that crummy cute-ceanera ever was!"
Angry memories coming to the forefront of her mind, Diamond Tiara gave her friend a glare that threatened to crack her glasses. "I thought I said never to mention that again, Silver!"
Realizing she'd just stepped on a nerve, Silver Spoon began looking around frantically for some other target for Diamond Tiara's anger. As she stumbled to find words to apologize, she spotted a trio of foals a little ways away. Pointing over at them, she hurriedly changed the subject. "Um, say, why don't we go pay a visit to our favorite classmates?"
The abrupt question caught Diamond Tiara off guard, momentarily confusing her. But the confusion wore off just as quickly once she'd looked over at the ponies being pointed at. Grinning widely at the prospect of playing with the choicest of prey, she started over. Now that she wasn't in the crosshairs anymore, Silver Spoon sighed with relief before following after Diamond Tiara.
A short distance away three foals were busily talking with each other, unaware that anypony was walking up to them. Diamond Tiara noticed this and opted to have a bit of extra fun with it, calling over before she drew close. "Good morning, Apple Bloom."
Recognizing the voice, the foal froze. The other two Cutie Mark Crusaders looked over at the approaching duo with a visible amount of contempt. While they didn't have to deal with the two of them often, they were well aware of how Diamond and Silver treated other ponies -- especially blank flanks like themselves.
Casually walking around Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara continued, "So, you three like, came to bask in the glory of the town's heroines hmmm?"
Confused for a moment, Scootaloo paused, attempting to follow Diamond Tiara's train of thought. Coming to her own idea of a logical conclusion, she said, "Well yeah! I wouldn't miss a chance to see the most awesome pony in Ponyville be honored by everyone!"
Diamond Tiara started to blush, surprised by the compliment. "I admit, it is quite a burden being like, so awesome."
"It must be! Just think of it; everpony looking up to you, idolizing you, trying to be you..."
The more she heard, the more Diamond Tiara's ego swelled. Grinning, she joked, "Oh stop, it's too much!"
"Well, maybe," Scootaloo said as she started to drift into daydreams of her own, "but I think Rainbow Dash can take all the praise she deserves!"
Crashing back to reality, Diamond Tiara asked, "Rainbow Dash? What does she like, have to do with anything?"
"Who else is awesome enough to have a ceremony like this set up for them?"
"What are you talking about?"
Apple Bloom sighed with frustration. "She saved ma family's farm from the flood! What, ya thought all of this was set up fer tha two o' you or somethin'?"
"Well, yes."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders just looked on in stunned silence for a moment, as if the other two ponies had sprouted additional heads. Finally, neither Apple Bloom nor Scootaloo could contain it anymore, and both burst out laughing. While they fell to their sides laughing themselves silly, Sweetie Belle looked on bewildered.
Growing irritated, Diamond Tiara stomped her hoof to get their attention. "Hey! What's so funny?"
Rolling off her back, Apple Bloom wiped a tear from her eye. "That was a funny joke ya just made. All this for you?"
"Of course it's for us!"
"Seriously," Silver Spoon huffed, "why else would the Mayor like, invite the two of us personally?"
Realizing that they were actually serious, the Crusaders slowly stopped laughing and looked at each other dumbfounded. Rolling back to her feet, Scootaloo asked, "The Mayor had you come here? Really?"
"Oh yes," Diamond Tiara scoffed, "She totally made us guests of honor."
"Apple Bloom, do you know anything about this?"
"'fraid not."
Now as confused as Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo asked, "What did you two do that was so important?"
"Well, while your precious Rainbow Dash was busy playing in the clouds," Diamond Tiara began, delicately putting a hoof to her chest, "I totally saved the lives of two helpless creatures caught in the storm."
"Psst," Silver whispered, "don't you mean 'we' saved the lives of those kittens?"
"Whatever." As she started to strut around again, she continued, "Point is, we're like, heroines to be honored and admired by all."
After hearing no reply from the trio, she glanced back at them. Seeing them trying to keep from having another laughing fit, Diamond Tiara huffed. "Come on Silver Spoon, let's ditch these losers."
With a hmph, Silver turned her nose up and followed her friend.
***
Rainbow Dash was having a blast practicing her stunts in the skies over Ponyville with the Wonderbolts. Ascending high over the town, they prepared to perform the daring new trick she'd been planning. With Soarin' on her left and Spitfire on her right, they paused momentarily at the peak of their climb. Once Rainbow gave her team the signal, they dived sharply, attempting to build up the speed needed to perform a Triple Sonic Rainboom.
Or she that's what she believed she was doing, as a soft rapping sound caused her to stir and return to the real world. Initially believing it to just be the wind, she rolled over and sank further into her bed. Although she was rumored to be tougher than iron, dealing with the flood, surviving a few uncomfortably close calls during the thunderstorm and then using her Rain-blow dry over the entire Sweet Apple Acres property had left her sore and worn out. As a result, she had taken a few of her unused vacation days and called off, leaving the rest of the Weather Patrol to deal with the day to day weather while she recuperated.
When the rapping continued a few minutes later, she realized that somepony was at her front door and dragged herself out of bed.
As she approached the door, she ran a hoof through her mane to straighten out some of the bedhead she'd managed to accumulate. Expecting another bothersome salesmare, she opened the door in a half-asleep huff, her eyes barely open. "Go away! I don't want whatever it is you're selling." Hearing a familiar squeak, she blinked and looked up. "Oh hey Fluttershy. 'sup?"
Fluttershy peeked out from behind her bangs, quickly checking that it was safe. "Um, sorry if I'm interrupting, but we were wondering why you hadn't arrived at the town square yet. It's almost noon."
Stifling a yawn, Rainbow asked, "An why am I supposed to be in the square? I don't remember there being any weather management scheduled there this morning."
"Well, you're a guest of honor at the ceremony that's being held there."
Dash shook her head as if she was trying to knock some fluff out of her brain. "Guest of honor? Ceremony? What are you talking about?"
"Didn't you get the letter from the mayor? I mean, everypony on the Weather Patrol was sent an invitation."
Seeing her friend turn her head towards a corner of her home, Fluttershy leaned in a little to see what she was looking at. In a corner of the room sat what passed for Dash's desk. On top of it was a large heap of letters, postcards, fliers and other postal droppings. Since she mostly received boring things like bills or ads, Dash had developed a tendency to just toss incoming mail over there and actually look through it when she got around to it.
Still somewhat groggy, she headed over and started sifting through the mess in search of this mystery letter. Although it was languishing under a few bills and an ad for mane dye, it was fairly easy for her to find.
Noticing it had been postmarked two days prior, Rainbow quickly flicked it open and skimmed the contents, growing more excited as she read. Dropping the letter, she began darting about her home, scrambling to get her mane under control and locate her Weather Patrol vest.
Watching the growing commotion going on inside, Fluttershy backed away from the door. "So um, you're coming to the ceremony right?"
She barely had time to duck as a multicolor blur shot out the door and sped off towards the town square. Watching the rainbow trail go into the distance, she muttered to herself, "Always in such a rush."
***
In the square itself, Mayor Mare walked out on the makeshift stage. Looking out over her audience, she saw that only a small number of the ponies in the square had even noticed her presence. Instead, most were busily talking with each other or ogling the treats on the tables. Giving the podium's microphone a few light taps to check it, she managed to send a sudden burst of shrieking feedback over the speakers. This did a wonderful job of setting everypony's teeth on edge, and thus turning their attention to the stage.
Seeing the crowd was ready (if frazzled), she cleared her throat and began the speech she'd prepared. "Thank you all for coming everypony. Now you have probably heard of the tragedy that befell our neighbors over in Sweet Apple Acres last week, but for those of you that have yet to hear the tale, allow me to elaborate a moment.
During what was otherwise a perfectly normal day, a terrible storm blew in from the Everfree Forest, flooding their orchards and threatened both the livelihood of our friends and the lives of a class of Ponyville students that had the misfortune of being on a field trip to their orchard. During this crisis, several brave ponies risked their own safety to aid those in need, and today we have gathered here to publicly honor and commend their incredible acts."
***
A short distance away, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were anxiously waiting for the speech to end. Checking her tiara, Diamond Tiara whispered, "Is this balanced right? Any wrinkles in my dress?"
"I don't like, see any." Silver replied, glancing over her own clothing. "How's mine?"
"Totally perfect." Diamond Tiara paused after replying, checking the stage quickly. Nearly bursting from the excitement, she squeaked, "This is it!"
"...and so fillies and gentlecolts," the mayor was saying, "we must extend our thanks to our heroes." With a wave towards the covered tables, Applejack and Big Macintosh walked over and gripped the table covers. "Now you all have probably been wondering what is hidden under these sheets. On these two tables are the awards we will be handing out today."
On cue, the sheets were tossed aside, uncovering rows of glittering metals and a few trophies. Most of the ponies in the audience oohed and ahhed at the prizes on the tables, but a certain pair had a rather different reaction. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were alternating between looking at the table and each other, utterly confused. Their enthusiasm faded quickly as they came to the realization that their limelight was being shared with quite a few other ponies.
Hearing the mayor call for the Ponyville Weather Patrol to gather on stage, Diamond Tiara started getting upset. This was supposed be about her and Silver Spoon, not some lowly weather janitors that couldn't manage to keep the sky clear for an evening! As her temper started to getting the better of her, she tensed up and her eyes began watering with rage. Just as she was about to tell the world exactly what she thought of this turn of events she discovered a hoof plugging her mouth. Looking over at the hoof's owner, she found herself looking into a pair of unusually stern eyes.
Silver Spoon shook her head slowly, retracting her hoof. "I totally know what you want to say, but it's like, not worth the effort. Trust me."
Diamond Tiara just stared at her friend for a moment. As she calmed down, she looked at the ground and pawed at it lightly. "It's not fair." she whined, "We were totally supposed to be the ones begin honored by everypony." As she watched Honeysuckle receive a special award for continuing to assist the team despite her broken wing, she continued, "Now they're getting all the praise."
The members of the Weather Patrol received their awards one by one, leaving the stage afterwards. As the last pegasus returned to the audience, the mayor returned to the podium and readied the microphone again. "Before we continue, there is something else we need to address. Our Weather Patrol, while valiant and determined, was not able to deal with a storm of this magnitude on their own. Because of this, they called out to the Cloudsdale Weather Patrol for urgent assistance. For their timely response and aid in our darkest hour, we wish to honor them with a special award."
Applejack hefted a large trophy off the table. As she held it high enough for everypony present to get a good look at it, the mayor continued, "Because they are needed to tend to their own skies, this award will be accepted by their team captain, Al."
The mayor gestured to the sky overhead, and seconds later the brown pegasus stallion zoomed past. After doing a few simple acrobatic loops to the crowd's applause, he flew in to land on the stage. However, since he was inexperienced with such elaborate stunts, he misjudged his speed and landed with a fair amount of force, creating a resounding thud that shaking the stage. Embarrassed, he mumbled an apology before starting to give his acceptance speech.
"Great," Diamond Tiara mumbled, "now even people from like, other towns are more important than we are."
Silver Spoon rolled her eyes. "Totally. When are we going to be called up on stage? Like, ever?"
"At least there's still a stage. I mean, that last guy almost broke it."
Hearing the mayor clear her throat for another long speech about something, the girls sighed and got ready for another long wait. "Ladies and gentlecolts, thank you for your patience. There is yet one more side to this drama that we wish to tell. Shortly before the storm hit, our dear Cheerilee and her class were visiting Sweet Apple Acres. Upon being warned of the storm's approach, she lead her class away from the orchard and into the safety of the Apple family's farmhouse. Unfortunately, on the way two of her students became separated, and had to face the storm on their own."
At this, the sounds of gasps and murmurs rose from the audience. Looking over, Silver Spoon noticed that Diamond Tiara was still moping at being left out of the spotlight. Nudging her in the ribs, Silver whispered, "They're talking about us!"
Diamond Tiara startled. Realizing they weren't forgotten after all, she turned back to the stage as the mayor continued, "Not only did these two foals manage to ride out the storm safely, but they also discovered two other lives in danger and rose to their rescue." As the mayor was starting to ask for them to come up on stage, she trailed off in mid-sentience. Both foals had already zipped onto the stage and were smiling broadly. Trying to act like her rhythm hadn't been thrown off, she turned back to the audience. "Ladies and gentlecolts, may I present our young heroines, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon!"
As the crowd applauded, the foals curtsied, clearly relishing the attention. As the crowd continued to cheer, the older Apple siblings walked over carrying the medals the girls were to be given. Applejack smiled as she gingerly draped the medal over Diamond Tiara's head. With a wink she whispered, "Y'all did great out there in the woods over yonder. Keep up the good work ya hear me?"
Looking up, Diamond Tiara grinned. "Of course we will. We're like, heroines after all!"
***
After the awards had all been handed out, everypony present remained in the square to enjoy the food and each other's company. Most of the conversations that had begun before the ceremony had simply resumed where they left off, but a few ponies were more interested in the stories behind the awards.
Since the event had largely been sponsored by the Apple family, Applejack was playing hostess; a task that basically involved wandering around and checking that everypony was enjoying themselves. As she started to pass a group of Weather Patrol members, she heard Cheerilee call over to her.
"I was wondering," Cheerilee asked as she nibbled on a tart, "I haven't seen either of the girls since they were on stage. Where do you suppose they are?"
Pausing for a moment, Applejack looked around quickly. "Ah saw 'em in the middle of a bunch o' foals just a moment ago. Probably telling tales about their little adventure."
"That wouldn't surprise me a bit." With a brief pause to swallow the rest of her snack, she added, "They do tend to over dramatize things."
"That they do." Applejack looked around for another few moments, and then pointed. "Okay, ah see 'em; they're over there."
Turning to look, Cheerilee tried not to laugh at the display. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were surrounded by other foals, obviously telling the story of their daring rescue. After watching their theatrics for a moment, Cheerilee nodded in the girl's direction. "Let's go have a listen shall we?"
Applejack snickered. "This ought to be interestin'. I never did hear just what all happened out there."
***
Diamond Tiara swept her hoof through the air, as if she was pointing out the entire sky. "It was like, completely black outside the cabin."
"Totally! It was so dark you couldn't even see your own nose." Silver Spoon added, waving a hoof in front of her face.
"We were in the middle of a board game when we heard this strange sound coming from outside."
"Meow, like, me-ow!"
"We just had to go and see what was going on."
"It took a little searching, but we found a flashlight. Once we had that, we were able to see that those poor kittens had been washed away by the flash flood!"
Diamond Tiara nodded. "They were so pitiful looking, all wet and alone in the rain and stuff. I just had to bring them inside where it was warm and safe!"
"We hurried outside -- wait, what did you just say?"
Ignoring the look she was getting from Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara continued on with her tale. "I bravely headed into the cold water while Silver here guided me with the flashlight. When I got close I found I would only be able to bring back like one of the kittens at a time." As she continued her friend's expression shifted from confusion to accusation, but Diamond Tiara didn't seem to notice or care. She was on a roll. "I managed to carry the first kitten back safely, but when I was headed to the second kitten Silver Spoon accidentally dropped the flashlight! I had to risk making the journey in the dark!"
Silver Spoon looked away from her friend and the other foals as she quietly ground her teeth. She'd already risked a fight with Diamond Tiara by bringing up the cute-ceanera, and as much as she wanted to tell the story the way it really happened, it wasn't a fight she was willing to start.
A short distance away, Applejack leaned over towards Cheerilee. "Is it just me, or is there somethin' a might fishy about the way Diamond Tiara's telling the story?"
"It's not just you Applejack," Cheerilee said nodding. "Did you see the look Silver Spoon was giving her?"
"Yeah, ah sure'nough did. Somethin' was definitely not right with the way Diamond Tiara was tellin' the story."
***
As the day drew to a close, the square was largely empty. The only ponies that had remained in the square were the Apples and those interested in the last of the goodies. As Applejack removed one of the last tablecloths, the sound of a pegasus landing nearby caught her attention. Tossing the soiled cloth onto a growing pile, she turned to see who had just arrived.
"Oh my." Fluttershy squeaked, looking over the empty tables. "It took me much longer than I'd expected to get everything ready." Starting to blush, she crossed her forelegs. "and um, I took too long and missed everything, didn't I Applejack?"
"Yeah; sorry 'bout that. We're just cleanin' things up now." Walking over, Applejack tapped her friend's shoulder. "But don'tcha worry none; there's still some cider, fritters and other good eats left. And I'm sure Big Macintosh won't mind if I stop workin to keep y'all company fer a spell. Right Mac?"
Her brother was busy stacking the some of the tables on a cart. Setting down the ones he was carrying, he looked over and nodded. "Eeyup."
"Thanks Applejack." Gesturing at the saddlebag on her side, she continued, "but actually I wanted to catch Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon before they went home."
"Well, you're in luck then." With a smile, Applejack pointed in the other direction. "They're over yonder, gettin' themselves a last minute snack."
***
"Wow, these things are good!" Diamond Tiara said as she helped herself to another plateful of apple crumbles.
"Totally!" Gulping down the last of her own plate, Silver Spoon brushed some crumbs off her blouse. "I mean, who knew the Apples could actually make something worth eating?"
Diamond Tiara was about to answer when a soft voice cut her off. "Um, excuse me?"
Looking up at the new arrival, Diamond Tiara set her next piece of crumble back down. "What do you want... miss flutter... Flutterpie was it?"
If Fluttershy noticed Diamond Tiara's gaff with her name, she didn't show it. "My friends wanted to thank you again for saving their lives during that awful flood."
Reaching down, she gently undid the strap to her saddlebag and set it on the ground. Flipping the lid open, she said, "It's okay; you can come out now."
Two familiar white heads popped out of the bag and looked around. Seeing the ponies that had rescued them, the kittens hopped out and began scurrying over to their rescuers.
Diamond Tiara braced herself, expecting the pair to run into her at full speed. Instead, the two kittens ran past her, heading straight for Silver Spoon. Once they reached the gray filly they started brushing against her and purring loudly. As Diamond Tiara looked on surprised, Silver Spoon knelt down to cuddle them back.
Quietly walking up beside Fluttershy, Applejack grinned at the sight. "Well, don't that beat all."
***
Later that night, after they'd finished cleaning everything up in the square, the Apple family was preparing to settle in for the night. Aside from the enormous task of dealing with the food and furnishings, the past few days had been spent clearing out the flood debris from their orchard. They still had a fair amount of broken leaves, mud and other refuse to collect and drag away, but it was enough for the time being.
However, despite how tired she was, one of the ponies in the family wasn't quite ready to go to bed just yet. Apple Bloom's bond with her sister had always been a strong one, and she was keenly aware that something had been on Applejack's mind this evening. Being as quiet as she could to avoid waking anypony, Apple Bloom let herself into her older sister's bedroom. As she'd suspected, while Applejack was in bed, she was still awake, lying on her side staring idly at the nearby wall.
Walking over, Apple Bloom asked, "Sis? Everythin' alright?"
Applejack let out a long sigh before she looked down at her little sister. "Yeah, there's jus' some things on ma mind is all."
"Good things or bad things?"
"Well, kinda a mix really." Rolling onto her stomach, Applejack continued, "It's just that ah saw somethin' earlier that reminded me of somethings ah'd rather not think about."
Finding a comfortable position, Apple Bloom sat down and looked up at her sister's weary face. "What happened?"
"Well, didja hear Diamond Tiara's version of how they saved those kittens?"
Rolling her eyes, Apple Bloom groaned. "Ugh, how could ah have missed it? She was telling everypony, even if they didn't wanna listen!"
"Well, let yer big sis let ya in on a little secret." Leaning in close to her sister, Applejack whispered, "Fluttershy brought over the kittens, and that pink filly didn't want anything to do with 'em!"
Apple Bloom blinked. "Really?"
"Yep, the kittens ran to Silver Spoon and ignored her friend completely! Ah'll bet that she's really the one that saved 'em."
"So it's this secret that has ya all worked up?" Hopping back, Apple Bloom smiled. "Well that's easy! Jus call her out on it tommara! Then it's not a secret any more!"
Chuckling, Applejack shock her head. "Nah, that's not what ah've been mullin over. That's jus what started me thinkin' about it. Listen, remember when I told ya and yer friends that story about how I got my cutie mark?"
"Um, yeah, ah think so. Ya went to live with Aunt and Uncle Orange in Manehatten."
"Right. And to fit in there ah had to hide away part o' who ah am. Ah had to act just so or risk losing the acceptance of the ponies ah was around." Turning her gaze out the window, she continued, "Ah'm just sitting here wonderin' if Silver Spoon is doing something like that. She never did stop Diamond Tiara from tellin' her tall tale."
***
Meanwhile, in a house on the far side of Ponyville, Diamond Tiara was grimacing. "I still can't believe you actually adopted those fur balls."
Silver Spoon just giggled a little as the 'fur ball' she was brushing tried to bat at her braids.
"I mean seriously, they'll shed everywhere. You'll get their fur all over your nice dress!"
Putting down the brush, Silver Spoon tossed her head so that the braids swung about. As she watched the kitten at her feet jump after them, she said, "Oh, don't worry about it Di. I was only going to wear it for a day anyway."
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 1 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-16T05:41:49+00:00
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2011-09-16T05:41:49+00:00
| 4,725 |
Apples ‘N Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 1: Introductions
“Granny! The rusty ol’ water pump is broken again!” Applebloom shouted back at the porch. She gave the pump a kick in one last attempt but it still wouldn’t yield.
Granny Smith sat in a rocking chair on the front porch, soaking in the warmth of the sun and glancing out at the farm. It was a gorgeous day; the skies were clear and there was a light breeze blowing through Sweet Apple Acres.
“Maybe you should go into town dear and get some help from the repair shop… Don’t go alone, though.” Granny said.
Applebloom walked back to the porch, “Where’s Applejack?” she questioned in a particularly adorable manner.
“I think she went off to visit with her friends dear… maybe Big Mac can take you instead?” Granny said.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac said, walking out of the house. Applebloom gestured for Big Mac to follow her and they left the farm closing the gate behind them.
“Be back by sunset!” Granny Smith said. Applebloom and Big Mac trotted off towards Ponyville leaving Granny to doze off in her chair. Ponyville was a good twenty minutes away from Sweet Apple Acres, so they took their time.
The repair shop was located in the center of town just past the marketplace. It was a fairly sized crimson building that stood out among the more common housing in town. A huge wooden sign hung over the door, which read, “Hammerplank’s Supplies and Repair”. There was a mailbox next to the door which at the moment was empty. A smaller sign in the nearby window read, “Yes, we’re open”. Big Mac and Applebloom stepped into the shop; a small bell chimed as the door swung open.
“Be with ya’ in a sec!” a stallion’s voice rang out from behind a workbench near the back of the shop.
“Nope… no… that won’t do... darn it, I coulda’ sworn it was here..!” the voice said in a frustrated tone, clinking metallic sounds could be heard as he was obviously sifting through a toolbox.
“Hey Big Bro, will this work?” A noticeably smaller, younger voice asked.
“Nope. Not unless we can use pliers to twist in a screw on that wheel.” The first voice replied. An average sized stallion got up from under the bench and ran a hoof through his mane. He was a denim-blue pony with a charcoal-black mane that was long and unkempt since more often than not he was probably too busy with work and didn’t have time to look after it. His tail was scruffy and of medium length, and his eyes were grey which shined like dusty pearls. On his flank was a small, grey wrench, a clear indicator of his attributes. He wore a typical worker’s vest with a name-tag that read, “Ficks”. He looked very tall for a stallion but Big Mac still dwarfed him immensely. A smaller colt appeared behind him. He was a much lighter blue with a scruffy navy blue mane that seemed to be all over the place. His eyes were a deep amber color, and His flank was marked with a small, grey hexagonal nut. Clearly, he was a relative and pupil of Ficks.
“Nut, I need the torque wrench. Any chance you have it hidin’ somewhere in your room?” Ficks asked.
“Nuh-uh. I remember last time I did that, Uncle ‘Plank gave me quite a fuss ‘bout misplacing his tools.” Nut said with some remorse.
“I remember that. Don’t think you were the only one who got that talk.” Ficks said with a smile, elbowing his little brother. “Anyhow see if you can’t find it while I take care of this costum-“, Ficks looked up to see a familiar red stallion standing in front of him. “By Celestia, Big Mac? No way!” Ficks said with glee.
“Eeyup!” Big Macintosh said.
“Wow, it’s been forever since I last saw you, how ya’ been doin’? Ficks asked in a cheerful manner.
“Mighty fine; will admit though, hasn’t been the same without’cha.” Big Mac replied.
Ficks looked down at Big Mac’s side to see the yellow and red filly with a confused expression on her face.
“And who might this be?” Ficks asked.
“My name’s Applebloom!” She answered.
Ficks extended a hoof out to Applebloom, “Well it’s nice to meet’cha Applebloom. Name’s Ficksitup but you can call me Ficks.” He said.
“Pleasure to meet’cha!” Applebloom said rather happily.
Nuttanbolt decided to poke his head out to see what was going on and who Ficks was talking to. Before he could ask, Big Mac beat him to the punch.
“Who’s this little guy?” Big Mac asked.
Nut introduced himself. “I’m Nuttanbolt, Ficks’ little brother.” He said with an easily detectable semblance of pride.
“I’m Big Macintosh. I’m an old friend of your brother Ficks. Nice to meet you.” The Red Stallion remarked.
Applebloom inspected Nut head to hoof, only to find that he too already had his Cutie Mark, much to her dismay. “Aw, come on! This one’s got a Cutie Mark too? Why can’t I have one!?” Applebloom asked almost enraged and most certainly irritated.
“Somepony woke up on the wrong side of the Haystack.” Ficks stated.
“She’s a bit fussy ‘bout Cutie Marks; ‘cause she don’t have one yet.” Big Mac grumbled.
Ficks looked at the filly and spoke, “Aww its okay Applebloom, everypony gets theirs eventually.”
“That’s what everypony says!” Applebloom yelled out before Big Mac put a hoof over her mouth.
“Bro, What does he mean about not being the same without you here?” Nut asked in a confused manner.
“Oh man, I never did tell you ‘bout that did I? I’ll tell you sometime, just remind me would’ja?” Ficks said chuckling a little bit.
“As good as it is to see you again, we are here on business… Our water pump stopped workin’ recently, and we thought maybe we could get ‘Plank or somepony to fix it for us.” Big Mac said.
Ficks scratched his head for a moment, then cheerfully responded, “Well, I’m afraid Uncle Hammerplank is out running an errand right now and he left Nut n’ me to watch the shop but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I stepped out for a bit to help a friend.”
“How much is it gonna’ cost us?” Applebloom asked.
“For ya’ll? Absolutely no charge. If I’m fixin’ it, that means I get to go back to Sweet Apple Acres again. It’s been years since I seen those apple groves, I think that ought’a be payment on its own. Let’s head on out. Nut, Grab the toolset would’ja?” Ficks said, walking out from behind the counter, grabbing his hat and removing his work vest.
“Heh, you’ve still got that ol’ thing?” Big Mac chuckled.
Ficks donned a black cowboy hat. It was dusty and worn out a bit but still retained its shape. “I’d never get rid of it. Not in a million years…” Ficks said with a smile.
The group walked out of the store, and headed on their way to Sweet Apple Acres.
“So, how have things been goin’ round these parts, Mac?” Ficks asked.
“It’s goin’ okay. The farm’s been good to us. Not much has changed since you left, other than lil’ Applebloom now bein’ in the picture. How ‘bout you?” Big Macintosh asked.
“Well, I just got into town the other day, I had every intention to come down here right away, but my plate was absolutely full. Still, this’ll do. Lemme’ tell ya, Manehattan… It just doesn’t feel like home, even if it is where I was born.” Ficks said regretfully.
Applebloom gave Ficks a quizzical look and said, “Likely story! You sure don’t talk like a stallion from Manehattan..!”
“Yeah, I know. But time ‘round this family can change your mannerisms a good bit. Like I said, never did fit in with them Manehattan folk.” Ficks said.
“How come I’ve never seen that hat before, Ficks?” Nut asked. Ficks didn’t notice, but since they had left the store, Nut hadn’t taken his eyes off of it.
Ficks was silent for a second and replied with, “…’Cause this hat is pretty important to me, never wanted to see nothin’ happen to it.”
Applebloom, disinterested, began to strike up a conversation with Nuttanbolt, which gave Mac and Ficks a chance to talk without being listened in on by nosy siblings.
“So what brings you down to Ponyville again?” Mac asked.
“Well to put it quite simply, the family business needed help. ‘Plank’s been gettin’ older, and he really needed help runnin’ the shop. So I gladly volunteered to come down, plus I really wanted to come back to where I considered home anyways. It’s not much more complicated than that.” Ficks said. They approached the gate at Sweet Apple Acres. Ficks looked out at the surrounding area. The farm house stood out in the distance. Next to it was the red barn and beyond that were the apple groves. Ficks sighed happily. “Wow” he said, “It’s just how I remembered it all those years ago, it doesn’t seem like a single thing has changed.”
“Hey Big Maaaac!” A familiar voice shouted, though deeper than Ficks remembered it. He turned around to see an orange mare galloping up to the gate. Her blonde mane flowed behind her and her hat swayed back in the wind as she approached the group. Her emerald eyes glistened in the sunlight. Ficks thought he felt his heart skip a beat. “Granny said you n’ Applebloom had gone into town to get the pump fixed, where ya’ able t-“ she began as she noticed the blue stallion standing next to Big Mac. “FICKS!” she
gasped.
“Applej-AH!” Ficks said, as Applejack gave him a very tight, and slightly painful hug. As rough as the hug was, for some reason he didn’t fight it. His face displayed the most peculiar mix of joy and… pain.
“Oh my gosh I… I can’t believe it you’re actually here. I thought you’d never come back!” Applejack shouted, still gripping Ficks tightly.
“Uh…Jack. Ow?” Ficks said, struggling to breathe.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry, I’m just so happy to see you n’ all.” Applejack said as she relinquished her grip on Ficks.
“No, no! It’s fine, that made my day actually. It’s great to see you too Jack. You don’t look like you’ve changed a bit… well…” he choked out his words. ”Well I guess you have grown up a bit since I last saw ya.” Ficks said. He could feel himself turning a little red, though honestly, he had no idea why. “What am I gettin’ all nervous about? Somethin’ ain’t right here.” Ficks thought.
Applejack gave him a playful smile, “Well you’ve certainly done some growin’ as well Sugarcube. And look you’ve still got that ol’ hat I gave you” She said pointing out the black hat he was still wearing. Ficks felt something strange again. Sugarcube; it had been quite a long time since he’d heard her call him that.
“Like I told Big Mac, I’d never get rid of it” Ficks said as he readjusted the hat on his head, “After all, you did give it to me.”
“Yeah, looks like your head finally fit into it too. It looks good on ya’ Ficks.” Applejack said, laughing a little. She looked down and saw Nut standing behind Ficks staring at her with curiosity. “Who’s this lil’ fella?” Applejack asked.
Nut walked out from behind Ficks and introduced himself again. “I’m Nuttanbolt, Ficks’little brother. Everypony just calls me Nut though.” He said in the same prideful tone as before.
Applejack giggled at him. “Well aren’t you just about the most adorable critter I ever done seen.” She said, ruffling his mane. Applebloom glared a little at her. “…Okay maybe the second most adorable…” Applejack said, giving Applebloom an apologetic look.
“So uh… Where’s Granny Smith. She’s still livin’ here ain’t she?” Ficks asked.
“Yeah, she’s in the house. Its great weather we’re havin’, but Ol’ Granny can only stand so much of it. She’s probably inside right now whippin’ us up something for dinner, but what brings ya’ here anyway Ficks?” Applejack asked.
“Big Mac told me ‘bout the broken water pump, and I offered to come down and take a look at it.” Ficks said.
“That’s what Granny said. I had just gotten back from town and needed Big Mac’s help with something. That’s when I’d noticed him and Applebloom went missin’.” Applejack said.
“Wait, you were asking for somepony’s help?” Ficks asked quite sarcastically.
“Yeah, learned my lesson about biting off more than I could chew awhile back…” Applejack said, rolling her eyes.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac said, smiling to himself.
“So... ‘bout that water pump? Ficks mentioned.
“Right! Yeah, its been a real big fuss lately.” Applejack said.
“Well then, let’s go take a look at it.” Ficks said with enthusiasm. They began walking towards the pump. Ficks glanced out at the apple groves. The apple trees seemed to go on forever, and the farm seemed to be a lot bigger than Ficks had remembered. It didn’t matter though. He was just happy to be at Sweet Apple Acres again.
“Alright… here it is.” Applejack said.
Ficks looked at the old pump. The red paint was chipping off in a few places and a few of the small parts on it were rusted. Other than that, it looked like it should have been working just fine. He used a wrench to mess with a couple of widgets and removed the lever and top part of the faucet. He then looked inside the tubing.
“Hmmm… Nut. I’m gonna’ need the pliers. Looks like somethin’s stuck in there…” Ficks said.
“Sure thing bro!” Nut replied as he began shuffling through the tool bag.
“How come Nut carries around the supplies?” Applejack asked.
“Well usually I don’t bring Nut along when goin’ out to fix things, but awhile back he insisted that he wanted to be more useful since he was still too small n’ stuff to use the bigger tools. So he started helpin’ out by carryin’ the tools for me. I also helped him learn all the different names and sizes of each tool that we used. He caught on pretty quick. That’s how he ended up gettin’ his cutie mark too. Lemme’ tell ya. You won’t see any other colt grab a tool and have it by your side faster than lil’ Nut here. He’s the best assistant ‘ahem’ best little brother a stallion could ask for. Plus him luggin’ around the tools gives him a lil’ workout every now n’ then.” Ficks said as he chuckled to himself. Applejack nodded in understanding.
Nut handed Ficks the pliers; Ficks held them in his teeth, put the pliers into the tube, grabbed onto something, and pulled. Suddenly, water burst out of the pipe and Ficks ended up covered in water, with an extremely dismayed expression on his face. At the end of the pliers, still held in his mouth, was an extremely saturated apple core. “Aww shoot. My hat!” Ficks yelled in dismay, dropping the pliers on the ground. He quickly pulled off his hat to inspect it. The hat was now soaked in water and began to droop around the edges. Ficks stared at Applejack with guilt.
“Aww don’t worry bout’ it Sugarcube. It’s just water. It’ll dry off.” Applejack said, patting Ficks on the shoulders.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right…” Ficks said, shaking the hat off and then readjusting it atop his head once more. Applejack turned away from Ficks and looked at the apple core on the ground that had been pulled from the pipe.
“How in the hay did that get in there?” Applejack asked, looking at the others. Big Mac simply shrugged, and Applejack spotted Applebloom’s hooves behind Big Mac. She had a pretty good idea who the culprit was.
“Applebloom…” Applejack said disappointed.
“I was just trying to make apple juice. Honest!” She said in a slightly defensive tone.
Big Mac slapped his hoof against his face, and shook his head. “Dangit Applebloom; that ain’t how you make apple juice!” Big Mac said.
Applebloom looked up at her disappointed siblings and apologized with, “I’m sorry… I thought if I put an apple core in there, the water would taste like Apple juice.” in a pitiful, sad tone accompanied by her infamous sad eyed face.
“Applejack, I thought you would’a taught this filly how to make Apple juice by now.” Ficks said.
Applejack shrugged. “I guess the thought never occurred to me.” Applejack replied. Applebloom continued to look at everypony with the saddest expression ever seen.
“It’s impossible to stay mad at her, isn’t it?” Ficks said.
Everypony else nodded. Ficks reassembled the pump and pulled down on the lever to check if it would work this time. Water came gushing out of the faucet and Ficks nodded to himself in satisfaction.
“Well, I guess that takes care of that issue, so… who’s hungry? Applejack asked her company. She could see Applebloom and Big Mac’s eyes light up with attention, but she also noticed Ficks’ reaction to the question. “Say Ficks, would you n’ Nut care to stick around for dinner? I bet Granny whipped somethin’ up real good tonight.” Applejack said in a hopeful manner.
“Oh I couldn’t possibly intrude on your company, I mean I don’t wanna’ be a bother or nothin’.” Ficks said.
“Nonsense, Sugarcube! It’ll be great to have you over again for a family meal. Come on in” she replied. There she went, calling him Sugarcube again…
They moved up to the porch, and into the house. Upon entering the house, Ficks and Applejack removed their hats, which got a quite puzzled look from Nut. “One minute you’re wearing a hat I’ve never seen before, and the next minute you’re taking it off? I don’t get it..!” Nut said, completely confused by his brother’s actions.
“It’s a hospitality thing. It’s rude to wear a hat indoors, you know.” Ficks said to Nut. “Plus I need to let it dry off now”
“Good to see that living in Manehattan hasn’t made you forget your manners, Ficks.” Applejack said.
“There’s a lot here I haven’t forgotten.” Ficks said. Nut was completely confused. His brother seemed different today.
Ficks was surprised at how well furnished the home still was. Family pictures, a painting or two of Sweet Apple acres, a bronzed, “First Apple Tree bucked by ____” trophy plaque for each pony, Applejack’s had a bite mark in it, and the usual, wooden, reliable seating arrangements. One picture that stood out to Ficks was one near the back of the collection, labeled, “Part of the Family” in which he appeared. He had completely forgotten about that photo. The Apple family had taken it the day before Ficks had left town. The Apple Family was a peculiar one, to be honest. You do enough for the family, and in the strangest way they accept you as a member of the family. Especially when you worked with them there for several months.
“Ficks? Oh goodness, look how much you’ve grown since you were a colt!” Granny smith said as she came into the room to meet with the group at the door. Ficks couldn’t give her the type of bear hug he used to when he was little. He was a Stallion now, a decently strong one at that. As such, he gave Granny a much gentler hug. It had, after all, been years since he had seen her. So no doubt she was a little more fragile.
“Aww Granny look at ‘cha. You don’t look like you’ve aged a bit. Lookin’ as pretty as ever.” Ficks said in a flattering tone.
Granny giggled a little, “ Oh Ficks you’re too kind. Well I guess this means we have some guests eating with us tonight, it’s a good thing I made extra.” Granny said.
They all took their seats, and started with some small talk over the various apple-related foods that Granny had made. Ficks had forgotten how good these meals were. He’d also forgotten how much he missed them. “So, Ficks- what did you think of Manehattan?” Applejack asked.
“It might be where I was born, but it never, ever felt like home after I lived here in Ponyville. This town is still home to me.” Ficks said.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac said.
“So what is Manehattan like?” Applebloom asked.
“It’s like Ponyville, but HUUUGGEE!!!” Nut remarked waving his hooves above his head to form an arc.
“He remembers it more fondly than I do. It’s a nice place if you can afford it, but it’s all about fitting into cliques. I can’t stand that, myself. Dad fit into the city life perfectly, but despite there being a couple of workshops here and there in Manehattan, I never did much feel accepted. In other words, it’s a great place to be if you’re uptight and wanna’ put your snout up at anyone you consider your lesser. Real pretty at night though, I’ll give it that much.” Ficks said.
“Yeah, Manehattan is certainly somethin’ else with all them city lights” Applejack said nodding in agreement.
“So how ‘bout you guys? What else’s new?” Ficks asked.
“You may or may not know, but Applebloom has gone on some crazy quests to find her cutie mark with two other fillies. It’s all pretty funny really.” Applejack said shaking her head, remembering all the ridiculous antics the trio had pulled.
“Wait a minute; does one of ‘em own a scooter? I remember some filly comin’ into the shop earlier today who couldn’t stop yappin’ about Cutie Marks.” Ficks said.
“Yeah! Scootaloo does! The wheel popped off her scooter the other day and she took it to get fixed.” Applebloom said.
“Oh! So that’s one’a your friends? Who’s the other of you three then?” Ficks asked.
“Sweetie Belle, she’s Ms. Rarity’s little sister. Together, we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Applebloom shouted.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac sighed. He’d obviously heard her shout that one too many times to count.
“Applebloom, quiet at the table…” Granny said. Applebloom promptly stopped shouting and slumped back in her seat.
“I see… tell me. Who exactly is Miss Rarity?” Ficks whispered to Applejack.
“Trust me, you’ll probably meet her eventually.” Applejack answered.
“Well a friend of the Apple family is a friend of mine. Tell ‘em they can stop by the store anytime, and I’ll fix their stuff; absolutely free.” Ficks said.
“Well gee, thanks! I will.” Applebloom said. The group continued to chat and eat until near dark. It was nice. Ficks hadn’t had a conversation with anypony he considered family for years. It was a good change in pace…
“…So that’s when I said, “Can’t hear ya’, I’m asleep!” Applejack said, laughing with the others about the matter. Ficks looked outside and noticed that the sun had gone down. His eyes darted towards the clock by the sink.
“Aw… heck, would’ja look at the time; I left the store open! I hope I didn’t get any complaints, otherwise Ol’ Hammerplank’s gonna’ have a fit.” Ficks said, eyeballing the clock on the other side of the room in panic.
“I completely understand. Listen, I run an apple stand in Ponyville most days, I’ll see if I can’t try n’ stop by the shop to visit every once n’ awhile. Anyway I’ll walk ya’ home.“ Applejack said.
“Alrighty then; I’m ready when you are! Nut? Come on, we’re headin’ out! It’s been great catchin’ up with ya’ll… Hope to do this again real soon, and I appreciate the hospitality.” Ficks said with a smile. He and Applejack left the table, along with Nuttanbolt. The two grabbed their hats respectively and waited until they were outside when they put them back on. Ficks’ hat had finally dried up and he nodded in satisfaction as he adjusted it on his head. The three started towards to Ponyville, and chatted on the way there. This time Ficks carried the tool bags on his back, as he could clearly see that Nut was in no condition for hauling anything else except his own four hooves. Ficks could see Nut was close to passing out... Probably ate too much of the apple pie.
“So, Applejack- what else’s changed ‘round here for you?” Ficks asked.
“Got myself into the strangest bunch’a misfits you ever done seen, they’re a good bunch though.” Applejack said.
“Really? You weren’t ever the overly social type.” Ficks said.
“Well at first it was circumstance; but we started hanging around more often and soon we found ourselves liking each other more ‘n more. Maybe I should introduce ya’ll to each other sometime.” Applejack said.
“Sounds great. They sure sound like an interesting bunch.” Ficks said.
“You have no idea…” She said. “So, what’s changed for you, other than comin’ back here?” Applejack asked.
“Well, as ya can see lil’ Nuttanbolt over there is the newest addition to my company here. He was born just about as soon as I came back to Manehattan. See, the reason we had to go back… Well, I’ll tell ya’ when we get back to the store, alright?” Ficks said.
“Alright; we’re just about there any whom. Ain’t too far of a walk to Ponyville, is it?” Applejack asked.
“Nah.” Ficks said as they walked in the pale moonlit night. He remembered how much he liked the cool and quiet nights in Ponyville. It was completely different from the sounds of the busy streets in Manehattan. Ficks never got used to it, and was never able to sleep well in that environment.
The three trotted their way into town shortly, and walked into the shop. No complaints were waiting at the doorstep or in the mailbox, to which Ficks sighed with relief. They walked into the shop, and The bell chimed again as the door opened. All the lights were off so either Hammerplank wasn’t back yet or he’d already gone to bed.
“Nut. Head up n’ get ready for bed. I’ll be there in a few.” Ficks said, as Nut did as he was told, and trotted up the stairs.
“So… about ya’lls reason for leavin’?” Applejack asked.
“Which I’m still mighty sorry ‘bout… Well, we’d gotten a telegram ‘bout Mom… She’d been carryin’ a colt and was due pretty soon. Dad would sometimes leave for Manehattan to go check up on her without me, which is why I was able to stay as long as I did in Ponyville. But, anyway, it was… Well, this time it was an emergency. She had gone into early labor. The doctors said she might not make it through; it had been really, really stressful on her…” Ficks stopped. He tried to clear his throat to speak again, but something was holding him back.
“Did she… make it?” Applejack asked with hesitation. Ficks paused for a moment, then looked down at his hooves and kicked at a bit of sawdust on the floor.
“No… she didn’t… Dad blames himself for not being there when he should have, and I told him it ain’t his fault- but he never listened to me; just told me that I didn’t know what I was talkin’ about; that I was just a kid, as usual… So, you see… He now had the burden of lookin’ after two colts at the time, Nut n’ me. He took it harder than anypony else, and only seemed content when he was mixed in with his work, so he hardly paid any attention to us. I ended up having to look after him and raise him myself ‘cause Dad just couldn’t do it. Anyways, after some time, we got word that family down here needed some help, and Dad’s hooves were full… as usual. So, I volunteered to go which was contested endlessly. But I went anyway... I just had to take Nuttanbolt; Dad said to. He knew he couldn’t take care of him if I wasn’t there, ‘Cause he was so darn busy with his work. Honestly I’m glad I never got into the whole accountin’ thing like he did…” Ficks said, removing his hat and putting it on the hat stand. “I just had to get outta’ there. I needed to come back here where I knew I’d be more useful… more free.”
Applejack gave him a hug, and spoke. “I’m so sorry it all turned out that way; that’s so sad. Why ya’ gotta’ tell me stuff like this, Ficks?” Applejack asked.
Ficks looked straight into her eyes.“…’Cause you asked, Jack.” he said rather frankly.
“Is there anything I can do for you Ficks? Anything at all?” Applejack asked
“No it’s fine.” Ficks said, “I think just gettin’ to see you again is all needed.”
She stopped hugging him, stepped back, and spoke again. “I know you’ve gotta’ put that silly colt to bed; and it’s ‘bout time for Applebloom to set down for the night too. We’ve both got things to do, so I guess I should be headin’ out…” Applejack said.
“I understand, Applejack. It’s been great catchin’ up with ‘ya again. I’m really lookin’ forward to tomorrow. I’ll see you later.” Ficks said with a smile.
“See ya’, Sugarcube.” Applejack said as she left Ficks’ home and workplace. There she went, calling him that again.
Ficks looked over at the workbench and stared at the scooter that he still needed to fix. “Guess it’ll have to wait til’ tomorrow.” He muttered to himself. Ficks walked upstairs to his little brother’s room, and opened the door. He was glad that Nuttanbolt had done as he was told and was already in bed, but he’d clearly been waiting for him. “So Nut... what’dya think of everpony today?” Ficks asked him as he walked into the bedroom.
“Well I guess Applebloom is okay, but she sure likes talkin’ about cutie marks a lot. Big Mac is pretty neat but he doesn’t like talkin’ too much... Granny Smith is really nice and her cooking is great, although I think I ate a little too much today.” Nut groaned as he rubbed his stomach.
“Yeah? And what’dya think of Applejack?” Ficks asked Nut again, this time with a little more enthusiasm.
“You sure seem to like her Ficks... tryin’ to impress her n’stuff like that.” Nut replied.
“Hey now, what’re you talkin’ ‘bout?” Ficks questioned in a defensive tone.
“You were actin’ all funny around her.... Do you like her or somethin’?” Nut questioned his older brother in a serious manner.
“Now don’t you go gettin’ funny things in your head Nut. We’re just really good friends n’ that’s it.” Ficks said, hoping Nut would drop the subject altogether.
“Yeah okay...So, how do you know the Apple family so well, Ficks?” Nut asked.
“Right now? Ah, I guess I can tell ya’, if you’re interested in a bedtime story.” Ficks said as he took a seat by Nut’s bedside.
“Yeah! That sounds great. This’ll be a new story I’ve never heard before.” Nut said.
“I guess I just forgot to tell ya’ over the years little guy, didn’t think it was important until now… Well, alright… It all started here in Ponyville, when Dad and me came here on a business trip several years ago, well… Dad was on a business trip, you see…” Ficks said.
* * *
“Well, here’s the shop…” Addemup, Ficks’ dad, said walking them into the store. Addem also had a charcoal black mane like his son, with a true blue coat. His eyes were grey as well. Addem was a mathematician- a mathematical genius, even. His mark was a calculator that on the screen read 3.14. Him and Ficks practically looked the same in almost every way. But personality wise, they were worlds apart.
“This place is pretty neat!” Ficks said, running his hoof through all the nifty doo-dads that he had absolutely no idea what they were for.
“Well I’ll be darned, if it isn’t my genius brother, Addem. Come to finally help your big brother out with his little finance situation eh?” Uncle Hammerplank said as he came walking out of the back of the shop.
“It’s good to see you again ‘Plank. I see you’ve kept the shop in good shape since I last saw it” Addem said as he gave his brother a hug.
* * *
“Ficks. Get to the interesting part!” Nut said.
“Ah! I swear… Alright, fine. Anyway… I was there for a couple of weeks, and I noticed this “Hiring now” sign. It was for Sweet Apple Acres, they had apparently lost a very helpful person, who had runaway to Manehattan. Anyway, with my dad’s consent, I offered my assistance. You see Ol’ ‘Plank had begun showin’ me how to use some of his tools while Dad was busy with the paperwork. So I figured I’d give it a shot and see if I was any good at fixin’ stuff rather than hang around the store all bored n’ such. As you can tell, they accepted my help. Unfortunately… I wasn’t too good at buckin’ apple trees so it was difficult at first.” Ficks said.
“So then what?” Nut asked
“Well, after a couple of weeks working there, I had discovered that I was pretty good at… well you guessed it!” Ficks said, running a hoof next to his Cutie Mark.
“Wrenches?” Nut asked.
“No, ya silly colt! Fixin’ stuff! I had managed to fix the wagon, the plow, the pump, and all kinds of other things… I was really helpful there; then, Applejack returned from Manehattan. Turns out she was the pony who had run away” Ficks said.
“Applejack? Manehattan? So that’s what she mentioned earlier?” Nut said, feeling a little less confused than before.
“Yeah, go figure, eh? City life just wasn’t for her either.” Ficks said.
“Just like you?” Nut Asked.
“Just like me.” Ficks replied.
* * *
“Oh, this darn thing… Just… Won’t… COME… LOOOOOSSSEEE!” Ficks shouted, twisting a wrench with all of his might. The nut fell off; and the plow fell apart. “Finally! Now I can get to cle-“ He was interrupted by Big Mac’s shout into the barn.
“Hey, Ficks! There’s somepony we’d like you to meet!” Big Mac shouted.
An orange filly with a blonde mane tied at the end; same with her tail, trotted into the barn, and gave Ficks a shy smile.
“This here’s Applejack, the silly filly who left for Manehattan a lil’ while back; The one we told ya’ ‘bout?” Granny Smith said, introducing her grand-daughter.
“Anyway, Ficks you’ve been such a great help to the farm an-“
“I get it, I’m not needed anymore…” Ficks said, as he passed Applejack and the rest, and exited the barn. Everypony looked behind themselves, with a confused expression on their face.
“Hey, where you goin’?” Applejack asked the departing colt.
“Home…” Ficks replied with audible sorrow as he kept walking. He proceeded to move towards the gate, saddened that he was no longer required at Sweet Apple Acres; he had just passed the threshold of the gate when he heard somepony shouting behind him to wait up. He knew who it was, and kept walking. She was a fast filly, that one; she caught up to him, and spoke once more.
“You know, it’s a mighty rude to walk out on somepony who’s introducin’ themselves… So, let’s try again. I’m Applejack.” Applejack said to Ficks.
“I’m Ficks and… I’m sorry; I was fillin’ in the hole you left when you went to Manehattan… Now that you’re back, I’m not needed anymore.” Ficks replied.
“Hey now, that’s not true. Nopony ‘round here fixes anything; Hammerplank is the only one and half the time he’s never in the shop anyway. Looks like you’re real helpful to have ‘round here.” Applejack said, attempting to console the sad colt.
“Are you sure I’m still needed?” Ficks asked Applejack.
“Yeah, I’m sure you are! Come on Sugarcube, let’s go ask Granny if you can stay! I bet she’ll even let’cha help with the upcomin’ harvest.” Applejack said, gesturing for Ficks to follow. Sugarcube... That made Ficks smile for some reason. He turned around, and trotted behind Applejack back to Sweet Apple Acres.
A few more months had passed. In that time Applejack and Ficks had learned more about each other. They found that they even had a lot in common. Ficks continued to fix things around Sweet Apple Acres and Applejack even taught him how to properly buck an apple tree.
“Dangit I’m never gonna get those darn apples outta’ that tree!” Ficks shouted as he kicked at a tree he had been bucking at all morning. The apples in it would shake, but none of them would fall out.
“It’s alright Sugarcube. You just gotta practice a lil’ more. You gotta put all your kick into your hind legs and you gotta make sure ya hit the very center of the trunk. Here lemme’ show ya.” Applejack said as she walked up to the tree. Ficks backed off and allowed her to stand where he was a moment ago.
Applejack balanced herself on her front legs and gave the tree a hard kick right in its center. Immediately several apples came loose and fell to the ground. “Now you try.” Applejack said giving him a little nudge. Ficks nodded to her. He took his place again. Ficks tried to balance himself just as Applejack had done. He pulled his hind legs back as far as he could and let out a loud grunt as he kicked with all his might.
His back hooves hit the trunk dead center. The whole tree began to shake and soon a barrage of apples came plummeting towards them. They soon found themselves buried in a pile of apples. Ficks and Applejack popped their heads out of the pile and stared at each other in bewilderment. The two then childishly giggled to each other.
* * *
“So what happened next?” Nut asked.
“Well, you see… Dad’s business trip turned into a really long visit. We were there for a good five or so months, as he kept the business afloat. As such, I continued to help out in Sweet Apple Acres; I even helped with the harvest like Applejack had said… Until we’d gotten word about mom’s situation in Manehattan… We had to go back; Dad n’ I fought about it, boy did we ever… But he pulled the ”I’m your father and I know best” card. ‘Course he never did explain to me then what was wrong with mom. I wish he had... Leaving that farm was one of the saddest days of my life… But I was given a couple of parting gifts, you see… Aside from the good memories.” Ficks said, looking back on the past.
“Like?” Nut asked.
“That hat you saw today, and this here Harmonica…” Ficks said as he brandished a polished, silver harmonica that he had brought from his room.
“Well I get the harmonica but what’s the hat got to do with anything?” Nut asked.
“Hold on ya crazy colt I’m gettin’ to it…” Ficks said.
* * *
“Ficks! Before you go, we want you to have somethin’!” Applejack shouted at Ficks, who was about to step into the carriage with his father in it.
“What’s… what is that?” Ficks asked.
Applejack hoofed over a black hat similar to hers, minus the gap in the front.
“Yeah… Grand Daddy’s ol’ Hat’n’Harmonica… Fixed up a lot of stuff back when he lived here, ran the farm with Granny… And we ain’t never found anypony who’d it be fittin’ to give to, aside from you… We’ll give it to ya’, on one condition…” Applejack said.
Ficks could barely speak; he knew how significant these objects were to the Apple family. He was able to weakly ask, tearing up slightly, “What?” to Applejack.
"Promise you'll come back someday. The farm won't be the same without'cha, We'll miss you, Ficks..." Applejack said, with a sad tone in her voice.
“I… I promise I’ll come back someday. Cross my heart hope to fly, stick an apple in my eye, I promise.” Ficks said with a weak smile.
“I’ll hold you to it. But until then Sugarcube…” She leaned in and gave Ficks a hug. “Good luck out there alright?” Applejack said smiling to him. Ficks began to pull away but Applejack wouldn’t let go just yet. Ficks didn’t try to fight it and let her hug him a little longer.
“Ficks, we need to go now!” Addem shouted from the carriage. Applejack finally let go of Ficks, with the saddest expression imaginable.
“I’m sorry ‘Jack…” Ficks said as he took a few steps back.
“Ficks I’m not going to tell you again. Let’s GO!” Addem yelled. He was getting angry now.
Ficks got into the carriage and the door closed. He watched as he was taken away with his father, and he left Sweet Apple Acres, and Ponyville; unsure as to whether he would ever see it again.
* * *
“And… In that time we lived in Manehattan, you were born. Now, we’re here. And we’re here to stay, alright Nut?” Ficks said.
“That’s a kinda’ sad story, Ficks…” Nut said.
“I know. But I’m back, ain’t I?” Ficks said.
“Say Ficks…” Nut said as he began to sink under the sheets in his bed.
“What is it Nut?” Ficks asked
“What was mom like?” Nut asked.
Ficks thought for a moment then gave Nut a little smile and rubbed his mane. “She was a real nice mare Nut; real pretty. You’ve got her eyes too. And lemme’ tell you, she had some of the prettiest eyes you’d ever seen. The way she would smile always lightened up yer day. She really did love you, Dad, and me with all her heart. She’d be proud to see how you’ve grown up. Still I’m sure she’s somewhere in a better place right now.” Ficks said. Nut didn’t notice, but Ficks was now fighting back a couple of small tears.
“Yeah…okay. Say, could ya play Ode to Joy on the harmonica?” Nut asked.
“Yeah alright sure but then it’s off to bed, ya hear?” Ficks said. He quickly rubbed his eyes.
Ficks began to play the first few notes of Ode To Joy. Within moments, Nuttanbolt was fast asleep.
Ficks got up, went to his room and lay in his bed. He stared out the window for a little bit. It was a full moon out tonight. A handful of stars were scattered across the night sky. He began pondering over today’s events… It was so great to see the Apple Family again. Big Mac was just as chatty as usual, Granny was still her sweet old self, Applebloom was quite a rambounctious little filly but adorable nonetheless, and Applejack…
Ficks lay on his back and stared up the darkened ceiling. There was definitely something different about her. Ficks couldn’t place his hoof on it. He also didn’t know why he’d acted so nervous in front of her today. He’d never done that with her before. Ficks shrugged to himself and turned on his side. He’d have plenty of time to think about it some other day. Though, one particular thought ran through his mind, “Maybe… Nah… She’s just a really good foalhood friend… At least, I think she is. I’m pretty sure… Maybe I’m thinking about it too much; Yeah I just need some sleep…“ he thought. So, he turned out the light, and began to drift off to sleep. Tomorrow, he knew, would be an interesting and eventful day.
To contact the writers of this story...
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 2 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2012-02-17T05:08:46+00:00
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2012-02-17T05:08:46+00:00
| 3,152 |
Apples ‘N Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 2: All In A Day’s Work
Ficks stood in a lush green field, no obstructions around him what so ever... He could see for miles, and tall blades of grass surrounded him. A light, gentle breeze made them sway back and forth, yet Ficks could feel no such wind blowing through his mane. It was as if he was frozen in time and the world was moving on its own accord. The sky cast an orange haze on the horizon as if a fire was raging in the distance. Ficks could not tell whether it was sunrise or sunset.
The fields went on forever. This place, so familiar yet so alien to him, he couldn’t help but feel that he had been here before. This place however, seemed to offer little comfort… only silence. It was a silence that left the field completely void of life; Ficks could not hear the whispering of the wind nor could he even hear his own breathing. He called out in an effort to see if anypony was there, if they would respond yet no words escaped his mouth. Though calm as the fields were, this dwelling silence had left him without a voice. Yet from out of nowhere in the silence, a faint voice called out in the distance…
“Ficks...” the voice called to him in a soothing tone. The voice sounded young and feminine... and familiar. Ficks spun around to see where the origin of the voice had come from. Out of the corner of his eye, Ficks noticed something that he hadn’t seen before. Several feet away, stood a single tree in the field. Its branches looked brittle and broken, and a few dried leaves hung from the ends of the branches. Ficks was almost certain that the voice had come from somewhere around that tree.. Then the voice called out again. “Ficks... can you hear me?” It sounded almost like it was coming straight from the tree itself. Ficks started to trot down the hill. His legs felt slow and sluggish, like it was his first time learning to walk again. “Ficks... where are you?” The voice continued to call out to him. Ficks tried to run faster but his legs would not respond.
Mom? Ficks tried to force the word from his mouth, yet he still couldn’t speak.
“Ficks..!” The voice called out again. It sounded louder than before. Ficks was beginning to approach the tree. Suddenly next to the tree, appeared a white mare. Ficks couldn’t quite make out the face but he was sure it was her. She stood next to the tree, motionless, waiting for him. Ficks was running at full speed but he wasn’t getting any closer to the tree or his mother.
Mom wait! Ficks tried crying out to her again. She couldn’t hear him.
“Ficks...can you hear me?” She called to him again. Her figure was beginning to slowly fade away.
Mom please don’t leave! Ficks was desperately trying to shout at the top of his lungs. Still no sounds came out.
Ficks had finally reached the tree but his mother was gone. “Ficks...” her voice still rang in his ears, “You need to wake up now...”
“MOM!” Ficks shouted, bolting up straight in bed, breathing heavily. Beads of sweat poured down his forehead. He sat there for a moment trying to collect his thoughts, but he was interrupted by a loud banging coming from the attic door of his room.
“Ficks, did ya hear me? Get’cher lazy flank outta bed!” His uncle Hammerplank called from the door as he gave it one last hard kick.
“A...Alright, just a second.” Ficks said.
“Just hurry it up would ya? We got work to do.” Hammerplank replied in a cranky tone.
It had happened again. A recurring nightmare that never seemed to go away. There were some nights he wouldn’t have it, but it always came back to haunt him eventually. It never changed. Always ending the same way, waking up with his heart pounding... and painful memories.
“I hate that dream...” Ficks said, ruffling his mane. He casually glanced around at his room. The morning sunlight peered in through the the roof window of the attic, almost reassuringly after such a dream.There were still some unopened boxes scattered around the floor, as he hadn’t finished unpacking, but there was already some furniture laid out which Hammerplank had provided on his own account. Ficks got out of bed, and opened the hatch-door to the staircase below. As much as he enjoyed having a room in the attic, he hated that door. It made him feel like some sort of prisoner, though he knew that wasn’t the case. He trotted down the stairs to the bottom floor where the workshop was, and walked into the back room where the kitchen was along with a small dining table. There, he spotted Nuttanbolt sitting at the table, with his Uncle Hammerplank eating breakfast with him.
Hammerplank was a light-blue stallion who was about ten years older than Ficksitup’s father, Addemup. He had a grey, messy flat-top styled mane. Unlike his brother, Addem, Hammerplank’s eyes were a blueish grey, and his mark was a wooden plank with a nail going through it, being struck by a hammer. Hammerplank was certainly aptly named, as most of his work around Ponyville had involved in building a decent portion of town. He had helped maintain and repair the town hall, built multiple structures in the marketplace, and even designed some of the housing in Ponyville. He’d been quite the asset, but age and a hard working life however, had finally taken its toll. He now walked with a limp in his right foreleg from a previous work accident that had occurred some time ago and his lower back often broke out in aches and pains. In order to prevent future injuries, ‘Plank was forced to resort to minding a simple repair shop and minimal jobs to keep himself busy.
Despite this, the store was his pride and joy. ‘Plank had bought it from an owner who had once used it for a storage warehouse. Afterwards it was made to suit Hammerplank’s purposes. The main room was the walk-in for where the costumers came in. Near the back was a doorway that led to a small hallway that split in three different directions. Straight through, the hallway led to the kitchen that was located in the back. To the left, the hallway led to the basement and supply room where ‘Plank worked on bigger projects. Finally to the right, the hallway stopped at the foot of a staircase, which led to two more floors. At the second floor was Hammerplank’s office and personal quarters. The third floor contained a small guest bedroom, which was currently being vacated by Nuttanbolt, along with a small bathroom. At the end of the hallway on the third floor was a small set of stairs that led to the attic, and Ficks’ room. Originally the attic was used as a second storage closet, but once Hammerplank’ had gotten word that he’d be having a few guests staying over, he was content to clear out most of the clutter and put in a small bed.
“Hurry up n’ eat your breakfast. You’ve got work to do today, Ficks.” Hammerplank said.
“You’re kiddin’ me! I’ve still gotta finish unpackin’, and I was s’posed to have the day off, right?” Ficks asked in a surprised manner.
“Well, looks like my back doesn’t agree. Besides, last time I checked, you weren’t staying here for free.” Hammerplank said. “I let you n’ Nut come down to live here out of the goodness of my heart, but that does come at a price. You promised to help run the shop and assist me with the customers, so I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain.”
“Yeah, I know Uncle. Don’t worry I have every intention on keepin’ this place in good business.” Ficks said reassuringly.
“Well alright then, glad we could come to an understanding” Hammerplank said, satisfied with his answer. Ficks sat down at the table with everypony else. A light breakfast of greenwhiches and some fruit were laid out on the table.
“You were certainly late gettin’ outta bed this mornin’. What happened to ya?” Hammerplank asked as he took a bite out of his food.
“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that. It’s just that I had a... I had some problems with my alarm clock is all; can’t seem to get that darn thing to work right.” Ficks said with hesitation.
“Oh don’t you give me none’a that..! You’re tellin’ me that you can fix just about anything in Ponyville, yet a lil’ tick-tock machine is givin’ you trouble? Now that just don’t add up.” Hammerplank said as he chuckled at Ficks.
“I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually...” Ficks said.
“Yeah or maybe you’re so tired ‘cause you were up so late. You weren’t off visitin’ with some mare I don’t know about were ya?” Hammerplank asked, with a smirk on his face.
“I wasn’t doin’ anything like that, I was just helping out a customer. That’s all, I swear” Ficks said.
“We were at Sweet Apple Acres and he was with Applejack the whole time.” Nuttanbolt said in a casual tone.
“NUT!” Ficks said as he glared at his little brother. Nut just smiled back at him.
“What? Not like it was supposed to be a secret or nothin’?” Nut asked in an adorable manner.
“Ahh so that’s where you were foalin’ around so late at night? No suprise, that Applejack has grown into quite a fine mare. I see her occasionally in the marketplace sellin’ her apples... She’s hard workin’, that one...” Hammerplank said, smirking at a now blushing Ficks.
“I’m tellin’ you it wasn’t like that, honest. I was... just helping her family fix the old water pump and then she invited us to stay for dinner. Of course I couldn’t refuse, after all I didn’t wanna be impolite or nothin’. But I swear that’s all that happened!” Ficks said. His cheeks were bright red now. He hated when he felt backed into a corner like this, it just made him more nervous.
“Uh huh, sure you were... Well that’s fine, go ahead and keep your secrets from your ol’ Uncle ‘Plank. But I’m tellin’ ya’... you ought ta’ ask her out quick before somepony else does.” Hammerplank said as he continued to chew his food.
“Alright, alright, just tell me what I’ve gotta’ do today.” Ficks said, rather disgruntled.
“Hold on, lem’me grab the mail…” Hammerplank said as he limped over to the counter to grab the stack of envelopes that were sitting there. He flipped through them looking each one over. He sighed rather heavily at some of the letters.
“What is it?” Ficks asked.
“Of course… more of these darn bills... I’m gettin’ too old for this junk. Yer lucky I don’t make ya help pay for these too, but no matter. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of chances to do that when yer older... Anyway here, these are the demands for today.” Hammerplank grumbled as he hoofed over the rest of the notes to Ficks.
Ficks looked over the list of orders that the different ponies in Ponyville had made. He chuckled a bit to himself. “These look simple enough. I reckon I should be able to finish by noon.” Ficks said in a bold tone.
“If you say so boy, but you better get yer flank in gear and head out now.” Hammerplank said as he took his seat again.
“Yeah alright, I’m goin’ I’m goin’...” Ficks said as he got up and grabbed the tool bag from the wall. He put on his orange workers vest, making sure his name tag was positioned correctly.
“Hey wait for me big bro!” Nut called out as he jumped down from his seat and started after Ficks.
“Hold it right there ya’ ruffian. Ficks can handle these himself. Besides, I’m gonna need you to help watch the shop and assist me with the walk-ins.” Hammerplank said. Nut stopped in his tracks and sulked back over to the table. He slumped into his seat and crossed his arms as he began to pout.
Ficks walked back over and ruffled his little brother’s mane. “Aww don’t worry about it lil’ guy. You can come with next time okay?” Ficks said reassuringly to Nut. His little brother looked up at him and nodded. Ficks headed to the front door. He grabbed his hat off of the stand nearby and placed it upon his head. “I’ll be back later, take care you two.” Ficks said as he walked out the door. The bell chimed as it opened and closed.
Ficks walked outside and took a deep breath of fresh air. The morning breeze had a cool, refreshing feel to it. He started to walk away from the shop when he noticed something sticking out of the shop’s mailbox. In fact, several things were stuffed inside the mailbox. Ficks inspected it to see what they were. More repair letters? He thought as he pulled the objects from the box. When he inspected the letters, he was a bit baffled by what he was looking at.
The first letter was bright pink and covered in random stickers. It looked like some sort of party invitation instead of an actual repair request. Sure this pony’s got the right address? He thought. He looked closely at the envelope. Sure enough the letter had the shop’s address on it and everything. Ficks shrugged to himself and continued to look at the notes. The next letter was a scroll that was tied up with a red ribbon that had a gold seal on it. It looked like something out of royalty. Ficks noticed that the edges of the parchment had singe marks on it, like it had been burning at one point. Ficks really didn’t know what to make of it as he continued. The next letter shined so brightly that Ficks had to shield his eyes just so he could read the return address. The envelope was pure white and sparkled because it was covered in some sort of glitter. The edges were covered in gold trimmings. Upon closer inspection, Ficks noticed that small jewels were encrusted into the actual parchment. Whoever sent this in obviously had enough class to go around. He looked at the last note. It wasn’t even a piece of paper or an envelope at all. It was just a leaf. Ficks tried to read the hoof writing on it but it was almost impossible to make out. It looked like whoever was writing it had been trembling the entire time. Ficks just shook his head in confusion as he stuffed the four notes into his saddlebag. “Might as well take care of these too... but I think I’ll save ‘em for last.” He said to himself. “… Now, it’s time to get to work.”
Ficks started off towards the front side of town and began making his rounds. It was still so early that most of his costumers weren’t even awake yet. On that account, Ficks tried to start with the problems that would take the least amount of time to fix so he wouldn’t disturb them anymore than he already was. After that he began to move on to the more complex demands. When Ficks started making the repairs around town, he felt energetic and focused. One look at the object that needed fixing and he knew exactly what tools he would need and how long it would take to finish. After awhile Ficks felt like he wasn’t even thinking about what he was doing. It was like his hooves and the tools were doing all the work. It’s what he liked about fixing things. He felt right at home when he was twisting a wrench or hammering in a nail. It felt like he was in his own little world. Time didn’t even seem like a necessity when he was working. Because before he could even stop to think about it, the job was already done. One minute he was replacing a wheel that had broken off of a wagon and the next minute he was hammering in tiles on a rooftop. It was like clockwork, the way he worked.
Ficks walked out of the home of somepony he’d just finished a plumbing issue with, sighing with relief that a good portion of his jobs were complete. Just four more jobs… Ficks thought to himself. Suddnely his stomach growled miserably. It was a little past noon and he hadn’t eaten anything since morning. Guess it wouldn’t hurt to take a break and get a lil’ bite to eat. But where am I gonna find some lunch? He thought. Then, he remembered Applejack was supposed to be in the marketplace today. A sudden craving of apples overwhelmed him. Luckily the market was just around the corner. Well I did promise I’d visit her today. He thought. So he hurried off in excitement.
After a few minutes of wandering through the rows of stalls and carts in the marketplace, he found Applejack by her apple cart with a look of sheer boredom upon her face. Big Mac stood on the other side of the cart watching costumers trot by.
“Hey, ‘Jack. How’s business?” Ficks asked, closing in on the stand. He waved to Big Mac as well. Big Mac simply smiled and nodded to him. Guess he wasn’t in a conversing mood today.
Applejack looked, shrugged, and spoke. “Hey Ficks... not so good today, don’t know what’s goin’ on. Do the apples look funny to you?”
Ficks inspected the fruits for anything peculiar, or out of place. He couldn’t find anything notable.
“Nope.” Ficks replied rather frankly.
“Does it taste funny? Give it a bite.” Applejack said.
“How bout I pay for it first?” Ficks asked.
“No need Sugarcube. You proably been out workin’ and I bet you’re hungry anyways.” Applejack said in a cheerful manner.
“I insist.” Ficks said, pulling out two bits from his left saddlebag and putting them on the counter.
Applejack was stunned by this. Two bits could buy him about a pound and a half of apples.
“Ficks, you’re overpaying for one apple..!” She said in a stunned and concerned manner.
Ficks looked behind himself to see if anypony was standing behind him. Nope.
“Well, Jack. Looks like you need the business right now anyways. Just keep the bits, Jack.” He said with a slight chuckle.
“Well... Thanks Sugarcube... Tell you what, the next few apples are free!” She said.
“I already paid for ‘em!” Ficks said with a chuckle. They both laughed at that comment for a few seconds, and soon the laughter died down. Ficks then took a bite of the apple, and spoke.
“Tastes fine to me.” Ficks says, taking another bite. That was one thing he loved about Sweet Apple Acres. They always grew the firmest, juiciest apples in Equestria.
“I guess nopony wants any apples today. Maybe they all wanted to eat pears or somethin’ instead.” Applejack said, with a slight chuckle.. There was a small moment of silence between the two. Ficks couldn’t figure it out and neither could Applejack. “Well, I should probably close down the shop, not getting any business anyway… Good to catch up with ya’, Ficks.” Applejack said.
“Yeah, I’ve got some work to do still anyways.” Ficks said. With that, Applejack’s eyes lit up. He’d seen that look before.
“Hey, maybe I can tag along. Big Mac can close up the shop, and I can see how you do your job. Sound good?” Applejack said, almost gleefully.
“Mac, you alright with this?” Ficks asked.
“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh said, as usual. Ficks nodded to him, sighed, and looked at Applejack once more. She was just staring at him with a big smile, just waiting for his response.
She knew darned well that he couldn’t say no to that look.
“Alright. I don’t see why not, I’ve only got four jobs left today anyways… Let me tell you, these notes are somethin’ else.” Ficks said, regarding the overly-done-up notes still in his saddlebag.
“Lemme’ see those real quick.” Applejack said playfully, as she snatched the notes from his saddlebag.
“Hey..!” Ficks remarked
“Aww come on sugarcube let me help ya out. Since you don’t have lil’ Nut here to be yer assistant, hows about lettin’ me be yer assistant for today?” Applejack asked. She looked at him with deep eyes.
Ficks got a little nervous again. When she asked him like that, he couldn’t possibly say no. Ficks gulped a few times then spoke. “Well... uh...okay, I guess it wouldn’t hurt anypony if ya helped out.” He said. She smiled victoriously at him and began inspecting each note intensely. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“You know what’s funny, Ficks?” Applejack asked.
“What?” He asked back.
“You ain’t gonna believe this, but these notes are from my friends.” Applejack said.
“You serious?” Ficks asked in a suprised manner.
“Yeah, I don’t even have to read the hoof writing to tell ya that. Wow this is so great, now I can introduce ya to all my friends and I’ll get to see ya work.” Applejack said with glee. Ficks looked at her ever-happy expression; he couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this excited. Plus he was pretty anxious to meet her friends anyway, so this all worked out pretty well.
Ficks smiled and replied, “Alright then, where to first?”
“Alright, well we should head to Sugarcube corner since that’s closest; that’s where Pinkie lives.” Applejack said.
“Pinkie?” Ficks asked.
“Oh, right. Sorry, I assume anypony I know already knows her. I forgot yer still pretty new here. Pinkie Pie works at Sugarcube corner as a cook; Mr and Mrs. Cake took her in some time ago, and she’s good at what she does, even if... Uh...” Applejack said, stammering through her sentence. Ficks raised an eyebrow at her difficulty with describing her friend. She wasn’t one to be at a total loss for words. “You’ll see when you meet her.” She said with an almost worried expression on her face.
“Ya’ll take care now.” Big Macintosh said as the two walked away from the applestand.
She took the lead, and Ficks followed. It wasn’t too long before they arrived at Sugarcube Corner. The house was remarkable in its design; Ficks couldn’t help but try to figure out how it stood, given its peculiar shape and look. The foundation itself didn’t even seem possible.
“Here it is. Looks like the note says she needs to have the oven fixed; I’m sure it ain’t nothin’ you can’t handle.” Applejack said, letting Ficks walk up to the door. He turned around and glanced back at Applejack, who gave him a smile of encouragement but at the same time was slowly backing away like she was bracing herself for something. Ficks knocked a couple of times, and the door swung open revealing a pink pony with a gleeful expression on her face.
Ficks hesitated for a moment, then spoke, “…Miss Pie? I’m here to fix the ov-”
“Himynamespinkiepieimhappytoseeyouiwasgettingworriedaboutthestovenotgettingfixedbutnowyourehereisthatapplejackhiapplejackitsgoodtoseey-” Pinkie shouted out the door. She didn’t even stop to breath between sentences.
“Pinkie!” Applejack shouted.
“Sorry, sorry! Let me restart.” Pinkie said, clearing her throat. Ficks looked at the pink pony completely taken a back by what had just happened. “I’m Pinkie Pie, nice to meet you!” She said rather gleefully, offering her hoof to shake. Ficks was utterly puzzled. However, he extended his own hoof and shook it.
“My name’s Ficks.” He said.
“Well duh! Your name is on your vest, silly! You don’t have to tell me that..!” Pinkie said, pointing to his nametag. Ficks looked down at it, tried to think of a response, but couldn’t. She was right.
“Sorry, just a formality. May I come in?” Ficks asked.
“Of course you can, silly! You’re here to fix the oven anyway, right? How could you fix the oven outside? I mean, I guess I could bring it outside but that would be a lot of hassle and it’d be rude to not let you in the hou-”
“Pinkie..!” Applejack said impatiently.
“Sorry! I’m just excited to meet a new friend of yours and get the oven fixed; he is a friend of yours right? I mean if he wasn’t then why would you be here?” Pinkie asked, letting Ficks and Applejack in.
“Yes, he’s a friend; a very good one at that. It’s good to have him back.” She said, removing her hat. Ficks had already done so, but did not know where to put the hat.
“Just put it on the counter over there, it’s no big deal!” Pinkie said gleefully as seemed common for her. Ficks put his hat on the counter, with Applejack doing the same.
“I assume the stove is over there next to the other kitchen appliances?” Ficks asked.
“Yeah, of course it is! Why wouldn’t it be?” Pinkie asked, confused.
“I’ve worked on some weird houses, let’s put it that way.” Ficks answered.
Ficks walked behind the counter, and to the oven. He opened it, grabbed a small lamp, and placed it inside to illuminate the oven. Within moments, he noticed something peculiar.
“Miss Pie, it looks like the pilot light is out. Also, the oven is a might dirty... What’ve you been using this thing for exactly?” Ficks asked.
“Well it wasn’t always me..!” Pinkie said.
Applejack slapped a hoof to her face. “Do I even have to ask?” Applejack asked.
“Nope! Applebloom messed up again. But it wasn’t that bad. This time only half of her batch came out charred and burnt” Pinkie said in an oddly cheery tone.
“Uh, Jack? Try to tell Applebloom not to mess with stuff she doesn’t quite know how to work, would’ja? That’s the second problem she’s caused that I’ve had to fix recently.” Ficks said.
“I have tried to tell her that. She ain’t too good’a listener...” Applejack said with a hint of embarrassment for her little sister.
“Well, like I said. Aside from the oven being dirty, the pilot light’s out.” Ficks said.
“Is that bad?” Pinkie asked in a worried tone, looking in on what Ficks was doing.
“Only if ya’ wanna’ make pastries and other confectionaries. Don’t worry; shouldn’t take long. Just need a match.” Ficks said. He got a small box of matches out of his Saddlebag, and struck it on the lighting surface.
“Before I get started, I’ma give the inside of this oven a good cleanin’. I reccomend ya’ clean it just a little more often, ‘specially with Applebloom gettin’ her cookin’ on.” Ficks said. He grabbed a rag from his saddlebags, and got to work on cleanin’ out the oven. Wasn’t long before the job was done, but it was still grimy as all hay. Just gotta’ get that pilot light up an’ runnin’ again... Ficks thought to himself.
Applejack watched as her friend got to work; How in the world did he figure this stuff out so quickly? She thought. He messed with a knob on the side, lit a match, then twisted a valve. Soon there wash a small flash as the flame in the oven came back to life and Ficks was already done.
“There ya’ go Miss Pie. All done!” Ficks said, getting his head out of the oven and standing up once more.
“Thank you! How much will it cost?” Pinkie asked.
“You’re a friend of the Apple Family, and this was a really simple problem. I’ll let payment slide; not like it would’a cost much anyway.” Ficks said with a smile.
Applejack raised an eyebrow to that one. “Ficks, you’re working on your uncle’s behalf. He’s gonna’ wanna’ see the expected payment. If you’re doin’ favors, I understand but this is a job ain’t it?” Applejack asked.
“Hm, well ya’ got a point there I guess... Doesn’t feel right to take payment for something so small though.” Ficks said, considering the outcome of him bringing finances back.
Pinkie walked over to Ficks with a tray on her back. On it. Was a dozen cupcakes assorted in various colors and even shapes. Ficks could only imagine they tasted different, too.
“Will this work?” Pinkie asked with stars in her eyes.
“Well, um…” Ficks said, stammering to get his sentence out.
“Well, you didn’t accept money as payment so I decided to give you the second best thing! Cupcakes!” She said gleefully.
Ficks was completely puzzled. Turning down payment out of kindness is one thing, but to turn down the fruits of one’s labor, Ficks simply couldn’t do. He also could not argue with her logic.
“Yeah, that’ll certainly do..! Thank you, Miss Pie, these look delicious.” Ficks said, grabbing his hat.
Ficks walked up to the door and held it open, waiting for Applejack. She grabbed her hat, put it on and walked out of Pinkie’s house. “Thank you, Ficks.” She said, proceeding. Ficks soon followed, and the door closed behind him.
It wasn’t long before the door behind them swung open, however. The pink pony hopped out of the door, and galloped in front of the two, stopping them.
“Hey Applejack!” Pinkie shouted.
“...What?” She asked, wodnering what could possibly be so urgent.
“Since you’ve got this friend coming back to ponyville after Celestia knows how long, you know what we should do!?” Pinkie exclaimed.
“Oh no...” Applejack said under her breath.
“What?” Ficks asked regarding Applejack’s statement.
“We should throw a party!” Pinkie said with unbridled glee.
“A party?” Ficks asked, raising an eyebrow at the suggestion. Him coming back wasn’t that important, was it?
“A party!” Pinkie shouted once more.
“Just go with it.” Applejack whispered to Ficks.
“Um. Alright. I guess that sounds fine. When should it be? Who’d come to it anyway?” Ficks asked.
“All of Applejack’s friends, that’s who! We should do this tonight!” Pinkie shouted. Applejack perked up at the statement, and spoke.
“Pinkie, ‘much as I appreciate the idea, we just can’t do it tonight; Ficks still has work to do and I can’t imagine he won’t be tired when he gets home, and I’d like to just sit back and relax. Besides, how are you gonna’ manage to get everypony there tonight? We’re all busy..!” She said.
Pinkie Pie thought for a moment, and said, “Well I guess I cou-”
“Pinkie. Let’s just do this tomorrow, alright?” Applejack said.
“Okay! I’ll go tell everypony!” Pinkie said as she started to hop away, but was stopped by Ficks.
“Miss Pie, while I appreciate it I really don’t think you need to let everpony know right now...” Ficks said.
“Oh don’t you even worry your pretty little head Fixy or Fixems or...wait what was it?” Pinkie pie asked.
“It’s Ficks.” He said with reluctance.
“Right I knew that.” Pinkie said as she slammed the door leaving the two to continue on their way. Without a doubt, Pinkie was one of the most peculiar ponies Ficks had ever met.
“So, who’s next on the list?” Ficksitup asked.
“Hmm...” hey looky here at this one.”Appljack said as she pulled out the scroll with the ribbon tied around it. “I know where this one came from, these are the pieces of paper that Twilight uses to write her notes with”
“Twilight? That’s quite a name right there.” Ficks said with an impressed look on his face.
“Yeah, she’s the unicorn that’s stayin’ at the library in Ponyville.” Applejack said.
“Unicorn?” Ficks asked with both eyebrows raised.
“Yeah, you wouldn’t believe it but, Twilight is actually one of Princess Celestia’s students. She’s real gifted in usin’ magic. So she’s really somethin’ else.” Applejack responded in an almost bragging tone.
“Are you pullin’ my leg, or what? A student of Celestia’s? How in the world did you meet somepony of that stature?” Ficks asked.
“Let’s just say she’s pretty new to Ponyville as well sugarcube.” Applejack said.
“Yeah that’s true, you always have been the welcome wagon for anypony new in town.” Ficks said smiling at her.
“Oh you, always knowin’ how to make a mare feel special.” She said. Their eyes met for a moment and Ficks could feel himself turning a little red.
“Yeah, I guess.” Ficks said letting out a light chuckle. Then everything was silent for a moment. “Erm, anyway I guess we shouldn’t keep your friend waiting.”
“Oh right, yeah let’s go” Applejack said. Ficks trotted closely behind her since he figured she knew the way to the library. It was nice to have her tagging along and introducing him to her friends. Yet Ficks couldn’t help feel uncomfortable with her around him now. He had no idea why though. He glanced over at her, and for the first time he really noticed how much her blond mane gleamed in the sunlight like locks of gold, just how red the three apples adorning her fl- What the heck am I doin’? Why am I starin’ at her flank!? He thought in panic.
“Uh, Ficks? Somethin’ catch your eye?” Applejack asked.
“What? Uh, no. I just uh... I needed to readjust my saddlebag that’s all.” Ficks said nervously. He began adjusting the straps hastily on his saddlebag while Applejack stared at him intently.
“...Right. Well come on, we’re almost to the library.” Applejack said. As soon as she turned around he breathed a sigh of relief. What’s gotten into me? He thought.
A few minutes later, they approached a particularly massive tree adorned with windows and a balcony. This was one of the more peculiar structures Ficks had seen; considering it wasn’t really much of a structure at all. It was just a tree. It looked like some filly had built their own tree-house and had gotten a little carried away. The two trotted up to the door and Ficks knocked on it.
Nopony answered the door. Ficks tried knocking again. There was still no answer. “Do ya think she’s not home or somethin’?” Ficks asked.
“Oh she’s home alright, she’s probably just up in her room with her head stuck in a book again” Applejack said. She went ahead and opened the door. Ficks hesitated for a moment and then followed her in.
He was amazed by the interior of the library. The tree had pretty much been hollowed out and replaced with shelves and shelves full of books. In a corner, stood a small pedestal with parchment and an ink vial resting atop it. Ficks inspected the papers. Some of them had bits of notes scribbled on them. Others were a list of ingredients. One seemed to read an incantation for some sort of spell. Another seemed to be a map of stars and constellations. Whatever they were, it didn’t make an inch of sense to Ficks. Other than the stacks of papers that were sprawled all over the place, the library seemed to be very organized.
“Hey Twilight where you at? I got somepony you need to meet!” Applejack shouted. There was a loud thump from upstairs as another door opened up. A light purple shaded unicorn came trotting down the stairs. She spotted Applejack and gave a hearty smile.
“Oh Applejack hey, it’s so good to see you. I’ll admit though I wasn’t expecting anypony today. You sort of caught me at a bad time. I was just upstairs studying another one of the books I was reading on the constellations and zodiacs. I just couldn’t put it down. I’ve been reading all day.” Twilight said as she greeted her friend.
Applejack rolled her eyes amusingly, “Yeah I figured that’s what you were up to. But you really weren’t expecting anypony today?” Applejack asked.
“Nope. I dedicated the whole day to reading.” Twilight said, still grinning.
“So you completely forgot about the letter you sent to the repair pony?” Applejack asked.
“Wait how did you know about that? He’s not here already is he?” Twilight asked. Her smile was now gone. Applejack moved aside to reveal the blue stallion who was still admiring all the little trinkets that were laid out on some of the shelves. Ficks suddenly realized that all eyes were on him and spun around in surprise, knocking over a small statue in the process.
“Oh gosh, I’m sorry about that. Uh... my name’s Ficksitup. I’m here to fix your problem.” Ficks said, a little embarrassed now.
“Don’t worry about that. I think I should actually be the one who is sorry.” Twilight said with a reassuring smile, “I was so caught up in my studies that I completely forgot you were supposed to be coming over today. Honestly it seems no matter how organized I am, I always forget something.”
“It’s no problem miss. So, how can I help?” Ficks asked as he removed his hat and placed it on a nearby desk.
“Well you see, it’s the library balcony out there.” Twilight said.
“What about it? It seemed okay to me outside.” Ficks said.
“That may be so, but when I tried walking out on it a few days ago, it felt really wobbly. It’s like something heavy landed on it and knocked some of the support beams loose. I really can’t imagine what could have caused it.” Twilight said.
“I see. Well then I’ll go take a look. But uh what exactly is so important about that balcony of yours anyway?” Ficks asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“Well, sometimes I keep my telescope out there and use it to stargaze and take notes on the constellations I watch. It’s a really good place to watch the stars when I can’t go to my usual spot on the hilltops just outside of Ponyville.” Twilight responed proudly.
“Wow so you like the stars eh? I enjoy lookin’ out at the night sky too every once and awhile.” Ficks said, trying to make some sort of a good impression. He could tell this unicorn had brains and was a heck of a lot smarter than he was. He didn’t want to seem like an imbecile.
“Oh so you know about constellations too? Tell me do you know what month the constellation Equuleus can be seen the most clearly during the night?” She asked with bright enthusiasm.
“Uh... well... Sorry, I... Well frankly I just think the stars are kinda’ pretty is all. Never really bothered to know their names.” Ficks said.
Twilight gave a bitter look of disappointment, “Well do you know anything about space?” She asked in desperation.
Ficks got a little nervous, “Uh... sure... Yeah, I know my planets pretty well. Let’s see... ya got Earth, Mares, Unicury, and … uh Plutony?” He said with a weak smile. Twilight just responded with an unimpressed look.
“Actually it was confirmed quite a few years ago that Plutony is in fact only a foal planet. So in truth, it is no longer an actual planet in the Celestial System.” Twilight said. Ficks just looked at the ground in defeat. “You really don’t know anything about astronomy and astrology do you?” She asked.
“No I don’t. I guess I sorta skipped that stuff in school.” Ficks confessed.
“Oh well, that’s okay I guess. Anyway, I know you didn’t come here to talk about stars. Lets get down to business shall we?” Twilight asked as she began walking outside. Ficks followed her with his head hung low in shame. Somehow this unicorn managed to make him feel dumber than a pile of sticks in less than a minute. Applejack walked behind Ficks looking at him with a worried expression.
“You okay sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Ficks responded.
The three of them walked outside and around the tree until they were right under the balcony. Ficks looked up and inspected the beams trying to see if he could find anything obvious. “I can’t see anything from here, I’m gonna have to get up higher. Um you wouldn’t happen to have a ladder I could use, would you?” He asked Twilight.
Twilight just gave him another stupefied look. “Why would I have a step ladder? Shouldn’t you have one for jobs like these?” Twilight asked.
“Have you ever seen somepony carry around a ladder all day? It’s not exactly practical.” Ficks said.
“But didn’t you read my letter? I’m sure I wrote in there what the issue was. Which means you would have known to bring a ladder in the first place, right?” She asked him. Ficks just stood there in silence. He hadn’t even bothered to read the letters since he’d saved them for last. Not to mention that Applejack had been holding onto them the whole time. Ficks began to feel very foolish.
“Well I guess you’ve got a point there...” He stated.
“You don’t seem to be very organized today Mr. Ficks” Twilight claimed. Applejack opened her mouth to object at Twilight’s rather hasty comment but Ficks spoke first.
“Now hold on there Miss Twilight. I may not be the smartest stallion ‘round, and I may not be the best prepared either, but I got a job to do and I’mma get it done no matter what.” Ficks said boldly. Applejack was a bit shocked. She’d never seen Ficks act this way towards anpony before.
“And how do you intend to do that?” Twilight asked him, oblivious to his increasing irritation.
He thought for a moment then spoke, “I’ll just go out on the balcony myself and fix it from there. I’ve got a hammer and some nails. So I should be able to fix it just fine.” He said as he began walking back towards the front door.
“Wait, WHAT?” Both Applejack and Twilight said at the same time. They started after him.
“Ficks you can’t do that, it’s too dangerous.” Applejack said.
“She’s right, even I won’t risk going out there.” Twilight said
“I know what I’m doing alright.” Ficks said harshly. He entered the library and trotted up the stairs. He approached the door that led to the balcony and opened it. Unorganized am I? I’ll show her a thing or two. Ficks thought angrily. He looked at the balcony and scanned for anything that looked structurally unsafe. Everything seemed fine. He cleared his throat and slowly placed one hoof onto the platform. He could feel a few of the floorboards creak under his weight but nothing seemed to give way. Applejack and Twilight watched nervously from behind. Ficks placed a second hoof onto the balcony. So far so good. He thought. With one last stride he placed all four hooves onto the balcony and slowly began to make his way towards the side by the railing. He peered over the side and spotted one of the support beams. Sure enough the beam had come loose from whatever it was that caused it. Ficks pulled out his hammer and reached into his saddlebag for some nails. “Alright I see where it needs to be reinforced, now all I gotta do is hammer in a f-” He began, then suddenly he heard the floorboards groan underneath him.
The last thing he saw were the horrified looks of Applejack and Twilight as the floorboards underneath him gave way and he began plummeting towards the ground. The next thing he knew, he found himself lying on his back looking at the sky. He tried to get up but a sharp pain struck him in his hind leg. Ficks cringed in agony. Stupid... that was really stupid. He thought. Applejack and Twilight galloped over to where Ficks was lying. He was now covered in leaves and dirt. He also had a few scrapes on his legs.
“Oh my gosh Ficks! Ficks are ya alright?” Applejack asked hysterically.
“Oh no, okay just wait there. I’ll go and get the doctor right away!” Twilight said in a panicked manner.
“No no, I don’t need a doctor. I’m fine. I can walk.” Ficks said. He got up, fighting the sting that now burned in his back leg. Applejack rushed to his side and helped him up.
“Are you sure?” Applejack said. Ficks just looked at her with cold eyes.
“I’m sure. It’s just a scratch.” Ficks said.
“Oh no, look at the balcony. Now how are we supposed to get it fixed?” Twilight asked looking up at the gaping hole on the balcony floor.
“Twilight! This is hardly the time to be thinkin’ about that!.” Applejack said.
“I’m sorry Applejack, you’re right what am I thinking? Ficks are you sure you’re going to be alright?” Twilight asked.
“I said...I’ll be fine.” Ficks started. “Listen, I’m... I’m really sorry Twilight. I can’t do anything about the balcony right now. I’mma have to make another day to come down here and fix it when I’m... better equipped.”
Twilight nodded her head in understanding. Applejack ran into the library and grabbed Ficks’ hat off of the desk. She returned and helped place it back atop his head. Ficks got up and started walking away, leaning himself against Applejack for support.
“I guess I’ll see you later Twilight...” Applejack said. The two of them left the library leaving Twilight to tend after the fallen branches and broken wood... as well as her own guilt.
They had been walking for awhile, not speaking to one another. Ficks had barely noticed that he had taken to Applejack for support, who seemed unphased by it.
“Hey. I think I can walk now.” Ficks said.
“Ya sure sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah I’m fine. Thanks for helpin’ me out.” Ficks said. He pulled away from her slowly. He now had to limp to dull the pain.
“Ficks you don’t look good, maybe you should just go home. I’m sure my friends can wait a little longer to get their problems sorted out. Right now you should go home and get some rest.” Applejack said. Ficks smiled lightly at her generosity, and began to speak again.
“I appreciate your concern ‘Jack, but I have to kindly refuse. Like I said, I have a job to do and I won’t rest until it gets done.” Ficks said. Applejack stared at him in disbelief. Ficks really had changed since she last saw him.
“Alright if ya insist sugarcube.” Applejack said.
“So where to next?” He asked.
Applejack looked at the next letter, which was the one that sparkled and had the encrusted jewels on it. “Hoh boy, this one oughta’ be a doozy…” She said as she read the address. “Hope you remembered some’a yer manners from Manehattan, ‘cause Rarity is one tough unicorn to impress.”
“Wait a sec… we’re goin’ to see Miss Rarity now?” Ficks asked. Great another unicorn... he thought in dismay.
“Well yeah, who’d ya think we were goin’ to see? Princess Celestia herself?” She asked with a chuckle.
“It’s not that... it’s just… I hardly think I’m lookin’ anywhere decent enough to be steppin’ in a shop’a that kinda of quality lookin’ like this…” Ficks said as he inspected himself.
He just now noticed that the day’s work had finally effected his overall appearance. Besides the incident at the library that had left him scraped and bruised, he was covered in sweat and dirt, his hat was dusty, and his mane and tail were ruffled even more than usual. To put it simply, he was a mess.
Applejack just laughed at him. “Oh come on Sugarcube, you know I was just jokin’ with ya and besides, ya’ never cared too much how ya’ looked ‘round anypony else, or even me, for that matter.” Applejack stated.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right…” Ficks said, trying to feel a little more reassured, but he was still nervous.
They approached the building where Rarity lived. Ficks looked at it in awe. The building certainly looked like the most intricate out of all the other structures in Ponyville. It looked as though somepony had taken a piece of Canterlot, stuck it there, and had forgotten to come back for it.
“Don’t think I’ve ever seen somethin’ quite like that in Ponyville before. Certainly looks new compared to all the other houses here.” He said, still admiring the outside structure.
“Well from what Rarity’s told me, it’s pretty much been around as long as the other places here. She’s just spruced it up a bit for her lil’ fashion business.” Applejack said.
The two approached the door, but Ficks stopped right where he was, and spoke. “Listen, I think you should knock this time.” Ficks said, somewhat nervously.
“Are you still worried about how you look right now? Alright, fine. I’ll knock for ya’...” Applejack said, rolling her eyes and knocking on the door. “Rarity! Hey, ya’ home?” She shouted at the door.
She opened the door and walked in. Ficks peered over her shoulder, while remaining by the door. The interior decoration, to him, was just as pretty as the outside. Purple, gold, and ivory, was strewn about all over the place. Applejack looked around the store for Rarity, to find her at the furthest corner working almost obsessively over yet another dress. Rarity stopped what she was doing to greet her friend.
“Ah Applejack my dear so good to see you, have you finally come to take up my offer to get something done about that mane of yours?” Rarity asked in a cheerful manner.
“Nah, I’m just stoppin’ by with a friend.” Applejack replied.
“Oh well if that’s the case, then I’m afraid you’ve caught me at a rather unfavorable time. I have to get this dress done by tonight and I’m still waiting for that repair pony to get here to fix my sewing machine.” Rarity said in an exhausted tone.
“Uh Rarity...” Applejack said.
“Of all the times that confounded machine had to break it had to be now, right when I have over ten different orders coming in...” Rarity said. Applejack rolled her eyes in frustration.
“Settle down Rarity, the rep-” Applejack began.
“I can’t just settle down Applejack. I have dozens of dresses to make, my machine is broken which means I have make them all by hoof, and that confounded repair pony is still not here!” Rarity complained as she threw her hooves up.
“Rarity! I said the repair pony is here!” Applejack shouted in frustration. Rarity looked up at her friend and smiled lightly.
“Well why didn’t you say so dear?” Rarity asked politely. Applejack rolled her eyes and walked away to let Ficks handle matters from there. He stepped inside the shop and walked towards the white unicorn with haste. Rarity dropped what she was doing, galloped towards him, and spoke.
“Thank goodness you’re finally here; my sewing machine has stopped working and I ne- Goodness where are my manners. I am Rarity and welcome to my boutique sir.” She said calmly.
“I’m Ficks, pleasure to mee-” He began.
“Yes yes that’s nice, now if you’ll please. I believe you are here to fix my problem?” Rarity asked impatiently.
“Well yes but weren’t you gonna tell me ab-” Ficks started before he was abruptly interrupted again.
“Now now, there’ll be plenty of time for chit chat later. Musn’t waste anymore time. That machine isn’t going to fix itself you know.” Rarity said
“Uh okay. I guess that’s the sewing machine over there?” Ficks said, gesturing at the object on the table she had left the dress on.
“Yes, that’s the one. It simply stopped working, and I can’t get it working again! Nopony has any of them in stock, and I simply must get this dress done by tonight!” Rarity said.
“I understand, I’ll see what I can do then.” Ficks said as he approached the work table.
Before him, laid a defunct sewing machine. He pulled out a screwdriver from his saddlebags, removed the top, and began his work. He peered inside looking at all the rods and drives that formed the inside structure of the machine.
“Well?... What’s wrong with it?” Rarity asked peering over Fick’s shoulder.
“Hmmmm, I don’t think I can see anything that’s wr- ” Ficks started as he moved a wire aside. He saw something glimmering near the bottom of the machine where the threads were fed into the rods. “Wait, there’s somethin’ jammed in between two of the feed gears.” He said. He pulled out his pliers and placed them inside the machine. He moved them around until he felt that he’d grabbed onto something and gave a small tug. Immediately he pried a small gemstone from the gears and placed it onto the table. Rarity stood in disbelief as she stared at the crystal jewel. “Now I haven’t done a lot of sewing in my days but I’m pretty sure that ain’t supposed to be in there.” Ficks said.
“Oooooooh... I knew I never should have let Sweetiebelle borrow my machine for that talent show of hers.” Rarity said as she stomped her front hoof on the floor in frustration.
“Well I’m sure she didn’t mean to cause ya any harm. It was probably just an accident.” Ficks said.
“She could have broken it! This would have been terrible for business! Do you even know how long it would have taken to get a quality machine like this replaced?” She asked.
Ficks just scratched his head and shrugged at Rarity. She continued to stare intently at him. She was being completely serious. “Uh, I guess it would probably take a few weeks or so to get a new one. With a business like yours I assume it would be difficult for ya to get anything done around here until it arrived” Ficks said.
“Exactly. Well it’s good to see that you at least have some common sense on this delicate matter... Still, I suppose thanks are in order for doing this little favor for me and of course you will be paid handsomely for a job well done.” Rarity said. She pulled out a small purse and opened it up. “Alright then, how much will it be?”
“Well it was a pretty easy fix, so I guess it’ll just be five bits for it all.” Ficks said cheerfully.
“Very well then. Five bits it is.” Rarity said. She pulled out five coins and began to hoof them to Ficks. Suddenly she stopped and made a slightly distorted face, and took a couple of steps back. “On second thought, here let me take care of that” She said, using her magic to open a pocket in Ficks’ saddlebag and let the coins fall gently into the pouch while keeping her distance.
“Uh… thanks..?” Ficks said in a confused manner.
“It’s nothing personal dear, it’s just that cleanliness is well… good for business and I’m afraid I can’t risk soiling my hooves right now. After all I still have dresses to make.” Rarity said. She tried to sound as polite as she could about the whole thing, but Ficks couldn’t help but feel a bit taken aback by her comment.
“Right, well I guess I’ll be goin’ now. I hope you have yourself a fine day Miss Rarity” Ficks said as he began walking to the door. He tried to hide his expression of discomfort.
“Yes yes, thank you... Now if you’ll excuse me I have to finish my work. So many dresses to make and so little time…” Rarity finally said as she wandered off to the far side of the boutique to fetch a couple more pieces of fabric. Ficks walked out of the store and walked over to where Applejack was waiting for him.
“Sorry I didn’t stay in there with ya’, I thought I’d let’cha do yer job without me causin’ a ruckus with Rarity. Sometimes we get into the darnedest arguments and it makes quite the scene so I thought I’d just let you two get acquainted. So what’dya think of her?” Applejack asked enthusiastically.
Ficks stood there for a moment then gave her a light smile. “She seems like a very nice mare.” He lied. Once Applejack had turned around, the smile disappeared from his face. Ficks didn’t feel like telling her about what Rarity had said to him, even though it didn’t sit well with him at all...
“So looks like we just have one last stop and then yer all done for the day.” Applejack said
“Well actually ‘Jack, we have two stops to make before I’m done.” Ficks replied. She gave him a puzzled look.
“If you don’t mind I’d like to stop by the shop to…well…clean up a bit before I run that final errand.” He said with some reluctance.
“Oh now don’t tell me that Rarity actually made a fuss about you bein’ all dirty n’ stuff Ficks? Don’t worry about it sugarcube, she’s always been stubborn as a mule ‘bout that kind’a thing. It ain’t got nothin’ to do with ya’.” Applejack said. Ficks smiled, reassured just a little bit by her comment. She suddenly smelled a pungent odor that seemed to be coming from Ficks.
“Though I will admit, ya do kinda’ stink Ficks” She said chuckling.
“Yeah yeah, very funny. Anyway come on, let’s get to the shop so I can take care of that and then we can go and help out that last friend of yours.” Ficks said.
They approached the shop a few moments later. Applejack looked up at the sign hanging above the door. She smiled as she admired the shop’s exterior. “Looks like yer uncle has been keepin’ the shop in good condition.” She said as Ficks walked towards the door.
“Yeah, this shop is his pride and joy. Anyway I’ll just be a sec. Would you like to come in for awhile?” Ficks asked.
“Nah it’s alright sugarcube. I’ll wait our here. You just go ahead n’ clean yerself up. Don’t worry I ain’t goin’ nowhere.” Applejack said.
Ficks smiled and nodded. He walked into the shop and took his hat and vest off. With haste, he trotted up the stairs towards the bathroom. Ficks then proceeded to wash himself. What a mess... he thought. In a short time, he was as clean as he was this morning when he awoke. He left the bathroom, and as he came walking back into the main room of the shop, he saw Nut standing by his stuff, eagerly waiting for him.
“Wow, you’re back already?” Nut asked with excitement.
“Hey lil’ guy. Well no, not exactly. I just stopped by to clean myself up, I still have one more job to do before I’m all done for the day.” Ficks answered.
Nut’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Can I go with? Please, please big bro?” He asked in desperation.
“And what about the shop and Uncle ‘Plank? He ain’t gonna be too happy when he finds out his only assistant has run off.” Ficks said.
“You kiddin’? This place was soooo boring. While I could have been helpin’ you out, I ended up cleaning all the shelves and reorganizing the entire tool cabinet. Almost nopony came in today. Besides he’s down in the basement fixin’ Celestia knows what. You gotta let me go with. Please.” Nut said. Ficks looked at him and sighed.
“Alright fine. But you gotta promise to be on yer best behavior” Ficks said, as he put on his vest, toolbag, and donned his hat once more. Nut followed him hastily out of the door. Ficks looked to his left to find Applejack, sitting against the store’s front, hat tipped down for shade.
“I didn’t take that long, did I?” Ficks asked sarcastically.
Applejack tipped her hat up and spoke. “Nah. Just bright out today.” She said.
“Not for too much longer, I don’t think. Sun’s settin’. We ought’a get movin.” Ficks said, offering a hoof to help Applejack up.
“Repayin’ the favor, Ficks? My leg ain’t hurt y’know.” Applejack said as she got up on her own.
“No, just trying to be helpful. C’mon, let’s head out.” Ficks said, as he gestured the two to follow. He walked next to Applejack while Nut followed close behind. “So, this fourth friend’a yours... What’s her name?” Ficks asked.
“Name’s Fluttershy. Real good with animals and other small critters.” She said. Ficks looked back at his little brother and received Nut’s mischievous grin once more.
“What about nosey lil’ siblings?” Ficks asked in a joking manner.
“Funny you’d mention that. She once had to watch Applebloom and her friends... Turned out alright, but looking at the note, she needs her table repaired and I can’t help but figure it’s the same table that those rascals broke.” Applejack said, rolling her eyes at the thought.
After a few turns and straight-aways, the amount of buildings faded. Not too far in the distance, a small cottage could be seen just on the edge of the Everfree forest.
As they approached the house, Ficks couldn’t help but be taken aback by how many creatures freely wandered around the yard. He looked back to see what Nut was doing, and could see his little brother watching the the different animals run amok with a certain look of enthusiasm on his face.
“Come on little guy.” Ficks said with a chuckle, as he gestured to his little brother to catch up with them. Before they got to the door, Applejack put a hoof in front of Ficks.
“If her name wasn’t enough of a sign, she’s rather shy towards new folk. Let me take care of this one, alright?” Applejack said, in an almost concerned manner. This mare really must be shy for Applejack to give such an important warning. Ficks nodded in agreement. Applejack walked up to the door and knocked lightly. A few seconds passed and then from behind the door a faint voice could be heard. “Umm... nopony’s here right now.”
“Fluttershy. It’s me, just open the door would’ja?” Applejack said in an impatient tone. There wasn’t a response. The door however finally opened with hesitation. Ficks watched as a light yellow mare stepped out from behind the wooden door. Her long pink mane fell loosely along her head. Her bangs covered one of her eye to the point it looked like she was hiding behind her hair. From behind her hair, Fluttershy peeked outside to see an un-familiar Blue stallion and colt. She drew back into her house and attempted to close the door, to which Applejack responded by putting herself in the door half-way. Applejack knew full well Fluttershy wouldn’t be able to close the door on one of her best friends.
“The repairman’s here to work on the table Fluttershy. No need to be afraid, he’s one of my friends.” Applejack said, attempting to comfort her friend.
Fluttershy was still doubtful, but responded, “Sorry... it’s just that it got so late that I began to think he wasn’t coming so I just decided to lock the door and go to bed.” She said apologetically.
Ficks approached her slowly. “There’s no need to apologize ma’am. I’m the one who should be sorry. I sort of ran into some... delays. So that’s why it took so long to get here.” Ficks said attempting to make amends for his tardiness. Fluttershy began to back up into the house again. The look on her face said she was still nervous about him. Ficks stopped advancing and took another moment to speak. “Sorry, where are my manners? My name is Ficksitup. I received your note about a table that needed to be fixed. So here I am.” He said with a smile.
Some of the anxiety in her face let up but she was still hesitant. “Oh yeah, that’s right. I sent a note. I was well... I was hoping that maybe the note would have just gotten lost. After I sent it I didn’t want to get the table fixed anymore... but you’re here so I guess that’s okay too...” Fluttershy said with her head looking at the floor. Ficks scratched his head in confusion. This pegasus was certainly a peculiar one.
“Now that don’t seem to be much of a convenience. I mean what’s the use in keepin’ a broken table around in such a fine little house as yours?” Ficks asked. He was making what little attempt he could to get a proper answer out of her.
“Well... I was going to throw it out, but I’ve had it for so long that I... just couldn’t possibly get rid of it.” She replied back to him. Ficks shook his head in defeat. There was no use in trying any longer.
“Alright, I understand. Just go ahead and show me the table and I’ll see if I can work my magic.” Ficks said.
She looked up at him and stood there silently. An immense awkward feeling filled the entire room. “...Oh do you mean right now?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well... I suppose I can always come back tomorrow.” Ficks said in a heavy sarcastic voice. Fluttershy lowered her head again, this time so low that her hair drooped around the floor.
“I understand... I’m sorry to have wasted your time...” She said in a somewhat regretful tone.
Ficks slapped a hoof over his face. “No no, I wasn’t being serious. Of course I’d like you to show me the table now, please.” He said. Of all the costumers he had to deal with, this one took the cake.
Fluttershy just nodded and gestured Ficks to follow her into the next room. Ficks looked inside of the house for a table, but did not find one. Instead, he found a mangled mess of wood and nails, all twisted together in ways that didn’t even seem possible. The shape that the wood formed reminded him of some abstract modern art statue that appeared in those fancy museums.
“Umm... is this it?” Ficks asked. He was hoping it was some sort of prank that was being pulled on him, but Fluttershy just looked at him and nodded in all seriousness. Ficks sighed and looked back at the table, or at least what was left of it. “I don’t mean to prod or nothin’ but... how exactly did this happen? You didn’t do this, did you?” He asked her.
“Oh no no no, I didn’t do this. I mean I wouldn’t really know what to do with a table. I mean well this table didn’t really serve any purpose. I just sort of let it sit here. Or well... you know...” She said. Ficks could tell she was getting nervous again but he didn’t want to provoke her anymore.
“Pretty much when my lil’ sister and her friends were stayin’ over for the night, their rambunctious behavior ended up getting the table broken. Then to make things worse they went n’ tried to fix it themselves with some hammers and nails.” Applejack chimed in to save her friend.
“Uh... I don’t really know how to put this Fluttershy, but honestly... there are some things that even I can’t fix. I’m afraid this table’s no good anymore.” Ficks said with a pang of guilt. He really did feel bad that he couldn’t do anything to restore the table to it’s former beauty. In a way, it almost hurt his pride as well. He could fix almost anything, yet... for the first time, he couldn’t live up to his reputation. This time Ficks hung his head in shame.
“Oooh, I knew I should have just gotten rid of it. I’m really sorry. Now I really have wasted your time here.” Fluttershy said. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.
“Please Miss Fluttershy it’s not your fault. I just can’t do anything to fix it, that’s all.” Ficks said trying to stop the pegasus from making a scene in her own house.
“I don’t see what the fuss is all about. Why dont’cha just make a new table, big bro?” Nut said from out of the blue. He had wandered in from the other room when he’d overheard the situation.
Ficks’ ears pricked up when he heard Nut’s suggestion. “Hey! That’s it. Nut yer a genius! Gosh why didn’t I think of that?” Ficks said as he grabbed his little brother, and gave him a one-armed hug and ruffled his mane. “You sure are a smart lil’ colt. Now I know why I let ya tag along”
“No problem big bro.” Nut replied with a smile on his face.
Applejack laughed at the two siblings. “Gosh you two sure are cute when you’re acting like that.” she said. Nut smiled generously at her while Ficks began blushing a little.
“Uh, well, thanks... I guess...” Ficks said, struggling to reply coherently, to which Applejack giggled at. “So anyway, Nut where in the heck have you been all this time anyway? Once we’d come in, you went and wandered off and I didn’t see ya until now.”
Nut just smiled innocently and replied, “Well I was lookin’ around the house just lookin’ at all the stuff here when...” Suddenly out of nowhere a small rodent like creature popped out of Nut’s mane. “... I found this little guy.” He said as he looked up at the animal now eyeballing everypony in the room.
Ficks jumped back a few feet. “What is that?” he asked in panic. The creature looked up at Ficks with beady little eyes. It had a small, slender body and small little paws that it used to cling to Nut’s mane. It’s tail wagged around in all directions as if it had a mind of its own. At one point, its mouth seemed to quiver into what looked like a little smile.
“Oh my...” Fluttershy said. “That’s a baby ferret. Isn’t he just the cutest?” Suddenly out of nowhere, a carrot struck her in the back of the head. Everypony turned around so see a small white rabbit hopping away with an angered expression.
“What the heck was that all about?” Ficks asked. Fluttershy was a little shocked but she just shrugged it off and rubbed the back of her head.
“Oh sorry, that’s Angel. He’s my little pet bunny. He doesn’t seem to get along with much of the other animals here... especially ferrets.” She replied, “Bunnies and ferrets don’t always get along too well. I could never get rid of Angel. So I’m not sure I can look after this little one anymore...” She gestured at the ferret that was still dancing on top of Nut’s head.
Nuttanbolt’s expression turned into one of hopefulness. Ficks knew that look; a full on cheesy grin with barely contained excitement.
“Nut, I don’t know if we can take care of a pet right now...” Ficks said.
“Aaw! Come on! I’ve never had a pet before!” Nut said, pleading to Ficks. He was making a sad eyed face that would have even given Applebloom a run for her money.
“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of, Nut.” Ficks said.
“Sugarcube, last I recall you’ve never had a pet either, right?” Applejack asked.
“No, the city was never a place for a pet.” Ficks said.
“Well, we don’t live in the city anymore, Ficks!” Nut said with the continued use of his grin and desperate eyes.
“Ficks if I might make a point on the whole issue here. Nut’s pretty new to the town, which means he ain’t got too many friends right now. With a little critter like this, it’d make a perfect companion for a lonely colt like him.” Applejack implied.
“Yeah? Well I never had anypony to be my friend either and I turned out just fi-” Ficks began but stopped himself after he realized what he’d just said. He looked at Applejack who’s face now had a look of utter shock. “I’m... I’m sorry ‘Jack. That ain’t what I meant by that.” Ficks said. Stupid...Stupid! He thought to himself.
“It’s alright sugarcube, I understand what you were implying.” Applejack said with her eyes looking at the floor. The tone in her voice suggested that she was still a little hurt by his comment.
“It’s up to Fluttershy anyway.” Ficks said.
“I don’t mind. It seems like he’s very fond of him anyway.” Fluttershy said. She wasn’t kidding. The ferret seemed to be rooted to his head like his paws were actually glued to Nut’s hair. Ficks soon realized that all eyes were fixed upon him with anticipation, waiting for an answer. The ferret even stopped climbing all over Nut as if he was listening too. Guess I have no choice. He thought.
“But, y’know, Nut... We’d still have to ask ‘Plank either way.” Ficks said
“Well then let’s take him home and ask him.” Nut suggested impatiently.
Ficks sighed in dismay. “Ugh alright ya lil’ pain in the flank. We’ll take him home.” Ficks said. Nuttanbolt’s face lit up with delight. Even the ferret seemed to act excited because it had started running around Nut’s head even more energetically than before. “But remember... if Hammerplank says no, then he’s gotta go.” He added. Nut nodded in understanding and trotted off to play with his new companion.
“Well I guess that wraps things up then.” Applejack said.
“Oh, right. Anyway miss Fluttershy. I hope you don’t mind, but if you’d like I can build you a brand new table and bring it here when it’s finished.” Ficks said as he turned back to Fluttershy who was now sitting in a corner. She had spaced out awhile ago so she looked at him as if she had just awoken from a nap.
“Oh... well, I guess that’s fine if you know... that’s what you want to do. I mean I don’t mind. Though, I don’t know if I still want another table right now...” Fluttershy said in her usual shy tone.
“Please, let me do it for ya. It’ll be nice to help out another friend of Applejack. So don’t even worry about it. I’ll have that table made in a jiffy.” Ficks said reassuringly.
Fluttershy nodded at him and went back to hiding her face behind her hair. Applejack decided to take things from there. “Well, then Fluttershy we gotta head out now. It’s been good uh... chattin’ with ya. I’ll see ya tomorrow or something.” Applejack said as she began heading towards the front door.
“Okay...” Fluttershy said. Ficks was confused. Now she sounded sad, like she was upset that her company was departing when awhile ago she was reluctant to let anypony in to begin with. Ficks just shook his head and gave her a simple wave goodbye. He followed Applejack to the door with Nuttanbolt and the ferret in tow.
“You have yourself a good night Miss Fluttershy.” Ficks said as he shut the door after the others had walked out.
Ficks walked out behind the others, departing from the small cottage in the outskirts of town. Nut was completely occupied with the ferret he picked up, which was still tossing and turning in his already scruffy mane. Applejack was ahead of the group, however. Ficks trotted up to her, and spoke.
“Hey, thanks for comin’ along. This woulda’ been twice as awkward without’cha here.” He said.
“No problem.” Applejack said, with a strange lack of emotion.
Ficks looked away from Applejack for a moment, and avoided eye contact for a second. “I’m sorry about that comment, Jack... About the lack of friends thing...” Ficks said.
“It’s fine. We all make mistakes.” Applejack said somewhat coldly.
“Do you want me to walk ya’ back home?” Ficks asked in a somewhat apologetic manner.
“I’ve got this, Ficks. I appreciate it, but maybe another time. Besides, you’ve gotta’ get home and get some rest right? After all, I’m sure you’ve got more work to do tomorrow.” She answered.
“You’ll still talk to me right?” Ficks asked.
“Why wouldn’t I? You’re my friend.” Applejack said. Ficks didn’t know why but that didn’t seem to make him feel any better. It only filled him with more guilt.
“Alright I guess I’ll see ya around then.” Ficks said as he waved goodbye. Applejack turned away and began trotting back home. The two brothers began walking back to the shop. Ficks walked with his face drooping in pure exhaustion while Nuttanbolt continued to trot energetically with the ferret bouncing around on his back. How that colt managed to maintain so much energy was a mystery to Ficks.
“So do ya think uncle ‘Plank will let me keep him?” Nut asked.
“Well Nut... I guess we’ll have to wait and see.” Ficks said as they continued towards the shop.
***
“No, no, absolutely not.” Hammerplank said, glaring at the rodent sitting upon Nut’s head.
“Aww come on Uncle, he ain’t got nowhere to go.” Nut said with saddened eyes.
“I let you two come down here to live with me... and now you bring some rodent into my neatly maintained workspace? What did you think my answer would be?” Hammerplank asked angrily.
“Uncle please try to understand, we were just tryin’ to help out one of the custom-” Ficks began but Hammerplank put his hoof up to stop him.
“No, no more of your excuses Ficks. The rodent’s gotta go.” Hammerplank said bluntly.
“It’s a ferret.” Nut corrected his uncle.
“I don’t care what it is! It’s not staying!” Plank replied in a stern manner.
Nuttanbolt couldn’t figure out what to say at the time. He knew when Plank said no, he meant it... Nut started tearing up at Plank’s answer.
“Oh boy,here we go...” Ficks said under his breath.
Nut started with a couple of sobs, and a barely audible whine. Soon enough, he started to cry about the whole thing, sometimes interrupted by neigh incomprehensible words, sounding something similar to, “But...he’s...got...no...where...to...goooooo.” At least, that’s how Ficks interpereted it.
Hammerplank’s brow was furrowed, but at the same time he could see Nut really wanted to keep the ferret for his own.
“Please, Uncle Plank... do it for him. Just look at him. He’s a mess.” Ficks said, pointing to his little brother.
Plank continued to look at the groveling colt, who had collapsed into a physically impossible mess on the floor, like most kids seem to have the odd ability to do. Hammerplank sighed. I’m gonna regret this. He thought.
“Alright... fine. The rat can stay.” He said.
Still sobbing, Nut was oblivious to what his uncle had said. Ficks nudged him with his hoof, getting only a glimpse from Nut.
“He said you can keep him, Nut.” Ficks said.
Nut quieted down a bit, and perked up ever slightly. He looked at his uncle and asked, “You mean it?”
“Yeah I mean it. But he’s your responsibility. So you take care of him and you feed him.” Plank reiterated. “And if I catch him in my shop where he don’t belong... he’s gone.” He added.
Nut nodded in understanding. He got up slowly, almost weakly, and started to walk upstairs with the ferret still in his mane. “Thanks, Uncle...” He said, walking upstairs. In a few seconds, the shutting of a door was heard, and Hammerplank looked at Ficks in an accusatory fashion.
“What’d I do?” Ficks asked.
“Nothin’ yet... Just don’t make me regret this Ficks. I assume today’s business went off without a hitch?” Plank asked.
“Uh, not quite. Only two jobs didn’t get done. One was a broken balcony, which I just wasn’t prepared for, and another was a destroyed table, which the client sort of... canceled.”
Hammerplank let out a sigh, and spoke. “Alright. Can’t help it if somepony cancels, but you better get that balcony fixed. I’m not gonna let costumer satisfaction fall just ‘cuz you failed to remember your tools or something. Anyway, I’m headin’ to bed; I’m tired as heck.” Plank said as he walked to the staircase.
“Alright then goodnight uncle and hey...” Ficks started. Hammerplank turned back to face Ficksitup. “Thanks for lettin’ Nut keep the ferret.”
“Yeah yeah, well you can thank me by takin’ out that trash before you head to bed.” Hammerplank said pointing to a black plastic bag next to the work bench.
“Alright I’ll get it done” Ficks said as he grabbed the bag and headed out the door. Night had finally fallen in Ponyville. The sky was clear and full of stars and crickets were herping in the distance. He walked around to the back of the shop where a large garbage bin stood among piles of discarded wood and junk metal. He tossed the bag in and sighed heavily. He couldn’t believe that the day was finally done. So much had happened today, some things he rather would have forgotten about. At least Nut had gotten a new pet out of it all. Either way, Ficks was just glad it was all over and he could get some sleep.
As he turned the corner to go back towards the front door, Ficks ran into somepony who had been standing in front of the shop. He stumbled backwards but quickly recovered to see who he had run into. On the ground sat a bewildered grey pegasus with a blond mane. Ficks rushed over and helped her up.
“I’m really sorry for bumpin’ into ya like that ma’am. Are you alright?” Ficks asked her. It was then that he got a good look at her face and more importantly... her eyes. They were looking in opposite directions. One was looking left and the other was looking right. Frankly, the look on her face could not be described by any word he knew. All he knew, was that it confused the heck out of him.
The pegasus looked up and smiled at him. “Muffins!” She shouted with glee. Ficks stood there dumbfounded. Did she hit her head or something? Ficks thought.
“Um I’m sorry I didn’t understand you, but are you alright?” Ficks asked the question again. She continued to smile blankly at him.
“I found the muffin pony. I’m a good knocker.” She said, flapping her wings wildly about.
Ficks confused expression only got worse. “Uh... well can you tell me your name? You’ve got a name right?” He asked in desperation. Something told him this pegasus wasn’t playing with a full deck and honestly, he wasn’t really in the mood for meeting anypony new tonight. Then he noticed the saddlebag she was carrying. On one of the pouches there was some letters stitched onto the front pocket. The letters read Derpy. “Oh so is that your name? Is your name Derpy?” He asked her.
She began jumping up and down with joy. “Congratulations! You win the grand prize.” Derpy said with excitement. Ficks just looked at her in disbelief.
“Okay then... well glad to see yer okay, but I gotta get goin’ now, so you have yourself a nice night Miss Derpy.” Ficks said as he began walking towards the shop’s door. Derpy stopped smiling and ran after Ficks. She stood in front of the door to prevent him from walking in.
“Ma’am, I really need to get back inside.” Ficks said at the pegasus blocking his path.
“Wait, I forgot.... I forgot to tell the muffin pony something!” Derpy cried hysterically. She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a white envelope.
“What is that?” Ficks asked, looking at the envelope. Wait then that must mean she’s the mail mare. Ficks thought. But what the heck is she doing out at a time like this? And why is she giving me a letter right now?It should have come in with the rest of the mail this morning.
“Equestria has been brought to you by the letter A and the number 7!” Derpy cheered as she hoofed over the letter to Ficks. He looked at the letter and then back at her.
“I don’t understand Derpy...” Ficks said. Derpy shook her head furiously.
“Look look! A is the letter of the day!” She said as she pointed at the return address on the envelope. Ficks looked at what she was pointing at. When he read the name and address, all expression disappeared from his face.
“I understand... thank you Derpy, but now I really need to go.” Ficks said. The Pegasus smiled and flew off into the moonlight. Ficks opened the door to the shop and headed straight upstairs to his room in the attic. He turned on the light on his desk and slumped onto his bed and began looking over the envelope again and again. The Manehattan stamp on the right corner, the unmistakable marked address of Hammerplank’s shop and Ficks’ own name, and of course the return address on the left...
Addemup
07 Trot St.
Manehatten, EQ, 67992
Ficks sat there for several minutes, silently glaring at the envelope. He pondered over whether or not he would open it. Finally he let out a grunt of frustration and crumpled up the envelope. I don’t care what he has to say anymore. He wasn’t there for me then and he’s NOT gonna be there for me now. Ficks thought as he discarded it into a bin by the desk. He laid on his back and stared at the ceiling.
The day had left him fatigued and depressed. He’d finally been introduced to most of Applejack’s friends that he had been so eager to meet... yet nothing seemed to have worked out the way he imagined it would. Ficks ran through the days events in his head.
Pinkie Pie, seemed like a decent mare, but she was one of the most energetic ponies he’d ever met, and he had no idea how Applejack could keep up with her. Twilight Sparkle, clearly, was an intelligent mare that was gifted enough with magic to be Princess Celestia’s protege, but in no way did that justify the way she acted towards his, “Lack of preperation”. Rarity was a harsh reminder of Manehattan, and while she was clearly dedicated to the craft of her dresses, she seemed to be a bit too... finicky about small things. Fluttershy was clearly a kind-hearted mare, but he was more concerned with the fact that she was so stubborn over the idea of meeting anypony new. Maybe he caught them at a bad time, and maybe they weren’t so bad, but Ficks’ impressions of them were not the best at the moment. Not only that, but he had also failed two of his jobs today, and Applejack...
Ficks still couldn’t get over what he had said to her, a dear old friend of his that he came all the way from Manehattan to see again, and he said something as stupid as, “I did fine growing up without any friends” How in the hay could I say such a thing to Jack? Ficks thought to himself. Stupid, Stupid Stupid... He lay there hopelessly, looking up at the ceiling. He thought he would be able to fit into Ponyville just fine with Applejack around and doing what he loved to do. Instead he felt like an outcast, more than ever before. He had nopony right now.
Ficks got up from his bed and walked over to one of the boxes he had left open from unpacking the night before. He reached inside, pushing away a few items and trinkets, and pulled out a small wooden frame. He sat back down on the bed and stared at the photograph behind the small pane of glass.
A much younger Ficks stood in a grassy field in front of a small, colorful oak tree, smiling childishly at the camera. Next to Ficks was a slender and tall white mare. Her blond mane hung loosely around her gentle face. She smiled warmly at the camera with her deep amber eyes and held her arm around Ficks. On the bottom of the frame, etched in the wood were the words, The Greatest Flower I’ve Ever Cherished.
A single tear ran down Ficks’ cheek and fell gently onto the frame. Oh mom...What am I going to do?
To contact the writers of this story...
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 3 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-16T05:43:33+00:00
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2011-09-16T05:43:33+00:00
| 7,287 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 3: School Days are Nuts
Nuttanbolt awoke in his room with excitement. Today was finally the day he’d been waiting for ever since he had gotten to Ponyville. It was his first day of school. Looking back on his early days in Manehattan, he’d never been to school before. His big brother, Ficksitup, had pretty much taught him everything he knew so this was going to be a completely new experience for him. He leapt out of bed and ran out of the room. He trotted down to the hall towards the stairs that led to the attic. Nut didn’t bother knocking since he knew his brother wouldn’t hear it anyway. He pushed the door open with his head and ran over to Ficks’ bedside. He crawled onto his bed and began jumping up and down in attempt to awaken his slumbering brother.
“Ficks wake up. Wake up! It’s time for school. I get to go to school!”
“...I don’t wanna go to school...Five more minutes.” Ficks mumbled from under the covers.
“Not you ya big lug nut, me!”
Ficks slowly opened his eyes to see his brother staring at him with wide, blissful eyes. He rolled over in his bed and looked at the clock on his nightstand next to him. When he saw the time, he growled very loudly. “Are you foalin’ me? Nut, it’s 4 in the mornin’! Why in all of Equestria are you wakin’ me up this early? You don’t have to be at school until 8 am!” he cried out hysterically. Nut stopped jumping and looked at Ficks in a confused manner.
“You mean to say school doesn’t start ‘til later?”
“Yeah! That’s exactly what I’m sayin’! There’s no reason to be wakin’ up this early. Heck, I coulda gotten at least two more hours a’ sleep.” Ficks grumbled again and rolled back over.
“Well how was I supposed to know that? I’ve never been to school before.”
It was no use. Ficks was already back asleep. Nut’s expression dimmed, as he trotted back downstairs to his room. He hopped back into bed, though restless as he was, and tried to go back to sleep.
A few hours later Nut was jolted awake by his brother frantically shaking him from his bed.
“Get up Nut!” Ficks shouted at him.
Nut rubbed his eyes as he stared at Ficks, “Whaaaa, what is it?” he asked, yawning.
“Nut we both slept in, we gotta hurry, you’re gonna be late for school!”
Startled and disgruntled, Nut struggled to leave his bed in panic. His legs were caught in his bed sheets so he clumsily rolled out of bed and hit the floor with a loud thump. He looked up to see Ficks snickering at him with a mischievous grin on his face. He got up and looked at his clock. It was 7am.
“You said school started at eight!” Nut proclaimed angrily.
“Yeah I know. I just thought I’d getcha back for wakin’ me up so darn early this mornin’.” Nut gave an unimpressed look and trotted past his brother out of the room. The two then trotted downstairs into the kitchen and took a seat at the table.
“What’s for breakfast?” Nut asked impatiently.
Ficks opened the fridge in an attempt to find something to make. He sighed glumly. “Greenwhiches...again. I’m too lazy to make anything practical right now and besides, cookin’ ain’t exactly my strong point. I’ll probably burn the shop down before you get eggs and hashbrowns.” Nut smiled at the thought of it. He imagined everypony in town fleeing in terror as the entire village erupted in flames. All he could see was Ficks standing in the midst of it holding only a frying pan and having a dumbfounded expression on his face.
“Yeah you’re terrible at it. Remember that one time when you tried to make the cake for my eighth birthday? You almost set the whole apartment on fire. Boy was Dad really mad a-” Nut stopped short and looked at his brother who had stopped what he was doing. Ficks looked over at Nuttanbolt who was biting his lip nervously.
“It’s alright Nut. We don’t need to worry ‘bout him. Anyway, I guess we’ll stick with simple meals fer now alright?” Nuttanbolt nodded his head to comply.
After breakfast, they both headed upstairs and finished getting ready for the day. Nut got his saddlebag together placing a couple of pencils and pieces of paper in one of the pockets. He placed a few books in the other. As he finished packing everything he looked over at the bed and saw his small ferret sleeping on the corner of the bed. Its nose quivered for a moment. It let out a large yawn before continuing to sleep peacefully, undisturbed. It seemed completely unfazed by all the events that had occurred this morning. Nut smiled at the creature. Taking care of this lil’ guy is gonna be easier than I thought. He filled up a bowl with water and another one with some food that Fluttershy had given to him the night before. It was only a little to last through most of the week. She did tell him though that he could stop by anytime to get more food when he had run out. He set them down at the edge of the bed. With that settled, he quickly headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Afterwards he rushed down the stairs to the front of the shop where Ficks was waiting for him.
“Ya ready to go ‘lil guy?” Ficks asked.
“Am I ever!”, Ficks looked at Nuttanbolt’s side and gave him a puzzled look.
“Uh Nut... what about your books and stuff?”
“Oh, right!” Nut said as he dashed back upstairs to get his bookbag. I can’t believe I almost forgot these! He threw them over his head and onto his back. After a gallop back downstairs and to Ficks’ side, the two left their home and trotted towards the school.
“Well yer certainly bright eyed and bushy tailed this mornin’. Yer not excited or anything right? I couldn’t possibly tell from this mornin’. His witty sarcasm fell on deaf ears.
“Am I ever. I can’t believe I’m finally gonna get to go to school!”
“Now you know this ain’t gonna’ be all fun and games, right Nut?”
Nut rolled his eyes and replied, “Oh, come on how bad can it be?”
“You’d be surprised...” Ficks said, with a dismayed expression on his face.
When they arrived at Ponyville Elementary, Nut was a little surprised at what he saw. Despite being almost ten years old, he had never seen so many fillies and colts in one area before. They were trotting around the playground together expressing joy and laughter. Unfortunately, Nut didn’t know a single one of them as far as he could see.
“Hello there, can I help you two?” A violet mare came trotting from out of the schoolhouse towards the two brothers. Ficks stepped forward and casually introduced himself.
“Hello ma’am, my name is Ficksitup. My lil’ brother here’s just been enrolled recently. We were hopin’ to find the teacher here. Do you know where she is?” The mare chuckled then gave him a big grin.
“Well look no further Mr. Ficksitup. I’m the teacher here. My name is Miss Cheerilee.” She extedended her hoof and Ficks generously shook it.
“That’s great, saves us the trouble of tryin’ to get this little guy all situated with.” Ficks gestured for his little brother to step forth. Nut confidently strode up next to his brother.
“Hiya. I’m Nuttanbolt. But you can just call me Nut.” he said with a similar semblance of pride that Ficks was all too familiar with. Cheerilee chuckled again and stooped down to his eye level.
“Well it is very nice to meet you Nuttanbolt. I’m Miss Cheerilee and I’ll be your teacher. I’m fairly certain you’ll be an interesting and exciting addition to my class.” Little did she know that she was going to get just that. She gave him another reassuring smile. “Well since we actually already started school a week ago, you might be a little behind with some of our lessons, but fear not I’ll make sure you get caught up with the rest of us.” Ficks let out a few soft grunts to get their attention. He had been fidgeting a bit. As happy as he was that Nut was getting to know his teacher, he still had errands to run.
“Alright, Nut. I gotta’ go take care of some business around town. You sure you’ve got this?”
“Yeah, I’ve got it.”
“Alright, you take care now.”, he put a hoof on his brother’s shoulder and added, “And stay out of trouble.” He tipped his hat and began trotting towards the east side of Ponyville. The bell from the school tower chimed loudly to signal that it was 8 am. The bell was loud and nearly startled Nut since he was standing right underneath the tower itself. As he revived himself from the spook he’d just been given, he thought that he felt something. He turned his head and looked at his bookbag. For a moment he could have sworn he felt something shift inside there. He was tempted to inspect but Cheerilee interrupted his investigation when she put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Class is about to start Nuttanbolt. Why don’t you head inside and find an open seat in the classroom.” A few classmates had already run inside so Nut did the same and stepped into the classroom. As he stepped inside, the confidence that he had been carrying on his shoulders had completely flown out the door.
Everywhere he looked there were rows of desks that were slowly filling up with several fillies and colts. The walls were littered with random posters. Some listed number systems while others displayed vowels and sentence rules. One showed the different planets in the Celestial System. One small one near the back of the room showed a small colt explaining the importance of washing your hooves. To Nut, none of them made sense. The overall feeling was alien to him. Being in a new and unfamiliar place like this. And the noise... This had to be the noisiest place he’d ever been to. Even the busy streets of Manehattan couldn’t compare to the commotion that was being caused by Nut’s fellow classmates. If this is what school is like then I shoulda’ just stayed home.
“Alright class, take your seats please.” Cheerilee spoke as she walked towards the front of the classroom. Everypony took their seats and became silent. Nut looked around in desperation and finally found one of the few remaining empty desks in the back of the room. Since he felt unsure in this new environment, he hoped he could avoid any sort of social interactions and stay hidden in the back of the classroom. Unfortunately, Cheerilee had already spotted him. She had memorized where each of her students sat accordingly so it was very easy to spot the newly occupied desk in the back. “Well as you may or may not know class, we have a new student today.”
Nut peeked over the shoulders of his classmates in front of him to see she was staring intently at him with a smile on her face. He didn’t say anything. He merely continued to sit in his seat nervously. She then gestured for him to come forward.
“Come on up, don’t be shy.” she beckoned to him. Nut got up from his seat and slowly approached the front of the classroom. He could tell that all eyes were on him now which only made him even more nervous. He took his place next to Cheerilee and looked at everypony. “Well, go on. Tell us your name.” She gave him a slight nudge.
Nuttanbolt only stood in awkward silence looking at everypony in the room. There were a few grunts and coughs from the audience. This was a completely unexpected experience for him and the longer he stood there, the worse it felt. He noticed Applebloom for the first time that day, sitting in the front row. She gave him a little wave but he couldn’t even move his legs to respond. He was frozen with anxiety.
Cheerilee leaned in and whispered in Nut’s ear, “Is this your first time in front of a big group?” Nut nodded his head rapidly with wide eyes. “Just relax, and tell us your name, don’t worry.”
With a gulp, he finally spoke. “Uh... my name is... Nuttanbolt...” He said hoarsely. He got a few strange looks from his introduction. It wasn’t so much that his name had caught everypony off guard. It was the way his voice had tweaked and cracked as the words left his mouth. It sounded like some sort of dying animal that needed to be put out of its misery. A few classmates giggled in the back, Cheerilee gave them a stern look which silenced them immediately.
“Why don’t you tell us where you’re from Nuttanbolt.” Cheerilee suggested. Nut looked at her and then back at the class. His increasing discomfort made it difficult for him to think straight. He couldn’t even remember where he was from. Why wasn’t it coming to him? He began racking his brain for an answer. After what felt like minutes of lost thought, he finally remembered the answer he was looking for.
“I’m from uh... Manehatten.”
“Well thank you for the introduction Nuttanbolt, you may take your seat again.” Nut walked as fast as he could back to his desk and sat down with relief. He put his head down on the desk. Some of the others were looking back at him with weird looks on their faces. He tried his best not to make eye contact with them. Applebloom spun around in her desk and flashed him a big grin. He returned in kind with a slight smile. It was good to see a familiar face again, but it didn’t make him feel any better.
“Today class we’re going to learn a little bit about Equestrian world history.” Cheerilee said as she walked over to the easel with various papers on it. A few classmates groaned. “Now now, it’s not that difficult and I’m sure some of you will find it even a little interesting. So if you’ll all please turn to page seventeen in your history books, we can get started.”
Everypony did as they were told and removed their books from their saddlebags. Nuttanbolt reached into his bag to get his book when he felt something soft and...furry. He peeked inside and almost yelped in surprise. Staring back at him was his pet ferret, which was snuggling between his book and pencil bag. He quickly scanned the room to see if anypony else had noticed. When he was sure they hadn’t seen anything, he turned back towards the ferret which was beginning to climb out in an attempt to explore its new surroundings. Nut gently stuffed the ferret back into the bag, staring at it with wide eyes that said, What in the hay are you doing here? The ferret simply looked back at him with innocent curiosity.
He was completely dumbfounded. He could have sworn the ferret was still sleeping on his bed this morning. Unless... suddenly Nut felt a shadow over him. He turned his head to see Cheerilee standing by his desk. Nut almost yelled from being startled by her presence.
“Is there something wrong Nuttanbolt?” Nut quickly shut the pocket on his bag, almost smashing the ferret’s head in the process.
He gave a slight gulp then flat out lied, “Oh uh... no ma’am, it’s just that I uh... I guess I forgot my book today.” Cheerilee gave him a small look of disappointment but then smiled again.
“Well that’s no good. How can you learn with us if you don’t have your book? Well luckily I have a spare that you can use for now. Just make sure to bring your own next time, okay?” She walked over to her desk in the front of the room and opened up a drawer. She pulled out a worn textbook and returned to Nut’s desk. She placed it on his desk and returned to her place by the easel in the front. “Page seventeen please.”
Nut opened the book casually glancing down at his bag. The pocket bulged at one side where the ferret was hiding. I just hope he doesn’t suffocate in there.
Cheerilee opened up her notebook as she began her lecture, “Now then we shall start with the founding of Equestria and the discovery of the outside territories. Many lands outiside of Equestria were discovered in the early fifteen hundreds by the colt-quistadors including the famous Hernán Coltez. When given leave by Princess Celestia, the colt-quistadors had hoped to discover new cultures, resources, and other colonies to trade with, to better benefit early Equestria as a whole...”
She pulled down a world map from the top of the chalkboard while a few ponies had begun jotting down notes, but Nuttanbolt was only half listening to the lesson. He still had to worry about his stowaway. He didn’t risk pulling out a pencil or piece of paper as to avoid providing the ferret another chance to escape. Hopefully he wouldn’t need it. I’ll just listen to everything she says, yeah. I don’t need to take notes anyway. I’m a pretty good listener. He thought. He knew he was going to have to get the ferret out of here, but he was going to have to stick it out until the first break.
Cheerilee’s lesson continued full force, “... and with the southern movements of the explorers soon led to the discovery of Zebrabwe, which is now the known homeland of the Zebras...”
Nut soon found himself slipping in and out of consciousness from sheer boredom. His head bobbed back and forth as he struggled to stay awake. The hours of lecturing seemed to never end as the teacher went on and on. Nuttanbolt’s ability to listen drifted in and out as she continued. Time had all but slowed to a crawl. Eventually, he succumbed to his boredom as his head hit the desk with a soft thump. Moments later he was fast asleep.
Cheerilee shut her notebook, “... and that is how early Equestria was made.” she finally concluded. The bell chimed loudly from the tower which pulled Nuttanbolt out of his slumbering state.
“Huh... whaa... ?” He wiped the drool from his face.
“Alright class, it’s time for recess. Go on out and play. We’ll continue where we left off when you come back.”
Everypony trotted out of the classroom laughing and talking to each other, leaving Nut by himself in his desk. Nut waited until everypony else had left before he finally grabbed his bookbag and trotted out the door towards the playground. He began moving towards the end of the school where there were less students. The less attention he had, the easier this would be. Hopefully he could leave the ferret somewhere outside in a hidden spot for the time being and then he could retrieve him after school. He spotted a tree on the outskirts of the schoolyard. It was big and provided a lot of shade... or in his case, cover. Nut began making his way towards the tree. As long as nopony saw what he was doing he’d be home free.
Out of his left ear, Nut heard what sounded like a small skirmish coming from the other side of the playground. Nut turned around to see what the cause was.
Off in the distance he saw Applebloom with two other fillies which he could only assume were her friends. One was a white unicorn and the other was an orange pegasus. The three of them stood out immensely when they were together. Two other fillies approached the group. One of them was grey, wearing a pearled necklace while the other wore a small tiara on her head. The two of them together gave off a very snobby rich presence to them. Nut knew the type. He’d had plenty of run ins with them in Manehatten. They were nothing but trouble. He could see that Applebloom and her friends had very discontent looks on their faces. Nut looked back at the tree and then back towards Applebloom. He finally let out a sigh in desperation. Guess the ferret will have to wait. He thought. He quickly trotted towards the group. As he got closer he was beginning to hear the conversation. The filly wearing the necklace was in Applebloom’s face.
“What’s the matter Apple-doom? Did you and your friends fail to find your cutie marks again? What did you try this time? Pottery making? Or no, let me guess, circus side-shows?” The gray filly sneered. Her friend laughed with her.
“Heh, good one Silverspoon.”
“Ah don’t know what yer talkin’ bout princess.” Applebloom sneered back with denial.
“Oh pleeease. Don’t even try to deny that sad excuse of a performance that you and those other two blank flanks tried pulling off that night. That really had to be the most pathetic thing I’ve ever seen. Well... at least you made me laugh, so I guess it wasn’t that bad... but it was still pathetic.” Applebloom and her friends glared at Silverspoon. They hoped they had finally put that night behind them. Apparently not.
Nuttanbolt had heard enough, “What’s goin’ on here?” he intervened.
Silverspoon replied immediately with, “Oh well if it isn’t the new colt from Manehattan. If you really feel the need to butt in, we’re picking on these blank-flanks. Wanna’ join in on the fun?”
“No... Applebloom’s a friend of mine.” Nut said in a straight forward tone.
Silverspoon was shocked. “You mean to tell me you actually know this blank flank?”
“Yeah, I do. You got a problem with that?” Nut became defensive of his new friend.
“Why of course; you already have your Cutie Mark... although I have no idea what it’s for nor do I care; you have no reason to be speaking with these wastes of trotting space!”
“Hey just cause we ain’t got cutie marks doesn’t mean we’re worthless n’ speak fer yerself. Yer the one who’s a waste a space ya spoiled filly!” Applebloom butted in. Silverspoon ignored her comment and returned her attention to Nut.
Nut was appalled by her comments. “No I’m not! Just ‘cause I have my cutie mark already doesn’t make me better than anypony, and you ought to me ashamed’a yourself for thinkin’ such a thing!” Nut shouted. Their sudden outbursts had begun to draw the attention of other students who had begun to gather around the group. Once again Nut felt a little uncomfortable with all eyes on him, but he stood his ground.
“I can’t believe you’re standing up for these bla-”
“You stop calling them that! They have names!”
Silverspoon was now getting flustered with Nut’s stubbornness. She took a few steps closer until she was in his face like she had been with Applebloom. “And what if I don’t stop calling them that? What are you going to do about it? Huh?” She was using every bit of influence she had to instigate him. She wanted to see what he would do.
Nut began to feel increasing hostility toward this filly. Oh I can think of a few things I’d like to do to wipe that stupid looking grin off your face... He thought angrily. But he knew that wasn’t going to solve anything. Besides that, she was a girl. There was just no way he could hit a girl, no matter how badly she was starting to deserve it.
“Well... I’ll... I’ll... I’ll tell the teacher on you.” Nut replied pathetically. Of all the responses he could give, that was the best he could come up with? Silverspoon literally burst into tears with laughter.
“Are you kidding me? That’s the best you can do? I should have known, you’re just as worthless as those blank flanks. You’re a pathetic little colt, Nut. You can’t even come up with a good comeback!” Nut stood there silently, taking every individual word like a hoof to the face. Some of the other students had also begun to laugh with Silverspoon, which only added salt to the wound. He had to muster every bit of willpower to fight back the tears that were welling up. “What’s the matter? You’re not gonna start crying are you? What a baby. Why don’t you just go home Nut? Yeah, that’s right. Go home and cry to mommy...”
Nut could literally feel his temper snap like a twig. His tiny amber eyes now glowed like hot embers. There was nothing to hold him back. He’d had enough of her outbursts. He took a step forward and was about to raise his hoof when suddenly Silverspoon screamed in fear. Nut snapped out of his trance of rage to see that her smirk had disappeared from her face and was now replaced with sheer terror. She wasn’t scared of him though, she was looking above Nut, on top of his head...
“WHAT IS THAT! OH MY GOSH IT’S A RAT! HELP, HELP ME!” Silverspoon pushed herself through the crowd nearly trampling several fillies in the process. Nut looked up to see the ferret standing on top of his mane.
“Oh no...” He had been so distracted that he didn’t even notice the ferret had gotten free from his saddlebag and had climbed out. Everypony in the crowd looked at Nut and then at the ferret on his mane. The ferret looked at all of them with beady little eyes. Then complete chaos erupted.
Everypony began screaming in terror and running around in panic. The loud screams made the ferret anxious with energy. It jumped down from his mane and began to scurry over the playground.
“Wait! Stop, come back!” Nut cried out, but the ferret didn’t listen. It ran around in any direction, often taking the opportunity to playfully chase after an unsuspecting student. From the way that they were all terrified of the small creature, they had most likely never seen a ferret before. Everypony began taking drastic measures to escape. They ran to any object they could climb on: trees, jungle gyms, each other.
Silverspoon was backed into a corner. Her eyes darted back and forth in panic. She curled up in a ball, like she was pretending this was just some bad dream. Though her panic attack was interrupted when the ferret had found her hiding spot. It slithered towards her like a snake with legs. Silverspoon let out a blood curdling scream. “HELP! HELP ME! GET IT AWAY FROM ME! GET THIS THING AWAY FROM MEEEEE!” The ferret ignored her pleas and casually leaped onto her head. Silverspoon fainted from fright and collapsed on the ground. The ferret then rolled off her head and began to playfully bat at her pearl necklace with its paws.
Nuttanbolt turned back to Applebloom and her friends with a look of desperation. “Applebloom what am I gonna’ do? I need to get that ferret. If my brother or Uncle ‘Plank find out about this, I’m dead!” Applebloom stood there thinking for a moment. She then turned to her friends who were watching the chaos continue in the distance. The two seemed to be enjoying the disturbance on this rather boring day of school.
“Well girls? What’dya think? Looks like another poor sap is need of the Crusader’s help.”
“Yeah we’ve got this one in the bag, no problem!” Scootaloo said.
“We’ll catch that critter if it’s the last thing we do!” Sweetiebelle said.
They put their hooves together then shouted in unison, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS: PEST CONTROL!” They threw their hooves up in the air. Nut just stared at them in disbelief. They returned to their huddle position to discuss their next plan of action.
“Alright we’ve got ourselves a Ferret to catch. Any ideas?” Applebloom asked.
“That thing is one slippery little devil, there’s no way we’ll be able to catch it by hoof.” Scootaloo chimed in.
“Shucks, yer right. Then how are we s’posed to nab him?”
“Hey! Doesn’t Miss Cheerilee keep some butterfly nets in the closet? I bet we could use those.” Sweetiebelle suggested. Applebloom looked at her and smiled.
“That’s a great idea! Alright let’s get those nets and catch this rodent!” The three broke out of their huddle and began trotting towards the schoolhouse. Applebloom turned back to face Nuttanbolt again. “Have no fear Nut. We’ll have that critter caught in no time!”
“Okay, just please don’t hurt him.” he said as they fled to the building. For some reason he couldn’t help but feel that those three were only going to make matters worse...
***
“Alright, Miss Fluttershy, that should just about do it.” Ficks said prominently as he finished sanding down a newly built coffee table. He wiped a few last traces of sawdust from the top and stepped back to admire his craftsmanship. Fluttershy came in from the other room to look at it herself.
“Oh my, it’s absolutely wonderful.”
“Well it was nothin’, just a simple table, but I’m glad you like it.” Normally he didn’t boast about his carpentry skills and rather preferred to be modest about the whole thing, but he was just happy he was able to make up for his previous failure from the other night.
“I still think it’s very nice.”
“Well alrighty then. Is there anything else you’d like me to do to it while I’m here?”
Fluttershy let her mane fall in front of one half of her face,“Oh, well umm... no I wouldn’t want to cause a fuss or anything like that, I’m sure it’s fine.”
“You sure? Anything else you need done will be free of charge.” he offered.
She let her head hang below her shoulders as if she was trying to resist the urge to speak, “Well you see um... my old table was blue and I guess it looked nicer that way since it sort of matched with all the other furniture... you know that sort of thing I guess.”
“So you’d like me to paint it sometime?”
She nodded her head, “Yes please!” She squeaked shyly.
“No problem!” Ficks said as he put his tool saddle on, “I’ll just have to stop by another time when I have my paintin’ utensils.”
“Okay then...” Ficks finished packing up his tools and the spare lumber that he had brought with him. Before he had a chance to leave Fluttershy quickly rushed over to him. “Wait before you leave, I wanted to ask you something.”
Ficks put his things down to look at her again, “Sure thing, ask away.”
“I just wanted to know how your little brother was getting along with his new companion?”
“His little compa-? Oh right, you mean the ferret. Yeah we managed to convince our uncle to let him stay at the shop. Nut’s doin’ his best to take care of the little guy.”
“Oh well that’s nice to know... I was afraid that he was going to cause all sorts of trouble for you.”
“Trouble? Why would the ferret cause any trouble?” Ficks was a little hesitant with his last question. He suspected that Fluttershy was hiding something.
“Well um... you see, that ferret has been known to wander off sometimes. He can be very sneaky. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve had to catch him after he had run off somewhere.”
“Well I can assure you Fluttershy that we’ve got everything under control. Right now that little critter is sleepin’ on Nuttanbolt’s bed behind a locked door ‘til he gets back. Ain’t no way he’s gettin’ out of there.” His answer didn’t sound as confident as he had hoped it would. He had no idea why. There was just this gut feeling he had... that something wasn’t right.
“Oh... okay then. I’m glad that you were able to make it work out.”
Ficks looked at the clock on the wall and sighed. “Speakin’ of little critters, I’ve gotta head over to the schoolhouse and pick up Nuttanbolt now.”
“Oh right, of course... I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.” She shyly backed into a corner again.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be sure to stop by again to finish that table. ‘Til then Fluttershy, please have yourself a nice day.” He donned his hat and walked out the door with his supplies. He waved goodbye and began double-timing it towards the schoolhouse.
Within minutes he closed in on the school yard. He had hoped to see Nut waiting for him, ready to go home. Instead he came across a much more unpleasant scene. Everywhere he looked he could see colts and fillies leaving the school with distraught expressions on their faces. Their parents were hurriedly escorting them off the school grounds, including a small gray filly that was walking with her mother. She was crying hysterically while her mother held her in attempts to comfort her.
“Oh mother it was horrible! It was running around everywhere, I swear it almost killed me! I thought it was going to eat me...!” she sobbed in agony.
Ficks stared at them with confusion as they walked past. What in the hay happened here? He got his answer when he finally reached the schoolhouse and saw Nuttanbolt sitting on the steps by the front door. Cheerilee was standing next to Nut. She saw Ficks approaching and gave him a rather disapproving look. Hoh boy, here we go...
“Mr. Ficksitup?” Her tone was sharp and stung like ice.
“Yes ma’am uh... good to see you again. I hope there wasn’t any trouble from uh...” He nervously glanced around then swallowed, “Please tell me nothin’ happened here today.”
She continued to look disapprovingly at him. “Mr. Ficksitup, I’m not sure how you two were brought up but I would have hoped that you would know that pets are not allowed at school under any circumstances.”
“Pets? What in the hay are y-” Ficks’ stopped when he figured it out. He turned his attention to Nut who was still sitting on the stairs. In his arms he was holding, as Ficks had figured, the small ferret. Nut looked up at his older brother. When their eyes met, he knew he was in a whole new heap of trouble. Ficks began glaring at him to show that he was not happy about the situation, not one bit. Nut bowed his head in shame to avoid further eye contact.
“Ma’am I’m very sorry about all of this and I honestly have no excuse for any of it, but please you need to tell me what happened.”
“Very well if you’ll follow me...” Cheerilee said as she gestured Ficks to follow her into the classroom, leaving Nut to wallow on the stairs. A minute later, Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo came trotting from the side of the building to meet up with Nut at the door.
“Ya see? I told ya we’d catch that pesky critter eventually.” Applebloom panted, sounding out of breath. Truth was, they had chased the ferret all over the school. They had finally managed to catch it using an empty fish bowl they had found in the now obliterated classroom.
“Yeah but you three nearly destroyed half the school in the process!” Nut complained.
“Oh come on, it wasn’t that bad. Look, the schoolhouse is still standing and nopony got hurt.” Sweetiebelle said cheerfully.
“Well... not exactly. I think some of the desks in there can’t ever be used again, a lot of books got torn up, and I’m pretty sure Silverspoon is going to have nightmares for weeks.” Scootaloo said. The three fillies giggled at the thought.
“Yeah well I say she gits what she deserves for pickin’ on Nuttanbolt here. By the way, thanks for stickin’ up for us back there Nut.” Applebloom flashed a big grin at him. He only nodded back.
“Yeah... no problem.”
“Well as a way of returnin’ the favor, if ya ever lose that little guy again, you just let us know and the Crusaders will git him back for ya.”
“No really that’s okay you don’t need to do th-” He never got a chance to finish as they started to cheer excitedly. They began dancing, until Cheerilee stepped out onto the steps with Ficks behind her.
“Uh oh. We gotta get outta here!” Scootaloo yelled as the three quickly began running away.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook young ladies. I will be talking with your parents today!” Cheerilee yelled after them. They were already out of earshot, so she turned back around to face her current situation with the two brothers. “Well I hope you now understand the gravity of the issue Mr. Ficksitup.”
“I understand ma’am. I just don’t... how can one ferret cause so much trouble?”
“It wasn’t just him bro! It was those three girls, they turned the whole place upside down trying to catch him. I didn’t need their help. I had it all figured out, honest. If they hadn’t tri-” Nuttanbolt began but Ficks put a hoof up to stop him. He glared at him to make sure he wouldn’t interrupt again.
“Well he is right about that. Those girls have been known to be quite troublesome on occasion.” Cheerilee said in attempt to defend Nut.
“Yeah I can imagine...” Ficks hadn’t forgotten the last problem that he had to deal with that involved Applebloom.
“Well even with their involvement I’m afraid that Nuttanbolt must still be held responsible for today’s disturbance. Because of that, I have no choice but to schedule a parent/teacher conference to get this sorted out.” Her tone was cold but regretful. She hated having to schedule conferences with the parents. She usually did her best to get along with every one of her students, but sometimes... there were exceptions.
Ficks suddenly felt a ping of anxiety when he heard her comment.
“Um ma’am that’s sorta easier said than done.”
Impatiently she replied, “What do you mean? I just need to speak with either the father or the mother.” Ficks winced at the mention of his mother.
“Well you see that’s the thing...” Ficks began but he stopped and looked back at Nut who was listening to them. Ficks gestured Cheerilee to walk a few feet away until they were out of earshot. There he filled her in on all the details from the passing of his mother to how they had ended up staying with their uncle at the local shop. When he had finished, she stood there silently thinking to herself. Finally she spoke after giving it some thought.
“I’m very sorry to hear about that Mr. Ficksitup. I... I had no idea that all this was going on.” Her usual cheerful manner was all but gone in the conversation.
“It’s alright. We usually don’t tell very many ponies about our situation, but I figure yer an exception.”
“Putting that aside, you said that your uncle is currently looking after you both?”
“Well yeah... but what’s that got to do with anything?” Ficks asked rather forcibly.
“Well in your position, that technically makes him both you and Nuttanbolt’s legal guardian. In the absence of parents, the guardian is entitled to all responsibilities over the siblings they look after. Which means they handle all parental matters, including teacher conferences.” She looked at him glumly.
Ficks’ ears pricked up at the mention of teacher conference again. There was no way he could let Uncle ‘Plank have a parent teacher conference with Cheerilee. “Ma’am I understand that completely, but please, you can’t have that meetin’ with our uncle. If he found out what happened and that the ferret was involved... we’d have to get rid of him for good.”
“I’m sorry Ficksitup, those are the rules and I’m merely following the teacher’s policy. If a student is involved in any sort of misbehavior then we have to report it or speak with a pa-”
“He’s a good kid! I’m tellin’ ya he won’t do it again! If you’ll please just give him another chance I swear! I’ll... I’ll even help fix the desks that were damaged as repayment. Just please don’t say anything about this.”
Cheerilee thought for a very long time. She moved her glance from Ficks to Nuttanbolt and then back to Ficks. She knew that she was taking a risk if she didn’t report this. At the same time though she felt pity for the two brothers. Their current state was already troublesome enough and she didn’t wish to cause anymore conflict at home. Finally after a few minutes she spoke,
“Alright, I’ll let this one slide. But I will be keeping my eye on him from now on.”
Ficks looked at her with an ecstatic expression. “Oh thank you miss. You have no idea how much this means to us. I’m tellin’ ya we won’t forget it.”
“It’s no problem Mr. Ficksitup. Now then, I think you two should hurry home. Wouldn’t want to keep your uncle waiting.”
Ficks shook her hoof to thank her once again, and then gestured Nut to grab his things and follow him. As they were walking away, Cheerilee called out to Nut.
“Mister Nuttanbolt?”
“Yeah?...” Nut said as he faced his teacher.
“Be sure to bring your book next time... and not your pet. Or at least wait until we have show and tell to do that.” Once again a smile appeared on her face which comforted Nut a little.
The two brothers walked back to the shop in silence. Nut followed his brother a few feet behind him. He looked up to see if Ficks was angry or not but he couldn’t tell. He only had a blank expression on his face.
“Are you mad?” Nut asked quietly. He flinched, expecting a barrage of angry words to come out of his brother’s mouth. Instead, Ficks kept walking ahead in silence. A few minutes later though, Ficks finally stopped to speak. He sighed and then spoke softly.
“No Nut... I’m not mad. I’m just... disappointed that’s all.”
He was glad that his brother was not enraged with him, but he still felt guilty.
“Why are you disappointed bro?” He was pretty sure what the answer was.
“Because Nut, I trusted you to take full responsibility of that pet... and then you go and let a thing like this happen. On your first day of school!” His tone was harsh and struck fast.
“It’s not my fault Ficks! I thought I had him locked up in my room. Somehow he managed to get into my bookbag. Even then I had no idea he was gonna do this!”
“It doesn’t matter Nut. You shoulda’ double checked to make sure that thing was really in your room.”
“I’m sorry Ficks... I really am. I didn’t mean to let anypony down...” Nut had started crying and ran into Ficks’ arms. He sobbed miserably into his chest, soaking his coat with tears. Ficks stood there and hugged his brother gently. He ruffled his mane and spoke again.
“Hey hey hey ‘lil guy, take it easy. Ya didn’t let me down alright? Don’t worry about it. Ya just made a mistake. It’s all behind us now. Besides you promised not to do it again right?”
Nut sniffed and wiped the tears from his eyes. He manged to muster out a muffled Uh huh from his mouth with his face still buried in Ficks’ coat.
“Well alright then. I don’t think we’ve got anything else to worry about.”
Just as Ficks said that, the ferret climbed out of Nut’s bag to investigate what all the ruckus was about. Nut looked up and smiled at the curious pet that was now resting on his head again.
“Well... we still have this little guy to worry about.”
“Yeah... keepin’ him outta trouble is gonna be quite a task. He certainly is a little oddball ain’t he?”
Nuts ears pricked up and he looked at his brother excitedly. “That’s it Ficks! That’s what I’ll call him. Oddball!”
“Wait. You mean to tell me ya never named the darn thing yet?”
“Well... I couldn’t really think of any good ones at the time. But I guess from everything that happened today and you just sayin’ it now, it’s perfect.”
“Well if you insist Nut, he is your pet.”
Nut looked up at the ferret and spoke. “What d’ya think lil guy? You want that to be your name?” The ferret did a little dance to show its appreciation which made Nut giggle. “Well alright then, from now on I’m gonna call you Oddball.”
The two continued walking to the shop together with their spirits in a much lighter mood than before. Nut walked along with Oddball clinging to his mane and his bookbag feeling a few pounds lighter, since most likely there were no more stowaways.
“So... not bad for my first day at school huh?” Ficks just looked him straight in the eyes and scowled.
“Don’t press your luck kid.”
To contact the writers of this story...
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happy Back to School Everybrony
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 4 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-23T14:59:33+00:00
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2011-09-23T14:59:33+00:00
| 15,739 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 4: Party Foal
Around five pm there was a soft tap on the front door of the repair shop. Normally costumers would be able to just walk in, so there was no need to knock. Hammerplank however, had decided to close the shop early for personal reasons.
“Nut can you get that? Tell ‘em we’re closed for today ‘n we’ll be open again tomorrow around nine.” Ficks said as he tightened a bolt on Scootaloo’s scooter. After days of putting it off, he had finally found the time to get around to it. He could hear Nut open the door from the other room, and heard a familiar voice talking with his brother. Before he knew it, Nut was trotting back into the room.
“Hey Ficks, it’s your marefriend!” Ficks put his wrench down and gave him a solemn look.
“I told you before Nut, Applejack and I ain’t like that!”
“I never said it was Applejack.” He was grinning mischievously.
“Well who else would ya be talkin’ about?”
He continued to pester him, “Oh so she is your marefriend?”
Ficks glared at his little brother. “No no that’s not what I- Ugh, never mind ya nosy little colt.” He gently shoved his brother aside and trotted to the front door. Sure enough, Applejack was standing there. She tilted her head and cracked a friendly smile.
“Hey Ficks!”
“‘Jack? Hey, what’s goin’ on?” He gestured for her to come inside. She obliged to his request, and took a seat on the couch in the lobby.
“I came to make sure yer still goin’ to the party.” she said, removing her hat, “You are still goin’ right?”
Party..? He thought. “Wait, do you mean that party ‘what’s her name’ was talkin’ about? Pinkie Pie?” Ficks asked, completely befuddled.
“Yup that’s the one. Only the best party thrower in all of Equestria.”
“I didn’t think she was actually bein’ serious ‘bout the whole thing.”
“Pinkie isn’t serious about a lot of things, but when it comes to parties, she’s all business...”
“I figured.” Ficks replied, “I’m guessing I have to go too.”
“Yeah, when Pinkie throws a party and invites you... you’d do best to show up.” Applejack said, harshly remembering the last party related incident with her friend.
“Well I guess I’d do best to not refuse then, so what time should I be there?”
“I’d show up at 6 since that’s when she’ll be expectin’ ya, but I got somethin’ ta’ ask ya’.” She got up from the couch and walked over to him.
“Yeah?”
“I heard today was a might eventful at school, and it had a lil’ somethin’ ta’ do with a certain ferret.”
Ficks put a hoof over his face in shame. It was truly amazing how news got around this town so fast. “How’d ya figure that?”
“What can I say? Applebloom ain’t never been too good about keeping secrets.”
“Ah I see now.” Ficks grimaced at her confession, “Yeah, Oddball manged to sneak into Nut’s bookbag apparently... Darndest thing; sneaky little fella.”
“Hey it wasn’t all his fault” Nut proclaimed loudly, “Those fillies nearly destroyed the school!” He had overheard the discussion and was now attempting to preserve his pet’s clear conscience. Ficks looked at him with an unimpressed look.
“Yeah, but who left his bookbag unattended and let him sneak into there in the first place?”
“Hey! You said you weren’t mad at me about it.”
“I still ain’t mad but don’t think yer bein’ dismissed from this ‘lil skirmish either.”
Nut gruffed a little hmmph and stormed back up the stairs to most likely go pout in his room. Ficks turned back to Applejack, rolling his eyes. She shrugged at him.
“The things I have to deal with... but he is a ‘lil right. Those three fillies were a slight cause in this whole mishap. But you didn’t punish Applebloom too badly or nuthin’ right?”
“Nah, she’s done worse” Applejack confessed, “So this is nothin’. At least the school is still standin.”
“Yeah that’s true. Well I’m glad we didn’t get her into trouble.”
“Trust me...” she said with regret, “It takes a lot more than a ferret to get that filly into trouble...”
“Yeah she’s a peculiar one at that. Well anyway thanks for remindin’ me ‘bout the party. I can’t believe I’d almost forgotten ‘bout it.”
“I find it pretty hard to believe you’d forget all about yer own party Ficks.” Applejack looked at him intently, which made Ficks a little nervous.
“Well I uh... I didn’t know if you were still comin’ to the party or not.” he said shyly.
“Ficks you know me. Not even all the apple trees in Equestria would keep me from comin’ to your party. After all... you’re my friend.” Once again their gazes met. Her emerald eyes shined with a hint that she meant every word that she had spoken. As he looked at her, Ficks could feel his heart beating a little faster. This feeling was beginning to occur more and more every time he saw her. It felt like parasprites were in his stomach. His lips felt dry, he couldn’t even open his mouth to respond. All he could do was just stand there and smile stupidly at her.
“Get a barn you two!” Nut shouted from the stairs. His outburst broke Ficks from his trance.
“That’s enough outta you!” he shouted back. Nut scurried up the stairs with Oddball in tow. He could hear him giggling all the way up to his room. Applejack chuckled along with him.
“Oh that ‘lil brother of yers, he really is the cutest. But obviously not as cute as you...”
“Listen I’m tellin’ ya I really have no idea what he’s talkin’ ab- wait... what?” Ficks did a double take and shook his head to make sure he’d heard correctly, “What was that last part?”
She only gave him another smile and turned around to leave. She put her hat back on and opened the front door of the shop.
“Nothin’ Ficks... I’ll see you at the party.”
She walked out the door, leaving Ficks slightly dazed and confused. At the same time his heart was doing backflips in his chest. Did I hear her right? Did she say...? Nah couldn’t have he thought dismissively. He wallked up the stairs and entered Nuttanbolts room. He was sitting on his bed playing with Oddball who was jumping off his pillow and doing somersaults on the sheets. When he saw Ficks enter the room, Nut merely gave him a sly smile.
“You make this too easy.”
“I honestly have no idea where you get that sense of humor from, you sure as heck didn’t get it from me.” Ficks said as he sat down next to him on the bed.
“Yeah, well I have no idea why you don’t just ask her out already. You obviously like her.”
“Oh hush up will ya? Geez, yer startin’ ta sound like Uncle ‘Plank. Anyway, what would you know ‘bout who I like and don’t like? Yer just a colt after all. Okay? I’m tellin’ ya, we’re just friends.” he said defensively.
“Yeah you keep tellin’ yourself that bro.” Nut said as he smirked at him. Ficks was a little annoyed that his little brother wouldn’t drop the whole idea of him and Applejack, but at the same time he couldn’t really blame him. Ficks himself couldn’t honestly tell what he was to her right now. He wanted to be friends with her, that was just fine with him. But the way she smiled at him, the way she spoke to him, and the way he would look at her. It all felt like so much more to him. Nut started waving a hoof in front of his brothers face. Ficks remained unfazed.
“Helloooo, anybody in there?” Nut asked. He started knocking his hoof rapidly across Ficks’ head.
Ficks finally shook his head and looked at him, “Wha? Oh... sorry, anyway come on. We’re leavin’ for the party.” Ficks said as he got up and walked out of the room.
“You mean I can come with?” Nut put Oddball down and gave his brother a puzzled look.
“Well of course you can Nut, why wouldn’t I have my own ‘lil brother come to my party?”
“Well, yeah that makes sense.” Nut said happily as he jumped down and followed him out of the room. Before he could get to the stairs however, Ficks put a hoof out and stopped him.
“The ferret stays...” He pointed towards Oddball who was poking his head out of the doorway. Nut quickly rushed back to his room and shooed the ferret into his bed.
“Sorry little guy, but we can’t afford any more trouble from you... just not today at least. We can cause more mischief some other day. Only this time, we won’t cause it at school.” Nut whispered as he tucked the ferret under a blanket. Oddball looked up and stared at him intently as if to comply that he understood what he had said. With that, Nuttanbolt quickly refilled his water dish and left the room. This time he made sure Oddball didn’t follow him out before shutting the door.
The two of them began walking towards the front door when Nut stopped and looked back up the stairs.
“Do you think Uncle ‘Plank might want to come along?”
“Nah, I checked on the ole coot awhile ago. He’s fast asleep. I swear that stallion is spendin’ most’a his days nappin’ instead a running the shop like he’s supposed to. No wonder he asked me to close the shop early...” Ficks said as he rolled his eyes.
After making sure all the lights in the shop were turned off, they both trotted out the door. Ficks donned his hat and shut the door quietly so the bell wouldn’t chime loudly. Without further delay, they made their way towards Sugar Cube Corner.
***
When they had arrived, Ficks could already hear sounds emanating from the first floor. Music and muffled laughter could be heard from behind the door. Before Ficks even had a chance to knock, the door swung open. Behind it was Pinkie Pie, wearing a large party hat.
She made a huge grin and began hopping excitedly around Ficks. “Hey! You made it I didn’t think you’d actually make it in time because you were like a minute late and I started getting worried that you wouldn’t come because I threw this party just for you afterall and I was preparing this all morning-”
“Wait you were up all mornin’ gettin’ this party ready?” Ficks interrupted. Pinkie stopped jumping for a moment and stared at Ficks intently.
“Well duh... I always get up early to throw a party! Well actually I always get up early, in fact I don’t even really sleep.” She began giggling loudly. Ficks took a few steps back, slightly disturbed by her burst of energy. Thankfully Applejack appeared behind her to greet Ficks and Nuttanbolt.
“Aw come on fellas, don’t tell me you ain’t accustomed to Pinkie’s hospitality yet?” she said as Pinke dashed off to do Celestia knows what.
“Honestly ‘Jack... I don’t think I ever will.” Ficks said with a slight chuckle.
“Bro... who the heck was that?” Nut asked in confusion.
“I’m sure you’ll get to meet her sometime tonight.” Ficks said with concern.
“Yeah it does take some gettin’ used to...” Applejack said in agreement, “but what are ya waitin’ for? Come on in, Everypony’s waitin’ for ya!”
She gestured for the two brothers to follow her inside. The interior of Sugar Cube Corner looked completely different from the last time that Ficks had been there. The ceiling was littered with streamers and decorations to the point where the actual ceiling was barely visible. Balloons were scattered around, bumping around randomly in tied up bunches. Several tables were set up with a vast assortment of confectioneries, pastries, hors d’oevures, and other edible delicacies. Several punch bowls sat on the far end of the table which contained most likely several different flavors. A phonograph sat on one of the tables, playing a simple but uplifting and melodic tune. Whether this was one of Pinkie’s simpler parties or one of her more elaborate ones, Ficks could tell she had taken extreme measures to prepare all of it. Then he saw something that caught his eye. Among the streamers on the ceiling, hung a long white banner that stretched across the ceiling from wall to wall. In bright gold letters were the words, Welcome Home Ficks. He was completely surprised by this addition to an already amazing presentation.
“Whaa? What is that?” he stammered. Applejack walked up next to him and gave him a friendly nudge.
“A little something I came up with myself. Just thought it might make the evening real special. Since after all... you said this was home to you.”
Ficks felt his heart lift again. He didn’t know what to say. He could feel a smile form over his face. All of this and even Applejack contributed in such a small yet caring way.
“‘Jack I can’t belie-”
“Hey everypony, the party guest is finally here!” Pinkie shouted, as she shoved Ficks forward. When he was placed into the center of the room he finally saw who all of the other guests were. His smile dispersed from his face. Ficks felt immediate discomfort when they all stared back at him. From left to right stood Applejack’s friends, the very same ones he had helped out the day before.
“Oh... well hello there Ficksitup. It’s nice to see you again.” Twilight said, looking up from a book she had been reading, unsurprisingly.
“My my, isn’t this quite the coincidence?” Rarity added.
“...Oh hello again. Glad you could make it...” Fluttershy said shyly from behind one of her friends.
“Hey what’s up? Name’s Rainbow Dash.” said a bright blue pegasus who was standing next to Fluttershy. Her rainbow mane made her stand out among her friends immensely. Ficks stared at her curiously. Applejack had never mentioned her before. He wondered why.
“Nice to meetcha, but um... why do ya’ll seem surprised to see me here? Didn’t Pinkie tell ya that this was a party for me?” Ficks asked everypony, “And what about the banner? I’m sure that was a dead giveaway.”
Everypony looked up at the banner hanging ominously over their heads.
“Oh well.... would you look at that. We didn’t even see that hanging there.” Twilight said with a nervous laugh.
“Well, even with the banner as a hint we thought that this was just another one of Pinkie Pie’s random parties, we were never told that you were the...guest of honor.” Rarity said. To Ficks, her tone seemed to suggest that if she had known the party was for him, she might have not considered coming. He suddenly remembered why he wasn’t comfortable around her in the first place. That attitude of hers...
“Oh but we’re still happy to be here... after all, we love going to Pinkie’s parties...” Fluttershy chimed in. Ficks knew she was just trying to be nice but he still felt like a mutual feeling of longing to be anywhere but here was among everypony, even him.
Suddenly, a party horn sounded, making a loud squeak throughout the room; to which everypony turned their heads. Pinkie burst out of the kitchen carrying a tray of cupcakes on her head and a big grin on her face.
“I brought the cupcakes! NOW it’s a party!” she yelled. With that, the awkward moment was broken and everypony resumed what they had been doing. Ficks was relieved that Pinkie had once again saved him from complete discomfort. However he still hoped he would be able to leave a little early to avoid any further skirmishes. Nuttanbolt ran over to Pinkie Pie to eagerly accept her generous offer of baked goods. Ficks let him run off and decided to move towards the far corner of the room. The party had already gotten off to a rather rotten start, at least to him it did. Applejack spotted him in the corner and trotted over to him. She gave him a concerned look.
“Ficks? What’s wrong?”
He looked up at her and managed a phony smile, “It’s... It’s nothin’...”
She looked at him, unimpressed, “I know that ain’t true Ficks. You never really were good at lyin’ to me. Now go on, tell me what’s wrong.” Applejack asked forcefully.
Ficks sighed then whispered to her; as if the others could hear him anyway. “Truth is ‘Jack... I don’t really wanna be here, nopony wants to be here. I’m pretty sure some of ‘em still don’t like me too. I mean you can just see it in their faces.” He hung his head pathetically.
“Oh, horseapples Ficksitup, yer only havin’ issues with everypony ‘cause yer lookin’ at it that way! What makes you think anypony here thinks that way about you?” she asked in a somewhat authoritative tone.
“Pardon?” He knew she could be forceful sometimes but never like this.
“You heard me, yer makin’ a big fuss ‘bout everything that happened yesterday. That stuff’s all behind ya now. That balcony was bound to break eventually. Who cares what Rarity’s sayin’- half the time it’s all nonsense anyway. ‘N believe me... that table was beyond fixin’. There’s no reason for ya to be makin’ yerself feel like a big sap. You made some mistakes yesterday, that’s all!”
Undeniably, she was right, and Ficks knew it too. He had been so worried about how everypony felt about him that he’d forgotten that he was here to have a good time.
“Well... I... I’ve never really been to something like this; what do I even do?” Ficks asked.
“Take the bull by the horns, Ficks. It’s your party afterall, get out there and have some fun. Come on, let’s dance.” She said. She grabbed his hoof and started dragging him towards the center of the room where everypony else had gathered. Ficks tried to resist but she wouldn’t let go.
“Wait, wait a minute ‘Jack. I can- I don’t even know how to dance!”
“Come on sugarcube! Ya’ won’t know unless ya try!”
When she called him that, how could he possibly resist? They reached the center of the main room where everypony else was dancing. They made some space for him and Applejack. Music was blasting from the phonograph at full volume now. The song was now fast paced and jazzy. Pinkie was jumping up and down in unison with the beat.
“Yeah! I told you this was my jam!” she cried out as she began to bounce faster. Fluttershy and Rainbowdash danced next to each other, giggling loudly while Twilight and Rarity attempted to make conversation through all the noise.
Applejack finally let go of Ficks’ hoof and began dancing as well. Ficks just stood there awkwardly, scratching his head. She moved next to him and bumped into him with her flank.
“Come on Ficks, ya just gotta move yer legs! Go for it!” she yelled to him and continued dancing. Ficks started blushing. He shook his head and tried his best to move. Finally he started tapping his feet. Eventually he got the feel of the music and began to sway back and forth. He gradually began to feel his legs loosen up and soon he was grooving in his own goofy way. He didn’t care. For the first time since he had gotten here, he was finally having a good time. They continued to dance together. He moved next to Applejack and tried to dance next to her. Unfortunately their steps didn’t match up so they ended up bumping into each other again. When they did, they both started laughing.
A few minutes later they both retreated to the table where the punch bowl were set up. Ficks leaned against the table panting heavily with a few beads of sweat hanging on his forehead.
“Phew, I’m tellin’ ya. Not even all the work I’ve done in my life coulda’ prepared me for that.” He gulped down some punch greedily. Applejack chuckled at him attempting to cool himself off.
“Gotta’ say Sugarcube. Ya didn’t do too bad for yer first time.”
“Really? I thought I could barely keep up. Yer way better at it than me ‘Jack.”
“Yeah that may be so... but that’s only cuz I’ve had practice.”
The two chuckled together. Ficks remained quiet for a moment before he started up again.
“Hey ‘Jack?”
“Yeah sugarcube?”
“Thanks a lot... I really needed that. I feel much better.” He gave her another smile. She returned the smile with her own and put a hoof on his shoulder.
“No problem Ficks.”
The two of them continued to sit there watching the others enjoy themselves before Ficks asked another question.
“What should we do now?”
“Hmm... I know. How ‘bout ya get reacquainted with everypony again. I’m sure they’ll all be in a much more talkative mood now that they’re havin’ a good time.” Applejack suggested. Ficks thought for a moment then nodded to her.
“Guess it can’t hurt to try... But what about you?”
“Go on ahead Ficks. I’ll letcha chat without me botherin’ ya. Besides you can’t have me all to yerself. At least not now...” Ficks raised an eyebrow. Was she teasing him again? He could never tell for the life of him when she was joking or not. She turned around and walked away, leaving him to decide on his next motive.
Alright... Who do I talk to first..? He thought as he scanned the room; Pinkie was playing pin the tail on the pony, with Fluttershy; he decided to not interrupt their game and continued searching. Rainbowdash was sitting down and talking with Nuttanbolt. Well he’s certainly the social pony tonight. Ficks thought. He figured he would be. Nut had that adorable charm to him that even Ficks couldn’t deny was an advantage he had over him. In the distance he saw Twilight in the back of the room by the kitchen. She was using the magic from her horn to hold a quill and was writing on a piece of parchment.
“Well, guess I might as well start somewhere...” Ficks said to himself as he trotted over to her. He approached her slowly to see what she was writing. As it turned out, she seemed to be a writing a letter that looked similar to the one he had received from her the other day. “Whatcha doin’?” he asked.
Twilight jumped at the sound of his voice. “Oh, Ficksitup! Sorry you startled me, but uh... hey how’s it going?” she asked awkwardly as she picked up the parchment that she had dropped.
“Sorry bout’ that. I didn’t mean to scare ya. I was just curious as to what ya were doin’ all by yourself over here.”
“Oh this? Well if you must know, I’m writing a letter to Princess Celestia.”
“A letter? Right now? Why are ya writin’ her a letter, at a party of all times?”
“Well I sort of have to keep her updated on all the different things I do or learn here in Ponyville. I meant to write her one earlier, but I sort of... got sidetracked. I’m writing it now so I don’t forget again.”
“Updates? What do ya mean?” Ficks was becoming more puzzled by all of this.
“Well that’s sort of the whole reason I’m here in Ponyville right now. Princess Celestia sent me here to learn the importance of friendship and interacting with other ponies. So when I learn something new, I let her know. Since I’m still her student, I guess this is kind of homework to put it one way.” she elaborated.
“Wait she sent you here to learn about... friendship? How does that even work? Doesn’t it just come natural to ya when ya make new friends?”
Twilight gave him a rather disgruntled look. “It’s not that easy for me... Truth is, I’m not very good at making friends. When I was studying in Canterlot, I was spending more time in the library reading instead of making friends with the other students there.”
“But what about all the friends you’ve made here? Looks to me like you get along just fine with them.”
Twilight hung her head low. “Even they are difficult to get along with all the time. Sooner or later, I always just want to go back to the library and be by myself. It’s just who I am I guess. I’m more comfortable with being alone than being with friends all the time. I’ve tried reading tons of books on friendship and having fun and all sorts of other things, but none of them have been able to help me.”
This was a side of Twilight that Ficks had never seen before. Before she had seemed like somepony who knew everything there was to know. From stars and apparently... fixing roofs, he thought she was the most knowledgeable pony that he’d ever met. Now he realized that even someone like her had her quirks.
“Ya know Twilight... not everything can be found in a book. Sometimes ya just gotta get out there and do things from experience. N’ for the record, I’d say you’ve done a pretty fine job makin’ friends.” Ficks said to her with enthusiasm. She looked up at him and smiled.
“Thanks Ficks, you know... you’re not such a bad stallion yourself. In fact I’d say you’re pretty clever.” Ficks smiled at that. The first compliment of the night from somepony else beside Applejack. “Also...” she added, “... I just wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday. I shouldn’t have pushed you like that. I know that you are smart stallion. I shouldn’t have insulted your intelligence. I realize now that it was my fault that the balcony got wrecked even more and that you got hurt.”
Ficks put a hoof up to stop her. “Woah, now hold on Twilight; that wasn’t your fault. I let my pride get the better’a myself, and me gettin’ hurt was all on my accord. I should be the one apologizin’ for breakin’ yer balcony, I also ain’t chargin’ for the damage I did. Wouldn’t be right.”
“Really? You would do that? I should at least pay for the first reparations shouldn’t I?”
“Last I recall, I never got the chance to make any reparations. I was too busy countin’ clouds on my back. Bruise still hurts too...” he said as he rubbed the side of his flank.
“Well yeah I guess that’s true. I’m just glad you weren’t more seriously injured. But still there must be something I can do to make it up to you.”
“I assure ya, Twilight. There won’t be any need for that.”
She thought for a moment. Suddenly her eyes lit up with excitement at the thought of an idea.
“I know! Ficks, how about I mention you in my letter to Princess Celestia? I’m sure she would love to hear about you. I could tell her all about how you’ve been helping my friends. It would be great. What do you say?”
Ficks was shocked at the idea. “You’d do that? I mean I’ve never even seen Princess Celestia before let alone talked to her, and now you want to tell her all about me in a letter? I don’t know...” he said with a hint of doubt. Why would the ruler of Equestria care to hear about him? After all he was just a simple repair pony.
“It’s alright. I won’t say anything if you don’t want me to.” she said, sounding a bit let down. Ficks looked at her and then sighed.
“Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt. I mean if it’ll help with yer whole friendship studyin’ thing then by all means, have at it.”
Twilight smiled again. “Thank you Ficks. I’ll be sure to put in a really good word for you. I’ll be sure to have Spike send this as soon as possible.”
“Spike? Who’s that?”
“Oh right. Sorry, I can’t believe I never told you about him. Spike is my assistant at the library. He helps me with all the chores and mails the letters I write to Princess Celestia. I’ll be sure to introduce you to him when you come over to fix the balcony. He would have come with tonight but he’s staying home, sick. He ate too many jewels the other day. Poor thing, I told him it was unhealthy to eat that much in one sitting. But he just wouldn’t listen.”
“Wait. He... Eats jewels?” Ficks asked.
“Yes! Dragons adore jewels.” Twilight said quite plainly.
Dragons!? Ficks thought. He’d heard stories about dragons from old mare’s tales in Manehattan and if any of them were true, he couldn’t imagine why Twilight would have one as an assistant.
“You mean ta’ tell me that you’ve got a dragon livin’ here in ponyville?” Ficks asked in a somewhat nervous manner.
“Yes. He’s just a kid though. Is something wrong?” she asked, puzzled.
“What? No, I’m uh... just fine. Yeah I’m all good.” Ficks said as she smiled weakly.
“Well okay then. Anyway it was good talking to you again Ficks. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got to finish this letter.”
She wandered back over to where her letter was and began writing again. With that Ficks assumed that their conversation was over and continued on his way. As the party progressed he looked around to see what everypony else was doing. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were now playing a different party game than before. Nuttanbolt was still with Rainbowdash. He was sitting down with Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo. He didn’t even know that the Crusaders were here. He never saw them when he had arrived. The three of them were sitting in front of Rainbowdash who was telling some sort of story. As Ficks walked by he could hear bits of her story; something about getting her cutie mark and sonic rainbooms. Scootaloo was staring in awe, nudging Nuttanbolt at the same time.
“See! I told you she was awesome.” she exclaimed at Nut loudly. Rainbowdash grinned at all the attention she was getting.
Well at least he’s still havin’ a good time. Ficks thought. He started looking for Applejack. He finally found her but she was busy scolding Applebloom for something again. That filly just couldn’t seem to keep out of trouble if she tried.
It seemed that everypony was occupied at the moment. There was only one pony who didn’t seem to be present. Ficks started looking around for a certain white unicorn but to no avail. With that he decided to see if he couldn’t find something to snack on at the food table. As he started to trot that way, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and sure enough, the very unicorn he had been looking for was staring right at him.
“Miss Rarity?” Ficks asked weakly.
“Please Ficksitup, just call me Rarity. No need to be so formal. We’ve already met now, so there’s no use for that.” she adressed authoritively.
Ficks was a little taken aback but he continued to listen to her anyway. “Well... um okay then, Rarity. Was there something ya wanted to tell me?”
She brushed her mane back then took a deep breath. Collecting her words she finally continued.
“As a matter of fact, yes. I did want to discuss something with you, if you’ll hear me out.”
“Uh sure, go ahead.”
“Well, first off I just wanted to thank you again for fixing my sewing machine the other day. You’ll be happy to hear that I was able to finish all of my dresses and get them shipped out to my clients.”
“Yeah, glad to hear it...” Ficks said rather coldly. He was starting to walk away, but Rarity yelped from behind.
“W-wait! There’s something else I wanted to say.” she said. Her tone had changed immensely. Before she had sounded all high and mighty, now she sounded... desperate.
“What is it?” Ficks asked. He was growing impatient. Whatever it was this mare wanted to say, why didn’t she just say it?
“It’s just that well... I... I wanted to say...” she shut her eyes then forced out the last few words, “... I’m sorry.”
Ficks’ ears pricked up in suprise. “What’d ya say?”
Rarity cleared her throat again. “I’m telling you that I am sorry. I realize that I was being rather rude the other day. I mean it’s not that I wanted to be rude, it’s just that you looked so filthy and I jus-” Ficks raised an eyebrow. Was this mare really apologizing? If she was, she really wasn’t doing a good job. “Wait no, that’s not what I meant! I meant that I just need to have a clean work environment and you were- oh who am I foaling? I’m sorry I called you a dirty stallion and kicked you out of my shop!” she finally cried out hysterically.
“Wait. You called me a dirty stallion?” Ficks asked, now taken aback instead of comforted by her apology.
“Who me? No I would never call you a dirty stallion... at least not to your face. I mean, yes. I might have have called you that after you left, but please I didn’t mean it. At all! I was just so stressed out and I’m not accustomed to having stallions act with such kindness.” She sounded like she was about to start crying or something. As much as Ficks wanted to walk away from how annoyed he was by her confessions, for her sake, he stayed put.
“You say yer not used to stallions actin’ kind with ya. Did something happen that makes ya think so harshly about ‘em?” Ficks asked with curiousity. Rarity bit her lip when she realized that she had said too much.
“Well... let’s just say something happened between me and a stallion, who I thought was supposed to be extraordinary. Turns out he was a complete let down. I’d rather not bring it up again.”
“Life can be disappointin’ sometimes. You learn to deal with it...” Ficks said coldly. Rarity looked at him with somber eyes. Thankfully, no tears were welling up in them.
“But that’s not fair. I never did anything to deserve to be treated this way. I was nothing but generous to that schmuck of a stallion. Just as I have been nothing but generous to y-” Ficks gave her another unimpressed look. Rarity groaned in defeat. She knew she wasn’t fooling him, “Okay okay... I was wrong. I was anything but generous to you that day but that is now why I also wished to speak with you. I would like to... if you’ll allow me to... let me make it up to you somehow. Let me express my kindness and generosity towards you.”
Ficks put a hoof over his face. Oh great, now this one wants to make it up to me too. What in the hay could she possibly offer? He thought, now agitated.
“You want to make it up to me? I don’t mean to be rude or nuthin’ Rarity but I really don’t see what else you could possibly do for me since we obviously lead such busy lives.” he said with a hint of sarcasm. Rarity stood there, thinking for a moment. She had a look on her face that made her look overly stumped. She really had no idea how she could make up for her rudeness to this stallion. What could she offer? The only things she knew about were fashion and keeping her mane well kept. Unless...
“What about your mane?” she finally asked.
“What about it?” Ficks replied, now once again annoyed at the sudden change in subject.
“Well... I mean. Look at it. It’s clearly... unkempt. I assume you’ve never done anything with it before have you?”
“No I really have no reason to. I just let it grow out. Since I’m a stallion after all why would I have any reason to do anything with it?”
Rarity realized her plan was starting to fold on itself. She had to step it up.
“Well I’m merely trying to say that... well, it just has so much potential. I’m willing to bet after a stop at the salon or somewhere else, you could have a completely new look. A handsome stallion like yourself wouldn’t want to waste that kind of potential would you?”
Ficks didn’t think he couldn’t get anymore annoyed with this mare. Now she was pushing it. First she had insulted him the other day, and now she was trying to suck up to him. Still he thought for a moment. His mane was getting a bit out of hoof for even himself to handle. He constantly found himself brushing his mane out of his eyes when he was working and in the mornings, his mane looked like the storm of the century had blown through it. Perhaps it was time for a little trim. Plus this mare was making as much effort as she could to make amends for her previous behavior. The offering was starting to not sound like such a bad idea.
“Well I suppose it wouldn’t hurt...” Ficks said. Rarity’s eyes lit up gracefully.
“Oh, I knew you couldn’t refuse such a surpassing offer such as this. I’ll set up an appointment at one of the best places I know. Once they’re done with you, you’ll look absolutely ama-”
“Rarity, please! Just a trim, alright? I don’t need nothin’ fancy. I appreciate the offer, but please, don’t over do it.”
Rarity gave him a doubtful expression and then sighed loudly.
“Oh very well then, I’ll set up an appointment and have them do something modest. But at least let them do something. I can’t just have you getting a boring old trim. You should at least let them make it a little... oh how would I put it... trendy!” she pestered. She wasn’t about to let him off that easy.
Ficks sighed with fatigue, “Ugh, alright fine whatever. Do what you like, but nuthin’ fancy. Also it can’t be this week since I’m gonna loaded with work.”
Rarity gave herself a little cheer. “Yes of course, whenever the time is fitting for you. I’ll make the appointment as you see fit. I’m so glad you decided to accept my offer. I’m sure we’ll get along much better now.”
“Yeah... I can hardly wait.” Ficks groaned with heavy sarcasm. Rarity looked over her shoulder to see if anypony else was within close range before she turned around again.
“Oh yes, Ficks. There is one last thing I wanted to ask you...” she said in a very serious tone.
“Yeah alright what is it?” Ficks asked hoping she would leave after this.
“Tell me, and be completely honest... Are you and Applejack da-”
“WATER BALLOON FIGHT!” Pinkie Pie shouted from out of nowhere. Suddenly a water balloon came sailing from out of the blue and hit Rarity square in the face. It immediately burst open, spilling water all over her face and mane. Rarity spun around and glared, water dripping from her now drooping mane.
“PINKIE! How dare you! Oooooh when I get my hooves on you, you’re going to be sorry...” she yelled. With that she took off after Pinkie who was hopping away giggling the whole time.
Ficks watched them run off to some other part of the room, completely bewildered. He breathed a slight sigh of relief. I thought she’d never leave. Thanks Pinkie, I owe ya again. Ficks thought, chuckling. He made his way to the front door and stepped outside, in desperate need of some fresh air. The night air was cool and crisp which comforted Ficks greatly. The moon was shining brightly which gave off a luminescent glow on the ground.
Ficks sat down, leaning against the wall of the shop. He looked up at the stars thinking to himself. I wonder if Twilight’ll let me borrow one of them star-books. Maybe I can learn all them names that she was talkin’ ‘bout the other d- His thoughts were broken when he heard somepony approaching from the side. He quickly turned his head to see who it was.
Applejack came walking up from outside of the store. She smiled at him, though she looked pretty worn out as well. She took a seat next to Ficks, taking a moment to catch her breath.
“Well you certainly look like ya had yerself a good time.” she said cheerfully. Ficks took his hat off and placed it on the ground next to him. He brushed his mane back and stretched to relieve some of the tension in his back.
“Yeah you could say that. I was able to talk a few of the girls again. You were right, I did get along better with them this time.” He lied of course since he really didn’t feel like explaining his conversation with Rarity. He had a feeling that Applejack knew he didn’t favor her at the moment. So he didn’t want to make it worse.
“That’s great Ficks. See, I told ya you’d get along better with ‘em tonight. You doubted me... but I told ya.”
“Alright alright. No need to rub it in, geez.” She smiled again and removed her hat as well. Her mane fell gently to her side as she turned her head. Ficks stared curiously at her mane. The red ribbons that held them down at the end made her mane bob back and forth as she scratched her head. She noticed that he was staring at her.
“What is it Ficks?”
He quickly snapped into attention, “Oh nothin’. It’s just that you never told me why you’re always wearin’ those things in your mane all the time. Well... then again I guess I never asked either.”
She chuckled. “Well I wear ‘em so my mane doesn’t get everywhere in my face when I’m workin’ on the acres. I guess I kinda got comfortable with the look so I just keep it that way all the time now.”
“I see. Well I guess that was an obvious answer. I don’t know why I even asked. I suppose it’s just that I’ve never seen your mane any other way.” He chuckled lightly at his own dumb curiosity.
She smiled at him again. “Well if you want to see my mane without em, why don’t ya help me for a sec’ here. They’re coming loose anyway so I need to re-tie them again.”
Ficks gulped nervously. “Oh... uh... okay. What do ya need me to do?”
“Just pull the ribbons loose and they should come undone on their own.”
“Right...sure. No problem.” Ficks nervously leaned closer to her. He reached behind her head. As his face brushed past her mane, he could smell a scent of apples in her hair. The aroma was almost intoxicating to him. With his teeth, he lightly tugged on the ribbons in her mane. They slowly came undone and fell to the ground. Applejack shook her mane loose, letting it fall gently around her face. Ficks backed up again to look at her. What he saw made his stomach twist in knots.
She looked at him shyly and asked, “Well? How’s it look now?”
Ficks couldn’t even find the means to think straight. She looked completely different to him. Her mane rested around her shoulders and would sway every time she turned her head. From the glow of the moonlight, it seemed to shine like golden threads. Her emerald eyes peered from underneath her bangs that hung loosely over her forehead. He was at a complete loss for words.
“Well?”
Ficks felt a lump in his throat. He felt like his whole body was heating up for no reason. Finally he mustered up enough sense to speak. “Uh it’s just... wow. You look... great. Like I mean, really great.”
Applejack blushed a little. “Oh now yer just sayin’ that sugarcube.”
“No I mean it. You look... amazing.” His head was spinning. He wanted to say she looked beautiful but he didn’t nearly have enough courage to tell her. She smiled again.
“Well thanks Ficks.” she folded up the ribbons and placed them in her hat, “Maybe I’ll keep it this way every now and then” He couldn’t help but smile at that. He wouldn’t mind one bit if she did that.
The two of them snickered together before falling silent again. He looked up at the night sky again for what felt like several minutes before he spoke again. “Ya know ‘Jack... I’m really glad that you were here to help me out tonight. I know it sounds like nothing but I mean it. I’m really glad you came.”
“I already told ya Ficks. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Yeah I know that, but I’m still happy that you did.”
“Well sugarcube... I’m glad that you came back to Ponyville after all those years. I know it don’t seem like much either, but I’m really glad you came back.”
Ficks looked at her and gave a faint smile. “I told ya ‘Jack. I made a promise I’d come back. So I wouldn’t miss this for the world either...”
She leaned against him, resting her head against his shoulder. Ficks’ eyes widened and his face turned as red as a tomato. She sighed and then smiled.
“That makes me happy Ficks. I’m glad you kept your promise to me...”
For a moment, Ficks continued to let her sit there resting her head against him. He was so nervous. His heart was beating so hard that his chest hurt. But this moment felt so right to him. A part of him wished they could stay like this forever.
“‘Jack... there’s something I wanted to say.” he finally said, breaking the silence.
“What is it sugarcube?” She looked up at him eagerly.
“I just... I wanted to apologize for what I said the other day.”
“What do you mean?”
“When we were at Fluttershy’s and I said that I never needed any friends when I was young. I didn’t mean that. I did need a friend back then. And you were the filly who became the best friend I could ever have. I never meant to upset ya. I was just confused that night and I didn’t know what I was talkin’ about and I-” She put a hoof to his mouth.
“I don’t care about that Ficks. I know you never meant it. I just care that you’re here now... with me.” She stared at him, not once looking away. Ficks gazed deeply into her eyes.
“‘Jack I-”
“Stop talkin’ sugarcube.”
She leaned in and placed her lips to his without hesitation. It happened so fast that he didn’t even have time to react. She closed her eyes and leaned against him even more. Ficks thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest. His eyes widened with shock. Was this really happening? She kept her lips firmly pressed to his, not once moving away. After that, everything seemed like a dream. There wasn’t any way to fight it. He felt a rush of exhilaration flowing through him. He finally shut his eyes and pressed against her as well, embracing the warm touch of her body against his. For the first time in his life, Ficks felt complete and utter bliss. It had been ten years since he had seen her. Ten years of waiting for something good to finally happen to him, and now... it was one of the greatest moments of his life. Nothing could ruin this moment now. Nothing.
“WHO WANTS CAKE?” Pinkie Pie shouted from the front door. The two of them immediately pulled away from each other. Both of their faces had turned bright red. Pinkie saw the two of them sitting on the ground outside and giggled. “Oh silly. What are you doing sitting in the dirt? You’re supposed to be inside having fu- wait a minute!”
They stared at her nervously. She glared suspiciously at them with big eyes. “What Pinkie Pie?” Applejack asked with hesitation.
“There’s something not right here...” Ficks and Applejack both looked at each other, fearing the worst. Finally Pinkie shouted out, “Where’s your hats?”
They both exhaled happily. “Oh... uh right here. Yeah... found my hat” Ficks said. He picked his hat up off the ground and laughed nervously. Pinkie stared at him, squinting with a serious expression, then grinned at him.
“Okie dokie lokie!” She took off back into the shop, squealing and giggling. Ficks then looked at the ground and sighed with relief. If she had seen what they were doing, he might have died from embarrassment. Applejack quickly got up and placed her hat back on her head. She didn’t put her ribbons back in, so her mane still fell loosely against her shoulders. She looked down at Ficks and smiled at him. They were both still blushing. She leaned down and planted another kiss on his cheek.
“Come on Ficks. Let’s not keep ‘em waitin’.”
Ficks got up, rubbing his cheek. His face had turned bright red again. He nervously put his hat back on and walked over to Applejack. He smiled at her with his heart beating slow but steady again. She winked at him and trotted inside. The moment had ended almost as soon as it had begun, but he didn’t feel a single ounce of regret that it had happened. Ficks turned around and looked up at the night sky one last time. A huge grin appeared over his face and he chuckled to himself. With that, he trotted into Sugar Cube Corner and reunited with his guests.
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 5 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2011-11-30T23:05:51+00:00
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2011-11-30T23:05:51+00:00
| 3,250 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 5: Mixed Feelings are a Rarity
After only a few days passed, the first signs of Autumn had begun to arise in Ponyville. The leaves on the trees were beginning to change colors. Some had turned a dark maroon while others were a bright orange or a golden yellow. Every now and then, a few of the leaves would break away from their branches to be carried away by the gentle fall breeze. It created a serene kind of setting where the they would dance in the wind as if they were in a ballet of the seasons. Small clusters of clouds littered the sky where the sun occasionally peaked out from behind to shine rays of warmth on the ground. Even with all of this going on around them, most of the town folk continued about their business and daily routines without falter, but still keeping in mind the ever approaching winter.
From the window of his attic, Ficksitup glanced outside at the morning scenery while he cheerfully played a melody on his silver harmonica. The tune was sweet and simple and put him in a rather optimistic mood, that is until Hammerplank marched up the stairs and started banging on the attic door, angrily shouting through the hinged wood.
“Would ya quit it with that darn thing and get down here already? We’re still runnin’ a tool shop here, not an orchestra!”
Ficks rolled his eyes and sighed. Last time he recalled, no musical orchestra that he had ever heard of used a harmonica in their ensemble. Still, he didn’t allow his uncle’s musical ignorance to put his cheerfulness out of commission. He placed the harmonica in a special cushioned case that he had fashioned for it and left his room with a cheeky grin.
He trotted downstairs into the kitchen. Unintentionally, he had a slight stride in his step that recieved confused looks from both his uncle and Nuttanbolt, who were sitting at the table eating breakfast as he strode past them towards the fruit bowl on the counter. He was humming the tune that he had previously been playing on the harmonica a minute ago. He gracefully snatched an apple from the bowl and began munching away at it, savoring the juicy flavor of the red fruit. He couldn’t help crack a smile as he continued to chew eagerly on it. Hammerplank stared at him with a puzzled expression.
“Well yer certainly bright eyed and bushy tailed this mornin’ arent’cha? What’s got you in such a good mood, nephew?” Plank asked curiously. Ficks stopped eating and swallowed to flash another smile at the two of them.
“Why wouldn’t I be, uncle? I’ve been gettin’ a lotta’ work done these past few days. I slept great last night and I can tell it’s gonna be a beautiful day today.”
Hammerplank was a little shocked at Fick’s sudden surge of enthusiasm. He got up from the table to stare out the kitchen window, pulled a few of the shades down and peered outside. The entire sky was covered in overcast, with large bloated clouds blocking out the sun entirely. He frowned and turned back to face his nephew.
“I can understand bein’ satisfied about yer progress with work and everything, but I don’t think you got yer head on straight about the weather. Sun’s practically been blotted out, heck it might even rain today.” Hammerplank proclaimed angrily, “Darn Pegasi couldn’t have picked a worse day to stick those stinkin’ clouds over this town, and on a Monday of all days! Clearly they never have to worry about havin’ to work on an early mornin’ or nothin’, ‘cuz they’re too busy soakin’ up the sun in their magic sky castle while the rest of us are breakin’ our hooves on solid ground in the rain, just to make a livin’!”
“It’s called Cloudsdale, uncle.” Ficks corrected.
“Whatever! Point is, the least they could do is cut us some gosh darn slack and give a little more sunshine during this time of the year... or at least a darn warnin’ that it’s gonna rain so I don’t bother getting up outta bed.”
Ficksitup gradually tuned out his uncle as he continued on his Pegasus tangent. He was flailing his hooves in the air as his outbursts continued. Though to Ficksitup, his uncle did seem to be on to something. It was true that the winged citizens of Cloudsdale appeared to have a substantially smaller workload than the common earth ponies in Ponyville and Equestria as a whole, but Ficksitup could tell that Hammerplank was blowing it all way out of proportion.
Ficksitup assumed that a Pegasus had just as much responsibility as any other pony he knew. After all, from what he’d seen, it sure didn’t look easy moving all of those clouds around. It probably took at least two pegasi to move one big cloud. So to move a whole group of them would take an entire workforce to get it done. Ficksitup thought back to the Pegasus he had met the other night, Rainbow Dash. He wondered how much work she could do in one day. What she lacked in strength, she could most definitely make up in speed, and she most certainly looked like a fast flier. No doubt that was how she earned her rather unique name. He continued to eat his apple, deep in thought, when his uncle stopped and noticed that he was once again being ignored. Hammerplank snatched the apple away from his hoof and glared at him.
“Hey, what was that for?” Ficksitup cried out.
“I ain’t done with you yet. You still haven’t told me what’s got you in such a spectacular mood all of a sudden. And don’t tell me it’s the sunny day we’re havin’, cuz I know that’s a load of manure.” Ficksitup frowned at his uncle, who stared back at him intently. His uncle seemed particularly grumpier than he usually was in the morning.
“I’m tellin’ ya ‘Plank, it’s nothin’. What, am I not allowed to be happy for once?” He asked defensively. Hammerplank raised an eyebrow.
“Really now? It’s nothin’?”
“Yup, nothin’ at all.”
“It couldn’t possibly have to do with a certain party that you two might have wandered off to some odd days ago?”
Ficksitup gave a slight look of surprise. Another secret had been digested by his ever intuitive uncle, without fail. Ficksitup whipped around to face his younger brother who looked equally surprised by their uncle’s dead on accusation. He glared slightly at Nut. Why that lil’ snitch... He was about to open his mouth to reprimand him. Hammerplank, reading his mind, put a hoof up to stop him.
“Don’t you blame Nut. He didn’t tell me anything. I just happened to hear everything in my office when I was home that day.”
“But I- How did you even hear all that? I thought you were asleep.”
“I’m a light sleeper kiddo.” Hammerplank said harshly, “And if you ever get the bolts to call me an ole coot behind my back again, you’ll be danglin’ off the nearest cliff beggin’ to Celestia herself. Got it?”
Ficksitup quickly lowered his head in shame like a cowering dog that had just been caught by his master for relieving himself on the carpet. “Yes uncle. I’m sorry.”
Hammerplank finally broke his frown and let out a bellowing laugh which caught Ficksitup and his brother off guard.
“Well off course you’d still be right though. I am an ole coot! You just aren’t allowed to say it. Only I am.” he said through chokes of laughter. Ficksitup gave him a another unimpressed look. Once again, his uncle had succeeded in effortlessly pulling his leg and making him look like a fool. Nuttanbolt burst out giggling at his brother’s humiliation. Both Ficksitup and Hammerplank quickly stared him down to shut him up.
“I’m pretty sure you have somewhere to be right now too, young foal...” Hammerplank scolded to his younger nephew. Nuttanbolt glanced at the clock and yelped in panic.
“Oh horseapples, I’m gonna be late for school!” He jumped down from his seat and bolted up the stairs to get ready. Ficksitup chuckled as he watched his brother finally get some of the flak from his uncle’s verbal onslaught. Hammerplank turned around again to face Ficksitup.
“Now then, you still haven’t told me what’cher so happy ‘bout. Clearly something spectacular must have happened at that little extravaganza to get ya all riled up.”
“Oh come on ‘Plank. You’re still ridin’ me about that? Just let it go already.”
“Nuh uh. No way. I ain’t movin’ til I get an honest answer outta’ you Ficksitup.” Hammerplank crossed his arms and slumped in his chair as if he was gluing himself to the seat to emphasize that he had no intention of leaving. Ficksitup groaned with rolled eyes and sat in the chair opposite of him.
“Okay, I had a really good time at the party. There was food, confetti, and dancin’, it was a real rodeo, end of story.” he said, hoping that would end his uncle’s pointless interrogation. Hammerplank merely grinned.
“And Applejack was there too, right?”
“Well... yeah of course she was, She’s the one who invited me in the first place.” Ficksitup said with hesitation.
“Yeah? You sure that ain’t why you had such a great time?”
“What are you gettin’ at here?”
“Just answer the question.”
“Ugh, yes. I did enjoy her company at the party. In fact I’m sure I had a much better time because she was there. Ya’ happy now?” Ficksitup asked impatiently.
“Alright alright I get it. I was just askin’. Geez, don’t get yer saddle in a bunch, nephew.”
“Well alright then.” Ficks said as he turned around in his seat to reach for another apple. Suddenly he felt his uncle hanging right over his shoulder.
“Did ya mack it with her? Eh? Eh?” he asked, nudging him and making light clicking sounds with his mouth. Ficksitup couldn’t help it. His face immediately flustered red with embarrassment. It had been days since the night of the party, but the image still hung fresh in his mind.
Stop talkin’ sugarcube... The words played over in his head as he envisioned that moment when he had shared his first kiss with her. His lips still tingled from the sensation that he had felt from her kissing him like that. The whole thing sent a mixture of emotions spinning through his subconscious. He quickly shook his head and turned away to hide the color in his face.
“I don’t know what yer talkin’ about.” Ficksitup stammered. Hammerplank burst out laughing and lightly slapped his hoof across Ficksitup’s back.
“Ya did didn’t ya? You sly dog, I knew you were gonna do it sooner or later. I just knew ya couldn’t resist a pretty ‘lil thing like her. Atta, boy Ficks. Now yer becoming a stallion. I’m proud of ya.” Ficksitup frowned at him while he rubbed his back.
“Hey come on now, I never said I did anything like that, alright? We just danced a little and hung out with her friends, that’s it.”
“You danced with her too? Wow kiddo, yer really makin’ an impression on this mare aren’tcha? No wonder she was so eager to snog with ya. Tell me, did she use her tongue?” Hammerplank pestered with bitter chuckles. Ficksitup was appalled and disgusted by his uncle.
“You’re a sick stallion, you know that ‘Plank? I don’t know why you’d ask something like that. No, she didn’t use her ton-” Ficksitup slapped a hoof over his mouth when he realized what he’d just said. Hammerplank raised both eyebrows with wide eyes and busted out with even louder laughter than before.
“Dear Celestia, ya’ did mack it with her! I knew it. I absolutely knew it! And here you were tryin’ to deny it. I told you Ficks, yer a terrible liar, you really are.” Ficksitup just glared at him. He hated the fact that he was no good at lying to anypony. Worst of all, his uncle knew it and he always made a spectacle out of the whole thing every time he caught him fibbing like this. There was just no winning with him.
“Hush up will ya? Geez... okay so yeah. I might have kissed her, but that’s it. I swear nothin’ else happened.” Ficksitup confessed angrily. Hammerplank gave a sly smile, deciding that he was finally done toying with him.
“Alright alright. I’m done with ya. See that wasn’t so hard now was it? You know you can’t keep secrets from me, especially the good ones like that. So ya really shouldn’t even bother tryin’.”
“Fine, whatever. Can I go now?”
“Yeah alright, yer dismissed but I still gotta ask ya one more thing.” Hammerplank said as he got up from his chair. His tone had changed to become more serious.
“What?”
“You really like this mare don’tcha?”
“Yeah, I guess. Why?”
“Have ya told her that yet?”
“Well I... no, not really. I don’t even know how I should tell her that. I mean, this all new to me. I’m sure she knows that I like her. So there wouldn’t really be any need to actually tell her. Right?” Hammerplank stopped smiling and gave Ficksitup a stern look.
“You need to tell her, Ficks. You shouldn’t keep a mare waitin’ for an answer like that. She’s clearly shown her affection towards you and it wouldn’t be fair to make her second guess herself with hesitation.” Ficksitup stared blankly at his uncle. He had no idea where all of this was coming from. First his uncle had been pestering and teasing him to no avail about the whole thing, and now suddenly he was trying to act like some sort of relationship expert.
“What would you know about that sort of stuff anyway, Plank?”
Hammerplank was silent for a moment before he answered,“Trust me Ficks, I’ve... well, let’s just say I’ve been in that wagon before. I know you don’t listen to me very often and believe me, I know you don’t. But hear me out; if you don’t tell her soon it’s gonna come back and bite ya’ in the flank later.”
Ficks looked at him with confusion. His uncle continued to stare at him intently. He knew Hammerplank wasn’t always the serious type. In fact he was more likely to crack a joke before actually being sincere about anything that wasn’t work related. But on that rare occasion that he really was trying to get a point across, all joking was scarce. Ficks closed his eyes and sighed.
“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. Can I go now?”
“Yeah, go on. Get outta’ here.” Hammerplank tossed the half eaten apple back to Ficksitup. He held the apple in his hoof, staring at it. For a moment, he got a whiff of the sweet scent that emanated from the red fruit. The smell started bringing up images of Applejack in his mind again, how her mane had smelled of apples that night and the look of it when her hair was down without the ribbons. He couldn’t shake the memory from his head. She had looked so different that night... so beautiful. The mere thought of it made his stomach flutter uncontrollably and his heart pound. Hammerplank gave a low grunt to snap Ficks back into the present.
“Ahem, shall I leave you and the apple alone for a moment?” he asked, teasingly. Ficksitup turned his head and scowled at him. After Hammerplank had left, he finished his breakfast and headed upstairs again. Nuttanbolt scurried past him with his bookbag in tow. Ficksitup turned around and called back to him.
“Hey Nut, ya’ want me to walk ya’ to school today?”
“Nah it’s fine, I can make it there myself.” Nut shouted as he bolted out the front door. Ficks gave a faint smile and continued towards his room. Inside, he trotted towards the desk that was next to his bed. On a nearby chair, hung his tool bag and hat. He effortlessly slung the saddle bag over his shoulder and onto his back. He grabbed his hat and placed it on his head. As he did, something came fluttering out of the hat from underneath the brim. It fell to the floor, to which Ficksitup immediately looked down to see what it was. On the wooden planks of his room, rested a small red ribbon. He picked it up and examined it closely. It was one of the ribbons that had been used to tie Applejack’s mane. It was more than strange how it had ended up there. The mere concept perplexed him. How in the hay did this even get here? he wondered, staring at it curiously. He could have sworn that she had kept them in her hat the entire time. Apparently not. He figured he could just return it to her at sometime, though he realized that wasn’t the biggest problem he had at the moment. How was he supposed to get her out of his head, or more importantly, how was he supposed to confess to her? Now that he pretty much knew how he felt about her, he couldn’t just sit around and not let her know. What do I even say? He thought nervously. Ficksitup was trembling with anxiety. He didn’t know if he was even ready to tell her. Hammerplank made it sound so easy, but the mere thought of telling Applejack something as important as this made Ficksitup nervous beyond comprehension. He shook his head vigorously. I gotta get her outta my mind. No distractions. Gotta focus on the task at hoof. He thought reassuringly. He would tell her eventually, he was certain. But for now there were other, more pressing matters to attend to.
Ficks trotted down the stairs again and knocked on the door to Hammerplank’s office, which served as his personal quarters.
“Come in.” Hammerplank called from behind the door. Ficks opened it and peered inside. His uncle was sitting at his desk filling out a document. When Ficks tried to take a closer look at the parchment, Plank noticed his wandering eyes and quickly stuck the paper back in a folder. He stuck it in the open drawer of his desk and slammed it shut. “What do you want?” he asked impatiently.
“Oh right. I was wonderin’ if ya might know where we kept the ole wagon for the shop? I need it for something I’m doin’ for a client of ours.” Ficks asked. Hammerplank stared at him curiously and then dismissed whatever suspicious thought he had developed in his head.
“Yeah, it’s in the tool shed behind the shop. Just be careful. I’ve got a lot of stuff in there that I’m still workin’ on, so don’t break anything.”
“You got it. Thanks uncle.”
The shed rested firmly against the back wall of the shop. It was a medium sized, two door, barn shaped shed that was covered in white paint that was slowly chipping away. Inside, there were shelves stacked with wooden boxes filled with spare parts and broken gadgets. At the back of the shed sat a large workbench. Along the wall hung several tools of variant sizes and occupations. Scattered throughout the floor were several large devices that were covered in white tarps. The entire room was smothered in dust. Clearly those “projects” that Hammerplank was working on had been unfinished for quite awhile now. Knowing his uncle, Ficksitup assumed they probably weren’t going to be completed any time soon either. The wagon he was looking for was resting in the center of the shed. Ficksitup quickly inspected it to make sure that all four wheels were still attached and tightened correctly. He quickly fastened the neck yoke around his shoulders and gave the wagon a good tug. It sluggishly rolled its way out of the shed. The wheels creaked and groaned as they rotated. Ficks sighed miserably. He knew pulling this thing was going to wear him out by the end of the day, but it was necessary for what he was going to be doing. He quickly rushed back into the shed to grab the last few things he needed: several large planks of wood, a tin can filled with nails, a saw, and most importantly, a ladder. There was no need for another hammer since he already carried one with him in his tool bag. He loaded the supplies into the back and re-positioned himself in front of the wagon. Confident that he had everything he needed, Ficks pulled the wagon around to the front of the shop and was on his way.
Despite the more than gloomy weather, the streets were already flourishing with business. Shops had their doors open with signs hanging in the windows, welcoming customers in. The market stalls were filled to the last crate with every kind of fruit and vegetable that there was to offer. Ficksitup looked on with curiosity as he observed the different shop keeps and their methods of attracting potential costumers. Some were tossing out bargains that were too good to refuse (or to be true). He’d seen the method before. It happened more times than he could possibly count.
It was the oldest trick in the book for the merchants in the larger-than-life market district of Manehattan. They would offer unbelievably great deals on their goods, such as three for the price of one or buy two bags today and receive a third one tomorrow, free of charge. They would merely throw these bargains out as bluffs to lure customers in. Once they’d managed to hook somepony gullible in, that’s where the deal stopped sounding so great. It would turn into a one sided barter where the shop keep would end up making more bits than his goods were worth and the customer would probably end up going home with less than what they had to begin with or even empty hooved if they were really unlucky. It was a dishonest and horrid way of doing business, but Ficksitup knew they were only doing it because they felt that they were obliged to do so. After all, they were competing against dozens of others in the market. Apparently it wasn’t any different here. Though, at least here in Ponyville, they weren’t swindling their customers of everything they had. Ficksitup just wished they could show a little more honesty with their work.
That’s when he saw her. He didn’t walk too far before he had arrived where Applejack’s stall was. As he spotted her, Ficksitup jumped in panic. He tried to run for cover, nearly choking himself in the process since he was still attached to the wagon. He quickly unlatched himself and ducked behind a nearby stall. She didn’t see me, did she? Ficksitup thought. Breathing heavily he poked his head out from the side and looked in her direction. Applejack was too busy bartering with a customer to notice anything around her. Ficksitup sighed with relief and relaxed against the stall he was hiding behind.
“Okay...” he said to himself, “I’m here now. Should I tell her? I mean, I don’t see why it wouldn’t hurt to try right now. I bet she’s even waiting for me to go up there right now and tell her... I should tell her.”
Ficksitup continued to bicker with himself before he felt watchful eyes over him. He gazed up to see the owner of the cart he was leaning against glaring at him.
“You gonna’ buy something Romeo or just sit there and babble to yourself?” the mare asked shrewdly. Ficksitup stared back at her and smiled awkwardly.
“Uh, sorry. I’ll just be on my way now.” he said as he got up. Shaking off his minor embarrassment with the shopkeeper, he looked over at Applejack again. She was continuing to speak with another pony at her stall. She had a light, welcoming smile on her face that made Ficksitup’s heart skip a beat or two. It was the perfect time to tell her. After all that had happened that night at the party, it seemed almost necessary to tell her now. It might as well be a time when she was in a good mood.
“I’m gonna tell her.” he said confidently. He began making his way towards the apple stand. Her blond mane seemed to sway in the fall breeze in slow motion. She was still smiling, her emerald eyes gleaming with warmth. Ficksitup started to trot faster towards the stand. She didn’t notice him getting closer. This is it, he thought, I’m gonna tell her... He was ten feet from where she was standing before he stopped dead in his tracks. He broke out in a nervous sweat. He had gotten so anxious about telling her about his feelings that he hadn’t even thought of anything to say. I’m such an idiot. Applejack turned in his direction which made him dive for the nearest cover he could spot. Thankfully, it was another fruit cart. His heart was pounding; he was sure that she had spotted him. He peered around the cart. He’d apparently gone unnoticed as she continued to talk with her costumer.
He could hear a bit of the conversation between Applejack and the stallion she was dealing with. The conversation sounded pretty heated, even argumentative. Letting curiosity get the better of him, he positioned his head so his left ear stuck out from behind the cart and listened to what they were saying.
“Please mister, I’m tellin’ ya, these here are the finest apples in Equestria, grown right here at Sweet Apple Acres, only the finest apple farm in all of Ponyville. There’s no way you could resist such delicious fruits as these.” Applejack said in a desperate tone. The stallion who she was bartering with gave a low grunt of dissatisfaction.
“The finest you say?” he said as he waved a hoof over one the carts, “These apples have to be in the worst shape I’ve ever seen. Just look at them. This one is dented on the side, this one looks as if it’s been tossed in the dirt, this one looks too rotten to eat, and-” he gasped as he pointed at one specific apple sitting atop the pile.
“Is that a worm?”
Applejack looked at the accused apple and chuckled unnervingly.
“Well sir, aside from the worm, the only reason these apples look the way they do is because we harvest em ourselves and we take every apple we get. We know a bad apple when we see one and I assure ya, there are no bad apples here. They may not look it, but they’re still juicy and tasty on the inside.”
The stallion still looked unimpressed. He pondered for a moment before continuing.
“Well I’m still not convinced. Even if I were to buy these apples, I’d say they were only worth half of what you’re selling them at.”
“Alright fine.” Applejack said with new found confidence, “Let’s make ourselves a deal partner. I’ll give ya five apples for six bits. Six is how much I charge for two. Sounds like a fair deal, right?”
The stallion scratched a hoof under his chin while he thought for a moment. He then gave a coy smirk. For some reason, it made Ficksitup fluster with anger as he watched Applejack continue to debate with him. Ficksitup wanted to do nothing more than to step in and help her. He’d even tell that stallion to eat dirt, but he had no idea whether that would really help her anyway. It’s not like he was selling the apples. He also knew she wouldn’t let him step in to help. That’s just the way Applejack was. Always taking things head on by herself. He decided to remain hidden and continue to observe her conflict. If things started to go south then he would step in to help her whether she wanted it or not. Then again, the stallion looked a few sizes bigger than Ficksitup. Heck, this stallion could have given Big Mac a run for his money. Either way, he didn’t care. For Applejack, Ficksitup was willing to face a full grown dragon for her.
“Hmm, I suppose. Alright I’ll accept.” the stallion stated, “But I don’t want just any sort of apples. I want the best ones you have and unbruised of course.”
Applejack exhaled heavily to avoid losing her patience. This was a tough costumer no doubt, but still a customer. She had no intentions of letting this one slide.
“Alrighty then, we’ve got these here red ones that we just picked this mornin’.” she said as she began pulling a few apples from one of the carts on the side.
“No, not those.”
“Okay...well how ‘bout these ones. Green apples that are so tangy and juicy, you’ll be tempted to buy more than just five.”
“Nope, not those ones either.”
Applejack glared slightly as she continued to go through the assortment of apples that she had brought with her, each one he had turned down. She finally sighed deeply in defeat as she faced the stallion.
“Sir, I’ve shown ya every apple I’ve got and you don’t want any of ‘em. How am I s’posed ta make a deal when you won’t even buy what I’m sellin’?”
The stallion stood there and smiled again.
“Not all of them. How about those ones?” he said as he pointed at a basket sitting on a shelf above her head. The basket was filled with six apples that varied in color. Three red ones, one yellow one, and two green ones. There was, however, something peculiar about them. The apples practically gleamed and shined like they had been hoof-polished. They looked almost brand new, like they hadn’t even been touched. Applejack looked up nervously when she realized he’d seen them.
“Um... well, those I ain’t exactly sellin’ partner. I’m savin’ em for somepony else.”
The stallion gave Applejack a look of disapproval. He turned around and slowly began to walk away.
“Well then, I guess if you’re not selling those apples, my money’s no good here. I’ll just take my business elsewhere.” he said in an insulting tone, “I hear the pears are rather ripe this year anyway.”
The stallion began trotting away without hesitation. Applejack bit her lip nervously. Ficksitup was about to get up to help her, but just before the stallion was out of earshot, she lowered her head and called out.
“Five bits!”
The stallion turned around and slowly trotted back to the stand, passing Ficksitup who continued to glare at him.
“What’s that you say?” the stallion asked. Applejack continued to keep her head bowed, hiding her face below the brim of her hat.
“Five bits. The ones in the basket. You can have ‘em for five bits. Take it or leave it.”
The stallion merely flashed a smug expression as he pulled out the money. He tossed the coins into the pouch that hung around her neck and grabbed the basket from the shelf. With the handle held in his teeth, he walked away.
“Pleasure doing business with you.”
Applejack sighed heavily, and with a rather glum expression, rest her head on her hoof.
“Sorry sugarcube, guess there won’t be any apples for ya afterall.” she mumbled to herself.
“I think I’ll take six apples.” A familiar voice chimed in.
Applejack looked up to see Ficksitup standing there, with a comforting smile as he perused the apples before him. He had finally decided to come out of hiding. There was no sense in leaving her in her current state after witnessing such a disaster of a bargain. She returned the smile but quickly became glum once again as a wave of guilt fell over her.
“So how much’a that did ya hear?” she asked.
“Heard most of it, saw some of it.” Ficksitup replied. Applejack refused to keep her head up, she was having a difficult time making eye contact with him.
“I’m sorry, sugarcube. I meant to save those for ya’, I really did. I thought you’d like ‘em.” She said, still downtrodden.
Ficks leaned on the counter, in an attempt to get eye level with her.
“Hey, come on ‘Jack don’t worry about it. Looks to me that you were just tryin’ to make the best deal and you did what you could to get it. Besides, I wasn’t that hungry anyways.” He said with a light chuckle. She finally looked up and frowned at Ficksitup to let him know that his remark hadn’t exactly made her feel any better than before.
“You don’t understand Ficks.” She said, putting a hoof on his shoulder, “I was saving those apples for you, and then I go ahead n’sell ‘em off to some two bit snob for a few bits. That ain’t fair to you Ficks. I mean, do ya even know how long it took me t-” Ficks finally put a hoof up to stop her. For some reason he was being a lot more assertive while talking to her than he ever had previously. There was just something that he felt within him was giving this new found confidence. Maybe he would tell her after all.
“It’s not a big deal, ‘Jack. An apple’s an apple, and I don’t care if it’s got a giant bruise or a even a worm, long as it’s from you.” he said sternly.
Applejack weakly smiled before succumbing to light chuckles.
“Aww heck sugarcube, I gotta admit... that’s probably gotta be the worst line I’ve heard from ya yet.”
Ficks began blushing a little. Though he couldn’t argue with her. It probably was the corniest line he’d delivered to her.
“Yeah, sorry. I was just tryin’ to make ya feel better that’s all. But hey, you gotta admit... it’s workin’ ain’t it?” Ficksitup asked as he gestured at the smile that was still on her face.
“Yeah yer right, but even so sugarcube, I don’t think buyin apples to cheer me up is gonna work everytime I’m upset.”
Ficksitup chuckled awkwardly. It seems that was all he did when he attempted to make her happy. He did it the first time when he’d noticed that her business had been rather slow that one day. Now he was doing it again. He couldn’t help feel slightly guilty as well.
“Yeah, I guess that’s gettin rather old. So, tell me then. What else could I do to make ya happy?”
“Well sugarcube...” She said with an oddly coy expression, “How bout you give me another kiss?” Ficks’ eyes widened at the prospect of doing this. One side of him wanted nothing more than to embrace her offer, but the other half halted him from progressing. Of course she wasn’t waiting for his reply. Applejack was already leaning over the stall towards him. Just before she made contact with his lips, Ficksitup reeled back causing Applejack’s face to fall forward and hit the stall with a loud thump.
“Wait ‘Jack. Right here in the middle of the market? In public of all places?”
“Oh for Celestia’s sake, Ficks, it’s just a kiss.” She said with annoyance as she rubbed a hoof over her sore chin.
Just a kiss..? He thought, pondering what she meant by that. Does that mean the other night was just a kiss too?
“Sorry ‘Jack, I don’t mean to sound nervous or anything, but I guess I ain’t too keen on doin’ that sort of thing here.”
She gave him another glum expression.
“Not that I don’t want to do it or nothin’, I just don’t wanna be seen k- I mean I don’t want anypony to get the wrong idea... ya know that we’re... oh horseapples I give up.” Ficks said submissively as he realized he was only making things worse for himself.
“It’s alright Ficks. I was just teasin’. I’m not tryin to make ya nervous; it’s not like we’re datin’ yet. I was just havin’ a little fun, that’s all.”
A lump formed in Ficksitup’s throat at the mention of the word dating. They were in fact not dating at the moment. But after all that had happened that night, it only seemed reasonable that they should be at this point. The thought of it made Ficksitup a little more than concerned.
“Still, what about that night at the party? Were you just teasin’ me then too?”
Suddenly the atmosphere between the two of them became very tense and heavy. Applejack looked down at her hooves, clearing her throat, giving herself time to think.
“Well I... come on Ficks, it was a pretty wild night. I guess it was just a spur of the moment. I couldn’t really control myself. I hope ya didn’t take it the wrong way or nothin’. I guess I was just showin’ my appreciation for showin’ me a good time that night.”
“So it was just a kiss?”
“Yeah I guess so. Is that alright with you?” she asked with hesitation. Ficksitup stood there for a moment. To him, what she was telling him was that the kiss she had given him that night wasn’t meant as any means to show her affection towards him or anything, but was really just a sort of gesture. Maybe she really doesn’t feel the same way that I do. He thought admittedly. So if I told her now, she wouldn’t understand, or she might even be scared. The idea seemed to be offering itself to Ficksitup without any sort of driving purpose. It was like his head was just assuming that this is what she really thought. Which means it might be a bad idea to tell her now. Ficksitup concluded fearfully. I gotta be sure she’s even remotely interested in me the same way I am before tellin’ her anything.
“Yeah, of course ‘Jack. I got no problem with it just bein’ like that. In fact I’d have to say I’m kinda relieved. I thought you were tryin’ to tell me something else, but if it’s just a kiss then there’s no problem here!” Ficks bellowed excitedly.
She stopped smiling and muttered unhappily under her breath, “Ya’ don’t have to sound so happy about it...”
“What was that?” Ficksitup asked.
“Nothin’ Ficks, but hey, while yer here, there was something else I wanted to ask ya.”
“What?” He asked, all but totally pliant to whatever she’d suggest this time.
“Well, fall is pretty much here, and ya’ know that means we gotta start harvest season on the farm soon. I thought I might ask if ya wanted to help us out this year since yer back in town anyway. Ya know, if yer not too busy.”
Ficksitup scratched his chin for a moment. “Well, I don’t think I’ve got anything else to do around that time, so I s’pose I could help.”
“So you’ll do it?”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll help ya’ ou-AH!”
“Aww thanks sugarcube.” She said, giving him a hug over the counter. “Gosh it’ll be just like the first time you came to Ponyville.”
Ficksitup was blushing again. It was a shame that he wasn’t willing to tell her now, since he wanted nothing more than to confess to her right there and then. But he was still hesitant as to whether it would be the right time, contrary to how badly he wished to do so.
“Yeah, it’ll be just like ole times ‘Jack. It’ll be a lotta’ fun.”
“Well good, I’ll hold ya to it.” she said, “So don’t you go changin’ yer plans on me, ya hear?”
“Of course ‘Jack. I’ll make sure I’m there no matter what. Heck, if ‘Plank locks me up in the attic, I’ll just sneak out so I’m there.” he joked. Applejack giggled at the thought of Ficksitup being locked up in a high room like some sort of mare in distress.
“Alright sugarcube, I trust ya.”
There was a soft booming noise emanating in the distance which made the two of them look skyward. The clouds that had been hanging over the town had grown slightly darker and thicker. There was no doubt that it was bound to rain any moment.
“Looks like it’s about to start pourin’ soon.” Ficksitup said glumly.
“Yeah, I guess I might just close up shop early. Doesn’t look like there’s gonna be too many more customers today anyway.”
“No kiddin’. speakin a’ which, I almost forgot I’ve got my own business to attend to.”
“Ya do?” she asked curiously. Ficksitup quickly trotted over and retrieved the wagon to answer her question.
“Yeah, remember the library balcony, and how I pretty much destroyed it?”
“I’ll admit, it’s pretty hard not to remember.”
“Yeah well I figured I’d finally get around to it. Certainly isn’t gonna fix itself, and with the rain comin’ in, there probably isn’t gonna be another ideal day to do it.”
“As busy as ever sugarcube, that’s a shame,” she said as she brushed a hoof over his shoulder. “And here I thought we were gonna finally get to spend some time together.”
Ficksitup flustered red again. It was times like these when he could never tell if she was teasing him or being relatively serious. At the same time he was feeling guilty too. She was closing down her apple stand just so she could be free to spend time with him, and here he was running off to go do work instead. It scared him sometimes when he realized how much he was like his father.
“I know ‘Jack, but c’mon. I promised Twilight I’d finally fix that darn thing, So I can’t just leave her hangin’. You’re her friend after all, you understand, right?”
“Relax, Ficks. I understand. Go do what ya need to do. we’ll meet up some other time.” She said as she gave him another warm smile. Ficksitup returned in kind and began reattaching himself to the wagon.
“Thanks for understanding ‘Jack. Well, I’m off. I’ll see you later,” He said, tipping his hat and trotting away, leaving her to close down the stand. As he drew further away, Applejack’s smile vanished. She lowered her head and muttered to herself.
“I just wish you could understand too, sugarcube...”
When he was certain that Applejack was both out of sight and earshot, Ficksitup threw down his tool bag and began shouting.
“Gah, what an idiot! Ficksitup, you stupid stallion, why didn’t you tell her?” His mind was racing with a mixture of anger and frustration. “That Hammerplank made it sound sooo easy, and yet I couldn’t even make an attempt to tell her!”
He knew that he had decided to wait to tell her at some other time that proved to be more convenient, but something was telling him that he should have told her then, instead of waiting. It was like he was still feeling pressured to confess to her as soon as possible, like the clock of life was slowly ticking in his face, telling him he was running out of time.
“Nevermind that,” he proclaimed, “It’s too late to do anything about it now. I gotta get to work to take my mind off it. I need to fix that stupid porch- I mean elevato- I mean balcony. Gah, whatever!” With nostrils flaring, he began pulling the wagon towards the library. Of course though, his path of righteousness was interrupted by the cry of a frilly voice from behind him.
“Aha! Finally found you.” The voice cracked excitedly.
Ficksitup reeled around to see Rarity beaming gleefully in his face. His face became completely expressionless. Dear Celestia this is NOT what I need right now...
“Miss Rarity. How convenient to see ya today,” he said sarcastically.
“I know right? It’s so fortunate that I found you on such a dismal day, and please Ficksitup, just call me Rarity. I thought we’d already established that before.”
“Right, I’ll try to keep that in mind, Rarity. But uh, why exactly is it fortunate that you found me?”
“Well isn’t it obvious? If I hadn’t found you, then we would have been late for our appointment.” she said with satisfaction.
“Appointment?”
“Oh for goodness sake, Ficksitup. Don’t tell me you already forgot.”
“Forgot what?” He asked impatiently. She sighed glumly.
“Very well, if you insist that I refresh your memory... Do you recall at the party how I promised to return the favor for helping me in the boutique, as well as making up for my rather inexcusable behavior?”
The conversation hung vaguely in his head, but Ficksitup did begin to recall the words they had exchanged that night, as well as the fact that he had accepted her offer.
“Oh yeah, that. Yeah I remember. But what’s that got to do with an appointment?”
“Ugh, Ficksitup dear, please, try to work with me here. I made an appointment to get that mane of yours tidied up.”
“Wait, you made an appointment for that?”
“Oh yes, of course. It’s already booked for today and fully paid.”
“Gosh darnit Rarity!” Ficksitup snapped, “I thought I said nothin’ fancy. And if ya haven’t noticed, I’m kinda in the middle of something already. We can’t go today.”
She looked past him and stared at the wagon filled with building supplies. She gave him an unimpressed look.
“So you’re pulling a dusty old wagon around filled with junk? My my, it does look like busy work,” she said with the same tone of sarcasm that he had used on her. Ficksitup simply slapped a hoof over his face.
“That’s not what I’m doin’, Rarity, and that ain’t the point neither. The thing is I have work to do and a client to help out. I can’t decide not to go, just so I can trot off to some beauty parlor.”
“Well, the point I am making, my dear stallion, is yuo would really refuse something from me of all ponies? Something that has already been paid for? Out of the sheer goodness of her own heart? How could you?” She accused.
“But I-”
She continued to stare at him scornfully. Ficksitup was slightly taken aback. Even when he knew that he was right for wanting to go fix the balcony, she was somehow managing to make him feel guilty. First Applejack, now Rarity. Geez, how many mares am I gonna manage to upset today? He thought while he bit his lower lip. Rarity began to make light sniffling sounds, like she was about to start crying.
Ficksitup cursed under his breath. He knew he couldn’t refuse something that somepony had paid his way to attend. Even though he learned a good portion of his respectable manners from the Apple family, his mother was the one who had taught him that one should never turn down a friendly offer, no matter who it was from.
“Alright, fine,” Ficksitup sighed, “Where are we going?”
Rarity’s face changed from sadness to giddy excitement in a matter of seconds.
“Oh marvelous, I simply knew you wouldn’t refuse,” she cheered, “Now then, if you’ll just follow me, we’ll be on our way.” Ficksitup nodded and began pulling the wagon staying close behind her. She turned around and looked at him with confusion. “Why are you still dragging that thing along with you?”
“Well I can’t just leave it here.”
“Of course you can. Come now, Ficksitup, it’s not like anypony is going to steal a dusty old wagon.”
“I guess so, but still-”
“Not another word mister; now leave it here. You can retrieve it after we’re done.”
Refusing to let him reply, Rarity forcefully assisted him in unlatching himself from the wagon and eagerly shoved him in the desired direction. Ficks looked back at the wagon regretfully as they continued to walk away. Hammerplank is gonna kill me...
As they continued walking, Ficksitup began to contemplate the current situation. It seemed like only a moment ago he had been talking to Applejack about what had happend that night at the party, and now he was walking to Celestia-knows-where with Rarity of all ponies. It made him rack his brain for any justifiable reason as to why he was still making any effort to get along with this mare at all. Her prissy-like attitude towards everything, including getting dirty, as well as her overall mannerisms were generally unappealing to him. Still, he had to acknowledge that she was in fact doing a favor for him today, and that should count for something. Perhaps this would give him the opportunity to start over with her. He might even be able to make a better acquaintance with her. After all, she was still Applejack’s friend...
“Well, here we are.” Rarity announced.
Lost in thought, Ficksitup accidentally rear ended her, almost causing her to lose her balance. He shook his head and smiled awkwardly as she frowned at him.
“Well, if I had known you were this eager to get your mane done, I would have scheduled sooner.”
“Sorry, wasn’t lookin’ where I was goin’.”
“It’s quite alright dear, but please do watch yourself next time.”
“Right, got it,” he said stupidly. Ficksitup stared at the building that stood before them. It looked abnormally large for just a simple salon. With large stained glass windows and gold linings along the roof, it looked more like an elaborate, one story hotel.
“Sure looks expensive, Rarity, exactly what kind of salon is this?”
She suddenly started giggling uncontrollably.
“Oops, did I say salon? What I meant to tell you my dear, is that I made a special appointment at the day spa,” she confessed happily.
“Wha- day spa? Rarity, I said no fancy stuff!” Ficksitup yelped.
“Well, there’s nothing you can do about it now, darling. Now go on, march.”
She practically barked her orders at him. Ficksitup advanced towards the door without further hesitation. Deciding to use this as an opportunity to get on the right hoof with her this time, he casually opened it and allowed her to go first. The look on Rarity’s face was one of shock. Clearly this was another gesture she was not accustomed to receiving from the opposite gender. She smiled gracefully to show her appreciation as she strolled past him.
As he looked around, he couldn’t deny he was impressed with the decor. Though fixing things was his primary focus, Ficksitup had come to appreciate good interior decorating in a building, if not due to a combination of Hammerplank’s minor lessons in carpentering and his mother’s keen ability to make even a dump look like a castle fit for a king. Upon walking in, the cashier at the front desk looked up at them. Her eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of Rarity. Ficksitup could only assume that she was a frequent, and most likely, large spender here.
“Good afternoon, Miss Rarity. Will it be ze usual?” The blue and pink mare at the counter asked in a thick accent.
Yep. She comes here aaalllll the time... Ficks thought.
“Not today, Lotus dear. I’m here for the two-o-clock,” Rarity said. Lotus’ smile disappeared as she nodded eagerly. She pulled a clipboard out from under the desk and began inspecting it thoroughly. A slight grin appeared over her face as she found Rarity’s name on the list.
“Ah yes, here you are. I have you down for ze appointment at two pm. For both you and one... Mister Foul-up?”
“It’s Ficksitup.” he corrected, now insulted. Lotus looked him over, head to hoof with disgrace. She gave him an expression of dissatisfaction.
“Simply filthy...” she muttered.
“Pardon?” Ficksitup replied.
“Ssh! No talk.”
“Now wait a minu-”
“No talking. Work to be done. First we get you cleaned up.”
Another pony appeared from behind the counter. She grabbed Ficksitup’s hat from his head and hung it up on a nearby rack.
“Hey!” Ficksitup cried out.
“No more talking; you’ll get it back after special treatment.”
“Special treatment?” He whimpered, “Rarity, what is she talkin’ about? Hey, help me out here.”
As they continued to pull him into the back room, Rarity merely responded with a snarky grin. Ficksitup could only assume he was in for something either terrible or otherwise, unexpected.
***
“Take it easy on me, w-AAUUGH!” Ficksitup yelped, feeling several joints in his back pop from the pressure. As he lay on his stomach atop the massage table, he couldn’t help but let out short, audible howls of agony. It was an uncanny mixture of pain and sudden release of tension. The pony who was standing on his back merely pressed her hooves harder.
“Struggling only makes it hurt more. Too much tension. Relax!” She barked firmly
“I’m tryin’, but how am I s’posed to relax when yer- Oh dear CelestiAHHH!” He cried, as several more joints in his lower back cracked. It sounded like dry leaves being crunched underneath somepony’s hooves. Across from him on the other table, Rarity chuckled at the scene he was making. She showed no signs of aggravation or pain as the pony giving her the massage practically walked all over her.
“You really should try to relax, dear. I guarantee you will feel much better.” Rarity advised.
“I’m tryin’ to, but it’s darn near impossible.”
“Oh, don’t be such a little drama queen. I pay to get these all the time.”
“You mean to tell me that ponies actually pay for this?” He questioned disbelievingly through grit teeth.
“Of course dear; I simply adore getting a good massage. It really helps me unwind at the end of the day.”
“Easy for you to say; at this rate I’m not even gonna’ be able to walk home.”
Rarity merely giggled at him again. Eventually Ficksitup’s back had gone numb, and therefore could no longer feel the pain emanating from his joints. He couldn’t even feel hooves pressing down upon him. At this point he couldn’t help but actually feel a bit relieved. He had finally managed to, unbelievably, relax. It felt like his whole body was melting on the table. On one hoof, he wanted to hate it. He never cared for special treatment like this. On the other hoof however, he couldn’t deny that he was starting to enjoy himself a little bit.
“Ya know...” he muttered cheerfully to himself, “This ain’t all that bad.”
The next thing he knew, the pony who had been massaging him got down from the table and threw a towel over his head. Forcefully, she tugged his arm, making him get down from the table.
“Next station!” She commanded.
“Wait what? Are we done already?” Ficksitup asked with confusion. The spa pony rolled her eyes and continued to push him towards the next room.
“Relax dear, we’re just going to the baths.” Rarity explained, following close behind him.
“Baths?”
“Of course darling. They’re not going anywhere near that mop on your head until it’s been washed.”
“Wait Rarity I don’t think I’m exactly comfortable with- Rarity? Wait Rarity. Hey come on. I don’t wanna do this!”
Ignoring his pleas, Rarity veered right towards a pink door while the mares pulled Ficksitup to the left towards a blue door.
“Do try to enjoy yourself dear, this is, after all, your day at the spa.” she advised as she disappeared through the door. Ficksitup was pushed into a small white room with a large, round tub sitting in the middle. It was already filled with steaming hot water. Ficksitup gulped nervously. Without waiting for him to get in, one of the mares gave him a gentle nudge. He fell clumsily into the bath, making a large splash. He winced, expecting the water to be boiling hot. Thankfully, it was only warm. He surfaced, shaking his head with bewilderment. Water now dripped relentlessly from his mane. The two mares returned, carrying sponges and shampoo. Ficksitup’s eyes grew wide with concern.
“Ooooooh no. Don’t even think about it,” he snapped. They ignored him and continued to move towards him. One of them even glared at him with hostility.
“Struggling only makes it worse. Now, hold still.” she ordered. Ficksitup tried to climb out, but the other mare held him down by his shoulders with surprising strength for her size. He started to panic.
“Now hold on a sec ladies. I know this is yer job and everything, but I am perfectly capable of cleanin’ myself thank you very much!”
It was no use. They went about their business and began scrubbing his mane thoroughly. They made sure not a single strand of hair was left untouched. The entire scenario was beyond awkward for Ficksitup. He couldn’t even begin to remember the last time he had felt this uncomfortable or embarassed. They finished scrubbing his mane and dumped a pail of water over his head, rinsing his mane of all the shampoo. Ficksitup couldn’t help but note that his mane felt slightly cleaner than before. However, he still didn’t like the fact that they had cleaned him rather forcefully without his consent. They finally allowed him to get out of the tub. The mare tossed him a towel, thankfully allowing him to dry himself off. After that he was shoved into the next few rooms over.
The room he now stood in looked like a regular salon, with two rows of barber chairs lining the mirrored walls. He was directed into one of the chairs while the mares left to go somewhere else. A few moments later, Rarity appeared from the door that he had just previously come from. She was wearing a towel over her head, obviously coming from the baths as well. She took a seat in the chair next to his and smiled.
“There now. Don’t you feel much better?” she asked.
“Well, I certainly feel clean, if that’s what you mean,” he replied. Removing the towel, Rarity shook her mane loose, letting it fall over her face. To him, she looked remarkably different with her mane straightened compared to how it always was. Puffy and curled. Although he didn’t really think anything of it. He felt that it would have been polite to give her some sort of compliment, but he had no relevant interest in her so there wasn’t really any obligation to say anything. She looked back at Ficksitup and smiled eagerly.
“Well then, I think you’ll be just fine.”
Two unicorn stylists came trotting into the room, carrying combs and scissors. The moment that Ficksitup had initially agreed to had finally come. Getting his mane done. He could only hope that this would be the last thing on Rarity’s agenda for torturing him.
One of the stylists took her place behind Ficksitup. She began to examine his mane, looking for a place to make the first cut. She wrapped a smock around his neck, and began combing his mane to straighten out the knots.
“Zis will take awhile,” the stylist lamented glumly.
“Now hold on a sec,” Ficksitup protested, looking fearfully at the scissors that now levitated over his head. “Just what are you planning on doin’?”
“Ugh, I must comb zis horrid mane, then I must make ze cutting, and then we curl to make it fabulous. You wish to tell me how to cut now?” She asked with hostility.
“As a matter of fact I do ma’am. I only agreed to getting a trim here. I’m not getting anything fancy done with my mane. Understand?”
The stylist looked to Rarity for means of engagement. Rarity simply nodded her head at her. With that, she put the scissors down and sighed.
“Very well. We will have ze usual for Miss Rarity, and just a trim for ze gentlecolt,” she sneered, turning her head towards Ficksitup. He flinced slightly, expecting her to lash out at him. Admittedly, this was exactly the reason he had no interest in vanity or high-class leisurely activities. Everypony was just so snobby. Well, almost everypony... Ficksitup thought as he looked towards Rarity. There was no denying that she had been more than generous today, even it wasn’t exactly what he expected or wanted. While the stylist set to work on her mane, Rarity merely laid her head back with eyes closed, like she was dozing off into her own little world. He figured this must be like heaven to her.
“I simply can’t believe after all of that special treatment, darling, you still haven’t been able to relax.” Rarity chimed in. Apparently she had not dozed off just yet.
“How would you know?” Ficksitup asked defensively. She sat up in her chair and looked at him with concern.
“Such hostility. Is that really any way to speak to a lady?”
“No,” he admitted. “I just really don’t like this fancy stuff.”
“Oh, well if you didn’t wish to partake in this, all you had to do was say so.”
Ficksitup wished he still had his tool bag with him; that way he could take his hammer and smash it over his head. This mare... he thought angrily. He grit his teeth to avoid losing his temper. Taking a moment, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He turned to her and smiled.
“No, it’s fine, Rarity. You offered to do this for me, so I had to accept. I’m very grateful that you let me come along.”
“It is my pleasure darling,” she said, returning the smile. “After all, we want to make you all the more presentable to our dear Applejack, do we not?”
Ficksitup looked at her, completely surprised.
“What do you mean?” He asked, trying to deny the unmistakable fact she was implying.
“Oh please, Ficksitup dear, you make it far too obvious. When we were at the party, as far as I could tell, you simply could not take your eyes off her. Admit it, you fancy her very much.”
He was getting the sudden feeling of déjà vu, like he was back at the shop being confronted by his uncle again. He figured there was no point in trying to deny it any further this time. He only hoped he wouldn’t have to go into as much detail with Rarity as he did with Hammerplank.
“Yeah, I guess so. So it was that obvious eh?”
“You were not exactly hiding it Ficksitup. In fact, I’m surprised nopony else noticed.”
“I suppose it’s probably better they didn’t.” Ficksitup said, recalling how Pinkie Pie had almost caught Applejack and him in the act. He shuddered at the thought of it. If Pinkie found out, she’d probably want to tell all of Equestria.
“Well, since you do like her so much, what do you intend to do?” She asked, batting her eyelashes gracefully. Ficksitup blinked uncomfortably. It really was just like this morning.
“Well, I don’t know. I mean, my uncle did tell me to do one thing-”
“Your uncle?”
“Don’t ask. Lets just say he found out as well.” Ficksitup quickly replied. She let out a light snicker.
“Anyway, he told me I should just tell her. He was sayin’ that it ain’t fair to keep her waitin’ or something like that, but I don’t know...”
Rarity leapt from her seat, nearly giving both the stylist and Ficksitup a heart attack in the process. She stared at Ficksitup with eyes as wide as dinner plates.
“Of course you should tell her! Ugh, why would you even have second thoughts? Clearly your uncle is a gentlecolt who knows what he is talking about. You should listen to him more often.”
“You ain’t the only one who thinks that,” Ficksitup muttered.
“But really dear, why would you hesitate to tell her such a thing as this? If it was me, I would want to hear those confessed words of love as soon as possible.” Rarity said, blushing a little from embarrassment, “Please don’t take that the wrong way.”
“I never intended to.” Ficksitup said, “But if you really want to know, I just don’t know if I’m ready to tell her. I mean, I don’t even know if she feels the same way ‘bout me.”
“That’s it?”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“You would hesitate to tell her the most important thing that she will hear in her entire life, just by the chance that she might not feel the same way?” She asked hysterically.
“Yeah, wouldn’t you? I mean, if it was another stallion.”
“Why would I need to? It’s always the stallions who confess first anyway. Then the lovely mares that we are decide whether to accept or not.”
“I had no idea it was that simple.” he said sarcastically.
“Though I suppose if there was this stallion that I really liked, and I wasn’t willing to wait for him to take the first step, I guess I might just walk up to him and say, ‘I’ve always wanted to tell you this...’” she started as she grabbed one of his hooves for emphasis. His face turned red hot. “I’ve known you for quite awhile but it’s a feeling that I simply cannot hide anymore...” She leaned in close to his face. He looked almost constipated from how nervous she was making him. “Ficksitup...” Rarity was about to whisper the next words into his ear before she succumbed to fits of laughter.
“I’m sorry darling. I simply can’t say it when you’re making that face,” she said, almost crying from laughing so hard.
“Why would you do that?!”
“Oh please don’t take it seriously darling, I was just teasing you.” She giggled finally calming down.
“Yeah, hilarious,” he grumbled.
“And, no offense Ficksitup, but you’re not exactly my type anyway.”
“Oh, I see.” He said, sounding almost a bit disappointed. Detecting the tone in his voice, she quickly smiled again.
“But if it means anything to you, then I want you to know that you are without a doubt the kindest stallion I have ever met.”
Ficksitup couldn’t help but grin a little.
“Ya think so?”
“Oh yes, definitely. Which is why I couldn’t be happier for Applejack. It’s so wonderful to know that she has such a handsome gentlecolt looking after her.”
“Thanks Rarity. That actually means a lot to me.”
“You are quite welcome my dear.”
“I guess I should apologize while we’re at it.” Ficksitup said. Rarity gave him a perplexed look.
“What do you mean, darling?”
“I haven’t exactly been the gentlecolt that you fancy me to be recently. I was a little rude towards you, and I apologize for that. I think we just got off on the wrong hoof, and it’d be mighty nice if we could maybe start over. I’d hate to be on bitter terms with a good friend of Applejack.”
“I suppose I deserved some of it, dear.” Rarity said, waving her hoof dismissively, “Either way, I still wholeheartedly accept your apology, and I would be more than grateful to start again with you.”
“Friends?” Ficksitup asked, extending his hoof.
“Friends.” Rarity confirmed, accepting his hoof. The two of them shook and grinned at each other, “Besides, now I can get a discount if my sewing machine breaks again.”
“Yeah, sure.” Ficksitup joked. The stylist finally let out a howl of frustration.
“For ze last time, hold still before I cut off your ear!” She shouted, grabbing his head with both hooves and straightening it in the position she wanted. Ficksitup froze in his seat and refused to move again until she had finished cutting.
***
The two of them walked out of the spa. The sky had once again grown darker and looked on the verge of bursting into a rainstorm. Rarity looked up with disappointment.
“Oh what rotten luck. I get my mane done and now it’s going to rain. Speaking of which, what do you think of it, Ficksitup? she asked, waving her head back and forth so her mane would sway.
Ficksitup stared at it and gave her an expressionless look. He honestly couldn’t find any noticeable differences to it.
“It looks the same Rarity.”
“Hmph, shows what you know. But look at you. My my, you certainly look much better,” she said, pointing at his newly trimmed charcoal mane.
“Really? I think it just looks okay,” he said as he readjusted his hat over his head.
“Honestly Ficksitup, why must you always wear that dirty old thing. You can’t show off your new mane if you just cover it up with a big hat.”
Ficksitup glared at her slightly but smiled again. He figured there were still some things that couldn’t be helped with her attitude. Either way he was willing to work around it.
“Because, Rarity, this hat was given to me by somepony very special and I don’t intend on gettin’ rid of it anytime soon.”
“Oh very well darling. I suppose we can’t change everything about you in one day.”
“Guess not,” he quickly said with a chuckle. Another loud boom came from the sky as more thunder echoed throughout the clouds. Rarity looked above herself again fearfully. She obviously wasn’t a fan of rain.
“Wel,l I’d love to stay and chat dear, but it looks like this terrible weather is about to come down upon us. You know me, I wouldn’t dare get caught in this rain with a newly styled mane.”
“I understand, Rarity. I’ll let you be on your way,” he said, tipping his hat.
“Thank you darling. Well if you wish to chat again, then by all means don’t be a stranger. You know where to find me. Maybe we can find a nice suit to fit you into sometime.” She suggested, eyeballing his shoulders as if she was already making measurements. Ficksitup tried to hide his look of disapproval.
“Yeah, maybe some other time.”
“Well then, I bid thee farewell darling. I must be off.” she said, turning to leave.
“Of course, you have yerself a nice day Rarity.” He said, waving her goodbye, “And hey, thanks for the advice.”
She turned around and smiled again.
“Of course Ficksitup. It’s my pleasure. Just remember... don’t be nervous and take your time, but don’t wait too long to tell her.”
“Right, got it. I’ll remember that.”
“You take care now,” she said as she finally trotted away.
Ficksitup waved until she was out of sight before he turned around to head back in the direction of where he had left the wagon. He flashed a small grin. The day had gone considerably better than he would have anticipated. True, he had endured probably the most questionable spa day in his entire life, but on the bright side, he had renewed his friendship with Rarity. Her attitude towards everything being uncouth felt immensely easier to handle. Not to mention he felt considerably more confident about confessing to Applejack than he had before. Although, there was still the fact that he had once again put off fixing the library balcony to yet another day. He just hoped Twilight wasn’t going to be too upset with him. He didn’t worry about it too much though. Knowing Twilight, Ficksitup figured she was way too busy with her nose stuck in a book to notice anything like that. Still, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to procrastinate it any further before it became a noticeable problem that couldn’t be ignored any longer.
Within a few minutes, he had reached the area where he had abandoned the wagon. Thankfully, Rarity was right and the wagon still sat there, undisturbed. Checking to make sure nothing was missing, Ficksitup circled the wagon before he reattached himself to it. Getting his bearings straight, he started heading back to the shop. He figured he would be able to take a short cut through the market since there probably wouldn’t be anypony there due to the weather. Though before he could go much further, he heard another familiar voice call out from behind him.
“Ficks?”
Ficksitup turned his head to see Applejack trotting up to him. She was carrying a small basket on her back. She looked slightly shocked that she had found him here.
“Applejack. Hey. What are you doin’ here? I thought you went home already.”
“I was lookin’ all over fer you,” she said, sounding out of breath.
“You were?” He asked, now curious.
“Yeah, when I got home, Granny Smith had made one of her apple pies so I figured on a cold day like this it would be nice to bring ya some. But when I got to the library, Twilight said you never came. I was lookin’ all over town. I was worried about you sugarcube. I thought something had happened to you!” She said hysterically.
Ficksitup suddenly felt beyond guilty for deciding to not go to the library. Not only had he abandoned his job, but now he had even managed to worry the one mare that meant everything to him.
“I’m sorry ‘Jack, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. You know I would never do that on purpose.”
“I know Ficks, but I was still worried. Don’t do that to me.” She asked as she lightly punched his arm with her hoof.
“Ow okay, okay. It won’t happen again.”
“Now that I know yer okay, where did ya go anyway?”
Ficksitup suddenly felt himself break out in a sweat. He knew he was caught and there was no way he would be able to fib his way out of this one. Then again, it wasn’t like he had anything to hide.
“Well that’s the thing,” He said, chuckling nervously, “You see, I was on my way to the library and then I sorta got sidetracked.”
“Sidetracked?”
“Yeah, I kinda ended up goin’ to the day spa with Rarity instead of goin’ to the library.”
“You were at the day spa? With Rarity?”
The look on Applejack’s face seemed like a mix between anger and confusion. Ficksitup had no idea how to take it.
“I didn’t exactly have a choice, Jack. I mean, she already made the appointment and everything.”
“You two planned this?”
“No, no, no. I had nothing to do with this. She did this all on her own.” Ficksitup said, waving his hooves back and forth. Applejack looked at him, still unimpressed.
“And ya didn’t think about tellin’ me this?”
“I didn’t have time. Plus, I didn’t know you’d be lookin’ for me. I mean, why does it matter?”
“Why wouldn’t it matter Ficks?”
Her tone was becoming increasingly hostile. Ficksitup could tell he’d done something stupid again.
“Yer not upset or jealous are ya?”
“What? Me, jealous? Heck no. I just didn’t know you ‘n Rarity were so friendly all of a sudden,” she said defensively. Ficksitup wasn’t completely convinced but decided to continue anyway.
“I didn’t expect us to get along this well today either Jack, but it happened. If it really bothers ya that much, then I’d be happy to make it up to ya.”
“It’s fine Ficks, you don’t need to do anything.”
He noticed that she had stopped calling him sugarcube. Perhaps he was in a lot more trouble than he thought. Deciding to try to lighten the mood, he took the basket from her and peered inside. The several slices of apple pie teased his nostrils with a sweet scent that made his mouth water.
“Thanks for bringing me the pie, Jack. It looks really good.” He said as he placed the basket back on the ground at his hooves. She looked up again and gave him a faint smile.
“Yeah, yer welcome. I hope you like it.”
The two of them stood in silence. Applejack looked off in the distance at a couple of leaves that were blowing in a circle while Ficksitup just stared at his hooves and kicked up some dirt. The longer they remained quiet, the more uncomfortable it was. At any moment, Ficksitup knew she was going to just turn around and leave. Say something... say something you idiot. he thought angrily. If there was a time for action, then this was it. It was time to listen to what Rarity and Hammerplank had said. Now was the time to confess. He needed to tell her.
“Hey Jack. There’s something I wanted to say.”
She didn’t look up but she perked her ears forward to let him know she was listening.
“I know I’ve kinda waited a long time to tell you this, but I think it’s about time I got this off my chest.” he said as he swallowed nervously to clear his throat. This was it.
“Jack... I lo-”
Another loud boom sounded over them as the thunder clapped loudly in the sky. Almost inconspicuously, several drops of rain began to fall from the clouds. Applejack looked up again as the rain began to soak her hat. She wasn’t smiling... Which made Ficksitup’s heart sink tremendously.
“It’ll have to wait Ficks. I gotta go home. Granny’s probably waitin’ for me.” She said, turning away to leave, “Enjoy the pie.”
She walked away while Ficksitup stood there, letting the rain fall down relentlessly upon him. He almost couldn’t believe what had just happened. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion. While she was getting further away, she was walking slowly like she was still waiting for him. Go after her... don’t let her go. Go after her dammit. Ficksitup started to bite his lip. He tried to move forward, but his legs were glued to the ground. He lowered his head and cursed under his breath. Applejack stopped for a second and waited. Whether she was waiting for him, he didn’t know. He looked up again, his hat now drooping wet. He still couldn’t move. After what felt like a minute had passed, she continued to walk away. Ficksitup felt absolutely powerless at this point. The second most important mare in his life was slipping away from him, and all he could do was stand there and continue to get soaked. It was a cleansing rain, yet it seemed to wash away all the happiness that he had gained that day. Applejack finally disappeared around the corner of a nearby shop. After that, Ficksitup could do nothing but stand there a little while longer. The rain still fell without falter.
When Applejack had turned the corner, she quickly leaned against the wall. She sunk to the ground and looked up at the clouds as it continued to soak her face with raindrops. It was the only thing that hid the tears that were now running down her face.
To contact the writers of this story...
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 6 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2012-02-16T06:41:52+00:00
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2012-02-16T06:41:52+00:00
| 3,837 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 6: Fair Game
Ficksitup stood outside the library and glanced at the balcony with scorn. It had rained for three days straight without end and there was no doubt that the floor boards from where the balcony had broken were ruined beyond salvaging. The prolonged exposure to the rain would most likely have caused the unprotected parts of the wood to rot to the core and he could only assume that mold had most likely started developing in the wood as well. In theory, the balcony would have been completely obliterated and could never be completed or repaired in under a day, which would mean more work for him. Of course, however, Ficksitup had predicted this, and brought extra boards of reinforced wood as well as other building materials. He knew the balcony was going to need to be completely redone, and was in no position to be complaining since it was his own fault for putting it off in the first place.
“That balcony is an affront to society, and darnit I am gonna’ fix it!” Ficksitup said in a rather determined tone.
“Oh, quit’cher yammerin’ and help me unload the wagon already, dammit!” Hammerplank yelled from behind.
Since Ficksitup had known the job was now going to require more advanced carpentry treatment, he had enlisted, or to put it more accurately, begged for his uncle’s help. Hammerplank had been reluctant to assist him at first, figuring that Ficksitup should own up to his own irresponsibility but at the same time knowing better than to leave an unfinished job at the hooves of an amateur. However, he eventually agreed. After all, he didn’t want his nephew putting the shop’s reputation to shame.
“Alright alright, I’m gettin’ it uncle,” Ficksitup said. “Geez. Ya don’t have to be so grumpy.”
“Ya’ kiddin’ me?” Hammerplank shouted back. “Of course I do! Do you even realize how cold it is today?”
Ficksitup shrugged. “I don’t know, about fifty or so degrees.”
“Exactly!” Hammerplank started shouting.“To me that’s freezing. Yet here I am, getting my flank up on a day when I could be sleeping in a warm bed, and just to help you fix a stupid balcony!”
“Ya would’ve had to get up to open the shop anyway and I never said you had to come along,” retorted Ficksitup. “I just asked for yer help, that’s all.”
“Yeah? Well you didn’t have to put this off for so long neither.”
Ficksitup groaned in defeat when he realized that his uncle had made a valid point. He started pulling the wood from the wagon and stacking the planks next to the tree trunk of the library. Afterwards, he put on his orange workers vest.
“Hey, Plank? I’ll get back to helpin’ ya in a minute. Just gotta’ let Twilight know we’re here.” Ficksitup called as he walked towards the front door of the library.
“Oh sure, let the old horse with the
bad back unload all the equipment while you chit-chat with your friend,” groaned Hammerplank. “Well go on, get it over with,” he added dismissively. Ficks rolled his eyes as he knocked on the door and called out Twilight’s name. Within a few moments, the door swung open. Curiously, there wasn’t anypony there to answer it.
“Uh, hello? Twilight, ya home?” Ficksitup called into the library.
“Down here...” A small, male voice answered.
Ficks looked down to see the source of the voice. Before him stood a short, purple dragon with an extremely curious look on his face.
“You need something, dude?” the dragon asked.
Like a filly that had just seen a spider, Ficksitup started squealing in panic and slammed the door shut. He dove behind the cart to hide behind Hammerplank, who was still unloading the equipment.
“What the...what in the hay is wrong with you?” Hammerplank asked, all but yelling at his nephew.
“Dragon! There’s a dragon in there....I saw it, a dragon, there is a dragon in there!” Ficksitup cried, flailing his arms around like a mad mare.
“Dragon? There is no way a freakin’ dragon could...” Hammerplank furrowed his brow. “You know what? Never mind, I don’t have time for this, just wait here.”
Hammerplank walked up to the door and knocked lightly. The same small, purple dragon opened it again and stared up at him.
“Sup?” he said, waving to Hammerplank, who simply stared at the him, unimpressed. In fact, he looked at the dragon with furrowed brows for a good ten seconds before turning back towards Ficksitup.
“You gotta be joking, right?”
“You saw it too?” Ficks gaped. “I told you, Plank, that’s a real dra-”
Hammerplank grabbed his nephew firmly by the collar of his vest, shaking him. “Get your manure together ya’ little pansy!” he whispered in a hostile tone. “It’s a three-hoof tall dragon that probably couldn’t hurt a fly!” He snorted. “I’m almost ashamed to call you my relative at this point, jeez. Never thought you’d be such a sissy over a lizard.”
“But I-”
“No, you’re gonna get this manure figured out. I am not gonna have my own nephew skip out on the job because of a little reptile!” Hammerplank yelled as he pushed Ficksitup towards the door even as he tried his best to resist his uncle. His efforts proved in vain, and Hammerplank refused to let him back away from the door, glaring. Swallowing nervously, Ficksitup put his hoof up to knock. Before he could, however, he heard a muffled argument coming from the other side.
“What do you mean somepony’s at the door?” asked a feminine voice.
“Yeah, there’s two stallions...some old geezer and another one in a hat. I think they’re trying to sell us stuff or something,” the dragon’s voice answered.
“Old geezer!?” Hammerplank shouted angrily, “Why that little f-”
“Selling stuff?” Ficksitup quickly interrupted. “We’re doin’ no such thing. Well... not intentionally.”
“Why didn’t you let them in?” the female voice asked.
“I was about to, then the one in the hat slammed the door in my face,” answered the dragon defensively. “It’s not like I’m the one being rude here.”
“Honestly, Spike I thought I’d taught you bet - wait. Did you say one was wearing a hat?” the female voice asked excitedly, and then the door opened and Twilight Sparkle stuck her head out to meet her visitors.
“Uh, hi there, Twilight,” said Ficks, tipping his hat nervously.
“Oh, hello Ficksitup!” chirped Twilight. “How are you?”
“I’m uh... I’m doing well,” answered Ficksitup nervously, refusing to take his eyes off of the dragon. Hammerplank simply shook his head in shame while Twilight turned to see what he was looking at.
“Oh, I guess you’ve finally met my assistant. Allow me to give a proper introduction,” said Twilight, clearing her throat, “This is Spike, the dragon.”
“I never would’a guessed.” Hammerplank mumbled under his breath.
Ficksitup swallowed.
“Uh... hi there, Spike. Pleased...pleased to meet you,” he finally stuttered.
“Likewise...” Spike replied rather sarcastically. Twilight smiled at their exchange before she turned to Hammerplank.
“Oh, and who might this be?” she asked.
“Oh yeah,” began Ficksitup, “this is my Uncle Ha-”
“Hammerplank, Miss Twilight,” his uncle interrupted, “owner of Hammerplank’s Repair and Supplies, at yer service.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mister Hammerplank,” replied Twilight warmly, extending a hoof.
“The pleasure’s all mine, my dear,” said Hammerplank, taking her hoof and planting a soft kiss on the top of it. Twilight giggled softly while both Ficksitup and Spike stared at them in appalled shock.
“Dude, that’s creepy,” Spike whispered.
“Uncle!” shouted Ficksitup, mortified.
“What?” Hammerplank turned to him, quirking a brow. “Can’t an old fellow be a gentlecolt to a young lady every now and again?”
“You know exactly what,” Ficksitup muttered.
“Alright, fine.” Hammerplank sighed, and released Twilight’s hoof.
“So, what brings you two here today, anyways?” asked Twilight.
“Oh right, well to put it frankly, we’re here to fix the balcony. I figured I’ve put it off long enough.” Ficksitup said rather confidently.
“Oh, you don’t mean that balcony, do you?” asked Twilight as she looked towards where the balcony was firmly rooted into the trunk of the tree.
“Of course I mean that one,” replied Ficks, “what other balcony would I be talkin’ about?”
“Well you see, I uh... I kinda already...” She trailed off and bit her lip nervously. Ficks blinked.
“What is it, Twilight?”
She finally shut her eyes. “I already fixed it myself,” she said hurriedly, cracking one eye open to glance up at Ficks cautiously.
“Wait...wait, what? How?” he asked in shock.
“I read a book on it,” said Twilight, looking back into the library and levitating a book to the door. She dropped it into her hooves and held it up in front of Ficksitup. Squinting, he was able to read the title aloud.
“A Foal’s Guide to Enchanting Carpentry & Other Magic Solutions...” He frowned. “I didn’t even think they wrote books like these. Can you believe it, uncle?”
“Makes me wonder why the heck I’m still workin’ anymore...” grumbled Hammerplank in response.
“Wait wait wait, I gotta’ see this for myself...” Ficksitup said, backing up to get a proper look at the balcony. He had realized that ever since they had arrived at the library, he had never actually taken the time to inspect the structure thoroughly, figuring that he would get the chance to see it when they had started making the repairs. He trotted over until he was right under the the foundation. What he saw, or more appropriately, what he didn’t see, simply made his jaw drop. Where a gaping hole and several splintered pieces of broken wood should have been was the flat underbelly of the balcony. Indeed, the holes had been repaired, mended in such a way that nopony would have ever known it was broken in the first place.
“You’ve gotta’ freakin’ be kiddin’ me...” Hammerplank hissed, and shot a very unimpressed look at Ficksitup, who could tell that he was not exactly in his uncle’s good graces at the moment. Avoiding the cold glare, he turned to face Twilight again.
“So... you...fixed it? All by yourself?”
“Yes,” she chirped, “it was quite easy, really. The book pretty much walked me through it and...” She paused. “Well, okay I didn’t fix it all by myself. Spike helped. While I was reading the instructions, I sent him to the shop to get some wood for the repair itself. To be honest, that’s why I was surprised that you showed up today. I figured that when he showed up for the wood, he would’ve told you that I was doing it myself, so you wouldn’t need to come.”
Hammerplank let out a low guttural laugh which made all three of them look at him with confusion.
“That’s a good one, Miss Twilight. Yeah, listen here, sweetheart. I remember every customer that walks into my store and lemme’ tell ya, not once did I see that little pipsqueak enter my shop. Trust me, I would have noticed if he had.”
“Hey, who you calling a pipsqueak?” demanded Spike, irritated.
“Same one who called me an old geezer, pipsqueak.”
The two of them glared at each other before Twilight stepped in and put up a hoof out to stop them.
“Spike? Where exactly did you get those planks of wood?” She asked, turning towards the purple dragon who was now trying to look completely innocent. He looked up at her slowly when he began to realize that he had been caught.
“Uh... well, when I said that I did exactly what you told me to do, I kinda...lied.” He swallowed. “You see, I didn’t buy the wood from anypony in particular. I kinda...found them.” He trailed off, but Twilight could tell that there was more to it.
“Go on...” she prompted, staring at him intently. Spike was beginning to feel the tension that came from having all eyes centered on him. His gaze darted from left to right as he realized that he wasn’t going to be able slip away this time around, and with that, his prolonged confession went full throttle.
“Okay,” he began, “so I was going to the shop like you asked and I was gonna’ buy the wood, honest. But then as I was walking there, I happened to pass by some vendor in the market who was selling gems at a really low price. They looked so good and I was so hungry that I just couldn’t help it. I’m sorry, but I used the money to buy all the gems she was selling!”
And with that, Spike fell quiet, gasping for air. The three ponies merely stared at him in silence for a moment, still completely confused.
“Okay... while I appreciate the honesty, Spike,” began Twilight, “that still doesn’t answer my question. Where did you get the wood from?”
“Oh yeah, that,” said Spike, obviously relaxing. “I found them in an old cart outside the market.”
Suddenly, Ficksitup slapped a hoof over his mouth. He knew what Spike was talking about.
“Oh manure...” he muttered to himself nervously.
“It was pretty convenient, if you ask me,” Spike continued. “They had been sitting there for hours, so I figured nopony wanted them. I used the wagon to haul them here, then I returned the wagon after I was done.”
“Well how ‘bout that, eh?” Ficksitup said with another shiver of nervous laughter. He could feel his uncle’s ice cold stare baring down upon him again.
“Say, nephew...”
Ficksitup turned around slowly, too scared to attempt to run away.
“Y- yes, uncle?”
“Ya told me ya lost some wood just the other day. It couldn’t possibly be the same wood that this little guy’s talkin’ about, right?”
“D- did I say that? Coulda’ sworn it was somepony else who told ya that. I mean, I would never be so irresponsible as to- ”
“Could ya c’mere for a sec’?” Hammerplank asked with a false smile. Ficksitup slowly approached his uncle, already knowing what was in store for him. Hammerplank firmly grabbed him by the collar of his vest and pulled him close to his mouth to whisper into his ear.
“That’s strike two, mister, and I am really sure that you do not wanna hit strike three with me today. At this point, I’m convinced you’re actually tryin’ to piss me off. First you get my flank up on a cold mornin’ only to cost us the job anyway due to your lack of priority, and now you let shop resources get stolen right from under our noses by a...a reptile! This is coming right out of your freakin’ paycheck, ya hear me? You pull this manure again and I swear to Celestia I will nail you to the roof of the shop and use you as the new mascot for my store!”
“Uh-uh-understood uncle...” Ficksitup answered, still shaking, before he tilted his head to the side curiously. “Hold on...I have a paycheck?”
“Ya do now...” answered Hammerplank, releasing his collar. “I got a wild hair and figured a stallion your age could use a few extra spending bits. I intended to tell ya later, but I guess this is as good a time as any.”
And with that, Hammerplank let out a small grunt as if it pained him to make even the most feeble of attempts to be polite to his nephew. However, this didn’t matter. Even though Ficksitup had just incurred the wrath of his uncle chewing him out like that, he couldn’t help but flash a small grin at his uncle’s rather uncanny way of being affectionate.
“Wow... thanks, uncle.”
“Don’t get too cheery, buster. This month’s pay is pretty much out the window thanks to this little stunt. You wanna earn your pay? Then you’d better be ready to work your flank off next month.”
With that, the brief moment of happiness was over, and the two of them approached Twilight and Spike to continue with the matter at hoof.
“Listen, I’m sorry about all this,” began Twilight. “I feel bad that you two came all the way down here even though I already fixed the balcony myself...it’s just that with this fall weather the skies are particularly clear at night, and I knew it would be a perfect time to get some of my star gazing done, so I simply could not afford to wait any longer. Again, I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to steal your job.”
“Don’t worry about it Twilight. It ain’t yer fault,” Ficksitup said assuringly.
“Yeah, it’s not like you were procrastinatin’ or nothin’...” Hammerplank said, shooting another glance at his nephew. Ficksitup merely sneered in response.
“Well, I guess so, but since you two are actually the experts at this kind of stuff...how did I do?” Twilight shifted nervously from one front hoof to the other. Ficksitup took a moment to take another glance at the balcony.
“Was this your first try with this kind of thing?” he asked.
“As a matter of fact, it was.”confirmed Twilight.
“Wow, I ain’t gonna lie,” said Ficks with a smile, “but you did really good on this.”
“Really?” she squealed with excitement.
“Yeah, that’s pretty impressive,” he said, “if yer that good, I’m willin’ to bet uncle ‘Plank would even let ya work at the shop.”
“I wouldn’t mind that...” Hammerplank said with a mischievous smirk. Ficksitup ignored his comment, praying that Twilight had as well.
“Aww, thank you Ficksitup” she said cheerfully, “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m better off staying at the library. You know me... can’t stay away from a good book.” .
“Yeah, I figured as much,” said Ficks with a chuckle.
“Are we done here?” Spike interrupted, “I’m hungry.”
Twilight glared down at her assistant, who just stared back up at her without a care for the current conversation. He even went so far as to open his mouth and point down his throat to emphasize his ever growing hunger.
“Yes, scales-for-brains, we’re done here,” sighed Twilight. “I’ll be inside in a moment to get you some gems for breakfast. Now go inside and be grumpy somewhere else.”
“Fine,” Spike mumbled as he slowly lumbered back into the library.
Twilight turned back to face the two stallions, shaking her head in exasperation. “Dragons...” she sighed. “They can be such grumpy creatures sometimes.”
“Oh, I think I know one creature in particular” said Ficksitup, “that can be much grumpier...” He shot a look at his uncle, and Hammerplank merely gave him a swift kick with his hind leg, causing him to nearly lose his balance. The two of them started glaring at each other, but before the situation could get worse Twilight interrupted..
“Anyways” she said cheerfully, “that reminds me, I was just about to go inside and make some tea. Would you two like to come in and join me? I’d certainly like the company, seeing as it’s usually only Spike and me who are here in the morning.”
“Oh... well, as much as we’d like to,” Ficksitup began, “we really should go, since we’ve got a lot of wo-”
“Of course, we’d love to come in!” Hammerplank interrupted. “After all, we’d hate to have come all the way down here for nothin’...” He grabbed Ficksitup by the shoulder and pulled him in close, hugging him tightly. “Right, nephew?”
Hammerplank was glaring at him full force and Ficks struggled to pull away, at this point unable to tell whether his uncle was just doing this to make him feel even more guilty about the job heist or if he had some devious plan conjured up in his head that perhaps involved a certain purple pony. Whatever the reason, Ficksitup wasn’t exactly in a position to argue about it.
“Alright...I guess it would be nice to come inside for awhile,” said Ficksitup, finally giving in. “It is pretty cold out, anyways.”
“Splendid,” said Twilight delightedly. “I’ll get started on the tea right away!”
And with that, the two of them followed Twilight into the library. While she was busy in the other room, Hammerplank and Ficksitup took a moment to settle in, beginning to peruse the many books that littered the shelves of the main room of the library.
“You know, Ficks...” began Hammerplank, “I’m taking a bit of a hit because of you. I mean, tea? You know I’m full on coffee drinker. You owe me big time.” He was looking at a book which Ficksitup which could not decipher at the moment.
“Yeah, I know that,” Ficks replied.
“Still... that Twilight friend of yours is certainly a real piece of work. So this wasn’t completely a waste of time. How come ya never mentioned her before, nephew?”
“Because of that charade you were pullin’ outside. That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you about her. And now I regret even bringin’ you along in the first place.”
“Aww yer no fun kiddo. I’m just tryin’ to make her aquaintance, that’s all. It’s completely harmless.” Hammerplank said, giving him a wink.
“Yeah sure... just don’t let it go to yer he-...er, ‘Plank...what are you doin’?” He raised an eyebrow as he watched his uncle digging through another one of the bookshelves.
“None of yer business, boy,” growled Hammerplank, “just looking for a dictionary, that’s all...” He shuffled a book across the shelf. “Geez, you’d figure a damn library would have dictionary around here somewhere...”
“Why do you need a dictionary, uncle?” asked Ficks, furrowing his brow.
“I already told you,” replied Hammerplank, “it’s none of yer business, so butt out. I just wanna look up the definition for somethin’.”
“Hey, I’ve got a definition for ya to look up,” returned Ficks mischievously.
“Oh?” Hammerplank glanced up at him. “And what would that be?”
“Why don’t ya try lookin’ up the word fillyphile?” Ficksitup insisted with a coy smile on his face.
Hammerplank looked up at him sharply.
“What’s that, nephew?” he said after a long moment, “ya say ya don’t want a paycheck?” He smirked. “Well...alright then, that works for me.”
“Knock it off, ‘Plank.”
The two exchanged glares. Breaking the tension, Twilight floated a small tray of tea into the room, and onto a table. Spike came lumbering in behind her, carrying a bowl full of assorted gems.
“I’m back with the tea, everypony,” she said cheerfully.
Ficksitup thanked her, and then Twilight noticed that some of the books had been moved around. The book next to Hammerplank was enveloped in a purple aura as she levitated it back onto the shelf.
“Were you two actually reading these?” she asked. “I didn’t think anypony else cared about reading at all, besides myself.”
“Well, no we weren’t exactly -” Ficksitup attempted to say, but he was interrupted by Hammerplank shoving him out of the way.
“Of course, Miss Sparkle, if I may call you that ma’am,” said his uncle, puffing out his chest just slightly. “Believe it or not, I happen to be quite the...ah, the bibliomaniac.”
Ficksitup rolled his eyes at Hammerplank’s sudden, gentlecoltly mannerisms, but Twilight only smiled.
“Wow, really?” she exclaimed, “no offense, but I never would have taken you as the scholarly type of stallion, Mr. Plank...if I may call you that.” She giggled softly. “Tell me, do you enjoy reading more current works or are you somepony who prefers the classics?”
She was obviously impressed, Hammerplank seemed to swell further beneath her gaze.
“You can call me whatever you like, m’dear,” he said slyly. “Now, to answer your question...while I do enjoy the works of some modern ponies, I particularly enjoy the pieces done by Louis Corral, back in his days.”
“Oh my goodness, really?” Twilight squealed, “I absolutely loved his series ‘Flora’s Adventures in Wonderland’. Oh, and his poems are so exquisite.” She sighed. “Although they’re nothing compared to some of Walt Whitmane’s work. Still, I just can’t believe I’m not the only one who knows about his writings.”
“Ah, so yer a fan of Whitmane, eh?” grinned Hammerplank. “Yeah, he’s a rather eccentric fella, but nonetheless a marvelous writer.” He paused, seeming to consider something more a moment, before the grin returned. “Tell ya what, ma’am,” he said, “why don’t you and I go in the other room to discuss some more of his work while we go over that little ordeal of you usin’ our own supplies for your personal home project? Merely as a formality of course, nothin’ personal.”
“Of course, I completely understand.” Twilight obliged, “I like your thinking. If you’ll follow me, I have the spare room in the library that we can use...” She paused. “But, are you sure Ficksitup will be alright by himself here? I feel bad just leaving him.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about him,” said Hammerplank, “he can chat it up with scaly over here while the grown ups are talkin’.” He gestured at Spike, who was sitting on the couch, munching greedily on a gem.
“But Ficksitup is technically the same age as I am, isn’t he?” Twilight asked.
“Oh sure,” drawled Hammerplank, “when it comes to age, you two are practically indifferent, but when it comes to maturity...” He shot a glance at his nephew, who was becoming increasingly irritated. “Not quite so much, I think you’ll find..”
“Oh, come on, ‘Plank!” cried Ficks indignantly. “Are you serious? I am very mature!”
Hammerplank merely awarded him an entirely unimpressed expression,, clicking his tongue once or twice against the roof of his mouth before he shook his head and turned back to Twilight.
“Now would ya’ look at that?” He gestured back at Ficks. “He’s even throwing a tantrum and everything.”
Twilight giggled softly, and by that point, Ficksitup had pretty much given up on anypony taking his side.
“Oh, Mr. Plank, please,” said Twilight, flashing a comforting grin at Ficksitup. “You really shouldn’t tease him like that. I assure you, first hoof, that I know Ficksitup can be a very charming and mature young stallion when he wants to be.”
“Are you sure you met the same Ficksitup I know?” asked Hammerplank with a chuckle, and Ficksitup glared.
“Darn it, Plank,” he hissed, “would ya stop makin’ me sound like a stupid kid already?”
Hammerplank rolled his eyes. “When yo quit whining like one, numb-skull.”
Ficksitup pulled closer to Hammerplank to whisper into his ear: “How about you quit hittin’ on mares barely half your age!”
Just as quietly, Hammerplank replied: “Touché.”
“Oh, Ficksitup?” chirped Twilight, interrupting their little spat. Ficks turned his attention away from Hammerplank.
“What is it?”
“I’d almost forgotten to mention this,” replied Twilight, “but Applejack was here a few days ago looking for you. When I told her you weren’t here, she seemed pretty concerned. Did you ever find her?”
Ficksitup suddenly felt a little uneasy in his stomach. He had tried to forget about what had happened that day, but the mention of Applejack brought up the memory of that considerably less-than-joyful moment in which he had failed quite miserably in his attempt to confess to her. He remembered how upset she had looked herself, almost as if on the verge of tears. Even as he pondered over it then, a while later, Ficksitup still couldn't fathom what had made her so upset in the first place.
“Yeah...I saw her,” he answered finally.
“You don’t sound very thrilled about it,” replied Twilight, titling her head to the side questioningly. “Is everything alright between you two? Did something happen?”
Ficksitup’s eyes shot around the room, looking at everything but Twilight. He shifted from hoof to hoof. Twilight simply waited for an answer he couldn’t give. He appreciated her concern for himself and Applejack, but the last thing he wanted was another pony involved in his private problems. Surprisingly, Hammerplank came to his rescue.
“I’m sure, my dear,” he said, “that whatever crazy things those two are doin’ is none of our business. You know how it is with youngsters... just let the boy have his secrets, Miss Sparkle.” He shot a quick look at his nephew, who was staring at him with a puzzled expression. He merely smiled and gave him a wink. Ficksitup realized his uncle’s intentions and nodded his head in gratitude.
“Well, if you insist...” Twilight said, disappointed, “I suppose if there’s nothing else to discuss then we might as well go ahead and take care of the matter involving the balcony.”
“You read my mind, Miss Sparkle. Lead the way,” Hammerplank replied with an almost-gracious smile.
“Of course, the spare room is just over here,” explained Twilight as she began walking towards the far side of the library with Hammerplank in tow. Before disappearing through the doorway, she turned around to face Ficksitup, who was currently examining the pot of tea with fixed attention. “Please help yourself, Ficksitup. We shouldn’t take too long,” she encouraged, “and as to whatever it is that’s troubling you...well, I hope you find the solution”
Ficksitup looked up at her and gave a weak smile, which she returned before disappearing into the other room. Hammerplank poked his head out around the frame of the door and gave Ficks another wink, though this one seemed far less innocent. Ficksitup gave him a scornful look as more of a warning than an expression of disappointment, fully aware of his intentions. Hammerplank let out a few light snickers before he shut the door, leaving Ficksitup alone with the dragon.
Surprisingly, he wasn’t as nervous as he had previously been around Spike. He figured it must have been because the little guy seemed far more docile just sitting there on the couch, eating his gems like they were the only thing that matter in the world. Still, Ficksitup didn’t trust him for the sole reason that his colt-hood fears couldn’t be put behind him by simply being stuck in a room alone with a dragon for several minutes.
Trying not to think about the whole situation,, Ficksitup attempted to pour himself a cup of tea, though he failed rather miserably. He fumbled about with the kettle for several seconds, nearly spilling water all over in the process. Shuffling the bulky contraption between his front hooves, he tried to get a firm grip on it so he could lift it up, but every time he nearly managed this, it would just slip out and clatter back onto the tray. The slick surface of the porcelain made it impossible to get a proper grip anywhere. Ficks bit his tongue lightly and squinted in concentration, but his growing frustration wasn’t making the work any easier. At this point, he was going to end up breaking the kettle if he squeezed it any tighter. Finally he managed to grip it just right, pinching the sides with the tips of his hooves. He slowly maneuvered the kettle towards one of the small cups on the tray. Hovering it over one of the cups, he began to tilt the kettle waiting for the broth to start pouring out of the spout. Almost... almost got it...
“Need some help?” Spike asked, right behind him.
“DEAR CELESTIA ON A ROCKING HORSE!” Ficksitup shrieked, tossing the kettle into the air. Spike watched it sail right over his head and quickly took a few steps back, catching the kettle in his claws.
“Geez, dude, calm down,” he said, setting the kettle safely back onto the tray. .
Ficksitup pressed his hoof to his chest, fearing he’d just suffered a heart attack. “Don’t scare me like that,” he wheezed.
“Sorry,” said Spike, “I was just trying to help.” He smirked. “You kinda looked like you need it.”
Ficksitup glanced back at the teaset with shame. “Yeah, I guess I do,” he admitted.
Spike walked over to the table and grabbed one of the cups from the tray. Ficksitup took a seat on the couch and watched the dragon effortlessly perform the task that he could not. Quite gracefully, Spike poured a generous amount into the cup, not spilling a drop, and set it onto the coffee table in front of the couch. After watching that, Ficksitup couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of the opposable digits on Spike’s claws.
“There you go,” Spike said with a smile.
“Um, thanks,” Ficksitup replied. He stared into his cup, uncertain. He’d never had tea and had no idea what to expect. He sniffed at the stuff with curiosity. It had a strange odor that he couldn’t identify, but there was a slight herbal scent to it. Letting the aroma get the better of him, he placed the cup to his mouth and sipped. He suddenly reeled back up and cringed as the bitter liquid filled his mouth and lingered. He coughed, wiped his mouth with the back of a hoof, and sneered at the cup in disgust.
“Who in their right mind would ever drink this stuff?” he muttere to himself.
“Sugarcube?” Spike asked.
Ficksitup’s ears pricked up in attention and he spun around with a startled look on his face.
“Yes, Applejack?” he asked, stupidly.
“Wait... what?” Spike asked, completely confused.
“Oh, I uh... um, nevermind. It’s nothing,” said Ficksitup hurriedly, color flooding his cheeks.
“Okaaaay,’ said Spike, quirking a brow. “I was just asking if you wanted sugar.” He held up a small dish filled with a small white mountain of sugarcubes. “It’ll help with the bitterness.”
“Wait, you put sugar in this stuff?” asked Ficks, now surprised.
“Of course,” Spike answered. “Who’d be dumb enough to drink tea without sugar?”
“Well, I...” Ficksitup started, now feeling quite foolish. “I guess I didn’t consider it.”
“Whatever. You want one or two?” Spike held up a few cubes in his hand.
“Um, two I guess.”Ficksitup accepted the cubes from Spike and plopped them into the tea, grabbing a spoon from the tray. He stirred the cubes around until they’d fully dissolved into the liquid and set the cup back on the table.
“Try it now,” said Spike, leaning forward eagerly.
Ficksitup lowered his head and took another sip. The taste was completely different from before, just from a few lumps of sugar. In fact, it wasn’t half bad. He looked back up at Spike and nodded his head in approval.
“That’s pretty good,” he decided.
“I told you so,” replied Spike smugly, taking his seat on the opposite side of the couch. He placed the bowl of gems in his lap and continued to stuff the small jewels into his mouth. Ficksitup felt slightly disturbed as he watched the dragon swallow one gem after the other. Spike noticed his fixed gaze and looked back at him with a quirked brow.
“What?” he asked, slightly perturbed.
“Doesn’t that hurt?” asked Ficks. “I mean eatin’ solid gems like that...”
Spike looked at the half eaten gem in his hand and shook his head in confusion. “No, why would it hurt? I eat these all the time.”
“Still, I mean...” Ficks bit down on his lower lip. “Wouldn’t that like, tear up yer throat or somethin’?”
“Um hellooo...” Spike answered, pointing a finger at himself, “Dragon, remember?”
“Oh, right, sorry. It’s just that I’ve never met a dragon, so I never knew what they ate,” said Ficksitup, feeling foolish once again. “To be honest, I was always afraid you guys ate us ponies or somethin’.”
“Eat a pony? That’s disgusting,” Spike said, slightly apalled. “What the heck would make you get an idea like that?”
“Well...I...uh...” Ficksitup began, “I really don’t know, actually. Just some old story from the city, I guess.”
Spike sighed as if he had just had an enormous and exhausting epiphany.
“That’s right,” he said. “I forgot you’re not from around here. Well. No, we do not eat ponies. We dragons are on a strict gem-only diet.” And as if to demonstrate, he tossed another jewel into his mouth, biting down with a loud crunch.
“Well,” said Ficksitup, watching him chew with mild distaste. “I’m glad to know that, at least.”
Sitting there and talking with this dragon was actually making Ficksitup a little more comfortable than before. All those silly rumors and tales he’d been told as a colt were being blown out of the water one after another. This dragon didn’t seem like someone who would eat anypony in particular. In fact, considering his size, Ficksitup figured that Spike couldn’t eat anypony even if he tried. Therefore, whatever reason he had to be scared of Spike in the first place was completely beyond him.
“Since you seem pretty new here...” Spike said through a mouth full of gems. “What exactly do you do around here anyway?
Ficksitup just stared at him in shock. “Are you kiddin’?” he asked. Spike merely responded with a light shrug.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Ficks began. “Just take a look right here, and you’ll know exactly who I am and what I do around here.” Pride was easily noticeable in his face as he shifted to give Spike a better view of the silver wrench adorning his flank. Spike stared at it for a second, tilting his head in confusion before looking back up at Ficksitup.
“You’re a tool?” Spike guessed.
The prideful look on Ficksitup’s face melted away instantaneously.
“Wait, what? No! I am not a tool!” he cried. “I’m a mechanic, and I fix things, darn it.”
“Oooh, now that actually makes a lot more sense,” Spike said, casually glancing up at the black hat adorning Ficksitup’s head. “But what about that hat?” he asked, puzzled, “If you’re a mechanic then shouldn’t you be wearing a hardhat or something?”
“Oh, this?” asked Ficks, taking the hat off so Spike could get a better look, “Well... to put it simply, this hat is very important to me. So I wear it all the time, regardless of what I’m doin’.”
“What’s so special about it?” Spike asked, and Ficksitp glanced away; this was something that he really didn’t want to delve into, but he knew there wasn’t any other way around it.
“It’s special because somepony special gave it to me,” he answered reluctantly, cradling the hat in his hooves. “Losing this hat would probably be the second worst thing that could happen to me.”
“What’s the first thing?”
Ficksitup swallowed.
“I’d rather not say...”
Realizing he wasn’t willing to explain any further than that, Spike resumed feasting on the last few remaining jewels in his bowl. Still holding the hat in his hooves, Ficksitup sat there quietly, thinking about that day in the rain. He had been so close. All he had needed to do was say three little words and everything would have been okay. He wouldn’t be feeling so miserable right now, sitting on that couch and racking his brain trying to figure out what he did wrong in the first place. But he was miserable, and it was all because he didn’t say three stupid little words...
“Say, Spike?” Ficksitup began.
“Hmmm?” Spike choked out through a mouthful of gems.
“I know this is a kinda dumb question to ask, what with you bein’ a dragon and all, but...” Ficksitup paused before continuing. “Say there was this mare you liked, and you really wanted to tell her how you felt... but when you tried to confess to her, ya’ ended up making her upset instead. Not sayin’ that confessin’ to her was what made her upset or nothin’,” he added hastily, “But with her bein’ upset and all, well... how d’ya suppose you could apologize to her?”
Spike stopped eating and gave Ficksitup a sincere look, “Let me guess...” he said. “It’s the same one who gave you that hat, isn’t it?”
For a baby dragon, he was pretty sharp.Ficksitup swallowed.
“Yeah...” he mumbled.
“That’s easy...” said Spike. “If it were me, I’d get her a great big gemstone to give to her. It would be my way of saying sorry”
“Really?” Ficksitup gave him a perplexed look, “That’s it?
“Oh yeah, definitely.” Spike said. “In fact, I know the mare I like would love it if she got a gem from me.” He suddenly clamped his mouth shut and looked in the opposite direction, praying that Ficksitup wouldn’t try to investigate any further.
“Wait.” Ficksitup was beyond curious. “You mean to say that there’s somepony that you like?”
“I never said that!” Spike stammered.
“Oh, yes you did,” Ficksitup sneered, letting out a light chuckle. “Come on, tell me... who is it?”
Spike looked moderately panicked.“Hey! No fair, you never told me who it was that you liked.”
“That’s because we never made that kinda deal, Scaly,” Ficksitup said with a grin.
“Scaly? Why, you..!” Spike growled. “Well, I’m not telling you anything until you promise to tell me who you like.” He crossed his arms and stuck his forked tongue out. The two glared at each other before Ficks finally sighed in defeat.
“Alright fine, ya’ overgrown lizard” Ficksitup said, “But yer gonna’ tell me first.”
“Fine...” Spike sighed. He started glancing around the room nervously to see if anypony else was around. He then gestured for Ficksitup to lean in closer so that he could whisper in his ear. Ficksitup obliged, but gave him a confused look, wondering why he felt the need to whisper in the first place.
“I’m listenin’...” Ficksitup said.
“Are you ready?” Spike asked. Ficksitup nodded impatiently in response, “Okay, the truth is...” he started, “I have a crush on Rar-”
Several loud knocks came from the front door of the library before the door burst open. Spike jumped up in surprise, letting out a yelp. The two of them stared at the doorway to see who had so abruptly arrived without warning. Rarity herself came trotting into the room, currently unaware of the two boys who were staring at her from the couch.
“Twilight, darling,” she called, “are you home? I just wanted to say thank you for letting me borrow this book on Foalkari for a few days. It was extremely useful! Who but the Ponjabi would have thought to use satin with coarse cotton?” Rarity levitated a book out of a particularly fashionable saddlebag and placed it perfectly straight on its shelf. When there was no response, she finally took notice of her surroundings.
“Twilight dear, where are you?” she called, letting her eyes wander around the room in search of her friend until her gaze finally fell upon Ficksitup and Spike on the couch.
“Uh, hi Rarity,” Ficksitup said, rather surprised.
“Ficksitup?” Rarity smiled, though she looked rather bewildered. “How good to see you of course,, but what are you doing here at Twilight’s house of all places?”
Ficksitup shrugged. “Originally, I was here for business. I was finally gonna’ fix Twilight’s balcony,” he explained. “But it turns out that she did it herself because I didn’t get here sooner...because somepony decided it would be a better idea to go to the spa instead.”
Rarity merely grinned in response to his obvious accusation. “I already told you, dear,” she cooed, “about how that appointment was booked days ago. There was no way we were going to cancel, and don’t try to deny that you didn’t have a good time, because I know you did.”
“Even if that is the case, Rarity, that doesn’t change the fact that all the supplies in that wagon were stolen while we were at the spa,” Ficksitup muttered,, slightly irritated.
“Were they really?” she asked.
“Yes.” Ficksitup confirmed, “Which if I recall, you told me ‘it’s not like anypony is going to steal a dusty old wagon’.” he said through a crude impression of her voice.
“The wagon was still there, right?” Rarity asked, ignoring his petty attempt to insult her.
“Well yeah, but-”
“Then I’m still not at fault here.” she said, grinning victoriously.
“How does that work?” Ficksitup asked, completely lost.
“I said nopony would steal a dusty old wagon, not the contents inside it.” she explained, “And since the wagon was still there when you got back, it means I am still right”
Ficksitup slapped a hoof over his face as he was forced to admit defeat to Rarity’s warped, but nonetheless, flawless logic.
“Yeah, well even if the wagon didn’t get stolen, it doesn’t exactly replace the boards that Twilight used to fix her balcony.” Ficksitup stated
““What? Twilight took them? That’s so unlike her, how can you be absolutely sure it was her?” Rarity asked, completely befuddled at the prospect of Twilight stealing anything.
“Now hold on, Rarity. I never said it was Twilight who took them.” Ficksitup quickly said.
“Well then, who else would have taken the supplies and given them to Twilight?” Rarity continued to question him.
Ficksitup’s eyes darted between her and Spike, who had a very worried expression on his face. Ficks could almost see the beads of sweat dripping down Spike’s head. He could imagine what Spike was trying to say to him with those ever pleading dragon eyes.
"Well I uh..." Ficksitup started, glancing at Spike again, "I don’t exactly know who she got them from."
“Really?” Rarity asked, unconvinced, “You have no idea who got all those planks of wood to her house?”
“Nope. Not a clue.”
“So she just happened upon the pile of boards in the wagon and decided to drag them all the way here on a whim, is that what you’re saying?” Rarity asked.
“No that’s not-”
“I can tell you’re hiding something from me, dear. You know who it was that took them, don’t you?” Rarity asked, a small grin now spreading across her face.
“I never said that.” Ficksitup stammered.
She advanced on him, one eyebrow cocked, until she was mere inches from his face, “Has anypony ever told you that you are a terrible liar, Ficksitup?
Why does everypony keep tellin’ me that? he thought, And why am I suddenly the guilty one here? Rarity pushed closer, forcing him to back away, a nervous smile on his face. Rarity merely beamed back at him, making him even more uncomfortable. Spike, meanwhile, watched from the couch, not sure how to react.
Ficksitup hit something solid. She’d backed him into a bookcase. “You’re not leaving this spot.“ she whispered, “Until you tell me the truth.”
There was no getting out of it. Rarity had him cornered and she knew that he was lying to her face. Ficksitup was beginning to think this wasn’t worth trying to save the scales of some dragon. Rarity’s eyes drilled into Ficksitup’s very being, seemingly prying at every piece of information he was holding back from her. ‘How does she do that!?’ he wondered, held transfixed by her piercing gaze.
“What do you want from me!?” Ficksitup pleaded.
“I already told you...” She said in a low, hushed tone, never breaking her grin. “The truth.”
He couldn’t fight her eyes anymore. That piercing gaze had been honed to a brutal sharpness, and he was about to break. He shot another panicked look at Spike.
Rarity caught it.
“Spike, dear?” she said, turning to face him, “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about this, would you?”
Now it was Spike’s turn to panic. “Uhh… N-No Rarity, I wasn't even near the market that day, and I certainly didn't spend all of Twilight's money on gemstones!” Spike answered, giving Rarity an awkward smile, his eyes shifting rapidly.
“Funny...” Rarity said, “I don’t recall mentioning a market.”
Spike gulped nervously when he realized he’d screwed up tremendously. Now she definitely knew that the both of them were lying through their teeth, or in Spike’s case, fangs.
Rarity fluttered her eyelashes before giving him a mesmerizing gaze as she smiled sweetly.“Awww Spikey, you wouldn't hide anything from me, would you? That would just break my little heart!” she whined, throwing a hoof over her eyes. She peeked beneath it, making certain her act was working.
Spike jumped up from the couch spilling some of the remaining gemstones on the floor. “I can’t take it anymore! It was me! I took the planks! Twilight needed the supplies and they were just sitting out in the middle of the marketplace! I didn’t think anypony wanted them, honest!” Spike bellowed. That was twice in one day that he had been pressured into confession.
Rarity shifted her attention from Ficks, who slumped to the floor in relief, and approached Spike.
“Spike!” she gasped, giving him an expression of pure shock, “I can’t believe you would do such a thing. Surely you would know better than that.”
“But...” Spike started, but Rarity simply pointed her nose up and let out a dismissive, ‘hmph’.
“But Rarity!” Spike pleaded
“But nothing, Spike,” she interrupted, disappointment evident in her voice.
At this point, Ficksitup couldn’t help but feel sorry for the little guy and tried to come to his rescue
“Come on Rarity, it’s not like he knew the wagon belonged to me.”
Spike looked up at Ficksitup who gave him a faint smile. Rarity however continued to give them both a dissatisfied look.
“Well he still should know better than that.” Rarity snapped.
“Just give him another chance.” Ficksitup pleaded, “Besides, we both know that he wouldn’t have even had the opportunity to steal the boards if we hadn’t decided to go the spa.”
“How are you still trying to blame me for this?” Rarity demanded.
“I’m not!” Ficksitup quickly replied, “I’m just sayin’ if I hadn’t left the wagon there in the first place, then he wouldn’t have stolen them.”
Rarity gave Ficksitup a sincere look before turning her gaze towards Spike again. The small dragon looked up at her with sad puppy eyes, waiting for her response.
“No. You’re right, Ficks.” Rarity said, “I’m sorry for making you leave the wagon there, it’s my fault Spike’s in trouble.”
“It’s alright Rarity.”
“Well it seems that once again I owe you for all your troubles.” Rarity sighed, “Perhaps this time we can book an appointment at the tr-”
“No no, please. Ya don’t need to do that again.” Ficksitup interrupted, waving his hooves back and forth.
“Fine, if you insist, darling.” Rarity said, “But at least let me make it up to you some how.”
Ficksitup paused for a moment, deep in thought while he considered her offer. He finally looked up at her again and gave her a sincere expression.
“There is one thing...” Ficksitup finally said.
“Yes anything, dear.”
“Since you’re here anyway” Ficksitup started, “There’s somethin’ I need to talk about with ya.”
“What is it?”
Ficksitup quickly glanced around the room making sure nopony else was there to hear them. He knew Spike was there, but he figured he wouldn’t know what they’re talking about anyway. Although Spike had figured out where the hat had come from so there was no predicting that’d he would catch on with this as well. Ficksitup however knew he didn’t have a choice and decided to tell Rarity with the dragon listening anyway.
“It’s about Ap-”
The door from the back room of the library burst open as both Hammerplank and Twilight came walking out, laughing hysterically to each other.
“Oh my gosh, I cannot believe he did that as a little colt, that is too funny.” Twilight exclaimed, almost brought to tears from laughing so hard.
“I know right?” Hammerplank choked, “You should have seen his face when I caught him in the act, priceless.”
The two of them continued to laugh before they noticed the trio standing around the couch in the main room.
“Oh hello there, Rarity.” Twilight chirped, “I didn’t even hear you come in, how have you been?”
“I’m fine darling. Just returning that book you let me borrow.” Rarity answered, approaching Twilight. She looked at Hammerplank and gave him a curious look. “Who’s this?” she asked.
“Oh this is Hammerplank, Ficksitup’s uncle.” Twilight said, introducing the older stallion, “He owns the repair shop in town.”
“I see...” Rarity said, giving him another curious look, “Nice to meet you darling, my name is Rarity.”
She extended a hoof, which Hammerplank hesitated to take at first, but eventually obliged.
“Charmed.” Hammerplank grummbled.
“We were just in the other room discussing some business matters involving the um, supplies I used from his shop.” Twilight confessed.
“Yes, I’d heard about it...” Rarity confirmed, shooting another look at Ficksitup and Spike. She continued to chat with Twilight while Hammerplank walked over to Ficksitup who had sat back down on the couch. Spike had lumbered off upstairs, most likely to avoid getting scolded by anypony else. Hammerplank took a seat next to Ficksitup and gave him a serious look.
“What?” Ficksitup asked.
“Who in the heck is this girl?” Hammerplank asked, waving a hoof in Rarity’s direction.
“She’s a friend.” Ficksitup explained, detecting the slight opposition in his uncle’s tone.
“Seems pretty stuck up to me...”
“Yeah I know that, she’s not that bad once ya get used to her though.”
“Whatever you say kiddo, but she seems... ‘difficult’ to me.”
“Ya have no idea.” Ficksitup whispered.
The two of them continued to sit there quietly while the girls chatted for several more minutes. They finally finished and walked back over to the stallions on the couch.
“Well thank you again for letting me borrow the book, Twilight dear. It was most helpful.” Rarity said, “Now then if you don’t mind, I really need to head out. Lots of things to do. Fashion and all.” she added.
“Of course, Rarity. Thank you for stopping by and returning it. I hope you enjoy the rest of your morning.” Twilight replied, cheerfully.
“I will.” Rarity said, approaching the door. Before she opened it, she turned around and glanced at Ficksitup, who was still sitting on the couch. “Ficksitup?” she called. His ears pricked up and he turned around to face her.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Aren’t you coming? You agreed that you would help me with that problem that I’m having at my boutique, did you not?” she asked, giving him a wink. Ficksitup sat there, completely confused by what she’d just said. Finally the hint caught up to him and he nodded his head rapidly.
“Oh, right. That thing, yeah. I’ll be right out.” Ficksitup replied. Rarity gave a quick smile and walked out the door.
Ficksitup grabbed his hat off the couch and started for the door. Hammerplank quickly caught him before he could reach the door and pulled him next to his face to whisper in his ear.
“What in Celestia’s name are you doin’?” Hammerplank asked, frantically. Ficksitup tugged at his arm, unable to convince his uncle to release him.
“What?” Ficksitup asked, “I’m just going to help her out with somethin’, not like it’s a big deal.”
“Are you stupid?” Hammerplank snapped.
“What are you talkin’ about?”
“Look I don’t know what it is that yer doin’, but you’d better watch your ass.” Hammerplank warned, “She spells trouble.”
Realizing what his uncle was implying, Ficksitup merely shook his head in response. “Don’t worry about it, uncle. Trust me, it’s not like that.”
“Yeah? Ya say that now and then the next thing ya know, yer up to yer knees in manure. So watch it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, uncle. Can I go now?” Ficksitup asked. Hammerplank didn’t respond, only letting go of his arm. Ficksitup smiled and then headed for the door.
“Hey! Wait a minute mister!” Hammerplank shouted.
“What is it now!” Ficksitup groaned.
“Who the heck is supposed to help me get all this crap back to the shop?”
“I don’t know, maybe Twilight and the lizard can help you or something.” Ficksitup suggested, “Wait. Forget that I said th-”
“Hey, that’s not a bad idea.” Hammerplank said, another mischeivous grin appearing over his face, “Forget the lizard and I’m on board for this.”
“Please stop, uncle.” Ficksitup pleaded, “Don’t try anything funny anymore.”
“Alright fine, ya buzzkill.” Hammerplank promised, “Now run along with yer little friend and get outta my hair.”
Ficksitup groaned in annoyance and ran out the door, leaving Hammerplank alone with Twilight.
“Soooo, Miss Twilight, what’dya say? You help me get this junk back to the shop and I’ll drop the charges that we worked out in the other room.” Hammerplank insisted, still grinning.
“Are you sure?” Twilight asked.
“Oh yeah, I think that’s a fair deal.” Hammerplank explained, “You help me out and problem’s solved.”
“Well if you insist.” Twilight said, “But we’ll at least have Spike help us out, seeing that he’s the little thief that started this.” she teased.
“Do we have to?” Hammerplank asked, “We don’t really need him, right?”
“It’s the least he can do.” she added, “Spike? Come down here please! You have one last chore to do this morning!” she called upstairs.
There was no answer from the room above. Twilight took a few steps upstairs and called Spike’s name again. There was still no answer. She looked at Hammerplank and shrugged in confusion.
“Wonder where the little runt has run off to.” Hammerplank grummbled.
“I have no idea.” Twilight admitted, “It’s not like him to just run off without telling me.”
“Let’s just hope he’s not up to anymore trouble.” Hammerplank quickly added.
***
Meanwhile, outside the library, both Rarity and Ficksitup walked around aimlessly before she broke the silence between them as they moved on.
“So what is it that’s bothering you?” Rarity asked
“I messed up.” He said, hanging his head.
“How?”
“I... I didn’t tell her; I tried to bu-”
“Ugh, darling please start from the beginning, and follow me, this is no place for such a conversation.” The two changed course, presumably to wherever Rarity was leading him, and continued the conversation. “So, you were saying?” She asked, honestly curious as to what was causing Ficksitup to be in such a terrible state.
“I ran into Applejack after you and I left the spa.” Ficksitup explained, “She asked where I had been. She said she’d been looking for me.”
“Why was she looking for you?”
“I told her I was gonna’ be headin’ over to Twilight’s to fix the balcony that day. Apparently she decided to visit me, and when I wasn’t there, she got worried and came lookin’ for me.”
“Well see? She was just worried about you and she wanted to make sure you were okay. I think it’s rather adorable if you ask me.” Rarity said with giddy shivers. “I don’t see why you should be upset about that.”
“Yeah, well she didn’t seem very relieved when I finally did explain to her where I was. I don’t understand why sh-”
“Wait! You told her?” Rarity all but shouted at him.
“Well, yeah I m-”
“Ficksitup, you imbecile! You definitely should not have done that!”
“Wait, why?” Ficksitup asked as they reached the entrance of Rarity’s Boutique.
“Because! You do not tell somepony you like that you’re going to do one thing, and then do the other. And you especially don’t tell them about it! Especially when it involves another mare!” she shouted hysterically.
“Well I can’t just lie to Applejack!” Ficksitup retorted, opening the door for Rarity, with a confused expression on his face. “And what other excuse would I have had?”
“Anything would have sufficed! But actually telling her that you were with me? That was a mistake.” Rarity said, walking into the boutique and tossing her saddlebag on the floor.
“Why would she be upset if I was with you?” Ficksitup asked, shutting the door and placing his hat on the nearby stand. “Yer her friend after all.”
Rarity sighed heavily and shook her head in frustration. “Ficksitup, you are a kind and caring stallion.” she paused, “But you are such an idiot!”
“Why am I the idiot?” Ficksitup demanded, now irritated.
“Is it really not that obvious?”
“No. It isn’t.”
“Ugh, this is going to be harder than I thought.” Rarity groaned.
“Just tell me.”
“Okay let me explain this to you as simply as I can.” Rarity started, “Whether you are aware of this or not, it’s pretty obvious that Applejack thinks very highly of you and holds a very special place in her heart for you.”
“So that means she does like me?” Ficksitup guessed.
“Yes!” Rarity exclaimed, “And if you didn’t already figure that out, then you really are hopeless.”
“But you told me not to make assumptions.”
“I never said that!” Rarity shouted, “Still, the point is that Applejack likes you very much and right now she doesn’t even know you feel the same way because you haven’t told her yet!”
“That’s because you told me to take my time.” Ficksitup said through grit teeth.
“Well now you’re out of time, dear.” Rarity said as she began pulling a piece of fabric out from one of the drawers in her dresser, “All because you decided to tell her that you were with me and now she thinks we’re an item!”
“What?” Ficksitup exclaimed, “We’re not datin’, why in the hay would she think that?”
“Ugh, use your common sense.” Rarity scolded, pointing a hoof at his forehead, “It’s the implications!”
“I’m not trying to imply anything. We were just doin’ somethin’ that you arranged for us.”
Rarity was silent for a moment while she began stitching the piece of fabric that she had cut for a dress she was making. As she continued to push the fabric through the sewing machine gently, an uneasy silence filled the room, broken only by the whirring of the sewing machine’s gears. The silence made Ficksitup uneasy. He imagined that Rarity was just standing there trying to figure out how to deal with him. Once again, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all his fault that he was frustrating everpony around him.
“Ficks’...” Rarity uttered, finally breaking her silence, “There is something that you absolutely must understand.”
“What is that?”
She turned around from the sowing machine and gave Ficksitup a sincere look. “As long as I have known Applejack, she’s never been close to anypony else, besides her friends and of course her family.” she began, “As far as I can tell, she’s never even once had a certain special somepony on Hearts and Hooves day. She’s been alone all these years.”
“Really? Nopony?” Ficksitup asked, her words finally starting to sink in.
“You understand now? She’s been waiting for you all these years. She’s been hoping for the chance to finally tell you how she’s felt and now she’s unsure of herself because she thinks that you’re no longer interested in her.”
“But I am interested in her. Heck, I lo-” Ficksitup stopped, as he was too embarrassed to say it in front of Rarity.
“I know you do, darling.” Rarity said, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “But you shouldn’t be saying that to me, it’s her that you need to say it to.”
“I know, I know. But that’s what I can’t seem to do right.” Ficksitup whimpered. “Every time I try to tell her, I just... screw up.” He threw a hoof up in the air and sunk to the ground, bowing his head as he stared at the floor while he sulked. Rarity left her sowing machine and walked straight towards Ficksitup util she was standing right over him. She stamped her hoof loudly on the ground to make him look up.
“That’s quite enough out of you!” she barked. “I will not have you sit here pouting in my home any longer while she’s still out there waiting for you to confess.”
Ficksitup cringed at her sudden burst of energy. Rarity glared at him, waiting for an answer. He looked back up at her with a somewhat pitiful expression.
“Then what am I supposed to do?” he asked.
“Well sitting here waiting for the whole world to feel sorry for you is certainly not the answer!” She yelled, extended a hoof, gesturing him to take it. Ficksitup eventually took it and helped himself back up. “So you had a few bad runs and you didn’t get your chance to tell her yet, sitting here depressed isn’t going to fix that. You pick yourself up and try again.”
“I guess yer right.” Ficksitup admitted.
“You’re a stallion, are you not?” Rarity demanded, Ficksitup nodded his head furiously, “Then if you really are one, you’ll go out there and get her back!”
“Yer right.” Ficksitup confirmed.
“It’s not like she’s rejected you yet! You still have a chance!”
“Right!” Ficksitup couldn’t wait any longer, and nopony else was going to solve his problems for him. He got up, and started towards the door. “I’m gonna’ tell Applejack that I love her!” he finally shouted. Rarity started stamping excitedly in approval of his new found confidence.
“That’s the spirit, darling. Now you finally underst- Wait. Where are you going?” Rarity asked, noticing Ficksitup was walking towards the door.
“Where do ya’ think I’m goin’? I’m gonna’ go tell her right now.”
“Good heavens, darling. Are you insane? You can’t go tell her right now.”
Ficksitup stopped at the door and turned around with a confused expression on his face, “Wait whaaa? Why not?”
“Darling you still have an apology to make. If you go and confess to her now, there’s no way she’ll believe you.”
Ficksitup was completely befuddled by what she was saying. “Then what in the hay was that big speech for?”
“Well I had to get you out of your little funk somehow...” Rarity said, grinning. Ficksitup sighed glumly and walked back over to her.
“Alright then.” he said, “What do you suggest?”
Rarity stopped smiling and started pacing back and forth, obviously considering the options that Ficksitup had. While he could very well go and confess to Applejack right now, he knew that Rarity had a valid point. Whether Ficksitup wanted to accept it or not, he was still at fault for upsetting Applejack in the first place. Rarity was correct when she assumed that Applejack wouldn’t take his confession seriously if he didn’t apologize first. Once he finally considered that, Ficksitup knew he was going to have to listen to whatever plan Rarity was currently conjuring up. Her eyes suddenly lit up and the smile appeared on her face again as she made a bee line towards Ficksitup.
“I’ve got it!” she exclaimed triumphantly.
“What is it?”
“Alright, so we know that you still need to apologize to her.”
“Yeah”
“And we now know that you both like each other.”
“Of course”
“But you still need to find a way to confess so she takes it seriously.”
“I guess so.”
“Then I have the perfect solution for you.” Rarity finally concluded. Ficksitup merely stared at her with eager anticipation. “You two need to go out on a date.”
“A date?” Ficksitup asked, completely bewildered by the prospect.
“Isn’t it just divine?” Rarity chirped, “You can take her on a nice romantic date and at the end you can confess to her. It’s perfect!”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s gonna’ be that easy.”
“What do you mean, dear?”
“Well, I’m pretty sure that Applejack isn’t exactly into all that fancy romantic stuff.” Ficksitup claimed with much doubt. “I’m pretty sure she’s into more simple things.”
Rarity gave him an unimpressed look. “What would you suggest? A rodeo?”
“Hey that’s not a bad idea.” he uttered excitedly
“Oh yes that sounds like a fantastic idea.” she bellowed sarcastically, “Maybe you can confess to her right after the bull riding competition!”
Detecting her opposition, Ficksitup frowned at her and started sulking again. “Well then what do we do? I can’t do something with her I know she won’t wanna’ do.”
“Hang on, I may have one final solution.” Rarity said as she trotted over to her work desk at the far end of the room. Opening a drawer, she levitated two small strips of paper out into the open and carried them back over to Ficksitup. She made a huge grin as she presented the pieces of paper to him.
“What are these?” he asked.
“These, darling, are tickets to the upcoming Fall Harvest Festival. It’s a huge event that they hold in Ponyville every year to celebrate the upcoming harvest before winter arrives.”
“Festival?”
“Oh yes, it’s a great big fair that they set up just outside of town, rides and everything. I’ve never gone but I’ve heard it’s quite fun.”
“Then why do you have tickets when you’ve never even wanted to go.”
“A previous client of mine gave them to me to express her gratitude for a dress I made for her. You know I simply couldn’t refuse.”
“Then why didn’t you just give them to somepony else?”
“Well I-” Rarity stuttered, suddenly blushing for no apparent reason. “I originally thought that if you weren’t occupied at the time that well...” she paused, “Maybe you would have wanted to go with me.” She looked at the floor and shifted uneasily between her front hooves.
“Rarity I-”
“It’s not like it was going to be a date or something!” she suddenly shouted, “I just thought it would be nice if we both went since the two of us have never been there before. That’s all. Besides, you obviously need these now more than me. The fair is in a three days and you have to take Applejack there and use it as your chance to-”
“Rarity it’s alright, I get it.” Ficksitup interrupted, putting a hoof up, “I need to confess to her at the fair.”
“Geez.” she muttered, sticking her head in the air, “Just take the tickets and don’t make me regret helping you.”
“I appreciate it.” he said, smiling graciously as he accepted the tickets. He walked over to the rack and quickly stuffed them under the brim of his hat. After returning to Rarity, he sighed deeply with relief. “Well, I have the place to take her on the date. Now I just have to figure out how I’m gonna’ ask her out.”
“That will be the easiest thing you do.” Rarity confirmed.
“It is?”
“Yes. Those tickets will serve as your apology and your offer to take her on a date. Two birds with one stone, I say.
“Heh.” Ficksitup mummbled, scratching his chin, “That might actually work.”
“Of course it will, here, why don’t you try it now?” Rarity suggested, trotting over to her wardrobe.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that you should practice with me.” she said, giggling as she pulled out a small hat.
“I don’t know Rarity...” Ficksitup said as his eyes wandered around the room, “What if somepony sees us? They might get the wrong idea and think we’re d-”
“Oh quit acting like a stubborn mule and come here.” she barked, placing the hat on her head. It was a small brown cowgirl hat that almost resembled the one that Applejack usually wore. Inspecting herself in the mirror, Rarity quickly tilted the hat upward and nodded when she was satisfied with the look.
“What exactly are you doin’? Ficksitup asked with curiosity.
“Don’t you see it, dear? I’m going to pretend to be Applejack and you’re going to pretend to ask me out.”
Taking a moment to look at her with the hat on, Ficksitup couldn’t help but admire the fact that she made it look fairly convincing. True, she wasn’t the real Applejack. Nopony could replace her, but for the sake of getting Ficksitup to play along, it did the trick.
“Oh I get it.” he said excitedly.
“Good. Now go ahead. Ask me out.”
“You mean now?”
“No. You can do it after winter is over. Of course now!” she snapped.
“Right, sorry.” Ficksitup muttered. He swallowed nervously as he tried to collect his thoughts. He bit his lower lip as he tried to force the words out. It was almost embarrassing how couldn’t even manage to say it when it was just Rarity. “Applejack?...” he finally forced out. Rarity leaned forward, awaiting the words to start flowing out. “Will you... will you go o-” His knees started shaking as he attempted to force the last part out. “Will you go out with me?” he finally shouted.
The words flew out of his mouth like a balloon slowly being deflated. It was squeaky and high pitched and it made Rarity burst out laughing.
“Oh my goodness, that’s the best you can do?” she shrieked through fits of laughter.
“It’s not as easy as it looks!” he stammered, now bright red from embarrassment.
“I know you can do better than that.” she teased. “Here let’s see if we can’t try something els- WHAAA!” she yelped as she tripped over the saddlebag that she had left on the floor.
By instinct, Ficksitup immediately threw his hooves out in front of him and caught her in his arms. Leaning into him, Rarity slowly looked up. As the hat fell to the floor, they realized they were mere inches away from each other’s faces.
“You really shouldn’t do that.” she mumbled as she looked away, now blushing.
“Do what?”
“Catch me when I fall for y- I mean...” she paused, “When I lose my balance like that.”
“I guess it can’t be helped.” Ficksitup uttered as he let her go.
“I know, but you wouldn’t want anypony getting the wrong idea now, would you?”
“No. I don’t”
The two of them stood there in silence for a moment, looking at their own hooves, too embarrassed to look at each other. It was an awkward moment that Ficksitup had not planned on having, but now that it happened, he was unsure as to how he should take it. There was this new feeling now lingering in his chest. Something that he didn’t even know he should be feeling at all. Uncertainty.
“Well then.” Rarity finally chimed in, clearing her throat, “You could still use some more practice, so let’s get to it.”
“Right.” Ficksitup agreed. He picked up the hat and handed it back to her. She gave him a faint smile as she placed it back on her head. The two of them continued to practice in her boutique, spending plenty of time getting all the words and motions right. All the while, they had been completely unaware that a small, shadowy figure was watching them from one of the far windows...
***
Around midnight, there were several taps that came from Applejack’s window. Slowly opening both eyes, she heard the noises and rolled over in her bed to look out her window. The tapping sounds continued to emanate from just outside the panes. Rubbing her eyes, Applejack sat up in bed, taking a moment to wake herself up.
“What in tarnation is goin’ on?” she mumbled as she eased herself out of bed and approached the window. She peered outside into the black void of night, trying to investigate where the sounds originated. There wasn’t anything she could distinguish among the dimly lit ground surrounding her house. Suddenly, what looked like a small rock, came sailing straight into her window, making the same tapping noise that she had heard.
“What the hay?” She threw open her window and stuck her head outside. “Who’s out there?” she whispered with hostility.
“‘Jack. It’s meeee.” A familiar voice hissed from below. Applejack couldn’t see anypony below but she knew only one stallion that called her that name...
“Ficks’? What’re ya doin’ out here? Do ya even know how late it is right now?”
“I know, I know. But I really need to talk to ya’.”
“And this couldn’t have possibly waited until mornin’?” she demanded angrily.
There was a moment of silence.
“No.”
“Ugh. Fine. Just gimme’ a minute.”
Applejack slammed her window shut and trotted out her bedroom door. She quietly eased her way downstairs, trying to avoid waking anypony else in her house. She finally stepped outside and began looking for Ficksitup. He was sitting at the end of the barn, waiting for her to come find him. As she let the door clatter shut, he looked up and smiled as she trotted towards him.
Ficksitup was about to say something, but before he could, the moon appeared from behind the night clouds, shedding a pale ray of light on the acres. In the light, he noticed that Applejack wasn’t wearing the ribbon in her mane again. It caught him completely off guard as he was forced to stutter with his words.
“‘Jack I uh... um... wow.” he finally managed to utter.
“What do you want, Ficks?” she asked, impatiently. “I’m really tired right now.”
“Oh right, well I uh... just wanted to... say hi.” Ficksitup said, giving her a stupid grin. Meanwhile in his head, all he could think was Stupid... stupid, stupid idiot...
“That’s it?”
Ficksitup continued to smile awkwardly at her, too busy racking his brain in attempt to find the right words he needed. I can’t believe this! He thought, I just went over this hours ago! What the heck am I doin’? Applejack continued to give him an unimpressed look as she impatiently waited for him to give a better explanation for his reason for showing up unannounced late a night. When it didn’t come, she just shook her head and turned around.
“I don’t know what’s gotten’ into ya Ficks but I’m goin’ back to bed. I suggest ya do the same.” she said as she started walking back towards the front door.
Ficksitup started to panic. It was turning into a repeat of what had happened that day in the rain. She was walking away and he couldn’t even muster the strength to call out to her. Applejack was only a few feet away from the door. His muscles began to tense up and he shut his eyes in frustration. His entire body was fighting against him as he struggled to open his mouth. She reached the door and began pulling it open. Ficksitup thought his head was going to burst from the tension. Please. Say something. She stopped, standing just outside the doorway, practically giving him one last chance. Ficksitup finally opened his mouth, but all that came out was a low, guttural croak. With that, Applejack opened the door all the way and disappeared into the house.
No. Not this time...
“Wait!” Ficksitup cried out, a little louder than he expected. The door opened up and Applejack peered outside in his direction.
“What?” she asked.
“I’m sorry.”
“What?” she repeated, confusion present in her voice this time.
“I said I’m sorry, Jack”
She stepped outside again and approached him so she could hear him clearly.
“What’re ya sorry about?”
“I’m sorry I lied to ya.” Ficksitup confessed, “I’m sorry I told ya I was goin’ to Twilight’s and then ran off with Rarity. I never meant to make ya worry about me.”
“Ficks I-”
“Wait please, let me finish.” he continued, “I know I was an idiot for sayin’ all those things to ya without even considerin’ yer own feelins’.”
“Ficks’ slow down please, I can barely understand what’cher talkin’ about.” Applejack begged.
“It’s my fault I didn’t ask you this sooner but I-”
“Ficks!” she shouted, trying to make him stop.
“Applejack, will ya please go out with me!” Ficksitup shouted at the top of his lungs. His voice practically echoed through the entire acres.
Applejack stopped and stood there, completely shocked by what she just heard. She was so surprised that she almost didn’t believe it.
“W-What?” She stuttered, still taken aback by his question.
“I messed up, ‘Jack. So, I wanna’ make it up to ya’...”
Applejack’s ears perked up, indicating that she was listening. He was relaxed now, and felt as though he could be completely straightforward with his intentions. He took a step closer to Applejack, who showed no resistance to the gesture.
“I wanna’ take you out on a date, ‘Jack.” Ficksitup said, Applejack’s eyes lit up in surprise at the proposal. “The Fall Harvest Festival is in a couple’a days, and I want to take you there.” Ficks said, his tone becoming slightly softer as he continued.
Applejack stared at him in both surprise and disbelief.
“You... You really wanna’ take me out on a date, Ficks?”
“Yeah. It’s nothin’ fancy, nothin’ too complex... Just you and me at the festival” Ficks said, inching slightly closer once more. “Doesn’t that sound fun?”
“Why me?” Applejack said, tilting her head.
Ficksitup’s brow furrowed, his thoughts became confused. ‘Why me?’ she asked. Ficksitup reached out, and took Applejack’s hoof into his own. She watched his movement, but let it happen.
“’Cause. I... I think there’s somethin’ here ‘Jack, and I wanna’ show ya that I really mean it.” Ficks said in a rather frank tone. “Things have just been so outta’ whack lately that I haven’t really had the chance.”
Things had been different...
Ever since Ficksitup had come back, Applejack hadn’t been feeling quite the same. At first, he had been nothing more than just an old friend coming back home after ten years, but now there was something different. It was something she felt in her own heart that she could no longer deny. Ficksitup implying that he thought there might be something, made that feeling even stronger. Part of her didn’t want to believe it, but the more she looked at him, the more his grey eyes peered right back into hers, the more sincere his apology seemed to her and the more that feeling grew. Nopony had ever looked at her quite like that, even less, had the courage to ask her out. In reality, she could feel herself struggling to prevent herself from bursting out with irresistible joy. Her heart was fluttering uncontrollably. It was exactly what she had been waiting to hear.
“Sugarcube...”
His ears pricked up in excitement when he heard her utter that word. She said it...
She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. Ficksitup’s heart leapt out of his chest. He knew that it wasn’t as electrifying as the one she had given him that night at the party, but it had an even more satisfying quality than the last. To him it meant that he’d finally done something right.
“Apology accepted.” Applejack whispered, giving him a faint smile.
“You mean...?”
“It’s a date, Sugarcube. I’ll go with you.” She said warmly.
“That’s great!” Ficksitup uttered, excitedly, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” He started shaking her hoof uncontrollably. He was so happy that he couldn’t find any other way to express it. There was one other way that he wanted to however...
He leaned in to attempt to return the kiss with his own. Applejack chuckled and put a hoof to his mouth, stopping him a few inches from her face.
“Easy there, Sugarcube. Save it fer the festival.”
Ficksitup looked at the hoof on his mouth, looked back at Applejack and smiled softly, taking her hoof into his own once more, and lowering it.
“Alright.” He said softly, still staring into her eyes.
There was a moment of silence, as would happen every now and then between the two. Ficksitup kept a hold of her hoof, and guided her back to the front door of her home. Finally letting go, he opened the door for her, and he stepped aside.
“Ficks?” Applejack said, turning around one last time.
“Yeah?”
“Goodnight.” She said with a warm smile.
“Goodnight, Applejack.”
With that, Applejack closed the door, and Ficksitup started home. As he walked back, his step became lighter, and more energetic. His heart started racing, and a wide smile grew on his face. He could hardly contain his joy, and began to chuckle with glee.
For the first time he finally had a date.
And he was going to make sure that it was one night that neither of them would forget.
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 7 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2012-03-21T05:55:33+00:00
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2012-03-21T05:55:33+00:00
| 2,214 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 7: Flowers For My Darling
“Rarity, are ya sure about this?” Ficksitup asked as they stood outside the small flower shop in Ponyville’s marketplace.
“Of course darling.” Rarity proclaimed, “Did you really think you were done after just asking her out?”
“Uh, well... no, but I thought that was the hard part. Wasn’t it?” He asked, perking his ears with sudden optimism.
She gave him a dissatisfied look. “You’ve never been on a date before, have you?”
“No.” he admitted pathetically, his hoof slowly pawing at the ground like an unsure colt may when first presented with such a question. Truth be told, in matters such as this, he almost felt like one.
“Yes well, unfortunately that can’t be helped.” Rarity continued, “However, the least I can do is help you out, since it is your first date.”
“Gee, thanks.” Ficksitup replied sarcastically, ears finally dropping from their extended springboard of hope back to reality.
“Oh don’t be such a little pessimist.” Rarity said, rubbing one of his cheeks with a hoof, “You should be more excited.”
“I am, I am.” he answered, “But I ain’t so sure this is the best idea.” He stared at the flower shop once more with slight opposition.
Rarity tossed a hoof over her face and shook her head. “I already told you, darling, you need to pick out some flowers for Applejack.”
“Do I really have to?”
“Yes!” she snapped, “Since you didn’t want to get her a gift and you absolutely refused to sing for her...” She shot an accusing look at him. “This is the least you can do.”
Ficksitup reeled back at her sudden outburst and glared back. “Well first of all, there is no way in heck that I would sing, ever. And second, what’s so special about flowers?”
“Ficksitup darling, it doesn’t matter who it is, any girl appreciates getting flowers from somepony that likes them. Applejack included.”
“Even if she would like flowers, I don’t see why she’d want somepony like me to give ‘em to her.”
“Ficksitup please, why are you being so difficult about this?” Rarity asked, giving him a concerned look.
He was silent for a moment. It wasn’t needing the flowers that bothered him. He had simply avoided all flower shops for the last ten years. The last shop he had been in had been his mother’s all those years ago. She had picked a spot directly in the middle of Manehattan where her flowers could be seen and sold to both natives and visitors to the bustling metropolis. She always enjoyed finding that perfect bouquet for any and every situation. From the unlucky bachelor at the last minute on Hearts and Hooves day, to a dash of color for a sick relative, and of course the most amazing bridal bouquets, were her stock and trade and she loved every moment of it.
Thinking of her brought back painful memories he tried so hard to keep repressed, but the beautiful flowers glistening in the window made that next to impossible. It was an odd mixture of guilt and remorse, as though entering any shop but hers would be a betrayal of her memory.
Of course, he wasn’t going to tell Rarity that.
“I just don’t like flower shops.” Ficksitup replied cooly. “It’s all the pollen, makes me sneeze.”
She glared at him through narrowed eyes. There was something he wasn’t telling her, but she knew pestering would get her nowhere. She wondered if a stallion’s thick headedness when it came to matters of the heart was born of a misplaced sense of personal pride or if they all had the emotional maturity of foals. She decided to give Ficksitup the benefit of the doubt and assume it was pride, or at the least, cold hooves. She finally decided on the gentle approach. “Ficks,” she said sweetly, laying a reassuring hoof on his shoulders, “Please dear. Just remember you’re doing this for Applejack.”
He finally nodded in agreement, “Alright.” he answered.
“Excellent.” She chirped, “Now let’s hurry up and get in there, you only have a few hours.”
She started pushing him through the door, Ficksitup didn’t resist but he kept looking back at her with confusion as she shoved him into the shop.
“Rarity please, ya’ don’t have to be so forceful.”
“Well it’s not my fault that somepony decided to wait for the day of the festival to take care of this.”
““It snuck up on me!” he stammered, trying to make an excuse.
“Ugh why do you stallions insist on never being aware of the time? And how could the day ‘sneak’ up on you? Are you really trying to tell me that you forgot about your own date?” she demanded.
“Well I-”
“Oh no, I won’t hear anymore of your excuses, mister. You’re going to pick out a nice bouquet of flowers and then you’re going to go give them to her right after this.”
He decided to keep his arguments to himself, and followed her inside with a smile.
They began to wander the store down aisle after aisle of fresh, brightly colored blooms, the crisp smell of the freshly blossomed buds nearly hypnotic. Ficksitup relished in the memories. He had loved to play in his mother’s shop, absorbing the colors and the smells, playing hide and seek in the huge pots stored in the greenhouse. It had felt safe, a peaceful center in the wild world around him.
It hurt to remember, but the memories made him smile all the same.
“What about these, Ficks?” Rarity asked.
Ficksitup shook his head, returning to the present, and looked back at Rarity, “I’m sorry, what?”
“Ugh, darling would you please stop daydreaming and help me pick something out?”
“Okay, okay I’m lookin’.”
“Now here, look at these.” Rarity suggested as she held up a large bouquet of bright red roses.
Ficksitup stared at them, rather unimpressed, “Seems a bit over the top, don’t ya think?”
“Perhaps, dear, but roses represent passionate love and I would say you two fit the bill for that” she said with a grin.
“It just feels weird, I mean do you really think Applejack would care about all that mushy stuff?”
“Okay... fine. Let’s look at something else.” she suggested, trying not to break her smile. They walked a little further into the shop and investigated a row of tulips that sat on a shelf by themselves. They varied in color from pink to yellow. Rarity quickly selected a small bunch of red tulips. “Here. These will do just as nicely.” she said, handing them to Ficksitup, “Not as over the top as roses but they still represent a declaration of love. They’re perfect.”
“I don’t know...” Ficksitup added, staring at the flowers. “I’m not even sure if ‘Jack would like the color red. Don’t ya thi-”
Rarity couldn’t take it anymore, she stamped her hoof on the ground and started glaring at him. “Of course she likes the color red!” she snapped, “What do you think Applejack and her family spend all day harvesting?”
“Um, apples?” he assumed.
“Red apples, you imbecile!”
Ficksitup thought about it for a split second and then smiled stupidly, “Oh yeah, yer right.”
Rarity smashed her head on the nearby table and let out a long sigh of aggravation, “Ficksitup, why are you such an idiot sometimes?” she mumbled.
“Sorry Rarity, I’m just not used to this thing. After all, I’ve never even gotten a girl flowers.” he apologized.
“I know dear, and I’m sorry for yelling and calling you an idiot. It’s just frustrating.”
“What’s frustrating?” Ficksitup asked, concerned, “Me bein’ an idiot?”
“No, it’s not that.” Rarity quickly answered, “It’s just... I want you and Applejack to be happy together and I don’t want you to mess it up- not saying that you would, but I’m stressing myself out trying to help you with this.”
Ficksitup gave her a faint smile, “I know you agreed to help me with this, Rarity, but ya don’t have to if it’s too much trouble.”
“No it’s okay, dear. I want to help you with this.” she confirmed, “Just please, try to be a bit more flexible with these kind of things and I’ll do my best to be a bit more patient.”
“Alright, deal.”
They looked back at the red tulips and then back to each other. “So what do you think? Should we get these ones?” she asked.
“Hmmm, I still think we should get a different color.” Ficksitup said.
Rarity did her best to restrain herself from pulverizing him. “JUST PICK ONE!” she snapped.
Several of the other customers in the store began to look in their direction to see what all the commotion was. In a panic, Ficksitup quickly grabbed the nearest bouquet without looking.
“Okay here, these ones.”
Rarity inspected the flowers he picked out. Her eyes suddenly grew wide with surprise. “Wow, that’s actually a good choice.” she said, impressed.
Ficksitup stared down at the flowers to see what he had even selected. In his hooves, was a small bouquet of bright yellow tulips. Tied around the stems was a small white bow and a blank square tag for writing the name of the individual who was receiving them.
“Ya think so?” he asked.
“Oh yes, giving somepony yellow tulips means you’re hopelessly in love with them. I think that describes you spot on.” she said, smiling again.
“Yeah I guess it does.” Ficksitup admitted, chuckling a bit. He paused and then tilted his head in curiosity. “You seem to know an awful lot about flowers and their meanin’, Rarity. What’s up with that?”
“Oh, well let’s just say I’ve received plenty of flowers in my days.” she said pridefully.
“From other stallions?” Ficksitup guessed.
“Of course. After all, how can anypony resist a fine beauty such as me?” Rarity said, waving her mane back and forth and fluttering her eyelashes.
“That attitude usually does the trick...” Ficksitup muttered under his breath.
“What was that?”
“Oh nothin’.” Ficksitup said, his eyes darting from side to side, “I just said I’m surprised that ya aren’t datin’ anypony yet.”
The comment made Rarity break her smile as she stared at the ground. “Well as I’m sure I’ve told you before Ficks, I’ve yet to meet somepony that’s worth dating.”
“Ya mean somepony who shares yer same interests or is just as fashionably savvy?”
“Good heavens no, nothing as shallow as that.” Rarity quickly corrected him. “What I mean is that I haven’t met anypony who has been sincere about their feelings with me.”
“Really? Not a single stallion you’ve met has actually been interested in ya?” Fickstiup asked with doubt.
“They’re interested in me.” she paused, “Just not for the reasons that I want them to be.”
“That sounds unlikely.”
“It’s true. The only time they ask me out or proclaim they’re feelings for me is strictly for my looks. And if they do share a taste in fashion like me, it’s strictly business. I just can’t seem to get both.”
“Rarity...”
“Even if they did take the time to get to know me, I doubt they’d want to be with me.” Rarity sighed, “They’d probably think I’m just another inconsiderate, gem loving, fancy girl with only a taste for high class stallions.”
“Now I know that ain’t true.” Ficksitup finally interrupted, which made Rarity look up in surprise. “Sure ya’ like all that fancy stuff, but I can personally say that yer one of the more generous mares that I’ve met in my days.”
“Ficksitup I-”
“After all, ya took me to that day spa, even if it was torture for me, it was still somethin’ that ya did outta’ the kindness of yer heart. And yer helpin’ me out now by givin’ me advice on how to confess to Applejack. If that ain’t generosity, then I don’t know what is.”
Rarity smiled and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Thank you Ficksitup, dear. That means a lot to hear somepony say that.”
“No problem, I’m certain yer gonna’ find somepony that likes ya for who ya are.”
“Yes, you’re right, darling. No sense in worrying about it now.” she admitted, “Now then, let’s go ahead and get these flowers purchased.” Ficksitup nodded his head in agreement and began making his way to the clerk’s counter near the front of the shop. As he walked away, the smile disappeared from Rarity’s face. She quickly muttered to herself, “Ficksitup, you jerk.”
As Ficksitup made his way to the counter, he passed by a small clay pot filled with small white flowers. The branches they rested on seemed to seep right off the edges of the pot, like they were trying to grow their way out. He stopped and inspected the flowers with almost hypnotic fascination. Once he got a whiff of the distinct scent that they gave off, he knew exactly what they were. Jasmines. Rarity finally caught up and noticed what he was staring at.
“Jasmines?” she asked curiously, “What’s got you so interested in them?”
Ficksitup continued to stare at them, refusing to look away. “They were my mother’s favorite.” he finally answered. “After all, she was named after them.”
Rarity did a double take. “Your mother’s name is Jasmine?”
“...Was.” he answered, “She used to own a flower shop kinda’ like this. She even had a whole wall covered with these ‘cause she liked ‘em so much.” He gestured at the white flowers again.
Rarity paused for a moment, afraid to ask the question that she had a feeling she already knew the answer to. “You mean she’s...?”
“Yeah.” Ficksitup answered.
“Was that why you didn’t want to come here?
He merely nodded his head in response.
“Ficksitup I’m so sorry, if I’d known that, I wouldn’t have made you go.” she said with guilt.
“It’s okay.” Ficksitup replied, “I suppose it’s time I moved on anyway. She would have wanted that.”
“I suppose so, but this must still be hard for you.”
“Nothin’s ever been easy for me, Rarity. But ever since I’ve gotten back to Ponyville, a lot of good things have happened. I think she’d be happy to know I’m doin’ just fine now.”
“I suppose you’re right, dear...”
Ficksitup smiled at her and gently placed the small pot of jasmines in his saddlebag. “I think I’ll pick these up too. Just... a lil’ something to remember her by.”
“I think that’s a very nice idea, Ficks.” Rarity added.
They walked to the front of the store and placed the flowers on the counter. Ficksitup paid for them, wished the cashier a pleasant day, and left the store, a small bell ringing as the door closed behind them.
Outside, Rarity began prancing around with giddy excitement.
“Oh these are just absolutely wonderful, darling. Applejack is simply going to love them.” she chirped, smelling the tulips in his bag.
“Ya think so?” Ficksitup asked.
“I know so.”
“Right. Well then all I need to do is go give ‘em to he-”
“Oh no, not quite yet.” Rarity interrupted.
“Why not?” Ficksitup asked, confused. “I thought ya’ said I needed to give ‘em to her right after this?”
“Well, yes I did say that. But then I remembered you still need to get ready, I hate to admit it, but you’re quite a mess right now.” Rarity said, eying him head to hoof.
Ficksitup gave her a solemn look. “I suppose.” he admitted.
“Also...” Rarity added, a grin appearing on her face, “As it turns out, Applejack has asked me to come over today and help her get ready.”
“She what?” Ficksitup asked, now flabbergasted.
“Oh yes.” Rarity said, still grinning. “It looks like she wants to look her best for you tonight and she’s asked me to help her achieve that.”
A wave of images started swarming through Ficksitup’s head as he tried to imagine what Applejack might look like after Rarity was done with her. Whether he wanted to or not, he couldn’t deny that Rarity was certainly no amateur when it came to making herself look presentable. Since he already admired how Applejack looked without any other sort of touch ups or clothing, he couldn’t even fathom how he’d react after this. He began blushing as his imagination started running wild.
“Don’t you worry, dear.” Rarity continued, “I’ll make sure it’s nothing over the top. I know there are some things that even Applejack won’t agree to, but I guarantee, when you see her tonight...” she paused, “You’ll drop dead.”
“Oh uh okay.” Ficksitup stuttered, still flustering red.
“Now go on, hurry up and get ready. I trust you know how to make yourself look decent. You can show up at her house in an hour.” She began shooing him away, “This will take awhile.”
“Right, I’m goin’.” Ficksitup obliged. He started walking away as he turned his head. “And Rarity...”
“Yes, darling?”
“Thanks again, for all of this.” he said, extending a hoof.
She looked at it with disappointment and then back up to him. She then smiled and ignored it as she threw her arms around him to give him a hug. Ficksitup nearly jumped in surprise at the sheer unexpectedness of her action.
“Anytime, dear. Just don’t mess this up, okay?” She said, giving him a wink.
Ficksitup smiled back at her and nodded his head excitedly, “I won’t.”
He waved goodbye to her and started hurried back to his uncle’s shop. As he disappeared around the corner of the marketplace, Rarity’s smile vanished. As she slowly made her way towards Sweet Apple Acres, she sighed glumly to herself.
“Why are all the good stallions taken these days?”
***
The bell on the door chimed as Ficksitup walked into the shop, already hearing his uncle shout from above that he would be down in a moment. Not wanting to get him involved, Ficksitup attempted to quietly trot up the stairs to his room, only to be stopped by his little brother just before hitting the attic floor.
“Hey!” Nuttanbolt said, jumping out of his room with a smile, startling his older brother, causing him to jolt. The ferret could be seen squirming out of the room behind him, inspecting the hallway vigorously with its nose before taking a left turn away from the two ponies.
“Hey, are those flowers?” Nuttanbolt asked, a cheeky, knowing grin appearing on his face. He may have been young, but he wasn’t born yesterday. Ficksitup could see his brother’s cheshire grin spreading and both knew the cause.
“Don’t.” He responded pleadingly, knowing internally that his offering was kindle to his brother’s fire.
The grin only grew wider, as did his eyes.
“Don’t do it..!” Ficksitup said, raising a hoof to stop him, though he guessed at this stage the only thing that could have stopped his brother was Celestia herself.
The shout seemed to pierce the very fabric of time.
“Hey Uncle Hammerplaaaaaaank!”
Ficksitup’s eyes widened as he heard a heavy trot up the stairwell
“What the hay is it Nut, I’ve got a cus- ...Are those flowers..?” He asked, an eyebrow raised, with a devious grin growing on his face.
Ficksitup stammered, looking back at his little brother and uncle in a shifty manner, both still grinning at him. He slapped a hoof to his face and sighed in defeat. He knew that they knew what was going on. To make it worse, he knew what was about to be said, how it was going to be said, and how he was going to respond. No fate could be worse than knowing full well what was about to happen and having no power to stop it from taking place.
“So...” Hammerplank started, walking up to Ficksitup, and around to see the object which he was hiding. “Who are these for, eh?”
Ficksitup rolled his eyes, refusing to respond.
“Are they for your maaaaaarreeefriiieeend?” Nuttanbolt chimed in, teasing his older brother.
“Which of your marefriends is it, boy?” Hammerplank asked with a distinct mixture of mischievousness and vigor that seemed to set Ficksitup askew.
“They’re for Applejack, you old crone. Applejack.” Fickitup replied swiftly to that rather disturbing train of thought, allowing no more of this multiple marefriend talk to interfere with the advancement of this event.
Hammerplank and Nuttanbolt, perhaps expecting more resistance from the repair pony, exchanged a shared look of amusement and a tiny pinch of shock. They both turned to Ficksitup.
“Well now, at least you’re not being all sneaky about it like all them other times.” Hammerplank said with a smile, nodding his head as if tipping an imaginary hat. Ficksitup had no chance to respond quickly.
“Ahh, fiddlesticks! Where’d Oddball scurry off too now?” Nut asked in desperation, his ears picking up the faint scurry of the rodent as it explored the surroundings. He trotted off in a bid to find the creature before it did any more damage than it had done the last time it had escaped- Nut didn’t know if his allowance would ever be able to pay for Diamond Tiara’s, well, Tiara.
“Now that leaves you and me.” Hammerplank said in a rather frank manner. “So, what’s the full story kid?” He asked.
‘Where to begin...’ Ficksitup thought. “Well... I went out to The Acres last ni-”
“In the middle’a the night? Oh, you dog, you..! Keep goin’, I’m listenin’.” Hammerplank said, nudging Ficksitup with his elbow.
Ficksitup sighed and smirked at his uncle’s remark. “Yes, in the middle of the night... Called her down, asked her out on a date...”
“Aaaand? That’s it? Just a date? You could have done that in the middle of the day, you fool! There she was all in her night-dress and in bed and you-” Hammerplank asked with his curiosity rising faster and faster along with his blush before Ficksitup glided past him, blowing past him with his eyes closed.
“She said yes, so yeah, it’s a date.” Ficksitup replied calmly, his voice even and yet infected with some small sense of whimsy. He was more than a little overwhelmed by his uncle’s infatuation with every fine mare he saw and seeming obsession with the younger ones. Especially when it was Applejack that was the apple of his eye, as blatant and painful a metaphor as that was. Despite this affront to his personal sensibilities, he found it rather easy now to deflect his uncle’s vapid, inane ramblings, as if such words were so sticky with lunacy that they were dispatched with almost no concern heeded. He turned back to his uncle, his face set hard and his eyes betraying some inner softness.
Hammerplank saw his nephew, heard his nephew, but did not see his nephew. This was the type of sincere combination of tone and body language that he hadn’t been witness to in many years. Hammerplank’s eyes grew soft as well as they met Ficksitup, the inner warmth behind them in some ways both infectious and mesmerizing. Hammerplank smiled.
“I always did think you looked like your daddy when you really tried.” Hammerplank replied with a chortle, approaching his charge rather gaily.
“Wait, what?” Ficksitup replied as his ears went smoothly down his head.
“Always wondered when you two would finally take the time to get your flanks together.” Hammerplank replied, allowing that line of discussion to die off for a little while.
“Well, yeah... I guess it took long enough.” Ficksitup said in a rather pitiful tone, a weak laugh dying on his lips.
Hammerplank raised an eyebrow of genuine concern at Ficksitup. “What they hay was that, Ficks?” Hammerplank asked. Ficksitup looked back and merely shrugged, as if trying to eject that burrowing question from his core.
“C’mere.” Hammerplank said, putting his hoof on Ficksitup back and leading him along. An awkward few seconds followed, as Ficksitup was not used to his uncle leading him along in a manner that did not include the shattering of the house’s silence.
“Where ya taking your marefriend to for this date?” Hammerplank asked
“Takin’ her to the festival.” Ficksitup replied, noting now that he had rarely heard of a first date at a festival for anyone other than little colts and fillies. Then again, those romance stories always sounded nine-tenths foolish and full of lies.
“Yeh, a farm pony like her just migh’ like that. They like gettin’ all down and dirty.” Hammerplank replied with his characteristic smirk. Ficksitup rolled his eyes at his uncle’s off kilter comment.
“Just stop with your comments already, Plank.” Ficksitup replied with a tinge more playfulness than he had intended. Then again, he hadn’t expected his uncle to be this...unusually upbeat about this.
“Now you know I can’t do that, Ficks. Don’t try to change what can’t be changed. Now, have you thought ‘bout how much this is gonna cost?” Hammerplank asked, assuming that his nephew wasn’t daft. The expression of sudden awareness on his nephew’s face was more than a little disappointing.
“Uh, wait.. I...” Ficksitup uttered, only now thinking about needing finances for the date. It hadn’t even remotely crossed his mind yet. Hammerplank looked at Ficksitup and groaned at the oft airheadedness of his nephew.
“Ugh, c’mere Ficks.” Hammerplank said, guiding him back down to his room. Upon reaching it, Hammerplank moved ahead of Ficksitup, and gestured to follow him into his room, divided from the walk in office. Despite being here a decent time, Ficksiup hadn’t exactly ever ventured into Hammerplank’s room. He was surprised to see that it was decently well kept, desk sitting by a window, adorned by various office supplies. The real eye catchers however, were picutres on the wall. One or two pieces of art, and more than one picture of family. This room truly was alien to Ficksitup, plenty of these things he hadn’t ever seen before.
“Your room is... nice..?” Ficksitup said, still taken aback by this fact. His uncle always struck him as the type to never take the time to tidy anything else up. The rest of the house usually had a spare tool or two laying around it, and the basement, which most work was done, was often a total travesty that his uncle described as, “Organized Chaos”, which eluded Ficksitup. The room made his done-up attic seem ramshackle, and makeshift in comparison. Hammerplank had walked to a side of the room where a safe had adorned the wall, the contents of which, were not Ficksitup’s business. One image on the wall stood out to him; a picture of his family during a meetup in Manehattan many years back. The image of Addemup with a smile he couldn’t remember, his mother who was twice as ecstatic in the image, and a very young version of himself brought a warm smile to his face. “Huh...” Escaped Ficksitup’s mouth, simply taken aback.
“What?” Hammerplank asked, looking back.
“Didn’t know you kept these around.” Ficksitup said, still bewildered by this.
“He may have skipped town, but he was still family.” Hammerplank said in a rather frank manner.
“Wait. Skipped town?” Ficksitup asked with a sudden spike in curiosity.
“Yeah, yer dad was from here,” Hammerplank said, looking back once more at his nephew. “...You knew that, right?”
Ficksitup simply stared back at his uncle, dumbfounded. “...No.”
“Huh. He really din’t talk about home did now did he..?” Hammerplank stated as he moved from his safe, slamming it shut, to the wardrobe, some irritation with that fact present in his voice. Ficksitup moved from the wall as his eyes wandered to Hammerplank’s nightstand, adorned by a candlestick, and an image of which had glass had refracted the light in such a manner that he couldn’t see it clearly. Upon approaching it, and blocking the light from the steadily lowering sun, he was able to make out what looked to be a young Hammerplank, with a rather fetching... ‘Pegasus...’ Ficksitup thought.
“Hey Plank... Who’s this?” Ficksitup said, inching closer. Hammerplank’s head whipped around, “Hey, don’t touch that!” He snapped, whirling on Ficksitup. Ficksitup backed away from the photo, knowing his uncle meant business. Hammerplank sighed, and looked at the image past Ficksitup.
“...Someone I used to know. Now, c’mere, I got somethin’ picked out fer’ya.” Hammerplank said, walking back to the wardrobe. Ficksitup looked back at the picture with curiosity, and walked to Hammerplank.
“Wait, picked out? Hammerplank, it’s just a festival, I don’t need to wear an-”
“You kiddin’ me kid?” Hammerplank said, givjng his nephew a very serious look. “Doesn’t matter where yer’ goin’, this is your first date.” Hammerplank said, poking Ficksitup in the chest with a hoof as he said First Date. “Don’t’cha wanna’ look good for her? I can bet’cha a million bits that she’s gettin at least a little done up for you. Ya’ don’t wanna’ disappoint her, right?” Hammerplank stated in a rather frank, and concerned tone.
“...Nah, I guess you’re right Plank.” Ficksitup said, considering the fact that Rarity said she was gonna’ help Applejack look nice for him. Hammerplank hoofed him a decently dressy white, collared shirt.
“Now go get cleaned up, and put that on when yer’ done. Don’t take too long, either. I’ll give you a little spendin’ money on the way out alright?” Hammerplank said, leading Ficksitup out of his room.
“...Yeah, alright.” Ficksitup said with an earnest expression of gratitude. He glanced at the clock. For whatever reason, Ficksitup felt the need to be hasty about this. “I’ll see you in a few minutes, ‘Plank..!” Ficksitup said, leaving the room. Hammerplank walked back into his room, sat on his bed and looked at the picture that caught Ficksitup’s curiosity, and sighed.
It would have been the perfect way to have ended the afternoon, but Hammerplank was not afforded this luxury. What started as a low groan turned to a rumble and then a storm as Nut, tracking Oddball throughout the building, drew closer and closer to the room. Oddball squirmed its way into the room and then along the wall while Nut leaped in with a smile, like a cat chasing a mouse.
“Nuttanbolt, wha-” Hammerplank began, head perking up as he attempted to track the rodent.
“I almost got him! I almost got him!” Nuttanbolt replied with the purest excitement, seeing Oddball’s tail peak out from behind a desk. There would be no hiding from Nuttanbolt, seeker of ferrets.
As Ficksitup made his way to get ready, the last sounds he could pick up unrelated to his personal mission were those of a struggle, an uneven one, between a stallion, a colt, and a rather cheeky rodent. He was glad that he would be dealing with an entirely different type of struggle.
***
“There, all finished.” Rarity chirped as she put down the mascara wand.
“Rarity are ya sure about this?” Applejack asked, her eyelashes now batting with irritation. “This doesn’t feel right at all.”
“Darling please, don’t rub your eyes, it’ll only make it worse.” she insisted, “And yes. I’m positive. You’ll look irresistible.”
Applejack merely frowned at her and grabbed a nearby towel as she began wiping her face vigorously. “Forget it. I ain’t wearin’ this stuff, it’s drivin’ my eyes crazy.”
“No, Applejack wait. Don’t-” Rarity pleaded in vain as she put her hoof down, unable to stop her friend from undoing over twenty minutes of effort put into applying all that makeup to begin with. She would have to admit defeat, as bitter a pill as that was to swallow.
It hadn’t been due to lack of effort, mind. Not that anypony would ever accuse her of such a thing when fashion was the topic, but she would never do less than the best for a friend. It wasn’t even being generous; it was just being a good friend.
But even the best intentions couldn’t override the sheer wall of resistance put up by Applejack.
Rarity was having flashbacks to the several times she had attempted to dress Applejack. Each time had been what felt like a fight to the death. Only this time, Applejack was absolutely unwilling to budge on most things. Rarity had spent a shocking amount of time simply finding a color she’d agree to wear, let alone attempting to find a fashion suitable for the occasion, Applejack’s desires, and Rarity’s sensibilities. Despite being reminded of those times, and expecting resistance, Applejack had been uncharacteristically stubborn today, refusing to bend to Rarity’s will even the slightest at times. Rarity wondered if it was the same with all Apple mares or if Applejack was a unique case. She silently hoped it was a unique case, Celestia save their stallions if it was not.
Still, she could count on a small number of hard-earned victories in this fashion battle. If it was up to Applejack, she probably would have went out in nothing special to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Be that as it may, Rarity would have none of that. This was undoubtedly, even if it was something as breezy as a festival, a special occasion. No matter how stubborn Applejack had been or intended to be, Rarity would do her best to make her look presentable for Ficksitup.
And she knew that she had most certainly done so.
Applejack was undoubtedly a work pony. While she never had the smell nor sight of a common ruffian or ill-kept mare, straight from work it was possible to see signs of her struggle with nature. A smidgen of dirt on her legs, mane caked from sweat and mud, beads of both still dripping from her coat, her legs twitching in reflexive motion after a day of bucking and hauling.
Today however, in no small part due to her own additions, Applejack looked more than presentable. She had removed the ribbons that often held her mane in place, which Rarity knew full well Ficksitup was fond of, if her loose mane at the party some time back was any indicator. While attempting to select something for Applejack, which would be far easier in her absence, Rarity had told her to get cleaned up. Upon returning, she was surprised at how much better she looked.
When not caked with sweat, mud, and indifference, her mane was simply beautiful as was her healthy coat. It wasn’t difficult to imagine that many a stallion harbored impure thoughts about her that had her in just such a condition. Though still hesitant to have put it on in the first place, Applejack’s orange coat and blond mane contrasted rather well with her somewhat loosely worn red plaid shirt, which was the nicest looking thing they could settle on.
“Applejack, Darling, you really should dress like this more often. It’s quite flattering!” Rarity said, gushing over Applejack’s appearance in an attempt to make her more comfortable with her new look.
“It ain’t so bad... But do we really ha-”
“YES. Yes, I- we absolutely have to! This is your first date, Applejack, consider whom you’re doing this for in the first place?”
“Well I-”
“Don’t you want to look nice, and presentable for him? I mean that is what you called me here for in the first place. No point in fighting it now. Besides, you look fantastic dear.”
“You really think he’ll like this?” Applejack asked in an uncharacteristically coy manner.
“Applejack, he can’t take his eyes off of you when you’re not dressed for an occasion, of course he’ll like it.” Rarity said, rolling her eyes.
Applejack blushed at the notion that Ficksitup couldn’t stop looking her way. “He really can’t..?”
Rarity let out an exasperated sigh as she threw a hoof over her face; a trademark of hers. “Applejack, what is the matter with you lately? Just look at you! You’re more nervous than Fluttershy on a runway! What has gotten into you?” She asked,
Applejack looked down and around, her eyes squinting and moving as if trying to see that which could not be seen. She shook her head.
“Just first date jitters, I s’pose. Hey, how’s Sweetie Belle doin’? She was s’posed to come over last night for a slumber party with Applebloom, but she never came!” Applejack asked earnestly, both wondering what could possess her body to feel such a shiver and why one-third of the Cutie Mark Crusaders hadn’t been doing much crusadin’.
Rarity raised an unimpressed eyebrow, as though to say, ‘I know what you’re doing.’ without actually saying it.
“Uh... So you um, how about those snappy dresses you make, huh? Any new ones?” Applejack said, again in a pitiful attempt to divert from herself, which Rarity still wasn’t buying. She crossed her legs, displaying that she wasn’t willing to move on until Applejack displayed her virtue most nobly and fessed up to whatever it was she was hiding. However, crossing her legs wasn’t necessarily the greatest tactic when she had to make minute adjustments, seeing as her horn was busy combing and refining Applejack’s frolicking mane.
“C’mon Rarity, I’m nervous here. Cut me some slack, wil ya?” The stubborn farm pony cracked meekly for a moment, and Rarity let out a rather amused sigh of defeat. She drew in close to make a minute adjustment on her shirt, a smirk on her face.
“My dresses are coming along perfectly, darling. You wouldn’t believe how well I’m doing in Hoofington, of all places. I never thought I’d get even one of those port-town dwellers to take a glance at one of my fine dresses. It turns out that even ponies who smell like fish all day still want to look absolutely fabulous!” She finished excitedly, momentarily dropping the engagement with Applejack to partake in one of her favorite hobbies, the discussion of just how well she truly was doing. It wasn’t being conceited if one was asked.
“Hoofington? Seems a mighty odd place for your business to be doing so good- no offense intended.” Applejack replied, Rarity’s comb working through her mane, brushing her out of some compulsive habit.
“Yes, it is quite unusual, isn’t it? But what can I say, my sweet Applejack- quality is quality, no matter where you find it. Now if you would be a dear and lower your head just the tiniest bit?” Rarity asked, approaching Applejack’s flank so she could get a better look at the back of the mane.
Applejack didn’t like taking orders from Rarity, especially when it involved her body. This time however she obeyed the command and tilted her head a little low, allowing the comb to work deep inside.
“Ya never did answer me, Rarity.” Applejack said with a grin, deciding to deal with this situation the best way she knew how: Pestering answers out of the fashionista.
“Oh? What about?” Rarity responded absent mindedly, focused in on the knots that still seemed to occur in Applejack’s mane. She shuddered at the thought that Applejack’s mane had become so used to ponytails that they naturally stuck together, clumping in all the wrong areas.
“Sweetie Belle- Oww! Not so rough, Rarity!” Applejack complained as the comb found a particularly tight knot and showed little mercy.
“I do apologize, Applejack. Your mane is so beautiful, but there are just so many knots underneath..! Simply dreadful! As for Sweetie Belle, I don’t quite know. She hasn’t been by as often as she used to and when she is over, she always seems to be practicing her singing, always blushes when I ask her why. One day soon however, my Sweetie Belle is going to get her cutie mark in singing and be a star!” She unabashedly made a small movement in her stance, more than happy to imagine designing beautiful dresses for her famous and talented sister. Whether she was more excited for Sweetie Belle or the opportunity to have a famous singer advertising her wares on a daily basis was open to interpretation.
Finally satisfied with her work, Rarity gestured for Applejack to turn around to finally face the mirror that she had brought along.
“Well?” Rarity said, grinning with prideful anticipation. Applejack’s eyes widened, eyebrows raised as she turned herself to different angles to get a better view, the look of surprise never leaving her face.
“Huh.” She said, still surprised.
“Well, what do you think?” She asked, still waiting on her answer.
“...Yeah, that’s... Good, it works.” Applejack said in a rather frank manner, to which Rarity took no offense. She knew that Applejack was not one to over embellish on things like this, and knew her well enough to know that was a compliment. She seemed more relaxed as well, which Rarity saw as an opening to get to the bottom of her friend’s reasons for acting so nervous.
“Glad you like it darling, but please, if you don’t mind, telling me why you were so tense?” She asked, causing a surprised reaction from Applejack. It crossed her mind to say to defend her ‘tense’ status, but she sighed in defeat, realizing there was no point in fighting Rarity anymore.
“I ain’t lyin’ when I say I’m nervous, Rarity. I’ve never felt this way before, all these butterflies in my stomach, my first date and all that. I feel like I’m not myself, like I’m some other pony, and I don’t know what to say or do.” Applejack’s answer came in a low, almost worried tone. Rarity’s look was one of concern, as rarely had she seen her friend anything less than certain in her mindset.
“Oh, Applejack, that’s perfectly normal. No reason to be so...wound up about it.” Rarity replied, feeling her own words were a little hollow. She was wound up about this as well and she couldn’t quite place her hoof as to why. She couldn’t help but feel as though somehow it was peripherally related to Ficksitup, and it bugged her. She wasn’t entirely sure why she too, was tense, even if it was far less so than Applejack.
“I guess yer’ right Rarity... I just ain’t used to this whole thing. Ya’ think he feels the same way?” She asked with audible concern.
“Positive.” Rarity said with a re assuring smile.
Suddenly, loud thumps were heard from below, causing Applejack to jump a bit as her eyes widened.
“How’s my mane look, is my hat on straight, what about my shirt did I forg-”
“Applejack, darling please! Calm down would you? Now go on, he-”
“He’s heeeeeeree!” A filly’s voice shouted from the stairwell.
Applejack gave Rarity an unsure look, who bobbed her head in the direction of the hallway. “...Thanks Rarity.” Applejack said, sighing and leaving her room. To her surprise, the door still wasn’t opened. Applejack cautiously walked over to the door, and opened it. She was taken aback by what she saw.
Before her stood Ficksitup, but not as he usually looked. He was wearing a rather dressy white collar shirt, with one button loose at the top, and sleeves worn long. He even looked far cleaner than usual. Of course, he still wore the hat that she had given him all those years ago.
“I uh, um...” She stammered, unable to really say anything coherently at the moment. Ficksitup was also looking at her, taking in the details of her uncommonly dressed appearance.
“Hi.” He said in a rather frank manner.
“...Hi.” She replied coyly. “You look really great, Ficks.”
Ficksitup smiled, chuckled and blushed slightly. “Well, you ain’t lookin’ too bad yourself.” His eyes widened however, as a shadow was cast over Applejack. Behind her he saw a red stallion with a look on his face that didn’t exactly scream joy. Then again, what face of his screamed anything?
“Hey there, Big Mac.” Ficksitup said plainly, more than a little nervous as the red stallion continued past Applejack, grabbed Ficksitup, and half-dragged him to the the side of the front door.
Then he was silent, just looking at Ficksitup for a few seconds. He didn’t have to say anything.
“Don’t worry, Big Mac, I’ll make sure she’s safe.” Ficksitup said proudly.
“Eeeyup.”
He still stood there with the same look.
“...And I’ll bring her home on time?”
“Eeeyup.”
Still there, still looking. Ficksitup could feel the heat from the stare burrowing holes in his head.
“And...I won’t do nothin’.”
“Nnnope.” The massive stallion replied matter of factly.
“Or else you’ll take care of me.” Ficksitup added knowingly, gulping.
“Eeeyup.” Big Mac replied, turning his head towards the remains of a tree near the house. Ficksitup could only gaze with horror as it had been bucked in half.
“One leg.” Was all Big Mac said as he trotted back inside of the house, nodding politely at Applejack before retreating further inside.
“Oh, hey ‘Jack... Got’cha some flowers.” Ficksitup said, hoofing her the Bouquet of bright yellow tulips. Applejack’s eyes lit up, and an expression of shock grew on her face as she took them.
“I.... I don’t know what to say... Nopony’s ever gotten me flowers before... Thank you.” She said with an earnest smile. Ficksitup nodded as she walked back into her house. Curious as to why had hadn’t followed, Applejack turned and spoke. “Well come on in, Ficks.” Applejack said, gesturing for him to follow. With a slight smile, and a cautious look to Big Macintosh, he followed her inside.
“Aaaaw!” A young voice cooed. Applebloom stared at the flowers Applejack was carrying with starry eyes, seemingly thrilled that her sister had been given such a thing. “That’s so sweet, did Ficksitup get those for ya’?” Applebloom asked as her sister placed them in a nearby pitcher.
“Yes he did.” Applejack said, looking back at Ficksitup with a smile. Applebloom was still looking at her sister with glee. “Ain’t that his way’a sayin’ he loves you?” She said, giving her sister a wide grin.
“Applebloom..!” Applejack said, blushing furiously at the prospect as Applebloom continued to give her a cheeky grin. Ficksitup let out a snicker of his own at their antics, receiving a slight glare from Applejack, which stopped Ficksitup right then and there, pretending he hadn’t laughed in the first place. Granny smith creeped into the room with a confused expression on her face.
“What’s all this ruckus about?” She said in a brittle tone.
“I’m just goin’ o-”
“Applejack’s goin’ on a date with Ficksitup!”
“Applebloom!” Applejack said again, blushing even more than she was before.
“She’s goin’ on a date, she’s goin’ on a date, she’s goin on a da-” Applebloom said, skipping around the room until Big Macintosh set a hoof onto her mouth to quiet her. Applejack sighed and nodded at her brother as she made her way to Ficksitup, who grasped her hoof in his own, causing her eyes to widen at the sudden gesture.
“Ready to go, ‘Jack?” He asked in an unusually calm manner.
“Uh, yeah. Sure..!’
“Just be sure to bring Applejack back before her bed time!” Granny Smith said in a shrill tone, causing Applejack to put a hoof over her face.
“Alright. Y’all take care.” Ficksitup said, walking out with Applejack, and closing the door behind them.
And suddenly, it hit her. Rarity removed her head from the floor, listening to the conversation below and cursing that her hair was now dusty as a result. She now knew why she was tense, and nervous in lieu of recent events. She hadn’t harbored any particularly poor feelings towards Ficksitup, and lately she had certainly warmed up to him.
Perhaps, moreso than she was currently comfortable with.
She couldn’t find words to describe the feeling she was experiencing, or the fact that she was... Yes, she was envious of Applejack, and only now was she realizing it. Envious, because she wanted what Applejack surely had. What bothered her more was that it wasn’t just a primal, visceral, physical longing, either.
But why was she feeling so strongly about him? He was nothing like what she had typically aimed for. He wasn’t high class, he didn’t have fine tastes, he... treated her like a lady, was generally kind, and an honest to goodness nice Stallion. And he wasn’t hard on the eyes, either, which she regrettably admitted to herself. There was something comforting behind a pony such as Ficksitup, warm and regal in matters of the soul. Easy to love-
“No.” she said to herself, finally leaving Applejack’s room. ‘I will not allow my personal feelings to get in the way of two ponies I consider dear friends. I refuse.’ She thought to herself in a small moment of fleeting panic, imagining the great sorrow of the two ponies as they drifted apart due to her savage and barbaric greed.
Shaking her head and muttering to nopony in particular about the needs of the heart, Rarity packed away her things in her saddlebag and left the house quickly and oddly defeated, head hung low and heart even lower.
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 8 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2012-04-24T02:42:27+00:00
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2012-04-24T02:42:27+00:00
| 3,631 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 8: Hat Trick
Ficksitup and Applejack soon arrived at the Fall Harvest Festival, the smell of food and various livestock penetrated the air. The ground was already worn in and ponies were kicking up a storm of dust as they approach the entrance.
It was soon Ficksitup and Applejack’s turn to approach the ticket stand that guarded the entrance. The mare in the stand looked at them with the most pleading eyes, as if she had seen nary a sale that night and asked in a tone more reminiscent of a demand or a sincere plea., “Would you like to buy some tickets for the games and rides?”
“Um, sure, twenty bits worth, please.” Ficksitup replied as he dug out twenty bits. He wasn’t sure if it had more to do with wanting to show Applejack or a good time or if he wanted to just make the ticket-mare look a little less anxiety ridden that night. She tore off a strip of tickets and passed them over. With a soft smile, Ficksitup accepted the strip of tickets and the two ponies made their way past the entrance and into the festival itself.
It was an unfamiliar feeling, like he was floating on a raft in an ocean. Even so, something about it felt right, the feeling of Applejack’s hoof in his own as they approached the festival. He wasn’t sure what it was, pride or confidence, but simply holding her hoof swelled whichever feeling it was. He looked over at her, still enthralled by how she looked today. He was surprised at how good she looked in a shirt like that, and how much it stood out from her coat. But then again, he wasn’t surprised at all. He was convinced she would look great no matter what. He couldn’t help but look at her loose mane, untangled and flowing in the light breeze. Constantly, that drew his eye and reminded him of the first time he saw that, once again recalling his first kiss.
“Ficks?” She said with a light smile, looking back at him.
“Uh, sorry. Just um... Did I mention you look great?” He said with a cheeky grin. Applejack chuckled and replied, “Yes. I think you did Sugarcube.”
Ficksitup was taken breathlessly by her green eyes, feeling as though he was seeing them again for the first time. He could only guess that now that something was official, maybe those eyes held something more behind him than his quaking heart could have ever hoped for, in equal measure joy and fear. Love, if this was how it felt, was all together beautiful and terrifying. It rendered him mute, and yet again, there was a slight moment of silence between them. The urge to wrap his arms around her, hold her close, and kiss her was nagging at his mind, but he knew that now was not the right time.
“Well, come on. We’ve got a bunch to do and only so much time to do it. After all, I gotta’ take you home before your bedtime, right?” Ficksitup said with a particularly sly smile. Applejack chuckled and gave him a light shove in return.
The festival was bustling with life. Ficksitup was surprised at just how much was going on, the sights, sounds, smells, it was all rather new to him. He couldn’t quite pin the age range, since he could see a clutch of foals tearing across the ground one minute only to be slowed by two chatty elderly mares. His confusion was palpable and instead of being called out on another of his slow moments, he took the initiative in declaring his social ineptitude. He had to score points for that, at least.
“Y’know, ‘Jack... I ain’t ever been to a festival like this before.” He said, still curious as to what was going on around him.
“You’re jokin’..! Never?” She said, baffled.
“Nope.”
“Well then you ought’a try some cotton candy! Ain’t a festival without some’a that, or maybe a funnel cake or somethin’..!” Applejack said, taking the lead, surprising Ficksitup in the process as she drug him along by the hoof.
As he followed, he continued to look around at the sights. Spinning wheels, a roller coaster, various games, a ferris wheel...
“Here we are. Hey, can we get a coupla’ things of cotton candy?” She asked in a raised tone. The stallion behind the counter nodded. “That’ll be four bits.”
“Alright I-”
“I’ll pay.” Ficksitup said, getting the amount of bits out of his shirt. “Sugarcube, ya’ don’t have to pay for both of us.” She said with a smile.
“I insist, ‘Jack.” Ficksitup said, placing four bits on the counter as the stallion hoofed him two things of Cotton Candy. Ficksitup gave one to Applejack, and gave his own a curious look.
“...Thanks, Ficks. You didn’t have to do that y’know.” Applejack said, grabbing her cotton candy. It was mighty kind of him, but for an independent mare, it set off some small sense of wounded pride. She wasn’t Rarity, darnit, and she didn’t want to be made to feel like she was. She smiled at her own overblown sense of concern and the two exchanged soft smiles, Ficksitup, looking at his cotton candy with a somewhat befuddled look on his face.
“So... How d’ya eat this stuff?” Ficksitup asked, glancing at Applejack in an attempt to see how she was pulling it off.
“LIKE THIS!” a high pitched voice said, bursting out from behind Ficksitup, and eating his entire bunch of cotton candy in one fell swoop. It was a veritable extinction level event if you were cotton candy, and it happened so quickly.
“Pinkie Pie!” Applejack said angrily, brow furrowing at Pinkie. Ficksitup simply watched Pinkie Pie devour his cotton candy in horror, contemplating how in the world she even pulled that off. He was utterly baffled at both her ability to utterly destroy the confection, and her ability to all but appear out of thin air.
“Uh, Hi Pi-”
“Oh-hey-you’re-both-here-at-the-festival-and-there’s-still-plenty-to-do-and-you-two-look-awfully-nicely-dressed-to-come-to-the-festival-hey-wait-are-you-two-” Pinkie said with a massive gasp, all but springing into the air as she did so.
“Are you two on a date?” The pink pony asked with the utmost suspicion in her voice.
“I uh...” Ficksitup stammered, looking at Applejack. He sighed, grabbed her hoof in his own yet again, and spoke. Subconsciously, Applejack squeezed it and this seemingly jolted the answer from him.
“Yes.”
Pinkie Pie started giggling abruptly, and began bouncing around, rambling about all sorts of things. “Oh-my-gosh-this’ll-be-so-much-fun-we-can-go to the roller coaster or the spinny thingamajiggy or the karts or maybe throw hoops or horseshoes or-” Pinkie rambled, finally cut off by Applejack placing a hoof in her mouth.
“...Pinkie, we’re on a date. For just the two of us?” Applejack said, reminding Pinkie of the circumstances.
“Oh. Right, well maybe you can go on the-whrily-thing-or-maybe-you-two-can-go-take-a-ride-on-the-duck-things-and-the-river-or-maybe-go-on-the-ferris-wheel-or-” Pinkie said, suddenly stopping in her tracks.
“Twitcha twitcha twitchy twitch...” She said, staring at nothing in particular and suddenly zooming off, as though she had never been there in the first place.
‘Um... Applejack?” Ficksitup asked with an estranged look.
“Yeah?”
“...What in the hay just happened?”
“Oh. That just her Pinkie sense’a tinglin’.” She replied in a rather frank manner.
“Her... Her what?” Ficksitup asked, completely baffled.
“Long story, don’t you worry ‘bout it Sugarcube... Sorry ‘bout your cotton candy, by the way.”
“Ain’t your fau-”
“Wanna’ share?” Applejack asked, moving it slightly closer to Ficksitup.
Ficksitup glanced at Applejack who had a quick smile on her face, for a brief moment, his brain sputtered and all he could squeak out was “Sure.” Ficksitup nervously moved closer to Applejack and started nibbling on the cotton candy. Applejack nibbled on the other side. It was more awkward than it was romantic.
Before Ficksitup could get lost in the moment, as decidedly odd a moment to be romantic it was, “We better get a move on if we want t’see the festival before they close.” Applejack suggested. Ficksitup looked at her again, “Um, sure, why don’t you lead the way?”
The two ponies began to walk around stopping at a booth or two to check out the merchandises or games, taking bites out of the cotton candy as they went along. It wasn’t long before they heard the voice of Rainbow Dash arguing with a game operator. It could be hard to tell sometimes if it was arguing or whining, though Rarity had given them pointers on the finer points of both of those. She was also contemplating writing a book about complaining, though she had to explain to Fluttershy it was a joke. Kind of. Sort of.
“C’mon, I threw that ring right onto that peg! That Wonderbolt action figure is as good as mine!” Rainbow Dash argued, hovering off the ground with her right front leg extended towards the sky and the left front leg on her hips.
“And I keep telling you that you missed! Now get outta here or play again!” A cream colored unicorn with a brown handlebar mustache and long flowing brown mane with a straw barber shop hat on top said rather festively, unable to entirely lose the tone used to attract ponies to play his game. Very much like a siren.
Applejack and Ficksitup traded confused looks before walking over to Rainbow Dash to see what all the commotion was about.
“Rainbow Dash, what in the hay is goin’ on here?” Applejack asked as she approached Rainbow Dash’s side.
“This clown is running a rigged game! I threw three consecutive rings onto that peg that has a special edition Stormchaser the Wonderbolt action figure on it, and he won’t give it to me!” Rainbow half moaned and half yelled her case, her voice breaking as she looked at the pristine action figure of the newest Wonderbolt.
Ficksitup looked up at the peg, “Um, Rainbow Dash... I don’t see any rings on there.”
The Pegasus scowled at the Earth pony, and if looks could kill, Ficksitup would have died many deaths. Luckily, her anger was still pointed at the proprietor of all corruption in Equestria, a random carnival pony and his allegedly rigged ring toss game.
“Well that’s because he butters up the pegs! It’s impossible for the rings to stay put if the pegs are buttered up!”
“And I keep telling you, that those pegs are not buttered up!” Shouted the unicorn.
Applejack hoofed the cotton candy over to Ficksitup and placed her hoof on Dash’s shoulder before speaking to the opreator. “I’m mighty sorry for my friend here, she can be a bit stubborn when it comes to winnin’.”
Rainbow Dash snorted air out of her nose and rolled her eyes, “Oh, you’re one to talk!”
Applejack shot Dash a glare. “Would you mind givin’ her ‘nother chance?” She asked, tearing off a ticket and hoofing it over to the unicorn. The operator eyed the trio suspiciously, “Well alright then, but this is your last chance!” He proceeded to give Dash five more rings.
Dash’s eyes narrowed and a cocky smile came across her face, “It...is....on.” She picked up the first ring and concentrating hard on the peg, she tossed it into the air. The ring circled around the peg before flying off. Dash let’s out a frustrated groan. She picked up the second ring and tossed it with the same result. In fact, every ring she tossed ended with the same result and with Dash growing increasingly frustrated after each toss.
After the final ring almost made it onto the peg before flying off again, Dash lets out a frustrated scream, “This game is rigged!”
“Now c’mon Rainbow Dash, you had your chance.” Ficksitup replied, hoping that Dash wouldn’t turn her frustration onto him.
“That’s right Rainbow Dash, you had your chance.” The unicorn sneered, he placed his two front hooves onto the counter at the front of the booth and let out a taunting laugh, just then a stick of butter fell out of his shirt pocket. Applejack and Ficksitup and the unicorn looked at the butter in shock. Rainbow Dash looked both victorious and terribly angry, an unusual and somewhat disquieting visage.
“AH-HA!” victoriously shouted Dash, “I knew it was rigged!”
“Hey hey, easy there filly, keep your voice down!” the unicorn replied in a hushed voice. “If they knew I was buttering up my pegs, they’d throw me out of here!”
“They should throw you out of the festival, you cheat!” She replied in haste, her eyes settling on the Stormchaser Wonderbolt figure. “Now, why shouldn’t I get you kicked out of here?” Dash asked, eyeing him up like she was figuring out whether to fit her mantle for his head or for a new action figure.
“Tell you what, you keep quiet about this, and....and I’ll give you that action figure you want so badly. How’s that sound?” The unicorn obliged with a cheesy grin, knowing both the score and his lack of options.
“Sounds like a deal to me!” Dash squealed excitedly. The unicorn quickly floated the action figure down from it’s peg and over to Rainbow’s hooves.
“Now just hold on one cotton pickin’ minute!” Applejack protested, but before she could speak, Rainbow Dash took off into the air with the action figure in her hooves. All Applejack could do was let out an annoyed sigh. Rainbow Dash had her victory for the night and knew that it could only be downhill from there and besides- she had an action figure to play with. Who needed to fill up a water balloon with a squirt gun when you already had the only prize worth winning?
Applejack walked back over to Ficksitup, “Sorry ‘bout that Sugarcube.”
“It’s ok, you had to help out a friend, I understand.” Ficksitup replied with a smile on his face, Applejack couldn’t help but smile back. Applejack never realized it until now, but Ficksitup was a very understanding pony, always willing to listen to her and be very forgiving when she gets distracted by her friends, or by her business. It was at times frustrating to see him so passive, she wanted to just beat his face in until he started to be less willing to bend over for others. Of course, maybe beating somepony’s face until they became more assertive was a foolhardy tactic.
Applejack walked closer to Ficksitup, her deep emerald eyes meeting his stone gray eyes. “You know Sugarcube...”
“GANG WAY! LOOK OUT!” Scootaloo shouted as she zipped right between them on her Scooter, knocking Applejack off balance like the demon of ill-timing herself. Ficksitup was able to grab onto her hoof at the last minute to stabilize her. Applejack blushed after she regained her balance, due less to physical contact and more because she had been caught off guard.
However, before the couple could resume their walk a timid voice spoke., “Um...excuse me...” Behind them was Fluttershy with Angel riding on her back.
“Well hey there Fluttershy, how can we help you?” Applejack replied with a friendly smile. She knew how meek Fluttershy tends to be around new ponies, and Ficksitup was still somewhat new to Fluttershy.
“Well...if it’s not too much trouble, have you seen Scootaloo come by here?” Fluttershy continued.
“She actually just zoomed right pass us.” Ficksitup replied, giving Fluttershy his own friendly smile.
“So umm...what are you two doing, if you don’t mind me asking?” Fluttershy quietly probed.
“Well, Ficks and I are on a date, truth be told.” Before Applejack could speak another word, Fluttershy’s eyes brightened up and she put her hooves together and an excited squeal escaped her. “A....a...a...date!? Oh, that’s just wonderful! Oh this must be so exciting for you two! You’ll have to tell me all about it!”
“Umm, maybe later Fluttershy, a date generally only includes two ponies in it.” Applejack explained as she tried to calm down her excited friend.
“But it’s just so wonderful and magical, I must hear all about it!” Fluttershy pleaded.
“Later Fluttershy.” Applejack replied, adding some firmness in her voice. Just then Angel rapidly thumped Fluttershy’s head, “Oh...well....um... we need to be going anyways.” Fluttershy hovered away while quietly yelling for the three fillies to come to her in an orderly fashion.
“That rabbit is a bit of a jerk, isn’t he?” Ficksitup asked as the two ponies began to walk again.
“Yeah, wish I could make rabbit stew out of him.” Applejack replied with a hint of malicious in her voice.
Ficksitup looked at Applejack in a shock and horrified manner, Applejack chuckled, “Oh it’s just a joke, relax, I’d never do anything to hurt a friend and you know it.”
“So, now that we’re done with untimely interruptions by your friends...” Ficksitup stated, a mixture of bluntness, jovial tidings and frustration playing out across both his face and tone. Applejack saw through that veil.
“Yeah, let’s get goin’, this festival ain’t gonna’ last forever.” She replied, taking him in hoof as the two trotted deeper into the festival, hoping to somehow elude the agent of annoyance that somehow managed to follow them and disrupt any semblance of privacy. Of course, maybe it was foolish to expect privacy but it didn’t stop a pony from trying to find a little space to take in invited company. With that in mind, Ficksitup spotted a dark corner between a couple of booths that weren’t exactly getting much attention. He tugged in that direction, getting an estranged look from Applejack, who went along with whatever he was doing. They slipped into the area, and found that they were in fact alone.
And ever since Ficksitup had arrived in Ponyville, they hadn’t too much time alone without the risk of someone bugging them. Ficksitup took off his hat as they sat behind the booth, and shot a stare at Applejack, finally able to be around her with nopony else around.
“What?” She asked, smiling at him with curiosity.
Before she knew it, Ficksitup had leaned in, and placed his lips to hers. She jumped slightly, with a sharp inhale through the nose, eyes widened that he could see as he closed his eyes. He could feel any tension she had suddenly release as she placed a hoof on his side, accepting his sudden romantic gesture. After a short time, he pulled back, only to see a somewhat dazed Applejack.
“That’s what... Still owed you from the other night, ‘Jack.” He said with a sly grin.
She hadn’t expected that. It was sudden, without warning. Abrupt. It was unlike him to be so spontaneous, so impulsive. She figured he’d kiss her at some point, she expected it to be later and not so soon. Even so, she didn’t hate Ficksitup being so spontaneous.
In fact she rather liked it. It was definitely a change of pace. Even so, she was still slightly taken aback by the whole thing. Looked back at him, she wanted to return the favor, maybe even take it a step further than he had. But something held her back from doing so, something she couldn’t quite place her hoof on, and it bugged her. Confusion wasn’t too unfamiliar to her, but not knowing what she was feeling was starting to grate on her nerves. Every impulse said to kiss him back, but something was stopping her.
“...’Jack?” Ficksitup asked, genuinely concerned about how long she had been in such a state. “You alright?”
“Uh, yeah I’m... Fine, I just didn’t expect that is all.”
“Oh, well... S-” Ficksitup said, suddenly stopped by an orange hoof.
“Sugarcube it’s fine!...You didn’t do nothin’ wrong.” Applejack said barely above a whisper.
The two ponies stood there, unsure what to do next. Ficksitup had many ideas running through his head, but most of them seem too brash or bold to act on this soon in the first date. Well, he had acted on at least one impulse that had been somewhat well received, though he imagined the other ideas trotting around his skull were less suitable. He wanted nothing more than to just pull Applejack close to him and from there do whatever felt right in the moment, whatever that was and wherever it took them.
Applejack made the next move, though it wasn’t to return the romantic gesture. She seemed to regain her composure and tugged him towards the swarming crowds of ponies enjoying the festival.
“We still have a date here, Ficks.” She said with that same smile that had been plastered on since the start of the night still shining, broken only a few times by the events that had transpired. It wasn’t a facade nor did she feel a strain from the muscles, almost as if something was dulling her to any imperfection of soul or flesh.
The air wasn’t thick, but the tension was certainly high, and they could both feel it.
“So...” Applejack started, in an attempt to break the existing tension a bit. Ficksitup looked at her with a raised eyebrow, expecting more.
“How’s Nuttanbolt?”
“Huh? Oh, Nut’s fine. Heard he’s been gettin’ to know the class a little better. Even made a couple’a friends.” Ficksitup said, surprised by her line of questioning. “How’s Applebloom? She seemed like she was in a pretty good mood today.”
“She’s doin’ pretty good. Probably wouldn’t expect it from an Apple Family member, but she’s got some’a the best grades in her class.” Applejack said in a somewhat proud manner. Ficksitup cocked his head in response to this.
“Wouldn’t expect it? Why not?” He asked, genuinely confused.
“Come on, Sugarcube. The Apple family’s a bunch’a farm ponies. Applebloom bein’ bright? Ain’t nopony who expe-”
“Applejack! Don’t say that... Y’all are more than ‘just’ Farm ponies.”
“That’s real sweet’a you Fi-”
“I mean it! It takes a lot of smarts to keep all that harvest information together and all. You gotta know...uhh, lots of stuff, I’m sure. Well, I know that you need to keep everything in order, make sure that you keep a tight timetable to make sure the harvest don’t fail and all, right? That takes brains! Your family ain’t dumb at all.” Ficksitup replied on a bit of a tangent, needlessly defensive.
Applejack chuckled.
“Well, ya’ got a point there sugarcube, but most’a that is just experience’n all. Truth is, I never did half as well as Applebloom is, Big Mac’s the same, and I don’t even think Granny attended no school.”
“I don’t think you give yourself enough credit ‘Jack.” He said with a slight smirk.
“Not really, Ficks. I read’n write just as well as anypony else, but my teacher was always fussin’ ‘bout me, ‘talkin’ right’. Felt... What’s the word? Deprecatin’?” She asked with an inquisitive look.
“Sounds about right.”
“Worst of all? Math. Hated it, just not any good at it. Never made that much sense to me.”
“That makes two of us.” Ficksitup said with a slight chuckle.
“Huh. Had you figured for good at that type’a thing. I just don’t get it, ya know? Past a certain point an’ all, I mean. It was just such a chore and then ya star’ getting into all of these dif’rent equations and all that and...tarnation, it still makes my head spin.”
Ficksitup blushed, “Nah, the best I could ever do with math is my adding and subtractin’, used to frustrate my dad to no end that I didn’t show the same aptitude for math that he did. Truth be told, the only class I found interesting was shop class. I would always stay an extra few minutes after the class has ended to finish up a project. Heh, teacher always got mad at me for leavin’ it behind... But I did get extra credit.”
“Well, you are a mighty fine mechanic Ficks, the way I’ve seen you handle your tools, it’s like you’re workin’ your own magic. Are you sure you’re not a unicorn?” Applejack asked winking at Ficksitup and nudging him with her elbow.
“Aw shucks, ‘Jack... Yer makin’ me blush.” He said with an honest chuckle.
“Well glad it’s gone the other way ‘round for once... But enough horsin’ ‘round Sugarcube... We’ve got a festival, plenty’a things to do... and all night to be here. What’cha wanna’ do?” She asked, putting a hoof around him, all but dangling off of him in a somewhat playful manner. Ficksitup smiled, and looked around the area. Something did indeed strike his fancy.
“...’Jack?”
“Yeah?”
“You wanna’ make tonight special? Don’t get me wrong, it already is... But I think I just found a way to make this even more memorable.”
“How?”
“Come on”. Ficksitup said, taking the lead. He took her over to a seat in front of an older stallion with an easel, and art supplies.
“Hey, how much for a sketch, sir?” Ficksitup asked in a frank manner.
“Sugarcube..!” She said with a nudge.
The Stallion turned to look at them, with a face that spoke interest. “...Ten bits. Take a seat over there, when you’re ready.” He said. Ficksitup nodded, and led Applejack to the seat.
“What exactly are ya’ doin’ Ficks?” She asked in a very curious manner.
“...It’s our first date ‘Jack. One way or another we’ll always remember it... I just figure that a reminder couldn’t hurt.” He said with an earnest smile as they took a seat. Getting his supplies ready, the Older stallion took a curious look at them.
“Well what are you two, strangers? Get a little closer.”
Applejack gave Ficksitup an uncertain look with a smile, as though she was trying to figure out just what he was doing. He wrapped a hoof around her, and pulled her closer to him.
She expected it to be awkward, and tense. Uncomfortable even. But for whatever reason, it was just the opposite.
“Alright, that’s good... Now hold still a bit, would you? Gotta’ get this right.” The artist said, head disappearing behind the easel, only re appearing to take a peek back to them from time to time.
Applejack’s tension all but disappeared with a relieved sigh as she slid a hoof behind Ficksitup, pulling herself slightly closer. She leaned on him fully, head on his shoulder, just as they had been about a week ago at the party. But this moment was softer, more comfortable. He was somepony she could lean on, for once. So often had others relied and leaned on her, when she was looking for support herself. And now she was fairly certain she’d found it.
Simply being that close to her brought him comfort. The sights and sounds of his surroundings seemed to dull. To him, she was all that existed at the moment. The feeling of her arm around him, her warmth so close to him was relaxing. The sound and feel of her breathing, the slight adjustment of her arm around him, the gentle nudge as she leaned into him further, were all welcome. Ficksitup was more certain than ever about how he felt, and still curious if she'd felt quite the same. But it didn’t matter, simply holding her there brought him comfort, peace even. To have nothing else on his mind but her was something he embraced.
For both of them, it was nice to be with someone they knew genuinely cared about them. As with other soft moments between them, they were unsure how long the sketch took. Even so, it hardly mattered. They had both spent plenty of time alone. Plenty of time supporting others and not having someone else to lean on. In the few minutes that they spent holding each other in silence, that changed.
Uncertainty was becoming less of a feeling either one of them were experiencing. At this moment, they felt nothing but comfort, being next to the other. Even so, neither knew how to say it out loud. Though they hardly felt they needed to.
“Alright... Done.” The artist said, flipping the easel to face them.
A look of curiosity, awe and shock grew on their faces. The artist was quite skilled indeed, having captured every detail with ease, and finesse. It was a simple sketch, no color to it. Simply lines on paper, and yet it looked so convincing, that it had indeed captured a moment in time that no photo could ever hope to.
“Huh... So... That’s how we look?” Ficksitup asked, bewildered at the piece.
“Together?” Applejack added.
“...Yes.” The artist replied in a rather frank manner.
“Hold on ‘Jack...” Ficksitup said as he got up from the seat. Applejack sat there to soak in everything that had just happened.
“You said ten bits, ri-”
“No.” The artist said, packing his art supplies up, and getting his things together. Ficksitup was stunned.
“...N...No?” He asked, completely befuddled.
“You heard me... They say that true works of art are priceless...and that’s easily my best work in a while.” He said, shifting his eyes to the artwork. Ficksitup nodded, and removed the art from the easel. With little delay, the artist was gone, nary a trace of him being there in the first place. Troubled are the thoughts of an artist who saw something special and felt inadequate to capture it.
“That’s a pretty piece’a work there Sugarcube...” Applejack said as she examined the art.
“I didn’t know you were so vain, ‘Jack.” Ficksitup said with a smirk.
“Oh, you!” Applejack said with a chuckle and nudge. Once again, there was a moment of silence.
“Alright well enough’a the mushy stuff Sugarcube. We’ve got a festival to mess around in, c’mon!” She said, taking his hoof and lead, once again.
Today the sun seemed to set quicker than usual. Ficksitup wasn’t sure if it was just him, or if it really was doing so. It didn’t matter though. Applejack was right. There’d be time to be sappy and sentimental about everything later. Tonight, the goal was just to enjoy the other’s company, which thus far, had certainly been achieved.
As it got darker, finally, the lights turned on. Ficksitup hadn’t seen lights at night quite like this since his days in Manehattan, which was some time ago, now that he thought about it. He found the sights and sounds quite distracting.
“Sugarcube? Ficks?” Applejack asked the bewildered Ficksitup, who snapped to attention.
“Huh? Oh, uh, sorry.” He said, blushing in embarrassment.
“It’s fine. Still remember my first time at the festival. Ever played Skee ball?” She asked in a rather cheery manner.
‘Skee what?’ He thought, befuddled at the strange nomenclature. “Uh, no. What’s Skee Ball?”
Applejack looked at him in shock. “You don’t know what Skee Ball is? Yer’ kiddin’ me!”
“No..?”
“Shucks, I thought even a city boy like you would’a known what that was! Here, lemme’ teach ya’ how to play it.” Applejack said, dragging him over to, what to him, looked like very peculiarly designed things.
‘City b-... well, okay.’ Ficksitup thought, at first taken aback by the comment. She was right though, even with his dialect and penchant for his hat, he wasn’t exactly from a small town.
“Speakin’a which Sugarcube... Why do ya’ talk like me?” She asked, earnest curiosity visible on her face.
He honestly had to think about that for a moment. Putting a hoof to his chin, eyes drifting in thought, he couldn’t think of anything for a short while. Then it hit him.
‘She’s gonna’ hate this.’ He thought.
“Honestly ‘Jack? For one, picked it up ‘round you... And I hadn’t quite thought of it ‘til now, but... I guess it reminded me’a you. Same with the hat, I guess.” He said with a shrug.
Applejack’s mouth fell agape at his response, blushing ever slightly. “Sugarcube you are full of it today aren’t you?” She said with a laugh.
“Yeah, I guess... So, how do ya’ play this... Thing?” Ficksitup said as he gave the object a curious look.
“Alright, what’cha do here...” Applejack said as she picked up one of the balls, and placed it in Ficksitup’s hoof. “Ya’ get a good amount a leverage, roll it, and try ’ta hit the hole at the top. Lower ya’ go, less points. Higher ya’ go, more points. Give it a try..!” She said, letting go.
Ficksitup looked at the ball in his hoof, pulled his arm back, and swung it forward. He watched as it rolled upwards, which to him seemed to defy all logic what so ever. It hit the ramp, and landed directly in the top hole Ficksitup felt both inexplicable glee and excitement at the event, and he had absolutely no clue why.
“Okay, stop pullin’ my leg Sugarcube you’ve done this before.” Applejack said in disbelief.
“No, seriously, I haven’t! I don’t even get how that happened, I m-”
“Then it’s beginners luck..! Keep goin’ til you hit two fifty! Ready to play?” She asked with a cocky grin.
“Yes.” Ficksitup said, suddenly looking forward to this.”
The two proceeded to play the game that Ficksitup still found somewhat peculiar. With each toss, the score flipped, and somehow, he kept a consistent lead.
And even though he was lucky with the game tonight, she’d kept a pretty even score with him. Applejack tossed the ball down the upwards alley, and landed square in the middle, evening her score with his. They both had managed to hit 230. He looked over to her, and he could see the sweat on her brow. Enjoying herself as she was, she wasn’t about to lose. He waited for her to sling the ball up the ramp to throw it himself.
And while doing so, he slipped up on purpose. Applejack had managed to hit 20, as he hit 10.
Applejack looked over to him with a raised eyebrow. “You let me win didn’t you?”
“What naah, I was tryin’ my best. You’re better than me is all.” Ficksitup said with a sly grin.
“Oh fess up would’ja Sugarcube? I know ya’ did..!” She said, playfully nudging him as she led him away from Skeeball.
“My hoof slipped, honest!”
“Aw, doesn’t matter Sugarcube... I’m just happy to be here with ya’.” She said, pulling him closer to her as they walked on. Ficksitup thought about that for a moment, and responded. She let him go and playfully bounced into the night, liberated of the need to be wound up with someone she could, quite literally, let her mane down for.
She bounced ahead and Ficks trailed behind, his eyes soaking in the scenery. He never thought he’d be here, with her, never in a million years. The full lifespan of Celestia could have come and gone before his heart would have accepted his reality. Yet, here it was, and it was here in all of it’s plaid-wearing, mane loosened, coat shinin’, tail flowing freely in front of... ‘Oh dang...’ Ficks thought, lost.
“Yeah... So am I.” he responded absentmindedly and distracted. Applejack caught on and peeked back to see him caught up in her loose tail. She gave a playful, almost hungry smile.
“Yer lookin’?” She accused more than asked, though her tone was flirtatious and more than a bit excited. All he could do was sheepishly smile and nod, against which she chuckled and fell back towards.
“C’mon, Sugarcube.”
The night went on. They’d lost track of time, and other things around them. Ficksitup hadn’t enjoyed himself like this in...
Ever. Even when he was but a Colt, he never had fun like this. The festival had been a massive new experience for him. Games...
“Yes!” Ficksitup shouted as he knocked down all of the standing cups with the last throw. He picked a large stuffed bear, and gave it to Applejack, with a tip of his hat. She squealed in delight. Something he’d never expected to see.
The games were something else. Such a strange bunch of things he’d never seen or done before, but each one he enjoyed rather thoroughly. Couldn’t beat her on the high-striker though. She just about bucked that thing into orbit. Among other things, rides...
“Oh no...” Ficksitup said as his trolley neared the top.
“It’ll be fine Sugarcube, just hold on..!” She said, laughing at his cowardice. He tried to put on a stong-man show about it, but as he had been told several times before, he’s an awful liar.
“Applejack?”
“Yeah?”
“In case anything happens-”
“We’ll be fine!”
“I l-aaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Ficksitup shouted as the roller coaster finally began to fall, and raced down into a series of twists and turns.
Fear. Fear was the only thing Ficksitup could feel right now. He was still shouting at the top of his lungs. Even so, he felt his hat fly off, as he was far too concerned with what he figured was self preservation, by holding onto the bars in front of him. Before he knew it, the ride was over as soon as it had started.
‘NEVER AGAIN NEVER AGAIN NEVER AGAIN OH SWEET CELESTIA ON A ROCKING HORSE NEVER AGAIN.’ He thought, stumbling out of the cart. He began to feel his head. Just hair, no hat. His eyes began to race around.
“‘Jack I lost my ha-”
“Ficks, it’s fine!”
“Bu-”
“Not buts, Ficks... We can find it later alright? It’s no big deal.” She said in a calm manner, hoof on his shoulder as she attempted to calm him down.
Her calmness struck Ficksitup as odd. Applejack would be worried about the hat as well, as this was more than just a hat; it once belonged to her grandfather. It was wracking Ficksitup’s mind right now that she was so calm about it suddenly being gone. After all, she gave it to Ficksitup when they were simply children, and the thought of it going missing would normally have made her leap away to go catch it. However, at this moment, in this place, she was held still by more powerful concerns.
She was right. He had after all said that it reminded him of her. But now that he was back with her, he didn’t need the reminder.
“You’re right... Yeah, we’ll find it later, but isn’t it important to ya’ ‘Cause it’s your grandfather’s?” He asked.
“Well sure, yeah it was Grand daddy’s hat but it ain’t like we’re gonna’ lose it forever. We’ll find it later... Let’s just focus on us.” She said, putting a hoof on his face as she comforted him.
“...Yeah, okay. Let’s do that.”
Ficksitup learned that he hated roller coasters from that, and as such refused to go on any more, “High octane” rides present. Still enjoyed a carnival game or two though. The sun had fully set by now, and only the lights of the festival and Ponyville illuminated the area now.
“Hey.” Applejack said as they walked along.
“Yeah?”
“...Thanks. Tonight’s been great Ficks... It’s gettin’ late though. Wanna’ call it a night?” She asked.
“Nah, not yet... Got one more thing I wanna’ do ‘Jack.” Ficksitup said, taking the lead.
“Oh? What might that be Ficks?”
Ficksitup had been eyeballing a particular structure all night. The Ferris Wheel. It was one of the slowest, and highest rides in the festival.
“I wanna’ go up there’.” Ficksitup said as the approached the wheel, his eyes eating the ride up. The line was short, and he figured he’d be able to get in pretty soon.
“Y’know, I’ve never gone up there now that I think about it... Alright.”
After some waiting, the two finally managed to get into an empty trolley. It rose slowly, but surely. Applejack leaned into him, and rested her head on his shoulder once again. ‘Heh, I guess that’s our thing...’ Ficksitup thought as the cart slowly rose.
“Excuse me, sir?” An achingly feminine voice cooed from behind the stallion in charge of the ride.He turned and was confronted by a stunning mare flippantly playing with her mane in such a fashion as to be sultry.
“Would you be a dear and stop that particular cart at the top?” She said, pointing to the cart Applejack and Ficksitup had just gotten into. “Two very dear friends of mine just got in there and it's their first date. I’d hate for them to miss out on something...special.” She said, batting her eyelashes. The stallion giggled vapidly. “Okay...” He said, facing the control panel. Rarity then snuck away, as though she had never been there in the first place.
Ficksitup was surprised at the sights. It was all so bright from up here. Applejack was still leaning on him, moving her hoof further along his back.
She said. “I ain’t ever been this high up ‘fore, y’know?”
“Yeah?”
“Nah, not here anyway. Been to Cloudsdale, but never seen Ponyville up high at night.”
“Wait, you went to Cloudsdale..?”
“Yeah, long story. Remind me to tell ya’ sometime...”
“Heh, alright...”
They had reached the top finally, and suddenly the Ferris wheel abruptly stopped. The two looked at each other, befuddled at the occurrence.
‘This is just way too perfect to be coincidence...’ Ficksitup thought, with a suspicion that he knew who was behind it.
“We stopped didn’t we?” Applejack asked.
“Looks like...” He said, looking out at Ponyville below. The town was gorgeous, dark streets illuminated by the street lights and glowing windows of homes.
“Wow...” Applejack said, looking out to the town. “It’s so pretty...” She said, all but entranced by the town’s appearance.
“Yeah... I can think of a few things that are prettier though...” Ficksitup said, sitting back and looking at Applejack.
“Like what?”
“I dunno’... You’ve been to Manehattan right? Ever seen the skyline at sunset? The city at night? Just about the only thing ‘bout that place I miss.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen that and it was pretty. What else?” Applejack asked, now more interested in what he had to say.
“I bet you can vouch for this, but Cloudsdale seems awfully pretty. What, with all those rainbows and clouds up in the sky.”
Applejack laughed. “Yeah, it is a might pretty but if you ain’t a pegasus ya’ gotta’ watch your step.”
“I bet... Maybe those mountains way over there, I bet you can see everything from way up high.” Ficksitup said, pointing a hoof to a particularly high peak.
“Actually went up there to save the town from a dragon with my friends once!”
“You’re jokin’! Really?”
“Yeah. Can’t take the credit for that one though, Fluttershy saved the day there... But you’re right. It’s a hay of a sight. Anything else?”
“...Yeah, I can think’a somethin’ else.” Ficksitup stated, Applejack still looking at him, wondering what he’d say next.
“Such as?”
‘Here we go...’ He thought, thinking this was it.
“...You.” Ficksitup said, taking her hoof in both of his. Applejack blushed heavily, and her eyes raced around.
“Sugarcube..! I... Aw, quit pullin’ my leg Ficksitup, I’m just a farm filly, ain’t nothin’ pretty ‘bout me.”
“You’re more than just some farm filly, ‘Jack.” Ficksitup said with the utmost sincerity. Applejack continued to blush, mouth agape, unsure of what to say.
“...Ficks I... I don’t know what to say... I...” She said, silenced by a hoof.
“I’ve been meanin’ to say this for a little while... And... I...” He said, looking into her emerald eyes. He was reminded of a few nights ago at the party, under such similar circumstances. Her all but glowing golden streaks of hair loose in the moonlight, the warmth of her beside him, the sincerity that her eyes spoke to him with but a look. It gave him pause. She removed his hoof from her mouth, and continued to stare into his eyes.
“...Applejack, I think I love you.” He said, finally admitting how he felt to her. Her face showed a slight expression of shock, uncertainty even.
“Ficks, I-”
“...Stop talkin’ ‘Jack...” Ficksitup said as he placed his lips to hers. She was taken ever so slightly by surprise, yet at the same time she almost expected it. She wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him closer intensifying the moment by just enough. Ficksitup replied to her gesture by wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly. ‘This is it...’ He thought, lost in the kiss. Everything faded out around them. The noise of the town below, any of the sights and sounds, all gone in a dimming flare until it was non-existent.
Just them.
More to his surprise, he felt her mouth move agape, not confused, but surprised by what seemed like an invitation. Loosening his jaw ever slightly, he too responded with an open mouthed kiss. It became more heated by the moment, as he ran his hooves through her loose mane, and she did the same. Every second that passed, the kiss, this moment, became more intense. More sincere. Each brush of a hoof against one’s neck, each quiet moan of delight, every moment meant something more. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a tongue brushed his lips. He was surprised she was willing to take it so far, and responded in kind, meeting her tongue with his, tied with the response of an intensified grip, as though both of them were completely unwilling to let go. It was all so unfamiliar to either of them.
It was ecstasy. The warmth, the proximity, the taste, the overall feeling of kissing her in such a manner was almost too much to bear. Each moment of it was absolutely intoxicating, a drug of choice that he never wished to end. It was an absolutely timeless moment, where everything else was forgotten. After enough time, their lips parted, and eyes re-opened, looking each other directly into the eyes. They said more with that moment, that kiss, then they ever could have aloud.
“...Well, that was quite the, uhh, display.”
Both of their heads snapped back from each other, realizing only now that the world had not, in fact, been able to ignore them as well as they had been able to ignore it. They had reached the bottom of the wheel and found themselves relatively face to face with Twilight, who looked equal measures uncomfortable and giddy, as well as the cutie mark crusaders and a somewhat struck Fluttershy further away.
“Um... Hi.” Ficksitup said, climbing out of the cart, Applejack’s hoof in his own as he helped her out of it.
‘Dangit, just can’t do these things without somepony noticin’ can we?’ He thought.
“Uh, hey Twilight.” Applejack said, eyes racing around as she blushed in embarrassment.
“I’d ask if you two were on a date but...the answer seems rather obvious.” She said, suppressing a giggle with her hoof, though the cutie mark crusaders several paces behind her couldn’t manage to tie down their mixture of giggles and joyous cooing. Fluttershy stood there as stiff as a tree.
“This might be an..awkward...time to bring this up, but have either of you seen Spike tonight?” Twilight asked, her eyes betraying the fact that it was a question once considered vital that had importance only because she had coherent thoughts to go along with it. Behind her, Fluttershy fell down, giving out a near noiseless eep as she did so. Applejack almost felt like calling out timber.
“No, Twilight, I-I can’t say I have.” Applejack replied slowly, her eyes still wide with a mix of shock and embarrassment as the two ponies were gently let off of the wheel. Ficksitup cautioned a gaze up and saw several ponies had taken notice of their kiss and were waiting to come down and catch a better glimpse of the couple that had rather publicly unleashed themselves on one another.
“Oh, shoot. Can’t imagine where he could have gone off too, already checked Rarity’s house... And yard. And the tree. No sign of him there... Wait, where’s your hat?” Twilight asked, leaning in on the top of Ficksitup’s head to examine it. She really had no concept of personal space it seemed when science, research, or investigation gave her cause to discard, causing Ficksitup to reel back.
“Lost it on the roller coaster, ‘Jack convinced me we’d look for it later...” He said, as a thought burst into Applejack’s mind.
“You know Twi, I’m sure Spike has already gone home. He probably just went out to find some more gems to eat.” Applejack replied, trying to reassure her friend. Ficks started to notice that her eyes started to lose some of their vibrancy, as if her color was starting to drain.
Twilight eyes were still worried, but she always trusted Applejack’s words. She was the Element of Honesty afterall. “You’re probably right Applejack.” Her eyes almost blew up as a thought crossed her mind.
“Maybe you two could use some tea after such a...well, I guess the night couldn’t have been cold for you two, since there is steam rising from your heads...uhh, I mean, I just got this new recipe from Zecora and I’ve been waiting to try it! Oh, and Ficksitup, before I forget I have a book for your uncle, I’m sure he’ll love it!” Twilight eyes sparkled as she talked.
“Great....” Ficksitup said in an annoyed tone, he didn’t need to be reminded of his uncle flirting with Twilight.
“Well Twilight, that sounds dandy! I’m sure little Spike is all safe an’ cozy in his bed by now. Better make sure he’s fine, we don’t want you castin’ another spell on the entire town like last time.” Applejack replied, ribbing at her friend as her thoughts turned away from the kiss. Still, hard to miss the lack of extra punch normally behind her words, like she was operating at an increasingly weaker pace.
Twilight lowered her head and furrowed her brow at Applejack’s comment. “Well at least I didn’t overwork myself to the point I couldn’t save the town from a stampede of bunnies.”
“What..?” Ficksitup asked.
“Long story Sugarcube.”
“...How many of those do you have?” Ficksitup said as he fell behind Twilight with Applejack close by, though she tended to drift. She gave him a knowing smile, and then retreated as if in mistake.
“I have about forty-seven stories.” Fluttershy said as she slowly pulled herself up from the ground, only now coming back around from her shock induced collapse. The cutie mark crusaders had found something new and noisy to play with and before Fluttershy could go further, she was whisked away. The three ponies gave her a look for a second before Twilight smiled and started trotting towards the exit.
The two started to walk at a slower pace than Twilight, no longer holding hooves, but Ficksitup now had an arm on her back, keeping her as close as he could at the time. Twilight started yammering about how the various constellations in the sky were especially visible tonight, but eventually for words faded into indiscernible noise. Whatever she was saying didn’t matter to them.
“If somepony’d told me that in the time of a little over a week, an old friend would come back home, take me out on my first date, and tell me that he loves me, I’da said that they were readin’ too many romance novels and needed to go outside...” Applejack said, her tone somewhat odd. It was a mixture of disbelief and...as Ficks was hearing it, a slight tinge of horror, if he wanted to be completely honest about what he was hearing. Mares...?
“...Antila can be so beautiful this time of year!” the unicorn continued, oblivious to the two behind her.
“If somepony had told me that I was gonna’ fall head over hooves for a childhood friend, take her on our first date and told her how I felt, I’da just turned around in disbelief...” Ficks said with a wide smile, squeezing her gently and softly. She gave a half-hearted chuckle and turned to the ground.
“And Circinus? So hard to see behind Alpha Centauri, but if you can, it is breathtaking! Reminds me of you, Applejack, since that was the constellation I spotted right after I helped you take care of applebucking season.” The unicorn continued her astronomy lesson, this time turning back and seeing that the two were both far away and entirely invested in each other.
“Funny thing, innit Sugarcube..?”
“Yeah.”
“So, I heard Big Mac and Cheerilee are pretty serious, wedding bells and all that.” Twilight said as a test. Neither responded.
Applejack looked at him with with curious, almost panicked eyes. “So... what you said back there, on the Ferris wheel... You meant it?”
“I heard she’s expecting triplets!” Twilight said with a fake gasp.
“Applejack... When I say somethin’ to you, I mean it.” He said, stopping her in her tracks. “I love you. I mean that.”
“I’m on fire.” Twilight near muttered, not making out what the two were saying but starting to feel like her constant need for someone to listen to a lecture was ill placed here. She continued trotting, silent now, her ears perked.
Applejack looked at Ficksitup with a mixed bag of happiness and what he could only place as the beginning stage of a full-blown panic attack, and gave him a firm hug. It wasn’t quite what Ficksitup was expecting, but he held her in return. She was breathing heavily and out of pace. Ficks was worried, and with cause good enough to give it word.
“Are ya’ okay, ‘Jack?” He asked, looking into her eyes and knowing that whatever she was about to say, she wasn’t. Her pupils were doing stunts and her eyes seemed devoid of any dampness. Time slowed down for Applejack and she was soon in her own head.
‘Are ya’ okay, ‘Jack?’ Applejack honestly didn’t know how to answer that. Three simple words caused a hurricane of emotions that Applejack didn’t know how to decipher. Three little words that figuratively knocked Applejack onto her flank. The confusion that she felt at home earlier that very night only intensified with the introduction of those three little words. She was saved momentarily by Twilight’s immaturity in these affairs.
All Twilight could do was feel both a little uncomfortable at the display as she stopped and turned at her door, feeling like the invited third wheel. She couldn’t stop a rather loud and somewhat immature giggle this time.
Ficksitup parted his head from the embrace, and gave Twilight a very unimpressed look, letting Applejack go. She got away from him and almost lost her footing.
“Sorry, Ficksitup it’s just not something I’m used to. Believe me, I’m happy for you two, it’s cute. Now, come on inside,” Twilight said as she opened the door. “I’ll get the Tea ready, my- BY CELESTIA!” Twilight exclaimed, rushing into the house. Ficksitup gave Applejack a somewhat concerned and worried look.
“We should probably check that out..” Ficksitup said, parting from Applejack. She simply nodded, and followed him inside the house. As they entered, they bore witness to Spike bearing a black hat, tossing it at the fireplace. A purple aura enveloped the hat, and stopped it mere centimeters from the flickering embers of the blaze. Twilight floated it swiftly onto Ficksitup’s head, and gave Spike a very intense stare as she advanced on him.
“Spike, what in the hay are you doing throwing that hat into the fire!? What in the world has gotten into you!? First you go missing all night and then I come home to find you throwing a friend’s hat into the fireplace!?” She exclaimed wildly, befitting a mother shocked at the action of an only child.
“What the hay Spike? What’d I do to you?” Ficksitup asked, completely distraught. He could never catch a break; have a great date, get involved in a yelling match.
“It’s not what you did to me, it’s what you’re doing to my friends!” Spike said, rage evident in his voice.
“Wait, what?” Twilight asked, her tone raised as her mind reeled from the confusion.
“I’ve been following this liar all night while he took Applejack around the festival, lying to her the whole time!” He shouted.
“...Liar? Spike, what the hay’s gotten into you? Ficks is terrible at lyin’! He’d never get away with it anyway if he was lyin’.” Applejack started in an enquiring tone before it became hardset and defensive.
“Oh really? Well you’re right about one thing! He’s not getting away with this little white lie. Or should I say, Rarity!?” Spike shouted, pointing an accusatory claw at Ficksitup.
“Wait, what?” Ficksitup asked, absolutely taken aback by both Spike’s accusation, and clever use of relating Rarity to a white lie, so much so that he could only repeat what Twilight had said.
“Yeah! The other day, I saw him over at Rarity’s place getting all close with her and stuff, like he was with Applejack today!” Spike shouted and from somewhere deep inside Applejack’s brain, furious work began.
“First of all, why were you hanging around Rarity’s hou-... You know what, I don’t want to know. Second, how do we know you’re not just making this all up?” Twilight asked.
“Elementary, Twilight! I have the answer right in Ficksitup’s hat!” Spike said, pointing at it.
Applejack shot a look at Ficksitup’s hat, and taking a chance, she took it off of his head to examine it.
“Hey!” Ficksitup said, smarting from the rough gesture.
“As you can see, there’s more than one stray whit of purple hair! Proof that Ficksitup got a little closer to Rarity than he should be getting, and proof that it was frequent! I should know, I was there each time! He was getting all lovey dovey on Rarity, holding hooves, giving each other all romantic looks and all that crud.” Spike said, still pointing a claw at Ficksitup.
Applejack rolled her eyes at Spike and gave a nervous chuckle as she looked at the ground. “Spike, you could’a put that hair there. Celestia knows you’ve gotten close enough to Rarity more than once to get a stray hair from her.”
“First, that’s creepy. Second, I didn’t plant it.” Spike said in a somewhat defensive manner.
“Spike, this is a load of manure. Yeah I was at Rarity’s but I wasn’t doin’ any’a what you said.” Ficksitup said in a defensive tone, only realizing he just made things that much worse.
“Wait, what?” Applejack replied, making her the third pony in twenty-five seconds to say it. Conclusions started to coalesce in a fevered, terrified mind, and now all that could happen would be further incrimination of the innocent.
“Wait, Ficksitup... What were you doing at Rarity’s?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah, what were you doing? Oh wait, I know exactly what you were doing! You were getting all personal with Rarity behind Applejack’s back!”
“I was not! I was just there practi-”
“You were what?” Applejack asked, suddenly shocked that Ficksitup was even admitting anything like that. her snout flared once mightily, the gavel hammered down.
“Wow Applejack you’re right, he really is a bad liar.” Spike said, scoffing at Ficksitup. Twilight shot a glare at him, and looked back at Ficksitup.
“Oh like you’re one to talk, Spike. You know, I thought we made up the other day!” Ficksitup shouted.
“Oh, we did until Rarity walked in, got all up in your face and took you home, and you willingly went with her behind Applejack’s back!”
“Is that what this is all about? I was only goin’ there ‘cause I needed to get ready for tonight’s date is all I was doin’! I was just there as a friend anyway!”
“Like hay you were, you tool!”
“Overgrown, mutant, fire breathin’ skink!” Ficksitup shouted at Spike.
“Hey! Don’t call him that, he’s just a baby dragon!” Twilight defended Spike, head shooting in between the two.
“Besides, she ain’t yours anyway!” Ficksitup shouted.
“Oh, well then who’s is she!?” Spike shouted back with a glare.
There was a silence after that. Twilight gave Applejack and Ficksitup a concerned look.
“...’Jack? We ought’a leave.. Twilight?” Ficksitup said, tipping his hat as he began to walk out the door. He was stopped by a hoof on his back, pressed in a rather firm manner.
“Ficksitup.”
“What?” Ficksitup asked, still angry about current events.
“...Tell me honestly, Ficks...What is Rarity to you?” She asked with an extremely concerned expression. Something inside was boiling, and the evenness, calmness, of her voice was perhaps more terrifying than any scream could be.
“Wait, what? I... What? What do you mean?”
“...I mean, is she somethin’ more to ya’? Was Spike tellin’ the truth? Were you really gettin’ all personal with her and such?” The conviction in her voice was more than a little telling. Her mind had been made up, now she was waiting for the pot to boil over. High emotion has a way of playing tricks on somepony and the more powerful they are, the greater the degree of reaction. Applejack had felt something powerful tonight, and the fires of the blowback were stoked until she was consumed.
“Rarity’s a great friend, ‘Jack. She’s been plenty nice to me and you in helpin’ us out, and yeah we get along fine and have had plenty’a good conversations and whatnot but that doesn’t mean anything. I’d never go behind your back, ‘Jack. I love you, and you know that. I was just there to get ready for tonight’s date and yeah things got a little heavy here and there but it didn’t mean nothin’... I lo-”
“Shut it...” Was Applejack’s quick, terse reply. Her eyes were glossed, her form heaving with heavy, deep breaths, her snout flaring of no conscious accord. Judgment.
“You’re a liar, Ficks. You...you ain’t nothin’ but a good for nothin’ LIAR!” She roared, stomping her front hooves onto the floor with such ferocity that several books fell off their shelves. She could either believe that her dear friends were liars or he was, and the evidence could no longer be denied. Her heart was more than broken, it was in pain, screaming such bloody murder that her very soul ached in pain. No, there would no justification for this.
“You ain’t just a liar, but you can’t STOP IT. Why ya’ play these games, you good for nothin’ piece’a manure?! You wanna be with Rarity?! BE WITH HER! Don’t yo- NO! You can’t have her either! You ain’t good enough for her, you ain’t good enough for me! You ain’t good enough for any’a my friends, you rootbuckin’ crud bucket! Y- You LIED to me! You USED me! What-” She said, her body quaking with fierce, near uncontrolled energy as she approached him, pushing him up against the wall. Her eyes were wild, back right leg tapping against the floor.
“WHY?”
“I...” Ficksitup struggled to say something, anything, but he was paralyzed. He’d never seen Applejack this angry, this furious. It honestly scared him. Not just for himself, but for her. For them. He didn’t know what would happen.
“NO! I don’t want to hear more of YOUR LIES! SWEET CELESTIA HOW COULD I BE SO DUMB! You must’ve been having one big ‘ol laugh in your lyin’ head when you were calling me smart, I bet. ‘Look at the silly farm pony, I’ll get what I want from her and from her cute friend on the side, too!’ I-” She turned away from him, wanting with every fiber to just buck him through the tree itself and then keep on doing it until she reached a mountain and he was just a pile of jelly. She was kept still only by the image of Twilight and Spike, almost shaking with fear as they backed away from her. She took a deep breath and turned around, avoiding eye contact as she snatched the hat away from him with her teeth.
She didn’t trot towards the door, nor canter or gallop. She walked in silence, her own mind abuzz with the greatest of confusion, her very conscious being wracked by near-endless depths of sheer and unadulterated... unknown.
Nopony could take such abuse and not say something. Ficks felt naked and somewhat defenestrated by the loss of the hat, and being the object of abuse from two creatures at the same time had to invoke some sort of response.
“Y’know I find it kinda’ funny that one minute you ain’t worried about the hat flyin’ off’a my head, sayin’ that it doesn’t matter, and the next minutre you’re snatchin’ itn offa’ my head for no good reason!” Ficks spat out assertively, voice quivering from a shock-induced defensiveness and sheer panic.
She didn’t even bother looking at him, staring out the door as her voice evened out.
“You ain’t good enough for it.” She whispered before she placed it atop her own hat.
“Don’t come near me. Or my friends. Or my family. If you do, Big Mac’ll be the least a’ your worries.” This piece of manure wasn’t worth her granddaddy’s legacy in any way, and that was the honest truth. She walked out of the door and within moments, a fierce, powerful trot began, each step an attack on the Earth as her pent-up rage was being taken out on poor, innocent paved walkways and not the proper target, Ficksitup’s face.
Watching her leave him there, helpless, shook him to the core. He just sat there on the doorstep of the library. Twilight and Spike were both giving him a concerned look.
“...Ficks? Are... Are you okay?” Twilight asked.
“...This what you wanted lizard?” Ficksitup said, turning his head to Spike. “This what you wanted!?”
“Wait, w-what? N-no I-I-” Spike began, making him the final member of the foursome to have said it, though he would receive no congratulations for this feat other than justified fury.
“Don’t you tell me this ain’t exactly what you were aimin’ for ya’ little overgrown gecko, don’t you dare tell me otherwise! This is exactly the manure you wanted! I got half a mind to beat you into non existence but you ain’t hardly worth it ya’ dang runt! I ought to buck you straight to whatever little nest you came from, but you ain’t wort-” Ficksitup roared at the increasingly terrified little dragon. Suddenly, he found himself floating in mid-air, unable to move. Twilight’s horn glowed vibrantly, her face hard-set and stern.
“Ficksitup, out. I know you’re upset, but I’m not going to let you threaten Spike. Get out and stay out until you can act like a stallion and not like some enraged colt!” Twilight nearly screamed, her own heart racing as her maternal instincts kicked in. Within a few moments, Ficksitup was out on his flank, the door shut tight and locked as the lights dimmed. As the waves of his rage subsided, he could hear what sounded like small sobs from Spike, the little baby dragon never having witnessed such a raging storm of emotion as he had just seen- and been the cause of.
And now, Ficksitup was alone in the middle of the night, completely without anything but his thoughts. He sat there, helpless to do anything about what had just happened. Not only had he messed up with Applejack, he just messed up with what might have been the only pony present that might have even been willing to help him.
All he could do was walk. Just... Walk away from tonight. ‘Maybe it’s all just a really bad dream and I gotta’ wake up...’ He thought, suddenly in denial. He got up, and started towards his house.
The Ponyville lights started to turn off as he walked by, Ponies finally tired and going to bed. He found it all very ironic, as he continued on. In minutes, the brick red house stuck between a couple others was visible. It didn’t seem right, though. The ground floor’s lights were on. They shouldn’t be on this time of night.
Ficksitup was shocked at the fact that he wasn’t sobbing up a storm, or something. Though he felt hardly strong enough to even muster up a tear. He opened the gate to his house, closed it, and proceeded through the front door.
“...So then I told the guy, ‘No, that won’t work, you just don’t have enou-’” A familiar voice said, interrupted by Nuttanbolt’s shouting.
“Ficksitup! You’re home, did you have a good night? Was it fun?” Nuttanbolt asked in a cheery manner as he grasped Ficksitup leg, completely unaware of the events that had transpired. Nuttanbolt’s smile faded as he looked at his older brother’s face. He knew that look, and it wasn’t a good one.
“Hey there, Ficks. How’d your date go, you look like a wreck. She must’a been-”
“Plank. Shut up.” Ficksitup said in a blank tone. Hammerplank’s face almost grew angry, but knowing Ficksitup, a blank tone wasn’t a good thing. The kitchen light was dimmed by a shadow of a stallion that Ficksitup couldn’t quite make out.
But he knew who it was.
The stallion drew closer, his features becoming more visible. His coat was a rather deep blue, his eyes grey, his hair as black as Ficksitup’s albeit with a few grey streaks, and his mark a calculator with 3.14 on the screen.
“...Hello son. It’s been awhile.”
Like Apples ‘N’ Wrenches? Wanna’ show your appreciation? Send us your best fan art and we’ll feature the top ten in our next chapter. It can be a scene from one of our previous chapters or one of the characters, anything really. Have fun and thank you for reading!
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Captain Lackwit
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867
| 9 |
Applejack,Original Character,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Apples'n'Wrenches
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A shipping story between an OC character and a Mane character. Well rated on EQD.
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incomplete
| 209 | 10 |
<p>"Sweet Apple Acres has a small problem, and only the town repair shop has the means to fix it. However the Apple family gets a lot more than what they asked for when an old friend of Applejack returns to lend a helping hoof."</p><p>(Not all appearing characters listed in "Characters" checkbox. Woulda' been crazy full. I could probably say more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it.)</p>
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everyone
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2012-12-11T00:16:24+00:00
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2012-12-11T00:16:24+00:00
| 2,001 |
Apples N’ Wrenches
By The Write Bros.
Chapter 9: Where we left off...
“Hello son. It’s been a while.”
Ficksitup couldn’t believe it. He absolutely could not believe it. At first he hoped his eyes were playing tricks on him or that maybe he was just hallucinating. Anything was better than accepting that the individual standing before him was his father. The bespectacled stallion casually stepped forward, to which Ficksitup quickly backed away in response.
“What- what is this?” Ficksitup demanded in a harsh tone. “Yer jokin’ right? This is all some sort of sick joke, right?
The solid blue stallion gave him a puzzled look before speaking, “Why do you seem so surprised to see me, son? I thou-”
“Don’t you ‘son’ me, Addemup!” Ficksitup interrupted, pointing a hoof at his father who was now stunned by his sudden outburst. Ficksitup then turned his attention to his uncle. “Plank! What in the hay is he doing here?”
Hammerplank stood up, annoyed by his nephew’s imputations. “Watch your tone, kiddo.” He warned, “Don’t get snippy with me, alright? I didn’t say anything ‘cause I thought ya knew he’d be showin’ up.”
“Why would I know if he’d be coming down here?” Ficksitup hissed. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have even let him in the house.”
Hammerplank ignored his comment and continued. “Well that’s kinda’ why we’re all surprised that you didn’t tell us he’d be showing up.”
“That makes no sense. No sense at all.”
“Look kiddo, I only assumed ya knew about it because of the letter.” Hammerplank responded, shrugging his shoulders, “When you didn’t tell us anything, I just figured that you were okay with him paying a visit.” He then furrowed his brow in thought of his previous statement, “That, or ya just didn’t wanna talk about it.”
“Letter? What letter?” Ficksitup asked, raising his voice again.
“Ya’ mean ya never got it?”
“What letter?” Ficksitup shouted, his patience running thin.
“Hmm, I guess I should have assumed that things had gone awry when he never wrote back...” Addemup quietly added. Without anypony really noticing, he had been standing in the corner of the dining room, almost pretending to be invisible. He was waiting for the opportune moment to re-enter the conversation. Apparently, it was as good a time as any.
“Yeah, but I highly doubt he would have been inclined to do that anyway.” Hammerplank whispered back.
The two older brothers nodded to each other. “I suppose that’s true.”
Ficksitup’s already thinning patience finally ran out as he forcefully stamped his hoof on the floor, the sound echoing throughout the entire house. “WHAT LETTER?!” He screamed.
His outburst made the room fall silent. Nuttanbolt, who had been watching from the doorway of the kitchen, was starting to tremble slightly. As long as he’d known his older brother, he had always been able to look up to Ficksitup as the kind of stallion to keep a cool head in any situation. For the last ten years, Ficksitup had never had an outburst. Even after the trouble Nuttanbolt had caused at his school recently, he still remained relatively calm throughout the entire debacle. But this... he had never seen his brother this angry before, and it scared him. Nuttanbolt wanted to do nothing more than run upstairs and hide in his room until everything had settled, but he was too petrified to move. All he could do was cover his ears to try and block out the yelling.
Hammerplank waited for Ficksitup to calm down before he continued.
“Well, as yer father had just explained to me prior to ya’ comin’ home rather early…” Hammerplank began, giving his nephew another cold glare, “He sent you a letter a while back to let ya know he’d be comin’ down to visit you n’ Nut. We both assumed that you’d gotten it, but decided not to tell anypony.”
“I don’t- that doesn’t even make sense- I never…” Ficksitup trailed off as he began racking his brain for any hint of him receiving a letter from his father. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Nothing was coming up. As far as he could tell, the day he left his father was the last time he’d ever had or wished to speak with him.
Suddenly like a flash of light, a memory from almost a week ago flew into his mind. That third night since he had returned to Ponyville, he received an envelope that was addressed to him. The return address in the top left corner, the name was…
“...Dammit.” Ficksitup swore under his breath. His legs were now trembling uncontrollably. He had completely forgotten about that night. When he received the letter, all he had done was crumple it up and throw it away, not giving it a second thought. Apparently it had now come back to bite him on the flank. Hammerplank could see the expression in his face and sat back down, satisfied that his nephew finally understood.
“So you see so- I mean… Ficksitup?” Addemup began, “I thought you knew I’d be coming down to see you again. I’m sorry that this came as such a surprise to you.”
Ficksitup reeled around, angry once again. He stared at his father in disbelief, his eyes burning with rage.
“Why the hay wouldn’t I be surprised? Ten years, ten long years after mom died and you didn’t give a damn about either of your sons, you suddenly show up, acting like everything is all hunky dory!”
“But that’s the thing...” Addemup quickly tried to explain, “The reason I’ve come down here is because of your mother.”
“What?” Ficksitup interrupted once again, “Did ya’ come all the way down here to tell me that ya’ finally gave her a funeral? You didn’t bother to do that for her ten years ago either!”
“No that’s... that’s not it, Ficksitup. Please, just... hear me out.”
Addemup sounded like he was nearly on the verge of tears. He was trying to do everything he could to reach out to his son. Yet it felt like no matter what he did, Ficksitup wasn’t willing to listen to him. At all. Like he was just filtering everything in one ear and out the other.
“If you’ve got something to say then say it, old man.” Ficksitup quickly snapped.
Addemup decided to risk it, “Please... I know you’re mad at me and you have every right to be. But honest to Celestia, I really am trying to be here for you. Both you and Nuttanbolt. I’m only trying to make up for all those years of neglect. Can’t you at least give me one cha-”
“Have you lost your mind!?” Ficksitup exploded, “What kind of world exists where I would ever give ya' another chance to ruin my life?”
Addemup could practically feel his heart shattering as his son turned away from him, he put a hoof out in one last attempt to reach out to him. “Ficksitup... please.”
“No! No, not tonight, not right now! Absolutely not! I’ve got enough goin’ wrong in the world without you of all ponies just decidin’ to randomly waltz in like you own the place!” Ficksitup shouted, brushing past his father aggressively. “And if there’s any common sense left in ya, then you’d better be gone by tomorrow!”
“Ficks! Calm do-” Hammerplank said, trying once again to get his nephew to settle down. But Ficksitup’s head snapped to his uncle and he was stopped mid sentence.
“I appreciate what you’ve done for me so far Plank, but right now I haven’t got time to deal with this manure and you ain’t got a say in this either!” Ficksitup scolded as he started up the stairs. His uncle’s hoof on his shoulder stopped him. Ficksitup’s head whipped around, his gaze meeting his uncle’s.
The look on his uncle’s face, was one of short patience, and an obvious attempt to get Ficksitup to think straight. But the rage in Ficksitup’s eyes quickly overcame his uncle’s look of concern. The pure hatred, as well as the unmistakable hint of sadness Hammerplank could feel, made the old stallion ease up, and let go of his nephew.
Turning his head, Ficksitup continued to walk up the staircase, uninterrupted this time. “Nut... Get ready for bed. Now.” He said, continuing to trot upstairs. Not ten minutes ago, Ficks was in shock over what happened tonight. Now... All he felt was anger. Anger he hadn’t felt in years. From probably what he considered to be the worst first date, to his neglectful father showing up without warning, it was all too much. He didn’t want to deal with any of it anymore.
Realizing that the verbal battle was over, Nuttanbolt uncovered his ears and slowly inched his way into the dining room where the two older stallions now stood in silence. Nuttanbolt stared up at Addemup, who could only return his gaze with a look of grief. The small colt then turned towards his uncle, who at the moment was furrowing his brows in deep thought. The feeling of two small eyes upon him, made Hammerplank end his train of thought and look down at his nephew. He flashed a small reassuring grin and then flicked his head in the direction of the staircase, encouraging Nuttanbolt to get a move on. Nuttanbolt nodded his head before quietly shuffling up the stairs towards his room.
Hammerplank looked at his brother in disbelief. “Well that could'a gone a whole lot better.” He said in a frank tone.
Addemup looked to his brother and slumped into a nearby chair before speaking in a barely audible, but nonetheless, broken tone, “I should have seen this coming. I’m a complete idiot. I knew to expect that my reception might be cold, to say the very least and yet I still took the risk to come down here. And now it’s like he hates me even more...” He let his head sink until it hit the table.
Hammerplank was even slightly unnerved at how badly Ficksitup’s verbal onslaught had practically broken down his younger brother, piece by piece. It was like Addemup had been reduced to an empty shell, completely devoid of any emotions besides utter depression. He hadn’t seen him in years, but Hammerplank had a vivid memory of when there was a time that the stallion in front of him was once abundant with emotion. All because of her.
“Look don’t let it get to ya’ a whole lot.” Hammerplank said, putting a hoof on Addemup’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, “From what I can tell, it sounds like he’s had a rough night, even before you showed up.”
Addemup only grumbled in response. Hammerplank frowned at his unenthusiastic reaction but continued anyway.
“I’m sure after a bit of sleep, that stubborn kid will be a more than willin’ to sit down n’ have a chat with ya.”
He wrapped his arm around his younger brother and grinned excessively. Addemup looked back at him in silence for what felt like several minutes before nodding. He took a deep breath and exhaled before a miniature smile appeared on his face. Hammerplank could no longer hold his cheshire grin. He’d finally managed to pull a small shred of emotion out of him.
“Alright then ‘Plank, I’ll take your word for it.” Addemup responded quietly.
“That’s the spirit, Addem.” Hammerplank chirped, leading his younger brother into the living room. As the two of them passed the staircase, Hammerplank quickly glanced up, his smile disappearing for a moment as he muttered, “But I still ain’t too sure he’s gonna’ take the truth very lightly...”
***
Nuttanbolt crawled into bed as was the usual routine, though tonight, with a little less energy than he normally did. In a way he felt scared and confused about the entire situation but at the same time, a little excited. This was, in fact, the first time in five years that he was finally able to see his father again. He had so many questions he wanted to ask Addemup. Like where he had been all this time or why he was finally visiting them now. Nuttanbolt knew, however, that his questions would have to remain unanswered at the moment as his brother silently strode into his room and next to his bed. He looked up at Ficksitup, who was trembling silently. To Nuttanbolt, he looked like he was in pain. Like something or someone had physically hit him and he was now trying to recuperate from his wounds.
“Ficks?” Nuttanbolt quietly asked.
“Yeah?”
“You alright?” he asked, looking with legitimate concern. Fickitup’s eyes shifted away, and back to his little brother.
“I’m fine, Nut... Don’t worry about it.”
He didn’t believe Ficksitup any further than he could throw him, in other words, not at all. But he knew that pestering him about it wasn’t going to get anything out of him, so he eased up, pausing for a few seconds before speaking up again.
“So... is that really our dad down there?”
“What? He didn’t tell ya himself,” Ficks snarled. Nuttanbolt, shocked by the harshness of the response, looked away from his brother.
“I didn’t even really get to talk to him all that much. I was just listening to Uncle ‘Plank and him talking to each other for awhile. He was about to come and talk to me but then you came home. So I didn’t say nothing to him, honest.”
Ficksitup realized that his little brother was answering merely out of fear in hopes of calming him down rather than just answering his question. Upon that revelation, Ficksitup exhaled deeply before putting a reassuring hoof on Nut’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, I understand, and I’m sorry for gettin’ angry at ya.”
“It’s fine.”
Ficksitup pondered for a moment whether he wished to explain to his little brother at all about the dilemma he was facing with their father’s unexpected arrival. But he was already exhausted from the series of events that had ensued throughout the day and going into detail about a serious family matter this late at night with his sibling would only rob him of what little strength he had left. Plus he didn’t want to send Nuttanbolt to bed with such heavy thoughts on his mind. No child his age should have to deal with or even think about these kind of problems. Ficksitup only wished he could have had the same luxury when he was younger.
Turning his attention to Nuttanbolt again, Ficksitup noticed that his little brother still appeared to be expressing a substantial amount of concern for his older sibling. The way his amber eyes seemed to peer right through him as if they were saying, “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” made Ficksitup’s whole body swarm with guilt. He hated leaving him out of the loop, but he was only doing this for his younger sibling’s own good.
Nuttanbolt’s seemingly hypnotic stare was broken when the both of their attention was drawn to floor after hearing the barely audible clatter of miniature claws across the wood floor. Looking down, they could see Nuttanbolt’s ferret, the infamous Oddball, scurrying across the floor at the foot of the bed. Using his snout to investigate, the ferret stopped every few inches, his nose quivering at lightning speed as he quickly snatched up a crumb that he’d managed to find. He eventually stumbled upon a rather impressive pile of crumbs that looked like leftovers from some cookies next to one of the bed posts. Oddball practically dove into the pile, almost squeaking in delight over the new spoils he’d discovered. Using this as a chance to change the topic, Ficksitup quickly looked up to give his brother a devious grin. Nuttanbolt responded with his own innocent smile, realizing that he’d been had.
“You’ve been sneakin’ food into yer room again, haven’t ya?”
“It was just a few midnight snacks, honest.”
“Plank is gonna have a fit if he finds out. Ya know how much he hates havin’ food upstairs ‘cuz of the ant problems n’ everything.”
Nuttanbolt flashed a smug grin, “Well he isn’t gonna’ have to find out.”
“Oh?” Ficksitup asked, rather curious as to how his mischievous brother could possibly escape a verbal lashing from their uncle.
“That’s right.” he said with utmost confidence, “Because I’ve got my very own portable vacuum cleaner.” He gave a wink as he glanced down at his furry companion, who at the moment had just finished clearing away the cookie debris from the floor. If one had looked close enough, they could have probably seen a small whiskered grin appearing over the weasel’s face. With that image and his little brother’s rather smart alecky remark, Ficksitup couldn’t help but break out into a small fit of laughter.
“Alright ya got me there, Nut.”
A small giggle from his little brother made Ficksitup crack another half-mooned smile. As much of a normally unimportant topic of discussion as it was, the little tid bits of humor that they were sharing right now was helping to ease some of the pain that Ficksitup was still feeling in his chest. It was a welcoming distraction.
However the ever lingering feel of fatigue was finally pushing its way into Ficksitup’s body as he let out a heavy yawn.
“Well, alright then fearless raider of the pantry, it’s getting late and you’ve still got school in the morning.” Ficksitup said, stretching his back in the process. It seems only now, that it felt sore. “I ain’t gonna be responsible if ya can’t focus in class.”
“Okay then.” Nuttanbolt answered, obediently. He quickly shuffled his body deeper under the covers until he was flat on his back and his head was resting against the pillow. As if this was his cue, Oddball quickly scurried up one of the bed posts and began kneading at the covers near the end of the bed before making a few small rotations around the spot he had picked out and then finally curling up in a ball. He’s only a hyperactive furball when he wants to be... Ficksitup thought.
With that, the two of them exchanged their goodnights as Ficksitup killed the lights and then finally shut the door as slowly and as quietly as he could.
Outside Nuttanbolt’s room, Ficksitup stood there for a moment, a million different things rushing through his head, all too fast for him to give any specific thought more attention than the others. With that, he decided that this was as good a sign as any that he was officially too tired to think straight and therefore should head up to bed.
He quietly trotted his way up towards the attic steps. As far as he could tell, there were no sounds coming from downstairs on the first floor. To that, he gently nudged the attic door open with his hoof and stepped into his room.
Ficksitup was greeted with silence and pitch black darkness. The small round window in his attic usually provided an excellent source of light at night, since the moon would shine right through it, providing a luminescent glow in his room that was soothing to come home to after a stressful day. Though tonight, the thick dark clouds that were splattered across the sky also blotted out the moon, leaving his window without a source of light and his room... an empty void.
Trying to maneuver his way to the bed across his room, Ficksitup didn’t bother trying to find the lamp to turn on. The darkness was rather welcoming to the mood he was in. Besides, he would have had to turn it off again when he went to sleep.
Feeling his front legs hit the edge of his bed, he stopped and let out a long sigh, like he was exhaling all of the days events. He slowly lifted his arm up to remove his hat before succumbing to the bed’s welcoming escape into dreamland, but as he felt his way across his head, all he felt was the tussled strands of his messy charcoal black mane.
“Oh... that’s right.” he mumbled.
Like a train, all the memories of what went wrong on his date with Applejack slammed back into his head. The pain that he felt because of it had also returned, uninvited. The wave of emotions now swarming through him combined with his already increasing fatigue made Ficksitup finally collapsed onto his bed. He immediately buried his face into the covers, practically begging the mattress to swallow him up. When that didn’t work, he just shut his eyes and tried to block out everything. Slowly beginning to drift deeper and deeper into slumber, all he wanted was to fall asleep and forget everything. Or maybe he already was asleep and now he was just hoping to finally wake up from this nightmare.
I just can’t ever get a break...
***
With the arrival of morning, light pierced the attic window and straight onto Ficksitup’s face. Feeling the warmth of the sunlight peering into the room, he slowly opened one eye and then both. Turning his head away from the direction of the light, he let out a low guttural groan before pulling the covers over his face. The amount of rest he’d managed to get last night was hardly enough to qualify as sleep and it was showing through the amount of soreness he was feeling all over his body. His legs felt like jello and his head was throbbing slightly from a rising headache. His mind was practically screaming at him to to not get up. Ficksitup had half the heart to listen to his own advice but he knew that lying in bed all day wasn’t going to accomplish anything.
Still groaning like an old stallion with a bad back, he clumsily rolled out of bed. One of his hind legs was still wrapped in the covers which resulted in him toppling face first onto the floor. He would have screamed in agony had he not been so groggy. Though he did feel different. Now his forehead was hurting even more than it did when he first woke up. Using the nightstand next to his bed as support, he pulled himself up. An unfortunate mistake.
As he pulled his face up to the nightstand, Ficksitup was met with the small frame that held the photo of him and his mother smiling carelessly at the camera. The face she was wearing in the picture almost felt like his mother was laughing at his expense for not being able to even wake up properly.
“Oh... don’t look at me like that.” he whined.
He quickly turned away from the photograph and lazily made his way to the attic’s hatch. As he reached down to pull it open, he glanced down at his arm that was slightly covered by a ruffled white sleeve. It was then that he realized that he was still wearing the collared shirt that his uncle had lent to him last night. He was too fatigued to take it off so he just slept in it. Though it probably would have saved him the trouble of how he was feeling now that he noticed it.
Ficksitup was immediately thrown back into the memories of everything that had happened last night. It was a complete recap. From the first moment that he had arrived at the Apple Acres to get Applejack for their date, to the unforgettable kiss they shared on the ferris wheel, and of course... the entire debacle that took place in the library. He simply could not fathom how what was going to be a perfect night of bliss and romance, could spiral out of control and turn into a complete nightmare. There were no words to describe it. The only thing he could feel was regret. Regret for even remembering it.
If only they had decided to stay on that ferris wheel a little longer...
If only they they hadn’t bothered to follow Twilight back to the library...
If only he’d forgotten about that stupid hat...
Maybe then he wouldn’t be in this situation and maybe then he wouldn’t be feeling like the unluckiest individual in the world at the moment. Mustering what little strength he had, Ficksitup aggressively tore the shirt off of his chest. Hearing a few small rips, he was fairly certain that he pulled off a button or two. He didn’t care. He tossed the shirt onto the bed and opened the attic hatch, stumbled down the steps before slamming it shut.
Making his way downstairs, he made a quick pit stop in the bathroom on the second floor in high hopes that his uncle might have some pain relievers stashed away in there. He pushed the door open and strode into the depressingly small lavatory. With the bathtub, toilet, and sink taking up most of the already small amount of space, there wasn’t really a lot of standing room. Not to mention the fact that the dark olive colored wallpaper that covered all four walls was anything but attractive. It was, overall, a rather ugly bathroom. Then again, as far as Ficksitup could assume, his uncle wasn’t exactly keen on interior decorating. Though one could never tell with how well organized he kept his own office.
Mulling over that rather perplexing thought, Ficksitup stopped in front of the sink before raising his head and glancing into the mirror that hung directly over it. It was then that he realized how much of a toll that his exhaustion had taken on him. Potato sack-like bags hung underneath his eyes. His mane was sticking up in every direction, making him look like some sort of deformed porcupine, and for some reason, his cheek was smudged with dirt. He was a complete wreck and his still throbbing head wasn’t making it any better. Remembering what he had come in here to do, Ficksitup pulled open the mirror, which also served as small door for the small medicine cabinet that lay behind it, and scanned the contents inside. Thankfully, he found a small tube filled with pain relievers and removed it from the shelf. He popped two pills out of the tube before throwing his head back and swallowing them in one gulp. He turned on the sink and took a quick slurp of water to wash them down, using this also as an opportunity to wash his face. The splash of cold water on his cheeks and forehead felt unbelievably soothing. He scrubbed at his cheeks several times, making certain that he got rid of the dirt stain. Once he was satisfied, he turned the faucet off and grabbed a nearby towel, drying his face. So far, the sensation of cold water and soft cotton on his face were the only good things to have happened to him this morning. He hung the towel back on the rack and continued his trip downstairs.
When he finally reached the kitchen, all he could think about was filling his antsy stomach with food. That was where he was confronted with problem number two of his seemingly dire situation of an overall terrible morning. Sitting in a chair at the far end of the dining room table was his bespectacled father, Addemup, who at the moment, was busily scribbling numbers down on a piece of paper. Sensing his son’s presence, Addemup looked up from his work and flashed him a small cautious smile.
“Good morning, Ficksitup. Sleep well?”
Ficksitup gave him a short glare before stifling out a cranky ‘no’. Addemup’s smile faltered for a moment before returning to its original shape. He had a feeling his son wouldn’t be too idle for conversation in the morning, but for whatever reason, he felt a little more confident about talking to him now then he did last night.
Ficksitup made his way to the fridge, not making a sound the entire time, and pulled open the heavy metal door. As his son was rummaging through the contents, Addemup decided to use this as chance to start up the conversation again while he was distracted.
“So uh, Hammerplank filled me in a little last night.” He began, clearing his throat. “He told me you had a date with that mare from the farm at the edge of town.”
Ficksitup slammed the refrigerator door shut, making his father jump slightly. Addemup assumed that was the only answer he was going to get out of him, and from the sound of it, he could tell he had hit a touchy subject. As his son took a seat at the other end of the table, his makeshift breakfast laid out on the table, Addemup merely gave him a look of pity.
“I guess that didn’t go too well...”
Ficksitup gave him a sharp look. For a moment, Addemup regretted making that last remark.
“Gee how’d ya know?” Ficksitup asked with bitter sarcasm.
Deciding to play along rather than go against it, Addemup cleared his throat again before responding, “I had a hunch.”
“Wow you must be some sorta’ super genius if ya’ figured that out all out on yer own, Addem.” Fickistup sneered, refusing to let up on the sarcastic comments.
Apparently, playing along wasn’t going to work.
“Well... if it’s any consolation, I am sincerely sorry that it didn’t work out, Ficks. From what Hammerplank told me, this Applesmack girl sounded like a really nice catch for you.”
“Her name is AppleJACK!”
“Right. Applejack. Sorry. Still not too good with names it seems...”
“I don’t recall when ya ever were.”
So much for small talk... Addemup thought regretfully. He put his pencil down and removed his glasses. He pulled a small handkerchief out the pocket of the black pin-stripe vest he was wearing at the moment. As he began polishing his spectacles, he took the moment of silence to recollect his thoughts. On the bright side, at least his son wasn’t pressing on the matter that he was still here since he vividly recalled Ficksitup’s extremely threatening demand to leave last night. Addemup quickly considered if leaving would have in fact been for the better. Sleeping on the sofa in the lobby was certainly no easy feat. He just as easily could have gotten a room in the nearby hotel. But doing that would have just been a bigger temptation to leave town without getting through to his son at all. At least staying here in the shop gave Addemup more incentive to try and talk things over with Ficksitup. After all, he did have a very pressing matter of information to disclose to his son. It was just getting him to listen that was going to be the real challenge.
Noticing that company was rather scarce at the moment, Ficksitup began looking around curiously. It didn’t seem like anypony else was in the house at the moment.
“Where’s Nuttanbolt?” Ficksitup quietly asked.
“Already at school.” Addemup responded, still polishing his glasses.
Looking at the clock, Ficksitup grumbled at this new revelation. It was nearly noon, meaning that he’d slept in far longer than he had anticipated. Reading the negativity in his voice and facial expressions, Addemup gave a small forced chuckle.
“Hammerplank, was going to wake you up originally, but decided to let you sleep in instead. From the look of it, it doesn’t seem to have done you a lot of good anyway.”
“Where is he anyway?” Ficksitup asked, ignoring the last comment.
“In the shed around back. Said he was working on some old projects... Oh speaking of work.” Addemup said, his eyebrows perking up in remembrance, “Your uncle told me to make sure you got these...”
He got up from the table and grabbed a stack of small envelopes sitting on the kitchen counter. He gently placed the stack in front of his son. With a mouthful of food, Ficksitup inspected the stack of letters in front of him. There were a lot of them, which meant a lot of repair requests. Which meant of course that he had his work cut out for him today. Ficksitup shuddered at the last thought. He then gave his father a cynical look that seemed to say ‘Did you have to give these to me now?’
Sensing that his son was anything but impressed by the sudden workload dropped in front of him, Addemup merely shrugged his shoulders.
“I guess work never stops for heartbreaks, eh?.”
Ficksitup quickly gave him another sharp glare.
“Ya really are an ass sometimes. Ya know that, Addem?”
With that, Ficksitup got up from the table and stormed out of the dining room, not even bothering to clear away the mess he’d left from breakfast. Meanwhile, all Addemup could do was smack his own forehead in frustration. He didn’t mean to let that last comment slip, but it sort of came out anyway. If he was honestly trying to get his son to not hate him at the moment, he was failing miserably.
A few minutes later, Ficksitup came back into the dining room, now wearing his orange workers vest and his tool bag hanging on his back. He grabbed the stack of letters and stuffed them into one of the pockets before making his way towards the back door near the kitchen. As he was heading out, Addemup quickly made one last attempt to try and comfort his son before he headed off to work. The least he could do was try to give some fatherly advice about relationships. He’d been down that road before.
“Listen Ficksitup. I know you’re still upset about whatever it is that happened last night with this girl, but please... don’t let it get to you while you’re at work today. Just try to concentrate on your job or something and let this whole date thing go. I’m sure there are plenty of mares out there that you can date in the future. I guess this one was just a bad apple-”
Addemup slapped a hoof over his mouth, his eyes becoming as wide as saucers as he realized the unintentional pun he just made. 'Oh boy, here we go...'
Ficksitup reeled around, his entire face flustering with absolute rage. His cheeks were puffing out as he struggled to contain his anger. To no avail, he exploded in a flurry of words at his father.
“Ya know what, Addem? You can go jump off the nearest cliff for all I care! I don’t give one piece of manure about what you think!”
“Ficksitup. Please, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to say th-”
“No! Enough of yer damn apologies. I don’t have time for this. I have work to do.” Ficksitup shouted as he began storming out the door before he quickly turned around to make one last remark, “And yer one to talk about work. Seems to me like ya’d still lug yer work around rather than think about what yer gonna say before sayin’ it!”
Addemup gave him a perplexed look before he realized what his son was implying. He looked down at the small piece of paper that was still sitting on the table. He then turned back to face his son to attempt to explain.
“No, Ficksitup. That’s not work, that’s just a-”
Ficksitup slammed the door in his face before he could finish. Addemup let out a heavy sigh as he took another glance at the Sudoku puzzle sitting on the table. The eighty one square grid on the piece of paper was half finished with several single digit numbers littered across it. In a way, Addemup could sort of see why his son would have mistaken it for work. But in truth, it had nothing to do with his work profession at all. It was just a pastime of his that he enjoyed doing since he was a small colt.
Alas, it appeared that once again, Addemup had royally screwed up in trying to make even the most simple of conversation with his son.
“This is not going to be easy, is it?” he rhetorically questioned to himself.
***
Out on the groves of Sweet Apple Acres, the entire land was bustling with activity. With the Fall Harvest Festival finally over, the entire family was putting their noses to the grindstone, fully aware that the actual harvest was just around the corner. Between maintaining their reputation and overall devotion to the business, the Apple family made very sure to draw a fine line between work and play. Everypony knew full well that they would need all the help they can get to get the harvest done on time and in an orderly manner. Which was why the farm was teeming with energy as the apple workers scattered around like ants scavenging an abandoned picnic. Looking seemingly disorganized at a glance, they were in fact very robust and focused on their objective with only one thing on their minds. Apples.
Preparations needed to be made, teams needed to be formed to divide the labor evenly, equipment needed to be set up, and of course, the apples needed to be tested for ripeness. Of course those were just the actions that were being done as a prelude to the harvest. Picking, or in this case, bucking all of the apples was going to be the real challenge.
Far off on a hill near the far corner of the acres, Applebloom was lazily lounging in an apple barrel underneath a tree, attempting to catch a quick nap. Since the Apple Family had requested help from everypony, a few strings were pulled to excuse her from school for the week. Cheerilee, her teacher, made no objections of course in allowing Applebloom to cut school for several days based on family matters. Though she made certain that Applebloom didn’t shirk on her schoolwork either, sending her trotting home with a hearty stack of homework to do in her absence.
Though even with Applebloom now readily available to do her part, at the moment, there wasn’t anything she could do. She was too small to handle the heavy equipment, her organization skills were severely lacking to allow her to help with making the checklists or other related things, and she still wasn’t strong enough to buck apples on her own. Since she had no desire to do any of her assigned homework so early in the day, boredom was the only thing keeping her company.
She was jolted awake from her little snooze as she heard a loud crack emanate from the tree she was lying under. Another loud thud pierced her eardrums. She let out an irritated groan and pulled her bow down over her ears, trying to plug them up and drown out the sound. Another crack, hard enough for Applebloom to feel, rang out, echoing across the acres. A small apple shook loose from the tree and plummeted towards the ground. Missing its target, the red fruit hit Applebloom square in the face.
“OW!”
As she began gently caressing her throbbing snout, her sister, Applejack, poked her head out from behind the tree, smiling at her apologetically.
“Sorry ‘bout that ‘lil sis.”
Applebloom looked up at her, glaring, her nose now slightly red from where the red missile struck her.
“Do ya have to do this right now?” Applebloom asked, “I’m pretty sure they said the apples ain’t even ready to be harvested.”
“I know that” Applejack responded.
Applebloom began flailing her arms around, “Then why in the heck ya doin’ it now?”
Her older sister gave her a determined look before turning back to the tree, remembering what she was doing a moment ago.
“I’m just gettin’ in some practice” she said, giving the tree trunk another swift kick.
Applebloom merely rolled her eyes, “Yer always practicin’. Don’t ya ever get tired?”
“Nope”
The truth was that her legs were probably the sorest they had ever been in her life. Applebloom couldn’t see it, but from her hips all the way down to her hooves, Applejack’s body was quivering in agony. All the walking around she had done the previous night, combined with past few days that she had spent bucking trees the entire time, had pushed her body to its limits. The lack of sleep that she got also didn’t contribute too much in reducing her pain. Though of course, that was only one factor to her currently stressed out state...
Hanging the front of her body over the edge of the barrel, Applebloom let out a long sigh as her sister continued to buck relentlessly at the tree, obviously not getting the hint that she wanted peace and quiet. Letting boredom get the best of her, Applebloom decided to strike up conversation since a nap was now out of the question.
“So how’d the date with Ficks go?”
Applejack was so staggered by the question that she accidentally kicked the tree slightly harder than she had intended, causing some of the bark from the trunk to shatter before chipping off onto the ground.
“I uh... what?” she sheepishly asked, “Didn’t quite catch that.”
“I said...how did yer date with Ficks go?” Applebloom repeated.
“Why ya wanna’ know so badly?”
“Ya didn’t really say much about it when ya got home last night. Just thought I’d ask now.”
Applejack snorted in frustration, wishing that her younger sister hadn’t remembered the whole ordeal from last night. When she came home, she was doing everything she could to maintain her composure without completely breaking down in front of her family. They were eager to ask her about the date, but she quickly dismissed their questions by telling them she was tired and didn’t want to talk about it. Applejack figured that her grandmother and siblings knew there was more to it than that, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to be alone. It wasn’t until she finally made it to her room, quickly shutting the door behind her, that she finally collapsed on the floor before bursting into tears. Through blurry and soaked eyes, she realized she was still holding her grandfather’s old hat. The one she had given to Ficksitup. The one that caused this whole mess. Tossing it angrily across the room, she started weeping heavily again, burying her face in her arms.
Applejack couldn’t recall how long she stayed awake, sobbing into her pillow, but she was certain that she eventually cried herself to sleep. Quickly shaking her head in attempt to forget about all of it, she snapped back into the present and gave Applebloom an expressionless look.
“It was fine.”
Applebloom raised an eyebrow, a little put off by her older sister’s curious answer. She knew that she was lying. Everypony in the house that night could hear her in her room, crying for Celestia-knows how many hours. Applebloom was going to knock on her door and ask what was wrong, but her brother, Big Mac, stopped her at the last minute. He put a hoof on her shoulder and gave her one of those looks that he always makes that tells somepony exactly what he means without any need for words. The look he gave her that night was to leave Applejack alone and let it go. With any common sense, Applebloom assumed that bringing it up now would still be an inopportune moment. So deciding to be more cautious but without completely giving up her investigation, she decided to choose her questions a little more carefully.
“So is Ficks still gonna’ be helpin’ us out with the harvest this year?” Applebloom asked.
“I’m not sure.”
“Why not?”
“I told ya, I don’t know.”
“But I thought ya said he promised to help us?” Applebloom mock-whined.
Applejack jerked her head towards her little sister, glaring in annoyance. She was more than fed up with Applebloom’s pestering, “Well I guess he changed his mind!”
Applebloom flinched slightly, but was still satisfied that she was getting on the right track in finding out about what happened last night.
“So the date didn’t go well.”
“Whaa? I didn’t say that!” Applejack snapped, stunned by Applebloom’s conclusion even if it was true. Though she wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of having her figured out so easily.
“Then how come Ficks isn’t comin’ to help us out now?” she asked, knowing full well what she was getting into. She added one last question to help drive Applejack over the edge. “What did ya do to upset him?”
“I didn’t do anything!” Applejack shouted
Applebloom simply shook her head, giving her sister a look of false concern. “It was yer cutie mark, wasn’t it? He just didn’t like yer cutie mark.”
“That ain’t it! If anything, it’s all his fault!” Applejack finally yelped.
“Aha! So ya admit it. The date did go badly!” Applebloom jeered victoriously.
All Applejack could do was give her sister an unforgiving glare. She hated how nosy Applebloom tended to be sometimes as well as her uncanny ability to find out about the truth, no matter how hard somepony tried to hide it. Children did seem to have that sort of ambition when it came to getting involved in things that had nothing to do with them. An ambition, that Applejack had become all too aware of in her little sister’s case.
“Fine. So maybe it did. Doesn’t mean I wanna’ talk about it.”, Applejack finally responded.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t, Applebloom. And because it ain’t any of yer business.”
“But I wanna’ know what happened.” Applebloom whined. She was certain that she could get a few more tidbits of information if she pressed a little harder on the subject.
“Dangit, Applebloom!” Applejack finally snapped, “I told ya it’s none of yer business and that’s final!” She spun around and gave the tree another swift kick in the center of its trunk. With a loud thump followed by a long groan, the tree tilted slightly. There were now two hoof-shaped dents implanted in the trunk where Applejack kicked it. The tree was also bent to the side from the impact. Another sharp kick like that and it was sure to break.
Applebloom cowered back into the harvesting barrel. Perhaps she pressed a little too hard. Her older sister stood there silently, her breath heavy, and beads of sweat now running down her forehead. That last kick as well as finally snapping at her little sister had consumed the last of Applejack’s energy. She was completely worn out. She angrily brushed past her sister and stormed down the hill. She’d done enough work for today. All she wanted now was to rest her legs and regain a fraction of the sleep she had lost last night. Though Applejack doubted she would be very successful in getting any sleep now. Applebloom’s rather ill-timed reminder of the date had put her in a funk that wasn’t going to be very easy to liberate herself from.
As she made her way to the bottom of the hill, Applejack was suddenly overshadowed by an enormous figure. She reeled around to see her older brother, Big Mac, standing at her side and giving her a curious look.
“Not now, Big Macintosh.” Applejack glumly sighed. She attempted to brush past him, but he stuck one of his massive red hooves out in front of her, blocking her path. He gave her another concerned expression.
“Come on sis. Tell me.” Big Mac gently commanded.
Applejack became flustered with agitation again. She was officially fed up with everypony being concerned for her and asking stupid questions about the date. “I already told Applebloom about this n’ the same thing goes fer you brother. I... don’t... wanna... talk about it.”
Big Mac merely let out a small sigh. He forgot time to time how stubborn she could be. In this situation, she was no different. However, he had his ways of bypassing her seemingly impenetrable wall of obstinacy.
“Alright then...” he said, tilting his head until several of the joints in his neck cracked loudly, “ Guess I’ll have a talk with Ficks myself. Sure he’ll be willin’ to tell me what’s goin’ on.”
Applejack detected the threatening tone in his voice and felt a pang of fear and concern for Ficksitup. For a moment she couldn’t tell if he was joking or actually being serious. For as long as she’d known him, she’d never seen Big Mac raise a hoof at anypony. But when it came to protecting his little sisters, she figured that rearranging the anatomy of somepony else was fully within reason.
“No wait! Big Mac, please. Don’t hurt him.” Applejack yelped, pushing herself towards him, trying to prevent him from walking any further. Big Mac looked down at her, giving her a quizzical look.
“What’s the problem?”
“I... I don’t...”
Even Applejack was slightly taken aback by what she just said. She had every reason to hate Ficksitup right now, even Rarity too. Afterall, it was the two of them who had been gallivanting behind her back. At least that’s what Spike had said. As much as she didn’t want to believe anything that dragon had to say, the evidence still seemed to point towards the same conclusion. Or at least it had when she was in the throes of some fiery, disputable and unknowable paranoia. But when her brother threatened most likely to bring physical harm to Ficksitup, she still couldn’t help but express general concern for him.
“You... what?” Big mac asked.
“I... Ya’ don’t need to do that.” Applejack finally stammered.
Big Mac let out a long sigh, “Alright then.”
She exhaled in relief, slightly assured that her older brother wasn’t about to go on a mini-rampage throughout the town to find the blue stallion. Still, she could tell that Big Mac had questions. Questions she would rather have left unanswered. But at the same time, these were questions that Applejack didn’t know whether she could answer honestly herself. Judging her previous statement as well as the obvious fact that she was currently conflicted with herself, Big Mac spoke up again.
“So y’aint mad at him?”
She was a little taken aback by the question, “Wha? Of course I am. I mean...” she hesitated slightly with her answer, “I mean, why shouldn’t I be? He’s the one who was goin’ behind my back and doin’... Celestia knows what with one’a my best friends.”
Big Mac stood there, silently brooding over his sister’s answer. He didn’t show any expression of somepony in deep thought, just standing there with a blank face while he stared out at nothing. It was one of the things that frustrated Applejack about her brother, immensely. She knew when he got like that, Big Mac was thinking hard about something, but she could never guess what it was.
Eventually he spoke again, “Sounds t’me like ya don’t have the whole story.”
Applejack opened her mouth to interject, but stopped herself once the words had really sunk in. Maybe she didn’t know the whole story...
“I’m just not sure what I can believe right now Big Mac.” she replied dejectedly.
He nodded before continuing, “Then ya oughta think it over before ya cause irreparable damage.”
“What’re ya’ say-”
“He may be a mechanic sis... but there are some things that even he can’t fix.”
Those last few words hit her the hardest. Applejack was suddenly swarming with a mixture of doubt, guilt, and fear. Doubt that the accusations from Spike were in fact, not true. Guilt that she may have been the one who caused all of this. And fear that she may have lost, not one, but two of her best friends.
She was so lost in thought, that all she could let out was a barely audible, “Okay.”
Applejack then trotted away towards the house, leaving Big Mac with a shred of satisfaction that he may have actually helped his sister with her emotional turmoil. That, or he just made it worse. He couldn’t tell. What he did know, as he began making his way towards the front gate of the acres, was that there was still one last thing he needed to handle... personally.
***
Ficksitup left the house of his last customer, wishing them a pleasant afternoon as he shut the door. As he counted the last few bits from the payment, he let out a long sigh of relief.
“Finally done.” he muttered as he tossed the bits into his saddle bag.
The sun was well on its way to setting in the distance, leaving little time before nightfall. The number of jobs that Ficksitup had been given today hadn’t been exactly any sort of challenge and could have easily been finished much sooner. But he had decided to take certain precautions that inevitably caused delays. Ficksitup had made sure to stay clear of the marketplace as well as not even looking in the general direction of Sweet Apple Acres. He had taken extra care to stay clear of Rarity’s boutique. He had no desire to speak to her today and was certain that the feeling was mutual. Among the stack of envelopes, Ficksitup had even received a letter, requesting volunteer assistance towards helping to break down and deconstruct the rides and attractions from the festival, which he kindly declined. The last place he wanted to be was at the fairgrounds.
Ficksitup’s body had been worn out by the day’s labor, if the physical strain wasn’t enough, the emotional and mental strain of Addemup’s presence in the shop made his hooves feel like they were encased in cement. He could take pride in one thing though; that he had put in a good day’s work, and that was enough to put a smile on his face.
His plan was simple, to get from the door to his soft warm bed without too much distraction and fuss. The thought of being able to unload the day’s stress as his body hit the bed put a small smirk on his face, and a little spring in his steps.
With his new goal in mind, Ficksitup began to proceed towards the shop. Confident that nopony would halt his progress, he rapidly picked up the pace until he was in full gallop. Darting past the houses in town, everything was a blur as he hastily closed the distance between him and his abode. He could see the roof of the repair shop appearing over the horizon. It wasn’t much farther.
“Almost there,” Ficksitup wheezed. A few seconds more and he’d be home free. As he climbed over the horizon, he could see that familiar shop come into view. What he didn’t see, however, was the large figure that stood in his path. His eyes dilated, and he dug his hooves deep into the dirt road in a feeble attempt to slow himself down. It wasn’t enough.
For a moment, he believed that he’d impacted a brick wall. That guess wasn’t far off, at least comparing how hard his hit was, or that light shade of maroon. However, Ficksitup realized it wasn’t a wall when it heard breathing heavily. Adjusting to the low light, he look upward at what he just hit. When their eyes met, his heart stopped. Big “Mac” Macintosh. The cold, unwavering glare that came from him was enough to drain the color from Ficksitup’s face.
“Oh no...” He gasped, still trying to catch his breath.
“Get up” Big Mac’s booming voice commanded. His voice bellowed through the air and even vibrated through Ficksitup’s smaller frame. Ficksitup cowered and backed away, visibly shaking. Big Mac intensified his stare, “I said... get up.” the red pony commanded. How he was able to have such a loud commanding voice without yelling, Ficksitup will never understand.
In an instant, Ficksitup snapped to attention even though his body was still visibly shaking, he dare not move an inch.
Big Mac nodded in approval as he took a step closer, Ficksitup couldn’t move, his hooves felt as though they were bolted to the earth below.
“You’ve got a lot of explainin’ to do,” Big Mac proclaimed, leaning down leaving his face not but an inch and a half from Ficks’. The combined size and done of the larger stallion was more than enough to intimidate Ficksitup, and he was barely able to croak a response. “O...Okay.”
‘One leg’ Ficks recalled. That memory of the halved oak tree, felled by none other than the maroon pony that stood before him at this moment. If he could do that with his hind legs, there was no telling what would happen to Ficks, if Big Mac was given the chance.
When Big Mac’s retracting hoof was sighting, Ficks shut his eyes to keep from seeing the pain that was about to be inflicted upon him. Instead, he shaked a bit, and opened a single eye to see Big Mac had slammed his hoof down on the ground beneath them. “I guess you’re here t’make good on that promise, ain’t’cha Big Mac,” Ficksitup said in a rather defeated tone
“I’m here to hear the whole story ‘fore I do anythin’.” Big Macintosh said in a calm and collected tone.
“You... Wait, you what?”
“Applejack wasn’t too keen on tellin’ anypony what went wrong, and I know y’aint dumb enough to do somethin’ that bad. She can be, and is, a mite stubborn at times. What happened?” he questioned.
“So... You’re not here to-”
“If I were here to hurt’ya, I’da done it by now, wouldn’t I? Don’t think I ain’t willing to do to you what’cha did to m’little sister’s heart. An’ if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s Applejack bein’ in some sorta distress. She don’t cry unless it’s somethin’ well worth cryin’ about.”
“Wait, cry-... I... shoot... I deserve a punch just for that alone...” Ficks said glumly, hardly able to make eye contact with his all but adopted big brother.
“Just come out with it, Ficksitup.” Big Macintosh said, setting a hoof on his shoulder. Ficksitup did not expect that motion of comfort.
“...Y’ain’t mad..?” Ficksitup asked, truly baffled.
“Heck yes I am Ficks. But I’m willin’ t’hear your side of the story.” Big Macintosh said in his ever comforting, contemplative tone.
“Last night... last night was frankly the best night’a my life...until the end, that is,” Ficks began. “We held hooves, played a few games, and, well, we kissed. You ever kissed a gir- silly question, don’t answer. But’cha know? You get kinda’ lost in that.” It hurt saying that, having to recall their embrace, a feeling of pain...but also one of pleasure. No matter what happened, no matter what was said, it was a memory he’d never dare to forget.
“Mac, I treated her to the best night I possibly could. I...” Ficks said, stopping himself.
Big Macintosh raised an eyebrow, as if to inquire further. Ficksitup gave his next few words some serious thought. If he said the wrong thing again, it could end up going even worse than last night. If he said the right thing, it may still go poorly. ‘...No... Ain’t a doubt in my mind about that...’ Ficksitup thought, finally deciding what his next few words would be.
“I love her, Mac. I swear on my name and by Celestia, I love that girl. She can think whatever she wants’a me but I love her. I didn’t realize it at first when I came but after that party thrown at Sugarcube Corner. After... after that night I couldn’t think of anypony else and I didn’t want to.” It was hard to tell, but Ficksitup could almost see a softening in Big Mac’s furrowed brow.
“...Then tell me honestly Ficks. Did’ya go behind her back with somepony else?”
Ficksitup stared Big Macintosh dead in the eyes with the straightest expression he could muster.
“...No. Course not.” Ficksitup said earnestly.
There was a short, tense silence between the two stallions. Big Macintosh sighed as he put a hoof to his face before slowly dragging it down.
“You better not make me regret this, Ficksitup. Y’got one last chance. One. Last. Chance. My sisters are all the family I got, and I’d put m’self in front of a train rather than let’em get hurt. But you understand, don’cha?” Big Macintosh commented, making an obvious remark regarding Ficksitup’s duty to Nuttanbolt.
“Yeah, I get that... Thanks for that...and for not breakin’ my legs.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” Big Macintosh said with a grin, maintaining a serious tone. He turned his back, and walked back to the farm.
Oddly enough, it didn’t hurt as much to see the farm anymore. Granted, it wasn’t the most pleasant sight, and he was going to avoid it...but still. It didn’t hurt as much. Ficksitup gathered enough courage to finally walk back home and face his father with what he needed to say. It wasn’t very long before he was at home once more. As he entered, Ficksitup removed his vest and attempted to remove his hat before he realized it was, again, not there.
‘...That ain’t the only thing I’mma try to get back...’ he thought, proceeding into the kitchen. Once again, he was met with his father’s rather overbearing presence... but it wasn’t just him. Hammerplank was also patiently sitting with an... Unreadable expression.
Trying his best to avoid the company currently occupying the dining room table, Ficksitup made his way for the stairs. Even with the recent conversation he’d just had with Big Mac still running through his mind, the desire for sleep still prodded at his aching body. Shuffling quietly across the floor, he was an inch away from the staircase before he heard a voice call to him from the kitchen.
“Ficksitup?”, the voice gently asked.
He halted before he could even place a hoof on the first step. His right ear twitched slightly as he heard a chair sliding across the ground and the shuffling of somepony getting up as well as hoofsteps marching towards him. Turning around slowly, Ficksitup watched as his father, Addemup, came striding out of the kitchen and pausing right behind him.
Wanting to ignore him but still too tired to simply object, Ficksitup let out a small, lifeless answer.
“Yeah?”
“Uh, how was work?” his father asked eagerly.
“Fine.”
“Oh... well, that’s good then. Glad to hear everything went well.” Addemup said meagerly. The impression that his son wasn’t in the mood for talking to him was fairly clear but he still felt obligated to try conversing with him.
“If you don’t mind, Addem, I’m really tired so I’m going to bed.” Ficksitup said, letting out a yawn to emphasize, “We’ll talk tomorrow or somethin’.”
“Yeah that’s... fine.” his father responded glumly, “Hope you get some well deserved rest.”
Ficksitup merely nodded in response as he began making his way up the stairwell. Addemup turned around looking at Hammerplank, who was peering from the doorway of the kitchen. He gave his brother a puzzled look, wondering what had happened. Addemup lowered his head before shaking it disappointingly. Hammerplank slapped a hoof over his face and sighed heavily. He then gave Addemup a determined look, brows firmly folded over his eyes, as he pointed a hoof at his brother and then pointed it towards the stairwell. Addemup shrugged in confusion, one eyebrow raised. Hammerplank hung his head over his shoulders, letting out another exasperated sigh. He almost wanted to slam his forehead into the wall because of how daft Addemup was being. He then repeated the motion with his hoof, more sharply than before. Again, Addemup simply shrugged in response, completely unaware of what his brother was trying to imply.
Hammerplank finally stomped his hoof in anger.
“Go talk to him, ya moron!”
Addemup reeled back, slightly startled by his brother’s outburst. But Hammerplank was right; he had something he needed to talk to his son about, and allowing Ficksitup to delay it again and again like this wasn’t going to get it sorted out any sooner. Giving Hammerplank an adhering salute, Addemup stumbled up the stairs to go after his son.
He reached the attic door and stopped for a moment. He took a few deep breaths before he lightly tapped his hoof on the door. Ficksitup’s weary voice bellowed through the attic floor.
“Come in.”
Addemup pushed the door open with his head, almost brushing his spectacles off in the process, and stepped into the attic. Ficksitup was standing next to his bed, having just tossed his orange vest and tool bag in a corner.
“I’ve never actually seen your room here. Hope you don’t mind the intrusion.” Addemup said, stumbling with his words. It still felt like being in the house at all was intruding.
Ficksitup would have minded, but he was still too tired to object. He merely gave his father a quick glance before continuing on with whatever it was he was in the middle of doing. Addemup took the opportunity to take in his surroundings. The room seemed so small for a stallion of Ficksitup’s age. It reminded him of the previous living conditions that he had endured himself during his early days in Manehatten. Cramped, dark, only a few bits of furniture, and next to no sources of light. The only room left was for the few personal affections that one would have brought along.
On that thought, Addemup’s attention was drawn to the small nightstand next to the bed and the contents resting upon it. The frame containing the photograph of both Ficksitup and his wife as well as the pot of jasmines sitting next to the frame. Addemup couldn’t help but let a small smile form across his lips.
“Heh, I remember the day we took this.” Addemup proclaimed as Ficksitup turned around to see what he was looking at, “You were so excited that day because it was the first time we took you to that park.”
Ficksitup concentrated on the small frame, vividly recollecting the memories from that day. Since he’d been born, he had never left Manehatten before. It had been his first chance to actually leave the city. The park was on the outskirts, where it lay among a vast open field of grass and trees. In the middle, past several park benches and a small playground, was a large oak tree on small hill. That was where they had decided to pose for the picture that now nestled in the wooden frame.
“Yeah, I remember that.” Ficksitup murmured. A delicate smile flashed across his face, unable to resist reminiscing in a positive manner over the fond memories of when they had all been an actual family. “You planned that picture, or was it just spontaneous?”
“What? You think I just carried a camera around with me all day for manure and giggles?” Addemup responded, letting out a light chuckle.
Ficksitup smiled and replied, “No, I guess not.”
It was at that moment that something had happened, something that hadn’t occurred in a very long time. A moment where father and son could share a fond memory together and even enjoy the humor from it. It was a brief moment, but nonetheless, a moment that made Addemup feel ten times happier than he’d ever been.
Addemup turned his attention towards the nightstand again, more specifically, towards the second object resting upon it. The small pot of jasmines.
“Ahhh, I see you still remember these were her favorite.” he said, bending his neck down so his face was level with the pot. He inhaled deeply, letting the sweet scent of the small white flowers flow through his nostrils. The scent was still very strong, meaning that they were fresh and therefore couldn’t have been bought more than a few days ago.
“I could never forget.” Ficksitup replied, almost taking pride in his devotion to preserve his mother’s memory. “I picked those up while I was getting the flowers for Applejack.”
Addemup could sense the bitterness in those last few words. He casually placed a hoof on his son’s shoulder before giving him an empathetic look.
“You two really were an item, weren’t you?”
“Yeah, we were...”
There was a slight pause before Addemup continued, “Listen Ficksitup, I really am sorry that things didn’t work out for the two of you. From what your uncle told me, you two were becoming practically inseparable... and I know that’s what makes it the most difficult.”
Ficksitup merely nodded, feeling particularly indifferent about the entire thing now because of the conversation he’d just had with Big Macintosh. As it stood, the situation between him and Applejack was no longer in dire jeopardy. Still, he had to take into account that he’d only figured this out recently and couldn’t expect his father to be caught up just yet. At least Addemup seemed to be actually caring for once...
“Hmm now that I think about it...” Addemup muttered. He began pondering, rubbing a hoof under his chin. Like cogs and gears clicking and turning in his head, he was brainstorming for just the right thing to say.
“Relationships...” he paused again, “Relationships are kind of like combining like terms in an algebraic expression.”
Ficksitup did a double take, completely thrown off by what his father just said.
“I’m sorry, what?” Ficksitup asked.
“Yeah.” Addemup continued, “You see, in order to combine two like terms in an expression, those two terms need to have matching variables. Therefore, if the variables match up, the terms can be combined to form a new term, which creates a new simplified expression.”
Ficksitup could feel his left eye twitch as he continued to stare at his father in bewilderment. Addemup stared at him enthusiastically, ensuring that he was still paying attention. Like a professor in lecture, he adjusted his spectacles and cleared his throat before continuing.
“Now, however... if the terms do not have matching variables, then it is impossible to combine them, meaning that the terms are simply non compatible.”
Addemup finished his explanation with a satisfactory grin upon his face. 'There isn’t a problem in the world that can’t be explained with mathematics', he thought to himself happily. It wasn’t just the fact that he had confidence in the trade that pretty much made up his entire life since colt-hood. It was also the plain and simple fact that he had no other way of expressing himself in a better way than with numbers and equations. Either way, he was sure of himself that his rather uncanny explanation of his son’s situation was enough to show that he did indeed care.
Ficksitup was at a complete loss for words. He didn’t understand a single thing that Addemup had just said.
“What the hay does any of that even mean?” he stammered.
The smile faded from Addemup’s face. Every now and then, he had the tendency to forget that not everypony had a critical understanding of mathematics like he did. His son was no exception. It still frustrated him that Ficksitup wasn’t getting it, but he was not about to give up.
“What I’m trying to say...” Addemup began, “...is that you and Applejack may have come together to form an expression, but your variables didn’t match up. Which means you two simply weren’t compatible together.”
“Do you mean...?” Ficksitup faltered.
“Yes, you and Applejack just weren’t meant to be together.”
Ficksitup had humored his father by listening to him this long, but with that final remark, he was in no mood to listen any longer.
“Just who in the hay do ya’ think you are, tellin’ me who I am or ain’t meant to be with?” Ficksitup demanded in the same hostile tone that he’d used with his father the previous night.
“Ficksitup, wait. I didn’t mean t-” Addemup attempted to respond, but Ficksitup wasn’t going to let him finish.
“No. This is exactly what I’m talkin’ about.” Ficksitup began, “Ya’ disappear from our lives for several years and then ya show up and act like ya know everything about me... like ya’ actually care.”
“But son, you and Nuttanbolt left me all those years ago. Remember?” Addemup corrected, attempting to insert a little logic into the conversation.
Ficksitup put a hoof up, about to retort with another snappy remark before he hesitated, realizing that his father wasn’t wholly wrong.
“Yeah, that may be... b-but not once... not once did you even try to stop us. Not once did you ever try to find us and bring us home. Ya’ just let us walk away, like ya’ didn’t care.” Ficksitup responded defensively.
“I know I didn’t Ficks.” Addemup said, “But it’s not because I didn’t care; it’s because I knew you wanted to leave and I respected your choice to do so.”
“Sounds more like an excuse to me...” Ficksitup grumbled.
“And what exactly was I supposed to do?” Addemup asked, “Make you stay with me, where it was painfully obvious that you were unhappy?”
The question was so upfront that Ficksitup was completely thrown off again. Despite his relentless bombardment of disdain and contempt towards his father, Addemup still produced a sound argument that couldn’t be disagreed with or denied. Regardless, Ficksitup’s defiant attitude showed no sign of letting up.
“Well, maybe we wouldn’t have left if ya hadn’t made us so miserable in the first place.”
That remark finally pushed Addemup over the edge. His eyes burned behind his spectacles with a fire that hadn’t been lit in a very long time. It was a transformation that was like a mad scientist turning into an abomination from something going horribly wrong in his lab. In the blink of an eye, Addemup went from being a timid broken father to an assertive and unrelenting power of authority.
“Dammit, son! If you’d stop being so headstrong for one second, I might actually have a chance to explain myself!”
His voice was loud and heavy as it filled the entire room. The floorboards seemed to shudder in fear from his outburst. For a moment, even Ficksitup was speechless. Only for a moment.
“Well I-” Ficksitup began.
“No! That’s enough out of you for one night. You’re going to shut up and listen now.” Addemup shouted. He’d already snapped and he wasn’t going to get another chance to speak his mind, even if it was this way, “I don’t see either of you for five years, I come here to finally explain myself, and what do you do? You slam the door in my face!”
Ficksitup stared in absolute disbelief. He could hardly believe that the stallion bearing down upon him was the same one a minute ago.
“I-”
“You have every right to be mad at me, Ficks. I know I screwed things up as your father and no amount of apologizing will ever fix that... but when you don’t even give me the chance to explain myself... that hurts. It breaks my damn heart.”
A sliver of tears began to run down Addemup’s face. Ficksitup continued to remain silent.
“Letting you and Nuttanbolt leave all those years ago was the second biggest mistake of my life. Dear Celestia, if I could go back in time and stop you, I would have!”
The tears were now flowing down past his neck, his spectacles were fogged up, and his words were becoming more slurred as he attempted to keep his disposition and not completely break down.
“You say I don’t care about you. You say I don’t want you and Nuttanbolt back in my life... but that’s not even remotely true! You’re my son... I love you. I’d never abandon you.”
Addemup strode over and wrapped his arms around his son. Completely stunned by what just happened, Ficksitup stood absolutely still as Addemup placed his head over his shoulder. He listened as his father quietly wept, the tears running down his back as they dripped away from his glasses. Ficksitup could feel his grip tighten around his shoulders and neck but continued to remain still. It wasn’t painful or suffocating. It just felt... desperate, like his father was trying to squeeze out all the locked up emotions that Ficksitup had kept buried away for so many years. Ficksitup could feel his chest tightening as he too attempted to fight back tears now forming in his eyes. He couldn’t fathom why they were coming, they just were. He hated it, he didn’t want to forgive him. But with his father finally here, acknowledging him for the first time again in over five years, it brought comfort to him as well.
“I’m so sorry, son. I’m so, so, sorry I did this to you.” Addemup whispered.
Ficksitup slowly raised a hoof and placed it over his father’s shoulder, returning the gesture in kind as the tears began running down his cheeks.
“I’m sorry too... dad.” Ficksitup whispered softly.
The two of them continued to stand there in silence, arms wrapped around each other, with only their quiet sobbing filling the attic. After five years of not speaking to each other, with only hate keeping them apart, this one moment, this one gesture... made up for all of that.
A few minutes passed before Addemup finally relinquished his grip. He let out a few short grunts as he cleared his throat, pulling a handkerchief out of his vest to which he used to wipe his now damp spectacles.
“I’ll admit...” he said, wiping his eyes with the cloth, “It’s nice to be able to cry like that again, I haven’t done it in awhile.”
“Yeah.” Fickstiup replied with a weak smile, wiping an arm across his face, “You always were a big softie.”
Addemup managed to let out a small chuckle. He offered his now soaked hankerchief to Ficksitup, which he kindly refused. Addemup stuffed the handkerchief back in his vest and placed his glasses upon his snout once more, adjusting them until they were positioned correctly. Blinking several times, he turned his attention towards Ficksitup.
“Well then, now that that’s settled... I was hoping I could finally talk to you about why I’m here.” Addemup addressed, regaining the calm and collected disposition he had a moment ago.
“Oh yeah, right.” Ficksitup responded, a little surprised at first that Addemup had brought it up so abruptly, “If I remember, ya’ said it had something to do with mom?”
Addemup did not respond right away, but eventually, he gave Ficksitup a short nod. He gestured Ficksitup to have a seat on the bed. Doing so, Addemup followed afterwards, taking a seat next to him. Addemup cleared his throat one last time before continuing.
“Son, do you remember ten years ago, the day your little brother, Nuttanbolt, was born?”
The question was so simple, yet so painful to answer. It was a memory that Ficksitup had done his absolute best to shut out. Yet, here it was once more, staring him in the face.
“Of course I do.” Ficksitup answered slowly, “That was the day that mom...”
“And do you remember what I said to you in the hospital?” Addemup interrupted.
Ficksitup took a moment to think about which part of that day his father was trying to make him recall. Then it dawned on him...
***
Ficksitup sat in the chair with eager excitement, just down the hall from the operating room where his mother was. He could hardly believe it, he was finally going to have a little brother. He remembered how excited he had been when his dad told him too. Ficksitup wondered if his little brother was going to look just like him. If he did, then Ficksitup wanted to teach to him to be just like himself. He would show him how to use tools and they could fix things together.
He couldn’t wait to get back to Ponyville and tell Applejack too. Ficksitup was sad that he had to leave Sweet Apple Acres and her behind to go with his dad and come here but he was happy at the same time, since he knew that he was finally going to have a younger sibling. He knew Applejack would understand. Afterall, he did promise to come back someday. Maybe he could bring his little brother with next time. He held the cowboy hat that Applejack gave him in his hooves, squeezing it tightly in anticipation.
The clock on the wall across from him ticked on. He watched the minute hand rotate around and around endlessly. It seemed like forever. Every now and then, Ficksitup would get up from the chair and walk down the hall towards the double doors that led to the operating room. He wanted to go inside but his dad specifically told him he was not allowed inside. Something about getting in the doctor’s way, but Ficksitup didn’t buy it. His dad probably just wanted to see his newborn brother first.
Hours passed by. Ficksitup had fallen asleep on the chair, curled up in a little ball, still gripping the hat in his hooves. Suddenly his ears pricked up as he heard the doors open up down the hall. His eyes shot open. He lept out of the chair, his hat falling to the floor. He ran over to the doors, just as the doctor was stepping out. He had a very solemn look on his face, one that confused Ficksitup greatly. The doctor stood there quietly, before finally noticing Ficksitup. His blank expression turned into a frown as he placed a hoof on Ficksitup’s shoulders.
“I’m sorry kid...”
With that, he walked down the hall and disappeared behind another set of double doors. Ficksitup shrugged it off and pushed his way through the doors in front of him. Finally, he arrived in the operating room. There were monitors and and trays filled with shiny tools everywhere. At the far end of the room, there was a small white crib sitting against the bleach white walls. Ficksitup walked over and looked inside. Wrapped up in a sky blue blanket, eyes closed, was a small colt. Ficksitup’s eyes grew wide with excitement. He finally had a baby brother. He turned around, finally noticing his father on the other side of the room. He was sitting at the side of the bed where his mom was resting.
“Mom! Dad! He’s here, he’s here. My little brother is finally here!” Ficksitup cheered.
His dad didn’t move or even turn his head. He continued to stare at the bed where Ficksitup’s mother lay. Ficksitup tilted his head in confusion. He walked over to his dad and placed a hoof on his back. His dad flinched slightly at Ficksitup’s touch.
“Dad, didn’t you see? My little brother is-”
“I know, son.” Addemup interrupted. From where Ficksitup stood he could now see that tears were running down his face.
For some odd reason, it scared him. Ficksitup placed a hoof on the bed, nudging his mother’s side.
“Mom. Why is dad crying? He should be happy right now, I have a little brother.”
There was no response. Her eyes were closed, her golden mane covering one side of her face which was void of any expression.
Ficksitup nudged at her side again. “Mom? Mom what’s wrong?”
Again, no response.
Now Ficksitup really was scared. He looked to his father in desperation.
“Dad! What’s wrong why won’t she say anything?”
Addemup fought back another wave of tears as he took a deep breath and placed a hoof on his son’s shoulder.
“Your mom’s just asleep right now, son.”
The answer didn’t sit well with Ficksitup, at all. He tugged at his father’s vest trying to get him to look him in the eye.
“She needs to wake up. She has to see my new brother.” Ficksitup yelped.
Addemup began sobbing again, “Your mother isn’t going to wake up, Ficksitup.”
For whatever reason, that response scared Ficksitup the most. He didn’t understand at all. He just wanted her to wake up and see how happy he was about his little brother. He began pushing at her side again.
“Mom! Come on mom, wake up!” Ficksitup was now crying, his tears dripping upon the bed, soaking the bed sheets.
“Please mom!” Ficksitup sobbed, “Wake up, wake up, you need to wake up!”
***
Ficksitup shuddered for a moment as the pain from the memory receded. He stared at his hooves, which were still trembling slightly before he looked up at his father again.
“Yeah, I remember.” Ficksitup replied, “Why?”
Addemup swallowed heavily, adjusting his glasses, and tugged on his vest. He was always fidgety when he was nervous.
“Well you see...” he started, “I know what I said to you that day made you understand that your mother was gone...”
“Of course.” Ficksiutp agreed, “ I know I was just a little kid then and didn’t fully understand what was goin’ on. But I get it now.”
“No that’s not it, Ficksitup.” Addemup said, removing his glasses and placing them in the front pocket of his vest, “I... Wasn’t completely honest with you that night...”
Ficksitup gave his father a look of great concern. He had no clue what Addemup was going to say and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to hear it.
“What are you saying, dad?”
Addemup looked Ficksitup straight in the eyes, not turning away once.
“Your mother isn’t dead...”
Ficksitup’s eyes expanded instantaneously as the words left his father’s mouth.
“...She’s still alive.”
To our most faithful and dedicated readers,
I’m not even going to begin to attempt to excuse the immeasurable delay for the release of this chapter. And I know what you’re thinking, “A whole lot of time for just another cliffhanger, geez guys come on.” Well, yeah, you’d be right to think that. Regardless, we ask that you trust us and realize that there is indeed a reason to our madness.
Either way, we've been through a lot of troubled times while developing this fiction, both personally and story-related. There are too many factors to count that caused us to put this off (most of it my own fault); but understand that we have not abandoned Apples N Wrenches, not by a long shot. No matter the cause, this story is going to have an ending... one way or another.
To those that have stuck with us this far, you guys are beyond awesome. It is truly a heartwarming thought to know that there are still readers out there who await the conclusion of one OC’s tale in a much larger and better known world. For that, we are eternally grateful and will continue to cherish the support you have given us. Again... thank you.
-Tom
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StarmanTheta
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Snails,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Helix Aspersa
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Snails admires his secret bug collection while reminiscing on his life and passions.
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<p>On a schoolday afternoon, Snails admires the one thing that fills him with joy; his secret bug collection in the shed behind his house. As he attends it he thinks back on his life and cutie mark and has to wonder; who else would appreciate his passion?</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-16T16:48:49+00:00
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2011-09-16T16:48:49+00:00
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Snails set the pail down on the path and moved his jaw about to soothe the soreness from carrying it around. He looked about him to triple check that he was alone; nothing save the worn stones on the path with grass and dandelions poking out from cracks here and there, a pail full of vegetable sand a few odd plants that Snails had picked up, and, of course, the tool shed, with one dusty window, a warped wooden door, and a roof in bad need of re-shingling. The ache receded, and the brown unicorn carefully bit down on the pail’s handle and carried it over to the shed’s door. He gave the area a once-over one more time, then closed his eyes and concentrated. His horn began to spark, and with some straining he cracked the door open just wide enough to put his hoof in the gap, then pushed the door open, entered the shed, and closed the door as slowly as he could—not quietly, the hinges squealed anyway.
The inside of the shed was dim, with only the light from the window coming in, catching the dust motes. It was still lit well enough for Snails to make out the spider web strung across the shelves in the corner, the small hole along the wall to the right where the ants could get in, the cracked seal on the window where the lady bugs and all sorts of things came in, and, of course, the boxes in the corner on top of an old dusty trunk, one smaller than the other. Not that Snails needed light to know where everything was; he could find it blindfolded and spun around three times.
He laid the pail down on the corner of the trunk gingerly then sat on the floor and sighed. The dusty smell and the silence were almost intoxicating. Not like anything he could get at home or anywhere else in Ponyville, except maybe at the library the few times he could go there on Sunday afternoons and it was vacant. Any other day there were too many people and it bothered him, not just because he wanted to be alone but they always gave him weird looks when he poured through the entomology texts, even Ms. Cheerilee the one time he saw her there. But despite all the books, the library paled in comparison to this shed because it lacked—
“Insects!” Mom would say, furiously swinging a broom at some corner of his room. “Always with the insects! Didn’t I tell you I don’t want those disgusting things in my house?” And he would reply, “Yes, Mom,” as straight as he could and she would say “And I told you to stop showing them to the foals at school, you know no filly wants to see those nasty pests!” And he would reply, “Yes, Mom,” while averting his eyes.
If only this were his room. He looked up at the web and saw the spider resting in it, making a move here and there but staying still for the most part. He smiled and almost chuckled to himself. Mom would call that an insect too. Shows what she knew; even the pony most unfamiliar of entomology knew spiders weren’t insects. They also knew that common house spiders--parasteatoda tepidariorum, he remembered from the book he had read cover to cover in the library--weren’t a pest at all, eating the flies and mosquitoes. He tilted his head. He had missed watching it eat today, and resolved to come by earlier next time.
Speaking of food…Snails got to his feet, remembering his original mission. He walked over to the trunk and nudged the lid off the left box in which he had cut multiple small slits that would allow in air and some light and nothing else. He frowned; he’d have to get some proper glass containers, or at least a small fish tank, when he got the money, however he would manage that. Inside greeted him were some grasshoppers with some dry grass and a few half-eaten leaves in the box. Snails levitated the half eaten leaves out of the box as gently as he could and put in some new ones as well as some grass from the pail. He imagined that if grasshoppers could smile they would now, as they moved towards the fresh food. Snails smiled and cocked his head slightly, as if admiring a newborn foal, and reminisced back to his first encounter with the insects.
It had been during recess on a nondescript school day when he spotted it hiding in the grass. There was something great about it, how it nonchalantly clung to a blade of grass, blending into it as if it had chosen its colors instead of being born with them. So great, indeed, that he had to share it with someone, and called over one of the fillies to look at it, but instead of recognizing the grasshopper for its brilliance she quickly crushed it under her hoof with a cry of disgust. Snails didn’t even realize he had hit her until she was laying on the ground, nose bleeding and tears streaming from her face, while all the other foals and the teachers came running to see the crying filly, although the teachers were more interested in accosting him and leading him away. Then came the conferences, and he never thought he’d hear then end of Dad’s ranting—although Snails noted he did seem to have turned a record-breaking shade of red—and no playing outside or dessert or anything but a look of disbelief from Mom and a scowl of disgust from Dad for the next two weeks or so. He stayed silent every time they asked why he did it, figuring it wasn’t worth the effort to try to figure out why no one cared that the filly just killed something beautiful for no reason.
Snails shook his head to rid himself of the memory and moved onto the smaller box which he had given the same treatment as the box before. He opened it to reveal a small garden snail--helix aspersa—and his eyes lit up, erasing the last remnants of sadness from him. Slightly giddy, he placed his remaining leaves of lettuce into the box, then drew out the carrot and began to munch slowly himself. This moment, just sitting there nibbling at a carrot while watching bugs eat, was heaven, the highlight of his day, what he daydreamed about during math. It was more relaxing than Dad’s big new armchair or the hot chocolate that overly-energetic pink pony passed out at Sugarcube Corner on snow days.
He again slipped back into reverie watching the gastropod eat. The first time he saw one, on a school picnic, it enthralled him. He could have watched it ooze across the park bench for hours, moving steady and undeterred across chipped white paint and warped worn wood. No one had bothered him, except for Snips who only came to tell him to stop staring at that stupid slug and hurry and get some of the carrot cake before it was all gone. Snails only glared in reply, and the chubby blue unicorn quickly decided the mission was pointless and ran over to secure his share of the sweets. There was only a smattering of apples, vegetables, and pie crumbs left when the snail had finally finished his pilgrimage across the bench and the unicorn went to get what remained of the lunch. It all tasted so much better, though.
It was the morning after when it happened, when he reluctantly drew back the covers to rise to his shrieking alarm clock and he caught sight of his flank, now bearing a purple caricature of a snail. His resultant cheers caused his parents to rush in—“Are you out of your mind, young man? It’s too early for that ruckus!”—and he pointed to his cutie mark with the widest smile he ever managed. One of the shortest as well, as it atrophied in the face of Mom’s own smile, clearly forced with a “That’s wonderful, honey!” faker than a two-and-three-quarters bit coin. And if his Mom’s display caused his smile to shrink, Dad’s killed it, shaking his head with a scowl and turning to leave the room, muttering about that boy being slow. Snails could barely answer Snips’s excited interrogation about his cutie mark with soul in his voice when he got to school, and that night dinner seemed even quieter than usual.
But he decided he was fine with slow. If slow what he was destined to be then there was no sense in being fast. Mayflies were fast; they moved in a hurry, learned in a hurry, loved in a hurry, died in a hurry. It didn’t make much sense to Snails but he figured that was just one more thing he just couldn’t understand.
Slow was better anyway. This snail knew what it was doing. It was barely halfway through the leaf, munching it slow, the way you were supposed to eat--what’s the point of good food if you eat it all in two bites? It lazed across the leaf, the way you were supposed to move—how could you find three bits in the street if you’re always running to make it here and there and over there all the time?
Snails finished his carrot. He could hardly draw his eyes off the mollusk, but it was growing late and he did not need any more angry lectures than he already got if he could avoid it. He bid the snail, grasshopper, and spider good night as if they were small children, promising he’d visit again tomorrow. He gingerly replaced the lids on the boxes, took the pail in his teeth by the handle, and backed out of the shed, nudging the door open. He took one long glance around to see if anyone was there, then broke into a run back to the house, stopping once or twice to pick the pail back up when it slipped from his mouth.
* * *
Snails munched at his dinner of broccoli (again) absently, daydreaming about the tool shed. His father was less than pleased and close to livid when he got home—“Do you know why we even bought you a watch!”—and grounded him, and Snails couldn’t find a way to weasel off after school to visit his small friends. He had at least the comfortable near-silence of the dining table, until his mother’s voice shattered it.
“You know, dear, we really ought to do something about that tool shed.”
“Yeah?” his father replied, mouth full.
“You never use it and it’s so old. It’s such an eyesore.” Snails perked up, eyes fixed on his mother.
His father swallowed. “I’ll get to using it, don’t worry. What do you even want done with it?”
“Oh, I don’t know, spruce it up a bit or something?”
“Spruce it—it’s a shed for tools, not an art project!”
“I know I know but that doesn’t mean it has to look so…bleh! And it’s filthy anyway. I was cleaning it this morning and there were all kinds of bugs and things in there, it took forever to clear them out!”
Snails’s heart rocketed to his throat. His mouth was agape, prepared to stutter but too shocked to do even that.
“Snails, honey, don’t open your mouth with food in it, that’s rude. Anyway, there are still some of them there; I want you to clean it out entirely tomorrow. And make sure you throw out those torn-up boxes!”
“Yeah yeah I’ll get some pesticide or something, jeez. You act like I don’t have better things to do than turn a shed into a mansion.”
Snails stared back down at his plate, not daring to meet anyone’s eyes. He ate the rest of his meal which now tasted as if it had turned to ash, ignoring his parents’ squabble, and went off to his room wordless, as if in a trance. He locked the door behind him, apathetic to the fact that his father would yell at him for that later, and collapsed on his bed, burying his head in his pillow to muffle the sobs. The next day at school he was even more silent than usual, not even responding to Snips’s usual pestering, and afterwards he went straight home. When he arrived he dashed inside, averting his eyes from the trash set out in front of his house, specifically the dusty crushed boxes.
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Cantus
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872
| 1 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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The Dragon Master
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In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
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incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
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everyone
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2012-03-20T10:13:25+00:00
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2012-03-20T10:13:25+00:00
| 3,336 |
The sky was dark, as was to be expected of any decent storm. The gloom was oppressive, cut only by the bolts of lightning that periodically shot through it.
It was followed, as always, by thunder. Its ever-faithful partner came rumbling after it, complimenting each flash with a roaring boom.
The wind tugged relentlessly at his hood, urging it to slip off and expose his scales to the driving rain that it was trying to throw at him. It almost succeeded once, forcing him to grab hold of the hood to keep it on.
Never once during this assault did his pace slow. He could not afford to stop, for his destination was close, just over the next hill. He plodded onwards, one clawed foot following another, until at last it came into view. His eyes lit up as he saw it.
The tree's branches stretched upwards into the sky, like some ancient beast attempting in vain to grab the sky within its claws. Soft yellow light spilled from the windows embedded in the tree, making it look even more like a monster. He was reminded of old stories about glowing-eyed beasts that prowled through the night, searching for prey and snatching the unwary...
He shook his head, ridding himself of such thoughts. It was a tree, nothing more. Those stories were just that, stories. They were told by broodmothers to scare hatchlings into obedience- no full-grown wyrm should harbour such irrational fears.
Then again, the darkness made irrational and bizarre thoughts seem credible. He shook his head again. He had enough to worry about tonight without conjuring imaginary enemies for himself.
Twilight had always found it easy to get lost in a good book, and she had just found a particularly gripping first-person narrative of the first contact between Equestria and the Zebra lands. Because of this, she didn’t hear the first knock on the door, nor the second.
However, the thunderstorm was keeping Spike very much awake and heard them far more clearly. “Who’d be calling at this hour?” he wondered aloud. After the second knock he decided to get up and open it himself. His eyes widened in surprise. The figure standing before him was bipedal, about five feet tall, and swathed in black robes. It seemed to be fixated on the floor, so he couldn’t make out its face. Before he could even react, the thing’s arm shot out, slamming the door open. “Aaah!” he screamed. The figure barely reacted as he ran away. It merely stepped through the doorframe.
Spike’s scream finally dragged Twilight out of her book. “Spike? What's wrong?” she said, as the small dragon burst through the door.
“Thing…scary…cape…help!” he gasped.
“Spike, what are you talking-” She was interrupted by the appearance of her mysterious guest.
He coughed, as if clearing his throat. “Please excuse my unwarned arrival. I will be but a moment”. The voice was low, and seemed to linger for a moment after its owner had finished speaking.
Twilight composed herself and managed a question. “Who are you?”
He took great pains to keep his face hidden. He needed to be cautious- if what he had learned was true, this unicorn was Pangor's favoured prodigy. He chose his next few words carefully.
I am merely a servant. I have come here in accordance with my Master's wishes."
Twilight processed this information and responded.
"Alright, question two. What's all this about? Why can't your business wait until morning?"
Because there will be too many witnesses about in the daytime, he thought. He kept his thoughts to himself, however, knowing that telling the truth was unlikely to be very helpful this time. He spoke again.
"My business is extremely urgent, Miss..." he paused, trying to think of the name he had memorised. "...Sparkle, was it?"
The purple unicorn nodded silently. He continued.
"I am here to retrieve something that was lost to my Master many years ago. I believe he is currently in your custody?"
Twilight blinked, making sense of this new information. He? There was only one person here who fit the description.
She spoke again, more forcefully this time. "Spike? What do you want with Spike?"
He growled, gripping the handle of his Staff more tightly. It looked as if confrontation was inevitable. He decided to try speech one more time before resorting to violence.
"Do not refer to him by that filthy name! He is the reason why I have come here. He does not belong with you, unicorn! I have come for him!"
“W-what do you m-mean, come for me?” the little dragon piped up nervously.
“I have spent many years trying to find Him, and I will not be thwarted now”, he said, an edge of menace entering his tone. “Before the sun rises He will be in my custody.”
Twilight was confused and angry in equal measure. “What do you mean? You can’t just take Spike! Just who are you anyway?!”
The figure took what felt like a long time to answer, and the room grew tense as both parties tried to decide when to make the first move. Eventually, the figure raised its hand high into the air, staff clutched in it.
“I am Gravil, the last Confidant of King Galdor, and the only survivor of his court. I have come to claim the boy. If you will not release him willingly-”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but if you think you can just waltz in here and take Spike, you’ve got another thing coming!”
“Yeah, you tell him, Twilight!” Spike found himself cheering in spite of the situation. Gravil, seemed genuinely shocked, even stumbling backwards a step.
“My Lord, what have they done to you?" He rallied quickly.
"It does not matter. No enchantment will keep me from completing my duty.”
Twilight lowered her head, poised to charge. (Not that she actually would have done so in such a cramped space, but this position comes naturally to any equine preparing to fight).
Her horn glowed, a bright, purple glow that came whenever she cast a spell. Gravil’s eyes widened as he recognised the crackling in the air. “Magic!” he hissed, disgust audible in his voice. He raised his staff, and in an instant had mumbled the two words that activated it:
“Tena Lin!”
A bolt of lightning burst from the mouth of the carved serpent at the staff’s end. The bolt just missed Twilight, but enflamed the desk she had been studying at, as well as the book she had been reading. She was stunned by the bolt and lost her concentration. Then came the thunderclap. The massive wave of sound knocked back the already distracted pony, and she fell backwards, hitting her head hard on the floor. The blow was all the more potent for being unexpected, and there was little she could do before unconsciousness overcame her.
“…Spike…”
“Twilight! Noooo!” Spike rushed to the unicorn’s side, trying to help his friend. The robed figure, Gravil as he called himself, grabbed his wrist.
“Come now, My Lord. Your imprisonment is over. Your captor will perish in the flames. A fitting end to this foul enemy of Dragonkind.” The young dragon didn’t understand most of what Gravil had said; with the exception of "perish".
“But…Twilight’ll-”
“Perish. As she deserves. Now please, come with me”.
“No! We gotta help her!”
Gravil’s voice grew sharp and bitter.
“Enough! Clearly the equines have placed a stronger enchantment on you than I realised. No more arguments!” He pulled the young dragon out of the burning room, Spike resisting every step of the way.
“No! Let go of me!”
Yet Gravil was stronger than he looked, certainly strong enough to subdue a welp. There was nothing Spike could do but watch as the flames rose higher, and Twilight slipped from his view.
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
It was the smoke that had first attracted Rainbow Dash’s attention. Technically she was on duty, supervising the storm, but everything was going without a hitch, so she decided to take some time off for flight practice.
Nothing very difficult or experimental (getting caught would mean another tongue-lashing about avoiding her duties), but she figured that just stretching her wings wouldn’t do any harm. In the middle of a sweep across Ponyville she had caught it: the smell of smoke.
The first thing she thought was “That’s weird. What could be burning in a thunderstorm?” Following her nose, she dipped beneath the clouds, and got thoroughly wet for her trouble. Her irritation only lasted a moment before being replaced by curiosity, as she caught sight of something terrible. The Library was burning.
Flames licked at the canopy, quickly transforming the tree into a mighty blaze, roaring in defiance at the rain that sputtered against it. For a moment she thought it looked kind of cool; before her reason kicked in and she remembered.
“Twilight!”
She couldn’t see anyone outside the tree…If her friend was still inside…
Without another moment’s hesitation, she leapt into action. Flying in a thunderstorm was the first thing they taught you not to do in Flight School, but there was no other choice. Rainbow could understand why it was forbidden now (not that it had ever seemed like a particularly good idea; but knowing and experiencing are very different things).
The winds buffeted her from side to side as mercilessly as the rain stung at her. Once, a bolt of lightning passed shockingly close to her; nearly frightening her out of her skin, but she gritted her teeth and flew on. Finally, she spotted the observatory window, and made a dive straight for it. She had entered through this window before, but never in a situation as urgent as this one. As she closed the distance between her and the window, she closed her eyes and prayed her trajectory was right…
She crashed through it, tumbling forward as glass fell around her. She got to her feet quickly, composing herself in spite of the intense heat. Then she spotted Twilight. Her friend was lying on the floor, dangerously close to the blaze, not budging an inch. There was only one thing to do.
She rushed to Twilight’s side, and grabbed the unicorn’s mane between her teeth. With strength born of desperation, she pulled, dragging her friend to the now-broken window. The heat grew more intense by the second, and for the first time she became very aware of the smoke as it tried to claw at her throat.
“Just keep cool, keep cool...” she muttered, more to calm herself than anything else.
The drop from the window to the ground was quite steep, but once again the Pegasus was presented with no alternatives.
“Just gotta take the bit between my teeth and…”
Gripping Twilight’s mane again, she leaped from the window. Her wings strained with the effort of lifting two ponies, and for a terrifying moment she thought they were going to fail altogether. Then, just as she thought they were about to hit the ground, they slowed. It was tremendously hard work, but slow their descent she did. She finally let go of her friend, sighing with relief as the unicorn slumped on the ground, safe from the fire. Something occurred to Rainbow. Her friend wasn’t breathing.
Panic swelled up inside again.
“No! No! Don’t do this to me, Twilight!”
She stood over her friend, willing her desperately to breathe.
“Come on, breathe! Move! Anything! Just…don’t be…”
Rainbow felt tears well up in her eyes. No. It couldn’t be. Just then, the unicorn coughed. Rainbow felt her heart leap. Twilight coughed again, expelling the smoke that had snuck into her throat. Then, breathing. Slow, and shallow, but definitely breathing.
“Oh, thank Celestia!”
Rainbow felt more relieved than ever before. Quickly, thoughts piled up in her head as she realised that she’d need to tell someone about this, that Twilight might need medical help, that the Library might still burn down. But these all seemed very secondary to her right now. Her friend was safe, and that was what mattered.
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Spike had eventually given up on trying to free himself from his captor’s grip, and resolved instead to make Gravil’s life as difficult and unpleasant as possible. “My Lord, with all due respect, we could move so much more quickly if you ceased dragging your heels”.
The young dragon just snarled. “My Lord, I only wish what is best for you”. This time Spike did respond.
“If that’s really true, you’ll take me back to Ponyville this second!”
Gravil stopped in his tracks.
“We may rest here for a while” he said, pointing to a large stump, coated in moss. Grudgingly, Spike sat down, as did Gravil (although to be fair, as Gravil was still holding his hand firmly he had little choice in the matter). Gravil removed his hood and sighed with relief. His face was covered in grey scales, with a few green ones dotted in there seemingly at random. His head was topped by a pair of tiny horns, barely even visible in the low light of the moon. The two sat in hostile silence for what was probably a few minutes, but felt an awful lot longer. At last, the strange reptilian spoke up.
“Would you care for something to eat, My Lord?” he inquired, producing a single emerald from his sleeve.
Spike had to admit that it looked delicious (particularly since he hadn’t eaten in some time), but he wasn’t about to take anything offered to him by this…monster.
“No thanks. I’m not hungry” he replied, with unconcealed anger.
Gravil bowed his head and returned the jewel to his sleeve. Another silence followed, until Gravil decided that they had rested long enough and that they really had to continue their journey.
“Journey to where?” Spike inquired. A grin crossed Gravil’s face as he answered. Spike was sure he had never seen an uglier sight.
“Home” said Gravil.
Spike gestured at the trees surrounding them.
“Home? Home? This is the Everfree Forest! MY home just burned down!”
Gravil nodded. “Your false home.”
Spike couldn’t hold it in any longer, and screamed “I was HAPPY there! YOU DESTROYED IT!”
Gravil didn’t even turn to Spike as he said: “Thou can never be truly content in the house of thine oppressor”.
Spike was less than impressed with that answer. “Where’s that line from?”
“Your Ancestors” was Gravil’s answer. “You will have ample opportunity to familiarise yourself with them in the coming months and years. That is all you need know for now”.
With that, he simply stopped talking, refusing to utter another word.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************
Twilight’s vision slowly returned to her, blurry at first, then clearing. The first thing she saw was the ceiling. She found herself wondering “That’s odd. My roof isn’t tiled…” Suddenly, it came back to her – the storm, Gravil, the bolt of lightning, the fire…” “The fire!” She suddenly found her voice again, and began screaming as loudly as she could.
Her screams drew attention – two ponies rushed inside, one orange, one blue.
“Applejack! She’s awake!” said one to the other.
“Ah can see that!” replied the orange pony. The sound of familiar voices reached Twilight’s ears. Slowly, she unscrewed her eyes and stopped screaming. “It’s all right sugarcube, you’re with friends now”.
After a few seconds, Twilight finally spoke. “Whuh….what happened?”
Rainbow Dash budged past Applejack in her hurry to answer. “There was an accident, and the Library was on fireandIsawyouandIsavedyoubutwecouldntfindSpikean…”
Applejack prodded Rainbow Dash. “Easy there,Rainbow. If you don’t slow down no-one’s gonna be able to understand ya.” The Pegasus took a deep breath and repeated herself more clearly.
“The Library burned down?” Twilight couldn’t believe it. Not that it was impossible (it was made of wood, after all), but when she tried to visualise all those books, all that knowledge being destroyed, her mind refused to work.
“Yeah, but…” Rainbow seemed to wince.
“But what?” Twilight's dread grew with every passing second.
“That’s not the worst part. I was so caught up in trying to rescue you that I forgottolookforSpikeandwecouldntfindhimafterwardsand-”
“Rainbow, you’re doin’ it again!” AJ scolded. Rainbow took another deep breath, but Twilight had managed to catch most of it anyway.
“Spike?” Rainbow cringed in shame.
“I know, Twilight, I’m so sorry, I just didn’t think at the time. I’m obviously not...” She paused yet again. “…good enough to protect my friends”. Her head drooped, and tears appeared in her eyes.
Applejack turned to the Pegasus. “Now, Rainbow, we’ve already been over this. It wasn’t your fault! You did everything you could!” This only seemed to make Rainbow feel worse.
“No, it is my fault! I should’ve-” Twilight had just sat up in her hospital bed.
“Spike wasn't there when the fire started”, she said.
Rainbow gasped, hope and relief welling up inside her. “Really? He is?” Applejack, pragmatic as always, asked the question they were all thinking.
“Well then where is he?”
********************************************************************************************************************************************************
“He did what?” said the incredulous Pegasus.
“He took Spike. Kidnapped him. Whatever you wanna call it.”
Rainbow’s face twisted in anger. “Why that…that…”
Applejack decided she should intervene before Rainbow lost herself entirely. “And ah assume he’s the one that lit the fire, too?”
Twilight nodded. “Yeah. Only…” The earth pony looked at Twilight inquisitively.
“Only what?” inquired Applejack.
"He said a lot of wierd things before he tried to grab Spike. Things about "being a mere servant", and that he was "reclaiming his Master's lost possessions", or something".
Rainbow spoke up again. "What's that mean?"
Twilight shook her head, noticing the new pain that had just taken root there.
"Uhh. I've got no idea. Well, I know what the words mean, but I don't know their signifigance. They might just be nothing".
Applejack spoke up again, trying to keep everypony's minds on the positives. “Well, the important thing is, you’re alive, and so is Spike”.
Twilight 's frustration combined with the throbbing pain in her head, making her irritable. “Yeah, but that doesn't make this much easier!”
The earth pony spoke again, trying to smooth things over again. “Twilight, we will look for Spike. That's the honest truth. But ya need to stay here until you’re healed, Twilight. Just runnin’ off in a random direction ‘aint gonna find 'im for us”.
The unicorn sighed, admitting defeat. “I guess you’re right.” The pain in her head had receded a bit, but she felt extremely tired. "I think I'll just...take a...nap" she said, yawning loudly. Sleep came to her easily, and she accepted it.
Applejack was glad. Her friend was OK. That was priorty #1 addressed. She'd have to tell the others that Twilight had survived - they shouldn't be kept worrying. Rainbow would probably find it easier to reach them all, though. She turned to ask her friend. "Say, Rainbow why don't ya-" Shestopped when she found herself speaking to empty air. Rainbow was gone.
Rainbow had taken off shortly after she had stopped talking to Twilight. Applejack had been so busy trying to comfort the unicorn that she hadn’t noticed her friend slip out of the room. She quickly took to the sky, intending to search for Spike. After all, it had only happened yesterday; they couldn’t have gone that far on foot. She couldn't be sure, but she had a decent idea of where the kidnapper had probably gone.
"The Everfree Forest". She finally made up her mind then. She'd fly over the forest and see if she could catch any sight of Spike and his captor. Even if she didn’t find them, nothing would really be lost. She'd at least be doing something.
“Right. Let's do this” she said, as she flew off into the wind.
Gravil knew the importance of his duty, but Spike’s sheer persistence in agitating him was beginning to wear down his patience. “And I bet they’ll come here to rescue me, and they’ll kick you right in the face! Bam! Pow!” Calm, he reminded himself. The Prince was obviously still under whatever cursed enchantment the equines had placed him under. It didn’t surprise him that the spell was so powerful – Pangor had most likely cast it personally. Of course she had. Destroying the bodies of his people would never have been enough for her. She had to break their spirit, too, by turning the heart and soul of their Kingdom into a slave. Ancient anger, the force that had powered him for all these years, rose within him again. His body trembled with rage, remembering all the wrongs he bore for the sake of the Dragon race. Because of this, Spike’s next choice of words was most unfortunate.
“And then, they’ll bring you to Princess Celestia! Oh, she’ll know how to deal with you-”
Gravil hissed in fury, whipping round to face the welp. “How dare you say that!” His tone was so fierce that the purple dragon covered his face and cowered in fear, acting on instinct. “How dare you speak so well of the enemy! She is responsible for all of this! Nothing will ever absolve her of her guilt!” The dragonoid panted for breath, realising what he had just done. Shame filled him upon seeing the Prince cower. “M-my Lord, I apologise. I simply…overreacted. Of course you cannot be blamed for what has been done to you. Please forgive me.”
The smaller dragon warily lowered his arms and stood up. “Erm, s-sure.” That was enough.
“Now, let us be on our way.” Spike was confused, but grateful that the larger dragonoid seemed to have calmed down. As Gravil dragged him along the dirt path, he happened to look up.
“Whoa…just what is that?” Gravil turned to see what his charge was pointing at. His eyes were old and weary, but he could still make out the shape in the sky, growing larger every moment. Against the still-grey clouds, the blue streak rocketed towards them…
She couldn’t believe her luck. Barely flying for an hour and she’d found them already. As soon as she recognised Spike, she acted. She began to descend, picking up speed. The two figures on the ground pointed up at her, but it was too late – with an almighty thump she slammed into the larger of the two figures. He was thrown back, tumbling head-over-heels from the impact. The two became entangled quickly, but Rainbow was first to get free. She planted her hoof (somewhat theatrically) in front of Gravil’s face. “So, you’re the dirtbag that kidnapped Spike, eh?” The dragonoid stared up at her, his eyes cold and unblinking.
Every muscle in his body was quivering with rage. They had been found, and so quickly. “Wrong. I was liberating him from his captors.”. His voice snarled with unconcealed anger.
The blue Pegasus looked unamused. “Oh, really? ‘cause he looks pretty unhappy to me”. It took all his willpower to hold his tongue. Anger was not the solution this time, not while the Pegasus had him pinned. He had managed to keep hold of his staff, so perhaps… He moved his hand, but the Pegasus was faster. Her hoof slammed down on his arm, pinning it and preventing him from attacking her with it.
“Oh no. You're staying on the ground.” Gravil mumbled something obscene under his breath. The Pegasus turned to Spike. “Spike! Get on my back! We’re getting’ you outta here!” The baby dragon was still stunned by this fortunate turn of events, but started running towards her. As he jumped onto the Pegasus’ back, Gravil felt despair fill him. Now that Pangor knew that one of Galdor's court still lived, the Prince would be kept under maximum guard at all times, and he’d have no chance of ever fulfilling his destiny. In a moment it all flashed before his eyes – the shame, the destruction of their hope, the unbearable dishonour of having failed his King and people. And for what? Because one measly Pegasus had caught him off-guard?
Rainbow had been careful not to let go of Gravil’s hand until the last possible second. When Spike was as secure as possible she lifted her hoof and took off. She had expected him to react, but she had not expected the speed he was capable of. The second his arm was free, Gravil pounced into the air, letting the staff go as a feral shriek burst from him. Rainbow had ascended quickly, but not quite quickly enough. Gravil managed to grab hold of one of her rear ankles, holding on for dear life. The extra weight was a shock to her, jarring her as it slowed her ascent.
“Don’t you ever give up?!” the Pegasus cried. Gravil merely raised his free hand and grabbed her thigh, trying to pull himself up. Rainbow screamed as his claws bit into her flesh. Her flight path zig-zagged erratically, but Gravil was not about to be thwarted at this stage and managed to keep his balance. Spike, however, was not so lucky, losing his grip when Rainbow lurched wildly to one side. As he saw his Prince fall, Gravil was stunned, and loosened his grip for a second. Just a second too long. Rainbow bucked, and his loosened grip was lost altogether. He felt himself fall, the ground rushing up to meet him.
Rainbow was still recovering from the shock of Gravil’s attack, but she was able to keep herself together long enough to see Spike and Gravil fall. She flew over the area where they’d fallen, sweeping back and forth, but the thick canopy blocked her view and she couldn’t see a thing. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, a jolt of pain in her leg reminded her of her wound. Much as she wanted to continue the search, she eventually decided that she’d better return to Ponyville. She flew back in that direction, her heart still heavy in her chest.
|
Cantus
|
872
| 2 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Dragon Master
|
In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
|
incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-25T15:44:40+00:00
|
2011-10-25T15:44:40+00:00
| 2,590 |
Gravil’s landing had been heavy, with several tree branches smacking him on the way down. The forest floor wasn’t much better, although at least soil was softer than wood. Aches and pains shot through his body in ways he'd never thought possible. Slowly, painfully, he stood up and took stock of the situation. To his distress, the Prince was nowhere to be seen. A terrifying thought occurred to him. He was old and hardened, easily able to live a fall like this; but the Prince was still a whelp. It was entirely possible that he hadn’t…
No, he thought. The Prince had survived. He had to have survived. Anything else was unthinkable.
Another thought occured to him - if the Prince had survived the fall, he would now be alone.
Alone, in the forest. A child, at the mercy of nature...
Gravil gritted his teeth and started to run despite his aching muscles. The Prince would be protected.
Spike had been lucky. He had avoided most of the tree branches, and had landed on a pile of decomposing leaves – slimy, but soft. He groaned at the pain, but he wasn’t hurt very badly. He stood up, rubbing his sore head.
“Uh…where am I?” Suddenly he realised.
“I’m away from that creep!”
Then the second realisation hit him. He gulped.
“And…alone…in the forest…”
He hadn’t exactly been glad of Gravil’s company, but at least he had provided some feeling of safety. The place felt more menacing, the gloom more oppressive, as if a bear or wolf were hiding in every shadow. Spike gulped as he realised that they probably were.
“W-well, what do I do now?” he said aloud, trying to calm himself.
His efforts were severely undermined by a rustle in the undergrowth nearby.
A snarling noise came from nearby, and any attempt at logical reasoning that Spike had been attempting flew straight out the window, as he panicked and ran away from the source of the noise. He had no idea where he was going, only that it was away from that terrifying noise. The sound of something emerging from the undergrowth, followed by a howl from behind him, convinced him that he’d made the right decision.
Right he was, as an enormous, red-furred beast erupted from the undergrowth behind him, roaring as it caught sight of its prey. Spike screamed, and ran until his muscles burned like fire, but his legs simply weren’t long enough. It grew closer, and closer, and then it reared, ready to pounce…
Upon hearing the Prince’s scream, Gravil had run as quickly as possible in its direction. When he saw him being chased, all thoughts but one left his mind – Protect. He dashed straight toward it, heedless of his own life. The creature was too focussed on the hunt to notice the newly-appeared Gravil.
Just as it made ready to pounce on Spike, he saw his chance. His much-abused muscles screamed with pain as he launched himself at the creature, but his will had sustained him for centuries and was more than capable quash such small things as pain.
He slammed into the creature's stomach. Its skin was tough, but its underbelly was significantly softer. He dug his claws into it as deeply as he could. The beast shrieked in pain, and fell flat on its face, its pounce interrupted. Spike felt a shudder as it hit the earth mere feet from him.
Spike wasted no time, not slowing his pace for a moment. Gravil, focussing on the task at hand, dragged his arm downwards, his claws leaving a gash in the beast’s soft underside.
Another roar, as the creature reared up, trying to pry the source of its pain off of its chest. Its slavering maw dropped down, and its teeth hovered mere inches from his face. Mustering all his resolve, Gravil dragged his other arm down, tearing yet another gash and eliciting another roar of pain. One massive paw swiped at him, knocking him clean off of the beast’s chest.
It brought its other paw down, claws drawn for the killing blow. Acting instinctively, he rolled to one side. Unfortunately, he was not quite quick enough, and the claws scraped his back. He winced as blood was drawn, his scales punctured easily by the massive claws. Still, he had managed to get clear of the beast, and rose to his feet. Instinctively, he rose to face his opponent, panting heavily. For the first time he really noticed the thing’s features. The red fur was distinctive enough, but what really caught the eye were the heads – one bear-like, one dog-like (he recognised this as the one that had come close to him earlier), and one snake – like.
“A Chimera.” Damned things were affronts against Olni.
The Chimera was also panting, no doubt suffering from its own wounds. Drawing upon his inner strength, he roared, as intimidatingly as he could manage under the circumstances. To his surprise, the beast winced and actually turned away from him. It stood still, thinking for a moment, before retreating back into the undergrowth. Evidently it had decided to search for an easier meal.
Spike had dived into the undergrowth near the side of the road, his instincts telling him it was probably the safest place. He had remained hidden, huddling himself under the leaves and shrubs, hoping that the terrible noises would stop and that he’d wake up in bed, back at the Library. These thoughts kept circling in his head, making him think of nothing else. His trance was only broken when he heard the sound of footsteps, coming slowly and inexorably towards him. He curled into a ball. “Maybe if I’m really, really quiet, it won’t notice me” he thought to himself.
His heart thumped, so loud he felt sure it would betray his location. Eventually, a voice came: “My Lord, the danger is passed.” Spike felt simultaneously relieved and distressed. Gravil was far from the top of Spike's list of favourite people right now, but he was still higher up than the Chimera. Even so, he remained still, hoping Gravil’s notice would pass by him also. Unfortunately for him, he had already used most of his luck.
“Sir, it is imperative that make haste, before another such beast finds us”. At his words, Spike’s blood ran cold. Another monster? Suddenly going with Gravil seemed much more agreeable.
“All right, all right!” he yelled, getting up and running back onto the path. The old dragonoid seemed genuinely relieved.
“Ah. Good. My Lord, you really must be careful. These woods are filled to the brim with beasts that have forgotten their true master.” They began walking again.
“Well, if you hadn’t jumped on Rainbow Dash, I’d be in no danger at all!” To Spike’s irritation, Gravil merely chuckled, seemingly too relieved to bother being annoyed.
“Is that what you call him?” quipped Gravil.
Spike, glad for a chance to talk about something other than his predicament, launched off into a rant.
“Yeah, that’s her name! And she’s a girl!”
Gravil seemed even more amused.
“Really? I find the difference difficult to distinguish when equines are concerned. How in Olni's name do you tell? They don't even have spines!”.
Spike continued as if he hadn’t heard those lines. “She’s, like, the best flyer in all Equestria! And when she gets back here, she’ll totally kick your butt!”
Gravil surpressed the urge to point out that the pegasus had failed to defeat him even with the advantage of surprise. After all, the Prince was obviously still enchanted - there was no way he'd see reason.
There were a few seconds of silence whilst Gravil decided on a better response. “The best flyer in the land, hmm?” Spike’s enthusiasm only seemed to grow, now that Gravil was actually responding to his bragging.
“Yeah! She won the Best Young Flyers Competition, and she pulled off the legendary Sonic Rainboom! It was awesome! Well, I didn’t actually see it, but Pinkie told me it was awesome…”
Gravil continued to listen with an air of amusement. “I don’t suppose you have ever heard the saga of Greywing?”
The younger dragon stopped talking, curious to hear. “No. Who’s Greywing?”
“Was, My Lord, was. Greywing was of Olni’s lineage, like you and me.”
Spike just looked confused. “Olni? Is that some kind of food?”
Gravil cringed, but his voice remained calm. “Ah, I see we have much to study. But fear not. Know only that Olni is sacred.”
Spike still looked confused. “Sa-sa…”
“Hallowed?”
“Ha-ha…”
Gravil sighed. “Important?”
Spike nodded. “Ah. I think I get it.”
Gravil nodded back. “Good. Now, as I was saying…”
Applejack stared incredulously at Rainbow. “Rainbow, that was…” She didn’t know exactly what to say. “…dangerous!” she finally blurted out.
“Yeah, well, I don’t know about you guys, but I couldn’t just sit there knowing my friend was in danger!”
Applejack took a sterner tone. “So instead ya charged off into enemy territory by yerself! And look what ya got for it!” she said.
Rainbow winced. “Yeah, I can feel it myself, thanks.” She stared uncomfortably at the bandages covering her right-rear leg. It was stiff and sore, but she could still walk. Rainbow rallied her thoughts. “Besides, now we know where they are, and where they’re going!”
The earth pony still looked skeptical. “They never said where they were goin', did they? An' besides, ya said they fell off ya, right? How do we know that…”
The Pegasus interrupted her, worry clear on her face. “I know they made it! They have to make it!”
Applejack realised she had touched a nerve. “Uh, alright, Rainbow, just keep it down! At this rate you’re gonna wake Twi-”
There was a groan from the bed. “Uhhn. Too late.”
“See whatcha did now?”
Rainbow was incredulous. “Me? You’re the one who woke her up!”
“Now just you lis-”
Twilight nipped their argument in the bud. “If you two would stop arguing, then maybe I could get some sleep!” The Pegasus and earth pony stared at the floor, slightly embarrassed.
“Uh, sorry Twilight. Ah just sorta lost it when I thought about how much danger Rainbow put herself in”.
Twilight acted quickly to defuse the argument. “I'm grateful for your concern, Applejack. Thank you. But we need to stand together on this. If we argue with each other, we won't make very much progress.”
Applejack nodded in agreement.
The unicorn then turned to Rainbow. “Thank you for trying so hard, Rainbow, but we’re in over our heads right now. We know who our enemy is, and we have a vague idea where he is, but that’s all. We don’t know why he’s doing this, or what he’s really capable of. If we go in blind, all we’ll do is get ourselves hurt.”
Rainbow also nodded, albeit somewhat begrudgingly. Rainbow was the first to speak again. “So, what do you think we should do?”
Twilight adopted a serious expression. Rest had helped to clear her mind, “I've decided to tell the Princess about this. This seems like a serious enough matter for her to have an opinion on, and I’m sure she knows more about this than we do.”
Applejack nodded. “Seems like a good idea. Only, there’s one little hitch ah can see…”
Twilight’s brow furrowed in concentration. “Yes, I spotted it too. We don’t have Spike anymore, so we can’t send letters directly to the Princess. We could always just send it there by courier…”
Rainbow piped up. “But that’ll take too long! Even on the wing it’s the best part of a day from here to Canterlot, and that’s ignoring the return journey! Who knows how far that creep could take Spike in that length of time?”
Twilight shook her head. “Yeah. Unfortunately, I don’t think we really have any other options. And before you say anything, Rainbow, no. You’ve done more than enough already, and you’re injured”. Rainbow felt frustration boil inside her, but couldn’t really refute any of her friend’s points.
At last she said “Fine. But when we catch up to that creep, I get first dibs!”
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Spike listened intently to every word that fell from Gravil’s mouth. “Is that really what happened?”
Gravil nodded, eminently pleased to have an appreciative audience for his tales. “Indeed. Greywing was so mighty, his wings so grand, that when he soared upwards he blotted out the sun itself. And all the ground-dwelling creatures came to fear and hide from the shadow of wings, for it meant only that death had come to take them.” Spike was awestruck. Whatever he might think of Gravil he couldn't deny that he was a powerful speaker, the image painted by the dragonoid’s words still vivid in his mind.
“So… then what? What happened to him?”
Gravil’s expression became pained, and he clutched his chest. “Ah…my apologies, Sire, but I am not quite healthy enough right now. The Chimera was most…vicious”. Spike only now saw the wounds on Gravil’s back, the deep red of coagulated blood easily visible through the gashes in the black robe.
“Ooh, man. That looks…painful.”
Gravil nodded. “Yes, but we need not-” He coughed loudly at this point. He cleared his throat. “-worry. We have arrived.”
Spike did not answer him. He was too fixated on the sight that lay before him. Two massive doors, each some twenty feet high, were embedded into the mountain face in front of them. They were impressive enough by themselves, but it was the symbols that really grabbed his eye. Engraved onto the doors was an image. It was a circle, divided into four quarters. Each quarter contained a symbol – one a shield, one a wave, one a wing, and one a crown. The lines separating the four symbols were festooned with carven lizards and hissing serpents. In the centre of the whole thing, a smaller circle had been drawn, inside which was a single flame.
“Whu-what is this place?”
Gravil did not turn to answer him, absorbed in memory as he gazed at the symbols adorning the door.
Eventually he said “Home.”
He placed one hand to the massive door, and spoke a single word. “San”. With a massive groaning noise, the doors began to open, the ancient mechanisms within wearied from the passage of time. When they had finally stopped, Gravil turned to his young charge and said. “The way is open. Shall we go in?” Spike still didn’t like where this was going, but he was overawed by the spectacle of the thing. In spite of himself, he really wanted to see what was inside.
A roar echoed from the treetops in the distance. Besides, he thought to himself, it was almost certainly safer than staying outside with the Forest’s wild beasts.
“Y-yeah. I guess so.”
The inside was even more impressive than the outside. Two sets of reptilian claws scraped across the stone floor. Though cracked in places, the tiles covering it were still very visible. Each was one of five colours – red, green, blue, black, or white, and they were laid over the ground in a regular pattern. Spike looked upwards, and saw the roof, what seemed like a mile above. It was so far up, and the place so dimly lit, that it was almost impossible to make out the massive serpent carved onto it, its massive form touching all four corners.
Spike was still looking up when Gravil stopped. The younger dragon bumped into the elder, and fell backwards. “Uh…What-”
Spike didn’t finish his sentence. Another set of stone doors faced them, with the same decorations as the first set.
“So, are we goin’ through there?”
Gravil nodded, then winced in pain. “Y-yes. What we-” He coughed again, noticeably more harshly than last time.
In spite of everything, Spike felt himself feeling a little worried about his kidnapper. “Um...are you…okay?”
Gravil stood up straight again and caught his breath. “Y-yes, My Lord, we just need to get through here first”. He raised his arms again, and spoke aloud in a pained voice. “Rek Sun San!” The door-frames glowed red, and the doors parted, much more quickly than the ones on the outside. “Through…here, Sir.” Gravil’s voice sounded weak and faded. He stumbled into the darkness beyond the doors. Spike found himself following him. Without warning, the doors slammed shut behind them, a mighty clang ringing out from the impact of stone on stone.
“Whoa! What the-?!” Spike’s sentence was interrupted by Gravil.
“Shhh. Look.”
As Spike looked on, something began to happen. A single glowing shape appeared in front of them. “Whoa….” It was in the shape of a serpent, biting its own tail – a circle. Quickly, more runes lit up around the room, until the whole place was lit by their red light. Gravil raised his arms to the ceiling yet again, and yelled something incomprehensible. Light spilled from the runes on the wall, flowing into the dragonoid. As Spike looked on, the wounds on his back closed, knitting themselves together. His scales glimmered as the light poured into them. Spike could swear that he heard voices, whispering in a tongue he didn’t understand. Though he couldn’t know their words, he still felt their tone. It was hushed, desperate and proud all at the same time, unlike anything he’d ever heard. When the light finally dimmed and the voices faded to whispers, Gravil stood up again, the runes still glowing dimly on the walls. Gravil turned to Spike. His scales were no longer grey with green flecks, but pure, deep jade. His posture was more upright, and he seemed altogether more youthful.
“Now, My Lord. Shall we attend to business?”
“How-How’d you-” Spike stuttered as the newly-invigorated dragonoid grinned.
“This, My Lord, is Anbel, or Stonehold as some call it”.
“Yeah, but-” Gravil kept speaking, apparently not hearing Spike’s response.
“This place is the Hall of The Dragon Kings, your true home. Within its walls is the last of the Dragons’ power concentrated”.
“Yeah, but-” Gravil continued, still oblivious.
“My Lord, these halls have waited centuries to feel the tread of a True King again. Might I suggest that we-”
Spike finally snapped. “WAIT!” he yelled, startling Gravil.
“Yes, My Lord? Is there something you wish to know?”
“You were really hurt a minute ago, and now you’re just fine! What were those lights? Why have I never heard of this place?” Gravil looked relieved, seeing that his Lord was curious and not angry.
“Ah, that will require a bit more time to explain fully. Shall we?”
The two began walking towards one of the three doors that were set in the walls of the Rune-Chamber. They stopped in front of the leftmost door. “Through here, My Lord”. Gravil turned to the doors and raised his voice. “Rek Sun San!” The doors swung open silently. Spike chose that particular moment to bring up something else that had been nagging at him.
“What’s that mean, anyway?”
Gravil turned to him. “It is Old Draconic, a tongue of which I am the sole surviving practitioner”.
“Yeah, but what do those words mean? You used them before, didn’t you?”
Gravil turned his head away from Spike. “They mean “The King Approaches””.
Spike felt he had to get something else off of his chest after hearing that. “And about that, what’s up with all this “My Lord” stuff? You mind tellin’ me what’s goin’ on?” Gravil blinked, as if only now realising something very obvious.
“Ah. Yes. We didn’t have the time to speak properly on the road, but in here, we are safe. Allow me to explain this. You need to hear everything from the beginning.”
The room they walked into was more lowly-roofed than the others, but the ceiling was still a good eight feet from the floor. Every one of those feet was utilised, stone shelves crammed into every crevice and corner. “This, My Lord, is the Tomb of Tales, our Royal Library. Here are recorded the deeds of Dragonkind, and here they are protected from any who might wish to do them harm.”
Spike seemed a little confused by this. “Harm? Who’d want to destroy books?”
Gravil took on a very serious expression. “Many of the tomes in this place are the last of their kind. They contain knowledge that some would rather be forgotten.”
Spike was about to ask what they could contain that was so terrible, but Gravil moved away before he could say it, and he had to follow.
“Hey, wait up!” The elder dragonoid walked much more quickly than he had done before, so Spike had a harder time keeping up. At last, however, he stopped. Spike almost crashed into him, only managing to stop himself at the last moment.
“Now, My Lord, the story begins.” Gravil pointed, and Spike’s gaze followed. “Do you see that?” the elder asked. Spike didn’t know exactly what he was supposed to look for, but he felt himself naturally gravitate toward the largest figure carved on the massive stone tablet in front of them.
“That huge dragon?”
Gravil nodded. “Yes. That is Olni.” Spike had only heard the word twice before, but seeing the image on the tablet, striking at the ground with its massive talons, he felt a very strange feeling. It was tingling and ancient and powerful all at the same time.
“Olni is our Father, My Prince. The First of All Things, He That Brings Light. From Him do we draw our strength, our hope, and our sovereignty.” Spike nodded, still in awe at the majestic figure. “This scene depicts the creation of the world, where Olni burst forth. In those days there was no light, no heat, and no life upon the world, merely cold, flat, desolate earth. Olni saw this, and was displeased. He struck the ground with his mighty claws, making fire and light burst forth from the lifeless rock”. Spike nodded, utterly spellbound as Gravil's words weaved their magic once more.
The lesson had continued for hours, Spike drinking in every detail, Gravil intensely enjoying teaching another of this story that he had kept inside for so long. “Thus were the mountains and hills made... And Olni saw this and felt gladdened. Yet still he longed to see others, so that they too might enjoy the place he had created. He willed it, and sent out four lights. The first came to rest in the waters of the sea, where it gave birth to the sea serpents, our brothers.”
Spike interrupted to say “Hey, I’ve seen one of those!”
“Yes, My Lord, but may we have only one tale at a time?” Spike nodded.
“The second flew deep into the earth, creating chasms from which poured the wyrms, those loyal and hardy beings by whom the treasures of the earth could be won.” Gravil stopped abruptly. “That class, of course, includes myself.”
Spike found this interesting, but insisted that Gravil finish the story. “Ah, yes. The third came to rest in a bank of clouds, from which it wove Lakfe and Kalfe, the first Wyverns”. He pointed to a shape on the tablet to illustrate his point – that of two beasts with enormous leathery wings and long, sinewy legs, but no arms. “By their free spirits would the skies be claimed”.
Spike had to ask, even though he knew his question would be answered whether or not he did so. “And what about the fourth?”
Gravil grinned, as if this were his favourite part. “Ah, yes. The fourth light descended deep into the first well of fire that Olni had caused to burst forth, and from it emerged a creature of magnificent splendour and power. Armoured in scales of shining gold, armed with teeth and talons that shone like the stars, Galdor the Great was born.” He pointed at another figure, similar to Olni, and drawn almost as reverentially.
“G-Galdor?”
Spike felt chills down his spine looking at it. “Yes. Galdor was the first truebreed, the first…” he paused, relishing the word. “…Dragon.” Spike had no idea what to say. “Take a good look at Galdor, young Prince. He was the mightiest Dragon ever to live. He was also…”
Spike felt like he was going to burst with his need to hear the next sentence. “…Your Ancestor.”
|
Cantus
|
872
| 3 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Dragon Master
|
In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
|
incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-17T12:38:56+00:00
|
2011-10-17T12:38:56+00:00
| 2,292 |
Twilight was relieved at having finally been allowed to leave the hospital, but she had precious little else to feel good about. She’d decided to inspect the remains of Ponyville’s Library, her former home. When she finally arrived on the scene, there were a team of earth ponies attempting to salvage whatever parts of it hadn’t been burned to ashes. In amongst the small crowd was somepony Twilight recognised more quickly.
“Twilight!” a familiar voice sounded out. “You’re back! Well, isn’t this convenient! I mean, I was coming to see you in a few hours anyway, but still, this is good, right?” Twilight didn’t mind the display of affection, but at the moment she wanted nothing more than to get to grips with exactly what had happened.
“Thanks, Rarity. Um, yeah, it sure is convenient.” She tried to switch the subject as quickly as possible. “So, how’s the uh…” She glanced at the smoldering heap of charred wood that had been her home. “…excavation work going?”
“Well, of course I’m just here to supervise, Darling, but we have found a couple of things that might be of interest. I must say, though, most of this place was rather…badly damaged. I simply can’t imagine how something like this could have happened…”
Twilight listened to Rarity’s chatter with a mild amount of interest, but she paid most attention when they came to the pile of salvaged material. It was comprised mostly of books, the ones that had been damp or lucky enough to escape the worst of the blaze. There were about fifteen in the pile, all of which Twilight recognised almost immediately. “Is this all there is?”
Rarity hesitated before responding. “Erm…well, we haven’t completely finished looking-”
A male, brown earth pony approached Rarity. “Miss Rarity, we’ve finished looking through the wreckage. Nothin’ more-”
He was cowed by a fierce look from the white unicorn, and backed away. “Uh, yeah, well, we’ll just finish up here and take our leave”. He said something to the other workers and they dispersed with haste.
Twilight felt her heart drop like a stone. She stared forlornly at the pile of books. Was this really all that was left? At once, the full reality of the situation made itself known to her. It was really gone. She had nowhere to stay, except in Canterlot, away from her friends. Rarity seemed to guess what she was thinking.
“Oh, I’ve just had the most wonderful idea! Seeing as what’s happened, why don’t you stay with me for a bit? I mean, just until we can sort something out…” Twilight wasn’t sure how to react.
“Well, thanks, Rarity, but I’m…” Rarity wasn’t having any of that.
“No, no, I insist. It’ll be no trouble at all. Although, we should probably find some way of bringing all those heavy books – assuming you want to bring them, of course”. Twilight felt a strange mix of despair and relief. One problem out of the way, but the rest of them were no nearer being solved. All she could do was wait for the Princess’ response.
Carousel Boutique wasn’t a bad place to stay, but there wasn’t all that much spare room with all of Rarity’s clothes and implements, and there was even less after Twilight had dragged in the surviving books. Twilight had noted with some amusement that a copy of the same book that had started the fire was among their number, and decided that she might as well finish it. Seeing as Rarity was out on an errand at the time, this seemed like as good a time as any to start reading.
She was still doing this when there was a knock at the door. She didn’t hear it at first, being absorbed into the book, but the second time it caught her attention. Her first instinct was to ask Spike to get the door. A fresh jolt of grief shot through her as she remembered that was impossible.
She opened the door, to be met by a Pegasus, dressed in the garb of a Courier. “Erm, excuse me, is Ms. Sparkle here? I was informed I could find her here…”
Twilight’s heart jumped. Could it be Celestia’s eagerly-awaited response? “Yes, that would be me, actually.” The Pegasus seemed relieved.
“Oh, good. Well, I was told to give these to you, so here you go!” The Pegasus handed her a small brown envelope and a much larger package before taking off. Twilight shut the door and tore the letter open excitedly. Not wasting any time, she began to read.
“My dearest and most faithful student Twilight,
I am sorry to hear the news you bring. This is a grave matter indeed. I am not sure exactly what action to take. After much debate, I have decided that you should, at the very least, be informed of the exact scale of the events that are about to unfold. You should find enclosed a copy of one of the rarest books in Equestria. In it you will find the background information necessary for you to understand this. You may tell your immediate friends of this, but both you and they must keep utmost secrecy otherwise”.
Twilight was worried. Unfolding events? Rare tomes? Utmost secrecy? This was growing more serious by the moment. She tore open the wrapping on the package that had come with the letter. There was an ancient, leatherbound book inside, pockmarked and musty with the dust of ages. Twilight could almost smell the sheer weight of the years. She dusted off the cover. “Tales Of The Ancient World – A Volume Of Forgotten Facts and Forsaken Figures”. She’d never seen this book in her life. Almost immediately she picked it up, levitating it with her magic, and placed it onto a nearby table. She began reading.
It had been written by an author who had never bothered to write his name on the cover, or if he had time had already worn it away. One thing she noticed about his style of writing was that it was extremely hurried, as if he only had a few minutes at a time to write entries into the book, and was constantly looking over his own shoulder to see if anyone was watching him. To top it all off, the author’s handwriting resembled nothing so much as a drunken spider falling into a vat of ink and then crawling all over the page in roughly horizontal lines, making it difficult to make out certain words.
In spite of all these things, she couldn’t avert her eyes once she started reading. “Many, many ages ago, the world began. Pangor would have you believe that she was responsible, and that would suit her, yes, to further the adoration of her serfs. But the truth is greater, far greater. For at the dawn of the world there was nought, but darkness and flat, cold earth. And behold, Olni did come forth, causing fire and light to surge…”
The narrative continued in this manner for many pages, telling a story Twilight had never heard of before. The author seemed to take for granted that the reader knew the identity of this “Olni” character, and never really bothered to explain, but the reverential way he was spoken of (plus the fact that he was credited with creating the world) made it clear that he was supposed to be some form of deity. But who was Pangor? Apparently the author had a vitriolic hatred of her, but he refused to give up any more detail than that.
Twilight was interrupted by the sound of a door opening. Twilight realized with a shock that Rarity had returned. “Oh, Twilight! I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were…” The white unicorn took notice of the book, as well as the wrapping on the floor. “…reading.”
Twilight had to think fast. “Oh, yeah, right. Reading.” She closed the book and placed it back amongst the pile.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen that book before, Twilight. Is it new?”
Twilight pushed it under some of the others. “No, just re-reading an old favourite”. The Princess had said that she could tell her friends, but she didn’t want to worry Rarity; especially not before she knew the real relevance of this book. Still, the Princess had sent her it – it must be connected to their present situation, somehow. It had to be…
“She sent you what?” Rainbow seemed unimpressed. “How’s a book gonna help us find Spike? Unless it’s got a complete map of the Everfree Forest, I just don’t see it”. Twilight shook her head in frustration.
“No, it doesn’t have a map. What it does have, however, is an explanation!”
Rainbow still seemed unimpressed. “Explain what? Spike got kidnapped, we need to rescue him, what’s there to explain?”
Applejack chimed in. “Well, maybe if we know why he took Spike away, we can find out where he took ‘im to. Is that what yer thinkin’ Twilight?”
The unicorn nodded. “I reckon so. The thing is…” She hesitated.
Rainbow became impatient. “What, what is it?”
Twilight's face twisted in discomfort. “What’s inside this book is, well… see for yourselves”.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Spike felt bloated all of a sudden. His stomach swelled as he recognized the feeling. The Princess must be sending a letter!
Gravil turned to him. “Hmm? Is there something the matter, My Lord?”
Spike didn’t have time to respond before he belched, releasing a cloud of green smoke that swirled for a few seconds before coalescing into a scroll. The runes on the walls, dormant for a while, flared up in angry crimson light. Gravil’s eyes widened as he saw the runes. “Unicorn Magic!” he hissed, the disgust in his voice palpable. Spike grabbed and opened the scroll before Gravil could. He began to read –
“Spike, I understand that this must be difficult for you. You don’t know where you are, or who you are with. I know he will not admit to this, but the dragon who has taken you is acting against the common good as well as your own. He does not know that his cause will result in nothing but death and ruin-”
At this point, Gravil grabbed the scroll, tearing it from Spike’s claws.
“H-hey, that was mine!”
Ignoring Spike’s protests, Gravil’s ancient eyes scanned the parchment. His body trembled with rage, the special kind of rage that comes only to those who have suffered in silence for centuries as their woes go uncared for. Spike protested again.
“H-hey, didn’t you hear me? I said that’s-”
Gravil roared, his rejuvenated lungs providing him with volume enough that the high eaves of Anbel echoed with him. Spike decided to drop the subject, particularly as the wyrm then proceeded to shred the parchment to ribbons on his claws. He panted for breath. Eventually, he regained some measure of composure and spoke.
“My Lord. I know I said that we would leave our next History lesson until tomorrow, but if the great enemy is trying to warp your mind, we must hurry.” Spike didn’t even have time to respond before he was grabbed firmly by the wrist and led back to the library. Knowing by now the futility of resistance, he decided that he might as well see what the fuss was about.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************
The two ponies were flabbergasted. So was Twilight, but she had already read it and so the effect was lessened for her. “This can’t possibly be right!” yelled Rainbow. “The Princess would never do anything like that! Whoever this writer is, he doesn’t know what he’s talkin’ about!”
Twilight turned to face her, her face set grimly. “I know it seems absurd, but the Princess sent me this. Why would she deliberately send us lies about herself? That doesn't make sense, from any viewpoint!"
Applejack shook her head. “I can’t fault ya there, Twilight, but this is…quite a lot to take in, ya know?”
Twilight nodded. “I know”. The other two ponies realized with a jolt that Twilight must have been even more shaken than they were – after all, she had always regarded Celestia as a close friend and trusted mentor.
Rainbow still objected, her stubborn nature making itself known. “But…but even if that is true, she must’ve had a good reason! I mean, nopony just up and-”
Twilight turned to face Rainbow, visibly irritated. “Yes, Rainbow, I know. But shocking as it is, we can leave that question until later. The real question we need to ask is what to do now.”
Twilight opened the book to a page near the end, festooned with drawings and dots, obviously some kind of plan. “This is a representation of the building where Spike has most likely been taken.” She pointed to a drawing of a high-roofed building.
“And what’s that?” Applejack said, pointing to the drawings next to it.
“That would be the ritual” finished the purple unicorn.
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
After a few minutes, Spike and Gravil returned to the Tomb of Tales. The wyrm stood up and began to speak.
"Now, My Lord, where were we...?" Before Spike could say anything, Gravil answered the question himself. "Ah, I recall now".
He went on. "Now, the Children of Olni divide time in a unique way. It is split into reigns. The First Reign began when Galdor The Great was born, the Second when his son took the throne, and so forth".
"Now, when Olni created the world, he gave to Galdor and his people a gift - that of sovereignty, the right to rule the world. And so they did, for seven hundred and fifty years."
"However, it could not last forever. Olni wished for his people to live, free, without need for him. However, he also knew that he could not simply abandon them - without the brilliant light and heat that radiated from him, his people would be swallowed by the darkness. He designed a plan, and acted on it."
Gravil paused for breath before continuing. "He gathered to him all of his children, and announced that he would leave them. There was great consternation amongst the crowd, but none gave voice to their worried. Olni spoke again, and he said that though he would leave them in body, he would never leave in spirit. Thus he gave them a gift: he raised his head skyward and spat forth a mighty ball of flame, that shot through the heavens, before coming to rest. He said that this was the Sun, his gift to them. It would shine down upon them forever, as their guardian. It would be an eternal reminder that they were his children, and he was their father."
Spike continued to listen, Gravil’s words stirring a strange emotion rising in him. He didn’t know its name, but it is known as atavism, and with this, he felt closer to his ancestors than he realized he could feel to anyone. He almost was them, living their lives through his, their blood pouring through his veins. As this occurred, the symbols on the tablet un-knotted themselves, transforming from a clump of unreadable pictograms into words he found he could understand.
He fixed his gaze upon a line of symbols, and understood. They said "Thou hast honour, and honour is thy life. By thine honour is power won, sovereignty earned, and life proven". He turned to the line beside it, which said. "Should thou break my law, which I have given to thee, thine honour is forfeit, and thou shalt know shame and fear. But he that keeps my law, that works in its service, shall be honoured by all who know him, and should they scorn him still woe is theirs, for I do not ignore the works of the truly repentant".
It was dizzying. So many symbols, so much meaning, so many words. Spike's head span as dizziness overcame him. He fell to the floor in a heap.
"My Lord! Are you alright?" Gravil's voice was heavy with concern.
Spike sat up, cradling his head between his hands. "Uhh. I think so...but..."
The wyrm held out his hand, picking up and steadying his younger charge. "But what?" said the wyrm.
Spike responded. "I think I just...read those".
Gravil's eyes widened in disbelief. "My Lord, do you mean the tablet?"
Spike nodded.
Gravil inhaled deeply. "I...My Lord, are you quite serious?"
Spike nodded again. "This is most fortuitous. That you can read it, without being taught! It must mean that you are blessed by Olni!"
The wyrm coughed. "Er...not that there was ever any doubt, of course..."
Spike was too dizzy to comment.
When Spike had recovered "The people stared up in wonder at this new gift, scarcely able to take in what was happening. When they finally averted their gaze, their Father was gone, and he had taken Galdor with him."
Spike piped up. "Why did he do that?"
Gravil turned to his charge, his expression showing that this wasn't the first time he'd been asked that.
"I cannot say for sure, My Lord. As he was forged by Olni's own hand I doubt Galdor would have died naturally, and I suspect the Dragonfather wished for more than one person to be able to experience the role of King. At least, that is my best guess."
Spike nodded.
Something occurred to Spike, and he decided to voice it. "So what did they do after that?"
Gravil responded. "Galdor had many children, but only one son. He took up the mantle of King after his father went with Olni. He took the same name too, so that his father's wisdom might pass to him."
Spike took in this information, not really knowing how to reply. However, he felt like he wanted to know more.
Gravil remembered what Spike had said earlier. “Now, My Lord, you asked about the Runes earlier? We are getting close, but there is one more story you must hear. When Olni created us, he knew of the force known as Magic. It existed in all things, just as the fire lives in a Dragon, or the soul lives in the body. However, he knew also that it, being not of his hand, would be resentful of our intrusion onto its world. Thus he warned his children against attempting to make use of it."
Spike raised his hand. "Why didn't he just stop them from using it altogether?"
Gravil grinned again - this was the oldest question in the book, and he knew its answer well. He had even asked it himself when he was that age.
"Olni is great, and Olni is mighty. However, Olni is also compassionate, and does not force his children's actions against their wills. He warned us, he told us, and it is our folly alone that we did not heed him".
Something in Gravil's tone told Spike that it wasn't worth arguing that particular point, and the wyrm went on.
"Thus, magic is not a part of our inheritance. It is not made for us, nor we for it. However, it is not impossible
for a Dragon to wield such power. During the Second Reign, we discovered this fact, at devastating cost."
Gravil's eyes misted over as he as taken by the story. "Picture the scene. The empire is strong. Galdor II has reigned for four centuries, and none challenge our supremacy. In this time there lived many Dragons, most of them living in Holds. There were many such Holds, of which Anbel is, and always has been, the greatest".
The wyrm grimaced, remembering the next part of the story. This was his least favourite part. "One of the Dragons living at this time was named Mabin. She was not part of a Hold - she had always preferred the vast expanse of the sky to the soothing protection of the earth." Gravil shuddered as he thought about it.
"Not that I ever understood that way of thinking..."
Gravil went on, seeing that Spike wanted to hear more.
"This made her a Wilder in the eyes of the Hold-Dragons, but she did not care. Their scorn meant nothing to her. She had wed once, but her husband had been taken from her before his time, and she was left alone to guard their only clutch of eggs. She fawned over them, as any mother does, but she was even more vigilant than most, devoting every waking moment to their preservation. Alas, the cruel whim of fate had deigned her to suffer. One night, when she had fallen asleep, something snuck into her cave, and stole from her one precious egg. "
"No-one is sure who exactly was responsible- a beast of the wilds? Possibly, though I doubt any beast would be suicidal enough to steal from a dragon. When Mabin awake, she was both terrified and furious. She searched high and low for her missing egg, but found nothing. On the fourth night, when her hope began to fade, she came across something. More accurately, it came to her."
Spike's enthusiasm grew with every word. "What found her? What found her?"
Gravil continued unperturbed. "She was found by one of the Cri-Es. They are evil, spiteful spirits, who lived before Olni came. They hate him, and all his creations, and would gladly see us wiped from the earth. However, they are far from stupid. They are willing to make deals and bargains where it suits them, and they saw one that night. One of the Cri-Es approached Mabin, and told her that it would find her egg for her - for a price. Mabin was hesitant. All of Olni's Children know the danger of the Cri-Es, and so did she. However, the spirit was persuasive, and played upon her fears, showing her visions of what might happen to her egg if she did not find it immediately. It whispered that her husband would never be able to forgive her if she failed to protect their children. This was the final straw. In the grip of despair, she agreed."
Gravil shuddered from the pain of remembering. "For what it is worth, the fiend was true to its word. It slipped away from Mabin, and returned scant hours later, carrying with it the egg. Mabin's heart leapt with joy to see it again, but her joy was short-lived. The demon took its toll".
The egg changed. Its green shell changed to blood-red, distressing Mabin. Even so, Mabin loved it like the others and took it with her."
"For weeks she waited. One by one the eggs began to hatch, each cracked shell bringing another gift from on high. She loved them dearly, but could not quell her fears. Week after week passed, and still the red egg showed no signs of life. Fear grew inside Mabin. Had the demon tricked her? It certainly would not be beneath them to raise up her hopes solely for the joy of crushing them. Still, she waited. She began to hunt again, to feed her three children, soon, she hoped, to be four."
"Days passed by, and still nothing happened. Every day she hunted, and every night she curled around her children to keep them warm and safe. Yet still the egg did not stir. She began to despair, but still clung to the one last thread of hope - that somehow, the egg might hatch."
"At last, it happened. On the eve of Olnisa, the festival that commemmorates Olni's departure and the birth of the Sun, the egg stirred. Mabin's heart leapt again, every crack lifting her spirits. At last, the shell cracked open entirely, and before Mabin stood her fourth child, a daughter."
"Mabin was relieved beyond words. She named the child..."
Gravil’s voice trailed off again. “Renka. Renka was her name. Mabin felt joy again, and for a time all was well. Mabin was happy to rear her family out here, in the Wilds. She had no need of the intricacies of court life, or the cloying air of the Holds. However, it soon became clear that all was not as it should be."
"The problem was Renka. It became clear that she was not like other dragons. She refused to eat meat, and became violently sick whenever she was forced to do so. Plant-matter is not food fit for a dragon, and so Renka simply suffered. She survived, but she hated every second of living. Her growth was stunted and she remained gaunt and weak whilst her siblings grew stronger. However, she did like the taste of gemstones, and gobbled them whenever she found them. Sadly, in the Wilds, gemstones are few and far between."
"Mabin could not bear to see her daughter suffer so, but she did not possess very many gems, nothing like the amount needed to feed a growing dragon. So it was that on the day of Olnija, Mabin left her three sons by themselves (with strict orders not to leave the cave) and took Renka to the summit of Mount Tena-Lin".
Spike piped up again. "Where's that?"
Gravil gestured at the roof. "We are standing inside it, My Lord. Anbel is built directly into its side!"
Spike remembered the sheer rock face he had seen on the way in. "Whoa. So she came here?"
Gravil went on. "Well, she didn't go inside. On that particular day, the King flies to the top of Ilc-Tena, to thank Olni for creating us. A feast is held, and all who attend praise His generosity. So, to this ceremony did Mabin come. Carrying her sickly child, she stood before the King and begged clemency of him, that he might take Renka in out of mercy. Of course, he accepted".
Spike felt a little confused, like he'd just missed something everyone else had understood. "Why "of course"? Couldn't he have said no?"
Gravil was taken aback, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Of course not! The King derives his authority from Olni, and Olni alone. If the King acts in a way that Olni would consider disgraceful, how can he still claim kingship? He cannot! No true King would turn down a desperate plea for help! As it is written, He who does not give, cannot expect to recieve."
Spike stifled a yawn. It was getting late. Gravil took notice of this. "Worry not, my Lord, we are nearly finished. I will cut out the less relevant parts".
"So it was that Galdor took Renka in. She was placed under the care of a matron, and for a time everything seemed well. Renka grew well on the rich coffers of Anbel, and she seemed content. Her mother came to visit her whenever she could. For her young years this was only at Olnija, for only then could Mabin spare time from the effort of raising three boys."
"These visits from her mother were incredibly important to Renka, for she found few friends at Anbel. The nobles thought of her as a burden and treated her as an outcast. Even those who were more civil to her could never seem to overcome the fact that she had not been born to a Hold. To them, she was a Wilder, and she didn't deserve any of the things that she had".
"However, there was one thing in which Renka found joy - history. She studied the Tablets of creation and of law until she could recite them better even than the historians themselves. However, reading the tablets brought her more questions than it did answers. She read the decrees of Olni, of how all things made by Him were his Children, and how all should treat each other as such. She read of how He listened to the pleas of the truly penitent, and how all should work according to his Law. Why, then, she wondered, did so few of them do so? She could not fault the King, for he had taken her in. The other Dragons of Anbel, however, were as far from Olni's ideals as she could imagine, and yet they called themselves His children. It made no sense to her".
"There was one in particular who irked her - the King's eldest son. Galdor had come to think of Renka almost like a daughter, and his son resented this. He took pains to make her aware that she was not part of his family, that most did not welcome her presence in Anbel. She, for her part, suffered him as best she could. She could not speak out against him due to his position, so she took his jibes and taunts with as much grace as she could muster. Every day he slung at her with words, and every night she prayed dearly to Olni that justice would be done."
"Thus it continued for years. Renka lived her life, unaware of the curse placed upon her by the demon. The masked hostility of the court of Anbel was the worst she had to deal with, and she learned to cope. However, things cannot remain the same forever. One Olnija, Mabin failed to appear in Anbel. Renka was crushed - her mother's visits were one of the few truly bright points in her life, and she had never missed one before. Her sorrow deepened, however, the next day. An unfamiliar dragon arrived in Anbel, claiming to have news for Renka."
"He announced himself as her eldest brother, Otobon. He told her the words she had been dreading: their mother, Mabin, was dead."
Spike was fighting fatigue by this point, but he was willing to do it for a story like this. "What...*yawn*...happened..."
Gravil noticed this. "My Lord, are you sure you do not wish to retire for the night?"
Spike shook his head. "No, I'm..."
Spike's eyelids forced themselves shut, and he nodded off where he stood.
Gravil chuckled. "Ah. Perhaps a little too much history."
He picked up the baby dragon and began to walk, towards the bedchamber.
The rest of the story could wait until tomorrow.
The desire to tell it to someone else still burned inside him, but less strongly than it had in years. Telling someone had helped. At least now the Prince knew the beginning of the story.
He just hoped he would never have to see the end.
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Cantus
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872
| 4 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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The Dragon Master
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In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
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incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-19T15:55:20+00:00
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2011-10-19T15:55:20+00:00
| 2,475 |
The smell of grass pancakes was what caught her nose. It was a wonderful, earthy odour. It had been too long since the last time she'd experienced it.
Twilight opened her eyes. She yawned and stared up at the wooden roof, wondering what time it was. Wait, wooden roof?
Something felt...wrong. A dull throbbing in her head insisted that there was something she wasn't seeing.
"Uhh. What is this..?"
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. The smell of pancakes returned to her, and she smiled wearily.
Things felt right.
She trotted out, down the stairs and into the kitchen, following her nose the entire way.
Someone stood at the oven, flipping the pancakes over in the pan.
"Spike?!" she exclaimed.
The dragon turned around. He looked normal, but...
"Heya Twilight! Sleepin' in today, I see?"
The throbbing returned. "Uh...Spike...there's something...you're supposed to be..."
The little dragon looked at her quizzically. "Supposed to be what? You feelin' okay, Twi?"
The pain only got worse. Every word he spoke made it feel like a nail was being driven further into her skull.
"Aaaah! Stop! Stop!"
The dragon's expression became more worried. "Twilight! Twilight, what's wrong?!"
The pain thumped ever harder. As it hammered her skull, she suddenly remembered what was wrong.
"You're not Spike! Spike isn't here anymore! And neither is the Library!"
A look of shock crossed the dragon's face. "Twi, what're you-"
"Don't try to fool me! I remember!" she yelled.
The dragon's face twisted in dismay. "How could you - you're not supposed to know that. Twi, how could you -you-you-you-youyouyou..."
As it spoke it face rippled and tore, her friend's features replaced by a monstrous mask of bone, with glowing fires in place of eyes. It grinned, a horrid, toothy grin that made her stomach turn. It spoke again, its voice deep and threatening.
"Oh, that's too bad, Twilight. I thought we had such a wonderful relationship.
It took one ungainly step towards her, then another, the rest of its skin ripping off like paper to reveal pure white bone beneath.
She tried to speak, tried to scream, but there was nothing inside her. She could do nothing but watch, and tremble.
Its laugh grew, spiralling higher and higher until it was a cackling cacophony of noise.
Fear screamed at her to flee, but her legs ignored her. It reached her, and raised its hand, bony claws poised to strike.
Paralysed, she stared into the witch-fires in its skull. They burned fiercely, red flame in the left socket and blue flame in the right. In each, she saw one thing. In the red she saw a small purple egg, lying nested in straw. In the blue, she saw a purple dragon, seated on a throne of carven stone.
Before she could think about either of these, the hand descended, the laughter split her ears, and the world went black.
*****************************************************************************************
"...light! Twilight!"
Rarity's concerned voice reached the purple unicorn's ears.
"Twilight! It's alright now! It's alright! You're with friends!"
Twilight sighed in relief as her brain's logic centers kicked in and she realised that she was safe.
"Uhh. Nightmare". She was worn enough already without them being thrown into the equation.
Rarity consoled her friend. "Are you quite sure you're alright, Twilight? I mean, if there's anything I can do to help you with that-"
The purple unicorn rubbed her sore head. "Thanks, but no. Rarity, I know you're concerned about me, but I don't need anything more than a good night's sleep."
She groaned at the dull pain in her skull. There wouldn't be much chance of rest if these horrid dreams kept up.
"Well alright, Twilight. But just..." Rarity mulled over her next sentence for a while.
"Just don't be afraid to ask if you think there is some way I can be of use. I'd hate think you were suffering needlessly.."
Twilight chuckled. "Yes, Rarity. I'll make sure of that."
The pain slowly died down. The dream faded from her mind, and she settled back down to sleep.
*****************************************************************************************
Clawed feet trod coloured tiles as Gravil paced. He was checking that it would work. Somewhat redundant, as he had already done so thousands of times, but his mind would never truly be convinced until it had been done.
He traced out the pattern again in his mind. Circle atop arrow, the sun mounting the mountain. It was a beautiful symbol - simple, but with so much meaning. It meant Olni atop the earth, showing how even the land's mightiest symbol was underneath His rule. It meant the victory of spirit over flesh, that faith would triumph over all.
He walked along its etched lines, carven into the floor. His scales tingled slightly as he thought of what would come from this. The Rune of Life was perfect. Every inch of it had been carved with the utmost precision, every curve correct, every line straight. His gaze fell upon the other four Runes, laid out in a precise circular pattern. He had been meticulous in his work, and he could not help but feel a pinch of pride in it. Together they would guide the spell, exactly as they were meant do.
All he needed now was Magic.
As he began his fourth lap of the circle, a noise came. The pitter-patter of tiny clawed feet. He snapped out of his reverie as he realised who it was. The past was gone, and the future could wait, but the Prince was the present.
"My Lord! I had not expected you to rise so early. Please forgive me, I have not yet made preparations for your meal".
Spike yawned and scratched his head. "Yeah. I couldn't sleep very well. I kept waking up in the middle of the night..."
Gravil seemed concerned. "Nightmares?"
Spike shook his head. "Not exactly...I never felt scared, but I always felt...uneasy. Like I was being watched."
Gravil waved his arm in dismissal. "I assure you, My Lord - noone, neither mortal nor spirit, could enter this place unknown. The Runes would have sensed any intrusion and acted accordingly".
Spike's stomach growled. "Uh, can I still take that meal offer?"
The wyrm chuckled and began walking towards one of the side-corridors, motioning to Spike to follow him. "My Lord, if you will follow me, you may feast all you wish".
Spike still had reservations about Gravil, but he wasn't about to pass up an offer like that.
"Hey, wait up!" His legs were still too short for him to easily keep up with the wyrm, and he didn't want to be left behind.
Gravil did not stop, instead keeping a constant pace that was just slow enough that Spike could keep up.
They passed through winding corridors and dust-filled rooms, until Gravil eventually stopped before a large golden door.
Spike bumped into the wyrm from behind and fell flat on his backside. "Hey! Warn me when you're gonna stop!"
Gravil did not respond. He placed his hand on the door, and whispered something. Spike had never learned the tongue Gravil was using, but after a few seconds the words changed. They changed from incomprehensible gibberish to something he understood.
He heard:
"Golden Door, Golden Door, guard of Olni's Children four. Golden Door, Golden Door, slip your latch and hold no more.
With that, a grinding sound came from within, and the door swung open.
Spike wasn't sure what had just happened. He was sure Gravil had been speaking a foreign tongue, but he'd understood it perfectly! He remembered what Gravil had said yesterday - about him being "blessed". He'd been able to read the symbols, so did that apply to any language?
Spike's train of thought was brought crashing to a halt in short order. As the doors were thrown open, his eyes were met by the most dazzling sight he had ever seen.
The floor was carpeted with gemstones, not an inch of space visible underneath the clutter. They were organised in a haphazard manner, rubies piled upon emerald piled upon sapphires. Spike's mouth began to water - it looked delicious.
He spoke up "Are these all for-"
Gravil second-guessed his thoughts (admittedly not a particularly difficult task) and responded before he had finished.
"Yes, My Lord. As rightful King these are all yours. Feel free to-"
He was cut off by Spike diving headfirst into a large pile of jewels. He raised his hand to his face, instinctively protecting it from the shower of sapphires that flew in his direction.
*****************************************************************************************
Rainbow Dash grinned. In spite of everything that had happened, she still couldn't feel down when she was flying. The speed, the adrenaline, the wind in her mane - it all made her feel...
There wasn't a proper word for it. "Happy" was close enough, but it wasn't happiness, exactly. It felt...
Right. It felt right. Like she was doing what she was meant to do, and everything else in life was just a distraction.
All these thoughts took place in the back of her mind, while the rest of it focussed on keeping her flight path steady.
She was making another pass over the Everfree Forest. She told herself that she might find some sign of Spike, or his kidnapper. She knew that was vanishingly unlikely, but she wasn't going to admit that. Part of her insisted it was possible. It had happened once, it could happen twice. At the very least, it would be doing something.
She flew on, her wings beating tirelessly, until she found the place where she'd found the two previously. At least, she thought it was the same place...
It was hard to tell with this stupid forest - it just kept on going, for miles and miles, like a massive green smudge on the landscape. It was like it was trying to give people a place to hide...
Just as she flew across the path, something caught her eye. A faint glint, barely noticeable even in the shadow of the forest's eaves.
"Huh? What's that?" she thought to herself. Her curiosity got the better of her. She descended, taking care not to smack into any of the trees' outstretched limbs.
There it was. A ray of light glanced off of something lying by the forest road, making it glint again.
She landed gingerly beside it. She spent several minutes just looking at it. Staying still wasn't exactly her forte, but something about it demanded observation.
It was a staff, carven from incredibly dark wood, adorned at its head with a hissing serpent's head. Someone had obviously lavished great time and effort on the head. Every fang and scale had been painstakingly detailed, lending the whole thing an eerie realism.
Rainbow stared at it, drinking in every detail. She shivered slightly - it looked too real. She got the distinct feeling that it wanted to bite her.
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the fear. There was no way Rainbow Dash, hero of Equestria, was gonna be spooked by a carving. Still, she realised that the object lying in front of her could be important. She picked the thing up in her mouth and took off.
Everything went well for a time. Holding her mouth closed constantly wasn't easy, but she could manage it. That was, until...
A sharp hiss. Rainbow could hear it clearly, even over the sound of the air whipping past her.
The hiss came again, and the staff came to life. The wood twisted with a flexibility it should not have possessed, and arched its "neck" around, so that it coud see her more closely.
She was face to face with the carven serpent, its blank eyes boring into her, its fangs bared to follow.
She yelled in shock, necessarily opening her mouth in the process. The staff fell down, its malevolent hiss still audible long after it had fallen beneath the cover of the forest canopy.
*****************************************************************************************
Gravil tried to disguise his surprise, and failed miserably. He had expected the Prince to be hungry (after all, the boy had probably never had a proper meal in his life), but he'd never seen such...voracious consumption.
Spike gorged himself until his gullet was full and his stomach bloated. He lay down on his back, lying on a patch of (now-visible) floor, and sighed with contentment.
"My Lord? Are you quite alright?" the wyrm said worriedly.
The purple dragon belched. "Well, I'm not hungry anymore".
Gravil grinned. Well, he was certainly his father's son.
A memory came back to Spike. "I haven't seen this many gems since that one time I ran away!"
Gravil blinked in surprise. "Oh? May I ask you what you are referring to, My Lord?"
Spike sat up, eager to have someone listen to him. He regaled the wyrm with the story of his flight from Ponyville, and encounter with a Green Dragon within the Everfree Forest.
Gravil's eyes widened in shock. He pictured in his mind the Green Dragon looming over a terrified child, and his body trembled with rage. Thrice-cursed Na-Shri!
Spike, oblivious to Gravil's body language, finished his story. "And then Twilight rescued me and we went home. Pretty cool story, don't ya think?"
Something else occured to him. "Wait a minute...if there are still dragons in Equestria, why am I so special?"
Gravil roared. The anger and outrage bubbled up within him untuil he coud contain it no more.
"There is only one living dragon in the land!."
Spike recoiled involuntarily, shielding his face as he'd learned to do during the wyrm's outbursts.
Gravil panted, regaining control of himself. He felt shamed when he saw the Prince's cowering form. It was his duty to protect the King, not terrify him!
"I must apologise, My Lord. I...you...allow me to explain."
He stood up straight and began to speak.
"What you met in the forest was not a dragon."
Spike looked confused. "Huh? It wasn't? But it was big, and scaly, and breathed fire..."
Gravil almost exploded with anger. "It was not. There is more to being a dragon than scale and flesh and flame! A dragon would never kill a child, certainly not for such selfish motives. A dragon would never place so much importance on wealth, would never fly in the face of Olni's Will so blatantly..!
He realised that he was beginning to get worked up again, and forcibly restrained himself. Blind rage, however justified, would only hurt the Prince. He decided upon another course of action.
He turned to Spike. "Come, My Lord. We must return to the Tomb. We must finish our history lesson if I am to properly explain the situation". He exited the room, the little dragon following at his heels.
*****************************************************************************************
Gravil didn't even wait for Spike to seat himself, launching off into the story immediately.
"Now, My Lord, we stopped at Mabin's death, did we not?"
Spike thought back for a minute before remembering. "Yeah, I think that was it."
Gravil continued. "Yes. When Renka heard of her mother's death, she did not believe. She did not want to believe that the one person in the world who genuinely cared for her had gone, and without so much as a chance to say goodbye!"
"Her brother tried to reason with her, but she would not believe him either. She proclaimed "You are not my brother! You cannot be!" There had been some confusion, she thought. She had never actually laid eyes on her brothers, you see, and managed to convince herself that he had confused her with someone else".
Gravil shook his head in pity. "A mad thought, but the mind is more willing to cling to impossible thoughts than accept suffering. It is truly as the proverb says "A falling wyvern will grasp the air itself"."
Realising he was getting slightly off-topic, Gravil returned to the story.
"In any case, Renka was distressed by the news. No matter how many times she tried to convince herself that it wasn't true, that there had been a mistake, the words always rang false in her own ears."
"She pushed them aside, and returned to her chamber. She tried to sleep, but..."
The wyrm paused, contemplating how best to phrase the next part.
"She was haunted. Her dreams were stalked by horrific images. She saw in her mind the moon, its white surface turned red as blood. She marveled at the sight, but before she could think on it she was whisked away. Under the crimson light she was taken to her birthplace, the cave in the Wilds. What she saw there..."
He shuddered, but continued. "What she saw there is not certain. All we can know for sure is that she awoke in the midst of night, screaming and roaring. She babbled incoherently about blood and fire, and stormed outside in a blind fear."
Spike's eyes widened. "Where did she-?"
Gravil sighed. "Please give me a minute, My Lord. Recalling years worth of history can put something of a strain on one's mind..."
Spike nodded, and waited eagerly. He didn't have to wait long.
The wyrm went on. "She fled, away from Anbel. Renka was not an experienced flyer, but she took off on the wing anyway. Of course, her rushed exit had not gone unnoticed, and her brother tried to bring her back. He had spent most of his life hunting, unlike her, and he caught up with her easily".
Spike piped up again. "So he caught her?"
Gravil nodded. "Yes. But that was not the end of it. He flew alongside her, trying to reason with her, but she would not listen. Eventually he realised that she had gone utterly mad with fear. He didn't like the idea, but he knew she would need to be subdued more forcefully."
"He circled around Renka, who only continued to shout, not realising what he was planning. He pounced, slamming into her from above. She shrieked at the sudden loss of balance, and plummeted. He prepared to drive her to the ground, where she might be subdued until her madness had spent itself, but..."
He took a deep breath before continuing. "He could not have foreseen what happened next. Renka screamed, and her fear awoke something, something that had been implanted deep inside her before she had even been born. Her body began to glow with a harsh red light, and before Otobon could react, he had been engulfed by it."
Spike's eyes widened. "What happened then? What happened then?"
Gravil went on, willing to oblige.
"As the light swept over him, it stole the life from his very body, whisking his soul away within the space of a single breath. Without the spark of life, his body returned to that from which he had been made."
Gravil closed his eyes, bringing the image he wanted vividly into focus. "In a heartbeat, he had been turned to unliving rock. His wings petrified, and he fell to the ground below, where he broke into pieces."
Spike couldn't help but shiver at the image. Just the thought of...breaking like that...
"Did he d-die?"
Gravil shivered before replying. "I can only hope so, My Lord. Otherwise..."
Gravil decided to continue the story, ignoring the question entirely.
"Yes, My Lord, I feel the same way. Still, that is not where the story ends. Renka had vanquished her pursuer. She did not know what she had done, and she did not spend time thinking about it, for she was still being driven by that same need, that same desire to return to where she had been born. She flew, and her wings carried her for most of the way. She flew until the sun had risen, and kept going until it set again the next day."
"At long last, she reached the cave. The sun had just begun to set again, and it bathed the place in an eerie orange glow. Exhausted, but unwilling to stop, Renka stormed into the cave. Whatever she had expected to see, she was not prepared for what she did see".
Gravil took another deep breath. Spike held his breath in expectation.
"The cave was completely, utterly dark. Not a mote of light penetrated it, and when she stepped over the threshold, the fading rays of the sun were snuffed out utterly. Fear pierced her heart, but she still trod on, driven forward almost against her own will. In the dark, she felt a presence, like eyes keeping track of her as she advanced. She forced her way through, trying to ignore the horrid feeling of despair that permeated the place."
"Eventually, she bumped into something hard. She cursed, having thought that she'd hit the cave wall. She muttered that she'd give anything for some light. As if on demand, a small flame licked into life beside her.
Gravil trembled in anger, knowing what was about to come.
"Renka shrieked, and turned to face the light. The small flame was burning, casting out the shadows in its small puddle of influence. However, it was not the light that she noticed, but its holder.It burned in the palm of a being that never should have existed. The Cri-Es grinned at her, baring its teeth".
"She, naturally, was horrified, but the beast began working its insidious power almost immediately. It welcomed her, and thanked her for answering its call. She was confused - who was this, and what did he want with her? More importantly, where was her mother? Where was Mabin? The spirit laughed, and told her what she wished to know. He was but an interested observer, who wished her no harm. It was his next piece of news that mattered more to her, however. Mabin was gone".
Spike piped up. "Ooh, she can't have liked that."
Gravil ignored the young dragon's comment in favour of continuing the story.
"Renka's blood froze. It couldn't be true. Mabin couldn't be dead. Who or what could be strong enough to slay her? She called the spirit a liar, and demanded he take her to her mother. The Cri-Es chuckled, its tone mocking her even as its words tried to soothe her. He would take her to Mabin, but it warned that she might not like what she saw."
"The flame in its palm grew brighter, illuminating the entire cave. As the shadows were cast away, a terrible sight was revealed. In the dark Renka thought that she had bumped into the wall, but she had not. Standing before her was her mother's form, turned to stone, a horrific grimace etched onto her features."
Spike could only imagine the distressed dragon's reaction, and it scared him.
Gravil felt wearied, but he knew he had to finish this part of the story.
"Understandably, Renka was filled with horror. She recognised her mother immediately - everything about it matched. The scales, the horns - even the patches where her mother's scales had fallen out from overwork. But the look on her face! It was this which horrified the dragon-daughter the most. Her mother had clearly been in a lot of pain when she died - she did not look the least bit at peace."
"She turned to the demon and said "What have you done to my mother?"
Spike couldn't contain himself any longer. "What happened? Who did that to Mabin? Was it the demon?"
Gravil sighed. "Please, My Lord, I will answer all of your questions in time. If you will just have patience..."
Spike nodded.
Gravil gathered his thoughts and went on. "Right, I suppose I ought to hurry things on. The demon told Renka that he was innocent, that he had done nothing to Mabin whatsoever. With wordplay most insidious he began to tell his tale. He proclaimed that Mabin and He were friends, of a sort. He told Renka of the accident that had occurred before her birth, of how she as an egg had been stolen away from Mabin's clutch. He told her also that he had aided Mabin in her hour of need, how he had returned Renka's egg to her mother. "
The wyrm snorted derisively.
"He of course neglected to mention of the bargain he had manipulated her into agreeing to. Treacherous ba..."
He caught himself before the last word.
"Ah, but we must not allow ourselves to be distracted. The point is, the demon spoke to her. It tried to convince her that it cared about her, and in a way that is correct. It did care about her, but not as a person, not as a living, feeling Child of Olni! It wanted to use her, and you shall soon see why. "
"It claimed that it had become worried about Mabin after she had failed to contact it at some pre-arranged time, and had investigated the cave out of care for her. It claimed to have found her already here, arguing with a dragon wearing a circlet.
Renka was stunned - a circlet is the sign of a Prince, you see."
"It claimed to have stood in hiding, and watched the two argue about something he did not understand. He claimed that the argument had become more heated, and that the two came to blows. Mabin was more than his match, but when she attacked there was a flash of light. When it receded, Mabin had become stone, and the Prince had fled."
Spike piped up again. "Is that what really happened?"
Gravil snorted again. "Of course not! Nothing but lies and balderdash, meant to trick Renka into believing it. However, what is important is that Renka did believe it. She also believed it when it said that it had sent a call to her in the night, that she had heard in her dreams - these had been the nightmares. She questioned why the call had to be sent so indirectly, but it countered, saying that she had arrived nonetheless."
"What it said next is an example of its insidious power, and why it is so dangerous. It latches onto your fears, your desires, convinces you that you and it want the same thing. This was why, when the demon told Renka that Galdor's son had killed her mother, she believed him. She hated the Prince. Of course, the Prince was innocent (of that crime at least), but Renka could imagine him being responsible. In her mind, her mother was good and the Prince was evil - thus, him killing her made a twisted kind of sense. Unfortunately for us, that is enough for the demon."
"The demon spent the night talking to her, worming its way deeper into her trust with every word. At dawn, the demon asked her one final question - what would she do for revenge? Having spent the whole night stoking the flames of anger inside her, the demon knew what her answer would be. "Anything". It was with a grin that it extended its offer."
The wyrm paused suddenly, and turned to face Spike directly (as opposed to his previous pose, which had made him look as if he was speaking to the ceiling).
"Did I explain to you how a Cri-Es bargain works, My Lord?"
Spike thought back. "Not really. I mean, I get that they're supposed to be bad, and all, but..."
Gravil took another deep breath and prepared to explain.
"Very well. A Cri-Es bargain is simple at heart. It gives you something, and in exchange you give it your word."
That felt odd to Spike. "A promise? That's it?"
Gravil shook his head. "I'm afraid it is not quite as problem-free as it sounds, My Lord. Not a promise, but your word. Break a promise, and there may be reprecussions. Break your word, and there will be reprecussions. In effect, you are giving the demon the right to demand something of you. The offer presented to Renka was simple. The prize: the power to take revenge. The price: That she turn her back on Olni, and never again bear witness to the light of the sun."
*****************************************************************************************
A knock on the door startled the purple unicorn. Twilight had been buried so deeply in the ancient tome the Princess had given her that the unexpected noise made her rear backwards. This, in turn, upset the chair she'd been sitting on, causing it to fall over. Thankfully Carousel's floors were well padded.
The knock came again, more urgently this time. Twilight instinctively thought about asking Spike to do it, before her logic centers kicked back in again and she remembered that that was impossible. Her heart sank a little. She had been burying herself in research, trying to distract herself from her feelings about what had happened. Thus it was only now that she was beginning to truly appreciate just how much she leaned on the little dragon for support.
The knock came a third time, the door shaking noticeably with the force of impact.
"Alright, already! I'm coming!" Twilight yelled out.
She opened the door, revealing Rainbow Dash standing there with a worried look on her face.
"Twilight. We need to talk."
******************************************************************************************
Twilight blinked again, just to make sure she wasn't imagining this.
"So, let me get this straight. You were flying over the Everfree Forest..."
Rainbow nodded.
"And you found a staff that looked like a snake..."
Rainbow nodded a second time.
"Which you tried to bring back to Ponyville..."
Another nod.
"But it came to life and almost bit you."
Rainbow Dash nodded one more time. "Yeah, that about covers it".
Twilight mulled over the words. A staff coming to life? Come-to-Life spells were hardly impossible, but they were normally used for locomotion. She'd never heard of them being applied like that, nor was she sure if they could. At the least, it would require an awful lot of spells, each one tailored to a different movement...
Rainbow interrupted her train of thought. "Yeah, well, I'm not sure how important it is, but I just felt like I needed to tell someone. After all, I'm pretty sure I found it in the same clearing that I found that creep last time."
These words confirmed what Twilight had been thinking. She'd been trying to convince herself it was just coincedence, but now that looked too unlikely. The staff Rainbow had found was almost certainly the same one Gra-Vil had attacked her with that night.
Eventually, Twilight spoke again.
"Well, thanks anyway Rainbow. We don't know that it'll be useful, but we can't afford to ignore any possible evidence."
Rainbow nodded.
"Okay. Well, now that you know, I've got somewhere to be. So...bye!"
With that, she turned away and took off.
Twilight shook her head. They didn't always understand each other, but she was still glad to have Rainbow Dash as a friend. Her mind turned to the news the pegasus had brought. She sighed, as tiredness started to catch up with her. The bed looked so inviting...
She shook her head. There wasn't time. She had one last letter to write. Sleep could come later.
She unrolled a scroll, drew a quill, and dipped it into the inkpot.
Dear Princess Celestia...
|
Cantus
|
872
| 5 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Dragon Master
|
In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
|
incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-11-30T20:32:15+00:00
|
2011-11-30T20:32:15+00:00
| 2,312 |
Celestia blinked. The letter was still there. A tiny, irrational part of her had feared it would vanish if she took her eyes off of it, but she knew that wasn't true. She read over it again, poring over each word.
Eventually, the small fear that it would go away died altogether. Her heart had sank when she had read her student's first letter, but this one made her feel different. On one hoof, it meant that the threat Twilight had informed her of was, in fact, Gravil. She'd hoped against hope that it was someone else, but this letter banished that possibility.
On the other hoof, it brought hope as well. She knew little enough about Draconic Rituals, but she did know that Gravil would need that staff to bring his plans to fruition. If they could prevent him from regaining it, a siege and much bloodshed could be averted. If not...
She hoped it would not come to that. She would not let all of this be for nothing. Anger built up inside her as she remembered. Ending the Reign of Discord, settling an uneasy peace with the Griffon tribes, waiting a thousand long years for Luna to return...
She remembered all the ponies that had passed their lives under her gaze. She remembered their smiles and their troubles, the ways they survived and grew, the ways they had died. So many ponies. So many people. So much life.
It would not be wiped away by one wyrm's folly.
She regained composure with the practised ease of somepony who had done it every day for a thousand years. Her horn glowed slightly as she took a quill, dipped it in ink, and prepared to write.
*************************************************************************
Celestia trotted slowly towards the door. It was six feet tall, made of stone, with a crescent moon engraved onto its surface, shining as polished silver.
She didn't like the thought of what she was about to do. She dearly hoped it would prove unnecessary. But succesfully ruling a country by oneself for a thousand years does not teach one to take chances. There was every chance that plan A might fail, and if it did, they would need something to fall back on. Luna was the only one who could give them that.
*************************************************************************
The Moon Princess was distracted. The day was almost over, and soon she'd have to raise the moon again. That wasn't so bad: after all, it was what she'd been born to do. Even so, spending a millennium without practice would leave anypony rusty.
Nervousness rose up inside her as the sun inched lower, slowly falling toward the lip of the horizon. She shook her head. She had to calm down, for her own sake. At least, that was what her sister always said.
There was still a little while left before the sun set. She paced around the circular carpet in the middle of the floor, casting glances over her shoulder every few minutes to check if the sun was any lower.
Eventually it grew too much. She stopped pacing and snorted in frustration. Why was this so nerve-wracking? She'd raised the moon a couple of times since her return! Experience should be starting to kick in, starting to make it easier. Yet it was not. Why did tonight, of all nights, fill her with so much dread?
There was a knock on the door.
"Luna? Luna, it's me".
The sudden noise starlted her. Sis? She trotted to the door and opened it.
Her sister stared down at her, a grim expression on her face.
"Sis, I told you already! I can handle the moonrise by myself! I-"
The white alicorn shook her head.
"I know that, Luna. That's not why I'm here."
Worry rose its head again, filling Luna with dread. Celestia seemed very dour, and that never meant good news.
*************************************************************************
Luna's blood froze.
"S-sis...this...this is a joke, isn't it?"
Celestia shook her head.
"I would never joke about something like this, Luna. I'm afraid it's true. He's returned".
Something snapped inside Luna.
"That's impossible! He threw himself off a cliff! Even if he could have survived that, how could he have been in any state to plan all of this?"
Celestia shook her head again.
"I don't know, Luna. I didn't believe it at first either. That's why I didn't do more. That's why I didn't tell you. I didn't want to dredge up all of those awful memories unless there was no other choice."
Luna quivered as those memories came back. They were the least welcome set of memories she possessed. So long ago...Before envy had overwhelmed her, but after the terror that had been Discord. They had come from the forest...
Luna shuddered. "I really don't want to remember..."
Celestia leaned it close to her sister, trying to comfort her.
"I know. Those were desperate times. But we did what we had to do."
Luna looked up at her sister, worry etched on her face.
"B-but...I thought they were over!They can't come back, they- they just can't!"
Celestia's face grew even more grim.
"I don't want this either, Luna. And believe me, I'm going to do my utmost to avert it. I'm sending a search party at the break of dawn tomorrow, and if we can find that Staff before Gravil does, we will be able to avert it. But the point is that we can't guarantee that, and we need a backup plan to prevent further suffering."
Luna recognised that tone of voice. It was the I'm-your-big-sister-I-know-what's-best-for-you tone, the one it was pointless to argue with.
Luna gazed despondently at her sister. In Celestia's eyes she saw a deep sorrow, and behind that a will of iron. She loved Tia. She knew that Tia would never want her to suffer. Luna trusted her sister greatly, but she was still asking for a lot.
Celestia spoke again, her tone softer this time.
"I just want to know that I can count on you when the time comes."
Those words provoked something inside Luna. Celestia needed her. Her sister was relying on her. Her love for her sister flared up inside her, filling her with determination. If there was some way she could help Tia, then she was going to go through with it.
"Alright. I don't like it, but...if it comes to it, I'll fight."
Celestia nodded, a smile of relief on her face. It was good to know where Luna stood.
The white alicorn turned to the window. Her horn glowed with golden light, and the last bit of the golden eye in the sky finally set.
"Now, Luna, I believe you have something to do."
Luna nodded.
"Yes. Of course."
As the silver sphere climbed into the sky, Luna's emotions boiled away to reveal a powerful resolve. They would put an end to this. There would not be another war.
****************************************
The moon rose silently over the Everfree Forest.
The staff's eyes were blind, but it did not need them.
The Runes on its shaft emitted a soft red light, infusing it with life and allowing it to move.
Its body writhed as it slipped into the undergrowth, through leaf-mulch and over tree roots.
It knew where it was going. Even without sight it knew where it needed to be, drawn to it in the same way that a raindrop is drawn to the ground.
The wyrm.
The wyrm lay to the East.
The staff began to writhe again, its direction decided upon.
*************************************************************************
Spike stared at Gravil, still enraptured by the tale.
The purple dragon spoke what was on his mind.
"Does that mean she was, like, a vampire?"
The old wyrm stared at him in puzzlement.
"My Lord? I am afraid that I have never heard tell of such a creature."
For once, the roles were reversed, with Spike as storyteller and Gravil as enthralled listener.
The old wyrm had heard many stories in his life, but these tales of fanged creatures burned by sunlight had never reached him before.
After Spike had finished talking, Gravil sank into contemplation.
"My Lord, I..."
The way the wyrm had suddenly stopped talking made Spike curious.
"You what?"
Gravil shook his head, trying to clear it.
"Ah, please forgive me. I was merely thinking about all of this. You see, whilst I have never heard of these...creatures you speak of, the stories are actually quite similar. Renka was not made into exactly the same sort of creature, but there are resemblances. Perhaps the stories you tell might even stem from the legend! Fascinating..."
Gravil caught himself right before launching off into deep thought.
"Ah, but that is for another time. Right now, we need to soldier on with the story. Assuming that you are not tired of it, My Lord..."
Spike nodded.
"Not tired yet."
The old wyrm smiled.
"Then let us begin."
*************************************************************************
Gravil threw his hands into the air, a wild gesture that made him look faintly ridiculous.
Even so, his passion was such that Spike was too busy listening to take notice of that.
"Twisted by the demon's words, Renka agreed with it. She set her heart in stone, firmly fixed on revenge. She sealed the cave entrance, and waited for night to fall before leaving. Of course, the King was worried about Renka, and search parties were sent to find her. The wyverns flew high and low, scouring every nook and cranny within fifty miles of Anbel, but never did they find a trace of her."
"While she hid, she studied. The demon had much to teach her, things that only she could learn. Dragons, you see, are not capable of manipulating the primal force that is magic. Olni birthed us blind to it, and with good reason, as you will see later. Renka, however, had been..."
Gravil shuddered before whispering the next word.
"...touched. The demon had changed her when she was still an egg - you remember that part from earlier, don't you, My Lord?".
Spike nodded, but motioned for him to go on.
"This...change removed her natural resistance to magic. She found that she could feel it, just as one feels the touch of the wind or the sunlight - invisible, but undeniably present. The demon simply taught her many ways of harnessing this power."
"Days became months became years, and still no trace of Renka was found. Most of the residents of Anbel showed only a token sadness - most of them were glad that they no longer had to share their possessions with a Wilder. Galdor, however, felt genuine sorrow. Though he was not blamed for it (it was hardly his fault that Renka had been afflicted the way she was), he still felt as if he had failed to uphold his Oath to Mabin. Whilst Renka was not his daughter by blood, he had still come to care for her over the last eighteen years, and her sudden loss hit him hard. This did nothing to aid his flagging health - Galdor was old, even for a dragon, and it was beginning to show. Seven hundred and sixty-six years will wear down even Olni's proudest sons".
The wyrm kept speaking, his voice powerful enough to carry to the vaulted roof, the smooth stones bouncing back quiet echoes moments after the words left his mouth.
"Many in Anbel began to give serious thought to the succession - after all, this was to be the first coronation since Olni's departure seven hundred and fifty years ago, so no-one was quite sure what would happen. However, it seemed likely that Galdor's elder son would inherit the throne: he, you remember, was the same one that Renka despised. There was a younger son also, but the elder son was older, more confident, and more capable (or so it was believed). This was doubly important, beacuse a King, you see, is not only the ruler of the people. As Olni's appointed steward, he is also responsible for the wellbeing of the land. You see, as the land existed before Olni, but was only made rich and abundant by his influence, so too is the King charged with a connection to it. We believe that if the King is strong and righteous, and upholds Olni's Law, the land will respond with abundance and fertility. A King who cannot or willl not rule properly will produce a barren, wild land filled with sorrow. Thus it was naturally assumed that Galdor's eldest would become King".
"Every year, Galdor would grow more wizened, and his age more apparent. His scales began to grey, and his wings began to sag. Still, he was not yet ready to give up the throne. It is written that he responded to questions of when the succession would take place with "When Olni commands it, and not a moment before". This was just as well, for there were still many issues in which his wisdom was needed. Almost every year Galdor's eldest son would approach him, asking that Renka be declared Dra-Shin."
As the words entered Spike's ears, they untangled themselves, presenting themselves to him as Flamedead.
Spike piped up. "Flamedead? What's that mean?"
Gravil was surprised to hear the Prince translate the phrase so easily. The Blessing must be more powerful than he'd thought if it could translate aurally as well!
"Ah, well, yes- that translation is sufficient, but..."
The wyrm sighed and prepared to explain.
"You see, My Lord, to declare someone Dra-Shin is not done lightly. It literally states that the Flame of Olni is dead in you, that you are no longer one of his Children, and by extension that you no longer have the right to live amongst his children. It states that even though you may have the form of a dragon, you are not truly a dragon - or a wyrm, wyvern, et cetera. You are considered a beast of the wild, doomed never to return to Olni after death."
"As you can imagine, this is a severe punishment indeed, usually reserved only for traitors. The punishment and process is detailed in the Law Of Olni, but has rarely been put to use. The Prince wanted Renka declared Dra-Shin so that he would not have to admit to having shared a House with a Wilder - if the punishment was declared, he could claim that there never was a Dragon named Renka, only a Deadflame. This was undoubtedly excessive, but the Prince was proud, and this was fiercely important to him. He wanted to erase any hint of the dragon that had "invaded" his home."
"Every year The Prince asked his Father, and every year his Father refused. Galdor was shocked at his son's vindictiveness. He pointed out that Renka was their ward, protected by the King's own word.For the King to break his word would prove him untrustworthy, and surely earn the Dragonfather's ire. Yet the Prince would not be shamed. In the clutches of adolescent defiance, and with most of Anbel secretly backing him, he never once thought of his demand as unreasonable or unjust. Galdor refused him every time, but every year the Prince grew stronger and Galdor grew frailer. Eventually, many within Anbel came to believe that the Prince should be granted his request in honour of his sheer persistence."
Gravil took a deep breath before continuing.
"Thirty years passed, and eventually the day came. Galdor had lost hope of Renka's return. He tried to ignore it, to think of his duty first and foremost, tried to drown his sorrow in responsibility. Then, at the feast of Olnija, in the year 1547 AO, Galdor performed an act that the Court had been waiting decades for him to perform. At Olnija, it is the King's role to stand on the mountaintop and roar to the Sun, to greet Olni's gift as it reaches its peak. That year, Galdor deferred this task to his eldest son - effectively making him King then and there."
"Galdor's son swelled with pride, a grin evident on his face even as he rose to the mountaintop, wings beating against the glorious light. He perched on the mountain-top, poised to greet the Sun."
Gravil shuddered involuntarily, knowing what was to come next.
"However, as the Sun inched closer to its apex, there was a crack like thunder. The gathered crowd gasped, for the sky was utterly clear, without a single wisp of cloud above. That changed quickly. Before the eyes of all, the skies began to churn, the air weaving together to form ominous black clouds where none had been mere minutes before. The sky filled with the floating shrouds, as even the sun was obscured".
"There was great consternation at this omen - had Olni turned his gaze from the Prince? Was this a rejection of the Royal Line? In his mind, Galdor wondered if he was being punished for breaking his oath. The truth, however, was soon to reveal itself. The Prince, still perched upon the summit, gazed upwards at the roiling sky, and was the first to see it, though the crowd was not long behind. On the clouded horizon, a shadow appeared, growing larger with each passing second. It came towards them, taking the shape of a dragon on the wing. Everyone watched in awe, as it swooped low, toward the Prince."
Spike's hand shot up.
"Was it-"
Gravil motioned for silence, and the purple dragon complied.
The wyrm went on, not breaking his storytelling stride for a moment.
"The dragon stopped and hovered a few feet in front of the Prince. There were gasps from the crowd, and the Prince himself stood stock-still with horror. Her scales were different, colored the pale white natural only to sun-bleached bones. Her wings were larger, her body covered in strange blue markings, swirling sigils and geometric patterns that none recognised. Yet in spite of all this, there was no mistaking her. Everyone knew who she was, some by experience and some only by word of mouth. Yet all knew that Renka had come again."
"The Prince remained fixed in place, either unable or unwilling to move. He remained like this until Renka was so close that they could gaze into each other's eyes. Renka fixed him with a fierce glare, and whispered "The time is come, fool". At last the Prince broke from his stupor, eyes wide in indignation. He roared at her, asking why she felt the need to plague him so. She sneered, and spoke again, saying "What is pride, measured against life? He roared in anger, demanding that she cease her mockery of the King. She responded that while she felt loyalty toward the King, she felt no shame in harming a fool."
"The Prince roared, his defiant pride seizing control of him. He pushed himself forward, launching upwards at the taunting spectre that hung above him. That was what she had been waiting for. With a deftness of wing even a wyvern Fleetwing would envy, she darted to his side, causing him to rush past her. She turned, and landed on top of his back. She struck his hide with her claws, managing to draw blood. The Prince cried out, but not for long. The sigils engraved onto her scales began to glow, with unwordly blue light. In the last few seconds of consciousness, the Prince just had time to notice that the life was being sucked from him, before the blackness came."
Gravil stopped, taking a deep breath. Telling this story made his muscles tense with anger, his mind fill with the desire to make amends. Before long, he went on.
"The Prince's flesh turned to lifeless stone and crashed to the the ground. Pieces of his wings broke off and fell onto the unbelieving crowd below. A small band of wyrms, too slow to dodge the statue, were crushed to death beneath their king-that-never-was."
"Of course, the crowd could hardly believe their eyes, but like the Prince they were frozen in awe, not wanting to react. At last, it was Galdor who broke the stillness. Galdor moved his ancient frame across the plateau, the crowd parting to let him pass. He felt as if his blood had turned to ice. He stood over the broken remains of his son, not wanting to believe."
"He remained perfectly still for several seconds, that seemed to drag for hours. Tears fell freely for the first time in decades.
At last, he roared, and his voice was full of anguish and rage. He left his son's remains, lying on the ground, and turned to face his killer. He drew himself up to his full height, kingship and authority making even his aged form seem awestriking. He roared to the dragon that now perched on the mountaintop."
As Gravil spoke, his voice filled with passion, force enough that the scene came alive in Spike's mind.
************************************************
"Renka! What have you DONE?"
"Nothing, My Lord, but what is right."
The Dragon King roared.
"How in Olni's name can you claim justice? You have murdered your kin! You have murdered your King! You have murdered my son!"
Renka hissed, a low sound that set the scales of everyone in the crowd on edge.
"Only the last of those statements is true."
Galdor roared again, and spoke, his voice filled indignation.
"Renka! How...? I took you in! I raised you as my own!"
The white dragon's expression twisted in hate, the look of indignation that comes only to those whose suffering has just been mocked.
She spoke out, this time in a voice terrible and booming, like the thunder itself.
"Aye, that you did - and you put me in a prison with that monster!"
All present gasped and reeled, not understanding this accusation.
Galdor was too stunned to respond before Renka went on.
"But at last, justice is done! Is it not written - an eye shall be the price of an eye? And now, love is taken for love! You took my mother, and I have taken your son."
************************************************
Spike's mouth hung open in awe, just imagining what Galdor must have felt. Gravil seemed to have paused for breath, so Spike decided now would be a good time to ask a question.
"What happened next? Did they catch her? Was there a fight? I'll bet it was all bam, pow..."
The purple dragon began to thrust his fists into the air, fighting imaginary enemies, complete with sound-effects.
Gravil chortled. Oh, the levity of youth...
"Well, My Lord, it was not quite as exciting as that, i'm afraid. Renka took to the air again, her task apparently accomplished. In the heat of the moment, several Lords took to the air in pursuit, but as they gave chase the winds themselves barred their way, pushing them backwards, giving Her enough time to escape."
"Needless to say, there was chaos in the court as anyone and everyone voiced their opinion on what should be done. Galdor retired to his own chamber and attempted to come to terms with what had just happened. For four days and four nights did he hide, not appearing even to calm the fears of the court. Panic continued to rise until the dawn of the fifth day, when the King at last emerged, his face the grim mask of one who has just made a very hard decision. The Lords of the whole realm assembled beneath the high eaves of Anbel, to hear the King's decision."
"He announced that a new enemy had appeared to threaten An-Bel. That one of the Dra-Shin had come to destroy Olni's lineage, and that they would be stopped at any cost. As the order was given, every Lord returned to their own Hold to muster the force that Galdor had requested. A vast number of things had to be done that day, but one caused Galdor more heartache than any other. On that day, Renka's name was finally stricken from the record of living dragons".
************************************************
Twilight just didn't understand it. She'd wanted something to change the situation for the last few days, but now that it actually had, she wasn't sure if she liked it.
She checked the register one last time to make sure that everypony supposed to be there was, in fact, there.
"Cloud Chaser...check...
Wispy Winds...check...
Steel Shield...check..."
She checked off name after name, each in order, as the search party was assembled.
There were a full threescore equines in the party, not counting herself of course.
She'd looked over the instructions the Princess had given her, and understood her role in the plan. She just hoped it would work.
They were to scour the forest, keeping in groups of twelve. Each group had four earth ponies, four pegasi, and four unicorns, designed to be able to respond effectively to threats of any sort.
She sighed. She'd been at this for the past three hours, and it still wasn't finished. Still, she couldn't very well give up - Spike was depending on this search, and this search was depending on her.
She put her head down, and returned to writing.
Moments later, the cyan pegasus landed next to her and broke her concentration.
The pegasus spoke.
"Uh, hey, Twilight? Are we gonna get goin' any time soon?"
Twilght sighed again. Tolerating Rainbow Dash wasn't always easy.
"Look, Rainbow, I told you five minutes ago. We're almost done. Unless you let me get on with it, I'll be telling you the same thing five minutes from now!"
The pegasus sighed.
"Right, right. I guess I'll just try to find something to do while we're waiting."
Rainbow Dash floated off towards the treeline. Twilight sighed again. She was doing that a lot recently, but then again she did have a lot to get off of her chest. She decided to just forget about it and get on with her work.
************************************************
Rainbow did have something in mind, actually.
She spiralled over the heads of the assembling ponies, as they milled around beneath her. She wasn't interested in them. She was looking for one mare in particular.
Rainbow caught sight of her at last. The one she was looking for was wandering uncertainly, evidently feeling ostracised by the other ponies. That wasn't unusual - after all, they were soldiers, and she just a farmer.
Rainbow landed beside Applejack. The orange mare turned to her, glad to finally see a familiar face.
"Rainbow! I've been lookin' for you!"
"Uh, hey AJ. I've just been a bit...distracted."
Applejack frowned.
"I'll say. You've been ignorin' everpony who's tried ta talk to ya for the past few days. What's gotten into ya?"
The pegasus forced a smile. She couldn't bring herself to admit it, but the events of the last few days had really shaken her.
"It's nothin'. Really."
Applejack frowned again. She didn't look like she believed a word of it.
Even so, she kept her reservations to herself. Eventually she decided to change the subject.
"Anyway, it's good to see somepony who'll talk straight to me.
She shot an angry glare at one of the guard ponies milling around her, who returned it.
"Ah swear, they're treatin' me like I was a three-eyed rattlesnake!"
Rainbow smiled for real this time. She'd never heard that one before.
"They're probably just awestruck by being in the company of the Heroes of Equestria".
Applejack snorted.
"If that's true, I am a three-eyed rattlesnake".
Rainbow grinned again. Her problems seemed further away when she was talking to somepony else.
"I dunno, AJ. If they don't like us, that's their problem. Point is, they're still gonna help us find Spike, like it or not. That's enough, isn't it?"
The orange mare sighed.
"Yeah, I suppose. I jus' wanna get this thing over with so we can forget about it. Ah mean, have you seen how stressed Twilight looked last time? If this goes on much longer she'll worry herself sick."
Something else occurred to Rainbow.
"Not to mention what might happen to Spike..."
A flicker of guilt crossed AJ's face, as if she'd just now realised that she'd forgotten someone.
"Well, of course, but there's only so much we can do. Ah mean, we can only hope-"
Rainbow cut her friend off with an impatient hoof-stamp.
"Look, it's okay, AJ. Just because you forgot about someone once doesn't make you a bad pony."
A relieved look crossed the earth pony's face.
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Rainbow."
The pegasus smiled.
The moment was broken by the noise of several dozen sets of hooves pounding the ground. Twilight had finally finished the preparations, and the party was about to move off.
Rainbow said one last thing to her friend.
"I've gotta go. I'll be joining the other Pegasi to sweep the area. Stay safe, 'kay?"
It was Applejack's turn to smile.
"You too, ya hear? Don't do anything reckless, okay?"
Rainbow grinned one last time.
"No promises."
Applejack sighed. That was Rainbow, all right.
She followed the cyan pegasus with her eyes for a few moments, before she flew out of sight.
She turned around. The group was moving and she didn't plan on being left behind.
The six groups marched east, into the rising sun.
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Cantus
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872
| 6 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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The Dragon Master
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In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
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incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
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everyone
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2011-12-01T10:03:00+00:00
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2011-12-01T10:03:00+00:00
| 1,895 |
The staff turned towards the sky. It noticed something. The Runes on its side pulsed as it recognised the light in the heavens.
The great light, that which brought the warm time. It knew nothing of brightness, so did not attribute that to it. Something resembling a feeling flicked through it. An emotion, one of the only things retained from before. A feeling of strength, of belonging. It had stood side-by-side with others, underneath that light...had it? The feeling passed as swiftly as it had come, and the moment of high thought was forgotten. The Runes re-asserted their power, and repeated the instructions that were to be followed.
It turned its blind eyes away from the sky, and resumed its journey.
*************************************************************************
Gravil sighed.
The Prince had been buzzing with energy, keeping him up all night with questions about the minutae of the stories. It had only been a few days since the last renewal, yet he felt tired already. That concerned him vaguely - normally it lasted several weeks before anything even approaching weariness affected him. Could the Runes be weakening? Possible, but unlikely - those Runes had been carven to last, and thanks to their being inside Anbel they hadn't seen much in the way of weathering. He found himself sighing again. Perhaps caring for children was simply much more difficult than he had imagined?
He shook his head. It didn't matter much either way. Even if the Runes were weakening, they'd last until noon tomorrow. After that, his survival meant nothing.
He paced the halls as he thought. He liked doing that. His mind always seemed to work more clearly when he was walking, as if mind and body were wheels connected in some great mechanism. Now that he thought about it, that wasn't a bad allegory. One wheel turned another, the body turns the mind...
His musings were interrupted as he walked into the wall. At such slow speeds that couldn't hurt him, but his concentration was certainly broken.
"Ergh. Stupid. Need to be more..."
He trailed off, his ramblings dying quickly with no-one to address. He shook his head, and tried to remember the last thing he'd been thinking about. It was then that it occurred to him.
"Perhaps caring for children was more difficult than he imagined".
It was this sentence that caught his attention. Child-rearing. One idea led to another, thoughts spiralling outwards from that first point in a web of possibilities. He instinctively began to pace again, as his mind worked itself back up to full running speed. An idea formed in his head. It wasn't part of the plan, but that didn't matter. He had the time, it could be done. After all, why win a war if you forget why you fought it?
He spent the next few minutes treading down winding corridors, claws leaving tiny scratches in the colored stones of the floor. The room he was looking for was nested in the middle of a winding maze of corridors, to discourage unwanted intruders from accessing it, but this was not a problem for him. He had walked this path thousands of times, even before the war. He cracked a smile as his eyes fell upon the muted green of the door. Copper didn't age like any other metal.
He muttered the words.
"Lac En Lin I Vil-Da Den Olni"
Speaking those familiar words eased his mind. The door swung inwards, a soft "click" the only signal that the lock had drawn back. He stepped forward, into the darkness.
He called out.
"Lin!"
Nothing happened.
He tried again.
"Lin!"
Still no response. Obviously the Light-Runes had been damaged somehow.
Just as he was about to speak again, there came a slight flicker.
A shape that looked vaguely like a serpent lit up in soft blue, before dying out a moment later.
Evidently they weren't quite dead after all. He drew a deep breath, and tried calling one last time.
"LIN!"
At that, the room burst into light, the Runes decorating every wall throwing their rays onto the stones.
He stood and stared, momentarily awed by the sight. It wasn't the type of awe one felt when seeing something grand for the first time - it was the sort that comes from seeing something for the thousandth time and still appreciating it.
He recognised it. After so many years, it was unchanged. The depressions in the ground were filled with the dust of the last fires lit there, and the floors were still strewn with fragments of eggshell. His elevated mood sank back down, however, when he saw that the bones were still there.
He sighed. Even in this place peace could not be found. The sight of bones returned a memory to him. He quivered with rage as he remembered: The mumbled words of worried broodmothers, the high-pitched shrieks of frightened hatchlings, and above it all, rumbling like thunder, the sound of terrible, iron-shod hooves.
His gaze fell upon the remains of what had probably been one of the unfortunate matrons. All that was left was a skull - well, half of a skull, as one side of it had crumbled to pieces over the years. Beneath the skull was a pile of dust and rags - that had probably been the rest of her. Bone fragments
Why had it happened? He found himself asking that question, even though he knew the answer.
He clenched his teeth in hate. It had happened because of the anger of one woman.
Renka...no, that which had once been Renka had done many heinous things after becoming Pan-Gor, but it was this act that truly cemented her status as an irredeemable enemy of Olni. Attacking a hatchery....
He shook his head. He couldn't allow emotion to overpower him. Not again. He summoned up his willpower, and quashed his hate, bottling it deep within him for later use.
He sighed. Now he felt even more tired. Perhaps this hadn't been such a good idea...
There was still one thing he wanted to do, though. He paced across the stones, careful not to disturb any bones. They deserved their rest.
He climbed down into one of the pits, and sat down. The ashes smirched his robe, but he didn't care. Vague, warm memories of belonging washed over him. He couldn't remember anything in particular that had happened here - they had been forced out by the other memories he had accumulated through the long years.
He stared upwards, at the glowing blue symbol etched onto the ceiling. It was one of the more complex ones, a coiling, winged serpent circling an orb, arms outstretched, holding the sun in its arms like a mother would a child. Olni. That one was hell to carve, difficult as it was to make curved lines on stone. Still, no pain would be spared - for who could ask the Dragonfather to work for them, when they would not work for Him?
As he gazed upon the icon, a memory returned to him, bursting through the others that had buried it. It surged through him, an electric feeling that surged with life. He closed his eyes and sank into it.
*************************************************************************
"Gravil, look at me when I'm talking to you!"
He turned away from the ceiling reluctantly, unwilling to avert his gaze from its beauty.
"Gravil, if you keep ignoring me, I will have to..."
He snapped to attention.
"Yes, Mother?"
The grey-scaled matriarch stared at him disapprovingly.
"It's time for rest, Gravil. Settle down."
He frowned. Sleep was the last thing he wanted now.
"But, Mother, I'm not tired!"
The matriarch fixed him with a glare so cold it could probably have frozen water.
"I said, it's time for rest, Gravil".
He complied swiftly.
He headed to the sleeping-quarters, not wanting to get into trouble. He still remembered the last time that had happened, and a week without food was not an experience he wished to repeat.
As he settled down on the stone sleeping-bench, he cast his gaze around the room. Two broodmothers were stoking the fire-pit, whilst the other three were herding the children off to sleep. He felt a twinge of envy for the eggs kept beside the fire - they were warm, at least.
He stared at the ceiling again. He couldn't see the wonderful symbol properly from this position - the benches were located around the edges of the room, and Olni's glyph was at the exact centre. There were others - runes that depicted the various spirits that did Olni's will, but they were nowhere near as beautiful.
The manic energy that powers the young seemed to seep out of him as he thought about that Rune. Would he ever feel that way - knowing that you'd made something that caused people to gasp in amazement? His thoughts seeped away as tiredness washed over him, and he began to close his eyes...
He felt someone prod him in the shoulder. His eyelids swung open lethargically. Above him stood something that he recognised, although it took him several seconds to realise what was happening.
"Serin? What are you-"
She put a blue-scaled finger to her mouth and hissed for silence.
"Quiet!"
He swung himself to a sitting position, and rubbed his sore head.
She sat down beside him, not saying a word.
He whispered to her.
"You know this isn't allowed, don't you?"
She whispered back.
"What, you mean... mixing?"
She pronounced the last word in mock horror. He couldn't surpress a chuckle.
"What's that, your impression of Meres?"
"Mother Meres" she replied, relishing the chance to mock her elders.
"You're impossible, Serin."
She smirked as she turned to him.
"And you're insufferable, you cranky old wyrm".
He hated when people brought that up.
"I'm a month younger than you! I can't change the fact that some Broodmother decided to have fun naming me!"
She smirked again.
"Grey-scale" she taunted.
He sighed. She was always like this. In spite of everything, he still enjoyed their discussions, if you could call a slander-match a discussion.
He looked up at the ceiling, as he always found himself doing when he didn't have anything else in particular to do.
It reminded him of something. It was only a month away, now. He still wasn't sure what he would choose. How did you make a choice like that?
Serin seemed to sense his discomfort.
"You worried about something?"
He nodded.
"Is it about the Determination?"
He nodded again. He was glad she'd said it instead of him.
"Come on, Gravil, it's not that bad. It gives you a real feeling of..."
She paused, trying to find exactly the right word.
"...purpose, I guess. You know where you're meant to be".
He sighed.
"Yes, I know that, but it's just..."
He knew what he wanted to say, but his mouth refused to work.
He wanted to say that it scared him, that he didn't know if he wanted to proclaim himself a carver, or a soldier, or a digger, and have that be set in stone for his whole life. He wanted to say that he was afraid of leaving the hatchery, that the world outside was unfamiliar and full of danger, that he'd rather not face it.
Yet his mouth refused to open.
Serin sighed.
"You're making a mountain from a molehill, Gravil."
There was a noise from across the room, the sound of someone stirring in their sleep.
Serin froze, for fear of discovery. Thankfully the noise passed, and whomever had made it went back to their slumber.
"Listen, Gravil, I'd better get back to my own bed. Stop worrying, okay?"
She stood up and tiptoed carefully around the sleeping wyrms.
She was probably right, he thought to himself. It wouldn't be so bad.
He sighed, letting out the tension as sleep came for him at last.
*************************************************************************
The old wyrm shook himself out of his reverie, flinging soot everywhere as he did so.
Well, he hadn't been expecting that.
Why did he remember it so clearly now, when he'd been unable to recall his past for decades?
Olni's teeth, why did it have to be her?
Was that really what he needed now? More guilt?
He gritted his teeth as realisation broke through.
It was what he needed. The rest of the memories flowed from the first, detail begetting detail.
It had been his fault. She was one of the many he had failed.
He cast one last look at the ceiling, and fixed his gaze upon the sun.
"I swear, in Olni's name..."
He paused, trying to find the strength to say the words. Emotion overpowered him, immobilising his speech functions.
"It will not have been in vain".
*************************************************************************
Rainbow was bored.
She knew that they needed to be thorough, and that not enerypony could keep the same pace as her, but that didn't make it much more tolerable.
It just felt wrong to be flying slowly when there was something urgent to do!
She had joined a group of scout-pegasi, tasked with locating Anbel. They didn't expect it to take long - The Princess had informed them that it was built into a mountainside, and they knew it was in the direction of the Everfree Forest, so that narrowed down the possibilities. Still, this job still needed to be done - the rest of the search party would stand little chance of finding the place without directions.
That wasn't the problem. The problem was the other pegasi. They insisted on staying in formation, which meant that
they couldn't fly faster than their slowest member, and he was a lot slower than Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow swallowed her aggravation and kept in time. Twilight had been adamant that they stay in formation - finding that staff was top priority, and they couldn't guarantee that they'd have anypony spare to go looking for those who got lost.
What if she had an accident? Highly though Rainbow thought of her own abilities, she didn't relish the idea of being left alone in the Forest, with nopony able to reach her...
She snapped back to reality, and was greeted by the sight of mountains. The three towering heaps of rock and soil were big enough to loom over the five Pegasi, even at this height. The sergeant, a brown-coated stallion, raised his foreleg, forming the universally-accepted shape for "stop".
His three subordinates came to a halt, their wings beating in reverse as they slowed themselves.
Rainbow followed a few seconds later, drawing a disapproving look from the officer. He'd winced visibly when she'd been assigned to his team, so Rainbow had no illusions as to what he thought of her. She didn't care - and why should she? As long as he was helping the search, that was all that mattered now.
He wiped the look from his face, evidently thinking better than to reprimand a national hero. The stallion began to speak.
"Alright, team, we're to make a sweep of those mountains. Our instructions are clear - the place should be carved into the mountainside, and have visible doors. Big ones".
Rainbow thought back to the last dragon she'd faced. He had been enormous - she didn't imagine that doors meant to fit creatures that big could be easily hidden. Still, she couldn't make out anything from this high up...
She was caught in her thoughts again, and missed the sergeant give the signal to move out.
It took her a short while to realise, but when she dragged herself out of her thoughts she found herself left behind as the team of pegasi soared forwards.
"Oh, horseapples" she thought.
She rose up another foot or two, and dove after them.
*************************************************************************
On the ground, things were more difficult. Whilst travelling in groups of twelve made travelling through the Forest much safer than normal, that didn't mean very much considering the sheer number of beasts that lived there. Everypony inevitably found themselves looking over their own shoulders, for fear of whatever lurked in the undergrowth.
Nonetheless, they were Royal Guards. They would watch for danger, but they were not about to panic at imaginary terrors. They maintained a soldierly pace, methodically putting one hoof in front of the other. AJ kept pace with them easily enough, being accustomed to physical exertion. It was harder going for Rarity, but she was at least able to keep up with the rearguard. To her credit, she wasn't complaining about the muck of the forest, although the look on her face made it clear that she really wanted to. Twilight was supervising the whole operation from the rear, trying to map out the teams' positions based on the reports she was getting back. It was beginning to come together. Now if only the Pegasi could finish their sweep on time...
*************************************************************************
The rustling of undergrowth disturbed its sleep.
It had been perfectly content to rest, allowing its body to heal from the wounds it had suffered on its last hunt.
Its ears, designed to react to the slightest stimulus, pricked up, and the rest of it slowly followed.
Two pairs of eyelids swung open. The third head did not have any eyelids, but it shook itself to wakefulness all the same.
It rose to its legs, a difficult proposition considering how lopsided its build was.
One head sniffed the air. There were all the usual scents - leaf, bark, fur, rain...
There was something else. Something... unfamiliar.
Recognition shot through its brains like a lightning bolt.
It did recognise that smell. It had no memories, just a blurry feeling.
It didn't know what the smell represented, but it did know that it hated it.
It slipped from the cover of its cave, into the treeline, and faded from view.
*************************************************************************
Rainbow's wings beat furiously as she tried to make up the gap between her and the other pegasi.
Uh, how could I have been so stupid? she thought to herself. She might not be the most diligent pony in the world, but she'd never been as scatterbrained as she had been recently. What was up with that? It was like...
She caught herself - she was about to do it again! She decided to grit her teeth and focus on the job.
Catch up with them.
*************************************************************************
They'd been searching for some time, to no avail.
Steel Shield sighed. This mission shouldn't be difficult - find a set of massive doors and report back. The Sixth Airborne were more than a match for it.
Yet it was proving him wrong.
They'd swept most of the Drachenbach range already, and still nothing.
He had to keep reminding himself that they hadn't been searching for that long. Just because they hadn't broken any records for search times didn't mean they were slow or ineffective. Even so, he always felt irritated when results took time to show.
His mood was not improved by what he'd seen of the "legendary" pegasus pony that had been assigned to his group.
He'd heard about the exploits of Rainbow Dash (who in Equestria hadn't?), and he was sorry to see that the reality didn't live up to his expectations. He'd heard she was fast, and that was probably true. He'd heard that she was loyal, and that was probably true also.
But what struck him was the shocking lack of discipline. Perhaps he was being unfair - civilians weren't expected to maintain the same level of self-control as guardponies. Even so, he'd expected something...more.
For goodness' sake, she hadn't even moved out when he signalled to!
That was what really irked him. She probably hadn't meant anything by it, but a tiny part of his mind refused to believe that. She had been trying to undermine his authority, he just knew it!
He gritted his teeth. She wasn't under his authority, she was just a civilian that couldn't be left behind. Why, oh why did it have to be his patrol? Well, if she thought her reputation alone would earn her his approval, she had another thing coming...
He was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of one of his scouts shouting.
"Captain! I think I see something!"
At last.
He gave the signal, informing the scout that he had permission to investigate.
A few minutes later, he returned, eyes wide with urgency.
"Sir, I'm sure! This thing matches the description almost perfectly!"
His heart leapt at the news - they'd be able to complete their mission after all.
Still, he wanted to see it for himself - their mission was too important for them to leave anything to chance. Plus, he couldn't deny a certain amount of curiosity about exactly what this place looked like.
He raised his arm...
*************************************************************************
Before Steel Shield could give the order to move out, he noticed something.
It was a strange, screeching sound, like the wind on a stormy night.
Before he could wonder what might have caused it, a rainbow-coloured blur streaked past him, almost bowling him clean over with the force of its passing.
"What the..."
*************************************************************************
Rainbow realised too late that she had overshot her mark. Fear started to fill her as she saw the lumbering forms of the mountains looming closer. She backpedaled furiously, her wings beating forward in an attempt to slow her descent. She lost speed.
It wasn't enough.
*************************************************************************
Spike was sleeping soundly, the gem-bed of the treasury quite comfortable enough for him.
That came to a swift end. Something impacted the Doors of Anbel with a tremendous crunch, shaking the ceiling with its force.
It lasted only a second or two, but it was quite enough to jar Spike uncomfortably from his slumber.
"Uh...what the..?"
He stumbled through the treasury's door (which he had persuaded Gravil not to lock last night), onto the many-coloured floor of Anbel.
There came the sound of claws scraping on stone, and doing so in a hurry.
Gravil's black-robed figure darted out from a side-path, glancing frantically around. He sighed in relief when he spied Spike.
"My Lord. Thank Olni, you are unharmed!"
Spike asked the question that was on both of their minds.
"What was that noise?"
The old wyrm's face scowled with discomfort.
"I do not yet know, My Lord. It may be anything, even enemies."
Hope and fear both leapt in the young dragon's heart. Enemies? In Gravil's eyes, ponies would count as enemies...
The wyrm spoke up again.
"Fear not, My Lord. Ban-Ten-Na himself could not break these doors, despite his formidable strength. Nothing still lives that has the power to throw down Anbel. We are safe inside."
Spike nodded and pretended that he wasn't trying to decide whether or not that was a good thing.
Gravil spoke again before Spike had the chance to say anything.
"My Lord, I must ask you to remain here. I must observe our enemy, but I shall not be long."
The old wyrm's claws scraped across the tiles again, as he sprinted off in the direction of the door.
*************************************************************************
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. The world swam around her, and her skull thumped like a tambourine.
"Uuuh".
Her ears rang, but she could still make out the sounds of beating wings and hoof-falls behind her.
"Just what are you doing?"
She looked in the direction that the noise had come from, and saw the harsh-looking pegasus captain staring down at her.
Her thoughts rallied, and she stood up.
"Uh. In case you haven't noticed, I just crashed." she quipped. She always reached for sarcasm when she didn't know what else to say.
The captain snorted in irritation.
"I saw that! And if there's anyone inside there, I'm sure they heard it!"
Man, this guy got on her nerves. Almost instinctively, she responded.
"And?"
His face turned the shade of particularly ripe beetroot.
"That means we've lost the element of surprise! Now they knowwe're looking for them!"
She probably shouldn't have antagonised those who were trying to help her, but at this stage she was taken by her annoyance.
"Well, good! Now that they know Rainbow Dash is comin' for them, they'll just give up!"
The captain's eyelid twitched. His face scrunched up as he tried to contain his frustration.
He succeeded, though with visible effort.
His face regained its normal coloration, as the soldierly discipline he seemed to pride himself on reasserted itself.
"Regardless. We've found the target, and now we're going to report back. Come with us if you want, though I can't compel you to do anything."
He turned to his squad and gave the signal to move out.
*************************************************************************
It sniffed the air with both noses.
The smell was becoming stronger.
Its muscles tensed. It was no longer sure if it wanted to do this.
The smell was very strong indeed - far more than one animal could produce.
A flick of its serpent-tongue confirmed this fact. Their smell was sharp, a vivid odour that stood out from the earthen smells of the forest, like a candle in the night.
There was certainly a large number of...them.
An idea presented itself. Why not simply ignore them? They were a ways off yet, and they would not notice its smell over the overpowering stench of their own. It could simply return to the cave. It was dark in there, and safe. It did not feel particularly hungry, either. It could go another day or two before feeling seriously pressed.
Why, then, was it still here? Turning around sounded like a very good idea. It began the awkward process of turning, awkward because it had to shift almost its whole body weight onto its right legs so that it could turn without falling over.
It sensed something. Another scent in the air. It whipped its heads around, all three searching for the intrusion. It growled from two throats, and hissed from a third, challenging whatever beast had entered its domain to show itself.
Its eyes caught something. A hint of movement, in the shade of the treeline, the last bit of shadow before the clearing.
Except it wasn't. Something moved - but instead of stepping out of the shadow, they pulled it along with them. The darkness bulged, into the sunlight, where it should have no place.
Eyes opened. Green triangles on a black background. The strange being raised what appeared to be its hand.
This didn't feel right. It should be...should be...
It couldn't remember anything. Its instincts blurred and its mind filled with a haze.
Should it be frightened? Threatened? There was an intruder...there was something you were meant to do to intruders...
The black thing swept its arm in a wide arc, infusing the air with a slight electric crackle.
Suddenly, it felt at ease. There was no danger. None whatsoever...
The black thing pointed to the tree-line in front of them. Suddenly, the overpowering smell from before returned. Its nostrils filled with the smell of horses, and its mind filled with blood lust. Its muscles rippled in anticipation, and it leapt into the trees, killing on its mind.
The black thing opened its mouth in a grin that revealed rows of pointed teeth. The beast would suffice.
All it had to do was slow the ponies down. After midday tomorrow,they would not matter.
It stepped back out of the cursed sun, into the darkness.
*************************************************************************
Applejack shuddered.
Being with a dozen other ponies was reassuring, but even that couldn't totally dispel the dread the Everfree Forest inspired in any right-thinking pony.
Who knew what sort of horrible things lurked underneath the ancient branches? She and her friends had gone through it before, but they'd known their destination that time, and that had still been a perilous journey. Now they were looking for the metaphorical needle in the haystack. She gulped as she realised that that meant they'd be combing through every inch of the Forest, making it more likely they'd stumble onto something's lair...
She shook her head vigorously. It wouldn't do any good to think like that. She had to be strong, or else they might never get Spike back.
The group leader shouted to pick up the pace, and she complied.
It was then that she heard it.
It was a distant sound, but it was grew louder very quickly. It reminded her of thunder, and the drums she'd heard being played sometimes at the Harvest Festival. She wasn't the only one - the rest of the troop heard it too. They just had time to face in the direction of the sound before the treeline erupted in a tide of red fur and snarling mouths.
*************************************************************************
Rainbow Dash heard the roars and the shrieks as they rose above the trees.
"What the-?"
That was all she needed.
Those were the screams of ponies. Her friends were down there. They were in danger. Other thoughts disappeared. She beat her wings and began to pick up speed, rushing towards where she thought she'd heard the scream.
Steel Shield's irritation rose up again in protest at seeing the cyan pegasus race out of line again. It was quickly squashed, however, when his reason reasserted itself and he realised that he'd heard the roar too, and that she was doing the right thing. He didn't bother with the signal this time, simply yelling:
"Sixth Airborne! With me!"
With that, he began to fly, following the rainbow streak in the air, his troop following him.
*************************************************************************
Gravil ascended the spiral stairs, and undid the lock on the door. He was glad he hadn't forgotten about this one: it lead to the Roost, the large covered platform where the Wyverns stayed when their muscles finally tired. He noticed the inscription on the wall, in crude script - clearly the work of an amateur.
"How do you know when a Wyvern is dead?
When His Wings stop moving."
He grinned. Everyone though of it as a mild insult, except the Wyverns. They didn't see anything wrong with it in the least.
He'd only been here once before, and that time the King had been with hmi. He shook himself before sentimentality had the chance to creep up on him. This was not the time for it, not with work yet to be done.
He walked out to the ledge, out past the covering. He thought he could make something out in the distance, gradually growing smaller...what was that..?
He recognised it - the equine outlines, framed by the unmistakeable silhouettes of feathered wings. Pegasi.
He stood upright as he realised exactly what this meant. There were Pegasi over the forest, a group of them. They didn't go anywhere near the Forest without reason. If they were here, it meant they were probably looking for something, and he wouldn't be the least bit surprised if it was him.
Right. That meant he needed to seal the doors. Come to think of it, he should probably lock the door to the Roost as well - they didn't have an entire flock of Wyverns to guard it this time. He gazed down at the Forest below for a few more moments. He could feel it - the Staff was still down there. He'd realised yesterday that he'd left it behind, but had resolved himself not to worry about it unduly. It was designed to not remain apart from him for long, amongst its many other powers.
He could feel it moving, sense the urgency it felt, how dearly it wanted to return to him.
"Be swift, Lak-Da."
After completing the blessing, the old wyrm turned his back to the setting sun, and prepared for the tasks that lay ahead.
|
Cantus
|
872
| 7 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Dragon Master
|
In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
|
incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-01-15T18:24:49+00:00
|
2012-01-15T18:24:49+00:00
| 1,798 |
It was like thunder. That was the only thing Applejack could think of when the beast erupted from the forest to her left, bark and leaves flying in its wake.
A hulking mass of red fur and pointed teeth leapt through the air, its powerful legs propelling it in a wide arc towards her.
In a fragment of a second, it came closer, and closer...
It had misjudged the distance, its brain unable to quickly process information from three pairs of eyes. It landed face-first in the leaf-strewn forest floor, several feet from Applejack.
She wasted no time, her instincts kicking in, as she took to her hooves and fled. She half-feared the beast would lash out at her as she passed, but it was too busy disentangling itself from its own limbs. Adrenaline pounded through her, filling her with energy and fear. She galloped forward, not daring to look back.
She didn't stop even when she almost ran straight into the group of search-ponies that she'd been assigned to. Several of them looked at her in bewilderment.
"Monster!" was all she managed to say. They caught onto her meaning quickly, which was just as well, because the beast didn't remain stunned for very long. The party just had time to arrange themselves into a rough line before the three-headed monster rushed through the treeline, its three throats giving its roar an unearthly pitch. The shield-wall tightened, the guardponies' practiced routine kicking in as they drew together for protection.
It saw the mass of creatures, lined up together, trying to protect each other. Their smell filled its nostrils and all thought was gone. It threw itself forward, every muscle and sinew aching to smash them apart. It barreled into the line of steel like a boulder rolling down a mountainside, not even bothering with a leap.
The impact was tremendous, the pressure of the beast's enormous bulk almost as much of a threat as its thrashing claws and teeth. It was attacking wildly, flailing about as its arms flew left and right. Steel Shield felt a massive paw strike her helmet, the clanging sound almost deafening her. That...thing was trying to break straight through them. She knew that if the line broke, her troop would be scattered and they'd have no chance. They were holding on, barely. They had to repel it...
The beast drew backwards, trying to gather momentum for another lunge. Steel Shield's instinct kicked in, and she knew what had to be done.
"Attack!"
The line surged forward, Steel Shield at the forefront. She leapt at the red-furred beast, intent on retaking the initiative from it. If they could do that, they might be able to overwhelm it, or convince it to flee. The steel-armoured ponies slammed into the beast's massive chest, knocking the breath from its lungs. It staggered backwards, thrown by the weight of almost a dozen equines.
She saw the opportunity - the thing was on the back foot. They had to press the advantage whilst they still had it.
"Flank it and strike!" Steel Shield's voice rang out above the din of battle, betraying none of the fear racing through her veins.
The line fanned out and surrounded the hulking brute, the guardponies taking care not to move behind it. If the beast thought it couldn't escape, it would probably enter another frenzy and fight to the death. Better by far to convince it to run away.
The strikes began.
*********************************************
It felt blow after blow rain upon its flesh, iron-shod hooves and helmeted heads slamming into vulnerable flesh.
As it was struck, it became more and more disoriented. As pain built up inside it, its anger seemed to vanish, replaced by fear. They were too strong! It had to...
The tiny shred of intellect within it realised something. It was fighting, but it had no reason to. The wounds inflicted upon it were piling up, and pain was starting to break through the mysterious anger that had gripped it. Escape. It had to escape.
It reeled backwards, throwing itself free of the mass of equines. It got to its feet swiftly, and let out a fierce roar before turning and fleeing. They did not pursue it, but it didn't think about that. It just had to get away. It raced for the treeline, the comforting safety of the shadows.
*********************************************
The shadow was displeased. The beast had proven even more cowardly than expected. True, such a confused, ungainly creature could not be expected to achieve much, but it had at least hoped for the equines to be stalled for a few hours.
It shook its head. No point in dwelling on it. This was a minor setback. It stepped carefully through the undergrowth, avoiding any tree-roots. If they got too far, it would have to take action itself. It doubted that would actually be necessary, but it was not going to risk so many years of planning. As it stalked through the woods, a toothy smile crossed its face...
*********************************************
The old wyrm closed the door. The Roost was sealed off, the door shut tightly as locking mechanisms older than the entire equine race slipped into place, barring entry to all.
He sighed. He wasn't entirely sure how to feel. One one hand, it was stressing to have so much at stake, but on the other, it felt good to finally be so close to his goal.
He kept daydreaming even as he descended the staircase, back down into the main hall. Soon, he would strike the Rune Of Life, and all the things that filled this insane, upended world would be washed away. All those who died unjustly would return, to right the wrongs that had been wrought upon them! The rightful King would return, Pangor would be thrown down, and all would be right with the world!
He snapped out of his reverie just in time to avoid tripping on the stairs.
That shook him out of it. There would be time for that later. He had to spend his time making sure that it happened that way, first.
That reminded him of something. There was one thing he hadn't quite finished. He enjoyed telling stories as much as he enjoyed listening to them, but the Prince still didn't grasp the full scope of the situation, as well as his own importance. They had less time than Gravil had planned for, so he'd have to abridge the tale, much though it pained him. He decided that he might as well make good on the tale whilst the idea was still in his mind.
Spike, on the other hand, was thinking. The things Gravil had revealed to him were surprisingly interesting, and he'd sort of taken to using them as a form of dealing with his situation. But now, with rescue a possibility, there was more to think about. Who'd be coming, exactly? Would it just be Twilight? The rest of his friends? Or would there be more?
What worried him more was what might happen to them. Spike had seen what Gravil was capable of with his own eyes, and from what he'd heard, there was no doubt in Spike's mind that the old wyrm would show no mercy to any ponies that crossed his path.
Oh sure, they would probably outnumber him, and they'd probably win if there were enough of them, but he could still badly hurt them. What if somepony he knew was in the group? What if...
His stomach turned as he imagined Rarity being attacked by that demented wyrm, claws-
No. No, he couldn't think that. He couldn't bear the thought. He screwed up his eyes and forced it to go away.
He was still lying like that when Gravil appeared.
"My Lord? Why are you-"
The baby dragon's eyes snapped open. He saw the wyrm, and stood up, not wanting to betray his feelings about this crazy situation.
"Just...takin' a nap!" Spike forced a smile as soon as the words had left his mouth.
If Gravil was bothered by Spike's faux cheer, it didn't show on his face. He waved his arm and gestured to a nearby door.
"Well, if you're quite rested, My Lord, there is something I ought to show you."
The wyrm turned to the door, opened it, and walked through, Spike following behind.
As they walked, Spike grew curious. He decided to voice his thoughts.
"So, is this more history?"
Gravil grinned, his pointed teeth showing.
"You guess correctly, My Lord. However, I have come to the realisation that my abridged history of Dragonkind is far too long. Thus, I will have to move even more swiftly than before. Ah! Here we are."
They had stopped before a pair of white stone doors, a stark contrast to the black-flecked granite that made up the rest of Anbel. Gravil placed his hand upon the door and mumbled.
Is Rek Den Ilc Es Olni
Spike heard:
Olni is King of the earth.
The door swung open soundlessly. Beyond was a tunnel, rough-hewn from the mountainside itself, oppressive, dark, and slick with precipitation.
It made Spike's spines stand straight - well, straighter than usual, anyway. Technically all of Anbel was underneath the ground, but this was the only part he'd seen so far that actually *felt* like that.
"W-what is this place?" the little dragon asked.
"The Tunnels." The wyrm responded.
When he noticed that the look of puzzlement hadn't disappeared from the Prince's face, so he explained further.
"This is where my people worked. The Wyrms toiled down here day and night, gladly dredging up the Earth's treasures for their King. Perhaps my father even worked here."
Spike spoke up again.
"Perhaps? You mean you don't know?"
Gravil growled in response, as if he didn't like talking about it.
"Wyrms are raised communally. We do not know our parents, or our siblings - and thus all wyrms are our parents or our siblings."
Gravil raised a hand to indicate that he would tolerate no more discussion.
Spike had to wonder why they were bothering to go this way - he'd much preferred the Tomb of Tales - at least that place was dry.
"Ah, here we are", Gravil said at last.
Spike didn't notice anything different about this particular patch of tunnel. He was about to say something when Gravil spoke, in a voice that rattled the stones.
"Lin".
In an instant, lights burst into life, lines of brightness against the dark stone.
Spike marvelled at what he saw. Now that there was light, he could see that they were standing in a huge cavern, perhaps as large as the Grand Hall of Anbel itself.
"Whoa..."
Gravil continued to speak.
"This is the result of centuries of toil by the wyrmfolk. It represents us, and survives us. But more importantly, there are things down here that you must see."
Spike was about to ask what sorts of things before Gravil began walking again. The little dragon had to run to keep up, so brisk was his pace.
"Hey, wait up! What's so...so..."
He huffed and puffed the last few words, as he struggled to catch his breath. Gravil offered no response, until he eventually stopped.
When Spike had finally caught his breath, he looked up, and noticed what they were looking at.
They were standing in front of a statue, or the remains of one. It coiled upwards, around a stone pillar. An orb was set atop the pillar, and the stone dragon's hands were wrapped firmly about it. There was enough left to tell who it was supposed to be, although a large segment of the torso had worn away.
"Olni". Said Gravil.
Spike gazed at it for a moment, before an idea occured to him.
"Y-yeah, so it's a statue of Olni. Why'd we have to go all the way down here to see it?"
Gravil turned to the young dragon, a look of irritation on his face.
"This", he said curtly, "is important. It is a shrine, used by those mine-wyrms who have more cause to ask for Olni's protection than most."
His gaze crossed the statue again, and again, pain visible in his eyes as he observed the many flaws left by time.
"For many, this was their sole source of hope. The knowledge that The Dragonfather's love reached them, even here in the bowels of the earth, was what kept them going. This statue has saved lives, has healed wounds, has strengthened the weak. And now look at it."
The outrage in Gravil's voice was audible.
"It simply shouldn't be this way. This, which has done wonders, should be respected, yet it is abandoned and left to rot away, unthanked."
Gravil swung round rapidly, turning to face Spike, his voice full of venom.
"Do you know why the world is this way?!?"
The tone of his voice was intimidating, but Spike had his answer ready this time.
"No! Isn't that what you were going to tell me?"
The wyrm blinked in surprise, not having expected that response. His eyes then widened, as he realised just what he had said, and to whom.
"I...forgive me, My Lord. I seem to be forgetting myself. I should not have raised my voice against you, and this is the second time..."
Spike shivered. He really wasn't used to being spoken to so reverentially (despite Gravil's best efforts), and being asked for mercy just made him feel uncomfortable.
"Er, sure. Just, uh...forget about it."
Gravil smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, My Lord."
Spike, still discomforted by the silence that followed, spoke up again.
"So, er...wasn't there a reason for us being here?"
Gravil's eyes lit up as he remembered.
"Ah, yes. Apologies, My Lord. My age seems to be getting the better of me."
He stood up to his full height, and his eyes took on that glassy look that Spike now understood meant that he was remembering.
"The reason why we have come down to this place is simple. You have seen the great and noble of Anbel, the glory of its rulers. However, to be a just King you must also see our underside. This place is dark, and unpleasant, yes?"
Spike nodded.
"And you would much rather be upstairs than down here, yes?"
Spike nodded again.
"Yet this place is, or was, vital to the survival of Anbel. We could not have lived as we did without the bounty of gemstones hauled from this place by my people."
The old wyrm stooped down, so that Spike was at eye level with him.
"The King has a duty to all of his people, whether or not he likes them. He must embrace both beautiful and ugly if he is to prove himself worthy of sovereignty."
Spike almost trembled, such weight did Gravil put on the words. He could tell that the wyrm believed firmly in what he was saying, that he would die to defend this belief if necessary.
Gravil's tone softened.
"But you need not worry yourself with that just yet, My Lord. You will not be expected to rule for many years yet."
Spike was about to point out that there was no longer anyone left for him to rule, but stopped himself as he sensed that that would be a very bad idea.
Gravil went on.
"The reason you need to understand this is also simple. Pan-Gor is not the rightful ruler, and she has absolutely no respect for this sacred rule. She cares only about her own power, and as a result the world has suffered."
Something occurred to Spike.
"Really? The world seemed like it was doing okay last time I checked."
Gravil's face betrayed shock, followed quickly by pity.
"Ah. I had forgotten how long they had spent indoctrinating you, My Lord. Whilst it might not look horrible at first glance, I assure you, this is not how Olni meant things to be. In the days of Galdor, the world knew how to care for itself. Rain fell, trees grew, animals fended for themselves! The world was held together in the tense balance of life, life as Olni had meant it to be."
His eyes shut, and he drew a deep breath.
"Now, now look at it! The land does not even know how to live! Pan-Gor's servants must do everything! In the past, all things depended on one another for survival. We respected life, and Olni, and all was well. They have shown incredible arrogance by making the world depend on them for its very survival!"
He had worked himself up into quite a frenzy, and was panting heavily. Spike decided it would be safest to say nothing.
Eventually, he caught his breath, and went on.
"Well, My Lord, now that you know of the state of the world, would you care to hear how it came to be this way?"
Spike replied, knowing he should probably go along with Gravil for now, but still not sure exactly how to feel about what he'd just said.
"I guess so..."
Gravil smiled, although his smile was tinged with concern. Did the Prince not realise how serious this matter was? Never mind - he would see soon enough.
The old wyrm gestured in another direction.
"Right this way."
*********************************************
Rainbow arrived too late to help. She set herself down on the soil, next to the battered-looking column of guardponies.
"What the hay happened here?"
The sergeant turned to her.
"Monster. Fought like crazy, but we handled it."
Rainbow felt dread, then relief flood her in quick succession. She looked over to the group of guardponies assembling behind the sergeant. Most of them sported injuries, and all of them looked tired, but there didn't seem to be any fatalities. None of them were lying on the ground, at any rate.
She saw a squad of pegasi fly overhead, and remembered what she was supposed to be doing.
She turned to the sergeant, and said:
"Good to know."
Without another word, she leapt into the air, spread her wings, and took to the skies. Twilight needed to know about Anbel.
*********************************************
"So, where were we?" the wyrm said.
Spike wracked his brain for a minute, looking for the answer.
"Uuh...I think Renka had just come back.".
Gravil's face lit up with comprehension.
"Ah, yes. A good place to start."
He began to speak again, his voice taking on that now-familiar nostalgic tone.
"Galdor realised now that Renka was a dire threat to his people, but he had not been prepared for the full extent of what she had done. As Nobles arrived to pledge their support to the King's campaign, word arrived of another tragedy. Several clutches of dragon eggs had been stolen, taken in the midst of the night, with no hint of intrusion, no sign that would tell of how the deed was accomplished. Though this worried Galdor, and he feared that Renka was somehow connected with it, he did not know what purpose this evil might serve. It would become apparent soon enough."
The wyrm took a deep breath before continuing.
"Wyvern scouts reported back, having discovered something amiss. The peak of Mount Iktena was surrounded by a huge, roiling thunderstorm, swirling black clouds blotting out the sun's light for miles. Worse yet, the storm did not behave naturally - instead of moving, it seemed to resist the wind, the clouds hanging in place over the mountaintop when by all rights it should be blown away. There was reason to believe that Renka had taken residence there".
The way Gravil shuddered at the name Iktena made Spike curious. The words untangled themselves in his head to reveal Bloodspear, but he wondered why the old wyrm seemed so afraid of it.
"Why? Is there something special about Iktena?"
Gravil hadn't expected that question, but answered it all the same.
"Aye. There is good reason to curse its name, though that is a story for another day. All you need know, is that Olni defeated a very powerful demon there, not long after the creation of the world. Iktena was the Throne of the Mother of The Cri-Es, and she tainted it irrevocably. The point is, none in their right minds would willingly set foot upon it, let alone settle there."
The old wyrm went on.
"And so, with the enemy sighted, the army was assembled. From Anbel they marched, each band under their Noble, each Noble under the King. Thousands of wyrms, spears held high, marched as one, the earth trembling beneath their step. Companies of Wyverns flew before the host, taking note of any threats before they had a chance to engage their comrades.
More than a dozen Dragon Nobles sat behind, mixed in with the others, leading their own soldiers personally. Above them all rode Galdor, glorious and resplendant, the very image of a King."
"They marched out, intent upon storming Iktena, and making Renka answer for her crimes. At first, they were puzzled. They marched across the plains, and approached the mountain. What puzzled them was the lack of resistance. Renka had displayed the sort of power that was supposed to exist only in legend, and most everyone in the army expected to be struck down by a lightning bolt any minute. Tension ran high despite (or perhaps because of) the dearth of enemies. The Nobles did their best to reassure their soldiers - pointing out how every soldier in the land had come to make war under their banner, that no living dragon or wyrm or wyvern would possibly fight for Renka."
He stopped abruptly, a thought having just occurred to him.
"Also, My Lord, there is something you must understand. You see, every Noble camped with his own men, the twelve Nobles arranging their camps in a circle surrounding Galdor's camp, in the center. Thus every Noble could stay with his own, whilst still being part of a greater whole."
"In any case, the uneasy peace wasn't to last. The first attack came at night, roughly four days' march from Iktena. The first and only warning was a horrid, unnatural smell that put all the camps on edge. Even so, no-one was prepared for them when they came. They overwhelmed the perimeter guards of Lord Retun's camp, storming through and attacking before anyone could so much as raise a spear in anger. Their approach was so swift, and the confusion so great, that no-one got a proper look at their attackers.The lives of many wyrms were claimed before Lord Retun himself entered the fray, spitting fire and smoke, the fiends falling back before his rage. They fled into the night, taking as many of our dead as they could carry."
Spike was particularly struck by that last line.
"They took your dead? Why would they do that?"
Gravil frowned as he remembered.
"Yes, that was a matter of great concern to all when the matter was discussed later. However, of greater concern was the one enemy that the soldiers had successfully captured alive. Galdor demanded that this enemy be presented before them, and so it was. Lord Retun had seen the enemy himself the previous night, and warned that it might disturb the assembled Nobles. However..."
Spike leaned over, trying to catch every word that was said.
"However....what?"
Gravil went on.
"However, when the enemy was presented, even Lord Retun was shocked. The thing he had seen last night had most certainly been a dragon, even if he could not understand how that was possible. But what was presented to the court was..."
Spike almost burst from the tension.
"Was what? Come on!"
"Bones", said Gravil.
The wyrm went on, deciding to elaborate.
"To be more precise, the court was presented with what was clearly the remains of a dragon. It was too small a skeleton to be an adult, and too large to be a child. Obviously it was an adolescent, then, but it was not long before a more important issue was raised: how could a dead dragon have attacked the camp?"
Spike's eyes widened. "Z-zombies?"
Gravil blinked in surprise.
"Hmm. If that's the word you use for it. No-one wanted to believe, and many argued against the idea. However, Lord Retun was adamant - they had captured a living, or at least moving, dragon last night. Eventually, the King concluded that, if they could not know what awaited them for sure, they simply needed to be more vigilant until they did know.
The old wyrm's tone softened.
"Morning came, and the army began to march again. The daytime march was quiet once more; and this time the camps were made more carefully, and the watch doubled. The infernal beasts would not surprise them again."
"That they did not. They came again, in the night, but this time we were ready. Ranks of soldiers were called upon first sight and they were driven back by spear and flame. We suffered not a single loss that night."
Spike's head filled with images of soldiers hurling back zombie dragons, hurling them back into the darkness as dragonfire set them aflame.
"After that night, there was no more doubt. That night we had seen our enemy, and only one conclusion was left: Renka had raised the dead to do her bidding. The King was now even more determined to end Renka's threat before she had the chance to defy Olni's Law any further..."
He seemed to notice that he was drifting away from the topic, and corrected himself.
"Ah, but our time is limited, My Lord. We must hurry to the point."
He shook his head, trying to clear it, before going on.
"In any case, the Army continued to march, fending off attacks from the horrifying beasts until they had camped at the very base of Iktena itself. Despite the best efforts of the Nobles, and the victories against the horrid creatures in the night, morale was running low. The black clouds made them all uneasy, and though they were camped far enough from the mount that the lightning bolts would not strike them, but each soldier knew that they would have to march through the storm the next day."
"And so they did. Though no-one liked the idea, there was nothing else to be done. They marched forward, underneath the clouds. With every step they took, the winds howled more fiercely, till they sounded like howling beasts themselves. The Wyverns were forced to land and walk among the wyrms, so powerful did the winds grow. Yet they would not be stopped here. They began to climb up the mountain itself, drawing close to their goal."
"It was then that the purpose of Renka's earlier wrongdoing, her theft of Dragon Eggs, became clear. Upon the summit of the mount, from Renka's cave emerged six small shapes. They were dragon-like in aspect, but they were small, only slightly larger than children. The colours of their scales were faded, and their bodies were inscribed with symbols much like those on Renka's body."
"Some of the soldiers pointed to them, wondering what they could be doing there, but most were too busy fighting the biting wind to take notice of anything else. Until they acted, that was. Their eyes shone bright with purple light, which burst from them and leapt down the mountain like a wave. The soldiers shuddered as it passed through them. It felt incredibly...dry, for want of a better word. For the brief moment that it was within them, they felt as if they had died long ago and they were only now realising that they were dried-out corpses."
Spike's scales crawled as he imagined what that would feel like.
Gravil had gotten far enough ahead of himself that he had to pause to catch his breath.
"However...the wave passed, and left them very much alive, if somewhat shaken. However, the true effect of this foul magic was not to harm them. Not directly..."
"Even as they reeled from the attack, the wave spread to the ground beneath them. It sank into the ground, colouring it a deep purple."
His eyes glazed over as he remembered the next part.
"I mentioned that Iktena was where Olni fought the Mother of The Cri-Es, didn't I? Well, He was not alone during that battle. All of His Children accompanied him during that ancient conflict, and many of them perished at Iktena. As the wave of energy spilled over the land, the mortal remains of all those buried there clawed their way out of the earth and stood upright. Those climbing the mountain watched on in horror as an enormous army of the dead surrounded them."
Gravil's words painted a picture, of a wall of rotting flesh and bleached bones, surrounding the embattled Dragon Army.
Spike trembled at the image.
The wave rushed up the mountain, crashing and breaking off of the shields of the quickly-assembled wyrm warriors. The mass of bodies was thrown back, but it rallied quickly - no, rally is not the right word. It simply flexed, like some huge muscle, and rushed back at the Sons of Olni. Time and again the dead were tossed backwards, but not noce did they stop. Weakened from the earlier magic
"Galdor was not one to simply stare helplessly at defeat, however. He quickly realised that fighting this unliving sea of bodies was precisely what Renka wished for. Even if they could defeat them all, they would be severely weakened and most likely be swept away by some other surprise she had in store."
Spike's eyes widened.
"How did he know what she had in store?"
Gravil turned to him.
"He didn't. However, Galdor knew Renka better than most, and was sure she wouldn't have dared to attack the Kingdom if she didn't think she had enough force to defeat them. She must have something else in mind. It was clear what had to be done: if they could not destroy the body of this beast, they would simply strike its head from its shoulders."
A look of confusion convered Spike's face.
"But i thought there were lots of beasts..."
Gravil smiled sympathetically.
"It is an expression, My Lord. The undead dragons are the "body", and Renka is the "head". Now do you see?"
That made more sense. Spike nodded.
"Good." said Gravil. The old wyrm took a deep breath in preparation for the next part.
"The plan was quickly formed and relayed to as many of the Nobles as possible. The King, along with the two Nobles he trusted most, would fly towards the cave at the summit, in an attempt to destroy Renka themselves. Three other Nobles would lead the wyverns to neutralise the six "apprentice" dragons that had raised the horde. The others would hold off the dead below as long as was necessary. Of course, there was really no question as to who would be chosen..."
Gravil caught himself when he saw the confused look on Spike's face, and began to explain.
"Er, you see, My Lord, whilst flight is almost a necessity for life in the Wilds, it is considerably less useful to someone who spends most of their time indoors. As a result, only a few of the Nobles actually knew how to fly. Lord Retun was one of these, and he was chosen to go with the King alongside Lady Hiren."
Something clicked in Gravil's head, as he remembered how little time was left.
"Regardless, My Lord, we really must get moving. To shorten the story somewhat, the King and his retinue flew to the top of Iktena. The storm-winds had not ceased, and made it very difficult to fly. However, old though he was, Galdor was a King among dragons, and not about to be stopped by mere weather. Blessed with strength by Olni himself, the King's old bones stood firm as he and his companions rode through the storm."
"The three alighted upon the peak, as the battle raged below. They came face-to-face with a pair of giant stone doors, much like those that signalled the entrance to a Hold. They were covered in blasphemous symbols, such that it pained them to look at it. Lady Hiren insisted on taking the lead, rearing up and smashing the doors from their hinges."
At this point, Gravil's storytelling was such that the tale seemed to possess a life of its own, as if it did not need another to speak for it. Gravil was still speaking, but Spike did not hear his voice - he heard the voices of the characters.
*********************************************
Galdor was used to caverns, seeing as he'd spent most of his life in one. Dark and deep did not frighten him. This was different. The very air stank of death, and worse. Even so, they had no choice but to go forward. Renka was somewhere in here, and only with her death would this madness end.
It simply didn't seem right. What had happened to her? Had he failed to do his duty? He felt a twinge of remorse. Of course he had failed. He had promised Malin, under Olni's gaze, that he would raise and protect her daughter. Yet here he was, about to kill that selfsame dragon.
Assuming that was even possible anymore. He shook his head. Nothing made sense anymore. He made a silent prayer, begging Olni that all of this would somehow work out for the best.
Lord Retun's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"My Lord, I think we may have arrived."
The doors before them were just tall enough for a Dragon to pass beneath. They were smooth red rock, totally unadorned.
"Can you be sure, Retun?"
The green dragon turned to respond.
"We have seen no side-paths in this place, My Lord. This door is the only one we have not entered."
Galdor nodded in agreement. He drew a deep breath, bracing himself for what was about to occur.
"Steel yourselves. Olni alone knows what lies beyond this point. You both know what's at stake. Renka will be brought to justice."
The other two dragons bowed, as much as was possible in such a cramped space.
"It has been an honour, My Lord." said Lady Hiren.
There was nothing left to say. Hiren placed her shoulder to the door, and pushed with all of her strength. The stone strained for a few moments, but the full force of a determined Dragon was too much, and it gave way.
Behind the door lay Pan-Gor, the Great Destroyer, Enemy of Olni's Name.
She faced away from the door, deep in what appeared to be thought.
Galdor was surprised. The white dragon had not reacted at all to the destruction of her door, nor the three intruders who had entered her domain.
...is that not what you want?..
Hiren saw an opportunity and moved to attack, but Galdor extended a wing, blocking her and motioning for quiet. Hiren's face took on a look of frustration - why were they not pressing the attack? Still, she had faith in her King - if he wanted to delay the attack, then she was sure he had a good reason.
He had stopped her because of the voice. He had heard the voice, echoing quietly from every inch of stone. He recognised them from the words of the Elders, who had fought in the great war, when he had been merely a whelp. It matched the description perfectly. Soft, smooth, and insidious. Suddenly the place's unearthly aroma made sense. He whispered.
Cri-Es.
The others knew what that meant. Everyone had feared that it might be true, and everyone had hoped that they might be wrong. If the Cri-Es were involved in this, that meant they were not extinct. The implications of that were huge, but they were also of secondary importance right now. Then Pangor spoke out.
"Why? We already killed him! When you kill someone, they die, and they stay dead! That's how it's supposed to be!"
Yet you keep seeing him everywhere. Do you know what this means?
"What!? What does it mean?! Tell me!"
"You must simply kill them all."
"I..."
That was it. Galdor drew himself up to his full height, and spoke, in the most booming voice he could muster.
"Renka!"
Retun and Hiren stared at him in shock. What was he doing? Giving up the element of surprise?
The white dragon turned to face the King, confusion in her eyes. Riding on her shoulder, the darkness clung to her like a stain. Its bright yellow eyes gleamed in the dim light.
"Who...you...Galdor?" said the white dragon.
"Yes, Renka. It is I. I have come to take you back."
Everyone's eyes widened in shock, except for the Cri-Es.
Lady Hiren spoke up.
"My Lord, why-"
Galdor gave her a look so fierce that it immediately quashed her objection.
Galdor spoke again.
"Renka, it doesn't need to be like this. You can still stop this, can you not? You created these nightmares, you must know how to destroy them."
Her expression became shocked, as if she had just realised something very important.
"Galdor? What's...where's the Prince? Where is..."
All of a sudden, her face contorted in pain.
"But...but I...argh!"
Her eyes clouded over, and the runes on her body glowed fluorescent blue.
The demon spoke, its words like silk flowing through the air.
"Your attempts are futile, Gal-Dor. She has already agreed to my Pact. She can never leave. It is better for her that she remain unaware of her actions."
Galdor's blood boiled when he heard those words. This foul thing had twisted and used a vulnerable young dragon, was trying to destroy Olni's People through this manipulation! Yet here it was, claiming to be merciful?
"I know what you are, Cri-Es. You're the one responsible for what's happened. Release Renka, or you will face Olni's wrath!"
The shadow broke into a toothy grin.
"I do not fear the wrath of a departed god."
That was the end of civilities. Galdor, unable to control himself any longer, lunged forward, attempting to smite the dark stain from Renka's shoulder. The demon whispered a single word, and the white dragon glowed with power. The King was caught by an invisible force, grabbing him and tossing him backwards into the stone walls.
Hiren and Retun sprang to their lord's defence immediately. Two jets of dragonfire shot towards the white dragon, engulfing half the room in flames. To their horror, when the smoke cleared, Renka had not suffered so much as a burn.
The shadow, emerging from its hiding place behind Renka's caled hide, gloated.
"See how weak you are! See how powerless Olni's gifts are to harm me!"
Hiren scowled. If fire was not working, then tooth and claw would need to do the job. That was her personal philosophy, but having seen what had happened to the King, she hesitated to try it.
The King stood up, his old bones groaning from the effort. He spoke out again.
"Renka! This beast is controlling you! Fight against it!"
A reedy laugh echoed through the cavern.
"You still persist? Did I not tell you such efforts were in vain? The Dra-"
Its words were cut off abruptly. Renka's eyes cleared, her face twisting in panic at the same time.
"What...what's going on? I only wanted to get even with the Prince...why am I...?"
There was a horrible snapping sound as her eyes clouded over and her head snapped back.
"You agreed to the pact! I gave you power, and you gave me your life! Those were the terms!
The King watched as the white dragon's eyes cleared again. She was fighting - there was yet hope!
"I...why am I fighting the King? What's going on?"
The Cri-Es hissed in anger.
"No! The King is not here! But do you know who is?"
Renka's eyes clouded over, and the three dragons facing her were replaced by three copies of the Prince.
There was a low growl.
The runes upon her body glowed blue once more, and the air filled with power.
Retun responded instinctively, leaping in front of his King as the blast rippled through the air towards him. The impact rocked his body and shook his bones, yet he did not fall.
Galdor stood forward, ignoring Retun's protests. She had to listen to reason. She had already broken through once, there might yet be hope!
"Renka! Don't you realise what you're doing? A demon is twisting you against your people! Against Olni!"
The white dragon's brow furrowed in confusion. She shook her head, trying to get rid of the irritating thoughts.
"If you won't shut up, we'll simply squeeze the air from your lungs!"
Everyone felt the air ripple as the unseen force reached out, trying to grasp the King.
Hiren reacted without thinking. She dashed forward, and pushed the King out of the way. Even as she felt him move, the invisible fingers wrapped around her. As she struggled in the invisible grip, she heard mocking laughter fill the air.
"Look at the mighty Dragon Lords! Where, oh where, is your might now, I wonder?
Hiren felt the invisible grip tighten. It was pushing inwards, trying to crush her. The air was starting to leave her lungs...
She caught sight of the Cri-Es, still riding on Renka's shoulder. An idea came to her.
As the creature leaned closer, she struck. Inhaling as deeply as she could, she blasted a jet of flame directly at the black creature. It was not able to react in time. The fire-ball hit the Cri-Es straight in the chest, immolating it.
There was a high-pitched scream, and Renka reeled backwards.
Hiren felt the grip release her. She stumbled, dizzy from the lack of air.
Retun and Galdor (who had recovered sufficiently) moved to cover her. Renka stood back up. This was not over.
Something snapped inside her. The Cri-Es, now focussing all its attention on saving itself, had no energy to spare for deception. Renka's vision cleared, and the illusion vanished.
There was a gasp as she processed what was happening. The King...the one who'd taken her in when her mother could not keep her. The one she owed so much to. The one she was trying to kill.
The Cri-Es was still alight, desperately trying to put itself out. It was then that Renka made her move.
She uttered three words.
"Galdor, I'm sorry."
Her eyes cleared again as she spoke. She raised her hand, and placed it across her own heart.
Before anyone had fully realised what was happening, it had begun. The claw pierced the white scales, staining them with a line of blood. She set her face in a stoic expression, determined to meet a more noble end than her mother.
A wave of grey washed over her body, as she turned herself to stone.
*********************************************
Gravil stopped speaking, and the vivid images died down, to be replaced by the greys and blacks of the underground stone.
Spike piped up immediately.
"What? What happened next?"
Gravil responded, his voice weary from speaking.
"Well, that covers...covers..."
He shook himself awake.
"Well, My Lord, that is...I mean...my, I am tired."
A pin of worry pricked at him. The energy he obtained from the symbols ought to be able to fight off fatigue for much longer than two measly days! Even so, he did not feel terribly worried - after all, the Prince was safe inside Anbel, and Olnija was tomorrow. Things would end up alright...
"Night is falling, My Lord. I assume you would much prefer spending it upstairs?"
The little dragon nodded vigorously.
The two began the climb back, up into the red Rune-lit chambers above.
*********************************************
The purple unicorn stared intently at Rainbow Dash.
"You're sure of this? We need to be very sure of this information before we act on it."
Rainbow returned her gaze without flinching.
"For the last time, Twilight, yes! I'm willing to bet my good name on it! Anbel's that way!"
She gestured to the east.
The pegasus captain raised his hoof in agreement.
"I can second that claim, Miss Sparkle. My team scouted that direction and found what we believe to be Anbel."
Twilight mulled over this information for a minute, picturing the organisation all this would take, before responding.
"Very well. I'll pass word around and have the teams recalled.
The others present nodded in acceptance. The pegasus captain went back to his tram, preparing them to move out again on short notice. Rainbow stayed behind a little longer.
Eventually, the area was quiet enough for them to speak without being overheard.
"Hey, Twi, did, uh...did everypony report in?" She trusted her friends' abilities, but this place was full of danger. She couldn't help but feel a little worried about what her friends had gone through.
Twilight smiled, and reassured her friend.
"Well, I don't actually know yet, but they'll report back in a little while. I'll make sure you're the first to know, alright?"
Rainbow returned the smile.
"Uh, thanks."
The atmosphere became decidedly uncomfortable, and Rainbow decided to find something else to busy herself with while Twilight was arranging everything. She felt a little more comfortable knowing that Twilight was handling things - after all, she was always good at stuff like this.
*********************************************
Twilight felt doubt and relief creep up in her mind simultaneously.
So, now they knew where Spike was being kept, and where they needed to be.
They had both sufficient time and sufficient force. They should be able to stop Gravil easily...
But what if they couldn't?
She shook her head, trying to will those thoughts away. There was no point in such defeatism. She had to remember why she was doing this.
Then she remembered her nightmare, and her resolve hardened to a whole new level. No-one, dragon, wyrm, or god, was going to take Spike from her and get away with it. As the sun began to throw fiery orange light over the trees, she whispered to herself.
"Hang on, Spike. I'm coming."
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Cantus
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872
| 8 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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The Dragon Master
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In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
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incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
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everyone
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2012-04-29T00:15:27+00:00
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2012-04-29T00:15:27+00:00
| 1,592 |
Applejack had fled from the Chimera, and such had been her fear that she ran for hours, through track and glade, over bush and under branch, not stopping until the sun had set and Luna's moon began to creep its way into the sky.
At last, the adrenaline pounding through her relented, and she felt the fear ebb. She panted, trying to catch her breath. Precious oxygen flowed into her, replacing that which had been lost. Slowly, she began to calm down.
Once she had a handle on herself, thought and reason began to return. She looked around her, and realised that she was alone. A spike of fear shot through her as she realised that - she was alone, in the Everfree Forest! Immediately she began to shiver - she'd been told from when she was a little filly that this was not a place that welcomed ponies. The presence of a large group of others had been the main reason why she hadn't panicked yet, and now they were gone...
There was a rustle in the undergrowth, and suddenly Granny Smith's stories about this place came back all at once. Another rustle. Applejack felt her legs tremble again. The idea of a pack of timberwolves jumping out at her was starting the adrenaline again. She backed away slowly from the source of the rustling, and took a deep breath, to steady herself for whatever might happen.
***************
The Staff made its way through the undergrowth, oblivious to the rustling it was causing. It was close to its destination, and that was all its mind could hold. Move. It had to move.
It slammed against something. It turned its gaze upward, and vaguely made out the equine shape standing before it.
Immediately it reared backwards, trying to put distance between it and the horse-thing. The Runes on its side flickered as the energy flowed through different routes, changing its abilities.
A special Rune on its side lit up, in brilliant blue instead of the usual red. Power began to flow...
***************
Applejack was filled with fear and relief in equal measure. On one hoof, she was staring down a rattler, which was bad. On the other, she'd been expecting something much worse. She thought to herself, trying to reassure herself.
"Come on, Applejack! You can handle a little ol' snake! You've tangled with manticores, this should be nothin'!"
She took stock of the situation. It wasn't rattling, which meant it didn't want to scare her off. That in turn meant it planned on either fleeing or attacking. She hoped it was the former, but she'd been taught not to take chances. She stood, front knee bended, tense and ready to leap if it tried to lunge at her.
An crackling sensation filled the air, and a bolt of flame burst from the snake's mouth. Applejack leapt backwards by instinct, narrowly avoiding the blast. She stared in disbelief at the patch of charred soil that she'd been standing on mere moments ago.
What in the world was this thing? It sure as anything wasn't a rattlesnake.
She edged backwards. Now that she knew it had a ranged attack, everything had changed. Keeping her distance wasn't going to matter anymore, and attacking head-on still didn't look like a good idea. Still, she had to do something...
It did not give her any more time to think. It reared back and hissed, its cry ringing throughout the forest.
It began to light up again, white light flickering off of the leaves of the under-canopy. The orange pony knew what that meant this time. She leapt out of the way, avoiding the firebolt as it scorched another patch of earth.
Even though it had missed her, she could still feel the heat coming from the crater. She had no doubt about what would happen to her if she were to be hit by one of them.
***************
It began to fill with something akin to rage. This creature, this equine, did not belong to the world as The Staff understood it.
When Tena-Lin was brought to bear, the enemy was destroyed. That was how the world worked. How could this...thing be attacked, but not destroyed? No matter. It would simply bring more power to bear against the intruder.
***************
Applejack felt her heart pound as the air began to crackle yet again. Blue light pushed the darkness away, before a spear of fire jumped towards her, pushing the air out of its way with the force of its passing. Her instincts had served her well so far, and continued to do so- she ducked, and the bolt passed overhead. Her back burned intensely, a strip of her orange coat burned black by the closeness of the blast.
That was painful, but she had other things to worry about. The creature had grown impatient and, seeing what it thought was an opportunity, it rushed towards her, fangs bared. She chose to leap to the side. She wasn't fast enough. The thing caught her in the leg, digging into the flesh of her front right thigh. She grimaced as a dull pain rose in her leg...then stopped.
The creature's fangs were made of wood - of course they couldn't do much damage. However, that had not been its plan. It began to glow again. The terrifying realisation dawned on the orange pony. From this range, missing her would be literally impossible. She had but a moment to do something, or she would be burned to a crisp.
She shook her leg wildly, trying to dislodge the creature, but its fangs had sunken deep enough to keep it anchored. She began to panic.
"Think of somethin', Applejack!" she thought to herself.
Raising her front left hoof, she brought it down hard on top of the creature's head. There was a loud crack as hoof met wood. The creature was unfazed, the blue light continuing to crawl slowly up the length of its body. Desperate, she slammed it again and again, the noise resonating loudly in the night air.
It wasn't good enough. She was going to...
An image flashed before her eyes.
***************
Eight ponies were seated around a roaring fire. She could see them clearly - five of her friends, and three of her family.
Apple Bloom was turned to Granny Smith, who was comforting the poor filly.
"G-Granny...Applejack's comin' home, isn't she?"
The pain in the old mare's eyes was unmistakeable. She wanted very much to say yes, that Applejack would come home. Yet lying to her own flesh and blood, to cover up something she'd discover someday anyway...
What could she do?
"Well, little'un, y'see..."
The yellow filly looked up at her grandmother, her eyes filled with tears.
"S-see what?"
Granny Smith grit her teeth. She braced herself, and spoke the words she'd prayed never to have to utter.
"Applejack's not comin' back".
***************
Rage, hot and powerful, flooded the orange mare's body. Her family wasn't going to have to suffer that! Not because of some measly snake!
Powered by fury and desperation, the next strike was true. The wood, softened by water and wear, was ill-suited to withstanding brute force. She had struck the weakest point, where the rot had begun to take hold. Under the critical blow, the shaft splintered, a crack running across the width of it, cleaving the head from the body.
***************
The light faded from the Runes. The link was broken, and the energy had nothing to direct it. Naturally, then, it simply escaped, via the path of least resistance - the air. There was a bright flash, as the magic flowing through it dissipated harmlessly.
Applejack blinked away the bright spots from her eyes, trying to come to terms with what had happened.
She looked around, and saw the now-headless serpent lying on the ground, light fading from it as it began to look more and more like a piece of deadwood.
She sighed in relief. Now that that was taken care of, she could begin to...
The adrenaline began to wear off. As that happened, a dull, throbbing pain reasserted itself in her foreleg. She looked down and noticed the thing's severed head, jaws frozen shut in her flesh.
She grimaced - that was an ugly sight. She brought her head down and fixed her teeth around the eyesore. She pulled back, her neck muscles straining as they tried to dislodge the thing. Slowly, painfully, it began to give way, until at last the fangs were pulled from her leg. She kicked the severed head across the clearing, glad to be rid of it.
She sighed and began to properly survey her surroundings. Now that that thing was out of the way, she needed to get back to the other ponies as soon as possible. She didn't want to have any more encounters with the Forest's beasts, and the best safety lay in numbers. Even so, her train of thought kept getting dragged back to that thing. What was it? She'd never heard of snakes that could shoot lightning bolts before...
Then again, the Forest had lightning trees, so why couldn't it have lightning animals too? She shook her head. This wasn't getting her anywhere. She had to focus. She didn't have the time to indulge idle speculation. Even so, something niggled at the back of her mind. As the seconds ticked slowly by, some switch in her memory flipped on. What was it Twilight had said?
Applejack's eyes widened as she realised just what had happened. Twilight said she had been attacked by someone holding a serpent-headed staff. The same staff they'd all gone into the woods to search for. The same one she'd just broken...
This was wonderful news! If she could bring the thing back to the main group, it'd bring them much closer to their goal! Perhaps being attacked by that huge red beast hadn't turned out so bad after all...
The rustling of the grass was the only warning. Her ears pricked up when she heard it, and she whipped around to face whatever was behind her.
"Yer not trickin' me twice, ya-"
The severed wooden head glared up at her as its decapitated body writhed towards it. Before she could react, the head bit into the body.
Was it attacking itself? More importantly, how was it still alive? Applejack adopted a fighting stance once more. She became aware of her own heartbeat again, as blood pumped rapidly around her body. If she had to do this again, she would.
She didn't get the chance. There was a flash of bright, blue light, blinding the orange mare. When she finally blinked the green spots away from her vision, the snake was gone, only a rustling sound behind her betraying its location. She turned in time to see it slink into the bushes, just before it slipped from her sight.
***************
This was not good. Disbelief, or something like it, smouldered inside the staff as it clung on to its own body for dear life. To not only be defeated, but crushed.... It tried to stop feeling. It was not dead yet. The mission was more important. The mission was the only thing that mattered. Its eyes glowed faintly, picking up the faint, glowing outline of An-Bel. It slithered on, task in mind.
***************
Though the revitalising power of the Runes removed Gravil's need for sleep, he still found himself oddly tired. Thus, he had retired to a dark corridor, and leant against the walls to rest. As his eyelids closed, he felt his other senses broaden. He could hear the wet plunks of water droplets, dripping from dark archways down to the tiled floors. He could smell the latent magic in the air, the halls infused with the effects of centuries of Rune-research. All these senses could, perhaps, be found in other places - assuming anyone else had the patience and wit needed to master Runecraft. However, there was one feeling that could only be found here. It permeated every inch of this place, from the mighty pillars to the humble scratch-ridden floor-tiles. He sighed, and then breathed deeply, drawing the feeling into himself.
Majesty. The feeling that someone, something grand had once lived here. A feeling that these past-things were greater than oneself. A feeling that they were strong, strong enough perhaps to fight against the modern world, against everything that was wrong...
Gravil exhaled sharply as he felt the shock. Something important had...broken. His eyes widened as he realised what that must mean. The Staff. Fear began to rise in him. Could it really have happened? He began to panic. The Staff was too powerful for them to break...wasn't it? She shook his head. Of course it was! How could mere beasts destroy an agent of Olni's will? Impossible, impossible!
He stopped, his mind detecting something. Small, very small...
Yet it was there. A small spark of life, of movement. The Staff was broken, but it was not dead. Relief flooded into him. It was not over yet. Still, this was very...worrying. Their hopes were alive, but hanging on an uncomfortably thin thread. Should he go out and reclaim the Staff, to ensure it remained safe? That seemed like a good idea, but then again, the Forest would be crawling with equines. There was a brief struggle of emotions within him as pride fought with reason. Should he go out? Of course he should - why would a brave servant of Olni be afraid? Then the fierce pride relented, as an image came to mind. The Prince. The Prince needed to be watched, and instructed, and there was precious little time left to do it.
That reminded him. There was one piece of the story he had not yet told. Well, several pieces technically, but only one that was important. Gravil had left the little dragon in the Treasury - the place was an ample bed for any Dragon. As he mumbled the short incantation that opened the Treasury door, he wondered. What did the Prince think of all that had happened? The sudden change of pace could not have been easy on him. Regardless, it was better this way. He should be here, with his ancestors.
***************
Spike was having trouble sleeping. Not that that was a surprise. He'd never have thought that he'd come up against a problem that a massive pile of gemstones couldn't make him feel better about, but it seemed there was a first time for everything. The arrangement of stones felt uncomfortable beneath him. He tossed and turned, unable to rest.
The bed wasn't really the problem, he knew that much. His mind would not allow him to sleep. He knew his friends were outside this place, searching for him. That in itself wasn't a bad thing. The problem was that he didn't know what was happeningto them. They'd be in the middle of the forest,and it would be dark, and-there-would-probably-be-monsters-at-this-time-of-night-and-what-if-somepony-got-chewed-up-by-a-Manticore-and...
His head began to spin as his imagination ran wild. He curled up into a ball and tried to push the horrid images out of his mind, to no avail.
***************
Twilight felt a shudder run down her spine, as if something horrible was happening, but she couldn't see what it was. Its cold feeling broke her concentration. She shook her head - she couldn't allow herself to be distracted from what she was doing. Focus. That was the way that Spike would be saved. And save him she would. Her dream was not going to come true, it was not, it was not...
She stopped herself - she was doing it again. Stay calm. It was like Celestia had said - if she stayed calm, she would be able to see this through. She took deep breaths, as if she could somehow flush the worry out of her system. Eventually, she managed to calm herself enough that she could think again. It was a good thing, too, as an armoured unicorn trotted up o her, carrying a sheaf of paper alongside him.
“Miss Sparkle?” said the guardspony.
“Yes?” she replied.
The guardspony motioned to the slip of paper, and she plucked it out of his magical grasp.
She glanced at it.
“Team A...all members reporting in...”
Ah. This was the roster! She’d been waiting for this to get back to her.
She thanked the unicorn, who trotted back to his unit. She barely noticed, as she was focussing on the words in front of her.
The results were good. Few casualties and no fatalities. One of said casualties caught her eye - Unit J, member missing. Name: Applejack. Her blood chilled. One of her friends was missing. She tried to calm herself.
“Just...just...stay calm. Nothing good can come of panic. Stay calm. Nothing good can...”
She repeated the words her mentor had taught her like a mantra, as if they would ward off the fears that preyed upon her. She paced worriedly, walking in a circle, retracing her own hoofsteps in the mud of the forest floor as the fear and the words wrestled furiously for supremacy. What was she going to do? She had promised to tell Rainbow if anything had happened, but she was so hard-headed... She would almost certainly fly off to look for her, and that would make two friends running around in the Forest and...
“Erm, excuse me? Miss Sparkle?”
She drew a deep breath and turned to face the voice. It was a colt, not much older than her.
“The parties are moving out. It would be...inadvisable to remain behind.”
Hearing those words helped. Suddenly she remembered the big picture. They had to save Spike, and stop Gra-Vil. Applejack was no fool. She’d probably be able to keep herself out of harm’s way, at least for a little while. Besides, maybe they’d be able to find her if they went forward...
That did it.
“Thank you. I’ll be going now.”
Saying those words helped solidify her resolve. They would keep going. Forward was the best way. She just hoped that this would end before anypony died...
********
The six ponies stood proud, their bright coats a stark contrast to the grey stones of Anbel. Facing them, across the room, eyes glinting like fire, stood the wyrm. The Runes, formed in the images of those long dead, cast their gaze over the scene. Without warning, a high screech rang out, as if from the walls, shaking the stones. Energised by the sounds of approval, the cloaked wyrm dashed forward, arms raised, claws forward. The six barely had time to react before he reached them, shrieking like a wyrm possessed...
There was a flash. The world flickered in front of Spike’s eyes for a few seconds, his eyelids fluttering like panicked butterflies.
“Uuuh...”
He must have been more tired than he had thought, if he’d actually managed to fall asleep. He rubbed his eyes, as if that would brush the weariness from them. These dreams were really starting to wear on him, but he couldn’t deny they’d made him think. They’d started yesterday and hadn’t let up yet, waiting for him every time he shut his eyes. He had begun thinking, because of what he had seen. What should he do? What would he do if he felt a conflict of loyalties?
He shook his head viciously as he realised just what he was thinking? What conflict? Had he been so shocked by the last few days that he’d forgotten what Gravil was? The mad wyrm had kidnapped him and killed Twilight! Spike stared at the stone walls surrounding him. He was trapped inside of them because of Gravil! Why was he even thinking of supporting him?
However, even as he decried the thought, another one struck him. He felt a twinge of sympathy for the old coot. He really did seem to believe what he was saying. As well as that, what about all this Dragon Kingdom stuff? Spike shook his head again. He still couldn’t quite grasp it.
“Me? A Prince? Really?”
Urgh. This deep thinking stuff was hard work. He lay down again. He dipped his hand into the massive gem-pile underneath it, and plucked out a handful of stones. He popped them into his mouth. They were delicious. He savoured the rich, juicy flavour, letting it seep through his whole body...
Nothing. A few days ago there was nothing that that wouldn’t have cheered him up from. Now he still felt empty. Thoughts began to turn over and over in his mind, stewing away until they formed into an uncomfortable mess.
Thankfully for him, it was not long before his thoughts were interrupted.
“My Lord?”
Spike filled with an odd mix of emotions. He wasn’ exactly happy to see Gravil, but it was happening anyway, and it would mean something to distract him from these horrible thoughts. He was grateful for that much, at least.
“Yeah, what is it?”
The wyrm bowed apologetically.
“I apologise for disturbing you My Lord, but I must insist that you rise now.”
Spike stifled a yawn.
“What’s this all about?”
Gravil began to speak again.
“You have heard much of the Lay of Olni these past few days, but there is one more piece that you must hear yet.”
Spike sighed. He didn’t really feel in the mood for stories right now.
“I don’t really feel like it. Can we do this tomorrow, or something?”
Gravil’s eyes narrowed.
“I wish that we had the time, My Lord, but by then it will be too late”.
Spike groaned in protest.
Suddenly, he felt a bony hand grasp his wrist.
“No, My Lord. You owe your ancestors this much, at least”.
Spike began to protest.
“But-”
Gravil snapped back.
“Not a word! This is too important!”
Spike resigned himself to his fate, at least for the time being.
Time passed slowly for the two. Gravil dragged Spike through halls and past doors, the little dragon’s claws scraping the floor in protest all the while.
Finally, they stopped at a massive pair of doors. Spike let out a sigh exasperation. It was almost as if whoever had built this place only knew how to make one kind of door. Gravil stopped and muttered something unpleasant-sounding under his breath.
“Olni’s name, I forgot about the lock!”
The wyrm pulled Spike forward, pressing the little dragon’s palm into the cold surface.
“H-hey! Whaddya think you’re doi-” Spike blurted.
Gravil turned to his charge and said “They don’t allow just anyone into Galdor’s Chambers.”
Gravil turned to the door, whispering. Spike heard:
Olni’s Eyes are our Guardian, His Wings our refuge.
Something was bothering Spike.
“What’s up with all these weird sentences, anyway? How did anyone remember all these? What if you forgot one?”
There was a cold edge in the wyrm’s voice as he responded.
“They are here to protect us. Anyone careless enough to forget the Ley Of Olni deserves to be locked out until they learn to be more diligent. And I most certainly will not forget.”
Spike persisted in his questioning, seeing that Gravil clearly didn’t like it.
“But what if you forget which one goes where? What then?”
The old wyrm raised his voice.
“No more questions!”
The journey continued in this fashion, Gravil curtly rebuffing all of Spike’s questions, until finally the wyrm stopped.
“We have arrived”.
A confused look crossed Spike’s face.
Gravil noticed this.
“Surprised, My Lord?”
“I guess I just expected something...fancier.”
The room they had arrived in was plain, black granite, with a small pit dug in the center. But for the image of Olni-the-Sun-Holder carved into one of the walls, it would have been indistinguishable from any other cave.
Gravil chuckled.
“Galdor wouldn’t want anything opulent in his personal living space. He gets enough of that in his public life. This is supposed to be a place for the most important things.”
Spike only understood some of what Gravil had said, but he nodded anyway.
Gravil continued on.
“Besides, the jewels were taken after the War, along with everything else that caught their eyes.”
That caught Spike’s attention.
“War? They?”
Gravil snapped to attention, suddenly reminded of his task.
“Ah, yes. Important though this place is, I did not bring you here simply to see it. Do you recall where we were in the narrative of our People?”
Spike thought for a moment.
“I think Renka had just...”
Spike’s voice trailed off. He hadn’t known Renka, obviously, hadn’t even heard of her until a few days ago, but Gravil’s telling of her story had been so emotionally charged that Spike felt squeamish even mentioning her fate.
Gravil relieved him of the duty of continuing that sentence.
“Yes, yes. After the confrontation at Iktena, the dead horde collapsed. The Army of Kings, though battered, was victorious. Yet their victory was bittersweet. There were many losses that day, not the least of which was Renka herself. There was some debate as to what should be done with her remains, but the King ruled that it be left where it was, an eternal monument to the evil of the Cri-Es. Personally, I think he simply wanted to feel that he was, in some small way, keeping his oath.”
The wyrm drew a deep breath and went on.
“Regardless of that, we must go on. The hatchlings who Renka had stolen and corrupted had a more complicated fate, but their story is not for today. Galdor’s reign lasted for another three years, at which point he died. His younger son took up the crown and the Royal Name.”
Gravil sighed deeply. When next he spoke, his tone was deeply reverential.
“Galdor III was...different to his predecessors. It is not for me to divine the minds of my betters, but I think he must have suffered from some feeling of crippling inferiority. You see, the first King was ordained personally by Olni, and the second proved his worth at the Battle of Iktena. He, on the other hand, had inherited power by default. He was King-by-Mistake, the runt who fell into the throne.”
Gravil took one of his usual pauses before continuing.
“Twenty-six years into the reign of Galdor III, I hatched.”
Try as he might, Spike simply couldn’t picture Gravil as an infant. Still, that sounded like it would be good for another story.
“What was that like?” asked the purple dragon.
The old wyrm’s eyes glazed over with happiness.
“Ah, life in the hatchery was wonderful. The Broodmothers tended to us all, each one of us their child, each one of them our parent. There were sleeping-pits, lined with soft soil, and sometimes even straw, brought in from aboveground. We were kept warm by a roaring fire. The fire was lit every night, and during the day too if it was particularly cold. We were all siblings, and it was...”
The wyrm shook himself out of his trance, as he remembered the importance of his mission.
“...but that is also a story for another day. Perhaps I will tell you more of it after tomorrow.”
He went on.
“The years passed, without anything important enough to mention here. That is, until The Lethargy.”
He shivered even to mention the name.
“The Lethargy came upon us like a thief in the night. The first sure sign that something was wrong came at Olni-Sa. You remember what I said about Olni-Sa?”
Spike scratched his head.
“Something about...Olni...”
Gravil took on an expression of exasperation.
“Yes, My Lord. It commemorates Olni’s departure from this world, and is the most mournful day of the year.Regardless, something was...different that year. The Wilders had been behaving oddly, flying over our lands in flagrant defiance of the Statutes of Dominion. However, they did not listen to our protests, nor did they linger long enough to be punished. They would come, and they would go, across the Western Ridge like the setting sun.”
He paused briefly before going on.
“At first we were puzzled as to what this could mean, but as more and more of them began to wing their way over our lands we began to grow suspicious. Surely there must be some reason for so many dragons to exert so much effort? At Olni-Sa that year, it became very clear...”
It was at this point that Gravil did that thing Spike had come to know him for, that strange way he had of putting such life into a tale that it seemed entirely real. He sat down and listened, as the story came to life...
********
The crowd was assembled. The Wyrms were huddled on the ridge beneath the Peak, the Wyverns circled overhead. Most of the Nobles had turned out for the formalities too. The mountain was covered with reds, greens, and blues, and their scales began to glitter slightly as the sun’s fading light pattered down onto them. The scene was set. All they needed was their King.
Galdor trembled with anticipation. By all rights, he shouldn’t have been worried. This was hardly his first time performing the Ceremony of Departure - he’s done it for decades by this point. Yet something troubled him. A feeling of inexplicable discomfort had settled deep in his stomach these past few days, and he’d read enough legends to know that was usually an ill omen. He had consulted Gra-Vil about it once, but the spirited young wyrm had simply told him to place his faith in the Dragonfather. Galdor sighed. Just like him to trust his superiors. Then again, he really shouldn’t complain about that - true, burning devotion to Olni was one of the finest traits an Advisor could possess.
A tap on his shoulder drew him out of his thoughts. A beautiful green Dragon stared at him. He spent a moment admiring her lithe tail, before she spoke again.
“Come on, Sen-Ri. The people need their King. You wouldn’t want to be seen shirking your royal duty, would you?”
A wry smile crossed his face.
“You know, if you weren’t my wife, I could have you exiled for that.”
She smirked back.
“Too bad that I am your wife, then.”
They exchanged glances for a moment, before she snapped at him again.
“Go on, now! You wouldn’t want to miss the sunset, would you?.”
He sighed.
“Fine, fine.”
He walked towards the door that opened out onto the peak. Ka-Ma was right. He had to be a King today. Even if it was just ceremony, the people needed to see that he was willing to play his part in Olni’s plan. After all, if he wasn’t going to, why should they?
This was different to Olni-Ja. There was no cheering, no cacophony of whoops and yells. Silence suited the sombre nature of this day much better. Plus, silence would also lend more power to the ritual words when they were finally spoken. He strode to the peak, to the carven steps that led to the rounded tip of the mountain.
A shiver ran down his spine. He suppressed it. Be strong, be strong. A real King would be confident. At last, he stood at the summit. This was the time to speak.
“Oh Olni, Oh Olni, Oh Dragon-Father! Today is the most sorrowful of days! Today we leave Your presence, to wander in the dark! But though we speak of partings, we know that You shall always return! For as You said...”
Suddenly, there was a gasp from the assembled masses. The air chilled perceptibly. Even the King turned to see what the cause of this was.
There were dragons. Hundreds of them, all flying together, in their direction. Gasps turned to shrieks, as the Wyverns began to fly closer to the ground, instinctively attempting to protect those below them.
They need not have feared. The flock had no intention of attacking this day. Flying at speeds that even most wyverns would have thought unachievable, they zoomed over the peak, covering it in a huge, mottled shadow.
Confusion reigned among the masses. They huddled together, wanting to flee but not daring to move. It was then that Galdor realised. They were frightened and unsure. He was their King. He had to do something, surely.
Without thinking, he spread his wings for the first time in years. Shouts rang out, but they did not reach his ears. The wind, propelled by the downbeat of hundreds of giant wings, resisted him, but he pressed on regardless. His wings beat, and beat, and...failed. A particularly vicious downdraft whipped his wings from under him, and he lost his balance. He began to tumble, down towards the peak beneath them, a horrified shriek sounding from the crowd.
As he fell, the flock of dragons finally ended, and at last he saw what had made them fly. Behind them, rolling like a storm, a herd of white beasts that he did not recognise even from legend. Their faces were bizarre, ending in flats rather than points. Behind them, wherever they rode, a trail of ice, a land frozen over.
That was all he saw before he fell, and darkness swept over him.
The story stopped as Gravil paused, panting for breath.
Spike was eager to hear the next part.
“What? What happened then?”
“Pardon me, My Lord, b...but allow me one...moment...”
When the Wyrm had composed himself, he went on.
“Now, Galdor fell, but he was not killed. He was fortunate to be blown away from the peak itself, onto the softer marshland that used to surround this place. It was still a serious fall, but He was strong enough that it did not kill him. However, Galdor had little time to recuperate, for a dire threat faced all of us. The Olc-Ol had arrived.”
There was a slight buzzing in Spike’s ears as the word untangled itself, offering upAir Spirit.
Grail went on.
“The name is quite deceptive, My Lord. Despite that, these...things were like no threat we had faced before. They sapped the world itself of heat and strength by their mere presence! Any attempts at aggression proved futile - tooth and nail simply passed through their bodies, and their unnatural powers sucked the heat from any flame before it could make contact with them.”
Spike’s mind filled with images of dragons falling to the ground, wings frozen by the sheer cold of the Air Spirits.
“So they attacked you? What did you do then?” Spike asked.
Gravil responded with a sigh of frustration.
“That was one of the unusual things, My Lord. They didn’t attack us - in fact, we seemed beneath their notice. Imagine the insolence! The mighty Children of Olni, passed over like yesterday’s leftovers! It nearly burned me up with indignation, so it did!”
Spike interjected Gravil’s rant.
“Yeah, but what happened?”
Gravil’s face lit up with embarrassment.
“Ah, yes. The story. Their lack of interest in us did not spare us from harm. Wherever they passed, snow filled the air, streams and lakes froze. The increasingly cold air was Bel-Kal itself for us, who draw our strength from heat. The Dragons were affected the least, their inner flame staving off the worst effects of the weather, but the rest of us were forced indoors on a permanent basis. We wyrms took this in stride, as best we could - the cold wasn’t much of a problem underground. For the Wyverns, however...”
Gravil grasped his own shoulders and shivered.
“For a Wyvern, indoors is the place you stay when the sky is off-limits. The sky is your real home. Being forced indoors for weeks, sometimes even months at a time was simply too much for them to bear. Many of them went mad, attacking their own comrades in desperate bids for freedom. The lucky ones were subdued.”
Spike simply had to ask the question - it was begging for it.
“What about the unlucky ones?”
Gravil replied.
“They escaped.”
The room became deadly silent for a moment. Gravil bowed his head in remembrance.
Eventually, he went on.
“Panic spread across the land. Hold after hold was cut off by the Olc-Ol’s advance, and we began to fear for our future. Efforts were made to slow or stall the advance, or reverse its effects, but none proved successful. Eventually, Galdor’s choices boiled down to two. One, He could order a mass evacuation, abandoning the land of Olni and our Fathers to the horrors, and attempt to find a new land. Faced with such an appalling choice, He chose the second. The Lethargy.”
Before Spike could even ask what the Lethargy was, Gravil elaborated.
“The Lethargy was a spell, concocted by the most skilled Runeworkers in the land, as a workaround for our problem. It was simple: a spell would be cast that would place all Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns into a state of extended hibernation, vastly slowing our vital processes and allowing us to sleep until such a day as the cold had ended. The spell included provisions that would sustain our bodies and fulfil our basic needs, as well as protecting us from attack. Each Hold would be affected in the same way, and was to prepare in the same way. It was a massive, desperate undertaking. I can still remember the day when the spell was cast - Galdor, lain on his bed of gold with his wife beside him, their clutch of eggs, sat in coals nearby. The ranks of wyrm-warriors, determined to sleep on their feet, so that they would be able to fight from the very moment of their awakening, the broodmothers herding the children to the correct places...”
He suddenly realised that he had moved onto a tangent, and re-focussed himself.
“Yes, it was a day worth remembering. However, what happened next was...unpleasant. You will have to forgive me for the vagueness of this next part, My Lord, for I was asleep for most of it. However, as we slept, we dreamed. I earnestly cannot say what we dreamt of, but I can say that we had some vague feeling of connection to each other in them. I sensed Galdor’s dream - and the singular is appropriate here, for it was always the same. I do not know what it contained exactly, but I got the impression that it was horrible.”
Gravil went on, lost in the telling.
“For four centuries we slept, our Holds covered by snow, and then by trees. At long last, our minds cleared and we awoke. However, the greatest surprise was yet to come. For you see, at first we thought we had awoken to Paradise. The Olc-Ol had vanished, and the world was green and warm once more. We were puzzled by the sudden appearance of trees outside of our doors, but we could not have been happier! Our world was free again! The Wyverns were so overcome by joy that they burst into the air like a massive cloud and did not come down to rest for three full days. Perhaps this is what attracted their notice...”
That piqued Spike’s curiosity.
“Whose notice? Was it...zombies?”
Gravil looked unamused.
“No, My Lord. Whilst in the air, one group of wyverns encountered strange flying beasts they had never seen before. They had wings, but no claws or scales, instead possessing strange lumps on the ends of their feet. Over-excited by the feeling of flight, some of the wyverns pounced upon them, killing several. The beasts made no attempt to fight back, but turned their tails and fled. The Wyverns, overcome by the thrill of the chase, pursued them. The creatures flew to the peak of a mountain, into a bizarre white city. The wyverns were driven wild, and attacked the city. There were more creatures in the city, some like the flying creatures, some earthbound, some bearing horns on their heads. There were scenes of utter chaos. Some beasts fled, others tried to stand their ground - in vain. The frenzy continued until a larger, white beast, bearing both wing and horn, appeared. The wyverns attacked it - and were burned to ash by its powerful magic. Terrified, the few survivors fled as swiftly as they could, returning to An-Bel to tell their story.”
“However, all was not right. I noticed right from the moment of awakening that Galdor seemed unwell. He was more aggressive than before, less tolerant of mistakes. Small errors would be met with Crissian punishments, and his voice contained a crazed, desperate tone. Even so, He was our King, and we trusted him.”
“When word returned to An-Bel of what had transpired in the bizarre city, we were shocked. Shocked at the wyverns’ behaviour, yes, but it was soon deduced that this news was even more terrible than first we thought. When the wyvern survivors pointed out the mountain to others, it was recognised quickly - it was Ik-Tena itself! The King was swift to make a deduction: these beasts resembled the Olc-Ol in form, and had built a stronghold upon the cursed mountain. Who else could their terrible leader be but Pan-Gor, the destroyer! All the signs matched! White in colour, shape of death, tool of magic. Without delay, Galdor pronounced war.”
“There were some who felt reserved about making war so hastily, myself included. Even so, our King seemed dead-set upon it, and so we prepared. The other Holds were contacted, and The Army Of Kings marched again.”
“We faced resistance at first, though it seemed inappropriate to refer to it as such. Pangor’s followers were unable to match our superior strength, size, and spirit. Eventually, it was such that we spent days on end travelling through empty countryside. We sometimes encountered odd structures, made of wood and thatch. We reasoned that these were probably their dwellings, and we set them alight.”
There was an odd tone in the old Wyrm’s voice, a vigour that made his feelings clear. Remembering those days made his chest swell with pride.
“Eventually, we stood at the foot of Ik-Tena. How proud we were! How much we resembled our ancestors! Before the battle, we said the prayers as Olni taught them to us - prayers for strength, prayers for faith, prayers for victory. In Him we placed our trust, and we knew that We should never be defeated.”
“When the prayers were said and done, we ascended the mountain, wyrmclaws digging into its sides, wyverns soaring overhead. Swarms of the flying beasts had gathered around the summit, aiming to drive us back. And I...I stood at the foot of the mountain, beside my King, observing the battle that was about to unfold...”
His voice began to fill with emotion again, and his voice filled Spike’s head with vivid images.
****
“Gra-Vil.” The Dragon King’s tone was dry.
“Yes, My King?” The Chancellor replied.
Galdor laughed.
“Ever formal, aren’t you?”
Gravil fidgeted, his claws clacking as he rapped them upon The Staff he held. He only ever did that when his nerves were getting to him.
“Is today not the day for sobriety, My Lord?”
Galdor cracked a crazed grin.
“Of course not! Soon we will destroy the Great Enemy! Soon we will be Heroes! Heroes!”
The Chancellor smiled back, uncomfortably. This...did not feel right. This course of action was rash in the extreme. True, the shape of these creatures was disturbingly similar to the Olc-Ol, and their leader was a white-colored magician, but even so...
The King raised his voice, and shouted the order.
“Advance!”
As word spread, the order was followed. The Army of Kings was smaller now than it had been at the height of its strength, but there were still so many wyrms marching up the mountainside that the earth shook. The wyverns surged forward, eager to engage the flying beasts. Now all that they had to do was wait.
The wyrms began the difficult march up the sides of the mountain. They kept their heads down, their minds set on the city. They set one foot before the other, and slowly they began to ascend. Suddenly, there was a rumbling, and several huge boulders emerged from the city. They were encased in strange red light. Gravil recognised them immediately.
“Magic!” he hissed, spitting the word out as if it were poison.
Galdor began to shout.
“Mages! Get the mages! Stop those things! Stop them!”
Before the Rune-Mages could be organised, the light dissipated, and the boulders began to roll down the mountainside. Wyrms shrieked in horror as the giant stones thundered toward them. The army began to split, as soldiers tried to escape from the rocks’ path. For some, it was too late. The sound of crushed bones sounded, as the front lines were smashed apart. The Dragon King screamed.
“No!NO!”
A red light surrounded the stones, and they froze in place. The panicked wyrms looked around in confusion, though they were grateful to have been saved. Three gaunt, pale dragons appeared next to the King. One of them spoke.
“We stand ready to serve, My Lord.”
Galdor sighed gratefully.
“Good. Now support our troops! Counteract any further trickery they attempt! I will not be the King who succumbed to the Cri-Es!”
The three dragons bowed their heads in respect. The air filled with a slight clicking sound, and the three dragons disappeared in a flash of red light.
The advance continued, the Rune-Mages able to thwart most of the efforts of the beast-magicians. Any boulders thrown were tossed back, any bolts of magic dispelled. The skies filled with the beating of wings, as flying-beast fought wyvern, both sides suffering significant losses. At last, the wyrm soldiers stood at the perimeter of the city.
The streets were surprisingly bare - the creatures seemed to have withdrawn to the highest point of the mountain. It made sense - it was the point within the city that the wyrms would take the longest to reach. Gravil noticed this and mentioned it to his King.
“An intelligent move, Gravil, but ultimately futile. They buy only time, and there is nothing upon which they can spend it that will enable them to defeat us.”
Even as the words left Galdor’s mouth, a sharp crack rang out, and the acrid tang of free magic filled the air. Gravil’s eyes were drawn to the source, to the summit of the mountain. There she stood, proud and terrible. The white creature raised its head to the sky, and was enveloped in light.
“Mages! Stop her! Do som-”
For a moment, all was still, as if the world had been frozen. Then the sun moved. Not at its normal, almost imperceivable speed, but with a heavy, jarring jolt that seemed more like the movement of a clock hand.
It picked up speed, moving down towards the western rim, until, after a few seconds, it sank beneath the horizon.
Gravil stopped, suddenly.
Spike didn’t know what to say.
“So, er...what happened then?”
The old wyrm stared at the floor, shivering at the memory.
“We were...terrified.” Gravil whispered.
He went on.
“For as long as we could remember, we had trusted Olni to give us strength, and He had never failed us before. But this, this sorceress had forced Him to move! We...we could not believe it”.
He placed his hand to his forehead once more, as if the mere memory of the day was making him ill.
“They burst forth from the city, crashing down upon us like a waterfall. Our morale waned more quickly than a falling comet. Shocked and demoralised, not quite comprehending what had happened, the Army of Kings began to crumble. I can still remember it - the looks on the faces of the wyrms, the Wyverns’ confusion at the sudden disappearance of the sun. The Dragons made a valiant effort to rally the army, but the sudden reversal of the battle’s pace made this all but impossible. The momentum was with them now, and they were only picking up more of it as time went on. Their magic was more ferocious now, their white leader adding its power to the eldritch onslaught. The Rune-Mages found themselves simply unable to keep pace. At last, a stray rock caught Tal-Da, leader of the Rune-Mages square in the head. That was the end of it”.
He drew another deep breath before going on.
“With the loss of one-third of our magic resistance, we simply could not hold any longer. Brave wyrms were tossed aside like rag-dolls, wyverns were struck by bolts of lightning, or dragged forcibly from the heavens, shattering their bodies in the process. The King, of course, was livid at this stage, driven utterly mad by fear and denial. He simply...”
Gravil winced visibly, obviously disliking the memory he had just brought to mind.
“...He simply could not accept that evil could triumph over good. He had to be dragged from the field.”
Gravil said nothing for a few moments.
Spike eventually decided to break the silence.
“So...what did you do then?”
Gravil replied in a low, tired voice.
“We ran. We had hoped for a reprieve, such that we could gather our forces, and our wits, but it was not to be. The beasts pursued us every step of the way, with a fury and a vigour that never seemed to wane. Only the valiant sacrifices of Lord Du-Oto and Lady Hi-Oto delayed them for long enough to ensure that we reached Anbel before they did.”
“We were hysterical. There was chaos, hopelessness, and fear. Who could we turn to, now that our God had left us? Our King, our second source of strength, was not much more help. Galdor locked himself within his chambers, refusing to come out. So great was our need that The Lords of the Land (the few that were left, at any rate) decided to give responsibility for the running of the Hold to the most senior of them. He was not a poor leader, but the task before him was simply too great, the time too short.”
Gravil shuddered at the memory.
“Apologies, My Lord, but the hours that followed that were very hectic. I have knowledge only of my own role in the next few events. The Queen herself came to see me, to discuss a plan. It had been designed for use in case the Hold was in danger of being overrun, and that was most certainly the case at the time. I was to lead a party of wyrms, composed of several broodmothers, the handful of soldiers that remained, and all of the children and eggs, and escape into the tunnels. Ignominious though it was, hiding had saved us from the chill of the Olc-Ol, and it might well save us again.”
“It was...a daunting task. I did not want to believe that it was necessary, but I couldn’t ignore the situation. As such, I set to the task. I gave orders, and they were followed. You will have to forgive me, My Lord, the next few hours flew swiftly indeed. I recall that we finished ahead of time, and that we were ready to set off immediately. Some argued against abandoning An-Bel, but I overruled them. Some of them I overruled forcibly.”
He spoke the last sentence with a matter-of-factness that was oddly chilling.
“The next few hours were a blur of sound and emotion. Despite the great sorrow inflicted upon us, I distinctly recall an oddly misplaced sense of excitement. We were about to embark on a journey, great and perilous, a journey that one day would allow us to regain our glory. We walked through the tunnels, water dripping through cracks that had appeared in four hundred years of non-maintenance. It was intimidating, but we were wyrms, and the earth was our home. We marched on, holding faith that we were assuring the future of our people...”
Gravil hung his head, and wrung his hands.
Spike noticed this.
“Er...Is that the end?”
Gravil sighed.
“No, My Lord. It is just that... what happened...gah.”
He sat down, and clasped his head in his hands.
“There was a noise, some confusion...a sound like thunder above us...then dust started raining from the ceiling, and we began to run...then it was rocks, rocks, rocks! I was struck on the head by one of them, whilst trying to direct the escape. I have no idea how I survived, but when I awoke... everyone was gone.”
He looked up at the ceiling, as if the stones in it were somehow speaking to him.
“I failed them, My Lord. I had promised to lead them to safety, to protect them for as long as I still lived. Yet here I am.”
His voice held none of the fiery passion that it did whenever he described the Dragon-Kings, but his words still held force.
“It took days to dig myself out of the rock-pile. The fighting was already over. The place was littered with the dead. No-one was spared. I found the King, lying on his side, almost unconscious from blood loss. I rushed to him. His eyes opened, and he seemed at last to see clearly. He apologised to me, for being so foolish. For allowing his need to prove himself to override his concern for his people. I, of course, was panicking, unable to accept what I was seeing. He seemed to find it vaguely ironic that I was the more distraught one, even though it was Him that was dying.”
“Before he finally died, Galdor said one last thing to me. He said:”
“Oh Gravil, poor Gravil. You carry so many burdens, and it is truly wrong of me to place another upon your back. But Gravil...you are the only one who can...”
Spike was on the edge of his metaphorical seat.
“The only one who can what?”
Gravil sighed again.
“He died at that exact moment. He never said what it was that he wanted, but he did not need to. What else could he want, but justice? The one who had slain him, imprisoned our Father, still lived. And there is something else, My Lord. The horror that slew brave Galdor lives still. In fact, it reigns, passing down its commands from its perch atop the vulgar peak, Ik-Tena! The White Death, Pan-Gor, what you may know as Celestia!”
The words sent a shock through Spike.
“W-wait, Celestia did all that?”
Gravil turned to him.
“Of course you would not believe. She stole your egg, wrenched it from the clutch of your mother. She slew our people! She is evil! She has caused us unspeakeable pain and dishonour! But tomorrow, all of that will finally be avenged!”
That confused Spike.
“Wait, what? What’s happening tomorrow?”
Gravil looked as if he was about to answer, when suddenly he froze. His eyes glazed over, and he began to tremble slightly.
“Ah. My little friend has returned”
Before Spike had the chance to ask what on Earth he was talking about, he stormed off, focussed totally on whatever it was he was looking for.
Spike was left alone in the Chamber of The King, wondering what the heck all of this meant.
*******
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Cantus
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872
| 9 |
Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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The Dragon Master
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In the middle of a storm, a mysterious man in black appears to kidnap Spike. Can he be saved?
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incomplete
| 24 | 2 |
<p>There are always things hidden from us, people who have gone before us and places that have been forgotten. Spike thinks that his world is over when he is kidnapped one night, and Twilight is left for dead in a burning tree. However, things are not as they seem - who is this strange person? Why is he being so respectful, considering what he's just done? And what does he want with Spike?</p>
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everyone
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2012-07-20T23:25:45+00:00
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2012-07-20T23:25:45+00:00
| 1,401 |
Applejack followed the staff, not thinking of where it was taking her. She ran at full pelt, her muscles straining as she attempted to catch the thing. But where she was fast, it was agile, better able to duck under low-hanging branches, less hindered by the environment around it.
“Slow down, consarn it!”
It ignored her. The treeline broke, and it began to slither across rain-battered cobblestone. The journey was almost complete. All it had left to do was find the door.
Applejack gasped as she saw what she was running towards. A pair of enormous doors stood before her, set into the mountainside. She’d been told that it was big enough for a dragon to walk through, of course, but seeing it with her own two eyes was something else.
The doors began to creak open, slowly, then suddenly sped up, opening a thin black line in the rock wall. She had to pick up her pace, or else it would escape! Her muscles already burned, but she willed herself faster, using as much strength as she could muster. She dashed towards the opening...
The staff slipped inside. She followed a few moments later, right on its tail. She leapt through the gap as it began to close, the heavy doors scraping shut. She landed on something cold and solid. No surprise there. The sudden change in scenery was disorienting, but she quickly got her bearings. There were walls of stone, looking as if they’d been cut straight from the insides of the mountain. The ceiling was even higher than the doors, and all around were symbols glowing in soft red light, the only source of illumination.
She didn’t have the time to admire the art, however. She had something to find. She looked around, and cursed quietly. It had disappeared! She didn’t see how that was possible until she caught sight of the side passages. There were so many of them, and it could have darted down any of them! How was she supposed to find it now?
Spike heard the sound of the doors opening and shutting again. He peeked out into the corridor, expecting to see Gravil. To his great surprise, the form he saw was equine. It was in the shadows right now, so he couldn’t make it out, but...
Applejack trotted into the light thrown by the Runes. Spike’s heart jumped as he recognised her. “Applejack!” he exclaimed.
*******
She snapped around to the source of the noise, her muscles tensing instinctively in surprise. When she saw Spike, however, she was overjoyed. He was safe!
“Spike!”
She ran towards him, her hooves clacking against the stone floor. She ran forward without really thinking, sure that she could stop. She found, unfortunately, that smooth stone does not lend itself to traction. She tried to stop, her hooves trying to gain enough grip to slow her down, but there simply wasn’t any there. She slipped, and tripped, and fell head over hooves onto the hard floor. The world went blurry for a moment. Spike ran to her side.
“AJ! Are you-”
She stood up, shaking her head, trying to clear her vision.
“Yeah, ah’m fine. Had some worse knocks’n that in my time. Consarned floor...”
Now that the shock had passed, Spike remembered why he’d originally come out here.
“Shh! He might hear you!”
Applejack stared at her young friend.
“He? You mean the guy who kidnapped ya?”
Spike nodded, holding a claw to his lips. He whispered:
“Yeah. Are the doors still open?”
The orange pony looked behind her.
“Nope. Musta shut when I got in here.”
Spike continued whispering.
“Then you’ve gotta hide! If he catches you in here-”
AJ felt slighted.
“He’ll what? Honestly, I wouldn’t mind givin’ him a piece of my mind...”
The little dragon shook his head furiously.
“Nonono! You don’t get it! Gravil’s...well, he’s...just come here!”
Applejack sighed, following the young dragon to the room he pointed out.
*******
On the peak of Mount Tena-Lin, the wyrm paced around the eight symbols that comprised the Rune of Life. Technically it was a group of runes, not a single Rune, but as long as they worked in unison, that was of little importance. They may not have been one Rune, but they worked as one. One with much more power than any of them could have by themselves.
He walked around the circle of dull symbols, reading each one in turn. Dragon. Connector. Wyrm. Connector. Wyvern. The World, inverted. Journey, inverted. The World, upright this time.
Together they spelled a message that could undo the mistakes of the past, set the world upon its correct path once again. It only needed one thing - magic. If sufficient magic were channelled through the runes, they would give it shape, give it order. He had spent years finding and crafting the exact combination and order of symbols, exactly the command he would give the magic. All he needed was the magic.
The door creaked open, and a familiar presence entered the room. The old wyrm turned to address it.
“Ah, you’ve arrived. By Olni’s teeth, what happened to you?”
The Staff did not answer. It slithered across the floor, still biting into its own neck.It writhed across the chipped stone of the mountain, and stopped at Gravil’s feet. He stooped down and picked it up.
“Goodness, we’ll have to fix you up after all of this. At least your suffering will be in the name of a good cause.”
He clasped the pieces tightly. He could not afford to lose them now. Only a few hours remained. The Runes were in place. That was one. The Staff was now back in his presence. That was two. Royal Blood was three. Now he just had to wait for sunrise...
*******
“What do ya MEAN, she’s not here?”
Rainbow Dash’s voice resounded through the otherwise-quiet forest.
She fluttered impatiently in place in front of her purple friend.
“I mean, Applejack was assigned to Unit J, and they haven’t seen her in several hours!”
Rainbow’s retort came in a loud, angry voice.
“And you were planning on telling us this when?”
Twilight’s eyes screwed up and she sighed.
“Because! She could be anywhere! Do you know how much time we have left?”
Her hoof pointed towards the pink-purple sky, already lightening with the promise of morning.
“We’ve only got until midday before Gra-Vil can enact his plan! You don’t want that, do you?”
Rainbow retorted.
“Well, no! But what kind of friend doesn’t even care when her friend goes missing?”
It was Twilight’s turn to retort angrily.
“You think I don’t care about this!? You think it doesn’t bother me that one of my best friends has suddenly gone missing in the Everfree Forest, at night? Well it does! I want to search for her, Rainbow, believe me. But I’m scared that if we stop we’ll miss the deadline, and and...”
Twilight choked for a moment, unable to think of what would happen if they missed it.
At last, she found her voice.
“Well, we just CAN’T!”
Rainbow still simmered with frustration, but she saw her friend’s point. Twilight always freaked out about deadlines, even when they didn’t matter - except this time, the deadline really was important. She spoke one more time, to end the conversation.
“Okay, fine. Just promise me we won’t forget about looking for her.”
In spite of the situation, Twilight smiled slightly.
“No, Rainbow. I swear I won’t forget.”
The blue pegasus nodded, apparently satisfied. She turned around, and began to fly, in the direction that the rest of the company was going. There wasn’t long now. They were almost at the place that the scouts had pointed out. They were almost there...
*******
Applejack stared wide-eyed at Spike as he regaled her with stories of the events of the last few days. Her wonder was half at the events he was describing, and half at the fact that he was so calm. As he finally finished describing the most recent things that had happened, she put her hoof to his mouth, imploring for quiet.
“An’ through all this, he never mentioned why he’d gone to the bother of takin’ ya all the way out here? An’ why he’d never done it before now?”
Spike’s mouth opened as he prepared to reply - then hung there, as he realised he didn’t have an answer.
“I...I dunno. I mean, he probably wanted me to...”
His arms flailed, as he tried to describe exactly what his mind had been on for the past few days.
“I mean...I sort of...I got lost in everything, and I...”
Applejack again placed her hoof to his mouth.
“Whoa, whoa! It’s alright. Ah’m sure this cant’ve been easy, so it’s no wonder you’re confused!”
Spike sighed. When he’d gotten himself together, he went on.
“No, he didn’t say. No, I didn’t ask. I-I’m not sure why.”
Applejack shook her head.
“Well, what’s done is done, ah suppose. But ya don’t need ta worry, ‘cause the rest of us’ll be here soon enough.”
Spike sighed.
“But if they can’t open the door, what’s the point? If they can’t get in, then...”
Applejack retorted.
“Those doors might be tough, but there’s gotta be some way ta open ‘em!”
Spike shook his head.
“Gravil went on for ages about how strong and unbreakable they were. About how well protected they were, how mighty the enchantments were, how they’d stood under the assault of whatsisname and whowasit. Got kind of boring, actually. ”
Applejack rubbed her head, trying to think of something.
“Well, there’s gotta be something we can do! It’s gonna be midday in a few hours, an’ after that-”
Spike hadn’t heard that before.
“Wait, what’s all this about midday?”
Applejack’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh, right. We got ta him not tellin’ you why he wanted you, but we didn’t get to what he does want with ya. Well, from what Twilight said, he’s plannin’ to bring a whole lotta angry dragons back ta life. An’ it seems that the ritual, or whatever it is, needs royal blood. From the sounds of it, a heck of a lot of it too.”
A shiver ran down Spike’s spine.
“WHAT?!”
Spike began shuddering, and he began to gibber incoherently.
“How the - what the - what-”
For the third time, Applejack put her hoof to his mouth.
“Yeah. Ah know. That’s why we absolutely have to get ya out of here. But panickin’ will only make things more difficult. So please calm down, sugarcube.”
It took some time, but eventually Spike managed to get his breathing under control. At last, he was fit to speak again.
“O-okay. L-l-let’s do that.”
*******
The treeline receded, and at last they stood before the Doors of An-Bel.
Twilight regarded them solemnly. The drawings in her book simply couldn’t do them justice. They were so much bigger in real life. The carvings they were festooned with were amazingly intricate. She could see why they would be seen as beautiful.
Right now, however, they were the strongest thing standing between her and Spike, as well as the fate of all Equestria.
A pegasus sidled up next to Twilight. She spoke in a low voice:
“Oh my. They’re s-so large, aren’t they?”
Twilight couldn’t think of any response better than:
“Yeah, they are.”
Fluttershy whimpered.
“D-do you think there’ll be actual D-dragons in there?”
Twilight did know what to say to that.
“Not unless we’re too late.”
That wasn’t exactly comforting, but Twilight quickly made up for that.
Don’t worry, Fluttershy. We’ll crack this thing open and nab Spike out of there before...”
She gazed up at the sky, noticing how close the sun was to midday.
“...before anything bad happens! I’m sure of it!”
Fluttershy didn’t seem reassured, but she did a good job of masking the worry in her stomach. She went on.
“But that door-it looks so thick. How can we get through it?”
Twilight grinned.
“Magic, that’s how.”
*******
They weren’t going to just attack blindly, of course. This would be quite the struggle, and they wanted to make easier in any way possible. They knew the doors would likely be protected, but what they didn’t know was how extensive the defenses were, and whether or not the defenses had degraded in many years of neglect.
Twilight’s horn began to glow as she probed the stone for weaknesses. There were few. Although the doors had suffered the effect of weathering, there were still remarkably few cracks in them. That wasn’t the end of it, though. Within the doors, she felt something unusual. Something that felt like magic. That was probably the defenses. She concentrated, intensifying the spell, allowing her to inspect the doors more deeply. Suddenly the feeling was overwhelming. With her enhanced senses, she could feel the magic infused within the door. It was strong - very strong. Suddenly, she doubted their ability to defeat it, even with fourteen unicorns.
Even so, they would have to try. There wasn’t enough time left to try anything else.
“Captain Spellshine, are your soldiers ready?
*******
Something occurred to Applejack. Something had been bothering her since Spike had told her his story.
“Spike...you said you and that Gra-Vil feller opened the door with some kind of password, right?”
Spike nodded, not really understanding where this was going.
“Yeah...but what does-”
His eyes lit up with understanding.
“You want me to open it?”
Applejack nodded.
“Seems like the best shot we’ve got.”
Spike nodded.
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
*******
Spike stood in front of the doors, desperately wracking his brains.
Applejack was indignant.
“Whaddya mean ya don’t remember the password?”
Spike retorted angrily.
“A lot of stuff happened in the last few days, okay! I was more worried about what was happening to you guys than that one phrase Gra-Vil said that one time!”
That didn’t make Applejack feel any better.
“Consarn it! From what ya said, the two of ya went through loads of doors! How can you not remember the password?”
Spike retorted.
“There’s a different password for every door! No, I dunno why they did it like that, but they did! How’s anyone supposed to remember all of those anyway?”
Inspiration struck Spike. He looked upwards.
Could it be? It was a long shot, but...
A row of symbols were carved above the door. His head buzzed as their meanings became clear.
“Many approach me, but only the King opens me.”
“Of course! That’s it!”
A spark of memory ignited in Spike’s mind.
Applejack was taken aback by his sudden change in mood.
“Wait, what? What makes sense?”
The little dragon pointed to a string of symbols, stretched out just above the doorframe.
“The Runes above the doorframes are like, hints to the password! That’s how they managed this stupidly complex system!”
Applejack scanned the rock, almost afraid to believe.
“An’ you can read this, right? Tell me you can read this!”
Applejack’s tone grew more frantic.
Spike scanned the glyphs, trying to think what that phrase might mean.
“Reading it isn’t the problem! It doesn’t make sense!”
Applejack responded.
“Whaddya mean it doesn’t make sense?”
Spike shook his head, desperately trying to untangle the meaning. He knew it was a hint to the password that he had heard earlier. What was it, what was it? He had to remember.
It was something like...something like “The King Is Here”...
Applejack was on tenterhooks, acutely aware of both how little time they had and of how little use she was at the moment.
“What? What is it?”
Spike responded.
“It’s...it’s...Rek Sun Sa!”
The symbols heard his words.
*******
Twilight and Rarity stood before twelve other unicorns, as Twilight explained their plan in brief. There wasn’t time to bring aid, not before Gravil’s ritual would be completed. As the door was too heavy to move via muscle, they would have to try magic. All present unicorns would combine their spellpower into one, with the hope that this would be enough to open, collapse, or at least break a hole into the doors. It wasn’t a great plan, but there weren’t any better options.
Fourteen horns began to glow, and fourteen beams of light soared into the air. They joined, and were one.
Twilight prepared to give the order to fire.
“Ready...aim...”
*******
The runes on the door glowed a fierce red, as if in answer to the equine magic. Twilight’s heart thumped even harder. Was it preparing to defend itself? From what she’d heard, that was entirely possible.
Before she could give the order to fire, a loud grinding noise came from the doors. What happened next was beyond what she had dared hope for. The doors opened, and opened quickly. Before disbelieving eyes, Spike and Applejack were revealed.
The spell dissolved. Twilight’s mind temporarily turned numb, the joy so sudden and immense that she couldn’t quite process it. Rainbow Dash acted a bit sooner.
Charging headfirst towards the doorway, she almost knocked the two over in her enthusiasm.
“You guys!”
She’d wanted to say more, but for the moment, she couldn’t think of any. The sheer relief of knowing her friends were safe was enough to fill her up, for now anyway.
It didn’t take long for the rest of Spike’s friends to join the circle. No one spoke. They embraced, and said more than any number of words ever could. It felt like the best moment of his life.
Rarity kissed him on the cheek.
Correction. Now it was the best moment of his life.
********
They stood there for a few minutes, catching up on the past few days. Spike told of Gravil’s evil deed, and his surprising heroism against the chimera. They all shared their worries, and they felt their worries fade.
It couldn’t last, however. Emotional reunion or no, the story was not over yet. They were still in the middle of the forest, and there was still the question of Gravil.
Technically, they had already saved Equestria. Technically, Gra-Vil could not perform his ritual without Royal Dragon Blood, and the world’s supply of .
But that wasn’t enough for them. Rainbow was the first to speak out.
“We’re not seriously just gonna up and let this creep get away with this, are we?”
Twilight joined in, with a valid point of her own.
“Yeah. If we just let Gravil go, he could try something like this again!”
It was Rarity who made the last point.
“And we simply can’t leave little Spikey-wikey live his whole life waiting for that brute to return! It’s simply not fair!”
Captain Steel Shield conferred with the other captains. One grey-furred stallion raised his voice in objection.
“I don’t like this. We’re going to rush, literally, into the dragon’s lair. And you propose we do it blindly? This smells too much like a trap for my liking.”
A blue mare spoke up, angrily opposing him.
“Are you proposing that we let this Gra-Vil go? That we neglect our duty to Equestria?”
The stallion shot back at her, leaping to defend his position.
“Of course not! But it wouldn’t kill us to wait for some kind of reinforcement, or at the very least a search of the place. What might kill us is the dragons, or their traps.”
The mare did not back down.
“Are you really so much of a coward? We already outnumber Gravil sixty to one and you want better odds? Besides, this guy’s been slipping through cracks and hiding in shadows for centuries! It’s only a matter of time until he figures out we’ve got him beaten, and runs off somewhere. Do you really want that on your conscience? That you let an enemy of Equestria live to fight another day?”
The two snapped and growled at each other, the animosity between them palpable. Steel Shield had been listening to all that they’d said, and finally stepped in.
“Everypony! It is clear to me that this Gra-Vil person is a threat to Equestria, and all of her ponies. He has kidnapped her citizens and attempted to kill many others. Therefore, it would be a grave failure on our part to knowingly enable him to continue his plotting. I say we get him.”
The blue mare looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to back her up.
The grey stallion glared at him with a look that could have curdled milk. He bit his lip.
“Very well. On your heads be it.”
*******
The sun crept upwards. It was mere minutes to midday. Gravil’s scales began to tingle with anticipation.
The Runes had been placed into exactly the correct order. The Staff was broken, but that was not a problem - only the head was necessary. He took it in his hand, and held it up to his left arm. He spent a moment bracing himself. Then, a quick cut across, in the tender place between the scales. There was a brief flash of pain, gone as quickly as it had come.
A few drops of blood spattered to the floor, upon the shield-shaped Rune. There was a faint glow, in orange, as the Rune recognised the substance. He grasped his arm, to assure that no more blood was spilled than necessary. Quickly, the leftover magic in his body reacted to his injury, using their power to seal the wound.
Alright. Step One was finished. He took the carven head of the Staff in his hand once more, as he prepared for Step Two. The left fang, carven from a piece of bone taken from Kalfe, first of the Wyverns, was brought to touch the wing-symbol. It glowed green. The right fang, carven from a long-forgotten Sea Serpent, touched the wave-symbol. It glowed blue.
Everything was in place for the final step. All he needed for that was his young charge.
He got to his feet, and prepared to retrieve the Prince. Destiny was at hand.
*******
The ponies advanced cautiously, intimidated by the sheer size of the place. They had been wary about bringing Spike with them, but he was the only one who could guess at the passwords. Spike’s ability to grasp the riddles seemed to increase every time he solved one, and they made good time. At last, they arrived at the last place where Spike had seen Gravil.
There was no-one there.
Twilight spoke.
“Spike, are you sure this is the last place you saw him?”
Spike responded.
“Definetely. It was right here!”
She went on.
“Well, I don’t see him. Where else could he be?”
Spike tapped his forehead, trying to remember the places he’d seen over the last few days.
“Well, there’s the Tomb of Tales, that’s kind of like a library. It’s to the left, I think. Then there’s this place way down underground, - you get there by going right...”
Rarity spoke next.
“And those big doors behind you?”
Spike shook his head.
“Nah, that’s the Throne Room. He left me here before he went off. He wouldn’t be in there.”
*******
Gravil opened the door of the Throne Room. For one brief second, both he and the ponies stared at each other, dumbfounded by the other’s sudden appearance. Gravil’s instincts kicked in, his arm lashing out to grab the baby dragon in front of him. Without a word, he spun on his heel and began to run.
The ponies were not far behind him. They dashed forward, intent on catching the wyrm. So hasty had Gravil’s escape been that he had not even bothered to shut the doors to the Throne Room. He raced at a speed that none would have expected from a biped, although it was still less than theirs. However, he was making good use of his head start, and it was not long before he reached the double-doors opposite. He barked out the pass-word, and the door creaked open. He dashed through the small opening, dragging Spike with him. He barked the phrase again, and the doors began to close as swiftly as they had opened.
Rainbow Dash had taken to the air, and was rocketing towards the door. The air rushed over her fur and feathers as she closed the gap between herself and the wyrm. She was almost there...
The door shut itself. Rainbow slammed straight into it. Pain shot through her, and she fell to the floor.
The sound of hooves clattering rang out, as the rest of the ponies desperately searched for grip on the floor. They found little. A small pile of ponies gathered at the foot of the door as those who failed to stop in time crashed.
*******
Gravil almost bounced up the spiral steps, dragging Spike behind him in an uncomfortable position. In no time at all they had reached the top, dashing out into the glorious midday sunlight.
When Gravil finally stopped, he let go of Spike’s hand. The little dragon dropped to the ground, exhausted by the sudden intense burst of exertion. It didn’t take long for him to recover, however - he still remembered what Applejack had said.
“Hey! Ya mind tellin’ me what all this is about?” he yelled.
Gravil turned to him.
“I should think that was obvious. I saved you. We do not have time for this, My Lord. Give me your arm.”
Spike flinched, drawing his arm back.
“No way!”
Gravil’s eyes stared, unflinching.
“Give me your arm.”
Spike’s face twisted in disgust.
“NO!”
Gravil’s chest filled with fire. The wyrm grabbed the baby dragon by the wrist and lifted him up, such that the two were face to face. Gravil began to speak, his voice filled with a barely-repressed anger.
“You...you...you do not, can not understand the true importance of what is about to transpire! I thought that perhaps, perhaps you would understand if I told you of your people’s suffering, but-”
Spike suddenly cut in, his voice loud.
“They’re NOT my people! MY “people” are still alive! And you’re trying to kill them!”
Gravil’s face bore an expression of shock. It took only a moment for it to change to disgust.
“So be it.”
Gravil raised his hand, the staff’s head gripped tightly. One motion, and the cut was made. Blood dripped from Spike’s arm, and landed on the crown-shaped rune. It began to glow bright red. For a moment nothing else happened. Then, the light changed. The Runes began to change, their colours blurring together into a pure white. Gravil dropped Spike, lost in his actions. He began to speak, his voice full of force.
“Sun-I, Reffen Et Ressen!”
There was a slight buzzing in Spike’s head as the words became “Brothers and Sisters, return to me!”
*******
Steel Shield yelled out loud.
“THREE!”
A column of armoured equines slammed into the door. At last, it buckled, and broke. Adrenaline rushed through their veins. It took only a few moments for them to climb the spiral stairs. To their surprise, there was no door awaiting them at the top of the stairs. They charged out, into the sunlight.
*******
The sun reached the apex of the sky. Gravil could feel Olni’s glory radiating down upon him, filling him up with power. He raised his hands to the sky, as if trying to grasp the sun within his hands.
Spike looked on, momentarily paralysed. The mountain began to shake, and the air began to tremble. The Runes could no longer be seen, the carvings obscured by the light they gave off. It was almost as bright as the sun.
This was the moment that Gravil had waited for. This was the payoff. The long centuries, the waiting, the nightly frustration of being unable to change his people’s fate. He was trembling in the face of it all. So absorbed was he that he failed to notice the cohort of ponies bursting in on him.
It took a few moments for him to notice the cacophony of clattering hooves. The sound made him wince. It was ugly. It didn’t belong here. He turned to face the intruders, anger and disgust in his heart.
“You stand on hallowed ground, equines. You do not belong here. Leave now, or you will suffer the wrath of The Dragonfather himself - and his wrath does not fall lightly upon trespassers!”
The ponies advanced still. Twilight knew that it was certainly too late for diplomacy, but she decided to speak anyway. If nothing else, it might distract him long enough for them to gain the upper hand.
“We don’t have to fight, Gra-Vil. Just hand over Spike and we can all go home.”
She glanced around, as the ponies around her edged forwards, attempting to surround Gravil.
Gravil responded to Twilight’s remark with a snort.
“You can have him! It is clear that he has been corrupted much more thoroughly than I feared. He is not a dragon any more.”
Rainbow Dash charged. She flew like a bullet, the air rushing past her as she closed the gap between her and the wyrm. There was a sickening crunch as their skulls collided. Both of them reeled from the impact, Gravil stumbling backwards, only to fall onto his back. Rainbow Dash managed to steady herself, her wings flapping desperately.
It was at this point that the ponies flanking Gravil jumped him.
Four ponies leaped into the air, crashing down on top of him. Instinctively he dodged, attempting to evade the mass of metal and flesh that had suddenly appeared above him. He was only partially successful, as two full-grown stallions landed on his legs.
Gravil struggled against his captors, limbs flailing wildly. He and the stallions wrestled
desperately as more ponies advanced, trying to subdue him. There was a scream as the wyrm bit one of his opponents in the leg. The stallion momentarily loosened his grip. In that moment, Gravil pushed with as much force as he could, shaking off his first opponent. The weight on him relieved somewhat, he was able to pull himself free. Immediately he ducked again as a third pony aimed a hoof swipe at his skull. He struck out at his enemy, lashing with his claws, drawing lines of blood on the mare’s chest. The shock stunned her for a moment, and Gravil slammed his shoulder into her snout, driving her back.
He spun around on his heel, turning to flee towards the edge of the peak.
Steel Shield raised his hoof, pointing at the fleeing wyrm’s back. He bellowed a command, and the unicorns assembled. Beams of light emitted from their horns, chasing after the old wyrm faster than he could run. They hit him in the back, bathing him in incandescent energy.
He screamed, and fell. Smoke rose from his form. He lay still.
Twilight Sparkle stepped forward cautiously. Was that really it? Gra-Vil had seemed like such a dangerous threat, like such a bitter and vicious adversary, that it was almost disappointing to see him defeated so quickly. Even so, there was no sense in taking risks. Her horn glowed, and the wyrm’s body was wrapped in purple light, a force-field to restrain his body.
More ponies emerged from the doorway, as those who had been at the rear of the group finally reached the top of the spiral stairs. Cautiously, they edged around Gravil’s restrained form. When it seemed that he was truly immobilised, they began to walk past him, to Spike beyond.
Suddenly there was a crack, and the pressure in Twilight’s forehead became much more intense. Gravil was struggling! It took more and more concentration to draw out the power needed to contain him. Twilight turned to look at the wyrm. He was still there, laying on his stomach, perfectly still. The difference was his eyes. They were wide open, bulging, filled with rage. Their eyes locked, and the pain became even more intense. It was as if her head was an eggshell, and a massive bird was trying to peck its way out from inside. Twilight fell to the ground. She was barely able to maintain the field. Other ponies had noticed what was going on, and moved to aid her.
With a roar of pure fury, the barrier broke, and Gravil dashed forward. Guardsponies formed up, attempting to form a wall of steel in front of him. They did not assemble quickly enough. Like a bull charging through a sandcastle, the ancient wyrm assaulted his foes.
He barrelled through the stunned guardsponies. His muscles burned, his bones ached. He could feel the last of the magic he’d absorbed expend itself, giving him enough strength to run. The work was already complete. All he had left to do was to greet his King.
“Stop him!” somepony yelled.
At once, the guardsponies leapt forward, trying to catch him again. Pegasi took to the skies, flying faster than he could run. Unfortunately for them, he did not have far to go. He reached the gate seconds before they did.
“Come forth, Galdor! Come forth, oh Dragons! Revenge is in our grasp!”
A massive, scaled arm erupted from the silver portal. Its hand was equipped with five large, talons, each longer than a pony’s foreleg. Its scales were green, dark green, the colour of the sea. Gravil began to laugh.
“Ahahahahahahaha!”
The ponies found they could not move, utterly paralysed by fear. They had failed. Equestria would suffer dragonfire once again.
Even in his exultant state, something bothered Gravil.
The arm. It was not rising. It had risen up, up to its elbow. Yet, it had come no further.
“Come, brother! Do not be afraid, for the portal is wide! Come through, that we may see you in your full glory!”
The hand moved down, towards Gravil. It moved back and forth for a few moments, as if indecisive.
“What? What is wrong, brother? Why do you not emerge?”
The hand reached for him.
“W-what? What are you doing? I am not your ene-”
The hand grasped Gravil firmly about the waist, claws pinning his limbs to his sides.
“Brother! Brother! Do not do this! Please! Can you not see? Our true enemies are right before us! All we need do is - aaaaaah!”
Gravil’s scream was the last thing they heard him say before the arm receded back into the silver pond from whence it had come, dragging him with it.
The portal shimmered for a brief moment, before disappearing.
*******
The sensation was bizarre. There had been such fear, so many terrifying things happening in quick succession, and now - nothing. Nopony knew what to do. There was silence until, at last, somepony did something. Spike turned to the crowd of ponies, and spoke.
“I think we should leave.”
*******
Nearby, safely within the shade of the canopy, it looked upwards. It saw the battle, the drama, the struggle between both of its enemies. Its heart leapt in exultation when the portal burst open, and sank just as quickly as it flickered out of existence. It had witnessed Gra-Vil’s highly ironic demise. Conflicting emotions filled it. One of its enemies was gone. It should be happy about that. Still, it could not help but feel disappointed at the failure of Gra-Vil’s plan. Oh, how much closer the goal would be if he had succeeded! The cities of the sun-queen would have burned! Oh, how it would have loved to see her burn for a change!
It growled discontentedly. Even so, good things had come from this. There was one less ancestral enemy. This was their way. They were no longer strong enough to fight wars. They would win many small victories, until one day they had gained enough ground that their enemies had nothing left to stand upon.
It briefly considered attacking the ponies as they made their way through the forest. It was tempting, very tempting. It longed for the thrill of battle, to rend and tear the filthy usurpers. They deserved it so badly...
Even as the thought occured, it knew that there was not wise to do that. It would not do to reveal Its existence to the usurpers. Engaging in battles personally was not something the Cri-Es did anymore. It could always act through servants, It thought. There were plenty of beasts in Everfree, yes, but it had spent much of its energy dominating the mind of that red-furred monstrosity earlier. The midday sun did nothing to help matters. It very much doubted that It could control so much as a mouse in this cursed light. It could wait until night-time, but by then they might be far from here, close to the exit. An attack by deep forest beasts on the edges of Ponyville would be highly suspicious.
No, there was no need to take action yet. There would be plenty of time, plenty of opportunities to further the plan. It would allow them to return home safely. Their time had not yet come. It turned away from the mountain, and slipped back into the shadows.
|
Noyman Jayden
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873
| 1 |
Big Macintosh,Bon-Bon,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Doctor Whooves,Granny Smith,Gummy,Lyra,Main 6,Mayor Mare,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Soarin,Spike,Spitfire,Trixie,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex
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A tale of Good
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A trollfic featuring a lot of things
|
complete
| 10 | 86 |
<p>A mysterious human has an affair with a human, and all hell begins to break lose.</p>
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mature
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2011-09-16T17:54:42+00:00
|
2011-09-16T17:54:42+00:00
| 1,165 |
There was once a man named Nate who had a horrible secret. He was actually Scott Shelby the Origami Killer.
Nate awoke in a strange place. He seemed to by lying in grass, and his head was elevated by something soft and warm, that appeared to be breathing. He wasn’t sure where he was, or how he got there, but he felt strangely calm.
The sun shone through some clouds and trees, illuminating a small meadow where Nate lay. He turned his head to see there was a light blue unicorn sleeping underneath his head. He looked behind her to see a purple cape and hat with stars on them lying off to the side.
The unicorn’s eyes opened slowly and she yawned. “Oh, you’re awake.” She looked at Nate, narrow-eyed. He sat up and turned to her.
“Who are you? Where am I?” He asked.
“I...” She got on her hooves and stepped in front of Nate, her face directly in front of his, “Am the Great and Powerful Trixie.” She gave a rather sly grin and moved in closer to Nate’s face. Nate leaned away as far as he could until he was laying down, with her standing over him. She got on her knees and pressed her face against his, their lips locking tightly.
Nate was confused at first, and felt wrong. Trixie’s lips pulled slowly away from Nate’s, and she opened her eyes narrowly again. Nate lost himself in her bright, violet eyes, and this time put up no resistance when her lips pushed back to his.
Trixie’s knees slowly gave way and before long she had completely mounted Nate. They continued to make out passionately, neither caring about horribly wrong the whole situation was.
Trixie pulled slightly to the right and they flipped sideways. Nate took initiative now and pulled Trixie close. They resumed passionate kissing as their warm bodies rubbed together tightly. A slight bit of pressure applied from Nate’s end caused them to both roll over further, and they began to roll down a hill.
As they rolled, the intensity of their relations grew greater and greater. In the beginning they resumed making out tenderly, but before long Trixie’s mouth moved away from Nate’s, making its way down his neck. Before long the sheer passion of their sudden love found itself showing completely as the two engaged in several activities that would get them both banished to the moon for sure if anyone were to learn of them.
Norman Jayden downed a shot of vodka and put on ARI. He then laid down in bed and began his descent into Equestria. The murder of Hoity Toity had been resolved long before, and now he continued to return because he was developping somewhat of a romantic entanglement with one of the ponies.
Jayden’s entry into Ponyville always seemed to be random. This time, he wound up in a small meadow, near a human and a unicorn who seemed to be having some sort of sexual intercourse or something underneath a purple star-spangled cape.
“I have to find Twilight Sparkle and court her.” Norman began to think out loud. “It feels wrong, she’s a unicorn and I’m a human. Well, at least she isn’t Jewish.”
Jayden walked awkwardly down the path that lead from the meadow in the woods to Ponyville. When he say Ponyville in the distance he began to think out loud again. “I hope I can find Twilight while I’m still horny and drunk enough.”
Jayden arrived at the library and knocked at the door. Twilight answered and said “Hello?”
“It’s me again Twi.”
“Oh hello Jayden. Thank you for proving that Colgate killed Hoity Toity and not Rainbow Dash.”
“No prahblem. Okay Twi, it’s like this, I’m a man and I’m horny as fuck. So let’s fuck.”
“Oh okay.” Twilight agreed, as she downed a fifth of vodka. Jayden stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
Twilight threw Jayden against a bookshelf with her magic and began to remove his pants with her mouth. Jayden made no attempt to resist in any way. Twilight, who was unfamiliar with how pants worked, wound up ripping them off him violently. She held his hands and head against the bookcase dominatrix style, and began to wrap her mouth around his relatively large cock.
Twilight ran her tongue up and down his penis once or twice before finally shoving the whole thing in her mouth. She lunged her head forward and moved it back, letting her lips rub against his penis both ways. Eventually, a strange, sticky substance shot into her mouth. She pulled Jayden down, magicked his mouth open, and spit it down his throat. Oddly, this turned him on very much, and he lunged at her violently, breaking through her magic, and began to penetrate her repeatedly.
The sound of a TARDIS could be heard in the distance, over Twilight’s violent and angry moans as she and Jayden threw eachother’s naked bodies all around the library. There was semen and blood everywhere. Twilight held Jayden against a table and grabbed a knife, and used it to carve a T all the way across his torso. He enjoyed this immensly.
Suddenly the door burst open. The Doctor, Matt Smith came in and said “Twilight, I need you to... What happened here?”
“I’m having kinky sex with Norman Jayden” She said as she began to shove the tip of the blade down Jayden’s urethra.
“Oh. Sorry, I was going to ask you to have kinky sex with me, but I can see you’re all kinked out. I’ll just go. Bye.”
“Bye.” Twilight shoved the knife all the way through Jayden’s penis, cutting it completely in half down the center. She kept going, forcing the knife up his pelvis and through his colon and intestines. She cut him completely open and starting pulling organs out with her teeth. The entire time Jayden screamed in pain and delight. Then he died.
Twilight chopped Jayden’s body into pieces and put it in a bag and took it out into the forest to bury with all the other human males she had fucked to death. To everyone in the world where Jayden was laying in bed, it appeared that he had just spontaneously combusted.
Rarity was sewing or some shit when David Tennant came into the Carousel Boutique. “Rarity! I need a frilly yellow dress. No time for questions!”
Rarity looked at David. “Don’t worry, I have a dress already. Come back into this dark room.”
“Alright!” David Tennant agreed and followed her in. It was dark so he felt around for a light switch. He found one and flipped it. He was surprised to see Rarity standing across the room in an SnM getup, with a whip floating next to her by her magic. “Come now darling.” She smiled. He looked down and remembered that he had forgotten to put clothes on when he left the TARDIS and was currently naked. So he shrugged and turned the lights back out.
Sweetie Belle was at the Boutique with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders when they heard David Tennant screaming. “Oh no!” Sweetie yelled. “Some Scottish guy is in trouble!”
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SCOTTISH PEOPLE SAVERS!” They all yelled. They went into the dark room and turned on the lights. What they saw perplexed them.
David was hanging from the ceiling, his feet tied to a ceiling fan which was moving. Rarity’s torso was tied to the front of his face, with her head at his neck. There was a whip floating whipping at them, and a cattle prod prodding them both randomly. Sweetie Belle didn’t know a lot about bondage, but she was 80% sure they were doing it wrong.
Twilight dragged the bag into the small meadow she had buried Samuel L. Jackson and Scott Pilgrim. She gasped in shocks when she saw Trixie, that show-boaty bitch, lying under her cape with a human male. This infuriated her. She got very pissed off when other ponies had sexual relations with human men, that was HER thing. She pulled a knife out of the bag Jayden was in. She had brought the knife in case she decided to cut Jayden more.
She snuck up slowly behind Trixie, who seemed to be asleep in the human’s arms. She levitated the knife high above her. However, when she was about to bring it down, the human pulled off the cape, revealing that he was in fact Private Eye and serial killer Scott Shelby. “You disgusting pile of shit” he said, pointing the gun at Twilight. “What the fuck is in the bag?”
“Oh, just um... My feces?”
“You’re a fucking liar.” He said, and shot Twilight in each of her legs, making it impossible for her to escape. He also shot off her horn so she couldn’t magic. He looked inside of the bag. “This is that FUCKING ASSHOLE Norman Jayden isn’t it?” He turned back to her. “You’re the Origami Killer aren’t you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She cried.
Shelby charged her and picked her up by the neck. “You’re the Origami Killer!” He repeated.
“NO! I’m not a killer, not a killer!” She squeeled in pathetic misery.
“You’re a fucking liar!” He said. He then shoved her into the bag. Trixie woke up.
“Scott, what are you doing?”
“Getting ready to drown to the Origami Killer.”
“Oh okay.” Trixie slept more. Shelby stuffed Twilight into the bag with Jayden’s remains and drug her off through the woods.
Back at Carousel Boutique, David Tennant was now wearing a dress like he wanted. He left happily. He got in his TARDIS and left. However, inside his TARDIS he found Matt Smith. “What the fuck.” He fucked.
“Oh hello.” Further examination revealed that Matt Smith was in the process of having intercourse with Fluttershy.
“Why are you having intercourse with Fluttershy in my TARDIS?”
“I crashed my own in the lake and decided to use yours. Can’t have sex outside the TARDIS, I risk destroying time and space.”
“Oh that’s right. Wait, that pony is crying and yelling help me.”
“Help meeee!” The bitch pony yelled weakly, as though there was a huge dick in her mouth. Because there was.
“Oh, yeah. I decided to rape her. See, every girl that ever lived wants me, it’s just rape is funner. Christopher Eccleston taught me how to do it.”
“Eccleston’s here too?”
“Yeah, he’s over there raping Princess Celestia” Matt pointed to Eccleston, who was in the corner raping Princess Celestia. “I could have raped Princess Celestia too, but she wanted me too badly. This yellow bitch is the only one who didn’t want to immediately suck my cock, so I raped her.”
“My past and future selves are fucked up.” David Tennant noted. He then exitted the TARDIS and raped Spike. He took Spike back into the TARDIS and began to rape him. And then, by some twist of nature, Fluttershy, Celestia, and Spike started having a threesome while the Doctors watched.
And then they all fucked.
Scott Shelby arrived at a storm drain well thing with Twilight and Jayden in the bag. Rainbow Dash was there.
“Dash, if you make it rain right now, I will hook you up with David Tennant.”
“Okay!” Dash said. She then flew into the air and EJACULATED CLOUDS. Which then caused rain.
“I lied. I don’t even know David Tennant.” Rainbow Dash got pissed. Scott pulled out his gun and shot Dash in both wings, causing her to fall into the storm drain well thing. Shelby jumped in and used Twilight’s knife to cut all the tendons and ligaments in Dash’s legs. He removed his pants and decided to bang out a cheap one with the mutilated pegasus, becuase mutilation happened to be his fetish.
He climbed out of the water and grabbed the bag. He dumped Jayden’s remains and Twilight into the well thing and watched as it filled up slowly. Twilight begged him to stop, so he opened the drain and used Twilight’s own knife to cut out her vocal chords so she couldn’t speak. He then closed it again and masturbated to Twilight and Dash dying slowly and horribly.
Shelby looked in the bag and realized that Jayden’s glasses were still in it. He put them on and was suddenly in shitty hotel room. Jayden was there, alive. “What the fuck are you doing here!?” He exclaimed. Shelby freaked the fuck out, and shot Jayden in the head. “Mmm whatcha saaaay” started playing, because Jayden had programmed ARI to play that everytime he shot someone. Shelby took the ARI off and threw it into the well. Twilight put them on in an attempt to escape, so Shelby removed her eyes with the knife as punishment.
Shelby removed Twilight’s body from the well when she finally died, and stuffed her into the bag. He left Rainbow Dash though, no longer caring about her. He drug her body in the bag to Canterlot to ask Celestia to bring her back to life but Celestia wasn’t at Canterlot because she was in David Tennant’s TARDIS being raped by Christopher Eccleston. So he had Luna do it instead. Luna demanded some sort of payment. So Shelby took off his clothes and Luna had him wear a cosplay costume of Bill Nye the Science Guy.
“Teach me the scientific value of sexual reproduction Mr. Nye.” She demanded.
“Well, you see, when two people have intercourse, there is a chance that they create an offspring, which...” Shelby Nye was not able to finish talking because Luna had shoved her strap-on down his throat and grabbed his penis with her magic and ripped it off.
After they were done, she put it back on with magic and revived Twilight. “Thank you for your help” Shelby said then shot Luna 7 times, once in the pancreas, twice in the head, once in her strap-on and twice in her left wing. She died.
Shelby took Twilight back to the rain well. She was alive but unconscious. “Hi Mr. Scott” Rainbow Dash said.
“What the FUCK, you’re dead!”
“Yeah, I am, but that man in that blue box came and ejaculated life into me.”
A FEW MINUTES BEFORE
David Tennant kicked the other Doctor’s and their rape victims out of his TARDIS and went with it to the water well thing. There he saw Rainbow Dash dead. So he pulled her out and did CPR but it didn’t work so he had no choice but to fuck her so hard that his magical Time Lord semen would revive her. It worked. He then left.
“Yes, so I’m alive.” Rainbow Dash bragged, then Shelby shot her wings back off and pushed her into the bag with Twilight.
“Twilight, if you do not have violent kinky sex with Rainbow Dash in the next ten seconds I will kill you both.
“Oh no!” Twilight said, and she grabbed the knife that was in the bag and proceeded to cut out Rainbow Dash’s ovaries. Rainbow yelled and screamed similar to that one time that Pinkie made cupcakes out of her. She managed to live through that because David Tennant just happened to show up and ejaculate more life into her.
“How many times have you died and been raped back to life by David Tennant?” Twilight asked because she read Dash’s mind while removing her ovaries.
“Ten times.” Rainbow Dash said, almost in a bragging manor, as Twilight proceeded to shove her into hoof, knife and all, all the way up through Dash’s reproductive organs and into her heart chamber where she used the beat of Dash’s dying heart to write a song.
“I like killing and raping I like killing and raping!” She sang in tempo to her dying heartbeat and stopped when she died. Shelby then released Twilight from the bag but Twilight lunged at him with the knife. She pushed Shelby into the drain with him and pulled it shut behind her.
“Oh cock now we’re both gonna die.” Twilight bitched.
“Well” Shelby said “We might as well make the best the situation.” And they both somehow managed to mutually rape eachother.
Pinkie Pie was happily eating a cake at Sugar Cube Corner while burning the flesh off of Christopher Eccleston who she’d caught raping Princess Celestia. This angered her because she was the only one allowed to rape Princess Celestia. Also she was doing all this while anally raping Princess Celestia with a strap-on made out of the severed penis of Christopher Eccleston. She had also raped him with it but had now moved on to burning off his skin with his own sonic screwdriver which she had melted into molting metal.
Pinkie Pie took the body of Eccleston out to the rain well where she kept all her other dead bodies. However, she was surprised to find Twilight Sparkle with her head halfway down the pants of a male human.
“Twilight you silly filly why are you giving that man a blowjob?” She then realized that they couldn’t hear her because they were drowning. She opened the grate and let them out. When they got out Twilight thanked Pinkie and Pinkie said “Now give ME a blowjob as payment.”
“Oh Pinkie, you’re so silly, you don’t even have a penis.”
“Yes I do.” She opened her legs to reveal that she had sewed Christopher Eccleston’s penis onto her body. Twilight admitted she was wrong and began to give Pinkie Pie hardcore oral sex. Twilight gave Pinkie such wonderful and orgasmic oral sex that Pinkie broke in tears at the magnificence of the occasion. Scott became jealous.
“Twilight you unbalanced psychopathic asshole the blowjob you gave me wasn’t that good.” He pulled out his gun and shot Twilight Sparkle.
“Scott! Quick! I’ve come down with a sudden case of bullet in my chest. I need my pills! There in the bag.”
“Fuck youuu!” Scott yells and shoots her again.
“STOP!” Yells Pinkie Pie. Pinkie reaches into another dimmension and pulls out an AK-47 and shoots Scott with it 50 times in the penis. Scott lets out a scream of such pure pain and misery that Pinkie bursts into tears at the beautiful sorrow of the situation. She then looked down at Twilight who was squirming in misery as she slowly was dying. “DOCTOR!” Pinkie yelled. Then she ejaculated David Tennant.”Doctor, fix my friend!”
“Okay.” David Tennant said and he had soft vaginal sex with the dying Twilight. Twilight died.
“What? Doctor, why didn’t your semen revive her?”
“What? I’m not The Doctor. I’m David Tennant, the actor.” Then Pinkie Pie ejaculated the TARDIS and the real Tenth Doctor came out. He was holding a machete covered in blood and semen.
“Sorry I was just over in Africa raping people with this machete.” He said. “Hey, who the bloody cock are you?” He asked David Tennant. David Tennant pulled out a rocket propelled grenade launcher and shot it at the Tenth Doctor, but the Tenth Doctor caught the projectile in his mouth and gave it oral sex. David Tennant’s mind was so blown that he fell unconscious into the rain well, and Pinkie closed it, causing him to drown and die.
“Doctor, can you ejaculate into my friend’s vagina.” Pinkie Pie asked gleefully.
“Okay” The Doctor said “But I see other dead people I’ll save them too.” The Tenth Doctor laid down on his back and masturbated into the sky. His sperm went into a cloud and fused with the cloud and rained sperm over everyone. Scott Shelby and Twilight came back to life, and Norman Jayden regenerated. He then grabbed the most deadly weapon around, which happened to be Christopher Eccleston’s penis, ripped it off of Pinkie Pie, and pointed it at Scott Shelby.
“Whoah there.” Shelby whoah’d. “Calm the fuck down.”
Norman sighed and dropped the cock. “I’m sorry, it’s just been such a stressful relationship.”
“It’s okay. How about you and Twilight have delightful make-up sex and I’ll watch with Pinkie Pie and we may write about it.”
“Okay” Norman Jayden began to have WONDERFUL make-up sex while on Triptocaine.
Jayden awoke on his bed as the ARI fell off. He was sad now, because he was right in the middle of hot Triptocaine intercourse with Twilight Sparkle. He realized he had to go to work... But then he remembered that he doesn’t have a job, so he couldn’t go to work.
Jayden took a shower and it was sexy because he’s hot. Then he went into his bed and Madison was there. “Why are you here?” He asked. “You’re banging Ethan not me.”
“Oh sorry I got confused because I’m an insomniac.” Madison said. Jayden put on the ARI and transcended back into Ponyville. Next to him was no longer Madison but was now Twilight Sparkle.
“Welcome back Jayden.” She smiled.
“Weren’t we in the middle of hot make up sex?”
“Yes but then Nyx came in and was confused. So I let her join us. That’s her sucking your penis.”
“What!? She’s a child, that’s gross!”
“Yes but she’s a goddess so it’s okay.”
“Oh alright.”
Scott Shelby and Pinkie went their separate ways, and Scott allowed Pinkie Pie to keep Rainbow Dash as a token of his appreciation. Scott returned to Trixie in the meadow, but she now seemed pissed.
“I swore I would kill the man who killed him uncle.” She pulled Scott’s gun from his coat and shot him with it. In the chest. “You monster.” Scott fell to the ground dead, as Trixie walked off into the woods.
“Trixie, what are you...” David Tennant saw her as he crawled out of the well thing, but she shot him in the face before he could do anything.
Pinkie Pie had strung Rainbow Dash up by her front hooves and was gathering verious tools for her fun night. She had retrieved Christopher Eccleston’s penis, she had a nail gun, a meat cleaver, a hack saw, some lye, and a large bucket of water.
Pinkie grabbed the nail gun and started towards Rainbow Dash. However, right then the door burst open. Trixie jumped through and shot Pinkie six times in the chest and twice in the head, obviously not having to reload because she had Scott’s magic guns.
The sounds of the gun shots woke the unconscious Rainbow Dash, who squirmed in shock at the dead Pinkie and the gun wielding Trixie. “Trixie, what are-” Rainbow Dash started to ask, but Trixie silenced her with a single bullet to the head.
. “Okay Sweetie, now that Applebloom is tied to the chair, you start whipping her.” Rarity explained.
“Like this?” Sweetie lifted the whip with her magic, and was about to whip Applebloom for her bondage cutie mark, when Trixie jumped through the window and shot off her horn, causing the whip to fall. Trixie turned her aim to Applebloom, delivering one swift bullet to the chest. Rarity pushed Sweetie Belle behind her and grabbed the whip with her magic. Rarity swings the whip at Trixie, but Trixie fires at Rarity at the same time. The bullet reaches Rarity’s forehead right as the whip knocks the gun out of Trixies magic.
“Sister! Sister!” Sweetie cried over Rarity, who was stone dead instantly. Trixie sighed as Sweetie grabbed the whip in her mouth and ran at her. Trixie effortlessly picked the gun back up and shot a finishing blow to Sweetie Belle’s head. She turned to leave, but turned around and delivered one last bullet to Applebloom’s head, finishing her off.
“Oh Jayden, this Triptocaine makes this sexual intercourse so much more arousing.” Twilight pointed out. There was a knock at the door, so she got up to answer it. She opened to door and saw Trixie pointing a gun at her. “NO!” She shouted, but it was too late. Trixie delivered a near fatal shot to Twilight’s chest. She fell to the side and Trixie stepped past her. She looked in the bed and Norman was no longer there.
“Alright Norman, I know you’re there.” She shot up the bed, then aimed her gun at the closet. “You in there?”
The closet door opened to reveal Norman inside with a gun of his own. “Yes.” He started shooting at Trixie, who took cover behind the bed, shooting back at Norman. She then jumped on the bed, throwing an alarm clock at Jayden with her magic. The clock succesfully hit his hand, knocking the gun out. Norman fell to the ground and Trixie hovered over him, the gun to his face. She then stopped and turned around, shooting Twilight in the leg, who had crawled up behind her with a knife. She then looked Twilight coldly in the eyes, shot her between the eyes, and turned around and finished Jayden with a well-placed shot to the heart.
Trixie left the library where she had murdered Norman and Twilight. She stepped outside and saw Joseph Stalin raping Princess Luna in the streets, which was necrofillia because Luna was dead. She proceeded to shoot off Joseph’s penis and watch him bleed to death. “Scootaloo where are you?” Trixie shouted. Scootaloo flew down from a cloud where she was making out with Spitfire. Trixie shot Scootaloo eleven times as she descended, and by the time she hit the floor she was incredibly dead.
Spitfire attempted to flee but Trixie shot her in the wings, causing her to crash into a building headfirst and break her neck. Soarin came flying down for vengeance but Trixie jumped out of the way and shot him in the stomach as he flew by.
Trixie walked down the streets of Ponyville, shooting aimlessly through any window she passed. She looked through a specific window in a house and saw Lyra and Bon-bon huddled together in fear. Pointlessly, cold-heartedly, and without mercy, she shot each of them once without taking time to aim. She hit Lyra in the left front leg, and Bon-Bon right in the forehead.
Trixie continued to mob down the streets of Ponyville. She saw the entire Apple family turn a curb and run at her. Applejack lead the charge, Big Mac close behind, and Granny Smith trodding slowly behind them. Trixie shot out Big Mac’s legs. causing him to topple over. Applejack lunged at Trixie, and managed to tackle her, but not before Trixie shot her jaw off.
Applejack’s tackling knocked the gun out of Trixie’s magic. Applejack went to bite her, but couldn’t because her jaw was gone. She jumped off her and turned around to buck Trixie down, but Trixie grabbed the gun and shot a bullet into the base of Applejack’s hoof, which went half way up her leg. Applejack’s legs still met Trixie, and they both fell to the ground in pain. Without getting up, Trixie magicked the gun, pressed it against AJ’s skull, and blew her brains out.
Big Mac stumbled to get back on his wounded legs, and limped towards Trixie. Trixie held the gun out, pointed at him as he continued forward. Finally, he arrived a few inches in front of the gun. Trixie pulled the trigger, and Big Mac’s skull was soon in the same state as AJ’s.
Trixie aimed the gun and remorselessly ended Granny Smith’s life with a single bullet to the chest. Trixie then continued down the streets of Ponyville.
Finally, she arrived at the TARDIS. She knocked four times on the door and the Tenth Doctor answered, who she immediately greeted with four shots to the head. Matt Smith ceased raping Fluttershy for a few moments to see Trixie murder the Tenth Doctor. He reaches for his machete but is unable because Trixie shoots his hand off. Fluttershy takes advantage of this moment to try to escape, but after she runs past Trixie, Trixie turns and shoots her five times in the flank and once in the back.
“Why are you doing this?” Matt Smith asked.
“BECAUSE PRINCESS CELESTIA HIRED SHELBY TO KILL MY UNCLE!” She said, greeting the Eleventh Doctor with four bullets to the face, stopping him from being able to regenerate, just like the Tenth Doctor.
Trixie flew the TARDIS to the Canterlot castle courtyard. When she stepped out, there was a Pegasus guard on each side of her. She drew the Doctor’s machete and her gun. Both of the Pegasi lunged at her. She shot one down with three shots, and stabbed the machete into the other as she jumped out of the way. They crashed into each other and landed on the ground. Trixie pulled the machete out of the pegasus and headed towards the entrance to the castle.
In the corner of her eyes, she saw a unicorn guard with a sniper rifle in an upper window. She turned around quickly and expertly shot the unicorn through the window. While she was turned around, the door to the castle burst open and two more pegasi charged her, knocking her to the ground.
The two large guards loomed over her, ready to go in for the kill. However, she picked up the gun with her magic from behind them and shot the one to her left in the back of the head, then jumped to the right. She grabbed the machete an sliced it across the throat of the remaining. Trixie stepped through the now opened doors.
She made her way up the stairs, shooting down any guard that got in her way. At the top, there stood a grey unicorn with a gun of his own. He raised it to shoot, but the Great and Powerful Trixie was too fast for him. She shot the gun out of his hand then stabbed the machete through the bottom of his jaw, up through his skull. Behind him was another pegasus guard, who was wise and tried to run, but she gunned him down before he had a chance to.
Finally, Trixie arrived at last in Princess Celestia’s chamber. “Oh, you made it past the guards I see.” Celestia smiled. “NOW you DIE!” She pulled two miniguns out from behind her and opened fire. Trixie ran across the room, a cascade of bullets anihilating everything she passed by. She started shooting with her own handgun, with no success.
Two unicorn guards with shotguns came from the second level of Celestia’s chamber. Trixie though quickly and hurled the machete at one of them, lobbing off their horn. As the shotgun fell, she magicked the shotgun and blew the other one away. She ran back down stairs and ran straight at Celestia, both shotguns in front of her. It took Celestia’s weapons a short time to warm up, and the only managed to get a few bullets out before Trixie shot both miniguns out of her magic.
“Fuck you.” Trixie said as she brought the shotguns together and fires both of them, making a mess out of Celestia’s brains all over the walls and floor.
Trixie left the castle feeling pretty accomplished. The ponies on the streets fled in terror, and Trixie picked them off if they got in her way. Then, she got an idea. She returned to the TARDIS and grabbed David Tennant’s RPG launcher. She then flew the TARDIS over Canterlot, firing RPGs at random into the city. She then landed the TARDIS nearby and watched Canterlot burn to the ground.
“You made one fatal mistake, Trixie.” She heard a voice from behind. “You didn’t make sure I was dead.” She turns around to see Scott Shelby standing with Pinkie Pie’s AK-47. Without remorse, he opens fire, riddling Trixie’s body with bullets. They both fall to the ground, as Shelby’s mostly-fatal bullet wound finally claims his life.
Suddenly rain began to fall over Ponyville. The rain had traces of the Tenth Doctor’s semen, which fell onto the face of all the ponies of Ponyville. It evaporated into the air and was breathed by all the ponies who were indoors. So now, though Canterlot lies in ruin, the ponies of Ponyville continue peaceful lives. Everypony gathered guns and swords and sharp sticks, all prepared to fight Trixie upon her return.
The preparations for the fight were in vain, because Trixie took the TARDIS and fled to a far away land. Eventually, the large amounts of Time Lord Semen revived a fair amount of the population, including the residents of Canterlot.
“I’m sorry Twilight, but I must leave.” Jayden sadded all over the place. “I can’t stay here, bad things tend to happen when I’m here... Like everyone getting brutally murdered.”
“But Jayden, murder isn’t that bad!” Twilight objected. “You get used to it after a while.”
“No Twilight, I can’t.” He took of the ARI, severing his connection to the Ponyverse. Twilight fell to her knees and cried.
“What’s wrong?” Spike asked, also in a state of sadness due to almost constant rape.
“Jayden is gone, so I no longer have anyone to have horrifically violent kinky intercourse with.”
“Did somepony say violent kinky intercourse?” Matt Smith came threw the door holding a chainsaw, a gun, a bottle of Grey Poupon, and an issue of Time magazine.
Spike left the library because the sex began. He wasn’t sure where to go so he went to Fluttershy’s.
“Hello Spike, how are you?” Fluttershy happied.
“I’m unhappy because Twilight is always kinky sexing everywhere.”
“Oh I’m sorry Spike that sounds like a serious problem. Here, you can sleep in this bed.”
“Thank you Flutterbitch.” Spike said, not meaning to insult Fluttershy, but when everypony around you is constantly hating on her, it’s hard not to.
“WHA HA AHA AHA AHA AHA AHA AHAAAAHAHAHHA AHAAHAhAAAAH” Fluttershy laughed, as she trapped Spike in a cage. “Now you will be fed to Angel!”
“NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... Wait, Angel? Where is Angel?”
“DEAD! LIKE YOU!”
“Wha... What!?”
“That’s right, you’re dead, this hell.”
“Hell is... Fluttershy’s cottage!? My ultimate damnation is too spend attornity with Fluttershy?”
“Yes.”
“Yay.” And there was some amount of sexy time probably, but no one is quite sure because everypony was busy having kinky sex with the Doctor or tripping on acid. What a wonderful world.
Twilight enjoyed her time with Matt, but he was unable to fill the hole in her heart and spine that Jayden had made. She went to Canterlot University and found Science Pony Man. Science Pony Man was a Pony who did science to make cool inventions and was also a super hero or something. Science Pony Man made Twilight an ARI and she tried to go into Jayden’s world.
“LOL SESAME STREET” The Sesame Street theme song played since Twilight was at Sesame Street now.
“Oh cock fuckles this is not where I wanted to go.”
“Hey fuck you.” Said Oscar the Asshole.
“Bitch please.” And Twilight shot Oscar somehow despite not having any sort of weapon. She then untook the ARI from her face and returnified to Ponyville. However, she didn’t actually go to Ponyville, and was in the chamber of the really sad Luna.
“I’m so cocking sad.” Sad Luna said saddly (lol it’s an alliteration kinda.)
“Why the hell are you so sad?”
“Because everypony hates me and nopony loves me.”
“Yes, it’s true no one loves you, probably because you’re creepy and emo. Also you’re a bitch and tried to destroy the world or something.”
“But how do I be less emo and creepy and a bitch?”
“Well, for emo and creepy you could talk to Rarity, but that might make the bitch thing worse. So after that you’ll have to talk to the nicest pony in Equestria.”
“Who is that?”
“Al Gore.”
“Okay.” And Luna killed Twilight in some generic fashion and flew to find Al Gore. Al Gore lived in Fillydelphia.
“Hello Al Gore I am Princess Luna.”
“I can see that lol.” He said. Everypony within a fourteen mile radius laughed.
“He’s so funny!” Said some bitch pony who was tripping on Acid and LSD and Triptocaine.
“What can I do you for? lol sex.” Everypony laughed again.
“I need you to make me nice I was supposed to go to Rarity first but I decided fuck that. Make me nice and beautiful.”
“Okay, the key to being nice is to not be a bitch.”
“Oh okay, thank you, bye!” And Luna killed Al Gore and everyone that was walking in a generic manner that was slightly different for each pony.
And then this plot arc was unexpectedly dropped and Luna fell into the resulting plothole.
Back in Earthland, Norman Jayden was back home in the hotel that wasn’t his home :(. “This isn’t my home and I am sad. I miss Twilight Spackle. I miss Fluttercock. I miss Arnold Swartzenfucker. Wait no, that guy is Earth.” He laughed out loud at his own joke.
The sky was full of rain as Norman Jayden traveled down the streets of Boston where he was. He saw the people passing by with their hats and sometimes clothes. One or two said “hi” or fuck you.” He wrote a poem.
Once I was happy in Pony type place
Where everypony was cool and let me rape their face
Now I am sad in Earthy American land
Where all the sex I get is from my hand
I miss the one named Twilight Sparkle
I liked to sex her.
It was a shitty poem.
Back in Pony Magic Wonder land, Twilight Sparkle (who was revived by Tom Baker’s sperms after he escaped from Luna’s couch where he had gotten stuck trying to fish out a Pony Quarter. Knowing this story, there was undoubtedly some sort of sex involved) returned to Science Pony Man, who she found in Fillydelphia because he was beating all the shits out of a pony who tried to mug another pony. He then began to beat the same shits out of the cockslapper who was getting mugged.
“Science Pony Man, I need some of your science.”
“Okay but hold on.” He removed the mugger’s spinal chord and used it as a whip to violently beat the victim. “HAHAHAHAH you suck.” He laughed then stopped. “Yes, Ms. Sparkled.”
“It’s Sparkle. I need something that will kill everything everywhere.”
“OH! I happen to have something like that. Yes, but I left it in my super secret base thing at the top of mount Ponyshit. Also it’s a volcano. To get there, scale the mountain, jump into the volcano, sail down the lava, through various obstacles such as giant scissors and Asian mafia guys shooting guns at you. Then just press the big red button and the big purple button. Then everything everywhere will die.”
“Oh okay thank you.”
“Okay but to make it harder I somehow just hired seven well trained ninja ponies to get there before you.”
“You asswaggle!” She yelled and killed Science Pony Man in the same fashion that Luna had killed her. She then fled, and the streets of Fillydelphia filled with crime without a hero to stop them.
Twilight was never seen again.
Tom Baker was bored now. He had just finished eating all of Luna’s furniture and urinating over all her other possessions. He then got in his TARDIS, which he disguised as Luna’s couch. “Shit!” he yelled when he realized he had eaten his TARDIS. Luckily he was able to operate the TARDIS with his appendix and went to Earthplace to find Norman.
Norman walked threw the rain filled sky and orange grey colored day and night. From the blue darkness filled with light emerged a beautiful thing of fright and terror. It was Tom Baker. “Norman, you have to come back to Ponyville.”
Norman’s head turned side to side as if to say “No fuck you” and he looked up to the blue burning rain sky. “I can never go back.” He spoke over the sound of the thumpity rain falling. “Too many people and ponies have died.”
“But they’re dying anyway! You need to save them!”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“...” Tom Baker ate Norman. Norman managed to crawl into the TARDIS which was festering in Tom Baker’s bowls. He then left back to Ponyworldplaceland, leaving Tom Baker in Gaycockhumanland.
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StarmanTheta
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874
| 1 |
Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Diamonds Among Zirconium
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Twilight's spell accidentally turns Rarity into a colt and Spike is distressed more than he'd like.
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complete
| 80 | 4 |
<p>After Twilight's spell accidentally turns Rarity into a stallion, Spike finds himself more distressed than he'd like to admit, especially to himself. Written as a Friendoff entry for the comic posted.</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-16T18:14:11+00:00
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2011-09-16T18:14:11+00:00
| 4,121 |
Sometimes Spike hated Twilight.
He could forgive the usual stuff, like when she made him rearrange the whole library to alphabetical order for ease of use, then decided that Dewey Decimal was in fact better and made him change it back. Or the time she, in a rage, forced him to walk all the way across town in the rain to buy a replacement copy of the Encyclopedia of Cephalopods (who has a dragon with a cold fetch a rare book, anyway?). He could brush stuff like that off after a day or two. But...
“Twilight, what have you done!” shrieked Spike alongside a masculine voice.
A masculine voice belonging to Rarity.
The mare--stallion--was spazzing out in the middle of library, screaming at the top of her--his--lungs while Twilight flipped through her spellbook, brow furrowed and biting her lip. Spike could only look on with wide eyes and his hands on his head at Rarity’s new, emotionally unstable form.
“I-I’m sorry, Rarity,” Twilight said, “I had no idea it would--it was an accident and--”
“Accident?” Rarity’s voice caused her even more panic. She stamped repeatedly at the floor with her front hooves. “This is an absolute disaster! My physique!” He held up his hooves to Twilight. “My hair!” He ran over and grabbed a mirror, nervously primping at his much shorter mane. “My voice!” His voice was soft and just short of effeminate, but his shrieking and the bizarreness of the situation ruined any sort of charm it may have had. “Oh no no no no! How can I face anypony like this? I’ll be a laughing stock! Nopony will want to buy my dresses! Oh, my life is ruuuiiinnned!” He broke out into a loud wail.
“C-calm down, Rarity, I’m sure I can fix this!” Twilight said, face buried in her book. “Well I hope I can fix this. Oh, Celestia...”
Spike ran to grab a box of tissues from upstairs and sprinted back to Rarity, offering him tissues while trying his best to console the sobbing unicorn.
“Don’t worry, Rarity, you’ll be back to your old, beautiful, female self in no time! Twilight will fix this!” He turned towards Twilight and shot her a glare laced with concentrated black mamba venom. “At least she better. How can you mess up a spell turning stuff into jewelry?”
“I’m sorry Spike! I thought it’d just turn hairs into medallions, not mares into stallions! Maybe I missed a step...”
Rarity dabbed at his eyes with the tissues before turning toward Twilight. “Missed a step? Twilight, I can’t have my business run aground because you missed a step--oh!” He gasped, suddenly remembering something.
“How could I forget! I have a dozen dresses I need to have ready by next week!” He wheeled around towards Spike. “Spike, I need you over as soon as possible; this is going to be quite an ordeal.”
He ran toward the door without waiting for Spike’s reply, calling back to Twilight.
“Please Twilight, figure something out soon! I simply can’t be seen like this! Oh, if only I had brought something to cover myself up.” He gave a furtive glance left and right ways out the door before bolting off.
For a minute, Spike and Twilight stood their, staring in silence at the door, trying to wrap their minds around what just happened. Twilight spoke up first.
“...Hey, Spike, you’d better get going. Looks like Rarity really needs your help. I’ll stay here and try to come up with a way to fix this.”
The dragon’s reply was lethargic. “...Hm? Oh, yeah.” He made no move to leave.
“Spike, is something the matter?” Twilight said. “Well, I mean, I know something’s the matter but other than that mishap.”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing. I oughta get going.” Spike walked to the door with the pace of someone just told to walk to the guillotine and opened it. “Catch you later, Twilight.” He slammed the door behind him. Twilight blinked in confusion a few times but then quickly decided that working on turning Rarity back into a mare was more important than pondering about a temperamental dragon. She buried her face in her book once more.
“Let’s see...gender change, gender change, gender change...’gander change’?”
Spike leaned his head against his fist, a scowl of frustration on his face. No, this wasn’t Rarity. He may have the same name, the same store, the same cutie mark, but this wasn’t Rarity. Spike scoffed as he watched the stallion levitate a sheet olive of fabric here and measure a length of white thread there. This Rarity didn’t have her cute little snout, instead one that was sharp and square, like the rocks he had to dig through for gems at the quarry. He didn’t have her svelte, ladylike figure, instead a soft masculine profile, like a workhorse who went to the spa every other day. And he certainly didn’t have her magnificent, meticulously maintained mane, purple curls that shined when the light hit them just so, but instead short locks that flowed perfectly into a small bounce, that you could stare at for--
“Gah!” Spike toppled back in his chair, as if something had just jumped out at him as opposed to him catching his own imagination, and he fell the the floor. He shook his head to clear the stars from his eyes as well as the lingering images in his mind.
“Spike, darling, are you okay?” Rarity was looking over his shoulder at the dragon, levitating a large sheet of fabric ready to be run through the sewing machine.
Spike rubbed his head. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine,” he said as he pulled himself to his feet. “Just leaned back too far.”
“Well please, do be careful!” He turned back to the sewing machine and began feeding the thread through. “I don’t need any distractions right now, and I’d just hate for my assistant to get hurt.”
“Uh...yeah. Will do.” The dragon righted his chair.
“Good!” Rarity held up the stitched fabric, scrutinizing it, then continued. “Also, Spike, could you be a dear and get the sequins for me? The aqua and turquoise ones.”
"Yeah, I'm on it." Spike got up and shuffled his way over to the cabinet on the other side of the room where the sequins were kept. As he climbed precariously on chairs and boxes to the shelf with the tubs of sequins, nearly falling backwards innumerable times, he heard Rarity begin to sing.
“Thread by thread, stitching it together...” He cringed as he stumbled to the floor, struggling to retain his balance with the two tubs perched on top of each other as he made his way over to the temporary stallion. Couldn't he hear himself? The song was pure sugar and honey when Rarity sung it as a girl, Spike thought with eyebrow cocked, but now in that male voice...it just didn’t work. It was too deep. It was a waste, like taking the tastiest chocolate bar you ever had then just smashing it to bits. Then taking those bits of chocolate and melting them down into a sauce and dipping fruit in it and--
“Bring those over here, would you?” Spike walked over to Rarity and plopped the tubs down next to her chair. The unicorn opened the tubs and smiled.
“Oh thank you Spike, you are a lifesaver.”
“Uh...well, I guess...”
“No, ‘guess’, this whole situation would be hopeless without you. Thank you.” With a suddenness and elegance that could only be spur of the moment, Rarity bent down and gave Spike a quick peck on the cheek as if he had forgotten all about become a stallion. He turned back to his workbench.
“Now, Spike, I was thinking either aqua or turquoise sequins for this other dress, but maybe I shouldn’t use sequins at all. What do you--”
“HEY LOOKIT THE TIME SORRY GOTTA GO!” Spike bolted from the room, out the door, and straight to the library. He didn’t stop until he reached home, not even caring about the odd looks he got from random ponies nor Pinkie Pie abruptly appearing next to him no less than four times to ask him what was up, and slammed the door behind him. His lungs felt like they would burst at any moment, and it felt like someone had put his guts through the washer machine. He reached up to touch his cheek gingerly. For some reason, the room felt much warmer.
The fortress was impregnable. Tall towers, gates, and hordes of diamond dog guards, armed to the teeth and thirsty for blood. Trying to get in was a suicide mission, impossible for even the manliest of stallions.
Not so for the manliest of dragons, especially one with lance in hand and love burning in heart. The dragon knight stood before the gate, standing calm but ready for action as the swarms of guards rushed to the door with heckles and sneers.
“Open up, you curs!” the knight called up to the battlements. “Hand over the pony and I might spare some of you!” The diamond dogs simply sent more jeers in reply, and the gates opened allowing many of them to pour out and form a circle around the dragon.
“Give up, Spike, you’ll never get your precious pony back!” the eyepatch-wearing leader of the dogs barked. The rest of the fiends joined in with howls and cackling.
“Oh yeah?” the knight said, taking up his lance like a bat and shifting into a battle stance. “Try and stop me!”
“Get ‘im, boys!” The dogs howled again and charged at the lone knight. Their howls soon turned to screams and whimpering. The dragon was no pushover--he bowled over the diamond dogs effortlessly by the dozen, as if they were card castles, and sent others scurrying with streams of flaming breath here and there. The lone knight quickly crushed the defenses, never taking more than a scratch himself as he faced off against the leader (quickly disposed of with a swing of the knight’s large tail). He tore his way to the highest tower, quickly disposing of the guards with this lance, and climbed all the way to the top. At the top of the stairs there was a lone door, locked but broken down effortlessly. The knight stepped into the room, chest out and standing tall.
On the other side of the sparsely decorated room sat a unicorn staring down out the window at the swathe of destruction left in the knight’s wake. The pony turned towards the knight and smiled--despite the captivity, their worn cape and crown seemed brand new, and their face was as full and beautiful as ever. The knight began to run to the unicorn and the unicorn did the same until they met in the center of the room and the knight scooped the unicorn up in his arms. The knight held the unicorn close, the sheer joy of being together once more, and he stared deeply into the unicorn’s eyes.
“I have you now, Sir Rarity.” the knight said, “You’re safe with me.”
“Oh Sir Spike, thank you, my knight in shining scales.” The knight leaned his face forward as the unicorn crooned his toward the knight slowly, until their lips--
“Gyah!” Spike bolted upright in his bed, breathing heavily. Twilight turned slowly and heavily in her bed, not bothering to sit up or open her eyes as she addressed him half-asleep.
“C’mon, Spike, it’s too early for all that...” she yawned and pulled her pillow closer.
“Uh, yeah, sorry, just had a, uh, nightmare is all,” Spike said, laying back down and quickly drawing the covers over his head.
“Yeah...just a nightmare...”
Spike was wandering again. When he brought Rarity the pins in his hide, he caught himself staring at him. He was wearing those glasses, the red rimmed ones. They weren’t even made for a colt, and yet they seemed to rest perfect upon his face. It was as if--
“Spike, didn’t you hear me? Bring me the feathers.”
“Oh, right! Right away!” He brought the feathers back in a flash, almost in a trance. He gulped as Rarity levitated them and put them this way and that against the model to find the best positioning. Spike couldn’t take his eyes off him.
It’s just Rarity. He thought. Same as she’s always been. Calm down, it’s nothing at all. He felt like when he was trying to convince Twilight that the owl had knocked over that glass of tomato juice on top of the scrolls. Try as he might, he would keep catching himself looking over his shoulder at him when he sent Spike off to get something else, or imagining Rarity smiling when he hummed to himself at the sewing machine. It was exactly like how it was before.
Rarity backed up to examine one of the dresses placed on a model and nodded. He let out a small sigh of relief.
“Whew. I think that will do for now.” He looked over at the clock. “My, it’s getting late.” He turned to Spike. “Spike, you should shuffle on back home now. You’ve been a marvelous help but a young dragon needs his rest.” He gave him a charming smile.
“Uh, yeah. T-thanks. Glad I could help.” He could feel his face growing warmer.
“Of course, you’re always a help Spike. Now we’ll have to put on the finishing touches tomorrow, so be here bright and early!”
“S-sure thing. See you later, Rarity.”
Spike walked out of the room, although it felt as if he floated. He stepped outside into the young night and began towards home. Apprehension gripped him like a vice as he walked, head down and muttering to himself.
“Oh man...You gotta be kidding me...”
Spike opened the door gingerly, hoping to slip in without notice, although his plan was shot down immediately due to Twilight sitting in the lower level, waiting for him.
“Oh Spike, you’re back!” Twilight said. With pep she levitated a book over to him. “I found out what spell I did, and it turns out that the effects are only temporary. Rarity should turn back sometime tomorrow.”
Spike rubbed the back of his head. “Uh, yeah, that’s great...”
The unicorn levitated the book back to its resting place on the floor, a perplexed look on her face. “Spike, what’s the matter? I thought you’d be happy about this.”
“Oh, I am, it’s just, uh, um...” Spike clutched his tail, wringing it while staring over at the wall.
"Twilight, I...I gotta tell you something."
"What is it Spike?" Twilight got up and walked towards him, a look of concern upon her face. “Did something happen at Rarity’s? You didn’t incinerate another book or something, did you?
The dragon motioned for her to come closer, his face no less grave."You have to promise not to tell anyone"
Twilight leaned closer. "Yes, I promise"
"I'm serious, I mean it!"
Twilight smiled. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a..." She stopped herself from completing the motions just in time, remember the last incident.
Spike motioned for her to come closer, a look of dread upon his face. He whispered into her ear, so soft that Twilight could barely hear it even that close.
"I have a crush on Rarity."
There was silence for a second.
"...Uh, Spike. I know" She wore a quizzical expression.. “You already told Pinkie and me."
"No no no, you don't understand!" he shouted, then remembering he didn't want anyone to hear, lowered his voice once more and rubbed the back of his head. "I have a crush on...the new Rarity..."
Again there was silence.
"...But, it's the same Rarity, Spike. I mean, she still answers to Rarity, still runs Carousel Boutique, still is kinda--"
"Dang it, Twilight I think Rarity is hot!"
Another silence.
Twilight stared blankly at Spike. "...What?"
"I mean," Spike lowered his voice again, "I think that...Rarity, as a guy, is a total knockout. Just as a guy. Like even if I didn't know she used to be a filly I'd have a crush on her..."
It took a second before the gears in Twilight's head finally aligned. Her perplexed stare quickly changed to an understanding smile.
"Oh, Spike, that's nothing to worry about. Y'know--"
"But, but it's weird, Twilight! I mean she's a guy! And I'm a guy! Who ever heard of a guy liking guys? That's just...super weird!"
"Spike! Don't talk about yourself like that." Her voice softened. “Look, you shouldn't feel ashamed, it's perfectly natural."
Spike was silent for a second, then looked up at Twilight. He felt his eyes start to water a bit.
“S-so you don’t think I’m weird? For liking Rarity like this?”
“Of course not, Spike. Just like Rarity’s the same Rarity, you’re still the same Spike to me.” She wrapped her forelegs around him.
“T-thanks.” Spike returned the hug. “But...I’m serious, don’t tell anyone about it. Not even Pinkie Pie.”
“I promise Spike.”
“Good...oh, and Twilight?”
“Yes?”
“I, uh, may have kinda sorta sneezed on your copy of The Colts Karamazov...”
Spike had delivered the last dress to the client and returned to Carousel Boutique. Rarity was sitting back in his favorite chair, celebrating the completion of the orders with a glass of some sort of frou-frou imported sparkling water. He motioned for Spike to come over. There was not much time left.
“Thank you, Spike, for delivering those. I don’t think I could have worked up the nerve to go myself.”
“It’s no problem at all, Rarity!” Spike replied, enthusiasm once again in his voice.
She nodded and levitated over some gems she had set out. “Help yourself, Spike, you deserve it.” Spike nodded and promptly shoved a large ruby in his maw, chomping away contently, and Rarity continued. “You know, Spike, it’s been such a crazy week, what with Twilight’s spell and all, but it all worked out in the end, didn’t it?”
Spike swallowed a mouthful of chewed gems. “Yeah, I guess it did.”
Rarity closed his eyes. “Well, it’s a good thing this spell is about to wear off soon. I was getting afraid I’d never be able to leave the house again.”
“Oh yeah...” Spike couldn’t look Rarity directly in the face but the unicorn didn’t notice.
“In fact, I think it’s getting close to that ti--oh my!”
Rarity’s eyes shot open and his body began to glow. Spike could only watch transfixed as Rarity became engulfed by a bright light. As abruptly as it started, the glow began to wane until it finally disappeared, and it its place was Rarity, once more a mare.
“Right on cue!” Rarity said, feeling her once-more curly mane. “I must say, after all that time I feel even more fabulous than usual.”
Spike could only nod wordlessly. He could not help but feel some small tinge of regret, but the unicorn’s joy quickly washed it away. He began polishing off a topaz while Rarity took a sip from her glass.
“Well, Spike, I do hope you’re enjoying those gems. I’m actually running low, embarrassingly enough, and I’m going to need your help again sometime next week finding more. You’ll do it for me, won’t you, dear?”
“Of course, you don’t even have to ask!” He grabbed an emerald and devoured it in one bite. It tasted better than any he had had before.
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 1 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2012-02-27T03:38:22+00:00
| 799 |
It hurt when he thought too much about it.
So many centuries have passed since the last one died. He was beginning to think that maybe that was the last one after all. Maybe the four of them had what it took to maintain their sanity, and see everything the wide world would offer them. Certainly, Yunas Gong had shown no sign of mental deterioration those last few weeks. He’d been totally himself, maintaining his tiny realm as carefully as ever, ensuring nothing seriously bad happened to the few inhabitants he looked over. To think, all it took was an Ursa Major looking for a den to topple the delicate mental balance that had held him together for so long.
After letting the over-sized beast tear his physical form apart, Yunas Gong’s consciousness ran rampant, destroying the small peninsula that was his realm. Although there hadn’t been much on it, some few ponies had chosen to settle there anyways, savoring the view and the out-of-the-way-ness the peninsula offered. Even though they still worshiped their Princess, Yunas was still pleased to have something to look over. He’d been depressed, and had thought having something to occupy his time would keep him sane. As it turns out, he had not been ready for the full duties it had entailed.
After the destruction of the small sea-side town, Yunas Gong’s consciousness lost the last attachment to this world, and had departed. That left only him and the two sisters. So far, they had shown remarkable stability, most likely due to their interaction with their frequent with the mortals. Sure, there had been that one bit with the younger going mad and all, but seeing as that was the only deviation they exhibited over all the eons, it was hardly troublesome, most likely just a release of tension.
He briefly wondered if Yunas could have maintained himself better if he had mingled with the ponies of the now-destroyed town. It didn’t matter. The past was the past, and no amount of worrying of fretting or thinking about it could change that. Certainly, he should know that better then anypony else.
He supposed he should inform the sisters about this latest passing. Whether or not they cared for such news now, with their duties to attend, their realm to watch over, he no longer knew if they even remembered their old pact, the promise they made to each other, as the last of their kind. But even if they no longer cared for that centuries-old promise, he did. After all, it was his idea in the first place. He thought that if they had that extra bit of connection to each other, then, maybe, it would keep them from losing their connection to themselves. Certainly, it had brought him back from that point, when he had began to think that the world no longer required their kind. Hearing the sister's tale brought him back from the pit of despair, and renewed his desire to live, even if the mortals had forgotten him.
With these thoughts in mind, he began writing his letter. He would prefer to come visit them in person, but, given their position, he thought it better to keep his distance. If they wanted to see him, they would know where to find him, but he did not think it best to reveal himself to their subjects. After all, to most ponies, he didn’t even exist!
Celestia would often be found in her personal quarters after audience hours were over. It was during that time between audience hours and sunset that she did most of her thinking. While Luna, after a thousand years of imprisonment, was at first overjoyed to spend that time with her, her lack of knowledge on more recent events soon lead her to peruse history books, eager to learn what had happened in Equestria during her absence. Not that she minded, of course. It’s only natural to be curious about the past, after her long absence.
She had just finished reading another letter from Twilight when another one arrived. Strange, Celestia thought. Usually, a day or two would pass before she received reports. Maybe Twi merely forgot something in her last letter, or Spike had the hiccups again. Last time, she was bombarded with various incomplete sketches and notes. It had taken her quite some time to sort through it all and afterwards-
It was not from Twilight Sparkle.
Suddenly apprehensive, Celestia carefully opened the letter. Instead of the red ribbon with the insignia that marked her usual correspondence, this one was marked simply with a drop of nearly blood-red ink with an B delicately carved in the center of it. She knew who it was from, but hadn’t heard from him since their last get together 2500 years ago. She had almost begun to believe that he had forgotten them and their old promise, even though he had been the one to suggest it in the first place. Why the sudden correspondence now? What had been keeping him too busy to talk until now?
As she slowly read the letter, her mood shifted from curiosity to sadness, from longfulness to hopefulness, from memories of days long past towards hopes for what tomorrow will bring.
After finishing the letter, Celestia held back a tear of longing, and headed towards the royal library, where Luna would most likely be. There was still some time until she was supposed to raise the moon, and Luna spent nearly every available hour catching up on her history.
As Celestia entered the room, Luna looked up from her books. It was funny, Celestia thought, how much like Twilight she would look, absorbed in her books. At times, she wondered how the two would get along, both absorbed in their respective book, barely moving at all, off in their own little worlds.
“Is it already time to raise the moon?” Luna said upon see her big sister. “I thought it wasn’t to be for another hour now!”
“Not yet,” Celestia replied. “But I did get a letter from an... old friend of ours. I thought you should see it.”
The mood suddenly solemn, Luna and Celestia read the letter together, reliving their pasts. When they were done reading, they looked at each other for a brief moment, then nodded to an unspoken agreement. Leaving the library, the two of them went to their private rooms, thinking about the letter and what it meant. After Celestia lowered the sun and Luna raised the moon, they each went to their rooms, not so much to sleep, but instead to ponder the ramifications of what they just read, letting their minds go over it all again and again.
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 2 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-10-15T23:02:12+00:00
| 780 |
Waking up from deep, dreamless, Twilight Sparkle quickly decided that the first thing she needed today was a bath. It was Applebuck season, and a bumper crop lead she and her friends to help Applejack with the harvest. After her stubborn pride lead to several disasters in Ponyville, including the worst baking accident in their town’s history, AJ had been eager to accept help offered to her, and her friends happy to oblige. Even though Twilight had mostly used her magic, there was no denying that it was dirty, tiring business, and, too exhausted to take a bath when she got home, went straight to bed.
Feeling like a new pony when she finally separated herself from the hot, steaming water, Twilight quickly did her hair wand went downstairs, hungry after yesterdays hard work. Her head assistant, Spike, had woken up early (rare enough, considering he might be an even heavier sleeper then Twilight), and had made a large breakfast consisting of pancakes with maple syrup, fresh apple slices from yesterdays harvest, toast smothered in jam with a single slice of butter, and, for Owlowiscious, who he had come to deeply appreciate after helping to rescue him for a dragon, ground earthworms with bits of daises.
“Good morning, Twilight!” Spike said cheerily, having just gotten himself some of the pancakes.
“Spike, this looks wonderful! How long did it take you to make all this!” Twilight exclaimed.
“It ain’t nothing! You work so hard yesterday, you deserve it!”
“Thank you so much! I might have to go find you some gems once I'm finished!”
After a long, filling breakfast (Twilight ended up eating too much, and had minor stomach cramps for half an hour), and a short excursion to find Spike his gem (a large ruby, which he greedily ate), the three of them returned to the library, where Twilight returned to her books, while Owlowiscious went to sleep for the day and Spike took a short nap, stomach full almost to bursting.
A knock on the door caught Twilight’s attention. Leaving her books, Twilight Sparkle went to answer, and found Applejack waiting.
“Good morning Applejack!” Twilight said merrily.
“Good mornin’ Twilight! Ah’ just wanted to thank you again for helping meh’ out yesterday with the harvesting! Ah' ain’t seen so many apples in years!”
“Not a problem! Spike made quite a meal with them! I think there’s still a bit left, if you want some.”
“No t’anks! Ah’ already had a big breakfast, and ah’ doubt I could eat another bite!”
“Same here! Anything else you need help with?”
“Not at all! I’ll be seeing you later!”
“See ya!” Applejack turned for Sweet Apple Acres as Twilight closed the door.
“Who was it?” Spike asked, having been woken from his nap by the sound of the door knocking.
“Just AJ coming to thank us for our help yesterday.”
“Whatever!” He stretched and let out a large yawn. “You need anything? Looking for any books?”
“Actually, I'm almost finished with A Treatise on Magic and Magic Creatures, and I was wondering if you could find a book called Myths and Mythos: On Legends of Ancient Times. One of the other books said it offered interesting speculation of the time before Celestia’s reign.”
“You got it!” Spike had already found the book, and handed it over to Twilight.
“Thanks!” Having just marked her place, Twilight eagerly took the book, and started reading.
She examined the title page, frowning slightly when it said the author was anonymous. It might just have been her, but she didn’t usually trust books whose writers didn’t put their name on. Usually, they were full of errors and inconsistencies, and as a scholar, she chaffed at such sloppiness. However, once she got started, she realized that whoever wrote this had great talent, flawlessly seaming together countless details on various legends of ancient pony tribes, presenting it in an interesting, well-flowing manner, even adding personal speculation and bits of humor. If only she could find out who made this...
With a start, Twilight realized it was nearly time for lunch. Marking her spot, she had nearly closed the book when the book flipped to an interesting picture. It was a green valley, and in it were many kinds of creatures of every shape and size, resembling gryphons, zebras, buffalo, dragons, birds, rabbits, phoenixes, and even ponies. With a double-take, she even saw what looked like incredibly young Celestia and Luna. She would have to examine it closer when she got back, but she didn’t want to be late for her friends’ get-together at Sugar Cube Corner!
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 3 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-10-15T23:04:19+00:00
| 732 |
“T’anks again for helping meh out, girls! This one’s on me!”
They clinked their glasses, then began to eat. Applejack was paying for their lunch this week, as thanks for their help with harvest yesterday, and with the money she had already made selling apples, they were able to treat themselves to the best Ponyville had to offer. Afterwards, they’d treat themselves to the usual at the beauty spa, then disperse.
The six of them were talking about their week. Rarity received an order for twenty velvet dresses for Manehattan, and was rather busy trying to get them all done by the end of the month, but she doubted she’d have any problems. With the Applebucking nearly finished three days ahead of schedule, AJ was going to have some free time before they start milking the cows, so she thought she’d that she’d take Applebloom and her friends to the county fair on Saturday, which Pinkie Pie was also going too, of course. Rainbow Dash had been asked to show up at the Flight Training School in Cloudsdale to show off for the young fillies, as the Best Young Flyer in Equestria.
“How about you, Twilight?” Rarity asked. “Find anything interesting in those books of yours?”
“Actually,” Twilight said, “I did find an interesting picture in the one I'm reading right now. It showed a lot of things, including what appears to be Celestia and Luna at about Sweetie Bell’s age.”
Everyone gasped at that. Rainbow Dash, who had been taking a sip from her soda, sprayed it all over AJ, who scowled at her with an iron intensity.
“Oops... sorry,” Rainbow said.
“The princesses as fillies,” Applejack said. “I wonder what they were like back then...”
“I bet they played tons of cool games!” Pinkie Pie said. “Do you think they had ‘Pin the tail on the Pony’ back then? Or ‘Spin the Bottle’? I bet they were lonely by themselves. Did they have any friends? Was one of them a big, scary dragon? Or maybe something weird, like a six-legged, pink-and-green striped, twenty foot tall walking flower!”
Everyone stared at Pinkie Pie.
“What?” she said. “It must have been ages ago! Who knows what was going on back then or what was what?”
“Well, there was one dragon, about twice as big as Spike,” Twilight said. “But I don’t think they’d get along very well.”
“Awwww!”
“At any rate,” Twilight continued, “It be nice to know what life was like back then, even if it is just speculation. And, really, Celestia and Luna, as kids? That, I got to see!”
All six of them giggled as they each had their own thoughts about what the princesses must have been like as fillies.
The rest of lunch passed quickly, and they didn’t talk much at the spa, simply enjoying the time. They said their goodbyes afterwards, as they each went home.
When Twilight got back to the library, she went immediately to the book she had been reading. She’d been curious as soon as she saw the picture, and talking about it with her friends had only served to amplify that curiosity. She quickly found the page with the picture, along with a title.
Beginnings, it said.
“At the very dawn of the world, life exploded into a vast array of species, many of which can no longer be found on this side of the line between life and death. Among them were those that were both similar and yet different in every way from anything that been born since then, different in that they were immune of the Passage of Time. These were the Immortals, and they were as gods.”
“They quickly discovered that they were drawn towards various parts and places in nature, in which they showed extraordinary talents and proficiency. They quickly claimed these as their domains, and they were zealous in their treatment of them.”
“But as time passed them by, they found that they were missing something. It gnawed at them, as they had considered themselves perfect in their power. They searched and searched, but they could not find out what they were missing. It tore at them so: many went mad, obsessed with finding out what they lacked, and they destroyed many great and wonderful things in their madness.”
“Those that were still in possession of themselves sought to defeat the mad ones, and banish their very beings to beyond the boundary of death. And as they fought, the world trembled before their power, as if to shatter.”
“It was then that they heard a cry, and they looked towards the earth, and they found many mortals quaking in fear and terror before the Immortals power. They pleaded to them, begging them to stop, and in the fear of the mortals voices and eyes, they found out what they had lacked.”
“They could not feel.”
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 4 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2012-02-27T03:42:32+00:00
| 715 |
“The Immortals, who considered themselves perfect, found out that their lacking, which had torn at them constantly, was a trait easily found in the mortals, which they had considered far beneath them. In all their might, the Immortals one, great weakness was that they had no feelings. They had been cold and calculating, without emotions, and it was such lack that made them less then they thought they were.”
“Although many Immortals would deny it, and latter pay the price when they lost themselves and were banished beyond death, those few with wisdom would embrace the mortals, calling them equals. From them, the Immortals learned of emotion, of feeling, of loss and love and despair, of happiness and loneliness, of want and desire. And it was such that they learned to long and care for the mortals, and they brought to them many wonders and marvels, establishing great and mighty kingdoms, filled with rich and fertile lands in which the younger mortals could grow and thrive.”
“But the greatest gift of all was a piece of the Immortals power, a small fraction of the greatness that they enjoyed, for which they were worshiped for as gods among mortals. With it, the mortals built many a great and wonderful marvel of their own, with such beauty and elegance that even the Immortals were awed before their splendor. However, in doing so, they also gave the mortals the key to their destruction.”
“For the mortals were young, filled with greater potential then even the Immortals, and they showed frightening proficiency with the spark of the divine known as magic, such as the Immortals feared them. And so, they sought to limit the divine, which came at a terrible cost.”
“With their power, the Immortals rose from the ocean a great island, and on that island, they built a temple. And in the temple, they constructed a fail safe, with the power to steal all the magic from the world, forever sealing it within the temple’s confine. And they sealed the fail safe within the temple, and veiled the island with great and powerful magic, such that all those that set foot upon the island would be lost, doomed to wander the line between life and death until the end of time.”
“Afterwards, the name and location of the island was lost, and the fears of the Immortals were calmed, as the mortals showed great restraint with their gift of magic. Although, as time passed, more of the Immortals lost themselves to madness, letting themselves leave the world of the living when they lost all connections, and many mortal races forgot how to use magic, never again was our world threatened. Immortals pledged themselves to the various mortal races, swearing to guide them along the path to greatness. And as the Immortals and mortals grew closer together, learning from each other, there grew bonds stronger then even death could sever. Even today, those bonds connect those beyond the grave, mortal and Immortal alike, ever a reminder that even gods have much to learn from the magic of friendship.”
Twilight kept going over what she had read again and again. If this was all true, then it raised plenty of questions. It would indicate that Celestia and Luna had been ruling over pony kind far longer then the records indicate, and that there were plenty more like them all over the world. Magic would really be available to every pony, griffin, zebra, dragon, and any other species out there, but then why were unicorns the only ones that could use it? What had happened to make all the others forget? Not to mention this ‘fail safe’ that had been mentioned. What could possibly steal magic? And how could one place possibly be able to contain all the magic in the world? Plus there was the whole bit about the Immortals losing their connection. What did that mean? It must have something to do with their immortality, but what? Did something happen that bound them to this world? She knew that there were a few spells that could bind a pony's spirit to certain locations or people, but those were forbidden, and for good reason. Nothing should be able to interfere with life and death. It simply wasn’t right.
And then there’s the part about how the Immortals couldn't feel. What was that supposed to be like? She couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must be like, not having any emotions. But how does one learn something like feelings? There wasn’t any way to explain something like that, it’s not even something that can be understood. It simply was, and she didn’t think such things could be understood. The incident with Pinkie Pie’s ‘Pinkie Sense’ served only to solidify her opinion on the matter.
Twilight decided to simply not think much farther on the subject. Things like this hurt her brain, and thinking about it too much only served to make her frustrated. Looking at the clock, she saw that it was nearly time for dinner. She didn’t think she had been reading that long, but her sense of time was often distorted when she was reading or thinking too much, which she was prone to do.
Dinner consisted of grilled apples with hay fries and apple juice. Owlowiscious had already had his dinner (or was it his breakfast, since he was nocturnal?), so it was just her and Spike. They ate in silence, since neither had much to say. Until Spike burped out a letter.
"That's strange," Twilight said. "I don't know of any event coming up that Celestia could need my assistance with, and I didn't-"
Spike burped out another letter, this one different from Celestia's usual correspondence.
Her curiosity peaking, dinner forgotten, Twilight quickly retrieved the letters. Despite her curiosity, her respect for Celestia lead her to read the princess's letter first.
"My Dearest Twilight Sparkle,"
"An old friend of mine has recently come to visit. He has heard many things about you, and has requested to see you. After much thought, I have decided that it is for the best that you two should meet. However, It is still your choice to make, and neither of us will think any less of you should you refuse."
"Ever here for you,"
"Princess Celestia"
Her mind was spinning. Who was this friend of Celestia's? How long had they been friends? How did he know about her? Why did he want to see her, of all ponies?
Thinking that she might find the answers in the other letter, she quickly opened it. Instead of Celestia's red ribbon and golden seal, this one was simply marked with a drop of red wax, with an B pressed into it.
"Twilight Sparkle"
"I've heard of your many exploits with your friends, and I would like to meet the bearer of the Element of Magic face-to-face. I know that you must be filled to the brim with questions, and I will attempt to answer them all, should you agree to visit. However, as much as it pains me, I must ask you to not inform your friends of our meeting at the present moment. Rest assured that, afterwards, you are free to tell them anything you want, except what I explicitly forbid, of course, but for now, there are some things I must tell you that are to remain strictly between you and me. You may tell them that someone of great importance in the royal court has asked to see you in private, but that they would prefer to remain anonymous until further notice. Afterwards, I may request to see you all together, but until then, I must stress the importance of our meeting remaining between you, me, and the princesses."
"An interested ally"
"B"
Now Twilight was even more confused and curious then before, if that was even possible. Celestia had wanted them to keep that fact that she and her friends were the Elements of Harmony quite, and they had told nopony, so how did this "B" know about it? Why did he want to keep this away from her friends? Twilight didn't think that she could do this without her friends, but this "B" had promised answers, and she HAD to know about this. And why all the secrecy? If "B" was a friend of the princesses, then he should be safe at Canterlot, especially if he was staying at the royal castle. Heck, they'd probably throw a banquet in his honor! Why did he want to remain hidden so badly? And why risk it by telling her about him?
But now that her insatiable curiosity was on overdrive, Twilight didn't have any choice in the matter. She loathed that she had to keep her friends in the dark, but she didn't think she could live with herself if she passed this up.
She had made her decision. Already levitating supplies, she said "Spike, take a letter!"
"You got it!" Spike said quickly, his own curiosity replaced with monotony born out of countless letters he had written for Twilight.
"Dear Princess Celestia", she said, Spike already writing it down.
"I would enjoy being able to meet this friend of yours, and I accept your offer. As much as not being able to bring my friends pains me, my desire for knowledge compels me to agree. I eagerly await being able to see you again, and this friend of yours intrigues me to no end. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."
Spike sealed the letter, and sent it to Celestia. "Who do you think this 'friend' of Celestia's is, Twilight?" he said.
"I have no idea," Twilight said. "I thought I knew of all her friends. I'm guessing she didn't tell me because he wants to remain hidden, and pretty badly at that, but why?"
"Maybe he did something bad," Spike offered. "But what could be so bad he wont even tell his name?"
"I'm sure it's nothing we need to worry about."
"I don't know... all this secrecy doesn't sit well with me. You be sure to be careful, Twilight!"
"Don't worry, Spike! I doubt Celestia would let anything bad happen to me in her own castle!"
"Okay then." He barely had time to finish his sentence before another letter arrived from Celestia.
This time, Spike read it to her.
"My Dearest Twilight,"
"I am glad that you have agreed to visit. I'm sorry that you have to leave your friends behind, but my friend has preferred to remain unknown ever since an incident many years ago. I was a little bit surprised myself that he wanted to see you, as he hasn't shown his face even to me for a very long time. Rest assured, he will not pose any danger, but try not to ask him about the incident, as it is a painful topic to him, and he still hurts himself unnecessarily over it. But as long as you do not bring that up, everything should be fine. An escort will arrive tomorrow afternoon to bring you to Canterlot."
"Ever here for you"
"Princess Celestia"
"See, Spike? I told you I wouldn't be in any danger."
"Well," Spike said, "If the princess trusts him, then I do too! But just what is this incident she referred too?"
"Beats me!" Twilight said with a shrug. "But if he doesn't want to tell, then it's not my place to ask!"
They finished the rest of dinner, then went to bed early in preparation for tomorrow. Twilight had troubled dreams, her mind full of questions she couldn't wait to ask. But one question dominated all others, ever at the forefront of her mind.
What was this incident? What did "B" do?
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 5 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-26T16:52:22+00:00
| 734 |
Twilight woke up early to pack up a few last thing for the trip. Her anxiety had increased exponentially overnight, and every second spent waiting felt like an hour to her. But before she could leave, she had to tell her friends.
She had already sent them all letters explaining everything, but she knew that they would want to hear it from her own lips. She expected them to be arriving any second now. Almost as if on queue, she heard the knock on her door.
"We came as soon as we heard," Rainbow Dash said when Twilight answered the door. "Are you sure about this? All this secrecy just reeks of danger!"
"Relax, Rainbow. The princess trusts him completely, and there's the entire Royal Guard if he goes berserk."
"We know that," Applejack said. "But Dash is right. If this councilpony wants ta' meet ya' so badly, he can do it 'fore the rest of us."
Twilight had stuck with the story that this mysterious "B" character gave her. It was quite well thought out, actually. Even out here in Ponyville, where most ponies couldn't care less about outside gossip, a public appearance by a high-ranking noble would cause much unnecessary trouble, especially if word got out that the visit was all for just one pony. And after all the trouble Fluttershy went through when she was a fashion model, Twilight didn't even want to think what would happen if word got out the an anonymous noble had taken a special interest in her.
"I'm sorry girls, but if he doesn't want to risk showing himself, then it's for the best. Besides, I don't want anything to happen to the rest of you if things don't go well. He could even shut down your farm if he gets mad, Applejack!"
"He can do anything he wants, but there ain't no one that can stop me from doing what I do best!" Applejack retorted. "I'd like to see him try and shut down Sweet Apple Acres!"
"No, Twilight's right," Fluttershy said. "I know your farm means a lot to you, Applejack, and I know that you'd do anything to keep it thriving, but if the Guard shows up to close it down, there's nothing you can do! And I don't want you to get hurt or go to jail if things get... violent..."
Applejack made as if to protest, but decided against it. "Ohh, I know your right, but I just don't trust this fancy-schmancy noblepony. They think of us common folk as pawns, or vermin! Who knows what goes on in their minds?"
"Don't worry, AJ!" Twilight said. "You know more then anyone else here that they care more about their reputations than anything else!"
"Yeah, your right! Come to think of it, I bet he just don't want to be seen mingling with common ponies!"
"That's probably right on the spot! It pains me to do this, but it's for the best that I leave you all out of this. I'll tell you all about it when I get back!"
"Maybe I'll throw you a party when your back!" Pinkie Pie said. "With lots balloons! And cake! Lots and lots of cake!"
"That would be wonderful!" Twilight said. "I'll look forward to it!"
The chariot was soon heard approaching, so they said their final goodbyes. It hurt her to have to lie to her friends, but it really was for the best that they don't know about this. This friend of Celestia was obviously in a position of power just by virtue of being friends with the princess. Until she knew more about him, she better listen, and make him happy.
The ride was thoroughly uneventful, and Twilight was itching to meet this friend of Celestia's. To keep herself busy, she kept reading and re-reading the letters she had received. She kept reading them until the ink began to run. She was so deep in thought that she failed to notice that they had landed. She was caught completely off guard when Celestia spoke to her, and she frantically fumbled about as she attempted to return the letters to her bags and show her respect to the princess at the same time.
"Relax, Twilight," Celestia said, giggling to herself slightly. "Its been to long since you've been here as my prized pupil. How has life in Ponyville been treating you?"
"Its been wonderful, your majesty," Twilight responded, as they walked along to the castle. For security reasons, only the Royal Guard and the weather team were allowed to fly in Canterlot. "Spending time with my friends has been great. Yesterday, my friend Applejack treated us all to lunch for helping her with the apple harvest!"
"That's great! It's nice to know your getting along so well with everyone!"
As they entered the palace, Celestia's mood shifted. More seriously, she said "About my friend, be sure not to ask him about the incident I mentioned. He's been spending all his time in your old room in the library, and I'm worried that he still blames himself about what happened back then. He keeps shutting me out whenever I try to talk to him about it, and I keep thinking that's he's going to do something he'll regret forever."
"I wont talk about it," Twilight said. "But just what happened between you two?"
Celestia sighed deeply. "Maybe I'll tell you later. But right now, its best that you go talk to him yourself. He's been anxious to meet you. It's a bit unusual for him to take such interest in someone he's never even meet before. But then, he's always been a hard one to understand."
They had arrived at the royal library. A faint bit of nostalgia gripped Twilight as she gazed upon the countless rows and rows of books. While the library in Ponyville was great in itself, it couldn't hold a candle to the splendor before her. She could read books nonstop here and not even get through a quarter of the sheer bulk of knowledge stored here.
When the came to the small doorway that led to the backroom that Twilight had made her second room (for when she was studying for tests, which she did quite often,) they were surprised to find Princess Luna just leaving.
"Ah! Hello Celly! Hello Twilight!" she said. "I didn't expect you two to arrive so soon!"
"Luna? What were you doing with him?" Celestia asked.
"He wanted to talk with me about Nightmare Moon" Luna said, frowning as she recalled her time spent as that monster. "He seemed as if he was planing something, but when I asked, he said not to worry about it."
Celestia frowned, deep in thought. "Twilight," she said suddenly, "Why don't you go right on in? I'd like to talk to Luna in private for a bit."
Twilight nodded, and opened the door and letting herself in. It felt strange, thinking of it as someone else's room. But when she looked around, it suddenly didn't seem so strange at all.
She had kept the room bare, not worrying about decorations or furniture, except for two small beds for her and Spike, and a couch for reading. But now she found the walls covered in paper filled with notes, maps, scribbles, drawings, and a single, dusty, antique mirror. The beds and couch were gone, replaced with a small table holding a crystal ball. She knew that so-called mystics used them to predict the future, but Twilight didn't believe that the future could be a set path. That went against free will, and she refused to believe that anything could compromise free will.
Then she saw the alicorn. Her first thought was that this was some sort of prank, Celestia and Luna were the only alicorns in Equestria, and her research suggested that they were also the only ones in the world, but she knew that this had to be real. The princesses wouldn't pull this kind of prank on her, and there was no way anyone could have faked something like this, not in Canterlot of all places.
He had the regal wings and horn of an alicorn, and was tall, like Celestia. His coat was white, not like Celestia's pure white, but a greyish silver-white, which made her think of extremely old ponies. In contrast, his mane was a light brown, like sands in an hour glass, and it seemed to flow ever downwards even as it wavered in an unseen breeze. His cutie mark was an opened book, partially written, next to a quill and ink, and a hourglass. The eyes were hazed over, as if he was blind, but there was no doubt that he could see her.
"You must be Twilight Sparkle," he said, in a voice that both echoed and died in the air. "I have been waiting a long time for a chance to see the Element of Magic. I'm sorry you had to leave your friends behind, but I had to make sure for myself this wasn't a trick. There are still some that would wish to see me harmed. I cannot afford to let my guard down."
"Wait," Twilight said. "Who's after you? And just who are you?" She didn't feel comfortable, having this pony knowing so much about her, and yet she knowing nothing about him.
"Ah, right! Forgive me, but I have not seen anyone for an extremely long time, and my manners are a bit... rusty. You may call me Barthandelus, and I am known as the Keeper of History. As part of my job, I have access to... certain information, which many ponies desire for all the wrong reasons. You know, dark incantations not meant for mortal ears, hidden histories that were hidden for a reason, secrets that might be used to embarrass or blackmail high-ranking officials. Thus, the secrecy."
"I'll assume Celestia told you that I did something long ago, and that you're not to ask me about it. She still thinks I'm torn up about it, But I've really forgiven myself for that long ago. That's not the reason I'm having problems, though I haven't the heart to tell her what it's really about." The last he said with sorrow and regret heavy in his voice.
Twilight understood what Celestia meant when she said that Barthandelus was hard to understand. In the short course of three minutes, he dashed her expectations of him no less then ten times. She was still reeling from his confession of knowing things he admitted should not be known by most ponies.
"I'm sorry," Twilight said, "But this is all very confusing for me. You have to understand, I'd always thought Celestia and Luna were the only alicorns, and then you show up, and tell me your this 'Keeper of History', and I don't even know what that means."
"Don't worry about it," Barthandelus said. "I've been doing my best to make sure of that. I thought it best if I was forgotten. After what happened last time, the princesses and I decided that most of the knowledge I have is better of forgotten. The only reason I even keep that knowledge with me is because it is my domain."
Suddenly Twilight understood. It might have just been chance that she read that book yesterday, but now she knew that if she hadn't, she really would know nothing about him.
"Your an Immortal." She said. "From the book, Myths and Mythos-"
"Ah, you read my book! Glad to see ponies read that after all!"
"Wait, that was you?"
"Indeed," Barthandelus said. "I've actually wrote many a book and tome. While some knowledge is better off forgotten, there is even more that must be preserved, and I do my best to remind ponies of that which had been forgotten! I'll assume that your familiar with Immortals and their domains, then."
"I am," Twilight said, relieved that they were on more familiar topics. "Each Immortal has their own special talent with nature, kind of like ponies and cutie marks."
"A lot more like it then you might think! Our kind has always had a special interest in yours, due to the fact that we're similar in so many ways! All Immortals have a cutie mark as well, though we used to call them 'Talent Signets'."
"And your book also said that Immortals gave us magic! But then why is it that only unicorns can use it now?"
"Correction, only unicorns can consciously manipulate it. Earth ponies subconsciously use magic when working on their fields and crafts, to boost their endurance. Likewise, Pegasi use it to speed their flight and increase their dexterity. If only unicorns could use magic, then only unicorns could use the Elements of Harmony!"
"Which reminds me," Twilight asked, "How did you know I was the Element of Magic?"
"Because, like every Immortal, I took part in their creation. I'm sure I'd be able to recognize my own handiwork!"
"You helped make them?"
"Yes," Barthandelus said. "They're the keys to the fail safe. In order to activate it, all six Elements of Harmony must be present. And before you ask, the fail safe does exist. It is designed to forcibly suck the magic out of every living being. Sadly, in doing so, it would also kill them, which is why we took such great measures in hiding it."
"But I still don't get how any one object could hold all the magic in the world."
"Simple. Nothing can. It would have to divide the magic in order to keep it from detonating, Which is where the Elements come in again. The fail safe and the six Elements would house all the magic in the entire world, making whoever held them effectively gods. That is, if anything was left."
"But why? Why would such measure ever have to be taken?"
"It was... an old fear of ours," Barthandelus said, sorrow heavy in his voice. "When we first gave your kind magic, we had no idea what would happen. Our biggest fear was that your kind would overthrow us, since you outnumbered us fifty to one back then. And with the skill you all initially showed, it seemed that it was destined to pass. So we made the fail safe to use as a deterrent, to make sure we held something with power over you. But as time passed, and the younger races showed no sign of hostility, we realized that our fear was groundless. With the power we showed during the time Immortals warred amongst each other, mortals were afraid of us, and sought to ensure that we stayed pleased with them. As our kinds grew closer, we forgot about our ancient fears, and of the fail safe. Except for me, of course, since it is my job to remember that which is forgotten."
Twilight sighed deeply. She hadn't realized how scared she was about this fail safe, and now that she knew that it would not be used, she felt lighter then ever. "But then why don't you just destroy it? If you're not going to use it, then why risk somepony discovering it? I know that you put that spell up, but why not just get rid of it?"
"Because we no longer have the power to do so. The only ones that could do that... passed on long ago."
"Another thing I don't get. You're supposed to be Immortal. How do you die?"
"It starts when we lose our physical forms. Our consciousness's still remain, and we can form new bodies, though the process is long, and centuries can pass between the demise of one body and the creation of another. But it all depends on if there's something in this world that our consciousness can anchor too. Be it another Immortal, a physical feature of the environment, or, my favorite, something we made ourselves. That is another reason why I write so many books. As long as the original copy of at least one of them remains, I can reform countless times. But it has to be something we made completely on our own, not a group effort like the fail safe or the Elements."
"So then, how many of you are left?"
A great sadness washed over Barthandelus, and Twilight immediately regretted asking. Celestia had said that he was torn up about something, and even if it wasn't this 'incident', like she had thought, it obviously hurt him a lot. She was about to take it back when he spoke up.
"Three. Celestia, Luna, and I, we are the last of the Immortals."
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 6 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-11-26T16:53:32+00:00
| 890 |
Twilight had not expected that. But, now that she knew, she could see signs of it on him. When Barthandelus spoke of his kind, the Immortals, his voice would deepen, barely echoing like it normally would. Though he normally stood still while speaking, mentioning his kind would cause him to shift about. Now, he couldn't stop pacing about, unable to meet her face.
It had been ten minutes since she asked her last question, and neither of them could muster the strength to speak. The air hung heavily around them, so thick, it was nearly palpable. She could nearly taste the sorrow in Barthandelus, and his face, normally expressionless, was twisted and contorted in sorrow. She wished she could say something, say anything to comfort him, but the silence was so complete, she almost feared that making the slightest sound would bring the entire palace down on top of them.
Finally, Barthandelus broke the silence, muttering something to himself. She could barely make out the words, but they sounded like a spell.
"Nusquam permaneo forever, nusquam subsisto idem eadem idem. Dico mihi it's non super, dico mihi it's non perfectus."
"What does that mean?" Twilight asked, her tongue suddenly able to move.
Barthandelus smiled at her. "It's just a short prayer I say to myself whenever I'm depressed. It doesn't have any special power, but it makes me feel happy. 'Nothing lasts forever, nothing stays the same. Tell me it's not over, tell me it's not done'. Nothing special."
"Like I said, the princesses and I are the last of the Immortals now. There used to be thousands of us, but our war amongst ourselves, and aeons upon aeons of time to destroy much of which we held dear, it has taken its toll. In fact, the reason I came here was to inform Celestia and Luna of the recent departure of Yunas Gong, the only other Immortal out there. You see, the four of us sworn an oath together, that we would forever be connected, until the end of time. I was the one to suggest it in the first place, when I myself was on the verge of passing on. It gave me the strength to keep living, and I thought it best if I inform them that Yunas had failed to keep his oath."
Twilight knew how he felt. Though she had never felt lonely before she meet her friends, she now drew great strength from them, and she cared for them deeply, and knew they all felt the same way about her and each other. They meant a lot to her, and she knew she would do anything for them. She didn't know what she would do if anything happened to them.
"I must admit," Barthandelus said, "I'm surprised at how much Celestia and Luna have done since I last saw them. Back then, Canterlot was just a mountainside town. They ruled from their old castle in Eclipse City. It's sad to know that the once glorious city is now nothing but ruins in the Everfree Forest, but I doubt they'd want to live there, after what happened with Nightmare Moon. Besides, it's nothing compared to the countless species that have gone extinct over the years. I still miss the Hydra-Griffons, they were marvelous architects!"
Sensing an unwanted turn in the conversation, Twilight quickly changed the subject. "Your book said that Immortals couldn't feel emotions. What was that like"
"It's hard to say," he said. "On one hand, I could really do without depression, sorrow, and anger. But on the other, it's wonderful to be able to feel happiness, love, amusement, and all the rest. How can I describe it? It's like watching a video of someone elses life. You know what your supposed to feel, but you just don't."
"And how did you 'learn' emotions?"
"It's very complicated. Until then, we used nothing but logic. Then, after spending time with your kind, we just did. You can't teach a young filly how to walk, or breath. They just know. We didn't even notice the change, we just woke up one day and felt emotion for the first time. Some of us latter lost the ability to feel, but they all eventually lost their connections to our world, and latter disappeared, apparently having destroyed their bodies. I suppose the ability to feel helped keep me and the princesses alive all these years, and I certainly wouldn't want to be without emotions again."
Most of her questions answered, Twilight asked one last thing. "Before I came in, I saw Luna leaving your room. what were you two talking about."
His mood suddenly serious, Barthandelus quickly shot a look outside the room. After conforming no one was outside, he said "Listen very carefully. What I'm about to tell you does not leave this room."
After she nodded, Barthandelus's horn began to glow. Twilight felt a strong wave of magic come from him, and she soon knew that he had cast a spell of silence. No one outside would be able to hear anything said or done in here. It would take a incredibly strong counter-spell to breach it, and although she knew that Celestia and Luna could break the spell, it would take them time. Until then, she was on effectively on her own.
Even though he knew no one could hear him, he still whispered. "Luna told me about her time as Nightmare Moon. I know how everyone else feels about it! I know how to fix it! But you must not tell anyone, not even Celestia! You have to promise!"
The suddenly dark mood messing with her mind, Twilight quickly agreed. Later, she would wonder what would have happened if she told somepony, but at the moment, she simply knew that she had to agree to keep the promise. She knew that if she didn't, he would wipe this all form her mind, and, from what little she knew of the process, she knew it was far from pleasant.
A look of relief on his face, Barthandelus quickly unwound the spell. Suddenly, she heard the clop-clop of hooves outside.
"That must be the princesses. They'll be wondering what happened. Remember, you are not to tell anypony about this ever!" With this, Barthandelus went over to the door and opened it. Just outside, as expected, were Celestia and Luna.
"Ah, Barthandelus!" Celestia said. "We felt you cast that spell, and we wondered what happened."
"Its nothing," he said. "Just a simple silence spell. You understand if I want to keep somethings to myself as much as possible."
"We understand," Luna said, "But the way you've been acting worries us. You know that if there is anything you want to talk about, you're free to tell us."
"I know. I'm just not ready. I'll tell you when I am, but I just need more time right now."
Celestia and Luna looked mildly disappointed, but they didn't say anything. They nearly turned to leave, but then Luna suddenly spoke up.
"Barthandelus, if this is still about what happened back then, you need to stop! What happened was never your fault, and if you keep tearing up yourself over it, your only going to make yourself miserable! You need to let go!"
"Luna-" Celestia said, but Luna went on.
"I know you did your best, and I appreciate it, but what happened, happened! No amount of sorrow can change that, you know that! He made his choice, and he paid for it, but there was nothing you could do about it! You have to let go!"
With that, Luna ran off, sobbing. Barthandelus almost made to run after her, but stopped himself. Tears ran down his face, and Celestia put one of her wings over him, to offer comfort. He buried his face in it for a moment, then went back into his room, locking it behind him. Twilight was left with Celestia, who had a sad expression on her face.
After a moment of silence, Celestia said "Come, Twilight. He'll need some time alone."
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 7 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-09-23T19:44:03+00:00
| 632 |
Twilight and Celestia were in Celestia's private chambers. After they had left the royal library, they ascended one of the palace towers in silence. They first went to Luna's room, but when they found the door locked, they decided to leave her alone. Afterwards, Twilight told Celestia about what Barthandelus told her, minus the bit she promised not to tell. Something about his face when he made her promised... scared her. It was a look of desperation and madness. She thought "This is what a madpony looks like". The moment had passed quickly enough, but she would never forget that look, that silent plea in his blind-not-blind eyes.
Celestia sighed deeply. Again. The worry was heavy on her face. "I know he does his best to deny it," she said, "But I know that what happened back then still hurts him. He's been carrying that weight on his shoulders for decades, refusing to talk about it to anypony. If he keeps up like this..." a brief look of fear crossed her face, so quickly Twilight almost didn't notice it.
"Princess," Twilight asked, "Just what happened that made him like this?"
Celestia was quite for the longest time, and Twilight didn't think she would tell. She was about to ask another question when Celestia finally spoke up.
"I assume your familiar with Doctor Whooves?"
Puzzled, Twilight nodded.
"Then you know that Barthandelus and him share the hourglass on their cutie marks. The hourglass represents the flow of time. It marks him as a fellow Keeper of History."
"Around a hundred years ago, Barthandelus established the Order of the Keepers. Their job was to provide first-hoof accounts of happenings around Equestria. To that end, he gave them heightened awareness, and increased perception of their surroundings. Later, he would also gift them with a small bit of magic, allowing them to 'Replay' special events from different perspectives. But, he told each of them to never reveal their identities to anypony without an hourglass cutie mark, and to never interfere with events. They were to be merely observers."
"One Keeper, above all others, showed great talent. He was able to travel great distances in order to record events in the most remote destinations, and had an intuitive sense of what was about to happen, and where. His accounts were incredibly well-detailed, and he was a favored Keeper."
"Barthandelus had been paying special attention to him, and thought to make him his personal pupil. As such, the Keeper was allowed access to Barhtandelus's private records. That would ultimately be his downfall."
"The Keeper was interested in all the wrong records. He learned many dark secrets and forbidden incantations, and with them, thought he had the power to steal Barthandelus's power. They meet at midnight the next day."
"In the end, Barthandelus had to kill his prized pupil. He first drained him of his magic, then, to make sure he couldn't rise again, burned the shell that remained. It hurt him more than any physical pain ever could. For days, he refused to see anyone."
"When he finally came back out, he had... changed. He used to be so happy all the time. Quick to a joke, full of laughter. You couldn't be near him and not be happy. Now he buries himself in his work, trying to pretend that nothing ever happened. And he's so paranoid. Doesn't go anywhere where he might be seen, never goes to sleep without setting up a complex net of alarm and shielding spells. I don't think he even trusts himself anymore."
It was nearly time for Celestia and Luna to lower the sun and raise the moon. With a sigh, Celestia got up, beckoning for Twilight to follow her. As she learned more and more about Barthandelus, she kept feeling sorry for him. Having to kill his prized pupil, possibly his best friend, no wonder he was the way he is. She didn't know if she could keep on going if she had to kill any of her friends. The mere thought of it tore at her heart.
The two of them knocked on Luna's door. After a moment, she came out, a few tears still on her face. They went to the top of the tower, where they did their duties. Too tired and emotionally drained to talk anymore on the matter, they each went to bed.
And Twilight dreamed.
"Give it up, Barthandelus! I know what you did!"
"It was vital that I did what I did! Can't you see that!"
The wind was howling with suppressed energy. Two ponies, one that goes by the name Barthandelus, the other with a coat of midnight black, a mane of turquoise blue, and an empty hourglass for a cutie mark. His eyes were a startling red, and they were currently narrowed with hatred at the alicorn. The rooftop they were on was bare, save for a few dead leaves being blown about.
"You yourself said that we are to never intervene! No matter how dire, we can never act! And then you go against your own oath like this! Their blood is on your hooves!"
"Better a village then the entire land! I did what I had to do!"
"How can you say that!" They had to shout to be heard over the wind. "They were just a farming village! No one there even knew magic!"
"I told you! They were about to find something that must stay hidden!"
"Lies! I went there, and I found nothing but signs of your cruelness!"
"Did you think I would just leave something like that there!? Of course I destroyed it!"
"I know the truth! There was never anything there! You just did away with them so you could remain here, hiding from your duties while the rest of Equestria suffers!"
"YOU WOULD DARE ACCUSE ME OF COWARDICE? ME, WHO HAD WALKED THIS LAND BEFORE YOUR KIND EVEN DARED TO LEAVE THEIR CAVES, FOR FEAR OF THE NIGHT!?"
Barthandelus was clearly enraged, but to stallion refused to back down.
"You killed them all! Every last one of them! They had done nothing wrong, and you did away with them like they were little more then insects!"
"How many times must I tell you, boy! Your job was to look past the cover, to find what was hidden beneath the surface! Open your eyes! If they had been allowed to unleash that monstrosity, it could have meant a thousand years of suffering! Did you think I enjoyed having to kill all of them? Do you think those screams of terror don't haunt me to this day? Why would I kill every last stallion, mare, and filly unless I had no choice in the matter?"
"You could have simply taken the artifact and left them alone!"
"They had been tainted! Any one of them could have carried his mark! Even a single pony could have been enough to bring him back!"
"They had done nothing wrong for years! How do you explain that?"
"You think it could have just cursed them all willy-billy? It had been buried for thousands of years! It needed sustenance! It needed blood!"
The stallion sighed. "I can see that you will remain unrepentant! Very well! For everyone you killed, I will destroy you!"
"Don't be brash, lad! Give me time, and I swear I'll make amends!"
"SILENCE, FIEND! NOW, DIE!"
The stallion quickly gathered his energy, and unleashed it in a truly massive fireball. It would have been enough to kill any pony, but Barthandelus was only slightly singed. A cold rage filled his eyes, and his horn began to glow with a hellish red energy. His eyes were quickly hidden behind a veil of pure magical energy, the alicorn's entire being filled with pure energy.
With a stomp of his hoof, Barthandelus sent pure white fire towards the stallion, even as the wind buffeted him and lightning struck him repeatedly in quick succession. As soon as the flame hit, a howl of pure pain and terror escaped from the lesser pony. But the Immortal wasn't finished. His horn kept glowing brighter and brighter still.
With a screech of pure rage, he levitated a humongous chunk of earth towards the still-engulfed form of the stallion. It hit him with enough speed and force to make a sonic boom. Upon impact, it detonated with enormous amounts of magical energy, quickly spreading to engulf the Immortal, the building, and the entire mountainside.
When it finally cleared, Barthandelus was nearly unconscious. Covered in head to toe with horrible-looking burn marks, he somehow managed to get to his feet. Limping, he slowly made his way to where the stallion once stood. In his place were ashes.
"Why!?" he said weakly. "Why did I have to do this? Why did I have to do this to him, my prized student, my heir?" He sobbed for a bit, then cried out "WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!"
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 8 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-10-18T00:46:07+00:00
| 547 |
Twilight was all set to go back home the following morning. With Barthandelus still locked in his room, it was just the princesses to see her off. Twilight briefly considered telling Celestia about her dream last night, but decided not to. After all, a dream is just a dream... even if said dream was incredibly realistic, and horrifying.
Luna had barely said a word since her outburst yesterday. Aside from a "Good morning, Twilight", in fact, she had not said a word at all. She was clearly still hurting from yesterday, and, occasionally, a suppressed tear could still be found in her eyes.
When the three of them reached the chariot that would bring Twilight home, Celestia said her goodbyes. Luna looked as if she was about to say something, but, evidently, she did not yet trust her tongue. The look in her eyes said enough, though.
As Twilight boarded and the pegasus-drawn chariot departed, Twilight mentally went over everything she had learned yesterday. It was so sad, thinking about the princesses and Barthandelus as the last of their kind. She knew that many species went extinct, but knowing that didn't make it any easier. The Immortals were incredibly powerful, having lived since the dawn of time. How does such a race die off?
Look in your bag...
The sudden voice nearly made her jump. Was she going mad?
Look in your bag...
Frowning internally, Twilight looked in her bags. Her books, parchment, ink and quill...
And a single stone, with a note attached.
She could tell that the stone was enchanted in some way, but she didn't have the time or equipment to tell how just yet. She'd look it over when she got home, but maybe the letter might help explain.
It bore a single drop of red wax, with an “B” pressed on it. Barthandelus's seal. She had thought as much. She quickly read it over.
Twilight Sparkle,
I have seen great things in you. The power you possess marks you as a catalyst for something great, but I fear that your future is grim. Darkness gathers on the horizon. Rumors of unrest in distant lands reach my ears, and I fear that it shall soon spread to Equestria. Even as the kingdom prospers under the reign of Celestia and Luna, old evils and forgotten enemies stir within her borders. You hold in you the power to save Equestria... or doom it to annihilation.
Know that the I will do my best to guide you and your friends along the path to salvation, but the future is dark, and my Sight fails me. I do not know what time will bring to our fair kingdom, but I know that we must prepare for the worst. I have given you something I found long ago. It holds immense power, but it refuses to yield to me. It responded to you, after you left, and I know that you will need it in the coming days, though for what purpose, I cannot tell. Keep it with you at all times. You are the only one that can unlock its secrets, and it is vital that you do so.
In one week, I will come to see you again. Make sure your friends are with you, for there is one last thing I must tell, and you all must hear it. You six are linked, and where one goes, the others will soon follow. As the Elements of Harmony, you will all play important roles in the dark days to come, and you will ultimately decide the world's fate. The only advice I can offer is to follow your hearts. Though the world may seemed destined for destruction, as long as you all do what you think is best, I am sure things will work out. The choices you will all have to make will be difficult, and there may seem to be no right answer, that you must choose between two evils. But all that matters is that you do what you think is best.
The Keeper of History,
Barthandelus
More dark news. It was true that Equestria had been facing many problems ever since Nightmare Moon returned and was defeated. And even in little old Ponyville, rumors of distant troubles reached her ears, though no one really cared about those rumors. But how could Twilight and her friends possibly hold Equestria's fate in their hoofs?
There was no doubt that Twilight and her friends were connected. They were the Elements of Harmony, and none of them would even have their cutie marks if it wasn't for Rainbow Dash. They were destined to be friends even before they meet. Now, they went everywhere together, and no one could doubt that they would all share the same fate. There was never a doubt about that.
But there was still the matter about the stone Barthandelus gave her. If he couldn't tell what it did or what it was for, how could he expect her to? And how something so old be connected to her? Or maybe it was just connected to her Element of Magic. That was far more likely. But how?
And what did he mean when he said that his "Sight failed him"? He couldn't mean to imply that he could see the future. That still went against everything she believed about free will. Even if she had no choice but to believe Pinkie Pie about her Pinkie Sense, she still wouldn't believe that the future could have a set path.
Twilight would have to think about this more later. The chariot was nearly at Ponyville, and she needed to prepare to see her friends.
She stepped off as soon as the chariot landed, and set off for the library where she made her home. It was still rather early in the morning, so she only found Spike, deep asleep right next to the door. She decided against waking him up.
Twilight knew it was only a matter of time until her friends showed up. What would she tell them? Most of what she learned scared her. She didn’t know much about history before the whole Nightmare Moon escapade, but this? Just how long had the princesses been alive? What else had Celestia been hiding from her? How come none of her books even mentioned these “Immortals”? And why did she keep getting the feeling that Barthandelus was hiding something, something important?
Twilight hadn’t realized that she’d been pacing around the room as she thought. It quickly woke up Spike, who, at first, was too groggy to realize what it meant.
“Ugh, could you keep it down, Twilight?” he asked, eyes only half open. “It’s too early to be up.”
He nearly went back to sleep before it hit him. “Twilight! Your back!” Almost too quick to see, Spike rushed over to embrace her.
Her train of thought derailed, Twilight simply took pleasure in seeing her number one assistant again. The two of them had almost never been separated since she had hatched him from his egg as a filly. Heck, she would have brought him to Canterlot, if the letter hadn’t explicitly told her to come alone. Looking back, she was glad she didn’t. She still couldn’t fully grasp everything she had learned in the short 24 hours she’d been away. There’s no telling how Spike would have reacted. After all, he’s still just a baby dragon.
After Spike was done hugging her, he immediately launched a salvo of questions. “So, what was it like? What did you learn? Who was this councilpony? What did he want with you? Did you see Celestia and Luna? Did you bring anything back?”
“Calm down, Spike! I’ll tell you all about it. But first, I’m starving!” As if on cue, Twilight’s stomach complained. Loudly. Sheepishly, she added “I... didn’t really have time to grab a bite before I left.”
“Gotcha,” Spike said, and rushed off to the kitchen. Within moments, the sounds of baking could be heard from within.
In nearly no time at all, a hearty breakfast of blueberry muffins, pancakes (Spike had been making an awful lot of pancakes lately, for some reason), and apple juice was served. While it was not nearly as grand as what he made two days ago, Twilight’s empty stomach all but cried out in joy when she beheld it, and she nearly dived into her food.
One (very) messy meal and a bath later, Twilight was ready to face her friends. The more she worried about it, the worse it would be. Better just do it, and get it out of her system. But first, she had to find them, and gather them all together. Telling it all once would be bad enough. She didn’t want to do it five times.
She told Spike to go fetch Rarity (he obviously loved the idea) while she went to Pinkie Pie’s and Fluttershy’s homes. Fluttershy would find Rainbow Dash, and they would meet up with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres.
Thus they went on their way. Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie worked (and lived in the attic), was the closest to the library, Twilight went there first. She didn’t even manage a knock on the door before Pinkie Pie launched (literally) outside, knocking the wind out of her and sending them sprawling outside.
“Twilight! You’re back! I heard you coming but I didn’t think you'd be back so soon, so I didn’t have time to prepare a party like I wanted to, but maybe later we can throw a ‘Welcome Back From Canterlot!’ party and I’ll make a super-duper-extra-special cake and should I use vanilla frosting or chocolate or maybe strawberry its been a while since I used strawberry frosting and I figure this calls for something special, but I don’t know if you like strawberry, so maybe I’ll use half-strawberry and half-vanilla since everypony likes vanilla and I know you like vanilla but you should really try strawberry it’s delicious, and-” Pinkie didn’t even seem to breath as she talked nonstop. Celestia only knows where she gets all her energy. The sheer amount of sugar she consumed might be it, but her energy seemed limitless.
“Calm down, Pinkie,” Twilight managed to say. We can have the party later, but right now, there’s something I want to talk about with you and the others.”
“Okie-Dokie-Lokie!” Pinkie said. “I saw Fluttershy heading towards the lake earlier. Want to check to see if she’s there?”
“Sure,” Twilight said, and the two of them went to the lake near the edge Ponyville proper, Pinkie using her peculiar hop/trot.
Sure enough, Fluttershy was at the lake, busy feeding the local fish and turtles. She always woke up early, making sure to feed all the local animals in the area around Ponyville. Celestia only knew how much it all must cost her, and yet, without any discernible source of income, Fluttershy managed to keep it up for years, ever since she moved to her cottage near the edge of the Everfree Forest from Cloudsdale. Twilight meant to one day ask as to her she managed to do it all, and keep herself fed and afford her cottage. But, right now, she had other things on her mind.
“Hey, Fluttershy!” Twilight said. Fluttershy gave the slightest “eep” at the sudden sudden sound of Twilight’s voice, then turned around.
“Twilight!” she said, in her usual, quite voice. “I didn’t expect you to be back so soon. Did you enjoy your time back in Canterlot?”
“I sure did!” Twilight responded. “I can’t believe it’s only been a year since I moved here from Canterlot. Time flies when among friends!”
“It sure does,” Fluttershy agreed, remembering the many times she’d nearly missed feeding her animal friends when Rarity would take her to the spa. And the times Rainbow Dash would show her her various new tricks. Precious moments, every one of them.
“Listen,” Twilight said, “Could you try and find Rainbow Dash, and tell her to meet us at Applejack’s place? I’ve got some things to tell about what I heard there, and I’d like everyone to be there. I’ve already sent Spike to tell Rarity, so don’t worry about her.”
“Sure thing,” Fluttershy said. “I’m already done feeding all the animals, anyways. See you there.”
Fluttershy went off to find Rainbow Dash. She was probably still asleep. She was never up this early in the morning, unless she was excited about some new trick or Wonderbolt performance. Twilight just hoped that she wouldn’t be too hard to wake up. Usually, it would take a bucket of water or a loud shout to wake her up before 10:00 am, and Fluttershy was not the type to do either.
Ah, well. If Fluttershy couldn’t wake Rainbow up, Twilight could just use her hot air balloon and go wake her up herself. Rainbow wouldn’t like it, but she needed to get this off her chest. And, honestly, Rainbow needed to learn to wake up sooner. Not even Twilight, not even Spike, could sleep in that late. It couldn’t be healthy. Too much of anything can’t be good for you.
Twilight and Pinkie Pie set off to Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie Pie was babbling about something or other, but her friends have learned to tune her out in such cases. And Twilight’s mind was elsewhere entirely. She knew that she needed to tell her friends about what she learned, but, the closer she got to the moment, the worse she felt about it. She knew for a fact that Fluttershy would take this hard. If it could scare Twilight, it would terrify the poor pegasus. But, it was for the best. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself.
Reluctantly, Twilight forced her thoughts to drift elsewhere. She’d deal with it later, but if she kept thinking about it, it would only make things worse. She focused on putting one hoof in front of the other. She’d deal with it when the time came.
=====================================================================
Meanwhile, Barthandelus stood, watching into his crystal orb, watching Twilight and the Element of Laughter (Pinkie Pie, he reminded himself) head off for Sweet Apple Acres.
He regretted having to tell Twilight what he did. He knew it would cause her and her friends much inner turmoil, but he needed them to be prepared. Hard times lay ahead, and they needed to toughen up if things were to go as hoped.
Barthandelus sighed to himself, then muttered a short incantation, and passed his hoove over the crystal orb. The scene shifted, to a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane sleeping deeply on a cloud bed. The entire house was made of clouds, as were most pegasus houses. They made for very comfortable beds and blankets, yet, they seemed somewhat lacking to him. He preferred the solidity of traditional bedding, though occasionally he would take short naps on cloud beds. Not that he needed to sleep, but it was a good way to relieve stress, and he got gleam a lot about the state of the world form his dreams.
So many plans, so many variables, he thought. It’s so tiring. If only I could just take a break from it all... no, that wouldn’t do: Everypony has a part to play. I have to stay vigilant.
Taking a moment to collect his scattered thoughts, Barthandelus zoomed in on the image of the sleeping cyan pegasus. With a final, heavy sigh, he muttered another incantation. Focusing on the image, he closed his eyes.
“Wake up.”
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 9 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-10-20T16:01:38+00:00
| 872 |
Wake up.
The voice startled the sleeping Rainbow Dash, causing her to fumble about for three seconds. When she regained her senses, she looked around, but didn’t see anypony. Was the voice just her imagination?
She looked at her alarm clock. 6:00 A.M., it said. Way too early to be up. Still, she was awake, and she doubted she could get back to sleep. Might as well get ready. She knew the Wonderbolts always got up early to train, so she figured she needed to get used to it. Maybe she’d be able to use the extra time to practice her new stunts. Maybe something involving the Buccaneer Blaze. She hadn’t done that in a while, and she wanted to make sure she could still do it.
Rainbow was just about to fix breakfast when she heard a quite knocking on the door (well, quieter then usual, for a cloud door). Fluttershy, she thought. What did she want at this hour?
Ignoring the empty feeling in her stomach for a moment, Rainbow went over to the door. Fluttershy, obviously expecting her to be asleep at this hour, was surprised when she opened the door to find her standing right in front of her.
“Oh! Hello, Rainbow Dash. Sorry to wake you up so early.”
Don’t worry about it,” Rainbow said. “I was already up, anyways.”
“Really?” Fluttershy knew her friend’s habits well. The only other time she could recall her being up this early was when there was a Wonderbolt performance in Fillydelphia.
“Weird, I know. I thought I heard somepony talking, but it must have just been my imagination.” Rainbow didn’t want to mention how real the voice sounded. Fluttershy was the type to worry too much about things like that.
“That’s strange,” Fluttershy said. “But, as long as you’re up, Twilight just got back today, and she said she wanted to talk about something. At Applejack’s place,” she added.
“Sure thing. Do you know when it is?”
“Right now... I think.”
“Well then, lets get going.”
The two of them flew at a leisurely pace, Rainbow Dash still trying to wake up her tired muscles. Twilight wasn’t the type to gather all her friends over just anything, and, judging from the tone of her voice, she guessed that Fluttershy was also curious as to just what Twilight wanted to talk about.
They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres at the same time as Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. Twilight was surprised to know that Rainbow was already awake when Fluttershy got to Rainbow’s cloud house, but she didn’t ask. Applejack had seen them coming, and was at the gate, ready to greet them.
“Howdy, girls!” Applejack said. “How did Canterlot treat ‘yah, Twilight? ‘Trewnt expecting you to be back so soon, to be honest.”
“Same here, actually,” Twilight said. “I’m glad to be back, and all, but it would have been nice to stay a little longer, and see how things have changed.”
“I hear yah. So, what are y’all doing here? ‘Ah ain’t in need of any help, with Applebucking done.”
“Actually, I was hoping to tell you all about the trip. Spike should be here any moment now with Rarity, and I’m a bit eager to get it all off my chest.”
“Is this all about that councilpony that summoned yah there in the first place? What did he want to talk about with you so badly, anyways?”
“That’s what I want to talk about,” Twilight told Applejack. “I’ll be happy to tell you all about it, as soon as Rarity gets here.”
“Present!” Rarity said. She had rounded the last curve in the path to Sweet Apple Acres, followed by an infatuated-looking Spike, who was, defying all logic (even Rainbow Dash knew that it didn’t make any sense), hovering a few feet above the ground, propelled by a rapidly spinning tail. Twilight was used to this behavior in her assistant, however, and only blinked when she saw the absurd sight. Besides, she had already seen stranger things from Pinkie Pie. Everypony has.
“Perfect timing,” Twilight said.
“When I heard you were back, and wanted to talk, I just HAD to come,” Rarity said. “It’s not everyday that one gets summoned by a pony from the Canterlot High Council, after all. Tell me everything,” she said suddenly, zipping up right next to her. “What was he wearing? Where did you two meet? Did he treat you to anything? What did he talk about? Was anypony else there? Where there any other councilponies? Don’t spare any detail!”
“Calm down, Rarity,” Applejack interjected, putting her hoove on her Rarity’s shoulder. “‘A’hm sure she’ll tell you all about, so stop pressuring her.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Rarity said. “I just got ahead of myself. I just don’t see why a councilpony would take such a special interest in Twilight... No offense,” she added hastily.
“None taken,” Twilight responded.
“So,” Rainbow said, “Now that we’re all here, why don’t you tell us what happened?” Even she couldn’t help but be a little curious. The entire thing reeked of secrecy, and she wanted to know what it all meant.
“I’ll be happy to,” Twilight said. “I think it’s for the best that you all know this.”
=====================================================================
Miles away, Barthandelus watched Twilight explain everything to her friends. Each of them listened without saying a word, absorbed in her tale.
Satisfied that they were listening, he walked over to one of the many papers on the wall. Every inch of it was covered in writing, though the language was unknown to most ponies. It posed no trouble for him, however.
A silver glow surrounded his horn. On the paper, all of the writing disappeared, to be replaced with a sketch of the six ponies in his crystal orb. It was incredibly detailed, even showing individual blades of grass and feathers on the wings of the two pegasi.
Barthandelus took the paper from the wall, and set purple fire to it. The magical flames would transport the ashes to his personal vault, where it would then reassemble, and be hid away from prying eyes.
Once again, he regretted having to manipulate the ponies like this. They could have had such bright futures, create wondrous marvels. But, he needed them to be ready. Dark times were ahead, he he needed them to be the perfect tools. What were six lives, compared to the world he loved?
The princesses would never approve of this kind of behavior from him, Barthandelus knew. They put such high value on free will, and hated the thought of such manipulation. If they only knew what he knew...
A sudden burst of noise from the crystal orb drew his attention. It appeared that the rainbow-maned pegasus, Rainbow Dash, had been somewhat angered by what she had learned. The other pegasus, Fluttershy, was trying to calm her down, to no avail. Twilight was standing her ground, to her benefit, while the other just watched in stunned interest.
Intrigued by this turn of events, Barthandelus watched patiently while events unfolded. He would need to learn everything he could, if he was to pull this off. Even the slightest detail could be crucial.
He was so tired of it all. He just wanted to rest...
=====================================================================
“Rainbow, just-”
“DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SAYING? HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE ANY OF THIS?”
Rainbow Dash had taken Twilight’s tale rather badly. She didn’t want to believe anything she heard. It was too much for her.
She chose to vent her anger and confusion onto Twilight. To her credit, Twilight didn’t back down, and insisted on trying to calm Rainbow down, which, in turn, only made her angrier. Fluttershy, seeing the state her friend was in, was doing her best to help Twilight calm her down, but she was too quite and soft-spoken to be able to help, much to her dismay.
“Rainbow, I know this is hard to believe,” Twilight said, “But I promise I’m not lying to you. This isn’t something I made up. You have to trust me.”
“THE ENTIRE THING MAKES NO SENSE! WHY IN EQUESTRIA WOULD CELESTIA KEEP SOMETHING LIKE THIS A SECRET? AND YOU EXPECT ME TO THINK THIS IS ALL TRUE?”
“Rainbow-” Fluttershy all but whispered.
“THIS IS STUPID!” Rainbow shouted. “I DON’T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS! I’M OUT OF HERE!”
Rainbow Dash sped off, flying in a random direction. Fluttershy made as to try and catch up with her, but a hoove on her shoulder stopped her.
“Leave her be, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “She just needs some time alone.”
“But-” Fluttershy tried to say.
“No, Applejack’s right,” Twilight said. “I know how she feels. She’s just scared. Give her time to think, and she’ll be alright.”
“If- if you say so,” Fluttershy said. “I just- she must be feeling awful.”
In truth, they all felt bad. Twilight realized that some small part of herself had been denying everything she had learned. With the telling of her story, that last part finally had to acknowledge it all, and the full force of it hit her. Everything she had learned, everything she believed, everything she thought she knew... how much of it was a lie? How much was just some cover-up?
Fluttershy was just as scared as Rainbow Dash must be. To think that somepony like that was out there... that something so terrible could take place... and that something so big could be hidden for all these years. And yet, she understood. This pony, this Barthandelus... he must have seen some terrible things in his lifetime to have affected him so. And to be witness to the downfall of his people... The pain he must be feeling... if only she could do something about it.
Rarity couldn’t believe what she had heard. And yet, she knew that it had to be true. Nopony could fool Twilight, to say nothing of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. And yet, if it was true... and she thought she knew about the royal family. True, she acknowledged that there were some things about them that she wouldn’t know about, but this? And this weapon, this fail safe... that something so powerful could be out there... it had to be destroyed.
Applejack was the least affected of the bunch, but that’s not to say that she didn’t have her own troubles with it, not at all. While she didn’t put much stock in magic, she knew enough to know that this Barthandelus meant trouble. Between the knowledge he held and his own alicorn magic powers, he could be one heck of a problem. Heck, he even admitted that some of the things he knew should be forgotten. Anypony so ready to admit that had to be troubled. But, she couldn’t help but to feel sorry for him at the same time. Applejack knew the pain that came with seeing somepony close to you die. It could only be worse for him, to have seen so many pass on.
Pinkie Pie, too, was affected by what she had learned. She had always been one to see the best in everything, but she had never encountered a story as sad as this one. An entire race... nearly dead. She wanted to cry, cry for all the lives lost, cry for the fallen race, cry for those that live no more. No. She needed to be happy. Happy for her friends. Happy, so they could be happy. She could cry later. Right now, her friends needed her. And she would never let a friend in need down.
“Come on, girls,” Pinkie said. “Ain't no use in just moping around all day! Twilight still hasn’t gotten her ‘Welcome Back’ party! Come on, I’ll make us a huge cake!”
Everyone lightened up at the thought of a Pinkie Pie party. She was right, after all. No use in just standing there, thinking about had happened. Celestia’s day was still young, after all. Smiling, they followed Pinkie Pie to Sugarcube Corner.
=====================================================================
Rainbow Dash was back home, pacing about. Of all the things she’s ever heard, this had to be the most stupid, ridiculous, far-fetched, feather-brained tale she had ever heard! Celestia would never keep something like that a secret. How could it even be possible, for somepony like this “Barthandelus”, to stay hidden? Surely somepony would have known about him. And, honestly, these “Keepers of History” sounded like some half-drunken fable. Did Twilight really think she could fool her like that?
These “Immortals”, they sounded too powerful to be real. Sure, there was Celestia and Luna, and they were supposedly two of these “Immortals”, but they couldn’t possibly be that powerful. Sure, it must take a lot of magic to raise the sun and moon, but for them to be powerful enough to threaten the entire world? Heck, such violence just didn’t sound like them in the first place. And not having any emotions? How was that even possible? How do you learn emotions? Not to mention this “gift of magic”. Unicorns have always had magic. And besides, if the “Immortals” were so powerful in the first place, how come there’s only three left? Why would they be afraid of us? Why ever need something like this fail safe? And, even as powerful as they supposedly are, how could they have made the Elements of Harmony?
As she calmed down, she realized that she was being too harsh about this. As crazy as it sounded to her, it made sense. Twilight wouldn’t lie to them, and she wasn’t so easily fooled. Either this “Barthandelus” character was a master liar, or it was all true. No, it couldn’t be the former. Twilight, maybe, but Celestia? Nopony could fool Celestia, not in her own palace, of all places. It had to be true. But how? How was something like this kept secret for so long? WHY was it kept a secret for so long?
Rainbow didn’t like it, but she had to face the fact that everything Twilight had told them had been true. She remembered how she had treated her, how she had shouted at her because she couldn’t face the truth that was presented to her. How could she have been so angry? Twilight had only been trying to help her understand. And Fluttershy... she had been trying to calm her down... but she had been too angry to listen. Oh, the two of them must be feeling terrible, and all because of her. She had to apologize, right away.
Rainbow sped out of her cloud house. She knew that Pinkie had wanted to throw Twilight a party when she got back. The others, including Fluttershy and Twilight, would most likely be at Sugarcube Corner. Sure enough, she saw Twilight and the others enter the building. She nearly flew in after them, but hesitated. How would she do it? She had been such a jerk to them, after all. Would they even want to see her again, so soon? Maybe she should just wait a while, catch up to them after the party. She certainly didn’t feel like a party right now. She should probably just wait...
Pony up, Rainbow Dash, she thought to herself. All you have to do is walk in there and apologize. How hard could that be? You only shouted at Twilight, calling her a liar. Even though she was probably just as troubled over this as you are. And you completely ignored Fluttershy, your best friend since fillyhood. No big deal, right? Ooh, how am I going to do this?
She decided that she needed to stop thinking about this, and get it over with. Rainbow Dash flew down until she was right in front of the door. With a final sigh, she steeled herself, and entered.
Pinkie Pie and Spike could be heard in the kitchen, baking any number of sweets and goodies. The scent coming form the kitchen was simply wonderful, and Rainbow had to suppress the desire to drool. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Twilight could be seen sitting at one of the tables, talking. When she entered, they all turned to look at her. She nearly wimped out then and there, but she forced herself to approach them.
“Twilight, Fluttershy,” she said, doing her best not to tremble of run away. “I- I just wanted to say... to say that I’m-”
A gentle hoove to her mouth silenced her. Fluttershy was there, giving her the sweetest look she’d ever seen.
“It’s okay,” Fluttershy said. “We understand. We forgive you.”
“She’s right,” Twilight said. “You were scared, and you needed something to vent your fear and anger on. It’s completely okay. Everypony does it.”
A smile formed on Rainbow’s face, and her eyes shined with suppressed tears. “Thanks, girls,” she said, her voice shaking her relief and joy. “I was so worried you were going to be mad at me, and that you wouldn’t want to see me-”
“We’ll always be glad to have you as our friend,” Fluttershy said. “Even if you say mean things, we know you don’t mean any of it.”
“Thank you,” was all Rainbow could say before she embraced Fluttershy and Twilight in a fierce hug. The others joined in, and soon all of them, even Pinkie, who must have overheard them and took a break from her baking, were engaged in a group hug, smiling, happy to be together.
Soon, the sound of laughter could be heard from inside the building. Pinkie was all but inhaling the cake she had made (strawberry frosting, she had eventually decided on), while Applejack and Rainbow Dash were engaged in hoof-wrestling. Twilight and Spike were talking about something, though Rainbow couldn’t hear what they were saying, and Fluttershy was with Gummy, who was biting her in various places. Luckily for her, Gummy didn’t have any teeth, so it didn’t hurt at all.
At 9:00 A.M., they went their ways. Pinkie needed to get ready to open shop, and Rainbow had to get ready for weather duty, as Ponyville was due for a light shower. Rarity was nearly finished with the dresses she needed to make, but she still needed to be ready for anypony that wanted a new dress, or needed one repaired. Fluttershy had her animals to attend to, Twilight had her books, and Applejack was busy with whatever came up at her farm.
As they exited, Rainbow turned around to face Fluttershy and Twilight.
“Listen, girls,” she said, “I want to thank you for being so understanding. It was just so much to take in, and I guess I let my emotions take over me.”
“Not a problem at all,” Twilight said. “What are friends for?”
Rainbow smiled. “I am so lucky to have you two as my friends.”
“And we’re lucky to have you as ours,” Fluttershy said. “We’ll always be there for you.”
The three of them had one last hug, then Rainbow went to get ready for the shower. The smile never left her face, just as Fluttershy and Twilight kept theirs for the rest of the day.
=====================================================================
Barthandelus had a sad smile on his face. It was so heartwarming, to see such good friends. If only he had such good friends.
Alas, his life was a lonely one, due in no small part to his own efforts. Between his work and the knowledge he had, he didn’t allow anypony to grow close to him, or vice versa. It was hard, to know what he knew, and to know so much about those he knew. He couldn’t allow himself to grow attached.
“Nusquam permaneo forever, nusquam subsisto idem eadem idem. Dico mihi it's non super, dico mihi it's non perfectus.”
Barthandelus chanted this to himself. As always, it lifted the pain and sorrow from his heart, allowing him to return to his work. He still had much to do, if his plan was going to work.
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 10 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-12-03T02:06:35+00:00
| 699 |
After Twilight’s party, the week passed with few points of note. The county fair came and went, and a traveling pony passed on through without a word, but otherwise, it was just another week.
Unless you bothered to take note of six ponies in particular. While, to the wandering eye, they acted just as they usually did, a trained eye could detect a subtle anxiety underlining their actions. They were expecting somepony, and it showed in mysterious ways.
Twilight Sparkle was reading many books, which was to be expected, or course, but, if you looked closely, you might detect a hint of a frown, and a calculating look in her eyes. She was on the lookout for tiny inconsistencies, misplaced details, anything that could hint at some hidden force at play.
Rainbow Dash would practice her various tricks slightly more often then usual. If you were fast enough to keep up with her, you might catch a glimpse of suppressed fear and anger in her eyes as she practiced. She put herself into her tricks, and would often finish exhausted, sometimes with a pulled muscle even.
Pinkie Pie made sure to give everything she made that extra-special touch. Her smile was bigger, her grin wider, and she acted more random then usual. It could easily be put off as her being Pinkie Pie. However, if you happened to be near Sugarcube Corner late at night, and if your ears were good enough, you might catch the faint sound of somepony crying. If you looked close enough at her eyes, you might detect a slight puffiness.
Rarity would be somewhat more meticulous in the dresses she made. Her eye for detail would work extra hard, and she would fret over any subtle error she found. This would result in her dresses having that extra bit of fashion, and trained connoisseurs would be willing to pay that extra few bits for the gowns and dresses and robes.
Applejack would often be seen just watching her apple orchard. Sure, she didn’t really have much to do, with harvest season over, but she was a pony of action. While she did enjoy just looking at the result of her hard work, she was doing so more then usual. Her brother, Big Mac, noticed, but he knew not to say anything. If she wanted to talk about something, she’d come to him first.
Fluttershy would worry more often, and she took extra care over her animals. They got better quicker, and she would smile just a bit longer then usual before moving on to the next patient. Only Angel, her best animal friend, noticed the subtle change in her usual behavior, and he would act a bit more protective, and listen to her more then usual. He knew that she was stressed, and he didn’t want to cause anymore problems for her then he had to. Fluttershy took note of his good behavior, and would spend more time with him, though she didn’t talk about what she had learned.
On the final day of the week, Twilight had just finished yet another book on Equestria history, and had not found anything that would hint at a conspiracy. With each book read, her fear lessened slightly, but it was not enough to get her to stop. She was just about to get another book when Ditzy Doo, the mailmare, knocked on her door. Frowning a bit because of the distraction, yet glad to see the ever-cheerful, cross-eyed pegasus, she went and opened the door.
“Special delivery for Twilight Sparkle!” Ditzy said, before sticking her head in her bags. She brought out the usual mail, and, strangely, a package from Canterlot. Twilight levitated them from her, then gave Ditzy a tip.
“Thanks for the delivery,” Twilight said.
“Muffins!” Ditzy responded, giving her trade-mark cross-eyed smile before going on her way.
Twilight gave a smile before closing the door to the library. She knew that many ponies would tease Ditzy, often calling her “Derpy Hooves," due to her eyes and the way she would act. Sure, she would often get lost and crash into things, but she was easily one of the kindest, bravest ponies she had ever met, and sometimes, Ditzy would show an unusual, remarkable intelligence. Twilight made a point of always calling her by her proper name, and never teasing her, and it showed in the mailmare eyes whenever they met.
Turning her attention to the mail, she quickly sorted through the usual junk mail and magazine subscriptions (sign ONE subscription to Science and Magic Monthly, and suddenly, every magazine in Equestria wants you to sign theirs), then returned her eyes to the package.
It was covered in some strange script, from which she detected the familiar aura of magic. It must be enchanted, possibly to blow up in case somepony other then her tried to open it. Instead of a return address, it had a simple, stylized “B”.
Knowing who it was from, she carefully open the package. As soon as she touched it, the script flashed, and she feared that she had set off the trap, but then it disappeared. Defiantly enchanted. Barthandelus took no chances, it seemed.
Once she had done away with the packaging, she was left with a book, titled “The First War”. She had never heard of it before. When she flipped the cover, she found a short message written on the title page.
I’ll be here tomorrow, it said. Gather the Elements. Look for the black pegasus.
B.
Tomorrow. Good. Twilight had gathered a lot of questions over the week, and she wanted them answered. She knew that her friends would want to see Barthandelus for themselves, and they would have questions of their own.
Twilight didn’t waste any time. She quickly found her friends, and told them about the message in the book. They would all come to the library, and see Barthandelus with their own eyes. Rainbow Dash looked eager, and even Fluttershy seem excited about it. Twilight just hoped that nothing would happen to make him angry. The dream she had still haunted her.
===============================
===============================
The next day found Twilight and her friends gathered in the library. While the others were content to just wait and talk, Rainbow Dash was pacing around restlessly. It had only been ten minutes, but Rainbow had never been a patient one, and, coupled with anxiety and her thoughts about who she was about to meet, it made every second spent waiting agonizingly long.
When they heard the knock on the door, Twilight went and answered it. As expected, it was a black pegasus, with blue eyes and haggard wings, and an hourglass for a cutie mark.
More then a few of the inhabitants of Ponyville were staring at the odd pegasus at the library. Black was an extremely rare color for ponies, and they were often thought to be harbingers of evil and chaos. The fact that Nightmare Moon had had a black coat certainly didn't help.
Twilight ushered the pegasus in before anything bad could happen. The citizens of Ponyville were very superstitious folks, and there was no telling what they would do to him. Although, knowing who he is, Twilight doubted that they could actually hurt him. She was more worried about what would he would do to them.
As soon as the door was closed, a flash came from the pegasus, and Barthandelus stood where the pegasus once stood. Fluttershy let out a yelp when she saw the tall figure before the six of them, and ducked behind the nearest couch.
"Glad to see you're all here," Barthandelus said. "My apologies for the subterfuge, but I would rather avoid any unwanted trouble from the local populace."
"Cut to the chase," Rainbow abrubtly said, suddenly right in his face. "Why did you want to see us about, anyways?"
A hint of amusment showed in his eyes. "Quick to the point, eh, Rainbow? I must say, such bluntness is refreshing. Usually, ponies that know me do their best to stay on my good side. Especially after a show of my powers."
All the others caught the hint, but Rainbow, hard-headed as she could be, only seem to grow more agitated. "Get to the point! Why did you want to see us?"
"Merely checking up on the Elements," Barthandelus said. "I must say, when we made them, no one expected for them to turn out the way they did. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that they have minds of their own, even."
"I also didn't expect for them to be able to bond to ponies," he contuined, not giving Rainbow a chance to speak. "But I have to admit, it turned out for the better, in the end. They help you more then you might think, you know. What you all did with them to Nightmare Moon and Discord are quite comendible, but there is so much more to them then that."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"I'd be plenty happy to tell you more," Barthandelus told Rainbow Dash, now getting annoyed, "But, if I'm to get an accurate estimation of their effects on each of you as individuals, I'll need to meet you all alone."
"Not a chance!" Rainbow Dash said. "How do I know that you're not just trying to get us alone to take the Elements for yourself?"
"My dear Rainbow, if that was what I came here for, I would have gotten it over with already."
The glow of his horn was barely visible, a faint, silver glimmer. Rainbow Dash was completly paralyzed, unable to even blink, her eyes frozen in a challanging glare. She dropped down on the floor, impacting with a soft thud. Fluttershy nearly fainted, and all the others could only gawk at the sight. A paralysis spell like that would take a lot out of the average unicron, yet Barthandelus had done it with barely any effort.
"I hate having to use my power like that," Barthandelus said, a bitter sorrow in his voice. "Displays like that are the mark of tyrants, and I am NOT a tyrant. Now, Applejack, would you be kind enough to come with me? Twilight, the spell should be simple enough for you to dismantle on your own."
|
Midnight Moon
|
876
| 11 |
Dark,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy
|
Third Immortal: Nights Redemption
|
An old friend. A dying breed. An ancient secret. The Nightmare Curse.
|
hiatus
| 11 | 3 |
<p>A.N.<br /><br />Story On Hiatus again, as I work on another project.<br /><br /><br /><br />Even after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, many ponies still hold a grudge against Luna, claiming her responsible for the dark things the night brings out, both in nature and in other ponies. When an old friend of the sisters comes to visit, he intends to set things straight. But what lengths will he be willing to go to help an old friend?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2012-01-27T16:51:39+00:00
| 442 |
Honesty... The power of the truth... To be able and willing to tell those around you what they need to know, even if it hurts them... Because, even when the truth hurts, it can never hurt more then to lie to those you care for...
"Applejack," Barthandelus said, mostly to himself. "Hard-working, proprietor of Sweet Apple Acres, one of the most faithful dependable ponies to be found anywhere in Equestria. Bearer of the Element of Honesty."
"That ah ahm!" Applejack said. She didn't quite trust the alicorn speaking to her. Freezing Rainbow Dash like he had, it made him look like a bully in her eyes. Then again, Rainbow had had it coming. That girl had always been temperamental, and if Barthandelus was even half as powerful as she thought, she was lucky to have gotten off so easily.
"I've heard that you don't put much faith in magic," Barthandelus said. "It strikes me as rather strange, considering who you're friends with."
"Ah ain't saying that magic ain't mighty useful, but ah think it's better to do things with your own two hooves."
"I agree completely, to be honest. It's just that some things can't be done with just physical labor. Nothing in your line of business, but it is an absolute necessity in my work."
"And just what is that, anyways?" Applejack asked. "Twilight said it was something to do with recording what goes on in Equestria, but just what do you do with all that?"
"Predictions."
"Say what?"
"Have you ever went to a carnival and had your fortune told?" Barthandelus said. "The so-called mystics say they can tell you your future with their crystal orbs, or tea leaves, or your hooveprints, or whatever they can come up with. Balderdash, every last one of them. The future has no set course. There are far too many variables involved. Time, wind, mood, the position of the sun, moon, and stars, other ponies. Heck, even the act of predicting the future changes the future. I deal with potential futures."
"For example, what would have happened if your friend Rainbow Dash had never accomplished the Sonic Rainboom that day, long ago? What of you never defeated Nightmare Moon? What if your brother Big Mac had never gotten injured during last years Applebucking Season? What if you had been successful in selling your apples at the Gala? Any number of things could have happened during any number of events during your life. My domain is the monitoring of the flow of time, to make sure that events unfold in the best possible manner... even if it doesn't seem so at the time."
"Well," Applejack said, "If that's what you do, then how come bad things happen anyways?"
"Ponies have to learn. If there is no sorrow, there is no joy. If there is no bad, there is no good. Only through conflict is there growth. Besides, there will come a time when I will no longer be able to continue my duties. When that day comes, ponies, zebras, griffons, and buffalo, and all the others out there, will have to be able to live on their own, and do what must be done."
"Ah' think ah' understand," Applejack said. "But what do you mean, when we have to 'do what must be done'?"
A look of extreme sorrow immediately overtook Barthandelus' face, his sadness palpable in the small side room. Applejack regretted saying what she did, even if she didn't know just what about it made him like this. She went over to his side, but he outstretched his wings, preventing her from getting any closer.
"No," he said. "Don't. It will only make it harder. Besides, there is one more thing I must tell you. Or rather, show you, if you so wish."
"What do you mean?" Applejack asked.
"Like I said," Barthandelus told her, "My domain is the flow of time and potential futures. I've developed a spell that allows me to show others what their lives could have turned out like. I must warn you, though, that some of the things that you may see may disturb you. You may find out things about yourself that you didn't want to know. It is up to you, but be warned, I have little control over what you may see."
That frightened the orange earth pony somewhat, but she never backed down from a challenge. She was curious as to what she would see, how her life might have turned out. And when she set her mind to something, there was little that could stop her.
"Show me," Applejack told him. "I'm not afraid. Show me what you will. I'm ready."
A grin slowly creeped up on Barthandelus' face. "Such bravery is commendable. That will be invaluable, in the times to come. But beware, for the line between bravery and foolishness is one often crossed."
Applejack was about to ask to ask him what he meant, but then he started an incantation. It was unusual
"O piedra arenisca de vicis, umquam liquidus, audio vestri vinco placitum. Ostendo nos un visum de posterus preteritus. Ostendo nos un universitas haber estado."
Without warning, Applejack's eyes glazed over, her vision shifting to somewhere deep inside her. Although part of her knew that she was still in the library, she felt as if she was hurtling through space and time.
Slowly, images began to form from the blackness. It was faint at first, but they slowly grew stronger. They fought for her attention, and she could only focus on one for a second, but that was enough.
Applejack and her friends were arguing. Though she couldn't make out the words, she remembered this from the Discord fiasco. The six of them ran away from each other...
She was in Manehatten. She was dressed up much like her Aunt Orange, with a pompous wig and outfit. She was looking at the picture of home she had brought with her when she went. She gave a look of distaste, then threw the picture in the trash...
She was at the Iron Chef competition in Canterlot. Her apple cake had won her the title of Iron Chef, and with the million bits in prize money, she could afford for all sorts of renovations back at the farm. Her friends were cheering wildly for her, even Pinkie Pie, who had won second place...
She was with her parents. In reality, they had died when she was even littler then Applebloom, but here, they were alive. Here, they were able to help her the the applebucking. Here, they were there when she needed to talk, or to cry. Here, they could watch as little Applebloom finally got her Cutie Mark...
Applejack was back at the library. Barthandelus was giving her a quizzical look. With a start, she realized that her legs were shacking violently. With a surge of pride, she stilled herself.
“Well,” Barthandelus said, “You seemed to have fared better then most do. I hope there wasn’t anything too disturbing.”
“My parents were there,” Applejack said, unable to keep the tremble from her voice. “They could still be alive. Why not? Why did they have to die?”
“Thousands of reasons. For example, as long as they were alive, you wouldn’t have direct access to the Apple Family fortune. Your brother, Big Macintosh, wouldn’t have grown to be as physically strong. You never would have gone to Manehatten, so you would have had to gain your Cutie Mark another way, which would change the Cutie Mark story you told to Applebloom and her friends, causing the lesson they learned to have changed. That would have been bad. The three of them need to-”
“Now hold on a minute! You leave mah’ little ‘sis outta all this!”
“That is no longer in my power,” Barthandelus said. “The six of you have a great destiny ahead of you. So great, in fact, that you’re affecting other’s fates by the mere fact that you know them, and they know you. They are chained to you, and not even I can change that.”
“And what do you mean by that? You obviously had a role in our lives. Why can’t you change theirs?”
“Because they have wills of their own. No matter what I may change, their knowledge of you would change their actions from what they might have chosen otherwise.”
“How can I put this?” Barthandelus paused to think for a bit. “The moment the six of you took up the Elements of Harmony, you became like magnets. You attracted those around you, shifting their future. Even now, their fates are changing because of you. While everypony can affect the fates of those they know, only the six of you can do so on such a mass scale. Even if you all disappeared, their paths had already been altered. Without true control over time, there is nothing I can do about it, even if I wanted to. Besides, each and every one of them has a part to play, if my plan is to succeed.”
“And just what is this plan of yours, anyways?” Applejack asked.
“That is something I cannot tell you. But know this, Applejack, Element of Honesty: If it fails, Equestria as we know it will cease to exist."
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 1 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-12T22:53:03+00:00
|
2012-01-12T22:53:03+00:00
| 14,627 |
Twilight Sparkle stepped out of the autumn rain and into her home, stopping only to wipe her hooves and shake her coat. She heard Spike talking to someone and the clinking of cups as she stopped to step out of her rubber galoshes and remove her rainhat.
”Spike!” she called. ”Spike, do we have guests?” The little dragon came out in the hall holding a steaming teapot.
”Hiya Twilight! Yeah, Luna is here! Come in and sit down and have a cup of tea.” He darted back into the room.
”Luna? Princess Luna? Yeah, sure! You're such a kidder, Spike.” She laughed at the thought of the Moon Princess turning up in the rain unannounced. Celestia (oh yes, to a degree that unnerved her young student greatly) loved to appear incognito and out of nowhere and cause heart attacks. Princess Luna, however, liked responsibility, thrived on attention, and breathed formality just as much as Twilight herself did, traits that had only grown stronger as she recuperated from her horrible exile.
So Twilight almost swallowed her tongue when she followed Spike and found that the Ruler of The Night Court was indeed there, lying on the couch, sipping tea, covered with a blanket with hearts on it and – Twilight's heart stopped – reading one of Spike's comic books, a box of more comics at her feet.
”Welcome back, Lady Sparkle!” said Luna and smiled as she put down her reading material. ”I trust you didn't get too wet!”
Twilight trembled as she bowed, and then stepped up to the Princess of the Night, blubbering.
”Your Highness, I didn’t – I wasn't – I – I couldn't...”
Luna made shushing motions with her hooves. ”You didn't know I was coming, so you couldn't hurry your errands. You didn't know I was coming because I didn't tell you, Lady Sparkle. So you have committed no error.”
”Should I bring you a paper bag?" Spike said as he placed a cup and saucer on the table and poured her tea. "It always helps me when I am hyperventilating.”
Twilight caught her breath and bowed again. ”It's a pleasure to see you, Your Highness. And thanks, Spike.”
”The same – it has been too long!" said Luna. "Please be seated!”
Twilight hesitated. Spike sighed. ”It's your table, Twilight. You are allowed to sit at it!”
She bowed again and did. Spike picked up the teacup he had filled and held it in the air. ”Now please grab it with your magic, Twilight, or I will drop it and destroy yet more of your mom's china.” Twilight was going to protest but thought better of it, grabbed the cup telekinetically and sipped the warm tea. She sighed again, deeply.
”Better now?” Princess Luna asked. Twilight nodded. ”Good. How did your errands go? Fine?” Twilight nodded again.
“We’ve started bringing books to the homes of ponies that can’t make it to the library, but still want to borrow them,” she said. “It’s handled by mail, but there are a couple of elderly ponies who live nearby so I walk to them instead.”
”Is this is a much-asked for service?” said Luna.
Twilight grinned sheepishly. ”Not many use the public library at all, and most of those are a bit older – or little kids!" she said. "Why do you think they put a graduate student here as a librarian, Your Highness, if not because they didn't think there was much library work to be done?”
Spiked drank from his own cup (he was having cocoa) and said:”Maybe because they figured her assistant would do all the work?”
Twilight glared at him and Luna chuckled very gracefully.
“Anyway, Your Highness, there aren’t that many who need it, so I can hardly say no to those who do," Twilight said. "But tell me, are you really here to investigate Ponyville’s public library?” Luna smiled enigmatically and sipped her tea daintily.
“Because if you are, I h-have statistics for its use and a report on the economy, and you can compare with last year, Your Highness…” Twilight said anxiously and started to rise to fetch the papers mentioned. Luna shook her royal head.
“No, Lady Sparkle, that’s an issue for the Mayor. I am here on a different business.” She set down her teacup and rose. Twilight tried to get to her feet as well, but the princess pushed her down. “Oh, remain seated!” She placed her front legs on Twilight’s shoulders as she leaned on her and held her muzzle just above Twilight’s increasingly nervous eyes.
“I owe you, you and the other Elements of Harmony," Luna said. "Not just for saving me from exile and damnation, but also for helping me after I came back. Of all ponies alive, I can count only on you as friends, not servants or subjects. You showed me the way back to equinity before depression could claim me. For this I am ever grateful – and because of this I trust you deeply.”
Twilight blushed and started to feel sweaty under the steady gaze of the Ruler of the Night Court. She knew that during the last couple of years since the Elements of Harmony had defeated Nightmare Moon, they had indeed probably been the only ponies the princess had associated with in any normal fashion. That couldn’t be all, though.
“I'm glad to hear it, but I I've heard it before, Your Highness, and while I don’t mind praise, or actually I do, because it makes me nervous, so I start babbling and, and don’t say anything useful, and I start to sweat a lot, and…” Twilight tried to steady her mind and her mane.
“I am merely explaining my reasoning, why I once again need to ask you a favor that only you can perform, Lady Sparkle,” Luna retreated a bit, yet remained standing while Twilight sat. “I am going on a diplomatic mission and need assistance. I want a friend to accompany me, not just some retainer, and out of the Elements of Harmony I think you would be most suitable.”
“But I'm no diplomat, Your Highness," said Twilight. I'm a scholar, and haven’t even graduated yet! “ Luna shook her head.
“I have diplomats aplenty assigned to this mission – and guards and servants, oh yes," she said. "And a whole gaggle of courtiers Celestia insists follow us – I am not sure whether she hopes they will be lost on the way so she gets rid of them, or she just wants them away from court to do less damage there…” It was Twilight’s turn to smile at the moon princess, who had started to pace the room with a frown. “I need a confidante I can trust, someone to talk to while making decisions, while digesting impressions.”
“But why me of all the Elements?" said Twilight. "Why not all of us? We are all your trustworthy friends.”
“Because the journey will take a couple of months. You all have lives and careers to take care of, but yours is the most mobile," said Luna. "You can still study, and even see this journey as a project. Diplomacy is about nations remaining friends, after all. Furthermore, I cannot bring too many as my private entourage, or important nobles will throw hissy fits.” She grinned. “And you said yourself the library you manage isn’t much used.”
“I suppose it would be bad for the winter apple harvest if Applejack just up and disappeared right now… and Rarity said Sweetie Belle was supposed to live with her for the whole school year because of their parents' business travel…” Twilight rubbed her chin with her hoof then suddenly glared at Luna. "You had us investigated to find out our plans?”
“Guilty as charged. I wanted to know before I made my decision. And my decision is that you are most suited to follow me,” Luna said and looked somberly at Twilight at first, then pouted, widened her eyes and tilted her head to the right. “Pleaaaaaaaaase come with me! Pleaaaaaaaaase!” Twilight cringed.
”Urgh, you have taken lessons from Rarity, Your Highness!" she said. "Oh, whatever, I’ll follow you! Just please, don’t look that cute!”
Luna laughed and stomped her hooves on the floor to show her approval. “Oh, thanks so much!”
“It will probably be fun, anyway,” mused Twilight. ”To travel as Your Highness’… what am I, technically? Friend? Pal? Companion?”
”Companion,” snorted Spike, ”sounds like you were her coltfriend or something.” Twilight and Luna both blushed.
“Formally, you will be my hoofmaiden… that will suit us best when it comes to protocol and such, I think,” said Luna.
“What does a hoofmaiden do?” said Spike.
“Uhm, I guess I will be, well, dressing Princess Luna and, well, comb her hair and mane, run errands…” Twilight waved her hoof vaguely in the air.
“Giggle demurely with her behind fans?” suggested Spike, mimicked what he meant, and had to dodge a telekinetically thrown couch pillow. Luna did giggle demurely, but lacked a fan.
“Look,” said Spike “we're all missing the most important issue.” The two ponies turned to him. “Where are we going on this mission anyway? Because I assume I get to go with you, alright?”
“You can go if it's okay with Princess Luna,” said Twilight more or less exactly at the same time as Luna said “You can go if it is alright with Lady Sparkle.” They looked at each other and laughed.
“Of course you can come!” said Twilight and nuzzled him. “I'll need an assistant to be able to giggle demurely behind my fan! But where are we going?” Luna suddenly grew far more serious and started pacing the room again.
“We are going to Tarandroland," she said. "I am sure you have heard about the recent pirate raids in the news?” Twilight shook her head and looked embarrassed.
”I often miss the news, unless they're local – and I get the local ones through Pinkie Pie, not the media…” she said.
“Pirates! That sounds cool. But where’s Tarandroland?” asked Spike.
Luna sighed and made an almost imperceptible gesture. In the air appeared a floating map of Equestria, made of shimmering aether.
“During the last months, more and more pirate ships from Tarandroland have struck northwestern Equestria, mostly against small coastal villages and single farms,” Luna said. The map showed miniature longships, moving over the sea and touching the coast in dozens of places. “The reindeer that live in and rule Tarandroland were once fierce raiders, but that was long ago – back before my exile. In modern times, it is just that the northwestern sea has a little more piracy than other places – up until now, when there has been a huge increase.” The map zoomed out, and the ships were clearly shown coming from a large island to the furthest north, which seem to be covered in dark forests, snow and ice. It then zoomed in on one of the longships. It was filled with grim reindeer.
“In those bad old days, they would have carried the villagers away into thralldom, but thankfully that has changed. The raiders simply stole what wares they could find and sailed off again,” said Luna. The picture changed to burning villages, with reindeer running with saddlebags full of goods back to their ships.
“I thought pirates carried off gold and gems” said Spike and frowned. Luna smiled grimly.
“I am sure they took that if they found any, but after the first raids ponies saw that if they didn’t resist they weren’t hurt, so when the ships were coming they simply ran off inland and took their bits and jewelry with them," Luna explained. "The pirates had to settle for refined foods and drink, clothes, machines and electronics. And if no one resisted them the only thing they burnt was the boats – so no one could follow them.”
“Wait,” said Spike “isn’t there a navy? Not here in Ponyville, I mean, but Equestria has one, right?”
“It is very small,” Luna sighed. “Its ships are big and decrepit, and the pirates are much more mobile.”
“So is Tarandroland… going to war with us?!” Twilight was astonished. Equestria hadn’t been at war for a very long time, and if she remembered correctly Tarandroland was a small, poor country which had nothing whatsoever against Equestria – not who you think would start a war.
“No – unlike the raids of yore, these are not the housedeer, the sworn bucks of the King of Tarandroland," Luna said.. "They are simple thieves who happen to have their bases on reindeer lands. It’s easy to hide in the many fjords of the coast.” Luna’s magical map illustrated the process. “The King, Ukko, refuses to do anything about them, though. That’s the problem.” The map disappeared.
“My sister and I don’t know whether King Ukko doesn’t want to help, cannot help, is forced not to help, or what else is going on," Luna said. "We decided to send this delegation to talk with him and his herd personally.” Luna looked down. “I had long begged my sister to be allowed to do work outside Equestria, like I used to, before… but while she agreed for me to go this time, I am pretty sure I am only there as a threat, and she expects the diplomats to do the real work.”
“Why is that?” said Twilight. “Doesn’t Celestia trust you?” Luna sighed.
“Maybe," said Luna. "Or maybe it is just that it has been more than a millennium since I last visited Tarandroland. I have tried these last years to catch up with pony history. I haven’t been doing that for other peoples.” She summoned up the map again, its magical animations illustrating her words. “Last time I was active in international politics, the donkeys were just about to establish a sea empire. Both they, us and the camels were still keeping slaves, can you imagine that? The griffons still ate pony meat! The qi-rin didn’t let anyone inside their kingdom at all, because they thought other beings were literally poisonous, and a unified hippocampus nation still existed.” The magical images which had entranced Twilight and Spike disappeared. “All that is gone now. All changed. Changed forever.”
”With ’threat’ Celestia means you are an immortal super-pony, right? She wouldn’t be so rude as to mean... Nightmare Moon?” Spike almost whispered the last words and looked very worried.
”I hope it is not so, but there more to it than being ‘an immortal super-pony’ like in your comic books, Spike," said Luna. "In Equestria, anyone who can travel to Canterlot can meet me and my sister, in person – well, after some red tape. We are revered, sometimes loved, sometimes feared, and people can guess the extent of our powers, our divinity… but we are not worshipped as such,” Luna said. “It is different in other lands, where our work is visible but rarely we ourselves. There people either think we are a myth – or they worship us. In Tarandroland there are literal temples to my sister and me… more of the former, I suspect, but anyway.”
“So Celestia intends for those courtier-guys to say to King Reindeer: ‘Look, we have the goddess Luna and we aren’t afraid to use her, give us back our stuff?’” said Spike.
Luna smiled again. “Something like that. But the reindeer call me Hrimfaxi.”
If you read a tourist brochure for a place like Sarvvik, it will claim that “time has stood still.” This is, of course, a lie. When writers use that phrase, it means that they have run out of something to write, at the same time as the pictures they have been given to work with remind them of the foggy memories they have of history from sleeping through class and watching Foalywood costume dramas. What is true is that Sarvvik has more traces of its history than, say, downtown Fillydelfia, mostly because rebuilding stuff costs money. The temple was one such trace.
Originally it had been painted blue and black on rune-covered fir logs that rose above their surroundings, but the paint had been worn away and repainted many times, and then there was no money for repainting it, and sickly-looking lichen and moss crept all over it. The high birch-bark roof had had its beams of wood replaced more times than the birch-bark (any reindeer carpenter will tell you, birch-bark lasts forever) but now all of it was rotten and warped. It’s most striking feature, however, were the antlers.
The walls of the temple had an immense amount of reindeer antlers heaped upon them. The oldest ones were still connected to reindeer skulls, such as those hanging from the pillars at the gate. The newer ones, thousands of them, were simply antlers cast-off when the season comes. They were so many that a daring reindeer could have clambered over them up on the roof. Somedeer had probably tried, since they seemed to have collapsed several times. The heap on the back of the temple, facing the river, had fallen down into it, and water ran over it at the end. The old, withering antlers added their own essence to the already rather polluted river, which gave Sarvvik harbor its special color, fragrance and charm.
The temple was not alone on the street, at what had once been the furthest of city limits, but its company was not very pleasant. This quarter only held those business held to be unsanitary (like lichenbrew distilleries, undertakers, and garbage collectors), immoral (like shady bars, gambling halls, and fences), or both (like telemarketers). It wasn’t that the temple had been forced to this place for being considered uncouth – it was the temple’s presence that had made the place what it was, slowly, slowly, as reindeer feared and avoided this quarter of the city.
The decoration inside, if not the temple doctrine, could make such fear and avoidance understandable. The pillars were carved with not just runes of praise and protection, but with images of various beings – of carrion-eaters like the wolf and the crow, of nocturnal beings like the owl and the bat, of venomous creatures like the toad and the viper. The roof had once been painted gaily to show the heavenly bodies, but the paint had flaked away. Once, great silver and crystal orbs had hung from it together with bones and horn, but the silver and crystal had long been pawned off for direly needed money, and only yellow bone and withering horn now dangled in the draft. The draft came from the temple doors being so warped, that they could not be closed properly.
On the old granite blocks that formed the temple stairs sat a young vaja, a female reindeer, so young she was almost still a calf. She had her first antlers, however, and hence considered herself a “grown-up”. Her dress could have made the writers for the theoretical tourist brochure begin babbling about “time standing still” again. While most normal reindeer these days used shawls and scarves in a modern, clearly Equestrian-influenced fashion, this vaja wore a traditional cotton-grass shawl, and she had old-fashioned silver jewelry hanging from her slim antlers and in her ears. Said ears were cut in the old fashion, to show her herd, sire and dam.
The exact design of her outfit was more primal than traditional, however. Her shawl was a deep purple and dotted with stars. In her silver jewelry hung lemming bones and snow bunting skulls. She had painted her face like coquettish vaja did, but not with the common eye-shadow and rouge – no, she had a wide black band across her eyes like an easy-to-carry bandit mask, and black moon-sickles on her haunches (which tended to rub off on the sheets, so she always showered before bed). To further confuse what time period she represented, causing the theoretical writer to toss his quill and parchment and go out for a drink, she was chewing gum and playing a Gamecolt.
Inside the temple, in the Sanctum Sanctorum, the holy of holies, sat a very old vaja in near-darkness, only illuminated by a flickering pale light, and drummed. It was not an energetic drumming, and it did not make music – it was more like her version of the temple-fawn chewing gum. Her rheumy, filmed-over eyes stared as her front hooves tapped on the old rune-covered drum, and from her slightly drooling muzzle came a mumbled chant, like a low drone from a narcoleptic bumblebee. She stopped as it struck her and breathed in deeply and sharply to gain air for a shout of joy. The young vaja looked up from her game at the wild hollering and cantered into the temple, full of worry.
“Gramma? Gramma? Are you okay? What happened?” she said.
“She is coming! She is coming! Nights be praised! Our Lady is coming!” the old vaja shouted and did something very close to bouncing with joy, if you account for her legs.
“Did you have a vision, Gramma? Did you really have a vision again?” The almost-calf was visibly impressed.
The older reindeer stopped and pointed to the flickering screen of the old black-and-white TV in her holy of holies.
“No, no, I saw it on the telly! She hasn’t forgotten us! She is coming!” she said.
The temple-fawn tried to catch what her grandmother was talking about, but was too late, on the TV was just a bored buck in a tie that told the viewers: “And now, the weather!” She groaned.
This story is based on My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, which is owned by Hasbro, not me. The Sami, Scandinavian and Finnish cultures which I shamelessly ripped off to create Tarandroland don't belong to me either, and despite sharing a town with reindeer herders I own no reindeer whatsoever.
This is a revised and properly proofread version of the first chapter. Thanks to LadyMoondancer for all her invaluable help! I intend to revise all chapters like this, but is of course limited by the time my proofreaders have, if any. My primary goal is to continue with new chapters, as correct as possible from the start.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 2 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-04-27T19:06:05+00:00
|
2012-04-27T19:06:05+00:00
| 8,407 |
Twilight Sparkle had trouble packing. She knew she needn't limit herself to her saddlebags - she could pack two big chests. They would go by ship and she would receive the space due to a hoofmaiden of Princess Luna. That actually made things harder.
If she had only been able to take a few of the books she wanted to bring, it would have been painful but easy to decide which ones were most important. Now she had to decide which of the books left was, say, the twentieth most important book when on a journey to Tarandroland. Currently she was rearranging them in little heaps, to try to find the best solution.
Spike, meanwhile, had nothing more to pack, and turned to Twilight for advice.
"I have taken both my jackets because they say it is already winter there, and that pair of winter boots, and one funny cap and one stylish cap, and the tux Rarity gave me for any important dinners," he said. "And that’s all the clothes I will need. Also, I have my toothbrush and scalebrush and my towel and my rubber ducky. And some gems I have saved for snacks, if they don't have gems I can afford in Tarandroland. And... I still have space! Am I forgetting something, Twilight?" Twilight gave him a predatory glare.
"No! I am not taking any of your books you cannot fit!" said Spike sternly. Twilight looked embarrassed.
"Sorry, Spike," she said. "But why don't you pack a book of your own? Especially the sail journey might be boring; you might want something to do."
Spike frowned. "I read enough at work..."
"Pack a board game then," Twilight said. "Or a pack of cards."
Spike shook his head and frowned. "Naaaaah - wait! I can pack something else to read! I'll bring some comics to read if I am bored!" He disappeared to the big, dented, old cardboard box which contained his collection. Twilight shrugged and went back to making little heaps of books.
After a while Spike returned with a bunch of thumbed, garish four-color comics.
"I'll bring my collection of Sampo The Warrior Prince comics, 'cause he is a reindeer, so it fits with where we are going!" He held up the clawful of comics to Twilight.
"There's a pony on the cover," she said mystified.
"Oh, that's his secret identity!" Spike said. "Everyone would know who the hero was if he didn’t pretend to be a pony when he is not heroing. Like 'There is only one reindeer in Manehatten. I wonder if he could be Sampo.' Duh!"
"I doubt that comic has much to do with any real reindeer, Spike," Twilight said.
"Better than nothing," Spike said. "Other than Sampo, the only thing I know is that Saddle Claus has reindeer who makes his toys, and that your tea table comes from Tarandroland." He went to pack his comics.
Twilight sighed. Despite studying history, geography and politics the last week, she felt like she knew about as much as Spike about her mission.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike had boarded the Royal chariot bound not for Canterlot, as was usually the case, but Canterlot Harbor. Their bags were heaped up and the pegasi pulling it were ready. Their friends had gathered to say goodbye and the rest of Ponyville to watch.
"Oh, please keep warm!" Fluttershy hugged both of them. "Especially you, Spike. And, uhm, if it is not too much trouble, tell me about the animals in Tarandroland when you come back"
"If we see any" said Twilight and hugged her back. "And I will be certain to see that Spike wears a jacket." Spike frowned. "And I am sure Spike will remind me!" she added and the little dragon nodded.
"You should have brought me along!" said Rainbow Dash as she gave Twilight a more brotherly hug than Fluttershy’s. "You need someone awesome to show those reindeer who's boss!"
"If we had brought you, we would have provoked a war," said Twilight and smirked. "You are too awesome." She put up a hoof for Rainbow Dash to make a brohoof, and Dash looked a little too moved for her own comfort.
"Make Ponyville proud!" said Applejack and nuzzled them both. "And Ah'm like Fluttershy - if ya can get to see a reindeer farm, please do!"
"As I said, we'll try. It'll probably be pretty hectic," Twilight said while nuzzled the farmer back.
"And they are probably covered in snow anyway!" Spike added as Applejack gave him a noogie.
Rarity was sobbing in a ladylike fashion and telekinetically dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. "Oh, I can't believe you are doing something like this, Twilight!" she wailed. "It is so wonderful! Oh, I should have made you another outfit!"
"You made me two outfits already!" Twilight patted her. "You were great as usual Rarity." She leaned close. "And all this court business - I'd rather left it to you if it wasn't for your duties to Sweetie Belle," she whispered to Rarity, and the seamstress smiled. Then she spontaneously hugged Spike, who was literally paralyzed by the affection.
Hence, he was stiff and lifeless as a doll when Pinkie Pie followed up with a general hug that somehow encompassed the charioteer as well.
"Just remember guys, have fun!" she said. "And come back whole!" They hugged back (including the charioteer) and returned the sentiment.
When she let go, Pinkie suddenly gasped. "Oh, I almost forgot!" She brought out a small package wrapped in silver paper with a big red ribbon. "Take this, it might be useful on your quest!"
Twilight looked at it with confusion."Thanks Pinkie, but what is this?"
"Oh, it’s a Pinkie Pie Party Special!" said the pink pony happily. "Instant party surprise!"
"I'll keep it in mind," said Twilight and laughed. "Time to go - bye everyone!" Everyone waved again and cheered.
"Say goodbye, Spike!" prompted Twilight.
"Glorp? Astfgl!" said Spike, who still suffered from general love paralysis.
HMS Blizzard trudged onward through the icy Northern Sea, and thanks to its primarily pegasus crew it had avoided its namesake which lay in wait at the horizon. Twilight had tried to make conversation with the rest of the delegation, but found them stand-offish and smug in an irritatingly polite manner. She had instead settled for learning her official duties from her "mistress" Princess Luna, and had started to get the hang of hair care and putting on accessories. Twilight was, as usual, somewhat of a klutz, but any discomfort she or Luna felt had been disarmed by them goofing off whenever that happened, the Princess acting in an exaggerated regal and tyrant fashion and Twilight pretending to be a supremely vapid and empty-headed lady in waiting.
"If nothing else, you will have learnt to put on a good cover," Luna joked while Twilight removed spilled hoof polish from her coat. "No one will suspect you of being my secret agent." Twilight laughed.
"I'm the world's worst liar, Your Highness, but maybe that will work," she said, letting her mouth hang open as she fluttered her eyelashes and fanned herself with an imaginary fan in a pose that would have sent Rarity into nervous fit with its tastelessness. "The Royal Treasury? Oh my gosh, Mr Guard Sir, is this not, like, the linen closet?" She and Luna both giggled.
Spike, meanwhile, had got along fairly well with the ship's crew, but they were very busy, and when he had nopony to talk to the lack of pirate attacks and sea monsters soon made him bored. (Spike was smart enough to know such things were no laughing matter, but they did have Princess Luna on board, after all.) Hence, he had settled into a routine of rereading his comics and sleeping even more than usual, except for a trip to the deck once a day when the cook threw leftovers to a happy cloud of screaming seagulls.
It was after one such gull-feeding trip that he, Twilight and Luna was standing in the aft of the ship and looking at the sea. Spike had put on his stylish cap and Twilight had a scarf on - Princess Luna ignored the cold, however, and was her usual regal self.
"This journey sucks!" Spike growled. "Why couldn't we just have teleported to... what was that city called again?"
"Sarvvik," said Twilight. "The reindeer capital. Biggest city in the country. And you know long-distance mass teleport is very dangerous, Spike!"
"Don't take this wrong, Twilight, but I was actually thinking of Luna here," said Spike. "I know you and Celestia can move like that. So why not now?"
Luna merely raised an eyebrow.
"My sister and I could indeed travel all over the world, but it is not ours to command and we have our limitations," she said. "We need a - a mark, let’s say, to travel such distances without risk. There is only one such mark in Tarandroland I could travel to, and it is far away from Sarvvik. It is no place to take an entourage, either."
"Where is that?" Spike wondered.
"The Everfrost Glacier," said Luna. Her companions looked surprised.
"Why in Equestria would you have a - a `mark' in such an inhospitable place, Princess?" said Twilight.
Luna let out a long, longing sigh.
"My dear sister and I have family there, Lady Sparkle," she said in such a tone as to suggest they wouldn't learn more about this anytime soon. Twilight changed the subject.
"Speaking of entourage, Your Highness, I have made no progress with yours," she said. "I wonder if they are not still afraid of... Nightmare Moon."
"I can hardly blame them, Lady Sparkle, though I suppose their apprehension might also have something to do with you being new in my employ, a competitor for favors," Luna said and sighed.
"None of these assumptions are correct, Your Highness," said a pony that suddenly had appeared in between Twilight and Princess Luna (and hence above Spike). He was an elderly gray unicorn stallion with a swirling piece of cloth for a cutie mark.
"Aaah!" shouted Spike. Twilight jumped two steps to the right.
"Lord Eminence," said Luna with another of her raised eyebrows. "What an unexpected pleasure." The stallion bowed, and Twilight tried to answer with a curtsey while Spike stared with open mouth.
"Your Highness. Milady. Master Spike," he said.
They all knew Lord Eminence being with the delegation as... they were not sure what exactly, but they hadn't really done more than greeted him before. The stallion tossed his red woolen cape over his right shoulder and pointed his head backwards towards some other delegation members milling around on the deck.
"These ponies are bureaucrats," he said. "They thrive on structure and order, but hate change. I hasten to add that this is not out of stupidity or malice, but because doing their duty correctly hangs on things being predictable." He turned to Princess Luna. "When Your Highness returned from... your unfortunate absence, you and your sister agreed to share the duties of rulership as soon as you felt healthy again, which you did recently. Then, Your Highnesses started to rearrange the structure of government to something similar to what it was the last time you co-ruled. Which was. A. Thousand. Years. Ago." Lord Eminence's enunciation of the last words couldn't have been clearer. Luna blushed and avoided his stern gaze by looking at the sea.
"Basically, you have caused massive reforms which take all their time and energy and put a great amount of stress on ponies who like order, peace and quiet," he said. "No wonder they show their dislike." He indicated himself with his right front hoof. "As for us - the nobleponies - we don't really worry about the reforms, because our court intrigues are always in flux anyway. However, the manner in which Your Highnesses have cleft the organization in twain actually means fewer higher posts in government - which means fewer leftovers to fight for." He picked a squashed sandwich from his embroidered saddlebags and levitated it teasingly among the few remaining seagulls. "The increased infighting makes us less than grateful. A good day to you, ladies and gentlebeing." With this, he exploded the sandwich into a hundred fragments for the screaming seagulls and left the princess, her hoofmaiden and her hoofmaiden's assistant to consider his words.
Passing through the archipelago outside Sarvvik took several hours and required slower speed than the journey across the Northern Sea, since the waters were shallow. Luckily they had acquired some reindeer pilots sent by King Ukko, who knew the dangers well and spoke excellent Equestrian. One of them also took her time to point out the landmarks on the way – including the forts which guarded it and the longships anchored nearby.
“Those are positively pitiful,” said Luna so the pilots couldn’t hear. “Normally I would have welcomed a nation abandoning warlike ways, but it will be hard to convince the King to stop the piracy if it is physically impossible. I doubt those derelicts could catch a criminal toy boat!”
“Maybe the good ships are actually out patrolling,” Twilight suggested.
“Or maybe he is hiding his forces,” said Lord Eminence, who seemed to just then appear between them. Twilight jumped two steps to the right again, and Spike dove behind Luna with a girlish scream.
“And why do you think he would do that, milord?” said Luna.
“Because he wants Equestrian help in stopping the piracy, and pacifying restless elements in his country," said Lord Eminence calmly, and adjusted his cloak. "That way he saves the bits to pay for it, and deflects any anger his subjects feel to Equestria.”
“Who would anyone be angry with their King for stopping crime?” said Twilight. “I’d thought reindeer would be as law-abiding as ponies?” Lord Eminence smiled at her in a slightly condescending way.
“As far as I can tell, the pirates have committed no crime against any reindeer, and presumably have families and friends," he said. "On the other hand, they probably sold their loot to someone, and I am sure many reindeer were happy to find cheap Equestrian merchandise on the black market – especially since the regular market, according to my sources, is distinctly lacking in it. Tarandroland is a poor country, Lady Sparkle, and has seen better days. Ponies would do the same.”
“The fact that he rules a poor country could also explain why King Ukko cannot afford a fleet, Lord Eminence,” said Luna. “Do you always assume the worst of people?”
“Oh yes,“ The grey old unicorn smiled. “I am a diplomat, after all. If you excuse me, I must prepare for landing.” He left looking rather smug.
“Well, he sure was Mr Positive,” said Spike.
Luna sighed. “He might be right, which makes things worse,” she said.
They pondered this in silence as the ship closed in on Sarvvik harbor. Spike borrowed Twilight’s binoculars and watched it.
The city wasn’t big, nothing like Canterlot or Manehatten. It was also built low, with few houses over a couple of floors in height and only a few towers. What was most remarkable was that despite being an actual city, after all, most of it was made of wood – actual logs, even if carved and painted, in many cases.
“The reindeer have kept their building style,” said Luna and smiled. “It looks similar to when I saw it so long ago – it is mostly just bigger, and didn’t put up as much smoke.” She pointed towards the city. “Celestia was there when they founded it, you know. I wasn’t, but I visited soon after.”
Twilight knew that “soon” could mean “a century” to the royal sisters, but didn’t ask for clarification. Spike didn’t either, but pointed to the piers and ships now visible.
“There are ponies there!” he said. “Pegasi and earth ponies and I think I see donkeys as well. Where did they come from? I thought this was the land of the reindeer.” Luna smiled wider.
“The city was practically founded by earth ponies – from the Russ Islands, between here and Equestria," she said. "You see how small most are, just like other Russers. They wanted to trade with the reindeer so a city was built. They still come here and I am sure some families have lived here since then, though I’d guess you’ll found more of them down Trotholm. The pegasi are probably sailors from Equestrian vessels, you can see several in the harbor. And donkeys – donkeys live where they can find jobs, it doesn’t matter if it is here or in the lands of the zebra.”
“Look at that big tower with the golden roof!” said Spike and pointed. “What’s that?” Luna’s smile faded a bit and she looked embarrassed.
“That is probably the Skinfaxi Temple” she said. “That is, that’s what the reindeer call my sister.” Twilight and Spike let it sink in. “The whole idea of – of worship makes me nervous. Well, Celestia dislikes it even more than me, but she is better at handling it. I sure hope there still isn’t a temple dedicated to – to me.”
“Why shouldn’t there be?” said Twilight. “I mean, you are co-rulers, and both have great powers, and… oh.” It dawned on her. “Nightmare Moon.” Luna sighed.
“My sister turned my exile into a fairy tale for a reason," said Luna. "I don’t want to know what reasons reindeer might have had for worshiping my loneliness and jealousy made manifest.”
Thanks to krdragon for help with proofreading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 3 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-04-27T19:02:48+00:00
|
2012-04-27T19:02:48+00:00
| 8,026 |
Their arrival at Sarvvik and journey to the castle somehow managed to be both boring and stressful. It was the former because it took an abysmally long time with not much happening, and the latter because you had no control over what happened to you – not even Luna. Everything had to happen here and now, and they were pulled along quickly by their hosts. It didn’t matter whether they had to disembark, or turn over their luggage to porters, or were forced into a semi-circle for an official welcome. Luna coped best but fumed the most inwards, constantly holding back barked contra-orders. Spike just wished that they would have done it in a way that would have let him nap. It was really cold here, and he always got sleepier in cold weather. Twilight, meanwhile, spent all her worry on not having a clue where her luggage was and on not speaking Poatsi, the reindeer tongue.
A lot of the deer meeting them spoke perfectly understandable Equestrian, it was just that Twilight somehow felt lost when one of them would say something to her and then turn around and say something incomprehensible to their colleague. Twilight had brought a phrase-book, but it wasn't much help (”I will not eat this lichen, it is moldy”), though she had tried at first. She knew some Ancient Cervine from school but suspected that unless she needed to converse with old tomb inscriptions it would be pretty useless. She did have a solution, a perfect solution involving her beloved magic, but it simply wasn't possible here at this moment and she deeply regretted not using the ritual on the ship. She was itching to get it taken care of.
She especially regretted it when they were actually welcomed by the representatives of the King. The King wasn't even there himself, just a small herd of Very Important Reindeer, jarls and lords and courtiers and such. That was when Twilight feared Luna would bring some heavenly body down on Sarvvik right then and there. For a second she could see before her inner eye a raging Luna quickly checking with her sister whether there was some planet they didn't need, and when Celestia suggested Saturn (”Those rings are so hard to keep clean”), down it went on Tarandroland with a whistling howl and a huge fireball. Twilight was so scared she didn't really perceive what happened until Spike kicked her because the Princess wanted to greet her.
Not Princess Luna (who had kept her temper) but Princess Ljufa, the only daughter of the reindeer king. Her family was one of the things Twilight had read up on before she left. At least officially Ljufa didn't care much for politics, and had happily let her father name one of her many kids heir instead. The political reports and gossip magazines maintained she spent her time managing the royal castle and raising a family. She seemed pleasant enough and got a smile from Luna when she talked about the city and an annoyed frown from Spike when she petted him assuming he was a pet. She didn't say why King Ukko wasn't there, but apologized profusely on his behalf. Twilight tried to catch sight of Lord Eminence and see what the irritating statesmane thought of this, but he was nowhere to be found.
Not soon after they were actually escorted to the castle, but not soon enough – they first had to wait for the Equestrian consul, a Russ merchant named Pine-cones who wanted Princess Luna to listen to a long line of litanies of limited interest and relevance. The miniscule Earth Pony would probably have kept them longer, if not Luna had given Twilight the secret sign they had agreed on (which she would have missed had not Spike kicked her again) and they had played their little skit about the tyrannical, easily angered princess and the foolish, unlucky handmaiden. Pine-cones reached Rainbow Dash levels of speed – backwards at that – as he excused himself and left. They could finally follow the servant taking them to the castle and their room in it.
Unlike Canterlot castle, which reached for the sky, Castle Muorra stretched out in several directions with broad, long fir-log houses within a large wall actually made out of stone, boulders fitted together so well no mortar was needed. Some of the houses were a couple of floors high, but most were not. The highest was a squat tower, which was also made of logs with a tall stone base. All the buildings had birch-bark roofs, except for the long, tall central house that was the King's own, which was roofed with silver plates.
”All the roofs are sloping and like, very pointed,” Spike observed after looking at the silver roof for while and wondering how that tarnished silver would taste. Not that he usually went for noble metals; that was more for grown-up dragons.
”Yes, sire, it is the snowfall. Impossible for roofs not break unless pointy,” said the sarv (a sarv being a reindeer buck, Twilight explained) guiding them to their rooms.
”Isn't this very flammable?” Twilight mused. ”All this wood and bark.” The reindeer laughed.
”Oh, cannot burn," he said. "Is sorcery in walls, see? Good runes.” He pointed a cloven hoof at the wall right behind him.
At that, Twilight noted that every single log and plank had been carved with angular letters, stylized symbols and long rows of what looked like insect gnaws under bark, but were clearly deer-made patterns. Her horn glowed as she probed the wall for magic, curiously. The reindeer, in turn, watched her probing.
”Ooh, not all of them are magic, though many!" Twilight said. "Are the others just decorations, or what?”
The reindeer was dissatisfied with the first unicorn magic he had ever seen being so lame, but kept being amiable. ”Verses, names... sometimes stories," he said. "You can read the walls, if you bored guests!”
”Great, now Twi' will spend her time reading the castle and you won't get any work out of her!” Spike whispered to Luna.
”No! I won't. Not at all,” said Twilight who found that while angular and odd, there were phrases in Ancient Cervine here. ”I didn't know reindeer had magic...” she mumbled.
”Some do,” the porter said, ”but most of us just see stuff.”
”See stuff?” said Spike. ”What stuff?”
”...stuff...” said the porter, suddenly a little wary.
”Anyway,” he said, trying to change subject, ”good thing Castle Muorra cannot burn, because name means 'firewood', sort of.” He laughed at his own joke and picked up Twilight's saddlebags, which he had insisted on carrying.
”I remember how it got that name,” said Luna. ”The first king of the reindeer – the first reindeer to say he was a king – wanted a castle built. A king should have a castle. However, back then, almost all reindeer just wandered and grazed, so they didn't see the point. 'It will be gone soon' they said, 'but at least you'll have wood to burn'.”
”Many reindeer still wanders. Grazes. Gathers lichen and sedge. Up in forest and tundra,” the porter informed them as they reached their rooms. ”Backwoods deer. Hard life.”
”Is there anything left of that old castle?” said Spike.
Luna shook her head. ”I don't recognize much. Most looks new. The reindeer got very, very good at making things out of wood, and I am sure they have rebuilt everything when they had to or thought it was needed.”
”Here is your room, Your Highness,” said the porter. The room was suitably huge, and their big trunks were sitting in the middle of it. ”And your lady goes in here,” he said and showed a smaller room connected to it.
”Heh, Your Highness, I won't have to sleep just outside the door or at the foot of your bed!” Twilight joked.
”I might order you to anyway, filly!” Luna joked back, but the porter didn't get the joke, paled, and excused himself.
”Should we have tipped him?” Spike worried.
Twilight smiled. ”It is a castle, Spike, not a hotel. Just think of it as being as when we lived in Canterlot, just we don't recognize the ponies who work here.”
There was a knock at the door.
”That would be them,” said Luna, who had stretched out on the big bed. ”They were probably just waiting for the porter to be done with his work.”
Twilight opened the door and found two young vajas outside, curtseying, one white-coated, one black-coated, both with shawls and caps and aprons in front of the forelegs.
”We were sent to serve you, Your Highness,” said the white one. ”I am Saiva and this is Lif.”
”I did bring my own handmaiden, little reindeer,” said Luna. ”Though I appreciate the gesture.”
”We are to help you with anything you might need in addition,” said Lif. Spike jumped up from his trunk.
”Hey, I – we – are really hungry," he said eagerly. "There was to be that banquet but that will take like aeons. Get us something to eat and drink, will you?” The reindeer gasped and Saiva blurted out something in Poatsi. Luna laughed and Twilight looked confused.
”Yes, he can talk," Luna said. "Spike is no pet but the assistant to my handmaiden lady Sparkle. As such, he is part of my entourage and should be treated like any other of my ponies. Understood?”
”What – what is he?” Saiva asked boldly.
Spiked preened himself. ”I am a dragon!” When he saw their incredulous gazes, he added: ”A young dragon, OK?”
”How does one have... a dragon for an... assistant?” Saiva asked further, while Lif made furious gestures for her to shut up.
”Oh, Twilight brought me up – she hatched me with magic!” Spike said casually. ”She is the greatest sorceress in Equestria!”
”I will go get that food!” said Lif and headed for the door then hesitated. ”Uhm, pardon me, sir, what do dragons... eat?” She and her fellow maid looked worried.
”Gems!” he said happily, but suddenly amended it to, ”But anything is OK, really, I am just really hungry.” Relieved that he hadn't asked for a virgin or something similar, Lif disappeared.
”Anything... I can do?” Saiva asked nervously.
Twilight and Luna looked at their trunks. They both thought they would rather have Twilight do the unpacking or they wouldn't find their things next time they were to dress. And if the rooms were cleaned and ready... Then Twilight facehoofed and said some words not covered in Saiva's school Equestrian.
”Of course! How could I miss it!” She went up to Saiva and pointed at her. ”She is a reindeer!” Luna looked confused, Spike incredulous.
”Yeah, and the world is a flat disc, Celestia is an alicorn, and manticores poop in the Everfree Forest” he said. ”So?”
”That means I can do my ritual!" said Twilight, her eyes gleaming with frenzy. "Oh, I have waited so long for this!” . She dove into her trunks and started throwing out magical paraphernalia and scrolls telekinetically. ”Oooh, I know just what I am going to do with you!” Saiva looked less than happy.
”What is this you are doing, mylady...?” Luna watched frowning. ”Twilight... lady Sparkle... if this is the ritual I am thinking of, this might not be the time...”
”It's the perfect time!” shouted Twilight as her telekinesis formed a circle of talismans on the floor.
”Now, come with me in here,” she ordered Saiva is she herded the vaja into said circle. ”Stand here, in 90 degrees to me... like that!” She failed to notice the girl trembling as she built up magic in her horn. Twilight started chanting.
”Now,” she said, "put your muzzle next to my face. Left side."
The reindeer complied, but continued to tremble, and had to twist her head so her antlers didn't bump into Twilight's face or her sparkling horn.
”Now – shut your eyes...” Saiva obeyed, less than pleased. The magic had reached a build-up and Twilight's horn was oscillating. ”And now... lick my left ear!”
Saiva had no idea why she did as she was told then, but she did. The magic was discharged into Twilight – the only visible effect being that her mane became slightly frizzled.
”Yes! I can feel it, it worked!” Twilight said and reared in happiness. Saiva had disappeared from the room in a panic. ”Uh... where did she go, I didn't have time to thank her?”
”You scared her, lady Sparkle!” said Luna with a deep frown. ”Reindeer aren't as used to casual magic as ponies, and there was no hurry to do that spell, even if I can understand why you did it.”
”What did you just do? I don't think I have seen it before?” said Spike.
”Oh, just a perfection of meta-lingual manipulation rituals and cognitive transfer!" said Twilight. "I have only used it once, I was doing a project with Zecora and her constant rhyming kept getting in the way of me attaining full understanding of the underlying principles of magia naturalis. Then I remembered she had said she only rhymes in Equestrian!”
”Yeah, that will be the language you use to explain this to me, again,” said Spike. “Equestrian, you silly filly! Do you speak it?!”
”It is a language transfer spell, Spike,” said Luna. ”Twilight copied miss Saiva's knowledge of Poatsi, just as she apparently copied Zecora's native Nuuban so they could avoid her geas to always rhyme in Equestrian. Twilight, this is all very clever, but there is no need to be that rude, understand? You must adapt to local culture for us to succeed at this mission.” Twilight blushed.
”I – I am sorry," she said. "I have been so frustrated with this all day, not having full understanding... When I had the chance to perform that ritual... I got ahead of myself...” She looked unhappy.
”As soon as I can I must get a hold of that poor girl and apologize!” There was a knock at the door again. “Oh, I hope it is her!”
Luna opened the door with her magic and it swung wide. Outside was Lif with a tray balanced on her antlers, it rattling with her visible trembling a little so the glasses and china clinked.
”Uh... here is the food you asked for, Your Highness, mylady, sir...” She shakily put it down on a little table next to the door. ”And if... is there... anything, I mean...” She started to back out the door.
”Oh, I am so sorry! I need to speak some more with your friend, Miss Saiva!” Twilight blurted out, trying to smiled widely but only managing a rictus grin, since she was fighting back tears.
Lif stiffened, swallowed deeply, and then dive out into the corridor, shouting: ”Idon'tthinkIknowwheresheisnowImustreallygoIthinkIhearmyQueencallingme!”
”Awww...” said Twilight and started to actually cry. ”I didn't mean to...”
Luna had purely technically been furious, but she didn't like to scold anyone crying, so she and Spike hugged Twilight until she starting hiccuping instead of crying. Then, they ate that food, at Luna's insistence.
”It would be a shame to waste it considering the problem it brought the serving maid,” she said. And when it looked like Twilight would start crying again, she added quickly: ”Besides, believe me, the last thing you get at banquets is a full stomach!”
Thanks to krdragon for help with proofreading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 4 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-05-03T11:17:10+00:00
|
2012-05-03T11:17:10+00:00
| 6,826 |
The feasting hall of the Reindeer Kings was, according to Twilight's pre-journey researches, apparently also the throne room, the assembly hall, and occasionally the place where the castle servants dried the laundry. It dried well here, because the hall was perpetually heated with huge bonfires, in a way that was probably meant to be impressive, but mostly caused Twilight to wonder if the king was wasting firewood.
Now, however, it was meant for a big welcome party, and a series of long, broad tables had been placed along its length. White tablecloths embroidered in deep red and blue covered it, and the tables had been set for a hundred with silver cutlery and carved wooden (there it was again) bowls and jugs. There was, at first, no illumination beyond the huge fires, but at the same time as Twilight seated herself at her assigned place, a pillar of light shot up from somewhere in the shadows, struck the roof and spread out to a shimmering cloud of light hard blue, eerie green and dead white. Just like the fabled Northern Lights, which Twilight had hoped get a chance to observe on her journey – the reason she brought her telescope. It made Twilight wonder about reindeer magics again.
As Twilight and the rest of Luna's entourage seated themselves, she couldn't help but notice that the seating arrangements were a bit different. Instead of mixing guests and hosts side by side, all the reindeer court were seated on one side with their backs to the throne. The visiting pony embassy was seated on the other, barely able to see the throne just behind the King's back. Princess Luna was placed right across King Ukko, and then the rest of the hosts and guests were seated down the table in both directions in decreasing order of importance. This was the reason Twilight was far away from her Princess, but she couldn't really fathom why Spike wasn't with her.
As she observed the seating order, she realized that ”the visiting pony embassy” had been the wrong way to describe it. It was more like ”any important pony in Tarandroland right now,” since Twilight had a Russ judge from Trotholm on her right. Or maybe ”equine,” because she saw a donkey jenny further up the table from her, and her ceremonial harness showed she was the mistress of the Longshoremane Guild. And to her left was...
”A zebra?!” Twilight blurted out.
The zebra stallion smiled sadly. ”It's the stripes, am I right?" he said. "They always give me away!”
Twilight blushed, and tried to use her fan to hide her embarrassment, as she had been taught. However, as usual when she was stressed, Twilight's magic flunked, and her telekinetic waving struck the zebra on the muzzle. Twilight wondered whether she should creep under the table or teleport away, but he just laughed.
”That was actually pretty funny,” he said amiably. ”Please put your weapon down, Miss, before you hurt me for real.”
Twilight lowered her fan. ”Sorry,” she said sheepishly. ”I mean, it is just that I only know one zebra, and I'd never thought I'd find one of you here – you are kind of rare up north.”
”Apology accepted. I'm here in Poatsula because of business,” he said, using the reindeer name for their country. “My family's trading house sells coffee, and Poatsula has the highest rate of consumption per capita in the world.”
”I see,” said Twilight. Then she steadied herself, probed her aura, and found that the spell she had used on Zecora still worked.
She switched to Nuuban, the zebra tongue, and said: ”I am Lady Twilight Sparkle, daughter of Star Sparkle and Nightlight, personal hoofmaiden to Her Royal Highness Princess Luna. Pleased to meet you!” It was the zebra's turn to be stunned. His mouth hung open.
”You speak my language!" he said. "I have never met an Equestrian who didn't speak Equestrian with everyone! And so well – how is this possible if you only know one zebra?” He leaned his head to the right. ”Did you have a sleeping dictionary – that is, is that zebra your husband?”
Twilight grinned sheepishly. ”I am afraid it is unicorn magic trickery," she said. "And she is just a colleague.”
The zebra stallion absorbed this but didn't stop smiling.
”Where are my manners?" he said. "Paki Saada, son of Dalila and Mandisa, Consul to Tarandroland by the grace of His Royal Highness Mansa Eze Aidoo.”
They both bowed, then Twilight switched to a curtsey and almost fell off her chair.
”Two names, that's a lot," she said. "'Observer Guide'?”
Paki looked uncomfortable and Twilight suddenly remembered you don't ask about names and cutie marks among zebra.
”Oh, I am sorry!" she said. "Forgive me for asking!”
He smiled again. ”It is no big thing in this case... I have always been watching things closely, that is why my destiny brand is an eye," he said. "Pretty banal, really. So it is good for my family to have me keeping an eye at things here... And the second name is more like it came with the title. A consul is supposed to guide other zebra, after all.”
”How did you get that position, anyway?” said Twilight. Paki laughed.
”By being the only zebra to actually live in Tarandroland. I got a small package with a letter that said it was my duty and this thing,” - and he pointed to one of the necklaces he wore, - ”as my badge of office. And that's it.” At this, he and Twilight had to move around a bit as the first course was served.
”Soup,” Twilight said, stating the obvious. The zebra looked dismayed.
”Yeah. Lichen soup,” he said.
Twilight tasted the broth, which succeeded in being bitter, bland, runny and crunchy in a distinctly un-soupy way, all at the same time. She avoided grimacing by force of will.
”Um, what kind of lichen?” she said.
”The one called 'reindeer moss' in most languages," said Paki. "It's what nomadic reindeer graze, at least when there is nothing else. It is like a pony or zebra eating grass. It is one single step off the ground.” Paki was sort of stirring the soup with his tongue.
”It's... interesting,” Twilight managed to say. She look up worriedly to the people next to her, both the ponies and their reindeer hosts. Most ponies ate like her, out of courtesy but with no great show of joy. The reindeer on the other side of the table, however, just sloshed it around and looked rather blase. They certainly didn't relish it.
For the first time her borrowed knowledge of Poatsi kicked in as she heard an angry vaja telling a sarv that presumably was her husband that ”he” was having a childish tantrum again, and that next time he should get them out of this chore that was courtly duties. Then Paki spoke again and removed her attention from the reindeer couple.
”So speaking of cutie marks, as you ponies say, what does your mean?" he said. "'Service to the Night' or something, given your position? Or why does an astronomer work as a hoofmaiden?”
Twilight hesitated, but she was an awful liar. Better tell the truth. ”It stands for magic," she said. "I am very good at learning it, understanding it. Not always at actually using it, I'm afraid, I am just a student yet.”
Paki looked at her a long time instead of at his horrible soup. Then suddenly his eyes widened very much and he stared down his soup instead. He quickly collected himself in a way Twilight instantly envied, and said ”I see.”
But she saw him throwing a quick glance at the bundle of beautiful necklaces and anklets he wore – Tarandrian silver and amber, unlike the typical brass and crystal of a zebra – and she realized that they all were magic charms – gri-gris – and if Zecora had taught her right, they all protected against magic.
”Why the hay would a coffee trader, that sometimes have to help drunk sailors getting home, need that much anti-magic gear?” Twilight mused to herself.
Spike was very, very angry. They had put him at the foals' table! Or table end, rather. OK, he was a kid, but not that much of a kid. It didn't make it better that the kids next to him were all the colts and fillies of various Russ dignitaries (none in Luna's entourage had brought their foals) and they were very small kids. Russ are dwarf ponies after all. The fillies next to him made Dinky Doo, the smallest unicorn filly in Ponyville, look like a Clydesdale wrestler on steroids. In other words, to Spike he was sitting at a table full of babies. That they shyly avoided him didn't help. He tried to say something across the table to some fawns on the other side (he only saw one who had antlers yet) but either they ignored him or the rather wide table made him inaudible.
The first course did nothing to cheer him up. Spike could eat the strangest things, but it didn't mean he liked all of it. Unlike Twilight, he didn't even get the chance to know what the offending soup was. He had no chance to hear the reindeer complain, but it was clear they didn't like it. Only the young sarv with antlers – Spike reckoned that was somewhat like actually having your cutie mark, or being able to control your fire – was eating.
”Do you really like that?” Spike asked him. The sarv noticed him and held a cloven hoof to his ear.
”Do you like that? 'Cause, um, you can have mine?” Spiked tried louder.
The reindeer shook his head and waved his hoof as if saying ”Come closer.”
Spike only hesitated a little. Then, with a gasp and a yelp from the Russ fillies, he dived under the table and came up on the reindeer side.
”Won't they get angry?” he asked the Soup-Eating Reindeer.
“Who are 'they?'” he answered Spike.
“Them,” Spike gestured to the older reindeer up the table, not really wanting to say “grownups” and indicate he and the sarv weren't. The reindeer shrugged.
“They don't care what we do anyway," he said. "They are too busy with themselves.” He looked at Spike. “So, are you really...”
“A dragon," said Spike. "Yeah.”
“I was going to say Equestrian, but I guess it is pretty cool to meet a real dragon as well,” he said and smiled.
Spike frowned. “You can't tell me being Equestrian is more special than being a dragon,” he said.
“Well, to me it might. I mean, Equestria...” he moved his right front hoof in the air. “It's going to sound silly, but Equestria, it's not really real to me, OK? Dragons are more real.”
“What?" said Spike. "Is this... I mean I know you're from a different country, but sure you know its a real place, right? I mean geography in school and... sometimes Equestria must be in the news.”
“Of course it's in the news, stupid!" said the reindeer. "Its the biggest and most important country in the world, maybe, so of course it is in the news. But... a lot of... made-up things are from Equestria as well, and I see much more of those. Like, comics and books and movies.” He lapped more soup.
“You get Equestrian comics in Tarandroland?” Spike asked, somehow made happier by this possibility.
“Of course," said the reindeer. "It's not like there are many good comics made here, is it? One of my teacher says it's like the biggest export of Equestria, media that is. But listen to me: I see something in a paper, because Mom wants me to read it, and there is this big picture of Canterlot. But me, I just see Supercolt flying over it. Or my geography teacher asks me how big Manehatten is, and the only thing I can remember is the last detective story from there on the telly. It's everywhere, and its all made up to me. So its good to meet someone who is real from Equestria, and its not like one of these boring foreign nobles wants to talk to me.”
Spike still looked skeptical but shrugged.
“This real person is called Spike, anyway,” Spike held out his claw. “What do they call you?”
“They usually call me Vigg, because that's my name,” said the reindeer and answered with his fore-hoof “Brohoof?”
“Brohoof!” said Spike and the reindeer laughed as claw and cloven hoof smacked together.
“So they do that for real and no only in stories!" said Vigg. "Ponies came up with that, you know?”
Spike nodded. “So Equestrian comics...” Spike said. “Have you read Sampo?”
Vigg snickered. “Yeah, but you can totally see a reindeer didn't write it.”
“Hey, what's wrong with Sampo?” Spike felt a little defensive in a vaguely patriotic way.
“Well, first, this Sampo guy, he was real, he was like a king long ago," Vigg said. "You have to read about him in school if you're a reindeer. So it feels silly when he is an Equestrian superhero. In some way he feels less real than Supercolt who is totally made-up.” Spike acknowledge this but didn't seem to agree.
“Then, if they base a hero on some foreign dude, they should have read up on him first," said Vigg. "There are like a ton of mistakes in the hero's powers and background and all, and he becomes totally different.”
“So what's wrong?” said Spike.
“OK, I so wish my history teacher was here, the whining old bore, because I am going to show I should really had a better grade! I'll tell you the real story of Sampo...”
Thanks to krdragon for help with proofreading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 5 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-06-10T20:17:11+00:00
|
2012-06-10T20:17:11+00:00
| 6,758 |
”See, like a thousand years ago or something, Aslak was king of Poatsula, that's what we call this country," Vigg said. "It was so long ago that when Sarvvik grew to a hundred huts, it made it enormous. Everyone liked Aslak because he was totally awesome, but there was two problems. First, none of his vajas could give him a kid. That wasn't big, because the next king here isn't automatically there oldest kid like in some countries. Countries where rulers die, I mean, unlike yours.”
Vigg took a swig of the horrible brown thing that was served to drink. Spike guessed it was made from lichen. All food at the party seemed to be made from lichen. And the succession laws of Equestria were extremely theoretical and sketchy, on the level with the plans the army was rumored to have if the Filly Scouts ever planned a hostile takeover.
”So who becomes king then?” he asked.
The reindeer wiped his muzzle. ”The king names someone his heir,” he said.
”Who?” said Spike.
”Anydeer he wants," said Vigg. "Its almost always one of their kids, and if not some family member. They don't even have to be reindeer. And they might not become king anyway.”
Spike looked curious, being used to more autocratic rulers.
”See, if enough bigwigs says no when its time for the heir to be king, they can suggest someone else," Vigg said. "Its all politics and it usually happens when no one likes the king – or the heir – or when no one knows who it is. Its kinda complex, it doesn't matter for the story other than the heir of the king has to be someone other reindeer likes or it will all go south”
”The second fault of Aslak was that he had a brother called Wiglek," Vigg continued. "He was a really bad reindeer, an oath-breaker and a secret murderer, and since everyone who was against him had hideous luck they said he had cursed them, and that he has made a pact with Äitsi or something.”
”Wait a bit," said Spike. "What's a 'secret' murderer? Don't you try to keep a murder secret anyway? And who's Äitsi? Am I supposed to know who it is?”
”OK, it's like this: when this happened, killing someone wasn't wrong," Vigg said. "Well, it was wrong, but not in the same way as today. Your herd should protect you even if you had killed someone from another herd – but only if you admitted it. Like, he grazed on my grounds or looked at my sister or said nasty things about me, so I killed him, what're you going to do about it?”
”That's... awful,” said a stunned Spike.
”Yeah, my ancestors weren't always nice, OK?" said Vigg. "But secret murder, it is if you kill someone and don't tell anyone. Or lie and say it wasn't me, or even worse, it wasn't me, it was him over there. Wiglek had done that, and that meant his herd shouldn't protect him, they should help getting him get punished, like any crime today. But Aslak liked him anyway so he stopped them.”
”OK. I can see why doing that wasn't popular," said Spike. "But who's Äitsi?”
”Uhm...” Vigg leaned closer to Spike and actually looked a little scared. ”You Equestrians met him last year. I believe you call him Discord.”
Spike was frozen a moment.
”Oh, you must have felt that too!” Spike said with concern.
Vigg grinned sadly. ”Why shouldn't we? Although the news said it was worse for you, it hard to miss when the sun starts to rise and set every minute or so!”
”It rained chocolate milk...” said Spike.
”It rained peaches here,” Vigg said anxiously.
”Peaches?” said Spike.
”Canned peaches," Vigg clarified. "Lot of reindeer I know got concussions.”
”Oh,” said Spike.
”And then the peaches turned out to be poisonous – except the singing ones – but you could eat the cans,” Vigg said.
”Yeah, that was Discord's takeover," said Spike. "But, he cannot have taught Wugluk -”
”Wiglek!” Vigg corrected him.
”- Wiglek evil stuff," said Spike. "I mean how long ago was this?”
”A thousand years, maybe?” said Vigg.
”Discord was turned to stone at the dawn of time or something,” Spike said.
”This is mythology, OK?" said Vigg. "It doesn't come with a time line like modern stuff. Can I continue?”
”Sure...” said Spike.
”Well, Wiglek had a kid, and he was called Sampo," said Vigg. "Later, that is – he had another name first that the deer who wrote my history books fight over what it was, but just say he's Sampo from the start.”
”Wait, in the comics Wiglek is his uncle and Aslak his father!" said Spike. "And they changed their names!”
”Yeah, I can see why they changed that," said Vigg. "You always have the evil uncle in stories but not here.”
”OK, sure," said a dismayed Spike.
”Now Wiglek tried to make Aslak name Sampo as heir, but Aslak said no, because they would never accept Wiglek's son as heir because he was such a piece of manure," said Vigg. "Then something horrible happened which changed that.” Vigg got more of the brown swill-thing.
”There was this great famine," Vigg continued. "The winter got worse and raids from winter monsters got worse and there was, like, no food, not even lichen. You know about winter monsters from that comic, right?”
Spike nodded.
”So Wiglek turns up and says to Aslak: 'Look, I can save everyone, I know just the thing. But if we succeed you must make Sampo your heir and prince of Poatsula.' And it was not like he could said no, deer had nothing to eat and there was fighting everywhere and all was terrible,” Vigg said.
”So what did they do?” said Spike.
”Well, according to my history teacher, nodeer knows," said Vigg. "Really. There are like a million bazillion folktales of what Wiglek and Sampo did, but no one can say which of them are true, only which are made up because they obviously mentions modern things that weren't around then. But they came back with something called the Sampo. That's why reindeer called him Sampo, he brought them Sampo.”
”And what was it?” said Spike.
”Well, the usual story was that it was a magical artifact – artifact is a word meaning magic thingamajig –” said Vigg.
”I know, I'm assistant to a sorceress!” said Spike.
”Sorry," said Vigg. "A magical artifact that could stop the famine; by creating food, say, or maybe remove the winter. But some says it was an idea, or a spell, or a person. Or a non-magical thing, like the first mill ever.”
”Mill? Like a windmill?” said Spike.
”No, like a hoof-mill," said Vigg. "It's like a wheel with a handle and you turn it with your hoof. It looks like a spiral, and there are a lots of spiral pics with old carvings of Sampo. So, the usual story is that it was a mill, and when you turn it you got meal even if you didn't put any grain in it.”
Spike frowned. ”Well, Twilight says you cannot make something out of nothing. That lasts, anyway.”
Vigg shrugged. ”Don't ask me, I'm not a magician. Not even reindeer sorcerers know. It's lost. Because while it stopped the famine it turned out to be a bad thing.”
”Well, I was sorta expecting that. That story was going too well” said Spike.
”See, everyone wanted the Sampo," said Vigg. "Like everyone who know it existed. Other reindeer tribes, the Russ ponies, urox and skolls and stalus...”
”Whoa, back the tape. Urox?” said Spike.
”They're like cattle, they are almost gone," said Vigg. "Most of 'em emigrated to Equestria centuries ago.”
”Skolls?” said Spike.
”Those are the Ice-Wargs of your comic there. Wolf-people,” said Vigg.
”Ah, OK," said Spike. "Stalus? There is a giant in the Sampo comic called Stallo.”
”Yeah, but in real life they are... or were... more like ogres," said Vigg. "Or what do you call that myth, Bighoof? Anyway, newer versions of the story which probably aren't true says the whole world attacked the kingdom, including 'seven sorcerer-princes from Hestaland' – and that's Equestria.”
”So they swapped famine for war. Nice. Magical artifacts are just trouble, it seems,” said Spike.
”In stories, at least," said Vigg. "Anyway, Sampo took Sampo, and he used it and him as bait. He traveled up to Joukulvakt – that's the Everfrost Glacier – and the foreign armies followed him. And they... all got lost or killed or something up there. They just disappeared, and their people got so dismayed that they stopped bothering us. Wiglek got lost on the way somehow. The herds chose someone else as a king. And that's it.”
Spike looked clearly disappointed. ”What about his magic spear?”
”That's made up," said Vigg dismissively. "Oh, there is a spear in the story too, but that's made up. That spear is a spear-staff, which you use with skis, not just as a weapon, by the way. All reindeer have one. Well, we who are still doing the reindeer thing ”
Vigg vaguely waved his hoof in a way indicating forest and tundra and snow and lichen and continued: ”And since he was a king he could probably have gotten a magical one, but no one knows and if he had it is lost on top of Joukulvakt.”
”What about the king's spear, I saw that?” said Spike.
”Well that is a magic spear, and they say it was Sampo's, but it isn't," said Vigg. "It's a modern magic spear. It's like those Neighponese swords you can buy on postal order, they aren't real original katanas. Some king just had one made to show off.”
Vigg looked like he deeply disagreed with showing off with fake cutlery, and Spike decided to not mention the things he had bought on postal order with his allowance.
”I wrote about that in this long paper, and it was awesome," said Vigg. "And I only got a B-! Stupid teachers! Why should you work hard when you aren't rewarded! You know how it is, right?”
Spike tactfully avoided mentioning he was, in a way, home schooled, and made sympathetic noises. He could at least honestly sympathize with people not recognizing your talents.
”So what do you do when you're not in school?” Spike changed the subject.
”It seems like it's all I do... but, well, sport," said Vigg. "And hiking. Daddy was from the grazers so he wanted me to know stuff. I get out as often as I can.”
He turned to Spike. ”I can show you some stuff if you have time later.” Spike nodded and ensured that it would be nice, if he didn't have too much work to do. Vigg seemed impressed and jealous that someone younger than him did ”actual work” as he phrased it.
”It would be awesome to be grownup and get to actually do a real job instead of all this studying!” he groaned.
”So... what are you going to do when you grow up?” Spike asked. Vigg cleared his throat.
Thanks to krdragon for post-publishing proofreading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 6 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-05-26T19:01:59+00:00
|
2012-05-26T19:01:59+00:00
| 6,664 |
”...and unlike the common southern hydra, the turso spouts plague and poison,” said Paki as he pointed to one of the grotesque skulls hanging on the opposite wall. If he was as disturbed as Twilight, he didn't show it.
”Sorry, am I being too graphical?” he said, turning a worried glance to Twilight. She laughed uneasily.
”Probably not. It is just that... well, we ponies are unused to killing even beasts," she said. "And king Ukko even has the skulls and skins of his sentient enemies on his wall... even if it was his ancestors who killed them.” She looked at the huge, misshapen canine skulls clustered on one part of the wall and shivered. The skolls had sounded mostly like arctic diamond dogs... of course those caused conflicts, but it wasn't like they were slain over it...
”This is a rough country, Lady Sparkle,” said Paki solemnly. ”Tell me, is it true that the whole of Equestria is one big park, where all animals are domesticated, the trees and flowers planted by ponies?”
Twilight hesitated. ”No, that's not true, I mean, the animals are still wild, though... of course... I mean...” And we have even weaned the predators off eating meat, and Fluttershy cries when she has to give her meat-eating animal friends fish, and is afraid bugs will be hurt when Applejack plows her fields...
”So it is true?” said Paki, his face sympathetic but very serious.
”I guess it is,” said Twilight. ”Though there are a few places like Everfree Forest, where the plants grow free and the animals still eat each other, where the weather comes as it like... oh my!” She turned to Paki.
”That's how your country is, isn't it?” she said.
Paki nodded and his face brightened. ”Well, it is a civilized place, unlike Tarandroland," he said. "We have tried to quell the hungry beasts and the plague bearing bugs, at least on the savannah where zebra live. And the Mansa will stamp His hooves with the power of the God Who Rides Him, and keep the jungle and the desert back from our beloved sea of grass, but it is not as if His Majesty cares for each blade of grass or each butterfly,” he spoke with happy reverence.
It was Twilight's turn to nod and smile. ”I think I understand my friend the zebra better now... why she lives where she does...” Twilight said.
”You clean away winter each year in Equestria, do you not?” asked Paki. ”Sweep away the snow, bring the birds by pegasus, coach the buds to burst into leaves?”
”Yes, we do,” said Twilight. ”I guess you don't?”
Paki laughed. ”Well, to me snow is something that belong on high remote mountaintops, and the dry and rainy seasons come and go as they want," he said. "But I was talking about the reindeer. Do you know what they do to bring about spring, Lady Sparkle?”
”I read something about some ritual, about 'Fighting the Winter'...” Twilight tried to remember.
”That's no ritual. They mean it literally. Every year, the reindeer have to fight Winter and its creatures – you can see the trophies up there on the wall,” Paki said as he pointed with his hoof to the skulls and skins.
Twilight gasped. ”But... what if they lose?” she wondered.
”Then spring, and hence summer, doesn't come that year. But I don't think they have ever truly lost in recent memory, though it happens that the grazing reindeer of the tundra cannot hold, and the fight spills down onto the coastal reindeer,” Paki explained.
”This country is close to the edge of the world, Lady Sparkle, and the cold void of space. It seems the recent years have been especially bad, with nidhoggs everywhere – at least there is less money to spend on coffee!” he added and smiled wryly.
”Nidhoggs?” Twilight mumbled, still stunned by the new-found understanding of her hosts.
”I was coming to them... See those dragon-like skulls to the back of the king's throne?” Paki stretched over the table and pointed with his hoof again. Twilight nodded.
”Those are not of dragons, but huge serpent-beings maybe kin to dragons, but dumb beasts," he said matter-of-factually. "They have an enchanted breath like a dragon; not fire, but the void-cold of empty space. It flash-freezes a reindeer in a blink, as if their huge jaws were not enough. And they are known as nidhoggs.”
”They eat reindeer?” Twilight wondered.
”Only by accident,” Paki said. ”The common nidhogg eats nothing but frozen wood, but seems to like the taste of the prepared wood of houses, huts and ships, and views the reindeer inside as the cream-filled center, as it may be.”
”And they have grown common?” Twilight said.
”It seems like it," he said. "It is one of those things they don't talk much about, and much of this winter-fighting is done by the grazing reindeer, which I rarely see." They pondered this in silence for a short while, until interrupted by more servants with yet another course.
”I don't know if I can take any more ways to serve lichen in an unappetizing manner!” Twilight moaned.
”You keep actually eating, it is your loss,” teased Paki. ”But this is not lichen, I think we are on to dessert.”
It seemed he was right – in their wooden bowls were golden-colored berries that seemed to be jellied and some kind of curdled milk.
”Cloud-berries – this might actually be edible!” chuckled Paki and dug in. ”Oh yes, this is very good!”
Twilight tested and found he was actually right.
”It is! What about this milky thing... I didn't think many cattle lived here in Tarandroland?” she said as she licked juice from her muzzle. Paki laughed.
”It's reindeer milk, of course!" he explained "If I am correctly informed, Princess Ljufa herself helps provide for the palace supply." Twilight froze.
”What, you cannot eat reindeer milk?” he said and looked at her.
”No no, it's just that... in Equestria, giving milk is a low-paying menial job!" Twilight tried to explain. "It's done by cattle before they get a decent education or if they cannot have one at all... I mean, being a milk cow after 20 and ponies look down on you! Yet Princess Ljufa is, well, royalty...”
”You ponies are seriously weird!” said Paki, shook his head, and dug into the more than generous serving of dessert.
Twilight was determined to enjoy the dessert too, since Paki was no longer very conversant, and she hadn't gotten much out of the other courses. The lichen ale had also been almost undrinkable – the lichen vodka had actually been quite good, but you cannot spend a dinner subsisting on hard liquor, even if the reindeer seemed to try. However, when she stopped talking to Paki her Poatsi kicked in and she started to hear what those reindeer on the opposite end of the table was actually saying...
”Well,” said a fat sarv, ”it is now official: the King is an idiot and a jerk!”
Twilight quickly looked around to see the reaction to these words of treachery, but nodeer seemed to care.
”Come on!” said the vaja next to him, of a similar girth. ”It is not like these Hestalanders give him much to work on, is it? I mean, just look at their arrogance!”
”The nerve!” huffed the vaja on the fat sarv's other side. ”Imagine bringing her here!” All but one of the other reindeer solemnly nodded.
Poor Princess Luna! Twilight thought. It probably was a bad idea for us to come anyway...
”Who?” asked the reindeer who hadn't partaken in the solemn group-nod. ”What are you talking about?” He was leaner than the others and looked like he had been constructed out of dry wood, smeared with glue and then very hastily dipped in reindeer fur. His clothes were more high-class than his table neighbor, but very ill-fitting.
”You grazers are impossible, Jarl Vidar! Don't you get the news?” The smaller vaja pointed in what she presumably thought was a surreptitious way straight at Twilight. ”Twilight Sparkle! Skinfaxi's Shadow!” Twilight's mouth hung open.
”The purple unicorn? What's so special about her? Isn't she one of their stupid servants or something?” the rough-looking reindeer asked.
”She is only the greatest sorceress in Hestaland!” hissed the fat sarv.
”And the most evil!” hissed the fat vaja. Twilight's jaw actively dislocated and her heart froze. She was actually going to defend herself but the thinner vaja started again.
”Why, she had barely entered the palace before she ordered the palace maids into an obscene orgy!” she said in a heated whisper. ”I heard it from the major domo herself, the maids are inconsolable!”
Twilight wondered if it was possibly to merge with the chair or the table, possibly the floor.
”But it wasn't like that at all...” she whimpered to herself.
”And Princess Skinfaxi tolerates this?” said Jarl Vidar somewhat incredulously. The other reindeer nodded.
”When she cannot act without losing that Hestaland holiness or the purity of the Sun Goddess, she sends 'Lady' Sparkle and her cabal. She freed Hrimfaxi from her prison and summoned and bound Äitsi, do you think white magic could do that?” the well-informed vaja explained.
That almost dragged Twilight out of her trance and into an academic lecture on the non-existence of such things as 'black' and 'white' magic, but she was too slow.
”Say there is a conflict with one of the border herds; Sparkle goes there, and one plague of mouth and hoof later, no buffalo, no conflict," the fat sarv began. "Say a pest of Devourers descends upon a city favored by Skinfaxi; Sparkle turns up, and the next day they are eating less-favored Fillydelfia instead. And Skinfaxi keeps her white coat ritually clean and the country, I must say, working well. I mean, I understand the needs for dire measures in running a country – a superpower – but the nerve! In sending her here!” The fat sarv was very angry, and Twilight was speechless.
The reindeer with the mangy fur nodded and emptied another vodka glass which would have killed Big Macintosh Apple, yet did not seem scared.
”I say we should accept," he said. "We should hunt down those damnable fools going a-Viking, and in return that unicorn neighcromancer can help us with our problems."
The others looked aghast at Jarl Vidar.
”What? Oh, I know it is Hestaland's fault to begin with, but now is not the time to be proud. You don't know how bad it is; now is the time to be practical! And the king's idiocy in not using this pirate business to get help from a virtual superpower when, I impress upon you coastal fools, the tundra is dying, it is absolutely monumental,” he snarled.
Luna was swinging between cold, cold fury and the deepest, most embarrassing pity, the one where you feel so sorry for another pony that you want to just go away and die to end the shame. At least now she understood the conspicuous absence of King Ukko. He had probably been either really hungover or, in his current state, really stinking drunk.
She, like the haughty unicorn courtiers closest to her, Lady Thisandthat and Lord Soandso or whatever their names were, she didn't remember and didn't particularly care, had tried to make conversation, but not even the most innocent or inane subjects got more than a grunt from the King.
If the strange menu – which was not only traditionally reindeer, but traditionally reindeer in the worst possible way, like it was composed of all the meals you are forced to put on the table at big holidays just because it is 'tradition' and your oldest and most irritating aunt will throw a fit if it isn't there – had been the King's idea, he didn't seem to relish it himself, since he was only drinking vodka from a private jar. The jar was kept re-filled, not by any of the servants, but by one of the five nobledeer placed close to him, a different one every time. They were warriors, judging from their uniform-bardings, and seemed dismayed at this duty but put up with it. Finally, the strange brew of shame and anger, seasoned with curiosity, had filled Luna completely and she couldn't be the courteous modern Princess anymore.
”King of the Reindeer,” she said in Poatsi – a rather ancient Poatsi close to Ancient Cervine, but we will translate the gist here - ”why do you treat your housebucks, your sworn warriors, as serving maids? Is that not unbecoming of a reindeer warrior?”
Ukko glared at her, his eyes red and sickeningly moist, mirthless despite the smile that spread on his foam-flecked lips.
”Because that is all they are good for, Moon-Raiser!” he said. Luna frowned.
”Is that really true?" Luna said. "Then why do you not throw them out your hall, find yourself new warriors? Or are you, the Drunkard King, a fit leader for a herd of warrior-maids?”
If any of the Equestrian entourage understood what they were talking about, they didn't show it. In fact, the unicorns frowned most deeply at the distinct lack of Equestrian at this part of the table right now. Some of the reindeer got the conversation, among them Princess Ljufa, who paled as much as a furry creature with milk-white fur can do and silently mouthed 'no no please no' as she shook her head.
Ukko sent a gaze of pure undiluted hate at Luna, then he suddenly laughed uproariously, and about three seconds too late his housebucks followed suite, and laughed awkwardly with him.
”Because, Star-Spreader, there are none!" he said. "Besides me, there are no true warriors to be had in Poatsula! All I get in my court these days are wood-carvers and shop-keepers, and all my warriors are good for is fetching me more liquor to drown my misery at the state of the world – and Poatsula!” He rose up, unsteadily, and grabbed his rune-carved spear from under the table, where he apparently had kept it like an old stallion might have his crutch.
”This used to be a great country, a century ago, a thousand years ago!" he shouted, his voice heard all along the table. "We were like the calving glacier, the northern storm, the waves coming from the edge of the world! We were real deer and the world respected us, admired us, feared us! And now we are NOTHING!” He slammed the spear into the table, its runes spitting acid and embers and lightning.
His daughter desperately tried to grab his tail, to touch him, to calm him down, but he shoved her aside roughly. Luna looked even grimmer, and her mane started to move of its own accord.
”A thousand years ago, your kind were NOTHING!” she said with her own snarl. ”You were thieves and murderers, superstitious animals who cowered at the sight of a building or real magic, who wiped your asses with written wisdom and died screaming in your own vomit since you knew nothing of physick! NOW, you are a real people, strong and wise!”
The king swung to meet her, his spear now in his teeth, which meant he lost valid shouting time as he moved it, giving Luna the opportunity for a second attack as her eyes became galaxies and her voice boomed like falling meteors.
”Foolish young mortal, cervine child carved from dry pine, I WAS THERE!" she thundered. "The good old times were filled with still-birthed fawns and stupidity, rotting harvests and selfishness, damp darkness and mindless tyranny. Young king who fancies himself old, you know not of what you speak, so BE SILENT!” Luna's wrath was now obviously palpable enough for everyone to understand the basics of what was going on, but of the ponies, only Twilight caught what she said, her anger at the words about herself momentarily forgotten in fear and sadness.
”It is easy for you to talk, Night-Haunt, when your own throne stands upon a country that now rules the world!” snarled King Ukko. ”Not even the parts of the world that are not part of Hestaland are free from your reigns, your and your Sun-Steering sister's!”
”Are you blind as well as stupid and vain, little cervine?” Luna rumbled. ”Do you dare call modern Equestria an empire? I have CO-RULED an empire! I have ORDERED my country to spread! I have ORDERED legions to march, and fly, and witch-leap! I have ORDERED non-ponies enslaved or slaughtered! I have LAUGHED on battlefields and DRUNK to massacres! Thanks to the infinite wisdom gained through ages by my sister Celestia, Equestria is no longer an empire! We are also no longer as stupid and cruel and vain as we were in your beloved good old times, King Ukko!”
”Not an empire of hoof and bite and barding, Nightmare Goddess, but an empire nonetheless! What is everyone speaking here this evening?!” the King said. Luna glowered at him.
”As far as I can tell, King Ukko, we are speaking Poatsi, one of many children of Ancient Cervine, the language of all deer-kind, which I had part in shaping one night when another Goddess was sick or in mourning, I have forgotten which.”
”Oh, the immortal moon-witch speaks my language – but everyone else has to speak the language of ponies!” said the King and waved the spear kept under his front leg, causing a lot of ducking at the table in case a rune went off. ”In fact, if I called here the Mansa of the zebras, the Grand Sachem of the buffalo or the qi-rin Mi-ka-do, we would have to speak your language – because it has spread all over the world! Cold ice coat my antlers, if we all gathered here to conspire the defeat of Hestaland, we would have to speak your tongue to do it! Everything you do is all over the world, everyone wants to be you!”
”So what, you want me to be feeling guilty because my little ponies have actually been successful at what they do, that their ideas are worth copying?" Luna snarled. "Is that your meaning!?”
Luna had now stood up with her front hooves on the table, and so had the King, both glaring at each other and foaming at the mouth. The nervousness got the better of the people present, pony and deer alike, and bad things started to happen at once.
At the King's side, his hitherto vodka-fetching cronies had somehow found wicked spears and double-bitted axes and jagged knives under their seats, and weapons in teeth they sprung up on the table as well. One be-robed reindeer showed himself to be the sorcerer responsible for the shimmering light display in the roof, as he started to chant and a small fireball started to take shape within his antler-cage.
On the Princess' side, the members of the Lunar Guard who until now had sat content among the other nobleponies, distinguished only by ceremonial court uniforms, were now up and at the ready, hidden weapons magicked out of their coats. Here, a black unicorn mare concentrated as a score of darts and throwing stars rotated telekinetically in the air around her, ready to be thrown. There, a pegasus in gray bat-wings fluttered over the table, long knives sprung from his front hooves.
To their credit, both monarchs reacted about at the same time, though of course afterward their respective supporters would claim otherwise.
”Are you all INSANE? You IDIOTIC COWARDS!” shouted King Ukko and actually kicked the housebuck closest to him. ”Would you break the sacred laws of hospitality and commit actual violence against a guest! DOWN AND BEGONE OR I'LL SLAY YOU ALL, PERSONALLY!”
”STOP THIS AT ONCE!” thundered Luna. ”I didn't even ask for you to be armed and ready! Why are you even here?! Who needs you?! BACK OFF OR I'LL FLAY YOU ALL AND USE YOUR HIDES AS NAPKINS!”
Unlike screaming at each other, the screaming at their underlings had the designed effect. Everything grew quiet at the table except for the heavy breathing of the two monarchs. Ukko stood up and trotted away. Luna did the same in the opposite direction, screaming for her hoofmaiden. A crying Princess Ljufa stammered apologies to no one in particular.
Lord Eminence seemed to appear just now, and if anyone who knew him had looked at him and expected him to be his usual smug self, they would have been mistaken. The gray unicorn looked merely sad and grim as he demonstrated the use of the common Equestrian face-hoof.
Luna strode, still full of fury, down one of the corridors leading away from the feast-hall and hopefully towards her quarters. She was surrounded by a gaggle of courtiers trying to sycophantically show their support, lambast her for her behavior, or merely figure out what was going to happen now, especially since none of them had actually understood what the cervine monarch and the alicorn was quarreling about. Twilight Sparkle was there next to her, but not being very hoofmaidenly; while she had caught some of Luna's anger, it was tainted with her own experiences.
”It is obvious now why the King doesn't want to stop the piracy!” Luna fumed. ”He is supporting them because they act as his beloved old barbarian murderers!”
”You should just use me to stop them,” mumbled Twilight. ”After all, I am an evil sorceress who bathes in the blood of virgins when I am not committing genocide or poisoning princes...”
Luna was too angry to understand or care what Twilight was talking about, but some of the other unicorns heard and was even more confused. Her vague explanation didn't exactly help, and soon it was known that official reindeer propaganda had painted a heroine of Equestria as an evil witch, and even unicorns who one minute ago would have sneered at Twilight's name were suddenly incredibly angry and defensive.
”King Ukko is barely worthy of his rank!” Luna raved. ”Why, his beloved ancestors would at least have admitted his treachery!”
”Your Highness,” Lord Soandso (or another unicorn, surprisingly similar) entreated the Princess, ”please, don't talk like that! He is still the King of Tarandroland!”
”No, he is not!” said a small angry voice in front of them. Everyone stopped and looked where they were actually going.
In front of them stood a very young sarv on his first set of antlers. His voice was hoarse and his eyes red from angry tears. He glared at them.
”Spike?” said Twilight who just saw her little assistant behind the reindeer.
”He used to be the real king,” the reindeer said ”but he isn't any longer! He is just a useless, selfish coward, who cannot do anything but drink all night and sleep all day and moan about how everydeer should pity him because life has been sooooooooo mean to him!”
He sniffed loudly, drawing back snot into his nostrils.
”He doesn't deserve to be king anymore," the sarv continued. "He only cares about himself! He doesn't CARE about Poatsula anymore. He doesn't CARE about my mother! He doesn't CARE about me!”
The Equestrian delegation stared uneasily at him as he sniffed again. Spike cleared his throat.
”Hi Twilight," he said. "Hi Luna. This is my new buddy, Prince Vigg. The heir to Tarandroland.”
Thanks to krdragon for proofreading!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 7 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-06-07T14:10:33+00:00
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2012-06-07T14:10:33+00:00
| 6,722 |
An alicorn's mind is in many ways different from a regular pony's, and in some ways superior. One way in which it shows its superiority is the acuteness of short-term memory. Of course, sometimes this can be a curse. Such as when you have acted like an immature foal the evening before, and don't want to repeat the conversation in your head over and over again. Luna couldn't stand it any longer. She went out the corridor and found a large window, stepped through the glass (without breaking it, of course - the trick is to make it think you are moonlight) and rose up into the sky.
First, she flew over the forests of Tarandroland, made much less dark than the season mandated by a thin powder-cover of snow, glittering like diamonds in the light of the moon (raised by her sister, of course). While she had flown high over the world and hence the land of the reindeer since she gained her freedom, she had never been this close, this able to truly see. She called out to her many pages and maids in the forest below. Of course many of them - the bat, the shrew, the night-moth and the spider - were now sleeping, hibernating, or dead, but others weren't. The wolves howled, the crows and ravens woke on their roosts and cawed groggily, and the owls hooted their praises. Some of the latter, big ones and small ones, singles and couples, rose on silent wings and swirled around their mistress; they didn't judge or question.
Then, she left the owls behind despite their whistled protests and rose higher and higher above the flat disc of the world, so high in the atmosphere that the bats and birds and pegasi would pass out, and rose into the Northern Lights. She went flying through the many-colored aurora, breathing the light and power, her energy renewed by the glittering veils of power, her ancient memories refreshed. Her good memories. She danced in the light and darkness and forgot the woes of earthly existence. Then, first then, she landed back on Earth, back in Castle Muorra, and almost straight on Twilight Sparkle.
Her hoofmaiden lay not across the threshold like servants of old, but right inside the window, and the Queen of Night actually stumbled, fell and woke her. At least I didn't step on her, she thought as she lay in a pool of her own embarrassment. Twilight rose up, failed to stifle a yawn, and rubbed her eyes with her hoof.
"I woke up and you were gone, Your Highness... I... didn't know where, but I thought I'd wait..." she said, blinking with sad eyes that filled Luna with guilt. She didn't know whether she was looking at a devoted servant worried about her mistress, or at a foal terrified it had lost its mother.
"Oh, Lady Sparkle, a thousand apologies!" Luna shouted and nuzzled the young unicorn. "I just needed the sky... I needed the sky and should have told you."
"S'Okay. Didn't sleep much," mumbled Twilight and hugged her mistress.
"There is breakfast, if it will wake you too," said Spike, who poked out his head from the bedroom. "It is yummy, actually. No lichen in sight."
"Good!" mumbled Twilight as she rose from the blankets she had dragged out to sleep on. "I am such a grouchy evil sorceress if I don't get my black lotus tea and spider-legs and still-beating virgin hearts in the morning!" she said angrily.
"Food sounds good! Thanks, Spike!" said Luna and actually supported Twilight as they both shuffled into their room.
"This," said Spike as he demonstrated, "is both a bread and a cereal. It is, strangely enough, not made from lichen but from sedge."
He crushed the thin bread and spread it into his bowl, which, having been used, showed this was his second helping.
"Reindeer use their mouths to crack it; you are free to use your fancy magic, as I use my paws. And this thing that looks like phlegm," he showed them a silver pitcher, "is actually some kind of yogurt and perfectly tasty."
He poured it over the cracked bread.
"I am sure you already know what jam is," and he pointed to a series of silver jars, "but just so you know: blueberry, cloudberry, lingonberry, crowberry, and something called 'nagoonberry', which according to the Prince is sort of the alicorn of berries, which is so awesome it heals wounds, frees the slaves, and causes deer to murder for it - and I tasted it and Vigg was right; you don't get any, it's all mine!"
He slathered on some of the purplish jam on his cereal.
"You know, the kind of food you would think would be served at a king's table, instead of boiled lichen with lichen sauce and lichen salad?" he said.
He picked up a porcelain jug and another silver pitcher.
"There is a really bad tea I don't recommend, but this coffee is brewed the reindeer way, which is apparently the same as the Appleloosan way: if your shoe doesn't float, you need more coffee," he continued.
He poured himself some.
"It is excellent, but you won't sleep until next year," he said as he tasted it. "Oh, and the average reindeer drinks about fifteen gallons of this a day, and our dreaded host mixes his with vodka, half-and-half. No wonder he's a prat!"
The others looked at him.
"Now, can you serve yourselves or should I?" he said. "You need to eat and drink, girls!"
Slowly, they began helping themselves to the food.
"This is more than edible!" sighed Luna. "And your new friend the prince were right about the jam. It is divine, and I should know."
"Didn't I tell you it was all mine?" Spike mock-growled. "Speaking of Vigg, he sent me a letter. If it's OK I'll join him at the ski slope today."
"You don't ski," said Twilight matter-of-factually.
"Who said I would? Vigg is the sportsbuck," Spike countered. "Though I might slide down it anyway - we can borrow a sled from the castle. Sledding is fun!"
"Go, Spike," said Luna. "You're the only one who made any friends so far. I say you should cultivate them."
"What are we doing today, then, Your Highness?" wondered Twilight. Luna sighed deeply.
"I had hoped I would be having talks with the reindeer, but now I have to resist just flying home and admitting defeat" she said and sniffed her coffee. "This is strong! The whole country must be drugged!"
"Paki told me yesterday that they cannot afford to buy it anymore" said Twilight who had opted for the admittedly bad tea instead. The others looked at her.
"The zebra consul," she explained. "He is a coffee trader, and has some odd phobia about magic. It doesn't make sense, it's not like that reindeer magic is really... present." She looked around the room. "If we do nothing else, I'd like to, erh, read our room and figure out more about those reindeer runes, Your Highness. And I think I made a friend as well in him. Maybe he knows more about why the reindeer are in so bad straits as it seems."
There was a knock at the door. Spike got up and opened the door with a huge segdebread jam sandwich in his mouth.
"Muuuumfh!" he said, swallowed it all in one go and then: "Luna! There are some dudes here to see you!"
The dudes turned out to be a gaggle of aristocrats, of both genders but all unicorns – the usual suspects. Their eyes and faces had a rather peculiar expression, where anger and resentment seethed but as soon as Luna's eyes met theirs the expression changed to deepest fear. They hemmed, hahed and introduced themselves politely, and then percolated back and forth until they spit out the smallest diplomat and nudged him to actually say something. Luna looked at him quizzically.
”What do you want, Lord Soandso? Spit it out!” she said, though less unkindly than the words indicated.
”Lord What?” he said confused.
”Never mind," she said. "You came here for a reason, I suppose.”
He swallowed, shut his eyes, opened them, and started to speak.
”Your Highness, we feel, nay, I feel, after the unlucky occurrences – I mean, after the fiasco yesterday, the complete fiasco, that it would be best for the dialogue – I mean, essential for the dialogue – I mean, it would make the dialogue, the dialogue with the reindeer completely impossible if Your Highness was present. I mean, after yesterday's horrible fiasco... how could Your Highness?!” He has actually worked himself up into anger. ”How could Your Highness be so foalish and stupid as to do that, to completely wreck an already bad situation, endangering our work and the security of Equestria, it's – it’s unforgivable!” At the end, he shouted. Then, realizing what he just had said to who, he shut his eyes, cowered and whined ”Please spare my family!”
Luna looked at him, then at the shivering, teeth-chattering committee and sighed.
”You are absolutely right," she said. "It was immensely stupid of me, and I am sorry for the trouble I caused you. I swear I will bother the king and his courtiers no more. But please, keep me informed of everything that happens. If possible, I would like to be present at your meetings before actual diplomacy,” Luna said, doing her best to look the cowering little unicorn in the eyes. He slowly inflated back to normal size.
”O-of course, Your Highness!" he said. "We will do what we can! Thank you for understanding our situation!”
They bowed and curtseyed and murmured thanks and made to leave, when Luna called out for them.
”You there, small but brave: what is your name, really?” she said. The little unicorn stopped, confused.
”I am Oak Wreath, Your Highness,” he said.
Luna nodded. ”I must remember your names, Oak Wreath. I must remember your names,” she said, and with that the diplomats left.
Twilight looked sympathetically at Luna, and the Princess of the Moon suddenly felt her hoof rubbed magically – as when you want to show affection and nudge hoof to hoof. She smiled back to Twilight.
A second knock at the door, and a reindeer lackey delivered a letter to Her Highness, who instructed her hoofmaiden to collect it. He looked nervously at Twilight, who noticed the look and sighed. He left rather quickly after that. Twilight opened it.
”Your Highness, it is an invitation from the Temple of Skinfaxi," she said. "They want you to come, 'when you are able', to see their temple and pass on a gift to Skinfaxi – I mean Princess Celestia.”
Twilight looked at Luna.
”While the concept weirds me out, I am sure they mean well. And we have nothing else to do today. I will honor them with my presence,” Luna declared. ”Get a hold of that lackey and send them a letter in return.”
Twilight left.
”I hope Celestia's gift is a big big jar of that jam!” Spike said and showed the wished-for girth of said theoretical jar with his hands.
”If I know the cults right, it is probably some horrible piece of art. Though there is a llama nation which sends Tia excellent cocoa beans each year,” Luna mused.
Spike bit his tongue and stopped himself asking what they sent Luna.
Spike was in the bathroom when Twilight came back. She had found the reindeer without much ado, though she was now assured everyone stared at her, everyone feared her, everyone judged her for things she had never done. She was about to share her worries with Luna (who ought to know something about how to deal with that problem) when there was a third knock on the door. It was Prince Vigg.
”Hi!” he said, and then he stared a bit at Twilight. ”Hi!” he said again. ”I, uh, was to meet Spike. The dragonling. We are going skiing.” Then he caught himself and added ”Oh sorry, I'm, uh, Vigg. Prince Vigg. We did meet... but it wasn't a good time. You know,” and he waved a big, broad ski he had strapped to his back around a bit and smacked into the door.
”Welcome, Your Highness,” said Twilight and bowed close to the floor. Then she stood up. ”Should I announce his presence or something, Your Highness?”
Luna sighed and shook her head. ”I can see him quite clearly, Lady Sparkle. I don't think this calls for court protocol,” she said, and walked up to the young reindeer and laid her neck against his. ”Welcome, young prince. You are wiser than many else in this kingdom.” A little awkwardly, Vigg greeted her back.
”Thanks, Our Lady of the Night. Uh. Can I skip the Your Highness thing, Your Highness? Because if use titles to each other it becomes so awkward after a while?” he said, and gestured with the lone ski again. Luna chuckled.
”We are of equal rank, according to international protocol, so why not? You are a Prince, I am a Princess,” she said.
He looked unamused. ”You are a ruling Princess of the world's greatest nation, I am like this completely theoretical heir of a small podunk island. Also, I don't raise the Moon. I have trouble enough raising myself in the morning. Cosmic powers gotta count in the title-game,” he explained.
”Just call me Luna,” she said and smiled. ”This is my hoofmaiden, Lady Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight bowed deeply. ”If you cannot get a hold of me, young Vigg, you can confer with her – we share everything!”
”Pleased to meet you, Your Highness,” Twilight said and bowed again. Vigg looked at her, a little too long at that, and cleared his throat.
”That Twilight Sparkle?” he wondered. Twilight's face darkened.
”Yeah, I assume you heard it too – Skinfaxi's Shadow, evil sorceress, yadda yadda...” she muttered.
”Oh? That? Well,” - and he scratched himself awkwardly, - ”first, you look different” he said.
”Different?” Twilight said, confused.
”Well... Younger, I mean. Also, it is the press, you know. They are like your natural enemy when you're royalty, because no matter whether they say bad or good things about you, they always lie. So, I mean, I wouldn't trust them that much,” he finished and smiled.
”Well, thanks,” Twilight said. ”So you're not afraid of me?”
He shrugged and looked at her – again, a little too long, but then he turned to look at Luna instead.
”No. I'm not,” he said.
There was another pause.
”Spike is cleaning himself up,” said Twilight to change the subject. ”He should be ready soon.”
”Great! I brought sandwiches and cocoa, and he can borrow a sleigh here at the castle. The weather should be perfect,” said Vigg smiling.
”My skiing experienced is limited, and much has happened in the centuries since I visited your country, Vigg, but I am sure you usually have two skis,” said Luna and pointed to the tool of his trade.
”Oh?" he said. "Yeah, but see, since you were here – oh frost on my tail, you were here thousand years ago?! Never mind, since you were, you know old-fashioned reindeer skis, unlike modern ones, had one broad and one slim, right?”
Luna nodded. Twilight showed her usual mood by actually looking for one of her notebooks.
”One you travel on, one to kick with to gain speed," he explained. "Now, you still use them for cross-travel up on the tundra, but you use more normal ones for modern competitions – including downhill, see?” His audience nodded.
”Well, some of us – us skiers – used old-fashioned skis downhill, like for a joke, to make it harder see?" he said. "So we came up with just using the big broad one, and not just trying to go as fast as possible, but to pass obstacles and make tricks and try to jump as far as we can. It's not like a real sport yet, but it is fun. I am trying to get better, and while it is even more fun up in the mountains, there is this ski hill outside Sarvis – Sarvvik – that is really good!” He realized he was gushing and blushed, sending Twilight a worried gaze.
”And also, at that place they usually don't recognize me, they just think I am this fawn, you know? So, as I said, press, but no problem,” he finished. ”Some of my friends might be there, but they are cool – otherwise they wouldn't be like my friends, y'know?”
”What friends do you have?” asked Luna. ”I know myself a high position sometimes makes it hard making real friends.”
”Well, they are just these guys, you know?" he said. "Mostly, mostly they are grazers whose parents moved down here, and they like skiing, and hiking, and sometimes living like it was up north out in the forest, instead of in town.”
And getting away from that hated press, and the politicians, and your troubled family, Luna thought. I guess those journalists you hate would get lost in the forests...
Twilight started asking questions about the manufacturing of skis, for reasons Luna couldn't comprehend at first, and Vigg answered amiably – though he had made his himself, and expressed disgust with factory-made skis. It was then that Luna realized Twilight was fishing for information about reindeer magic, wondering whether it could be a passive talent like earth ponies and their ties to the Land – if reindeer were simply better at working wood than they should be. Luna smiled. Twilight's hunger was sometimes very intense, though at least the kid didn't mind talking varnish with a foreign adult.
Spike came out about then, and since his patience for varnish was limited, he suggested they leave.
”Oh Spike, you make me a little worried with this trip!” said Twilight. ”Please don't break your legs or something!” Spike tried to communicate telepathically with the older kid to not say the words, but failed; Vigg insisted that he'd look after Spike, who groaned.
”You don't want to come?” Vigg asked the Princess and her hoofmaiden. Twilight looked a little eager, but Luna shook her head.
”We have an appointment with the Temple of Skinfaxi,” she said. ”But I thank you for your offer, young Vigg.”
”Well... that's actually in our direction. Say, we can follow you on the way, and I can show you where,”, said Vigg.
”Isn't the temple the big golden building?” Spike asked grouchily. ”Isn't that easy to find?”
”Well, it's not like you can fly there... except when you can,” Vigg said at Luna's chuckle and fluttering her wings.
”Well, it sounds like a good idea,” said Luna. ”Let me just become presentable. Hoofmaiden – attend to me!”
Spike groaned as Twilight got busy with Luna's mane and hooves.
”Why did you suggest that?” he whispered to Vigg. ”Now we have to wait for them for hours and hours.”
”I don't really mind,” said Vigg happily.
The Temple of Skinfaxi was really beautiful, though they could only see the greenhouse, not the large outdoor flower garden, on account of it being early winter. The collection of reindeer in outfits in white and gold that served it were polite. The gift to Celestia was an absolutely awful glass sculpture. It ended up in Twilight's magic, levitating over her, since it obviously didn't fit in her saddlebags and Luna shouldn't carry it for princessy reasons. The Princess and her hoofmaiden were walking down the long path through the garden towards the gates, talking quietly among themselves.
“It's hideous!” chuckled Luna. “I know I don't get modern art, but this has to be bad for modern ponies as well!”
“Please don't tell me you are happy with it being this awful because it is Princess Celestia's present and not yours...” Twilight was straining a little with the glass formation.
“Oh, it might turn out well,” mused Luna. “Like with the mountain Canterlot is on. It was an unwanted gift too, you see?”
“What?” said Twilight confused. “Who gives away mountains?”
“Oh, it was long ago at the dawn of time," Luna said. "Someone... we can describe him as an uncle to Tia and me, he gave us that mountain. He was the one who made the mountains of the world, see, so he was of course a bit obsessed with mountains. And Tia said it didn't fit any landscape we had, and I suggested that we put it in the Underworld and just bring it out when he was visiting, and then...”
The anecdote was interrupted by a commotion at the gates they were fast approaching.
“I DEMAND to see Our Lady of the Moon!” shouted an old, shrill voice.
“Lady, the temple is off-limits to laydeer today because Hrimfaxi herself is visiting. It is not very pious, running around bothering deities like that,” said what must be one of the traditionally bored temple guards.
“But I am no laydeer! I am the Chief Priestess at the Temple of Hrimfaxi!” shouted the old voice again, and Luna's ancient ears suddenly perked up.
“Lady, I mean, Your Grace, you know that means you cannot enter at all, ever,” said another guard.
“Why can't we get into the Temple of Skinfaxi?!” shouted a smaller, higher-pitched, angrier voice. “That is discriminatory!”
“Young lady, we can't get into your Temple either! Those are the rules, and we didn't make them,” groaned the first guard. “Now please calm down, both of you!”
Luna and Twilight weren't automatically noted by the guards when they stepped through the gates, but they were noticed by the source of the angry voices: an old vaja swaying on arthritic legs and a second, very young one, like Vigg on her first set of antlers. The young one saw them first, made a little squeak of joy and then prostrated herself on the ground. Her older colleague followed suit. The temple guards caught on about then and bowed before the Princess and her hoofmaiden with more dignity.
“All Hail Our Lady of the Moon!” the prostrated vajas chanted in unison. “All Glory to the Goddess of Dusk, the Ruler of the Night Court...” Twilight looked at the two reindeer with a certain apprehension. Luna groaned and shut her eyes...
“All Hail the Nightmare Moon!”
Luna's eyes opened. They were full of green fire, and her mane shifted like a cold wind from outer space. She steadied herself. She shut her eyes, opened them to a normal pony gaze, and her mane returned to normal.
“Come, Lady Sparkle. Let's return to the Palace,” And she began to move away.
The older reindeer gasped and stumbled up, following Luna, plucking at her tail.
“Mistress! Goddess! We merely wish that you grace our humble temple with your divine being...” she babbled, her voice quivering. Her younger colleague also rose and gaped as she started at Luna.
Luna turned abruptly and hissed at the old priestess.
“Listen!" she said. "I don't want your temple, I don't want your worship, and I don't want you! Go before I cause you harm!”
The old vaja slumped to the ground and babbled excuses, but the younger reindeer stood straight up, her eyes gleaming like stars of anger, an effect enhanced by her garish eye makeup, which was a broad black band painted across her face like a bandit's mask.
She held the sobbing old priestess to her.
“But she was supposed to understand...” the old reindeer cried.
“Don't worry Grammy. We can do without her. She is just like all the other ones: she only cares about herself. She doesn't care about her followers. She doesn't care about you. She doesn't care about me!” Hot tears dribbled through her black makeup and made river down her cheeks, but her gaze met Luna's straight on and didn't waiver.
Luna, looking back at her, remembering things useful to remember, turned to Twilight.
“Change of plans, Lady Sparkle," she said. "We will visit my temple, a duty I have neglected. I want to thank you for reminding me, my faithful priestess. What is your name?”
The young vaja just gaped, and her until now so steady, angry voice was changed into a stammer.
“Me? Uhm, oh, my Goddess, I am just a temple-fawn, not a priestess yet. And my name is Saga, Oh Goddess.”
Art by the talented Adalbertus - thanks ever so much! Thanks also to krdragon for proofreading help!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 8 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-06-19T12:48:14+00:00
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2012-06-19T12:48:14+00:00
| 6,565 |
It turned out to be quite a walk. About halfway between the two temples Twilight started to show strain, and Luna unceremoniously picked up the statue with her mind and let it bob after them, despite Twilight’s protests.
The two reindeer babbled a lot on their way but didn't really say much, being a bit too nervous. For Luna the most interesting part was actually when the older one (who periodically needed support from the temple-fawn to walk) started trying to make the walk a sight-seeing trip. Her speech invariably turned from the usual historical and patriotic facts into personal notes like 'this is were I bought my hat, and at a quite nice price too I might say,' 'my daughter was conceived in this dancing hall, back when it wasn't a hairdresser's' or 'don't buy your bread here, Oh My Goddess, the baker is a terrible cheat and no loaf weighs what it should.' Luna smiled.
Her younger colleague, when not supporting the older one, who seemed to literally be her grandmother (paternal), commented on their path in her own way, and incidentally gave Twilight a pretty good picture of Life Of The Reindeer Teen In The Big(ger) City. It was strange the way that despite obviously being an uptown doe, Saga became happier about the whole city the closer they came to Hrimfaxi's temple – strange because the closer they got, the more the city started to resemble slum, something Twilight never had seen before. Well, she was aware it existed in some big cities that weren't Canterlot, but...
The temple stood dark and looming, befitting its patron. The old, bleached pillars of carved fir did most of the looming, while the shadows from the jutting roof and the enormous pile of antlers and skulls took care of the darking. Twilight shivered as she lifted her head and saw the reindeer skulls looking down at her.
”Good grief! It looks like a haunted stable on Nightmare Night!” she burst out.
Saga nodded enthusiastically. ”It does, doesn't it?" she beamed happily. "Isn't it totally awesome, Mistress Sparkle?!”
”Excuse me, but what's with the antler hill?” Twilight asked the older priestess as she poked them with her hoof.
”Oh, it is tradition to give your last cast-off antlers to Hrimfaxi when you die!” she explained. ”As a sort of thank-you gift for Hrimfaxi guiding you to the Summer Lands.”
”Or, I mean, your family gives us – I mean, you, Oh Goddess, the antlers,” Saga added. ”Seeing how you are dead and all. Though it would be neat if some dead reindeer took his antler here himself, but it never happened.”
”You save your cast-off antlers?” said Twilight. The reindeer – and princess Luna – nodded.
”They are a valuable part of you, after all. Back when I was here last time, you would carve them into beautiful or useful things and give your beloved ones,” the alicorn explained. ”Or rather, the ones from last year, because you never knew when you needed your last ones for the passing gift. Is that still done?”
The reindeer looked at each other.
”Not much, Oh My Goddess. Deer still give gifts, but they are more likely to just give the set of antlers,” said the old priestess.
”See, they are really valuable and can be sold,” said Saga. ”But you can also sell them yourselves and buy other gifts for the money.”
”Why are they valuable? Oh – I see! The horn – there is always magic in horns!” said Twilight and carefully lifted a set of greening antlers with her magic.
”Yeah, but they are useful in other ways as well. I mean, before there was plastic it was like very useful for making things,” said Saga.
Luna had to drag Twilight away from the antler-hill, but they did get inside after that. They placed the horrid statue outside, Luna and Twilight hoping somedeer would steal it.
Luna found it strange that while she had recoiled at the very idea of worship, the temple being in such a sorry state made her sad, ashamed, and somehow offended.
”I am sorry, Oh My Goddess,” said the priestess ”but there isn't much demand for our ceremonies any more, except for the neighboring reindeer and some traveling grazers who still perform the antler ceremony – and they have no money.”
Her old rheumy eyes gleamed. ”But when I was a very young fawn, there was still singing here, and reindeer gathering to give thanks for the moon and the stars and the northern lights, and praying for the darkness to cover them...”
”Why? The darkness, I mean?” said Twilight as she was studying an astronomical mobile trying to figure out the missing pieces.
The old reindeer shrank a little. ”I am afraid most of them were thieves, Mistress Sparkle. Darkness makes their profession somewhat easier, don't you see?” she said cautiously. Luna stiffened a bit at that.
”But nowadays, no one comes – and the roof is leaking, the doors are stuck ajar, the decorations pawned off...” the old vaja continued. ”The priestly sanctum sanctorum drafty and cold, we really could use a working toilet, the moon well is cracked and dried of all except slime -”
”MOON WELL?!” shouted Luna. ”You have a moon well in this place?!”
There was a dangerous tone to her voice which made Twilight drop the mobile. Their hostesses cringed at the shout.
”I'm sorry but it hasn't been used in like hundreds and hundreds of years... but we can change that if it pleases you My Goddess...” Saga quickly said.
This did not pacify Luna, quite the opposite.
”What's a moon well?” asked Twilight. And why does it make you so angry, my Princess..?
”Young Saga, my temple-fawn, let's go there, and tell lady Sparkle what a moon well is, since you are sorry it hasn't been in use,” said Luna, her voice full of mirth, her lips smiling, her eyes blazing.
The young doe cringed some more but showed them out the backyard. The older one followed hesitantly at a distance.
In the yard was a very wide and very old well. The stones were hardly visible under moss and lichen, and cracked with age. Twilight peered down into it as Saga pointed down. The bottom was covered with white snow, a deeper layer than that on the ground. It was dark and mucky down there. Jagged stones and what looked like blackened old branches poked up from the bottom.
”This... this is the moon well. It used to be full of water... so the moon could be mirrored in it, see?” Saga started to explain. ”And... it used to be... there was... long ago, we... I mean those priestesses back then... sacrificed reindeer to the moon in it.”
Twilight, aghast, turned to a Luna, her eyes still blazing, her lips falsely content.
”Because they would fall in... and land in the mirror image of the moon... and the walls are so steep and so slimy... you cannot climb up...” Saga continued.
”And it was hundreds of years ago, you say?” said Luna smoothly.
”Yes,” said Saga with a very small voice, ”it was hundreds of years ago.”
Luna nodded.
”Know one thing, cervine child carved of old pine,” Luna said as she started to shimmer with her magic, ”I never demanded this. Not even when wrapped in madness and hate and jealousy. Not even when I was Nightmare Moon.”
Her magic dug into the earth like a giant claw scooping up the whole well, the earth and stones and ice and old old bones, and she rose with it above the temple, her great wings flapping as she ascended into the sky, surveyed the sea outside, and slingshotted the whole mass into the sea. Then, she landed.
”If you didn't demand it, who came up with it?” Saga actually asked when her divine patron again trod the rather upset ground of the temple.
”Reindeer did," Luna said, her gaze turned inwards. "Oh, and all kinds of beings. Ponies. Cattle. The diamond dogs, always sophisticates, just tore the sacrifice apart and the congregation devoured it.”
Everyone stared.
”But why?” Twilight asked.
”Some were afraid of Nightmare Moon and thought she could harm them unless they bribed her," Luna explained. "Others thought... if this happened often enough, she would be free, and deliver them from their enemies with terror. As I once said, there is a reason my sister warped our battle into a fairy tale. So that no one would take it seriously and do horrible things like this.”
”Oh my... ” said Twilight. ”At Nightmare Night, when you sacrifice your candy to Nightmare Moon...”
”Yes,” said Luna. ”There is more than one way to warp the sinister to the innocent.”
”My Goddess,” said the old doe, ”what do we do with, erh, the hole?”
Everyone looked at it.
”I think you might actually have dislocated the structure of the temple, My Goddess,” Eira said as she peered curiously at it.
Luna looked embarrassed.
”Well, I suppose it will have to be renovated as well...” Luna mused. ”But I see water down the hole...”
”I don't think the actual spring was gone, after all we are close to a river,” Twilight said. ”Maybe it will be a well again – or a little lake.”
”We can make a new moon well,” Saga suddenly said, ”except not, y'know, killing reindeer in it.”
”No living, breathing, bleeding sacrifices!” said Luna and scowled.
The reindeer nodded hastily.
”Would flowers be OK?” Saga wondered. ”We could send them to the moon?”
”Flowers would be lovely!” said Luna and smiled.
The old doe cleared her throat. ”We could make libations... I mean, I have a very nice batch of nagoonberry liqueur in my sanctum sanctorum...” she said as she mimicked pouring something into the hole.
Luna's eyes perked up.
”Nagoonberry, you say? The only libations made will be down my throat! Show the way, oh My Priestess!” said Luna and marched into the temple. ”I wish... I wish I could use this, in some way. Some real way to help deer...” she started to explain to the priestess following her.
Saga sighed deeply and looked at Twilight.
”I thought she was gonna throw me down there, y'know? I was so afraid, though it would have been kinda awesome,” she said and looked at the hole, where more water was seeping forth.
”You have a rather strange definition of awesome,” said Twilight.
”Well, are you really that Twilight Sparkle?” said the doe.
”Yeah, unfortunately,” said Twilight and sighed. ”Don't tell me you think that is awesome as well!”
”Of course it is!” Saga gushed. ”Oh my goddess I have heard so much about you!” She bounced a little. Twilight looked on with disbelief.
”Twilight Sparkle, Skinfaxi's Shadow. The sadistic sorceress and sex-fiend. Awesome?” Saga nodded enthusiastically.
”Oh yes!” she said as she bounced some more.
”I summon demons and slay ponies with sorcery and enchant ponies' minds?” Twilight said.
”My friends will be so totally jelly when I tell them I met you!” Saga said happily.
”I seduce youths and maidens and take them to my castle dungeon where I have them devoured by giant venomous carnivorous demon-snails for fun. Awesome?” Twilight said.
Saga thought for a second or two, then nodded again.
”That is really awesome. My friends would be even more jelly if I was devoured by giant venomous carnivorous demon-snails for fun,” she said with a wistful smile.
”I highly doubt that,” said Twilight and face-hoofed.
Saga was silent for a while, then she said: ”Do you slowly dip them or keep the snails in a pit?”
”What,” said Twilight flatly.
”I meant do you keep them hanging in chains and slowly dip them down among the snails so they will be slowly eaten while they scream for their mommies – aagh – eeep- boohoo?” said Saga as she demonstrated the flailing of a theoretical victim.
”No. No I don't,” said Twilight.
”Then do you keep the snails in a pit and the victims chained to a wall so the snails crawl towards them?” Saga tried to imitate a giant venomous carnivorous demon-snail slowly creeping towards a victim. ”Splortch... splortch...”
”How old are you, miss Saga?” said Twilight. And are you on some medication I should know about? Oh what the hay, she isn't worse than most of my neighbors..
”Seventeen!” said Saga happily. ”But how do you do it?”
”I don't," said Twilight. "Do it at all, I mean. Especially since that last thing with the giant venomous carnivorous demon-snails wasn't even one of your stupid rumors, it was something I made up on the spot right now!”
”...oh” said Saga sadly. ”Sorry, I didn't mean to...”
”It's okey," said Twilight. "It wasn't you who made up the rumors. I am just curious why you find things awesome that others find awful. I mean, you are obviously not mean or bad in any way...”
Saga looked thoroughly disappointed.
”...but your appearance, your tastes, your calling in life, it is all like what many ponies – deer, I mean – would avoid. I am just trying to figure you out,” said Twilight Sparkle, then added: ”I'm not very good at figuring anyone out. I have a hard time understanding my friends...”
Very carefully, Saga leaned against her and nudged a hoof.
”Well, so do I. Not that I have that many...” said the little doe, then she sat straight up.
”My appearance, what do you think? How do I look?” she said a little expectantly.
Don't tell her what you think, don't tell her that... ”You remind me of a buffalo on the warpath” said Twilight bluntly. ”I m-mean, with the face paint, and the jewelry...”
”Wow! That's actually awesome!” said Saga.
”It is? I mean, I don't think that was what you were aiming for...” said Twilight and looked down.
”No, but I like buffalo. Real buffalo, I mean, not the ones in stupid movies...” Saga mused. ”I mean, I read about them instead...”
”You like to read?” Twilight perked up.
Saga shrugged. ”Not in school, they only want you to read stupid things you never need... I read all the stories about Hrimfaxi and Skinfaxi here in the temple instead... I sort of dropped out of school...”
Twilight shuddered.
”I could never imagined not having gone to school... school was the only fun I ever had as a kid...” she mumbled.
Saga looked at her.
”Can I ask you something?” she said.
Twilight nodded.
”Is it true that you were Skinfaxi's own student?” Twilight nodded.
”That's true," she said. "I still am. My specialty is the magic of friendship.”
”Then why are you the servant of Hrimfaxi as well?” Saga asked.
”Well, first the Princesses are sisters and friends, so... serving both is no problem. Second... I am not just the servant of Princess Luna,” Twilight said with pride.
”How do you mean?” Saga said.
”Well, we're close... because of things that happened... I mean we share a bedroom now and things like that...” Twilight began, wondering how to explain her personal experiences of the Nightmare Moon affair to someone who considered Princess Luna literally divine...
A Twilight Sparkle wearing considerable more eyeshadow than usual was standing at the top of a windswept tower, looking out over a dramatic landscape as a thunderstorm raged at the same time as the ground was covered in deep mists.
Around her was a huge magic circle drawn with fluorescent red and blue fluids, and at its cardinal corners stood horse skulls bearing fat, drippy black candles. In front of her was a huge flaming brazier into which she kept throwing strange dust as she chanted a dirge that was strangely enough accompanied by wailing electric guitars.
As her chant ended blue lightning struck the ground in front of her and Luna, also wearing considerable more eyeshadow than usual, materialized. Twilight prostrated herself on the ground and shouted:
”My Mistress of the Dark! You have come to me!”
Luna shot her a smoldering gaze and dragged her right front hoof down Twilight's back.
”Rise, my little apprentice! Rise, and bear sacrifice to the Goddess of Passion!”
Twilight rose, shot a smoldering gaze back, and embraced Luna as she shouted:
”OH MY MISTRESS OF NIGHT, DRAG ME INTO THE SEPULCHRE OF LOVE!”
Luna covered her with her wings, and...
”...and then it turned out that when we used the Magic of Friendship, we didn't send Nightmare Moon back to the moon, but we exorcised her from Luna, and... are you listening?” Twilight frowned at the young reindeer who, while staring at Twilight, seemed rather vacant.
”Oh, sure! Listening! Definitely!” Saga said, blushing deeply.
”You must understand, Eira,” said Luna who had by then actually learned the name of her chief and only priestess, ”that while I have the resources to simply send a huge load of gold here to just renovate the temple, it wouldn't be a good idea. It wouldn't solve the fundamental problems you are facing.”
Eira nodded and sipped some more liqueur from the cracked coffee cup she was using, Luna having gained the uncracked one.
”It would be a false thing," she said. "The temple isn't abandoned because it is dilapidated, it is dilapidated because it is abandoned. The temple of Skinfaxi – even they have been abandoned, and it has been even worse the last few years. It is just that pretty because a few wealthy worshipers, like Princess Ljufa, keeps plying them with silver.”
”Why have reindeer abandoned my sister?” said Luna. ”I can actually understand me, seeing how I hardly been active, but...”
Eira chuckled.
”About as active as the creator of reindeer, which I am sure you know!” joked the priestess.
Luna frowned but nodded.
”Well, yes. I count her as an aunt, if it helps... But why my sister?” Luna said
”The ways of the Sun are literally not mine,” said Eira, ”but there is something with the last years bad winters that have made deer less fond of the sun. You'll have to ask another deer.”
She looked at what was literally her deity, so small but so amiable in the flesh and pondered.
”Maybe, if you appeared as you do to me, to a public ritual, next time one is due, so that reindeer could see you. See you smile,” she said and smiled herself.
Luna looked down her cup, then looked up, and smiling.
”I know a better way, and quicker," she said. "I know just the way, and we might as well do it when I am in Tarandroland and have literally nothing else useful to do right now. I must just speak to my sister.”
”Twilight?” said Saga as they sat on the roof of the temple, Twilight having made a demonstration of her telekinesis.
”Yes?” said Twilight who was starting to feel cold.
”I still think you are awesome even if you are a good sorceress!” said the reindeer and leaned against Twilight.
”Oh. Thanks,” said Twilight.
The reindeer hesitated a while, then spoke up again. ”Do you think you could teach me some things? I mean, like magic?”
Twilight paused and tried to conceal her mirth.
”Sure – though I don't know enough about reindeer magic, I don't know if I could...” she said, testing the waters.
”Oh, I can totally show you all Gramma showed me. Which, erh, isn't much,” Saga pouted.
”I am sure we can arrange something then,” said Twilight, ”for what little time I am here.”
”Oh that's so great! I mean, I'll totally be your apprentice. I'll do anything!” Saga gushed.
Twilight turned to her. An idea – rather selfish, but tempting – had struck her.
”Anything?” she said.
”Anything!” said Saga, with determination.
”Even if it is difficult and troublesome?” said Twilight.
”It doesn't matter!” said Saga, and pounded her hoof for emphasis, causing Saturn in bone to fall from the roof inside.
”Even if it is against... your personal moral... code?” asked Twilight.
”I said anything and I mean anything! I swear by my antlers!” Saga said haughtily.
Twilight smiled a nasty little smile. ”Then we have a deal. See, there is this task that has been bothering me, and with today's excitement I have forgotten it, and I really need someone to do it for me...”
An alicorn can connect with the Wheels that turn the heavens anywhere. (Well, almost anywhere. Not beyond the stars, or in the Underworld, or in a certain strange hamlet outside Hoofington, but almost.) Luna had no problems once she had made a hurried telepathic call to her sister to stop the raising of the moon and night from Canterlot.
She danced her primordial dance of the heavens from the cracked and leaking roof of her temple, and those of her pages and maids not asleep – which in the city included hordes of rats – attended from the grounds around the temple. While the moon of course didn't literally rise from the slums of Sarvvik, everyone in it could see Our Lady of the Moon raising it.
Indeed, all over the city reindeer saw Luna and awed, or wondered, or poured out their vodka and swore off it forever, but it was in the old quarters of industry and low-quality housing and crime and squalor of the kind ponies are most unused to, that it had the greatest effect. All over that part of the city, the oldest part of the city, reindeer prostrated themselves towards Luna, the factory workers and their forebucks, the thieves and their fences, the whores and their pimps, the beggars and the drunks and the telemarketers. And Luna smiled towards them and did her dance.
When they were to return to the palace, they found to their dismay that the horrible statue was unstolen. Eira claimed it was out of reverence for their Goddess; Saga instead claimed that the thieves of Sarvvik had taste.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 9 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-08-08T12:51:16+00:00
|
2012-08-08T12:51:16+00:00
| 6,328 |
”Are you sure you can do this?” Vigg wondered.
”I'm cool,” said Spike, his voice somewhat muffled.
”Because it's somewhat dangerous and I don't think you have done it before,” said Vigg.
”Hey, I'm not a baby! At least let me try!” said Spike angrily.
Vigg sighed. ”OK, it's your funeral!” he said and winced.
He shook his head at Spike's attempt, then he couldn't restrain himself any longer. He grabbed Spike's tail with his teeth and pulled him out of the snowdrift he had been stuck in.
”Hey, I was getting there!” said Spike. Vigg smiled sheepishly.
”I thought you were gonna suffocate, buck! Digging yourself out can be hazardous after a crash like yours!” He dusted off Spike, without reason, since he wasn't that snowy. Dragons are fairly warm, and the snow hadn't really stuck to his warm jacket. In fact, Spike had become warmer down there, and said so.
”Yeah, snow isolates. Snow can be your best friend in winter,” the reindeer prince explained.
”I got the sleigh!” shouted another young sarv, one of Vigg's friends, from the foot of the skiing hill. ”Icicles on my antlers, that dragon is one crazy driver!” Vigg chuckled.
”You certainly have made an impression on my buddies!” he said as he and Spike waited for the other reindeer to drag the sled up to them.
”I did? Yes I did!” said Spike, happy that he hadn't made a complete fool of himself.
It was rather refreshing to not only be with other guys, but other guys older and thus slightly cooler than him. It was even better because they seemed genuinely pleased to meet him. He was a little intimidated by the talk being mostly about winter sports and hiking, but it was eased by the fact that they liked explaining the value of broader skis or the right way to build a campfire. And he found himself explaining as much about dragons or about Equestria. Not all of them were as clear about the difference between Foalywood and reality as Vigg (”No, not all unicorns are noble mage-knights. That's just in techno-thrillers”) but they were reasonable about it.
Vigg's questions were a bit more personal – some were about Luna or Celestia or the Elements of Harmony, most about Twilight and living with her. His friends listened a bit uninterested to Spike's answers about that as well, but everyone became strangely impressed and gushing and jealous about living inside a living tree. It didn't sound very reindeer to Spike, but perhaps that was why.
After the other sarv had given Spike the reins to the sled, he pointed to the distant clock tower of Sarvvik City Hall.
”Me and the other guys are going home now. Not that it hasn't been fun, but some of us have work to do tomorrow,” he said.
Vigg groaned. ”You know how much I wish I had work to do tomorrow! But I don't even get to take a weekend job!” he said.
The other reindeer chuckled. ”See you later! Pleased to meet you, Spike! Brohoof?” he said and lifted one of his front hooves.
”Brohoof,” said Spike and met it with his paw.
He had noticed that the young bucks – with the notable exception of Vigg – tended to mix a little Equestrian with their Poatsi. It seemed 'brohoof' was a loanword, used even when they didn't speak their accented school Equestrian with Spike. It was kinda eerie.
As they waved farewell to the rest of the little herd, Vigg pointed to to the another hill, a little higher, lying next to the actual ski slope but on the way home.
”What do you say we get up to the top there – there's a fireplace up there – makes a coffee-fire, eat the rest of the sandwiches, and then we go home as well?” he said enthusiastically.
”Sounds neat. But we still have cocoa in the thermos, why the coffee-fire?” said Spike.
”Because it's not a real break without a coffee-fire, even if you don't make coffee!” he laughed.
”Can we sled down afterward?” asked Spike.
”I am counting on it!” said Vigg. ”That hill isn't used for skiing and so on, so it isn't packed or plowed or used in any way. It's much more fun to go down fresh snow like that, and I haven't done it this year yet! Come on now!”
They slowly and methodically went up the hill – Vigg with his odd single ski on his back, Spike pulling the sled he had borrowed – and when there they used some gathered dry twigs and some firewood from a big heap of it to make a small campfire. Vigg explained that he had helped to chop the firewood here; it was for everydeer, but somedeer had to chop it.
As they chewed on their soggy sandwiches in silence Spike felt that Vigg actually relished being with a friend and not saying anything. He himself had no such proclivities however, and after a while he had to bring up a subject that had been burning him in a different way than the fire he always kept in his belly.
”Vigg, why is it that reindeer think Twilight's an evil sorceress?” he said.
Vigg remained silent for a while.
”I think it's something one of my teacher called 'values dissonance',” he said finally.
”What does that mean? I live in a library and I don't know!” said Spike grouchily.
”It means – I think it means – that when cultures have different values, and they meet, they get dissonant – they conflict. See, we reindeer don't really like magic,” he explained.
”Why not? It's pretty useful,” said Spike. ”And I mean, your grandpa's supposed to be this big traditionalist reindeer, and he has a court sorcerer.”
”Well, we think it's useful too... just that it's iffy. And the more powerful it is, the iffier,” Vigg said.
”But why is that?” said Spike. ”I can understand if it's bad to, say, magic a rock to the head of someone. But what if you magic someone up from a deep deep hole?”
”Well,” said Vigg, ”to reindeer – not to all of us, all the time, mind you – it's like this: you make magic by... convincing the world to do something.”
Spike frowned. ”That doesn't seem like the magic Twilight does” he said. ”That's all like baking a cake. Well, except Twilight tends to mess up the recipe because she gets stressed the cake's for Celestia's birthday, so she makes a bomb instead...”
Vigg chuckled.
”Think of it as a metaphor, OK?" he said. "Anyway, magic is like convincing the world to do something for you, except the world isn't supposed to change much. It is like it is for a reason. Every time you change one thing, you change something else. So magic is like changing everything because you want to, without caring what happens to anyone else, which is selfish. And being selfish is bad and being bad is evil, OK?"
”So throwing a rock on someone with magic is bad not because you're beaning someone with a rock, but because rocks shouldn't fly?” Spike said. Vigg nodded.
”Yeah, sort of. But ponies... many ponies are unicorns, and they use magic like I use my hooves. I mean it would be really weird if you said it was evil to use your hooves. So ponies can't really think magic is evil in itself, but reindeer can,” he said and ate the last of his sandwich.
“Then, there 's this thing about Equestria,” he continued. “Reindeer are sort of... of two minds about it.”
“Why's that?” said Spike. “It's a big country, but it's not like it goes around and invades other countries and so on?”
“Well, there're reindeer like my grandpa who thinks Equestria does that in another way, merely because others want to be Equestrian so much. I don't really agree, and there aren't that many I think. It's something else. Equestria seems... too good!” Vigg said.
“Why, you reindeer are never satisfied!” Spike said.
Vigg chuckled again and shook his head. “Spike... no one else in the world has it as good as the ponies of Equestria. Maybe the zebras or ki-rin are close, maybe some of the camel sultanates, but the ponies have us all beat. Relative to the size, there's no other place which has so little crime, so little poverty, so much... love and tolerance. And the inhabitants are all pastel-colored and friendly and obsessed with cuteness, and they have made the whole country into a park where even the animals don't hurt each other. They haven't been to war for centuries, and they're ruled by a benevolent immortal god-queen who even seems to call herself 'princess' because everydeer who has read a fairy tale knows that princesses are good and queens are wicked,” Vigg said with a certain emotion. “It all seems too good to be true. Remember what I said about how magic works – we reindeer tend to think like that about everything. Where's the catch, many of us say.”
“Is pessimism like a national sport here in Tarandroland?” said Spike.
Vigg laughed. “Try living in a country where four fifths of the year are blizzards and the remaining fifth mosquito, where everydeer uses vodka as interior heating, where – in the worst parts – there can be weeks without sunrise, and you would get pessimistic too!” he said, and then he continued. “So, Princess Skinf... Princess Celestia has an agent who is perhaps the world's greatest sorceress. She must be evil, right? So, obviously Celestia has this cabal of magic ponies who keeps Equestria perfect by making all the problems go away.”
“That's... really silly!” protested Spike. “Besides, only two of the Elements of Harmony even have real magic!”
“Reindeer don't know that, because our magic works differently. And because so many reindeer have all knowledge of Equestria from Foalywood, they haven't learned any better. There're even reindeer who think that alicorns are just a different kind of pony, or like the crossbreed between a pegasus and a unicorn...” Vigg said.
”But there are reindeer magicians?” Spike said.
”Yeah, but they avoid using magic unless it's really necessary, and their favorite magics are passive,” Vigg explained.
”What do you mean passive?” said Spike and ate the crumbs of his sandwich
”Well, seeing and knowing things others don't know, mostly. That's a very reindeer thing to do. All reindeer can do that, a little,” he said and looked a little awkward. ”See, I'm not sure of this 'magic is bad' thing, and I still have a hard time talking about magic.”
”You don't have to if you don't want to,” said Spike. ”I think you have explained why reindeer think Twilight is an evil sorceress: it's because she's an awesome sorceress. And you cannot be awesome without being evil if you're a sorceress.”
Vigg laughed again. ”That's the thing, yeah!” he said, and then fell silent.
”She really is awesome, though. Can I ask you something about Twilight, Spike?” Vigg said after a while.
”You don't think she's an evil sorceress, do you?” Spike said. Vigg shook his head with emphasis.
”I'm positive. I would have seen it otherwise!” he said.
Spike nodded. ”OK, shoot away! We have talked about her earlier today, what did we miss?” he said.
”Well... how do you fit together, you and Twilight? I mean, what are you to her? You're obviously not her pet, because you're a person, and not her familiar, because you're willing,” Vigg said.
”I'm her assistant!” Spike said. ”Already told you, remember?”
”Well, yes and no. Because you're a minor, Spike. You're even younger than me. And ponies usually don't hire kids as assistants – and I remember you complaining about not getting paid earlier,” Vigg said.
”Well, Twilight... we grew up together, alright? So we're family. And kids... kids help with the family business, right? And... the grazer herds you told me about, all the kids help right?” Spike said, feeling a little uncomfortable about the subject.
Vigg was silent a bit, contemplating it.
”I realize you don't mean biologically related, but what kind of family do you mean. Like, are you her little brother?” Vigg asked. Spike sighed.
”Yeah, it's a lot like that... honestly, most kids I know my age are fillies, but they relate to their big sisters a lot like I do to Twilight...” he said.
”Oh, good! Sorry I am going on like this, it's a reindeer thing to want to know how things... how deer... how people relate to each other. It's like... sniffing their fur and checking the marks in their ears,” he said and rubbed his own ear to show the herd-marks cut into it.
Spike frowned again. ”Except... it's not all that easy. Because, see... I never had a mom or dad,” Spike said. Vigg looked sympathetic. ”I mean, it was no trouble, really... See, Twilight's mom and dad were there, but mostly... it was Twilight,” he continued.
”She hatched my egg. With her magic, I mean, she didn't have to sit on it or anything. And she took care of me all the time despite her just being a little filly back then. So... when I was really small I called Twilight mommy. I mean when I was so small I still sucked my tail,” he said embarrassed Vigg, out of courtesy, didn't laugh or smile.
”So,” said the reindeer prince, ”Twilight is your mother?” Spike slowly nodded.
“Let's settle for my mother. Twilight is my mom,” he said.
They sat silent for a while in the way reindeer actually seemed to like, if they knew the other being well enough, and Spike saw the sun setting (but missed Luna raising the moon from Sarvvik, as it happens) and the stars starting to come out.
Then Vigg said the words that were like a red-hot namesake to himself into Spikes brain:
”Spike, your mom is really hot!”
Thanks to krdragon for help with proofreading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 10 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-09-13T10:58:32+00:00
|
2012-09-13T10:58:32+00:00
| 6,245 |
Spike didn't really know what to say. Vigg apparently recognized his faux pas when he actually looked at Spike, quickly stammered an apology and changed the subject. Spike remained distant, stunned, even though the way home was nice enough, he made an excellent slide down the hill in a trance, and the subject Vigg had changed to was a pleasant one. It seems what Vigg had promised - perhaps bragged about - during the banquet, to go on an actual hiking trip into the local woods, was very possible, because one of his friends had mentioned a kota hut was free for the weekend, about a day's trot from city limits. Spike had been rather thrilled by the prospects, but now he had a hard time thinking about it, and wasn't in the most pleasant mood towards the reindeer either.
When Spike reached the castle, they were already there. They were both in very pleasant moods - Luna joyous, Twilight positively bubbling. Spike didn't question some sort of glass abomination in one corner. He needed to talk to someone about Things, but Twilight was of course not an option. At home he would, after some apprehension, have searched out one of Twilight's friends and asked them, but here... When Twilight was distracted by the arrival of dinner, he turned to Luna. She was a nice pony and their friend, and she was very old and hence experienced. She would perhaps know what to do. He approached her with some hesitation, though he needn't have worried.
"What is your worry, young Spike?" she said gently before he could say anything. He looked up. "You have looked distant and pained since you came home. What happened today? Wasn't it fun?"
"It was, it was just... something Vigg did. Said. I don't know if he meant it... I mean he did, but..." Spike scratched his spikes.
"Was he rude or mean?!" said Luna, angrily. "Royalty is no excuse for such behavior!"
"I... I don't know, really. He said something... weird and icky, but I don't know how to act, I mean," Spike tried to explain, "I mean... perhaps he thought saying it was nice, perhaps he was, you know, challenging me or something..."
"Well, what did he say?" said Luna.
"He... he likes Twilight" said Spike finally.
Luna smiled. "But there is nothing wrong with that! Twilight will probably be glad to have a more... normal fan than the one we met earlier today!"
She chuckled and looked towards Twilight, who was making a servant uncomfortable by being very very polite and kind to him.
"No! Not just like like, he fancies her!" Spike said.
"What?" said Luna.
Spike sighed. "He said he thinks she is... 'hot'..." Spike mumbled, the whole concept of someone looking like that at who had been established as his mother earlier today disgusting and confusing him.
Luna gaped, then started to laugh but stifled it into a snort admirably fast.
The barbarian chieftain slouched on a divan of rough wood and bones, surrounded by his harem. On his seat he brooded with a dark gaze under lowered antlers, while does of every herd, rein and roe and red and fallow, tried to gain his attention. He shoved them away, brooding some more, very heavily. Brooding brooding. Their equine sisters then tried to show their carnal arts - broad flanked exotic zebra mares, donkey jennies, their eyes heavy with kohl, ponies of all the colors of the spectrum. He ignored them as well, and rose and shouted: "Away, wenches! Bring my latest wife! The purple witch! She will DANCE for me!"
And a Twilight Sparkle dressed in pink diaphanous veils and silver bell adorned jewelry was pushed through the door. She grinned sheepishly and levitated a book in front of her that bore the title ALLURING DANCES FOR EGGHEADS.
"My love and leman," she said "just wait a bit and I'll get the hang of this..."
"Luna, are you OK? You are... giggling?" Spike said, afraid that he was being made a fool of.
"No, it isn't like that today..." Luna mumbled to herself. "The reindeer are woodworkers and kelp fishers who worry about cultural imperialism, and that prince is a winter sportsbuck, not a raider..."
Out loud, she tried to reassure Spike who eyed her with confusion.
"Spike, it is a rude thing to say but also a compliment. In some places and times you ought to have killed him, in others told him you would confer his compliments to Twilight, but here is just being foolish. Ignore him - this is nothing important!" Spike frowned anxiously.
"Spike, nothing bad will happen because of this! The only thing I can think of is if he is silly enough to tell Twilight and her refusal makes him angry or sad - he could let that go out over you, and the Wheels know we need friends in this country, so if he has his grandfather's temperament it could be awkward," said Luna.
"But what if she says YES!" wailed Spike. Luna was taken aback.
"What?" she said.
"But what if she likes him back! That would be really scary! I don't want a daddy, especially not one who is a prince and my friend and is almost my age!" said Spike and looked down.
"Dear Spike, that is just silly! Twilight barely notices stallions and certainly not other ungulates. Why, I have sometimes thought her a tribad..." Luna laughed and shook her head.
"What's a tribad?" said Spike.
Luna caught herself. "A... mare that does not notice stallions much" she explained sheepishly.
"Ah," said Spike not reassured. "But what do I do?"
"If you are really worried, just keep him disinterested. He is bound to forget this infatuation of a foreign celebrity quickly and turn to the does of his homeland, if he worries about the gentler sex at all, him being so young," Luna said.
"Disinterested?" said Spike.
"Distracted," said Luna. "Why, weren't you about to go on an adventure? About that, I think Twilight had something she wanted to talk about..."
"Yeah?" said Spike and looked at Twilight. "She seemed worried when I brought the idea up..."
"Oh, I am sure she has seen things in a different light... I think there is someone she wanted you to meet," said Luna.
It had been yesterday evening, on the roof of the temple...
“I can't believe you want me to be your freezing babysitter!” whined Saga. “You said... you said you wanted me to do something difficult and troublesome!”
“Well, my books on child psychology have clearly told me a girl in her upper teens would find it troublesome and difficult to look after a young kid. And Spike isn't a baby, really, unless you try to view whole thing from a dragon chronology...” said Twilight.
“You said it would go against my personal moral code! I thought you wanted me to do something cool!” Saga protested.
“I ask you to tell me if the boys do anything stupid. Those same books have equally clearly told me that tattling on another kid to an adult is against most kids' moral code, isn't it?” said Twilight.
Saga pouted and crossed her forelegs.
“And it's not that I am afraid for any small mundane things – even if Spike is in an environment he isn't used to, he can take care of himself. No, but I am afraid he might be in danger,” Twilight continued.
“Danger?” said Saga. Twilight nodded.
“After starting to understand the situation here, and... what reindeer thought about me, I have started to worry that something nasty might happen, even if it is only a misunderstanding,” Twilight said.
“But... you and your friends go on all these amazing adventures all the time?” said Saga. “Isn't danger common, really?”
“Despite what those stories told you, I never go abroad, basically. And if I can, I try to stick Spike back outside the danger zone if possible. But I can't here, and he – he is so happy that he can go out and play, with an older kid...” Twilight sighed. “Any non-dangerous thing I'm likely to do is boring diplomacy with horrible snooty unicorns and morose reindeer – sorry!”
“Oh, no problem,” said Saga cheerily. “So you want me to be like a bodyguard to him?”
“Oh, you must be careful, don't romanticize it!” said Twilight, but Saga seemed to gaze into empty air with a happy smile.
“Oh, sorry, no, of course...” the doe said.
“I will give you a one-use way to send a letter to Luna like Spike can do. If there is really any real trouble, send one and we will be there stat!” Twilight explained.
“Why can't I have Spike send the letter himself?” said Saga. Twilight shook her head and smiled.
“Oh, he is very likely to be too brave, especially if he has an older buck who is brave and strong to prove himself to! Why, he so often seems to think he is a knight in shining armor when he has something to prove, and not just a kid!” Twilight explained.
“I think I can do that,” said Saga. Twilight looked happy.
“Good! I am sure this will work well with Spike, he is a very good little dragon,” she said.
In the present, in Luna's suite...
“I can't believe you want me to have a freaking babysitter!” whined Spike. “I am already in the company of a kid that's much older than me and knows what he's doing!”
“Why,” said Twilight “I don't think we can ask Prince Vigg to keep an eye on you. First, it is not proper work for him, second, he looks like he is fond of derring-do and like he could forget important things if they are not exciting enough. Especially if you are to have a sleepover - “
“It's not a sleepover! Fillies have sleepovers! We're supposed to go camping! It's a manly thing!” said Spike angrily. “And you wouldn't believe Vigg is not adult if you spent some time with him!”
It then struck him that this was not the best thing to say to keep Vigg's weird wishes from coming true, and that he was supposedly angry at Vigg and shouldn't be defending him.
“I mean, he can be pretty childish, sometimes, yeah, of course,” Spike hastily added.
“Besides, I am sure you would like her!” said Twilight, not being that sure herself. “She has great... imagination. And she is cute!” she added lamely.
Spike groaned, then perked up.
“Did you say... cute?” he asked in a way that made Twilight look strangely at him.
Oh dear, has he been away from his crush too long or what? I didn't think he was about to reach puberty in a decade at least... she thought.
“Yes... for a reindeer, I mean,” Twilight said.
“And how old is she?” asked Spike.
“Seventeen,” said Twilight.
Spike suddenly smiled in a somewhat unnerving way.
“And she is cute. Y'know, if there was a... reindeer buck who liked... older does... do you think he could fall in love with her?” Spike asked.
Twilight was a bit confused.
“Possibly. Probably. Sure!” she said, glad that Spike wasn't angry with her and waking her guilt for abandoning him like this.
Spike grinned so widely he had to turn away and rub his paws together.
“But that's excellent... Sorry for being angry about it, Twilight!” he said. “I think this will work very well. Vigg won't have any trouble with this, I'm sure!”
The next day, however...
“I can't believe she wants you to have a freezing babysitter!” whined Vigg. “I mean, I am there, and I know how to do this!”
Spike nodded solemnly.
“I agree, but I am afraid Twilight thinks of you as a kid, and she really prefers mature, adult... people,” he said.
Vigg bit on a hoof angrily.
“Always! They always pull that, 'you are just a kid!'” the reindeer said with some despair. “And then she sends another kid with you... and a vaja!”
“Well, sure, but she is an older kid. Mind you, she is seventeen! And besides, does mature faster than bucks... I am sure she will be very grown-up!” he said and tried to wiggle his eyebrows suggestively at Vigg, who was too busy eating his own hoof to notice.
“And further, she barely knows you, and Twilight hangs around with royalty all the time, so she is unlikely to be impressed with someone just because they are a Prince – no offense, buddy!” Spike continued. “So you have no chance, really,” he finished.
Vigg was quiet and looked out the balcony they were standing. Then he smiled at Spike.
“You're right; I have no chance!” Spike nodded. “As your... caretaker,” he continued, and unfortunately looked away at the marvelous view from the balcony, missing Spike's shaking his head. “And I must of course show that I am dependable before she trusts me. I should have understood that – damn, by not understanding it, I directly showed I was just a little kid.”
He slammed his hoof down the balcony parapet. “Let her send that priestess; I'll show my best side! I'll get on her good graces yet!” He looked at Spike, and then away. “As your older, responsible friend, of course, I mean...” he said sheepishly.
Thanks to krdragon for extra proofreading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 11 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-30T20:36:40+00:00
|
2011-12-30T20:36:40+00:00
| 5,672 |
At the old temple, Luna and Eira were making plans – or, more accurately, preparing for making plans. Luna listened patiently to Eira until the old priestess hit her deity's anecdote button, in which case Eira would listen and, with little success, try to write down what Luna said. The reindeer kept cursing her muzzlewriting; right now, the Revelations of the Moon Princess (the back of her wall almanack) were rather more filled with “I SAY TO THEE STFGLB AND THEN IT HAPPENED THAT PLRT PLRT BLOB SPLOTCH” than proper sacred writings should.
The talks were amiably practical, though. Eira had always suspected that Luna couldn't hear prayer or anything like that, and knowing it was actually the case was wonderfully refreshing. Even better; she had gotten the proper address to send any letters instead.
The talks sooner or later came back to her old temple and its fate.
“It is the biggest in Poatsula,” Eira said proudly. “But that is merely because it is in the capital” she added more sadly. “Long ago, kings and their jarls donated their silver to us. See, reindeer could never think Skinfaxi would endorse war, except against the forces of Winter, so they made you its patron. Then they stopped their warfare, and the only ones in the city who turned to Night was the ones without anything to give. So the temple got like it is today. I am sure the grazers venerate you for the even older reasons, but they don't worship here, but at various sites where they live,” she said.
“I assume those who 'turned to Night' are the dwellers of the slum around us, who has to be out at night,” Luna said uncomfortably. “But what about the grazers; why would they even care for me?”
Eira smiled.
“My Goddess, you have never been small and mortal and lived on the ground," she said. "When night comes to this land – and it lasts long – you cannot fear it, you have to come to terms with it, live with it, especially in those places where the day never comes in winter. Furthermore, the moon makes everything better in winter – it is the only light, even. Your stars and your northern lights – who I have always heard is your jewels and your shawl, even if I understand it is not to be taken literally – also make the night brighter” she explained. “You have to take the bad with the good, and the good with the bad. Summer, when your sister is hottest, brings plagues and the bugs that can eat a fawn alive, along with all the food for a year. Winter, which we fight each year as a war – you and I know, it comes from the same forces who created us reindeer. You cannot deny one part and take another. Whenever you do something, it has a side effect. That makes you careful, but you cannot carry on and do nothing. You have to accept it all,” she said in a long harangue that was meant for fawns, not for the one supposedly teaching it.
“I am glad you take it that way,” said Luna. “Now, how do you go about to get more of the city-dwellers to think so?”
“Once this place had other things to attract them – great mages, relics of old. But I can hardly do any magic, and as my eyes get worse my visions are getting so lousy I have to watch the news and guess. And as for relics...” Eira shrugged. “Well, there are Wiglek the Wicked's antlers, but they are more Artifacts of Doom than relics. And manure ones at that!”
“Wiglek the Wicked?” Luna said. “I think I know who he was... it is an old name...”
“He was a selfish, dishonest sorcerer who lived long ago,” said Eira. “He wasn't very good at it, except he made pacts and deals with various spirits, demons and gods to gain knowledge or services.”
Luna looked thoughtful. “Yeah, now I remember. I was one of those. He was a sneaky little snit, if I remembered him correctly,” she said. “I was one of those he made a pact with” she clarified when Eira looked mystified. “Why do you keep his antlers?”
“Well, as so many others, he gave his last shed antlers to Your temple before he died – or rather, before he and his son went on a journey they reckoned they'd never come back from, and they didn't, so I guess it was a good choice," Eira explained. We had them here for years, but long ago some King came and took Wiglek's son Sampo's antlers away to place at some national monument – that burned down over a century ago. The then head priestess placed Wiglek's antlers in a box that is still around somewhere, instead of in that old heap in the basement. I think it's the only magical thing we have left, but they don't do much.”
“What of the antlers in general,” said Luna. “You think I could do what I wanted with them?” She indicated the huge heap outside.
“They were a sacrifice to you, Oh My Goddess. I guess you can do whatever you want” Eira said and sighed. “Saga once said they should have been placed on stakes with the former owner's name or something, so deer could come and pay respects. It's probably too late for that... and besides, I guess the dear fawn only hoped for a field of death, with rune-carved stakes topped by antlers.”
Luna smiled enigmatically.
“I think I have an idea, but it will need some deliberation. But that is probably only because I remember Wiglek, so he and his antlers have done some good in any case” she said.
Eira nodded.
At Luna's suite in the palace Twilight had summoned Saga, who had been triumphant in coming there but now was a little bit awkward when she finally was to start working with Twilight. Twilight wasn't any less nervous, but had cleared a table and brought out some books and training materials.
“So...” she said.
“So...” said Saga.
They both looked at each other. Silence reigned.
“Oh, let's start with something easy,” said Twilight. “This quill... try to levitate it for me. Just lift it off the table.”
Saga looked unhappy, then she raised up on her hind legs, placed her front hoofs on the table and stared intensely at the quill, getting more and more cross-eyed. The quill didn't move. Then the quill didn't move. Then the quill was immobile.
And then it burst into flame.
“Sorry...” said Saga meekly, blushing. “I – I don't know that spell. But I thought if I just...”
Twilight put out the burning quill.
“Levitation is not a spell, it is merely the direct application of a unicorn's magical talent, and... Celestia's socks, you are not a unicorn!” It was Twilight's turn to blush.
Saga shook her head.
“Unicorn magic – unicorn magic is of two kinds,” Twilight started to lecture as she got up and paced. “First, there is application of pure telekinesis, though not all unicorns are equally talented at it. All unicorns are born with it. Second, there are actual spells, using analytical thought patterns to change reality using the same basic talent – but they must be learned by rote, and that is very hard.”
Twilight had stopped by Saga, who looked a little bewildered.
“Uhm, should I like write this down, will there be a test later or...?” she said, but Twilight shook her head and started to pace again.
“However, each unicorn, like every other pony and some other equine beings, has a cutie mark which shows their talent, their destiny. If the action tried is encompassed by the meaning of their cutie mark, a unicorn’s telekinesis is both stronger and more precise. Likewise, spells are far easier to both learn and use,” she said.
“I sort of... knew this already!” Saga protested.
Twilight shook her head again.
“Sometimes it is important to summarize what you already know, to understand something else. Now... can you describe what you know about reindeer magic in a similar manner, Saga? So that I don't make anymore... silly mistakes,” Twilight said.
Saga cleared her throat.
“Reindeer magic... it has the spells, see, just like you said with unicorns. But we don't have any cutie marks, so it is like all spells are equally hard...” she began. “And we can't... levitate things.”
“So there is no common reindeer magic?” Twilight asked.
“There is, but it is... harder to describe. We... see things. All reindeer see things. Sometimes,” Saga said.
“See what?” Twilight asked.
“Well... things that are hidden, or invisible, or what is it called, ethereal. Y'know, like magic and spirits and stuff,” Saga said, waving her hoof for vague emphasis.
“Now most grazers... it is mostly that they see beneath the snow. Not like when you make an X-ray of a broken leg, but I mean they see where the snow wouldn't hold their weight. Or cause an avalanche. Or, or, when there's lot of lichen to eat... 'coz you scratch it up when you graze in winter, see?” she explained to a somewhat perplexed Twilight. “But you could also see a place where there's a spirit, or if someone cast a spell on the lake, and so on...”
“Is this... on... all the time? Like when you have earphones and hear music that's only there for you?” Twilight asked.
“No, not really... it's not like you see through the snow with some super-vision all the time – bzzz, bzzzz, bzzzzzt!” Saga said as she showed her eyes shooting rays with her hooves. “It's more like sometimes when you need it, but not always, you can see it.”
“That was grazers... are you a grazer, Saga?” said Twilight.
Saga shook her head and actually looked a little ashamed, and Twilight made a mental note to ask about it later.
“No... my parents were stupid city reindeer...” she said sadly.
“What do they see?” asked Twilight.
Saga sighed. “Not much, I think. Like, the best woodworkers, I know they can see the wood and know where to cut. I mean really see it. And the traders, they can see, say, if something is bad. Or if someone selling to them is lying...” said Saga and then perked up. “Oh! And they say great warriors can see a bite or buck before it happens, and where an enemy is weak! And some reindeer see special things, like they say Princess Ljufa can see if you are a good or bad person, or Gramma who can see things happen far away...”
“It's like a cutiemark!” said Twilight. “It adjusts... to what you are looking for with your normal senses in your everyday life!”
“Except I think only really, uh, sighty reindeer get that. That's how you learn spells too; if you're sighty enough you can if you work hard,” said Saga. “I'm pretty sighty, but I don't see anything important... and Gramma taught me three small spells...”
“What do you see, then?” asked Twilight gently.
Saga looked at the wall. “Things that could be,” she mumbled.
“You mean, like the future?” Twilight said skeptically.
Saga shook her head. “No, things that could be but aren't – that could happen but hasn't yet, or never will happen but could, or never happened but could have happen,” she said. “It's – it's like daydreaming, only more magical. And more stupid. It was fun when I was a fawn but it's not like you can use it when you are supposed to be a wise priestess, like Gramma's farsight.”
“I don't think it is stupid,” said Twilight gently. “What spells can you do, then?”
“Well, I can make a small fire – you saw that, it came like on accident when I should lift the quill,” Saga began. “And I can chase away bugs and make them go somewhere else. That's supposed to be a curse from Hrimf... – from Luna, you know, but don't tell her that. And then...” she looked at Twilight with a bit of pride and bit of fear.
“Then what?” said Twilight, duly fascinated.
“I can, uh, talk to the shadows of dead reindeer,” said Saga and looked closely at Twilight for signs of disapproval. She found some pretty quickly. “Well Gramma said you should be really careful in using it because you should be careful with all magic, and because it is not proper to bother dead deer who have worked all life and now deserve a bit peace and quiet in the Summer Lands,” Saga hastily added. “And it's not I have used it much so I'm not very good at it!”
Twilight nodded.
“Unicorn magic cannot pierce the veil to the Summer Lands, so forbidding neighcromancy have always seem weird to me,” Twilight explained. “It's like having a law against setting fire to water. But I must admit I find the very idea spooky.”
“You can pour oil on it,” Saga said.
“What?” said Twilight.
“If you pour oil on water you can set fire to it,” Saga explained. “And then you could set fire to boats and ducks and swimmers, so you probably should have a law against setting fire to water!”
Twilight chose to change the subject.
“Thanks for all this useful information!” she said. “Now, I was going to use some spells on the walls of this room, to investigate the runes in it. They are perceptive spells, so I imagine they should be easy for reindeer to use. So, we will try to cast them together and see what happens, OK?”
Saga nodded. Then, looking at the wall, she pointed to one glyph on it.
“I think I know what that one does. Can we start with that, so I can do something easy first?” she asked.
“Sure” said Twilight “That sounds great. So, what kind of magic is it then?”
“It's an eye-rune, for looking through,” Saga said. “There is one in the temple but it is old and all wonky and stuff.”
“Eye-rune?” said Twilight taking notes.
“Yeah, you can look in one and see what is happening near another one. Like, you know, when you have a peephole in the door?” Saga explained.
Twilight was very still for a while.
“Saga, do you think you can figure out in which direction that eye-rune goes?” she said, rather seriously.
“Direction?” said the doe.
“I mean, is it for looking into so you see another place, or is if for looking out from when you are looking into another place,” Twilight said.
Comprehension lit upon Saga's face.
“It's a spy-hole!” she said and started looking around the room. “The one in the temple just let you watch the front door from the altar... There's another one – and a third...”
“I am sure there is one in my room as well,” Twilight said grimly. “Somepony can see – can they hear?” she looked at Saga who nodded. “Somepony can see and hear everything that happens in here,” she said gravely. “It could be... these runes are old... they could be in any number of rooms. I hope they have as many rooms spied upon as possible!”
“Why is that?” said Saga.
“Because the more things a peeper has to watch, the greater chance they miss something,” said Twilight, watching the ceiling.
“Are you sure some runecarver wasn't just a big old pervert?” Saga said.
Twilight laughed. “Then I would want to stop this even more... Hm. Change of plans. You will help me with the wall as I said, but first I will teach you a spell that I never thought would be useful again. I am sorry you will learn something you only will use once a decade...” Twilight said and smiled towards the doe.
“What... spell is that?” said Saga.
“It is very odd. It is called Cheater's Conundrum,” Twilight said. “It makes anyone trying to eavesdrop on you or the like having a really hard time focusing on you, and no one accidentally overhears you. I and another student made it back in school to stop other snooping on us when we had to take tests. You will help me put a really heavy version on this room and the nearby one.”
Saga nodded.
“So it doesn't make you invisible?” she said. Twilight nodded.
“Given the magic of all reindeer, trying to be actually invisible would probably only attract attention. I think this thing, that works in a roundabout way, will make it harder if someone is sitting there at another eye-rune spying at us,” she said. “Now let's get to work!”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 12 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-30T20:56:39+00:00
|
2011-12-30T20:56:39+00:00
| 5,565 |
The expedition had gathered where the city ended and the path started. Two reindeer, one dragon and one boat-like sleigh ("Ackja" had Vigg reinforced - "It's a vehicle, like a chariot, not a toy like a sled, OK?") were ready to leave. One alicorn, one unicorn and a gaggle of reindeer (sub-description: one priest of a goddess of night, three guards dragged up too early for their own tastes, two court servants and an unexpected grazer jarl) were ready to say goodbye. In theory, in any way. Twilight had suddenly become a little too close to the description Spike had recently given her, and Spike was rather embarrassed.
"And you have enough food? And clothes? Cold can be dangerous to little dragons, you know?" she said anxiously.
"Yes I do!" said Spike. "We went through this in the evening, Twilight!"
"Don't worry, Lady Sparkle!" said Vigg. "I have made a checklist - I know everything is packed in order."
"He has a checklist?!" Spike moaned. "Not good!"
"He has a checklist? What a dork!" Saga snickered, but under her breath. Vigg was a prince after all, and while languishing in a dungeon was among the things Saga considered awesome and planned doing before she turned twenty, she'd rather do it for a better reason than taunting him childishly.
“He has a checklist!?” said Twilight to Spike. “How thoughtful! You surprise me, Your Highness!” she said to Vigg, smiling.
Vigg resisted bouncing.
“Of course! One can never be too sure!” he said.
“Does that mean we can leave now?” said Spike, looking mournful.
“Young Spike is right, Lady Sparkle,” said Luna. “The youngsters had better be on their way, and we have things to do ourselves.”
Everyone but Twilight nodded quickly, though for the the guards “things to do” was “go back to the barracks and our warm beds”. Eventually she nodded as well.
“Alright Spike, I suppose I am being silly! Have fun, be careful and obey miss Saga - and His Highness!” Twilight said as she raised her head and smiled at the Prince at the same time as she hugged Spike, who promised he would indeed do all that.
Saga smiled nervously and tried to look serious.
Vigg was as paralyzed and didn't really react when the courtiers bowed, but when Jarl Vidar butted him in the side with his antlers he woke up.
“Yes I will – oh wow, sorry Uncle Vidar! Didn't... didn't see you there!” he said.
The old sarv chuckled. “Now, stay alert, and don't let your manly parts do all the thinking, eh? Especially for such a lady!” he said and butted the Prince some more.
“What – whatever are you talking about?” he tried to excuse himself.
“Oh, it is clear to see! But be careful! Those witches can be death to a buck!” said the older sarv.
Vigg was going to protest when he realized Jarl Vidar was pointing to Saga with his antlers, not Twilight. He mumbled something about remembering his duty, then hitched himself to the ackja.
Eira gave Saga an grandmotherly hug – that is she didn't rise very high on her hind legs for fear of falling over. She tugged at Saga's jacket with her teeth and admonished her to be careful with it, since it was the only really wilderness-proof jacket they both had, and it was technically Eira's and a little too small.
“It really shows your flanks quite well,” the old vaja added. “Good for attracting the bucks!”
“Gramma!” said Saga who had her standards, including that your grandmother should not talk about your sexual assets.
“Which is why you should keep an eye on that Prince fellow! If he tries anything, curse him!” Eira whispered in her ear, looking fierce.
“Gramma.. how can you say something like that?” Saga said exasperated. “How?! You taught me one curse and it requires vermin, where am I to get that this time of year?” Saga growled.
“What, don't you have any fleas? Good grief, no fleas, is your blood healthy?” said Eira worriedly.
“Gramma, please!” Saga detached herself and hitched herself to the ackja as well, with somewhat less expertise than Vigg.
I know his father was a grazer, and he's some kind of health fanatic, she thought. I can't let him push me around. Can't be a helpless city doe.
Saga tried to relax and work slowly as she slipped into the gear, thinking of it as spell-casting. It didn't help much, but she did get into place.
“Come on deer, let's get moving!” Vigg shouted. Spike tried to jump up on the ackja, but was stopped by Saga.
“Oh no, only little kids, old ladies and the sick rides on it!” she admonished him. “That's why it's covered, it's for our stuff!”
“We're not going that fast, Spike” said Vigg. “Let's go!” The two of them started pulling the sleigh away.
“See you tomorrow evening!” said Spike and made a little rush so he could be walking in front of them.
There was generic waving and well-wishes. One courtier tooted in a horn.
“If there is any trouble, send a message!” said Twilight.
“I will!” said both Spike and Saga in a chorus, then looked at each other, stopping the sleigh, prompting Vigg to growl at them, before they shifted their gazes and Saga started walking again.
Now how to do it? Spike thought to himself. Saga is behind Vigg... who is it that is supposed to like to look at flanks? Is it males or females? He wished he had reached puberty before he was called on being a matchmaker.
“Your Highness?” said Twilight Sparkle as they were walking back to the castle, right behind the gossiping courtiers and yawning guards (“Can't the Squirt start going out dancing instead, like normal teenagers?” one of them moaned. “Maybe then we can start to get up at a sensible hour?”).
“Yes, lady Sparkle?” said Luna, looking more at the beginning forest around them, as if she was looking for something.
“Exactly what is it we have to do? Because I have an idea what I'd like to do, but I don't know what you will do and need me for – what I have to do,” she tried to explain.
Luna smiled. “You don't have to do anything, lady Sparkle” said the Princess. “I won't need your assistance today, other than the actual hoofmaidenly duties you have already performed” she continued as she shook her shining hair.
“So, what are you doing?” said Twilight.
“Her Highness is having a meeting to be briefed on the situation on the negotiations,” said Lord Eminence.
Twilight dived under Luna and almost tripped her.
“Where did you come from?” she shouted.
Luna straightened herself and frowned. “A reasonable question, Lord Eminence,” she said sternly. “Explain yourself.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness – I didn't mean to startle your... hoofmaiden,” he said and looked at Twilight with something that could be taken for sympathy in bad lighting. “I just had to reach you before you reached your meeting, and I hadn't the possibility to talk to you before you left the castle this morning.”
“And why is that, Lord Eminence?” Luna said.
“Because there are things you won't know unless you listen to me, I would be shouted down if I was at the meeting, and you absolutely need to know this before the others present their excuses,” he said and looked rather sad. “Will you hear me out?”
Luna sighed. “I guess I will. But make it quick,” she said.
“The people of Tarandroland is not your enemy," he began. "There is the usual grumbling based on jealousy, and some superstitious nonsense regarding the sun, but nothing serious. Their betters follow suit. The nobledeer of Tarandroland bear no ill will against Equestria or against Your Highnesses. I have talked to important deer and this seems clear.”
“Then why is there even a conflict?” said Luna.
“King Ukko,” said Lord Eminence. “The King has always had strange, reactionary ideas that originally appealed to the populace, but nowadays don't. That, and the reindeer race's natural disposition for depression and drunkenness, have rendered him a wreck of a buck and his administration wholly inefficient. He is the only hindrance to reach an accord.”
Luna looked out into the forest again and sighed.
“Your Highness should know that this situation originated long before your... intermezzo at the banquet. The whole mess is old,” Lord Eminence said, again with something remotely similar to sympathy, in the way seals and hedgehogs are both mammals. “When the King realized that other reindeer didn't want his 'old ways' back, they just wanted more folk music festivals and restrictions on Nightmare Night-themed merchandise in schools, he became like this,” he added and smiled smugly.
“Why Nightmare Night?” said Luna confused.
Twilight cleared her throat.
“It is not a traditional Tarandroland holiday, Your Highness, not even among the Russ. It was imported from Equestria by merchants less than a decade ago,” she explained.
“Your Highness, Ukko wasn't born a royal. He wasn't the heir named by the last king,” Lord Eminence said with some contempt. “He was chosen as the king when no one wanted the heir on the throne, because of his ideas. Such strangeness is common in reindeer politics, which lack a stable succession.”
“So you say everything would be solved, were he but gone, Mylord?” said Luna.
“Yes – that's the gist of it. The big problem is we can't give any big appeasement or aid to the reindeer, because it sets the precedent of 'attack Equestria, get foreign aid from them'. But they wouldn't ask for much. Maybe some changes in tolls regarding timber vs worked wooden goods, or some other such nonsense,” he said. “Such compensation removes any loss of face for basically obeying Equestrian orders, it doesn't seem as we can order them around as if they were a mere colony. For King Ukko, your crown wouldn't be enough compensation, Your Highness. That's the whole problem.”
“But King Ukko won't just up and disappear!” said Twilight with frustration. “Unless cirrhosis of the liver works much faster in reindeer than in ponies!”
“Yes, I realize this is all hypothetical,” said Lord Eminence and smiled. “The point here, which I will emphasize, and my colleagues at that meeting won't, is where the problem isn't – not with the admittedly less than dependable nature of cervines, nor with any actual conspiracy with the pirates, nor with Equestria having 'gone soft' since the Dismantling of the Empire. Don't let them lead the debates on wild goose chases because of their pet theories! That is all I ask for!”
Luna took a long look at him. “Instead I should listen to your pet theories, Lord Eminence?” she said.
He smiled broadly and smugly.
“Of course! My theories are correct, because they are based on empirical research, not idle speculations,” he said.
“Keep talking like that and I'll have you married off to my hoofmaiden!” said Luna.
Both Lord Eminence and Twilight looked slightly squicked at the idea.
“It was his choice of words, Lady Sparkle,” Luna finally had to say. “I must go now; I have gathered my entourage,” she added and took flight, flapping her big wings. To Twilight's great satisfaction Lord Eminence was genuinely surprised while Twilight knew where to look.
A huge swarm of birds rose from the forest – owls, crows, ravens and some small brown magpie-like things Twilight didn't recognize. The swarm followed Luna as she flew towards the palace. Lord Eminence remained shocked just a moment, then he started to gallop in a similar direction.
“Farewell, Lady Sparkle!” he shouted as his red cape behind him.
Twilight looked after them both, shook her head and sighed.
“I never figured folks like him ran,” said a voice behind her. Twilight sighed again. “I thought they only trotted slowly, all lord-like.”
“Jarl Vidar” she said without turning around. “You have been here all the time, I assume?”
The sarv stepped up aside her and nodded.
“That thing you ponies have on your butts... what does his mean?” he said and pointed in the general direction of Lord Eminence's red cape.
“I haven't the faintest” said Twilight Sparkle. “I haven't asked him about his cutiemark and it isn't an obvious one. You heard all we said?” she asked. He nodded again.
“Much as I wish, being the father of eight, I cannot shut my ears,” he said. “But it is none of my business and I agree with most of it, except for certain slurs against deerkind.”
Twilight cringed.
“I should apologize for...” she began.
“Don't. I don't apologize for the things said by Ukko,” he snapped. “He is a damned fool, he is. And so are many other reindeer who should know better. And I know him at least a little.”
Twilight turned to him.
“You do, don't you? Let me guess: when Prince Vigg calls you 'Uncle', it is just not an honorific for an older friend of the family,” she said.
He nodded. “I am the younger brother of Vigg's father, Peivas. He was Jarl before me; I gained the title when he married a Princess and became royalty, and obviously couldn't lead a herd anymore,” the reindeer explained. “The first months after they had married, he and Ljufa spent hiding in my hut.”
“Why?” Twilight asked. Vidar laughed.
“Because they didn't ask no frozen permission of Ukko, of course! She ran away from home and married him! Publicly, Ukko raved and ranted; privately, he apparently became Peivas' greatest fan,” he said. His eyes darkened. “Before he became a pathetic drunk, Ukko had the good characteristic, for a king, of being very commanding and forceful, but instantly respecting anyone who gainsaid him.”
Then he smiled again. “That is why he named Vigg his heir. The fawn always said what he thought about his grandfather, and was never afraid of him. You have seen how he bullies his housebucks, his sworn warriors, and these are deer who could face a nidhogg and stand fast,” he continued.
“How did Peivas die?” Twilight asked. Vidar looked up. “It is rather obvious he isn't around, and he didn't sound like someone who would abandon his wife and children” she explained.
“He was fighting Winter. It wasn't a monster; he and his deer simply froze to death in a blizzard. They were found when spring came, and the Winter was over,” Vidar said.
“I am sorry, Jarl Vidar,” said Twilight, but he merely shook his head.
“It was many years since my big brother died, Lady Sparkle, and he died doing something necessary. You ponies – always so sentimental,” he said.
“I wanted to talk to you... about something important,” Vidar said.
“Talk on, but do it as we walk towards the Palace,” said Twilight.
“As you wish,” he said as they started to trot there.
“I have got the impression that you are a powerful sorceress,” he began and Twilight nodded.
“I know. I was there when they told you” she said.
He stopped, then he laughed. “Oh, you speak Poatsi! Of course!” he said as he continued to walk.
“Only because of my diabolical cunning and evil witchcraft, I assure you,” Twilight said deadpan. “Horrible orgies with the servants might have been involved.”
“I don't care,” said Vidar. “If Äitsi himself – ptui! – had came here and offered me a hoof, I would have took it!”
They trotted in silence for a while, as Vidar built up for what words he was going to say and Twilight pondered his already said words. Twilight was thankful for that silence apparently wasn't automatically awkward for reindeer.
“We are dying. We are losing. Last year was horrible, and the offensive that doesn't begin until February is already here. The war – I know you ponies find the word strange in the context, but it fits – has began a season in advance. Winter has never been this strong, and we don't know what to do any longer” he said.
“And what do you want me to do about it?” said Twilight.
“Whatever you can,” he said. “Whatever you can.”
“I cannot do anything without knowledge” said Twilight. “Tell me all about the Winter, Jarl Vidar.”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 13 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-31T00:38:58+00:00
|
2011-12-31T00:38:58+00:00
| 5,416 |
The first, and as it seemed, the longest part of the trot was one long, slow, murderous slope. Spike grew tired fast. He didn't have a burden, but he had shorter legs and less stamina. Than Vigg, at least.
Saga soon sweated so much her jacket was drenched. She panted hard and breathed heavily, and not in the way considered good by writers of saucy fiction. She strained against the weight of the sleigh, and after a while her hooves started to slip on the snow. It was questionable whether the fact that the path had been used made walking easier - it was easier to step on flat ground than in deep snow, but the trod path was also much more slippy.
Vigg certainly noticed a few tugs in the harness but didn't say anything until Saga actually slipped, fell and almost made him fall as well.
"Hey!" he shouted angrily. "Watch your step!"
Saga wheezed as she tried to get up.
"Well sorry for falling!" she snapped back. "We can't all be as perfect as you, Your Highness!" She struggled to get up and gasped for air.
Vigg turned his head towards her and was going to make an angry comment of his own, but somehow stopped and stared at her as she struggled. Then he turned to Spike.
"Spike! Block the ackja so it doesn't decide to go back to Sarvvik without us," he said. Spike started to comply, a little anxious whether he did it right.
"What are you doing?" asked Saga angrily.
"Getting out of the harness so I can help you" he said, about to do just that.
"I don't need help, I am fine," she said.
He remained half-strapped in as she struggled.
"You know, I think..." he started to say but her glare shut him up. He looked at Spike. Spike slowly nodded.
"Saga?" he asked.
"Yes?!" she snapped, now half-upright.
"Can we make a break now?" Spike pleaded.
"I don't need a break" she murmured.
"But I do!" said Spike, happy it was in no way a lie. "My feet are tired and there is snow in my boots and I am hungry!"
"Oh," said Saga. "Sorry!" she added sheepishly. She wriggled out of the harness, then she and Vigg stepped over to Spike and they turned the sleigh ninety degrees so it would stay put.
As Saga trampled up a place to lie on the snow - Spike the weak Southron had brought a blanket, but even city deer like Saga lay on the ground on a picnic - Vigg dug out a packet of sandwiches and a thermos from the ackja, tugging its covering open with his teeth.
"So many huge boulders spread in the middle of the forest" said Spike and gestured with his paw.
"They say they were thrown by stalus," said Saga. "At Sarvvik, I mean."
"Stalu?" said Spike. "I have heard that..."
"Probably in your comic," said Vigg and poured coffee for himself and Saga and cocoa for Spike. "A stalu is an troll. Or a giant, in this case. Because real stalus couldn't throw rocks like that, they're much smaller."
"Oh yeah," said Spike "Stallo the Frost Giant! He's in Sampo's origin story, Wolker the Wizard sends him to attack Canterlot!"
"What are you talking about?" said Saga. "And where do the rocks come from, then?"
"Sampo is a comic about a reindeer hero," said Spike.
"Well, the ice elementals of Joukulvakt, erh, poop out rocks after they have eaten the landscape, and there must have been lots of them down here in ancient times. I mean, all the rocks have moss on them, and that takes centuries to grow..." said Vigg.
"Comics!" said Saga a bit dismissively. "And you don't know how big stalu used to be. Maybe all the really big ones got killed!"
"Not as big as in fairy tales anyway," protested Vigg. "Or comic books. The one Spike talks about is as big as a skyscraper."
"Why not?" asked Spike and Saga in chorus.
"My ancestors fought stalus," said Vigg. "They would have been paste had they been literal giants, and they were big boasters so they would have not hesitated to say they had fought something as big as a skyscraper who threw boulders as pebbles. They are just big hulking savages."
"Who eat reindeer!" added Saga. "Like this! Omnomnomnom!" and she masticated on her sandwich. The others shook their heads.
Saga giggled, then she cleaned her muzzle and started digging in her jacket's pockets. Just as she found what she was looking for, she swore to herself, stopped and sighed.
"...what?" asked Spike.
"Oh nothing," she said with some irritation.
Spike looked at her quizzically, Vigg followed suit. She sighed.
"I was gonna light a cigarette, but realized it was stupid," she said.
"That's a very weird time to quit smoking," said Vigg.
"Well, you can if you want," said Spike. "I mean, I think it's kinda icky, but dragons are immune to tobacco anyway."
Saga laughed. "I should have said it was because of that, shouldn't I?" she said and laughed again. "But I am being selfish. A cig would be nice, but I am panting badly enough as it is, and I know it gets worse after a smoke," she explained.
She then took a second cup of coffee as "replacement poison" as she called it, while the others finished their food.
As they strapped themselves into the sleigh's harness, Vigg leaned a little closer to Saga.
“Please, miss Saga... tell me when you get tired. It does not make it easier for us others if you keep trotting until you fall over” he said.
Saga glared at him.
“You don't think I can make this journey, is it?” she said.
Vigg sighed.
“No, but I can't see you when I take the lead, so I won't notice when it gets hard for you, and you are a heavy smoker who doesn't spend most of their free time on the track or the slope, so it's no shame if you don't have my stamina and have to stop earlier,” he said.
Saga muttered a bit and fumed.
“Look, you can't impress me this way, and you don't need to impress Spike, since you already know more than the dragonling,” he said.
Saga muttered again.
“What did you say?” said Vigg.
Saga sighed.
“I said I'm not trying to impress you. Or Spike – although I like the little guy already,” she said and smiled. “I guess I am trying to impress myself.”
“What... how?” Vigg said, confused.
“I was always ashamed to be a city deer, OK?” she said. “Look, Your Highness, I'll tell you when my lungs give out, OK?”
Vigg nodded.
“OK,” he said.
“Are we leaving soon or what?” shouted Spike from up ahead. “It looks like we're almost up there!”
“Don't be too sure, Spike!” Vigg shouted. “Distances can play trick on your eyes up here!”
“We have mountains in Equestria too!” Spike shouted down to him.
“Let's get going!” Vigg told Saga.
Up a mountain.
Down a mountain, a-half-a-way.
Sharp turning south,
In between hills.
In through a forest,
across a lake...
“It's the forest part that troubles me,” said Vigg.
“This looks like a forest to me,” said Spike.
“Yeah, but there is no way this forest stretches down to a lake. Just look at how the trees grow!” Vigg said with irritation. “Not to mention how the ground slopes!”
“It's the snowing part that troubles me,” said Saga. “As in, there is more and more of it.”
“That should be no trouble,” mumbled Vigg. “We should be by the hut before it becomes too much. It can't be far...”
“Twilight and I did check the weather report at the palace, and it said it would be clear,” said Spike. “She said she was jealous that I would see the northern lights.”
“Spike, you know the weather report fails sometimes, right?” said Vigg with some irritation. “This is nothing strange!”
Spike frowned.
“Calm down, Your Highness,” said Saga. “He's Equestrian, they magick up their weather by pegasus!”
“Yeah,” said Spike “if the weather report is wrong at home it's because Rainbow Dash overslept or something...”
“Who?” said Saga and Vigg.
“Just a friend of Twilight's that's a weathermare,” said Spike and pulled his jacket closer. “And an Element of Harmony.”
“Is she the girl who flies faster than light and rides a grand air elemental?” asked Saga with some interest.
“Not really, but yeah, that's her,” said Spike. And she must never know what reindeer think of her, or we will never hear the end of it, he thought.
“She's just a weathermare?” said Saga. “Isn't that a job like road sweeper or something?”
“Well, the current Elements of Harmony are a village librarian, a weathermare, a veterinarian, a farmer, a seamstress and a Pinkie Pie,” said Spike. “It's not like it's really that glamorous a gig. Mostly.”
“Pinkiepie?” said Saga, puzzled. “What's a pinkiepie?”
“Lots of ponies would like an answer, but Twilight has said it falls under Things Ponies Were Not Meant To Know. If you want something more thinkable, she seems to be a baker's apprentice,” said Spike nonchalantly.
“I think it is this way,” said Vigg. “This must be the way to the lake, we have been walking to far in the other direction,” he explained as he pointed in a direction 90 degrees from the one they were going.
“Well, you're the expert,” said Saga and looked at the sky worriedly. What worried her was that she couldn't see it at all, the snowfall had started to be that heavy.
Spike was reminded of a painting he had seen once when he was little. Twilight's parents had taken them to a museum, and Spike had been riding on the shoulders of Twilight's father. The painting had been of some ponies in a snowstorm. It had been very well made, and Spike had tried to figure out if it was really a TV screen, since the snowflakes seemed to move of their own accord. Twilight had stopped him.
“About this painting,” said Twilight's father, “there is a story. You see how real it looks?”
Both little Twilight and even smaller Spike had nodded.
“Well, the painter who made it said it wasn't. She said she had been in real snowstorms like this, and if you stand as close as the viewer – that's us – do to those ponies, you will not see them. Because there is that snow. But she painted them like this anyway so you should see what happens,” he explained.
Spike had then bopped the painting with his little paw anyway, and got a scolding. Perhaps that was why he remembered the painting.
Right now reality was unrealistic, because it hadn't quite reached the stage where you couldn't see the guy in front you. It probably would, however.
“Vigg!” Saga shouted. “Your Highness!”
Vigg plowed on.
“Vigg!” shouted Spike who trod besides the ackja now, being too slow to run up front any longer.
Vigg finally turned his head.
“Yes?” he shouted.
“Vigg, we have to stop!” shouted Saga.
Vigg shook his head, but it wasn't visible in the snowstorm, so he shouted again. “No! We have to carry on! We have to reach the hut!”
“Vigg, we have to stop and make camp!” shouted Saga. “We can't carry on like this!”
“I know where we are!” he answered. “Look, I know orientation and you don't, sorry, OK?”
“I am lost so often I know when I'm lost! Besides, this is what you do in a snowstorm! You take cover!” Saga shouted back.
“We need to get to the hut!” Vigg shouted back.
“I'm cold! And tired!” shouted Spike.
“You have to stay cold and tired until we get to the hut!” shouted Vigg angrily.
“But we have stuff to make camp in a snowstorm!” said Spike. “You told me so when we packed!”
“The kid is right, Your Highness!” said an exasperated Saga. “Make a bivouac now is less dangerous than walking aimlessly in the storm! It's not dangerous at all, in fact! And you all but ordered me to say when I needed to stop! If we go on now, we die, so we really need to stop!” She was now quite hoarse, her voice tarred enough to crack easily.
“Look, we have to go to the hut AND THAT IS FINAL!” Vigg shouted.
Spike was shocked. Saga just looked at him, frowned and sighed.
“Fine. We will follow you and die gloriously for the honor of the great Snow Prince, Vigg the Ice-breaker! When Spring comes, we will be wondrous ice sculptures!” she shouted back. “Citizens of the great Snow Prince – strike a pose!”
And she reared up and, through a wonderful feat of balance, kept standing in a “woe is me!” pose, her left front hoof against her forehead.
Spike and Vigg stared. Then Spike leaned over dramatically and covered his face with his pawns, his visage contorted into horror. And stood still as the snow howled around them.
Vigg continued to stare at his companions, full of anger, breathing heavily, and felt it pump out of him until he fell over laughing.
Neither Spike nor Saga could keep their balance and followed their leader in falling over they as well, giggling, Saga at the same time crying.
“I'm so sorry,” said Vigg when he rose up. “I'm so sorry for being a complete jerk.”
Saga suddenly jumped up and hugged him.
“It's OK,” she said. “Just find us shelter!”
They held like that just long enough to let Spike join in the hug, then they untangled themselves from the harness and each other. Vigg cleared his throat.
“OK. There is too little snow, actually, to make a pure snow shelter. But I have a tarpaulin in the ackja and the ackja itself gives shelter. We'd still be better off with some boulders or something... I guess there would be some if we walked up here...” he said and pointed to the right off their former path.
The others looked at him.
“Just a small bit, if we don't find anything, we just rig up the ackja and the tarpaulin, cover it with snow for warmth, fix a breathing tube, and settle down, OK? There's three of us, including someone who breathes fire, if we just take shelter from the storm it will be OK,” he said.
The others nodded, and everyone started pulling the sleigh in the direction Vigg pointed. They got the wind in the face now, which made it a bit harder.
Suddenly Vigg started to sniff in the air.
“Do you smell it?!” he shouted.
Saga and Spike shook their heads.
“Smoker!” shouted Saga.
“Different kind of smoker!” shouted Spike.
“That's what it is – it smells like smoke!” Vigg shouted. “There might be deer here! Somedeer who can help us, maybe inside a tent or hut!”
The others brightened at that and they wandered a while longer than planned, when Vigg stopped.
“Tracks!” he shouted and bent down to examine them.
He remained down for a bit, trying to shelter his face with his hoof, then he gave up a shriek and shied back.
“What's going on?” shouted Saga.
“We have to go back!” he shouted. “Or carry on, anything but stay!”
“What?!” shouted Spike.
“Have you gone completely mental!” Saga shouted. “I don't care whether that is wolf or bear, we must find shelter!”
“They aren't – look at them!” Vigg moved aside and let Saga and Spike see them. “Look at the size of them!”
Saga shrieked as well.
“Those... that can't be! It's too close to... to Sarvvik! They shouldn't be like anywhere close to civilisation” she stammered and pointed to one big footprint.
Really big. A cloven-hoofed print, as from a giant reindeer.
“What are you talking about?” shouted Spike. “What on earth is that track from? Bighoof?”
Saga and Vigg shook their heads, their faces fearful.
“They have to be stalu tracks,” said Vigg. “Nothing else leaves that kind of track.”
“This is really dangerous, Spike,” said Saga and actually pulled Spike close to her, peering into the snowstorm around them. “This must be troll country!”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 14 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-31T00:59:21+00:00
|
2011-12-31T00:59:21+00:00
| 6,360 |
Luna had arrived fashionably late to her meeting, despite actually being there before any anyone else. There are, after all, standards for princessy behavior. The onslaught of attendant birds had unnerved and impressed the meeting suitably. The extra touch of the rats swarming through the walls and forming a living carpet had been exactly what was needed. (She hadn't stepped on them, of course, and she was very impressed by how brave they were with all of those owls about.) She had considered bringing some wolves, but reindeer really didn't like them, so she had restrained herself. On the other hand, she had a swarm of brown Tarandrian jays, cheeky and cute birds on the whole, lovely little tricksters. She hadn't much experience of them before, but they had come when she called, and Eira had said reindeer held them for Hrimfaxi's servants (and an ill omen, but if she was going to bring some wrath down on this meeting it would happen with or without jays). She wondered if there were any in the northern parts of Equestria, which had similar pine forests.
The place for the meeting was a long hall with large windows, letting in lots of the little sunlight there was. A reindeer lackey had shown a pony lackey how to operate the big lamps that hung from the roof. None were electrical, but Luna thought it rather in character of Ukko to not have the room he was lending to those dreadful foreigners runed for thaumaturgy. Two long and two short tables had been placed in a rectangle so anyone who wanted to speak could step in there and be seen by all. Luna was at the south end, surrounded by those of her beastly entourage who stayed. The chairpony, who to Luna's delight turned out to be Oak Wreath, sat at the north end. Inside the tables stood a blue unicorn mare with a strange sunray cutie mark, who had placed herself in the corner nearest Luna and looked at the jays a little nervously over her shoulder. The other courtiers – all unicorns – were still settling down.
How did I end up with only unicorns? she thought. It's not like magic helps you with dealing with others. Maybe Tia thought I would be more comfortable with this lot. It's not working, though maybe they aren't the only ones to blame. Or maybe no one wanted this mission, and this is a herd of inbreds who only got their position because they are aristocrats, and aren't qualified for more attractive jobs? Luna was looking over the crowd, doing her best to remember their names, what their cutie marks meant, if she knew their sires and dams... Who is the mare with the sunray? Is she the first speaker, maybe? Luna poked her with her magic.
“What?” said the mare. “Oh, Your Highness, sorry!” She curtseyed.
“No worries,” said Luna. “It's just that I don't recognize you. What is your name and position?”
“Oh, I'm just a... sort of servant, Your Highness. My name is Powerpoint” she said.
“Servant?” said Luna confused. “Are you supposed to bring those gathered refreshment, or take the minutes, or what?”
“I'm an illusionist, Your Highness,” said Powerpoint. “My job is illustrating the things hard to present by pure rhetoric. That's my talent, illuminating what others say!” she said proudly and showed what she meant by manifesting a shimmering pie diagram in the air, illustrating the age distribution in Lower Manehattan.
“Aha,” said Luna and nodded in some disbelief. They have invented the strangest jobs for ponies...
The meeting got underway. Everypony reported on what they had learned and did, which was a bit repetitive, since many had been to the same negotiations. Any variety depended on them remembering them differently. (There were minutes from the meeting, off course, but as usual much had been said off record.) Luna kept silent for an hour, then she started to ask pointed questions, making the diplomats nervous.
It was after she had rephrased the question about exactly how much Interchangeable Aristocrat knew about the economics of piracy for the third time that she realized that she agreed with Lord Eminence. The most frightening thing was that she genuinely thought he had been right in his assessment after hearing the others present the situation. This was frightening because she couldn't say whether she really would have thought the same if Lord Eminence hadn't been able to present his short spiel this morning.
Luna was an emotional pony, but she could usually tell, when she was as collected as she was now, when and how she had changed her opinion of something.
It can't be a spell, because there is no way he could affect me, she mused. But nothing stops a normal pony from convincing an alicorn that they are right, and if is one's talent to be persuasive – befitting a diplomat, even a low-ranking one – it would be easier. Or he is simply right, and I am just being rational faster because he pointed it out...
“We have a timetable, you know?” said a cerise unicorn with some sort of celery cutie mark.
Luna wondered what celery had to do with his job. It can't be celery. Is it a flower with some symbolic meaning? Why don't ponies have sensible cutie marks these days?
“Things must happen during the winter,” he continued. “There will surely be no more raids during winter, not when they cannot control the weather. And land campaigns are easier in Tarandroland during winter.”
“What about renegade pegasuses?!” shouted one dissenter.
“Pegasi!” shouted several others.
“There doesn't seem to be that many,” said Implausible Celery. “It's a mostly reindeer affair, not like the usual multinational pirates where you have peg-legged pigs and perytons on the same ship. But as I said: we must reach an accord with the reindeer to strike at the pirate bases before spring.”
“Why do we need an accord? Really?” said a younger unicorn with orange mane and coat. Luna couldn't see her cutie mark, but assumed it would be a dunce cap from that comment. To her disdain several of the diplomats murmured their support.
“Well, if we ignore the lack of ethics and breaking of international law with such an approach, there is still the matter of military logistics,” said an elderly stallion which Luna in her mind had dubbed Eponymous Moniker, because you instantly remembered his name when you saw his cutie mark, except you didn't because of the gold-embroidered cape he wore which covered it.
“What do you mean, mylord?” said one of the murmuring supporters.
“Equestria has been at peace for give or take three hundred years," he said. "For various reasons, the only troops we can send outside the country are the yeomanry and the knightly orders. The yeomanry are earth ponies and pegasi in funny helmets who likes to play cowponies and buffaloes two weekends a year. The knightly orders are social clubs to further the career of young aristos and regulate their access to dancing fillies. In other words, they cannot actually fight anything, which is sort of a hindrance in a war, even a small bush war like this one.”
“What about the Royal Guards?” said another murmurer.
Eponymous Moniker smiled. “The Guards are all well and dandy, but they are a small force. Very small. Unless they have local support, they cannot comb through every damn fjord from Sarvvik to the polar circle,” he said.
“But why are we worrying about conventional forces when we have MMD?” asked Dunce Cap.
Luna saw most of the older diplomats wincing, before she even asked.
“Excuse me, mylady, but that's a new term for a pony like me? What's ememdee?” she asked.
“Magic of Mass Destruction, Your Highness,” said Eponymous Moniker.
“We have that? Are we talking weather control, or...? Because I know one unicorn, at most, who can destroy anything en masse with her magic,” said a confused Luna. “I thought I was on the ball with modern magic...”
There was some clearing of throats, but Dunce Cap went where eagles dare.
“Well, Your Highness, we are talking about the powers of you and your sister, of course,” she said, almost cheerful.
As Luna took the floor – by stepping right through the table, snapping it in half – she saw most of the elder unicorns cower.
They have made this mistake themselves once,she thought. Tia was the one to tell them. Guess it is my turn with the new ones.
“There seems to be some misconceptions on the limits on the powers of me and my dear sister,” Luna said.
“They are vast and beyond mortal mages, but they have the same limitations which you mentioned, mylord – in order of importance, ethics, logistics and what you might call international law,” she continued as she nodded towards Eponymous Moniker, who bowed back.
“Can I ask for your assistance, miss Powerpoint?” she said. The illusionist curtseyed somewhat terrified and summoned aether, colored lights to shape after Luna's words.
“The question of ethics is the easiest to explain: ever since my sister dismantled the Empire during my... absence, she has avoided military intervention beyond Equestria's borders, limited it inside, and made Equestria a byword for pacifism," Luna continued. "I do, of course, stick to my sister here, and for those who want to question the wisdom of that decision, I only need to show you the Donkey Empire.” Luna was amazed when the smallest of cues from her had caused Powerpoint to summon a series of maps showing the changing of borders of Equestria.
“Erh, Your Highness... there is no Donkey Empire,” said one nervous younger diplomat.
“Exactly,” said Luna. “They tried to keep it – and nowadays there is no donkey nation at all, no donkey language, and donkeys are spread all over the world. But even if there was reason to change that policy – a dire need for self-defense, say – there is still a question of logistics.”
“Say that I used my power over the tides to smash the pirate fleet - “ and the illusions illustrated her words “ - that would be possible. Yet you must understand that for every action I take there is a reaction, and what I and my sister gain in power we always lose in control,” Luna said and pointed to the changing picture. The view zoomed out, and the watchers saw with increasing horror how the same tidal wave smashed all over Tarandroland's southern coast and as they zoomed out further, they saw how the northwestern coast of Equestria was torn apart by more tidal waves.
“Or say that I used my right as the ruler of dreams to plague them with nightmares. Sounds like a more clean way to make war, doesn't it? Except the Dreamlands might not be material, but they still have a landscape, an ecology. Not even I can be certain of the side effects,” Luna said darkly, and the illusions showed ponies all over the country waking in horror or being unable to sleep, pegasus chariots crashing mid-flights, factory accidents which claimed countless lives when workers fell asleep, scores of ponies being rolled into psychiatric hospitals...
“Even if I did something small – say sent my animal servants to attack them – it would have limits. I could not make them tell one reindeer from another, most of them are asleep during the winter, and their absence could cause major changes in animal and plant life, all down in Equestria,” Luna continued and the diplomats were shown how wolves struck against every deer in the country, while the clouds of bugs she summoned from Equestria, where they still wore awake, affected the birds and small animals of the country, disrupting the carefully controlled park-like ecology of the ponies and causing major havoc.
“But all this might still be justified, unlike the problem with what I called 'international law'. Tell me, child...” Luna bowed closed to a now terrified Dunce Cap “...do you think I and my sister are somehow supreme? That we are the only beings like us?” The sweating unicorn mare actually nodded as she avoided Luna's burning gaze.
“You are wrong. There are those who actually worship us as goddesses, and while we might seem omnipotent to mortals, that is wrong,” Luna said. The illusions now showed beings of all kinds, ungulates of all nations and climates bowing down before strange images that could only be Luna and Celestia. Then the image seemed to zoom out and showed... other images. Other beings.
“What separates me and my beloved sister from most of what we call our 'relatives' – but do not take the term literally, because we were not born like mortal ponies – is that we take an interest in and care for mortal ponies. To make a joking description that should again not be taken literally – mortals might just be like toys to us immortals, but to us... “ Luna smiled “...it is like a filly that plays with her dollies every day and sleeps with them in her bed. For our... lets call them uncles and aunts, it is more like a collection piece you keep on a shelf and polishes now and then. But hear me on THIS!”
The room became very still and silent at Luna's sudden shout.
“If two little fillies should pull that collection piece down from the shelf and break it, don't think our aunt wouldn't be angry with us. Very angry. And hope and pray... though not to me, because I cannot help you... that not one of our other aunts or uncles decides to defend us!” she hissed grimly.
In the swirling illusions, the horrified aristocrats saw strange beings, like shaped from the combinations of animals, as big as cities, as mountains, move across the Earth. Across Equestria.
Up from the sea rose a huge being – was it a whale? A bear? A huge cow? It was half water, half ice, and as it bellowed – was that octopus tentacles or new rivers springing up? - it caused the sea to flood the land. As animals and ponies fled screaming to the mountains, some of the mountains moved and gathered together, forming into bones... into something like the corpse of a pony built out of rocks... or maybe a zebra, the stripes being layers of minerals. It started stamping into the land, shaking it with earthquakes that at the same time caused new mountains to raise up, providing a temporary relief from the worldly flood.
The image shifted, and millions of miles below the earthly disc – or perhaps on its other, dark side – stood a huge, strange being. It was a monkey – a pig – no, it was upright like a stork, with paws like a dragon, a face like a pony. With its paws it was wielding a hammer, beating something on an anvil. Moved by the ruckus, it grimaced, it's horrid face bigger than the sky, gripped what it was smithing – a huge sword – and stepped backwards – upwards through the earth. Once striding the surface, it screamed wordlessly, and swung the sword in wide arcs, which seemed to cut holes in reality itself...
“Are you terrified?” asked Luna. “This is nothing. My aunts and uncles, they created the World. Earth and all around it.”
The horrible images shifted, and now the assembled diplomats saw those beings, those and others like them, raising mountains, growing forests, spewing out the oceans and breathing out the atmosphere, carving animals from wood and forming them from clay...
“But my grandparents' generation... they formed the laws that the World is built on...” Luna continued. The image shifted... to lights... sounds... patterns of magic in a black sphere that itched the brain and made the soul cry.
“My grandfather decided that the number of digits in pi is infinite,” she said happily. “My grandmother, she came up with cause preceding effect! The laws of nature, physics, logic, morality only exist because they... and their friends, colleagues, rivals, enemies... agree that they do.”
“Think what would happen if they start to disagree?” she whispered so low that everyone in the room could hear her over the silence. “Let me tell you about the only one of my grandparents' generation that cared for ponies... in his own way...”
In the middle of the image appeared a grotesque statue of a being made of the parts of countless different creatures... a being which shied away in terror.
“Let me assure you: when my family feuds, only Grand Uncle Discord wins!” Luna whispered even lower as the statue's expression changed from fear to a smug grin. “So be very careful when you wave around the threat of me and my sister's divine powers, because you might just cause the end of all reality!”
When Luna came back to her suite – she was, in retrospect, glad that Powerpoint had fainted from what seemed to be ecstasy, not from terror – Twilight was drinking coffee. That was not in itself frightening or exceptional. What was both was that judging from the serving cart next to her, it must be her sixteenth cup or so. It was hardly evening.
“Welcome back, Your Highness,” said Twilight. Her voice sounded stressed, but she had a genuine smile on her lips. She was sitting very close to the wall and staring into it, a notepad covered with arcane sigils next to her. It was apparently her third today.
“What are you doing, Lady Sparkle?” said Luna curiously and started to leaf through one of the notepads. A dictionary in Ancient Cervine lay beside it on the table.
“Well, it seems our room is 'bugged' as I think the term is. But instead of using an electronic device, it is a much more efficient and much older scrying spell,” Twilight explained cheerfully.
“What?!” said Luna. “This is an outrage!”
Twilight shook her head and smiled broader – a little too broad.
“It's just counterintelligence. It covers all the rooms in the palace. Some of the outlying buildings as well, but I haven't got a good connection. The runes are worn, the whole thing a bit wonky. It has been used recently, that's for sure, but it isn't right now!” Twilight looked up. “Oh, and don't be worried! Saga helped me with a spell that stops anyone from using it on us, without looking suspicious. I forgot to tell you, all that business with Spike got in the way.”
Luna tried to digest it all.
“So you are saying the King can see and hear whatever happens in the palace?” she said. Twilight shrugged.
“Or his court sorcerer, rather. Reindeer magic seems to be second sight or clairvoyance, so it is possible the King could see what happens if someone shows him, but scrying takes some training. I don't have reindeer magic, of course, but I have constantly upheld a spell that mimics it, just like reindeer sorcerers can mimic telekinesis, and...” Twilight was interrupted.
“All day?” said Luna. “You upheld such a spell all day?”
Twilight giggled. “Yeah. Hence the coffee. I was close to passing out a couple of hours ago, but I have a second wind now, I think.” She looked happily at a worried Luna who rubbed her forehead.
“Let's make the best of this... You can look out of this one, not just in? I mean, wasn't the purpose to observe this room?” Luna said.
Twilight nodded. “The reindeer are amazing at clairvoyance magic and their runes aren't shabby. I mean just look at this matrix!” Her horn glowed.
Luna used her own magic, peered at the wall... “This is extraordinary! You are right!” she said. “And this... it stretches out...” She caught it. She set her inner eye to the eye rune and saw...
Maids gossiping. The Princess scolding one of her children. King Ukko asleep in spilled beer. Maids doing something other than gossiping - Luna quickly looked away. Guards smoking. Her own courtiers, babbling, writing, standing on the loo, calling her names... She could see and hear everything, everyone... this was, in small scale, what ponies assumed alicorns did all the time, while it was a rare occurrence. She averted her gaze.
It must have been harder for Twilight, and she understood Luna's sentiments.
“I think it takes a very special reindeer to deer this thing,” she said. “I don't think we have been that much watched, simply because Ukko's sorcerer – I have watched him – doesn't want to use it. I feel – traces of shame when he used it.”
“Reindeer are suspicious of all magic, none more than their own,” said Luna. “But... how did you reverse this thing? The rune haven't been changed?”
Twilight giggled again and worried Luna.
“It looked hard first, but then I realized – it is just like turning a sock inside out. See!?” she said and pointed to a heap of inside-out socks on the table. Luna realized it must not only be all Twilight's socks, but all of her and Spike's socks as well.
“Socks are... really special!” said Twilight happily. “Just like soap bubbles, they contain the keys to unlocking immense potentials!” She giggled and drank some more coffee.
“Coffee?” she said and offered Luna some.
“No thanks... and I don't think you should have any more either,” said Luna and put down the cup. “Twilight Sparkle... “ she sniffed her hoofmaiden's breath “...have you been drinking alcohol?”
“Just one glass, to test a theory... I kept asking for different sorts of coffee... for variety see... so now the maid gave me this!” said Twilight and pointed to the pot. Luna sniffed it.
“What in the world is this foul thing?” she said and sneered.
“Kask,” said Twilight happily. “Half coffee, half vodka. Two different substances with opposite effects. The alcohol fights the caffeine in your brain.” She turned to Luna.
“But I just had a sniff, so I'm not drunk if you think that, Your Highness. I couldn't work magic drunk, I shouldn't drink,” she said and turned back to the eye-rune.
Luna sighed. “Next time you ask for a local drink, check with the locals whether it will make you drunk, hoofmaiden!” she scolded her.
“Yes, Your Highness,” mumbled Twilight.
Luna looked at her.
“Something is wrong. Your great discovery is indeed frightening, but you seem to already have disarmed it. What is it, Twilight Sparkle?” said Luna.
Twilight looked at the floor and sighed.
“Do you know what Lord Eminence cutie mark is, Your Highness?” she said.
“The gray unicorn? No, I don't actually. It is one of those subtle ones, I assume,” said Luna.
Twilight giggled again.
“Subtle is right! That's a good joke, Your Highness!” she said. “Lord Eminence cutie mark is a veil, Your Highness. It is a swirling piece of cloth, a veil. Veils hide things. Lord Eminence special talent is hiding things. His natural unicorn magic is an invisibility spell, of course. And he isn't with us as a diplomat!” Twilight looked up to Luna.
“Lord Eminence is a spy. And I want to know whether you or Celestia knows that he is here and what he is doing” she said, and smiled at Luna. A very, very wide smile.
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 15 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2011-12-31T01:29:01+00:00
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2011-12-31T01:29:01+00:00
| 6,388 |
“We have to get away!” shouted Saga. “We'll get killed and eaten! Or maybe eaten and killed!”
“Even trolls can't be out hunting in this weather!” shouted Vigg. “Let's go as far as we can in the directions the tracks don't and take shelter!”
“But won't they follow our tracks?” shouted Spike, who had started panicking a bit and actually gripped Saga's leg.
“Not after this snowfall. Not if we leave the ackja!” shouted Vigg. “Just grab the tarpaulin and some food, then we can move faster as well!”
Hurriedly, they dragged out the rolled-up tarp and a packet of bread and cheese, then they hightailed it as fast as they could in the blizzard in, as Vigg had said, the direction the tracks came from.
Except after a while the tracks disappeared. Vigg actually dug in the snow to find them – snowed over tracks look different when dug up than just packed snow – but there were no traces of the tracks.
“It looks like hills over there!” shouted Saga. Vigg looked.
“We'll take shelter behind them, roll up in the tarpaulin!” he shouted. “Come on, just a little bit left!”
They trudged through the snow and the snowfall actually let up some, the winds whirling around the hills ahead. It was then they saw it.
A huge, black shape loomed ahead of them, and trudged towards them. Spike saw it first and pulled on Saga to stop her, and she looked up, saw it, and squeaked. Vigg stopped in his tracks and at exactly this moment remembered that his spear was back at the ackja.
The shape lumbered closer. Now you could hear its heavy footsteps, it's huge hooves stomping the snow with a mighty thud, followed a microsecond later by a high-pitched clinking rattle. They all stood still, paralyzed. It stopped momentarily and its head, huge, elongated, swirled about and they could hear a snort. Then it advanced again until they could almost see it in the whirling snow and the advancing night.
Its form was basically cervine, but huge and freakish, its long muscular limbs ending in hooves that looked comically big until you imagined them smashing into your body. Its head had a huge snout of a muzzle and an enormous set of antlers, making it male – since reindeer are the only deerfolk where everydeer has antlers. It was obviously a person and not a beast, since it wore clothes – a cape and a cap – and jewelry that Spike would later describe as “tacky zebra”, with lots of gold anklets on every foot and its ears and nose pierced by huge golden rings – and since it carried a tool in its mouth.
“A ladle!” whimpered Saga. “That's just typical, we happen upon him about to make dinner!”
The stalu put down the ladle, which was the size of a shovel, and roared at them, then snorted. He lowered his head and pawed the snow in front of them.
“Hey you!” shouted Vigg. “Stand back!”
“No no no...” Saga suddenly moaned... “This can't be happening... I am Seeing... it could happen... please no oh my goddess...” She swayed unsteadily as if she wasn't quite there.
Spike leaned his head to the left, then to the right, and mumbled to himself. He took a few step towards the stalu, trying to get a closer look.
“Spike! Stay here!” shouted Vigg and Saga at once.
Spike got closer, right under the troll. He looked up at him, and the monster bent down and sniffled him.
“No!” shouted Vigg.
“Don't!” shouted Saga.
Spike turned around.
“Guys, this is just a moose, not some supernatural monster!” he shouted.
“A what?” said Vigg.
“Who?” said Saga.
“Look, there's a tribe in northern Equestria," said Spike. "They are big deer called moose. They are peaceful, they don't eat people, they eat the same stuff as you!”
“But it looks like a stalu!” Saga whined. “And I Saw what could happen...”
“I don't trust him!” said Vigg. “I've never heard anything good about stalus!”
Spike shook his head and turned to the big deer-thing.
“We're lost in the snow! Can you help us?” he said, indicating himself and his rather worried companions.
The stalu snarled and snorted. It certainly sounded like words to Spike, but certainly not any language he knew.
“Come on!” he said as he turned to Vigg and Saga. “Ask him in your language! He sure didn't take Equestrian in school!”
“We should get away while we can...” stammered Saga. Vigg looked like he was about to charge the stalu. Spike sighed and facepawed.
“Look guys, this is no troll! It's just some dude that's larger than you! We are freezing to death and he has got to have shelter nearby, because even 'savages' don't take random jogging rounds in the middle of a blizzard carrying kitchen tools! He hasn't done nothing bad yet!” he shouted.
Vigg swallowed, then walked up to the stalu and looked him straight into the eyes. The huge deer-thing stared back, a most hostile stare. Vigg looked very long and then he looked away.
“Spike is right. We should take our chances with him” he said with a tired voice, then turned to the stalu and spoke Poatsi.
“Can you help us? We're lost in the blizzard! We can pay you, or help you in return!”
The stalu showed no great sign of understanding, but he did turn his head and pointed behind him with a hoof, growling.
“I think he wants us to follow,” said Vigg.
“You're mental again!” shouted Saga. “That's a monster, Vigg! You can't take Spike with you to him!”
Spike sighed. “It'll be OK, Saga. I read about dudes just like him at work, I helped some schoolfoals with their homework. Unless they are really different in Tarandroland he won't be dangerous,” he said, pleadingly.
“Saga, I've... looked at him. He is just really afraid of reindeer, is all,” said Vigg. “I can see stuff like that. I mean, See.”
Saga looked from Spike to Vigg and to the stalu, then stepped up to join them.
“Fine! But I can also See things, and if we all end up on a platter it's not my fault!” she snapped.
They didn't have to walk far, just up to one of the hills ahead. Outside it were some perfectly ordinary wooden buckets filled with snow. The stalu kicked at the hill and thereby opened a door that seemed a bit small for him. He shooed the kids in, heaved in the buckets of snow, got himself in somehow, and close the door behind them. Then he locked and barred it, which seemed to make him relax.
“Now we are locked inside the troll's cave,” said Saga. “This just gets better.”
“Why the snow?” said Spike and looked at the stalu, as if he could understand what Spike was saying.
“To melt for water, I assume,” said Vigg. “For cooking and stuff.”
“Exactly,” said Saga. “Cooking.Us.”
Spike sighed. “Don't carry on like that,” he said and looked around the very small room, presumably the hall, which was very very warm and lit up by a single big candle. It held a bench, a shovel, some sort of wicker rug, a coat-hanger made of reindeer antlers (“I think he'll have two more hangers soon, Vigg” said Saga), something which looked like four enormous boots (“When would he need them, if he doesn't use them in this weather?” said Spike and pointed to them), an enormous pair of skis (“When skiing – they are ski boots” said Vigg) and a giant mace.
Spike went up to it and touched it. The stalu jerked his head in Spike's direction and made a protesting snort.
“Yeah, he is totally going to pick it up and bean you with it,” said Saga and eyed the stalu.
“This place really smells of smoke,” said Vigg and wrinkled his muzzle.
“It looks like it's a whole tree!” marveled Spike. “And the rocks in the head, it is like the roots are holding them there!”
The stalu shrugged, hung his cap and cloak on the coat-hanger and pulled out a crude little chest from under the bench.
He started to remove – slowly and clumsily – his copious amounts of jewelry, putting it in the chest. Then he stopped, pointed at the kids, at the hanger, and at the chest, while he spoke very slowly and carefully in his own tongue, as people often do in the hope that strangers magically will understand them that way.
The magic worked on Vigg, who eyed the door to next room.
“I think he says we should take off our clothes and so on,” he said, and took off his jacket. Spike happily did the same, because while he had been really cold outside now it started to be really hot, and he didn't wear clothes at all normally.
“That can't be good!” said Saga. “You must realize this can't be good. OK for taking off the warm clothes, but taking off my jewelry – that can only be because he doesn't wanna choke on my piercings!”
Vigg gave Saga a tired look.
“He would have to flay you anyway if he was actually gonna eat you! Come on Saga, it's not a cartoon!” he said, and removed his thin silver necklace and put it in the box.
The stalu eyed it curiously and then stared at Vigg for a short while, then he turned to Saga and gestured for her to follow suit. She sighed and started to remove what she had on – she obviously hadn't hung chains in her antlers for a forest trip.
“We're going in” said Vigg and nodded to Spike who nodded back. As he moved for the door the stalu bellowed and pointed to the buckets. A mystified Spike picked up two while Vigg hooked two others on his antlers and laughed.
“OK, now I know where we are and what he's doing!” he said and opened the door. A massive wave of heat struck him and Spike, who suddenly had second thoughts.
“Wow, what's this? Is it an oven?” he said. Vigg shook his head.
“No no, it's just a sauna,” said Vigg. “The troll was gonna take a bath when he spotted us, and when he decided to be friendly I guessed he didn't want the heat to go to waste, so he took us with him. It would also be dreadfully impolite to not invite guests into your sauna – like eating and not offering them to join you. Guess trolls have the same etiquette as reindeer.”
The stalu bellowed.
“Yeah, sorry, we'll close the door!” Vigg said and dragged Spike with him into the healthy inferno.
Saga looked at the stalu, smiled embarrassed and put her fourth set of earrings into the box.
“Of course, you try to take off your bling before you take a sauna...” she murmured. “Your gold stuff would roast your legs, I assume... Nice nosering, by the way. I'm done, no more stuff!”
The stalu was scrutinizing one of her necklaces, an Equestrian jubilee coin that celebrated the return of Princess Luna which she had put on a silver chain together with full and new moons cut from tin.
“You like it?” said Saga. “You can have it, I mean you're saving us. Even if it is of my Goddess, I mean. And... if I was right and you're really going to... eat us or just kill us, I guess you get it anyway.”
The stalu snorted and closed the box, then looked at her.
“You... whatever your name is... if the guys are wrong... I want you to know... you see, I'm really thin. I was anorectic for a while, actually," Saga said. "No meat on me at all. And I smoke like a chimney, so I'm probably poisonous. But despite that... Please, if you really eat people, eat me before the little dragonling. I think the world can better stand to lose me than him, actually. OK?” Saga looked like she was close to crying.
The stalu looked at her with incomprehension. She sighed.
“Whatever, let's get a bath, whatever your name is. What is it, anyway? What. Is. Your. Name?” she said.
He shook his head sadly.
“OK, this works in stupid movies, let's see if it works in reality,” Saga said angrily. She pointed to herself.
“Saga! Saga!” she said. Then she poked him with her little hoof and tried to look as if she wondered something.
It must have worked despite the flickering candlelight, because he pointed to himself and bellowed.
“What did you say?” said Saga. He tried again, slower.
“'Kvalhissir'?” asked Saga. He nodded.
“Kvalhissir!” she said and pointed at him.
He nodded again.
“Oh, great!" she said. "Come on, let's tell you what the others' names are!” She pushed him towards the door to the actual sauna.
Spike had had steam baths before, of course – Ponyville had an excellent spa and it was open to children – but the reindeer way – and, it seemed, the moose way – was a bit different.
“Normally, you just heat rocks and pour water on them, but in a sauna like this – a smoke sauna – you use a hearth that fills the room with hot smoke beforehand for hours, then let it out. It's a really laborious way to do it, and you still have to throw water on the hearth to get the steam, the good steam, but it is assumed to be the best heat – at least by old fogies like both my grandfathers,” Vigg explained. “If you think it is too hot, sit on the lower benches. And leave and splash yourself with water or rub yourself with snow if you get too hot.”
“No problem!” said Spike, grinned, and sat on what was basically the hearth itself.
Vigg stared.
“I'm a dragon, remember?," he said. "We're not literally immune to fire but can take a lot. Having it in your belly sort of makes you used to it. And we like heat!”
“Hey guys, this is Kvalhissir, who rescued us!” said Saga when she came in, stalu in tow.
“You asked him? How?” said Spike.
“The primitive way” said Saga and pointed to her companions. “Spike – Vigg. Vigg – Spike.” The stalu nodded amiably, saw Spike on the hearth and jumped as high as was possible.
“Well, Miss Babysitter, while you were away, the child climbed on top of the stove and got burnt!” said Vigg.
Saga calmed down the stalu and then waggled her hoof at Spike.
“Well, don't do that! Burnt fawns smell bad!” she said in mock-stern voice.
“Luckily I'm not a fawn” said Spike.
“What?” said Vigg. “That's a horrible thing to say!”
“That's how my Gramma warned me not to touch the stove,” said Saga. “And 'If you drown I will give you a whupping when you come home' when I was playing in the harbor.” She smiled like an angel. “I love my Gramma so much!”
Kvalhissir apparently thought there was too much talk and too little heat, because he produced an actual barrel with melted water (“One prepared in advance!” said Saga) and started slowly and methodically pouring water on the top layer of hot rocks, using the giant ladle he had been carrying when they met him.
“I guess he grabbed the closest weapon he could find when he realized there were strangers about,” said Vigg.
“Weapon?” said Spike incredulously. “It's a ladle!”
“But look at the size of it!” Vigg protested. “It could crush your head! Anyway, I am sure he would have picked up a knife had he been peeling carrots or an ax if he had been chopping wood, but he was putting a sauna in order so the first thing he got in his mouth was the water-ladle.”
“Y'know, he could have actually picked up his actual weapon, the big mace outside,” said Spike.
“You don't think well when you get scared,” said Vigg. “I forgot my spear by the ackja.”
“It's a good thing you did,” said Saga, who suddenly looked very solemn. “It was the thing I Saw.”
The others looked at her.
“My Sight – I have one besides the normal one everydeer has – it is kinda sucky – but sometimes – I see things that could be. And sometimes they are things that are going to happen, because unless things could happen they won't happen, OK?” she stammered.
The others looked confused.
“It is sort of like predicting the future except it is not,” she said with some irritation. “Anyway, when we met him, I saw what could happen – what could have happened. Except Kvalhissir was too afraid to go and get his mace before he went off to see who we were, and Vigg was too scared to remember to take his spear from the ackja. But what I saw, was what could have happened if you both had been braver. Then you were both armed. When Spike went closer to him, you charged him with your spear, Vigg. He defended himself with his mace and crushed your head. That made Spike spout fire at him, so he... he killed Spike as well. And when I... when I tried to run away, he ran me down and killed me.” Saga sniffed. “It was so close that we really died... And because I Saw that, I couldn't trust him... I didn't really understand the details until now...”
The others had fallen silent.
“And after he had killed us, he would have looked closer, and see that it wasn't the reindeer warriors he was fearing... it was just three lost children...” she added, downcast.
“So... because I'm a coward and he is a wuss, we didn't die and he didn't destroy his life?” said Vigg.
Saga nodded and sniffed again.
“It... you don't talk about your Sight, really,” Vigg said, obviously directed to Spike. “It is... both unsafe and a bit private. But since Saga has told about hers...”
“You don't need to say anything!” protested Saga, stood up from her bench and walked up to Vigg. “I'm a holy doe! I can talk about my magic!”
“I was going to say I will say what mine is, despite I find it be very embarrassing,” said Vigg. “Because it is important for what I did tonight. I... have the same Sight as my mother.”
Saga gasped.
“You can see into deers' hearts?! Oooh, that's so romantic and cool!” she said and put her hooves to her mouth.
“But it is so... girly!” Vigg protested. “It's like I'd start shooting rainbows that make everyone happy and pick dandelions and give each other candy canes...”
“And why is that important here?” said Spike. Kvalhissir was watching with interest, even if he couldn't understand what was said. It was unclear whether he was hoping Vigg and Saga would start to fight or start to make out.
“Because I looked into Kvalhissir's heart, and saw that he wasn't malicious or even hungry, he was just scared and surprised” said Vigg.
“Why didn't you do that right away?” Spike protested.
“It's... it's not like you can do it all the time. Hearts change, you know? It's not always it works... And sometimes you don't want to know... So... you really only take a look if you really wonder...” he said with some embarrassment.
“So you mean you were already so sure of him so you didn't look?” said Spike and frowned.
“Yeah,” said Vigg.
“Have you looked at me?” said Saga with interest.
“Yeah. When we had that problem with the ackja... you were so stubborn. I didn't know whether you were making trouble or why... so I took a peek,” he said, even more embarrassed.
“It's OK,” said Saga perkily. “I think it is awesome! I mean, a real Sight, like in fairy tales! Not like mine!”
“Have you looked at me?” said Spike with curiosity.
“No,” said Vigg and smiled. “I never had reason to doubt you.” He looked at his feet. “I did look at Twilight Sparkle, to see whether those stories were true... and they weren't... someone with her heart can't be that bad.”
“Why did you check her?” said Saga with some suspicion.
“Oh,” said Vigg with more of the embarrassment “I just think she is... really awesome. Yeah. She is totally awesome” he said with an guilty look at Spike. "That was what I meant. Awesome."
Saga gasped and squeezed herself down next to Vigg.
“She is, isn't she! She's the greatest!” Saga said. She puffed out her chest. “I happen to be her new apprentice!” Then she sunk down again and smiled awkwardly. “Well, just for a short while... at least until she leaves again... but I am totally learning new spells!”
It was Vigg's turn to gasp. “She is teaching you? Wow, I'm so jealous! That makes you awesome, do you know that?”
The both giggled a bit.
Spike facepawed. I really hope this brings them together, he thought.. After all, the situation have already gotten them pretty close. I am just not happy with what brings them together.
Kvalhissir got off the bench to cool himself with some snow. Spike followed their host; the heat was starting to be a bit too much even for him.
Author's notes: First, I hope there is so much Original Flavour in this fic that no one ever expected poor Kvalhissir to be an actual deer-eating monster. I mean, it's a standard cliché in this kind of cartoon that something is said to be evil and dangerous and then turn out to be innocent.
Second, I actually have a lot to say about trolls, moose and the Scandinavian perception of such, as well as something about my favorite MLP:FIM fanfic ever and how it inspired me a bit - but I am not doing it here. That will be in a blog here on the site. I know no one reads those things, but please keep an eye open for it. I will write my piece when it is not two in the morning and I have to get up at seven.
Thanks for reading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 16 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-06-30T16:41:12+00:00
|
2012-06-30T16:41:12+00:00
| 5,288 |
Twilight kept smiling as she ruffled her mane with her hooves, and first she giggled, then she sniffled.
"A spy," said Luna. "A spy for whom?"
Twilight sniffled again.
"For Equestria, of course! Silly filly!" She turned her sniffle to a giggle and punched Luna with her hoof.
The Princess of the Moon stiffened and her face became stiff and red with anger, but checked her temper when she saw her hoofmaiden's expression.
She is truly not herself... she thought. What did she see?
"Anyway, I am sorry I couldn't record anything or something like that, the eye-runes doesn't work like that," Twilight said and giggled again. "But I have made notes from observing him. I actually started out for such a childish reason. Would you know, I only did it to figure out how he can appear out of nowhere. He has an invisibility spell. I saw him use it, several times. He does it casually. That was the clue to his cutie mark, his talent, his role. But... that didn't really upset me. That there's a spy here, I mean."
She shook her head. "No, the first thing that upset me was the invisibility! That he used it! Here! In a place where it is useless!" Twilight was breathing heavily, her face red with anger. "Every guard and servant and courtier in this place can easily see through it! He's so arrogant he never thought to check whether it would work! He is completely dependent on one single spell and hasn't researched its parameters! No wizard does that unless he is an idiot!"
"Well," said the princess carefully "maybe he hasn't done anything too compromising yet..."
"Did you know about him?" said Twilight suddenly, her anger not abated. "Did Princess Celestia know about him?"
"No. I didn't know Lord Eminence was a spy. In hindsight, I should have guessed, and if you asked me, I would have expected there to be agents of the thrones assigned to this," said Luna.
Twilight looked at her, pleading.
"And I don't know whether my sister knows, Lady Sparkle," she continued, somewhat cautiously, as Twilight was still close to apoplexy. "On one hoof, she does take an active interest in many things quite low down in the hierarchy of the realm. On the other hoof, it is sometimes useful that a ruler does not know what a secret agent does, since their deeds are rarely honorable and sometimes disgusting, and it is better to be able to say that you truly were ignorant."
"He has done something yet," Twilight said. "Something I can't believe my Princess would approve of..."
So that's it. She is still that innocent... And yet... Luna mused.
"What has he done?" she said gently.
"Well, he went to and fro, talking to some servants, some guards, some local pony merchants. He looked into a storage for chariots, unused this season, several times, and I assumed he was setting up the place for a clandestine meeting with some bribed informer, so I kept an eye on it. I was right," said Twilight. "He went there about two hours ago and waited... under his silly cloak of invisibility. Three reindeer entered. They were wearing the uniforms of a nobledeer's servant but it was clear they weren't servants."
"How could you tell?" asked Luna.
"The uniforms were clean and new. All we have seen here have been old and worn. There is a financial crisis, the king is uncaring, and his daughter who manages things puts snappy uniforms far lower on the list than food for everyone and clean bedclothes. And I spend enough time with Rarity these days to notice such things," said Twilight tunelessly. "Anyway, he made one of his dramatic appearances out of nowhere, except the three deer he was meeting saw through it, and only played along to please him - they didn't even act surprised, they just didn't point out that they could see him. I even heard one of them say in Poatsi that 'ponies are crazy'."
"And he didn't react to that?" said Luna. "He seems a proud stallion to me."
"I don't think he registers when somepony says something bad about him, because he is so sure of himself," said Twilight. "Besides, his Poatsi is atrocious. It doesn't matter anyway. What's matter is who they were."
"And who were they?" asked Luna.
"Pirates," said Twilight.
Luna's mouth fell open.
"I know, I know..." said Twilight and buried her face in her hooves. "It was like this..."
The three reindeer eyed the Hestalander with suspicion.
“Have your master made up your mind?” he said with a casual smile.
“My captain has made up his mind, yes,” said the middle of the three, an old sarv. “If you ponies and your Sun-Queen support him, he will convince the other captains to stop the raiding.”
“And will they listen to him?” said the unicorn and produced a coin from his robe.
He tries to bribe me with that? Is he addled? the reindeer thought.
Nevertheless he grabbed the gold coin out of the air with his mouth and spit it into his pouch.
“Jarl Ahto's name is great. Until he became outlaw he was a vaunted admiral of the fleet,” said the reindeer. “They will listen.”
“He has a golden tongue alright,” said the reindeer to the right, a worn-looking vaja. “The other captains even believe he has a shot at becoming King.”
“And you don't, miss?” said Lord Eminence.
“I'm just the bosun. I don't worry about the captain having fancies,” she said, and added “But don't you 'miss' me! I'm a married doe, is just this here job keeps me away from things.”
“Believe me, I won't miss you at all,” said Lord Eminence and grinned. “So: if Equestria helps Earl Ahto...”
“Jarl,” said their leader. “We don't have Earls in Poatsula. We didn't have no other nobledeer than jarls until the kings started apin' you ponies,” he added.
“Jarl Ahto. Helps Jarl Ahto with his bid for kingship, given the help against Winter that he wishes for, so that he can be a hero and swing the other herds to his side, he will convince the other pirate captains to hold off raiding Equestria – what you do at home I don't care about. Have I got this right?” Lord Eminence continued.
“That's it,” said their leader. “But Ahto wants to see some proof that this here help is actually coming before he commits himself.”
¨”Ain't manure worth stealing in Poatsula these days anyhow,” said the third reindeer who had been silent up til now.
“Certainly. I can certainly provide some proof, but then I want to see some from your side as well,” said Lord Eminence.
“Jarl Ahto says that he wants to know how fast the Sun-Queen can put the sun right. Since he would find it awfully convenient if that went with him making his first bid for the throne, see,” said the leader.
“And no one is gonna sail the sea now anyhow, seeing how bad and fast winter's coming. The pirate fleet is all beached like a whale,” the vaja added.
“I... am not privy to the mechanics of the Wheels. You really have to let me check that out for you,” said Lord Eminence cautiously.
The reindeer nodded.
“So I take it we have an... accord?” he said and grinned.
“You have an accord with Jarl Ahto,” said the leader of the pirates “and with him you hope the other captains. But you don't have an accord with us.”
“Beg your pardon?” said Lord Eminence. “Who?”
“Us!” said the vaja. “Us who actually crew the ships!”
“Now see here, Mr Fancyvest” said the leader “Jarl Ahto has his fantasies and we allow him them because he is a good leader. His father was not chosen as king when the moot did not recognize the heir of the last king. His herd has been mighty sore about that for a long time. And some of us might share such fancies, and have a mind full of dreams.”
He leaned uncomfortably close to the unicorn lord and breathed foully on him.
“Then, we might be murderers and thieves, but we have practical minds. There might be some of us who take a love in blood-letting,“ and he looked at his second companion, who scratched his chin absentmindedly, “but most of us went on to feed seagulls because there was no honest job to be had. The mills and workshops can't get timber, so they get no goods to send abroad, so no sailor can find a job – except, of course, going a-Viking.”
“We need food and clothes and other stuff,” said the vaja and leaned in equally closely “and for that we don't need Jarl's dreams but cold hard silver.”
“All of us,” said the leader. “See, we share aboard the ships, so every sailor will expect some.”
“I... see,” said Lord Eminence. “And... how much are we talking about?”
“For a starting sum... as a goodwill gesture... say five of your bits a sailor,” said the leader and grinned. “With extra shares for the officers.”
“And how much would that be?” said Lord Eminence.
“Lets' say... give or take... “ The reindeer waved his hoof, shut one eye, and grinned. “Four thousand bits to start with. Metal, no paper.”
“Paper gets wet at sea,” grinned the vaja.
Lord Eminence was momentarily taken aback, but adjusted himself.
“I think that will be a small price to pay. But since you won't take my checks, you will have to wait a bit,” he said.
“Fine. We'll stay... around for a week. But if I don't see the silver by then, I go back to my captain and present your offer in such a way that he won't take it,” said the leader.
“I'll see what I can do,” said Lord Eminence. “I can see now what your interests lay in this whole affair.”
“Well,” said the third reindeer “it's not like the old drunkard's going to die just like that, so Ahto's dream is just a pipe dream. I mean, Ahto ain't the deer to just assassinate a king – he's a nobledeer so he has standards. And he can forget us actually marching an army on Sarvvik and like dethrone him!”
All the reindeer chuckled at the folly of war without profit and with actual risks.
“Oh,” said Lord Eminence with a smug grin “I am sure we can arrange things to Jarl Ahto's satisfaction.”
“He... he implied the assassination of a foreign monarch by Equestrian agents?!” said Luna. It was her turn to be apoplectic.
Twilight nodded.
“And, for all intents and purposes, financing insurgency,” said Twilight. “I have no idea if he actually means it or is just trying to bluff or manipulate this pirate captain, but... he is doing it very badly. It takes almost nothing for a servant or guard to report this to someone who cares... and paying off someone like those pirates never works unless you are stalling for time! They will try to milk you for more. Don't they teach any statesmanship to nobleponies? Or spies? I had to study it and I'm a sorceress!”
“And if he is reported all chances we have of coming out head up and first from this mess are gone! I should have him sent back home at once, either to jail or to spy school!” Luna fumed.
“If they already know, they will think we are covering our flanks,” Twilight sighed. “We must know if they know first. Or...” She perked up. “Maybe we can simply admit what he has done and say he acted on his own?”
“I don't want to make you more afraid than you are, Twilight Sparkle, but it is possible he didn't act on his own,” Luna said sadly.
When she saw the despair in Twilight's eyes, she hastily added: “That doesn't need to mean my sister ordered it. She does have a spymaster, and there are sure to be ponies between him and Lord Eminence as well. Likewise, he could quite possibly have been given vague orders what to do, and while it should not be his superiors' fault that he choose a very risky and idiotic way to implement them, it will be seen that way.”
“We don't even know what he plans to do with the King. Or when,” said Twilight. “Or even if he is really planning anything and not just lying to impress the pirates!”
“I'll have to confront him!” said Luna.
“What's to say he'll tell the truth? What more: there is one thing he didn't seem to know but he could find out that would be very useful...” said Twilight.
“I can be very persuasive,” said Luna grimly. “And what would that be?”
“He talked to three of the pirates, right? I don't think he knows where they stay when in Sarvvik. But if he knew – if we knew – we could figure out where they usually stay. Where the pirate ships are beached, I mean, and the pirates stay over winter. It's not like we have an army who could go there, but anyway...” Twilight explained. “My best case is that this is what he is trying to do, and he is just lying to get on Jarl Ahto's good side.”
“We'll have to get to that in the morning,” said Luna.
“No, in the morning” she repeated when Twilight looked at her. “You are in no form for intrigue and confrontation, Lady Sparkle, and I might actually need someone with me to balance my temper. Nodeer saw him meet the pirates today?”
“Nodeer using the eye-runes. I can't be certain about just plain normal witnesses,” Twilight said.
“Let's hope for the best – and get you to bed!” Luna said. “But first clean yourself up!”
She got Twilight up and pushed her towards the shower. After she had go her in and was about to leave she turned back.
“Wait! What was it about my sister 'setting the Sun right'?” she asked Twilight.
Twilight shrugged.
“I don't know. Jarl Vidar gave me some facts about the increasing strength of Winter that might have something to do with the Sun, but I choose to check the eye-runes out first, before I sat down with the astronomical and thaumaturgical calculations. Then I got caught up in the business with Lord Eminence...” Twilight rubbed her face.
“Clean yourself, then try to sleep. I will study your notes for both matters, since I don't need sleep,” said Luna. “I will need your services, Lady Sparkle, and for that I need you healthy and alert.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” said Twilight and smiled. “Looks like a dreadful weather out. I sure hope Spike is well in that cottage or whatever it was.”
“If he was in trouble, he would have sent me a message,” Luna said as she levitated a thick bunch of magic diagrams. "Shower, Lady Sparkle!”
Author's note: Check out my blog here on this site for some thoughts about last chapter that doesn't fit here. Thanks for reading!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 17 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-01T21:08:55+00:00
|
2012-01-01T21:08:55+00:00
| 5,237 |
Saga and Vigg kept chatting as Spike and Kvalhissir went out into the hall. The big lug sighed and looked forlorn as he cooled himself down with snow by rubbing himself with it. Spike had the idea of rolling in the snow outside as he had heard reindeer did after sauna, but Kvalhissir stopped him from walking out the door, growling and shaking his head - not angry, more scared - and topping it off with checking whether the door was locked and barred. Spike shrugged and cooled himself down with snow from the buckets.
"I wonder why you are scared of going out. Or someone coming in. Wolves? Robbers? Monsters? You are not small, you know," Spike mused loudly.
It then struck him that this was why the mace was there: he had stashed a weapon in his hall for safety while bathing. This was not something you'd do in Ponyville - the closest thing would be Zecora's staff, but that was not a weapon really, and Zecora lived in Everfree Forest! Maybe it was reindeer he was afraid of? If they did think all moose were evil trolls it would probably be dangerous meeting armed reindeer - and Vigg had said any reindeer on skis had a spear. But could they still be dangerous to someone Kvalhissir's size?
Kvalhissir dug out some bags as crude as his jewelry-chest and half-filled a huge dented pot with pure snow from another bucket. He poured out a mix of greens, roots and mushrooms on a big platter and started mincing them crudely with a huge piece of flint he held in his mouth.
“Hey, I can help with that!” Spike said, and more or less forcibly took the knife from the moose and started chopping instead of him.
Kvalhissir was about to protest, but then shrugged and instead started to fill a clay pan with pine-cones.
“I hardly know half of these...” Spike mumbled. “This must be bulrush bulbs... Waterlily stalks, I guess... You really eat willow bark? That's as bad as lichen... Sedge, that I know what it is... Gee, all watery plants. You like seafood?” he turned to Kvalhissir. “Or is this just stuff that goes well with reindeer?” he joked.
The moose didn't understand, but did seem a bit impatient.
“You think I am chopping this into too small pieces? I have paws and I intend to use them, 'Hissir,” Spike said, but then he poured the chopped greens in the pot of snow and handed it to the moose, who strode into the actual sauna and hurried in the little dragon so as to not loose the heat.
It was less hot now, the long period of steam-making had cooled down the hearth, but it was still hot enough for Spike when he came from the cool hall. He liked it. When they came back home he must insist Twilight take them to the spa more often.
The reindeer teens were still chatting, Spike noted with joy. Joy that was short-lived as Saga said:
“But she is still so dreamy!” with big eyes and Vigg said “Oh yes!” his eyes equally big.
You're not supposed to both want to marry her! he thought.
Their reverie was interrupted by Kvalhissir, who after putting the stew and the roast on the hearth slapped Vigg with an hoof and pointed to the door, bellowing.
“Oh, he is right... we should cool down!” Vigg said and stepped down from the benches.
When Saga followed him he gave Spike hope again by assisting her as they trotted out to the snow. Kvalhissir hovered over them nervously, and a roar told Spike – who had taken upon himself to watch the food – that they, like him, had planned to roll in the snow before he stopped them opening the door.
“Sorry, sorry!” shouted Saga hoarsely.
As the snow started to melt and the pine-cones started to fry up – or rather dry-roast, since Kvalhissir seemed to not have any butter or grease – Spike watched Kvalhissir, satisfied no one would open the door, stuff an enormous pipe and light it with splinter he lit on the coals. Spike sniffed the plume of smoke.
That sure isn't tobacco. Of course, it's not like he could walk into Sarvvik and buy some shag... Spike mused.
Few ponies at home smoked, but they had back in Canterlot, especially among the many older unicorn academics at Twilight's school. That had been thin cigarettes or polished briar-wood pipes, not the thing Kvalhissir puffed on, which seemed made of a root and the size of his mace.
Vigg and Saga came back in and Vigg was about to close the door when Saga saw the plume of smoke.
“Ooh, that reminds me!” she said and quickly dashed outside. She returned as quickly with a tobacco pouch and sat down opposite Vigg, where she started to roll a cigarette, mostly with her muzzle.
“You... didn't need to move, y'know,” said Vigg. “I wouldn't have minded.”
YES! thought Spike and started to dance a little at the edge of the hearth, causing Kvalhissir to look worried.
“That's like really nice, but it's bad enough I'm cremating my own lungs, I shouldn't do that to yours as well,” Saga said, bit down on her cigarette and started at it cross-eyed for a second, which caused it to catch fire.
“Wow, is that a spell?” said Spike, fascinated against his will. Vigg seemed interested as well.
“Yeah, isn't it cool?” Saga said and grinned happily. Then her heart seemed to sink. “Though Gramma said it was a waste of time to learn, when matches are that cheap.”
She inhaled the tobacco smoke deeply with eyes shut.
“I needed that!," she sighed happily. "Well, the spell can set anything afire, though not much at once. And I trained on cigs – or Gramma's pipe – so when I cast it nowadays I always end up cross-eyed when I do it.”
She giggled, which evoked an equal giggle from Vigg as he looked her deep in the eye. Spike made little gestures with the ladle – a smaller one – as if conducting an invisible orchestra.
We are the champions, Spike is the champion, no time for losers... he sang silently.
Kvalhissir's pointed hoof and a moo-like command redirected his attention to the cooking; he instantly saw that the pine-cones needed some shuffling. Spike momentarily wondered whether moose ate roasted pine-cones like he did – gnawed up and swallowed – or like most ponies – finicky tearing off the scales to eat the seeds under them. The pine-cones were much bigger than at home. His questions were answered when Kvalhissir asked for one with his gestures, popped it into his mouth, spit it our, blew on it to cool it, popped it in again and chewed it up whole while looking thoughtful. Then he shook his head and went back to his pipe.
“I could’ve told'ya,” Spike muttered.
Vigg and Saga were talking about how Saga had become a temple-fawn (in a temple with no worshipers dedicated to a goddess mostly absent) and Saga had went back to Vigg's bench. Hope did not just blossom in Spike's heart: it was producing a nice crop of apples, melons and rutabagas.
Saga liked to gesture, and as she did so she bumped into the cave wall. It was not as hot any longer, but Vigg still cried out sharply when she did, which only caused her to draw her flank across it.
“Hey, no – aw, too late!” he said.
“What? What did I do?” she wondered and looked back at her sooty flank. “Oh.”
“Yeah, you have to be careful with the walls in a smoke sauna, otherwise you end up all sooty,” he said and chuckled.
“So what?” she said and laughed. “We are bathing, aren't we?” And she rubbed soot from her flank and then from the wall over her belly and chest and shoulders. “I'm gonna get more soot!”
“What the...?” said Vigg and stared at her in disbelief as she rubbed her muzzle and face with soot as well – mostly in stripes in patches, because she was rather casual in dirtying herself.
“I am a troll now, OK!” she shouted, leaped down on the floor, reared up and shouted: “After bathing and dining with trolls, I am hereby a troll! The troll Saga!”
“We haven't dined yet,” said Spike and shook his head. Kvalhissir barked in a way that suggested merriment. Vigg was mostly confused.
Then Saga jumped up on the bench opposite him and rubbed her front hooves and legs on the sooty wall. She wheeled around and looked at Vigg with a fiendish grin.
“You should be a troll too!” she said to him and then jumped him and started trying to rub him with soot as well.
Vigg fought back using the fact that he was more well-trained and fit, but against him was the fact the body pressed against his – not an entirely unpleasant feeling, he would later recall – was already full of soot, as well as the wall behind him. They rolled down on the floor and Vigg got on top of his troll assailant. He was by then more grimy than sooty, but anyway. Saga lay under him and panted, but was clearly not hurt since she was close to laughing. Spike looked worried. Kvalhissir found the whole thing fairly amusing. Maybe troll calves roughhoused like that all the time.
“Do you yield?!” Vigg shouted. Saga squeaked, the laughed, then had a coughing fit.
“'Yield'” she laughed. “Who speaks like that anymore?”
Then she lay back melodramatically. “Oh yes, I yield, oh my strong Prince!” she exclaimed before she had another laughing, then a coughing fit.
Vigg eased off and was about to step off when Saga, half-freed, rose up, put her forelegs around his neck, pulled him down and rubbed her muzzle against his, finishing off with an actual if pretty chaste kiss, her hooves pressed to his face. The action paralyzed Vigg.
“Hey!” he said when he could speak again. “What did you – you had given up! Foul! And – what did you do?”
“Smear your face with soot!” she said and giggled. “What did you think I have on my hooves and muzzle?”
“You had given up!” he shouted.
“Servant of darkness! It's a sacrament to cheat!” she said and stuck her tongue out at him.
“You – you kissed me!” he stammered.
“I just used my feminine wiles on your weak male heart! Now you are a troll too!” She rose up besides the confuzzled Vigg, laid a leg on his neck and shouted: “Now we are ALL trolls! Let the festivities begin!”
It didn't have the intended effect, because the smooch had caused Spike to have some sort of fit, apparently, so he had fallen off the place he was standing on the side of the hearth. Since their host became worried and was picking him up and dusting him off, only Vigg heard her declaration. He was blushing deeply, but despite his white fur, his black, let's call it “ritual body paint” to be nice to Saga, was hiding it pretty well.
When Kvalhissir had got Spike on his feet and made sure the little scaly fellow was alright, he turned his attention to the dinner. The pine-cones were close to burning so he lifted the clay pan off the hearth; the soup was merrily boiling, so he just tasted it, frowned and added something looking like brown ash to it.
“Was that mud, or what?” Saga wondered.
Vigg, who was regaining his senses, found himself with something in his throat and had to clear it before he spoke.
“Dried seaweed. Used for salting,” he said.
“Where did he get seaweed, he lives in a forest?” Saga asked.
“I guess trolls trade too,” Vigg said and shrugged. “A more relevant question: why is Spike dancing a jig?”
“I am?” Spike said and stopped. “Sorry, it just comes over me sometimes!”
Saga suddenly looked worried.
“Oh, I'm so sorry I haven't paid you any attention! Are you OK?” she said and sniffed Spike.
“I'm fine! Just... happy there will be food soon! Yeah!” Spike said and grinned weakly.
“Should have had some music,” said Saga and nuzzled Spike quickly. “Should have brought a 'player. Or at least an instrument.”
“If we could actually talk to Kvalhissir, I'm sure he could scrounge one up,” said Spike and smiled crookedly. “He seems to have everything.”
“In his sauna?” said Vigg. “Spike, maybe you're don't understand, but this is like a pony whose house consist of his bathroom. He must be actually living somewhere else...”
They were interrupted by Kvalhissir turning up with two wooden bowls, of different size, shape and age, full of soup. He looked from guest to guest...
“Yeah, you only have two bowls. It's OK, me and Vigg can share the big one, and Spike takes the other one,” said Saga, who smiled and lifted the bowl over to the bench. “Come on and eat, fellow troll!”
Vigg just looked at Spike, smiled nervously, shrugged and sat down beside her. Without saying anything more, Kvalhissir sat down in his corner and started eating the rest of the soup out of the pot. Seeing the two reindeer eating soup muzzle to muzzle, Spike grinned so widely the corners of his mouth met on the back of his neck.
This can not fail! Soon he'll stop asking questions about Twilight in... in that way! he thought.
He sat down to eat, and didn't particularly mind the lack of a spoon, though the soup needed more quartz...
After soup there were roasted pine-cones, and as expected the two reindeer ate slower and more finicky than Spike and the moose.
“Be careful, Spike!” admonished Saga. “You're totally eating too quickly.”
“Babysitter comes out?” said Vigg. “Maybe he doesn't need to pull off the scales of the cone, thought of that?”
Saga was just about to argue when Kvalhissir hissed in a way that clearly said: silence!
He stood up and tried to listen, and the others followed suit.
“What can he hear through the walls!” whispered Spike. “We're within a hill!”
Kvalhissir growled angrily and Spike shut up. The moose laid his head to the wall and looked, as far as the two reindeer fawns and the dragonling could interpret his moosial expressions, first worried, then terrified.
Suddenly Saga stood up and shrieked.
“Oh no.... oh goddess nooo....!” she wailed and wavered on unsteady feet.
“Saga!” said Spike frightened. Vigg had more presence of mind and got up to her.
“Saga, listen, are you Seeing or fainting? You're slipping out, do you hear me?!” he shouted in her ear.
“It's all coming down it's all coming down it's all coming down... HELP HIM SUPPORT THE ROOF!” she shouted, pushed Vigg away and started to, in vain, trying to lift one of the benches, which were made of massive timbers.
Vigg hurried over and started to help her. Spike looked skeptical.
“She was wrong last time!” he shouted. “We're underground!”
Vigg strained with the bench and was going to say something about better safe than sorry when Spike saw their host starting to do exactly the same with another bench, so he jumped down to the floor and starting helping the reindeer.
Two of three possible benches had been turned into support beams when it struck. A gale force wind so strong it was heard through sod and rocks howled over the hill, and then something slammed into it. Then something else, and something else, as if an avalanche of rocks or logs were rolling of it. Then there was a hissing howl, again so loud it was heard through the thick walls. Then the roof above them, illuminated by the glowing hearth, started to frost over. It spread like rings on the water from the smokehole, as the moisture gathered on the roof, inside the hot sauna, started to turn into hoarfrost. It stopped before the whole roof was frosted over, but then there was more howling, more slams into the roof, and some rocks fell from it. A second time, frost started to grow on the inside of the formerly hot roof, and icicles formed where the ice has started last time.
“What is happening!?” shouted Spike.
Saga has stopped frantically raising the beams but their host was still furiously trying to get one more up.
“Nidhogg!” Vigg shouted back as he slid around the earthen floor struggling to help the moose, who seemed as terrified as them. “An ice serpent!”
Saga had thrown herself close to the hearth, so close her fur was being singed, and was whimpering. When Spike stepped back momentarily as Kvalhissir slammed the bench in place and Vigg mostly was in the way, she grabbed him with her mouth and pulled him in between her and the hearth.
“Saga, it's too hot!” he gasped.
“It'll be colder soon!” she whimpered.
Having finished getting the beam up, Kvalhissir dove down as the doe had done and dragged Vigg with him, and slammed both him and Saga in between himself and the hearth, as if making sure they were closer than him. Vigg felt his fur singe at the same time as the air started to grow very cold. Spike whined something from within the heap of deer, but it was lost in the repeated thumps, the howls and the hisses from outside, and that wind blowing constantly.
It took minutes before it receded but it could still be heard in the distance. It felt like hours for the deer and the dragonling. After a while Saga moved and Spike actually could breathe – the air was cool, and he could feel the hearth actually cooling, though still hot. They all shuffled around, but Kvalhissir seemed determined to have the outermost place.
I've heard of somebody shielding somebody else with their body. He is isolating somebody else with his body, Spike thought. And Saga is trying to do the same. If... if we survive this, she gets top marks as a bodyguard from me to Twilight, even if she might not be much of a babysitter.
He lay still, and what warmth there was made him a bit sleepy – it had been a tough day, and sauna tires you out even if you are a fire-breathing dragon. Besides, there was not much that could be done when awake. Spike soon fell asleep. He wasn't the only one.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 18 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-01T21:28:16+00:00
|
2012-01-01T21:28:16+00:00
| 5,426 |
Kvalhissir was the first of the inhabitants of the room to wake up. This was for several reasons. First, he had been taught from an early age to sleep with one ear awake. Second, he slept in the coldest place. Third, he hadn't been very much asleep to begin with, which made waking up trivial. After making certain that neither he nor the calves he had rescued would perish, his thoughts had immediately gone to the rest of his property. Given the circumstances, however, he had known that there was nothing he could do until the sun rose, the storm blew over, and the horrid beings of the storm were gone with it. Like most sentients who knew there is nothing they can do and that it's not their fault, he felt horribly guilty over not doing anything, and hence had trouble sleeping.
He rose, carefully, silently, as soon as he woke. He stopped for a while, watching the calves sleeping, and smiled against his will and instinct. He could at least save someone. It was a small, small comfort, but he needed any now. He went to the coat hanger and got their jackets, vests and shawls, then clumsily covered them with the clothes against the creeping cold. There were frost all over the room – only their warmth and the dying hearth had held the ice away from them. He then went to the door, unlocked and unbarred it, and stepped outside. He carefully closed the door behind him and surveyed what he counted as his domain. He could hold back his tears for a second or two.
When Saga woke up there was a strange weight upon her brow and the world was dark in a strange layered way. She lay still for a while and felt her tail pressing against cloth. After a while she figured out she were covered in clothes. She had less problem with identifying the scaly, warm lump by her side as Spike, and the leg that touched her forelegs as Vigg's. It didn't take her long to remember yesterday's adventure.
As she lay in darkness and pondered what to do she was struck with one of her fancies – not one of her visions, because it was obviously impossible, but one of her fancies, just as real and a bit scary. She imagined that the whole world was gone now. Outside the cave – because that was what the sauna was, really – the whole world was ice. The only ones left alive were the ones she could feel next to her and herself. She and Vigg would have to thaw and repopulate the world. About when she figured Spike would still be alive the day when the sun had returned enough that there were some few plants growing, and that the horribly inbred descendants of her and Vigg would be scared of an unfrozen sea, Spike called her back to the world of the possible by moving, mumbling, then sitting up and asking for Twilight.
“She is not here,” whispered Saga.
“She's back in the city. We'll see her later today,” she said to Spike, who yawned and nodded.
“Why are we whispering?” he whispered.
“Because Vigg is still asleep,” Saga whispered.
“No I'm not,” said Vigg. “I'm awake. Where's Kvalhissir?”
“He went out,” said Saga.
“Yeah, I can see that” said Vigg a bit irritated, as he stood up, stretched, and tried to orient himself hung with clothes in the dark room. “I just wondered if he said where he went.”
“No,” said Saga caustically. “My telepathy is a bit rusty this early in the morning.”
“Lets just go and look for him, OK?” said Spike and stood up. “I'll get some light” he added, and blew a thin ray of fire from his mouth, like if he was holding a little flame in it.
Vigg found the door to the hall and then the outer door and opened them, and they fumbled with their clothes and stumbled outside. The view made them stop and stare and their skins – furry or scaly – feel colder than they already were.
They hadn't paid much attention to the landscape when they struggled up to the hollowed-out hill yesterday evening, but there had been a forest, and the hill had been covered in trees. Now, the forest was gone. Not chopped down with axes or torn down by a tornado or burned up with fire. It had been frozen, crushed and chewed, not always in that order. Most trees seemed to have been flash-frozen, and then either slammed, which had made them burst into frozen splinters, or they had huge chomps bitten out of them. In some cases the bites were almost comical marks like a pony eating a banana, but in most pieces had been torn off, chewed up and swallowed, the ripping action tearing the rest of the tree into more splinters. The ground was covered with pieces of frozen wood, from half stumps to what might as well have been sawdust.
The snow had been whipped up by roiling bodies that had left long trails like worms in the sand. In some places the ground itself had been gnawed, chewed, or ripped up. In most places it had been struck with sudden permafrost levels of freezing, bending, cracking and bursting open, the thin layer of dirt reduced to frozen dust, like dirty snowflakes. There were no sign of any animal – any ones still about in winter had obviously fled long before the landscape was killed, and anything that might have hid in the ground during winter was frozen to death.
Vigg was the first one who spoke.
“This... can't have been one nidhogg. I... I have never met one myself, but this is too much. This must have been... several nidhoggs. Their tracks... are crossing each other. A gang – pack – pride...” he said.
“A blizzard of nidhoggs,” Saga suggested mumbling. “I... I was born in the city. I've only heard of them. From grazers. And... read in books.”
She stared at the landscape. Hundreds of yards away, there were actual trees.
The world is still alive! she thought. It is only here that... it isn't.
Spike looked at them, then at the landscape. He hadn't learned that much yet about Tarandroland's fauna, but from Vigg's stories, he had gotten the clear impression that nidhoggs were solitary animals. Normally.
“What is that sound?” Saga whispered.
Kvalhissir's sobs lead them to the lake, or what had been a lake. He lay at the beach in a soggy heap of frosted fur, his body wracked with long wheezing sobs. The lake had been frozen just as the landscape around it... and big chunks had been ripped out of the sod around it, probably the only deeper layer of earth around here. “Frozen” didn't mean “a layer of ice”. It had been frozen all the way to the bottom, like a solid block of ice.
The reason was plain to see: a nidhogg had plunged its head down into the lake, void-cold breath at full power, and flash-frozen the water around its own head. Panicking, it had flopped and floundered and, smashing its body against the ground, succeeding in getting up and tossing ice blocks around the area, but not freeing itself. It had died from concussion and suffocation, strangely fast for such a huge and uncanny beast, and was lying on the ground next to the wrecked tarn.
Saga laid down next the moose and pressed against him and, in a rather incoherent way, tried to say something comforting. Vigg knelt on the opposite side and pressed against him, but couldn't really come up with something to say; he feebly ransacked his mind for something to do about it.
What's the point with magical powers or royal blood when you cannot comfort someone who saved your life when they are crying their eyes out? he thought.
Spike hugged what he could reach of the poor stalu (the rump), then patted it as he got up and went to take a look at the icy carnage. He walked down to the exposed bottom of the lake. He imagined he could see the little bugs and things you can see wriggle about in the bottom mud in the summer, when you sit by a lake like this and wriggle your toes in the water. He definitely did see roots like those he himself chopped for dinner last night, frozen solid then ripped up from the lake bottom. The water would come back, of course, as soon as it melted. Some of the little bugs too, if there was another lake nearby. Spike was no botanist but assumed it would take a far bit longer for the plants.
He went up to the nidhogg corpse with apprehension. He couldn't shake the feeling it was playing dead, it was all a trick... Then, after poking it with a stick, he became convinced it wasn't. He was instead filled with a very special kind of horror, deeply related to being a dragon, even if he was a small one. It is possible only another draconic being could have felt like him, though similar concepts exist for all beings, and all thinking beings certainly could have understood him.
The being was too draconic without being a dragon. The ice-encased head, a maw that could have been a dragon's with a flat head and just rudimentary eyes. The long serpentine body, void of claws or wings or any limb at all, like one fat tail. The rubbery hide that looked like it had scales but didn't. It's different white patterns – white like snow on the back, for lying in the snow and waiting – mottled gray and white on the belly for moving through a snowstorm. It slithered straight through the uncanny valley for Spike, in between being like a dragon and definitely not being one, just like a plastic doll with its lifeless muzzle and fake coat trots between a comforting rag doll and a real, living pony. He felt disgusted and sad and wondered if the nidhoggs had to be or just were. He turned back to the others.
Saga rose up from her place next to their inconsolable host and looked sadly but serenely at the hole where the lake once was, as her legs swayed. Spike hurried and came up beside her, thinking she was as sick as he felt.
“I am Seeing again,” she said with a clear sad voice. “I am seeing the lake as it could have been this summer... probably as he wished it would have been... I am glad he cannot hear me, he is already sooo down... There would have been waterlilies and bulrushes... grass and sedge and reeds... thick moss around it and when you walked upon it water would have seeped up around your hooves... mosquitoes and gnats dancing above it and dragonflies and flycatchers hunting them... mergansers and golden eyes swimming in it...” Saga sighed “And Kvalhissir swimming... cooling himself in the waters... and digging up the bulbs and stalks...”
“It's his garden,” said Vigg. “Figures. Stories say stalus grow the plants in lakes – that's why you shouldn't harm them.”
“Then there is the summer sun for a month reflected in it... and the big august moon... and he would have...” Saga stopped babbling but not seeing. “He would have... dropped flowers and berries into the water... for the sun and moon...”
“It's his temple as well,” said Vigg morosely.
“He knew my amulet was of Hrimfaxi,” Saga mumbled. “He recognized me.”
She stumbled a bit, knelt and gave the moose another hug. Spike followed suit. After a while, however, he rose up.
“Guys, I'm sad for 'Hissir too... but we have to think of things. Like food. And a fire. And are we going back ourselves or should I... call a ride?” he said.
Before Vigg could protest, Saga nodded.
“Send a message. Tell them we are OK but would really want some company home, OK? That the storm was really bad?” she said.
“What do we say about Kvalhissir?” said Spike.
“Nothing,” said Saga. “Let's deal with that when they get here.”
She rose up.
“Vigg, I am going to make a fire. Can you see if you can find something to eat? Preferably for Kvalhissir as well?” she said.
Vigg rose as well, patting their devastated host.
“He must have more food in his home. He cannot live in his sauna. But, well, it is hard enough to talk to him when he isn't like this and I am not going to dig in all the hills until I find his house. Sooo... I'll backtrack to the ackja, I'm sure I can find it now, and dig out our provisions. They should be OK if the nidhoggs haven't eaten the ackja because it is part wood. We're going home sooner so we can give the extra rations to Kvalhissir if he can get anything down being like this,” Vigg said, looking in the distance.
“Can you send the message, Spike?” said Saga. “Twilight gave me some kind of dragonfire jar, but I'm not sure it will work.”
“Sure” said Spike. Then he laughed. “I have nothing to write on or with, though. I hope Luna doesn't freak out when she gets a birch bark letter written with charcoal!”
Luna arrived shortly afterward, by flight. She must have assessed the situation from the air, because she made an extra few circles before she landed. When Spike and the others came to meet her she was less than pleased.
“You tell me you had a hard night because of the weather? And I come here and find you next to an ice-wyrm? Is this a joke, Spike?” she said to the young dragon.
“Well... no one was harmed. The nidhogg sort of killed itself in the lake, we were hidden underground the whole time. That moose saved us,” said Spike. “We thought that if we talked about monsters and stuff in the letter you would think it was worse than it was.”
Luna still looked a bit angry, but when she was greeted by the relieved reindeer (one of whom wanted to give her a cup of coffee and a bun) she mellowed. And when she saw Kvalhissir lying by the remnants of the lake...
“A moose? They are not extinct in Tarandroland?” she said and walked up to him.
The big deer hadn't seen the alicorn yet, but turned his head when she approached. His eyes went wide and he scrambled to his feet, babbling something in his loud tongue. When he bowed in front of Luna she bowed down and kissed him on the forehead, and said something in a language none of them knew.
Well, not fluently.
“I think that was Ancient Cervine,” said Vigg. “We had classes in it in school...”
“You know it?” asked Spike.
“I can conjugate the verbs,” said Vigg sheepishly.
“School dropout,” said Saga. “I only know a few old chants and prayers.”
“Luna, is that his language?” Spike said as he walked up to the Princess.
“Sort of,” Luna smiled. “He mostly has a very heavy... brogue. It is the proto-language of all deer-kind, and the moose in Tarandroland must have kept it somehow.”
She returned to talking soothingly to him. After a while he started talking back, now and then gesturing with his muzzle or hooves, and taking her inside the sauna (from which she emerged a bit sootier than usual), apparently to show her what happened.
Just outside the sauna, she seemed to remember something, excused herself to Kvalhissir who bowed deeply, reared toward the sky and shot off a flash of magic from her horn. Vigg and Saga cried out and shielded their eyes a bit too late. Spike was less affected but still stunned.
“Wow! What was that about?” he asked Luna.
“I told Lady Sparkle I would set up a beacon for her teleportation. She would be bringing company... but not too many,” Luna said with a crooked smile. “I completely forgot when I saw the corpse of the ice-wyrm.”
“Company?” said everyone with a certain amount of trepidation in their voices.
Luna chuckled.
“Young ones, I hardly think you will be scolded for surviving a disaster,” she said.
“Are you sure you ever had parents, Your Highness?” said Vigg.
Luna laughed.
“In most of the meanings of the word, I did, yes. Maybe you should be afraid,” she said.
Then she looked at Kvalhissir and spoke to him. He answered in a downcast way.
“I asked him if he wanted to run and hide. He said he didn't have time to hide his tracks to any moose he could ask for help, and doesn't want any reindeer warriors to find them,” she said. “He says he'd rather stay and face their wrath like a bull.”
“Wrath?!” sputtered Vigg. “What wrath? He saved my life, and my family rules this realm! If anyone touches one of his hairs I'll see to that...” He sputtered some more.
“And he saved mine, and Twilight will never let them harm him. It's all just a misunderstanding,” said Spike.
“And I... shoo, I'm... not anyone. But I can come up with some really terrible punishments for Mistress Sparkle!” said Saga indignantly.
“You are my servant” said Luna and smiled towards her, the moon shining. “As is, I'd guess from his stories, the 'stalu' as well. At least they got the whole moon well concept better than reindeer.”
“It is a bit fitting to have trolls together with bats and wolves, Oh My Goddess,” said Saga.
“I think Kvalhissir will be rather pleased if you stop thinking of him as a troll,” said Luna.
“But trolls are totally cool!” said Saga. “I became a troll last night! Vigg too!”
Luna looked confused.
“Don't ask,” said Spike. “It's Saga. She is basically the goth version of Pinkie Pie sometimes.”
“Goths are posers!” said Saga with her nose in the air, but any further discussion of subcultures was interrupted by the arrival of Twilight and two smoking reindeer.
To her credit, Princess Ljufa didn't dry heave as long as Jarl Vidar. The grazer noble looked absolutely terrified when he finally looked anything at all.
“There were... things there!” he panted. “They... looked at me!”
Twilight was only embarrassed a very short while for exposing someone with second sight to the space between space, because then she was barreled over by an overjoyed Spike.
“TWILIGHT!” he shouted and hugged her. “I was so scared! Not when it was dangerous... but this morning... I...”
He looked up and felt very embarrassed.
“Erh, I mean...” he said.
Twilight smiled and hugged him back.
“It's OK. It was only a storm, and...”
Then she looked up and saw the nidhogg corpse.
“Oh Spike!” she said and hugged him harder. “What happened here!”
“Oh Vigg!” Ljufa sighed and hugged her son. “What have you gotten yourself into now?!”
“Mom!” he protested but hugged back. “I haven't done anything!”
“No, he hasn't!” said Saga and trotted up to the reindeer princess. “He found shelter from the storm for us! Well, someone who would hide us anyway... We would just have kept going until we fell over otherwise!” She looked very angry.
Ljufa looked at her with a certain amount of shock. She choked down a reprimand and Looked at Saga.
“You don't need to lie to me for my son's sake,” she said softly. “I am only afraid he will do as his father.”
Saga, not abated, looked at Vigg. The young sarv sighed.
“Dad froze to death in a blizzard. He kept walking when he should have made camp,” said Vigg quietly.
Jarl Vidar coughed.
“Vigg isn't frozen to death, and neither are the others,” he said. “Sister-in-law, I think scolding is sort of irrelevant here, given the circumstances.”
He turned to Saga.
“Lady Sparkle assumed your grandmother's health wasn't strong enough for a witch-jump. I'll assume she was right, given what I Saw – and I barely have the Sight. In any case, she wishes you to know she waits at your home with a warm bath and a dinner,” he said.
Saga nodded.
“I'm kind of used to being like independent. It's OK. Why are you here, by the way?” she said. “I know you're Vigg's... I mean Prince Vigg's uncle, but doesn't he have a ginormous family?”
Vidar laughed.
“I am concerned for Vigg, but I actually followed because I was interested in the effects of the blizzard – it is kind of my duty. And I am lucky I came. I didn't think there would be nidhoggs here... or stalus,” he said.
Saga bristled.
“Don't you dare do anything to Kvalhissir! He saved our lives because we could hide in his sauna and he had fired it up!” she said.
Vidar nodded.
“Which to me indicates he guessed the nidhoggs were coming and tried to defend himself even before you turned up. I'd like to speak with him about it,” he said.
“He kinda sorta speaks no Poatsi...” said Saga.
“I'll have to find an interpreter then,” he said and walked up to Luna, who was standing beside a tired moose.
Spike and Vigg was explaining the whole affair in a rather incoherent and non-chronological order to their respective mother figures, and finally came to a rather gushing description of Kvalhissir. Perhaps wisely, they left out the horrible what-if scenario from Saga's vision.
“And it was Spike who talked us down and made us trust him,” said Vigg. Spike looked down at his feet.
“It was just because I had helped Sweetie Belle with her homework,” he mumbled. “And I only did that to impress someone else.”
“Well, Lady Sparkle, it is pretty rare you have to praise your son for walking home with a mysterious stranger,” said Princess Ljufa.
“Son?” said Twilight. “Yeah, you're right, that's probably the right word here... And you are right. This time it was a very wise thing to do. And thanks for looking out for him, Vigg, and for listening to him. Not many youths would be grown-up enough to listen to a younger kid in a crisis.”
Vigg blushed a little and mumbled something. Spike was temporary dismayed.
“I think some words of thanks are in order,” Ljufa said and walked up to the moose who was having an animated discussion with Vidar through Luna, presumably about nidhoggs.
“I want to thank you, sir, for helping my son and the other youths in the blizzard,” she said in somewhat halting Ancient Cervine.
His answer was bellowing and bleating, but she could make out the words.
“I saw they were children. Only a monster leaves children out in such weather, with ice-wyrms on the prowl. I am no monster!” he said.
“I see that now,” said Ljufa. “Is there anything I can help you with, now that your home is... destroyed?”
“Only the sauna is harmed, but no, my lake is slain and I have to leave my barrow for reindeer warriors will find it otherwise,” he said laconically. “But Our Lady of the Moon has promised me refuge and a task in her temple.” He grinned. “I'll have to grow accustomed to he presence of you small ones everywhere.”
“Temple?” said Ljufa confused to Luna.
“This happens to be our new gardener,” said Luna. “The temple has recently acquired a new ceremonial lake, and I think he should be good at it.” She smiled. “His kind seem bad at accepting charity.”
“But at least let me do something for you...” said Ljufa.
Twilight and the boys were looking at the nidhogg. As her fear for Spike's well-being had dissipated, Twilight was now the ever-curious scholar, and was inspecting the dead thing.
“Where do these come from?” she said. “They do look slightly draconic, but only a little...”
“They are spawned off Joukulvakt when winter comes. Some survive each winter and grow larger,” said Vidar who had joined them. “This one must have been ill or mad. Water is dangerous to them, so they tend to avoid it even when in a feeding frenzy.”
“Why were they looking for the kids if they only eat wood?” said Twilight.
“They weren't, I think... seeing as how the hill is... was covered with small trees they should like. But the lack of instincts on this one means... it could mean anything. This is what I was talking about, Lady Sparkle. Have you had the time to look closer at what I told you?” said Vigg anxiously.
Twilight rubbed her muzzle and looked very tired.
“Things... came up. But Princess Luna herself looked at them, and has talked to her sister... It seems there are good news and... bad news,” she said. “I don't want to say too much yet.”
“At least give me something, Lady Sparkle,” Vidar begged.
Twilight sighed.
“It seems, at this stage, as if the Princesses can help you with your long-term problems, and it should actually be a somewhat trivial task, so it should be done soon,” she said.
“That... that is actually great news!” said Vidar.
“Those were the good news. The bad news is... that the Princesses don't see much they can do about the short-term problems, and they are as bad as you say, what happened to the kids tonight prove it. We will do everything we can but...” Twilight said.
Vidar's features dropped.
“No joy lasts, as the saying goes,” he said.
“Princess Celestia... really Princess Luna should be saying this... was saying that – if necessary, only if necessary – any and all refugees would be welcome in Equestria. The winter would hopefully last no more than five or six years... and then anydeer who wants could go home again,” said Twilight, her last words dropping to a whisper.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 19 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-01T21:41:23+00:00
|
2012-01-01T21:41:23+00:00
| 5,495 |
As Jarl Vidar looked down at his hooves and murmured sorrowfully, Twilight Sparkle tried to reassure him that this was a worst-case scenario, and that things might come out much better. She was interrupted by Luna.
“If you wish, I can carry you all back to Sarvvik. I am sure the youngsters are tired of snow by now,” said Luna.
“Does that include my ackja?” said Vigg, who had dragged the thing there instead of just fetching the provisions.
“Your sleigh will surely be no trouble,” said Luna. “And you reindeer don't worry, I can shield you against the sights between space. This is something Lady Sparkle should really practice on” she added looking at Twilight, and not getting why Twilight was looking guilty right now.
“Now wait a second!” said Spike. “You said you couldn't mass teleport just willy-nilly! Except to that glacier, and I don't want to go there.”
“That is true – if I don't have a mark. But I placed one at my temple,” Luna said.
Everyone looked relieved.
“Then let's go. If you are ready, Kvalhissir,” Luna added in Ancient Cervine. The moose shrugged in a way that said he could get his belongings later.
“You have to admit, Twilight, she does it better than you,” said Spike.
Twilight brushed him off irritated.
“Well,” said Eira as she offered Princess Ljufa some coffee from a brand new white paper cup, “luckily we have recently gotten some gifts to the temple, so I could offer hospitality to such eminent guests. That is, from the poor slum dwellers.” Eira looked rather pointedly at the princess' rich shawl, cap and jewelry. The princess had the decency to blush.
“What's the matter?” said Spike. “Are you mad at me for some reason?”
Twilight sighed. “I'm sorry, Spike. It's just that I had to give some really bad news to the Jarl, and now I feel bad about it.”
“What news?” asked Vigg. He and Saga were waiting for the bath water to heat up on the stove – for Eira, indoor plumbing was something that happened to other reindeer.
“Things look bleak for Poatsula, Vigg,” said Vidar and sighed. “I had hope for some relief from Equestria, but it seems they couldn't do what I expected most.”
Luna frowned.
“You told him already?” she said to Twilight.
“He asked me, what was I supposed to do, Your Highness?” Twilight protested. “He was the one who asked me in the first place, I couldn't very well stall or lie to him.”
“What is it all about?” asked Saga. “Is it about Winter?”
Luna sighed.
The night before...
The Goddess of Dawn lay in her bed, a heap of paperwork in front of her. For alicorns, sleep is a pleasure, not a necessity. Under the years of her sister's absence, except for her first century of rage-filled grief, Celestia had barely slept at all, remaining awake for most of a millennium Denying herself that pleasure. The last years, she had reacquainted herself with the blessed wonders of sleep, but it still didn't come naturally to her, and with Luna away and duties of the night, it was easier to remain awake.
The Goddess of Dusk stepped through the open windows. The first sound of her dainty ornamented hoof on the polished marble floor made her sister look up.
“Lulu!” she said. “Are you already finished?” Then, seeing her sister's expression, her own came to ape it. “No, bad news. Is it war, then?”
“It is worse than war, dear,” Luna said. She levitated a bunch of papers, plucking them from space between space, and laid them on the palatial bed.
“I haven't had your priceless pupil go through it – she is the only astronomer I would trust with something like this – but I have run the calculations myself, and there is a serious problem with the orbit of the sun,” Luna said tiredly. “I hope you can check them as well, since no one knows more about the Wheels than you, and hopefully I am wrong, but...”
“What problem?” said Celestia curiously when she eyed through the papers, in Luna's neat handwriting, scribbles in the language of the Wheels.
“When I came back and tried to usurp the world a second time...” Luna began.
“Lulu, that wasn't you!” Celestia's voice was sharp and filled with angst. “That was an abomination possessing you!”
“I think I would know the properties of Nightmare Moon, Tia,” said Luna calmly. “Call it what you won't – I tried to bring eternal night again. Stopping the sun from it's normal course. Then, everything resolved happily, you let the sun on its merry way again.”
“Yes...” said Celestia.
“Did you ever think to correct the minor distortion of the Sun's orbit after that? The Sun and the Moon do not only have daily cycles, you know?” Luna said.
Celestia's eyes widened in the rarely seen expression of fear.
“The Sun has wobbled on since then, going further and further astray. Here in Equestria, it is not visible. In Tarandroland, where even in the southernmost parts the Sun never sets on the Summer Solstice, and night lasts for months in winter during the northernmost parts, the effects are already visible. Winter has for three years become worse and worse... and there it is not just a season,” Luna continued.
“I never thought of... there was so much...” Celestia murmured. Luna nodded.
“Neither did I. And considered that the whole eternal night debacle was caused by me, it can hardly be considered your fault only,” she said.
“Lulu...” Celestia said. “I must correct this at once...”
Luna nodded. “You are the one who moves the Sun, but I don't think it will be that hard. Once done, the seasons will adjust back, and Summer and Winter will pass as usual” she said. “In fact, it is lucky the reindeer noticed it this early.”
Celestia smiled.
“Yes... but I truly owe them an apology!” she said.
Luna smiled back, but it was a sad smile.
“We both do. But I afraid I am bringing bad news and worse news – and the worse is yet to come,” she said. “We have done more than one mistake here... if that is the right word.” With her mind, she made the papers turn.
“Here are some observations not astronomical. About two years ago, when our old enemy was freed from his stony prison, it did affect the whole world. One of the things least ludicrous to strike Tarandroland was, as you can see, that the Everfrost Glacier... seemed to roll over. 'Like a sleeping dog' was the witness' description” Luna pointed her hoof to the paper.
“But... that's... she sleeps there?” said Celestia, horrified. Luna nodded.
“She didn't wake up, thank goodness, but she is sure to be sleeping more lightly now. What's more, as far as I can tell, the ice-wyrms – the locals call them 'nidhoggs', 'ill that gnaws' – are spawned from her. Even without this happening, even with you restoring the sun's path, the winter weather, and the strength of the forces of Winter, would have plagued the reindeer for years. Winter is not just a matter of the sun's light, as you know. But now it seems there is a massive overpopulation of them – and one of them can cause deforestation that takes a century to recover without Earth Pony magic,” Luna said while her sister listened silently. “And before you suggest it, having her that close to waking up means we cannot sweep down with sunbolts and meteors and eradicate them, and you know that” she added as Celestia seemed about to start to say something.
The both sisters remained silent, pondering.
“At least this cannot be laid at our feet!” Celestia said, striking the paper. “Discord's action cannot be blamed on us!”
Luna raised an eyebrow.
“It cannot? Who was it that placed his imprisoned form as a statue in our garden, so she could mock and taunt him? Where he could absorb enough of the feelings of selfishness and hatred to escape eventually?” she said, somewhat caustically.
Celestia looked down.
“I know. I was in on that was well. Besides, who could have thought he would be free. However, I might have had something to do with that as well...” Luna said.
Celestia looked up.
“Many years ago, when I was first entering my... rebellious phase, a little reindeer warlock, very weak and puny, tried to summon me as if I was a second-rate aery spirit or elemental. I should have ignored him or struck him down, but I was starved for attention, and he amused me. We played a game... and among other things, I might have given him one of Discord's true names. Since he wanted to talk to him,” Luna explained hesitantly. “You know, something like that can have made it possible for him to slowly burrow out his mind...”
“Why in the world did he want to talk to Discord?” said Celestia.
“Seems he was looking for an artifact Discord had a hand in creating. Wiglek was a petty and power-hungry little buck, and I don't think he considered the consequences. After all, he thought he could summon me in my youth and remain alive and sane,” Luna smiled ruefully, and Celestia laughed.
“We must indeed do all we can to help the deer with this crisis,” said Celestia. “But it doesn't mean we can ignore the old problem that started your journey.”
“As far as I can tell, the worsening climate caused an economic and social crisis which made the piracy viable,” said Luna. “But I'll see what I can do.”
“It is too bad some good old fashioned divine intervention cannot solve this,” Celestia sighed.
“It never could, sister. It never could,” Luna said.
Back in the present...
“So The Sun will soon be back on its correct track again, and we will do anything we can to help Tarandroland, but we cannot just step in and stop this winter directly,” Luna finished to a saddened crowd.
Saddened except one. Prince Vigg wasn't sad, he was furious.
“Why?! YOU caused all this! WE did nothing wrong, yet now you say all you can do is 'help us' with this problem, not remove it!” he said.
“We cannot do it,” said Luna with some irritation. “The medicine could be worse than the cure!”
“WORSE!? HOW!? When the Winter that is coming could kill all life in the country! What could possibly be worse!?” he countered.
“Vigg, calm down...” his mother began.
“NO! I won't 'calm down'! You never let anyone be angry! Not Dad and not me! The only one allowed to shout is Grampa because you are afraid of him! Unlike him, I HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE ANGRY! What in the freezing bucking world are you saying? That you are not going to use your godlike powers WHY?!” he said as he shoved her aside and stamped right up to Luna.
“It is things that mortals should not know!” said Luna. “Trust me in this, young...”
“You have given me no reason to trust you! And everyone is young to you, but you are as irresponsible as a fawn!” said Vigg as he thrust his face into Luna's, his antlers almost pressing into her eyes. “HELP MY PEOPLE OR TELL ME WHY YOU CANNOT! NO LIES, NO EXCUSES, NO HALF-TRUTHS!”
His shout echoed all over the empty, dilapidated temple. Luna was beginning to get red with anger, when Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat.
“Actually, I would like to know as well, Your Highness,” she said quietly. “Or I would assume you are in the wrong, Princess Luna.”
Twilight's gaze was very sad, and Luna remembered what she had learned about the spy, and about Celestia's possible involvement. Luna returned it, and felt her blood pressure receding.
“Alright. I will show you what danger can be caused by the direct involvement of me... or even worse, my sister, whose warm light should be the foremost weapon against Winter. But it will require a short journey, not dangerous, but not for the faint of heart either,” she said quietly. “We will visit a place I really shouldn't go to, where I think no one, mortal or immortal, has been for a millennium. Anyone who wishes to remain here... step back.”
The world was white and blue. It was beautiful, and horrible, so that once having seen it it would always be there, in the back of your soul. It struck worse in the unicorn, the moose and the dragon, because all reindeer know deep down that it exists, and have an idea how it looks like. Yet no one who saw it would ever forget it.
They were standing on the top of an immense mass of ice which almost stretched as far as the eye could see. It sloped gently down, but the gentle slope felt like a precipice. Both Spike and Kvalhissir had laid themselves flat, their rather different minds both convinced they would slide off if they remained standing. Maybe they would. Far at the edge of the ice was in one direction gray sea, in another white gray-flecked tundra. Beyond the tundra was a small thing string that must be the vast forests of Tarandroland, and beyond the sea was a small black line.
“The end of the world” said Twilight breathlessly. “Where the world-disc ends and the cold black void begins.”
“The Everfrost Glacier,” said Luna to her guests. “Joukulvakt.” she clarified to the reindeer. “This place... scares me. It is also, in ways, dear to me. This place means family, to somepony who has lost most of it.” She sighed. “We were once very very close, back at the dawn of time...”
“Who?” said Vigg, who was more or less cradling his shivering mother.
“I will tell you a story,” Luna said. “About the creation of ponykind, and the creation of reindeer and moose. You asked for no lies, but I must give you metaphors. It is the only way for mortals to grasp this. It is once reason I sometimes dislike talking about my family – it is so easily misunderstood. This story in particular.” She shut her eyes and began...
Once upon a time, there were two little fillies, two little sisters who loved each other and their parents very much. They came from a large family, and had many aunts and uncles who might, in their own way, have loved the fillies as well and been loved back.
The listeners find themselves watching the aether swirl and form half-shapes and sounds, of two small beings which could have been alicorns playing in a glade, half filtered light coming down through a canopy from a sky without sun or moon, night or day. Vast shapes moved above and beyond them, made up of mountain and sea, forest and fire, volcano and desert and wind.
Then one day the fillies lost heir mom and dad – not to death, because they were Immortals – and they became very very sad. This worried their relatives, but they were not certain what to do, for never before had a child been sad. But one of their uncles, who loved making things with what we might call hooves in lack of a better world, and who had in fact made all mountains in the world, had an idea. He made out of baked clay little toys for his nieces. Dolls that looked a little like both of them, yet like none of them.
First the glade was dark and the green light was weeping. Then a shape like a sandstone mountain hovered it... and then they could see something that might have been two little alicorns playing with toys... dolls that looked like unicorns. Pegasi. Earth ponies. And soon... the little fillies began laughing again, and they started to changed their playground... making let's pretend houses, and gardens, and roads, and ponds... and the dolls started to walk and fly and make things and talk...
And the little fillies love their new toys so much... that they became alive. Not just alive like birds and flowers, but being able to talk and think and create like the immortals. They had souls, given by love. And while they had created a world among themselves, no immortal had ever succeeded in this. They all went to the mountain-raising uncle, thinking he had something to do with it, but he just shook what we can say was a head and shrug what we can say was a pair of shoulders. It was the love and imagination of the fillies that made it, he said, and anyone with love and imagination could apparently beget life like that. And all the immortals visited the girls and saw their playground, and they all went home and imitated them in their own, grown-up way.
They saw the vast shapes moving, and they saw paws and hooves and fins and tentacles form rock and wood and clay. And all over that changed... into griffons and perytons. Cattle and buffaloes. Camels and llamas. Antelope and gazelle. Red deer and fallow. They saw the vast sandstone shape getting an equine one, forming himself after his work, as he created donkey and zebra and gave them a mountain-range and a savannah to live on. They all formed themselves after their work. They all became like their beloved toys. The world became a less wild place, to house their given-life pieces of art.
There was one aunt in particular who was not very good with her paws, who might also have been fins or hooves. Neither was she good at talking, dwelling mostly in the deeps of the world. She wanted no toy-servants of her own, but she did want to gives the little fillies gifts, because she loved them much, especially the younger one with the dark blue coat. So she went to the mountain-raising uncle and asked him to make some more toys for her, and she would pay him in some way, and then she could give them to the fillies. But the uncle said that it would not be a true gift if she wasn't putting part of herself in it – so instead he helped her make some more dolls. Since was of and in and made up the sea, they were like her finned and tailed, and made as if of glass or water, yet similar to the fillies.
The onlookers watched as the huge shades, one fainter than the others, splashed the water, and from it formed toys shaped like sea ponies – hippocampi...
She brought her toys to the fillies and was glad to see them play happily with them by the water. She hadn't intended to stay long, but the little blue filly said: Stay Auntie. Play with us. Help me build a house for my little ponies. She couldn't help but stay and play with the girls. And when she came home she started to make for herself toys, dolls... to make for herself a people carved out of dried pine she picked on a cold, remote island...
They saw the fillies play, they saw their... aunt, a vast thing both cow and bear and whale, play with them. They saw her fumblingly carve dried trees... making reindeer and moose. They saw her playing with them in a rocky, dry landscape that must have been a Tarandroland millennia ago. They saw reindeer and moose walking alone without her help, but reindeer playing in the snow, moose swimming in lakes, as if they longed a little bit for the deep deep sea. They saw a blue alicorn raising a curtain of color and lights above the land, they saw the vast shape watch it and smile. And they saw something like yawning... stretching... laying down... at the same time as the whole world was cooling, calming, becoming ordered and small, with sun and moon and stars rotating and giving light and darkness as ponies think of it, not the diffuse green light.
I made her the Northern Lights as a gift... to thank her for the toys she gave me... But she and the others... they stopped playing. They were adults, after all. They settled down... and she, my favorite Aunt... she took a very long nap...
Luna let her illusions fade out.
“She rests her, the mother of all reindeer. She rests here, and no one wants her to awaken,” she said solemnly.
“The myths say Karhu-Akka, Old Mother Bear, sleeps here,” said Eira reverently. “They said she made reindeer and that she makes Winter.” She smiled serenely.
“Are you saying... we are just the toys of the gods?” said Vigg, still awed, with some despair in his voice.
Luna smiled crookedly.
“Now now, not just toys. Ponies gave meaning to the life of me and my sister. My aunt was no different. Besides, if I have got modern terminology right from young Spike, my aunt would vehemently have insisted that you were 'action figures'. Remember, though, that I am speaking in metaphor. It is the only way to describe how my family thinks. They are not like you. They are barely like me,” she said, barely satisfying Vigg.
“Are you saying,” said Twilight, “that some antediluvian being sleeps under the ice, and that you are afraid of awaking it?”
“No, Lady Sparkle. She who the reindeer call Karhu-Akka isn't under the ice, she is the ice. The Everfrost Glacier is her body, or a significant part of it,” said Luna.
They all looked around them, saw the mountain of ice with no end.
“Wait!” said Spike. “You said she had something to do with the sea – how can she be ice?”
“What is ice but water at rest?” said Luna and smiled. “But that even more shows why you don't want her awake, or Tarandroland would flood with ice water. And not only it – it would severely affect many other lands. Not just her mere presence, but any action she might take when awake and active. Lady Sparkle used the word 'antediluvian', and any deluges in the history and the making of the world was her doing.”
Uncomfortable silence reigned. It was starting to be very very cold up here.
“So you see why I am very wary of disturbing her. If I and my sister used our full powers to fight the winter creatures in general and the ice-wyrms in particular, we would surely do so, especially the warm light of my sister. That is also one of the reasons I denied my courtiers using my full force to fight those pirates – it is a bit away to the coast, but I would have to be really careful. I even think a powerful sorceress – like Lady Sparkle here – could do so if she wasn't careful. Not a reindeer one, but a foreigner, that might be enough,” she continued. Twilight felt an urge to lift her feet, to not stand on the ice. “But don't despair. This is but a setback. There are other ways we can help you, and we will, if I can just sort out this horrible political mess I am in.”
Vidar cleared his throat.
“See, sister-in-law, Ukko must muster the army and help us grazers. We can never do it ourselves, the weather has already harmed the reindeer on the coast, and now the nidhoggs are close to Sarvvik – in October!” he said to Ljufa. She sighed and shook her head, apparently close to tears.
“There is no army!” she said. “I don't see why you warriors cannot realize it! I can, and I have nothing to do with it! Father disbanded most of it!”
There was a stunned silence.
“What?” said Twilight Sparkle. “Old traditionalist Ukko, the guy who wants to be a warrior-king like in the good old days, demilitarized the country? Why?!”
“Because,” said Vigg “in his 'good old days', there was no army. It was like it is among the grazers still, when the king needed an army, he made a call to arms and everyone who could fight and felt responsible followed him. It's still like that with most everything among the grazers. Grandfather has tried to do the same, so he reduced the army and navy a lot. And well, since he didn't spend anything on the army and navy, he could do things like lower taxes...”
“So he expected the nobledeer to raise the army as they used to do instead?” said Luna harshly.
Vigg nodded.
“Anyone who could afford to fund it, really. Like, he meant why do we need a navy when we have so many good ships? And when he became king, it was because he said things like this, and deer cheered him for it. But now... he doesn't dare make a call for arms. Because he thinks no one will respond,” he explained.
“That was actually how it worked back in my day,” said Luna “so I understand how he was thinking. But it still doesn't make it a very good idea.”
“I think it was an excellent idea!” said Vigg. “Why can't coast deer defend their own country? Grazers do! I can't believe I am defending Grampa!”
“So it is not just father you have to talk to, Vidar!” said Ljufa with a tired voice. “It is the coastal jarls, and the shipping owners, and the mill owners. They have money, ships and even their own guards.”
“This changes all diplomacy,” Luna mumbled. “Why couldn't anypony tell me this?”
“Because Lord Eminence was apparently the smartest on staff,” groaned Twilight. “And you know how he is, Your Highness?”
“Lord Eminence? The scary gray dude?” said Spike. “How 'is' he?”
“I'll tell you later, Spike” said Twilight.
“Saga!” Eira suddenly shouted. “Silly doe, have you done?!”
The older doe was cradling the younger, who was shivering and mumbling.
“She is Seeing!” said Vigg. “What... did she look at?”
Luna raised an eyebrow.
“Reindeer magic... they must look at something for their clairvoyance to work,” explained Twilight. “It must be one of us!”
Eira shook her head sadly.
“No no, my poor granddaughter... she must have looked down. At Karhu-Akka,” she said. “That must have been a shock.”
“Is she hurt? Will she be OK?” wondered Spike anxiously.
“I sure hope so, but not here. My Goddess, we need to come back to civilization,” Eira said, her gaze raised to Luna.
“You are right, my priestess. We are finished here. We have things to think and talk about, but that is better done in a warm house with some food and drink,” Luna said.
And in a wink, they were back at the temple of Hrimfaxi, Our Lady of The Moon.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 20 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-02T19:47:32+00:00
|
2015-06-22T13:11:35+00:00
| 5,058 |
Princess Luna, Our Lady Of The Moon, paced back and forth in her suite, dictating her stream of thoughts to her hoofmaiden-turned-secretary.
“The primary strategic goal is... The primary strategic goal must be... No! This is not like the old days... not like commanding an army. No, don't write this down!” Luna said and waved her hoof at Twilight, who stopped her telekinetic scribbling. “Not yet! It is not the same. Then you marched your army against another army, or against one of their strongholds, and sooner or later you met them in combat. There is nothing to march against. They are just animals. They aren't even social animals normally...”
“So, should I write something like 'Regular strategies are useless' or something. To summarize you thoughts, Your Highness?” Twilight said.
“What? Yes, do that. Or wait – amend it to 'Unless the beasts of winter can somehow be forced to convene at one point, regular strategies are useless in this war. Such a situation is unlikely.'” Luna said.
“Can't you view the situation as a siege, Your Highness?” said Twilight. “If the... 'beasts of winter' don't come to the reindeer, there is no danger, and if they do come, you can defend against them?.”
Luna shook her head.
“Yes and no. If we were only defending places where reindeer live, and that's hard enough," Luna said in frustration. "But the greatest threat – the reason this is an issue at all – is the massive amount of ice-wyrms. And the reason they are dangerous is because they threaten the forests. Without forests, the grazing reindeer have nowhere to spend their winters, and they starve. Without forests, the coast reindeer has no way to keep up neither their forestry nor their agriculture, and they starve. Not to mention the moose who live in the forests and farm its lakes and marshes. And there is no way we can defend the forests like they were a city.”
“Is it impossible to build a wall or something?” said Twilight.
Luna stared at her.
“Yes, Your Highness, I know it is big. But you said to consider everything, the reindeer are master carpenters, and if you drag over as many royal engineers as you can, it won't wake up Karhu-Akka, will it?” Twilight explained, almost whispering the name of the Goddess-Glacier.
Luna paused in her pacing.
“When you say it like that, it remains possible if not probable. Note it down as a possibility,” she said and frowned. “Maybe the wall could be raised from ice and snow?”
“A wall of wood and stone would last for the several years of extra hard winters,” said Twilight as she wrote furiously.
“But a wooden wall would attract the ice-wyrms since they love to eat dead wood. Thus the alternatives must be ice or stone,” mused Luna as she started pacing again.
Spike entered, riding a bemused reindeer porter who just paused and gaped when he saw where he was. Spike jumped off, grabbed his shopping bag from the reindeer and gave him a tip.
“Thanks a lot, buddy! I'm sure the guards will let you out!” he said and smiled. The reindeer barely noticed as he watched the princess and her aide discussing wall-building. He hastily bowed himself out.
Spike shrugged and started unpacking as he listened to Twilight and princess Luna with half an ear.
“You haven't thought about the reindeer doing this every year and knowing more about it?” he said as he popped a huge rock crystal into his mouth. It was the only gem for sale in Sarvvik that fit his pocket money, but they were very cheap.
“I have, young Spike,” said Luna. “But I promised Jarl Vidar I would compose a strategy from my viewpoint first, and then we would try to synthesize a plan from that.”
She sighed.
“But the distressing part is not knowing anything about what resources we have. It is easy to plan a campaign on the map if you can just wish for troops and provisions, but real life doesn't work like that,” she said.
“We must also deal with Lord Eminence, Your Highness,” said Twilight. “He seems to have done nothing today but wait for dispatches from home and stride around the city looking silly – but he will do something soon. It is my humble opinion that we must stop him, reveal him to our allies or both, as soon as possible...”
Luna groaned.
“It does feel strange to conspire with Princess Ljufa when one of my underlings is plotting to murder her father and usurp the throne from her son, doesn't it?” she said. “I have postponed it in the wake of the War on Winter stepping up like this, but his idiotic plotting will undermine everything if we don't stop it and soon...”
Spike, who had been briefed on “the scary gray dude”, had started to make a parcel out of some of the things he had shopped, and snickered to himself.
“What's so funny?” said Luna and frowned.
“Sorry,” said Spike and grinned. “It is just that if Twilight was what rumor says she is, you would have it much easier.”
“What do you mean?” said Twilight.
“If you really were an evil sorceress, you could just have zzzapped him with a spell and killed him or turned him to a frog or something. Problem solved,” said Spike and tied a knot on the string.
“Not that likely. I assume as a spy and assassin he would have been one of my 'minions', why would I kill him then?” Twilight snorted.
“You don't read enough comics!” said Spike. “Bad guys kill their minions all the time. 'Foolish fool! You have failed me for the last time!' ZZZZZAPP! “ He mimicked shooting a ray from his forehead.
Luna looked amused, Twilight less so.
“That almost gives me an idea...” mumbled the Moon Princess.
“You'll have to develop it later,” said Spike who had finished making his parcels. “You'll just fix yourselves up and then we are leaving.”
“What,” said Luna and stared at him.
“As the assistant to your hoofmaiden, I have to remind your hoofmaiden, and through her you, that you this afternoon is visiting the sickbed of a very nice young lady who your glacier-lesson antics sent into a coma,” said Spike and looked stern. “I mean, I am sure Eira would have sent us a message if Saga had became worse, but you still should visit her. She asked for you when I was there yesterday.”
Our Lady of the Moon and her hoofmaiden looked down at their hooves and looked a bit embarrassed.
“Oh,” said Luna. “That's right. Oh well – attend to me, hoofmaiden!”
Twilight put down parchment and quill and lifted manebrush and hoofpolish.
At the temple they found many gawkers. Kvalhissir had started on the muddy puddle that was to become a lake, that was obvious, but he wasn't outside working. Instead they found him holed up sleeping in the main hall, having created some sort of bed from the benches. Some of the gawkers had entered the temple but been roped into cleaning and maintenance by Eira, who was overseeing her “flock”.
After exchanging greetings (and some of the parishioners falling down from their ladders when Luna entered – luckily no legs were broken) Eira directed them to Saga's room, which turned out to be in the former storage in the basement.
“'Cept she maintains it is a crypt, My Goddess,” said Eira as she opened the hatch for them. “She asked for you this morning. She is much better but she has been babbling a lot. I had her stay in so she don't go about and hurt herself. The Prince turned up earlier today with a very nice cake; he is down there now.”
Luna and Twilight looked at each other with worry in their eyes, but Spike scampered down the stairs.
“Hello? Saga?” he called.
The room was rather small and made even smaller because it was still used as a storage, mostly for a series of rather grotesque wood and wicker images of beastly faces. (Luna would later learn that they were something akin to parade floats in a festival that hadn't been celebrated for centuries.) The furniture consisted of a bed made out of one of the images, a wooden bin made into a bookcase (Twilight immediately tried to make out which books were in it), a rather old music player and a bedside table jammed into a huge wooden wolf head. An rather ratty lamp hung from the head of a vast wicker adder.
Saga was lying on her bed with with a blanket on; she was showing Vigg something in an open book. They each had a plate beside them which bore traces of cake, as did Saga's nose. Vigg looked a little distressed. Saga was clearly excited about something, and looked up when she saw Spike.
“Oh, hi Spike!” she said perkily. Then she saw Twilight and Luna (who had to bow and bend herself a little to descend the stairs) and gasped loudly.
“My Goddess! My Mistress!” she said as she rose and prostrated herself in their general directions. Vigg got up and bowed.
“Greetings,” said Luna, and hit her head on the roof.
“Hi,” said Twilight, embarrassed.
Saga leaned backwards, sighed melodramatically, and placed a hoof to her forehead.
“I have had... a vision!” she said and shut her eyes. “I can still see it all before me!” she moaned.
“Was it a... bad vision?” said Twilight carefully.
Vigg mimed Would she overact like this if it was? but Twilight either didn't see him or ignored him.
“On the contrary!” said Saga and swept out her hoof. “I saw the salvation of my country! The salvation from certain doom!”
“Wow!” said Spike.
“That's... good,” said Twilight.
“Hmmm...” said Luna. She had seen Vigg's face. He looked a bit worried now.
“The salvation at the hooves of the heir to the throne!” she half-shouted and pointed both forehooves at Vigg, who squirmed a bit.
Everyone looked at each other.
“You were really out there a bit, Saga,” said Twilight. “What happened, really?”
Saga sat up normally in bed, her antlers touching the roof.
“Well, it was still scary, even if it was a good vision. And it was... so big and strong and vast and old. I... I don't know what happened, I woke up in bed here,” she said. “But I remember it all” she added hastily. “I am certain what I saw.”
“My temple-fawn,” said Luna “I won't doubt your prophetic abilities, but per definition, as I have heard, your gift is to see possibilities, not probabilities. Until now, as I understand it, you have made use of it by seeing that something could happen, and thus knowing you should act to avoid it. This kind of... vision is all new, and I don't know if you should be this certain about it.”
“Oh, My Goddess, I know! But this is the same sort vision – it is just that I feel certain how to act to, uh, get it to be the true future,” Saga said happily.
“Saga,” said Spike “what do you mean about Vigg saving the country? How?”
“Well, first it is only natural for a brave young prince to save a country from a horde of monsters! Happens in all the best of stories!” Saga said and patted Vigg on the head and he snorted.
“Second, I literally saw him doing the things that was saving everything, so it has to be him who does it!” Saga continued as she smiled brightly at the reindeer prince.
“Well, alright, but I meant how is he supposed to do it? How can that be possible?” said Spike.
Vigg sat up and bristled a bit.
“Hey, are you saying I can't be a hero?” he said angrily to Spike.
“Whoah, didn't mean it like that at all,” Spike protested. “I just meant no one could do something like that on their own, unless they are like Luna, and if they are they would cause a worse disaster.”
Vigg was mollified, but not much.
“Saga, are you sure you aren't... interpreting this wrong because you have... feelings for Vigg?” he said.
Saga stared at him.
“What? What kind of feelings?” she said.
Vigg looked at Spike.
“Nothing,” Spike said. “Nothing, forget it...”
“Spike has a point,” said Luna. “Exactly what did you saw that tells you Vigg could save Tarandroland? What did he do in your vision that was important?”
“He used – he will use – he must use – the Sampo!” said Saga.
“The what?” said Twilight.
“The Sampo?” said Spike.
“Yeah,” said Vigg and looked dismayed again.
“Impossible!” said Luna with a scowl.
“What?!” said Saga with a hurt voice.
“Yeah, what do you mean by 'impossible'?” said Vigg with a sudden edge.
“We are talking about the magic grinder, right?” said Spike. “Not the superhero?”
“The who?” said Twilight.
Luna sighed and looked to the side.
“It merely highlights what I just said, my... dearest servant. It might sure be possible for the Sampo to save your country, but it is so unlikely I'll just call it impossible and be done with it,” she said.
“Excuse me, Your Highness, but what is the Sampo?” said Twilight.
“But... why is it impossible, Oh My Goddess?” said Saga, her lower lips quivering.
Luna sighed again.
“The Sampo is an ancient magic artifact,” she said.
“It's a magic thingamajig,” Vigg translated needlessly.
“And there are three reasons why Vigg using it would be an unlikely way of salvation,” Luna continued. “First, the artifact itself is cursed.”
“What is the Sampo, really?” said Vigg. “Nodeer knows any longer. They say it was a magic mill, but nodeer knows.”
“And cursed how?” wondered Saga. “With howling insanity? Killing your firstborn? Weeping wounds?”
“Nothing so melodramatic,” said Luna. “The Sampo is older than me and my sister. It was a tool used to create the world. The being you reindeer call Äitsi pulled a malicious prank on its creators and tainted its powers, to cause... discord. “
“What does it do?” said Twilight, frowning.
“It seems to be a wish machine... letting your get anything you wish for. Like, as in the reindeer fairy tale, flour , salt and gold. Or... almost anything. I have neither seen it in use nor used it myself, but it was said you even could wish for abstract things – like 'strength' or 'success',” Luna said.
“That sounds... awesome, to borrow a phrase,” said Twilight.
“Too awesome. Not even I and my family can create something from nothing. The Sampo merely brings things to you. Discord's prank was that it brings things that tend to belong to someone else,” Luna said. “And that they tend to find out. So, when it was found by... some reindeer...” Luna looked to the side again, “and they used it to end a famine, first others became jealous of their wealth, then yet others became angry with them for 'stealing'. Jealousy and anger bring discord... and discord brought war.”
“But... that should not be a problem,” protested Vigg. “Shouldn't it just be a matter of how and what you wish for? Sampo didn't know it, but we do.”
“You would think so, but the temptation that comes with it is too great. You wish for more and more, and sooner or later you slip up. Sampo brought war to Tarandroland, Vigg,” Luna said sternly.
“Yeah. To end famine. And he ended the war as well!” said the reindeer prince and stepped close enough to Luna to look her in the eye.
“Be it as it may, the second reason is that magical artifacts never solve anything! There is no magical miraculous salvation to life's great problems!” Luna said emphatically.
Everyone fell silent and looked at her. Spike cleared his throat.
“No, it is obvious it doesn't. Magical thingamajigs never cleanse moon princesses of evil or seal away ancient spirits of chaos. Well known fact!” he said.
“I – I didn't mean it like that! Look, all I am saying is that it isn't enough to find some magical artifact to wish away your troubles! It takes more than that!” shouted a flustered Luna.
“And you don't think I am up to that?” said Vigg.
Luna looked at him.
“I am sorry, Your Highness, but you are on your first set of antlers. No one wants you to get yourself killed – or worse! And don't you have duties – up and to including school?” she said.
Vigg snorted.
“And the third reason is that no one knows where the Sampo is. Unless I am misinformed, it disappeared before my exile, and has never been seen since. The last reindeer to see it was the one named after it, and he has been dead a thousand years now,” said Luna.
“And you don't know anything, Oh My Goddess?” said Saga, looking downcast.
Luna shook her head.
“I swear I do not. I had nothing to do with Sampo and the Sampo, and I have been absent too long from the world,” she said.
Then she turned to get upstairs.
“But...” said Saga.
“Are you saying you are forbidding us from seeking the Sampo?” shouted Vigg after her.
Luna stopped and turned half around.
“I can forbid you nothing, reindeer prince. I am neither your mother, your ruler nor your goddess. I am just giving you some advice: don't bother, for the reasons I have already given,” Luna said and ascended the stairs.
“M-mistress Twilight?” said Saga. “You believe me, right? Can you...?”
Twilight looked skeptical but apologetic and opened her mouth to speak when Luna shouted down the stairs.
“Lady Sparkle? Attend to me!” everyone heard.
“I'm sorry,” said Twilight. “I must... upstairs. Go. Bye. Take care! Get better!” as she trotted upstairs with a worried expression.
Saga burst into quiet tears
“But... my vision! Why don't they believe me...?” she sobbed.
Vigg patted her back, but he was more angry than comforting.
“Just a kid! It's the usual! Like it becomes less risky if no so-called adult will help you!” he snorted.
Spike looked up after her as he gave Saga a hug.
“That's... not very much like her, even if she has a terrible temper. I must talk to her... this is really fishy,” he said.
Then he smiled.
“But first, I'll go upstairs and get some cake, OK? Better wait a day or so. And cheer up, I'm sure things will get better!” he said.
“You think so?” Saga sniffled.
Spike nodded.
“Besides, you haven't really talked to Twilight yet, because of the princess tantrum there. And I know exactly how you two will get in Twilight's good books to get her help in finding the magical thingamajig!” he said.
“You do?” said Vigg.
“Oh yeah. It's one of her weakest points. If you ask her the right way, she will be so impressed with you she can't but help to help you. And hey, she is the world's greatest sorceress and the world's smartest pony! You could have worse help!” he said and patted Saga.
“Come on, tell us!” said an enlivened Saga.
“First,” said Spike, “cake. And what is that book?”
He pointed to the one Saga had showed Vigg when they came in.
“It's a book of fairy tales,” said Vigg dismissively.
“Hey, that is research too!” Saga protested.
“And you think I am ridiculous for reading comics!” said Vigg.
“Look” said Spike “I'll get cake. And then – my babysitter can read me a fairy tale. OK?”
“OK” said Saga. “And comics are way more childish!”
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 21 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-01-02T20:07:03+00:00
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2012-01-02T20:07:03+00:00
| 4,905 |
“Well, at least you don't have to deal with... foreigners today, Your Highness,” said Twilight Sparkle as she placed the crown on Princess Luna's brow. “I'm sure the Russ will be easier to deal with.”
“Given the reaction from my own delegation, I don't know how much I can hope for just because I am talking to equines,” said the Princess. “They are supposedly following orders from both me and my sister now, but I could hear they are still doubting our reasoning. Loyal, but not reliable.”
“The Russ live here, and many are wealthy,” said Twilight. “This land is hard to farm, but it is easier for Earth Ponies, and my studies indicate they dominate the trade with Equestria. I am sure they can be persuaded to help with raising an army and, if that idea goes through, the envallation of southern Tarandroland.”
The Moon Princess snorted.
“Tia said in her latest dispatch that their support also was important to 'raise consciousness' about the problem in Equestria,” she said. “Because if it is actual ponies who are about to freeze to death ponies would be more eager to help.”
“Well,” said Twilight, “there are movements who tries to teach everypony that all ponies everywhere are siblings, even if they are Gildedalers or Kiger tribesponies or Russers.”
The Moon Princess snorted again.
“A noble and true sentiment, as long as they don't exclude other ungulates, or develop that into the idea that their lands should be part of Equestria again because of it,” she said and gently rose from her divan. “This looks good, thank you, Lady Sparkle.”
“It's a pleasure, Your Highness. What do you want me to do today?” said Twilight with a smile – a nervous smile. Our Lady of the Moon had been tetchy since yesterday and the whole vision thing.
“There is that blasted Lord Eminence... Tia said she had no idea of what he was up to – she didn't even know who he was. She has given her spymaster strict instructions to send all of his reports on to her, and to support any of his requests, but she has heard nothing more that way,” said Luna.
“I am pretty certain what he is doing is waiting for money, and for some reason he must have tried to get it somewhere else than his boss. His contacts demanded a lot of bits to act. I am sure he has that much money personally but not in cash, and certainly not in coins,” Twilight said.
“Then why doesn't he go to a bank?” said Luna. “They seemed like a useful enough invention when I learned about them – especially in such a situation as this.”
“Banks register things like a foreign noble withdrawing a large sum in coin,” said Twilight. “It is easier if his contact sends the money here. It travels by diplomatic pouch, remember?”
Luna groaned.
“Your Highness, I have a suggestion...” said Twilight carefully.
“Suggest on, suggest on,” said Luna.
“Me scrying on him isn't having much effect, because he acts mostly outside the grounds of Castle Muorra. My idea is that we have him shadowed instead,” said Twilight.
“Shadowed by whom?” said Luna with some irritation in her voice.
“Your guard, Your Highness,” said Twilight. “They have basically done nothing since they arrived, and given what I have heard of the different training they get than the Sun Guard, they should have an idea of how you shadow a suspect.”
“It's true”, said Luna, a thoughtful hoof to her delicate mouth. “I have even started to hope they will start fraternize with Ukko's guards, getting drunk – at least on their horrible coffee – or having a duel or something. Had I understood what happened in that blizzard, I would have brought some when we got the kids but – oh well. It is a good idea. Make it happen, Lady Sparkle.”
“M-me?” said Twilight a bit disturbed by the idea of the Moon Guard and Ukko's surly housebucks duking it out in an alley or something.
“Of course – you carry my orders to them, describe their target, and so on,” said Luna casually. “I have the meeting soon, so I'll be going. I might have to actually go on and visit Trotholm and Glennborg later, to... rally them or something.”
She started to leave the room.
“Well, there is just one thing...” Twilight said as she almost ran after her.
“What is that?” said Luna over her shoulder.
“Well, reindeer are... perceptive, we have established that. I don't know if they will be unseen by the locals, especially if they try any unicorn magic!” Twilight said.
Luna shrugged.
“That's even better. It's that rat that shouldn't see them. It's just as well that the reindeer understand we are keeping track on him,” she said.
And then, she was gone.
“I wish my teleportation was as neat,” Twilight sighed to herself. “But that she jumped away like that... she sure is upset over something. Well, a local-scale apocalypse that she thinks is partially her fault should do that to anyone, I guess...”
She put on her own accessories and went away to find the Moon Guard. She suspected they were playing cards, or had found a TV that showed Equestrian shows.
“Hi Twilight!” said Spike.
There was no answer.
“Twilight, are you spending the day scrying again?” he said as he stepped into the room where Twilight slept – Luna's suite had been dark.
He found Twilight looking at a TV, a rather small black-and-white one. A sniff told him the magic amber in it were almost burnt out – when he was baby Twilight had often given him the innards of electronics to chew on, since they consisted mostly of gems, and the ready-for-the-dump stuff smelled like this.
“Sort of scrying,” said Saga, who appeared behind him, and giggled. “That's a pretty manurey TV to have in a royal guest suite, Vigg.”
“I don't think there is a TV in here normally,” said her partner in crime. “Grandpa hates TV, so there aren't many in the castle. I sneak off to a buddy if I want to watch something.”
“I had to confiscate this to maintain discipline,” Twilight murmured. Then she suddenly sat up and turned around.
“Oh. Hi kids. Sorry,” she said with a crooked grin. “I – I took this TV from Luna's – from some of her servants. Like a kick in the flank. But then I had to see what the program they watched was, and... I got stuck.”
She indicated the TV with her hoof.
“It's a photograph, and someone is talking,” said Spike. “What are they saying?”
“He is talking about the history of the photograph, what is happening in it, and so on. It is more interesting than it looks like” said Twilight.
Spike raised an eyebrow.
“I'll have to take your word for it, Twilight,” he said.
“It's the kind of thing they send during the day. It's really cheap TV, but you see why many reindeer like to watch foreign shows, Lady Sparkle?” said Vigg.
“I guess so,” said Twilight, averted her gaze from the screen and turned off the TV magically. “What do you kids want?”
“Well,” said Saga and cleared her throat, “we...”
She looked at Spike, who smiled and nodded.
“We want to find out more about the Sampo. Oh, I just know it is important! So, please, could you help us?” she said and made big eyes.
“I am sorry, I don't know if I should...” Twilight began.
“There wasn't that much in the temple,” said Vigg, “so we thought we should do some more... bigger research.”
“Like,” said Saga, “in a library.”
“L-library?” said Twilight and stood up. “Which library?”
“Well,” said Vigg, “there is one here in the castle, in another building. Grampa approves of reading as long as he doesn't have to do it, and it has a lot of chronicles and stuff. But a lot of it is really old books in, well, Ancient Cervine or something, and we don't know if we can read it...”
“Old... books?” said Twilight and licked her lips without knowing it.
“Yeah, the oldest are old runestaves which I think are older than the building,” said Vigg dismissively.
Twilight's eyes became a bit glossy.
“Or!” Saga said “We could go to the big public library in Sarvvik instead. It is really big 'cause Vigg's mom donated money to it and everything. So, we're not sure if we can find anything, you know?”
“How big?” said Twilight who rotated her glossy stare to Saga and licked her lips again.
Saga paused and just stood there with open mouth.
“About two hundred thousand volumes, give or take,” said Spike, who had done some research of his own. “Though a lot of it is periodicals, it seems.”
Twilight got a slight blush over her face and neck.
“Oh... that's pretty good for a city of Sarvvik's size...” she said and looked between the two youths with a rather feverish gaze.
“Well, no matter where we go....” said Vigg and pulled out a piece of rumpled paper from his saddlebags...
“Hay, we can go to both places!” said Saga brightly and spread her front hooves.
“...I have this to start with,” Vigg finished and gave Twilight the paper.
She unfurled it with her magic and levitated it in front of her, turning on the lights to see well enough to read.
“It is the bibliography for a paper I once wrote on the Sampo. Or on Sampo, I mean,” said Vigg, who found himself a bit sweaty under Twilight's gaze.
Twilight read it silently and turned a manic, passionate grin towards Vigg.
“Such a... long list. And so... detailed!” she said.
Vigg looked down, flushed.
Twilight smiled towards Saga as well.
“Well... you are my apprentice... temporary apprentice... so I can't see how I can deny helping you two!”
The two reindeer bounced a bit, then smiled towards each other, then towards Spike. Spike smiled back and did what he alone in the room could do and gave them a thumbs-up, but within he was less than happy.
The things I do for my friends. Or to save foreign countries from ice ages, he thought to himself.
The Royal Library was small and overstuffed. While Twilight was delighted in the amount of books, she and Spike found their treatment deplorable.
“I think your Grampa should fire his librarian, or possibly execute him,” said Spike. “Really, if you pack books like this you destroy the spine and then you cannot read the book!”
“I don't think there is a librarian, really. He's more of a janitor who reads a lot,” said Vigg.
“If I am to guess, King Ukko has received a lot of books as gifts during his reign, but he doesn't use them, so he hasn't realized he needs to have the library moved to a bigger room, said Twilight.
“I thought the most important thing for a library was to have lots of books?” said Saga.
“Well, in a library like this, you cannot find the book you want, and the books themselves are falling apart, so no,” said Twilight. “Without books there is no library of course, but you must take care of them for them to be useful – and that includes giving them space.”
“What are we looking for?” said Vigg. “Well, the Sampo, of course, but how? I mean, that's why we asked you for help, Lady Sparkle.”
“History. Arcana. Probably religion,” Twilight said. “And I would guess that while those runestaves would be just delightful to read...” Twilight cast a yearning look at said artifacts, hanging from the ceiling. “...the most important sources will be modern.”
“Why?” said Saga confused. “Aren't the older books better since it is a really old story?”
“It is like this...” Twilight started. “I don't want to be rude, but hasn't reindeer culture been predominantly preserved orally until recently?”
The reindeer stared at her.
“She means you didn't write things down,” said Spike. “You had reindeer who remembered important things and told stories about them instead.”
“Yes, thanks Spike,” said Twilight. “Sorry for being overly academical. So when those things happened, not much if anything was written down, because no one cared overly much about writing anything.”
“That... that's right” said Vigg. “Grazers still don't have many books, and my Grandpa – my other Grandpa, dad's dad – never learned to read.”
“City reindeer have read for... like hundreds of years,” said Saga.
“But I guess they mostly wrote things about business,” said Twilight gently.
“Yeah... probably,” she said and looked bit off-put.
“Meanwhile, King Ukko is an immense historical romantic,” said Twilight. “It seems to be his main guiding policy. I would guess that he would encourage any reindeer going around and collecting folklore and oral history from reindeer skalds and storytellers.”
She gestured around the walls of the cramped room.
“And I would guess any reindeer so 'encouraged', say with a stipend, would give the King a volume of his book or an issue of the magazine where his article was published,” she said. “So, start looking for such collections. Step to it!”
“How do we know what in all these different stories is true?” said Vigg. “That was what my teachers said was so difficult.”
“There are a number of signs, but a good one – though not necessarily true – is if all stories repeat the same fact,” said Twilight. “Like – all the stories agree that it was Wiglek who knew where the Sampo was, not his son. So that it is probably true. But because all stories are so negative about the Sampo, it could also be that deer who told it blamed Wiglek for everything because he was already a villain to them.”
“Well, the guy who wrote this book was nice enough to lump similar stories together,” said Saga “That makes it easier. There's a lot of stories about Hrimfaxi and Wiglek, for instance.” Then she giggled. “Here's one with you in it, Mistress Sparkle!”
“What? Princess Luna? And me? I'm not a thousand years old?” said Twilight.
“No no, but listen to this: It says Wiglek wanted more magical power, so he called upon Hrimfaxi, the goddess of the Moon and Night, with his sorcery,” said Saga “When she arrived, he said that his sister could weave a better fabric than the Northern Lights, which were Hrimfaxi's tapestries.”
“The Northern Lights are made from a perfectly natural form of magical particles,” said Twilight. “They have been scientifically measured with spells even before Princess Luna returned.”
“It's a fairy tale, Twilight, not a lesson in astronomy!” said Spike.
“This made Hrimfaxi very angry,” Saga continued. ”Wiglek then bet that his sister could weave a more beautiful tapestry than the pony who had made the Northern Lights. Hrimfaxi was furious, but thought she could defeat any mortal in anything.”
Saga turned the pages.
“Here's why I meant that it was a fairy tale with you in it, Mistress,” she said. “See, the one who wove the Northern Lights – they look different every time, so they are re-woven all the time – was the hoofmaiden of Hrimfaxi.” Then she giggled again.
“Another version says it was the 'bride of Hrimfaxi'...” Saga said with a wicked smile as Twilight blushed a bit. “Anyway, the unicorn starts to weave, but then she is interrupted by this charming gentlecolt unicorn every night. So, when the time comes to compare the tapestries, her isn't even done, so it loses automatically. Hrimfaxi is furious, but must hold her side of the bet.”
“Let me guess: Wiglek shapechanged into a unicorn and seduced the hoofmaiden,” said Spike.
Saga nodded.
“The cad!” said Vigg with a strange vehemence.
“Her side was what? What did she have to pay?” said Twilight.
“It just said it was secrets of the universe here, but other versions of the story has it be immortality, or a magic spell or... the Sampo,” said Saga.
“Do you think Princess Luna knows where the Sampo is?” said Vigg and frowned. “I mean, she seems to think it is really dangerous, so she could have... lied.” He looked a bit nervous at the ladies beside him, one who was a servant and confidante of the Moon Princess, the other one who directly worshiped her as a goddess. They both shook their heads. Neither smote him, to his relief.
“I just can't believe My Goddess would actually do that,” said Saga and looked down into the table.
“Me neither” said Twilight. “It wouldn't be her thing, really.”
It honestly don't, but there is something strange about this whole thing... Maybe some horrible tragedy happened with the Sampo, but then why doesn't she say that as a deterrent to Vigg and Saga? Twilight thought.
“Anyway, you haven't heard the best part yet: After the predictable pregnancy, the hoofmaiden gives birth... to Sampo!” said Saga.
“That... must have hurt” said Vigg.
Wait... she said she had nothing to do with Sampo. She didn't say she had nothing to do with his father! Twilight continued.
“Not the magic artifact, dummy! The reindeer. Who is said to have 'pretty blue eyes' from his mother!” said Saga with yet another giggle.
“A unicorn and a reindeer?” said Spike. “That isn't possible, right?”
No... but an alicorn and a reindeer is perhaps possible... Celestia has certainly told me that she mated with mortals long ago, and that this is where Equestria's aristocracy comes from... Twilight thought.
“It's magic!” said Saga and put down the book.
“Isn't a story like that blasphemy or something to you?” said Spike. “It sort of makes fun of Luna, you know?”
That would explain why she didn't want to face the issue... and I remember there was some awkwardness about family and Tarandroland... I thought she meant Karhu-Akka, but...
“Maybe I should go to her and beg forgiveness,” said Saga and grinned. “Maybe she will make me atone in some horrible way? What do you think, Mistress Sparkle?”
If Luna was the mother of the reindeer hero, he probably had magical powers stronger than normal reindeer. That would explain a lot. She probably took the shape of a mortal servant to fool Wiglek the Wicked in return.
“Mistress Sparkle?” said Saga. “You look a bit out of it? Are you OK?”
“Who was his wife?” she said.
“Whose wife?” said Vigg.
“Wiglek's. That fairy tale got me thinking... I mean, um, if we knew, I was thinking maybe someone actually related to Sampo would know more about his magical artifact,” Twilight improvised quickly. “And Wiglek and his brother the king didn't have any other fawns, but maybe Wiglek's wife had.”
“Y'know, she is never even mentioned in any stories,” said Vigg. “Haven't seen her mentioned in the stuff you helped us with today either.”
“Typical male chauvinism!” said Saga and snorted. “They probably didn't mention her because she was a vaja!”
They both missed Twilight's worried expression, but Spike noted and got worried himself.
Why does life always have to be this complicated? they thought at the same time, unknowingly.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 22 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-03T05:50:51+00:00
|
2012-01-03T05:50:51+00:00
| 5,093 |
“I don't know how we can track down Sampo's mom,” said Saga. “It's not like she is mentioned anywhere here...”
“We still haven't read everything” Vigg reminded her. “And then, there's the big public library...”
Meanwhile Twilight shook her head to concentrate on the issues at hand. It was hard.
I must approach the princess delicately and get an answer from her... or maybe Princess Celestia knows? But... how would she feel about me prying...? she thought.
“Twilight, we are kind of losing you again,” said Spike, looking worried, and shook her foreleg.
“I bet she just had another brilliant idea,” said Vigg.
“What are you thinking of, Mistress Sparkle?” said Saga.
“Princess Celestia,” said Twilight.
The others looked at her quizzically.
“I mean... I mean Skinfaxi” she said, making things up as she went. “Skinfaxi's temple. I... we don't really have 'religion' in that manner in Equestria... but temples often collect knowledge, and if the image of Skinfaxi is anything like Princess Celestia really is, then that temple might have a lot of useful records.”
“That was a good idea, actually,” said Vigg. “I don't know what they know, but they might know something, you know.”
Spike gave him a look. Saga pouted.
“Aw, I cannot help with that,” she said.
“Why?” said Twilight.
“Because I am not supposed to enter the temple,” she said.
“Why?” said Twilight again. “It's not like Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are enemies or anything?”
“It's how things are done, that's all,” said Saga and looked down in her book.
Twilight was about to ask again when she was poked by Spike.
“Let it rest, OK?” he pleaded.
“OK, sure...” Twilight said with some confusion in her voice.
“I'm sure my mom can talk to someone in the temple so you can look at what they have,” said Vigg.
Twilight cleared her throat.
“Kids, I love to help you, but I will need to take on my regular job as well, you know,” she said. “You might have to check that out without me.” When she saw a look of disappointment in the eyes of the young reindeer she added: “I – I'll look at anything you find, OK? It is just that I have to do my work as Princess Luna's hoofmaiden, that's why I am here.”
Twilight looked at the ancient wall clock in the library, which was against all sense actually working.
“In fact, I think I need to leave soon. I promised Princess Luna I'd oversee the, the work of some of her, her servants and we were to meet again at our suite in less than an hour....” she said.
Vigg hung his head and Saga pouted again.
“But we haven't checked the oldest books and the runestaves yet... and they are in Ancient Cervine!” Vigg protested.
“Why do you have to order around some servants?” said Saga. “Is that what hoofmaidens do?”
“Well, sometimes,” Twilight said and sweated a bit. “Princess Luna thought they just sat around all day, see, so I was supposed to, uh, activate them...”
Your the world's worst liar, Twilight Sparkle...
The two fawns looked at each other and then they shrugged with disappointment.
Of course, it helps if the ones you lie to trust you implicitly...
“Well, I think there is something I can do to help you...” she said. “Before I leave, I mean. See, there is this magical way to temporarily learn a language really quickly, and...”
“OK, breathe into the paper bag, Vigg. Breathe into the paper bag,” Spike said to the hyperventilating reindeer prince.
“Oh my Celestia!” Twilight shrieked and blinked in and out of existence a few times, the teleportation equivalent of running in circles. “What have I done!? Oh, I shouldn't have done that, I shouldn't have been so culturally insensitive... Reindeer are afraid of magic! I am so stupid, I am the stupidest ever, the Princess will be so mad! And the Princess! And the Princess!”
“Three Princesses?” said Saga who was holding the shocked Vigg.
“I think she means Vigg's mom,” Spike murmured.
“He seemed so, y'know, collected,” she mused. “Like at the glacier, it was I who went out like a light.”
Spike murmured something else.
“Speak up, I can't hear you,” said Saga a little irritated.
“Everyone will think I have cursed him! Or eaten his soul! Or stolen his life force or something daft like that!” Twilight moaned and blinked in and out again.
“He thinks Twilight is... hot,” Spike half whispered, his voice full of disgust at the very concept. “Being licked in the ear must have been, uh, too much.”
Saga suddenly started giggling hysterically. Spike looked at her less than pleased. Twilight stabilized and did the same.
“What?” she said unhappily. “Why are you laughing, this isn't funny?”
Saga fought to control herself.
“Sorry, Mistress, sorry,” she said. “It's just that I just realized what happened to him. It's not dangerous at all, really. It's something that hits young male reindeer now and then. You couldn't have known.”
Twilight didn't look much relieved.
“Really, I know a... an old cure for it,” Saga said.
“Really?” said Twilight with sudden interest.
“Yeah,” Saga said and nodded furiously. “He just needs some cold water. And to relax for a while.”
“He will be OK?” Twilight asked. Saga nodded some more.
“Oh thank goodness!”Twilight cried out.
“I'll help him, really,” Saga said and smile. “You two can go, it will actually be easier for him to relax then.”
“You sure?” said Spike. Saga's antlers bobbed like a small pine, clustered to a cliff and torn by a storm.
“Really sure!” she said and patted Vigg on the back.
“Oh thank goodness!” Twilight said again. “I guess we'll leave then. I'll check in with you later. Come, Spike.”
Reluctantly, Spike hopped on her back.
“Just one thing!” said Saga as they left.
“Yes?” said Twilight as she turned her head and looked at Saga over her shoulder.
“Can I please learn that spell later?” she said.
“Oh sure!” said Twilight as she left, not really thinking of what she said.
When the four guards she had ordered to report back to her arrived at Princess Luna's suite, Twilight had calmed down somewhat, but was still jittery, nervous and on the edge. She paced back and forth in the room while Spike looked on with worry. He had brought out quill and parchment to take notes, after Twilight babbled about it.
“Who's there?! Come in!” she snapped when there was a knock at the door. Four ponies hesitated a second or two at the angry voice before parading inside and closing the door behind them.
Spike hadn't really met them, just barely observed them. They were two pegasi and two unicorns, as if some absurd equal opportunity principle had been applied to the patrol, or maybe just Twilight's love of the symmetrical. Spike had never got why the Sun Guard – and now, the Moon Guard – had no earth ponies. He had sure seen earth ponies kick flank, and the Princesses weren't that fond of institutionalized discrimination otherwise. He supposed it was one of those older than old things that just were like they were for no useful reason.
The pegasi were pitch black with gray bellies and bat-wings instead of the normal feathery ones. Spike assumed it was magic, since no other ponies had them. Same with their full set of sharp canines, making them look more like wolves than bats. The unicorns had the same set of incisors and glowing red eyes. Their coats were a dark purple. Both guard ponies had cloaks in midnight blue and black, with steel-gray barding for the pegasi and shimmering silver barding for the unicorns. While they all sure looked intimidating from afar, or in the dark, up close in the brightly lit room they reminded him more of ponies invited to a Nightmare Night office party with a very strict theme than warriors of the night and moon. He couldn't see any cutie marks – as any Equestrian, pony or otherwise, it was one of the first thing he checked out when he met someone – because they were all covered by clothing or armor, but he bet his comic collection they were all on a night-stars-creepy stuff theme.
The four saluted Twilight. She didn't salute back but lifted her right front hoof in a way that acknowledged their existence.
“Lady Sparkle” said one of the unicorns, a mare.
“What did you find?” said Twilight and started to pace absentmindedly again. “Milky Way,” she added as she remembered the unicorn's name.
“He finally got the money today,” Milky Way answered. “He went to... a place that served food, left some kind of message with the cashier, and sat down and waited.”
“A restaurant?” said Spike, writing.
“A place that served food” said Milky Way and wrinkled her nose. “After a fairly long time he got a note...”
“From whom?” said Twilight and stopped her pacing.
“From a serving doe,” said the other unicorn – Misty Wisp, Twilight remembered. “She got it from the cashier” he continued.
“And the cashier?” Twilight asked. The stallion shook his head.
“I didn't see. He must have sent a message with any of the guests. There were a score of reindeer eating there and...” he blushed, “...they look sort of the same to me.”
“Yeah,” said one of the pegasi – Dark Clouds, unless Twilight was mistaken. “Grey and brown and white, sometimes a little black. It is hard to tell them apart.”
“So you're too speciest to correctly identify a culprit!” Twilight snapped. “Good to know!”
The guard ponies studied the roof a bit.
“Go on, go on!” Twilight said, a bit embarrassed with herself. “After that?”
“He left, following the instructions of the note, I assume,” Misty Wisp said. “He... used his invisibility spell now. This made him rather difficult to follow.”
Twilight started pacing again.
“ I distinctly remember instructioning you in a second sight spell,” she said sharply.
“With all due respect, Lady Sparkle,” Misty Wisp said “we haven't had time to train, and my – my talent doesn't cover piercing invisibility, it seems.”
“So you lost him?” said Twilight and glared at him.
“No no,” said Misty Wisp “I am just saying it was difficult!”
“I followed from the air and whistled instructions, and together we could follow the reindeer who noticed him, by their reactions,” said Dark Clouds with a certain amount of pride.
“Good thinking!” said Twilight. “Did anyone see you?”
“Well... did that matter? Didn't you say that wasn't a problem, Lady Sparkle?” said Misty Wisp.
“It isn't, but I want to know!” said Twilight.
“I am certain they did” said Milky Way. “I get the impression unicorns are rare here...”
“Most reindeer have only seen unicorns in pictures,” Spike piped up.
“There's a lot of pegasi down the harbor, but they have the standard equipment,” said Dark Clouds and flapped his bat wings to show his version. “But I don't think they saw me anyway. Ponies don't look up that much at home, and deer here look up even less.”
“Was anyone else following him?” said Spike. “Sorry!” he added when Twilight gave him a stern look. Twilight softened.
“Spike is right. Was he being followed by someone else?” she said.
Milky Way nodded.
“We all saw one reindeer all the way, so at least one must have followed him,” she said. “Just that... I don't think he was that good.”
“What makes you think that?” said Twilight.
“Well, we – we noticed that today, and we talked about it when we prepared this report – we aren't that good,” Milky Way said somewhat distressed. “The Guard is relatively new, this is our first mission abroad, and we were chosen for this journey on ceremonial grounds. He should have noticed us and slipped us, but he didn't. He might have been a decoy, someone to make Lord Eminence believe he had spotted who followed him, but then he wouldn't have followed him all the way like he did. At least not according to our training.”
“Do you know who he was?” Twilight asked.
“I think I do” said the other pegasus – Shadows Gather. “In fact, he was one of the King's cronies we almost had an – an... intermezzo with during that... dinner. He was sitting in front of me, see. I don't know his name, but...”
“We can get the seating arrangements and deduce it” said Twilight and interrupted him. “So the King knows – or at least his warriors. I don't know if he listens to them anymore.”
“Yeah, it seems he almost bullies them around” said Spike.
“It seems – at least the servants' gossip says so – that the King and his friends were some sort of adventurers – mercenaries, bounty hunters, monster slayers, you know the drill – before he became king,” said Milky Way. “So he was some kind of romantic hero, he was their leader.”
“How many was in that gang?” said Spike. Everyone looked at him. “I'm just curious” he added.
“Six,” said Milky Way after thinking a short while. “There's a bunch of hangarounds who also live in the castle and serve the king, but including King Ukko, there are six of the real deal left.”
“Thanks” said Spike and gave Twilight an odd look. She only remained puzzled a short while, then she looked back.
“Do you mean... no, never mind,” she said. “One of the King's friends shadowed Lord Eminence. We must assume the King knows something fishy is going on. Go on.”
“Eventually, he came to another tavern, which actually was worth that description,” said Misty Wisp.
“Down in the harbor,” said Twilight absentmindedly.
“How did you know, Lady Sparkle?” said Milky Way.
“He was contacting pirates,” Twilight said. “I guessed they wouldn't be hanging around in the Temple of Skinfaxi.”
“Of who?” said Misty Wisp.
“Never mind, carry on,” said Twilight.
“Well, he tried to set up some circus act and surprise them, but it didn't work very well on accord of him overestimating that spell of his,” said Misty Wisp. “I couldn't go in without him spotting me, but Shadows Gather could see through a window.”
“It was dark in there, but we are trained to see in darkness and I could see him talking to three reindeer,” said Shadows Gather. “I wanted to hear what they said, but it was impossible. He left after half an hour. He gave the reindeer a satchel, and they basically emptied it onto the table in a big heap of money. To count it. It took a long time and irritated him.”
“In the middle of the tavern?” said Twilight incredulously.
“There weren't anyone else there, that's why I couldn't go in,” said Misty Wisp. “The owner probably knows who they were but not what they were doing. Those pirates have to sell their plunder somewhere, and I guess that tavern is a place where such things are done.”
“Strange, but go on,” said Twilight.
“Anyway, he got out and started back towards the palace, so I followed him,” said Misty Wisp. “Shadows Gather was to follow the three pirates, but...”
“I lost them,” said the pegasus apologetically. “There's a lot of reindeer in the harbor, and even if they say trade is going badly several ships left while I watched and went out to sea. I tried to check them out, but I couldn't see any of the three on board.”
“They could be under deck, or be sitting in a house waiting for darkness,” said Twilight. “There is nothing we can do.”
“I'm sorry, Lady Sparkle,” said Milky Way.
“Don't be, you did very well under the circumstances” said Twilight and actually smiled.
“So... should we apprehend the traitor?” said Dark Clouds eagerly.
Everyone looked at him. Everyone but Twilight and including Dark Clouds looked at Twilight.
“No. Not yet” Twilight said and rubbed her horn and head with her hoof. “The Princess must judge how we go about doing this. There must be some consideration of what the reindeer will say. Neither you nor I are qualified to make a decision here. Go back to your quarters, stay alert.”
The guards looked at each other and shrugged. Shadows Gather cleared his throat.
“Yes?” said Twilight, who had become lost in thought.
“Can we have the TV back?” he said.
“Sure,” Twilight said. “But don't stay up all night watching it!”
As they left, Twilight sighed and flopped down on the bed in her room.
“You don't look good,” said Spike and sat down on the bed.
“It's just so much, Spike” she said. ”The Princess is acting weird. I am uncertain what to do with the kids and this quest they have gotten into their heads. While helping them I gave Prince Vigg a fit. And then there is this business with that annoying spy. All together it gives me a headache.”
Spike gave her a reassuring hug.
“You told them you would check in on them later,” he said.
“Shoo! I did, and I should... only I am unsure when the Princess comes back and I should report to her at once when she does...” Twilight bit her lip.
“I can go and get them to come here, and when the Princess comes you can just shoo them out, OK?” Spike said. “And if Vigg isn't OK – I am pretty sure he is – then I can tell you.”
Twilight nodded.
“Thanks Spike!” she said. “My number one assistant as usual!”
Spike smiled back and jumped off the bed.
“Six heroes,” Twilight said. “Like the six Elements of Harmony.”
“Yeah,” said Spike “maybe there's a law, or something. Every country gets six heroes who run around and do hero stuff. Like every country gets to have one flag and one national flower but six heroes.”
“I think it is just a practical number,” said Twilight. Spike shrugged and headed for the door.
“Spike?” she said.
“Yeah?” said Spike.
“If I start bully the others when I get old and cranky will you tell me off?” she said.
“As if I will need to!” he said. “It's not like they are pushovers, you know. I don't get why they don't just left Ukko in his old palace when he stopped being their friend!”
And with that he left.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 23 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-03T06:00:08+00:00
|
2012-01-03T06:00:08+00:00
| 5,352 |
“Twilight? Are you awake?” Spike said as he stuck his head into Twilight's room.
“Hnn. No, Smartypants, don't do my homework as well!” Twilight mumbled.
“Twilight?” Spike said.
“Uh!” Twilight sat up with a jerk. “Uh, hello Spike. Is it evening already?”
“No, it's barely been half an hour or so since I left you. The guys are here,” Spike said.
Twilight yawned and got off the bed.
“Feels like I was asleep for hours... so why am I not refreshed?” Twilight mumbled as she went out into the suite. “Hi kids. Are you okay, Prince Vigg?”
“Uhm, yeah, it was just a fit,” said Vigg, looked down at the floor and scraped the carpet with his hoof while Saga waved at Twilight.
“We found some more clues!” Saga said. “Tell her, Vigg!” She poked him in the ribs with her hoof.
“Well, OK, I don't know how useful this is, but...” Vigg began.
“We found somedeer who maybe can tell us more about where the Sampo went!” said Saga.
“Somebody” said Vigg. “And why don't you tell her then?”
“Well, you told us that if all books agree on something it's more likely to be true, right?” Saga said.
“Yes, that's correct,” said Twilight.
“Well, and there were all these different peoples trying to hunt down the Sampo, and we thought some of them might have some tradition of what happened!” said Saga. “They might even have succeeded!”
“But I don't think so,” said Vigg, “because then they would have used it and somedeer would have noticed.”
“Well, or somebody,” said Saga. “But we don't know. Anyway, the only peoples that are in every version of the story are the trolls – ”
“Moose” said Spike.
“ – and the skolls,” Saga continued.
“And it is not like we can go and ask the skolls – “ said Vigg.
“ – except I totally think we should!” said Saga.
“ – because she is mental, but we can probably get a hold of some tr... moose if we ask Kvalhissir,” Vigg said.
“I'm not mental! I think we can talk to the skolls as well, trolls turned out to be nice guys!” Saga said.
Vigg sighed.
“Saga, we've been through this!” he said “We only know Kvalhissir is a nice guy, and that just proves not all trolls are monsters, not that some of them can't be dangerous. But reindeer fight skolls every year, and they want to make winter last longer, so even if they aren't... evil or whatever, they wouldn't want to talk to us!”
“We could lie!” Saga said.
“Yeah, could you please not kill us, we want to, yeah, wish for lots of snow so we need the Sampo,” said Vigg. “No thanks.”
Saga pouted.
“We'll at least start with asking Kvalhissir if he knows any history or knows a, uh, scholarly moose,” said Vigg with a painful expression.
Twilight smiled encouragingly.
“That sounds like really good thinking,” she said. “You are making progress!”
Both reindeer beamed towards her.
“But I have a meeting with Princess Luna really soon, so now that I see that you are hale, hearty and studious I really must ask you to leave,” Twilight said. “We'll have to talk again later.”
“Aww...” said Saga. Vigg also looked a bit disappointed, but pulled at her tail with his mouth.
“Come on, you said yourself Kvalhissir gets up at nights and works in the temple yard to avoid the crowds. We can talk to him before we go to bed,” he said.
“Say hi to Kvalhissir for me!” said Spike.
“The crowds bother him?” Twilight asked.
“He's a tro.. a moose, living in the middle of a reindeer city,” said Vigg tersely. “Of course they do.”
“Oh,” said Twilight. “Yeah, I guess so.”
Spike and Twilight waved goodbye to the two fawns as they left.
“I hope they don't get themselves into any trouble,” Twilight murmured. “Oh, I'd better wash up a bit before the Princess arrives.”
“You will have to meet me unwashed,” said Luna as she stepped through the door. She looked relatively content and confident, if you compared to earlier.
“Your Highness!” said Twilight. “I take it the meeting went well?”
“As well as it could during to the circumstances,” the Princess said. “I will have to make the trouble of going to the Russ cities, but otherwise it was a success.”
“Please sit down, Your Highness,” said Twilight. “Do you want some refreshment?”
“No thanks, Twilight” Luna smiled knowingly. “Only the news. What did you learn about Lord Eminence today?”
Twilight took a deep breath.
“Not much new,” she said. “But we know how and where he meets his contacts, that somedeer from the court is keeping track of him, and who that is.”
Luna snorted.
“If they know, we can get in trouble if we just order him home to Equestria,” she said. “That will stop his crime but they will always suspect it was our doing.”
“Our who?” Spike said.
“Mine and Celestia's,” said Luna. Twilight looked at her.
“Back in the day, anything underhanded or duplicitous in the Equestrian Empire would have been my doing, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said. “That was how we divided our duties. But she had to rule a millennium without me and I cannot imagine she could have completely avoided such things. However, I can very well imagine that she tries to not know what happens, even when it would be wise to do so, because she loathes the subject. Hence, someone like Lord Eminence is most likely to act on his own initiative – to be ordered to do so.”
Twilight sighed with relief. Spike made a small noise.
“I now guess that Master Spike is about to make a wry comment that my sister can be quite manipulative, maybe even more than me, since my passions tend to get the better of me,” Luna said and looked at Spike, who looked at the roof and tried to whistle. “A matchmaker, a negotiator, even a prankster, that she is, yes. Not somepony who orders assassinations and ferments civil wars.”
Luna laid down on her bed.
“However, I don't know if reindeer will believe that – and even those who believe in the shining princess and not the myth of Celestia the Sun Tyrant can always imagine it was me who did this,” she continued. She smiled wryly. “Or our evil vizier, Lady Twilight Sparkle.”
Spike actually giggled at that.
“I – I don't find that joke that funny, Your Highness!” said Twilight.
“But it's so silly and stupid!” said Spike. “I'm sorry, Twilight, but even with Vigg describing to me where the rumor came from, I can't help but think it is funny.”
“Yes, with all bad things that has been happening to Tarandroland lately, I'm a little surprised reindeer media have had time to make you and the other Elements of Harmony into super-villains from one of Spike's comics,” said Luna. “But maybe we can use that...”
“How?” said Twilight.
“Well, there is one way of stopping Lord Eminence's stupidity which can draw suspicion away from Equestria's leaders,” said Luna. “But first we must, of course, confront Lord Eminence with what we know, learn what we don't know and put him in his place. And I must know something: would it be possible to use magic in a way which would be clouded to reindeer?”
Twilight sighed.
“It depends,” Twilight said. “It depends on their Sight. What won't work, as a form of paradox, is any magic directly hiding something. Like, say, Lord Eminence ability to become invisible. Otherwise, any reindeer could probably see that there was magic. Anyone skilled enough or with the right Sight would see what kind.”
Luna rubbed her chin with her hoof.
“It needs consideration and thought,” she said. “We need to talk to Lord Eminence first, though.”
Luna rose from her bed.
“We should go to him now,” she said. “Lady Sparkle, bring some writing material. I want notes taken.”
Twilight and Spike got up.
“No, Spike, stay here please,” Luna said.
“What?” said Spike. “You don't want me to take notes? And I want to see his face when you tell him his game is up!”
“Lady Sparkle will be my scribe, Spike. And I need someone in the suite, if I receive a message I am waiting for,” said Luna.
“Aww” said Spike. “No fun!”
Luna smiled – a bit sadly.
“I'm afraid this is a dead serious and rather nasty business, and fun isn't always possible,” she said. “Lady Sparkle – come now. I have had a long, hard, day and I want this dead serious and nasty business dealt with.”
With that she started to stride out into the corridor. Twilight snatched up ink, quill and notebook and followed her after nuzzling Spike quickly.
“Later, Spike,” she said.
“Later Twi',” said Spike and sighed.
The door snagged on the carpet as the two ponies left. Spike stepped out to fix it... only to pause when he overheard Luna talking to Twilight in a lowered voice as they walked down the corridor.
“I am sorry, Lady Sparkle, but Spike is rather young and there might be things he shouldn't hear or see tonight,” she said.
“You – you really think so, Your Highness?” Twilight said, her voice a little scared.
“I am afraid so,” said Luna. “Speaking of which – if what you said about reindeer and magic is correct, it might also be impossible for magic to soundproof his room, which might be a problem.”
Spike swallowed.
“But Your Highness, it was all in Equestria's best interest!” Lord Eminence protested.
Twilight was impressed. She was Luna's close friend, she wasn't the pony on trial, and yet she was terrified of the “Visage of Royal Wrath” as Luna's sister called it. The princess seemed to have grown twice as tall, the faint shimmer around her body was the only light left in the dark room, and her mouth seemed to have grown venom-dripping fangs – or maybe mandibles. While different from Celestia's “this is my impression of a slow-motion nuclear explosion, and notice how I don't raise my voice but you are losing your hearing from its loudness anyway”, it usually had the same effect. But Lord Eminence had not given in to fear.
“The one thing that stops Equestria and Tarandroland from coming to an accord, to stop Equestrian citizens from losing their lives and property, is that sad drunkard of a deer!” he almost shouted. “I did what to had to do!”
“Don't give me that old speech about knowing what's best for me and how you know better!” Luna growled. “Especially since you plainly cannot handle an operation like this and haven't investigated the situation beforehand!”
“But -” Lord Eminence began.
“Describe to me the nature of reindeer magic. Common reindeer magic possessed by everydeer!” she said.
“Wait... what does that...” said the now confused spy.
“Lady Sparkle, explain the nature of reindeer magic to Lord Eminence,” Luna barked.
Twilight started to stammer.
“Well... uh... you see, unicorns, they are telekinetic, but due to the different nature of their horns, and the general cervine magical disposition...” she began.
“Short version, Lady Sparkle, if you would,” said Luna and turned to her.
“All reindeer are somewhat clairvoyant,” Twilight said and looked at Lord Eminence “Specifically, they have the second sight.”
Lord Eminence didn't seemed to have gotten it yet, so Twilight decided to be clearer.
“If you do something like this,” said Twilight and turned invisible. “They can still see you. Moreover, they understand that you are trying to be invisible, so everywhere you go you are really, really conspicuous instead of the opposite.”
Lord Eminence suddenly slumped.
“But – but – they didn't see me!” he said. “My contacts...”
“At best they were humoring you,” Twilight said gently. “I saw you meeting them, and well...”
“Saw me?” he said. “When? That can't be true...”
“I used the internal scrying system in the castle,” said Twilight.
“Scrying system?” he said.
“Stop being an echo, Lord Eminence!” said Luna. “The whole castle is 'bugged' as the modern term goes, using reindeer scrying magic. Given that the King's court sorcerer Galderhorn operates it, and that others of the King's inner circle have been shadowing you, I hope you realize your machinations have been seen through, and the game is up. In fact, I am surprised they haven't come for you yet.”
Lord Eminence finally did what any sensible pony would have done and collapsed on the floor.
“Mare in the Moon...” he mumbled.
“Please don't take my name in vain when I am standing right here, Lord Eminence,” said Luna. “See, we could have done it the other, classical way. I chastise you for being unethical, and you give a long speech about how I am naive, and how the ends justify the means, et cetera, et cetera. I then give a long counter-speech about things like honor and dignity and the equine condition, and when that doesn't help I point out that as a former omnicidal maniac I am not that naive, really. Meanwhile, we would have lost valuable time and my hoofmaiden would have fallen asleep by boredom, as we act as if we are in a melodrama. But this is all a moot point, because while I have issues with the ethics of your actions, I am far more concerned with the fact that you have acted like an utter nincompoop in a way that endangers international relations for Equestria for decades, and unlike you I will have to deal with them!”
Lord Eminence looked up from the floor.
“They say there are four kinds of ponies: the dumb and lazy, the clever and lazy, the clever and diligent and the dumb and diligent,” Luna said, towering over him. “You, Lord Eminence are dumb and diligent, and hence you must die.”
Lord Eminence jerked to attention and Twilight gasped.
“It is simple,” Luna said. “Calling you home will not persuade them that my sister and I had nothing to do with it. Publicly admitting your crime might work, but we would presumably turn you over to them and who knows what you might tell them, no matter how loyal you are right now. You yourself have described them as barbarians; I am sure they can be barbarous.”
Twilight swallowed and Lord Eminence winced.
“No, the best way to clear this up is to have you killed” Luna continued. “If I have you killed as you are about to actually carry out your plan, by one of my agents, out in the public eye, I am sure it will convince the quite melodramatic public of Tarandroland that Equestria doesn't approve of your schemes.”
“Your Highness!” Twilight shouted. “That – that's really foolhardy! Not only would it be murder, it could easily be misinterpreted!”
“Have no fear, Lady Sparkle,” said Luna and smiled. “I will use an agent who already has a certain reputation among reindeer, and spin that reputation to create rumors they will interpret it as I said – though they will presume that the agent's quite violent and brutal actions were for rather selfish purposes.”
“Who are you talking about?” said Twilight.
“Why, the most powerful and evil sorceress in Equestria, of course!” said Luna, and laughed. “Skinfaxi's Shadow, Twilight Sparkle!”
Merry Hearth's Warming after that message from Our Lady Of The Night. I had a proofreader for this chapter, the excellent, eminent and exemplary LadyMoondancer. A big applause, please!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 24 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2011-12-30T07:29:15+00:00
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2011-12-30T07:29:15+00:00
| 5,105 |
Mustikka followed the Hestaland sorcerer through the thinning crowd of shoppers. They were approaching the harbor now, and the distance from King's Street reduced the number of reindeer and others to scattered cover for his own movement. If the unicorn made any big attempt at hiding himself it wasn't visible, so he must be trusting foolishly in his magic. Many of the reindeer he passed reacted, but only fawns did so visibly. Mustikka still couldn't understand how his quarry could miss them. This irritated him immensely. How could anyone be that careless?
He hadn't understood the limited reactions himself at first. However, later questioning of the palace servants who obviously had seen the unicorn offered an explanation on why they hid reactions to the diplomat's failed invisibility. Since Lord Eminence was a foreigner and a noble, he had two excuses for doing odd things, so they had averted their gazes so as to not be impolite. It was not until a couple of guards had seen him enter a building they themselves weren't allowed to enter anydeer had reported it. Mustikka also suspected that the servants hadn't wanted to attract either the ire of a noble or the curses of a unicorn, even if they hadn't said anything about that.
Mustikka still kept his distance to the unicorn. He wanted to have complete control over his situation, as was his habit, he must not fail his friend and King. He trusted his tracking skills, even in the city, to let him follow Lord Eminence even if he didn't keep him directly in his sight all the time. Hence, he stepped into an alleyway and peered down into it as if he had lost his way, should anyone else look in his direction. Further uptown such places would have beggars – they were kept off the main streets – but here there were none. The alleyway was empty of all but slush, still with a bit of white snow cover since it wasn't as trampled as in the rest of the city. For a second he contemplated zipping through the alleyway and circling Lord Eminence, but decided against the shortcut - he could loose his quarry.
As he returned to the main street he saw the unicorn enter a large house, an outfitter's shop, down the end of the street. He increased his step and trotted up to the shop. He tried to look through the dirty display windows, but could only see a gray shape he suspected was his quarry, and that for a short while only. He retreated to the side of the house, where a short alleyway led down to the quays. Kelp fishers had hung their full nets and were busy picking their catch out of them. He watched the door carefully.
The minutes passed and Mustikka grew restless. He kept careful watch on the ornate pocketwatch that he alone among the King's Companions still carry – Ukko had given them all beautiful silver pocket watches as a gift, but the others weren't big on schedules and timekeeping. Thirteen minutes. What could he buy in thirteen minutes? The shop sold gear for boats and ships, that was clear. There seemed to be a big warehouse part, probably for keeping ropes and cordage. Could he buy a boat there? The place was big enough to serve as the outlet for a boatwright. Thirteen minutes and 47 seconds. Fourteen minutes. Mustikka snapped his watch shut, slipped it down his pouch and went into the store.
A store clerk lifted his head and greeted him. Mustikka ignored him as his eyes swept across the store. It apparently sold gear for the overland explorer as well, seeing as how the place had ackjas and other sleighs placed along the walls together with skis, tents and the like.
“Was there a foreigner – a pony – a unicorn here a moment ago?” he said sharply, ignoring the friendly greeting.
“Uh – well – yes,” said the confused clerk.
“Where did he go?” asked Mustikka.
“He went out the back entrance,” said the clerk and pointed to the interior of the warehouse, only half visible, where ropes and cables of all kinds and thicknesses hung from the roof like draperies, hints of sunlight shown between them.
“What did he want?” asked Mustikka.
“He bought a spear-staff,” said the clerk. “You know, for skiing.”
“A spear-staff?!” said Mustikka and moved far too quickly for a reindeer of his advanced age and got face to face with the clerk.
“Y-yes,” the clerk stammered, “but not a real one, a souvenir one.” He pointed to a shabby birch bark stand which held several spear-staffs, points in sheaths.
“I figured, a foreigner, he wanted a souvenir, that's why he asked,” he continued to babble while Mustikka pulled out one of the spear-staffs and looked at it. It was rather gaudy, with an overdecorated shaft and a tip of the faux-heirloom kind, far too wide at the base for good skiing, far too blunt for fighting, the kind a fancy city deer has made to show off. On the shaft was written in big letters MEMORY FROM SARVVIK – in Equestrian, of course, the language of tourism. Mustikka replaced the thing carefully, despite the sudden sense of urgency he felt, since he didn't like to throw things around. Even on the hunt, he couldn't abide disorder. Then he galloped through the rope storage and out into the sunlight beyond, leaving the clerk bewildered.
Mustikka was bewildered himself for a moment as he came out into the sunlight. His gaze swept over the quay, the boats and the frames hung with kelp-nets, trying to see Lord Eminence. He failed, and was going to resort to either looking for tracks or questioning the fisher-deer when his eye caught something else – a completely different unicorn from the gray one he was following – a purple mare.
“You!” he said as he walked up to Lady Twilight Sparkle, Hoofmaiden of Princess Luna of Equestria, who was standing between two lines of kelp-filled nets, peering just like he was.
“I believe you have the advantage of me, sir” she said in Poatsi with a heavy, exotic Equestrian accent.
“What?” said Mustikka, stopped and glared suspiciously at the unicorn. She was wearing some kind of dress in almost black purple with blood red trimmings and some vague pattern, worn with age, and a little hat made of bird feathers. The dress had several slits which suspiciously left bare those parts a stallion's eyes might linger on, if stallions worked like bucks, that is.
“Well, you know who I am, but I don't know who you are, sir,” she said and gave a false smile. Mustikka hesitated.
“I'm Mustikka. I'm a companion of the King,” he said.
“Your name is 'Mustikka'? Ohohohohoho!” she laughed in a horrible annoying way, and saw fit to pretend to hide it between a bone white fan.
“What?” he said with irritation.
“I am sorry, but 'Blueberry', that is just like a pony name!” she said, half behind her fan to hide her mocking grin. “I am not used to reindeer having pony names.”
“Oh,” he said. “I thought you would say it was... erh, a vaja name. But that's neither here nor there! What are you doing here? Is this a place for a lady of the court?”
“Oh,” it was her turn to say, and he could see she was looking for a lie. “I am just... sampling the local specialties.” She turned to the fisher-deer, a young vaja, that Mustikka now realized had been watching them as she was picking kelp from the nets.
“Miss, I'll buy this one,” Lady Sparkle said as she magicked one of the boxes of freshly picked kelp over to her feet. “Please, tell me the price.”
The vaja just stared, then stammered an improvised price, and was rewarded with a casual rain of coin.
“But my lady,” the fisher-doe said as she picked up her pay, “do you really want the fish?”
When fishing for kelp with nets, you invariably snared a fair amount of small fish, inedible to reindeer and all other civilized beings. Some fisher-deer sold it as dog food or fertilizer; most fed it to the seagulls. It was always cleaned out before anyone bought kelp.
The unicorn looked at the few fishes poking out from the kelp, some of them still flopping.
“Oh yes!” she said. “I love fish!” She turned and smiled first at the fisher-doe, then at Mustikka.
“You eat fish?” said Mustikka incredulously.
“Of course!” said Lady Sparkle brightly and levitated one to her mouth. She then stopped and looked at it with what Mustikka immediately assumed was hungry glee, before plopping it into her mouth. She masticated noisily and grotesquely, obviously just to freak Mustikka out, because lots of the fish fell out of her mouth.
“Mmm!” she said and dabbed at her mouth with a fine silk handkerchief. “Yummy yummy nam nam!”
Mustikka stared in disbelief, disgust and a small bit of fear.
“You... eat fish often?” he asked cautiously.
“Ohohohoho!” she laughed again behind her fan, which Mustikka now could see was not only bone white but clearly actually made out of bone, with a rather unsettling pattern involving skulls and snakes and spiders.
“Only... when I... Can't. Get. Juicy. Bloody. Red. Meat!” she said, and with each full stop she took one full step until she was face to face with Mustikka, only her bone fan between them. “Care to... join me for dinner sometime, Sir Mustikka?” Her exotic accent could have been used to tar boats.
“Well – uh – I...” Mustikka said as he backed off and hence stepped into a kelp-net. Her face this close, he noticed her makeup, which made a horrid impression of equal parts witch and libertine. Her cheeks were rouged a deeper purple than her natural coat, and a thin line of similarly-colored lipstick marked her mouth. Her eyes were heavily shadowed and were painted far outside her eyelids and up to her brows, and he could see they made out two stylized bat wings. Her eyes shone purple in the middle of this darkness, accentuated by her almost fluorescent bright red mascara, turning her long eyelashes into thin curtains of fire. Her horn – which shimmered as well, with the magic that held her fan aloft, had also been painted – a thin line of green paint following the spiral horn, making up the body of a venomous adder, it's head on the horn's tip.
Mustikka shook his head to clear it when he was hit on the nose by the fan.
“Gah!” he said and put his hoof to it.
She looked at him with was clearly fake surprise, as if she hadn't meant that!
“Oh, I am so sorry!” she cried in mock concern, but Mustikka was sure he saw satisfaction on her face over his humiliation.
“Look, I have no time for this...” he began. She made an exaggerated pout.
“Too bad!” she said and fluttered those curtains of fire. “I love blueberries! Ohohohoho!” More fan fluttering as she turned away from him.
Mustikka fumed but couldn't help but remembering the outrageous rumors about the “appetites” of Skinfaxi's Shadow. One second later he remembered the even more outrageous rumors about her literal appetites, and grew rather cold inside, hardened veteran that he was. Was that lust or hunger in her mesmerizing eyes? Or maybe... both?
“I have no time for this!” he said again.
“Of course!” she said and turned back to him. “You are chasing Lord Eminence, a minor functionary of the Equestrian delegation.”
“What...” Mustikka said.
“Where, you mean, “ she admonished him. “Where did he go?”
Mustikka nodded.
“He took a boat,” she said. “He gave one of the fishing boats some silver to take him to the southern quay. They left a minute or two before you came storming out from the outfitter's.”
“The southern quay!” Mustikka started to visibly make calculations in his head.
“You can't run there in time, but you can probably take another boat,” Lady Sparkle said with a false smile.
Mustikka swore, referencing a long row of disgusting sexual and lavatory practices, and dashed off to get a boat. Twilight Sparkle smiled again at the flabbergasted fisher-doe, levitated the box of kelp (and fish) with her and disappeared in a blink.
As she appeared in Luna's suite, Twilight dumped the kelp and rushed into the bathroom to throw up and wash her mouth before she would report to Luna.
“Fish! Fish blood! Fish... guts!” she babbled. “I will never be clean again! And he must have seen through me! I couldn't even handle the fan, I hit his nose! Those cheesy lines, he cannot have believed they were real! The clothes I borrowed from you, Princess, must look ridiculous on me! And this silly makeup I got Saga to do, I must look like a little kid!”
“Calm down, Lady Sparkle,” said Luna. “I am sure it went well. Do you have the time, Spike?”
“Yep, she arrived at exactly ten forty-one!” said Spike.
“Good! Then you have at least ten minutes to relax and prepare for the next... 'scene',” Luna said. “And cheer up! Lord Eminence has to hurry more than you.”
It looked like this didn't cheer Twilight up much.
Mustikka alternately cursed the rowers or showed them his purse filled with more silver than they had ever seen at once, but you can only row so fast, at least without opposable thumbs. When he finally reached the southern quay, he tossed the rowers their pay and jumped ashore. A thorough scan revealed no gray unicorn, neither by sight nor scent, so he let his gaze shift downwards and started looking for tracks. Despite the hard cobblestones, his long experience as a pathfinder, enhanced by his own peculiar Sight, let him find a set of odd-toed hoofmarks trotting into the city. He didn't have to follow them far to spot a commotion ahead. A small gaggle of reindeer and a few donkeys surrounded a Russ shopkeeper, who was talking and gesturing excitedly. Next to him stood a familiar purple unicorn, a few paces away from the upset citizens, who gave her furtive glances. Mustikka walked up to them.
"What's going on here?" he barked. Everyone turned to look at him.
"I have been robbed!" said the Russ. "Where's the guard!?"
"We have called for them," said one of the donkeys, a longshoremane by the look of it. "We sent a fawn to get them here."
"What was stolen?" said Mustikka and looked at Lady Twilight Sparkle, who fanned herself and curtseyed.
"A two-gallon jar of vermillion oil! That thing is very valuable!" fretted the shopkeeper.
"It is also very dangerous," said Lady Sparkle. "It burns very hot." She looked at Mustikka, who ignored her for now.
"When did you realize it had been stolen?" Mustikka said.
"Just now!" said the shopkeeper. "This... lady here wanted to buy some, and when I went to get it, I saw a whole, unopened jar was missing." Mustikka turned to Lady Sparkle.
"What do you want with vermillion oil?" he said accusingly. The unicorn Jezebel fanned herself and smirked.
"Dearest Sir Mustikka, I do have a dragon familiar, as you know," she said as if talking to a child. "It is very good for their digestion, and the poor dear has been eating all kinds of strange things here in Tarandroland."
"So it wasn't because you think I wouldn't have noticed this theft by myself?" he said, which caused the surrounding people to look at him with confusion.
"Ohohohoho" Lady Sparkle laughed mockingly. "Me? I am just a hoofmaiden, I don't know what you are talking about. I'm just a silly little filly who has no idea what is going on in a foreign city like this! I am immensely innocent and naive when it comes to ghastly things like crime!" She gave him an insincere smile with half-open mouth and fluttered her curtains of fire.
Mustikka swore in a way that caused the tough harbor workers around him to blush.
"Has a gray unicorn entered your store?" he asked the shopkeeper.
"No... I have never even seen a gray unicorn in my whole life!" said the Russ. "Just the usual customers... this is really a paint shop, I just carry some chemicals as well... ship's officials, carpenters... all reindeer."
Mustikka facehoofed.
"Of course! Ponies are freezing Sightless!" he moaned. "He could walk right past you! Show me where you kept the oil!"
"Excuse me, but who are you?" said the Russ.
"I'm Mustikka the Tracker, a Companion of the King!" said Mustikka. "Now answer my questions, and we can find the thief!"
It slowly dawned on the gathered citizens who he was, and some of them made a quick bow.
"You are not known by face, I take it, Sir Mustikka?" the unicorn witch said.
"I hate the press" said Mustikka. "Freezing nuisance."
"You sound like the Crown Prince," said Lady Sparkle.
"You know Vigg like that?" he said with suspicion.
She stopped to fan herself unnecessarily again.
"His Highness seems fond of my dragon," she said.
"You stay away from the kid, you hear?" he said and glared at her.
"Are you keeping watch over him?" she said.
He stopped.
"Should I?" he said.
"When was the last time you spent some time with the heir to realm?" she asked, surprisingly serious.
"Well, he used to hang around his grampa and us all the time, and then... but..." Mustikka trailed off. "Ukko... hasn't been himself."
He noticed the crowd looking at him.
"Never mind this babbling!" he shouted. "Show me your storeroom!"
After being taken there, he could find some faint tracks on the wooden floor - uncloven hoofs.
"This doesn't prove it was him, but I'll cut off my tail and make it a brush if it wasn't," he mumbled.
"I saw a guy like that, sir," said one reindeer. "A bit away, not long ago, down by the harbor, sir."
"Figures," said Mustikka. "If I can just get the others to be a bit efficient for once, and get around to grab him, finally!"
"What?" said the Russ.
"Look, I suspect the thief is a known felon. I'll talk to the guards and I will inform you later. If nothing else happens the King himself will reimburse you for the loss," Mustikka said to him.
"If you say so, sir," said the confused Russ.
"Can I still buy some oil from this gentlecolt, Sir Mustikka?" said Lady Sparkle. "Since he seems to have more than one jar?"
Mustikka hesitated, and noticed that the minx had a look that said "I dare you!"'
"Why not?" he said. She smiled and paid the shopkeeper, while Mustikka had a long talk with the lately arrived city guards.
"I poured the oil down a drain, and then I smashed the jar and threw it in the shop's rubbish bin" said a very tired Lord Eminence. "Which was full of glass already. Then I poured the ocher over me, put on a hood to hide my horn... and didn't use invisibility, so while reindeer saw a red earthpony walk through town openly without any load, they didn't see a gray unicorn trying to be invisible carrying a big jar."
"Good enough," said Luna. "Reindeer clairvoyance normally doesn't work if you aren't even looking mundanely in the first place. And you got your oil, Lady Sparkle?"
Twilight nodded.
“I just feel sorry for the shopkeeper – I hope he doesn't get in trouble because of this,” she said. “At least I tipped him so much it paid for the other jar as well.”
"Nonsense!" Luna said. "He had his merchandise stolen by a criminal, he has done nothing wrong. And Mustikka won't suspect someone who openly asks to get something right in front of him, if the oil becomes an issue."
"Wow, I never thought I'd get to drink a whole bottle," said Spike and licked his mouth.
"It is more a sacrifice than a treat, Master Spike," said Luna. "I suspect you will get somewhat of a belly ache. We need just a little of the oil, but we better use all of it."
"I guess hiding evidence is easy when you have someone eating it," Lord Eminence mumbled.
"Well, it isn't really evidence," said Twilight. "And I'm still wary of this whole business. I can't believe that Sir Mustikka didn't see through my charade."
"It might help," said Lord Eminence, "that our files say Sir Mustikka is excellent at handling information - and, incidentally, logistics - but apparently is rather bad at handling people. He was a herdless wanderer before he joined up with Ukko and his cronies."
"He was herdless – I should have known from the way his ears were cut,” Twilight mumbled.
"You did very well, Lady Sparkle," said Luna. "Your lies will succeed because they will be comfortable lies, that support people's prejudices."
"If you say so, Your Highness," Twilight sighed. "I'm going to remove this horrible makeup before I go down to some alchemical work."
"Don't be like that," said Luna, "I found it very charming!"
"Saga isn't here, who will put it on tomorrow?" Spike asked.
Twilight shrugged.
"I have enough actual hoofmaiden experience to duplicate her designs," she said. "Where is she anyway?"
Spike looked a bit warily at Lord Eminence.
"She... is on a field trip" he said cautiously. "She should be back tomorrow, or maybe the day after tomorrow."
"Oh," Twilight said. "Well, I wish more kids were as interested in studying." And she left for the bathroom.
“How did she get the fawn to help her anyway?” said Lord Eminence. “She won't suspect anything?”
“The kid hero-worships Lady Sparkle and literally worships me,” said Luna. “I told her that it would be advantageous to my cause if certain reindeer at court took the rumors around Lady Sparkle seriously, and requested some fashion advice. That is not even a lie, mind you.” Spike changed warily to uncomfortably.
Lord Eminence shrugged.
"Your Highness, may I be allowed some rest?" he said. "I am getting killed tomorrow, and that is a stressful situation."
"Not until you have written enough incriminating documents," Luna said.
"Do they have to be in code, Your Highness?" he said.
"No one will believe you would leave such things in plain writing, Lord Eminence," Luna said. "But make the code easily crackable. That will ensure they can actually read the documents, and will make the cracker think he is intelligent and you are not. That is one of those comfortable lies I was talking about."
"I'll get to work, Your Highness," said Lord Eminence and sighed.
"You sure they won't have seen anything through that scrying thingamajig?" said Spike.
"Well, I have strengthened Twilight's design for this room," said Luna. "It doesn't hide anything, it disturbs your mind, so Sight cannot penetrate it alone. I'm afraid it wouldn't work like Lord Eminence's spell, because a moving living being has too many parameters, and it won't stop someone who is really dedicated to observe you. However, first of all the King's companions are concentrating on Lord Eminence. Second, Master Galderhorn apparently dislikes scrying, so he will minimize his work. Third, the King drags away his Companions each night for his incessant drinking. One or two can get away each night, but the rest are always hungover. Reindeer sight is dependent on your body and mind being in full condition, and if Galderhorn doesn't want to open his eyes because they hurt, he won't scry either."
"You seem awfully sure," Spike said.
"After tomorrow evening, I am sure they will turn all attention to us - or rather, to Twilight," Luna said. "But for now, they should have a hard time realizing what is up."
"After tomorrow evening, yeah," said Spike.
In this chapter, as in the last, LadyMoondancer helped me with proofreading. I'm eternally grateful!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 25 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-07T00:04:18+00:00
|
2012-01-07T00:04:18+00:00
| 4,956 |
The only reason the evening's banquet was worthy of that name and not "fancy dinner" was because it took place in the hall of the Kings of Poatsula. While the honored guests from Hestaland had been invited - as any other night - Princess Hrimfaxi was missing, having gone to see the Russ of Trotholm and raise support for her Winter War campaign. Mustikka didn't know what to make of it. Was it the Hestalanders trying to play the Grazers against the coast dwellers, or did they and the Grazers have a point.
Mustikka was a Grazer himself, technically (he certainly had done his share of grazing) and furthermore Jarl Vidar argued for them. Mustikka, who still thought of the middle-aged chieftain as "young Vidar", liked the guy well enough. He didn't like Hestalanders very much, he even held a deep and abiding suspicion of the Russ, but he acknowledged that the stupid business with them would never have occurred if it hadn't been for Ukko's attempts to bring back tribal responsibilities to city reindeer. Mustikka couldn't blame his oldest friend, the one who first had shown him what friendship was, and he was patriot enough to not blame the reindeer people. Hence, he somehow blamed himself, which was an excellent reason to drink.
He was on his fourth jug of vodka and the third course, a lichen soup made edible by generous amount of mushrooms, when it happened. One of the large windows of mountain crystal and carved fir branches splintered into a million parts. A dark shape flew through it and landed on the floor and alongside the guest side of the table. To the Hestalander guests and the local equines, he must surely have looked like a black-furred reindeer. To the hosts, he was clearly a gray-coated unicorn. Of course, those reindeer who had started drinking before the banquet and who were now completely wasted might not notice.
"Death to the tyrant!" he shouted in highly accented and hence unrealistic Poatsi for a native reindeer. Mustikka, whose intellect was desperately trying to dropkick his drunkenness into submission, realized that the illusion he was Seeing through must cover hearing as well, and that if you were equine or drunk enough, it probably was flawless.
Some people screamed, some were stunned into silence, some tried to rise and either get to the intruder or away from him, some sat in their places as if tied to them. The "reindeer" pushed over two shrieking unicorn guests and jumped to the table, facing a stunned crowd of reindeer courtiers. Following tradition, all except the Companions had left their weapons by the door, indeed, the King and his Companions left theirs under their seats these days, but the other did have their hooves and antlers. Of course, using them was a different matter. Then, the assailant plucked a huge, ghastly green-glowing glass object from his saddlebags. It looked like a demented cabbage head from hell. A horrified courtier with his senses intact shouted:
"LOOK OUT! HE'S GOT A BOMB!"
This caused almost everyone, cervine and equine alike, to push away from the table and the shrieking to increase. Mustikka scrambled to get to Ukko and pull the fool out of the way, or at least get between him and the yet unthrown hellcabbage. Then another, more hysterical unicorn voice shouted:
"IT'S A BALEFIRE BOMB! OH MY CELESTIA, A BALEFIRE BOMB!"
The shout increased the hysteria a bit, especially on the Hestalander side. Mustikka, unlike some of his countrydeer, knew what a balefire bomb was and was a very rational deer. He knew that if they had been perfected outside sorcerers' labs, they were supposedly made to take out cities, not kings. His survival instincts, however, told him to hurry even if this obviously couldn’t be one.
He could see his friends acting the same, yet hampered by vodka, shock, the guests, their advanced age or the table. Heikki the Humongous was as usual too drunk to actually move much, but what movement he could muster had placed his huge body between the bomb and the reindeer he had shared his table with. Kol the Singer, on the opposite, was fairly sober, but he was methodically preparing his lariat, and Mustikka knew he wouldn't throw it until he knew the shot was perfect. Galderhorn was obviously trying to magick something up, but if Mustikka knew him right this was just the situation where the sorcerer would freeze up. And Ukko...
Ukko had started to react, by pulling out that stupid rune-carved spear of his, the heirloom of the Kings of Poatsula, the very very fake but perfectly functional heirloom. Mustikka screamed for him to get away instead of attacking the fake reindeer, but Ukko either didn’t hear him or didn’t care. He got the spear out and muttered incantations between his teeth as he bit into it. Mustikka couldn't hear them but knew he was going to call on lightning, the old fool, as if he could aim for manure in his drunken state. Mustikka shut his eyes and scrambled on through the crowd using his other senses, waiting for the lightning flash.
Nothing happened. Mustikka, now close enough to Ukko to reach for his besotted friend, opened his eyes carefully. He found Ukko staring at a tacky spear with a brittle shaft and a blunt blade, without a single spell-rune but with the words MEMORY FROM SARVVIK clearly spelled out in Equestrian.
“What;” said Ukko, his words almost overwehlmed the shouting and screaming.
“Oh, frozen manure up my nose!” Mustikka snarled.
He grappled his King and tried to drag him away from the mad bomber. This was not an easy task since Ukko struggled against him and protested incoherently but vehemently. Then the screams of the crowd changed and he looked up at the assailant again. The “reindeer” had pulled something out from his saddlebags, the bomb now hanging from a big hook on a necklace. It was the genuine spear, and it started to crackle with lightning.
“Oh, frozen manure up a lot of places!” Mustikka babbled.
The guards who had gotten close backed off a bit, since the lightning spear seemed like it didn't need to be aimed. Kol had got his lariat up and swinging, but hesitated and Mustikka knew why – he used a lariat with a metal wire core, necessary for fighting big beasts and gnarlies, and he would electrocute himself if he tried to snare the bomber.
How can he be swinging the spear like that when he is carrying a bomb? Mustikka thought. His rump hit the back wall, which made him realize he and Ukko were still far too close to said bomb. Because he is using a bomb that would not be set off by fire or lightning, he told himself.
“STAND BACK!” a loud, clear voice boomed from further down the table. As the guards and concerned courtiers who had advanced on the attacker did so, Mustikka looked to see who it was although he already guessed.
He wasn't wrong. Bold as brass, up on the table, Twilight Sparkle trotted almost leisurely towards the gray unicorn, her horn shimmering with magic.
“FOOL!” she shouted. “How could you think none of them would see through – this!”
A wave of magic came from her horn and Mustikka felt his eyes water as it washed over him, a wave of pure clarity, of cold doubt. The shabby illusion over the unicorn melted away as sugar in hot coffee and the Hestalander guests gasped and shouted, astonished at the appearance of Lord Eminence.
“No!” the gray unicorn shouted back. “You are ruining everything! It was going so well!” His voice sounded odd, almost stilted, to Mustikka, but his face looked frantic.
“Well?” Twilight Sparkle stopped. “Ohohohoho! You silly old coot, your trickery has no effect on reindeer! They were already on to you!”
“I did what I had to do!” he shouted and lobbed a lightning bolt at Twilight Sparkled, who casually dismissed it.
“Had to?” she said as she started to walk closer to him, keeping a magic shield up against the spear which spit acid and embers as well as lightning, as she kept lobbing cups and plates and bowls at him telekinetically which he smashed aside with his magic. “You had to start a war with some poor barbarians? Surely you had other options? Besides this poorly prepared scheme?”
She angled the magic shield this way and that, and used the barrier to push away and bash aside the people too close to the table – and, incidentally, Mustikka noticed, the missiles thrown by Lord Eminence – as she continued her walk.
“Did you really think this messy, tacky, immoral scheme would raise you in Their favor?” she said angrily. “Do you really think you could replace me?”
Of course! Mustikka mentally hit himself for not realizing it. This attack is the sort of thing they say she is doing all the time... except without her legendary skill and power...
“Don't get closer!” the gray unicorn shouted. “I have a bomb!”
“A bomb? Ohohohoho, just what could be expected!” she laughed and sent a magic tendril which grasped at the hellcabbage hanging at his chest, while same time her shield bent, buckled and inverted so it became like a shimmering bowl with its bottom towards her. “A bomb fits the work of a talentless hack like you, Lord Eminence!”
“No!” he shouted, his own magic grappling the bomb and dropping the spear. “You won't take it! I'll detonate it!”
“I'm not taking it, silly colt, just the fuse!” she said to the much older unicorn, as her magic grappled a short stem-like thing that poked out from the top of the bomb. “And you won't have to.” The stem-like thing was ripped off the glass cabbage and Lord Eminence's face contorted in the most pure horror Mustikka thought he had ever seen.
The next part happened so fast it was almost a blur, but it burned itself into Mustikka’s memory anyway. Twilight Sparkle pushed her shield forward and enveloped Lord Eminence and the bomb in a sphere of magic, containing a cloud of ghastly green fire from the erupting bomb. Before his eyes the gray unicorn had almost time to scream as the fire leaped over him and turned him to fine, fine ash. Mustikka could see the shield shimmering with the intense heat, and then it was over. Twilight Sparkle, her face streaked with sweat that had made her generous makeup run, dissolved the shield. The ash left billowed over the table and the floor. Some of it settled on the noses of Ukko and Mustikka.
Mustikka slowly let his stunned friend go, lowering him to the floor. He noticed half outside his field of vision how Kol threw up noisily and Galderhorn fainted. People were otherwise silent, except for Princess Ljufa, who disentangled herself from where she had been thrown to safety – by Kol, Mustikka realized – and rushed to her father.
Twilight Sparkle trotted up to Ukko, lying on the floor, draped in his weeping and babbling daughter, and tossed a bunch of crumbled-up papers at his feet.
“He was working with a pirate captain called Jarl Ahto to dethrone you, Your Majesty,” she said. “Seems you got the throne instead of Ahto's father. Oh, and Ahto was the deer you fired from his position as admiral.” She looked at Mustikka but continued talking to the king.
“Your companions were on to him, but he acted faster than they could act,” she said. “I get the impression you don't listen to them much, Your Majesty. You probably should. On the other hand, I tried to give some hints, but...”
Kol picked up the papers as he wiped puke from his muzzle. “What is this... They're all in code,” he said.
“Found them where he hid them,” said Twilight Sparkle, who was fanning herself.
Heikko was clumsily patting Galderhorn while a serving fawn was holding a burning taper under his nose. “He burned to cinders!” the old berserk noted. “Looking at that can't have been pretty!”
Mustikka looked at Kol. Kol looked back and sighed.
“Yeah, I saw it too,” he said. “I know you see falsehood everywhere, Musti old chum, but he really burned.” Then he turned to the unicorn witch, who looked curious, and made a courteous bow. “I See what others See. Poor old Galderhorn really cares about every living thing, even scum like that unicorn. Took it hard.”
Ukko mumbled something and patted his daughter. “'S okay” he said. “Father is okay.”
“Could have been a witch-jump,” said Mustikka.
“What do you mean?” said Kol.
“He could have witch-jumped out,” Mustikka said. “This could be a trick.”
“Why would they do that?” said Kol, somewhat exasperated. “That doesn’t make sense!”
“I just don’t trust her,” he said and glared at Twilight.
“It wasn't a witchjump,” said Galderhorn who rose, supported by Heikko. “Trust me. You do trust me, don’t you? Companions trust each other.” His voice sounded pitiful.
Mustikka didn't know whether the stoic old sorcerer was talking to him, Ukko or both. It didn't matter. “Companions trust each other,” he said.
“I am ready to be taken into custody. Which of you gentlebucks are responsible for such things?” Lady Sparkle said, and sort of put her front hooves together as if to make a theoretical shackling easier.
“What?” said Kol, Mustikka and Galderhorn in a chorus. Ljufa just looked at her while her father breathed heavily. Heikko, meanwhile, scratched himself and asked the servant fawn whether there was any unspilled ale in this whole mess.
“I have just committed lethal violence in the hall of the king and made it impossible to properly interrogate a would-be regicide,” she pointed out.
The companions looked among themselves. Mustikka started to speak, turning to one of the guards who had gathered and began ordering him to take Lady Sparkle to the dungeons. That made Ukko explode.
“To the dungeons?! “ the king raged. “Are you complete idiots or allied with Ahto or what? She saved my life and your lives and you want to lock her up in chains?!”
“Sire...” Kol was always one for propriety, “she is obviously an Equestrian agent just like your would-be assassin. And she herself told us what crimes she committed.” He looked at Mustikka who nodded in general agreement.
Suddenly Ljufa spoke up, to the general surprise of the Companions. “They are all Equestrians, and not one of them helped him,” she said and pointed to the huddling diplomats.
“No, they all sort of ducked and cowered and screamed, like this,” said Heikko (who had got his ale) and gave a demonstration, including a high-pitched doeish scream.
“You are not locking up the one who saved me and that's final!” Ukko fumed.
“Hey, I tried to drag you away!” Mustikka protested.
“The King of Poatsula does not flee!” said Ukko.
“It wasn't fleeing, it was a strategic retreat!” said Mustikka.
“A strategic retreat into a wall!” said Ukko.
“Just like old times!” Heikko sighed happily.
Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat. This small sound made the King and his Tracker stop.
“Excuse me, Your Highness, am I to be detained or not?” she said and fluttered her eyelashes, her mascara having melted so she looked like a skull which had cried blood.
“No!” the King said. “Of course not!” Mustikka gave him a beseeching look.. “But don't leave the city,” he added.
“Of course not, Your Majesty,” she said with a curtsey. “May I contact my Mistress?” she added.
“Who? What?” said the King.
“May I contact Princess Luna? After all,” the unicorn said and smiled forlornly as she fanned herself, “I have just been in dreadful danger!”
“Well... sure,” the King said and shrugged.
The unicorn stepped aside and shouted: “To our mistress! FLY, MY PRETTIES!” Her hat – her hat made of feathers, which she had worn as part of her dinner outfit – suddenly dissolved into small brown, cawing birds who fluttered away and flew out the broken window.
“Jays,” Mustikka said. “The birds of ill omen. Figures!”
“Do you feel better, Lord Eminence?” said Princess Celestia as she entered the small, dark chamber.
“So... cold,” Lord Eminence muttered where he lay on his cot.
“Not an unusual sensation given your circumstances,” said the Princess not unsympathetically and sat down beside the cot.
“She set me on fire,” he whispered.
“That was what I meant,” Celestia said. “When one has been burned to ashes, there is a sensation of cold afterward. It passes, trust me.”
“They said... they said they would teleport me away,” he said. “Under the cover of the fire-bomb.”
“Well, they did,” said Celestia and smiled. “They just teleported you using enchanted dragonfire. This method does not send you between space like regular teleportation, but disintegrates you into your component particles and rebuilds you afterward. The bomb provided the cover as well as the transport. Quite ingenious, wouldn’'t you say? Now there are a hundred reliable witnesses that you are dead, including the greatest mages in Tarandroland and all its political leaders.”
“But... they didn't explain that!” said the unicorn weakly.
“It must have slipped my sister's mind,” said Celestia. “Perk up, Lord Eminence: you are not the only one who had to suffer. Poor Spike, he had to first down a massive amount of vermillion oil and then expectorate fire down a retort for half a day to fuel the bomb. That must have been uncomfortable, don't you think?”
Lord Eminence was silent for a while.
“What happens to me now?” he finally said.
“Well, officially, you are dead,” Celestia said. “Have to be. We'll provide you with a new life with all things you need. It will, of course, mean giving up your current job, title, name...”
Lord Eminence groaned.
“...and cutiemark,” Celestia finished.
The gray unicorn sat up.
“Say what?” he said.
“We'll have to remove your cutiemark, Lord Eminence,” Celestia said, her voice taking on a cold, deeply serious tone.
“But... why?” he said desperately.
“First, it is the primary way to identify a pony,” she said. “Most importantly, it determines a pony’s talent and purpose. Your talent and purpose, Lord Eminence, is such that your former position was one of the few things you could do that was of service to other ponies. If you were not a spy, the only profession I can see fit you is sneak thief.”
Lord Eminence stared at the wall, his eyes full of despair.
“But if you can come up, not with a new purpose, but with a new direction for your purpose, one that neither involves my secret service nor petty crime, something can be arranged,” she said. “There is always a new way,” she added and her voice suddenly became warm yet regal again.
“I will consider my options, Your Highness,” Lord Eminence said, his despair lifting somewhat. “I will consider my options.”
When Luna entered her suite, Twilight was lying on her bed - that is, Luna's bed - with Spike giving her a massage. She had a soft bathrobe on and had apparently recently had a shower. Gone were her sweat, her extensive makeup and her seemingly casual determination. Her mane hung around her head, and her head hung over her front hooves.
"Your Highness," she said with a dull voice.
"Lady Sparkle," Luna replied with a smile. "I have been told you made a great impression."
"I couldn't be there, you know, but I understood Twilight was amazing, yes, " said Spike, who looked much more positive than the unicorn although he was subdued as well.
Twilight sighed.
"I feel horrible," she said. "I don't know what was worse, concentrating on making each spell just right while keeping up that silly charade, lying through my teeth about saving them from something I had a hoof in making, or literally burning Lord Eminence to pieces."
"Twilight!" said Spike and stopped his massaging. "If you hadn't found out about that idiot's plan, he would have set a real bomb under Ukko's seat!"
"Yeah, Spike, but..." Twilight was interrupted.
"And I don't give a fig about that old tuft of hair, Eminence was right that everyone is better without him, but there would have been lots of reindeer and ponies sitting close to him!" Spike continued. "Including my new best friend's mom!"
Twilight sighed and looked down.
"As far as I'm concerned he deserved being burned and having Celestia chew him out!" Spike said. "I hope she banishes him to outer space!"
"He is certain to get more than a chewing-out," said Luna, "but I leave any punishments to Tia. I have never been good at punishments."
Twilight looked up.
"I have a very hard time being just, Lady Sparkle," Luna said. "If I am called to sit in judgement, I either pity the poor culprit, or he vexes me. In the first case I am too lenient, in the second case I am to harsh, and in either case he doesn't get what he actually deserves."
"I don't think I would have an easy time being just either," said Twilight Sparkle. " Like with Lord Eminence - first I hated the poor guy but now I feel sorry for him."
Spike started over again massaging her shoulder.
"But in any case, Your Highness, we are treading on thin ice here," she continued. "I don't really see how this will be easier if they think I am this farcical creature who wishes them ill."
Luna smiled sardonically.
"Remember what I said about lies which are easy to believe in, Lady Sparkle," she said. "People in general and reindeer in particular are very cynical. Cynicists pride themselves in not being fooled, but when the lie is worse than reality they are more easily taken in. Furthermore, many seem to think that Evil is stronger than Good, or at least that Evil acts, while Good only reacts. Hence they will trust the fake you to get things done when you say you will, while they wouldn’t trust you. Finally, the Dark Enchantress Twilight Sparkle already has clear nefarious motives for what she is doing, like her status with Celestia, her own power and dignity. If you acted as your true self they would suspect that you act for the 'empire' of Equestria or that you have some other unknown motive which would make them wary."
Luna chuckled. "We should have had all the Elements of Harmony here," she joked and nuzzled the morose Twilight. "Some of them would have had a blast."
Twilight actually smiled, then giggled.
"Well, Pinkie, maybe, she would take it as a prank," she said. "And Rarity if she got to be a stylish villainess. But Applejack would be horrified, since if this isn't lying I don't know what is."
"I dunno, she didn’t have a problem fooling her best friend when you guys did that Mare Do Well stunt, you know," said Spike. "Speaking of which, Rainbow Dash would be really happy to get to actually be in on a prank like that this time. She would think it was 'awesome'."
"Well, I'll have to do without the rest of my supervillain team," Twilight said, then sighed. "I miss them. There is such a strength in friends when you’re in dire straits. I don't know how I ever got along without them."
Luna nuzzled her again.
"Well, no matter what I think of it, now that we are doing it, we have to do it right," Twilight said, raising her head and stretching her neck. "We’ve got to think of the home front now, because this will definitely reach the media at home, and we’ve got to set our priorities accordingly."
"You mean ponies will think less of you, because of this scheme?" said Luna.
"Well, there is that, but I was actually thinking of something else," said Twilight. "We have to keep the fact that Lord Eminence is still alive secret in Equestria as well as here, given that the media will report his death and how it occured. That means that to the public it’ll look like I killed, lets call it a 'lone fanatic assassin', to stop him from murdering a foreign king. I feel bad enough about that, but I actually feel worse about those ponies who would actually agree with Lord Eminence, that would think it is alright to assassinate a ruler and start a civil war in another country to stop the pirates. So... now we have to succeed in our original mission. We have to stop the pirates and do it soon, so that these ponies are proven wrong."
Twilight looked at Luna.
"I know about the Winter War, but I also know it’ll take time to get rolling, and that any work on stopping the piracy will only strengthen the bonds between Equestria and Tarandroland," she said, her eyes meeting those of her Princess and faltering a bit. “From now on I insist on spending all my time - as much time as is possible - what time you seem fit - on this issue." Her face had turned very anxious.
Luna looked down, then up, then into thin air, then at Twilight.
"You have all the time you need, except that needed to report to me on your progress, Lady Sparkle," she finally said. "Pray tell me, do you have any concrete plans in mind?"
Twilight shut her eyes and sighed.
"Using what information we have from Lord Eminence, I plan to contact the pirates,” she said. “Then I will pretend to cut a deal with them and in doing that find out where they have their bases. After that, we gather a joint force of whatever royal guards can be sent from Equestria and whatever reindeer respond to a call to arms from King Ukko. We then use that force to attack and apprehend the pirates. Both getting troops from home and getting Ukko to issue that call are things that must be done anyway because of the Winter War, mind you. Then I guess any pirate who agrees to join against Winter can be offered an amnesty for whatever they did. That way we can as much as double our army, recruiting reindeer who spent the last year doing... violent things."
Luna looked thoughtfully at Twilight and Spike frowned.
"Then, when this Winter business is over, Tarandroland will be less poor, and will hopefully have stronger bonds with Equestria, so that piracy will have a hard time springing up again," Twilight finished.
"Twilight, that sounds like a plan," said Spike. "Except that unless the pirates are really gullible, they won't believe that the pony who killed their last contact wants to be their friend."
"Oh yeah, Spike," Twilight said and slowly a mischievous smile spread over her lips, "but remember that the normal pirates only wanted to milk Lord Eminence for cash. The one who conspired with him was Lord Ahto, and he seems to be, if not gullible, a hopeless romantic. Romantics tend to believe that real life works like a story. If what Luna said earlier is true, it shouldn't be that hard to convince a pirate lord who fancies himself a prince in exile who thinks life works like a story that an evil sorceress wants to work with him for her own, er, nefarious purposes."
And then Twilight cleared her throat and magicked her bone fan over from the bedside table, and, fanning herself, laughed a stilted, forced laugh: "Ohohohoho!"
Argh, I forgot; I had help in editing again, by LadyMoondancer.and Wheelwright! Thanks a lot.
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 26 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-12T21:23:25+00:00
|
2012-01-12T21:23:25+00:00
| 4,917 |
Two days earlier, in the evening, at the temple of Hrimfaxi...
Kvalhissir was using stakes and rocks to stabilize the new moon lake behind the temple. He wasn't certain winter was the best time of the year to do this, and he had never created a lake in this kind of earth before, but he was doing the best of the situation. Really, he'd better do this before he cleared the ground around it for planting in the spring, and he'd better do something about the riverside, and... He sighed.
Normally, moose preferred to work during the times between night and day, dawn and dusk. However, in this case, he wished it would have been possible to work in day when he saw things better and it was warmer. As it was now, curious small ones – reindeer, he reminded himself – had disturbed him so much that he had exchanged night for day, and did much of his work during the night.
He had first rearranged some of the old, cracked and skewed pews in the temple into a bed and slept there, but it became too noisy. Instead, he built a hut outside of some tarpaulins and old planks, put a pew-bed in it and slept there. Eira simply blocked the way out back for curious temple-goers during the day, giving him some peace.
Kvalhissir was thankful to the old cow for helping him, though he suspected she was beating herself up for not being able to profit more from his presence. He knew many of the recent temple-goers mostly only turned up because of curiosity, and Eira wouldn't be able to coax donations and the like from them unless they were satisfied. He sighed again and rested on the stake he was using. He'd probably have to show himself some more tomorrow.
Kvalhissir was interrupted from his musings by a small bright voice calling his name. He turned around and saw the two calves he had saved earlier. He kept calling them Sootface and Silverlink to himself, although he knew their real names. Kvalhissir was surprised when one of them spoke to him in his own language – or rather, in the old-fashioned, high-pitched version of it both the small ones and the goddess Daggmule spoke to moose.
“Good evening, sir,” said Silverlink. “Can we speak to you for a moment?”
Kvalhissir rumbled his agreement. “Surely. But since when can you speak my tongue?”
Silverlink grinned and blushed. “Since today. It's magic – literally. It's a long story.”
“Strange,” Kvalhissir said and shrugged. “But convenient. What do you want, little one?”
Sootface asked something and Silverlink explained to her what Kvalhissir had said.
“We wonder what you and other moose might know about the Sampo,” he said.
Kvalhissir rubbed his nose along his stake to scratch himself and think.
“Not much,” he said. “It's a wonder-mill from an old story. We moose call it the Grotte. Heroes tried to get it from a reindeer king. They all died.”
Sootface poked Silverlink and he translated. She looked and sounded rather disappointed.
“Saga,” Silverlink said and pointed to Sootface, “had a vision – a prophetic vision – that the Sampo can save Poatsula. I believe her, and we are trying to find it.”
Sootface made puppy-eyes to Kvalhissir and said something with a begging tone in her voice.
“She says pretty please if you know anydeer else who can help us,” Silverlink said. “It is really really important.”
Kvalhissir looked at the little calf who in turn looked at him pleadingly.
“I don't know,” he said. “I know several moose who might know something. I do know a wise old cow who might know much. But I don't know if they will consent to speak to you.”
“Why not?” said Silverlink.
Kvalhissir rolled his eyes and snorted.
“Well, moose don't hide our large selves in the forest for fun,” he said. “Reindeer are in the habit of attacking us or running screaming on sight. Once, we didn't need to hide. Then the reindeer became stronger and more numerous. Now, we hide or get killed and made into trophies.”
Silverlink translated for Sootface, who waved her front hooves agitatedly and spoke extensively about something. Silverlink spoke back, but Sootface shook her head. He asked for a qualification, and she spoke a single sentence, with great seriousness.
“She says,” said Silverlink, “that it doesn't have to be that way. She says it soon won't be like that in the future – if we can find the Sampo.”
Kvalhissir looked at them. He rubbed his schnozzle against his stake again.
“It would be dangerous for you,” he said, after a long rub. “They will never come here.”
“We can handle it,” said Silverlink. “Will it be a long journey?”
Kvalhissir shook his big shaggy head.
“No,” he said. “I take it this is an urgent matter?”
Silverlink translated and both the calves nodded.
“Let me think,” he said.
Kvalhissir put down the stake. He trotted over to his hut, got out his pipe, and lit it on an ember from the fireplace in front of the hut. He sat down and puffed. The two calves sat down in front of him, and waited. They stirred, fidgeted and sometimes looked everywhere but at Kvalhissir, but they did not speak up.
“I can leave tomorrow morning,” he said. “I will search out some moose I know. I will let it be known you wish to meet them. I will tell you where to wait. I will meet you there no matter whether they agree to meet you or not. If I am not there, you wait until I arrive.”
“Can't we go with you right away?” Silverlink said.
Kvalhissir shook his head again. “No,” he said. “Where I go is a secret. That I show you the meeting place is bad enough. Start tomorrow evening. We will meet during the day after that. Exactly when I cannot say now.”
He rose up and started to draw in the frozen slush.
“You know this mountain ridge?” he said. “No? Here, the brook meets the road. Here, the willow grows. You know now?”
Silverlink nodded. “I think so.”
“At the end of the mountain ridge,” Kvalhissir said as he continued to draw, “is a small plateau. Here is a gathering place. In a small cave that looks natural. Yes, this close to the reindeer city. That doesn't mean we live there.”
“Long are the legs of the moose,” said Silverlink mockingly. “I think I know now. I think I will remember.”
“You'd better,” said Kvalhissir and bit into his pipe again. “I don't want to have to go looking for you. If you get lost.”
When he came into the temple the next afternoon, Vigg found Saga in the sanctum sanctorum, also known as “the kitchen”, “Eira's bedroom” or “the TV room”. She was cleaning the table and kitchen sink and waved to Vigg, her mouth full of things to be put away.
“Are you packed?” said Vigg, who was.
Saga nodded and pointed to her left. Her saddlebags and her jacket were lying on a chair. Her skis were leaning against the wall. Then she continued putting away things, after which she started to sweep the table and scrub the sink.
“Can you guess who was here?” said Saga, her mouth finally empty. She looked bouncy and full of energy, her eyes bright, and there was something with her face...
“The way you look, it was either Princess Hrimfaxi, Twilight Sparkle, or some idol of yours I don't know about,” Vigg said, a bit amused.
“The first and second!” Saga squeaked happily. “They had an errand here, and can you guess what they asked me to do?”
“Erh... no,” Vigg said. “Something with the temple? I dunno, hold a sermon, travel to Hestaland for further education, be the first sacrifice in the new Moonwell...”
Saga snorted.
“I've given Mistress Sparkle a makeover!” she said proudly.
“You did what with the who?” said Vigg, dumbfounded. “Why?”
“Our Lady of the Moon said that Mistress Sparkle needed it for some work at court,” Saga said. “A new look, I mean. Isn't it awesome they asked me?”
“It's a bit weird,” said Vigg. “My mothers' hoofmaidens... actually I don't know how they do that stuff.”
“I bet they help each other or go to some fancy salon, but now I got to help instead!” said Saga happily.
“I see you made yourself over as well,” said Vigg and indicated her new makeup and accessories.
“I got inspired,” Saga said, “and they came really early in the morning, before Kvalhissir left even, so I had lots of time today! What do you think?”
She turned her head this way and that and then shoved her flanks into Vigg's face, which made him blush a bit. The thick black bar over her eyes was thinner and lower and had a series of crimson dots along its lower edge, crossing another one down her nose ridge. The black moon sickles on her flanks had also been redone in a slimmer more refined version with a series of red stars.
“Are those meant to look like... Twilight Sparkle's cutie mark?” Vigg said with the sickle and stars half an inch from his nose and his blush being a bit too obvious. There could be no doubt of his thoughts of that flank. The shamefulness of his reaction made him blush even more
“Yes,” said Saga happily, “since I'm sort of connected to her right now with the lessons and all.” She replaced her flank with her head again.
Saga had also replaced the bird-skull decorations in her antlers with less gruesome feather bundles. Several small brown feathers were tied around the shaft of a huge downy white one with red threads. Vigg peered closely at the feathers.
“Don't tell me... those are... those are... the big white ones are from a snowy owl,” he said.
Saga nodded enthusiastically.
“We have some sacred birds living in the temple now, and one was nice enough to let me take a few,” she beamed.
“The snowy owl, whose call means death,” Vigg said and sighed. “Then the small brown ones have to be jay feathers.”
Saga nodded again.
“You're such a good outdoorsbuck, Vigg,” she said.
“That was the only other bird of ill omen I could think of that was brown,” he said dryly.
“So, how do you like it?” said Saga.
Vigg sighed.
“You know, I'm not used to makeup at all,” he said, “but your style is certainly unique. It is very Saga.”
“Flatterer!” she said and stuck out her tongue. “But you just don't go to the right clubs. Lot's of cool vajas go in for face-paint rather than 'makeup'! Mistress Sparkles said something about buffalo earlier, so I decided to go in for a more buffalo look!”
Vigg shook his head.
“Did you give Twilight Sparkle a 'buffalo look' as well?” he said.
“No, she got something for those clubs I mentioned, because Princess Hrimfaxi said she should have a 'dark enchantress' look,” Saga said. “Oh, and Mistress Sparkle taught me some new magics!”
“Oh,” said Vigg with more interest. “May I ask... what kind of magic?”
“Some rituals,” said Saga and tried to look mysterious. “You'll see later!”
“Okay,” said Vigg. “You're ready?”
“Yup, now that I've cleaned the holy of holies!” Saga said. “I'll just tell Gramma I'm leaving.”
She went out into the temple and hugged the old vaja who was serving some cold boiled lichen and sedge bread to the volunteers who had worked in the temple all day. Vigg looked around and could see that they had gone pretty far in cleaning the walls so they could be repainted. There was also a new altar cloth.
“Our Lady of the Moon herself gave it to us!” said Saga. “It was cut off when they remade some of her old dresses for Mistress Sparkle.”
“Lady Sparkle is wearing cast-offs?” Vigg said with disbelief.
“Divine cast-offs!” Saga admonished him. “I would kill to wear a dress Our Lady of the Moon had worn! Hay, I would kill to wear any dress Mistress Sparkle had worn!” She sighed dreamily.
“What does your Grandmother think of this?” Vigg said when they were outside the temple. They would have to carry their skis to the bridge before they had good snow to ski on. Within the city was just slush, frozen and unfrozen.
“Of what?” said Saga.
“Visions and quests,” he said. “And running off to meetings with trolls.”
“She just said that if I get eaten, I don't get any dessert when I come home,” Saga said and winked. Vigg groaned.
“Seriously,” he said.
“Well, she takes visions seriously,” Saga said. “It comes with her job. And... you know where we are right now, right?”
Vigg looked around himself, the dilapidated buildings, the narrow streets, the boarded-up windows, the scarily skinny fawns in little groups watching them.
“I've lived here for many years now,” Saga said. “It can be dangerous to walk down the wrong alleyway. Oh, I'm lucky. I've always had something to eat and somewhere warm to sleep. And people know who I'm and if they're not pious they're superstitious, so I'm not as likely to be attacked or worse. But frankly, going out into the woods with you is no more dangerous than running errands for Gramma.”
Vigg looked at her a bit enviously.
“I take it your mother is a bit less willing to let you run free,” she said.
“She's only letting me go because my uncle insists,” he scowled. “I'm supposed to be at school and... and stuff.”
“You couldn't lie?” Saga said casually. Vigg snorted.
“Even if I were such a cad that I'd lie to my own mom, it still wouldn't work,” he said and indicated his eyes.
“She can See when deer lie?” Saga said, a bit scared. “Then... you can detect lies as well, since you've the same Sight, right?”
“Mom learned to do it,” Vigg said. “It's a side effect of the whole see-your-heart thing. I haven't... mastered it yet.”
“Well, then I know what we will do when we ski to the meeting place!” said Saga. “We will train you!”
“What?” said Vigg.
“Easy!” Saga beamed. “As your personal spiritual counselor I will guide you in the use of your Sight: I will say things, you will guess if I lie!”
“Saga...” Vigg groaned.
“That,” Saga said and pointed to a building, “is Castle Muorra!”
“You are lying,” said Vigg.
“You didn't even look at me!” said Saga.
“That's... that's because it's an obvious lie!” Vigg sputtered.
“Prince Silly, that's because we need to set up a baseline for what lying looks like!” Saga said. “Let's try again: I'm a herring!”
Vigg sighed. It would be a very long ski trip.
“Well,” said Vigg, “he isn't here, but he has been here.” His hoof swept over the small, pine-clad plateau.
“Because the snow has been tread on to make a flat surface in front of the cave,” Saga said. “And there is a fireplace in it and it looks newly repaired.”
She dumped her saddlebags in the cave and leaned her skis and spear-staff in the snow drifts to the side of it. She was dripping with sweat.
“That could have been reindeer,” said Vigg, “but if you look close to the tracks it was much bigger hooves that did this.”
“My little pathfinder!” Saga said mockingly. “Can't you tell where Kvalhissir went, in that case?”
“Well, that's the strange part: I can't,” Vigg said. “He hasn't hidden his tracks, because if he did any reindeer could find them. Even somedeer like you who hasn't spent much time in the forest. And the tracks certainly aren't here anymore. If they were, even a pony could see them. He must literally have removed them with some... trick, so that they aren't there anymore.”
“That's just words!” Saga protested. “Hid or removed, what's the difference?”
“Well,” said Vigg, “there's a big difference between me hiding in the cave and not being here at all. I'm sure a reindeer skilled at tracking, or with special Sight, like Grampa's pal Mustikka, could follow him anyway. It is just logical that troll... moose know some tricks like that, or there wouldn't be any of them left.”
“So what do we do now?” said Saga.
“We do as Kvalhissir told us to do – we wait,” Vigg said. “We can sleep in the cave and make a fire for the night.”
“Guess we'll have to find some firewood, then,” said Saga and rubbed herself.
They took a short stroll through the surrounding pine groves. Both of them casually found their eyes sliding until they rested on a dry branch or a fallen tree, despite it having been dark for hours. Their Sight combined with a survival instinct that must have been carved into the first of Karhu-Akka's action figures at the dawn of time to find something to burn for heat. While she found only a few branches, Saga still found firewood where a pony would only have found snow. Meanwhile, Vigg dragged half a tree to the cave. Saga looked cross-eyed at some twigs, and soon they had a crackling fire.
They settled down in front of the fire with one blanket draped over them and one under them. The flames cast long dancing shadows on the walls and revealed that the cave was strangely regular. They both pulled out bread and dry lichen from their saddlebags. Vigg also produced a coffee pan, some coffee and a jar of jam.
“Nice raid on the palace kitchen,” said Saga. “Is there any milk as well?”
“Not unless we milk you,” said Vigg and quickly bit his tongue. No sarv other than little fawns was ever close to a vaja being milked.
Saga gave him a look, but then she started to giggle.
“Oh wow!” she said. “Gramma was right: I should watch out for you so you don't get frisky, if that is how you think of commoner vajas!”
“I'm sorry, I'm really sorry,” said Vigg and buried his blushing muzzle in his hooves.
“Well, we all know you will just ravish me and leave me in the snow... after milking me because you posh nobledeer can't stand black coffee...” she said.
“Please, stop, I beg you...” he moaned.
“Okay, I'm just kidding!” Saga said and rubbed his head. “But it was a bit of a rude thing to say, you have to admit that.”
“I'm sorry,” he said. “I have sisters. Sometimes the jokes get gross.”
Saga chuckled and poked around in the fire so the snow in the coffee pot would heat up faster.
“So you think Mistress Sparkle is hot,” she said after a while.
“Who told you?” he gasped.
“It was rather obvious, but Spike helped,” she said.
Vigg groaned.
“And now you're gonna mock me for it...” he said and reburied his muzzle in his hooves.
“It is tempting, but I'm mostly curious,” she said.
“About what?” said Vigg.
“About what punishment I’ll get if I turn these juicy news over to the newspapers,” she said.
“Hey!” Vigg shouted in despair and tensed up.
“I'm just kidding!” Saga said. “That's for talking about milking me! Gross!”
Vigg relaxed.
“No, what I'm curious over is your epileptic fit when Mistress Sparkle was close to you, the whole collapsing with what must either be the horny or the lovey,” she continued.
“Yes,” said Vigg. “It is so embarrassing...”
“See, I can see two explanations,” Saga said. “Either you're truly, madly, deeply, psychotically attracted to Mistress Sparkle, which is soooo romantic but rather creepy... especially given that she could be, if not your mom, at least your teacher...”
Vigg groaned again.
“Or it's just that you lose your normal cool – you're really cool for being such a dork, Vigg – when you're close to hotness. It is indisputable that Mistress Sparkle is totally super-gorgeous, so that's why you have these problems,” Saga said. “Have you never had a doefriend? Or a stagfriend, for that matter?”
“Well... not really... when you're a Prince... wait!” Vigg said. “What do you mean 'dork'?”
“You are a very prim, orderly, boring, White Prince, Vigg, or should I call you Sir Checklist,” Saga said and giggled. “Having fits when a female touches you makes you sooo much cuter!”
“I'm not a... I just want things to be in good order, your life can depend on it one day!” he protested.
“So anyway, deep mad love or a serious weakness to the hotness,” Saga said. “That's actually an important question.”
Vigg looked at her. She was older and a female, after all. He didn't have any female friends, and this wasn't something you talked about with your sisters.
“Explain, please,” he said.
“Well, in the first case your life will probably be romantic but tragic unless you're really lucky or devote everything you have to winning her love,” Saga said. “And the second case isn't as bad, but you really will have to work on getting rid of that weakness. I mean, aren't you supposed to get kids when you become king or something? Heirs? And how are going to do that when your Queen Whoever sends you into rigor mortis if she looks at you breedingly?”
Vigg returned to groaning.
“How am I supposed to tell that?” he said. “It's not like it's a simple thing...”
“Well, we can perform a scientific experiment,” Saga said and rose and stretched herself. “Relax and I'll do a short ritual investigation. Breathe in, breathe out... and tell me if you feel uncomfortable.”
Somewhat wary, Vigg laid down and tried to relax. Breathe in, breathe out. Then Saga planted a loving kiss on his cheek, and another one, and another one on the lips – less chaste than the one when they were wrestling in Kvalhissir's sauna, but much more friendly.
When he woke up, the coffee was ready and a his mug in front of him, steaming.
“Well, I'm still not sure,” said Saga, standing over him. “You had a less serious attack and were out for a shorter time, but I'm nowhere near as hot as Mistress Sparkle.”
Vigg rose a bit and sipped his coffee. He felt light-headed and jubilant, like when you did the best kind of ski jump. At the same time his face was burning red with shame and he had to clear his throat before speaking. His heartbeat must be audible back in Sarvvik.
“I'm prepared to do more tests, Oh my Spiritual Advisor,” he said as steadily as he could.
“Maybe later, Oh my Dorky Prince,” said Saga with a smirk.
Thanks again to LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright for help with editing!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 27 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-01-26T06:35:57+00:00
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2012-01-26T06:35:57+00:00
| 4,322 |
Saga was slowly awakened by somedeer poking her with something. She opened her eyes and realized somedeer was Vigg and something was his antlers.
"There's breakfast," he said through the ladle he had in his mouth. "Porridge and coffee. Get up."
Saga moaned and rolled over, thereby twisting their blankets around her even more.
"The sun is barely up," she said. "It can't possibly be time to get up yet."
Vigg snorted.
"It’s winter in Poatsula," he said. "In a few weeks the sun will rise at noon."
Saga moaned some more and rolled out of the blankets and into the snow. She stood up and shook off the snow, then she stretched.
"Sweet dreams?" she asked Vigg, who was spooning up porridge and pouring coffee.
He smiled and shrugged, his mouth full of porridge ladle and coffee pot.
"Dreamed about me?" Saga said fluttering her eyelashes in an exaggerated fashion.
Vigg avoided her gaze.
"Dreamed about Mistress Sparkle?" Saga said and grinned.
Vigg looked very interested in his porridge.
"Dreamed about me and Mistress Sparkle... together?" Saga said. Her grin more or less went around her head.
Vigg buried his face in his porridge. Saga laughed, then started with her own porridge. They ate in silence. Well, Saga giggled a little now and then and looked at Vigg.
After licking the bowls clean and beginning a second cup of coffee, Saga rolled a cigarette and lit it.
"Do you think Kvalhissir will come during the day? Before noon? At all?" she said.
Vigg shrugged.
"I’ve no idea," he said. "We'd better get comfortable. We have food until tomorrow morning, I have checked. Even better if we take the time to graze or gather some more."
"I think people worrying about us is more important than running out of food," said Saga.
"I did a short recon before you woke up," Vigg said. "There isn't much to eat on the ground, but the trees should have shoots and moss and so on. And there’s plenty of firewood."
"Ooh, you did a 'recon'," said Saga. "Have I told you how hot you are whenever you are all woodcrafty like that?"
"Erh... yeah," said Vigg and blushed deeply. "You kinda explained that last night. Speaking of which..." He cleared his throat. "I saw a nice slope at the other end of the plateau. There's even a place to jump without breaking your legs. I... kinda want to test that, and thought I'd do some skiing while waiting for Kvalhissir. Would you want to come and... watch?"
Saga blew out a thin stream of smoke, deep in thought, and then shook her head.
"Sorry, but no," she said. "Not my thing, even when you do it."
"Huh?" said Vigg, a bit deflated. "What’s not your thing?"
"Sports," Saga said.
"But..." Vigg began.
"Look, I think... grazer skills, let’s call it that, are amazing, and I'm really impressed that somedeer like you is so good at going cross-country, say," Saga said. "I'm really jealous, though I shouldn't be, because you worked hard for it. But downhill skiing or race skating or ice hockey, that's just sports. And watching them bores me. Sorry."
"But... what are you going to do otherwise?" Vigg said, a bit miffed. "While waiting, I mean?"
"I brought my Gamecolt," said Saga and nodded towards her saddlebags. "I might take a nap. And I think I'll trot around the place myself and check it out. Maybe pick those shoots and firewood you talked about."
"Okay," said Vigg. He drank the last of his coffee. "I'll get down to the slope, then."
"Don't break anything vital," said Saga and smiled. "And don't look like that, I'll do the dishes as well."
Vigg had felt rather down as he walked away from the cave (which was suspiciously convenient for travelers, when he thought about it), but by the third time he fell while skiing down the hill, he had forgotten it. When the body works it sweats out frustration. Vigg had taught himself that long ago. The cliff that made for a natural jump had looked safe enough, but Vigg had poked about the snow below it with his staff to ensure the landing was also safe. Then he had started to tame the thing.
As he was picking himself up and digging snow out of his orifices he heard Saga calling from the top of the slope. He looked up and found her standing there, only in her natural fur. He assumed her shawl and jacket were back at the cave.
"Lunch!" she bellowed.
"Coming!" he bellowed back and trotted up the slope with the single broad ski he had used on his back.
"Having fun?" Saga said as he came up to her.
"Yeah," he said amiably. "And you?"
"Its okay," she said as they started to trot back to the cave. "The freezing bunnies don't want to mate, though."
"What?" he said. Saga giggled.
"It's the game I played," she explained. "It's one of those simulation games. Supposed to teach pony kids how to manage nature like they do. I can't get the bunnies to mate. I think I planted too few flowers."
Vigg shook his head.
"And here I thought you played games about killing zombies or something," he said.
"Killing cute little zombies?" Saga mock-gasped."Never! Anyway - dinner is served. Soup of reindeer moss with fresh pine shoots, willow shoots and hanging lichen."
"Well, you're a regular little housedoe," Vigg said and winked at Saga.
"Not to mention my fawn-bearing hips!" Saga said and spooned up soup for them as she shook said hips. Vigg blushed a bit.
Saga was studying the minuscule screen of her gaming device as they were eating. "Can I ask something?" said Vigg.
"Go ahead," said Saga.
"How can you afford that thing?" he said. "I mean, before we left town yesterday you talked about living in the slums, and its not like your Gramma has any money to spare. And just the gems and runes in it must cost a fortune."
"It was a gift from Daddy," Saga said and shrugged. “Daddy tends to think expensive presents are good presents, no matter what the present is.”
"Didn't you say you moved away from them when you... when you started to See things?" Vigg said. "When you skipped school? You told me, in the sauna..."
"It's not like I stopped talking to them because I live with Gramma," said Saga. "In fact, its more like Gramma started talking to them because I live with her. Like every other month or so. So yeah, I got a gift for my birthday. Not the one I asked for, mind you, but they remembered my birthday. And I remember their birthdays."
Vigg looked distinctly uncomfortable.
"What's the matter?" said Saga and looked up from the Gamecolt. Vigg sighed.
"It's just... it feels so wrong they don't let you stay," he said and his face hardened. "Not let you do... your own thing."
"But they did!" Saga said. "Things turned out okay. Seriously, don't worry about me. I'm fine, really."
Vigg sighed again and looked down.
"Maybe I should worry about you instead," said Saga quietly.
Vigg raised his head.
"Things didn't turn out okay for you," she said. "They didn't, did they? Palace or no palace."
Vigg met her eyes and said nothing, at least verbally.
"I mean, if you had been like now, except somedeer had said 'Okay, let the fawn go away and live with his Uncle in a Grazer camp far away from his jerk of a Grampa and the crazy press and bad memories', it wouldn't have been sugarcubes and saltlicks, but the bad thing would not have been Jarl Vidar and the grazer camp, would it?" she said.
Vigg smiled a little.
"No, it wouldn't," he said.
"Look, if you ever want to talk about it we'll talk, okay? If you ever think I am asking nasty questions just tell me to stuff it, okay?" she said and poked him with her muzzle.
"I will," he said. "And I will."
They ate the last of their cooling soup in silence. As they rose to scrub their bowls in the snow, Vigg said: "Would you like to follow me to the slope?"
Saga looked at him, opened her mouth as if to speak.
"Not to watch me," Vigg said. "To ski. Ski yourself."
"I haven't done downhill before," she said.
"Then you should try," he said.
She smiled a crooked smile.
"Okay," she said. "Okay I'll try something you do if you try something I do, okay?"
"Like what?" said Vigg. Wary, but smiling.
"One day, when we have time off from saving Poatsula and stuff like that, you'll go clubbing with me," she said.
"Sure," said Vigg and laughed. "Whatever. If you want to embarrass me."
"As if I won't spend the rest of the day falling on my rump!" said Saga and went to get her skis.
Saga screamed or perhaps shrieked a lot more than Vigg's usual circle of friends. She also swore a lot more, including things involving Princess Hrimfaxi, her moon and anatomically impossible acts performed on the slope. Vigg was certain that was serious blasphemy even if you didn't work in a temple. She wasn't completely helpless. Going down hills is part of cross-country, after all. Hills happen. It was mostly the one-ski innovation that caused her to fall over. For each time Saga walked uphill, she became out of breath faster. For each time she came screaming downhill, she became more and more hoarse. Other than that, she kept improving.
“Skiing slopes should have a little machine to pull you up after you have come down!” she said as she came up from the latest of many attempts to use the jump and end on her feet.
“That would be the day, when skiers didn't have the strength to walk up a hill,” Vigg said. “But seriously...”
“Seriously what?” said Saga and shook melting snow out of her coat.
“You needn't do this jump for me or anything,” he said. “I mean, to impress me or prove a point or anything. I'm not certain I should use it, really, there could be a rock in the snow below it I have missed...”
“I'm not doing it for you, silly!” Saga said. “Besides I'm getting it right!”
“Well, you have fallen so far, and pretty badly,” Vigg said. “Seriously, it actually hurts to see you. I keep expecting you to break all your four legs.”
“Hey, I'll show you!” Saga said and contradicted herself. “I'll get it this time! Hey, let's make a bet!”
“A bet?” Vigg said. “What do you mean, bet?”
“If I can't make it this time... and make it means landing on all four hooves and not falling over...” Saga began.
“Yes?” said Vigg.
“Then I'll stop trying!” she finished.
“Okay, good,” said Vigg, “just one more try then?”
“But if I can make it this time, then...” she pondered. “Oh! I know!” Saga giggled fiendishly.
“Then what?” said Vigg and couldn't help laughing himself, since she looked so silly right now.
“Then... when we go to that club...” she said and smiled cruelly.
“Yes...” said Vigg.
“I'll get to style you when we go out!” she said. “Style everything!” She mimicked holding a pair of shears and using a comb.
Vigg blinked. “Okay,” he said. “Sure! Now make your last jump, crazy vaja!”
“Ah, I'll... show you!” Saga said and trampled up to the starting spot.
Saga wobbled when she sailed off the jump and swayed as she flew through the air, but when she landed she kept on standing, whooping all the while. Then she sped onwards into the forest below.
Vigg didn't shout. One doesn't have time to shout in such a situation. When Saga failed to duck low enough and her antlers caught a stout fir branch he cried out after the fact. With a shout of "SAGA!" he jumped down the slope himself and followed after her (of course bypassing the jump). Meanwhile she more or less bounced off the branch, miraculously avoided getting stuck, and spun like a top until she came to a stop by slamming into another tree. Shaking, but still standing on all her four hooves.
That was why she was hollering happily when he reached her.
"I did it! I did it! Whooo!" she shouted. "Did you see me! Did you see me!"
"Are you okay?" Vigg shouted back, mortally afraid. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"I'm so great, I love you!" Saga shouted gleefully and incoherently, snapped her hooves off her ski and jumped him.
"How's your head?" Vigg said and tried to grab it with his front hooves and look her into the eyes. "Did you get a concussion?"
"You'll be sooooo pretty!" Saga gushed and interpreted his hooves as an attempt to hug, so she hugged him backed and kissed him, which would have paralyzed him at any other time. "You'll be even prettier than now!"
"Yeah, whatever, please stand still," Vigg said anxiously, "I want to see your face."
Saga giggled and fidgeted but did almost stand still enough for Vigg to look into her eyes. He realized he didn't know much about concussions but her eyes did focus - though she was bleeding at the left side of her mouth.
"You’re bleeding!" he said and tried to get her to open her mouth. She obeyed temporarily, then kissed him again.
"I bit my lip when I slammed into the tree," she said. "Did you see how awesome I was?"
Still wary, he didn't answer but tried to investigate her legs and flanks with his hooves.
"Getting frisky, are we?" she said happily.
"Stop fooling around, Saga. Does this hurt?" he said, anxiously. "Have you broken anything?"
"I won the bet you know," she said and pouted. Vigg sighed.
"I'll do anything you want," he said. "Just please be calm and let me check on you."
Saga calmed down a bit but talked to no one in particular about coat treatment and tribal makeup and accessories for cool yet hot young stags, while Vigg felt very bad for not knowing more about first aid.
"Okay," he said, "you’ve scrubbed yourself on a knee and bit your lip deeply. I don't think you have hurt anything else, but let’s.. let's rest a bit, OK?"
Saga nodded happily.
"You're a healer as well, aren’t you?" she said as Vigg started to half-drag, half-lead her up the slope. "You're such a hero! I'll make you look awesome"
"Yeah, because heroes always let untrained deer do dangerous stuff without proper supervision," Vigg muttered. "You can do anything, please just come carefully to camp and we'll lay down for a bit, OK?"
They walked up the slope slowly, leaving their skis and staff haphazardly at the bottom. Saga alternately talked makeovers and described single-ski downhill skiing as awesome. Vigg alternately admonished Saga anxiously and broke out in nervous giggling fits.
When they were a bit above and beyond the ledge they noticed the moose. Except for one or two stifled giggles from Saga, they fell silent.
There were several dozen of them, spread out in a semi-circle, obviously prepared to meet the skiing reindeer. They stood in silence, breathing clouds of vapor from their huge jaws and nostrils, looking sternly at Vigg and Saga. They were mostly cows, and most wore the same kind of outfits as Kvalhissir: scarfs or cloaks with caps, and tons of clanking metal jewelry on all their legs and pierced into noses and ears and lips.
In the middle sat a very old cow sphinx-like on a kind of toboggan. She had more accessories than all the others combined, and mostly looked like small heap of gold and silver with bits of amber, moose and mountain crystal poking out. On either side of her, with harnesses that showed they had pulled the toboggan, stood a truly enormous bull. Unlike the other moose they wore no jewelry except for a few pieces of horn or bone pierced here and there. They wore what was obviously barding under the harnesses and huge stone axes were slung at their sides.
Regular moose jewelry jingles too much, Vigg thought as he met their calm, uncaring eyes. They must need to move unheard.
To the left of one of the armed attendants stood Kvalhissir. The face of the old farmer was not pleasant: not angry, not sad, but deeply irritated, as if there was no way he was going to put up with this nonsense any longer. To his left side stood two other warrior moose, though not as gargantuan as the two attendants to the old cow.
"Are these the ones you talked about?" one of them said and turned to Kvalhissir.
"Yes," said Kvalhissir's mouth, while his eyes, glittering with angry sarcasm, said No. They are some other reindeer. This remote and unknown place is completely lousey with unsupervised calves.
"I say we kill them," said the warrior moose and scowled at Vigg.
Vigg grew very cold inside. First, he suddenly realized the outer edges of the semicircle had moved as he and Saga moved forward and that they now were technically surrounded. Then, he saw that several of the moose nodded thoughtfully at the suggestion.
"Yes," said the other armed moose. "Let us kill them. Resolve this quickly."
Thanks to LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright for helping me with the proofreading. It feels frustrating some times but the text becomes that much better.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 28 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-02-12T20:38:31+00:00
|
2012-02-12T20:38:31+00:00
| 4,085 |
"I didn't bring them here so you could kill them!" growled Kvalhissir.
"Then you should not have brought them!" said the warrior. The surrounding moose snorted steam and looked at each other, some nodding, some scowling.
"Please, we mean no harm!" cried Vigg. "We only wanted to learn -"
"No HARM?!" snarled the warrior. "Since when have you little ones meant anything else than harm to a moose?"
"They're just calves!" said Kvalhissir with narrowed eyes.
"They came from the mountains. They took our forests," said the warrior next to him. "They have killed many moose. Bull, cow and one-year calf."
"You should not know of us," the first warrior said to Vigg. "You should not know of this place. You should die." He looked at the old cow for support but she seemed rather uninterested. Her eyes seemed closed as if in thought.
"We should kill them now, Revered Ancestress," he said to her. Her bodyguards looked at the warrior, at her, and then back at him, but she didn't look up.
"Look, just listen to us - " Vigg began.
"Yeah!" said one of the other moose maybe ten paces away from Kvalhissir. He looked younger than the others though Vigg certainly wasn't an expert on the moose life cycle."Kill them now!"
"Yes," said Saga, "Kill us now!"
Everydeer turned to her, Vigg the fastest.
"If you're not willing to listen to Prince Vigg, kill us now!" She was speaking the moose tongue with a moose dialect, bellowing and moo-ing.
The young moose seemed unnerved, the older warriors annoyed.
"Why do -" the first one began.
"When The Great Winter comes. When The Great Winter kills all. When The Great Winter freezes all," Saga said undaunted and went to him. "Then it is best to be dead."
"Frozen carcasses don't feel the hunger," she said and went to another moose. He trampled on the spot and avoided her gaze. Saga caught him anyway. "Like you will."
"Frozen bones don't feel the chill," she said as she walked over to the moose next to him, a middle-aged cow who shied away completely. "Like your calves will."
"Frozen bones don't feel grief," she said to the next, who stood still and met her gaze, looking at her as if she was crazy. "Like you will for the lakes and tarns."
Saga turned to the moose mob as if to a congregation.
"The Great Winter is here," she said and spread her forelegs as dramatically as is possible for a quadruped. "The Nidhogg already swarm. They will turn the trees to dust and the lakes to ice with their breath. The Tursu will crawl up from the fjords and spew plague and poison. All the beasts will die. Then the Skoll will come. They will feast on the frozen carcasses for a year. Then they too will starve and fall upon each other. Nothing will be left but dust. And ice. And poison. And loneliness."
She went back to the young moose.
"Kill me now," she begged him. "I won't have to suffer. Go on. I am standing right here. I won't move."
"But... I... it... but..." he stammered, sweating.
"Or you can listen to Prince Vigg," she said to him but her gaze turned to the old cow, her eyes half-shut but her ears moving.
"And why would he know about this?" asked the first warrior moose, made of stronger stuff than the almost-calf.
"Because I told him," said Saga calmly and trotted over to him.
"Then why would you know about this?" he snorted, towering over her.
"Because I am Saga. My name means 'seer' in our language and I have seen the futures that could be!" she boasted."Because I am Daggmule's servant. She talks to me. She has shown me Bjorn-Edda who whines and turns in her bed."
The moose snorted again.
"She speaks true," Kvalhissir said. "Daggmule has seen fit to visit the little ones. I have taken refuge in her temple."
"I would like to hear what she has to say," the old cow said, her voice small and quiet yet audible above the bellowing ones. Saga sound very much like a moose despite her size.
"Revered Ancestress..." the warrior began, sounding frustrated.
"I would like to hear what she has to say," said the old cow. Her half-shut eyes turned to him and for a moment became fully open. There was a glimpse of the deep blue of a sky at dusk and points of cold white light.
"Yes, Revered Ancestress," he mumbled.
"Saga..." Vigg gasped. "I can't... you... since when does she speak Ancient Cervine? With a moose... accent?" he said to Kvalhissir.
The farmer gave him a rare smile and licked the ear of the warrior next to him who jumped about six feet into the sky.
"Ah," said Vigg.
The moose had used this place for ages. They quickly set up a camp-fire the moose way, half inside, half outside the cave. (The fawns had, of course, used the wrong place when they made fire.) Vigg and Saga laid by a fire. The Revered Ancestress lay in front of them and Kvalhissir beside them, and the warriors were standing close. The rest of the moose huddled around, not talking, trying to listen. There was some sort of spruce-tea that tasted like resin in their jugs.
"It is said," said the old cow, "that four hundred hooves went to take the Grotte. That was only the warriors. With them were twice as many shield-bearers, bathers, chefs and wood-gatherers.”
“That many? That seems unlikely,” said Vigg.
"Much battle was had, but not with the holders of the Grotte,” she continued, ignoring him. “Only with the others who sought the Grotte. But finally, they closed in on him. He had taken shelter in the deep valley near Bjorn-Edda's resting place."
"Which 'deep valley'?" asked Vigg.
"Hush, prince!" said the old cow. "All parts of a story come at their place or there is no story. The Grottebearer had taken shelter, and his enemies closed in from each direction of the wind. They hurried to reach him first. We hurried to reach him first. The followers were left behind to allow the warriors free march."
She made a pause and made a sign. One of the warriors more or less poured tea down her throat.
"Then snow came, and all warriors were dead," she continued. "The Grottebearer and his artefact were gone."
"Snow?" asked Vigg. "A blizzard? A lavine?"
"Snow," said the cow. She finally moved a hoof and drew in the snow, rolling over to reach.
"Then, there was a deep valley near Joukulvakt." She drew two triangles next to each other, one large and one small.
"Snow came," she explained and drew a straight line from the tip of the smaller triangle to the side of the other. "The deep valley was no more."
"How could...?" Vigg wondered.
"The followers fled home. They met many others who also fled, but all warriors were dead. War was gone, and when they reached their homes, winter was also gone," the cow finished.
"And what about Sampo... I mean, the Grotte?" asked Saga.
The old cow took Vigg's hoof and planted a reindeer footprint in the middle of the "valley".
"The Grottebearer," she said. She dabbed at the snow, making a circle of dots around the hoofprint. "All the warriors who wanted to take the Grotte."
"Wait," said Vigg. "Are you saying, ma'am, that the Sampo is buried under the southern tail of Joukulvakt Glacier?"
"It was the place it was last seen," said the cow. "Only the Grottebearer and his accursed sorcerer of a father knows exactly where, because it must have fallen at their last stand. They can't tell."
"Because they are dead," said the first warrior.
"Thanks," Saga told him with a scowl. "Great is the wisdom of the moose!"
"How can anything even be dug up from that place!?" groaned Vigg and facehoofed. "Even if we knew where to look?"
The gathered moose looked apologetic.
"You could ask the Skoll to dig it out," the warrior moose joked. No one laughed.
There was silence. Saga's face drooped. Vigg looked more angry than sad.
Then suddenly, Saga perked up.
"Thanks, Revered Ancestress!" she said and smiled at the old cow. "I am sure your information can help us on our quest! May Daggmule bless you and reward you!"
The old cow smirked a bit and nodded.
Saga untangled one of her necklaces, made from moon-sickles cut from tin and memorial Equestrian coins to Princess Luna's honor.
"Please take this with her blessing," she said.
Vigg was about to protest, and Kvalhissir showed another rare smirk, but the moose let Saga hang it around her neck (luckily, it was clasped) where it settled among the mass of jewelry.
"Thanks, oh Volva of Daggmule," the old cow said, her strange, dark blue eyes fully open and a merry glint in them.
"Your story might not have convinced me, but it surprised and amused me. Nothing in this world surprises or amuses me anymore,” she complained. “My bones are too old and cold to feel the winter and I am glad to stir and get warm."
With some difficulty she unhooked one of her piercings, a thick and wide gold ring, from her nose and handed it to Saga.
"Take this in return, little Seer," she said.
Saga accepted it solemnly and curtsied. With a different kind of difficulty she hooked it into her own nose before Vigg could protest.
"How...?" he sputtered.
"Old biercing, old 'ole," Saga said. The ring bumped against her muzzle as she talked.
"Now I must go," said the cow, "if I can get these young idiots to pull straight."
The two warriors who cared for her little sled which seemed to be the moose equivalent of a wheelchair made themselves ready. The other two warriors started to round up the herd.
"Onwards! Forwards! We leave! We leave and spread!" one of them shouted.
The moose milled about for a while, then they trotted away into the forest, down the hill.
Walking almost an inch up in the air, above the snow.
"So that's how you do it!" Vigg gasped to Kvalhissir.
"Some can even gallop through the air. During cold midwinter nights," Kvalhissir boasted. "I have never heard of reindeer doing that!"
Vigg looked at him.
"All but our best can only do it for a short time," he confessed.
"Making no tracks is not hiding tracks," said Vigg, then remembered the situation. "Well, this was a disappointment! And we were that close to getting killed!"
"Well, we bin't!" said Saga cheerfully.
"Great is the wisdom of the reindeer," mocked Kvalhissir.
"You didn't tell them that Saga also means 'fairy tale'," said Vigg.
"And Vigg can bean both a lightning bolb and a small 'uck," Saga retorted. "I faved your flank, bister!"
"I didn't know they would be THAT suspicious," Kvalhissir sighed. "I'm deeply sorry!"
"Everybing went fine," said Saga. "Be know where the Fampo is!"
"But not exactly where, or how to get to it," said Vigg.
"Laper 'teps!" she said.
"Remove that ring, Volva of Daggmule, and lets go home," said Vigg.
"Whatever you fay!" said Saga and kissed him on the cheek.
Vigg had no real convulsion, this time, but he had to catch his breath a little before they put on the skis and went back home.
As usual, thanks to Wheelwright and LadyMoondancer for proofreading. And thanks to everyone who have read this and rated this - a hundred people rating and counting, and such nice things you say!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 29 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-09-04T05:34:13+00:00
|
2012-09-04T05:34:13+00:00
| 4,349 |
King Ukko wasn't there.
This wasn't for any of the usual reasons i.e. drinking or nursing a hangover. Instead, being almost killed last night had apparently made the old reindeer so angry that he had become very energetic. The claim that the would-be assassin and the pirates were both allied with a pretender to the throne had given him the idea to show his strength. This way, Ukko reasoned, any sympathizers to the Pretender would be discouraged.
Hence he had charged off, called together herd chiefs, journalists and city leaders and was to hold speeches in three places today to three different crowds. He had declared that he had no time to listen to his savior but left her in the care of what he claimed were “my best sarvs”. Ukko was brusque but grateful and even somewhat warm to Twilight when he explained this. Twilight started to doubt the “my best sarvs” part when he was merely brusque to his Companions. Twilight had to admit they looked worse for wear from last night.
“And try to do something right for once!” he finished his orders to them and trotted off with the most alert bodyguards in reindeer history. The five Companions looked after him, their faces varying from angry (Mustikka) through sad (Galderhorn) to... anguished (a Companion Twilight hadn't seen before).
They remained like that, looking at the spot where their King and leader had left. Finally, the unknown reindeer cleared his throat.
“Well, let's get down to this nasty business! Let’s retreat to the Sun room in the Eastern lodge!” he said and half-raised a stiff forehoof and pointed. “Heikko, scare up some refreshments.”
The fat reindeer nodded amiably and trotted off.
“Why Heikko?” said Mustikka. “He'll stop and eat in the kitchen.”
“He would have gone off for his own jug of hot coffee if you had gone,” the strange reindeer said. “Now we save time. Besides, we cannot truly start until Kol comes to.”
The bard moaned theatrically and hung his head.
“I am dying, and might never come to! I am truly dying and I am only accompanying you, my friends, so that I might die doing my duty!” he said.
“Yeah,” said the strange reindeer,“ let’s go and do the dying in the Sun room.”
“Do we even know whether it’s free?” scowled Mustikka.
“It is now,” said the strange reindeer. “I’ll declare a national emergency if anyone is discussing potato quotas or reforesting projects there.”
He trotted off at a surprising speed for somedeer with a pronounced limp. Twilight followed, somewhat faster than his friends.
There actually were reindeer discussing potato quotas (Twilight never learned what that meant), but they were quickly shooed out. The reindeer pushed the tables around in a way that seemed eccentric to Twilight, until she realized they were basically barricading themselves. No one who entered could avoid circling around the barricade (or jumping several heavy fir-log tables).
“Do you suspect an ambush? At your coffee table?” Twilight asked. She felt a bit helpless not knowing whether to help or how.
“You never know,” said the strange companion. He gestured for Twilight to sit down at one side of the table left free in the middle of the room where his companions were already seated (or lying down and moaning, in Kol’s case).
The barricade didn’t last long. Twilight was trying to start the meeting, when Heikko sauntered in with a huge wooden coffee jug in his mouth and an overloaded maid in tow. He bumped the table with his rump and it jumped. The massive piece of furniture crashed into the floorboards with such force Twilight thought it would break. The maid hastily slunk in after him.
“We had just set that up!” Mustikka exclaimed.
“Oh, sorry,” said the huge reindeer and reversed the rump-bump to slam the table back.
Everyone looked at the maid.
“I'll just creep out under it, my lords!” she said and smiled as she unloaded some kind of second breakfast on the table they had gathered around. She threw a fearful glance at Twilight in her regal Stygian finery and skull-like makeup before she did as she had suggested.
“Alright!” said the strange reindeer, seated opposite to Twilight. “Let's get this on with.” He looked at her while his friends helped themselves to coffee and some kind of dry buns with equally dried berries.
“Yes,” she said, and started to at least try to get in character, “let's.”
“How dare you!” he burst out. “How dare you!”
“I beg your pardon?” said Twilight.
“I should have been there!” he said. “But you... you were there!”
“What?” said Twilight. “Wait, are you saying I should have told the mad bomber 'Please come back tomorrow, when the regular hero is present'?”
“YES!” he shouted. That made everyone at the table jump. “No. No, I mean, that would have been ridiculous...” He trailed off and saved himself by trying to drink from his not-yet filled coffee jug. “I should have been there.”
“And why should you have been there?” Twilight said. Then she added, reminding herself she was the fake, evil Twilight: “Your friends didn't do much.”
“Because I'm Skiold the Bold!” he shouted. “That's what I do! I gave my leg for my King!”
He slammed his stiff foreleg down on the table with a sharp 'thud' that made Twilight jump again. It also made her realize something...
“Your leg... it's a prosthetic, is it not?” she said and gazed curiously at the leg. What she had taken for scars must be seams. These days, earth pony life-empathic powers and unicorn magic were so advanced that few hurt ponies needed prosthetics.
“Yes,” he said and turned it so Twilight could see the straps holding it. She had taken them to be part of the minimal barding he wore, which she now realized was made of...
“Leather,” she guessed, “from some draconic creature.”
“Nidhogg,” he said. “Same one that took my leg when I shielded Ukko.”
“He was using that dam fool runic spear of his, that's just a showpiece,” snarled Mustikka. “It is so loaded with harm-runes that it must have cost a fortune, yet not a single rune for fortitude or good luck or anything defensive.”
“He doesn't need fortitude runes,” Skiold said. “He has me!”
“The skin... is that yours?” Twilight said.
“Yeah,” said Skiold and smiled. “The leg is nidhogg bone and teeth, and I told the leeches to flay my leg when they amputated it, so the new leg would at least look right!”
The idea seemed very disgusting to Twilight, which made her next move easy.
“Oooooh...” she said and looked at Skiold admiringly as she leaned forward as uncomfortably close as she could. “May I... touch it?” And before Skiold could react, she did, lifting the false leg with her magic and moving it.
“Mmm...” she said. “Dead hide... and bone...” She shut her eyes and tried to hide her disgust. It worked pretty well, since her shudder and her unwanted sigh came off as ecstatic joy instead of horror at the use of corpses in crafting.
She opened her eyes, smiled at Skiold, fluttered her eyelashes, and let go of his leg. He pulled it back looking distressed more than disgusted.
“Anyway...” he tried to recover his wherewithal. “That's why I should have been there. I have given limb, I would give life as well.”
“Then you probably don't want my help,” Twilight said and helped herself to a bun magically. “Because I aim to prevent you from getting another chance, Lord Skiold.”
“And why is that?” said Mustikka. Everyone turned to him, even the still whimpering Kol.
“What reason can you have to care for king Ukko's well-being?” Mustikka said.
“Because of the goodness of my heart and my love for all fellow beings?” Twilight suggested honestly.
Mustikka snorted.
“Because keeping him on the throne makes it easy for me to stop reindeer piracy,” Twilight said. “Because stopping reindeer piracy keeps Equestria safe. Because keeping Equestria safe keeps me in Princess Celestia's good graces.”
“Because being in the good graces of a physical goddess gives you power!” snarled Mustikka.
“If you know, Sir Mustikka, why do you ask?” said Twilight. “Besides,” she added honestly, “it is knowledge, not power, I seek. The gods do not grant miracles – at least not Our Lady of the Sun. Power I have plenty of my own.”
Just as Princess Luna had suggested earlier, the Companions seemed satisfied with this line of reasoning, leaning back, nodding, and looking at each other. Except Mustikka.
“You could have followed Lord Eminence’s lead and made common cause with the Pretender,” he said. “Why this tactic?”
“Do you suspect everyone?” pouted Twilight and fanned herself.
“Watch out for that fan!” Mustikka whispered to Galderhorn. “It's a deadly weapon!”
“Yeah,” said Heikko. “Pretty much. I used to think his Sight was Seeing danger, since he was our scout and he was so good at it. And you know, when the Sight overtakes you, you See nothing but. Turns out he is just a right suspicious bastard.”
Skiold nodded. Mustikka scowled.
“You See nothing but what?” asked Twilight.
“Nothing but what you See,” Heikko explained without making things clearer for Twilight.
“Do I get an answer?” he said and looked at Twilight.
Twilight felt panic slowly welling up inside her, like when you notice that the Cutie Mark Crusader Plumbers have fixed your sink and your kitchen floor soon will be flooded.
Let's go for honesty.
“I must admit I have an interest in reindeer magic,” she said. “Unicorn mages have too long ignored the magic of other ungulates. I have already studied the lore of the Zebra, the Buffalo and the Red Deer... but there are always other secrets.”
Well, I have studied with Zecora, and talked spirits for five minutes with Chief Thunderhooves, and there was that time the others made that long journey and talked to that Queen of the Deer, whatever her name was... and I remember regretting not getting to talk magic with her...
“The Temple of Hrimfaxi has interesting... chronicles and whatnot, and the priesthood, such as it is, favors King Ukko over the pretender, don't ask me why,” she continued. “And I can't imagine the Temple of Skinfaxi being happy had I sided with the pretender, given the ideals of Princess Ljufa.”
Now all the reindeer nodded, even Mustikka. However, just as Twilight started to relax, Galderhorn spoke for the first time.
“What kind of lore are we speaking about?” he said with quiet but deep voice with a bit of rasp in it, as if it was rarely used, a mighty un-oiled engine full of grit.
What did Eira actually know that...?
“Neighcromancy,” Twilight blurted out.
Everyone stared at her.
“Reindeer magic can pierce the veil to the Summer Lands,” she said. “Unicorn magic... can't.”
She allowed herself some theatrics and actually darkened the light in the room (which came from a big window in the roof).
“Imagine speaking to the great mages of ages past... Star-Swirl the Bearded, Marelin Ambrosius, Tailiesin the Bard...” she said, genuine longing coming into her voice.
Kol started to laugh suddenly.
“And here I imagined something more dramatic and drastic, like amassing armies of draugr and helhestar and all the undead of the underworld! But no, she just wants to discuss sorcery with dead sages!” he said.
“Weren't you dying?” snarked Skiold.
“There's a neighcromancer in the room, that must be it,” said Heikko.
“He's alliterating,” said Mustikka. “He's never dying when he's alliterating.”
“Hush now, there are verses to be written, I don't have time to die!” Kol sat up.
“So what do you want from us to work against the Pretender?” said Mustikka.
“Well, I have a plan, which includes getting into his confidence, “ said Twilight. “That means I must say and act in rather treasonous ways, and it would be troublesome if you actually caught me. At the same time it would be good if somedeer was actually watching me, for three reasons.”
“And they are?” asked Mustikka.
“First, to get witnesses to what has been said, for purposes of entrapment. Second, for physical backup when necessary. Third, because you still don't trust me, and will want to watch me anyway, Sir Mustikka,” Twilight answered.
“Sounds... reasonable,” Mustikka said reluctantly and leaned back.
“So what is this plan of yours?” said Skiold.
“I thought you would never ask!” said Twilight and levitated a score of papers from the small, modest saddlebag she had brought. “Here are the necessary files and maps. Memorize them, because the ink is self-destructing and actually wears out by reading.”
The reindeer looked at the papers with raised eyebrows and leafed through them. Kol fished out a pair of wire-rimmed glasses and placed on his muzzle to read correctly. Skiold just peered nearsightedly at his. Mustikka started to sort his bunch into some fashion that made better sense to him.
“Hey, Mustikka, you are still a bachelor, aren't you?” Heikko quipped as he tried to make heads or tails of a collection of names connected by lines and rows of dots. The old scout gave him a look that rightly ought to have set fire to his antlers, but only made Kol and Skiold laugh at him.
When Twilight finally left the meeting, Spike was waiting outside. The baby dragon was sitting on a table reading a comic. He jumped down when the unicorn walked out the door.
“Hi Twilight!” he said. “How's the supervillainy going?”
Twilight snorted.
“I am at the chapter where I team up with the heroes,” she said. As no one else was around, she added: “I wish I could dispense with all the silliness.”
“Don't be like that,” Spike laughed. “Remember, if this was a cartoon you would get the coolest theme song!”
Twilight repeated her snort.
“It would probably be about me stealing the magical secrets of all the world's cultures and using them to be all-powerful or something,” she said.
“What?” asked Spike.
“Nothing. I already have a cute but irritating little critter for my sidekick, so I would probably make a great cartoon villainess,” she snarked.
“Hey!” Spike laughed.
“You'll probably switch sides in the sequel, that must be why you‘re hanging out with Vigg,” she smiled and nuzzled his spikes.
“Vigg, yeah... He... wanted to see you,” Spike frowned.
“What did he want?” Twilight asked.
“No idea,” said Spike. “Saga was even more peppy than usual, but he was disappointed about something. Oh, and his mom wanted to see you as well!”
“If Princess Ljufa wants to thank me one more time for saving her father's life, I'll turn her into a jay or something!” Twilight groaned.
“But you did!” Spike said. “Just not in the way they think! By the way, the word among the ponies here, the ones from back home I mean, is that the bomb was something called a 'balefire bomb', and that you are even more awesome than before.”
“What?!” Twilight said. “That's... just silly! First, no one has made a real balefire bomb yet. They are completely theoretical and should remain so. Second, they’re supposed to kill whole cities, not just one person. And third, no unicorn could contain the blast from a balefire bomb. I don't even think Princess Celestia could do it!”
“Oh, I forgot!” said Spike and smacked his little fist in his paw. “Celestia sent an answer to that letter you sent this morning!”
“WHAT!” Twilight stopped and glared at Spike. “Why didn't you say so earlier?!”
“It – it must have slipped my mind! Why are you screaming at me, what's so important in it?” Spike said.
“I'm sorry, I am just so anxious about it!” Twilight said. “Do you have it with you?”
“Yeah, sure,” said Spike and pulled out the rolled-up and sealed scroll from wherever baby dragons keep small things.
Twilight unrolled the letter fervently and read the elegant, swirly hornwriting of Princess Celestia.
My favorite student, Twilight Sparkle,
I must admit I have little knowledge of any affairs of the heart my beloved sister might have undertaken during that period of her life. We had begun to slowly glide apart, the first steps to that tragic disaster that would befall us both.
Furthermore, even if I knew, it would not do to tell you if she herself does not wish to do so. It must be my sister's own choice to share such personal details. Have not you yourself in your Friendship reports told me of how and when secrets are to be kept? Each pony's secrets are their own to keep, tell, or share with the whole world.
Yours,
Princess Celestia of Equestria
“Oh!” said Twilight. “I hope she isn't mad at me now! But I want to know... need to know so much!”
“What are you talking about?” said a bewildered Spike. “What did you write and ask about? What did Celestia say?” She hadn't even let him take her dictation when writing the letter.
“Old things, forgotten things that only the Princesses might know about,” Twilight sighed. “Oh, or maybe some other ancient beings... but I don't think there are any real dragons in Tarandroland I could talk to...”
Spike looked at her worried when she pondered.
“I must ask Princess Luna again,” she said and stomped her hoof. “I'll be firm... but polite... and remind her that she owes me a favor. Yeah. She's a reasonable pony. She will listen.” Her grin failed to convey any real conviction in her mission.
“What favor?” said Spike. “For what?”
“For this,” Twilight said and waved her hoof in a way that suggested her face, her hair, her dress. “You know, Spike, set up a meeting in an hour with whoever you get a hold of first, Prince Vigg or his mother. We can probably use the room we had the meeting in. I'll go reason with Princess Luna and try to get this out of my head. OK?”
“Sure,” said Spike. “You don't want me to go with you?”
“No, Spike,” Twilight sighed. “I think it'll be easier for Princess Luna to talk if there is no one else there.”
“OK,” he said. “Be nice, right?” He ran off.
“If I don't get banished to some very small and distant star,” Twilight sighed.
When Twilight entered their suite Luna was again surveying the maps she and Twilight had gotten earlier. They hovered magically in the air while Luna sketched patterns of light on them. Now and then, when she was satisfied with a sketch, a quill would fly up and fill in the lines with an ink of suitable color.
“Oh, welcome, Lady Sparkle,” said Luna when she entered but didn't turn around. “How did the meeting with the King fare?”
“Well... that is... there was no meeting,” Twilight began. Luna turned to look at her. “Not with King Ukko. He delegated. To his Companions. That meeting went well.”
“Good!” said Luna. She smiled warmly and went back to her campaign planning. “Were they sensible?”
“If – if you mean whether they listened to me, yes,” Twilight said and moved a bit closer to the Princess. “But they were very suspicious. Especially that Mustikka guy.”
“And did you lay those suspicions to rest?” Luna asked.
Twilight shook her head.
“Not really,” she confessed. “But... as you said, I think they suspect other things. As you said.” Twilight swallowed, tried to calm down and tried to smile.
“And... about that, Your Highness,” said Twilight cautiously.
“About what?” said Luna.
“This... charade that is part of your plan, Your Highness,” Twilight said. “This... act, and this disguise...”
“Oh, yes?” Luna asked.
“You know they bother me, Princess Luna,” Twilight said. “I... just think that it might be worthy of some small favor as a compensation. It is quite distressful, I must say.”
“Oh,” said Luna and put the maps down and away. “I hadn't realized how much it troubled you, Lady Sparkle. I am truly sorry!”
“Oh, don't be...” Twilight blushed.
“No no, if you have some boon to ask for, do so! By all means! We will be generous!” Luna said.
“Royal we?” said Twilight.
“Me and my sister,” Luna laughed. “Now, what was it you wanted? Spit it out!”
Twilight cleared her throat. Once. Twice. Thrice.
“Well, it’s a question of ancient lore,” she began.
Luna nodded, all ears. Twilight looked down.
“It's... oh hay!” Twilight stamped her hoof, raised her head and looked Luna in the eyes. “What was your relationship to the reindeer warlock Wiglek the Wicked, Your Highness?”
Luna's eyes widened in what truly had to be fear. Then they narrowed in anger.
“How dare you!” she hissed. “The... the impertinence!”
Twilight began to shrink back, then forced herself to stand straight. She had stood up to Luna once, when she was a darkness-infected murderous megalomaniac. She would be able to ask a simple innocent question of her as any other pony. Well, a pony that was co-ruler of the world's largest nation. And was possibly older than time. And who possessed godlike magical powers. She shrank back a bit again and averted her gaze as she entreated Luna.
“Y-your Highness... I don't mean to be rude... but there are mysteries around him I hoped to unravel,” she began. “If you didn't know him just say so, I just hoped that as an immortal being you would have...”
At the word “immortal” (Twilight would later remember that very clearly), it was Luna who shrank back, sighed deeply, then sniffed and sat down.
“Your Highness?” Twilight said and leaned in closer. She saw tears run from the eyes of the Moon Princess.
“I'm sorry, Lady Sparkle,” said Luna. “It is just a painful memory... I dealt with that scoundrel during a time when I and my sister were slowly drifting apart... I was starting to go down that horrible path, and I did some things I regret very much. And... I treated Wiglek... he truly was a wicked deer... I treated him very badly and unfairly even for someone like him.”
Twilight bent in closer and hugged Luna the way ponies do, their necks together.
“I – I am so sorry I even asked, Your Highness!” she said and felt tears welling up her own eyes.
“Don't be, oh don't be,” Luna sighed. “It is my own fault. It is just that... it might have been the first wicked thing I did, of many, when I marched on the road to Nightmare Moon. I... don't like to dwell on it. I like it not at all. It makes me so ashamed...”
Twilight wanted to carry on and just ask so much, to probe deeply in what could make the regal Lady of the Moon weep, but she couldn't. She held Luna some more, and then she said:
“I won't ask more, since it bothers you so, Your Highness. But if you ever feel the need to talk about things like that... and you need someone to talk to, please let me know!”
Luna smiled at her.
“Thank you, Lady Sparkle,” she said, “You are truly worthy of a boon, and I will give you anything else you want.”
Twilight smiled back.
“Your Highness, you look horrible,” she said. “As your hoofmaiden, it’s my duty to freshen you up. Let's talk about boons some other time, perhaps in Canterlot where things can easily be arranged.”
After she had finished cleaning off the Princess, reapplying her makeup and brushed her mane, Twilight stepped out of the suite and into the corridor. She needed some time, somewhere, alone with herself to think. If her head wasn't clear she wouldn't be able to meet with Vigg and Ljufa later. Well, not without making even more a fool of herself.
What did she want? More than ever she wanted to know about Wiglek, not just who the mother of his child was but what he and Luna had done. Luna thought she was a bad pony because of it, but was it true? And how?
Twilight clenched her teeth.
“I want to know, but no one can tell me,” she began as she marched back and forth in the corridor. “Princess Luna won't tell me, and I can't ask again because it would be like kicking a puppy. There seem to be no descendants of Sampo. At least not who are alive.”
“And I certainly can't ask Wiglek,” she said as she rubbed her forehead with her hoof, “because he has been dead a thousand years. And you... cannot... speak... with the dead...”
She slowly raised he gaze as she spoke and stared intensely into empty air. She remembered the meeting that morning, and the half-truths she had told to the King's Companions.
“Except some reindeer can speak with the dead,” she said tunelessly. “Saga can speak with the dead, and if a thousand years is too far back for her to summon a shadow her grandmother is a more powerful sorceress. And she taught Saga the spell, so she knows it.”
She started to walk back and forth again.
“And Saga said you needed their gift-antlers, but Princess Luna mentioned as a curiosity that they have what supposedly is Wiglek's antlers in the temple!” she finished. “It's perfect! I can study a revolutionary magical method, I can sate my curiosity... and Vigg's! I don't need to put the Princess in distress, and I can get the story straight from... well, not the horse's mouth, but the corpse's mouth!”
Twilight giggled, then laughed and started to skip down the corridor in the direction of the Sun Room. The palace staff became distressed enough by that. They became actually frightened when she started to sing a little old commercial Nightmare Night jingle from when she was a filly...
A corpse is a corpse, of course, of course.
And no one can talk to a corpse, of course.
But I, of course
Can speak to a corpse
'cause I can speak with the Dead!
Thanks to LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright for their wonderful help with proofreading. And to answer a question on FF.net: despite that wonderful help, I have not dared submit this to Equestria daily. I don't think I can fit their high standards.
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 30 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-02-26T16:49:33+00:00
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2012-02-26T16:49:33+00:00
| 4,491 |
Spike had gotten hold of Vigg first. He, Vigg and Saga were waiting in the Sun Room, which wasn't that sunny anymore. Celestia's Sun had set by now, and the room was illuminated by big oil lamps. The tables were still forming a barricade, though a broken one with the single table in the middle.
When Twilight entered, still skipping and humming, Saga was telling Spike something that required her to stand half on the table and shout. Spike was listening with fascination and saying: “Wow, really?” a lot. Vigg was less chipper. He leaned back and didn't speak. There were crackers and reindeer cheese on the table.
“Here's Lady Sparkle now!” Vigg said and poked Saga, interrupting her. “You look... different,” he added and looked worryingly from Twilight to Saga and back.
“...and then she RIPPED out a golden ring... ooh, hi Mistress Sparkle!” she said. “You are totally rocking that look! Good show!”
“Hi Twilight!” said Spike. “Saga was telling me what they did in the forest!”
“We know where Sampo is!” Saga burst out.
“You do?!” wondered Twilight. “Where? And how?”
“In general,” frowned Vigg.
“The trolls... I mean the moose told us,” Saga said. “They know where Sampo fell – the hero, not the artifact...”
“The magical thingamajig,” Vigg explained unnecessarily.
“...but since he was carrying the Sampo it must be buried with him,” Saga finished. “And I'm a troll prophet now!”
Twilight looked at Vigg for a sane viewpoint.
“Sort of,” he said. “The... problem...” He was staring at Twilight, or more specifically at her outfit. “...the problem is that we don't know exactly where on the glacier...”
“Oh, and Vigg is my boyfriend now!” Saga almost sang and looked at him.
“What?” said Twilight. “Oh. Oh. So that's what you did in the forest!”
“No, not like...” Vigg bleated with a blush. Saga was going to say something when Twilight hastily interrupted.
“You were talking to the moose, I mean. Good for you. And also about the... the... teen love thing, young hearts, finding each other in the wilderness, excellent. And stuff,” she lamely finished.
“Spike?” Vigg suddenly said, having noticed a faint wheeze. “Spike?” He rushed over and patted the little dragon on the back. Spike was choking, and Twilight and Saga joined Vigg in trying to get him to cough up what they assumed was a cracker. Finally Spike spit out his tongue.
“There... should be something to drink with this,” he said and grinned awkwardly. Then the grin became very big, genuine and toothsome.
“Vigg! Buddy! Congratulations! Great catch! Nice, uh, flanks!” he said and slapped Vigg.
“Thanks, I think,” said a worried Vigg. Spike looked rather frantic.
“Spike! That's not how you talk about ladies!” said Twilight sternly.
“Yeah, I'm awesome!” said Saga and nuzzled Vigg, who blushed again. “Aw, isn't he cute! My White Prince!”
Spike was still grinning like a maniac.
Wow! Twilight thought. He is really happy for Vigg's sake. I guess I should be happy on Spike's behalf, he if anybody needs to care for others' happiness or that whole dragon-greed thing could turn up. I think we should get the young lovebirds a gift or something... but...
“Not to be a wet blanket or anything,” Twilight said, “but 'Prince', yes. What's your family saying about this, Vigg? I can imagine they want to decide who you... marry and so on, I mean?”
Vigg looked more miserable. Saga shrugged.
“His mom will come around, and I think his grandpa liked me! Besides,” she said and nuzzled Vigg jokingly, “I can always be his mistress! Or concubine, or something!”
“Do you still have concubines in Poatsula?” said Twilight.
“What's pumpkins got to do with it?” asked Spike.
“She’s blathering,” said Vigg. “Mother... didn't take it well. I don't think Grandpa noticed. He was a little obsessed with almost having been killed and all.”
“Oh,” said Twilight. “That.”
“I... guess I should...” Vigg began.
“If you thank me I will scream!” Twilight blurted out.
“What?” said a confused Vigg.
“Sorry, Prince Vigg,” Twilight groaned. “I have just been so thoroughly thanked that I am starting to develop an allergy to it!”
“Er.. OK,” he said.
“It's just that it seems like something anypony... sorry, anydeer, anyone... would have done,” she explained.
“Well, they told me you had tracked him down before, and all,” said Vigg. “That's not something anyone could have done.”
“And it's not like anypony could hold back a balefire bomb!” Saga gushed.
“It wasn't a balefire bomb!” Twilight almost shouted. Saga shrank back. The unicorn caught herself and spoke without the Royal Canterlot Voice. “It was a regular perfectly normal alchemical explosive!”
“Lady Sparkle, if I might ask...” Vigg began.
“Go on,” Twilight said. “Ask away!”
“If you... knew about Lord Eminence's plan and had, I mean, like, evidence... why didn't you talk to somedeer?” Vigg said while looking Twilight Sparkle in the eyes.
Twilight swallowed. She hadn't thought too much on this. She had sort of avoided the thought. She would have to lie to the youths as well. Had they been anydeer else, but people would talk to Vigg. Important people.
“You... this must be hard to understand and... you might even hate me....” she began, and tried to avert her eyes.
She failed.
“To keep Princess Celestia's good graces and attention, it's not enough to do well,” she said. “Others must also do badly. Lord Eminence's plan had one enormous flaw: his primary tactic doesn't work against you reindeer. By letting him go through and fail, I shamed him and his faction. However, I couldn't let him go through completely, because he could have harmed somedeer and caused Equestria trouble. By stopping him myself when I did, I got rid of his faction at court without great blame falling on my sovereign. Had I just told the Poatsulan authorities, that would have gotten rid of him, but I would have won nothing. I cannot act without... a certain self-interest, you see? I cannot afford not to.”
She fanned herself to hide her face and tried to force that stupid laugh but just got out a cough.
Vigg took a long hard look at her and then he said: “I see.” His voice was quiet and sounded almost frail.
“The thing is, as I started to say, that we know that the Sampo is buried in Joukulvakt Glacier,” he abruptly said. “We don't know where. Just 'to the south'. That's too imprecise.... And we have no way of digging it out either.”
“Unless we ask the Skoll!” said Saga. Vigg scowled at her.
Twilight was taken back with the sudden change of subject.
“I... see,” she said. “What do you plan to do about that?”
“That's... what we were going to ask you, Lady Sparkle,” Vigg said. “We hoped you would have another lead...”
“Not to mention the digging thing!” said Saga. “Could you like levitate away a lot of packed snow and ice like that?”
“I don't know about the latter...” said Twilight Sparkle cautiously. “But about the former...”
Twilight's mouth widened into a crazy grin bigger than the one Spike still held traces of. She turned directly to Saga.
“I have an excellent idea! Saga... you once told me about the three spells your Grandmother taught you...”
After Twilight had outlined her idea (not mentioning exactly what she wanted to ask Wiglek, she wanted to keep the Princess' possible secrets as long as possible) and after the two fawns had given a more coherent description of their meeting with the moose, Twilight left. She had to go to a meeting with Princess Ljufa, even if she'd rather stay and discuss preparations and moose magics with Saga. She bid a hasty farewell and brought Spike with her.
“Take care!” Spike said as he was almost pulled out of the room by a very late Twilight. “You two look fantastic together!”
“Crazy kid!” said Saga and shook her head. Then, she sighed. “I can't believe Mistress Twilight wants to use my magic! That's so great!”
“Yeah, “ said Vigg, “about Lady Twilight...”
Saga saw his darkened brow (quite a feat, when you are a white-furred cervine) and guessed his thoughts.
“She worries you?” she said.
“She’s lying,” Vigg said, still looking at the door where the unicorn sorceress had disappeared.
Saga looked at him.
“You training me must be paying off,” he said. “She is lying... or at least telling half-truths, about the assassin and my grandfather.”
Saga gasped.
“So... is that thing true... about Skinfaxi's Shadow...?” she said.
“The funny thing is, her heart is still pure,” Vigg said. “I have checked. She cannot mean harm to me... or my grandfather... or Poatsula. So... why is she lying? To make herself look worse?”
“That... is odd,” Saga said.
“And the other funny thing... did you heard her accent?” he said and turned to Saga.
“Yeah,” she frowned. “It was kinda sexy!” she added and grinned.
“Yes, but that's not...” he sighed. “Look, when I learned Ancient Cervine with Lady Sparkle's spell, from her, I came to speak it with her accent. Like an equine who learns it at posh academy.”
“Yes?” said Saga.
“When you learned Ancient Cervine with Lady Sparkle's spell, from Kvalhissir, you came to speak it with his accent. Like a moose farmer who has it as his native language.”
“Yes,” said Saga, trying to see where he was going with this.
“But when Lady Sparkle learns Poatsi with her spell from one of my mother's maids, she doesn't speak it like a native Poatsulan with Sarvvik working-class accent. She suddenly speaks like a foreign villainess from a melodrama. Why?”
“I’m so sorry I’m late, Your Highness,” Twilight said and tried fanning herself. She almost overturned her teacup.
Tea. Not coffee. A bowl of amber for Spike. This cake is of Equestrian make. Is this a way of making thanks as well?
Princess Ljufa smiled serenely.
“No worries,” she said softly. “I called you here, first because I wanted to thank you for rescuing my father...”
AAAAHHAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAA!
Twilight almost broke a tooth as she bit down into platter the cake was served upon, having tried to eat like a reindeer. Luckily, the platter was carved wood like so much else reindeer-made.
“Is there a problem, Lady Sparkle?” the Princess said.
“No. No. Not at all! Delicious cake!” said Twilight frantically, licked cream off her nose and tried to check whether that tooth was loose.
“So, you were saying, Your Highness?” she said.
“First, I wanted to thank you for saving my father... “ the reindeer said. Twilight nodded with a stiff grin. Spike looked up from his bowl and looked at her, worried.
“And...” Twilight said.
“Second, I would like to know... why?” Princess Ljufa said with a concerned voice.
“What?” said Twilight.
“Why did you try to save my father?” the Princess said. “It would have been to the benefit of your nation if he had died. And it's not like he is likable.”
Twilight almost choked on her cake.
“Oh, don't think I wish him dead! But as the daughter... and widow... of leaders of deer, you learn to be realistic,” the Princess continued. “You have a certain reputation, Lady Sparkle. Why did you save my father's life?”
“Oh... I'm afraid you're seeing right through me,” Twilight said and tried to smile smugly sidewise. “It was all powerplay. You see, by getting rid of Lord Eminence in such a drastic way, I greatly furthered my own power at court. That is all!”
The reindeer Princess scrutinized Twilight closely.
“No, Lady Sparkle,” she said somberly, “I don't think so.”
“Oh, ohohohoho, there is... well, by keeping closely to Princess Celestia, I can increase my magical knowledge. And power! I'm all about power!” Twilight tried, somewhat worried.
Princess Ljufa shook her head.
“I am sorry, Lady Sparkle,” she said sadly, “but you are lying to me.”
“What?” said Twilight almost frantically. “I... of course, I am a great liar! But this is true! I have only egoistical motives for my actions! I am... you could call me, ohohohoho, a very bad pony, yes?”
Again, Princess Ljufa shook her head and smiled sadly.
Where did I hear... that she can do something like this? Like... telepathy? That her Sight lets her See your heart? Has she found me out now? What is she going to say? What is she going to do? How...
Princess Ljufa stood up and walked around the table. She knelt beside the still seated Twilight and put a hoof in her lap.
“I am sure you tell yourself that, Lady Sparkle,” she said in a soothing, slightly condescending voice. “But it isn't true!”
“What?” said Twilight, confused.
“You are not a bad pony! There is a way out of your horrible life! Anydeer... I mean anypony can change!” Princess Ljufa cooed.
This is... this is the “reform the villain speech”! The one that you always give to the mean pony in stories! Like... well, like in a cartoon for... for little fillies! She is trying to reform me!
“Well... er.. no!” Twilight said. “That's... that's not true! I am a thoroughly rotten and selfish pony! I'm utterly irredeemable!”
“Come, come! No matter what you have done, Lady Sparkle, you can be forgiven!” Princess Ljufa said and patted her.
“Oh... no, not when you have done such horrible, horrible things such as I have done...” Twilight started to say.
“Oh you poor, poor thing!” Princess Ljufa burst out and hugged Twilight.
“That I would do again!” Twilight said and tried to push Ljufa away. “If I could! And I can! And will! Ohohohoho...”
Twilight tried to disentangle herself from Ljufa, but was hindered by three hoofmaidens dog-piling on her, also trying to hug her.
“I can feel your lies!” the Princess said. “What could made you shame yourself like that?”
“I am sure she had a horrible childhood!” said one of the hoofmaidens and started to cry.
“No!” shouted Twilight. “No way!” She struggled under the hug-pile. “It was perfect and idyllic, only wrecked by my evil childish schemes! I was born bad and dangerous!”
“I know that grants you security, Lady Sparkle,” said the Princess, “but it is a false security! Besides, Our Lady of The Sun would not have chosen you as Her servant, had you not been a good pony!”
That unsettled Twilight a bit.
“L-leave my Princess out of this!” she hissed. “She... she choose me so I would do the least harm this way! I'm so evil! I'm a wicked, wanton wild... mare!”
I was sure there was another word with 'w'... I'm losing it here... I need to get out of here!
“Look, OK, uncle, I give!” Twilight protested. “Let me breathe, OK.”
The reindeer let her go a bit.
This is my main subject after all.
“I mean, what would be the purpose of not being wanton, wicked and other things with a w-?” Twilight began. “What's the use of all these things like, say... friendship?”
I'll just have to pretend I am at a lower level of understanding for half an hour!
“Well,” said Princess Ljufa and rose, posing with her hoof at her chin. “That is easy to know but not easy to learn...”
“I'm all ears!” said Twilight and gave an insincere smile.
“Good!” said Princess Ljufa and smiled back far more sincerely and actually rather enthusiastically. “Because it is easiest expressed in song!”
Twilight realized there were instruments for all the hoofmaidens.
No. She can't possibly be...
“When you life feels bleak and dark/ and nothing is a lark...” Princess Ljufa began to sing.
If I keep repeating Henry Hoofton's logarithm tables, maybe I won't go insane.
“I've never felt this ridiculous in my life,” Twilight murmured to Spike and looked at her own body. “My humiliation is complete. As if there hadn't been enough trouble today!”
“Speak for yourself!” said Spike happily. “This'll be my next Nightmare Night costume: reindeer neighcromancer!” The threat to his... mother was neutralized. Nothing could bring him down today, not even having to listen to Ljufa's Friendship Will Chase The Clouds Away five times.
Their bodies had been painted with a skeleton pattern, surprisingly meticulous. Saga knew her anatomy, a thought which chilled Twilight a bit. The bones, in turn, were painted with dripping blood to give the impression of a skeleton that recently had its meat stripped away. In addition to having their faces painted like bleeding skulls, they were wearing helmets that basically consisted of an old reindeer skull, antlers still attached. The skull helmets were decorated with long garlands of feathers from suitably ominous birds and rows of... reindeer teeth, Twilight realized. Just like the umpteen necklaces she was carrying, making each step rattle. The fact that Eira, who had watched Saga's preparations with a good-hearted chuckle, had guaranteed the bones and teeth were donations from pious reindeer of old didn't really make Twilight less squicked.
Of course, their ghastly outfits fit the interior of the Hrimfaxi Temple, which had never looked more dark and foreboding. Huge fat candles in bone white and deep purple dribbled in the corners. The bone and horn mobiles of the celestial bodies were swinging in the draft up below the roof. Their shadows danced over the benches and altar. Eira had chirped happily how good it was that the new rush of volunteers had got so much of the renovation underway before they had to hold a major occult ceremony like this.
“I... I don't want to be a cultural imperialist or anything,” said Twilight in a hushed voice to Eira. “But is all this... paraphernalia really necessary?”
The old priestess looked up at her, puffing her pipe.
“It's... well, we unicorns don't even use props in our magic,” Twilight explained. “It’s just your mind and your horn. I didn't even start using them until I started combining it with zebra magics... It’s just a bit much, you know?”
Eira puffed more.
“Well,” she said with a smoke-raspy voice, “the drum and the pointer are necessary, for sure.” She pointed to a low rune-painted drum that Twilight was chillingly certain was made from ungulate skin. It had a carved knuckle-bone lying on top of it. When you drummed, the bone would dance around and like a divining rod point in the direction the gateway would open. “As for the rest... it's for comfort and courtesy.”
“Beg your pardon?” said Twilight. “What do you mean?”
Eira gave a low, throaty chuckle.
“This is more elaborate than usual,” she confessed, “because my grandchild plays the drum. She likes... drama, always has done. If she weren't comfortable, the spell could fail. Perhaps with disastrous results.”
Twilight nodded. “I see. So it’s just a for show, then?”
Eira looked at her. “Oh no. This is real. When you are talking to spirits, Lady Sparkle, your mind is as real as a mountain and your doubt is a killing blizzard.”
“As for courtesy,” she continued, “Wiglek the Wicked lived long ago. He was of royal blood. He was a sorcerer of no little repute, though reputedly of little talent. You have to be courteous to such reindeer. He would be horribly offended if he wasn't met with pomp and regalia! And you don't want to offend the shadow you are summoning.”
“Saga said,” said Spike, “that the costume was because if she by accident summons a marauding ghost instead of a... what did she say, 'hallowed ancestor'... he would think we were marauding ghosts too, and say 'Oh, my mistake, terribly sorry!' and go off maraud somewhere else.”
“That theory might hold merit,” said Eira merrily and looked at the two young reindeer. “Ghosts are notoriously stupid, after all.”
Twilight looked at her curiously.
“Look, they can't even die properly! Staying around like that! And they always has something terribly important to say or do, but can never say or do it straight. Like, 'Look here, I was murdered, and it was him who done it!' or 'I buried my gold under the outhouse, I want my inheritors to have it!' Noo, they just fumble around and moan about doom and such.” Eira was visibly upset.
Twilight tried to find something to say, being rather skeptical to most claims of hauntings, even if the existence of ghosts in itself had been scientifically proven long ago. Spike had lost track of the half-whispered conversation. He was looking at the young... couple! Couple! COUPLE!
While no stranger to romantic love, the more physical side of the whole thing was yet beyond Spike. Puberty takes some decades for dragons, after all. He was, however, certain that the way the two fawns moved around each other meant some kind of deep attraction. It was most obvious in the way Saga had insisted that she couldn't possible paint herself. She couldn't reach everywhere, so Vigg had to do it! Then she insisted in redoing part of Vigg's body-paint They seemed very happy (though Vigg was also very nervous) to rub paint-daubed hooves all over each other.
Finally, everything was ready. Saga placed herself in the middle of the room, in front of the altar on which the withered old antlers of Wiglek the Wicked were placed. She started to chant as she slowly played the drum. The others stood off, way back, and watched. Saga's drumming grew more fast-paced, her body looking like an actual reindeer skeleton rocking back and forth, up and down, the rattling of her accessories accompanying the drumbeat. Her chant grew louder and louder, the same words repeating over and over. Twilight mumbled the words under her breath, trying to memorize them, while her horn tracked the thaumic energies that started to gather in the room.
They are reminiscent of teleportation energies... Is the Summer Lands an actual physical place? Is Heaven truly a place on Earth? she thought. How can I replicate the antlers for a pony? Would I need something like parts of their corpse... or could I use the general Laws of Sympathy and Contagion? And, say, summon Star-Swirl the Bearded using my old Nightmare Night costume?
My dear grandchild... you have come so far... come into an era when we will be honored again, when no one will forget the Temple of Hrimfaxi... Eira thought, and her eyes teared up. You are doing this perfectly, in your own silly, overblown way...
Her tail... the way her tail bobs... I wish this called for dancing. I wish I could dance with her, even to that old witch drum. I want us to dance together, Vigg thought, slightly tilting his head backwards so he could see under the helmet Saga had made just for him. It looks like a cheesy buffalo chieftain's warbonnet. Silly, silly Saga! That has to be a compliment, right?
This, Spike thought, is starting to be really freaking scary! He moved so he was halfway behind Twilight.
A rift appeared in the air. Spike dove back completely behind Twilight, who gasped. A light seeped through the rift. It was a greenish light, like summer light filtered through young birch leaves. It was a warm light, like when you sun yourself in the grass. Sounds and smells wafted through the rift, of buzzing bees and chirping birds, of dew-wet grass and budding daisies.
Vigg started mumbling and took a few steps towards it.
“No!” said Eira sharply and bit his tail. “Don't!” Vigg tried to get free. “Hewp me, wady Fpackle!”
Twilight grabbed Vigg magically and held him back. He suddenly sobbed.
Now they thought they heard voices, vaguely familiar, like from a party two floors above. Shadows flickered in front of the rift, warm colors seeping through.
Eira let go of Vigg's tail, apparently trusting in Twilight's magic, though Twilight suddenly found an urge to walk forwards.
“Saga! Break off!” she shouted. “Saga! You're attracting a gaggle of random spirits! Saga! They will pull us through!”
Saga suddenly threw her head back and shrieked, pushing the drum violently away from her. The rift fell apart inwards, imploding upon itself.
The temple was suddenly very cold, very dark and very silent. Saga was panting and sobbing on the floor. Twilight let go of Vigg, and to his compliment, he immediately went to her and held her.
“I failed!” she sobbed. “I failed, I couldn't do it! I f-felt him but couldn't get him here, I'm a failure...”
Spike was still terrified. Twilight didn't know what to say. Eira calmly went up to her granddaughter and hugged her.
“No, you didn't fail,” she soothed her. “I felt it. That went without a hitch.”
“But...” Twilight said, afraid to insult Saga, “but he didn't appear!”
“The spell failed, it did,” Eira said, her gaze turned to Twilight. “But not because of my grandchild.”
“What was it then?” said Twilight.
“Can you still feel... the tug, love?” Eira said to Saga.
“Y-yes... I think,” she sobbed. Eira nodded.
“This happens sometimes,” she said. “Often enough that it is a side-effect you can exploit. But I have never seen it in a case like this...”
“Please explain,” Twilight said.
“The spell summons the shadow of the dead from the Summer Lands,” Eira said. “Or, if the shadow hasn't passed into Them, the ghosts of the dead.”
“Yes...?” said Twilight.
“Sometimes, reindeer have asked to have the ritual performed for a relative or partner that is missing, presumed dead,” Eira said. “To know their last will. But if it turns out that presumption is a wrong one...”
“Wait wait wait!” Twilight said. “Are you saying...?”
“The spell only works on the dead. And this tells me Wiglek the Wicked isn't,” Eira said, still hugging Saga.
“That's... nopony can live for a thousand years!” Twilight burst out.
“Whoever said he was alive?” said Eira, very sombre and grim.
Thanks again to my proofreaders! LadyMoondancer pointed out that the few words in Princess Ljufa's song track to 'Always Look At The Bright Side Of Life'; Wheelwright noted that they also track to 'Giggle at the Ghostly'. Oy vey.
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 31 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-03-03T08:40:46+00:00
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2012-03-03T08:40:46+00:00
| 4,263 |
“First he’s not dead, then he’s not alive...” said Spike. “Make up your mind!”
“He’s undead!” gasped Saga.
“Yes,” said Eira grimly, “that’s the most likely possibility. The spell wouldn't work on a draugr, one of the walking dead. One of them could exist for centuries. Wiglek was a wicked sorcerer who died a horrible death. He has reasons to walk the Earth.”
“U-undead?” Spike stammered. “L-like he’s a zombie? Or a vampony?”
Twilight Sparkle removed her ritual helmet and massaged her forehead with a hoof.
“Or a lich, since he’s a sorcerer...” she sighed. The others looked at her quizzically, except for Saga.
“There are ancient legends which say a sorcerer can lay a spell so that he can’t die but will raise from the dead as a magical dried-up corpse,” the fawn said with enthusiasm. “Uh, Equestrian legends. But they are, like, legends. There’s never been a real lich. I think.” She drooped somewhat.
“No, there hasn't,” said Twilight. “It’s theoretically possible, but the requirements are... unsettling and unlikely.”
“Are you sure he couldn't just be really, really long-lived?” Spike hoped. “I mean, dragons live that long. And the Princesses have lived even longer.”
“No Spike,” said Twilight. “Someone can be born really, really long-lived, like you are since you’re a dragon. You can’t make somepony... or somedeer... live that long if they were born mortal.”
“How do you know?” said Vigg, with some hostility.
Twilight looked at him, and plopped the helmet back on her head.
“Because as a filly I asked Princess Celestia herself why she didn't make ponies live longer, like her, and she said it was impossible, even for her,” she said. “I doubt she was lying and assume it applies to Luna as well... While you might have other... gods in this kingdom, I doubt Karhu-Akka can grant immortality either.”
Spike looked worried. “Yeah, unless she freeze-dries you, I guess... Does that mean we have to meet some spooky undead monster?”
“If... if he’s really around,” said Twilight and received an angry glare from Eira, “yes, probably. But we don't know how spooky he is, or even what he is.”
“In fact,” she said in an attempt at reconciliation, “Eira's word is probably best, because a draugr just means a corpse still walking around. We don't know what he can do or wants to do.”
“I... I just thought of something...” Spike said. “Y'know, in those comic books...”
Vigg groaned.
“No, listen!” Spike said urgently. “The guy based on Wiglek is all power-hungry, and that seems to be taken from reality. It's his big thing. And, and the Wiglek from history, he did everything so that when he couldn't be king, at least his son could be king, right? Right?”
He looked to Vigg, then to Twilight, then to the others.
“Yeah,” said Vigg, “I guess you're right. And?”
“Then if he isn't dead, why hasn't he tried doing anything again?” Spike asked. “He's had a thousand years. Why isn't there a lich-king reigning from the Frozen Throne of the North? Or at least stories of one who did and was defeated by a hero or something?”
The others exchanged glances.
“Are there any stories like that, I mean it could be him in a false mustache or whatever...?” Spike trailed off.
“No,” said Vigg, “not that I know of.”
“Aren't we forgetting something?” said Saga. “I mean, it feels sad to say it, but...”
“Yes,” said Vigg, “go on”.
“Last time we knew anything about Wiglek, he got, like, a ton of snow on his head,” Saga said.”How... how long would it take somedeer to dig themselves out from that?”
This was pondered in silence.
“Do you still have that 'tug'?” Vigg asked Saga. She shut her eyes and nodded.
“That'll lead us to him,” Vigg turned to Eira. “That's how it’s useful, when you cast the spell to summon somedeer who turns out to be not dead, just lost?”
“Yes,” said Eira, “though the tug disappears after a while.”
“Then we can leave now and search him out, Lady Sparkle,” said Vigg. “Because if he’s not walking around, and Spike’s right in that it seems unlikely, then his living corpse is lying next to the Sampo! We can use that to find it and dig it out!”
“Well, yeah...” said Twilight, who had been quiet for a while. “I guess you're right, Prince Vigg...”
“Then please come with us!” Vigg said, his owl-feather-bonneted painted face thrust close to Twilight's. She stepped back a bit.
“Er...” she said.
“Your magic is the only way we know to dig out the Sampo!” he burst out. “Mundane force cannot do it, and we cannot assemble and transport the huge machinery to do it.”
“Look...” Twilight said.
“Oh please!” said Saga. “Pretty please, Mistress Sparkle! If he’s not buried, we would need your help in dealing with an ancient draugr!”
“Look,” said Twilight, “it isn't that easy.”
She took a deep breath.
“I have promised my Princess... and your Grandfather,” she turned to Vigg, “to root out the pirates... and the Pretender. In addition, we must stop the Winter...”
She pre-empted Vigg's objections.
“And while I know you believe that the Sampo is necessary to do so, I’m not convinced,” she said.
“But my visions...” Saga began.
“I... I’m not fully convinced by your visions, Saga,” Twilight said. When she saw the little doe droop under her blood-dripping skull-helmet, giving a strange blend of the morbid and the vulnerable, she hastily added: “I still think they’re important, just not as important as my other missions!”
“I will help you as soon as I can, but I have more urgent things to do,” she continued. “I might be able to lend a hoof in as soon as a week!”
“But what if I lose my tug!” Saga protested.
“Then I'll whip up a Finders-Keepers spell from the gift-antlers!” Twilight reassured her. “I'll even be able to use it to teleport us partway there!”
Saga shrank back.
“But this is urgent...” Vigg began to protest. “Fine! Then we'll travel there in advance and scout out the place. We can... we could even bring Spike with us! Then we can send instant messages!”
“No, that would be too dangerous!” Twilight protested. “What if you run into Wiglek's draugr alone and he’s hostile? How will you handle a super-strong undead warlock? And I need Spike here for my work!”
“Er, do I get to say anything about this?” Spike wondered.
“No!” Vigg and Twilight said in a chorus.
“To quote Princess Hrimfaxi, you are not my mother, mistress or goddess,” Vigg said angrily. “You cannot stop me!”
Twilight fretted. “But it’s dangerous... and what with Winter coming... Saga!” she suddenly remembered. “I'm your mistress! In the art of magic, I mean! I... I forbid you to go off like that and risk you life, do you hear me?”
Saga gaped. Then she drew herself up to her full height and said with an unsteady voice: “Then maybe I must leave my apprenticeship... Lady Sparkle.”
“No!” said Vigg again. He walked over to the doe and hugged her. “No, don't. Don't mess that dream of yours up just because I am impatient.” He turned to Twilight.
“We’ll wait,” he said, “but not forever!”
“Right,” Twilight said, her voice calming down a bit. “Just give me some time, OK?”
Vigg and Saga nodded.
“Then it’s agreed,” Twilight said. “Look, I need to be up early in the morning, and I need to transcribe everything about this ritual before I go to bed and risk forgetting it. We'll get going now, if you don't mind.”
“We... don't,” said a still tense Vigg.
Eira started to say something, but was interrupted by Twilight.
“Then we're leaving! Come on, Spike!” she said.
“But... OK, Twilight,” said Spike, waved goodbye to the others and left together with Twilight.
“Crazy foreigners and their crazy hurry...” Eira muttered dourly.
“What is it, Grandma?” said Saga.
“They oughta have had a bath before they left!” she said. “Let's get us into the bathtub, at least!”
“I think we oughta have had a bath before we left,” said Spike, worried.
“You're right, you're right, you were right the first five times,” Twilight mumbled between gritted teeth before going back to her audience.
“Listen... I'm not really in the market for 'minions' right now...” she told them. “And I don't want to... I mean, I'm not hungry... I mean, my unnatural appetites are sated for tonight, ohohohoho!”
The small herd of fawns, about one third stags to two third does, looked up from the ground with disappointment. They had all prostrated themselves with a “ALL HAIL TWILIGHT SPARKLE, SKINFAXI'S SHADOW!” when they had realized who she was. Some held to the same aesthetics as Saga, while others simply went for massive amounts of mascara and eyeshadow.
“But until we meet again.. if we meet again...” Twilight said. Which I hope not... she thought. “Try to stay undercover! I mean, go to school, brush your teeth, don't do drugs, etcetera... To, um, fool the... forces of Light into a false sense of security! Until then, my... prospective minions, fly! Fly away on the night winds!” Twilight reared and made a dramatic gesture. Her admirers cheered and galloped away.
Twilight face-hoofed.
“The citizens fleeing in terror were easier to deal with, I think,” said Spike.
Twilight groaned.
“I don't have a perfect link, but I am going to teleport us back to our suite,” she said. “Now. This instant.”
“Now would be good,” said Spike.
They landed in the bigger sauna in the palace. They scared some late-from work guards bathing, and it didn't made Twilight's night any brighter, but Spike pointed out that it was a place to get clean. No biggie, in other words.
“This'll be a busy day, Spike,” Twilight explained at breakfast. Spike nodded and stuffed himself with jam and bread. Luna had excused herself early, pointing out that she really didn’t need to eat anyway. First she was to meet the King so they could assure each other publicly that Tarandroland and Equestria was best friends forever, despite mad bombers and other unpleasantness. Then she would meet with some urox, Tarandroland cattle, who had requested an audience. Twilight felt a little jealous about the latter; she was curious about them. She didn’t feel jealous at all, on the other hoof, about Luna meeting with Ukko, no matter how friendly he had become now. Twilight thought she would have had a hard time looking him in the eyes. She had told Spike and Luna as much. That issue, and similar ones, was the first on today's schedule.
“We hadn't thought about it,” she said and poured herself some coffee. “I hadn't thought about it. It should have been my responsibility. After all, I am studying reindeer magics!”
“Whaff?” said Spike with his mouth full.
“When we met yesterday, Princess Ljufa could... well, not read my mind, but something like it,” Twilight explained. Spike nodded.
“Vigg can do something similar, right,?” she asked. Spike looked a bit unhappy.
“Itf weally impolipe...” he swallowed, “to talk about a reindeer's Sight,” he said.
“Oh,” Twilight said. “Never mind, the point is I have to lie more and more, and not all reindeer will hug me and sing sappy songs about love and peace if they find out I do.”
“Point,” said Spike. “What can you do, though? Something like the spell in the room? Wasn't it impossible to make it move around with you?”
“Maybe something according to the same principles,” said Twilight. “Of course,” she added with raised voice, “the easiest would have been to not lie! But now I’m stuck with it!” She sipped her coffee.
“But I know somepony... well, not literally somepony, who knows how!” she said triumphantly. “I was close before, but I first figured it out last night in the sauna!”
“Oh, that's good!” said Spike. Then he caught himself. “Why did you start to think of that in the sauna of all all places? I mean it is relaxing if you really feel the heat, but...?”
Twilight smiled. “It was when my bodypaint started to flow down my sides,” she said.
Spike raised a quizzical eyebrow.
Paki the Zebra didn’t have a reindeer for a secretary. He would have protested if anyone called him specist, and in fact if he ever got to go home (unlikely) he would spend much time being irritated that his countryzebras weren't more like reindeer. Living many years far from home does that to a zebra. However, sometimes he longed for at least someone equine to speak to. No zebra traveler in their right mind stayed willingly in Poatsula, and ponies were so... pastel. That's how Mr Bileam the donkey became Paki's secretary and accountant.
Paki's office had an elevated part on a slightly higher level than the rest of the room, where he sat and worked and where the old ledges were kept. Down below, Mr Bileam worked and dealt with the less important customers. Today, the maid had brought a card that was intercepted by Mr Bileam. Paki noticed in the corner of his eye that the maid seemed upset and that Bileam admonished her. He then turned his head up to Paki.
“Sir, there is some kind of kerfuffle at the door. I'll go down and deal with it. I'll be back in a minute if you need me,” the old donkey said and straightened his wire-rimmed glasses.
“You're my doormane now?” said Paki amused. “What's with the maid anyway?”
The donkey shrugged. “You know how superstitious these reindeer are,” he just said and left.
After a few minutes he came in looking slightly worried. His tail whipped in a way that usually indicated the gnats of summer.
“Sir, you have a... rather odd customer that wants a word in private,” he said.
“Odd?” said Paki. “How odd?”
“If you wish, sir, I can say you are out,” Mr Bileam said. “I told a slight lie I wasn't certain you were in.”
“Let him in, Mr Bileam” said Paki and shrugged.
“Her,” said Bileam and left.
“Master Paki!” said Twilight Sparkle as she sort of sailed into the room in a black silk dress that billowed out around her. “How nice to see you!” Her Nuuban was as good as before. This time he was certain he could place the province it came from,
“Oh,” said the zebra trader. “It's you, Lady Sparkle. You have been featured in the news lately, even if we haven't seen each other.”
“Unfortunately, yes,” said Twilight Sparkle and fanned her muzzle, looking over her fan with large glittering eyes. “I prefer to stay out of the spotlight, see?”
Paki stared at the... new style of the unicorn mare. There was more paint on her face than on most boats down here in the harbor. Despite it being full daylight, her eyes looked colder than they had at that banquet.
“To what do I owe the honor?” he said and walked down the short stairs to the lower floor. “Can I offer you any refreshments?” He then noticed the little green and purple scaled thing standing beside her. She had brought her dragon familiar. Somehow the cute thing calmed him down a bit.
“Or your little friend there?” he suggested. The dragonling showed his teeth... or smiled, he wasn't sure.
“Oh, wow, thanks!” it squeaked. “Do you have any gems?”
Oh right, Paki thought. Dragons eat gemstones and noble metals.
“Would diamonds be okay?” he said and smiled at the dragon.
“Oh my, don't spoil him!” said Lady Sparkle. “Besides, that must be far too expensive!”
“They are quite common at home,” said Paki. He reached down and unlocked a drawer. “Many sailors use them as emergency savings, and hence I get paid with them a lot.”
He gave the dragon a big one, and it bowed and thanked him before starting to eat.
Weird little critter, Paki thought.
“It is, in a way, because of gemstones I am here,” said Lady Sparkle and smiled, or showed her teeth, Paki wasn't sure.
“Oh? Well, I don't run any gem import from my homeland, but I do send some Poatsulan amber home,” he said, a bit too nonchalantly. “Payment in kind, you see.”
“I was thinking of... worked gemstones,” Lady Sparkle said, taking a couple of steps closer.
“What?” said Paki. His instincts told him something was ahoof and he started to be worried.
“Like jewelry,” said Lady Sparkle and something touched the collection of necklaces he wore, like someone trying to grapple something with greased hooves. “Oh my, that is effective! Spike, close the door please?”
“Yes ma'am!” said the little dragon, shut the door to the office and casually planted a chair in front of it.
“Hey! What's going on?” said Paki.
I still have the hidden door up behind the ledger-shelves!
He backed a few steps.
“Let me tell you, Master Paki, about a few observations I made at the banquet,” Lady Sparkle said and used that damned fan again.
Paki started to sweat a bit.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about!” he said and backed up a bit more.
“Master Paki, my magic cannot harm you, but dragonfire is more mundane than you think and your archives aren't fireproof,” the unicorn said sternly. “Please stand still and listen. You are a very sympathetic person and I don't want to hurt you or make you upset.”
“If I can avoid it,” she added and smiled.
Paki nodded.
“Now, listen here: when we met at the banquet, it became obvious you knew my reputation,” she said. “You became afraid... no don't deny it... and somewhat reflexively checked your gri-gris there, your zebra amulets who, as we could see just now, don't just look like anti-magic but are anti-magic.”
“It’s not strange that someone should be worried about my magic outside Equestria,” she said as she started to pace the room. “What is strange is that you should be prepared for it. You clearly didn't know that I would be at the banquet, definitely not that I’d sit next to you. Yet you carried magical protection. Why?”
She looked at him curiously.
“Now, I only know one zebra personally, but as far as I can gather you are not a people given to superstition. Less so than ponies, in fact. So, there must be a plausible threat of a magical nature,” she said as she started to pace again.
“But then after talking to reindeer sorcerers and Spike,” she pointed her hoof to the dragon, “telling me what common reindeer think, I learned reindeer are suspicious of magic. They don't like to use it except in emergencies. Their own magic is mostly passive. So there are no big sources of magic in Tarandroland.”
“I idly thought that maybe you'd gone native,” she said and smiled when she saw she'd hit home a bit. “Reindeer can be superstitious. But then I realized reindeer magic... it is like cutie marks. Or destiny brands, as you say. Your Sight becomes what you See a lot. It tends to fit your occupation.”
“So it only stands to reason,” she said, “that a lot of reindeer traders have a Sight that lets them see through falsehoods. Or detect flaws in wares. Or guess accurately when somedeer is about to fold in negotiations. Among each other, it tends to cancel out... but it must be troublesome for a foreigner.”
“But what if a foreigner has a destiny brand that let him keep his eyes open in a similar way?” she suggested. “Now, what if that foreigner could use some of his native magics to negate reindeer clairvoyance? Unicorn magic cannot do that, but neither can unicorn magic pierce the veil to the Summer Lands like reindeer magic can.”
“Zebra magic can, somehow, I haven't formulated a theory yet, block reindeer clairvoyance,” Lady Sparkle said triumphantly. “Am I not right?”
Paki was silent for a while.
“You are right,” he said. “Is that what this is all about?”
“Yeah,” she said and smiled. “I need some gri-gris of my own.”
“And what makes you think I can make you some?” Paki retorted. “I'm no griot!”
“Yes you are,” said Lady Twilight. “Your necklaces there are made from Tarandrian materials, like amber. I saw that the first time we met. They were made here. ”
“Amber also happens to be a material which helps in magic dealing with information, which fits,” she lectured. “After all, modern devices like computers and television sets were originally made with amber. Electron, the Ancient Equine name for amber, is what gave those magic items their name – electron-ics. Am I not right?”
“You are right,” said Paki. “But... why should I do business with you?”
“Well, first I have a nice budget for this... operation, so I can pay you well. Second, I doubt your business associates would be as trusting if they learn of your protection. And third...” Twilight Sparkle stopped smiling and leaned uncomfortably close to the zebra. “Lord Eminence had your address among his contacts.”
“I SWEAR I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT!” the zebra panicked.
“I know,” said Lady Twilight. “His notes vindicate you. You only gave him some addresses to contact some more illegal businesspeople, so he could use them to get in contact with the pirates. As has been pointed out to me, they need to sell their plunder. I assume most Tarandroland businessdeer deal with them, just not directly. You've presumably done business with one of their fences at some time. I guess reindeer pirates are also dead in the morning without imported coffee.”
“But I need these gri-gris very much, and if I get them I might give you papers that get you out of trouble when the king's guards start turning the city upside down looking for people who had any business with the Pirate Pretender,” she said. “They will do it soon – a hot tip from somepony who sits in meetings concerning such matters.”
“So, if you don't want to make me those charming zebra-reindeer necklaces (I have a friend in Equestria who would love to market the concept), you miss out on a lot of money, you earn a bad reputation, and you will have to work harder to stop the law from causing you trouble,” she said. “That means there is only one question...”
“And that is?” Paki said, having calmed down.
“How fast can you make them?” the unicorn said.
As usual, lots of thanks to my proofreaders, LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 32 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-03-22T23:13:17+00:00
|
2012-03-22T23:13:17+00:00
| 3,941 |
The urox warmed Luna's heart yet made her want to cry at the same time. Her heart was warmed by the old spokesbull’s formal rhetoric as he gave his speech and the ancient ideals of honor and valor he showed as he introduced his little herd. He reminded Luna of people she had known long ago, before she became jealous and angry and insane, when she and her sister were younger. Modern cattle in Equestria didn't behave like that. It was like a little window to a happier past, even if Luna freely admitted that progress had been made while she was gone.
She wanted to cry because of the recurring theme in his speech: The size of his herd. The last herd of urox. They had been dying as a people since about the time Luna had started her sojourn to the moon, if she had understood him correctly. The reindeer had made war on them since then... until a century or two ago, when the urox had been so hard pressed that most of them had given up. They left their fields and meadows and emigrated to other lands, most often to Equestria. The few that remained were no real nation, no real country. The war ebbed out. Peace was never really made, the reindeer just stopped fighting them.
“They got what they wanted,” said the old bull with his drawling Bovine. “The reindeer had it, mmm?”
“Had what, sir?” said Luna.
“Our lands,” he said. “They had the river valleys, for the urox had died or fled. That was when the reindeer had the whole of Tarandroland, mmm?”
“I see,” said Luna.
“They came from the tundra, and they chased everyone away,” said the bull. “First, the skoll from the lower mountains, with fields of dwarf birch and reindeer moss, up the glaciers with the ice-wargs, serves them right!” He spit for emphasis, not because he needed to. “Then, the stalu from the forests, from green juicy needles and black tarns, deeper into them, made them invisible, poof! Then, us from the river valleys, with meadows with grass and fields of barley, across the ocean, to Equestria, hmmmm?”
He looked at Luna with his big brown eyes.
“And the Russ, the Russ had come and made trading posts, and the reindeer trotted in and said 'these are our cities now',” he said, and made his voice thin and high-pitched to imitated a reindeer. “The Russ sent word for the armies of Equestria, but by then your noble sister had decided it would be wrong to march on other lands. So no armies came.”
He snorted.
“The Russ, they stayed, since no reindeer could handle a city. They are just barbarians, they don't know wealth,” he said. “Not many uroxi stayed, so they couldn't grow much on our lands. Reindeer don't have the hooves, hmmm?”
“On my fields,” and he swept with his horned head to vaguely indicate their location somewhere in southern Tarandroland, “on my fields I grow more barley than on all my neighbours fields, though they are many times bigger, hmmm?”
“You feel the land, then, just like some of our little ponies,” said Luna. Just like I do, she thought but didn't say out loud, because she didn't want to boast.
The bull proudly nodded. “Many of the reindeer chieftains – they took earth pony tenants to work their lands, to make something of it, something like uroxi can make, something like we can make,” he said. “They, like us, don't pay no taxes to the reindeer king. We pay tribute to his vassals, hmmm?”
“And the practical difference is?” said Luna.
“When the king foolishly lowers his taxes, we don't get to keep more money,” the bull said and grinned widely. “That is why we are here.”
“I... don't quite understand, sir,” said the Princess.
“Winter is coming, and we have things to prove,” said the bull. “We have our pride yet we are weak nowadays.” He looked at Luna.
“You want to... join the fight against winter, right?” Luna guessed.
The bull nodded.
“Despite not really being morally bound by it, because according to this semi-feudal accord you have, you have paid for protection from the reindeer chieftains by your vassalage,” she continued.
He nodded again.
“And also, despite being a small people with little resources, you will join anyway,” Luna.
He continued to nod.
“Because by doing this you feel you prove something to the reindeer,” she said. “You feel your act would be more noble and more daring than theirs. It would restore some of the honor lost by your ancestor by... losing.”
“You have, I see, understood our thoughts and goals, Your Highness,” the bull said.
He is from another age alright, she thought. I am certain few would fault him for his ancestors' losses. I am certain few would fault him if he sat this one out.
“Pray tell me, sir,” she said, “have your people oft joined the War On Winter?” she said.
“Not in a long time,” the bull admitted. “Not since they crushed our kingdom.”
“What makes you think it a good time to do it now?” she asked.
“It might be the last war,” said the bull. “You must take your chances, Your Highness, hmmmm?”
It is a foolish thing to do, she thought. He could spell doom to his whole people. To the single herd that remains.
“But also because we heard Equestria might be involved,” the bull said somewhat anxiously. “It is my belief that King Ukko might have turned us down.”
Tia would have said no. She would have reminded him that sometimes it is braver not to fight. That his kin is unproven in combat. She might have reasoned with him, to show that he makes them no favor by killing of the last of his bloodline.
“You are most welcome, sir,” she said and smiled towards him. “And you are right that this might be the last battle, if Winter wins this round.”
He smiled, he relaxed, he was obviously relieved. She could see his entourage also smile, nod, look at each other and stretch with pride.
“That is wonderful!” he said. “We must return to our farms, but I will leave one bullock here as a liason. Just give the word, and we will gather our arms and join you in battle, where you so desire, Our Lady of the Moon!”
I am not Tia, she thought. This will do more good to him and to Tarandroland, even if they cannot do much with their single herd. If nothing else, it will hearten the many cattle living in Equestria. Many of their ancestors came from here. They will remind my little ponies that they live in a bigger world.
She thanked the urox. They wouldn't “return to their farms” right away, of course. They would have lunch together, and then the urox would presumably run a thousand errands here in the capitol before going back home. They would have time to talk a bit during dinner. She would get to talk to the other urox when they were less formal, and hear what the younger ones thought about this. What the cows thought about this.
And what he meant by 'arms', she thought. I have never met a bovine who didn't think his body mass and his horns would suffice. Or maybe he meant 'armaments'. My Bovine is rusty. It doesn't matter in the end how they do it: they are willing to help in our cause. I can only hope those Twilight are talking to are equally amenable.
The bartender at the Ailing Mariner swirled in the air yet again, like he was part of some gyroscope of bolted-together reindeer. He screamed horribly, his scream cut off by vomiting yet again and spattering the walls with reindeer puke. When he stopped and just hung in the air, he alternately sobbed and panted, enveloped in purplish magical energy.
“Spike, please,” said Twilight Sparkle. The little dragon who was by now pretty horrified with the whole thing hurried over and used some paper towels from the bar to wipe her face, careful not to ruin her makeup.
“Thanks, Spike,” said Twilight, her mouth a hard line. “Now, will you listen to me? And not make insinuations to my mother's profession?”
The bartender nodded weakly where he hung. Twilight put him down on a chair in a sitting position.
“I know your employer uses this place as a way to buy and sell stolen goods,” Twilight began. “I don't really care. What I do care about is that he does business with those pirates, including their leader. I'll be generous and give your employer one week. In that time, I will have a date and a place from him regarding when and where I can meet Jarl Ahto. You can simply send a note to me at the palace; I've seen to it that my mail is not read or interrupted.”
The bartender looked up and nodded weakly again. “Within one week,” he mumbled.
“If not, this place will burn down in a mysterious fire which won't hurt the surrounding buildings,” Twilight added. “With every employee and customer inside. Oh – and it won't happen in one week to the day. It will happen when I feel like it. Sleep tight, sir!”
She turned and trotted out of the tavern, her head held high, a nervous Spike in tow. She knew the bartender and his family lived on the upper floor. She also knew how many thousands the owner of the establishment made from it in a week – and that was only the legal money. If Lord Eminence's notes were correct, the whole illegal business would be crippled if the owner had to dismantle his fencing operation here.
“Twilight...” Spike began.
“Yes, Spike?” she said and turned towards him. She tried to smile, but neither the smug fake smile of the Dark Enchantress nor the normal honest smile of Twilight Sparkle wanted to manifest. She looked sadly at the little dragon.
“Was that... really necessary?” Spike said nervously. “To...” He didn't even start the sentence, he just made a spiral in the air with his paw.
“Yes it was, Spike,” said Twilight. “I told you if you followed me, you'd see things you wouldn't like.”
Spike was still clearly ill at ease. Twilight turned back and started to walk away. He could do nothing but follow her.
“Actually, I feel worse about Paki,” Twilight said after a long sad silence.
“Why?” said Spike. “You didn't hurt him.”
Twilight turned back, a bit flustered.
“Paki was guilty of nothing, except possibly some dishonesty in his business,” she said. “That stag in there works at a place where you sell things you get by threatening and hurting and maybe even murdering not only ponies but reindeer as well. Unlike some of the thieves, who can argue that they are poor and unemployed and hungry, he has a regular business as well. He has no reason except for pure greed in doing what he does. And unlike those pirates, who you could view as being bold adventurers, he is just a cowardly creep!”
Her voice was starting to get loud, and Spike had to shush her.
“Sorry. Anyway, I threatened and scared Paki, at most a rogue, even when I could at least have tried to ask him nicely first, all in the name of this ghastly charade...” Twilight said. “That... leech in there, he probably deserves worse than getting shaken a bit.”
“But... it's not like you did it to stop him doing his job, right?” said Spike, relentless.
“No,” said Twilight. “Sadly no. I wish some policedeer would simply walk in there and take him in instead, get rid of that sad place in a just and neat way. Maybe that will happen later, but not now. I simply must speak to Jarl Ahto. This is my only sure lead, and Ahto must believe that I'm not in league with the ruling power in Tarandroland. Who controls the police, even if it's a lousy police.”
“If you say so,” said Spike and sighed. “But doesn't he have this crimeboss figure who gives him orders? It's not like he can just ignore those. And why didn't you whirligig him instead?”
“Believe me, I'd have done that if I only know who he was, but even 'he' is a guess. It could be a vaja for all I know,” Twilight said. “That reindeer keeps their identity well hidden. Besides, 'somepony told me to do it' is one of the worst reasons ever to do something, good or bad.”
“Now you sound like Rainbow Dash,” Spike said and smiled.
“I do? Well, maybe you should obey your parents and teachers...” Twilight said with an added smile. “I don't like this anymore than you, Spike, but somehow I have to do it.”
“If you say so,” said Spike, less dejected this time. “So, what's next?”
“A meeting with some of the Companions to discuss things,” Twilight said. “You can come if you like and be my secretary, but it will probably be even less fun than this... and I cannot promise there won't be any violence.”
“Violence?” said Spike.
“Those five reindeer are crazy,” Twilight sighed, “and not in the friendly Ponyville way.”
“That doesn’t matter, I can come if you need me,” said Spike. “I mean, what else is there to do?”
“You could go hang out with Saga and Vigg,” said Twilight and smiled. “Since I need a message taken to the Hrimfaxi temple anyway, you would even be working.”
“Who's the message for?” said Spike.
“Kvalhissir,” said Twilight.
“What? Is this about moose magic or something like that?” Spike asked.
“I wish! No, the moose comes later in my evil plan for world domination,” Twilight joked. “I simply need him to relay a whole bunch of questions and proposals to that old moose cow Vigg and Saga spoke to, who seems to be some sort of elder.”
“About what?” said Spike.
“Well, one of the many problem we face is getting enough reindeer together to fight Winter, even with the king on our side. So I'm going to recruit every non-reindeer I can get a hold of,” Twilight said.
“He's a good kid,” said Vigg as they watched Spike leaving the temple. Spike was riding on one of the worshipers who was also leaving the temple. The reindeer had jumped at a chance to earn some extra coin carrying Spike back to the palace, and she came with a recommendation from Eira.
Saga giggled. Vigg turned to her. “What?”
“Y-you sound so old!” she said and started to laugh. “Like you were thirty or something!”
Vigg wrinkled his nose. “I wish I was older!”
“You wanted to say something,” Saga stated as she finally stopped laughing. “I could feel it earlier, but you didn't say it. What was it?”
“I thought I was the mind-reader,” Vigg mumbled.
“Your brainpan might as well be glass,” said Saga.
“I’m worried about Lady Sparkle,” he said. “I didn't want to say it while Spike was here, because I didn't want to sound... mean.”
“Why the worry?” she said.
“She was lying the other day. She acts strangely. Just like Princess Hrimfaxi, she tries to stall us from finding the Sampo,” he said.
“You think so?” Saga said.
“What else could it be? She has nothing to gain from it otherwise,” Vigg said. He frowned and wrinkled his nose at the same time.
“You also said earlier she didn't have any ill-will in her heart,” said Saga and nuzzled him.
“Well... it's just that she might want to do something I don't want, but she thinks it's the best for me,” he said and tried to ignore her.
“Have you ever Looked at your mother?” said Saga.
“What?” said Vigg and turned to her. “How do you mean?”
“Well... I guess you'd then have a sample to compare with. If she’is like any typical mom she wants what she thinks is best for you but it’s totally not what you want,” she said.
“I... yeah, you're probably right,” Vigg said and groaned. “Using this... using this and thinking, it’s giving me a headache!”
“Aw, you've used it before!” Saga said.
“Not with my brains on!” Vigg said. “It's different. It feels wrong Looking so much... and it can't be good. Daddy always said grandpa Looked too much.”
“At what?” said Saga.
“That's kinda... private... but...” Vigg sighed. He put his mouth close to Saga's ear, as if somedeer would have been able to overhear them. “They always said... not outright... grandpa can see weakness.”
“Like what?” said Saga. “What weakness?”
“I think they meant literally... he was a warrior, you know? So he could see like an opening or a weak spot. But that it could also be anything... where its weakness is.” Vigg said. “But he has never told me himself, this is just hints and guessing...”
“So that's why he's such a grumpy old fart?” said Saga. “He keeps Looking and Looking and Sees only how everything sucks?”
“It's just a guess,” Vigg said. “And anyway, it's not like it is an excuse. It's just a reason. I mean, your grandma Sees sideways well enough that people pay her for it, and it's not like she's stopped being here because of it.”
“Does he ever look at himself in the mirror?” said Saga.
“Look, let's just change the subject, OK?” Vigg sighed.
“Sure!” said Saga and produced a smile. “So, what do you want to do?”
“Do?” said Vigg.
“We can't leave on our Quest yet, because we promised Mistress Sparkle to wait, and it's not like we can start digging without her,” she explained patiently. “So, what do we do while we wait?”
“I have school and you have a... a job, isn't it, here at the temple,” he said.
“My Goddess, you are boring!” she burst out and butted him. That made him laugh.
“Not the whole day, I suppose... Don't you have anything you want to do?” he said.
Saga suddenly smiled maliciously. “Weeeell, you promised me we would go clubbing if I went skiing.”
Vigg groaned. “Oh no...”
“Hey, you might like it!” Saga protested. “And you promised! And I want to show off my new boyfriend!”
“Yeah, yeah... It's just that I’d like to be a bit incognito, you know?” he said. “Clubs are pretty public places.”
“Oh, I don't need to brag that you are a prince or anything, you're a great guy anyway! It's not like white stags are uncommon or Vigg is an uncommon name.” Saga said and smiled maliciously again. “Besides, when I'm done with you, your own mother won't recognize you!”
“Oh manure!” Vigg moaned. “I forgot that part! Oh... alright! What kind of place are we talking about? Remember, I've never done this.”
Saga thought deeply. “There are several places we could go. It would be fun if it was somewhere wild yet cheap...”
“And why would that be?” said Vigg.
“Well, first because I like them, and second because there's a lesser chance somedeer will recognize you and bother us,” she said. “Of course, in any case we'll have to break some rules...”
“What rules?” said Vigg.
“Well, maybe laws, even,” said Saga cheerily. “I'm not certain how that works. But seriously, I'm two years your senior, and I'm kinda young for that kind of place!”
“Saga, I can't get in trouble normally, and we have sort of special duties right now...” he said.
“Don't worry! I've done this before,” she said, though she didn't reassure him much. “Nodeer will know.”
“I sure hope so,” Vigg sighed. “I'm so much in trouble if anyone at the palace learns about this... It's not like I'm locked up, even if I think Mom considered it when she heard about you, but...”
“Don't worry your pretty little head,” Saga mocked him. “They’ll never hear about our awesome night out!”
“Now that we have settled who is the fastest at vodka chugging, can we go back to business?” Mustikka said with a pained expression.
“I thought we were sort of finished,” said Heikko. “We have the maps, the schedule...”
“We don’t have the current rolls of whatever passes for an army, so we need to talk to some high-level army muckety-mucks before we can enter into that,” said Skiold.
“Skiold, you lead the army,” said Mustikka, hoof placed firmly in face.
“Well, it’s somewhere in my office, then,” said Skiold casually. “Nevertheless, we cannot continue with that thing right now.”
“Your office look likes a burial mound,” said Kol. “Everything is covered with eons of dust, and if you try to remove anything, the wights of ancient office workers rise with a moan and attack you.”
“Really?” Heikko perked up. “Can we go there?”
“Nevermind - the point is we are done here,” Skiold shrugged. “Unless anydeer has any new points to address.” He looked at the meeting as if daring them to have any more business.
Galderhorn cleared his throat. This caught everyone’s attention, since the sorcerer hadn’t spoke yet during the long meeting.
“There is one thing we haven’t thought of,” he said.
“And that is, Master Galderhorn?” said Twilight. She had a migraine. Her horn hurt from the root up.
“Well, one central part of the offense against the pirate stronghold is a common call for arms,” he said. The others nodded.
“A common call for arms means we must tell everydeer in the kingdom that they must gather to fight,” he continued. The others nodded again. “That, after all, is the very point of a common call for arms. But the pirates are just citizens who have gone a-viking. Most of their families didn’t follow them. They live by trading their plunder with other reindeer. Many of them were part of the army or navy and so lived here in the capital.”
“What are you getting at?” said Mustikka.
“All those reindeer won’t give up the bonds of family and herd and friendship,” Galderhorn continued. “If we tell everydeer in the kingdom about the advance against the pirates, somedeer will warn them. And one courier travels faster than an army. Especially if we have to organize things first. While everyone wanders around wondering in what order they march, the pirates can put up defenses or just take to their ships and leave.”
“They wouldn’t get far,” Skiold observed.
“No, but the attack would still be a failure,” Galderhorn said.
Everone fell silent.
“Do we really have to tell them the purpose of the call for arms?” said Twilight.
“Yes, Lady Sparkle,” said Kol. “Anything else would be against the law.”
A king who has to follow the law. Fancy that, Twilight thought.
“Must we tell them the true purpose?” Twilight asked.
“What do you mean?” said Skiold.
Lying and cheating just gets easier and easier, Twilight thought.
“Well, the main reason to gather all those allies is to save Tarandroland from Winter,” Twilight said. “So if we say that the War on Winter begins there, it’s not even a lie. Then, when the first offensive is against the pirates, the King can explain it as part of the bigger war - the easiest part first. We can even continue after that, straight ahead with the War on Winter. The only thing we’ll be lacking anyway is a place to make a stand, but we can try to clear the forests north of the coast of any nidhoggs and the waters of any tursus and then go on inland.”
“That could actually work,” said Mustikka.
“Mustikka agrees with somedeer!” said Skiold.
“I know, I’m scared too,” said the stern scout and grinned. “But she is right. Better one white lie than messing this thing up.”
“Ukko won’t like even a white lie,” Heikko frowned.
“If we cleared the world of all the things Ukko didn’t like, it would be a very very empty place,” said Mustikka.
“He’s also a pretty lousy liar,” said Skiold.
“Keep him in the dark as long as possible, keep Kol and Heikko talking to deer instead of him, and when he has to face it, keep him sober so he has his antlers on straight,” said Mustikka. “That’s the way to do this. Listen to Lady Sparkle, she has handled things like this before.”
The others nodded reluctantly.
I wonder if hurting someone for information also will become easier and easier, Twilight thought unhappily.
As usual, thanks a lot to my proofreaders LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 33 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-04-01T21:26:15+00:00
|
2012-04-01T21:26:15+00:00
| 4,397 |
Spike was focusing his flame while at the same time keeping it fairly weak, a difficult task. Too little force and it would sputter and die, too much and he would be setting fire to the tar. The tar was supposed to be just warm enough to be rubbed into the ski Vigg was working on.
"Keep it steady - that's great!" said the reindeer. "You can stop there!"
While Vigg bit into the shaft of a crude brush and started rubbing in the tar, Spike sat down and breathed deeply of the cool winter air tinged with tar. While he was used to keeping a flame going by breathing in through his nostrils, he wasn’t used to do it this long. He looked around the old storage shed they were working in. It was filled with ackjas and sleds, with some skis here and there. While he wasn't Twilight Sparkle, living and working in a library had affected Spike at a fundamental level. He felt a deep urge to get up and start sorting them. Maybe alphabetically, maybe categorically, but in any case they really ought to be properly stacked or leaned against each other. As it was he estimated half was warped by age or mistreatment.
You really ought to do some weeding as well, making firewood of some of the older sleds...
"You really ought to use the heat of the sun, you know?" said Vigg during one of those free breathing pauses you take when you are a sentient ungulate working with your mouth. "But dragonfire seems just as good."
"Sun?" said Spike, dragged out of his musings.
"Yeah, you start spreading the tar, then you let it warm, then you rub it in, then you scrape off the surplus," said Vigg.
Spike nodded. He remained silent for a while as the reindeer rubbed vigorously, then coughed and spoke up.
"Much as I like hanging out a bit, especially since Twilight is getting more skittish every day, what's gotten into you?" he said. "Why are we preparing stuff you won't use?"
Vigg sighed.
"I've been a bit... skittish myself," he confessed. "It's all this waiting. And mom isn't making it easier."
"Your mom?" said Spike. "What's her problem?"
"Well, ever since I... and Saga... you know..." Vigg started.
"Ever since you came home with a doefriend," said Spike. "Go on."
"Well, she tried to admonish me with a little speech the morning after she met Saga," he said. "I... got mad, and then she admonished me again for 'becoming upset'. I wasn't upset, I was freezing furious. And that second lecture made me even angrier, because she sounded as if it would be perfectly OK for me to mess up the succession and the family tradition and the royal duties, as long as I didn't raise my voice while doing it." Vigg snorted.
"Is this because Saga isn't like a princess?" said Spike.
"Well, not at first," said Vigg. "It was more that she looked like a bad girl who would get me in trouble."
"I keep forgetting your mother is psychic," quipped Spike.
"Aw, shut up!" laughed Vigg. "I told her she had not only a job but a sacred job, but working in the temple of Hrimfaxi didn't make Saga look more suitable to mom."
"Look, I'm a friend of Luna's and I can understand why your mom's worried," said Spike.
"Yeah... y'know the worst thing when adults try to order you around is when you feel they might even be right..." Vigg sighed and scraped off superfluous tar from his ski. "And then, this morning, she stops trying to be sensible, y’know, just not in the way you want, and does this stupid thing..."
"What?" said Spike.
"I'll show you," said Vigg, putting down the scraper and going to his saddlebags. He pulled out a flat brown book and gave it to Spike. "She gave me this. Take a look."
Spike opened the book and started to leaf through it. It seemed to be a photo album or maybe a scrapbook. It was filled with mostly formal pictures of mostly very nervous vajas. Now and then there was a newspaper clipping, and it was subdivided by long strips of parchment full of neat angular mouthwriting. Since he knew neither Poatsi nor reindeer runes he had no idea what they said.
"What's this?" Spike said.
"Eligible vajas," Vigg sighed. "Suitable for the crown prince of Tarandroland."
Spike gaped.
"They're mostly the daughters of various herd chiefs. I remember pulling their tails as a kid at big moots," Vigg explained. "But in the back are some Caribou princesses from northern Equestria."
"They look... nice," Spike said lamely. "She wants you to choose one? Are you going to be, what's it called, 'betrothed'?"
Vigg sighed again.
"No, nothing so direct. She just wanted me to look through them and 'think about it'. She never even talked about this before! Never ever!"
A bright flash of violet magic interrupted Spike's answer.
"Good news, Spike!" cried a frazzled but grinning Twilight Sparkle. "I’ve got the letter!"
"Letter?" said Spike. "Oooh, the letter!"
"Hello, Lady Sparkle," said Vigg. "What letter?"
"Jarl Aht.. hello, Your Highness," Twilight corrected herself. "My contact's letter. I meet him the day after tomorrow."
"Oh, that kind of contact!" Vigg brightened. "Does that mean you’ll be done soon?"
"I - I must act upon the information he gives me, Your Highness," Twilight said. "I don't know how long that will take."
"And we cannot help you 'act'?" Vigg said.
"I'm sorry, but no," Twilight said. "I’ve already been given help by your grandfather."
Vigg swore under his breath.
"Adult help," Twilight said. "I am sorry. I can't involve you in this. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you, Prince Vigg."
Vigg's heart chose to interpret it a little differently from how Twilight meant it and how his brain heard it, so he blushed deeply.
Twilight didn't notice, but turned to Spike again.
"I just have to figure out where we are supposed to meet," she said. "Oh, I knew I should have studied Sarvvik better!"
"Twilight, you can just look that up!" said Spike with irritation.
"Prince Vigg, do you know where a 'Klubb Niffelhel' is?" Twilight said.
"No, not really," said Vigg. "I only dance when forced to and I’m too young and smart to drink, so I don't really go to clubs." At least until now... he added mentally.
"What's a 'niffelhel'?" asked Spike.
"That's what reindeer call Tartarus, Spike," said Twilight.
"So, 'Club Tartarus'," said Spike. "Really the kind of name that makes you wanna go there."
"Y'know, if that's a real nightclub it will be in the business directory," said Vigg who had gotten a strange gleam in his eye. "Just look it up."
Twilight looked at him.
"I'm pretty certain your contact wants to meet you at a public place, so the club is probably legal, and if the club is legal it’s in the directory," Vigg continued. "There should be a copy of it in like every building within the Castle walls. The servants couldn't do their chores without one. Just ask any maid and they’ll help you!"
"Thanks, Vigg," Twilight said. "Come on, Spike! We’ve only two days to prepare!" She lifted Spike onto her back. "Bye bye, Your Highness"
"Bye Vigg," said Spike. "Hang out later, OK?"
"Sure," said Vigg and waved a hoof. "Stay safe!"
When they were gone in a flash of magic, Vigg very carefully yet very hurriedly cleaned up in the sleigh-shed and galloped downtown towards the Temple of Hrimfaxi. He was pretty out of breath when he reached it and stood panting a little while on the stairs to become able to speak again before trotting in. He found Saga tying bundles of antlers together.
"Hi," she said. "I thought you would be busy today."
"Something came up," he said and tried to smile nonchalantly. "What - what are you doing?"
"Our Lady of the Moon has ordered her sacrifices to be shipped to her earthly home in Canterlot," said Saga.
"Oh," he said. "Why?"
"Something Gramma told her," Saga said as she finished with her knots. "They’re brewing something up, I can tell. Now, what came up?"
"Well, first, Lady Sparkle has to meet someone the day after tomorrow," he said. "Which means we can get going soon after that."
"Oooh!" she beamed. "That's great. I'm... I'm sometimes afraid I'm losing the tug..." She lost some of her smile.
"Is it disappearing?" Vigg asked anxiously.
"Sometimes it feels like it isn't there when I try to feel it... but then it suddenly appears again," she said. "It's like... like the shadow of a pendulum thing."
"Don't worry, we'll be getting into action soon!" Vigg reassured her. She hugged him. "Oh, and another thing..."
"Yeah?" said Saga.
"Speaking of the day after tomorrow, I heard something really cool was going down at a place called 'Klubb Niffelhel'. Could we go there on that... outing?" he said to her back, since they were still hugging.
"Klubb Niffelhel? Wow! That's the freakiest place in town, sure!" Saga said enthusiastically. "Where did you hear about that?"
"There are people in the castle that go clubbing more often than me," he said. "You think we can get in?"
"I think you have to be twenty to get in by the Rules, or just eighteen if you’re a doe," Saga frowned. "But some of my friends say they’ve been there anyway. I'm sure I can get us in."
"Great," said Vigg. "That’ll be great."
Princess Luna had yet again raised the Moon from the roof of the temple of Hrimfaxi. The process might not take long, but it was precise and demanding and it was vital that it was performed on schedule. It was something that actually made her a little bit exhausted. Hence, she liked to relax for a bit afterwards. Currently, she was relaxing in the dark emptied temple hall by moving motes of multi-coloured light over illusory maps in the air. She turned away from her amusements when she heard Eira cough behind her.
“My Goddess,” said the priestess, “there is a pony here to see you.”
“No doubt somepony from the delegation,” said Luna, a mite irritated to be disturbed but at the same time a bit curious. The ponies of the Equestrian delegation didn’t go out and mix with the reindeer much. It was even rarer that they would dare Sarvvik’s slum for a temple that went against their tender sensibilities, when they were closer to Luna most of every day. “Did they say what their name was? I have no appointments for the rest of the night.”
“Sunny Side Up,” Eira said, reading nearsightedly from a card. “Her cutiewhatsit is an egg...”
Luna froze for a moment. “Her? I didn’t know she was in Tarandroland,” she said. “Show her in, My Priestess, and leave us alone.”
The reindeer curtseyed and left. Shortly after a white unicorn trotted into the temple. She had a light yellow mane and as mentioned a cracked egg on her haunch.
“Unicorn this time, sister?” said Luna.
The unicorn laughed. “Harder to be without magic than to be without wings, Lulu.” She grew and stretched, shining with an eerie light, and Princess Celestia, ruler of the Day Court, took the unicorn’s place.
“And really, ‘Sunny Side Up’? What kind of impenetrable alias is that?” said Luna.
The Sun Princess laughed. “Who would believe I’d use such a name? It would have been more suspicious if I had called myself Shadowdark Nightmurk.”
“Tia, dear, you really should leave the cloak-and-dagger to me,” Luna admonished. “It is hard to be magically incognito in Sarvvik.”
“Oh, don’t underestimate me,” said Celestia and nuzzled her. “I had to pick up some tricks during the years.”
“You are sure nodeer saw you and realized your true nature?” Luna said as she nuzzled her back.
“I can’t guarantee they won’t notice me when I am here, but I am banking on everydeer in Sarvvik knowing there is a ‘divine’ presence in the temple already,” Celestia said. “I am pretty sure they didn’t see me for who I am. I took mortal shape before I teleported here, and doubt they can see through it. I’ve had some experience with clairvoyant species during the years.”
“Reindeer?” said Luna.
“And some other kinds of deer, and other beings. Giraffes, for instance, are great seers,” said Celestia.
“You’ve had to move incognito among giraffes often?” said Luna and raised a delicate eyebrow.
Celestia laughed.
“No, just once, and that was centuries ago, during my wandering period,” she explained. “I was visiting our uncle, and didn’t want to make a fuss. He helped me a bit.”
“Ah,” said Luna. “You told me about that when we were catching up... how you left the empire to your mules and geldings and roamed the world.” She frowned with slight disapproval.
Celestia shrugged. “It seemed a good idea at the time. To not let them start dynasties,” she said.
“I meant the roaming, not choice of stewards,” Luna said.
Celestia smiled ruefully. “I was younger, more foolish and lonely,” she said.
It was Luna’s turn to shrug.
“Not that I mind seeing you, but why did you come here?” Luna asked.
“I had information, I wanted to ask questions, and it felt wrong that it was always you who had to teleport over,” Celestia said. “You gave me the coordinates to your temple. Oh, and I had a bunch of letters for Twilight and Spike from their friends. I had hoped to meet them here.”
“Sorry, but they aren’t here. Twilight Sparkle is staking out a ‘nightclub’,” Luna said and spent some thought and energy to keep her lights and map stable.
“What?” said Celestia.
“It is apparently vital to catch some miscreant partially responsible for this mess,” Luna said. “I don’t question her judgement, just marvel at it sometimes.”
“And here I hoped she was going there for fun,” Celestia said and smiled. “Well, I hope you can give them the letters.”
“Of course. What was the news?” said Luna.
“That if we want, we can now get as many volunteers from the yeomanry and the knightly orders as we can bother to ship over,” Celestia said. “Support for the Tarandroland cause is very high in Equestria, and is unlikely to get better.”
“Excellent,” Luna said. “We can use them if we need to build that wall Twilight Sparkle suggested.”
“You mean as building material or as laborers?” Celestia laughed.
“I was thinking the latter, but why not the former,” Luna said and stuck out her tongue. “As has been pointed out to me, despite some Everfree skirmishes they are woefully unequipped to fight anypony in general or huge monsters in particular, but I am sure they can give civilian help to the reindeer.”
“Any particular ideas?” said Celestia.
“The big, big issue is that the Enemy isn’t gathered in one point,” Luna said. “The grazers have a pretty good idea of where nidhoggs are moving, but the news travels too slow. Pegasus couriers can help with that. Likewise, while it might seem boring to them, earth pony agriculturalists can help the reindeer salvage their forests once we are through with this. Even at the best estimates, the damage to the ecosystem will be immense. It is actually a greater danger than the monsters attacking ungulates.”
“But you don’t think they can fight Winter?” said Celestia.
“Some of them might,” Luna said. “And I will rejoice in each unicorn mage that has a talent for spells of fire or water. Those are the best ways to fight winter beings, and offensive reindeer magics are pitiful at best.”
Celestia nodded. “Then they will do some good.”
“What about the Guard?” said Luna.
“Oh, I’m sending all of mine,” said Celestia and smiled. “They need something more than crowd control to occupy their time.”
“That will be very useful,” said Luna, “but are you sure you want to send them all?”
“Oh, I’m not worried,” Celestia said and waved her hoof. “I will manage in some way!”
Luna looked a bit skeptical. “Sister, I know we don’t literally need them against physical threats, but...”
“Hush now, Lulu!” Celestia said. “I said I’ll manage.”
“They are yours to command,” Luna shrugged.
There was a somewhat awkward pause.
“What is the situation over here?” asked Celestia.
Luna sighed.
“The war has started already,” she said. “I have reports from several grazer herds and logging camps of a frightening amount of nidhogg attacks. The ice-wyrms have already caused irreparable damage to the vulnerable birch forests closest to the tundra. Several reindeer have been killed in the logging camps because the wyrms are attracted to the timber. The only reason the logging industry can get workers anymore is because the recession. Reindeer are desperate for work.”
“It is curious that they are Auntie’s children of sorts,” said Celestia quietly.
Luna frowned. “I’d rather say ‘Auntie’s lice’ or ‘Auntie’s tapeworms’,” she said. “She didn’t create them on purpose, like the reindeer and moose. They are nothing more than animals, neither good nor bad really. It is just that there are so many of them now.”
“Any good news?” said Celestia.
“The Urox and the Russ are fully behind us,” Luna said. “Twilight is making inroads with the moose. I have an interesting plot brewing concerning the reindeer commoners, who I think will be very supportive. The ruling classes is another thing but King Ukko and his cronies are still following my lead. It was no temporary whim, though a lot of his... their trust is directed at Twilight Sparkle, not me nor Equestria.”
“Oh yes,” said Celestia and frowned, “Twilight Sparkle’s ‘heroic deeds’ and less than heroic appearance. And to think some ponies think I am manipulative.”
“Oh hush now Tia, you have nothing on me,” Luna chuckled. “That little game might win us this war. Though I must admit it is less because Twilight Sparkle is a good liar and more because the ones she are trying to fool are rather foolish to begin with.”
“Speaking of games,” said Celestia, “is that some kind of wargame you’re playing up there?”
“Wargame?” said Luna. “Oh, it started as a typical strategical simulation of our situation here, but since we lack so much information, I got tired and just put up something else for my amusement.”
“So it is a wargame,” said Celestia and smiled. “While you were... gone, such simulations became not just used for military planning and education, but also for amusement, just as you do now. Except ponies use paper maps and little figurines to do it.”
“Really?” said Luna. Celestia nodded.
“It is a common pastime among the young cadets of the Guard,” she said. “The griffon wars and the ancient Three Tribes wars are the most popular, for some reason. What is your scenario up there? We are being attacked from four directions? How are we doing?” She peered curiously at the aetheric map of Equestria.
“Well, buffalo infantry with thunderbird support has leveled Manehatten,” Luna said casually. “The zebra landing party is shelling Canterlot with alchemical mortars. We have sunk the reindeer fleet, but that bought time for the ki-rin to land most of their infantry and send airstrikes into Trottingham and further north.”
“What,” said Celestia, “on earth are you talking about?”
Luna grinned.
“During our quarrel the first night, King Ukko made a caustic remark where he mentioned a ludicrous alliance to make a political joke at our expense,” she explained. “I am testing how valid that alliance would be.”
Celestia shook her head.
“I did say it was for my amusement, not for strategic planning,” Luna said and grinned some more. “See, the fact that they come from four different continents gives them a disadvantage, but it also means that we cannot really strike back at their homelands.”
“And what am I doing during this?” Celestia said.
“The same I am doing: not much,” Luna said. “We could make a greater effort and risk awakening greater things and causing an even bigger mess, but I would be wary of that in real life, so I follow suit here as well. For the sake of realism, you know?”
Celestia nodded grimly. “Are you sure we shouldn’t do that in real life - making a greater personal effort, I mean?”
Luna nodded. “Yes I am sure, if you don’t want to wake up Auntie,” she said. “But don’t you worry, Tia. We shall go far even without that as soon as the real fighting starts. Both to harm our foes and help our friends.”
“After all, the two of us are the most powerful unicorn wizards, fastest pegasus flyers and strongest, toughest earth pony warriors in existence,” she said. “We embody all the virtues of our little ponies.” Celestia smiled and nodded.
“And I guess I cannot keep you out of this either,” Luna continued. “That’s why you’re bringing your Guard; you are coming too.”
Celestia smiled and nodded again. “I’ll help our friends and you’ll harm our foes, just as in the old days,” she said.
“Just as in the old days,” said Luna, and they sealed their unspoken promise with a dainty yet cordial hug.
The usual thanks to my proofreaders!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 34 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-04-17T21:26:38+00:00
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2012-04-17T21:26:38+00:00
| 5,158 |
“You have everything, Lady Sparkle?” said Mustikka.
“Everything I need now,” Twilight answered. “If, and only if, Ahto wants me to come with him and his bucks, then I'll get the saddlebags from Spike outside here.”
“He won't be suspicious of that?” said Dark Clouds. The Moon Guard pegasus hung ominously above them in the very narrow alley, and his dark coat made him almost invisible. Above them were dark wooden walls and rickety balconies that almost met in the middle. This was a residential area, but given that Klubb Niffelhel was allowed to blast loud music all night it obviously wasn't a very high-class one. In a high-class area in Sarvvik, laws and bylaws would have applied.
“Why should he? He thinks Spike is my servant, and if he thinks I'm idiot enough to come here without telling anyone, he deserves to be surprised,” said Twilight. “That's why it’s good if the guards outside that place see you and the other Moon Guards. Just a glimpse will be enough.”
“But we’ve been practicing our tailing!” said Shadows Gather, the other Lunafied pegasus.
“If they see you, they think they know who’s guarding me, and won't think of the Companions!” said Twilight through gritted teeth. “Do I have to mete out some punishments for insubordination?”
Her annoyance was only half feigned, though she and the Moon Guards had prepared for this. She and Luna wanted to make sure the Companions got the correct exposition. Both shadow pegasi had taken “pretend you are a bit dumb” to mean more or less look slackjawed and all but drool.
They need training in acting as well as tailing, she thought. The reindeer will end up thinking the batwings came with a lobotomy, and I don't want them to lose respect.
“Oh no, Lady Sparkle!” said the two pegasi in badly feigned horror. Luckily their faces were almost invisible and Mustikka was very, very impatient.
“If everything is set, I suggest we move out!” he said.
Twilight nodded.
“Let's move out!” she said. She straightened her dress, corrected her coiffure and trotted out of the alley.
“Good luck, Twilight – Mistress Sparkle, I mean!” Spike whispered after her.
Twilight's main reason not to facehoof was that she would have ruined her makeup. It wasn't caked on as fully on earlier occasions. She would have called in Saga again if she could. The fawn's tastes were grotesque but she knew the technical details better than Twilight herself. However, Saga had been away on some sort of couple-shopping with Vigg. Twilight had sighed with relief at that. Better for teens to behave like kids than to get involved in business like hers and Luna's.
Over the entrance to Klubb Niffelhel were three giant canine heads carved out of fir, snarling and grinning. They looked nothing like the real Cerberus, but not all people had Twilight's direct experience with the guardian of Tartarus, the Underworld. As Twilight walked up to the entrance she heard music seep out from the door as it was opened now and then to let in guests, rising and then quickly fading. It would rise for a second or a half, then fall again. She recognized the music and was sure it was an Equestrian song. She had no idea what it was called, only that it was loud and rhythmic. Twilight liked to dance, even if she wasn’t the best dancer, but tonight wasn't the time for that. Yet to soothe her nerves, she started to trot a bit in tune to the music, half consciously.
The result was that the guests in the short queue saw the infamous unicorn celebrity doing a power walk up to the stairs of Sarvvik's most macabre nightclub as the dramatic theme from a rather schlocky horror movie played. As a deer, they stepped aside and let the mephitic cloud of purple smoldering sin pass them in the queue, walking up the stairs to the entrance.
The two doorstags hadn't had time to become bored yet, although they knew that time would come later in the evening. Their eyes weren't tired, they hadn't become hoarse from shouting over music to intoxicated reindeer, and they hadn't broken the regulations out of desperation and had some of their hidden vodka.
“Is that...?” said one of them, the one to the right of the door, the big, beefy one.
“It is!” said the one to the left.
“Hello, gentlestags,” she said as she trotted up to the door. “Is this where I pay?”
“No...” said Mr Left, “that's by the wardrobe, Sir. Ma'am. Milady.”
“Well,” said the unicorn with a predatory, mocking smile, “what is it that you gentlestags want of me then?”
She looked at both of them, one at a time, with eyes of gleaming darkness, hollow voids that would devour souls.
“You're... supposed to show your ears... so we can check your age...” said Mr Left and indicated the identifying herdmarks and the like cut into his ears.
“And just check so you're not drunk or... y'know... better'an drunk,” said Mr Right.
“Better?” she said and looked at Mr Right quizzically.
“Well... high?” he said and smiled sheepishly.
“Well, I am afraid my ears aren't... cut out for that,” said the unicorn. She turned her head sideways and wiggled her left hear in Mr Left’s face for emphasis, giving a good view of her small batwinged silver earrings. “But you can see my passport if you want.” She made as if to reach for a small hoofbag she somehow had inside her dress. “Or my visum, my license to work sorcery, my letters of recommendation from the Princesses of Equestria...”
“No, no, it's OK!” said Mr Left and smiled. “I... uh, if we already know somedeer is an adult we don't have to check those things.”
“Good!” said the unicorn and smiled. “Do you need to smell my breath or something then?”
She thrust her muzzle into the face of Mr Right and puffed at him a few times.
“S-sober as a newt!” he stammered. “Nothing wrong here!”
“Ah, good!” said the unicorn. “Can I enter then?”
The two reindeer nodded wordlessly. Then Mr Left opened then door and bowed. The unicorn marched in, and as the music rose again she found herself moving to its rhythm once more.
As the door shut the two doorstags took a few breaths to catch their breath, then turned to the guests, who had flocked beneath the stairs.
“What’cha lookin' at!?” Mr Right shouted. “Form a real queue, will ya! No shuffling!”
There was a wardrobe just inside where guests were supposed to leave their outer garments and pay a wardrobe fee. Since the outrageously high fee was also the entrance ticket to the club, you had to pay even if you hadn’t left anything there. Twilight gave them her cloak, however. It was obvious the attendant knew who she was, but she was less starstruck-cum-scared than the doorguards.
“And here’s your token, Lady Sparkle,” said the attendant. “Please show it when you wish to retrieve your cloak.” She was wearing the same sort of bandit-mask makeup as Saga, but it was a bit more effective since she was white-coated. She had also dyed the hair on top of her headjet black.
“Thank you, Miss,” said Twilight. She realised the music she had heard when she entered came from somewhere around here, but couldn’t see the loudspeakers. They must be hidden. There was a small gaggle of guests who had stopped just inside and weren’t going further. From their murmurs Twilight guessed they wanted to see what she did.
She passed the small crowd and descended down a steep stairway. The crimson walls were lit by thaumic lanterns and decorated with cheap reproductions of famous paintings on the themes of death, doom and the Underworld. As she neared the end she heard other, louder music. It met the recorded tune from above in a strange zone of overlapping noise and Twilight hurried through it.
The end of the stair opened onto a huge octagonal hall. In the center was a dance floor, which currently held no dancers. Around the dance floor was a broad shelf where there were tables and chairs. The actual ceiling was far above her. Twilight could see at least two levels of balconies over her, also filled with tables and chairs if the maps of the building had been correct. Two eighths of the octagonal shelf were not taken by places to sit, drink and talk. One of them was occupied by a long bar desk, currently manned by one bored reindeer. The other one held a space for a band to play. There was a piano but it was shuffled to the back. Instead, right now three reindeer played clarinet, drums and a zither-like instrument she had heard called a kantele. Twilight could again recognize the tune, but not name it. Some kind of Equestrian pop music, played in a bit tinny and off-key fashion.
The wood was visible everywhere in the pillars and rafters, and it was uniformly painted black, the same with the tables and chairs. The walls were hung with crimson wallpapers with grimy spots. Affixed to the walls and hanging from the ceiling on chains were idols and images of the monsters of Tartarus. They were mostly Equestrian-made in the cheapest plaster, more scary because of the low quality of their casting than of their subjects. Yet they did cast dramatic shadows over the dance floor as lights in red and yellow flashed back and forth.
To reinforce that Tartarus was a prison, rusty iron shackles hung from the rafters here and there, and Twilight watched a waiter almost getting his antlers stuck in one. In addition, among the squirming antediluvian plaster monsters hung a cage in which two go-go-does undulated in what was presumably a sensual fashion. Spotlights focused on the cage to give the interested a chance to get a crick in the neck. Their attire caused Twilight to break into laughter. Her normal one, not her sneering noblemare’s laugh. They were wearing black wooden masks. Zebra fetish masks. While such did look fearsome, Twilight had been schooled by an expert in what they actually meant, hence her joy. One of the does was now protected against vermin eating her root vegetables. The other one was protected against her suitors being poor. Twilight laughed so hard that she actually had tears in her eyes when she reached the bar disk.
“Hi,” said the bartender to the grinning and chuckling unicorn. “What can I help you with?”
She met his eyes with her glittering lavender ones and chuckled again.
“What can’t you do?” she said. “I have to say - I have to say this is a lovely establishment. Classy. Very classy.”
“Erh, thanks,” he said nervously.
“I especially like the entertainment,” she said and nodded towards the dancers.
“Erh, thanks,” he repeated himself. “Anything specific I can help you with, Lady Sparkle?”
“I have an appointment,” she said, “and was instructed to come to the bar and announce myself.”
“Oh, sure,” he said. “Yeah. Uhm.”
There was an awkward silence.
“And... then I assumed I would be shown where the appointment was,” she said, waving her hoof to hurry him on.
“Uhm. Yeah,” the bartender said, sweating. “See, L-Lady Sparkle, your appointment was for nine o’ clock. It’s barely half past seven. The... deer you’re supposed to meet hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Oh,” said Twilight, deflated. “Darn.”
“But... I can show you to the table... where you’re to meet him,” he said hurriedly. “It is booked for all night. And you can wait there, Lady Sparkle, or... just relax and enjoy the... entertainment.” He swept with his hoof over the general interiors of the club.
Twilight cursed silently. Why, oh why do I have to be so punctual?! I was far too early!
“I’ll take my ‘entertainment’ at our table,” she said.
“Great!” said the relieved bartender. “I’ll get one of the waiters to show you up and unlock for you!”
Unlock? she thought. Of course - the maps said the uppermost balcony has small, private rooms for guests who pay extra. They have to be locked or guests would sneak in without paying.
“Excellent!” Twilight said.
“Do you want anything to drink when I get the waiter?” he said.
“A sarsaparilla,” said Twilight.
“What?” said the bartender.
“I have an important job and it’s a working night, sir,” she said with a raised eyebrow. “Will that be a problem?”
“No, no... I’m not sure we have much to choose from...” he said.
“Give me whatever,” Twilight said, “as long as it doesn’t have alcohol in it.”
“Lingonberry sarsaparilla,” Twilight muttered to herself as she looked at the empty bottle. “How on Earth did reindeer come up with this abomination.”
She had nursed her bottle slowly but it still only lasted for about half an hour. There wasn’t much to see through the wooden trellis that covered the window out to the dance floor, except that some more guests had arrived and now there were actually people dancing. She had gone through the possible escape routes in case things went south twice, adjusted for actually having seen the interior of the club. She started to do it once more, just to have something to occupy her mind.
“Those horrible decorations could probably be dropped magically to cause chaos, but I don’t want to harm any random clubgoers,” she muttered. “Bad taste is no crime. But they ought to be possible to use in some way...”
Someone knocked at the door. Twilight tensed up. Who could it be? Hopefully Ahto was early.
“Come in!” she shouted to be heard over the noise passing for music.
The door opened carefully and two does slunk in. They were wearing a little too much makeup (in the regular fashion, not in the Saga way) and thin silver anklets around all four legs. Their coats were streaked with sweat and flecked with cheap glitter. Most importantly, blackened wood masks hung around their necks. Twilight looked curiously at the two dancers. They looked rather reluctant. One of them cleared her throat.
“We were sent here to... entertain you, since you wanted the entertainment at your table,” she said with a thin voice.
Twilight gaped. Then she started to laugh. The does looked at each other.
“Look,” Twilight said when she had stopped laughing, “you can entertain me all right, but there isn’t much room for dancing in here. Come here. Sit down.”
They obeyed even more reluctantly. Twilight fished out a notebook and a pen from her hoofbag.
“Hangmane,” she said. “Tournament?”
It was almost, but not quite nine o’clock when someone knocked at the door. One of the does sprang up and opened it, giggling.
“Sorry, but this is a private booth, sir,” she said to a reindeer whose face was covered with a dark hood.
“My lord is here to meet the unicorn, wench,” he said grouchily and tried to look over her shoulder. The doe shied back.
“Ask him the password,” said Twilight, looking up from her notebook.
“Password?” said the doe.
“P-password?” he flustered. “Uh, Lord Ahto,” he turned back, “I mean, password?”
A reindeer similarly attired but considerably bigger (or perhaps he just stood taller) dopeslapped his underling.
“Idiot! Keep your voice down!” he snarled. “I didn’t say there would be a password!”
“Let them in,” said Twilight. “Lord Ahto is right - he didn’t set a password. As he should have, but I guess that’s what happens when you deal with amateurs.”
Be a bit rude, at least as long as you can stay ahead of them. That’s what princess Luna said. Just a little bit rude. They needn’t like you, but they must respect you. Twilight tried to look a bit condescending. She didn’t know whether she succeeded, so she fell back on using her fan to cover her muzzle.
The reindeer in the hood entered, as did the other reindeer in a hood that must be Lord Ahto, as did a third reindeer in yet another hood... and a crimson-coated pegasus mare, who stopped to ogle the does and grin.
“They did a good job?” she said and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“Oh, I am satisfied,” said Twilight and started to fish out some tips from her hoofbag, but gave up and just took out one of her purses with emergency bits.
“Take this, keep the change, and please leave us,” she said magnanimously as she levitated the purse over to one of the does whose eyes widened.
“Thanks, milady!” she shouted as she removed herself from the premises.
“Please come again!” the other one said as she followed, and they were heard to gasp and babble out in the corridor as they opened the purse and counted the money.
“Close the door, please,” Twilight told the pegasus. “Equestrian renegade, I assume?”
“I just had this little disagreement over the proper handling of the cargo with a superior officer, is all,” the pegasus sniffed haughtily.
The three reindeer sat down.
“Was that sufficient reason to knife him and throw him overboard?” Twilight said, genuine ice in her voice.
“Yeah, I mean - how did you know that?!” She turned and stared directly at Twilight.
“Sudden Gale, first mate on the Equestrian naval vessel Camaraderie, light mauve pegasus mare with brown mane and tail, cutiemark a face blowing a wind, dishonorably discharged for embezzlement, theft and striking an officer, wanted for attempted murder, goes by the name Crimson Coat, dyes her coat red and paints over her cutiemark, presumed to be the commander of the pirate vessel The Crimson Kraken. Did I miss anything?” Twilight said as she consulted her notes.
“Impressive,” said Jarl Ahto.
“Not really,” said Twilight. “There were reports of some non-reindeer vessels cooperating with the more traditional Vikings, and we tried to learn which they were.”
And I am just incredibly lucky that Sudden Gale chooses such an enormously conspicuous disguise. A grown-up blank-flank with that coat colour? Twilight thought.
“If I might be allowed to introduce my other followers,” Jarl Ahto said as he gave the pegasus an evil glare, “as well as myself.”
“This,” and he pointed to the reindeer which had entered first, “is Hakon, a faithful - if not always wise - housebuck. My other companion is known for her wisdom. This is Guthrun, who is my own kin.”
The reindeer removed their hoods. Hakon smiled sheepishly, while Guthrun scrutinized Twilight closely.
Obviously a seer - probably an empath, Twilight thought. Let’s just hope Paki did a good job.
Ahto himself not just pulled back his hood but removed it, as he obviously was rather sweaty. He had a rich coat, magnificent antlers and an impressive physique.
No wonder he dreams of being King - he has the sort of build Kings have, Twilight thought. In fairy tales. But there is something else about that attempt at a disguise.
“I see now that there are four reasons for us to meet here and nowhere else,” Twilight started. “That’s quite impressive.”
And now and then, don’t be rude. Flatter them. Make them suddenly appreciate you by telling them what they want to hear.
“What?” said Jarl Ahto. “Four reasons for what?”
“Well, first, this place is one used by the business partners of your current allies to launder money. They are having the poor owner under their hoof, as I have heard it. That means you can arrange certain security measures for the meeting,” Twilight said. “Like you know where all the exits are, and when and how they are guarded.”
“I won’t comment on that,” said the Jarl.
“Out of respect for your allies, of course,” said Twilight. “Then, if your enemies, or any allies I might have, have this place under surveillance, they won’t catch much. Reindeer Sight is limited by normal senses. Among other things that means that using farsight to look into a place which is pitch dark except for flashing lights is very hard.”
“That is correct,” said Guthrun.
But I bet not one of you thought about this before now, Twilight thought. At least not from the look of your faces.
“The third reason is that you heard about my reputation and assumed I would like the... ambience,” she said and smiled wickedly. “You get an ‘A’ for effort, at least.”
“That might be... true,” said Ahto and studied the roof. “It is not really my kind of establishment...”
“And the fourth reason is that there are few places in Sarvvik where you could have gotten away with that ridiculous outfit,” Twilight said.
“I make an effort to stay anonymous!” Ahto huffed.
“Yeah?” Twilight said. “You really think the common citizen recognizes your face immediately?”
He gave her a death glare.
He really does. He really thinks he is a household name. Poor, poor foal... But that... that is important! Is there anything to his fantasies?
“Those of your... followers?” she said. “Are they famous? Famous enough to draw attention to the whole group by dressing like that? Who uses hoods like that outside a snowstorm?”
Jarl Ahto looked a bit nervous this time. Hakon looked even more nervous.
So now I know whose idea that was. So you have soaring thoughts about yourself, but they are shaped by your followers, because you don’t have much of an imagination, do you?
“And finally, Miss Blood Red Murder here,” she said and pointed to the pegasus. “An obvious foreigner, with a very special appearance, following you? At least tell me she flew here herself, separately?”
Jarl Ahto looked even more worried, while Sudden Gale started to protest.
“Hey, are you saying it is my fault that...”
“Seriously if... if my... colleagues and I had carried out a mission in Canterlot wearing clown costumes accompanied by a buffalo herd in full regalia, we would have been less visible!” Twilight exaggerated in feigned anger.
“It is not as if you are inconspicuous, Lady Sparkle,” said Guthrun.
Twilight smiled amiably.
“Oh, but I am just visiting a decadent nightclub that fits my infamous and eclectic tastes,” she said and waved her fan. “Whose staff are all threatened or bribed by your compatriots in Sarvvik to lie about what I did. Really, it will be easy for them to come up with horrible stories, and the clientele will willingly lie to corroborate them just to make themselves seem daring and ‘cool’. Why, I am sure the bartender already has a tale of how I wanted dancers sent to my table to perform lurid sexual acts and disgusting services.”
“You mean you didn’t?” said Sudden Gale. Twilight ignored her.
“But I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you brought Captain Gale for a reason,” Twilight said. “I just mean to say that while you might be a daring warleader and skilled sailor, Jarl Ahto, you know little of intrigue. Your experience with the sail and sword didn’t really prepare you for the cloak and the dagger, did it?”
Jarl Ahto stretched himself. “It certainly didn’t!”
Criticize by flattery... yeah, that’s the way... and lead the conversation the right way...
“It is perfectly excusable that you fell for the machinations of the amateur Lord Eminence,” she cooed.
“Well, if you stopped him, why are you helping us now?” said Hakon a bit miffed.
“He was trying to kill the King with a balefire bomb, you genius!” said Sudden Gale. “There would have been nothing left of Sarvvik but a smoking crater, and that wasn’t in the deal!”
“THAT WAS NO BALEFIRE BOMB!” Twilight shouted, perfectly sincere in her anger.
The table grew silent.
“Why can’t people keep their incendiaries straight!?” she growled. “That was a straight alchemical incinerator bomb!”
Everyone stared at her.
“I mean, terrorists these days, cannot keep their bombs apart!” she huffed nervously.
“I’m no terrorist!” Sudden Gale pouted. Twilight ignored her.
“Well, his plot was idiotic, depending on his ability to magically conceal himself which doesn’t work in a city primarily populated by reindeer,” she said, calmer now. “That’s why it failed and would have failed even if I didn’t step in to stop it.”
“So why did you step in?” said Jarl Ahto.
“Because I benefited from stopping it,” she said and shrugged. “His plot, had it succeeded, would have meant no end of trouble for Equestria and wouldn’t have stopped the acts of piracy. Reindeer would have associated your attempt to rule by violent acts from a foreign superpower and resented it, meaning you would have had no ability to rule efficiently. The economic crises and lawless turmoil would have continued, and you couldn’t have stopped the attacks on Equestria. We would have had to make a military intervention which would have just ended in an inefficient mess. My faction at court would have been massively damaged.”
At least nothing of this is a lie... she thought.
“I... see,” said Jarl Ahto. “But now you want to ally with me?”
“Yes, because if we play this right the plot can work,” Twilight said.
“And what do you mean by ‘play it right’?” Jarl Ahto said cautiously.
“Well, first there is what I just told you,” she said and fanned herself. “Equestria doesn’t care who rules Tarandroland. We only care that you stop the massive crimewave that comes from here.”
“I... think I can do that,” Jarl Ahto said. “I am certain I can do that.”
“See, that requires not just your goodwill, Jarl Ahto, but also that Tarandroland is a stable country,” Twilight said. “It isn’t now because of a climate crisis and Ukko’s politics. The Winter war is one thing, politics is another. To make it clear: if you try to get into power through a coup, this won’t be a stable country. We need a stable succession. If your plan for becoming King of Tarandroland includes marching on the capital with your forces, please tell me now. I’ll be downstairs dancing, because we have nothing more to talk about.”
“No! I mean... no,” Jarl Ahto said. “Only in an... emergency! I am certain the people of Poatsula will choose me as the new king if they get the chance. It was just a... fluke, an accident that they didn’t choose my father instead of that accursed Ukko The Piercer! My father should have been the next king! They will know that, and recognize me if I get the chance!”
“King Ukko has chosen a successor, though,” said Twilight.
“Who is just a little kid!” Jarl Ahto laughed. “He would need a guardian to rule in his stead, and who would that be? Ukko’s old drinking cronies, who he put in high places when he was chosen as king? We are in the greatest crisis in recent history, on all fronts! They will need a stronger, younger, charismatic leader with the blood of old kings! Who has proven himself a ruler of deer! Who can in one stroke solve our foreign problems! Who can give the kingdom its needed army!”
Twilight smiled.
He has an ego the size of the Everfree Forest. I believe this is where I laugh.
“Ohohohoho!” she chortled and waved her fan. “I see. So all we need to do is remove Ukko from the stage, and you think all the pieces will fall into place?”
Jarl Ahto nodded.
“I don’t like... the underhanded ways... you seem to suggest, Lady Sparkle... But...” he said.
“Well, that shan’t be difficult,” said Twilight. “My sources tell me that the King is marshaling his forces against Winter soon. He is sure to make a personal appearance in the field. There are a lot of ways he could happen to die there. An old sarv fighting giant monsters under horrible weather conditions. Think about it. No one will suspect a thing. There is a succession crisis. You step in.”
The reindeer looked at each other. Sudden Gale grinned wickedly.
“Fancy lady, you are my kind of scum!” she said. Twilight ignored her.
“If it soothes your conscience, he can even die heroically,” Twilight suggested. “I don’t know, saving an orphanage from a tursu or something.”
“Where would you get an orphanage?” said Hakon.
“You just get the tursu near it,” said Twilight and tried to look nonchalant. “It involves dark magic and things, nothing you would understand.”
Jarl Ahto cleared his throat. “I... I would still need to see what resources you have... gain assurances of support, and so on...”
Twilight smiled.
“I am glad you brought that up, Jarl Ahto,” she said, “because I have similar concerns. I don’t doubt that you mean what you say, and I don’t doubt your personal qualities as a leader, per se. But I still know very little of your deer, and what they really think. I don’t know what forces you actually have. Are you controlling the pirate fleet, or just a few ships of deer loyal to you since your time as an Admiral? Are you spread all over the coast, or do you have useful bases? Can you actually make that effort against Winter the population craves, or not?”
“You realise revealing such things put my deer into jeopardy?” said Jarl Ahto.
“Yes,” said Twilight and smiled. “Which also means that if you do so, you show that you trust me. And trust, I believe, is essential when you are working with traitors!”
And as usual, thanks to my pre-readers LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 35 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-05-14T14:28:30+00:00
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2012-05-14T14:28:30+00:00
| 4,412 |
Spike was that ancient, unbeatable combination, both cold and miserable. It had started snowing and wouldn’t let up and there was a strong wind blowing the snow right into his eyes and snout. The wind shrieked through the windling alleys like an angry Windigo. A dragonfire in his belly and a warm cap on his head weren’t enough to keep the cold out, since he wasn’t allowed to move from his spot. They were on a stakeout, and there were rules.
It wouldn’t have been that bad if he had decent company, but the Companions didn’t have the benefit of Vigg and Saga’s modern education. They had barely gone to school at all (Vigg had said that Mustikka saw his first house when he was a teenager, and had been very suspicious of this weird tent you couldn’t move). They weren’t fond of things like imported pop music or TV shows which might help you learn a foreign language. Because of this, their Equestrian was much worse than the fawns’, and they felt uncomfortable speaking it. Having tried to make conversation and failed, Spike fumed a bit over their insensitivity before he guiltily reminded himself it wasn’t like he had even tried to learn Poatsi.
There wasn’t much to see out there in the square in front of Klubb Niffelhel either. Oh, there were guests arriving and some were turned away from the door. Reindeer on their way to other amusements plodded over the square now and then. The Companions themselves would occasionally make a circuit and move from one alley to the next with long shifts between who walked where. This gave the impression of elderly revelers just drunkenly stumbling past the square, but not necessarily the same five old guys. Not much of this was worth watching. Spike settled down to watching the outfits of the reindeer going to the club, since some were rather silly. He really needed a laugh right now, or a nice, juicy piece of ruby...
There were four who stopped to talk now, not far from the alleyway where Spike was standing. He could almost hear what they said... in Poatsi, unfortunately. It didn’t really help that they had the same habit of sprinkling badly pronounced Equestrian into their conversations as Vigg’s friends, mostly swearwords. To Spike, it sounded something like this :
“Blahblahblah blah blahblahblah oh mai Ce-les-tja! Blah-blah-blahblah blah bukking hei! Blah blah blahahah-blah Ce-les-tja’s bukking sox!”
Spike sighed and looked at the revelers, trying to make out what was going on. Two does had been leaving the club, either being denied entrance or setting some record in being kicked out very early. They were wearing matching outfits , black veils and shawls of some black silk gossamer material that was blown about by the wind. They also wore high boots made of black leather and had black moon sickles painted on their flanks like Saga usually did, so they presumably were Luna fans.
Or worshippers, Spike corrected himself.
Another pair of reindeer, a stag and a doe were obviously going to the club. They met the other two on the way, and struck up a conversation. Or to be more correct, the doe had. The stag mostly seemed eager to get out of the cold wind and into the club. He didn’t say much and cast glances towards it as he trampled impatiently.
The second pair’s outfits could hardly be said to be matching, though. The stag was wearing actual barding and helmet made of clattering bone, though he must have left the spear and battle axe at home. His white coat had a massive amount of body paint in some zig-zag lightning pattern in red and black. Spike had to admit it looked pretty cool, except that no sane person would show themselves like that in public. The doe, on the other claw, had dyed her presumably brown coat several shades of bright pink and had painted a heart on her flanks. She seemed to be wearing even pinker little bows in her tail and antlers and a silver crown on her head. One of those silver crowns that are actually made of tinfoil like little fillies use when playing at princesses.
Spike didn’t really have much taste per se, in no meaning of the word, but helping his beloved Rarity in her boutique now and then had caused some of her refinement to rub off on him. As he watched the dreadful outfit with some form of morbid fascination, he was reminded of one of those times he helped Rarity. She had been helping a couple of non-pony customers, some cows who were going to a ball. Rarity had made a comment that could be construed as cattle being harder to make beautiful than ponies. The cows had of course been hurt and offended, and Rarity had to clarify what she meant.
“All the tools of the beautician’s trade are made with the common pony coat and mane in mind. Make-up, powders, dyes and whatnot are all designed to fit various bright pastels. Using them on someone - somecattle - who has the more muted colours of brown, black and beige is very difficult and usually counterproductive. Young heifers and ewes see these fashion magazines with only pink ponies in them, and try to duplicate their makeup and coiffures end up looking only grotesque, destroying their natural beauty. Ponies in the same colours have the same problems, I assure you! Why, even being simple white as moi is a disadvantage! That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with my coat, or yours. It is just that the toolset is limited. One has to work harder, you see?”
That doe out there would have needed that speech. It was almost as if she was mocking the pony shape. Or she was so stupid she really thought that would make her look like a pony. Spike still couldn’t figure out how she fit with her partner. Was there a most absurd outfit contest at the club tonight? Spike could now see that the helmet on his head must be made out of a reindeer skull. One of Saga’s old friends, she liked this stuff?
That skull. He recognized it, or part of it. It had been a part of Vigg’s headgear during the seance, except it now lacked all the feathers.
The reindeer was white. It was a young stag. He recognized the antlers, he had started to notice they varied from reindeer to reindeer.
That stag was Vigg.
That could only mean... yes. Brown coat. Older vaja, older than her sarv, that is. Ridiculous outfit that must have taken a ton of time. And again, the antlers, though he had seen them less.
That doe was Saga.
About then the couple said their goodbyes and trotted off towards the club. Spike’s first thought was that they couldn’t do that, that was a club for grown-ups. Very grown-up grown-ups. They’d be caught. They’d get the chewing-out of a lifetime. His second thought was of more serious dangers.
Wait! Twilight is there to meet this Ahto guy. Who wants to be king instead of the king. And he has to get rid of the king to do that, and the heir apparit... apparatus... guy who will become king after the king! And that’s Vigg! And that means if Ahto or any of his guys recognizes Vigg despite that stupid costume, they’ll kill him!
Maybe they wouldn’t recognize him. Yeah. Vigg didn’t really like journalists so he stayed out of the media. But Ahto had worked for king Ukko, hadn’t he? Back when the king wasn’t a mean old fart and, well, sane. When Vigg actually hung around his grampa all the time. Ahto must know what Vigg looked like, and know it well, and you never knew how many of his deer did too...
I gotta stop them! They aren’t there yet! I’ll just tell Mustikka and they’ll charge out and pull them back and...
Then they are both grounded for a century. And that.. that quest, Saga says if Vigg doesn’t do it the whole country is doomed. And the grownups will never listen to them about that, not even Luna listens and Twilight... Twilight would listen but not take them seriously.
I gotta get them out of there, and I can’t tell the Companions or their soldiers!
He started to dart out into the square when Mustikka bit into the hood of his jacket.
“Fwew oh yo’ fink yo’ go’ng!?” the reindeer said.
“My mistress needs me!” Spike blurted out.
“Fhe nehf yo’ to fay pup!” Mustikka answered angrily.
It is often claimed that being the bouncer at a popular club gives a certain petty power over others and hence attracts those who want that kind of power. The two stags at the door of Klubb Niffelhem would heartily agree. However, they would argue that they had paid for their petty power in full with blood, sweat and very stagly tears. That’s what happen when you don’t share the aesthetics of your customers and are only in it for the cash.
As the night had finally begun in earnest a long queue had formed at the stairs up to the doors. The bigger of the two stags scowled and sometimes pushed so that the queue would end at the bottom of the stairs and only the first deer in line would go up to the door. If those waiting could eavesdrop on the conversation, it would make their work harder and embarrass the customers for no good reason.
The righthoof reindeer scanned the crowd and sighed. The clubgoers were easily divided into certain groups based on their style of dress. He wouldn’t dress that way if he was paid to do it and here were deer who paid to dress like that, hence the sigh.
The biggest group used simple yet macabre makeup, hiding their eyes in black holes of eyeshadow and darkening the shadows in their coats, giving them a skull-like appearance. They wore macabre jewelry of skulls and bones, runes of death and beasts of ill omen. They seemed divided into those affecting morose ennui and those being genuinely cheerful to a painful, pony-ish degree. He didn’t know which was more annoying.
Then there was a sizable minority which based their outfits on traditional grazer gear... only a rather idealized and exaggerated version, with cotton grass shawls and mantles in outrageous colours and belts and harnesses of fake nidhogg leather. He was pretty certain none of them were grazers. A lot of them also combined this with somewhat exaggerated versions of the ethnic costumes of other peoples who were considered spiritual kin to grazers. Hence, many of them affected jewelry, body paint and accessories based on buffalo, antelope and tapir mixed with their faux-grazer outfits. Body paint was most common. He assumed it was cheaper.
Then, there was a group of curious gawkers, who looked just like any normal reindeer.. His boss had told them to be very hard with these people and often find reasons to deny them entrance. That would make them even more curious, even more eager to get in and even more willing to pay the outrageous prices for watered drinks. He mostly thought it got him and his colleague into more quarrels with the customers.
Finally, there was a very small group of just plain crazy reindeer. Deer who had amputated their current set of antlers and replaced it with a candelabra. Deer wearing outrageous dresses incorporating live seagulls. Deer in silver and gold body paint all over their coat perfumed with wolf musk. Here his boss had ordered them to be lenient. Knowing that these eccentrics could be seen here attracted more people who wouldn’t have come for the music and ambience. This didn’t stop him and his colleague from putting their hooves down sometimes. After all, these deer were nuts. Nodeer knew what they could do.
He had a couple that were a clear example coming up the stairs next. As the stag nervously walked up to speak with his colleague, he looked sternly at him and eyed his outfit critically. Probably started as one of those faux-ethnic lunatics, he guessed. The guy was wearing barding and a helmet made out of pitted iron, bone and horn, genuine as far as he could tell. It was decorated with an impressive set of runes he hadn’t seen much before, carved and inked. The helmet, made from a reindeer cranium, was hung with small feathers and the noseguard left his eyes deep in shadow. He had one of those natural white coats that’s hell to keep clean, and had painted himself all over with an intricate pattern of black and crimson lightning bolts. They started at his face and leapt toward his tail, and hence his face and tail were all red and black instead of white.
He had to admit it actually looked rather cool, although he couldn’t fathom why anydeer sane would wear it in public. Also, it had probably helped if the guy in armor had tried to look fierce and savage, instead of looking horribly nervous. The guys tried to swallow and steady himself as he started to speak to his colleague.
“Me and my... my wench want to enter this place,” he said, almost succeeding in not stammering. He gave the smaller, leaner doorguard an embarrassed look.
“Your ‘wench’, eh?” said the smaller guard and cracked a smile. “Would that be..?” he started to say, indicating the doe coming up close behind him. He was interrupted by said doe throwing herself at him.
“Oooh, you must saaaave me from this dreadful savage!” she moaned in what was the worst fake Equestrian accent he had ever heard. “He has abducted me from my faaaather’s caaaastle!” Her hooves were for a moment almost around his neck. Then she suddenly bounced back and snuggled up against her “captor” in a way that suggested if she really had been “abducted”, she had the worst case of Trotholm Syndrome in history.
She had painted herself (or perhaps rouged, he was no expert on doe’s makeup) bright pink all over, with various deeper shades or lighter sheens here and there. She must be brown somewhere under all the pink, but even her antlers and hooves had been painted with some kind of deep pink hoof polish and dusted with silver glitter. She wore little pink bows in her antlers and tail and clattering plastic jewelry in pink (again!), red and silver. Jingling anklets and several necklaces with hearts and stars and little kittens and bigger red plastic hearts in her ears. On her head she was wearing a cheap crown of plastic or tin foil or both, and within it was a...
A horn? he thought. She... she is supposed to be a freezing unicorn princess! This is the funniest thing this week!
She jumped down the stairs and addressed her audience of curious clubgoers.
“It was hoooooorrible! He dragged me away from my bedchaaaambers...”
He didn’t have time to hear the rest as her “captor” thrust his head up close to him and whispered hoarsely:
“Listen! You have to... you have to deny us entrance to your club!”
The brutal, savage warrior had a clear tenor voice with an academic’s tone to it.
“What?” he said.
“I have... friends in there! I had to talk her out of wearing shackles and being on a leash! Please, I... I’ll pay you!” said the barbarian gentlestag. His embarrassment oozed out of him and he sweated and swallowed.
The doorguard wasn’t a cruel deer, but he sorely lacked amusement and his boss had ordered him to get crazy people like this couple into the club. Besides, it wasn’t like they could’ve had trouble with their ID or something if they wanted to pay not to get in!
“Now now, first you abduct unicorn princesses and then you don’t want to take her to our decadent establishment,” he laughed with a low voice. “But please come in! Don’t ravish any of the staff too much, don’t drink too much blood from that helmet and keep your... wench leashed next time!” he said louder, loud enough for the gaping crowd to hear. He opened the door and ushered the crazy couple in, the stag with some difficulty.
His eyes met his colleague’s and they shared a hearty laugh.
“Y’know, some deer are henpecked but that’s just too much,” he snorted, as the next couple of eager guests came up the stairs. “Alright! Who’s next?”
“I can’t believe we got in!” Vigg mumbled as they paid for their tokens in the wardrobe. They had no clothes to hang there, but rules are rules.
“Never doubt me!” Saga boasted, then sighed theatrically and leaned against him as curious clubgoers gawked.
“We got in!” Vigg beamed as he started to bound down the stairs. “Come on, fair prisoner! I’ll never doubt you again!”
As they entered the central dancefloor they stopped momentarily to stare at the furnishings. Vigg shook his head in disbelief.
“Isn’t it just awesome?!” Saga squealed and gestured to the plaster decorations. “Look, there are the four Diomedian sisters! Did you know they were alicorns, and they breathed fire, and they ate people?”
“So... they are making that guy into sausage?” Vigg squinted. “Then the relief makes sense...”
“And there is the Atterkappa, the Great Arachnid. She used to capture the young Ursas in her void-web, until My Goddess struck her down and locked her in Tartarus!” Saga continued.
“So... many... legs...” Vigg mumbled. They seemed to be made of wire or cable hanging from the plaster statue.
“Over there hanging from six chains is the evil theophage Hubbodamaster, Lord of the Yahus...”
“Okay,” said Vigg, “now I know they are just kidding. That guy is just made up, put together from various other beings... I mean, he’s like minotaur except he has some monkey’s head and...”
Saga sniffed. “Do you question my occult skills?”
“Of course not!” Vigg said he snuggled her. “That’s why I abducted a unicorn princess, after all...”
“Oh, I’m a great dancer as well!” said Saga and wiggled her flank. “Let’s dance!”
To her surprise Vigg didn’t follow her when she started to move out on the floor, but hesitated and looked around.
“What is it?” she shouted.
“It’s... I... I mean, don’t you want to check this place out?” he said and forced a smile.
“Okay. Sure,” Saga said, a bit nonplussed. She followed him to the ledge around the floor and they trotted around it while Vigg looked up and down as if scrutinizing the place, or the crowds, or both. Past the ledge further away from the dancing floor was a space for tables and benches and drinking reindeer.
Her disappointment at the lack of boogie was tempered by the looks she got. Everydeer was watching them, many in clear awe, and when Vigg stopped in front of two long tables dragged out to give a good view of the dance floor she put on a show.
“Saaave me!” she pledged as she kneeled in front of a necrotic-clad couple. “Saaave me from this dreadful fate...”
Vigg was unfortunately a bit too embarrassed to act along until she had played it for all it was worth. About then he stopped to drag her back with an angry “Come now!” The anger first seemed genuine, but he quickly caught himself and shouted a purely theatrical “You are mine now! Only mine!” This actually earned them an applause, laughter and an vaja about twice their age who prodded her partner and stage-whispered “And why do you never do that to me?!”
Placated, Saga moved along as Vigg did a full circuit, although she was a bit confused when he stayed right in front of the band. It wasn’t like they were that special or much to look at. When Vigg turned to the crowd right in front of the musicians and were on a stage as it were, Saga took the chance to drape herself across him and silently lament that she let herself be talked out of the shackles. That would have been fun, and she used to wear a chain as a necklace that would have been great. Too bad Vigg was a bit stiff about the whole thing.
They passed the bar, where they both curiously gazed at the patrons, though Saga found it very silly that Vigg had apparently never seen one before, as long time as he spent staring at it.
I mean, people in the castle do drink, don’t they? she thought. Don’t they ever have cocktail parties or something when they pick up drinks from a servant?
“Should we go upstairs?” Vigg asked when they reached the stairs.
“I dunno,” said Saga who felt the music in her bones, “what’s up there?”
“You liked the decorations, don’t you want to see how all this looks from high up above?” he said.
“Oh yeah!” she beamed and they trotted upstairs.
On the second floor they found more tables overlooking the floor from a balcony. This was a more luxurious place, where you could have drinks and snacks sent up and better chairs. The crowd had more elaborate and hence expensive outfits as well. Despite this they still made an impression. One doe in a clearly buffalo-inspired outfit stopped Vigg and tried to ask over the din how he made his barding. He explained his girlfriend had made both their outfits, so she turned her questions to Saga. Her partner, another doe, turned to Vigg.
“I wish I was white-coated as well!” she half-shouted. “Your warpaint looks way more awesome than mine!”
“Thanks,” he said.
“I mean, you look awesome, but I would never dare do that in public, it looks crazy!” she continued.
“...thanks,” he said.
A waiter passed them, and the second buffalo-doe took the opportunity to order more beer from him. He was a very slim stag with a slightly doeish build and no signs of he club subculture except for eyes that were black holes of eyeshadow.
“And do you want something, sir?” he said as he turned to Vigg.
“Not right now, thanks,” Vigg said. He should be used to servants from home but the waiter seemed different. More subservient, strangely enough. The maids and porters of the castle seemed to have come with it, while the waiter was only loosely attached to his apron and not at all to the club.
“Alright then,” said the waiter and started to leave.
“Wait!” said Vigg. The waiter waited. “I was looking for somedeer...”
He didn’t have time to finish before Saga popped up next to him.
“What are you doing?” Saga said. “I got the vaja’s address, we’ll meet up and talk stuff.”
“Nothing,” Vigg said and waved off the waiter, “we can take that later. Should we look at the third floor?”
“The third floor is just private lodges, sir,” said the waiter.
“What?” said Vigg.
“It’s private rooms you can hire. Other than that there is only a corridor and we really don’t want customers runing around it unless they’ve hired a private table,” the waiter said. “Sorry sir.”
“Can you see the dance floor from up there?” said Saga.
“Only if you hire a room,” said the waiter. “Sorry ma’am.”
“Bummer!” said Saga. “Ah well - let’s dance then, my savage!”
She dragged a frustrated Vigg down to the dance floor.
Spike fidgeted in the alley. He knew he needed to go, now, or all would be lost.
“Now, why can yo’ not stand fast?” Mustikka asked with irritation.
Spike fidgeted some more, then hit on the obvious.
“I, uh, gotta go,” he said and started to jump from one foot to another.
“Go, where?” Mustikka asked.
“Just, y’know go!” Spike said.
“Go and what?,” Mustikka said. “Where?”
“He means he needs to piss,” said Heikko in Poatsi. “Poor sod. I needed to go something fierce just a while ago.”
“Run away, little thing!” he said amiably to Spike in Equestrian. “Go take a piss out of the wall! I goed just fore now!”
“Oh, thanks!” said Spike and ran off.
“What?! You...” sputtered Mustikka.
“Oh, calm down!” Heikko shrugged. “Do you want him to take a leak in here? Who knows what dragon piss stinks like? It might even be poisonous. And it isn’t nice not letting somedeer take a piss when they need it.”
Mustikka groaned.
Galderhorn coughed. “Maybe he will be unseen,” he said softly. “He is, after all, very small.”
Now I just need to get into the club! Spike thought as he ran for the club entrance, in a roundabout way so as to not be obvious from the hideout. I have no idea how, but I have to!
Saga thought she was good at dancing, at least the kind of dancing that mattered. Indeed, she had proof, as she felt jealous gazes of the other dancers on her. However, she was beginning to have her doubts.
Vigg wasn’t looking at her.
Sure, he was no trained dancer, but he wasn’t paying too much attention to his feet or the dancefloor either. Instead he seemed to constantly check out the crowd around them, his eyes periodically scanning the other dancers and the watchers from the gallery. Now and then he would focus and peer intently at somedeer in the crowd. Saga began to try following his gazes but couldn’t really get what he was looking at. Except perhaps people. Interesting people. People more interesting than her. Other does? Likely. Stags? Not likely... but possible. She was growing worried.
“What’s up, why aren’t you dancing?” she shouted at him.
“Oh, I am!” he shouted back.
“You’re not into it!” she said as she stepped close to him so she didn’t have to shout that much. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing,” he said, looked embarrassed into her eyes and then away. “Maybe something. Look, I’ll get us something to drink. What do you want?”
“Something grownup!” she said and looked sternly at him.
“Okay, Princess!” he said and galloped away.
She tried to get back to enjoying her dancing but couldn’t really feel the beat any longer. Was there in fact a pattern? Who had he been looking at? Hadn’t it been does... and at least one stag... in dresses? Dark dresses, in fact, blue, purple or black.
Isn’t being a unicorn enough? she snorted to herself. Do I really have to look like Mistress Sparkle as well?
Vigg shouldered himself up to the bar. He found his outfit actually brought with it a strange kind of mocking respect, which helped get reindeer out of the way.
“What do you want, big chief?” said the bartender.
“Well...” Vigg said and looked around him. “What’s in right now?”
The bartender guffawed.
“I know deer try to be cool but it’s rarely they are honest, big chief,” he said. “So I’ll recommend the lingonberry sarsaparilla. I’m almost out.”
“Lingonb... what?” Vigg said dumbfounded.
“Lingonberry sarsaparilla,” the bartender repeated. “You won’t believe it, but the most infamous sorceress in the world is here this evening, and that’s her special order.”
Vigg’s heart started to raise.
“Lady Sparkle? Twilight Sparkle of Equestria is here tonight? Halvdager Gnistra av Hestaland?” he said. The bartender nodded.
“Yep,” he said. “If you don’t believe me ask Honung and Blida over there.” He pointed to two does standing at the end of the bar drinking mineral water. Their coats were foamy with sweat and coated with cheap glitter. Cheap bangles were around their ankles, and around their neck hung scary, garish equine masks made of wood. “Come up here, does! This warrior chieftain here doesn’t believe you served Lady Sparkle the Wicked earlier this evening.”
The two does looked to each other, laughed, said something inaudible and then strode up to Vigg.
“Well hello Chief,” said the first of them and placed herself close to Vigg on his right side. “I’m Honung. I’m sweet.”
“And I’m Blida,” said the other one. “I’m warm.” She placed herself on Vigg’s left side.
“Uhm... Hello,” he said. “I’m Bolt. Because I’m, I’m fast.” He tried to indicate his lightning bolt warpaint.
They giggled.
“Not always a virtue in a stag,” said Blida. “So, you don’t think Holger here served the black sorceress?”
“Well...” Vigg tried to clear his throat. “It’s more like I can’t believe she drinks lingonberry sarsaparilla, is all. After all, how do I know that Waters-Down-Drinks here isn’t just trying to get rid of an unsellable stock?”
“My, what an eloquent barbarian!” Honung purred and came a bit uncomfortably close to Vigg, who had fight his old problem to keep his focus.
“I eat a lot of scholars,” said Vigg. “Now tell me about Twilight Sparkle!”
“Well, I’m awfully thirsty,” Honung lamented. “As an exotic dancer, I have to work so hard in this hot environment...”
“And the ventilation is useless!” Blida said. “The air is so bad...”
“Well... what do you want to drink?” Vigg said with some exasperation, since Blida was awfully close now as well. They were warm...
“Oh, if you are buying, Big Chief... I’d like a Double Gjöll,” the doe said and pointed to the pricelist written in chalk above the bar.
To his credit Vigg didn’t wince that much at the pricetag. On the other had, he had a literally princely allowance. He fished out one pouch of silver from under his barding and tossed to the bartender.
“Keep them coming,” he said grimly.
“Oooh,” said Honung and held up her mask before her eyes, “maybe you’d want to dance with us later, Chief?”
“A wardance, perhaps?” Blida purred and raised her mask as well.
“I just want to hear your story of Skinfaxi’s Shadow,” Vigg said and avoided looking at them, as the bartender started mixing drinks (coloured water and ice, as always when the dancers got guests to buy them overpriced drinks).
“Oooh... she is really really beautiful,” said Honung and looked genuinely wistful.
“And she has a really wicked mind,” said Blida. “I mean, I live in sin, but the things that mare has seen... and done...”
“Maybe something you cannot learn from gossip mags?” Vigg said.
Honung swallowed her first sip of coloured water.
“Well, she is really dedicated, you know? Reliable,” she said.
“How do you mean?” Vigg asked.
“Well, she was drinking sarsaparilla because she was working, you see, Chief?” Honung said.
“She needed a clear mind!” Blida whispered. “Big things are afoot tonight!”
“What things?” Vigg asked.
“If we told you she’d kill us!” Honung said solemnly.
“They say she killed a tavernkeeper and his family and staff and burned down the tavern when he didn’t answer her questions!” Blida whispered.
“But at the same time as she is wicked - oh the things she had us do to each other...” It looked like Honung was either swooning, being sick or both.
“She’s like a little fawn,” said Blida. “All playful and smiling. Her eyes, they are so cruel, but beyond that there is... innocence.”
“I don’t think she ever got to be a fawn - a foal, I mean,” Honung said sadly. “She probably had a terrible childhood!”
“Yeah, they say Queen Skinfaxi found her in a horrible orphanage... and raised her... and when she couldn’t get the evil out of her, she remade the mare so she would only hurt Equestria’s enemies...” Blida whispered, a form of communication that caused Vigg’s legs to lock up since her warm muzzle was in his ear.
“Now, Chief, I bet you want to know what she made us do...” Honung whispered in his other ear.
“Well, um, sh-sure...” he stammered, his blush hidden by black and crimson paint.
“Well, you know how unicorns have this horn, and...” she began.
“Hey! What the freezing hay are you doing?” shouted somedeer right behind them.
Vigg, of course, knew who it was already before he turned around. The dancers didn’t.
“Who’s the pink squirt?” said Blida and looked at Saga, who wasn’t actually steaming, but that was mostly from lack of moisture.
“His doefriend,” said Saga, “and a professional witch who can curse you from here to next autumn!”
The does laughed mockingly.
“Look, Saga,” said Vigg desperately, “I can totally explain this!”
“Yeah, please explain!” she fumed.
Honung left Vigg and trotted up to Saga.
“Lighten up, Little Pink Witch! Look, you have a very cute and hot stagfriend, and he has a totally awesome outfit - but he is crazy to wear it in public...” She looked at Vigg and he blushed. “We... came on to him, and he was a gentlestag and offered to buy us something to drink. We didn’t even give him a chance to explain he was taken. I should have guessed he was.” She turned to Vigg again and blew him a kiss. Blida joined her.
“Yeah, we’re just fooling around. Couldn’t resist that manly flank, y’know? C’mon Honung, we’ve got to get back to work,” she said and they started to walk away. Saga looked at her intently and seemed to be mumbling under her breath.
“Bye, gorgeous!” she said to Vigg. “Come back if you ditch the witch!” Then she turned to Honung, who had joined her. “What was that?! Okay, the kid was kinda cute, but not like that...?”
“I haven’t seen a tip like that ever before,” Honung whispered. “That’s gotta be like two month’s salary for both of us! The poor sod didn’t even get to hear the thing you made up about unicorn horns, he doesn’t deserve to have Miss Ball-and-chain angry with him.”
“Sure,” Blida laughed. Then she stopped to scratch herself. “Damn, I must be getting lice again!”
“You do?” Honung stopped as well. “Well... maybe... now you say it, so do I!”
Having finished the second spell, Saga went up to a cowering Vigg. She slapped him upside the head.
“You dork!” she said, not unkindly. “Don’t ever do that again! Those kind of does work by getting people to pay for them. You needn’t be polite to them like that. That’s like buying everything a pedlar offers to you!”
“I’m sorry,” Vigg said and looked miserable.
“Come on, lets go back and dance for real this time,” she said and looked at him pleadingly.
“Yeah, okay, lets,” he said and smiled faintly, and then they did just that.
As usual, thanks to LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright for proofreading this story, and special thanks this time to Wheelwright for help with plotting when I was stuck!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 36 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-05-28T20:18:12+00:00
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2012-05-28T20:18:12+00:00
| 3,898 |
Spike ran up to the club entrance from the left side, instead of the front where the queue was. There was a low railing. He fell over when he tried to duck under it, hindered by his thick clothing, so he crawled the last bit. He then tried to scurry up the stairs from the side but was stopped by one of the doorstags.
“Whoah!” he said and pushed Spike back with a cloven hoof. “Where do you think you’re going, buster?”
“I have to get inside!” Spike yelled.
“Well, so does everydeer else!” the guard snarled. “Get in line!”
“It’s an emergency!” Spike said with a quieter voice.
“Suuuuuure!” said the guard. “You getting into this club is a matter of life or death?”
“But it is!” Spike yelled. “You see I have to...”
Do this without telling him the crown prince is in there, Spike realized.
“...well it’s a secret! But I have to do it now!” he continued.
“Look, I don’t care what your issue is, get back in line!” the guard said.
The other guard, the bigger and quieter one, had approached them and now spoke up.
“Nah, he shouldn’t get back in line,” he said.
Oh thank goodness, Spike thought.
“You shouldn’t be here at all! You’re obviously underage, squirt!” he said menacingly. “This place is for grownups! Go home to mommy and daddy and stay there!”
“But you don’t understand!” Spike wailed. “I’m the assistant to Lady Twilight Sparkle! She’s here tonight and I have a very important message so you have to let me in!”
The guards looked at each other, then shook their heads.
“Prove it!” said the smaller of them.
“I’m a freezing baby dragon! How many of your customers are baby dragons?! How many baby dragons are there in Tarandroland?!” Spike yelled angrily.
“You’re the fourth one this evening,” said the bigger guard and pointed with his hoof to a group of huddled reindeer in the street Spike hadn’t noticed either. They were all wearing very bad dragon costumes. He had seen some bad dragon costumes, but these took the cake.
“Look, kid,” said the smaller guard, “your costume is the best so far, even if it needs work. I mean it’s obvious you’re really a reindeer. But you don’t get in, so go home and stop bothering us. This is no place for fawns, and you’re holding up the paying customers! Now scram!”
Dejectedly, Spike walked back into the shadows.
How in Equestria am I supposed to get in now? he thought. This will all go south...
In desperation, he started to sneak around the building, looking for any other way in. A back door, a cellar door... a fire ladder?
There were fire ladders... or at least a ladder. Except this was a ladder that didn’t go all the way to the ground. Maybe it was mobile, and you were supposed to lower it in case of a fire... A rearing pony would have had trouble reaching it, and Spike’s jumping and grabbing attempts were hence useless. He nearly screamed in frustration. Then he started to look around for something to climb on to reach up.
There were a set of trashcans across the street. He walked over and tried to drag it to the ladder, but it was far too heavy for him. He only succeeded in toppling it. While he avoided breaking anything major when it fell on him, he did get covered in stinky trash. He just lay there a while, screaming inside and hating this alley, this city and this country with the burning fury of a thousand suns.
Finally he got up and rolled around in the snow for a while to get the trash off and ended up very wet and cold. He grabbed the loose lid from the trashcan and carried it over the street, then tried to prop it up against the wall and use it as a makeshift stepladder to reach the ladder. No success.
When he jumped (or rather, sort of stumbled upwards) trying to grab it, he landed on his side. It hurt a lot. This time, he wasn’t certain whether he had broken something or not. He had rarely felt this useless. His eyes teared up.
“Hey there, little buddy, are you hurt? Do you need help?” a voice said above him. He looked up and saw a demonic shadow above him. For a second, he was terrified, but then...
“Dark Clouds?” he said to the lunar pegasus.
“Yup!” said the Night Guard. “I was guarding as ordered when I saw you. What are you doing?”
Spike sniffed and sat up.
“I need to get a message inside,” he said. “There is! There’s a threat to the whole operation and I need to get inside to tell somepony to get out and I can’t tell the reindeer!”
“Wow!” said Dark Clouds. “Well, why don’t I give you a lift! You can get in through the roof, I think. This is exactly the thing we trained for in forced entry, if you can get past the pirates on the roof...”
“The pirates on the roof?” said Spike
There were three of them. Dark Clouds explained that they hadn’t been relieved, which should make things easier.
“That’s brutal, having to stand guard like this hours on end in this weather with no real shelter. They’re probably also really undisciplined since they’re not unemployed reindeer soldiers but their foreign allies, just pirates. They’ve been here since before we came to the club!” he said as they hid behind a big chimney.
Spike didn’t listen much, he was marveling at the... diversity of the three guards.
“Noticed they all have wings?” Dark Clouds misread him. “Of course, they’re not pegasi, but that’s a still an advantage given the situation. I mean, as we are on a roof and all.”
“I... noticed the wings,” said Spike, “but I was thinking of something else.”
The closest pirate, with the back to them, was simply a griffon. She was rubbing her hind legs together and trying to keep her tail out of the snow. She was presumably regretting not wearing more than a colourful vest, from which hung an impressive assortment of blades and hooks. Griffin coats and feathers weren’t really coldproof. Griffons weren’t common in Equestria but there was a sizable minority especially in pegasus cities, so she was no big surprise.
The next one, however, who had his left side to them, was a different matter. He was some sort of deer-bird hybrid, with the front parts of a stag and the hind parts of a colorful bird. The plumage didn’t shimmer but looked dull and lustreless, however.
“I’m dying here,” said the being in a heavily accented Equestrian. Spike couldn’t place the accent. “I’m dying of cold and thirst and hunger, and down there is heat and booze and food.”
“And hot flanks!” the griffon snarled. “Why are we doing this crappy duty when everyone else gets to party down there?”
“He’s a peryton,” said Dark Clouds quietly. “They’re from an island chain far down south, beyond llama lands. Pirates are like that - crews are from all over the world!”
“We know why, Gerda,” said the peryton. “We’re doing this because we have the blessing of flight, but we aren’t any of Captain Crimson’s precious pampered pegasi pirates!” He looked accusingly at the third of them. “Would she send any of them up here... without booze and heat...”
“And flanks!” Gerda added.
“...do you think?” the peryton finished.
“Guys, I be th' first mate,” said their accomplice. “Would he send me aloft wit’ ye if that was th’ case?”
The accomplice took the cake.
“A pig with wings?” Spike said. Dark Clouds hushed him.
“‘tis a tough job, n’ somebody has t’ do it. Th’ Cap’n decided ‘twas ye,” the winged pig explained. He had dressed more sensibly, in a thick jacket, but he still looked very piratical with a colorful bandanna tied around his head, a cutlass-hung bandolier belt across his tubby chest, and gold rings in his ears. He lacked an eyepatch, but he did have a wooden trotter, the right front one.
“So is he a... pigasus or what?” whispered Spike.
“I’ve heard they call themselves ‘megasi’, for some reason,” said Dark Cloud. “Don’t look that big to me. But they are really good fliers and fighters, for non-pegasi that is.”
“Why are we even in this freezing sun-forsaken place anyway?” said the peryton.
“Ye’re truly daft, Jorge,” said the megasus. “If th' Captain can help this here barbarian chieftain t' become th' King, we can hide here whenever we want. Across th' sea lies Ponyland, 'n 'tis fat 'n peaceful 'n easy prey. We can sell any prize here without any hassle, 'n then spend th' doubloons down south wit' nobody knowin' we be pirates.”
“Barbarians, yeah,” said Jorge the peryton. “Can we even trust these savages here? Reindeer are just a small step up from some cannibal headhunters or something!”
“Yeah,” said Gerda the griffin, “and if those ponies on Tropical Island throw you into their volcano or onto the barbecue, you at least get to see some hula-hula first. Here it’s just gloom and doom. I’ve never met a more dour people!”
“Jorge, Jorge, me fawn, if thar be one thin' t' be said fer these northdeer, 'tis they keep thar word,“ said the first mate. “ 'n Gerda, we’ll 'ave t' put ye in a sauna wit' some vodka 'n some local does. Tarandrians get crazy wit’ some booze inside’em! I’m sure that can be arranged!” He grinned with yellow tusks and spit out some tobacco.
The other flying pirates looked barely convinced but didn’t protest anymore. They lightened up when the first mate shared some of said vodka.
“We just have to get you past them and down the lid,” said Dark Clouds. “It’s not like we can fight them, but I think we can fool them...”
“I have an idea,” said Spike. “Just cover me!” He started to sway back and forth before the curious eyes of Dark Cloud, then he stepped out from behind the chimney and directly up to the pirates.
I just hope I can imitate Berry Punch’s step... he thought as he tried to look unfocused and hiccoughed loudly.
“Heeeeeeeeeeeey!” he shouted in what he hoped was a Tarandroland accent. “Foooooreigners!”
They stared at him with surprise, claws and trotters and hooves on weapons.
“Nice costumes, eh?” he said and poked the griffin, then hiccoughed.
“Who are ye, 'n wha' are ye doin' here?” said the first mate.
“I’m... Speikko,” Spike said and struck his chest with his claw. “And this is just the best nightclub in Sarvvik!”
“No, I mean... why are ye on th' roof?” said the baffled megasus.
“Oh! To take a piss, of course!” said Spike and swayed as he looked at nobody in particular.
“You... went up to the roof to take a piss?” said Jorge with disgust.
“You should have seen the line to the toilet!” said Spike. “Also, if you get to the edge of the roof, you spell your name in the snow in really big letters! Ancient Poatsulan custom!” He laughed heartily.
“But... we have been here for hours!” said Gerda. “You must have come before us!”
“I don’t know when I came up here,” said Spike and shrugged. “I really needed to go! All that vodka, you know! Oh - and the coffee!”
“And it’s not like we watched the hatch in the roof,” said Jorge to his friends. “We were watching the surroundings...”
“Are ye supposed t' be a dragon?” said the first mate.
Spike nodded proudly. “Do you like my costume?”
The pirates looked a bit uncomfortable.
“Sorry, but it’s really obvious you’re a reindeer,” said Gerda.
“Nice try, though,” said the first mate.
“Ooooh...” said Spike, looking dejected.
“Well, I suppose ye needs t' get back t' th' party!” said the first mate hastily. “This way, down th' hatch here!”
They more or less pushed Spike down the stairs below under his fervent, hiccough-interrupted thanks. When they had gotten him down there they went back to their post and relaxed.
“Do you think he heard anything?” said Gerda. The first mate laughed.
“Naaah, he was drunk out o' his skull 'n one o' th' silly buggers who goes t' places like this,” he said. “He will reckon anythin' he remembers was jus' fancies!”
“I’m supposed you’re right... Wasn’t he very small, like just a fawn?” said Gerda.
“What did I tell you?” said Jorge, took a swig of vodka and grimaced. “Savages!?
The dance floor was the middle of a thundercloud. Darkness cut through by flashes of light. Loud bellowing noises echoing through your bones. Your coat matted with sweat. Even Saga had to admit she was starting to get drained, and her barbarian beau was clearly getting weak in his knees.
That’s why she didn’t protest when he dragged her close and shouted in her ear: “I’m sorry, but I really have to take a leak.” His leg remained loped around her neck, which was not unpleasant, and panted pitifully as he awaited her permission.
“Sure!” she shouted back. “I need to go as well! We’ll meet by the bar!”
He nodded and left the dance floor at a trot, the dancing crowd (which were still nicely impressed by them) dividing to give him room.
Well, they were certainly unique in the crowd. The current trend seemed to be to imitate her Mistress in the Craft (Saga loved saying that to herself - “Mistress in the Craft”). Saga had first been a bit jealous of the idea, but then she realized that since everydeer had tried to turn up in a dark dress cut for ponies and the same basic makeup, she wouldn’t have stood out the same way.
Oh, how I wish I could tell everydeer I designed that makeup! she thought. Not that it fit reindeer very well, given our non-purple coats...
She swayed her hips to the music as she trotted off to the little vaja’s room to catch up on some gossip. She needed to know more about the recent Twilight Sparkle craze. She thought she knew all about the necro-nerdy trends in town, but apparently having a stagfriend got you out of touch.
Small price to pay! she smiled as she placed herself in line for the loo.
Vigg suppressed his bladder and stalked off upstairs. He was getting more and more desperate to learn about Twilight’s doings, and he felt he only had one lead.
I just hope he hasn’t stopped working for the evening, he thought as he entered the second floor balcony.
Scanning the crowd for a certain waiter, he missed both the many murmured compliments he got for his outfit and appearance and a smaller number of pick-up lines which generally revolved around him coming over and pillaging their apartment. It was probably for the best that he found the waiter after a short while and went up to him.
“Hi!” he said, a bit out of breath, his muzzle a little too close to the waiter’s.
“Uh... hello,” said the waiter and shied back. “What can I help you with, sir?”
Vigg stayed close and lowered his voice.
“I have heard Lady Twilight Sparkle is here tonight,” he said.
“I can’t really say, sir,” said the waiter. “Uh, I can’t talk about guests like that.”
“I am already certain she is,” Vigg said. “I am also certain she has a private room, or I would have seen her, or somedeer else would’ve seen her and made a scene.”
“Erm...” said the waiter.
Vigg dragged out a bag of silver and placed on the waiter’s tray. He couldn’t see it, carrying the tray on his antlers as deer waiters do, but he felt its weight.
“That’s just a little gift. Tell me where she is and you’ll get another one,” Vigg said.
The waiter swallowed.
“I - I’m carrying up some refreshments to her room in a minute,” he said. “Pay me that twice again and I’ll let you see where I’m going.”
Vigg stood still a second or two, as thoughts ran through his head.
“No,” he said. “I pay you thrice that again and you give me your tray and apron.”
The waiter hesitated. Vigg opened another pouch and showed him the real, freshly minted silver.
“Okay,” said the waiter hoarsely. “Okay.”
Twilight was getting more and more frustrated. She wasn’t getting what she had come for. She needed clear numbers and descriptions of Jarl Ahto’s forces. She needed the location of their base. Neither was forthcoming. Twilight decided Ahto had one advantageous trait in a ruler: he was able to talk a lot without saying anything, and it was obvious he was avoiding the more juicy facts. Meanwhile, she felt she had already said everything she was prepared to divulge regarding her own plans. If she continued she would start to promise things she couldn’t keep. Not that she intended to keep any promises here in the long run, but she assumed it wouldn’t be detected so early.
And here you sit, Twilight Sparkle, deliberately making promises you never intend to keep, she thought, so you can ruin the life and plans of this poor fool.
She couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Ahto. Even if Twilight failed miserably, she had the strong suspicion his coup wouldn’t work. The only reason reindeer had to support him would be that he wasn’t Ukko, and by that logic they might as well vote for Wiglek the Wicked returned from the Summer Lands as the next king.
She sighed. At the moment she wished she could have dealt with the reindeer kids’ strange ideas of ancient artefacts and undead sorcerers instead of this mess. It would have felt cleaner, somehow. More pure.
There was a knock at the door. Hakon leapt up and answered it. The poor guy was probably happy to have something to do. He had tried to take part in the negotiations early on but had been shut down by a withering glare from Ahto, which had been followed by cruel mocking from Captain Crimson Coat. Since then he had mostly just stared sullenly at the floor.
A young waiter was let in balancing several trays and holding a bucket of ice and vodka bottles in his muzzle. Discussions were interrupted a bit as he laid the table. He was dressed in a grotesque outfit that must have taken some time to make, and between his helmet and extensive bodypaint his face remained unseen.
Sometimes ‘noble savages’ will be dressed like that in Rarity’s historical romances, she snorted to herself. The kind that the heroine ‘tames’ in chapter sixteen.
“For you especially, Lady Sparkle,” he said, “with compliments from your host,” and showed a covered plate.
As the young sarv, a bit nervous, put the special plate in front of Twilight he had to press past Captain Coat. She took the opportunity to leer and rub his flank with her hoof.
“Are you also just for Lady Sparkle, fawn, or do we get to share you?” she said and grinned.
The poor reindeer flinched and the pegasus pirate laughed as he pulled out flask and glasses and placed them on the table.
Twilight looked at her with disgust and thought that she didn’t feel sorry in the least for Crimson Coat. She noted the three reindeer shared her disgust with the pegasus.
Well, they’re good people with the wrong goals, she thought. Crimson Coat is just an all-around bad pony.
Then she realise their gazes fell on her as well, and she suddenly not just loathed but hated Crimson Coat.
They think we’re the same, she thought. We both come here from another country to just grab what we can, ravish the youth and steal the resources and exploit the land. They have no reason to believe I’m any different, with this ghastly charade we’re playing. Jarl Ahto has no scruples allying with the Shadow of Skinfaxi because he’s already bloodied his hooves with somepony like Captain Crimson Coat.
“Y’know, that’s what I thought reindeer looked like before I got here,” said Captain Coat conversationally, as the young waiter trembled and filled her glass with vodka. “That’s how a northern barbarian should look like.”
But of course... we’re the same, in a way, Twilight thought. If I took a picture of that stag in that Nightmare Night getup and sent it home saying ‘oh, this is how reindeer look like’ I bet my friends would believe me.
“My lady,” said the waiter, “may I serve you?”
“Thank you,” she said, trying to sound as sincere as possible when she smiled towards him. She couldn’t make out his reaction under his skull helmet and heavy warpaint. She turned to Crimson Coat and smiled in a different way.
“Harm or even touch the young deer here in any way, and I’ll kill you in ways that will redefine pain for this century,” she told the pirate.
Now they’ll just believe I’m saving him for myself, but at least she won’t get any ideas, she thought.
The pirate laughed, but a bit uneasily, and Twilight actually got an admiring nod from Guthrun the seer.
The waiter mumbled something that could have been a thanks and lifted the lid off her plate. The he flinched backwards.
The smell of blood and offal now reached the noses of every ungulate in the room. Three small flayed corpses lay on the plate, their eyes glaring out from skinless faces.
“I’d... heard of your... eating habits, Lady Sparkle, so I’d arranged some lemming for you,” Jarl Ahto said, a bit uneasily. The other two reindeer looked like they were about to throw up. Captain Coat stared at the plate in morbid fascination.
“Actually,” the waiter spoke up, and then stopped, as all looked towards him. His voice was high-pitched, almost doeish, and Twilight wondered for a second if he was a doe, or merely a very young stag.
“Actually, grazers sometimes eat pieces of lemming meat,” he continued. “For their health. To get needed minerals and such.”
Crimson Coat’s gaze actually sought out Twilight’s and she read it as Those crazy barbarians, huh? as if the pirate tried to unite in some sort of Equestrian camaraderie.
I’m nothing like you, thought Twilight.
With great determination she formed the spell Luna had taught her in her mind and cast it. The spell that turned off you gag reflex and your olfactory senses.
“A most sensible custom,” Twilight said, “in a harsh country without the natural bounty of my homeland.”
She levitated the first lemming to her mouth and bit off its head with a mighty crunch.
“So, Jarl Ahto,” she said between chewing, “where were we?”
“Where. Is. That. Dragon?!” Mustikka snarled.
Heikko shrugged helplessly.
“I couldn’t see him either when I rounded the square... a round square...” he mumbled as he lost track of his thought. “Anyway, he can’t be in any of the alleys. Neither alive nor a corpse. I swear I have checked!”
Mustikka swore soundly and made as if to leave.
“But check yourself by all means,” said Heikko. “I’ll try to hail one of the pegasuses and see what they’ve seen...”
“I don’t trust ‘em!” snarled Mustikka. “And I’m not making another freezing scouting round, I’m going in!”
“In?” said Heikko.
“I know my tracks. The only one I see went up to the club, swiveled around the entrance, came back, and then just up and disappeared,” Mustika explained. “It is impossible for me to lose a track unless by air or sea, so he must have entered somehow. He is in there”
“How?” said Heikko.
“He climbed, jumped, magicked himself in or flew in,” Mustikka shrugged. “He is a freezing dragon and the familiar of a powerful sorceress. Anything is possible.”
“Mustikka, you will make a scene,” said the hithereto silent Galderhorn.
“I don’t care much about manners right now,” said Mustikka.
“You could jeopardize everything,” said Galderhorn. “Let me use a sending first.”
“Gald is right,” said Heikko. “One of his spirits can fly and walk through walls and hide within them and all kinds of stuff. You must admit it will be less noticeable than you barging in.”
Mustikka hesitated.
“I guess you’re right,” he muttered. “What have you got?”
Small glowing eerie shapes started to climb out of Galderhorn’s cloak and coat and settled on his antlers and back, one or two hanging from his tail.
“Oh, a dozen ratatosks,” said Galderhorn and smiled as the eerie shapes densified into squirrel-like eight-limbed beings covered in mouths and ears.
“Gossip-spirits?” Mustika mumbled. “Can you really rely on those pests?”
“What better way to track a celebrity?” said Galderhorn and smiled as he petted the squeaking spirits which babbled rumours and hearsay. “Besides, if they are detected, people might be upset but they won’t suspect anything. Ratatosks are attracted to places where reindeer who want to be seen gather, like moths to a flame.”
“Alright,” said Mustikka. “But if the little vermin dawdle and start looking for autographs, I’m going in!”
Galderhorn nodded and whispered in the ears of his charges (and those ears were many) before sending them flitting through the air towards the club. A vague chatter could be heard, if you had Seen them with your eyes first. If any of the reindeer in the line Saw them, they didn’t show it.
Saga stared at herself in the restroom mirror. She was supposedly fixing her makeup (which takes some effort using cloven hooves, let that be taken to the record), but she was reduced to staring.
Could she really be here? Could they really be right? Lady Twilight Sparkle was visiting this place this night?
"Oh, she is here! I heard the rumor before and when I got here the garderobier told me!"
"I saw her! I saw her, she was drinking a... a soda, like normal reindeer!"
"Didn't you say you knew her, Saga? Didn't you say... (mocking chuckle) you were her apprentice?"
She is here! That two-timing... that's why he went here... to see her... to meet her...
Saga fumbled with her powder puff.
She was standing in the doorway of one of the club's private rooms, which was remarkably opulent for the circumstances, with plush pillows and silk divans, the smell of oils and incense and the light of red lanterns. Mistress Sparkle was reclining on one of the divans, while a small pegasus filly fanning her with her wings. Vigg rested his head in her lap.
"Surprised, little fawn?" Mistress Sparkle purred like a big kitten. "After all, he is a stag now, with a stag's needs..." She patted the head of the reindeer prince.
"Yes, you little fool," said Vigg with a much deeper voice than usual, "of course I wanted somepony that was a real grownup! Not just a little kid."
"And with a position fit for royalty, not living in the slums," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Exotic and sexy and not a common brown ugly vaja," Vigg said and kissed her.
"A powerful sorceress and not just a talentless dabbler," said Twilight Sparkle and kissed him back.
"Leave, and don't come back," said Vigg.
"It's not like anydeer needs you or wants you anyway," said Twilight Sparkle and magically slammed the door in Saga's face.
Saga woke up from her fantasy and her gnawing thought that it could be an actual vision as the actual door slammed open and then shut. At first Saga thought that a very small fawn in a bad dragon costume had violated the sanctity of the ladies’ room. Then, she realized...
"Spike?" she said.
The dragon, who was panting heavily, nodded weakly and held the door shut. Somedeer was knocking on it.
"Hi, Saga," he said and grinned as weakly as his nod.
"What... are you here with Mistress Sparkle?" she said. Spike shook his head, but her relief at the implications of this was short-lived.
"No, she's here, but I'm not with her... oh my sweet flame, I had sneak in and warn you..." he moaned.
"Warn... us?" she said.
"You and Vigg!" he said. "We’ve gotta find him! There are reindeer here who want to kill him!"
A disjointed explanation later, Spike and Saga galloped towards the bar. Saga barged past angry customers and, ignoring their swearing, faced the bartender.
"Look, Miss," he said, "you can't just..."
"I need to know Lady Sparkle's room and I need to know it now!" she interrupted.
He sighed deeply and massaged his temple with his hoof, deeply regretting he wasn't allowed to drink on duty.
"Look," he said, "I have told you guys again and again that I cannot tell..."
Spike jumped up on the counter.
"I'm the number one assistant of Twilight Sparkle and I have a super-duper important message for her!" he said, waving a small and angry fist in the bartender's general direction.
The bartender hesitated a bit.
"Look," he began a third time, "I have seen many dragon costumes tonight..."
"Spike," barked Saga, "fire!"
A green flame singed the bartender's face.
He fell as silent as the rest of the bar as he studied the green smoke coming from the fur on his muzzle.
"Room 6A," he said. "It's the next furthest to the north in the eastern corridor. If you excuse me, I need to go stick my face under a faucet."
Twilight hope that taking a bite or two out of the flayed rodents, as if tasting the most delicious parts, would be sufficiently polite. She knew she had killed her physical gag reflex, but her mind didn't know that, and it kept telling her to throw up. Neither did she want to think of what would happen with her digestion.
"If we all are satisfied, maybe we can continue," she said and dabbed blood and slime from her mouth with a black silk handkerchief (embroidered with silver bats - yet another loan from Luna).
"Yes, let’s continue," said Jarl Ahto. He had barely touched the cheese, jam and biscuits on his platter, but was on his second glass of spiced vodka. Twilight had only sipped at her glass. She was certain the liquor would not have removed only paint but also the furniture the paint was on. The other reindeer had also only nervously picked at their food but drunk heavily. The pegasus pirate had cheerfully stuffed her face and drunk as much, and she was clearly affected by it, unlike the reindeer.
"Yeah, let’s!" she said. "Ahto, dude, it's clear she's not gon’ show you hers unless you show yours! Show the Lady some leg, will ya?"
Ahto flinched, Hakon scowled and Guthrun coughed loudly and pointed to the waiter.
"We don't need anything more for now," Twilight said and smiled - grinned, she corrected herself, stay in character, grin - grinned towards him. "Please leave us!"
The young stag just stared at her and made no sign of moving. He seemed to want to say something, started to mouth word but nothing came out, and almost started to gesture but didn’t. Twilight stared back.
“Did you want something?” she said harshly, as she started to be nervous.
“Get out!” Ahto barked, and the youth backed out, slamming his rump into the door in process.
“D’you think he was high on sh’omething?” said Captain Coat with a grin, cheeks flushed.
“He was obviously enraptured by my beauty,” said Twilight and grinned back. “Now, back to business...
Vigg hung outside the door, flabbergasted.
I can’t believe it... he thought. Lady Sparkle is in there, making some sort of horrid deal with Jarl Ahto! With the Pretender! How can she betray my country... when I know how she thinks? How she looks inside?
How beautiful her soul is...
Yet when I look at her now... I see nothing strange... no betrayal... but not that beauty either... She must be selling out my family...
He found himself breathing heavily.
...but she protected me from that pegasus...
Vigg admittedly had a problem with being touched by females, but this wasn’t that kind of touch. It had felt like an adder crawling over him, and not just because he had taken a quick peek into the strange pegasus mare’s inner workings. He had quickly looked away again.
He was interrupted in his reverie by a pink torpedo ramming into him and catching his neck in between her antlers.
“YOU TWO-TIMING CREEP! YOU LYING LIAR! YOU... WOLF AMONG FAWNS!” Saga screamed, her face contorted by anger.
“I can expl...” he began, half-strangled.
“I can’t freezing believe you! You agree with me to go out with me, JUST SO YOU CAN CHECK OUT LADY SPARKLE?!” she interrupted.
“No, it was..” he tried.
“LIAR! LIAR! ADMIT IT!” she screamed. Then she started to cry, but didn’t break down in tender tears, as romantic heroines are wont to. The streams of makeup-dissolving tears almost turned to steam by her cheeks, hot with rage.
“It - it - it’s... all true...” he said. He could barely see her contorted face because of the angle he was pressed down by her antlers.
“I figured,” she sniffling. “Because I’m not good enough for you?”
“It’s not like that!” he started to babble. “I only wanted to see what she was doing! With her mysterious affairs!”
“Even if I believed you,” Saga sobbed, “it changes nothing. Nothing. Because why didn’t you tell me?”
Vigg opened his mouth but found nothing to say.
“Because either you are a liar and came here to see some purple flank, or you don’t trust me enough to go on an adventure with you, or you’d think I’d be too sensible to bring along!” she said bitterly.
“But - Spike?” he said, suddenly seeing the little dragon standing behind Saga. Spike’s face was also distorted, but by fear and shame. The kind of shame you feel when you find your friends locked in an horrible quarrel.
“She’s right, y’know,” said Spike quietly. “You really shouldn’t have come here! There are people here who will kill you!”
“YOU LYING STUPID WORTHLESS SACK OF UNFAITHFUL...” Saga started to scream again and pulled Vigg up by his throat, while he frantically tried to get out of the grip. A small, strangely calm part of him noticed that this here actual streetfighting Saga had mentioned as part of her upbringing apparently was much more useful than his combat training.
“WHAT’S GOING ON... here?” said a voice behind them as the door sprang open (and incidentally, slammed Spike behind it in a rather unfunny fashion).
The people from the meeting stuck out their heads in a rather uncoordinated mess, everyone suddenly interested in seeing who was screaming outside.
“Oh - oh - Mistress Twilight!” Saga blurted out.
“Saga?” said Twilight, against her better judgment, even if she tried to bite her tongue.
“‘Mistress’?” said Guthrun.
“You know her name?” said Jarl Ahto.
“One of my ‘fans’,” Twilight said quickly. “Death-worshippers from the temple of Hrimfaxi!”
“Wait, did you tell them you were here?” said Ahto.
“Of course not!” Twilight snapped. “One of the staff must have spread the word...”
“The doorguards!” Saga squeaked, improvising on the spot.
“Well, there is no big deal what a bunch of decadent youth know...” Hakon began, but Ahto interrupted him and kicked him.
“Don’t be an idiot! They are sure to have bragged and told others! Who knows who else in the city know, and what they might have done...” he said.
“And of course you had to tell these witnesses that we were doing something we didn’t want them to know,” Twilight said, her voice dripping with poison. “It is obvious that the vaja only chased her sarv who wanted to... look at me. But now you and your idiot retainers force my horn, Jarl Ahto!”
She turned to the youths sprawled on the floor and they were enveloped in a purple glow.
“I’m sorry, kids,” she said and they disappeared in a flash.
“What did you do?!” Ahto shouted.
“A witchjump,” Guthrun said and rubbed her eyes. “But I cannot sense where...”
“That’s because I have a somewhat longer range than you’re used to,” said Twilight with forced smugness.
“So... where did they go?” said Hakon.
“About five miles out in Sarvvik Bay,” Twilight said. “I doubt they can swim all the way to shore.”
The three reindeer looked horrified, the pegasus grinned evilly.
Spike came out from the door.
“Spike!” Twilight said. “What are you doing here?”
I hope you weren’t in on those two and whatever they were up to, she thought.
“I’m... I’m here to warn you!” he said, sad and confused. “About... the spies in here! Yeah!”
“Spies?” said Twilight pulling him close. “What do you mean, uh, faithful servant?”
“Guthrun,” Ahto barked, “do a spirit check!”
He and Hakon watched nervously as the seer looked cross-eyed and gazed around as if trying to see far away beyond the walls.
“Wh-what did you do to them?” Spike whispered, horrified.
“I teleported them to Mustikka’s watch position,” she whispered back, as Guthrun started to chant loudly.
“This place is infested with gossip-spirits...” she started.
“That’s not that strange, or bad,” Hakon said. “I have seen them peek out from the walls myself, but that’s only natural in a place like this, right?”
“I recognize the breed of ratatosk,” she said grimly. “I know Galderhorn’s habits, brother. He always hunts for them in the same marches of the spirit plane.”
“Ukko’s freezing spirit-talker!” Ahto swore. “We’re being observed!”
“Yeah!” said the dragon, “that’s what I’m trying to tell you! There are reindeer in here as well!”
NO! Twilight Sparkle shouted within herself. I haven’t learned everything I needed to know yet!
“Then we must flee, my Jarl!” said Hakon.
“Wait!” Twilight shouted. “I have been seen here with you and your people!”
“So what?” said Crimson Coat. “You’ll just have to flee as well and claim diplomatic immunity or something.”
“Ignore the idiot, my lord,” said Twilight. “I can easily save myself, but this threatens my chance to help you.”
Ahto stopped.
“There is no way you and I can cooperate like this now when we have been seen together,” she said. “For me that is just one little intrigue gone awry, but for you... goodbye plans. Goodbye crown of Poatsula. Goodbye destiny of your ancestors!”
“Unless...” said Ahto.
“Unless?” said Hakon.
“She wouldn’t have said it unless there was an unless,” said Ahto. “Go on, Lady Sparkle.”
“Unless we cover this up,” she said.
“By killing the whole club?” Crimson Coat suggested, swaying a bit unsteadily.
“You pretend to abduct me! Either your compatriots saw the opportunity when they visited the same club as me,” Twilight said and nodded towards Crimson Coat, “or you heard about it on the grapevine and planned it in advance. I will, of course, ‘escape’... when you can slow down, and nodeer need to know we were in cahoots. I can even go around telling everydeer about the horrid experience! Then they will suspect a plot with me even less!”
“That was the dumbest, most panicky thing I’ve ever heard!” said Crimson Coat. “Come on, Ahto, we need to get out of here!”
“That’s a brilliant plan!” said Ahto after a short deliberation, to the surprise of everyone including Twilight Sparkle. “Hakon, tie her up!”
“What?” said Hakon and Spike.
“To fake my abduction, Spike,” said Twilight and held out her front hooves.
“But you can just magick free!” said Spike.
“Yeah!” said Hakon. “Nodeer will believe...”
Twilight ripped off a couple of belts from Hakon’s apparel and wrapped in a knot around her forelegs.
“This here is ‘rune-enchanted leather’ that’s ‘impervious to magic’,” she said. “Now somedeer please gag me with that ‘anti-magic tablecloth’ and carry me away ‘against my will’ before we’re discovered!”
“What about me?” said Spike.
“You can ‘hide in her saddlebags’ and ‘sneak out and free her’ later,” said Ahto. “Come on folks! Get on with the kidnapping! Look alive!”
When they reached the stairs they were discovered by a waiter who screamed even before Crimson Coat with a happy grin threw him down the stairs.
“I really think she should struggle,” said the pirate critically, getting into the spirit.
Twilight wriggled a bit and hmmfed through the inexpertedly applied tablecloth gag.
“I mean like, cast some spells or something, something flashy!” the pirate said hurriedly as they carried their “victim” downstairs.
“Don’t we need to free her for that?” Hakon said.
Twilight shook her head.
This fake abduction is the dumbest idea I’ve had since I thought I had no friendship report to send and started a magic riot to get one, she thought. Oh what the hay! Let’s do a simple Look Alive Folks! animation spell!
A purple flash sputtered from her horn and hit the giant plaster statue of Dread Hubbodamaster. Purple light spread over the plaster and split into all the colors of the Theophage’s standard description, with his pink-tan face and paws, black mane and beard, and red and yellow robes and boots. With a mighty wrenching sound he pulled the chains out of his plaster flesh and dropped down to the floor below.
“I HUNGER! I KILL! I DEVOUR” he bellowed and started to move against some of the guests on the floor.
“Those are my deer!” Jarl Ahto gasped.
“Neat magics!” Crimson Cloaked yelped happily.
Twilight was satisfied. The construct would attack Ahto’s deer, attracted by their auras, and cause minor havoc since it would soon fall apart into plaster bits...
Her quiet reverie being carried downstairs was interrupted as sparkles flew from the “wounds” in the fake God-eater and flew to the other plaster statues.
“WE ALSO HUNGER!” shouted the Diomedian sisters as they manifested as ethereal illusions and flew out from their relief.
“I HUNT! I HUNT!” shrieked Arachna as she scuttled down from the ceiling.
“WE LIVE! WE RISE!” shouted all the other statues of the monsters trapped in Tartarus, animated and ran amok, Tirek and Grogar and Krastos and all their ilk.
Twilight’s “Oh noooo...” was only partially muffled through the tablecloth.
They might have singled out Ahto’s deer, and their attacks might have been mightily ineffective, but the panic they spread was total anyway Screaming clubgoers trampled each other as they tried to escape. The main reason the plaster monsters didn’t create more chaos in the city was that they broke as they tried to escape through the door, and their animated parts rolled around on the floor until the magic went out. The reindeer guards storming the club destroyed some of them earlier than that, but did little to calm down the panicking crowds.
Mercifully, Twilight missed most of the riot as she and her abductors escaped through a secret tunnel.
“It looks like Lady Sparkle and, it seems, her servant the dragon, were abducted by Jarl Ahto and his followers,” said the reindeer reporting to the Companions.
“I have spirits following them, but Guthrun and I had the same master,” said Galderhorn sadly. “She is awfully good with counter-spirits, hrasvalgs to scare away my ratatosks.”
“We have to assume she is being carried away by boat,” said one of Luna’s pegasi. The princess herself wasn’ there, not even having been informed yet.
“This has to be the most stupid thing I have ever seen anydeer do, and I have been the companion of some very stupid reindeer,” said Mustikka to Vigg, who was crying noisily into his hooves. “You utterly destroyed an operation vital to national security, caused a riot which has harmed dozens of deer, caused an international incident by Lady Sparkle’s kidnapping...”
“Worst of all, you could have gotten yourself killed!” Heikko said sadly. Vigg could count on his hooves the times he had seen Heikko when the fat berserker had not been happy and laughing... “Yourself and your doefriend!”
“I’m not his doefriend anymore!” said Saga angrily. “I cannot believe I trusted you, you stupid spoiled brat. To... to save this country! I can’t believe I mistook one of my stupid fantasies for a genuine vision. Crown prince! More like clown prince!”
And she walked out of the alley and of his life and disappeared, while Vigg cried his heart out and the reindeer around him were too angry or too busy to comfort him.
As usual, thanks to my proofreaders LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 37 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-06-02T13:14:00+00:00
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2012-06-02T13:14:00+00:00
| 4,029 |
When they reached the harbor both the reindeer who carried her wanted her to be released and put back on her own hooves. Twilight wanted the same, but Jarl Ahto was adamant.
"That old fogey Mustikka isn't known as The Tracker for nothing! I want him to believe she went the whole way against her will!" he said.
Having trudged through a freezing blizzard (according to Crimson Coat) or a heavy snowfall (according to the reindeer) for almost an hour while dragging Twilight Sparkle along, the reindeer guards were rather grouchy. Twilight was not much better, her body aching. Neither was her grand attire made to be worn in a freezing blizzard (an area where she agreed with Captain Coat).
Earlier, Spike had climbed out of his saddlebag and onto Hakon's back, at his own insistence. Suddenly, he gave up a surprised cry.
"Look out!"
"What?" said Hakon whose ears were unpleasantly near the shout.
"Th- that mast is moving!" he shouted and pointed to one of the ships by the quay (they were now very close to them, though her 'captors' had given no indications to Twilight which they were to board).
The mast really was moving, a strange tapering yellow mast covered with large brown spots, and decorated with a row of thin colorful flags tied directly around it. Then Twilight, who had lifted her sore neck, and Spike both saw that the mast ended in a large body, ambling along on long, spindly legs. The legs were clad in rolled-up cloth of some kind, just like the neck (because that was obviously what the ‘mast’ was). The hose were of the same color as the scarves around the neck, muted by the darkness and the snow.
"What - what is that?" Spike stammered as the huge shape lumbered close.
"A giant," said Hakonen, sounding a bit nervous. "From zebra lands. Giant sorcerer!" he said and spat.
As the giant came closer, Crimson Coat flew up to it.
"All clear, Mr Motelele?" she shouted.
"All cleah, Cabtain," said Mr Motelele with what was either a heavier Nuuban accent than most zebras or evidence of a very bad cold.
"May I introduce Mr Motelele, our lookout and navigator!" she shouted to the reindeer.
"Is Mr Moccus here yet?" she said to the giant.
"The first mate is heah. All accounted foh excebt you, Cabtain," Mr Motelele said dourly and sneezed. Spike and Twilight observed that the giant wore a rather fetching purple fez on his head, held in place with yet another colorful scarf. He had a mangy, dirty yellow coat with large splotches of brown paint - or maybe his fur was coloured like that, it was hard to tell.
"Allright!" Captain Crimson shouted. "All aboard!"
As the reindeer, about a dozen of them, milled aboard, Mr Motelele put his head close to his Captain and said with a lower voice:
"I see we caught a unicorn, Cabtain. That was not in the plan."
"That, oh, that's just an idiotic idea of Ahto's!" Crimson Coat scowled.
"Foh what?" said the giant, clearly annoyed with the whole concept. "Hostage? His sleeping hut? Some barbarian reindeeh rite?"
"I don't know what it is supposed to look like," said Crimson Coat, "but she is here of her own free will. It is some plot or another against his enemy, to pretend she was kidnapped."
"Is that so?" said Mr Motelele. "I hope you see the risk, my Cabtain. At least have the mahe blindfolded during the journey so she cannot easily tell the way, or something like that."
"Do you think I'm stupid, Motelele?" said Crimson Coat. "Of course I was going to do that, I just haven't had time yet, gimme a break!" With that she fluttered down to the deck, as the sailors started to make ready for takeoff. Mr Motelele glared at her, and then turned his gaze to Twilight, who was rubbing her wrists and talking to her dragon familiar. There was an eerie sheen from his small horns within the fez, illuminating it with a crackling blue light. The same light shone in his eyes.
"I don't think you are stupid, Cabtain," he said to himself. "I know for a fact you are stupid. That’s why I am the one who have to think on this ship!"
The journey took several days. Despite the pegasi sailors' best effort, the weather didn’t allow any better, and it was obvious the pirate camp wasn't that close to Sarvvik. A very nervous Crimson Coat had insisted on keeping Twilight Sparkle blindfolded as long as she was on deck. At first she had protested, and tried to tell Jarl Ahto that her escaping was part of the plan, so she would need to know the way back to Sarvvik. This caused some panic and quarrel among the conspirators.
Ahto had a long discussion with Twilight. While he seemed quite determined to let her go as soon as they were back ashore, it also seemed he did so mostly to spite Captain Coat. She tried to bring up the things she had promised him, like Ukko’s demise, but he didn’t seem interested. More than anything else, he seemed tired.
After consulting her crew, the Captain suggested to Ahto to let her go back blindfolded as well, with a guide, "or something". That settled it, and Twilight stayed mostly under deck where she didn't have to wear the blindfold. She had figured out it didn't matter as long she just got one good look at the night sky to get her coordinates. Ahto had also let her send a message to Luna through Spike, since he figured she would need to be into the plot anyhow. To give the alicorns the wrong impression would just make his work that much harder. The Captain protested, but to no avail. They had received a letter that had been concise, to the point and with nothing incriminating in it. Twilight felt she could smell Luna’s anger from it, but any reprimands were written behind the lines.
Twilight gained a special kind of pleasure from telling the Captain that they'd better blindfold Spike as well, then, when they started to do it to her. The pegasus had entirely forgotten about him, and had some sort of panic attack. Spike was less pleased when he wasn’t given free reign of the ship, even if he already preferred to stay down below. He could tell Twilight about the crew and the ship, though, since no one had stopped him when he explored it.
"They weren't friendly or anything, but they weren't mean or rude either," said Spike. "They just stared at me."
"Well, few people have seen a baby dragon," said Twilight Sparkle.
"I wouldn't know about these people, Twilight!" said the dragon. "The crew is like a mix from all over! Maybe some of them grew up where they have more dragons!"
"Well, I’ve read that pirate crews are most diverse," Twilight mused. "They only require you to be ruthless and a good sailor."
"Like one third of them are pegasi," said Spike. "Another third are donkeys and mules, and the third third are zebras. Then there are like an extra third of other people from all over the world!"
"You cannot have four thirds, Spike" Twilight chided gently. "You mean fourths."
"Yeah, but the fourth third is much smaller than the other thirds!" Spike said.
"Nevermind, what do you mean with people from all over the world?" Twilight said and rubbed her forehead.
"Well, there are sheep and cattle and goats, but then there are strange people, like that guy who is like a deer-griffon! A persimmon, or whatever he was called!" said Spike.
"A peryton!" Twilight exclaimed. "Oh, I almost thought those were a legend! Did he do anything with his shadow? My books said that perytons have mysterious shadow magics..."
"I dunno, I didn't see anything," said Spike and shrugged. "Though he complained several times about it being such bad weather he cannot see his shadow... Then there's another griffon-thing, like a pony-griffon..."
"That's a hippogriff!" said Twilight. "Those are rare, but I have seen some..."
"A what?" said Spike.
"A hybrid between griffon and pegasus," Twilight explained. Or at least thought she did. When Spike looked confused, she continued: "If a daddy griffon and a mommy pegasus manage to get a baby, it's a hippogriff."
"Oh!" said Spike. "Well, that's weird, right? And then there’s the giant..."
"The giraffe," said Twilight. "Though old books call them camelopards. Zecora calls them giraffes. She told me about them, and she didn't like them..."
"She did?" Spike said. "She didn’t, I mean? Was it because he's so big?"
"There are many giants living in zebra lands, beings like elephants and monoceri and mokolekombes," said Twilight, "and Zecora didn’t seem to fear or dislike them. I'm certain it wasn't just that they’re big. She spoke in hushed words, as if the giraffes could see and hear her. She then said that they might, and tried to explain their special magic as something of both me and her. I guess she meant unicorn mind-magic and zebra artificiery. I’ve never known Zecora to be cowardly or superstitious, so there must be something to it."
"I-If they could really see and hear you, they must have reindeer Sight as well," said Spike nervously and looked around him. "What if he can see us now...?"
"No need to be paranoid, Spike," said Twilight, though she was a little bit uncertain herself. "Not all unicorns are sorcerers, and few are as good as say me or Shining Armor, even if they all have a little magic. We don't know what this particular giraffe can do. Now, tell me more about the other crewmembers... Are those pegasi all Equestrian?"
"Are there any others?" said Spike.
"Oh yes, there are many small groups of ponies outside of Equestria!" said Twilight and smiled. "And I believe anywhere that has a coast and pegasi will produce pegasi sailors, with their talent for flight and weather control!"
"Well, they all speak Equestrian, but so do everyone else," said Spike and scratched himself. "Well, sometimes the zebra talk with each other in their own language. The donkeys don't."
"There is no donkey language," said Twilight, going into lecture mode. "Well, except Ancient Asinine, but that's only used on things like tombstones..."
“Well that explains it,” said Spike hurriedly, since he could sense that a lecture was coming on. “Also, the reindeer speak only Poatsi among themselves, and they spend almost all their time huddled in a herd...”
“Well, they’re just passengers, of course,” mused Twilight.
“But sometimes the rest of the crew forgets that the reindeer speak Equestrian, and they say mean things about them behind their backs, but of course they understand, so...” Spike said uneasily.
“Yes, Spike?” said Twilight. The tone of his voice gave her reason for concern.
“There has been two fights,” said Spike. “I haven’t seen the brawlers after that...”
“Justice can be very hard on board a ship, Spike,” said Twilight. “Even among pirates. It is always wrong to start quarrels and fights, but on a ship when you need everypony to work together, it can be even more dangerous.”
Spike looked worried.
“I mean either the Captain or an assembly might have had the brawlers thrown overboard for it,” she added in a quieter voice. “Or maybe just clapped in irons, if they’re lucky.”
“Assembly?” said Spike.
“Both normal pirates and old-fashioned reindeer Vikings are more democratic than normal ships,” Twilight explained. “Unless there’s a battle or storm or something, the Captain cannot do just everything he wants.”
Lifting her gaze from Spike, she continued: “I wonder if Ahto insists on doing it differently. He was an admiral of an actual fleet, with stricter discipline and all-powerful captains.”
“It sounds like him and the Captains aren’t that great friends,” said Spike.
“No,” said Twilight. “They must just have allied when the reindeer plundered the Equestrian coast, and he needed somepony who knew the lay of the land. Besides, this ship can take the weather better than a dragonship, and control the weather as well. And as for the Captain, she can attack bigger targets than she could by herself.”
“Can we use that?” said Spike.
“Turn them against each other?” said Twilight. Really. It was simply her friendship training, backwards, and it wasn’t like she hadn’t already started. “Yeah, maybe. If it is useful. Right now, it could probably get us thrown overboard. If there is a conflict, it would get violent. The Captain’s crew would win, even if we helped them, and the Captain has no reason to keep us around.”
“Just give me one reason not to cut theih throats right now and throw them overboard,” said Mr Motelele to the Captain. She was flying in a slow circle around him, as was Mr Moccus, the flying pig first mate.
“Ahoy there, ye can’t do that!” Mr Moccus protested.
“Lissen to him, he’s an old trotter at this,” said the Captain.
“I mean, 'ave ye seen a reindeer warrior go berserk?!” the megasus said with concern. “Look, I knew this donkey who started a brawl in a bar in Trotholm. One reindeer started frothin' at th' mouth. They had t' send his corpse home by post -”
“Well, that wasn’t what I meant - ” the Captain started.
“In ten packages!” said the megasus. “Really, attackin' a score o' reindeer openly be suicide!”
“Look, the thing is if we can set up this deal with the Jarl, we have a great time after that,” said the Captain, giving the flying pig an evil eye.
“I don’t trust the deal, Cabtain,” said the giraffe.
“Is this about your visions, Mr Motelele?” said the irritated Captain.
The giraffe nodded. “My visions always come true!” he said haughtily.
“Yeah? So why were you confused by the appearance of the unicorn wench?” said the Captain and glared at him. “Explain that to me!”
“Well, eh...” said the giraffe but trailed off.
“So you’re not omniscient, huh?” said the Captain triumphantly. “Then I’ll give you the reason why you shouldn’t slit the throats of the northern barbarians - in their beds,” she added with a glare at her first mate who whistled innocently as he flapped in the cold wind.
“It’s because if they die we miss a great opportunity for which we’ve worked a long time, just because you can’t stand a sore throat and cold ears!” she said. “Take this to assembly if you want, but I’ll win, and you’ll lose, lose even more of that popularity you don’t have. Remember it takes you some time to rise when you have been asleep, Mr Motelele, and that your magicked juju-coffee can’t keep you awake forever!”
With those words she flew down to the deck. Mr Moccus shrugged apologetically and followed her.
“Who needs popularity when you have feah?” Mr Motelele snarled, but he did look worried. He would need to brew some more coffee...
Twilight and Spike had their berths in one of the few, small, separate cabins under deck. Most of the crew slept in one large room, the pegasi and other fliers on tethered clouds, the others in hammocks. There was one room for the captain, another for the first mate and one other privileged crewman (it so happened to be the carpenter, a zebra), and a third one where right now Ahto and his closest retainers slept. The other reindeer and the lookout slept on deck. Mr Motelele couldn’t have gotten down below even if he wanted to, and there was no room below for the reindeer. They seemed to take that in stride, raising tarpaulins over themselves, reminding Twilight that reindeer warships didn’t have a roof to sleep under.
The cabin Twilight and Spike slept in (and spent most of their time in) was some sort of minor meeting room. (Any gathering of the whole crew happened on deck, of course.) It had a very minor library, mostly magazines, some technical volumes and a few trashy paperbacks. It was still a library, and Twilight organized the books out of boredom.
It also had a TV-set.Of course it could not receive any transmissions, since wireless thaumaturgy was impossible. It was for watching movies, though it could conceivably play music as well. There was a couple of paper boxes full of silver movie discs, mostly pornography of Equestrian origin. Twilight blushed and put all those movies in one box. The others were a strange mix of just about everything from all over the world. Twilight realized the pirates must have got them as plunder, but not bothered to sell them, since they weren’t worth much.
Hence, when Mr Moccus came down with their dinner (he had turned out to be rather gossipy, and had simply tired of pressing the cabin colt for news) he found the most dreaded sorceress in Equestria and her unique dragon familiar watching zebra cartoons. The unicorn was trying to translate for the dragon, who looked a bit bewildered.
“Okay, why does the crocodile fail to catch the zebra?” said Spike.
“It’s because when the zebra and his spider friend does the special chant, the crocodile cannot bite anyone, and he has to bite the zebra to catch him,” said Twilight.
“‘Biter, no biting!’” she sang.
“Why can’t he catch the zebra in some other way?” said Spike.
“Because apparently he’s supposed to be very stupid,” said Twilight. “I mean, he is a talking animal in a cartoon, but he is still just a crocodile. It’s a bit more obvious if you know Nuuban and can hear how he speaks...”
“Exactly how old are the foals supposed to watch this?” Spike asked.
“Preschool,” said Twilight.
“Then why are we watching it?” said Spike.
“Because I’m bored,” said Twilight. “You can otherwise choose between a camel soap opera without Equestrian subtitles, a Neighponese historical drama (I think) without Equestrian subtitles, and a nice collection of flying training movies for the Equestrian navy with Equestrian subtitles for the hearing impaired.”
“Thar’€™s also three copies o' a video o' th' inauguration rites fer th' recent Mansa o' th' Zebras,” said Mr Moccus as he chose to make his presence known. “Some o' th' court beauties 'ave nice hocks. Or beautiful dresses, if ye’€™re more into that.”
Twilight quickly collected herself and paused the TV.
“Hello, Mr Moccus,” she said. “Are you a connoisseur of hocks or of dresses, hmm?”
“Mostly hocks,” he said amiably. “'n yourself, Lady Sparkle?”
Twilight swallowed and fluttered her eyelashes.
“I prefer my hocks clad in dresses,” she said. She didn’t bother with her forced laughter. For sure, Mr Moccus had seen real villainy.
“Why do you speak so funny?” said Spike, who didn’t find the... he was a flying pig, for Celestia’s sake! He wasn’t very scary for a violent criminal.
“I’€™m ole, sprog,” said the megasus and grinned. “Much older than ye reckon. When I began t' sail under th' skull 'n crossbones, 'twas on a ship wit' mostly Ponyland pegasi, 'n they spoke like this. That’€™s how I learnt Equestrian.”
“How does... somehog become old in your profession, Mr Moccus?” said Twilight Sparkle.
“Ne'er lead a charge. Ne'er insult somehog’s sire or dam or god. Ne'er steal somehog’s rum or bedmate or silver,” said Mr Moccus and made as if to leave. “Oh - 'n one more thin'!”
“Yes?” said Twilight.
“Ne'er play at politickin',” he grinned. “Everyhog wants t' be cap'n. Nohog wants t' be th' first mate. I’€™m th' oldest part o' this ship, me beauty.”
Then he left, the lukewarm food made from canned goods he had brought sitting on the table.
“He forgot ‘ne'er look threatenin'’,” Twilight murmured. “We’d better keep an eye on him.”
They would be reaching their goal tomorrow. A donkey sailor turned up and offered to do their laundry with the rest of the crew’s. For some silver, of course. This caused Twilight to repack, and of course Spike had to help.
“I didn’t think pirates washed their clothes,” he murmured.
Twilight laughed. “It’s a ship like any other, and on good-kept ships you have to keep things clean. Though I doubt the clothes will be as well treated as when Rarity does it.”
She had piled up the content of her saddlebags, mostly clothes, books and scientific instruments. Of course, there were no things packed for Spike. His warm jacket and cap had begun to stink. She had made a list and Spike had packed them before the fateful night. Spike hadn’t missed anything, but there were a few additions.
“Matches?” she said.
“If you couldn’t use magic to light a fire,” said Spike. “And I wouldn’t be there with you.”
She frowned. “Unlikely, but OK.” She lifted an odd package from the heap.
“What’s this?” she said.
“Don’t you remember?” Spike said. “It’s Pinkie Pie’s gift! The party grenade!”
“The what?” said Twilight.
“Look, she’s let me help loading the party cannon several times,” Spike explained. “That looks exactly like a charge, except that here you’re supposed to pull this string and throw it. So it’s a party grenade. Pinkie said it would be an instant party.”
“Why would I need an instant party?” said Twilight, more amused than upset.
“Well, you’re here to negotiate with a bunch of pirates and a bunch of ex-soldiers,” Spike said. “Everypony knows pirates like a party, and we know from Shiny’s friends that soldiers like a party. So I thought you’d need it to butter them up, like. Besides, it’s a neat trick, it fits a sorceress.”
Twilight laughed and shook her head.
“Pinkie manages to be random even when she’s not here,” she said and put the package back in the saddlebag.
Then she suddenly sniffled.
“I miss them so much,” she said. She hadn’t known she did until now, seeing Pinkie’s handiwork. “I wish I didn’t have to do this... this manure! I wish we were home!”
“Me too,” said Spike and they shared a hug.
“I told Luna to tell everypony we were OK,” she murmured into Spike’s back. “I hope they’ve been told by now.”
“I’ve told her family and her friends in Ponyville,” said Celestia as they watched the grey skies and the constantly forming blizzards from a mountain outside Sarvvik.
“Thanks, sister,” said Luna.
“I think you should have done it,” said Celestia.
“Were they upset?” said Luna.
“Upset and relieved at the same time,” said Celestia. “Upset with us, relieved they are safe - safer - for now.”
“You think this is my fault?” said Luna.
“No, it is your responsibility,” said Celestia. “I don’t know who to actually fault for causing this mess and I don’t really care. I just meant you should have been the one to explain it. For one, I am not as knowledgable about this as you are, since you planned it, so I might have misrepresented your actions.”
Luna sighed.
“I think Twilight Sparkle too a horrible, unnecessary risk, and that childish prince didn’t help matters, in any case,” she said.
“How is he?” said Celestia.
“Grounded and scolded, as far as I can tell,” said Luna. “He shouldn’t cause any more trouble.”
“That was not really what I meant,” said Celestia.
They were silent.
“I ache to clear these clouds away,” said Luna.
“What about the quest?” said Celestia.
“What quest?” said Luna, her eyes fixed on the mocking storm, which in their country would have been a horrifying abomination in its independence.
“The quest for the Sampo,” said Celestia.
Luna snorted.
“A mere fancy of the temple-fawn, I’m sure,” she said, but there was a small nervousness to her voice.
“You seem very sure of that,” said Celestia. “Twilight wasn’t so sure.”
“You know how enthusiastic she is about arcane arts,” said Luna. “Shouldn’t we clean the sky?”
“And now you’re avoiding the subject,” said Celestia.
Luna didn’t say anything.
“What did Wiglek the Wicked do for you?” said Celestia. “What payment did you receive? You never told me that, just how you betrayed him.”
Luna shuddered.
“Did you tell Twilight?” she said anxiously.
“Of course not, it was a secret between us,” said Celestia and nuzzled her sister. “But you shouldn’t keep this pent up, and I swear it is only a bad thing because it hinders you from doing what’s right for some reason - shame, I think.”
Luna swallowed.
“He... founded the temple of Hrimfaxi,” she said quietly.
“What?” said Celestia and laughed, then caught herself. “Sorry, it was just silly! Why would you want that?”
“I was jealous of your temples,” said Luna mournfully.
“I didn’t want them!” said Celestia. “You could have had mine! Look, they still keep giving me... junk like that horrid statue!”
Luna cracked a faint smile.
“And they send all those prayers I can’t hear and can’t fulfill and don’t want,” Celestia continued. “They make all these claims about me and my history and my powers and my life and don’t let me tell my story myself! They are like the tabloids, only actually literate! There’s a reason I outlawed such things in Equestria centuries ago!”
“Anyway,” said Luna, “that wasn’t really the reason. I just wanted to... put him in his place, for the laughs, like I was Discord. I would probably have agreed to some other price, had he offered it. The important part was the triumph. That rotten, rotten feeling of being superior, of having hurt somepony and making them weaker and smaller, so you were stronger and bigger...”
“That’s past now, Luna,” said Celestia and nuzzled her again. “Don’t let a bad deed in the past stop you from doing a good deed in the present!”
“It just feels so... painful...” Luna said mournfully.
“Will you let me deal with it?” said Celestia.
“Why?” said Luna.
“The reindeer insist I am the actual Goddess of Summer,” Celestia shrugged. “I’m just going to protect my interests in having one again. And let’s just say I have more faith in mortals than I think they should have in me.”
“May I ask how?” said Luna.
“Oh, I’m just going to move in mysterious ways, as usual,” said Celestia and smiled enigmatically. “Should we perform some more divine intervention and smite those clouds righteously?”
“Verily, we shall,” said Luna and smiled as the two sisters took flight and started to form the wind and clouds.
“If Twilight doesn’t come back soon, what do we do?” Celestia shouted.
“Then we march in the general direction of the camp - North,” Luna shouted back. “That’s were I assume the first battles against Winter will be anyway. We will lack the information Twilight was looking for, but honestly, I think we can manage that. The pirates are the least of our problems. How large could their forces be?”
“It’s a whole city!” said Twilight as the ship slowly sailed into the harbour. “This... this is a whole army!”
The gently sloping cliffs around the harbour had only a score of actual houses, but must have hundreds of small tent-like huts.
“Those are kota huts,” said Spike. “Vigg showed me! Grazers use them when they move around, they are like tents but sturdier. There must be lots of Grazers here... “
“I’ll bet the Poatsulan Army uses them on maneuver as well,” said Twilight and gritted her teeth. “They know how to set up camps, of course.”
“Where did they get all the stuff?” said Spike.
“They stole food and clothes and such in Equestria and sold it here where there is a great lack of goods,” said Twilight, “and since the bad weather conditions made a lot of workers unemployed it was probably easy to find reindeer to build for them. We should have trawled more through Sarvvik for informers who for money could have told us where this place was, instead of this stupid stunt...”
“Look, they’ve cut down almost all the trees...” said Spike and pointed.
“A good defense, and they needed the wood,´” said Twilight, mentally mapping and memorizing the temporary city.
“Except those, which they made towers out of,” said Spike and pointed elsewhere. “Towers with cannons in them!”
“Those look like ballistas and flame cannons,” said Twilight. “This doesn’t look nice...”
“I bet they took the weapons off the ships when they laid ‘em up for winter,” said Spike, “and just hoisted them up the tree-towers.”
He pointed to the harbour where scores of dragonships and a dozen broad-bottomed merchant vessels laid on the beach, in a way Equestrian ships wouldn’t have been. Some were being worked on by reindeer crews. Their ship wouldn’t be able to land like that, so it was being steered towards a jetty.
“It is lucky Jarl Ahto is a stag who thinks much of himself and is very foolish,” Twilight mumbled.
“Why?” said Spike.
“Because I’m afraid that’s the reason he has the very odd plan of wanting to make a coup d’etat but absolutely not wanting to make civil war,” she said. “That’s the only reason he hasn’t marched on Sarvvik already.”
“You think he really, like, rules this place then?” said Spike.
“Yes,” said Twilight. “It is far from impossible that the various outcasts who live here and use the place as a base could have formed it anyway, but look how organized everything is! Pirates would do this on their ship, just because they are still sailors and need to make the ship run, but this city is ruled and planned and controlled. They wouldn’t do that, and it would fit with a competent if a bit foolish military stag like Ahto.”
“So, do we know everything we need then?” said Spike.
“Almost,” said Twilight. “I still need a location, and for that I need either a map of the place or a look at a clear sky. We really need that to escape, because I am teleporting back! Aaand... there are some details. Like if there are any other minor leaders in camp who opposes Ahto. If there are walls or other defences. Or what other resources they have, like magic. This is an international crew and you don’t know what they can come up with. Like what Mr Motelele can really do.”
“You can probably not just ask him,” said Spike and looked warily at the giant who was busy helping piloting the ship into harbour. “He doesn’t look friendly.”
“I’ll start with that anyway,” Twilight said and followed his gaze.
“Twilight, we’re kind of in trouble here,” said Spike worriedly. “I hope you don’t get caught up in researching giraffe lore when we need to get out of here as soon as possible!”
“I’ll try,” said Twilight and patted his head.
“But I can’t promise anything!” she said and stuck out her tongue at Spike.
The usual thanks to my great proofreaders!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 38 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-06-24T08:25:18+00:00
|
2012-06-24T08:25:18+00:00
| 3,872 |
The Crimson Kraken had docked so Twilight and Spike had went ashore. It might have been more proper to say that they were taken ashore. Twilight hadn't been carried off the ship bound and gagged, but she was "escorted" by two rather burly reindeer. They seemed to be as happy to get off the ship as Twilight and Spike. A small herd of reindeer had gathered to meet Jarl Ahto and receive the news of his mission. He held a little speech to them and any others who happened to be present.
Twilight listened to the speech, but Spike didn't understand what they were saying. He wasn't terribly interested anyway. Mostly he was happy to be on solid ground and hoped to soon be in a warm house. To idle the time away, he watched the pirates unload their ship's cargo.
While they were fairly efficient, they were very noisy about it. They shouted, cursed and laughed and stopped to discuss how to get one crate down from the deck. Finally, someone called for Mr Motelele, and the giraffe stomped over looking annoyed. He projected crackling magical energy the colour of a gray mist from the horns that must be hidden within his battered fez, and the crate levitated off the ship and down on the ground. Mr Motelele then stomped ashore and busied himself with something else. Spike could see his tall neck in the distance.
Mr Moccus led the unloading, shouting and cursing as if he was on some sort of more enlightened level of disorder, and slowly the crates and barrels and bags came ashore. One half of the cargo was carried off to a cluster of buildings to the south of the Crimson Kraken.
Another half was turned over to some waiting reindeer who were using their usual ackjas to pull their cargo. This started a heated discussion between their leader and Mr Moccus. The subject was whether there were enough ice for the ackjas to work with their load, which meant to Spike that those small crates must be heavier than he thought.
Wonder if there are gold and gems in the crates? Spike thought.
One of the crates was too big to be loaded on an ackja. It wouldn’t stay on, no matter how they loaded it. A pegasus of the crew flew off, presumably to get help. To Mr Moccus undisguised disappointment, the reindeer foredoe knew her ice, and the rest of the ackjas were pulled away without getting stuck in the gravel. Spike noticed at the place had roads, if crude ones. Somepony, or rather somedeer, had gathered sand and gravel and spread it to make roads. Spike felt a bit proud over his deduction skills when he realised the sand and gravel must have been taken from the beach. He could see where they had dug it up. There was even one of those newfangled little steam-driven digging machines sitting by the hole, covered by a tarpaulin.
It looks just like the one they used in the great building project in Ponyville the other year, Spike thought. The one with all the accidents... Maybe it was stolen or bought in Equestria... I wonder if pirates let baby dragons operate digging machines?
The pegasus returned with Mr Motelele. Spike had never seen the giraffe walking at full stride while on the ship, and it was a strange sight to see him do it on land. His whole body swayed up and down, especially his neck, and his strange tufted tail, more like a zebra’s than a pony’s, twirled and undulated. Mr Motelele scowled and listened to the crew and the reindeer. Then he reached with his magic down into the mess of necklaces, baldrics and pouches he carried around his neck. He pulled out two pouches and barked to the workers to stand back.
As they moved off (the reindeer further than others, presumably out of superstitious fear of the giraffe) Mr Motelele threw powders at the crate, in a way that reminded Spike of seasoning a stew with salt and pepper. The seasoned crate reacted by starting to shrink. The process was slow and created a nasty sound as if something was torn. It looked as strange as you could assume, but apparently it looked worse if you had the Sight. The reindeer all grimaced and looked away as if the shrinking crate had been a really bad chariot crash.
The pegasus pirate who had fetched Mr Motelele was more morbidly curious, and got a bit closer to the shrieking crate. This was not the right thing to do. Some of the light dusts from the pouches must still have been dancing in the air, because the pegasus gave up a shriek and pulled back from the crate, flailing his wings. As the others looked on in horror he landed and rolled on the ground screaming. His left wing had begun to shrink, and the process was painful. Now the crewmembers looked away in horror as well. A couple of the pegasi tried to get close to help their colleague but they were still scared, and he was moving around violently, and it was not like they knew how to help him.
Mr Motelele just scowled at the pegasus and turned to the reindeer who was in charge of the ackja.
“These,” he said as he handed her a small jar into which he poured some dust from a pouch,”will restore the crate. Don’t be stupid when using it!”
Then he strode off again, ignoring the commotion.
Twilight didn’t. The noise and shouts had finally made her turn her attention from the speech and towards the unloading.
“What’s happening?” she asked Spike.
“He’s just walking away!” Spike said.
“What?” said Twilight.
“The giraffe!” Spike fumed and pointed at the disappearing Mr Motelele. “He caused an accident and he just walked away from it!”
“Accident...?” said Twilight and looked at the sobbing pegasus and his colleagues trying to help him up.
Spike quickly explained what happened, very upset. Meanwhile, the reindeer shrugged and left with their ackja. The crate had shrunk to one fourth the size, but it still weighed as much, which gave them some trouble.
“Perhaps I can help him,” Twilight mumbled. “Zecora has described something similar... but it’s not like I can just whip up an antidote. I have nowhere near her skill, no materials, and I seem to remember the process was... immoral.”
“I think the reindeer got some antidote or something...” Spike mumbled.
“Then we’ll try to talk to her as soon as possible,” said Twilight. “I just have to talk to Ahto as soon as possible... erh, make that even sooner as possible.”
“Can’t you just demand the giraffe helps him?” said Spike. “He caused it, and shouldn’t he be responsible?”
“It is not like I have any influence over him,” Twilight said. “But I might have to talk to him about it, if only to know what to do.”
“It’s nice of you to help the poor guy,” said Spike. “He is kinda the enemy...”
“Well, he won’t become more of a violent criminal by me helping him,” said Twilight. “Besides, we need all the friends we can get here!”
Twilight Sparkle had thought Jarl Ahto would sleep in one of the houses. He didn’t. Sure, his kota hut was bigger than the average one, and he only shared it with Hakon and Guthrun, but you could say he was roughing it with his deer.
Ahto must have seen her eyes wander around the sparsely furnished hut.
“When I was relieved of my post, I spoke out harshly against the king’s folly,” he said. “I realised no good could come from it, so I quickly signed over my property to my family, gathered some personal gear and went into exile. I didn’t have much with me, and I don’t take trophies in the raids.”
Strange, Twilight thought. I distinctly remember Jarl Einar saying that before he became an alcoholic Ukko would have loved a deer who dared tell him he was wrong. Did he succumb to vodka earlier than I thought, or is Jarl Ahto a spectacularly bad judge of character?
“When was this, Jarl?” she said as a soldier stuck a wooden jug with coffee in her hooves.
“The King had dismissed four fifths of the fleet! That meant he only needed one of five admirals,” Ahto scowled. “We others were dismissed as our sailors. Only that old fool Heikko remained, though I had the most victories under my belt. It’s clear the king feared my influence, since I am of royal blood myself!”
Or maybe he just wanted to favour an old friend, Twilight thought. You do have an ego the size of Cloudsdale Stadium, Jarl Ahto.
Twilight drank her coffee and said nothing. Spike slurped from his cup. One of the soldiers cautiously sniffed him.
“While I’m sure these accommodations are lovely,” said Twilight, “I must know when I can leave this place. You promised me guides back to safety, Jarl Ahto.”
Ahto fidgeted a bit.
“I’ve... talked to my advisors, and it seems now is not a good time to do so,” he said, looking down into his coffee jug.
“Why not?” said Twilight and forced a mocking smile. “Are you and your pirates holding me hostage?” Inside her, Twilight felt an icicle stabbing her heart.
What if that is the truth... how do I get Spike out of this?
Jarl Ahto drank some coffee and looked desperately at Guthrun the Seer. The vaja coughed.
“There are simply too many report of the beasts of Winter around, Lady Sparkle,” she said. “We don’t want to risk either you or any of our deer.”
“What kind of beasts?” said Spike suspiciously. He had been eating a brooch by carefully sucking out the amber like raisins from a bun, and now he was gnawing on the bare silver.
The jarl and his seer looked at each other again, but one of the soldiers acting as servants quickly found his voice.
“Oh, permission to speak, Sir...” he said. His Tarandrian accent was much heavier than that of his superiors.
“Granted!” Ahto barked.
“A turso attacked the harbor a little more than a week ago,” he said. “Many deer and some of the southron pirates fell ill, and several of them died, but the beast was killed. The Strimmaland giant burned the corpse, but the bones remain on the beach.”
“It was probably drawn here by fish, which in turn was drawn here by offal,” Guthrun said.
“We have changed the routines for handling garbage,” said Ahto. “We were lucky the victims’ poxes didn’t spread to other people.”
Twilight fell silent. Spike looked a bit pale.
“I’m sorry for the loss of your comrades,” she told the soldier who looked at her with astonishment, her voice tinged with genuine concern. Jarl Ahto snorted and Guthrun sneered, looking at each other.
“Is there anything I can do to help the survivors?” she continued.
“The giraffe has already done his work,” Ahto said. At this Guthrun snorted even more.
“How much did you have to pay Mr Motelele?” Twilight said. The eyes of all the reindeer widened a little, Guthrun’s the slightest.
“Too much for what should have been his duty,” Ahto grunted. “Though he used his magic for free to help kill the beast and burn the body to stop its plagues.” Again, he and Guthrun shared a glance, and the soldier looked a bit uneasy.
“Of course, since he himself was threatened by it. Did he suggest floating that carcase into Sarvvik?” said Twilight.
Jarl Ahto’s nostrils flared.
“No, but that vinghest wench did!” he barked. “How did you know?”
Lucky guess, said Twilight. Either him or Captain Cloak would have suggested it...
“They have a history,” said Twilight, trying to be smooth, so she had to involve her fan to hide her face. “Ask the good Captain about... oh, the dock fires in Las Pegasus some time, and what she was doing in the city.”
Ahto and Guthrun looked at each other, and the soldiers looked like they had some fresh gossip.
Cloak was from Las Pegasus, Twilight thought. She has to have been there some time since she went renegade, but when she tries to tell him that... And I am sure there has been at least one dock fire in Las Pegasus in recent history. Statistics tell me so.
Ahto and Guthrun switched their looks back to Twilight. They both looked angry in different ways - Ahto fuming with righteous indignation,Guthrun’s eyes narrowing while remaining stoic - but they were clearly not angry with Twilight.
It is easy to lie to people who want to believe your lies, Twilight thought. Luna was right.
“Anyway, might I have a look at the corpse of the turso?” she said.
“Only bones remain, my lady,” said the soldier.
“They would still interest me as a naturalist,” said Twilight, “and since the good Jarl seems determined to keep me here...”
“That... should be no problem,” said Ahto, a bit distracted. “You are my guests here in my kota. I have other business to attend to, but I am sure one of my deer can show you the way. I’ll send for somedeer who is free to guide you. They will be with you soon.”
Twilight thanked him and he and Guthrun left the hut, soon followed by the two soldiers.
“Twilight,” Spike said, “why do we have to check out some scary bones that can make you so sick you die?”
“Because I want a chance to be alone and check for things that can help as coordinates,” said Twilight. “If I wave around instruments, they will hopefully think it is unicorn magic, and I don’t think they will get too close. They will still be afraid of disease.”
“Yeah, disease,” said Spike, dismayed.
“I’m sure the things are sterilized now,” Twilight said.
Spike didn’t look convinced.
“At least we have a cozy place to sleep,” he sighed and looked around the kota, with fluffy blankets and actual linen.
Equestrian linen, Spike realized. I wash stuff like this every week!
“Yep,” said Twilight, “right under the nose of Ahto and his closest retainers. Of course, if I were really who he thinks I am, it would be very stupid, but now it is actually very smart. Too smart.”
“Why would it be stupid... oh,” said Spike.
“Yeah,” said Twilight. “It’s even odds I would curse, poison or enchant him if I really was a villainess and slept this close to him.”
Spike snickered. “Sometimes it sucks being a nice pony. Besides, looking at the bedrolls, Hakon sleeps next to him, almost cuddled up like a foal. You’d have a hard time reaching Ahto without waking his attendant dude.” Spike turned toward the Jarl’s bed.
Seriously, is he using the Jarl as a teddy bear? he thought.
Twilight stuck out her tongue at Spike, but quickly retracted it when one of the soldiers returned with a guide.
“We’re here to show you the way to the turso, my lady,” said their leader.
“Delightful,” said Twilight. “We will come at once. Spike, will you get my instruments out of my luggage?”
“Okey Twi - I mean, yes Mistress!” said Spike.
Twilight rolled her eyes.
Twilight scowled and said some foul words to herself as she carefully walked among the rocks on the beach.
First, her guides had been more wary of her than of the charred bones. She could understand why when she saw how the corpse must have been thoroughly and very quickly burnt to ash. The flames had not only left only the sooted bones of the pox-hydra, they also had left their mark on the boulders on the beach and the sand beneath them. In some places it had been glazed.
Hence, the deer remained close to her and gave her suspicious looks. During these circumstances it would be hard to surreptuously determine her coordinates with enough precision for a planned teleport.
Second, her guides weren’t soldiers properly, but sailors. Two came from the navy, another one had been a merchantstag. They would recognize a sextant if they saw one.
Twilight consoled herself with doing what she had claimed she wanted to do. She studied the bones and took measurements, had Spike make a couple of sketches and take samples of the bones. There wasn’t any ash to take, which was a pity. It would have been interesting to see what method Mr Motelele used to burn them, but the waves had swept all ashes away.
The sea was still unfrozen, even if ice formed near land and floes could be seen in the water. Snow slowly turned into ice close to the beach, like in this place, and the edge of the ice was lapped by the waves. Burning the huge carcass had formed a hollow in the snow and ice, down to the frozen ground, and ice-cold seawater rolled in over it, beneath her booted hooves.
“How do you fight a turso, anyway?” she asked the closest sailor as she poked with her magic at what looked like a reindeer bone buried in the half-frozen sand. He was standing on a rock, like his two colleagues.
“With missile weapons, then with back-mounted lances, then with antlers,” he said. “Not that it helps much.”
“You need artillery,” said another sailor, the former civilian. “Couldn’t bring any of the pieces to bear, really.”
“The giant... used his magic to strike it,” said the first sailor again. “Then the vinghestar - the pegasuses, I mean - threw rocks at it, and then oil and pitch. Then the giant cast a powder at the turso, and it caught fire.”
Twilight turned towards him and looked in his eyes.
“You hurt because your friends died, and you needed the foreigners to avenge them,” she said.
“Who wouldn’t?” he snarled.
“I’m not accusing you of anything,” she said. “I just try to understand things. Always have.”
“You’d think we knew how to fight a turso...” he sighed.
“It was our job,” said the third sailor and spit. “Before the old drunk fired us.”
“He thought the nobles would hire us again,” said the first. “That they would pay for the ship and deer to defend the land, since he had lowered their taxes.” He joined in the spitting.
“And then they didn’t,” said Twilight, matter-of-factually.
“Just a few of us,” said the sailor.
Twilight fell silent. She pulled out the bone, levitated it up to her and looked at it.
“They tossed the dead on the burning turso,” said the former civilian uneasily. “To burn away the plague.”
“Then you plundered my homeland,” said Twilight.
“What else should we do?” said the first sailor, his gaze avoiding Twilight. “We had lost our jobs!”
Twilight looked with him with actual sympathy.
“The crisis had hit,” he said. “There was no honest job to be had!”
“Those ponies could afford it!” said the second sailor. “Yours is a wealthy land!”
Twilight looked less sympathetic.
“In the slums of Sarvvik,” she said and studied the bone, “lives poor reindeer who never had it as good as you. If you go there, say to visit a house of ill repute, you mean the harlot would be fully justified to steal your purse? Since, after all, you have more than she ever will have? The thieves on the street, you would not dispute it if they emptied your saddlebags? If one of the factory workers, who surely makes less than you do in a year and has a family to support, gore you and take your money?”
“That’s different!” said the second sailor.
“How?” said Twilight. “Because you get robbed this time? Because your need is greater than their need?”
“No, but... they’re reindeer!” he said.
“What crime’s all right to commit if you are of a different species than the victim?” said Twilight. “Is it right and proper if I kill you?” Her magic aura crackled close to his throat.
“It’s not a matter of right or wrong!” he said urgently. “It’s what you have to do!”
Twilight let the magic recede.
“Have to do? Really? I can think of at least three alternatives. Alternative one,” she said. “Join the grazers. Go back to eating lichen and sedge. Make your own clothes. Raise your huts.”
“They wouldn’t have taken us in,” said the sailor.
“At this point, Winter had already grown worse and they might have needed guards,” Twilight said. “Did any of you even try? Never mind. Alternative two.”
She handed the bone to a worried Spike.
“You could do as the urox. You know, the cattle your ancestors killed or drove out of the country because you wanted their lands? Simply travel to Equestria as guest workers. We don’t have a crisis. We have lots of both forests and sawmills who could need reindeer. Did you try?”
“That’s... that’s work beneath a deer of war!” said the sailor.
“So, is that the case? Equestria lacks much of an army these days, and the navy is useless,” Twilight said. “Oh you know, you have attacked us! You know our weakness. Gather under one of the sacked admirals or generals, sail to Equestria, offer your service as mercenaries to protect our borders. Tried that?”
The deer looked at each other.
“Alternative three,” said Twilight. “The money that should have ended in your pockets ended in the vaults of the nobles and rich merchants, correct? And there is no army or navy which defends the cities anymore? Because Ukko sacked you? So why didn’t you march on the deer who wronged you, took your wealth back and put another king on the throne? Took the money and lives from those who actually harmed you, instead of innocent foreigners? The Urox, workers and slum dwellers would have cheered you on. Probably the Russ as well.”
“I... Jarl Ahto wouldn’t have liked that...” one of the sailors said.
“We had once... we were the king’s deer,” said another.
“I’m just saying you didn’t have to do what you did,” said Twilight. “I know you aren’t bad deer. Few ponies were killed. None were carried away. But you still did what you did and ‘I had to’ isn’t a good enough excuse for me. I just wanted to understand why.”
“You’re a strange one to talk, my lady,” said one deer sullenly.
“When the most evil sorceress in the world questions your ethics, perhaps you should think them over,” said Twilight and smiled sardonically. She turned to Spike.
“I think we should go now,” she said. “I’m done here, and the weather doesn’t get better.”
Spike nodded, uneasy about the conversation.
“Wait,” said one of the sailors, the former merchant mariner. “About this... there wasn’t any big raids first. Just some small ones, because we were seriously stumped for provisions and money. Then more of these guys turned up,” and he gestured at the former marine soldiers, “and we got more ships. We started talking again, about what you said, about rising up against Ukko, against the fat wolverines in Sarvvik. But... it is our land, it was like wrong in our bones... Then the Admiral came along, and he organized this place, he organized the raids... to keep us going. He wanted no war inside Poatsula. We listened to him... he is the kind of reindeer you listen to. Trust me, I was never in the navy, and I listened to him. It’s... it’s not easy doing the right thing. But I chose to do this.”
“Thanks,” said Twilight and smiled towards him. “Knowing that helps a lot.”
“You want to leave now?” said the first sailor. “My lady,” he added.
“Yes please,” said Twilight.
She followed her guards, and Spike jumped up on her back and followed as well.
In his own way Jarl Ahto is a good deer, I suppose, she thought. In some way that uprising would have been just... but it would have been a civil war, and all my studies tell me what they do to a kingdom. But this means that if this ever comes out... if anyone ever digs in this... we can never switch sides and support Jarl Ahto. He is primarily responsible for the raids against Equestria. We can’t put him on the throne, even if he is better for both us and the reindeer than Ukko. There would be an outrage... unless every trace of this story is wiped out.
Thanks again to my proofreaders!
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 39 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-07-21T00:16:33+00:00
|
2012-07-21T00:16:33+00:00
| 3,724 |
Oak Wreath knocked a second time on the door to the royal guest suite.
“I said enter!” came the voice of his sovereign, or rather one of his sovereigns. The scarier one. He obeyed the order and bowed down deeply as he did so.
Princess Luna was donning her barding. It wasn’t as easy as she remembered and she swore under her breath while attempting to telekinetically strap on the croupiere to her behind she was swearing under her breath. She had the peytral hanging down her breast and the criniere around her neck already. She had tried to put on the champron but found it uncomfortable to have it on her head while she was struggling with the straps. Now it hovered within her magical aura.
“It was so long ago...” she thought, and then: “I had Twilight Sparkle practice this, and now she isn’t here...” She felt a harsh sting of longing and shame.
“You there!” she said harshly to Oak Wreath, then she softened her voice. “Oak Wreath, isn’t it?”
“Yes, your highness,” said the prostrated unicorn.
“Ha! I remembered!” said a triumphant Luna. “Attend to me, sir, and help me with these Wheel-forsaken straps!”
“Me?” said Oak Wreath and stood up in shock.
“Well, my hoofmaiden is missing and gone, and the castle’s maidens aren’t here,” she said. “I haven’t done this myself in over a millennium and the creator of this was known for overly complex designs!”
“Is it... really proper?” said Oak Wreath carefully.
“In my time, it was,” said Luna. “It was even an honor. Do you wish for honor, Sir Oak Wreath?”
He stepped up and started to fiddle with the straps, first tentatively, then methodically. He understood the point the Princess had made about overcomplicating things, but Oak Wreath was a pony with a mind for detail, and he thought he had the hang of it. The barding looked like nothing worn today, being bulkier and with strange protrusions. It was made out of incredibly rare moonsilver and hence much lighter than it looked like, but it was still too thick for modern aesthetics. Large pieces of obsidian were set into it, and Oak Wreath almost cut himself on their sharp edges. The fabric of the straps and padding was soft yet fibrous and shimmered like the Princess’ own hair.
“It is my own hair,” said Luna, somehow reading his thoughts. He shied back a bit.
“I take it that Your Highness thinks donning armor is a good way to show support for the troops,” he said.
“Yes,” said Luna. “It always leaves a good impression. I won’t spend all day inspecting troops, but when I’m not I can still present an image of courageous action, and hope the press notices it.”
“As you say, Your Highness,” Oak Wreath said as he started to put on the flanchards and the caparison. The latter was a wondrous, thick fabric that seemed luminous and transparent. “Beg your pardon, Your Highness, what is this woven from?”
“It is not woven at all - that is from the hide of a star-bear,” said Luna.
“Ah,” he said and continued with his work.
“You’re not bothered by the use of animal products in crafting, Sir Oak Wreath?” Luna said, mildly amused.
“It was another time, Your Highness, and here in Tarandroland it is another place,” he said.
“So, you strive to find the best in ponies - people,” Luna said, this time mildly mocking.
“I’m a diplomat, that’s what we do,” said Oak Wreath and finished with the flanchards, just checking to see whether they lay flat against Luna’s sides and whether the caparison hung the right way around her body.
“Aye, that’s also a way you can see it,” said Luna and looked as if she was suddenly lost in memory.
“Your... caparison, isn’t it, Your Highness?” said Oak Wreath and held up it to her.
“Very good sir,” she said. “Most would just have said helmet. Put it on!”
As he carefully did so, Oak Wreath mumbled: “One picks things up.”
“What did you say?” said Luna watching in her mirror as her face was covered with cold hard lunargentum. Obsidian lenses turned her view of the world into a shadowed battlefield, and her hearing became somewhat impaired. “Speak up!”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” said Oak Wreath. “Things. Facts. One picks them up. Such as what you call an ancient mask-helmet like that.”
He turned to look at his sovereign in the mirror.
“I... am no handmaiden, Your Highness, but if I might make a suggestion regarding fashion...” he said cautiously.
“You have our leave to speak your mind, sir,” said Luna, turning to and fro in the mirror.
“Don’t wear the helmet while addressing and inspecting any troops,” he said. “Carry it with you, openly, as officers do for comfort in hot weather or the like on protected ground. Levitating it by your side, I mean.”
She lifted off her helmet and did so.
“Yes, like that, Your Highness,” he said. “See, it is more than a mite intimidating, and you needn’t intimidate either the Equestrian citizens or the Tarandrolanders. You need to make them trust you. But... not removing the helmet until you speak to them might be a good idea. That will show them you trust them, by not being fully protected when approaching them.”
Luna looked at him curiously.
“You’ve given this a great deal of thought aforehand?” she said.
“Not really, Your Highness,” he said and shrugged. “I just deal... deal with ponies, it’s what a diplomat does, and it seems reasonable.”
“I’ll follow your advice, Oak Wreath,” she said smiling into the mirror as she put on her caparison herself. “Let’s get going. I am always fashionably late, but to do so correctly requires us to be on time. Bring my notes.”
Oak Wreath nodded and followed his Princess, the notes she had referred to hanging in his magic field. He found he had to walk pretty quickly to keep up with her as she kept talking. This was not very like the Princess he had, admittedly, mostly glimpsed.
Is she nervous? Eager? he thought.
"Now, this first Equestrian regiment I'm about to inspect: what can I expect of them?" she said.
“Uhm, Your Highness, I assume it was all in the dossier you received, and...” he began.
“The Third Newborn Franklin Regiment, yes,” she said as she was dodged by reindeer servants. “Six hundred and twenty hooves strong, so a regiment is much smaller than when I was... younger.”
“No, no, they don’t have to be four thousand hooves anymore...” said Oak Wreath dodging reindder who were too busy gaping and the armored alicorn to notice him.
“The point is, I have no idea who they are. The dossier assumed knowledge of their history and modern terminology. I hoped you could explain,” she said. “A franklin means a pony who is not a serf, but there aren’t any serfs anymore.”
“I... look, this isn’t my subject, but...” Oak Wreath began as they descended a set of stairs. “Seven centuries ago, or so, your revered sister abolished slavery of non-equines. She distributed land amongst the freed slaves.”
“And that has what to do with this regiment?” Luna said.
“Well, since they were now free landowners, they were technically yeomanry, and had to defend the realm when called upon,” Oak Wreath said. “They wanted nothing more but... old habits died hard, and the old regiments of earth ponies and pegasi refused to have them. So they formed their own.”
“You mean they’re not ponies?” said Luna as she stopped.
“Mostly cattle, I guess, but some swine, sheep, goats...” Oak Wreath. “During the years other breeds joined... mostly donkeys and mules but also some of the tribal herds... deer, antelope, buffalo... Though they still call themselves ‘The Barnyarders’ if I’m correctly informed. Of course, nowadays there is no problem with a non-pony seeking admission to a normal yeoman regiment, but...”
“So the first Equestrians to help here aren’t ponies?” said Luna.
“Your Highness, the soldiers you’re about to meet would be horribly offended if you suggested they were less Equestrian for not being ponies,” Oak Wreath said sternly.
“My apologies, sir, that came out wrong,” said Luna and sighed. “I mostly meant it reflects badly upon the majority back home in Equestria.”
“Well, I suspect there are... more selfish reasons,” said Oak Wreath as they started to walk again. “The plight of the urox among the cattle at home, as well as sympathy for the reindeer among the northern tribal protectorates, have surely affected them more than others. I’m sure support for the Tarandrian cause has spread among the equine majority as well, only slower.”
Luna said nothing, but grimaced with disappointment within her helmet.
“Later this day, I’m reconvening with the urox for some sort of demonstration. I should let them meet each other as soon as possible,” she said. “Yes. See to it that the... Barnyarders stay on the exercise field, and the urox representatives can come there. Yes. Make it so.”
“Well, as soon as I can find a courier, Your Highness,” said Oak Wreath.
They were outside the main building now. The field where they were going was outside the castle walls, so they turned onto the.main path towards the castle gates.
“Can you tell me anything more about the Barnyarders?” said Luna. “I mean, what am I supposed to use them for, besides a meatshield?”
“Your Highness!” Oak Wreath burst out.
Luna chuckled.
“Oh, that’s less grim than it sounds,” she said. “Large groups of people scare monsters like the nidhogg which means they can be herded to their death in some trap, and if those wretched pirates see whole regiments of soldiers they’ll probably surrender or flee since there aren’t many of them. But we will need actual soldiers who have seen actual war as well, and the one drawback of my sister’s blessed long peace is that those are rare. So: why should I use the Barnyarders as other than cannon fodder?”
“Erh, well... it even says here in the dossier you were given, Your Highness,” said Oak Wreath and tried to read as he walked, “that they specialize in the removal of mines and in combat engineering, like demolitions, for example. Probably because of their civilian jobs, and so on. Seems to be a lot of farming and construction. Pioneers.”
“Theoretical training, I suppose?” said Luna.
“They have done some work in disaster areas, Your Highness,” said Oak Wreath almost protectively.
“Together with their civilian jobs, it seems they could have done a lot to help the reindeers after the war,” Luna grumbled. “Meanwhile, it is not like the forces of Winter will put up barbed wire and mines. Why are the people who volunteer first the people I need last?”
“Your Highness, if I might make a suggestion...” Oak Wreath said. They were getting closer to the castle gates.
“Yes, go on,” said Luna, grinning wickedly. “You seem to have a strange insight into military matters, sir.”
“Their resume suggests they could do well in the creation of defensive obstacles and the laying of mines and similar explosive devices,” said Oak Wreath. “If you only know where to utilize them, I imagine such things could be very useful fighting huge, mindless beasts.”
Luna stopped and looked at him.
“And, well, before that, they could presumably create defenses for, say, Sarvvik,” he said. “I know the purpose of the campaign is to save the forests, Your Highness, but you have to admit it can’t be wrong to keep the capital safe, if nothing else for the inevitable refugees.”
“You... you are onto something, Oak Wreath,” said Luna.
“This only makes it better that they arrived so early, that they can get on with the work at once, especially as they need to meet with local experts of the terrain and the enemy,” he said. “Which makes you look really good for... erh, arranging it, in an incredibly subtle way, so that they were that early. Their importance will also be excellent for their pride and hence, morale.”
“You are right,” said Luna. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Your Highness, you are unused to modern warfare,” he said.
“And you are well used to it, then?” she said and raised an eyebrow.
“I just played wargames at the university and own a set of war documentaries,” he said modestly. “The rest is mostly common sense.”
Luna raised her eyebrow even further.
“We diplomats are often sent as third parts to all kind of conflict, ostensibly to spread the Equestrian brand of friendship, but mostly to protect Equestrians who get involved, such as traders, colonists and tourists,” he said with a sigh. “I have learnt a lot from both Guards assigned to peacekeeping missions and the local military leaders, but this is still only a... hobby I have.”
“No, you have a real talent for warcraft, Oak Wreath,” Luna said seriously. “Fitting, since an oak wreath was how ancient pegasi rewarded a victorious general. Why are you in the civil service?”
He snorted.
“Because the military of a pacifist nation isn’t the place for a noble unicorn to make a career,” he said.
“I see,” said Luna crassly, “that’s why you are the defacto leader of a uncertain mission to an unimportant nation, pushed into your position by colleagues because you had the misfortune to be so responsible as to actually act.”
Oak Wreath snorted again, this time with more mirth.
“I’ve really bucked this one up, haven’t I. If you’ll pardon my language, Your Highness?” he said but he didn’t look at Luna.
“I’m sure your career points straight upwards, sir,” said the Princess. “Let’s get ready for the inspection.”
“Yes, ma’am!” said Oak Wreath with a grin and made a sharp salute.
Vigg lay with his head on his desk, chin resting on the textbooks, paper untouched, quill dry. His heart was beating slowly, the heartbeats echoing inside his head as if it was an empty stone cell, as if no sound could pass through his ears into his brain. He couldn’t concentrate on the textbook. Every word either somehow reminded him of his complete lack of worth or it didn’t, which meant it was meaningless and not worth reading. Everything but his current state of hopelessness seemed completely unimportant.
There was a rapping on the door.
“Go away!” he shouted. “I’m studying!”
“Dear...” his mother said. “You have visitors.”
“I don’t want to see them!” said Vigg. “I don’t want to see anydeer!” He sniffed, suddenly overcome with an urge to cry again, but he resisted it. “Besides, I’m not allowed visitors! You said so yourself!”
“I... this is a special visitor...” said his mother nervously.
“I forced my way in,” said a voice he has never heard before. It was matronly and melodious, and while not loud, in some way it nevertheless managed to penetrate his skull and drowned out his echoing heartbeats.
“Who?” he said and actually sat up.
“It’s -” his mother began before she was interrupted.
“Let me come in and you’ll know, Prince Vigg,” said the visitor. “If you don’t want to talk to me I’ll leave you to your homework at once!”
“...okay,” he said, his voice worried.
The door opened and his mother entered. She was very jittery, her eyes darting about his room as if looking for imperfections, then back to their visitor biting her lip while trying to smile. The reason was obvious, for in her footsteps trotted Princess Celestia of Equestria, Maiden of Dawn, Ruler of the Day Court, etc etc. She cast a casual gaze around the room with genuine curiosity. She had to bend her neck low when entering through the door, but raised herself high once she was in.
“Vigg, this is -” his mother began.
“I know who she is, mom!” Vigg snapped.
“Are you sure?” said Celestia gently. Vigg stared at her.
“Your Highness, this is my son, Prince Vigg...” said Princess Ljufa.
“I think I have seen him before, but not in the flesh,” said Princess Celestia and offered a hoof. “Hi, Vigg. Nice to meet you. Do you have time to talk for a moment?”
Vigg stared again in confusion, and didn’t take the offered hoof..
“Is this about... what I did, Your Highness?” he said. His voice was tinged with despair.
“Not really,” said Celestia, “but I guess it will come up, given how I suspect you feel right now. And please say Celestia, if we carry on yourhighnessing each other I’ll go quite mad. Anyway, please let me talk a while, and whenever you don’t want to carry on the conversation, I’ll stop, walk out that door and never come back.”
“Okay,” he said, a bit sullenly. “Sure.”
“Wonderful!” said Celestia. “Please leave us, Ljufa,” she added and turned to Vigg’s mother. “This is between Vigg and me. Remember what I told you?”
“Oh... yes,” Ljufa said nervously. “Of course, Your High - Celestia! Bye, dear. Please, behave and...”
“Vigg will do fine,” said Celestia, lifted her unceremoniously with her magic and deposited her outside the door. She closed the door and turned to Vigg.
“Now,” she said, “lets begin. Vigg, I need you to do something for me and for your country. It is something only can do and -”
“Stop!” said Vigg. “Don’t. If that’s what you come to talk about you can just leave.”
“Why? You don’t even know what I want you to do?” Celestia said.
“It doesn’t matter what it is, because I can’t do it and won’t do it because I’ll just buck everything up and destroy everything because I can’t do anything right and nothing ever works out and...” he stopped to catch his breath.
“So this is about what you did at that club,” said Celestia. It was a statement, not a question.
“Of course it is, stupid!” he said. “You said it yourself it was about that!”
“Actually I didn’t,” Celestia began.
I think you are the first who have called my stupid in centuries, besides Lulu, she thought.
“I’m a complete idiot!”he shouted. “I’m a selfish, worthless moron! Everything I do hurts people and no one will ever love me because I treat them like manure, and I can never do what everydeer expects of me because I can never, ever become a King because a King doesn’t do stupid manure like that! I ruined my life!”
“Well,” Celestia began carefully, “that’s how you see it, but...”
“No,” said Vigg and showed that he shared a talent with Celestia and her sister, that of seeming to be speaking louder without actually raising his voice. “Never. Ever. Say. That!”
“Sorry, say what?” said Celestia, the only sign of anger a slightly raised eyebrow.
“‘That’s how you see it’,” he said with a high-pitched silly voice. “Or ‘Well, that’s your opinion!’ The only time ever ever ever a grownup says that, is when they mean that they are not going to listen to you, but it would be bad form to ever say that somedeer else is wrong, because that’s conflict and that means discussion and maybe even a quarrel and we cannot have that, so let’s pretend we are tolerant and understanding and admit somedeer can have another opinion, oh yes, an opinion I’m going to completely ignore because it is not my opinion.”
Let’s guess, Princess Ljufa is very passive-aggressive as the modern psychiatrists call it, Celestia thought.
Vigg had to come back for breath again. His eyes glistened and he was burning red under his white coat.
“And remember,” he said, “I can see your soul and know when you lie!”
You do, don’t you? she thought, pity tinged with wonder.
“Alright,” said Celestia with a calm voice, “you’re wrong, Vigg.”
“Thanks,” he said bitterly. “Except it’s you who’re wrong!”
Celestia allowed herself a smile.
“You haven’t ruined your life,” she continued. “You have merely... messed it up beyond all belief.”
“What’s the difference?!” he said bitterly.
“Well, in the first case, you’re done for,” she said. “Over. You might as well kill yourself, except you will feel bad about that too, feel that you are running away, that you are a failure.”
Celestia looked solemnly at Vigg, who stared in shock.
Better be negative than whitewash it, she thought. Sight or no, he won’t listen otherwise.
“In the other case, though, which is what we have here, you can try to repair your mistakes, try to make it up to those you’ve hurt, and try to make your messed-up life less messy,” she said. “Who knows, you might even succeed.”
“I can’t... it’s impossible!” Vigg said, his gaze on the floor. “I can never undo what I did!”
“Of course not!” Celestia said. “I never said you could. I said you could try to clear up the mess.”
“How?” he grumbled.
“My experiences have taught me that there are three ways,” she said. “First, to try to repair the damage you caused. You can never undo the damage, but you can try repair it. Second, you avoid the same mistake, not increasing your burden. Third, you can search out success, and do good.”
“What do you mean, search out success?” Vigg said and looked up.
“Quite beside the damage you caused to others, you harmed yourself, inside yourself, inside your heart,” she said. “You lost your faith in yourself, your determination, your courage.”
She noticed he was about to speak up and stopped him with a gesture.
“I’m not saying this is trivial, Vigg,” she said, “Your faith in yourself might be an immaterial thing, yet losing it can mean losing it all. Self-loathing is as much a disease as the pony pox. However, if you try to do other things, try to be a success and to do what you think is right, you can rebuild your faith in yourself just like somedeer who has been long sick can rebuild his lost strength with good food and exercise.”
“It’s not that easy,” he grumbled.
“No it isn’t,” Celestia said. “But it is possible, and I think you can do it.”
I’m certain he can, but he will just hear that as me trying to be overly nice out of pity, she thought.
He looked at her with disdain.
“I have messed up my own life beyond all belief and, well, I have done my best to rebuild it,” she said.
He looked at her in the same way. She looked away, then back.
This, I expected, she thought and grimaced inwards.
“Vigg, I know that any sane teenager immediately dismisses any anecdote a grownup tells them about their own hardships,” she said, “but please listen! After all, as you said, you can see my soul. Please try to see how what I’m telling you affected me. Please try to understand how we are similar, and how you can learn from it.”
“Okay,” said Vigg. He blinked a couple of times, and then he Looked at Celestia. He shut his eyes, then he squinted a bit.
“What?” said Celestia.
“Don’t take this... literally, or something, but Looking straight at you probably requires a sooted glass,” he said. “Like... when looking at a solar eclipse. But I’ll do my best.”
“Okay,” said Celestia and smiled. “It’s been a long time since I talked about this, in this way, with anypony - or anydeer. Long long ago, my sister and I demeaned ourselves to descend to the earth, to be flesh and walk among mortal ponies. We did so to fight a dreadful threat to not just our little ponies but all the world...”
She looked at the posters of sportstars and sleigh brands on the walls of the young prince’s room, as she made a pause. They were placed between the beams holding up the roofs, carved into reindeer heads and decorated with runes.
“When we had won, we stayed with them as their rulers,” she said. “Historians will tell you we were princesses because our absent mother was the Queen, but truth is it was because we thought there could only be one Queen of a country. It wouldn’t have been fair for one of us to be Queen and the other not. We wanted it to be fair, like a playground game... we were so much like children, back then.”
Vigg blinked, and for a second imagined he saw a courtyard with flowers and butterflies, courtiers in bright clothes and knights in shining armor.
“We divided our duties very carefully, so we both would get to do all the things we enjoyed, and so that any chores of rulership were equally distributed,” Celestia said. “Just as with our cosmic duties. Luna handled the moon and the black silk of night and the myriad stars and the dreams of ponies. I handled the sun and the bright blue sky and the warmth of day and the wakefulness that begins at dawn.”
Celestia looked at Vigg with wistfulness in her eyes, as if remembering a happier time, yet one she was ashamed of.
“In the same way, I held power of the workings of justice, and the wealth of the realm, and the diplomats and couriers, of scholarship and healing,” she continued. “Luna’s sphere included the keeping of the peace and the waging of war, spies and agents, sorcery and secrets of state.”
Vigg thought he saw it again, how soldiers flew and marched, and traders and diplomats travelled, and how laws and bylaws were like literal cogs in a machine, spitting out rewards and punishments.
“I was so certain we had made it fair, that we both had tasks we loved, and that we shared equal power,” Celestia said. “Alas, I was wrong. Because when I walked among our little ponies, they bowed with respect and in their hearts was love. But when Luna walked among them, they bowed with respect and in their hearts was only fear.”
Celestia sighed sadly.
“I didn’t notice it,” she said quietly. “I was too obsessed with my own tasks, with my own power. Luna tried to tell me, but I only noticed her nagging about how nopony truly appreciated the beauty of her night. I didn’t register it... I found it a silly complaint. That was... that was not the problem.”
“They... did like the night?” said Vigg, interested in the story despite himself.
“Most ponies never looked at the night sky with their brains turned on,” Celestia said. “Luna’s complaint was correct. Had it been only that, there would been no problem but Luna never received any love from any sane pony for any of her work. I just never noticed it, I just brushed her off and thought it was just her complaint about the sky. Because honestly, most ponies never looked at a sunrise with their brains turned on either.”
“What do you mean, ‘sane pony’?” said Vigg.
Celestia chuckled mirthlessly.
There you go again Celestia, always thinking of evil as some kind of condition, as if ponies couldn’t make a malicious decision with their minds in order, she thought. Wheels should know you have done so yourself.
“Pegasi knights who relished the smell of blood and of enemies soiling themselves on the battlefield,” she said. “Unicorn wizards pursuing studies in the dark voids of magic. Earth pony slave traders who associated the clinking of fetters with the jingling of bits .”
Vigg grimaced.
“Our realm was a most happy one for most citizens... if you were a pony,” said Celestia. “We had extended out borders as far as we could, until our elder relatives interfered, and protected their clients with the full force of the elements. The Equestria of today is a mere vestige of our Empire. Gaining that kind of power requires ruthlessness, and that allowed the sort of ponies I spoke of to grow in power. Though while both of us relished extending our temporal power, we did not relish the weeds we had sown while doing so. With few exceptions, the only ponies who loved Luna loved her for those sides she didn’t like and even was ashamed of. That happened to me as well, but I had so many other loving followers that it didn’t affect me in the same way.”
Vigg again thought he Saw a bright white and gold princess standing in sunshine, surrounded by laughing courtiers, and a shadowed black and blue princess standing in the darkness, alone but for giant vermin crawling around her.
“I think I’ve heard this story before,” he said quietly.
“Then you know that my sister’s jealousy and loneliness grew, until she became determined to overthrow me,” Celestia said. “Oh, and create everlasting night, but that wasn’t her main goal, no matter what the fairy tales tell you. She wanted to have everything that was mine, and what she couldn’t have she would destroy. For when nothing was left but her, then everypony would have to love her. Night... was just a side-effect of no day.”
“Then you banished her to the moon with the Elements of Harmony,” Vigg said.
“That’s an oversimplification of how the process works, but yes, in essence, I did,” Celestia said. “Luna had found, deep in dreams beyond where you dare to go in your sleep, a power, the power of Nightmare, which she used to make herself strong enough to defeat me. Against that power, I was helpless, and it had corrupted her so that she was impossible to bargain or reason with. It was too late for that. So I had to use the Elements... to preserve the world.”
They were both silent, Vigg as he Watched a desperate battle between a crying white filly and dark, shadowy mockery of her sister.
“That’s when you... messed up your life beyond all belief?” Vigg said.
“It would be wrong to say that I have never regretted banishing Nightmare Moon, even if the banishment was a half-measure because I lacked the necessary purity to handle the Elements of Harmony,” said Celestia. “Yet I have very rarely done so. I did what I have to do, even if it pained me horribly.”
“Then how did you mess up?” said Vigg, doubt in his voice.
“By creating Nightmare Moon in the first place,” said Celestia, her voice raised without actually being louder. “I ignored my own sister’s loneliness, pain and sorrow. I only thought of myself and didn’t listen to her. I just stood idly by while she got lost in the Nightmare, like a drunkard is lost to his drink. I just told you I was impure and still am. That’s why I couldn’t and cannot use the Elements of Harmony correctly. If I hadn’t been such a selfish, horrible, egocentric brat, my sister wouldn’t have become a monster who threatened the world. Oh, how I wished I could have solved our conflict by banishing me, but as she had been corrupted by the Nightmare I couldn’t just abdicate. The whole affair was my fault and only my fault.Not only did I doom my only sibling to a punishment she didn’t deserve, but the disaster struck the whole world with pain and sorrow.”
“How do you mean?” said Vigg.
“I am, for instance, pretty certain the winter told about in your stories about Sampo was caused by the disastrous years after our battle,” Celestia said. “I barricaded myself in our castle and tried to get drunk in vain, for such potent wine is hard to find. I wailed and screamed and destroyed most of the interior of the castle. The Sun hardly rose at all.”
Vigg’s eyes widened, then he looked around him.
“See, you are taking your big mistakes better than I did,” Celestia said and winked. “The furniture is still here, and you are at least trying to do your homework.”
“How did you snap out of it?” said Vigg.
“One of my ministers dared to go in and talk to me, about my duties,” Celestia said. “He... ended up just holding me...”
Vigg Looked at her and continued her sentence as he watched the memory unfold.
“You burned... like the sun,” he said his eyes glazed over. “He held you without talking while you called for your mother and your father and sister. You cried fire and singed off his coat, and you heard his left eye broil in its socket.”
That Sight... is getting stronger, she thought. If I had tried to block him or put up a facade, I would get trouble now.
She nodded. Vigg was sweating heavily and looked like he was about to throw up.
“Then he went out from the castle,” Celestia continued, “out into the courtyard where the other ministers were gathered, from all the three tribes. He told them my first clear order as the sole princess of Equestria: that the Empire was to be dissolved.”
“Why did you...?” Vigg began.
“My reasons were mostly selfish.I couldn’t hope to hold on to it anyway” Celestia said, “and I had realised that the power of Empire had infected me and was one of the reasons Luna had grown jealous and corrupted. I didn’t want it anymore.”
“And the minister... guy?” said Vigg.
“He ruled until I had calmed down enough to get back into action,” Celestia said. “From his bed, due to his wounds which never healed.”
“Why did they listen...?” Vigg said.
“Well, Luna... I mean Nightmare Moon had followers, taken from among the ponies who did love her,” said Celestia. “The citizens had taken their revenge on those they could find, and it wasn’t... pretty. The minister knew that among his colleagues were such followers, and that they and their families would suffer horribly if anypony ever got to know. He just told them he knew. That, and the impression he made, was enough for them to obey him. The troops were withdrawn. The forts were abandoned. Hostages were released. Colonists... some of them, returned home.”
She was silent.
“Despite what he means to me, I have forgotten his name,” she whispered and tears appeared in her eyes. “I just know he was the fourth Duke Blueblood. He was... my great great grandson. We still freely mated with mortals in these days...”
Vigg suddenly felt an urge to hug the old, so old equine but didn’t.
“After that I decided to do the things I told you,” Celestia said. “It was of course hard to repeat that specific mistake, but I at least tried to listen to others, to dedicate myself to Equestria and not the other way around. I still fail. I recently almost got myself killed and the capital destroyed by not listening to Twilight Sparkle. I try, though. I strived to better myself and seek success. I tried to remove want and injustice from Equestria and make it to an utopia not just for ponies, but for other sapients and even... well, you know how we ponies handle plants and animals these days?”
“Yeah,” said Vigg. “You’re insane, do you know that?”
Celestia stared at him.
“Thanks,” she said, and then she chuckled. “Anyway, I most of all tried to repair my mistake... to bring back Luna from her banishment and free her from the Nightmare. I read prophecies, and planted prophecies, and pushed ponies in the prophecies’ direction. Sometimes I made mistakes, sometimes I advanced my goal... sometimes I fell into despair that I would never succeed. Succeeding in making the stars free her, in such a manner at she could be truly treated by the Elements of Harmony.”
“You freed Nightmare Moon?” Vigg said incredulously.
“My little deer, I and only I commanded the stars for a thousand years,” Celestia smiled. “I only did so when it would be possible for somepony more worthy than me to wield the Elements and exorcise the Nightmare. It was a matter of thaumic currents and ebbs, of waiting for the right changes in the way. Mostly, however, as the day of her escape became clear and drew nearer, it was a matter of seeing to that the Bearers of the Elements turned up and met each other.”
She made a pause to let her speech sink in.
“Like... how?” Vigg said.
“Like I know certain things would happen in the flying city of Cloudsdale at a certain date, and I knew it had to be visible from four other places,” said Celestia. “I didn’t know exactly what, but I started a century before to plan so that Cloudsdale would be in that position. Or that our old palace would be important, so I didn’t want it interfered with by ponies. So when we went along and ‘tamed’ the whole land, I didn’t let them touch the ruins, and ignored all claims of chaotic spiritual energies emanating there. Hence, all such energies in the country gathered there and made it into a deathtrap, protecting the castle ruins. It made life harder for the nearby farmers and wildtenders, but...”
“You succeeded,” said Vigg.
“Yes,” said Celestia. “I did. I still haven’t undone my faults, but I have tried to repair them. Luna being here is part of the repair, of making her my equal co-ruler, not my...”
“Mental sibling who lives with you and hides in the attic?” said Vigg.
“Yes, there are too many ponies who view her like that,” said Celestia. “But do you now understand what I mean? That you can get out of a mess, but you have to try to get out?”
Vigg didn’t look down, he looked right at Celestia.
“Yeah,” he said, “I suppose I look really childish now thinking my mistakes meant anything...”
“Oh, they do for you and those near to you!” said Celestia. “Remember, my big mistake was not paying attentions to people’s feelings? No, I only mean that you have a chance to come out of despair if you act to do so. I wanted to give you a personal example.”
“Alright,” said Vigg, “sure. But why should I do what you tell me, try to find the Sampo? How do you know I could manage that?”
“Because I know prophets when I see one, and I have seen them before among deer-kind,” said Celestia. “And you should do it because it could possibly the only way to save Tarandroland. I call that working towards success. You should also do it because it will entail repairing your mistakes.”
“How does that fix anything?” Vigg said, his mouth back to a sneer.
“Well, it would restore the faith in you that your family and their retainers lost, because you accomplish a great deed to help the land,” Celestia said. “Also, it would prove to Saga that she is right about an important thing, that she is a true prophetess like her ancestors, and that her Sight is no laughing matter. I have talked enough to the deer in my sister’s temple to know how important this is to her. Thus, you make up for letting your... ex down.”
“I... Twilight Sparkle.. “ he said.
“Vigg, I have to tell you something that is a state secret,” said Celestia. “You must swear to me to never reveal this to anydeer.”
Vigg hesitated.
“I... swear,” he said. “I swear by my herd and my hide and my antlers.”
“Good, no cupcakes for once,” said Celestia and smiled.
“What?” said Vigg.
“Nevermind, Equestrian joke,” said Celestia. “Vigg, Twilight was abducted willingly.”
“Why would she do that?” he said.
“What do you think she was doing there?” said Celestia. “Despite of the mess you caused, you seem really smart, so I think you know.”
“She was talking with the Pretender, Jarl Ahto,” he said, head down. “But that doesn’t make sense since she isn’t an enemy of us reindeer... Mustikka told me she was on a secret mission...”
He looked up.
“She was pretending that Equestria supported Ahto, or wanted to support Ahto!” he said. “So she could spy on them! That must be why she’s been so weird! She was pretending to be a bad pony, that’s why my Sight was all bollixed up! Deer normally only lie about being good!”
Celestia nodded.
“Her main goal, according to my sister, was to find out where the pirate camp is and how many there are of them,” she said. “When your little stunt stopped her before she got her answer, she somehow got the pirates to make a show of abducting her. We have had messages through Spike. She is fine, is treated well, and will return soon. She cannot send any vital information because they know what’s in the letter, but... She isn’t safe, but it isn’t as bad as the public thought.”
“Why... why d-didn’t you tell me?” Vigg said with trembling voice, tears about to flow. “I thought... I thought she was dead and...”
“My sister and Sir Mustikka denied you this information because the last time you had vital information like this, the meeting at Klub Niffelhel, you didn’t treat that information responsibly,” said Celestia sternly, but the look she gave him was warm. “I think you can handle this better this time, can’t you?”
He sniffed.
“Yeah, yes I could,” said Vigg and wiped his face. “I promise, I promise I will never mess up again!”
He swallowed.
“When do you want me to start finding the Sampo?” he said.
“As soon as you feel up to it,” said Celestia. “Your mother will let you leave, though I know she will worry, so treat her well.”
“You sure?” said Vigg.
“Little deer, your mother worships me as a goddess,” said Celestia. “That’s a great foolishness that I have to put up with, so I might as well use it. Besides, I think she was very proud of you when I declared you my champion.”
“What?!” Vigg said.
“I had to say something,” Celestia shrugged, “and it is basically true. Your father’s name happens to mean ‘sun-born’ so I came up with a little illogical prophecy she can tell her friends.”
Vigg groaned.
“I’ll count that as part of my punishment,” he said. “Will you be coming with me?”
“After Sampo? Unfortunately not,” Celestia said. “My court barely allows me to follow my sister into this war, I cannot go on adventures as well. In addition, we don’t want to wake Auntie.”
Vigg nodded sadly.
“You won’t be going alone,” Celestia said. “ I expect Saga to follow you, or rather to lead you,” said Celestia. “After all, she knows where you should go and what you need to do. Oh, don’t look at that. You will need to talk to each other, but if she is resistant I’ll have Luna talk to her first.”
“I just hope she doesn’t hate me,” mumbled Vigg. “She... doesn’t have to love me, if I only can make her not hate me.”
“She’d better not, because you will need to cooperate. Anyway, not only the reindeer want the summer back,” said Celestia, “and when I tried to make enquiries at Luna’s temple I had to promise the moose caretaker to go with you. He seems to have an axe to grind against Winter, and I think you can need some adult supervision and twelve hundred pounds of levitating muscle.”
“Oh,” said Vigg. “Oh! Kvalhissir.”
“Also, I expect Twilight Sparkle and dear Spike back soon,” said Celestia. “Her poor brother, who is all spit-and-polish military, was furious with us for having the gall to let his little sister do something as dishonorable as intelligence work. Shining Armour exaggerates because of his background, but he has a point. She deserves a vacation from such, and she should have gathered all the facts we need by then, so I can borrow her back for your quest. I’m sure Luna sees my point.”
“Are you really sure?” said Vigg. “Hrimf... I mean Princess Luna didn’t like the idea of searching for Sampo. At all.”
Celestia sighed.
I can tell him my secrets, but not my sister’s, she thought.
“The whole story is connected to very painful memories, so she might have dismissed it too quickly because of that,” she said.
“What kind of memories?” said Vigg, suspicious.
“Little deer, do you remember how I told you about bad ponies who willingly followed my sister when she fell to darkness?” Celestia said.
“Yes,” said Vigg. “And?”
“Those were not only ponies,” said Celestia. “I’m positive one of them was the reindeer Wiglek the Wicked, the one who really found the Sampo and father of Sampo the hero.”
“What does that mean,” said Vigg, “for us? Will it be more dangerous?”
Celestia was silent.
“This is really only speculation, but when Twilight reported on your little... seance, she said you had talked about the ‘lich’, but how that wasn’t possible and Twilight was trying to figure out what it could be otherwise,” said Celestia.
“Yeah, I remember that,” said Vigg. “Saga talked a lot about liches afterwards... she liked, I mean likes that sort of thing...”
“Did she say what was needed for a sorcerer to make himself a lich?” said Celestia.
“Yeah, but I didn’t pay much attention, it was something about an infusion of... nightmares...” Vigg looked at Celestia.
“An infusion of the Nightmare,” said Celestia. “The only one who could possibly make somepony - or somedeer - a lich would be Nightmare Moon.”
Thanks, as always, to my proofreaders, LadyMoondancer and Wheelwright!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 40 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-08-01T13:46:00+00:00
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2012-08-01T13:46:00+00:00
| 3,857 |
“We need to find the pegasus who was struck with the shrinking powder,” said Twilight, her eyes scanning their surroundings. Their guards had said they were free to move within the camp, but she wasn’t sure they weren’t being followed.
“Wouldn’t he be by the ship?” said Spike, riding on Twilight’s back. “I only see reindeer around here...”
Since she couldn’t see anydeer watching them, Twilight quickly trotted over the camp towards the Crimson Kraken.
“Hello there, young jack,” she said to a donkey crewmember who stood by the gangway deeply engaged in the important chore of chewing tobacco.
“Not that young,” said the jack and spit. “Whadda ya want, miss?”
“Well, when you unloaded earlier, somebody was hurt in a magical accident,” Twilight said. “Do you know where I can find him?”
“Whydya wanna know that?” said the jack, scowling. “He ain’t no freakshow exhibit!”
“I...” Twilight hesitated. “I admit I’m interested in his condition, but that also means I might be able to cure it.”
“Huh,” spit the jack. “Fancy that. Well, he’s got nothing to lose. Lad’s at Tunnan. His friends thought he needed to drown his sorrows.”
“‘Tunnan’?” Twilight asked.
“The Barrel,” the jack explained. “A tavern. The tavern.”
“I know Poatsi,” said Twilight, irritated. “And I guessed he wasn’t drowning his sorrows in a hardware store. But where is it?”
“Oh. Well, see the largest house up the hill?” said the jack and pointed a hoof.
“Yes?” said Twilight and turned around.
“Well, that ain’t it,” said the jack. “But there’s a house behind it ya can’t see from here, and that’s the spot.”
“Okey, thanks a lot,” said Twilight. “Spike, give the gentlejack some coin.”
Spike leaned forward to dig out a purse from the saddlebags.
“No money!” said the jack and actually took a step backwards. “I don’t want any!”
“Why not?” said Twilight.
“If ya can help my friend Hailstone, that’s plenty o’ payment,” he said. “An’ if you’re up to some bad manure, I don’t want your money on me.”
“Okay,” said Twilight. “Fair enough.”
Then, after a pause: “What’s your name?”
“Seeing as how I’m dealin’ with ya, I’m Chancellor Puddin’head,” the donkey said and spit out the last of his tobacco.
“Goodbye then, Chancellor Puddinghead,” said Twilight with a wry smile.
“Bye,” he said, taking out his tobacco pouch for a new wad and pointedly refusing to look at Twilight.
She began to walk away, towards the big house that wasn’t Tunnan.
“Um, Twilight,” Spike whispered, “I don’t think that’s really his name. I think he meant he’s crazy to talk to you...”
“I know, Spike,” said Twilight. “I’m just humoring him. The important thing’s that we know where that pegasus is and that his name’s Hailstone.”
It was getting dark now, and the weather didn’t make it any lighter.
“Too bad about the clouds,” said Spike. “Otherwise, you could’ve taken your measurements from the stars now.”
Twilight snorted with frustration.
“Don’t remind me!” she sighed. “Though there might be another way, but it’s a last resort.”
“And what’s that?” said Spike.
“Luna and Celestia can find you after you have sent a letter with your fire,” she said. “You know, like when you were out hiking?”
“Yeah?” said Spike.
“Well, I don’t want them to land in the middle of the camp, but if I teleported the two of us as far as I could a couple of times, travelling only sort of blind, then you can send a letter and call for Luna’s help,” Twilight explained. “I wouldn’t want to be waiting for her close to the camp. Unless she brings a sizable part of the army it would be a good idea for them to get in a fight. Even Luna can be harmed by one of the cannons or Mr. Motelele’s magic. We won’t get the exact coordinates for the camp, but they will be close enough.”
“You mean every time I send a letter, they can tell where I am?” said Spike.
“Yes,” said Twilight.
“Ahto let me send one for you, remember?” said Spike. “As long as Luna can remember where it came from, she can already tell where the camp is on the map. We just need to remind her of that.”
“Why... you’re right!” said Twilight.
“Can we leave now?” said Spike.
“We can leave whenever we want,” said Twilight with a smug grin. “We might as well get a clear picture of the camp and the army and its defenses and so on. If Ahto doesn’t give us those guides soon, we’ll just use the trick I described and run for it.”
Then she became solemn.
“This won’t be an easy fight, like we imagined,” she mused. “We have nowhere near this many hooves. They are almost all actual soldiers, but we mostly have militia forces.”
Spike didn’t say anything. He just shuddered a bit.
Tunnan was built in two levels, one above and one below ground. The lower floor was a beer cellar, but also had tables, chairs and a bartender. The ground floor held a kitchen built around an iron stove and a second, smaller bar set in the middle of the room. It was surrounded with tables, none of which looked the same except a few made out of the same gigantic logs as the house itself. There were four small rooms in the back. Twilight saw a pegasus enter one of them with a giggling vaja at her side, and noted they were probably being used for more than sleeping off hangovers.
The tavern was full of people drinking, eating, talking, drinking, smoking, playing knucklebones, drinking, working on getting somedeer to the rooms in the back and drinking. Most were reindeer, but there were some other breeds that must be from the pirate ship. In a pony inn, even a rough house of ill repute like this, there would have been music and dancing and probably song, but the reindeer seemed to replace that with more drinking instead. One of the pirates, another pegasus, was trying to get an old jukebox in a corner to work, with no results. He was wearing a poofy pink winter jacket and red bandana, clashing wildly with his green coat, but pirates probably didn’t care much about fashion. Rarity would have to be strapped to her fainting coach if she was here.
Many glasses of liquor were halted halfway to lips when Twilight passed the drinkers. Eyes followed her as she walked up to the pegasus struggling with the jukebox and swearing loudly. She reached into the machine, feeling its many mechanical parts and few thaumaturgic circuits with her magic, pulling a few pistons, shaking the rows of old-fashioned vinyl records. The machine sputtered and started playing a rock tune that Twilight recognized as usually blaring from the huge kitschy stereo set owned by Rarity’s parents.
The pegasus jumped back, bumped into Twilight, and swirled around to face a grinning unicorn.
“Whoah!” he said. “What the hay do you want?!”
“You’re welcome, fixing the machine for you was no problem,” said Twilight. “Besides, this place was a bit gloomy without music, dont’cha think?”
He stood a while to catch his breath, looking Twilight up and down.
“You’re that sorceress,” he said, “the royal agent. What do ya want from me?”
Twilight sighed theatrically.
“What I want to do they won’t let me, since Princess Celestia has abolished hanging pirates without judgement and examination,” she said and grinned very widely at him.
He shrank back a bit, his eyes widening, and Spike noted with some worry that he was very interested in his cutlass which hang at his side.
“So I’ve to settle for curing magical ailments,” she said. “Do you know where I can find a pegasus named Hailstone?”
“Hailstone’s my bro’,” said the pegasus. “What do ya want with him?”
“I believe I can help him with his wing,” said Twilight. “I saw the accident, and I got the impression your ship’s mage wasn’t interested in helping.”
The pegasus’ face first flashed red with anger and then turned pale with fear, until he collected himself.
“No, he wasn’t,” he said. “Why’re you interested?”
Twilight sighed.
“Y’know I can get the reindeer not understanding it, but how come you can’t realise how a mare can just help somepony out of the kindness of her heart?” said Twilight. “Y’know, good old Equestrian values? Like Celestia, frosted cupcakes and the right to burst into song spontaneously?”
The pegasus laughed.
“Yeah, sure,” he said. Then, deadly serious: “What do ya want?”
It was worth a try, Twilight thought.
“If I can undo the damage, I’ll know how to cause it,” she said, shrugging. “Where’s Hailstone?”
The pegasus pirate sighed and rubbed his nose.
“We, er, bought him some does and a bottle of hooch, and the tavernkeeper gave us a room for free out of pity,” he said. “It’s the one in the north corner. I don’t know if it’s working, but he hasn’t come out for several hours. I hope that is good.”
Twilight hesitated. If the pony was trying to ease his pain with... companionship, maybe walking in on him would be awkward.
On the other hoof, it had been hours, the other pirate said. He had to be... done by now.
On the third hoof...
“Spike, get me a cup of coffee from the bar,” said Twilight, checking that there was no coffee pot on or thermos visible in the bar. “And something sweet, if they have it. Get something for yourself as well. No milk or vodka in the coffee.”
“Sure,” said Spike nervously as he hopped off and went over to the bar.
Good, she thought. Maybe I can get any working vajas out of the way before the minor sees them working.
Twilight knocked at the door.
“Who there?” said a distinctly cervine voice.
“Help for his wing,” said Twilight.
The door opened a little. A doe with makeup that would have fit a pony better looked out, her lips clenching an unlit cigarette. When she saw Twilight she first stared at the unicorn uncomprehending. Then understanding dawned and her face contorted with fear.
“Please... please no harm me,” she whined, stepping back.
Twilight groaned and facehoofed.
“Harm?” she said in Poatsi. “I’m just here to help your... customer with his ailment, if possible. I wish you no harm.”
“Oh,” said the doe. “He’s pretty bad. He’s been drinking and... well, crying like a foal.”
Her face showed a mix of disgust and pity.
“He hasn’t touched any of us,” she explained as she let Twilight enter the room, which held a bed and a barrel used as a table. “Except well, hugging. He needed hugging. And puking up vodka.”
A rusty metal bucket that stunk to high heaven was on the floor together with three empty liquor bottles and a couple of brown, squat bottles that must have contained beer. A dirty towel and a wooden pitcher sat on the barrel. The room stunk not only of vomit but also of alcohol, tobacco and sweat, and had a faint tinge of something else.
Tears? Twilight wondered. No, you cannot smell tears.
“Has he taken some medication?” said Twilight and went up to the blue pegasus lying on the unkempt bed. Another doe was lying hugging him from behind, her left front leg avoiding the grotesquely shrunken wing. He was breathing raggedly, his eyes shut.
“He claimed he’s in pain... so the boss brewed up some willow bark mush...” said the doe who had let Twilight in.
“Did it work?” said Twilight and bent down over the pegasus.
That’s what smells, she thought.
“...no,” said the doe.
“Don’t... don’t hurt him,” said the other doe. Her face looked horrid, and not because of her cheap makeup. Sorrow and fear had ate at it.
Twilight wondered what could make her care that much about a... customer.
Twilight’s feelings must have shown, for the doe said: “He’s... he’s so pitiful.”
Twilight focused her magic on the wing. The pegasus cried out, and the doe tried to calm him, attempting to talk soothing in broken Equestrian, then resorting to singing a lullaby in Poatsi with her hoarse voice.
“Spatial dimensions are broken, that’s why it’s warped,” Twilight thought out loud. “It is constantly striving to regain normal size, stretching and moving. That’s why he’s in pain.”
“What can you do, miss?” said the other doe anxiously.
Twilight grimaced as she tried to dissolve the magic.
“No use,” she muttered. “Its effects are maintained by persistent traces of the powder used. Unless they are all clean away, which would need some kind of miniature industrial vacuum cleaner, the only cures are a long wait or the counteragent.”
She rose.
“Hailstone!” she said. “Hailstone, can you hear me?”
The pegasus looked up and barely noticed her presence through a mist of pain and drunkenness, but he nodded.
“I’m going to get the antidote to cure your wing,” she said. “Don’t fret, we’ll end your pain soon.”
She nodded to the does who gave weak fake smiles as they looked at Hailstone.
“Puh-please kill me!” he whimpered.
“Don’t listen to him,” said Twilight and made as to leave the room. “Not if he says that.”
“Here’s your coffee, Twilight!” said Spike who had just entered. “Phew, this place stinks!”
“Seriously, don’t,” Twilight said and took the coffee mug, which said WORLD’S BEST SIRE! in Equestrian. “Please clean him up and the room as well. Spike, give the ladies some money for working overtime with the poor guy.”
“It’s okay, miss, we do cleaning here as well,” said one of the does and smiled. “I mean, and waitressing...”
As Twilight hastily drank her coffee, Spike gave the waitresses (among other things) some bits. Then Twilight let Spike mount up and they headed out the door.
“Where’re we going?” said Spike.
“To talk with Mr Motelele,” said Twilight. “It’s either him or collecting that counteragent from the reindeer, and I assume they need it for their work. He has to have a dose handy among his other powders and potions.”
“It didn’t seem like he wanted to help before,” said Spike.
“I hope I can reason with him, bribe him, pay him or threaten him to help,” Twilight said. “I need to talk to him anyway and learn more about him.”
“How’re we gonna find him?” said Spike.
“He’s a giant Spike,” said Twilight and rolled her eyes. “He can’t even get inside any of the buildings here. I’m sure we can find him.”
It turned out Motelele was up at the border of the camp where the forest began. It was on a small sod shelf above the beach beneath it, between large firs. He had made a large fire and set up a brazier. He was boiling something in a pot on the first, and mixing something in a crucible on the other. Tendrils of his gray mist-like magic moved from his head far above the blazing fires down to the vessels below. Only his eyes were visible as glowing spots on a shadowy shape that rose like a misshapen tree above them.
“Mr Motelele,” said Twilight, “am I glad to see you! We have some much to talk about!”
She smiled up at him, even if she wasn’t sure if he could even see her.
“Why would I want to talk to you, unicorn?” he said, his head bending a small bit downwards, acknowledging her presence.
“Well, as a fellow mage, I assumed you would be curious in general, willing to learn and experience new things, especially magic,” said Twilight.
“I know all I evah need,” he grunted. “Why should I let you steal my secrets?”
“I beg your pardon, I see no need for this... aggression,” said Twilight. “I merely thought a disputation would be mutually beneficial, and you can hardly know all magic there is in the world...”
“Well, you were wrong!” he barked and bent down even further. “I’ve got great powah, the greatest in the world!”
“Surely you must realize cooperation gives you greater results in the end?” Twilight said. “The sum is greater than its parts, after all.”
“‘Tis weakness to depend on others,” he said. “And only a fool shares his powah, and I’m no fool!”
Twilight’s eyes narrowed, an action wasted on the irate giraffe.
“Is that so?” she said. “Not only does that hardly fit with my personal experiences in the field, you are clearly cooperating with others now, in an alliance with the rest of the crew on the Crimson Kraken.”
“Hah!” he said. “They cannot tell me what to do!”
“Oh,” said Twilight and pointed to the boiling, smoking pot. “Your work, Mr Motelele, says otherwise.”
She moved closer to it and the giraffe shifted his feet as if nervous.
“You are making a dye here out of rhobe roots, cheap wine and... is that ...butter?” she said sniffing the pot. “Nevermind, a red dye that keeps for a long time, usually used for wool and, incidentally, is very flammable, you’d better be careful about that. What could that be for, you’re not a clothier?”
She stepped around the pot and closer to the giraffe and he turned a bit to keep his eyes on her.
“Well, of course it is for the captain’s dye job, an unnecessary affectation since everyone knows she is Sudden Gale anyway,” said Twilight. “That can’t be for your sake, or even for the sake of the ship. The captain made you do that. In any case, the mere fact that you aren’t the captain shows that you’re not commanding the ship, you are part of the crew. Cooperating.”
“I... got well paid for that,” the giraffe growled.
“I doubt that,” said Twilight Sparkle. “Anyway, since you’re selling the results of your art even while refusing to speak about it, I came here with business for you.”
“And what would that be?” the giraffe said.
“I want to buy a dose of the counteragent for your shrinking powder,” she said. “How much?”
“I’m not selling,” he said.
“Why?” said Twilight.
“First, the ingredients to the shrinking powdeh ah raeh, so I cannot get new ones heh,” he said, “and the without the counter agent it’s much less useful. Second, because I don’t like you!”
“One of your fellow crewmembers are suffering the torments of Tartarus because of your powder,” said Twilight. “Have you now mercy on the poor pegasus?”
“Mercy is foh the weak,” said the giraffe.
“He sails the ship with you!” said Twilight. “He’s your companion!”
“He’s only himself to blame,” said the giraffe. “I owe him nothing!”
Twilight sighed.
“There is no reasoning with you, is there?” she said.
“No, theh isn’t,” said the giraffe. “I’m right, is all.”
Twilight looked a long time at the giant sorcerer and scowled at him.
“You are weak, don’t you know that, Mr Motelele?” she finally said.
“Weak?” he roared. “I can END you!”
“No, you can’t,” said Twilight. “And yes, you are weak, and in danger. Do you want help with that?”
“I’m mighty in both flesh and spirit!” he roared again. “I need no one! You least of all!”
“Yet you have made yourself weak!” said Twilight. “Look at you! Why would I need your paltry secrets, they are easily discerned from observing you.”
She walked a bit again in a semi-circle and again the giraffe turned slowly following her.
“Like your name,” said Twilight. “‘Motelele’ means something like ‘long and gangly’ in Nuuban. No giraffe names their child something like that. It would be like naming a pegasus ‘Wings’. Now, pirates often give up their names since they are wanted criminals, but I don’t think that’s it, since you are such a proud giraffe. I think you’re afraid of telling people your name because of that old superstition that it gives them power over you!”
Motelele backed off a bit.
“Now, modern zebra magic dismisses that notion for most form of magics not involving spirits,” Twilight said. “It won’t affect most spells I know, for instance, neither those powders you carry around. So, needless superstition.”
Twilight’s horn lit up and a ray of light shone upon his pouch-covered chest.
“However, what you have there’s not mere superstition,” she said as the ray played over a poppet in the form of a giraffe attached to his chest with thin iron chains. “That’s a special fetish to attract malicious magic away from the target. Any hostile magic will affect that poppet instead. I’m pretty certain it will stop most forms of magic, including the effects of something like zebra artificiery. I can feel its power. Real clever! Requires hard work.”
She smiled up at him and let the ray sweep over his face.
“Too bad it’s used wrong,” she said. “Don’t you understand you’re not supposed to keep those on your body? And why do you need it on board ship? There are no other mages there to murder you.”
She continued to circle him.
“And oh yes, you’re afraid of murder,” she said. “Since you’re such a massive jerk who’re unable to cooperate with your crewmates, who just, oh, happen to be violent criminals, you’re constantly afraid, which makes you jumpy, uncertain and weak!”
She pointed at him.
“Look at him, Spike!” she said. “It’s clearly visible in the way he walks and on his face that he’s stopped sleeping. How long has it been, Mr Tall And Gangly? Four months, five? Wonder how I know it? You stink of it!”
She sniffed the air theatrically.
“Not even your breath, ‘cause that’s too far away, but you’re sweating stimulants,” she said. “Do you know how much this lack of real sleep and those hyper-caffeine potions you’re swilling slows down your reasoning, your reaction speed... your magical power? I bet you’re operating at sixty to seventy percent, tops. At hundred you might’ve beaten me. Now, you’ve no chance.”
“I’ve got my talisman!” the giraffe mumbled.
“Puh-lease!” said Twilight. “I’ve just learned about it and have already devised three ways to counteract it. You know how? Because I’m adapting and learning. You know how? By cooperating with other mages. That, among other things, taught me to avoid superstition for proven magics, how to actually utilize talismans, and the harmful side effects of constant potion use.”
She completed the circle and he followed, back where he began.
“And would you look at that trampling around?” she said. “Why do you have to face me all the time? Can’t you defend yourself otherwise? I don’t need to look at my target, and you don’t win much by sidestepping anyway, you’re just making yourself uncoordinated.”
Motelele stopped and stood still, but was still nervous as Twilight completed a full circle once more walking slowly. He twisted his head backwards.
“You’ve got all this potential and you’re wasting it when you need it the most,” said Twilight, “since the Captain obviously has it in for you. I could help you with this... in return for very little. Such as a certain counteragent. You still not interested?”
“No!” said the giraffe, but his already sniffly voice had become a bit hoarser. He bent even lower down, spreading his legs, staring at her, sweat pouring down his face despite the cold wind.
“Fine!” said Twilight. “I’ll solve this myself. But the offer still stands. You’re not lost... yet. Give me a call when you’re ready to talk business. Goodbye, Mr Motelele!”
She more or less galloped away.
“Whoah, Twilight!” said Spike, holding on for dear life. “Where’re we going? And did you really need to make that guy angry?”
“We’re going to find that reindeer responsible for the crate that was also shrunk,” she said, grinding her teeth. “As for Mr. Motelele, he’s getting me angry, so he started it! He’s not just evil, worse, he’s stupid!”
They wandered a bit among the kota huts, Twilight asking sharp questions in Poatsi. It was now very late, and reindeer were going to bed. Still, she was shown to the vaja who had taken care of it. She kept it in the hut she slept with other valuables, instead of in the large house up the hill which turned out to be the main warehouse.
“These things are for sale to our... contacts down south,” she said. “I need the powder to restore it for selling, and I need the crate small so it can be transported on an ackja.”
“I need the powder to stop a pony from suffering,” said Twilight. “While not of your kin, he’s an ally in a war you take seriously. Surely you must realise taking care of the wounded supercedes selling your plunder? This place is not poor.”
“He deals with sorcerers, he has only himself to blame,” said the vaja and shrugged with a face that added, And he’s not of the same species or nationality as me, so I’m going to ignore that he is a thinking being.
Twilight sighed very deeply. She pressed her hoof to her face and breathed even deeper.
“Lady, I’m a representative of the Equestrian crown,” she began. “This - everything here, in this hut - was stolen from my countryponies. It’s not yours to sell.”
She levitated the shrunk crate from the ground and the vaja gasped.
“What...” she said.
“In fact, you make me so sick I can’t stand to see this ill-gotten goods anymore!” Twilight said, and with a mere flick of her neck, the crate shot away as from a catapult and disappeared in the darkness far over the choppy frozen waters of the bay.
“NO!” the vaja shouted, her eyes like dinner plates.
“Now, give me the powder!” Twilight said. “A stallion is suffering, and you don’t need it anymore.”
The other craters and sacks in the hut started to levitate.
“But...” said the vaja.
“I’m tired of selfishness and foolishness and excuses!” Twilight said, her eyes glowing purple. One of the sacks shot away and disappeared into the darkness.
“Here it is! Here it is!” the vaja babbled and dug out the pouch from under another box, as if she had hid it so she wouldn’t have to see it.
“Good!” said Twilight and dropped the merchandise down. “And if you have a complaint, take it up with the good Captain Coat. It’s her crewmember which got damaged because her ship’s mage is a cruel fool! She can repay you! Goodbye!”
Twilight stomped out of the hut and galloped up to the tavern, a very worried Spike hanging onto her back.
As Twilight distributed the counteragent widely spread using her telekinesis, the shrinking powder started to dissolve. Hailstone’s wing stretched and bent and grew and he screamed hoarsely in short horror before it took his normal shape. He collapsed into a faint, but his breath soon grew normal and steady and his face relaxed. Slowly, the tavern guests, reindeer and others, started to stomp in approval.
“Just check on him so he doesn’t have some strange relapse,” Twilight said to the pegasus who had identified himself as Hailstone’s ‘bro’ and the does who had helped him.
“We will,” said the pegasus. “Thanks, I guess.”
“No big deal,” said Twilight. “I just had to shout inefficiently at rude people.”
“What?” said the pegasus.
“Nevermind,” said Twilight, “just reflecting.”
“Can I get you something, ma’am?” said the tavernkeeper.
“A sarsaparilla,” said Twilight. Then, after the requisite stares: “I just don’t feel decadent tonight, okay?”
It would be wrong to call them festivities, but after some more amiable drinking of sodas and some late-night snacks, while tunes liked by Twilight’s parents generation played on the jukebox, Twilight and Spike returned to their assigned sleeping place.
“If we’ve been followed, we gave them quite a workout,” Twilight mumbled as she approached Jarl Ahto’s hut.
They were almost there when they met the jack from earlier in the evening.
“Hello, Chancellor,” Twilight said, yawning. “What’re you doing here?”
“Chewing ‘baccy,” he said, demonstrating.
“Do you have to do that here?” said Twilight.
“Well, I also have something for ya,” the jack said and fished out a kind of small clay pot with a glass stopper.
“A powder grenade,” said Twilight critically. “Aw, you shouldn’t have.”
“Well, you helped Hailstone, an’ I like him and owe him,” the jack said, chewing. “An’ he’s enough of a wuss that he doesn’t want to make the Captain angry. So he ain’t gonna give any substantial thanks, hence I’m doing it.”
He fished out another grenade from his bags.
“This is his, that’s mine,” he said and gave it to Twilight. “We were issued them if things go south with the barbarians.”
“What do they do?” said Spike.
“Muck up reindeer something fierce, but just make other people sneeze,” the jack said, shrugging. “At least that’s what the giraffe said. “ He spat.
“I see,” said Twilight.
“Keep ‘em close,” said the jack and made to leave. “Things might go south with the reindeer for you too, and I’m not planning on fighting berserk northern barbarians anyway.”
“Thanks, Chancellor,” Twilight said.
“You’re welcome,” said the jack and slunk off.
“Well, ain’t this a daisy, to quote Applejack,” said Twilight. “I wonder if that old charlatan tells the truth when he claims he has a weapon that only works on one species. Given that the crew is that diverse... he’d need something that affects none of them, yet all reindeer.”
“Maybe it makes your antlers fall off or something?” said Spike.
“Whatever,” said Twilight. “I’m going to sleep.”
The Jarl had already retired, his adjutant sleeping close as their beds suggested.
Are they that close kin? Twilight thought. Maybe lovers, ancient pegasus style, fighting together? Or is Hakon just a very cuddly bodyguard?
She sighed and crept down into her bed. It was unearthly comfortable given the circumstances. Well, reindeer had slept on the ground for centuries, and she was really tired...
“About time,” Crimson Coat said and inspected the pot of thick blood-red dye. “I was starting to lose my hue.”
The giraffe didn’t comment, just watched her settle with the pot.
“Was there anything else?” she said and looked up to the giraffe.
“I met the unicorn today,” said Mr Motelele.
“So?” said Crimson Coat and dabbed some dye on her wing to check the result.
“The barbarian hasn’t sent heh away yet, noh has he killed heh, noh has he used her otherwise,” said Motelele.
“She’s just been here a short time!” said Crimson Coat. “Give’im time. His witch has given her a clean record. Though the bastard asked a lot of stupid questions today, all holier-than-thou up to his antlers and all over me about it.”
The giraffe laughed, a loud, eerie, hollow sound, interrupted by a mighty sneeze.
“Bless you,” said the Captain.
“I’ve found why I cannot note anything with my Sight, despite her magic powah,” he said. “I should see it, but I don’t.”
“Because you’re losing your touch?” said the Captain, sneering.
“She’s using a zebra grigri to rend her unnoticable to Sight,” he said. “Invisible. Undetectable. Those things were made to protect zebra from us giraffe.”
The Captain looked up at the giraffe with open mouth.
“They will make a reindeeh witch’s little powah useless,” he said. “The unicorn is hiding something, maybe hiding much.”
The Captain grinned widely.
The giraffe grinned back.
“I think this knowledge should be shared with ouah ally,” he said.
“Sometimes, Mr Motelele, you surprise me,” the Captian said. “First this,” and she prodded the pot of dye, “and now this,” and she gestured in general. “You’re almost worth your share of the loot.”
“I endeavah to do my best, Cabtain,” the giraffe said, grinning wickedly.
The usual thanks to my proofreaders, Wheelwright and LadyMoondancer
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 41 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-09-03T04:59:40+00:00
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2012-09-03T04:59:40+00:00
| 4,113 |
When Spike woke up Twilight the next morning, the Jarl and his small entourage was gone. A small fire was burning in the middle of the kota hut and three soldiers were lying around it having their umpteenth jug of coffee.
"What time is it?" Twilight asked, yawning.
"Almost nine o'clock," said Spike with his mouth full. "There’s breakfast left. Porridge, jam and that smelly tar they call coffee."
When Twilight pulled herself out of her blankets and up to the fire, the soldiers straightened up and gave her a jug of coffee and a bowl of porridge with a generous dollop of jam. The porridge was semolina, and it took Twilight a couple of spoons to realise that this probably wasn’t made in Tarandroland.
So it has to be plunder.The thought made the porridge taste even worse, even if she should have been used to it now. She ate it anyway and licked the spoon.
"So, you’re my guards?" she said casually to the soldiers, speaking Poatsi.
"Yes ma'am," said one of them.
"Your escort, ma'am," another corrected.
"Could you escort me to a place where I can wash up?" she said.
They looked at each other.
"With warm water, please," she added.
"I don't think there is a place like that," one of them said.
"Yet," another added. "There’s a bathhouse, but the sauna isn't fired up until the afternoon."
"But we could boil a pot of water for you, and you could use it to wash yourself in the rinsing-room of the bathhouse," the third added. "That’ll be more fitting for a lady than to wash here and roll in the snow."
Luckily, I'm not Rarity, Twilight thought.
"Or we could start the sauna right now, but that’ll take longer, at least an hour," the reindeer continued.
"Very well, that will do! It's not like I have much planned for the morning anyway," she said with affected haughtiness. "Spike, bring my toilet bags, some new clothes and my towel!"
"Um, yes Twilight - I mean, mistress," said Spike, licking jam from his claws and raking together the requested gear as best as he could. That is, he took the whole set of saddlebags.
The bathhouse, despite being meant to hold steam and fire, was made of the same coarse logs as the other fixed buildings in the camp.
"And this is not a fire hazard?" Twilight asked.
"No, ma’am" said one of the reindeer. "We’ve built saunas out of wood since time began. It's just a matter of taking care of the fire."
"Besides," said another, "wood and water together are sacred." They all nodded piously.
Twilight didn't protest much, it was just a reflection. But the soldier's words made her think.
"Because reindeer were carved of old pine by the sea and snow herself," she mumbled, thinking of the vast shape that was Karhu-Akka.
"Beg your pardon, ma'am?" said the soldier.
"Nothing, carry on," Twilight said.
The bathhouse was big. Not only did it hold two large sauna rooms, but there was also a washroom with basins and a big washtub. There was apparently a tank on the roof, the water being pumped up from a stream by whoever had irritated the officers most, "but we use snow if possible." There was a huge pile of firewood in the back covered by a small roof jutting out from the bathhouse.
While the soldiers busied themselves with the fire, Twilight and Spike sat on a log behind the building.
"So what we do today is wash up?" said Spike.
"Yeah," said Twilight, keeping her voice down. "I want to leave soon. We'd better be in good shape in case something happens on the way."
"Soon like today?" said Spike.
"Maybe," said Twilight. "Probably. There are still some things I'd like to know..."
One of the soldiers came out and picked some more wood.
"Enjoying the view, ma'am?" he said, pointing to the forest behind the house, which stretched away towards the distant mountains.
"Oh yes," Twilight said. "I bet you could walk... or ski... all the way to the Everfrost Glacier."
"Not really, no, ma'am," said the soldier. "There's a steep cliff, higher than most trees, half a mile inland. You have to follow that a far bit north or south before you can get up the mountains."
"Isn't that good for a military base?" said Twilight. "I mean, that's a pretty good defense, right?"
"Yes, ma’am, but it also means you cannot escape in that direction," said the soldier. "It's not like I’m revealing a military secret if I tell you any smart attack is gonna come from the sea or the south. Any enemy would know that."
I didn't know that, Twilight thought, but I guess Ukko's deer do have maps over their own country. The secret was that the base is here, not what “here” looks like.
"Are you waiting for an attack?" she asked.
"We're prepared if one comes," said the soldier proudly. "But no, the Jarl hasn't said he expects one, and neither have the other officers."
He hesitated a while, then turned to Twilight Sparkle.
"Is one coming?" he said.
"And how would I know that?" Twilight said, ice in her stomach.
"You're a sorceress," said the soldier as if it was obvious.
Twilight frowned, then it dawned on her.
To him, a user of magic is a seer.
"I have no idea," she said, honestly. "I have no idea."
Once I would have known, but not now, she thought. There are surely ways to win this, but we'd have to change tactics, and even then many more reindeer and ponies would die. And there would be almost no chance to recruit any surrenders to the important fight, the one against Winter. I’m no longer sure attacking this camp as the first act of the war against winter is a good idea.
“What were you talking about?” said Spike as the soldier left.
“About how the land looks in that direction,” Twilight said. “He said you can’t leave that way.”
“Good thing we don’t have to,” said Spike.
Twilight hadn’t had the chance to test a real sauna yet, though like her assistant she was used to steam baths. It was pleasant under the circumstances. Unlike the one Spike had talked about, this one hadn’t been warmed up with smoke, but just with hot air and steam. It was enough to sweat out and cleanse yourself, body, mind and soul. She rinsed herself afterwards, first with boiled water, then with cold, pure snow. She felt relaxed and calm.
The only downside was that the soldiers had turned down her offer to have a bath as well. While fairly calm and polite, she guessed they wanted to be on their guard because they were guarding her. She wasn’t sure whether she was offended because they didn’t trust her, or if she was worried because this meant her guards were more alert. In any case it made her uneasy.
Spike, who could bathe in lava, thought the heat was pleasant but not much to care about. It mostly energized him, and he brushed his scales very carefully, shedding several old ones. He had complained about itches for a while and this seemed to help. Thus refreshed he became very talkative: about the trip to the forest with Vigg and Saga, about trips they had made home in Equestria, about how you could cook on a sauna hearth and how it was a shame they didn’t have any pinecones.
He was still talking when they exited the bathhouse and met a delegation of reindeer with a few of the pirate crew. Twilight stopped. Spike fell quiet. The soldiers saluted Jarl Ahto, who led the delegation, his face an unmoving mask. He had Guthrun by his side, looking worried. Crimson Coat - Sudden Gale, Twilight reminded herself - was there as well, and had a smug grin on her face. Her second mate was also there, but unlike his boss he was not happy, and kept looking from side to side nervously.
“Lady Sparkle,” Jarl Ahto said in Equestrian, “it pains me to disturb you like this, but serious things have come up.”
“Like what, sir?” said Twilight Sparkle. She didn’t like this at all, but tried to look nonchalant and cheerful.
“My ally here, Captain Coat, claims you’re using black magic to enhance your ability lie,” Ahto said, his eyes shifting to the freshly red-dyed pegasus.
“Oh ho ho ho ho ho ho!” Twilight laughed, still somewhat forced but these days more practiced. “Preposterous! You do know that Sudden Gale - excuse me, ‘Crimson Coat’ - is a traitor and an oath-breaker, and not to be trusted?”
“I do,” said the Jarl, “and I must confess I find her mostly despicable.”
“Hey!” said a suddenly angered pegasus.
“But I depend on my trusted kins-vaja here, whose Sight helps her to ferret out lies,” he said and patted Guthrun, “and after a few first... misunderstandings, Captain Coat has learnt to keep her split tongue in check. That’s why I also saw no problem with allying with Skinfaxi’s Shadow. But if you have that Strimmaland amulet Captain Coat talks about, I might be less interested. And remember, when it comes to serious matters we’re pretty certain on whether she lies or not, so she at least thinks you have it.”
“Please take off any amulets or talismans, Lady Sparkle,” said Guthrun, her voice full of regret.
“It’s the one in silver with the huge amber stones!” Crimson Coat interjected.
“What?” said Guthrun astonished. “That must be made here in Poatsula!”
“It’s... a local production,” said Twilight and handed Guthrun the gri-gri. “Here. Now what?”
“I’ll just ask you a few questions, vital questions,” Jarl Ahto said. “If I’m satisfied, all I’m asking is that the necklace remains in my custody until you leave.”
“And if you’re not satisfied?” Twilight said, her voice cracking a bit.
“That depends on the degree of my dissatisfaction,” Jarl Ahto said.
“Alright then,” Twilight said, shut her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, “ask ahead!”
“Well,” said Ahto, “first I wonder...”
“WAIT!” shouted Spike. Everyone fell silent. “You say it’s somehow wrong for Twi... for my mistress to use magic like, like a negotiation tool. How is it then OK for you to use magic on her? Don’t you reindeer know that all magic is flawed, that stones were not meant to fly?”
Jarl Ahto was almost losing his composure, but confusion had grappled anger and he just stuttered. Guthrun answered Spike, however.
“I understand what you mean, fylgja,” she said. “But my Sight does nothing more than let me see emotions far more better than anydeer else can do while watching somedeer speak. That lets me see when somedeer lies, much better than a normal person. It’s no charm or galder directed against your mistress’ psyche.”
“Fylgja?” said Spike. “Galder?”
“She means to say that you are my familiar,” Twilight said, “though the concepts aren’t exactly the same. Galder means spell, sort of. Go on Jarl, sorry for the interruption.”
“I thought we were speaking Equestrian,” Spike mumbled.
“Are you really here to negotiate an alliance between me and Equestria?” Ahto said.
Better answer quickly before she Sees something...
“Yes, of course,” she said. “Didn’t I tell you so? Why don’t you trust me on this?”
“It is rather clever to try to shift the guilt over to my kinsman,” Guthrun said drily, “but I’d guess you’re lying, Lady Sparkle. You’re not angry, which honest deer... which honest people are when they are accused of lying. You’re scared.”
“Well, who wouldn’t be afraid, you’re coming here, accusing me, threatening me with soldiers...” Twilight said.
“You’re not the slightest bit afraid of the soldiers, Lady Sparkle,” said Guthrun. “You’re afraid of me... and of the Jarl. Social fear, like the fear of shame. You don’t fear his skill in arms or my battle spirits, though you should. I sense some residual anger and... pity towards towards the soldiers we brought, but no fear. Your feelings for our allies are decidedly mixed, but there isn’t much fear there either... I can see that you despise and disdain Captain Cloak and have a small amount of hatred as well. No fear, you clearly think she’s not terribly competent. I approve of those feelings. Oh, and you feel my lord here is at least a bit ridiculous, and you love your fylgja like a son or brother and do fear for his wellbeing. Am I getting it all?”
“I, well...” said Twilight.
“How could you lie to me?!” Jarl Ahto said, more surprised than Twilight had expected.
“The same way you sent armed deer to a country that had done you no wrong, to steal and murder.” Twilight said. “Because you thought it was the best alternative for serving your country, and you were wrong.”
Jarl Ahto bristled.
“How would you have had me provision them?” he barked.
“Oh, there are several ways!” Twilight said. “I talked to your soldiers and sailors and they had tried none of them - your first plan was to plunder Equestria. Don’t be all holier-than-thou with me, Jarl Ahto! You’ve taken desperate measures for what you care about. You didn’t want to lead your men to civil war, even if you lust after the throne of Tarandroland like a foal after candy. So you committed serious crimes against innocent citizens of the nearest superpower instead. Because that’s such a brilliant idea, both morally and strategically!”
She sighed deeply. Ahto sputtered a bit.
“And, your lies...” Guthrun said, sad and wary but much calmer than her kinsdeer.
“A bad decision, even if it was for a grand cause,” said Twilight glumly. “This whole... charade, it was never a good idea.”
She gestured with her hoof to her black winter dress.
“Y’know, I don’t dress like this,” she almost shouted, “or act like this, or laugh like this: Oh ho ho ho ho ho ho!”
The laugh was even sillier this time. The gathered ungulates and etcetera looked thoroughly confused.
“And I think the only reason anydeer believed me is because they were stupid!” she hissed. “Celestia’s mane, I’m an awful actor and useless liar! Yet you guys needed an empath to see I was lying! ARGH!”
“What... is this some cunning distraction, or...?” said Ahto.
“Beats me,” said his seer. “There is anger and relief and something that is just... crazy. It’s all so unclear, you’ll have to ask me later!”
“Let’s talk about serious things here, serious things,” Twilight said. “We all know Winter is bad but you don’t know how bad. I’m sure you have your stupid spies in the capital so you know there are ponies coming in from Equestria to help you reindeer, even, and Ukko is scrambling to gather forces together, and we’re turning the country upside down to find allies. So our solution was to threaten your stupid camp and get you soldiers cold feet about the whole revolution thing and then we all kiss and make up and fight Winter together. Hehe, cold feet, Winter....”
Ahto and his crew and allies were trying to listen, but Twilight was babbling rather fast. Spike pulled her mane, but she didn’t notice.
“But then you go and cheat, by being much much numerous than us!” she continued. “So that stupid plan is even more stupid now but listen, listen! You have to believe me! You have to realize I’m serious about this! Winter is coming! So, what say you march on the capital! But not to attack it, you join up with our armies! Then we fix the whole Winter thing, eradicate all those superfluous nidhoggs, shovel away the snow and bring back whatever birds are smart enough to fly south in this country! Right? And if you absolutely have to get rid of Ukko and his folks, you can do that come summer, right? When the country isn’t dying?”
She looked at the bewildered reindeer and their even more bewildered allies, most of whom had no idea what Winter was beyond the crappiest season of the year.
“Let’s at least talk about it!” she pleaded. “You will be safe from the forces of Ukko. I’ll argue for this new way of recruiting you to the war, and you’re so many the hotheads won’t dare attack you. And it’s - it’s your country too! Well, not yours,” she said and pointed to a zebra pirate, “but I don’t care about you, you can all leave!”
“This sounds... interesting,” said Ahto and eyed his seer.
“She... sure is desperate, and still afraid but not of you... I’d say that was some kind of truth, at least,” Guthrun said, looking rather bewildered.
“This sounds interesting, Lady Sparkle,” the Jarl said. “But what would be my role in all this?”
Twilight looked at him and tried to find something to say...
People have been absolved of worse crimes... but it would both be a political scandal and an injustice if nothing happened to him or his deer. And Ukko would sure be after his head... I don’t know what I should do...
“I... I’ll try to negotiate... something...” she began, looking at the Jarl. “You see, the mistakes I described before... maybe an international court of law could absolve you of any... greater crimes and we can all go home as friends...”
Jarl Ahto looked warily at his seer. Guthrun looked sadly at her lord.
“I won’t say that’s a lie, my lord,” she said. “But I sense much remorse and pity for you, as well as much resentment, and she feels great guilt and nervosity. I would guess that she thinks that no good can come to you out of this, and that somewhere in her soul she feels that you would deserve it.”
The Jarl considered it deeply, looking to the sky.
“Maybe I should give myself up,” he said, “for the plight of my deer, and surely a neutral court would...”
“NO!” one of the soldiers shouted. “Never, my lord!”
“Yes, we’d never give you up,” said another. “Freeze the Hestalanders, freeze Ukko’s tail!”
“Yes, if you go, we go with you, wherever it is!” a third said.
The others started to shout their approval and either waving their arms or pointing them menacingly at Twilight. Sudden Gale’s pirates seemed to approve. Twilight suddenly remembered that her three-deer escort were right behind her.
“Thank you,” said Ahto, and suddenly his voice broke. “Thank you for your loyalty! I will never let you down!”
The soldiers cheered.
“And something strikes me, my usual genius, I guess,” the Jarl said with much more confidence. “You tell me that your plan was to force my soldiers to surrender with your superior forces and then recruit them, but now the situation is reversed. I can do the same to the loyalist army. I needn’t even enter Sarvvik. When I then turn my new forces towards Winter, all support for Ukko will wither away.”
“I doubt the Equestrian forces would let you,” said Twilight Sparkle, who couldn’t hide the worry in her voice.
“Oh, but you forget one thing,” Ahto said and smiled. “You might be the world’s mightiest country, but you don’t have many real soldiers to send abroad and they are almost all volunteers. Even the soldiers which defend your country are weaker than others. You won’t risk your ponies when you cannot force a surrender by numbers, which I assume Princess Hrimfaxi intends. And if you do, just a small number of casualties will stop more volunteer soldiers to come and create a massive protest in your country against you even being here. You don’t fight a war every year, Lady Sparkle, like we reindeer do. You’re not used to war meaning that ponies actually die.”
Twilight swallowed. He was scarily close to being right.
“But you’ll need help to fight Winter!” she protested.
“Ukko couldn’t do it because he didn’t have the stags. He lost those stags to me, and I’m bringing them back! Besides, I think you, my lady, have a lot of insider information, and I’m sure you will soon realize it will be in your best interests to give all of it to me,” the Jarl said and came closer, his eyes now burning.
Since the Jarl was who he was, Twilight Sparkle was sure he meant what he said literally. He didn’t intend to torture her or anything like that... probably. But she couldn’t be sure, and fooling Jarl Ahto would mean fooling Guthrun, which would be very hard indeed...
“Deer, put Lady Sparkle in chains, but don’t harm her!” he barked. “And put that dragonling in a cage or something!”
Spike squeaked and dived under Twilight. Twilight, meanwhile, did what she had hoped she wouldn’t have to, but now she saw no alternative. She removed the strange powder grenades from an outside pocket of her saddlebags and detonated them telekinetically, spreading the half-invisible powder in a low, circular cloud around them.
She was shocked at the effect of the grenades, and would for a long time wonder how they worked. It was only months afterwards, in a discussion on the subject with Zecora, that the zebra griot would explain it. The powder disturbed Sight but not sight, in a rather horrid fashion. Just as reindeer lose their Sight when they lose their mundane sight, so that a blind reindeer cannot be a seer, they lose their sight when they lose their Sight. The powder blinded your Sight and hence your mundane eyes. It would do it the same way that rubbing mustard into your eyes would blind you: with horrible pain. The sharper your Sight, the worse the pain.
So that was why Guthrun was rolling around screaming at the top of her lungs, trying to rub her eyes with her hooves in a manner likely to actually put an eye out. The other reindeer screamed or moaned, rubbed their eyes with their hooves or tried to ram their heads into snowdrifts. Several of them rolled on the ground in panic, weapons dropped or forgotten. Twilight did not know why, though. She was just terrified, but at the same time she knew she had to act.
There were as many as seven pirates with Crimson Coat and Mr Moccus, and three of them jumped Twilight moments after she incapacitated the reindeer. Crimson Coat herself didn’t however. Instead she hit Twilight in the face with a powder grenade of her own. Twilight tried to shut her mouth and her eyes, but it was too late and she was stalled teary-eyed and choking when she was attacked. In addition, it wouldn’t have helped much if she had succeeded, because the powder was designed to affect a unicorn’s horn.
Twilight got a shallow cut on her right front leg, a club blow to the muzzle and another deeper slash on her left side. She felt her magic curdle up, like mucus in your nose, as she desperately tried to execute a teleport or strike out with her telekinesis. The unicorn stumbled to the ground without even defending herself. She would have soon been hurt much worse in her panic if it wasn’t for Spike.
The little dragon scrambled out from between Twilight’s leg screaming angrily. He grabbed her assailant from the front, a zebra with an ironshod club in his mouth. Spike’s claws, which could cut metal, raked his belly and side. His teeth, made to chew stone, bit the zebra’s shoulder. While baby dragons aren’t very strong, their jaws are. At the same time he by dragon instinct released acids in his saliva, the same acid that let dragons melt gems slowly in their mouths. This made the bite much more painful.
Spike was so furious and scared that he bit off a piece of hide from the screaming zebra and spit in the face of another pirate, a donkey. Temporarily blinded, the frightened donkey stumbled back, dropping his cutlass just as the zebra had lost his club. Spike jumped straight oto the donkey’s back and grabbed his ears with his claws, almost shredding them. Then he opened his jaws wide sunk his teeth into the donkey’s scalp. He couldn’t hurt him as bad as the zebra because he was thrown clear off, but the donkey galloped off howling in pain. Spike was stunned but not harmed by being thrown, one of the benefits of a dragon constitution.
The third assailant, a ram, should really have used this opportunity to cut Twilight deeper with his blade, or even better batted her with his horns However, the sudden dragon attack surprised him and made him back off a few steps. This gave Twilight enough time to stop panicking, and realize what was happening.
It is uncertain whether it was her brother coaching her, general physical training foisted upon her by Applejack and Rainbow Dash, or those self-defense lessons for lone mares that Rarity had insisted on dragging her to. In any case, Twilight did possess basic training in hitting people. Something she had learnt caused her to rear, plunge, and hit the head of the ram with both her hooves just as he went in for a headbutt. He would have bit his tongue badly, but right now he was holding a dagger in his mouth. Thus, he instead lost some teeth in a painful way. That took the momentum out of his headbutt and he stumbled to the ground coughing up teeth, blood and dagger. Twilight took that opportunity to kick him in the head again. He wasn’t that concussed, but decided to retreat and give room for somesheep who wanted to die.
As Twilight tried to catch her breath and Spike rose groggily from the undergrowth of screaming cervines, a red flash swept down from the sky and knocked Twilight over. At the same time, cold white metal flashed and opened a serious gash on the side of Twilight’s neck. It was only luck and the lack of a good attack angle that stopped her from having her throat cut. Twilight screamed and Spike ran to her.
The blood-red shape of the pirate captain hovered above what was now a battlefield and screamed insults and curses at her henchbeings. None of the rest of the pirates seemed really eager to step forward.
“WEAKLINGS! IDIOTS! COWARDS! I’LL DO THIS MYSELF!” Then she dove down towards Twilight again, who had managed to stagger to her feet. “DIE! YOU...” and the rest was lost in a scream of rage.
The pirate’s cutlass, strapped to one of her front hooves, would have missed this time, but Twilight made the mistake of trying to summon up a forcefield while she was still unable to use magic. Instead, it was as if she felt a blowtorch to her horn when she tried. Thus, she didn’t duck in time, and she was nicked on the back with the cutlass and Crimson Coat’s left back hoof hit her in the head, stunning her.
Crimson Coat was again hovering, this time screaming at Twilight, who was moaning on the ground, her mane getting coated with blood.
“YOU SELF-RIGHTEOUS MULE! I’M GONNA KILL YOU SLOWLY! YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!” she howled gleefully.
“HEY!” Spike shouted, standing up next to Twilight. “You! Mean, stupid, ugly traitor! The one who MADE herself a BLANK FLANK to prove she's good for NOTHING? ! You don’t talk like that to my MOM!”
“You little...” Crimson Coat growled and dived towards Spike.
“And your stupid dye is really stupid and FLAMMABLE!” Spike shouted, and then he breathed green, very hot fire in Crimson Coat’s face.
She screamed and veered off sharply to the left, so the fire played quickly over her body and hit her dye-drenched right wing. Both it and the fur on her face caught fire. The fire was small and smouldering and might have been put out easily, if Crimson Coat hadn’t made a couple instinctive, panicky rolls in the air. Those had been reasonable defensive maneuvers against an attacker, but since the danger was her own burning feathers and fur, they didn’t help. Instead, the fire caught on and spread to her mane and her back.
“I’M BURNING! I’M BUUUUUURNING! HEEEEEELP MEEEEE!” she howled as she flew off.
“She screams too much,” said Spike bitterly. Twilight rose up, tried to summon her magic, almost succeeded, and tried to press her shredded dress against the serious wound at the side of her neck.
“Spike, you...” she said, looking at him.
“I hope being angry doesn’t make dragons grow as well,” he said with a tired voice and turned towards the remaining four pirates and Mr Moccus. They were still armed and dangerous, and...
“You two!” Mr Moccus oinked and pointed to the two of his crewmembers to the left. “Give our fallen brethren medical aid!” They obeyed and hurried to the side of the hurt zebra and ram, respectively.
“You!” he said and pointed to one pirate directly under him, a zebra mare. “Check on our fallen allies, she must have poisoned them! You Stripeys know stuff like that!”
“But...” said the zebra and looked at Twilight and Spike.
“Do as you’re told,” said the last pirate, a pegasus, “that was an order! They’re suffering!”
“Right,” said Mr Moccus to said last pirate. “You, follow me and rescue the Captain. We’ll have to fight later, Lady Sparkle! The crew comes first.”
He and the pegasus fluttered off, at a somewhat lazy speed for somepony (and somehog) about to save somepony from having their coat on fire.
It was then Twilight realized the pegasus was Hailstone’s “bro” she had met the last night.
Twilight just stood there and panted. Despite the horror around her felt a small joy when she felt her... occult sinuses opening, so to speak. Her horn still felt hot, but she felt she could pull off that much-needed teleport.
So she held Spike close and did so in a flash of purple light.
They reappeared in a forest clearing some distance away, faint smoke coming from both of them. Twilight fell to her knees and screamed.
“MY HORN! Oh manure, my horn...” She stopped moaning and threw up.
Spike got to his feet and shook off the nausea from a blind teleport.
“What’s with your horn?!” he said and held her head anxiously.
“She used some... anti-magic powder,” Twilight moaned. “It’s almost gone but it still hurts to use magic. Argh!”
“Should I rub snow on it or something...?” said Spike and looked around him. “Where are we?”
“No, no, take care of this... wound first!” said Twilight and patted her neck, blood dribbling on the snow. “There are bandages in the saddlebags, right?”
“I’ll get to it,” said Spike and started to dig in the bag.
“We’re just deeper in the forest, I just aimed right south-east and avoided solid matter,” Twilight said and rose up. “Are you okay, Spike?”
“I’m fine, I’m just looking for the bandages...” he said.
“You got... angry over there,” she said and felt her wound again. It was still trickling blood, and she tried to press on it telekinetically.
“Of course I did!” he said testily. “They looked like they were gonna kill you and me, and you just stood there!”
“I didn’t mean it was wrong,” said Twilight. “You probably saved us both. I was just surprised you were so... dangerous. And I tried to do something, to use my magic! I just failed, because of... yeah... ”
“I don’t wanna do it again,” said Spike. “Here’s the bandages... Never do it again...”
He started to awkwardly apply them, first trying to remove her blood-soaked mane.
“Spike, don’t bother, it’s just... bleeding...” Twilight said. “We’ll call for a rescue, we just need to move away a little bit...”
Spike ignored her, rolling loop after loop of gauze around Twilight's neck until she was swathed in approximately a mile of bandages. He frowned as he struggled to secure the mess with surgical tape.
“Spike, I...” Twilight started.
“I can’t remember how this goes!” he babbled. “I should redo it and...”
“Spike, at least it slows it down, I can press some against it, we should get away... I can’t teleport yet but we can walk while we wait...”
They started to plod away through the trackless snow. Spike tried to get snow on Twilight’s horn and scrub it, but she told him to stop.
“The powder is probably all over me,” she said.
They heard a shriek somewhere behind them, a shriek from above.
“What was that?” said Spike and looked back. Twilight turned around, and they saw a flying shape in the air over the treetops, followed by another, and something else also over the treetops. A fez-clad head on the top of a huge, swaying neck.
“Oh come on!” Spike protested. “How could he get here in time!”
“We didn’t get that far, he sees a long way and he’s clairvoyant!” said Twilight. “Hold on!” She shut her eyes and concentrated. Magic fizzled on the top of her horn.
“Not yet, must stall them...” she mumbled.
Then a blast of gray, crackling energy, like an angry snake made of electric smog, slithered from the giraffe’s head. It struck a pine not too far from them and shattered it into splinters. Twilight cowered and Spike threw himself to the ground. As they shook themselves and stood up, Mr Motelele strode out from the trees, yet keeping a healthy distance. He was followed by a motley crew of pirates, most on the ground with him but a few flying above him. Spike recognized the peryton and several griffins, but no pegasi.
“There’s no use in surrendering, Twilight Sparkle!” the giraffe roared. “I’ll destroy you! I’m yoh superioh, and I have you outnumbered with allies to boot!”
Twilight sighed angrily.
“What do we do now?” said Spike. “We can’t fight those guys!”
“I’ve got this,” said Twilight. “We’ll stall and flee. Just - when I say so, shut your eyes and grab me!”
“Talk to me, Sparkle!” Mr Motelele roared. “Admit your defeat!” He took a several steps towards her, but still more carefully than his voice indicated. His ground troops followed, his air force now circled above her.
“You’re the one who is going to be defeated, unless you run back to the camp!” Twilight said, her voice hoarse. “I’ve told you why you’re weaker than me, you should know this is useless, and I don’t want to hurt anyone. Not even people like you.”
“Lies!” shouted the giraffe. “Face me, Sparkle!” A flaming aura started dancing around his head.
“You’re such a cretin!” Twilight snarled. “Get out while you can, before you and your friends get hurt.”
The other pirates looked a bit wary to Twilight, but Motelele took two steps forward.
“I’ll undo you!” he shouted. Grenades and flasks with lethal substances levitated from his bandolier belts.
“You silly, silly, foal,” said Twilight, her voice even more hoarse and tired. “Now, Spike!”
As she felt the baby dragon grasp her side with his claws and press his face into it, she sent off a thin, crackling ray of magic towards the giraffe. He merely stood there, grinning, as it struck the giraffe poppet hanging around his neck.
“You are the foal!” he shouted. “I told you, my fetish protects me! You missed me!”
“No, I told you I knew that, and that was what I was aiming at!” Twilight said, ears pressed back towards her head.
The pirates, to a being, turned towards the giraffe. He looked at the doll, and his eyes widened.
“Oh no...” he whispered hoarsely. He looked at the crewmembers again, and saw their glazed eyes.
“I want it!” said Jorge the peryton. His shadow, cast on the snow by the mid-day sun, formed into a mass of dagger-bearing tentacles and crept towards the giraffe.
“I need it!” moaned a zebra pirate and prepared a number of acid grenades for throwing.
“I really like its spots!” gasped a griffon extending her claws as her beak grasped her cutlass.
“Back!” the giraffe shouted desperately as he shifted his magic to form a force-field around himself. “I’m yoh superioh officeh!”
They ignored him and advanced with vacant eyes and ready weapons.
“You might be interested to know,” said Twilight Sparkle, “that I have had accidents with this spell before, so I developed a safe variant that doesn’t let you harm any of your friends or loved ones while affected by it.”
The giraffe turned on the spot and made to gallop towards the harbour, but found the rest of the crew had surrounded him.
“Oh, I forgot, Mr Motelele, you don’t want any friends or loved ones, so they won’t think of you as one either!” Twilight said. “Too bad. Goodbye!”
“CUUUURSE YOOOOOOOOU TWILIGHT SPAAAAAAARKLE!” the giraffe shouted, but Twilight and Spike didn’t hear more than the first syllable, because they had both teleported away.
Twilight and Spike arrived in another forest clearing, much further inland this time. They weren’t as singed by the teleport, as Twilight had regained more of her control. However, because she had stretched the distance to her limit, she was completely exhausted.
“Spike, let’s send that pick-up message we talked about,” she said, panting as she laid down on the ground.
“You’re bleeding again, Twilight!” said Spike.
“Send the letter first, then we remake the bandage, and then I’ll lie still until we get evacuated,” Twilight said.
“Will do!” said Spike and started digging around in the saddlebags. He couldn’t find the writing gear, got more nervous...
“AAARGH!” he shouted.
“Shhh!” said Twilight. “Somedeer might hear you! There could be some soldiers out here!” She used her telekinesis to put pressure on the wound.
“Sorry,” said Spike in a lower voice and turned the saddlebags upside down in the snow. He then started scrambling through them until he found the scroll case with the ink-bottle in the lid. With trembling claws he wrote a succinct message:
WE NEED PICKUP! NOW! LIFE OR DEATH!
Then he set fire to it, and directed the message with his mind towards Princess Luna.
“So, now I’ve sent it.. Twilight?” He turned anxiously towards the unicorn, who had laid down on the ground.
“Twilight!” Spike shook her. “Twilight, speak to me!”
“I... I’m okay, Spike...” she murmured.
“Stand up!” Spike ordered, pulled her up and started to fumblingly redo the blood-soaked bandage. “You have to, you cannot be... if you faint like that you could...”
“I’m fine, Spike, I’m fine...” Twilight blinked and shook her head.
“Stand still!” Spike snapped. “We have to stop the blood... Twilight, stay awake. Talk to me...”
“About what?” said Twilight while Spike continued to fail his first aid lessons.
“Lecture me!” he said. “Tell me about... tell me about seaponies!”
“Seaponies?” said Twilight.
“Yes, seaponies! Tell me all about seaponies!”
“Well...” Twilight cleared her throat. “Seaponies, or, more correctly, Hippocampi, are known as the Fourth Tribe. Despite being counted as ponies, sociologically and culturally, they are biologically reckoned as pseudo-equines, and not as closely related to ponies as.. as...”
Twilight licked her lips and swayed a bit.
“As what?” said Spike, who was starting to consider searing the wound with his flame. Did that actually work?
“As donkeys and... zebras,” Twilight continued.
“Keep your eyes open,” Spike ordered and tried to stick a twig under the bandages and twisting it to pull them tight and stop the bleeding.
“Spike, you’re... strangling me!” Twilight gasped.
“Sorry!” Spike dropped the twig and just pressed his paws to the gauze over the wound. “I’ll... I’ll just stand like this. Carry on, carry on, tell me about seaponies!”
“Okay... Seaponies are amphibic, and can breath both air and water with the same lungs. Their ambient... ambient...”
“Ambient what, Twilight?” Spike said.
“Soldiers,” Twilight croaked.
“Ambient soldiers?” Spike wondered. “Twilight, are you...?”
“Soldiers,” Twilight said and pointed with her hoof. Spike looked in that direction.
They were maybe a dozen, on skis, with spear-staffs, of course, with light barding. They were lead by a known muzzle: Hakon.
“You betrayed my Lord and struck him down,” said the young sarv with barely contained anger. “Now follow me peacefully or I will strike you down where you stand!”
“Twilight, can you...?” Spike asked.
Twilight slumped down on the ground.
“We’ll just have to wait... Luna...” she whispered.
Spike looked around, frantically. Was there anything he could set fire to? Scare them off? Make a snare, or...
He saw something among the scattered contents of the saddlebag. He picked it up and hugged Twilight.
“I love you, mistress! I love you to the end of time!”
“Spike...?”
He ignored her and held up the object high.
“Alright, you clumsy barbarians! You’ve cornered Skinfaxi’s Shadow like a... like a dying rat! No! Never a rat, something small as a rat! A dying... dying beaver! But you should know that if she dies, she won’t die alone!”
“I would expect her to fight back!” said Hakon.
“The whole world will DIE!” Spike shouted and waved around the object.
“What?” Twilight croaked. Spike ignored her.
“What are you talking about, dragonling?” said Hakon. “You can’t fool me that a wounded witch can end the world just like that!”
“Not on her own, no!” Spike said, fired on by desperation. “But you know that my mistress bound Äitsi when he was set loose, right?”
The soldiers looked at each other.
“It rained canned peaches,” Spike said, but they had already started to remember.
“She trapped him in this... bag!” Spike said and thrust Pinkie Pie’s party grenade towards Hakon, “and if you come any closer or make any false moves, I’ll set him free!”
The reindeer looked at Spike and his... bag, at each other, and at Hakon.
“Do you think I’m a fool, dragonling?” Hakon laughed. “I don’t know what trinkets your mistress keep in that bag, but not any Spirits of Madness and Kinslaying, I wager.”
So that’s what they call the guy here, Spike thought and forced a smile and a shrug.
“So be it then! Goodbye, cruel world!” he said and made as if to pull the strings on the top of the grenade.
“WAIT!” shouted one of the soldiers. Spike waited, while the others turned towards him. Spike took a quick look at the sky but didn’t see anything coming.
“What?” said Hakon.
“Sir, what if he speaks the truth?” the soldier said.
“Well, that’s just ridiculous,” said Hakon. “Do you really believe that nonsense?”
“Everydeer knows she was the one who sealed him, sir,” said another of the soldiers. “What if he speaks the truth?”
“The whole world would be at stake,” said the first soldier. “Is it... is that worth it?”
The other soldiers actually nodded slowly and looked towards the first speaker.
“You can’t mean you’re disobeying your commanding officer!” said Hakon.
The soldiers, most older than Hakon, looked at him with something like pity.
“Sir, you have never given me an order that meant risking so much,” said the first soldier.
Spike started to breathe slower. If he could just stall them...
“You’ll see!” said Hakon and started to move towards Spike. “I’ll get that bag, and...”
Oh well, it may still work, thought Spike.
“Suit yourself, Ender of the World!” he shouted, pulled the strings and threw the party grenade at Hakon.
He caught it with his mouth, probably by reflex, and then it exploded.
There was a huge bang.
Firecrackers landed on the ground and shot many-coloured sparks.
Confetti flew through the air, high above, and covered everything.
Everyone in the clearing suddenly had a garish party hat on their head, a bottle of soda pop in one hoof or nearby which was newly opened and cascaded pastel-coloured fruity drink over the snow and a party horn in their mouth they had a sudden urge to blow into.
To the noise from the firecrackers and the panicked party horns was added the music from a very small music box that played a merry tune. Pinkie Pie had done her research and the tune in question was a traditional dance from Tarandroland, to the song Drink and be merry, tomorrow we’ll die!
Finally, a jack-in-the-box opened and a happy, grinning Pinkie-head which held a small sign saying HAVE A GREAT PARTY EVERYDEER in fairly good Poatsi popped up and swayed back and forth.
It wasn’t as good an instant party as that provided by the patented Pinkie Pie party cannon, but under the circumstances, it was a good effort.
Under the circumstances, it also caused the soldiers to scream, veer about and flee. Since they were wearing skis, several of them fell over and kicked off the skis before they got up again and ran screaming about rains of canned peaches, mountains rolling over and snow turning to reindeer-eating marshmallows.
Hakon got to his feet, and stumbled on his own skis, before he too kicked them off and ran off after his deer. It was uncertain whether he was trying to call them back, whether he was afraid of staying with Spike alone or whether he also thought Discord was unleashed upon the world again. In any case he scuttled off on unsteady feet.
Spike set down his soda (lingonberry sarsaparilla, for some weird reason) and checked on Twilight. She was still conscious but barely, so he talked to her and rubbed some snow in her face to wake her up while he stopped the bleeding with his hands again. In any case it didn’t feel as if the wound was bleeding as much anymore.
Spike felt like it took an hour or more for Luna to arrive. In reality, it took only fifteen minutes or so after Spike detonated the party grenade before she arrived, followed by her sister. As Celestia sealed Twilight’s wounds and lifted up on her back, Luna turned to Spike.
“It was good of you to send up that signal with the noise and the colours in the air,” she said. “We wouldn’t have found you as fast.” Then she looked around them with confusion added to the sense of worry and urgency she already showed. “What... happened here?”
“Pinkie Pie saved both our hides,” said Spike. Luna didn’t enquire further. Not then.
Thanks to my proofreaders LadyMoondancer and Lurk-no-More. And I fired a Chekov's Gun here that I loaded in Chapter Two, one year ago or more!
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CoastalSarv
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877
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Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-09-29T07:30:54+00:00
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2012-09-29T07:30:54+00:00
| 4,120 |
"Do I really need the drip?" asked Twilight and glared at the offending IV.
"You lost much fluid through necrotic dethaumisation, Lady Sparkle," said the earth pony physician that was examining her. "You’ll need days of rest anyway, and you’ll recover faster and safer this way."
The vaja that hovered next to him nodded nervously
"Exactly, Lady Sparkle!". She was wearing a white robe with a yellow and orange trim and winged white cap.
The earth pony glanced at her with irritation. He was here as a Yeomanry volunteer, but in his civil life Doctor Arnica was a very skilled physician from a long line of physicians. He had worked much abroad with disaster relief and the like, but this was his first time in Tarandroland. Hence he was unprepared for the local staff. Twilight couldn't help but giggle.
Twilight had been placed in the Royal Hospital in Sarvvik after Celestia had brought her back from the forest. The hospital was staffed with what she had to describe as “nuns” from the Temple of Skinfaxi. The reindeer doctor that had been assigned to assist Doctor Arnica was technically a priestess of the cult. Having Celestia herself checking in a patient was the greatest honor of her life. The whole staff viewed the Equestrian doctor as some sort of prophet on account of this and hung to his every word, constantly afraid their hospital wouldn't be good enough. This annoyed the doctor immensely.
He swallowed his irritation and proceeded to check Twilight's bandages carefully. They had recently been changed by the reindeer staff, which the head nurse-cum-priestess unbidden pointed out to him.
"Yes, Sister, I can see that," he gruffed. "Add two more units CLW to the intravenous drip one hour after lunch. We want to enhance vital recuperation while the patient has plenty of nutrients in her blood."
“Mother,” corrected the vaja, but half-heartedly.
"Will I have scars?" Twilight asked.
"No," the doctor said. "Well, except for the neck one. That will probably leave a short, faint line under the fur. Her Royal Highness applied enough healing magic to ascertain there will be no permanent harm."
The reindeer made a pious sign.
”The Princess could probably have completely healed your wounds instead of re-sealing them, but that would have been bad for your health in the long run, Lady Sparkle," the doctor continued when Twilight moved as to speak.
"I wasn't going to ask that, I know perfectly well how healing magic works," Twilight said. "I was going to ask if I can... do something. I know you want me to rest, but I know myself, and just lying here doing nothing will only make me stressed."
"As long as you stay in bed, and use no magic, you can do anything you want," said the doctor and proceeded to strike a thin metal rod against Twilight's horn and feel its vibration in his teeth.
Twilight winced at the pain in her horn.
"No magic?" she said.
"You need to rest that horn," the doctor said sternly. "What you did yesterday was like running with a broken leg."
"Can I read?" Twilight said.
"If you don't turn the pages magically, yes," said the doctor. "Just remember to rest as well and relax."
Twilight sighed and watched her hooves.
Yeah, that makes reading less fun.
She prodded her swollen muzzle with her hoof.
“Can I at least hornblow my nose?” she said.
“What?” said the doctor.
“Use telekinesis to, er, clear my nose from the inside,” she said. “Er, it’s a unicorn thing. You get rid of more mucus, it’s more hygienic, and its hurts horribly to blow my nose with my hooves right now.”
“No magic, Lady Sparkle,” said the doctor. “If I let you blow your nose even once, you will do it by instinct the next time your schnozz fills up with mucus, and then you will forget yourself and do other everyday magic. You must avoid all that for a couple of days. I’m certain the staff will help you will with... keeping your nose clean.”
"We’ll help you wash your muzzle when you wash up, Lady Sparkle,” said the vaja. “With tepid water and soft cloth.”
“Thanks, Mother Disa,” said a disappointed Twilight Sparkle, carefully poking her swollen nose.
“And you'll get visitors later, Lady Sparkle," said Disa, smiling. "That will cheer you up."
"I suppose you're right, " said Twilight. "Except I'm actually not that... down. I'm mostly restive. I might possibly be a little... nervous. That's strange, because yesterday was not cheery in the least."
"Ah," said the obviously curious vaja, though she tried to hide it.
"I failed a major task given by one of my rulers, put people I care for at risk and might have killed somepony... someone for the first time in my life," Twilight sighed. "Well, I left him to die, at least."
"Oh my," said Mother Disa.
"The killing... you might need to talk to somepony about that," said the doctor solemnly.
Twilight nodded.
"Not me," he quickly added, "but I know there will be ponies here later that can help you."
"And it was the first time?" the reindeer said, wide-eyed.
"Yes, you shouldn't believe all you read in the newspapers," Twilight said laconically. "By the way, speaking of newspapers..."
"Yes, Lady Sparkle?" said the reindeer.
"Could you please have one of your sisters gather the most recent newspapers, including an Equestrian one if you can find it?" Twilight said. "And could you have her read them to me?"
"Of course, Lady Sparkle!" said Mother Disa, happy for something she could easily help with.
“Twilight!”
Spike ran up to her and gave her a hug. He needed to climb halfway up the bed to do it, even if Twilight leaned over to meet him. The nurse that had been reading the papers to Twilight and the nurse that had been escorting Spike smiled at each other.
“I’m so glad to see you!” said Twilight.
“I’m so glad you’re awake!” said Spike to her shoulder. “You couldn’t talk much yesterday...”
“I was so tired and hurt... and I think the doctor gave me some... really strong painkillers,” said Twilight. “I remember you being there... and Celestia... and a bunch of nurses...”
“Yeah, they sort of booted us out so they could work when they patched you up, except Celestia helped them with some things, and then we could get in and I tried to talk to you but you were mostly babbling, and then you fell asleep, so we didn’t want to disturb you,” Spike said, very quickly.
As he caught his breath Twilight watched him and saw the worry on his face. Scaly skin could be quite expressive, strangely enough.
“Did you get any sleep?” said Twilight. “And did they check on you? You were hurt as well.”
“Twilight, I was bucked off a donkey into soft snow,” Spike said. “I wasn’t poisoned and had my throat cut and my face bashed in with a mace!”
“Did they check on you?” Twilight said.
Spike looked down into the floor.
“Yeah,” said Spike. “There’s nothing wrong with me. Except, stress, the doctor said. He said I could have some medicine to help me relax and sleep, but I wanted to be able to get up, if, if... if you woke up... or if you didn’t...” Tears started to well up in his eyes.
“Spike, don’t cry!” said Twilight and hugged him again. “I’m much better than they thought. There there, it’s over now...”
They just held each other a while.
“Did you get some sleep?” Twilight said to Spike’s shoulder.
“There’s... Celestia got us a room here at the hospital, like they have for the families of the patients, okay?” Spike said, wiping his eyes. “She couldn’t be there all night, she said she doesn’t really need sleep, so she was up here checking on you, but she got someone to stay with me.”
“A nurse?” said Twilight and smiled at Spike.
“Saga, actually, for some reason,” said Spike, got some tissue from Twilight’s bedside table and blew his nose. “Excuse me.”
“It’s okay, I wish I could blow mine,” said Twilight and grimaced. “But... Saga?”
“It was okay, really,” said Spike. “Luna fetched her from the temple. I mean I know her, she is almost an adult, and it’s not like Celestia could have conjured up one of the maids from back in Canterlot or somepony from Ponyville, y’know, ponies I know better. She is really good when you need to cry, actually.”
“I suppose so,” said Twilight. “That’s good to hear. I wondered what happened to those two after that ghastly night...”
“She’ll have to tell you later,” said Spike and looked a bit guilty. “She needed to cry a bit herself, actually.”
“Oh,” said Twilight. Suddenly she looked guilty as well. “You know, what about Princess Luna...?”
“She was here as well... she wasn’t in the room with us tonight,” said Spike. “I think she sat outside your room all the time, watching over you, except when Celestia sent her to get Saga. She left again a little while ago, I think Celestia told her to clear her head or something.”
Twilight looked a little morose. “Oh.”
“What is it now?” said Spike.
“It’s just that... I failed her,” Twilight said. “I guess she’d be disappointed in me.”
“Twilight, she has no reason to be disappointed in you!” Spike said.
“But we failed!” Twilight said. “I failed, I mean!”
“Twilight, listen to me!” Spike said, grabbing her hoof. “First, we didn’t fail, okay? Luna and the king sent us to figure out where the rebel camp was, and how big and strong their army is. Fine, we know that now. That means we didn’t fail!”
“But we - “ Twilight said.
“I said listen to me, Twilight, please!” Spike said. “Please. Second, Luna might be more... intense than Celestia, but she’s no more unfair than Celestia, and she’s not gonna be disappointed with you for no reason.”
“Okay,” said Twilight. “Sure.”
“And finally, it’s not her fault either, but she’s the one who gave you this mission to begin with, so she’s responsible as well!” said Spike. “You almost got killed! That must count!”
“That’s just the thing, she trusted me and I let her down!” Twilight said and now it looked like she was the one who was about to cry.
“We succeeded with the mission despite, let me remind you, crappy circumstances,” Spike said. “You didn’t let anypony down! You didn’t put Vigg up to that crazy stunt at the club, you couldn’t know they had a guy that had special training to spot your secret weapon, and it’s not your fault that the official guess for how big that rebel army is was completely wrong!”
“I should’ve aborted the mission at the club!” said Twilight. “Then we could have tried again, somehow, but I panicked. And me trusting that trinket was just as stupid as when Lord Eminence trusted his invisibility! And I helped making that estimate for the rebel army and I should have done so without wishful thinking! I can’t... blame others for my mistakes!”
Spike just opened his mouth to speak, exasperated, but nothing came out. Then he found his words.
“But you think Luna will?” he said. “Blame others, you mean? Blame you?”
It was Twilight’s turn to open and shut her mouth, fish-like.
“No,” she finally said. “I guess not.”
“Good,” said Spike. “Don’t... don’t worry about it. Relax. Luna will soon be here, and then you can talk to her about it. If you want to, I mean, you can wait until you get stronger...”
“I’ll talk to her, I’ll talk to her,” said Twilight.
“Good,” said Spike.
“How are you yourself with... what happened?” said Twilight after an awkward pause.
“With you nearly getting killed and fleeing for our lives and so on you mean?” said Spike. “Well, it was scary and all, but I mean, it’s over now, and...”
Twilight looked at him skeptically. Spike looked away.
“Okay, I was terrified, and I still am,” he said. “I mean, what if I’d found your toilet stuff in the tent?”
“What?” said Twilight.
“If I’d found you toilet things, I wouldn’t have dragged the saddlebags to the bathhouse, and then you wouldn’t have had those grenade things,” Spike said and wrung his claws. “Then... you could... I could... we never could have fought them off, you know? What would have happened then?”
Twilight looked to the roof.
“Well, I hope we would have had surrendered,” she said. “I hope we would have been that smart, I mean.”
“And then?” said Spike.
“We would have had to get free,” Twilight said. “I don’t know how, but we would have had to try.”
Spike sighed.
“Don’t think about that,” said Twilight. “You can’t go around and think what if and what if all the time. So much can happen at any given time. What if Sudden Gale had used another coat dye? What if Puddinghead hadn’t felt that grateful that day? What if Ahto and his deer had arrived twenty minutes earlier, when we were in the bath?”
“Yeah, but...” Spike began.
“You can’t think like that,” Twilight said. “If you think like that, everything becomes meaningless. Trust me. I plan too much, all the time, so I should know. If you think like that, nothing becomes safe. What if a book falls from a shelf at home and hits me in the head? There are ponies who’ve died from that.”
Spike still looked miserable.
“Don’t you remember, there’s a memorial in Canterlot library?” Twilight said.
“No there isn’t,” said Spike, and his mouth bent into a weak smile.
“Oh yes, a wall of white marble, with the names of the deceased in gold, and every day there will be ponies there putting flowers there...” Twilight said, mock serious, sweeping her hoof across the room to indicated the monument.
“Stop it, “ said Spike and started to giggle.
“I should know, there was many a study session I didn’t starve to death because I ate all those white lilies...” Twilight said.
Spike cracked up and started to laugh. Twilight joined in.
The nurse-nun looked a mixed of confused and appalled.
“So,” said Spike and wiped a different kind of tear off his face, “what were you doing when I came?”
“The Sister here was reading me the papers,” Twilight said. The reindeer smiled weakly. “I’m not allowed to use my horn, and I’m so clumsy with my hooves.”
“Well, since I’m here I could read for you,” said Spike. “I’m your assistant, right?”
“That’s nice, Spike... except you don’t read Poatsi,” Twilight said. “And these are mostly local papers.”
“Oh,” said Spike. “But... “mostly”. I could read the Equestrian papers!”
“It’s really only one,” said Twilight. “One week-old Equestria Daily. And the Sister here already read it for me.”
“But... I bet she missed something,” Spike said. “So I could re-read it. In a funny voice!”
Twilight laughed again.
“Alright Spike, let’s do that,” she said. “Re-read Equestria Daily for me, but in a funny voice!”
“As you wish!” said Spike and started to rummage through the papers. The nurse excused herself and snuck out the door.
“I’m so happy you managed to escape, Twilight,” said Princess Celestia as she hugged her student, “and that you are already doing so much better.”
“Me too, Lady Sparkle,” mumbled Luna and hugged her hoofmaiden from the other side of the bed. “I was so worried when I received Master Spike’s message.”
“Thanks for healing me, Princess,” said Twilight to Celestia and returned the hug. “And thanks for saving me, Princess!” she added, but to Luna.
“I was the one who put you in trouble in the first place!” Luna groaned. “I shouldn’t have sent a scholar and a child to confront violent fanatics!”
“No, Princess, I should have aborted the mission at Klubb Niffelhel!” Twilight said. “I have only myself to blame!”
They looked at each other with worry and shame,.
Celestia cleared her throat loudly.
“Sister,” she said. “My student. I am truly glad that you aren’t throwing blame at each other, but blaming yourself like that, even when it has a ring of truth to it, isn’t much better. Just remember that when you talk about this. It might even be helpful to tell each other what you thought the other did wrong. If nothing else, it will make further exercises in this vein easier and more fruitful.”
The princess and her hoofmaiden did not answer. Celestia sighed.
“Luna, the child you sent was a dragon child, not a foal or fawn,” she said. “With nigh-impenetrable scales, flaming breath and jaws that can cut metal.The scholar you sent is the most promising mage of a generation, and I have routinely sent her against evil trickster gods and insectoid succubi queens that I myself have no hope of defeating. Now, you’re right that they aren’t really trained in intelligence work, but you worked with what you had, Luna. You always have, to great effect.”
Luna didn’t look convinced but didn’t protest.
“Thanks for the recognition!” said Spike, though nopony took much notice of him
“Twilight, that was a reckless and thoughtless stunt, yes,” she said sternly. “However, acting under stress has always been your main weakness. With that in mind, you actually exploited the situation well, and, if I have understood Spike correctly, you can actually deliver the necessary information to Luna and Ukko. If you want to make up for your mistakes, concentrate on using that information wisely instead of regretting what’s done and gone.”
“Yes, Princess,” said Twilight Sparkle. “Do you want to hear a report now?”
“Great Wheels in heaven, no!” said Celestia. “Please tell us what happened to you, but no formal report. You and Spike can put one together and deliver it to the reindeer when you leave the hospital. I’m sure Luna will help you, since she knows how to interpret such data.”
“I will,” said Luna, “and my sister is right. The formal debriefing can wait. I mean, it is always good to have it fresh, but you should also be in shape to give it...But as for ‘further exercises’...”
She sighed.
“There will be no more, Lady Sparkle,” she said. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this mess, causing you shame, danger and sorrow. You have served the best you could, but after that report you and Master Spike you can go home to Ponyville.”
“What?!” squeaked Twilight. “You’re... sending me away?”
“Are you firing us?” said Spike.
“No!” said Luna. “It’s just that... after what happened there, with the camp, I cannot bear upon my conscience to employ you as my agent, Lady Sparkle.”
Twilight’s lips quivered, then she had tears in my eyes.
“I understand, “ she sobbed. “I fouled up. I wasn’t good enough. I - I’m so sorry, Princess! I’ve let you down! And... and, Equestria, and all the reindeer, and...”
Twilight began to cry, rather noisily. Spike glared at Luna, and then he went and hugged her.
“So there,” he said. “Don’t worry about it.”
“No!” said Luna. She looked desperately at Celestia, who merely looked back sadly. “Explain it to her, sister! We discussed this aforehand... Lady Sparkle, listen to me, forgive me!”
Twilight sobbed a bit quieter.
“I’m doing this for your sake!” Luna continued. “I truly mean that I forced you into things you were not prepared for, that went against your nature. I put you to this charade to exploit the natives’ prejudices... all this nonsense. I can’t imagine that you would like this to continue. I can’t imagine you don’t miss your friends! Please, Lady Sparkle... I mean... Please, Twilight!”
She put a hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder.
“If you want to stay, I’m happy to have you here,” she said. “I’d trust you with my life and all my secrets, and all I ask it that you only do it because you truly want to, Twilight.”
Twilight sniffed.
“Okay,” she said,”I’m sorry for being such a crybaby. I didn’t mean to. I’ve just... there’s been so much the last few days... And I’ve... been afraid I’ve failed you.”
She wiped her face, touched her crushed nose by mistake and winced.
“I’d love to stay,” she said, looking around her at her assistant, her teacher and her mistress. “I want to know how it ends, want to help it end, and I don’t want to let the reindeer down. Also... I started something, when I took care of Lord Eminence, and I have to see it through.”
“Then stay,” said Luna and smiled. So did Celestia.
“There’s just one thing,” Twilight said.
“Yes?” said Luna.
“Next time you send me out on a mission, I decide the cover story, okay?” she said.
“As you wish,” said Luna and smiled again.
“Nopony is gonna ask me?” said Spike.
“Oh my!” said Twilight. “Oh, I’m so sorry, did you want to go home?”
“Not really, but you could’ve asked,” Spike admonished her, and bopped her on the nose.
“Ouch!” said Twilight and shied away from him.
“Sorry!” said Spike. “I forgot about your nose. But it was kinda rude!”
“Your nose was badly hurt,” Luna stated, not asked.
“Yes, but the worst part is it gets... sorry, it gets filled up with mucus and blood and I’m not allowed to hornblow it, and it really hurt to do it by hoof,” Twilight said and looked sheepish. “I realize it’s no big problem compared to blood loss and poisoning, but...”
A bunch of tissue paper levitated up into her face. Luna gently touched Twilight’s horn when her own.
“Just blow,” she said.
Telekinetically assisted, Twilight snorted and cleared her nose without pain. Luna casually disintegrated the tissue paper so nopony had to confront its disgusting contents. Twilight breathed freely through her nose for the first time since she woke up.
“Thanks,” she said, as Luna wiped her nose once more with fresh tissues to be sure.
“It’s nothing,” said the princess acting as a nurse. “I’d love to stay and help my handmaiden as long as she cannot use her magic.”
“Oh, if it’s okay with the nurses...” said Twilight with embarrassment.
“They actually protested when Luna wanted to enter the hospital, since this is all sacred ground to the Sun or some such nonsense, but of course I told them to be sensible,” said Celestia.
“She later told them I kept going into her room and taking her hairbrushes, so she is used to it,” Luna snorted.
“But it’s true!” Celestia said.
“Only because you keep taking mine and putting them in your boudoir!” Luna retorted. “It is true, Lady Spa... Twilight! She sends her hoofmaidens to plunder my dresser!”
“I’m the victim here!” said Celestia with mock seriousness. “Look at this: they dedicate this whole building complex to me, and then I can’t decide who gets in and out!”
Twilight shook her head and watched a nurse hastily leaving the doorway when she must have been peeping in on them.
Well, I don’t have to play that role any more, but as long as I keep their Goddess of Nightmares blowing my nose when I’m sick, it’s not like they’ll stop staring like that, she mused.
“I still think the storehouses were closer to the beach,” said Spike.
“They just look further away because of the way the bay is drawn,” said Twilight.
“Well, Twilight, if you have any problems with how I drew the map...” said Spike.
“No no,” said Twilight, shaking her head. “The distance given is the important thing. Besides, I’m sure they have a real map they can compare it too.”
“Excuse me,” said a timid voice, a little cracked and hoarse, as if from too much smoking. Or too much crying.
A brown vaja, more fawn than doe, stood in the door. She was carrying a little white package on her antlers.
“Yes?” said Twilight and put away the papers she and Spike were working with (with her hooves, of course, curse Dr Arnica).
“Mistress Twilight!” said the little vaja and ran up to her bed. “Oh, Mistress!”
To Twilight’s later shame, it was the half-pretentious title that told her who the reindeer was. She didn’t look like herself very much.
“Saga!” she said and accepted a hug. “Thanks for coming by!”
The fawn gave her the package.
“Some sweets,” she said. “Oh, I hope you can eat them...”
“Thanks,” said Twilight. “You look, uh, different.”
The reindeer was wearing no makeup, no jewelry and no clothes except a blanket over her back, black with silver borders, that made Twilight wonder if it was an equivalent of the nurses’ gold-on-white clothes.
“I was i-in mourning,” the reindeer stuttered. “And I w-wasn’t in the m-mood anyway.”
Saga started to cry and Twilight hugged her because that is what you do.
“Mourning?” she said with confusion. “Oh Celestia’s sun, did your grandmother die?”
Spike had started to open the package of sweets, quaintly rolled into a little cone. He was by his position invisible to Saga but right in front of Twilight, and he rolled his eyes and pointed to her.
“I-i thougt you were d-dead,” Saga hiccoughed. “O-or w-w-worse!”
“Me!” Twilight said. “But I... yeah, I understand how you could think that was possible.”
They didn’t tell her! Twilight thought, and then: Of course not! It was a state secret!
“So, so,” she said, “I didn’t die, nothing really happened!”
Saga let go, looked up, and sniffed as her eyes sought out the IV, the bed, Twilight’s battered body.
“Okay, something happened,” Twilight admitted. “But it turned out okay, I will be fine...”
“Here, have a tissue,” said Spike and gave Saga one. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
“They... they actually told me the day before yesterday,” said Saga who looked a bit perkier. “When my Goddess came to tell me about the Quest for the Sampo...”
“The what?” said Twilight.
“Oh, I thought you were going?” said Saga. “My Goddess of the Night told me you were going... Aren’t you, Mistress Sparkle?”
Saga sounded despondent again, but Twilight thought she could hear a bit of a pretention in her voice as well.
As long as she is putting on her own very peculiar brand of airs, Saga still has some hope, Twilight thought. I just need to strengthen it. And if Princess Luna said that... she must have panicked about me being in her employ right here, right now, when she saw me...
“Princess Luna hasn’t told me anything about it,” said Twilight, “presumably because I was on a mission and she hasn’t had time to discuss the matter yet. I can guess what it’s about, but please tell me the details.”
“Oh,” Saga said, “apparently Princess Skinfaxi thought that there... my prophecy... that I was a seer after all. She convinced her sister and King Ukko, and she wants some deer, and some other people, to get up on Joukulvakt and get Sampo back because she thinks it really can save Tarandroland!”
“That’s... but that’s great, Saga!” said Twilight and smiled. “Of course I will come, if Princess Luna and Princess Celestia wants me to! I mean, that’s the thing I usually do when they ask me to save people, not this... intelligence work!”
Saga smiled back nervously.
“Oh so you are going?” she said. “And you want to go...”
“Why, magic is my special talent!” said Twilight enthusiastically. “I love stories of old artifacts and magicians, and...”
She trailed off as she realized something Saga had said.
“Look, Saga... I’m sorry if I ever doubted your Sight, or just sounded like if I did!” she said and took the reindeer’s hoof. “I mean, that’s your talent... seeing what’s possible. We grownups should probably have caught on earlier!”
“Thanks,” said Saga and looked down. “That... that’s really nice of you to say that. But it isn’t you who thought I was a false prophetess. It was... it was me. I... I still don’t really think I was right... before I wanted to convince everydeer, now it sounds weird when they tell me they believe in it... I mean, I guess I always thought it was a silly form of Sight anyway, not the kind a real priestess should have...”
“Wait wait,” said Twilight, “slow down. When did you become convinced you were wrong?”
“After the club,” she said. “When he... when that bucking rat lied to me, and to everydeer, and took all those stupid risks and almost got you and little Spike killed and all those poor deer in the club...”
Twilight grimaced at the swearing. Spike grimaced at being called “little”.
“Yeah,” Twilight said, “I can see why you wouldn’t want to do anything together with him...”
Except the deer in the club... she thought ...it might be his fault everything happened, but it was you, Twilight Sparkle, who bolloxed up a spell again under stress and caused that panic... How many was hurt? Did... did anypony die?! The papers didn’t say anything, but that was some time ago...
“That’s not it!” Saga said, interrupting her thoughts. “How can somedeer that dishonest, selfish and stupid be a hero who saves a country like that?!”
“Yeah,” said Twilight, “I understand how you’re thinking...”
“Exactly!” said Saga. “So if he cannot save Poatsula, then my vision wasn’t a vision. It was just a... a fantasy! It was my imagination going wild, it always does... it was just my sub-, my subwhatever trying to make myself important... I never had a real Sight fit for a priestess, like Gramma has or even like he has...”
“Subconscious,” said Twilight, “but if he can save Poatsula, then your vision was a vision, right?”
“Yeah...” said Saga and looked miserable.
“And Princess Celestia thinks so, and she has managed to convince her sister that it was a vision as well,” said Twilight. “I’m sure they do so with good reason, right?”
“Yeah...” Saga said. “For instance, My Goddess told me her Sister thinks the vision was a message from Karhu-Akka... like Her thinking very loudly when somedeer who could hear was nearby. She thinks the Mother of all Reindeer... and Trolls, I guess... she’s, she’s that kind of being that isn’t more straightforward than that.”
“And you believe her, right?” said Twilight and smiled.
“Yeah, sure...” said Saga, “but is that because she has a point, or because I’m selfish and vain and want to believe her?”
“I don’t think of the Princesses as deities like you do, and I... I trust them,” said Twilight. “Do you really think any of them would want to fool you?”
“I dunno,” said Saga, “I’ve... I’m turning into some kind of heretic... I’ve started to think that it’s like some of those fake sugar pills doctors give out, that they give everydeer this quest to believe in, and in the end it turns out we had it within us all along to save everything with friendship or something...”
Twilight laughed.
“Hey now, I’ve seen friendship save the world several times... though ancient artefacts, you know, magical thingamajigs...”
“I know!” said Saga and smiled.
“...were usually involved as well,” said Twilight. “But while that might be the case, there’s something which I have to tell you is much likelier. The princesses could have more information they cannot tell you, because you knowing it would screw up the prophecy! Nopony really predicts the future! Well, almost nopony... What they do is see or hear or understand what is most probable at any given time, and there are cases where knowing every details make you act so that what is prophesied becomes more improbable... and never happens!”
Saga looked confused.
“Can you explain that again, mistress?”
“Alright... when Princess Celestia knew that the return of Nightmare Moon was near, I had been reading prophecies about it,” Twilight said. “She knew all about them, she knew the background, she knew what would happen. But when I came to her and was worried, she dismissed my claims. She told me to go perform some chores in the podunk town Ponyville - oh, and make some friends in the bargain, since I was such a shut-in.”
“Oooh,” Saga said, “so that’s what..?”
“Well, I went under heavy protest, but right in Ponyville was where Nightmare Moon would return!” Twilight said, punctuating for emphasis with her hoof. “Right in Ponyville, because as far as I understood either fate or Celestia herself had manipulated things, lived the other five ponies who were most likely to fit as the bearer of the Elements of Harmony. In the chaotic Everfree Forest, just outside Ponyville, were the old ruins where the physical remains of the Elements of Harmony were hidden!”
“But she didn’t tell you where to find them, or even that Nightmare Moon were real...?” said Saga.
“No, because she knew me back then,” said Twilight and smiled. “While I was a likely candidate for bearer of the Element of Magic, I could never have managed to find the other five bearers if I did so consciously.”
“She would have forced everypony to fill in triplicate questionnaires based on some psychology textbook definition of ‘loyalty’, and so on,” said Spike, grinning.
“And even if she had told me who they were, both I and them would have behaved completely different and we wouldn’t have bonded like we did under a crisis,” Twilight continued. “I... I won’t say that I sometimes wonder whether she was right in not telling us more... but she definitely believed she thought she was right. So my guess is, that if she knows something that makes her certain what you saw in your prophecy was the likely future, and she isn’t telling...”
“It’s because she thinks me knowing exactly what will happen will make me acting so that what will happen will exactly not happen?” said Saga.
“Yes,” said Twilight. “You have to... figure things out for yourself for them to work.”
“That sentence gave me a headache,” said Spike. “Does the injured want some candy, or can her grieving relative have some first?”
“I think candy is essential for my recovery, in fact,” said Twilight and took some sweets and munched on them. “Take one yourself Saga - don’t be too greedy Spike.”
The youngsters helped themselves to some candy, Spike greedily, Saga a bit reluctantly.
“These are great!” said Twilight. “That was very nice of you, Saga! Imported candy must be expensive, and I didn’t think you had much money...”
Saga smiled, a bit too thinly.
“It’s okay, Mistress,” she said and unwrapped a second piece of candy carefully. “I just invoked an old pact with a powerful being. I’m usually... I don’t want to deal with him too much.”
“You conjured it up?” said Twilight. “I didn’t know you knew such a spell?”
“You asked your dad, right?” said Spike and carefully folded his candy wrapper.
“Yeah,” said Saga. When Twilight looked a bit confused, she added: “Dad knows how to get things like imported candy, and he can afford it. I don’t let him give me much otherwise.”
“Well,” said Twilight, “thank him from me!”
“You didn’t tell him the candy was for Twilight Sparkle, right?” said Spike.
“No,” said Saga, and added, to Twilight’s confusion: “None of his business.”
Yes, I'll continue to use FIMfiction as a publishing venue... for now. I'm still not happy with it, but I can never get the support I've built up at this place anywhere else. I'm talking about you readers, of course, a wonderful bunch who keep me doing this. Thanks!
Meanwhile, manure keeps piling up in real life. That's the reason (not the excuse) I'm publishing this now instead of polishing it further. I'm far from 100% satisfied, but letting it sit only blocks my creative processes. I need a bit of creating to weather this, and this creation who you are making possible is the best kind.
As usual, even more thanks to my proofreaders (this time, LadyMoondancer and Lurks-No-More) for their support with grammar, wording and understandability!
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 43 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2012-12-19T18:17:34+00:00
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2014-05-31T12:47:03+00:00
| 4,288 |
They had gathered, a council of war, in a remote loghouse. It was not within the walls of Castle Muorra, but on the outskirts of Sarvvik. It was shadowed by spruce, pine, and other gloomy evergreens, not that shadow was needed. The sun-poor Tarandrian winter was here, and it constantly snowed from the perpetually overcast skies.
There was a huge fire in the fireplace, but it didn't heat the rest of the room very well. Spike longed to go and sit down in it. It was strange, the older he got, the more he craved fire just like he craved gems and noble metals. He didn't budge from his place between Celestia and Twilight, however. He stayed not just to be polite, but also because he genuinely didn't want to miss the meeting. Although he suspected he wouldn't get to say anything...
At one side of the massive round pine table sat six warriors, heroic (allegedly) barbarians of the old sort, although a bit more rheumatic and phlegmatic these days. They had been sellspears and adventurers in the old days, before Ukko got this strange idea of challenging the chosen heir of the old king and become king himself. Ruling a realm had turned out to be hard, much harder than slaying dragons and trolls and evil sorceresses, and they were all on the edge of their seats, itching for something they knew how to do.
There also happened to be a dragon, a troll, and an evil (allegedly) sorceress at the table. Spike wasn't terribly worried over the Companion's reputation as monster-slayers, but it was clear Kvalhissir didn't like to be here. They didn't share a language, but Vigg had told him that Kvalhissir's mother used to scare the moose with Ukko and his exploits. "Eat your sedge or the Mooseslayer will make you into a hat!" and so on. Being at the same table as a boogeymane must be disconcerting, but Kvalhissir was doing it anyway, at the request of Luna.
As for Twilight, the token evil sorceress, she didn't look like one anymore, having discarded any pretenses to being the Skinfaxi’s Shadow along with Luna's cast-off clothes. Not that it helped. Spike could see the Companions’ eyes staring with even less trust now that she looked normal. Spike also saw that Twilight was oblivious to this. She was as happy as the old heroes with the talk of quests and artifacts. She had gathered a thick wad of research notes she was smilingly re-sorting.
Opposite the six heroes sat two divine (allegedly) princesses, one dark, one light. The dark one was nervous and her brow furrowed faintly. The light one was calm, and her mouth smiled faintly. From below, Spike saw her left wing moving slightly, touching her sister’s, to offer inconspicious support. They had each brought an entourage of sorts, sitting to either side. Celestia had Spike, Twilight, Vigg and his mother. Ljufa had placed herself between Vigg and the nefarious mare. She kept fidgeting nervously, as if Twilight’s tail posed some threat just by touching her. Vigg seemed unhappy, yet quiet and solemn, and kept looking at the ceiling.
On Luna’s side were some unicorn guy Spike didn’t recognise, Kvalhissir, Eira and then Saga right next to the Princess. Spike had trouble seeing the fawn. However, she was just as unadorned as when she visited the hospital some days ago. It gave him an eerie feeling to see her like that. When he leaned out and tried to wave at her or at least see better, he saw Luna moving one of her great wings, caressing the fawn’s back reassuringly. Saga smiled nervously.
Well, ain’t this a daisy, as Applejack would say, Spike thought. The big questers on this here quest looks really pepped and positive and other things beginning with ‘P’.
Next to Vigg, outside the three slices of influence, sat Jarl Vidar, Vigg’s uncle. He kept studying the faces around him, neither chomping at the bit, nor nervous and apprehensive.
He - he’s found the quickest escape route, Spike thought, but he doesn’t think he’ll have to use it. It’s just in case.
Ukko stomped his hoof to the table.
“Let get this started,” he said, thankfully in Equestrian, though with a thick, gravelly Tarandrian accent. “The war is here and we can’t avoid it. But the temple of Hrimfaxi, they say they have a prophetic. They say my daughter’s son can find the Sampo, and can use the Sampo to win war against Winter.”
He paused, allowing a concerned glance to move first at Vigg, then onward to end at Saga and Eira.
“The gods of Night and Day say it a good prophetic. I say so too. I calls everydeer here to hear plans, to prepare for journey to gather the Sampo,” he continued.
His companions nodded and the huge fat one laughed as he said something in Poatsi.
“Questions later, Heikko! And talk Equestrian,” said Ukko and looked first at him, then at the gathered foreigners. “They don’t all speak Reindeer.”
“No questions,” said Heikko. “Was just to say, fawn is better than you think. Good you trust him finally.” He grinned towards Vigg, who perked up visibly.
Ukko scowled.
“Comments later as well,” he barked. “I must speak as prepared!”
“Okay, okay,” said the rotund reindeer said as he shrugged.
“We will send a party, with help from Equestria, to travel to Joukulvakt where Sampo is been buried,” he continued.
If he prepared it, he didn’t mean write it down, Spike thought. Twilight and that unicorn guy are the only ones acting like in an Equestrian meeting...
“The young seer of Hrim... of Princess Luna know way to the corpse of Wiglek the Wicked, who must have fallen next to Sampo, who last had the Sampo,” he continued. “So we can find the Sampo. If her spell wavers, Princess Celestia’s apprentice has spell in reserve. Using antler relique. We find the Sampo!”
At this Ukko actually smiled and stamped his hoof. His companions cheered in their own ways. Mustikka smirked slightly, while Heikko and Skiold whooped loudly and slapped each others’ backs.
“When at Joukulvakt, in right place, Lady Sparkle -” he indicated Twilight “- has enhorning magic to witch-lift away ice and snow. If not enough... “ He pointed to Kvalhissir. “Princess Luna’s troll servant has troll magic for move great mass of things. We dig up the Sampo!”
There was more cheering, this time followed by general goodwill around the table. Vigg and Saga both just smiled nervously and avoided each others gaze. Eira whispered in Kvalhissir’s big ear, probably translating for him. The moose shrugged.
“Now, journey is dangerous!” Ukko continued, after silencing his more rowdy companions with another scowl. “There is killing cold and blizzards who... how do you say, drowns?”
“Suffocates, father?” said Princess Ljufa and mouthed the word in Poatsi.
“Yes... suffocates and... covers?” Ukko said, scowling again, seemingly at himself.
“Buries,” Mustikka suggested.
“Yes, the blizzards which will suffocate you, bury you,” he said, and his visage turned sad as he glanced at Vigg. “Like so many reindeer...” Vigg turned his gaze away and clenched his teeth.
“There are also monsters of the ice... and bad spirits!” he continued, waving his front hooves for emphasis. “Skoll packs, hovering hrasvaelgs, tursakalfar... I don’t know all name in Equestrian...”
Twilight cleared her throat.
“Maybe I can help you translate, Your Majesty. Skolls are called ice-wargs in Equestrian,” she said. “They are a canine people related to the diamond dogs, but adapted to arctic climes. They can burrow through snow and ice and eat flames and light. It’s said their greatest goal is to one day eat the sun.”
She looked a bit nervously at Princess Celestia.
“It’s a good thing I’m not coming then, I think,” said the Sun Princess gently. “Carry on, Twilight.”
“Skoll our oldest enemy,” Ukko interrupted. “Not just dumb beast, but thinking talking people. Every year, they fight to make sun go away, for spring and summer disappear forever.”
Twilight had stopped her explanation, but Ukko waved to her to carry on.
“Hraesvalgs are nature spirits... beings of the wind,” Twilight explained. “They are almost like large birds of prey, crossed with huge maggots. They mostly strike at other spirits, but they like to eat... corpses. They try to disorient people, so they will fall down crevices, or be caught in avalanches... so they get something to eat, burrowing into it. And if somepony disturbs them while they are pecking inside it, they can make the corpse stand up and walk...”
The unicorn guy and Princess Ljufa looked disgusted, and Spike share their experience.
How does a cross between a maggot and an eagle look? Spike thought. Who comes up with this stuff?
The companions chuckled among themselves, as if considering a good memory, except Galderhorn, who looked morose. Kol patted him and said something soothing in Poatsi.
“And tursakalfar... we would call them ice elementals,” Twilight continued. “Mindless like all elementals, but fairly destructive. They’re like when an iceberg has a large mass of ice fall off, about as big as a house... except the ice-mass just rumbles away off by itself, dragging up mud and gravel and so on until it breaks up and melts.”
There was another pause while the gathering pondered this.
“Whatabout nidhoggs?” said Spike, but he had some trouble speaking clearly.
“What?” said Ukko brusquely. “Speak up!”
“S-sorry, Your Majesty,” said Spike. “What about nidhoggs?”
“Ah!” said Ukko and grinned. “That won’t be a problem! See, there are bad news, but right now them good news! See, there are no nidhogg left by Joukulvakt. They have all reached tree-line, and now is eating the forests... Tarandroland’s life-wood... That is the bad news, very bad. But, you who will travel will bypass forest and go directly past the tree-line, so there will be no nidhoggs!”
“Bypass how, Your Majesty?” said Twilight.
King Ukko grinned wider. Spike noticed for the first time he was missing several teeth.
He doesn’t smile that often... he thought.
“I think Princess Celestia better tell that!” he said and nodded gracefully.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Celestia. “We have the good fortune to have the assistance of an Equestrian captain of industry, a certain Mr Wingwright. He manufactures sky chariots, and has a testing facility here in Tarandroland.”
“Why, Your Highness?” said Jarl Vidar, given voice to the unspoken question from others at the table.
“Because the untamed weather of Tarandroland is excellent for ensuring they can make sky chariots that can stand the milder weather in the Duchy of Vanhoover,” Celestia said. “Safety is paramount in Equestrian manufacturing, as I’m sure you know. Hence, he has a small group of pegasi trained to fly in this weather, and enough chariots to carry the expedition over the forests from the facility north of Sarvvik. They have been encouraged by their employer to enlist in the Winter War anyway, and just like Mr Wingwright, will be happy to help.”
The gathering nodded to each other and mumbled.
“Oh, sorry,” said Celestia and frowned, “a small mistake: that should be Sir Wingwright. Seems the gentlecolt recently received a knighthood.” Her frown turned into a grin as she looked at Luna, who shrugged.
“We thought they could need some new knights in Vanhoover,” Luna said.
“Wait,” said Spike, “if we have a way of flying the whole... gang there, why don’t we fly all the way to Everfrost Glacier?”
“Because with this weather, flying becomes more dangerous than going by hoof or ski, young Spike” said Luna. “Not even these pegasi are trained for this weather, but the reindeer who will go on the journey are trained to travel in it. They’ve done it all their lives. This is just to shorten the trip and avoid the nidhogg threat. They are the most numerous monsters, after all.”
“As for who goes on this journey...” Ukko said. “First, my grandson must go, if the prophetic is true and he is to save Tarandroland. Jarl Vidar, his uncle, brother to my sad missed son-in-law, will follow with a dozen of best of herd, to guide and protects him. Then, the fawn prophet, who tell what to do. Then, to get the Sampo, Lady Sparkle and Princess Luna’s troll servant.”
His name is Kvalhissir! Spike thought but didn’t say anything.
“His name is Kvalhissir,” said Vigg suddenly.
Ukko shot him an angry glance.
“What?!” he almost snarled. Everyone flinched a bit, and Spike saw that Ljufa did so the most.
Poor doe, he thought.
“His name, grandfather, is Kvalhissir,” Vigg said. He hadn’t flinched. His hithereto downcast eyes were glowing with anger. “He’s helping us save your kingdom. You can try to learn his name.”
Ukko looked at him. His nostrils widened. He breathed heavily.
“And Princess Luna’s troll servant, Kvalhissir,” he said. “Have I missed any others?” He glared at Vigg.
“Well, grandfather, I guess that Lady Sparkle will bring Spike the Dragon,” Vigg said. “Seeing as he is not just her familiar, but her foster-son, assistant and link to the goddesses.”
“The fylgia - yes, that is so,” Ukko mumbled, looking at Spike again.
“Or...” Vigg dared to look at Twilight. “Is Spike sitting this one out, Lady Sparkle?”
“I couldn’t do something like that without him,” Twilight said and smiled at Spike. “Isn’t that true, Spike.”
“Yes,” said Spike. “Yes! Of course!”
Skiold said something in Poatsi. He sounded disappointed.
“Talk Equestrian!” Ukko said, scowling. “And why?”
“I said I don’t like it,” said Skiold. “And I don’t like it, because it is wrong done!” He still sounded disappointed.”
He turned to the others with furrowed brow.
“What hero goes on a quest with a herd of warriors?” he said. “A hero goes alone… or with…” He made a sweeping gesture around him, mumbling, looking for a word.
“His boon companions!” said Kol solemnly. “I agree, Your Majesty. You don’t send somedeer on a quest with that many helpers. It’s simply not done.”
Ukko looked at his companions with disbelief, and most other people around the table had gaping mouths.
“Says who?!” snapped Mustikka, standing up and leaning towards Kol.
“It is not what is done in the sagas!” said Kol. “You never hear the skalds sing about the brave hero and his hundred bodyguards who went in search of the holy chalice or the mystic spear.”
“It’s not what I meant,” said Skiold who had I’m not with this guy you have to understand that painted on his face all of a sudden. “I meant that not what we did! We did great deeds, with no army!”
“This isn’t one of your sagas!” said Mustikka and slammed a hoof down into the table. “We have to think practically!”
“Pragmatically?” Twilight suggested but no one seemed to hear.
“Do you think I would faced dangers, risked my life with only you, if I had had army?” barked Ukko to Skiold.
“It’s not just sagas,” Kol protested. “It’s the Hero’s Journey! It’s the same in – in novels, in moving pictures…”
“So, we’re not good enough?” barked Skiold to Ukko.
“This is not a saga, not a book, not movie, not television… not song or newspaper article or… cartoon!” Mustikka shouted at Kol. “This is reality! We have to succeed! Don’t matter if… stylish!”
Ukko shouted something back to Skiold in Poatsi.
“You the one said talk Equestrian!” said Skiold and pouted.
“I said: I… we risked all when alone,” Ukko said. “We’re not alone now. Not yet anyway…”
The old stag looked sadly at Skiold.
“I couldn’t have army, but my grandson can have an army,” he said. “He must have an army…”
“It’s not like my people are a whole army, anyway,” said Jarl Vidar, trying to smile soothingly. “We’re talking two dozen deer, maybe three.”
Skiold looked between him and Ukko.
“Unfortunately, they great warriors,” said Ukko caustically. “If that bother you?”
“I can send only clumsy cowards, if that makes Skiold happy,” said Vidar and smiled.
“No,” said Skiold quietly. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Sir Kol,” said Celestia smoothly, “I think you will find it easier to swallow if you consider this a war epic, not a heroic journey.”
“What?” said Kol and Mustikka, who were glaring at each other.
“You’re trying to view this undertaking through the lens of a certain kind of fiction,” Celestia said. “I’m not going to argue with you about this… world-view, but I suggest you have chosen the wrong genre. This is like a war epic, where a king trots to victory or defeat with his army, not like a heroic quest, where the hero gathers a small number of companions looking for a heavily symbolic goal. I understand if it looks like one, but you’ll see it doesn’t fit, if viewed closely.”
“Well… when Your Highness phrases it like that…” said Kol, musing.
Mustikka just stared at him.
“Am wrong,” he said, shaking his head. “Is cartoon. This is crazy!”
“Are we done discussed this?” said Ukko. “Everydeer knows who will go, and where, and how, and why?”
Slowly, everyone around the table nodded. Including Kvalhissir.
How much did he understand, really? Spike wondered.
“Good. We try to leave in three days,” Ukko said. “Now, there are questions about details. Know there will be.”
He looked around the table.
Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat and raised a hoof.
“Yes, Lady Sparkle?” Ukko said.
Twilight looked at Luna, then Celestia, then Luna again. They looked back.
“We haven’t talked about one possible danger yet,” she said. “We’re going to search for the Sampo using the lead Saga has on Wiglek the Wicked’s corpse. Except… apparently Wiglek isn’t really dead.”
A this, there was murmur around the table. Eira and Ukko nodded knowingly, the Companions gasped audibly. Saga fidgeted in her seat. The unicorn guy Spike didn’t recognize looked incredulous. Vigg looked at Celestia. Jarl Vidar raised an eyebrow.
Luna cleared her throat.
“What do you want to know, Lady… Twilight?”
“Why isn’t he dead but… undead?” she said quietly. “Why hasn’t he done anything, if he is still around? And who is he, really?”
“I can answer that,” said Luna. Celestia looked at her encouragingly. “I should have done that long ago. Back when… when I was a… a very bad pony, an evil pony, he was one of my servants. Back when I was becoming Nightmare Moon.”
Twilight didn’t look surprised, but nodded sadly. Spike didn’t feel that surprised either, although he felt maybe he should have.
“Working for an omnicidal maniac didn’t have much ‘job security’ as they call it nowadays, and I ended up… I ended up doing something horrible to Wiglek ,” Luna said. “I will show you. I will show you what I did.”
Her mane moved, spread over the table, seeped out and formed a pool of starry sky in the center of it. The pool shimmered and, bending forward to it, they could see a reflection….
A blasted heath, frost-seared by nidhogg breath.In the center, ritual objects were scattered: strange dusts burned from deerskull bowls, dried batwings fluttered from the antlers of long-gone witches, and black candles sputtered in the wind, stuck on mummified hoofs of glory. Around it, skinny sarvs and vajas danced, their coats smeared with blood and ashes, chanting as they struck clattering bones and dried rune-sticks together. A lone, hunched figure, a sarv still a fawn, was keeping the beat on a witch-drum as he chanted an invocation.
“Queen of the Night! Princess of Air and Darkness! Ruler of the Night Court! Keeper of bats, grower of nightshade! Beyond good and evil, the volva of night! The sickle and disc and veil! Ever beautiful! Ever vengeful! Ever victorious! She who Is! Mare in the Moon, Hrimfaxi, Daggmule, Selene, LUNA! I SUMMON THEE!”
At his last words, shrieked to the night sky, he spat or vomited out a strange tangle of luminous threads into one of the skull bowls, where it made the dust explode and go out with a disappointingly small ‘pop’.
“By the strands of kinship I summon thee!” he continued hoarsely. “By the threads of fate I bind thee! By the hair of thy back I summon thee!”
He stopped and panted wordlessly, keeping the beat on the drum as he anxiously watched the skies. This seemed to keep up for ever as despair crossed his face. Then…
Black clouds formed above, started to swirl. Thunder roared right overhead and lightning struck the ground around the dancing chanting cultists, who screamed in horror and fell to the ground rolling and praying for mercy.
Down from the skies descended Princess Luna, surrounded by swarm of bats and a cloud of moon-moths. It was a younger, fiercer Luna, but more importantly she was wearing light, decorative barding she would never have worn today.
“Nightmare Moon!” Twilight whispered.
“Not yet,” came Luna’s voice, tinged with sorrow and shame. “No, this was just in the beginning… back when that was just a harsh compliment…”
Luna landed in the middle of the congregation and trotted to Wiglek, who fell to his knees and bowed his head, peering at the alicorn
“Dream-harvester, Wolf-herder, Nightmare Moon…” he babbled.
“Shut up, pathetic fool!” she shouted. “How dare you summon Us, cervine child carved from dry pine? A stupid savage like you, not even a pony?! Give Us a reason not to rend your soul and flesh right now!” .She stamped one of her delicate yet oh-so-strong hooves down on his head, shattering both his rune-painted skull helmet and the wards laid upon it, smashing his face down in the muck.
He tried to speak but could only whimper into the earth.
“Speak up!” she shouted. “We cannot hear you, you pathetic worm!”
He fought, terrified, to raise his head just a bit, to spit out the dust and grit. Blood trickled from his mouth.
“I want to make a pact, oh your majesty of night!” he shrieked. “A pact by the old laws, the laws of old!”
“Pact?” said Twilight. “But that’s… primitive mages just thought they could do that with… with demons, like… “
“The laws of old actually works on many kinds of beings, Twilight Sparkle,” said Celestia. “Both me and Luna have done so in times past. We will explain later. Just listen to Luna’s story for now.”
“Oh?” Luna still snarled, though her hoof was lifted from Wiglek’s head so he could raise it a bit. ”And pray what do you think a pathetic little witch-doctor like you can offer Us, the diarch of the world’s greatest realm, the ruler of the night skies, the creator of the world’s greatest people? We should strike you all down now!”
She glared at the summoner.
“No! Please! Have mercy!” he babbled, and Luna’s lips turned into a cruel smile when she saw his fear, like a cat playing with a mouse. “Listen! My – my brother is the king! He listens to me! I can make it so that all of Poatsula worships you like a goddess, your highness!”
“Worship Us…?” Luna said. She looked thoughtful, her stance relaxing.
“Like they worship your sister!” Wiglek babbled. “Temples and altars, prayers and priesthood…”
A grin for a second flickered across Luna’s face, a genuinely happy grin, like a foal who discovered a longed-for toy in a package on Hearth’s Warming Eve. Just for a second. Then it disappeared, just as if said foal just remembered it was angry with its parents and refused to show happiness until that was sorted out.
“And what do you want from Us for this service, little savage?” she said.
”Make me immortal!” he shouted, half standing up. “I want to live forever!”
For a moment it looked like Luna would snarl again, and she raised her hoof, but then she seemed to suddenly realize something and smiled instead.
“Oh, if your promise Us Our… cult, then We will make it so that you never die!” she said.
“Really?” said Wiglek, looking up at her, and now the watchers realised he must have been very young, Saga’s age or less.
“Oh yes, cervine child carved from dry pine, your soul will never pass into the Summer Lands,” she said and smiled mischievously at him.
“Then – then – “ he swallowed, “then let’s make the pact, damsel of darkness!”
And hoof touched hoof and blood flowed and very old words were spoken.
“To show my good faith” said Luna, “I’ll grant you your wish at once!”
He nodded feverishly and babbled thanks, but she shushed him.
“This takes some concentration!” she said and shut her eyes. She breathed in, and breathed out, and suddenly a flame hovered at her lips, black where a real flame is red, purple where a real flame is yellow, ice cold were a real flame is hot. She pushed Wiglek over on his back and leaned down. He whimpered. She put her muzzle over his chest and blew the dark flame into his heart.
He screamed.
He rolled around on the ground and screamed. They all shuddered, because not only could they hear his voice, somehow they could feel the pain in their bones, especially the sensitive reindeer.
His followers, who had covered on the ground around him, had eased up a bit when not directly threatened by smiting, but now they pressed themselves into the ground again, as if they could burrow into it. Luna stood above him, smiling benevolently, her eyes shining with excitement.
“It works!” she murmured. “It works as I expected!”
As he finally calmed down, he lay panting on the ground. He looked up at Princess Luna, and then he stood up just to prostrate himself properly.
“Is this… this how immortality feels, oh mare in the moon?” he asked.
“For some of us, it does,” she said honestly.”Now, let’s talk about Our worship. We never considered reindeer essential… but maybe We can use you…”
The aetherical image faded away. The congregation was silent.
“That was not my proudest moment,” Luna sighed. “So when you wanted to know more about Wiglek the Wicked, Twilight, I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. I dearly hoped that it wouldn’t be necessarily – and as I did tell you youngsters, there are several problems with using the Sampo for anything. But it has come to this, and my sister has convinced me that it is important you know some things about him. I don’t know if I can ever earn some kind of forgiveness, but that’s not important right now.”
The congregation rustled a bit. One of Celestia’s wings gently touched Luna’s wing for support.
“Do you have any questions about what Luna just told you?” said Celestia.
“I’m not a mage,” said Mustikka. “What did that… thing do to him? What is he? What can he do?”
“That thing was part of the Nightmare,” said Luna. “The Nightmare is an essence... or perhaps more correctly a principle, which I used to make myself... stronger. Fiercer. More... certain. You can compare it both to the drugs sold by alchemists to boost an athlete’s strength, a stiff drink to calm your fears by dampening your judgement, and a lie you tell yourself to be able to act. I... can’t put it much better than that.”
“What I did to Wiglek I had never done before, and never really got around to do again, but I had done similar things both before and after,” Luna continued. “That spark of Nightmare should bind his soul to his mortal flesh. It can never leave it. He can never truly die, his corpse animated and intelligent for all forseeable future. Further, the power will try to restore his flesh if it is rent, though maybe somewhat... clumsily.”
“How fast?” said Mustikka. “After all, my flesh restored if rent.”
“Very fast, and even the greatest injury can be healed eventually,” Luna said. “The only way to truly incapacitate him should be to crush him to dust, burn him to ashes, or grind him to paste, and his soul would still not be free. But despite this... he should miss many features of true life... body functions like breathing and eating, sensations like warmth and cold... “
“He didn’t notice this when you did it to him, Your Highness?” said the unicorn fellow, visibly shaken. Spike thought he had seen him before...
“The... greatest effects should not have taken effect until he actually... died,” said Luna. “That was a feature of the spell, so to speak.”
“But you not certain of all,” said Skiold. “After all, he only...” He waved his healthy hoof.
“Lich,” said Twilight Sparkle, somewhat weakly. “The correct necrological term for this kind of undead is lich.”
Skiold and Luna both looked at her. She looked back, the longest at Luna.
“Only lich there is,” Skiold said.
“What the Princess said fits with what has been postulated by ancient unicorn wizards, based on what is known about the ‘Nightmare’,” Twilight explained. “Most of what known is found in old grimoires like The Book of Horrors, which catalogues, uhm, various horrors. It fits with what the Nightmare could do to the living as well as to normal corpses. For instance, it could animate the... fresh corpse of a pony to something actually called a ‘nightmare’...”
“Right, a ‘helhest’ we call it,” said Mustikka. “So, he immortal draugr?”
“Lich,” said Twilight, but Spike didn’t think anyone but him heard her.
“Ha!” said Skiold. “Remember, we have fighted draugr. You cut them up, they cannot hurt you, even if no dead!”
“What he do more?” Mustikka said. “He was wizard, yes?”
“I... do not know much about Wiglek’s actual skills,” said Luna. “He wasn’t that kind of servant. What little other contact I had with him after our first meeting, I simply gave him and his cult orders, and they followed them using their own initiative. I think he did not know much actual magic himself, but relied upon his wits and pact magic like the one I described.”
“I can confirm the pact magic,” said Celestia. “I had more contact with Tarandroland some years later and heard some things about his powers, and in addition he summoned me once as well, offering an enormous piece of amber in return for some magics.”
“Yes, I remember you told me,” said Luna. She smiled sadly a little and looked at her sister. “Even evil sorcerers preferred your company to mine!”
“If it will make you feel better,” said Celestia, “after our recent discussions I have reached the conclusions that he did so to summon you.”
“Why?” said Spike. “Did he need permission? An address?”
“No, but you’re close, Spike,” said Celestia. “You need some sort of connection to the target when using summoning magic. The closer the connection the easier the summoning and summoning somepony like me or Luna isn’t easy. Wiglek asked for pact magic in a very classical way from me. Very minor powers, but since I and Luna are siblings he could use that to make contact with Luna.”
“What did he ask for?” asked Twilight. “And pact magic... how does it work?”
“He wanted a lock of my mane,” said Celestia.
Everybody stared at her. Luna actually smirked a bit.
“Not as a lover’s token,” she said sternly. “It was an easy way to transfer the magic he wanted, to spread light and warmth. I’m sure you all realise that such a power is useful in a cold land like this. He must have kept some of it for the ritual. And how it works...”
“They call it a sacred pact, but you really just trade with each other,” Luna said. “Knowledge, wealth, a service like I and Wiglek offered each other... or power. I’m sure Master Galderhorn, as a spirit worker, recognize the principles.”
“Yes,” said Galderhorn with his soft voice, “I do. But few spirits can give power you speak of without hurting self.”
“Please specify ‘power’, Princess Luna,” said Twilight, looking both confused and a bit unhappy.
“I could teach a spell as my part of a pact,” said Luna. “However, what is often done instead is to transfer a very small part of your magic energy to the one you’re making a deal with. To make a ridiculous example, I could take a small part of my ability to raise the moon and give it to you. That would let you raise the moon, maybe once, or whatever we agreed on. If you want it to fit better with current magical theories, think of it as giving someone a half-cast spell. This takes very little time, the target doesn’t need to have any talent or training or even the horn necessary for most spell magic, and the one who gives the power knows it is limited. That gives a feeling of control, and the pact-maker might come back for more, if you wish. People like Wiglek can accumulate a lot of magic like that if they’re lucky.”
“Lucky and polite,” said Celestia. “No one likes to be summoned. If done correctly, you cannot help but answer, but you don’t have to agree to anything. If an entity comes physically, like Luna did, the summoner must hope her wards hold, or she might be hurt or even killed by an angry spirit or demon or whatever it is she has tried to strike a pact with.”
“That’s not counting the price that must be paid when you make a pact,” said Luna. “Many beings that can be summoned, like our aunts and uncles, are so different from mortal ungulates that it is very hard to come up with something they want. The best bet, unfortunately, is the prisoners of Tartarus.”
“The old monsters and beasts, Your Highness?” said the unicorn fellow. “Why? Aren’t they all horrible demons?”
“That’s where the idea of deals with demons come from, yes,” said Celestia. “There’s really no punishment in Tartarus besides being unable to leave and the company of those who deserve to be in Tartarus. That is enough for most of the prisoners, though, and they are desperate for any release. Many of them can send some small part of themselves out via astral projection if summoned. Any little whiff of magical energy is welcome, so they can either work on getting free or change the environment of Tartarus to suit them better. Pact mages is basically the only way to get that.”
“That’s why we outlawed such things long ago, except under very special circumstances,” said Luna, “and most nations do the same. Even the goat tribes, who have a deep love for pact magic, stay well away from Tartarus.”
“This didn’t stop some sorcerers from trying, of course,” said Celestia. “They used to have a widespread subculture in Equestria. There are even established pacts you could use, knowing that Krastos would give you power over living bone if he had a sacrifice with a healthy skeleton, for instance.”
“There are still a few grimoires left with lists of the rules to use and the possible invocations, as they called them... ‘Angry Crimson Cloud of Destruction’, ‘Tirek’s Black Rainbow’...” Luna said.
“...’The Ever-Nimble Five-Clawed Paws of Hubbodamaster’,” said Celestia. “I’m fairly certain Wiglek had access to such teachings, from the rumors I heard, though I don’t know how much magic he had left when he died... remember, this is nothing that you can easily use repeatedly!”
“So,” said Mustikka, “Wiglek the Wicked is a invulnerable living corpse, who can call all powers of Niffehel. He has reasons to hate most important ally, and if legends true, wants to rule Poatsula. Are there good news?”
“Well, I don’t think you have to meet him,” said Luna.”All our gathered lore says he is still buried in Joukulvakt. I can’t imagine him not taking action for a thousand years otherwise. This... knowledge is just in case you accidentally free him while digging the Sampo out. I hope we can avoid that.”
“How would we know him from any other frozen.. corpse?” said Spike. His neck-spikes was standing on end.
I don’t want to run into any undead reindeer warlocks. This is scary enough as it is.
“The influence of such magics as move him should be visible to the Sight,” said Eira, “once you get close enough. As should an artefact as ancient as the Sampo.”
“Yes,” said Twilight, worrying. “I think it’s more a question of being careful when digging, if they lay close, and they should... But Prin... Luna, why can’t we use the Elements of Harmony? If Wiglek gets out, I mean? Shouldn’t they purify him of the Nightmare and break the spell that animates him?”
“There is no way I’m letting the world’s greatest magic massive destruction into my country under your control!” said Ukko.
“Grandpa!” said Vigg and stood up with his forehooves on the table.
“They - they aren’t a magic of destruction, Your Highness!” said Twilight and imitated Vigg. “They’re a magic of - of friendship and harmony!”
“So, so, calm down, Twilight Sparkle!” said Celestia. “You as well, young prince. It might be better this way. First, I don’t want to send all of our element bearers to the arctic unless necessary. Second, just like I or Luna would take a great risk if we helped Twilight dig or travel, using such a powerful artefact that close to Auntie would be a bad idea.”
Yeah, if Grumpygramp here already had Wiglek on the loose, I’m sure he wouldn’t say no to the Elements! Spike thought.
“So if you do raise him accidentally, try to hinder him and then - run!” said Luna. “Bury him in the snows again, lure him down a crevice, pull off one of his limbs and throw it as far you can... and if you have no clear shot, just grab the Sampo and run. Get it and Prince Vigg to safety.”
“I - not that I complain, Your Highness, but why me in the first place?” said Vigg. “Is it because I’m the Prince, or...”
“Because young Saga’s prophetic say that you will use it, Viggo” said Ukko. “We have no use of, except you.”
“The Sampo is dangerous,” said Luna. Celestia nodded. “It was cursed by our great uncle Discord, the cruel trickster. It’s even dangerous to use for the immortals, and when mortals use it, well...” She shrugged and shook her head.
“When mortals use it, you must provide the curse with a cruel laugh, or it will just respond with its own cruelty,” said Celestia. “Unless you are very careful, the Sampo will twist every wish you make.”
“How can I do that, then, if nodeer else can?” said Vigg. “What...”
He turned to Saga but didn’t really meet her eyes.
“What did you see?” he said. “Miss Saga,” he added when she hesitated.
“I - I saw that you would be the one to save Poatsula with the Sampo... Your Highness,” she said. She fidgeted.
“How?” he asked. “How!”
“It’s... it’s hard to describe a vision to somedeer else, they’re not just logical or in sequence...” she said. “I tried to make some verses before but they only became... sentences... And prophecies should be in verse...”
“Anything!” said Vigg. “Please,” he added.
“Try, dear,” said Eira.
“Alright,” sighed Saga.
She leaned backwards, breathed deeply and suddenly rolled her eyes back so that only the white showed. “The White Prince will save the country, for he shares the enemy’s colour. The White Prince must make two wishes, not three, no more. The White Prince will... the White Prince will doom the country and be free, but it will be a lesser doom and the freedom will... be bitter.”
“That was... not very helpful!” said Vigg.
Saga looked hurt and mumbled something.
“I think it can be very helpful,” said Ljufa suddenly. “Prophecies must be pondered, dear.”
I wanna know what the colour of his coat has to do with anything, Spike thought. It’s not as if Twilight is the element of magic because she’s purple!
“I agree,” said Kol. “In additions, such things become apparent when you face them in reality.”
“Fine,” Vigg sighed. “I’ll do my best.” He squirmed when his mother tried to give him a reassuring hug.
“I think we talked all things we musted,” said Ukko. “There is many minor practical things, but better talk with those responsible. Like prophetic, please talk with Kol and Galderhorn,”
He pointed to his companions and smiled, actually quite gently, towards Saga.
Kol said something in Poatsi.
“Fine, fine, but that is what you talk in little group, later before travel!” Ukko said irritatedly. “Is there any other questions before meeting ends, and we drink and eat?”
Twilight cleared her throat.
“I have one, Your Majesty... I mean, it’s for Princess Luna,” she said.
The reindeer king nodded.
Luna turned towards Twilight again. Her voice cracked a little.
“Yes, L... Twilight?” she said.
“Why did you do it?” Twilight said. “Why did you... curse him?”
“I... as I said, I was an evil pony back then,” Luna said.
“That’s no explanation,” Twilight almost chided. “Evil ponies have reasons for what they do. They may be bad reasons, but they have them.”
“It is hard to explain... but I’ll try,” Luna sighed. “Just as you promise to take it as an explanation and not an excuse. I don’t like other ponies making up excuses for my actions.”
“As you say, Princess,” said Twilight and nodded.
“First - when you’re an immortal, being summoned is not only an irritating inconvenience of the highest order, it’s deeply shameful,” Luna said. “Even if I had been my even older, milder and kinder self I’d been very angry if summoned.”
“I know I was,” said Celestia. “It’s true.”
“And as I said this isn’t an excuse, but because of that, and because this wasn’t my even older kinder milder me, I was prepared to strike him and his followers down,” Luna said. “I suppose you would have understood that even if you didn’t condone it, Lady Sparkle?”
“Oh yes,” said Twilight. “I... I just need to take my own... aggressions and increase them, I think.”
“Well, when you are invited to a pact, not only are you full of murderous anger, but both custom and instinct tells you that your duty is to either refuse it, or to twist it all into your favour,” Luna continued. “So I let him tell me what he had to offer...” she draw deep breath.
“And he offered me what I wanted most: respect and attention,” she said. “Nevermind that I was never what mortals consider a goddess: worship, even if not from ponies, would have given me all that I longed for... or so I thought.”
She looked at her worshippers on her left side. They could do nothing but nod,
“I was so jealous because of the non-ponies that followed my dear sister,” she said and looked at Celestia. “It was first in modern times I learned - “ she looked sadly at her sister’s followers “- that she didn’t want them at all, and that they made her afraid of failure and embarrassed by their attention.”
Celestia met her gaze and nodded.
“I... waxed wroth, as we used to say,” Luna continued. “How dared he sincerely offer me my dearest wish when I was angry with him and hated his ilk and wanted him to suffer my righteous wrath? If I agreed to his deal I couldn’t have the pleasant feeling of revenge, the sweet closure of vengeance. If I struck him down, I would lose my chance to be treated like I felt I deserved. I was pulled between vanity and anger.”
She sighed deeply and then chuckled.
“So he made his ridiculous wish for immortality... “ Luna shook her head. “With my neighcromantic research into the effects of the Nightmare fresh in mind... It was too tempting a target. It satisfied my vanity and my anger, and it made myself feel clever and powerful. I did something nopony ever had done, remember that!”
“Had he offered anything else or asked for anything else, I might have struck him down,” Luna continued. “Had I not been jealous and hungered for power, I might have been less offended by his summons, and might have struck a different deal - most probably, I would have offered him the same deal, but told him what it meant. He might even have taken it. He was not a pleasant or sane deer.”
“So there you have it, Twilight Sparkle: I was both offended at his suggestion and tempted by it, and the only way to reconcile the feelings was to play that cruel trick on him,” Luna said. “Does that answer your question?”
“Yes, it does,” said Twilight, and Spike realised she had been taking notes from Luna’s confession. “Thank you very much for answering, Princess, even if it was difficult. I... hope you and the one you wronged can be reconciled one day.”
Luna smiled wanly. “I highly doubt it, but thanks.”
“Can we then break up?” said king Ukko.
“I have more questions...” Twilight began... She was met by a weak groan from some of those present. “...but I can ask them later. As we make ready for dinner, I’d really like to speak to His Highness Prince Vigg and Miss Saga... in privacy, please.”
The two fawns’ ears shot up and they looked at Twilight. Then they trotted over as everyone started to rise from their seats.
“I think we can step outside for a while,” Twilight said gently.
What’s with the formality? Spike thought.
“I would have similar words with you, Your Highness,” Ukko said to Luna in old-fashioned Poatsi as he trotted up to her. “Please, grace me with your presence. Let’s go outside, through the kitchen door. Then we avoid the fawns.”
Luna nodded.
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” she said as they both walked towards the small kitchen.
Meanwhile, Twilight, Spike and the fawns stepped out in the snow. Spike immediately regretted that.
“W-we should have put on coats and caps...” he said and hugged himself. The snow almost reached his chest, which didn’t help.
“This will hopefully be quick”, said Twilight and smiled as she turned to the fawns, who stood face to face beside her but did avoid each others’ gazes.
“Now,” Twilight said, “first, I haven’t met you in a while, Prince Vigg, so I wanted to greet you and say that I’m glad to see you well.”
“Not because of him!” Saga mumbled.
“I.. I want to apologize,” Vigg said, with a low, mechanical voice. “I am sorry for... for making a mess of things.”
“Well, I’ll accept the apology,” said Twilight. “If for nothing else, because I had some part in the mess. I should either have kept everything secret from you, so as not to arouse your suspicions, or told you the whole truth.”
“Please... Lady Sparkle... the mistake was all mine,” he said. Saga snorted and he looked at her.
“The important thing is you don’t do it again,” Twilight said.
“No, I won’t, I promise!” he said. And then: “Do what?”
“Run off by yourself without telling anypony exactly what you are about to do,” Twilight said. “Especially in any situation which normally is dangerous even to an adult. We’ll embark on something very dangerous in a few day, Vigg.”
“Yes,” he said and looked down. “Yes, I understand.”
“Good,” Twilight said. “Now, I think you have to apologize to somedeer else as well.”
She didn’t need to look at Saga.
“I...” Vigg began. He swallowed. “I...”
“He already did,” said Saga and looked at him.
“Oh!” said Twilight. “All is well then. I thought I saw you being wary of each other, but I’m sometimes bad with ponies - people - and of course an apology doesn’t magically make things go away...”
It was Saga’s turn to swallow. “No,” she said quietly. “That’s why I didn’t... accept the apology.”
Twilight stopped.
“What?” she said.
“I didn’t accept his apology,” Saga said, and suddenly there was anger in her voice. “I haven’t forgiven him, so I won’t lie and say I have.”
Vigg gritted his teeth.
“But Saga...” Twilight began. “Didn’t... your prophecy say...?”
Spike jumped up and down.
“If the prophecy is true, and not just wishful thinking because I was actually in love with Prince Charming here, it has nothing to do with him being a... an irresponsible brat!” Saga said fiercely. “There are lots of heroes in mythology who were flankholes!”
Vigg said nothing.
“But Saga...” said Twilight.
Spike slapped himself and blew fire into his claws.
“If she doesn’t mean it, it won’t mean anything to me either,” said Vigg. “I’d rather not have other fawns lie to me as well. Grownups do that enough!”
Twilight flinched a little.
“Besides,” said Vigg, his voice breaking a little, “I don’t know whether I deserve to be forgiven either.”
“Maybe someday I can forgive him but not right now, okay?” said Saga.
Twilight looked at Saga. Saga looked away. Twilight looked at Vigg. Vigg looked up.
“BUT FOR PITY’S SAKE!” Spike shouted, making everyone jump.
“I’m freezing to death here despite having a fire in my belly!” he said. “Let’s clear this up so we can go inside!”
He turned to the little priestess and stuck a paw in her face.
“You: forgive him!” he said. “For now. It is just a provisory forgiveness, OK? It doesn’t technically apply until you really forgive him, see? But you act nice to him and do whatever you two are supposed to do with those verses or whatever?”
Saga stared at him.
“Now, so we can go inside,” he said.
“I.. I forgive you, Your Highness” she said to Vigg, looking him in his eyes. “For now. Provisionally.”
“Good!” Spike turned to the literally white prince. “You! You accept her very nice apology. For now, just so you can go on. You don’t need to think you are forgivable until you feel like it and then you tell her, but you stop moping ‘cause it doesn’t make up for the mess you made. Only acting like a... like a grownup does that!”
Vigg swallowed.
“I accept your apology, Miss... Sister Saga,” he said. “It is... most generous.”
“Good!” said Spike. “Now, if you can at least pretend to get along, you two might make this. And...”
He waved both his claws towards himself - and the door.
“We can go inside, Your Highness,” said Saga.
“As you wish, Sister Saga,” he said and bowed. “After you.”
Spike had already barrelled inside before her.
“And you, Lady Twilight,” said Vigg.
Twilight shook her head and followed Saga.
This can’t be a good idea... she thought.
After trotting through the kitchen where the kitchen staff were busy with sedge and lichen and pinecones that actually smelled edible, the Princess and the King stepped outside. Ukko placed himself at the foot of the snow-covered wooden stairs, and looked out into the blizzard. Luna remained on the uppermost step. She didn’t suffer the cold, but she felt it. He didn’t say anything for a long while, just leaving long trails of white breath.
“What did you want to talk about, Your Majesty?” Luna said finally, her voice tinted with irritation.
“I... I’m disappointed in you, Moon Lady,” said Ukko finally. “My trust in you have been shaken, just when I need to trust you the most.”
“I... realize that it might be the case after I told my story,” said Luna bitterly. “But I ensure you, Your Majesty - “
Ukko turned to her and shook his head.
“Not what you did to Wiglek,” he said. “He was not my kin, it was ten centuries ago, and maybe he deserved it, if the sagas are true. It was a horrible, heinous deed that dishonors your name and your herd... but I have done many wrongful deeds myself. There have been blood on my hooves and lies on my muzzle. Yes... even lies.” He looked at Luna as if it pained him to admit it.
“What then...?” she said. He stepped closer, muzzle to muzzle and his nostrils seemed to smoke like a dragon’s in the cold.
“Why is your temple arming the thieves and rabble in my capital?” he said. “Why are they training themselves in combat? Why have they occupied a fort for themselves?”
Luna looked him in the eyes.
“You have misunderstood, Your Majesty,” she said. “They are your soldiers.”
He snorted white breath. “At least tell me a better lie, Dreamweaver.”
“It is true,” she said. “The armaments are paid with money collected in the temple. The training is done by volunteers among my... followers. They do this because of your laws, King Ukko. Your precious laws that made you king. The laws of old. They are training as a militia, so they can do their duty to the kingdom and defend it in its hour of need, from usurpurators and ice monsters. Like you wanted. Public service done by volunteering, instead of by taxation - not that they have any money anyway.”
“How could they afford the weapons then, if they have no money?” he said. “Which gifts did the temple get from them?”
“The antlers of the dead,” said Luna. “All custom points to that selling your antlers and giving your kin gifts that way is a good thing. The ancestors confirm this - remember my priesthood can communicate with them - and I agree. So the whole lot has been shipped off and sold in places where such things are worth their weight in gold. Since the temple was already being repaired by volunteers - many pious woodworkers are without work these days anyway - the council decided to help the war effort instead, in the name of the ancestors. I gave them my blessing. Then, they bought cheap armaments and repaired them or reinforced ihem themselves. The training is done by Grazers or by out-of-work soldiers who didn’t join your enemy, because they were so loyal to you.”
Ukko had remained silent during the explanation.
“I was told... by Mustikka’s stags... that they had occupied a house...” he said.
“Oh, several houses, in the industrial quarter,” said Luna. “A factory complex. It belonged to an industrialist who had taken all his wealth and fled the country, like many of them are doing right now. His debtors didn’t get anything, so they took the law into their own muzzles. His workers plundered the factory, and the clerks the offices. His guards blew up the safe but found nothing in it. One of them was hurt, and ended up in my temple infirmary. He told them about the empty building. It turned out the building had also been taken by a debtor - Jarl Ingvar, the furniture magnate. He became furious, of course, when he found out they camped there, but it was all sorted out.”
“It was?” King Ukko’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh yes,” Luna said. “They made a deal where they rent the place - he had no possibility of earning any money from it anyway. Also, as an apology, he was promised a special, new burial plot for his family, in a specially prestigous place in the new burial ground my temple is planning.”
“New burial ground?” said the King.
“Oh, the news hasn’t spread far behind the slum, most of the other citizens are Skinfaxians,” Luna said, her smile just a little smug. “But we are planning a new burial ground on the other side of the river. There will be places to hang the antlers of your family, so you have a better idea of where to gather and remember them. Jarl Ingvar will get a central place marked with rune-carved stone pillars, etcetera.”
“I see,” said the King.
“He was very satisfied,” said Luna, nodding. “He even sent some vodka and sweetbread to the militiadeer as a gift. He is one of your followers, you know? A true patriot, it seems. Well, there are of course other reasons for him to dislike the wealthy reindeer who are fleeing the country with silver they owe him, but I think he’s sincere. He told me he and his housestags would fight for you, when war comes.”
“So they are fleeing,” he said quietly. “And I who did my best for them... Except for Ingvar, it now seems only the thieves and the whores, the urox and the troll, are the ones who want to do something for me... I have truly failed in all I accomplished...”
“Well, not in everything,” Luna said. “And I, if anypony, can tell you that it is never too late to admit your faults and try to correct them.”
He looked at her.
“No,” he said, “it never is. Thanks for this conversation, Moon Mistress.”
“You are welcome,” she said and smiled. She turned around and made as to leave, but was interrupted by a light tug on her tail.
“But please, make the... Hrimfaxi Militia tell me what they are doing next time,” he said. “They can get to have a parade or something. At the castle.”
“I’ll tell High Priestess Eira,” Luna said, still smiling, and they entered the kitchen again.
Luna excused herself and left for them main room, but Ukko stopped by Heikko, who thought the food took too long time and was eating a very large pastry with hot blueberry jam by a kitchen counter.
“Hi!” he said cheerfully. “How did your high-level royal private conference thingie go?”
“Was that what we were doing?” Ukko said. He didn’t mention the spatters of blueberry jam on the counter - he knew the old berserker would happily lick them up afterwards.
“Kolle said so,” said Heikko.
“It went... very well,” said Ukko. “I feel much better now.”
“Good!” said Heikko.
“But I realized we need to go on a small sortie tomorrow... sort of a treasure-hunting expedition,” he said.
“Yes!” cheered Heikko.
“So we need to stay sober,” Ukko said.
“Nooo...” said Heikko. Then: “Where are we going? The Lummelunda Caverns?”
“To the banks,” said Ukko.
“The... banks?” said Heikko. “Why?”
“That’s where the money is these days, they tell me,” said Ukko and went into the gathering room. His muzzle warped into a smile, a sincere smile, and the people waiting in the gathering room noticed that somehow, it seemed to make him thirty years younger.
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Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
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<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2013-03-25T00:27:19+00:00
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2013-04-07T19:56:15+00:00
| 3,420 |
Jarl Vidar knocked on the door to the Equestrian guest suite. He swallowed awkwardly and tapped his hoof. The palace always made him feel nervous.
“Open the door, Spike!” someone shouted from inside. Shortly thereafter the little dragon did as ordered.
“Oh, it’s you!” Spike said. He was wearing three caps at the same time and holding a clipboard and a quill. He had rings under his eyes and his scales lacked their usual shine. “Hi! Twilight, Vigg’s uncle is here now!”
“Come in, Jarl Vidar!” said Twilight. “How nice of you to come!”
“Well, you said you needed my help, so here I am,” said Vidar and stepped in. There were several heaps of clothing and gear all over the room in what could best be qualified as a neat mess. “What is it you needed help with? You didn’t say, Lady Sparkle.”
“Oh, I need help packing, see!” said Twilight. She was holding a saddlebag in her muzzle. When she saw Vidar’s expression, she quickly corrected herself. “Oh, not like that! We can do the physical packing ourselves, but we’ve never undertaken this kind of journey before. I don’t know what to put on my packing list!”
Spike showed Vidar his clipboard. The parchment held by it was rather empty, and while his reading comprehension in Equestrian was rather bad, he did recognize the question marks.
“Well,” he said, “it’s not like I use one myself. I’m used to doing this by heart and habit, but maybe I can give you some help. Is this what you plan on bringing with you?”
He sniffled and poked at the heaps covering the room.
“Well, I guess you think I’m planning too heavy a load,” said Twilight. “That’s what always happens in the Daring Do books.”
Jarl Vidar looked up.
“Oh, adventure stories,” Twilight said. “Whenever a... a civilian is traveling with the heroine, they are told they have too heavy a load. I know they are just made up stories, but that part does sound awfully realistic.”
“If anything, I’d say you have too light a load, Lady Sparkle,” said Vidar.
“Oh?” Twilight said.
“Well, maybe not, there’s a little too many socks and such here,” Vidar said. “You don’t need many spares of something like that. But you do need things like a good cup - wood is the best. We use cups that doubles as bowls, you know? Maybe your own pot. A firemaker. A knife. A shovel, a small one. You already have a sleeping roll, good. You don’t need a tarpaulin, you share my goahti with Vigg and Saga.”
“Your what?” said Spike.
“My tent,” said Vidar. “It doesn’t look like what you call a tent, so I used our word for it.”
“Oh, that thing Vigg called kota?” said Spike. “Man, aren’t those huts? Aren’t they made of wood and so on, really heavy?”
Vidar laughed.
“Vigg speak like a Sarvvikare, just like you do, Lady Sparkle, and that’s what they call a tent... or hut,” he said. “No, the model I talk about is made from cloth and light wooden beams. We carry them on the ackjas, and you can sleep with me and my daughters. They’re coming too, they are fine trackers and lariat-throwers.”
“Excuse me,” said Twilight, “I’m not sure why I need tools when I have my magic. Or a firemaker when I have magic and Spike.”
“Because I remember that your horn still hurt, Lady Sparkle,” said Vidar and tapped his own antlers. “There might come a time when you cannot use magic, and you might have to leave Spike for a while because it is dangerous for him, or get separated while we work. That’s why everyone needs those too, in case you have to rough it alone for a while.”
“You don’t need a tent then?” Twilight frowned. “Take notes, Spike!”
“No, that’s when you dig a bivouac,” Vidar said. “On a pure raid, we wouldn’t have brought the goahti and dug holes for ourselves when we had to sleep. This is not that kind of journey, but it might have to change.”
“If we meet monsters, you mean,” Spike said.
“Yes, especially if we meet Skoll,” said Vidar. “They are people, after all. Other ‘monsters’ are just beasts. People are worse to deal with.”
Twilight and Spike exchanged glances.
“And I have used the only party grenade I had,” Spike sighed.
“What?” said Vidar.
“Nothing, nothing,” said Twilight. “Anything else?”
“Well, you seem to have enough warm clothes, but I’m worried they’ll be too heavy,” Vidar said. “I think you’ll have trouble enough keeping up with us anyway, especially as you’re not a trained skier. Make no mistake - even we will wear cloaks and caps. It will be less than this, since we are accustomed to the cold.”
“I think I have the solution to that,” said a voice behind them.
“Princess Luna?” said Twilight. Luna was, indeed, right inside the door with a nervous Russ stallion holding some paper bags.
“Admit it, you came in earlier and was just waiting for your cue,” said Spike and crossed his arms.
“Hush now, young Spike, let a Princess have one of her few amusements,” said Luna and beamed. “Lady Spa... Twilight, this is what I mentioned earlier.” She nodded to the Russ, who lifted a dark piece of clothing out from one of the bags and placed it on the bed.
“Earlier... I’m sorry, Princess, it must have slipped my mind,” said Twilight and lifted the garment with her magic.
“Oh,” said Luna. “Ah well, then it will be a surprise now!”
“It’s... a black and purple full body suit?” Twilight said.
“You brought Twilight a supervillainess costume?” Spike frowned. “I thought you stopped that silliness.”
“It’s costume for law enforcement, Spike,” Luna said, “so you couldn’t be more wrong. It’s a special suit made for my Guard, for when the pegasus ponies need to go on missions high up in the sky. It’s newly made, but from an old model used before my... exile. It has special enchantments to protect a pony from the harshest weather, and is almost indestructible. At the same time, it is light as a feather and smooth as silk! Mr Sax here is a very skilled tailor and has modified it according to your measurements!”
The Russ stepped up as if on cue.
“Please try it on, Lady Sparkle,” he said. “I need to know if it is ok.”
Twilight put on the suit.
“There’s a sort of helmet as well,” said Mr Sax and pulled it out of a different bag. “And easily-carried saddle-bags, though you can only fit essentials into them.”
Twilight put them on as well.
“You’re certain this isn’t a supervillainess suit?” said Spike, arms crossed, but was ignored.
“It is really comfortable...” said Twilight and moved around. “The hole in the helmet is a little tight, though.”
“Excuse me, but why are there two batwings stitched to the sides of the suit?” said Vidar.
“Oh,” said Mr Sax and looked unhappy, “those are the wingslips, since the garment was made for lunar pegasi. When I cut the hole for the horn in the helmet, I’m certain I mucked up one of the protective enchantments. Hence, I didn’t dare just cut the wingslips away, so I stitched them to the sides. I hope nothing gets stuck in them.”
“What do you say, Twilight?” said Luna.
“Really comfortable... and what I can see of the enchantments they are really good!” Twilight said. “Thanks, Princess Luna! There’s just one thing...”
“What would that be?” said Luna.
“It feels like I’m wearing your cast-offs again!” Twilight grinned.
“In that case I’ll put the whole thing on my sister’s shoulders,” Luna said and grinned back. “When I was looking for suitable enchanted winter clothing, she reminded me of these. A bit embarrassing, I designed them myself, all those years ago...”
“Now you can go back to Klubb Niffelhel and match the dress code,” said Spike.
“Oh, don’t joke about that place, Spike!” said Luna. “Poor guests! By the way, why are you wearing three caps?”
“Because I have no enchanted magical moon-bat suit with super-thermo underwear and feel cold,” Spike said.
Luna stared at him.
“Because I’m trying not to lose them while Twilight packs and packs and repacks and packs again,” he said. “Now that Mr Vidar has said his stuff, can we please finish the packing now, Twilight?”
The flying chariots had to make three trips before they had transported the whole expedition to the treeline. Four chariots each with three to six deer bundled into each made the journey twice. On the third and last trip they carried five ackjas between them, as well as a unicorn, a moose and a baby dragon.
“So,” shouted one of the charioteers over his shoulder, a blue pegasus with yellow mane, “you live in Ponyville, Lady Sparkle?”
“Yes,” said Twilight, keeping her eyes on the other chariots who swayed precariously carrying the big reindeer toboggans.
“Well, I’m from Vanhoover myself,” he shouted.
“Oh, I’ve been there,” said Twilight, “such a nice place!”
“It’s as cold and nasty as here!” Spike muttered.
“But my brother,” shouted the charioteer, “know where he lives?”
“What?” said Twilight.
“Know where my brother lives?” he shouted.
“No idea,” said Twilight and watched the chariot next to them sway in an even precariouser way.
“In Ponyville!” he shouted. “Cause his missus got a job in a Canterlot and they didn’t want to raise their kid in no big city!”
“Oh,” said Twilight. Then she shouted: “What’s his name?”
“Blue Skies?” he shouted.
“Sorry, I can’t say that I...” Twilight began.
“Snails’ dad?” said Spike.
“What did you say?” shouted the charioteer.
“Does he has a kid named Snails?” Spike shouted.
“Yeah, he has!” shouted the charioteer. “Unicorn like his ma’!”
“Snails’ father’s a pegasus?” said Twilight.
“I hang out with him sometimes!” Spike shouted back.
“Well, tell him his uncle said hi!” the charioteer shouted.
“Can we concentrate on flying?!” shouted his mate.
“Sorry!”
“Snails’ father’s a pegasus?” said Twilight.
“You didn’t know?” said Spike. “Shoulda figured, he’s from Vanhoover. His family moved to Ponyville when he was just starting school. Before we moved there.”
They landed to rest and eat and placed themselves in a big circle around a small fire. Everypony was relieved when Twilight erected a weak spherical forcefield to act as an impromptu tent.
Spiked looked at Twilight with worry. She showed strain as she used the old spell she had learnt from her brother.
“You should be careful, Twilight,” he whispered. “Don’t overexert yourself.”
“I’m fine Spike,” she whispered back as two pegasi put branches on the fire and the others brought hot soup from their thermoses. “Better this than this cold wind, even in my new winter clothes.”
“Have some soup, Lady Sparkle,” said Snails’ Uncle.
“Thanks, just as long as you have enough for yourselves,” said Twilight and pulled out the reindeer-made wooden jug she had gotten herself since her talk with Vidar. Spike did the same.
“It’s oats and dandelion,” said Spike. “Tastes like home!”
“I’ve worked here for over a decade,” said Snails’s Uncle. “I’ve grown mighty tired of lichen and sedge and salted kelp.”
“What do you think about this... about the weather?” Twilight asked.
He just poured some soup for himself. Another pegasus, grey with a winged wheel cutiemark, answered for him.
“The reindeer - they kept talking about Winter,” she said. “You could hear the capital W. Not the ones in the cities, who pretends they are ponies or something, but the real ones, out here in the forest and the mountains.”
“They said it was the end of the world,” Snails’ Uncle said. “We didn’t believe them. Thought it was just reindeer superstition. Then things started to get...”
He tried to wave his hoof when he looked for a word.
“Scary!” said a third pegasus, light blue with a cerise mane.. “Y’understand, Lady Sparkle, we have no weather factories here. We try to wrestle it as well as we can, but we can’t control it. It’s wild weather.”
“I know,” Twilight said. “We have some wild weather in Everfree Forest, near where I live. It’s also a large problem around the Crystal Empire, which is ruled by my sister-in-law, so I get to hear about it a lot.”
“Then you must know that wild weather still have rules,” the pegasus continued. “I mean it’s like the animals in this country, of course it’s awful that they don’t have anyone to guide them, but they can eat and drink and have kids and stuff. Same with weather, it follows a pattern.”
“The reindeer say there are spirits taking care of that,” said the mare with the winged wheel cutiemark. “Believe they know what they’re talking about.”
“But this weather we have now, that’s no rules to it,” the other pegasus continued. “Like now. It’s several hooves below freezing, Lady Sparkle.”
“Yes?” said Twilight. “Are you saying it’s too early in the winter for that low a temperature?”
“I’m saying it’s snowing,” said the pegasus. “You get freezing cold or snow, but not both together. Not like this. That’s physically and magically impossible.”
“He’s right!” Spike said. “Vigg told me!”
“Amazing... just as the reports said. I should have brought the necessary instruments,” Twilight mumbled. Then she raised her voice: “I believe you, sir.”
“I’ve actually had to fight the winds,” said Snails’ Uncle. “They attacked me. Crashed. It has happened to others as well.”
“The reindeer say its spirits,” said a fourth charioteer. “Evil spirits in the wind, more than ever. So the wind hates you. I know it sounds like primitive superstition, but I believe them. Has to be the case. Never seen anything like it.”
“That’s why we volunteered when the boss asked us,” said the mare with the winged wheel cutie mark. “We’re so happy that the Princesses are doing something for us in the flying chariot business. It’s a real crisis! All our jobs are in danger, and those of the wainwrights as well. And they send the Element of Magic and everything to fix all of it!”
Spike was about to say something but Twilight interrupted him quickly.
“Eat your soup while it’s warm, Spike,” she said. “You are right, it is nice of them. But you must understand can only do my best. As can everypony - everybody else.” She tried to smile politely, then ate her own soup.
There was nothing but snow. In the summer, Spike understood, the mountains would be covered in herbs, low bushes or on their tops just moss and lichen. There would be brooks and birds and swarms of buzzing insects. Now it was one large snowdrift. They steadily skied on, day after day, raised the tents in the afternoon, cooked the food, slept. If they were lucky there wasn’t much unnatural blizzard that day. Otherwise, the ground was snow and the sky was snow. Spike’s inner fire kept him warm, but he ate much more than usual. A bigger problem was that the cold was making him sleepy. He tried to keep close to Vigg or Twilight to have someone to talk to, but Vigg was taciturn when skiing, and Twilight was out of shape and had no breath to talk.
To her shame, the unicorn had found she couldn’t keep going all day, even if the others kept their pace down for her sake. She was too bad a skier, generally untrained compared to her hosts and still recovering from her ordeal. Vidar placed her on one of the ackjas each day after lunch. She apologized profusely, but Vidar reminded her that the ill are allowed to ride the ackja, and that she was not healthy yet. Spike tried to ski close to that ackja then, as long as he could keep up, in case she wanted anything.
He noticed that Vigg always tried to pull the ackja she rode on, even if it was a different one every day. Vigg didn’t explain himself, but Spike didn’t wonder about it.
As for himself, Spike could keep going a bit further, but he also tired faster than his hosts. He usually ended up riding Kvalhissir or one of Vigg’s older cousins, Alva or Tuva. Kvalhissir was stoically plowing through the snow. He was strong and tough and a skilled skier. His problems came from not being used to the mountain environment and from his great weight. He would often sink through the snow, even when it had an icy crust already. His skis didn’t help much. The moose showed Spike why he wore heavy leg protection made of bark: the crust formed sharp ice splinters when broken, and they could slice up your legs like you peeled a carrot. Spike was a bit disappointed, he had hoped it was against Skoll bites. The scouts regularly sent out used their Sight to look beneath the snow for traces of their tunnels, but all they found were really old. Yet the reindeer kept talking fearfully of the threat of the ice-wargs snapping at you from beneath. Spike remembered his run-ins with Diamond Dogs and was happy to sit on somedeer’s back so much.
Alva and Tuva, lean, strong vajas with brown coats, were around Twilight’s age. It turned out they had very little idea of exactly how old they were. What time of year it was was important to Grazers, not what year it was. They spoke rather broken Equestrian in a somewhat rude and brusque manner. The vajas liked to push around Vigg, both literally and figuratively, and seemed to have a fondness for rough jokes. Spike guessed Vigg kept back from protesting half from respect, half from fear. They were very nice to Spike, however. Besides carrying him on their backs (which generally meant he sat between a small shield and a larger axe) they liked to hug him and nuzzle him and talk to him in the evenings. They wanted to hear about dragons and Equestria, and he tried to do his best before he became too tired. Spike still found them a bit too much: too rowdy, too loud, and too much chewing tobacco. They spread it everywhere, and you could always see where Vidar’s tent had stood.
Saga had stopped smoking on the third day and copied their habit. Overall she tried to hang close to them and imitate them in a way that irritated both them and Spike, although the sisters were polite to the little witch about it. He was uncertain why. Was she was looking for somedeer to hang out with and they were the youngest does around? Did she admire them because of they were frankly pretty cool after all? Was she simply was trying to be more like a Grazer? After all, she had made her feelings about the nomads clear. They were the real reindeer, just as the pegasus mare had said. At least, to her they were.
Twilight didn’t talk much to Saga during the days, but they had some sessions during the nights, whispering outside the tent until everyone else had fallen asleep. Spike didn’t take notes for Twilight because he was too tired, but it seemed Saga was practicing her spells somehow while travelling. She had a new idea of some kind that Twilight dissected, debated and angsted a bit about. Spike understood that it involved the ackjas and saw Saga sniffing around them in the evenings. She also started to use her firemaker cantrip to light the small cooking fires every evening. Partially it was because it was hard setting fire to the turf they dug up to use as fuel when they could (though it became harder and harder). However, Vidar had told everydeer that it also was because a fire lit by a priestess of the Night would be sacred and protect them against the darkness.
“Is that true?” said Spike.
Saga coughed and spit out some of the Sister’s tobacco.
“Now it is,” she said with a low voice. “Vidar just made it so, since he wanted to calm people down.”
“Are they... worried?” said Spike. “I don’t talk much to them, except to Vigg and the sisters.”
“I wish I was strong like them...” Saga murmured. “Yeah, they are. I think it’s mostly that you have to work hard while being scared, and then nothing happens. There are still three to five days until we reach Joukulvakt. I think if something dangerous happened they would actually feel better afterwards.”
“I think I prefer them worried, then,” said Spike.
“There’s trouble up ahead, father,” said Tuva and spat, making the snow yellow-brown. Her sister nodded.
“What trouble?” said Vidar.
The rest of the group had stopped. The reindeer looked around in worry. Saga, Twilight and Spike hung their heads out of breath. Kvalhissir exchanged his ski-staff for his giant mace, earning worried gazes from the reindeer closest to him.
“There are dead deer under the snow at the beginning of that slope,” said Tuva and pointed across the hollow they were facing, several hundred yards across, though the snowfall made estimating distances difficult.
“Must have been a lavine,” said Alva, “though the mountain to the east doesn’t really look right for it.”
“Must be Winter playing tricks, father,” said Tuva. “What do we do?”
Vidar took a long look across the hollow.
“We go west and try to circle,” he said. “We will need to get up that slope or we will never get over this part, but we don’t need to go near that... place.”
“Aren’t we going to do something about the poor... deceased?” Twilight asked. Having regained her breath she had slid closer to the conversation.
“No, they’ll lie safe until spring,” said Vidar. “We don’t have the time or the resources. Snow covers them.”
“Winter protects,” said Tuva and looked at Twilight.
“Alright!” Vidar shouted. “This is what we’ll do...”
They started to move to the west, more carefully. There was another slope there down the hollow, and skiing while leaning to the right isn’t that comfortable, especially when youy’re pulling an ackja, but it worked. Everyone moved a bit slower, for which Twilight was grateful.
Alva and Tuva took the point again and moved quicker over the side of the hollow, examining the snow before them. Almost when they were moving past the place where they had discovered the buried reindeer corpses, Saga cried out.
“Look! Hraesvalgs!” she shouted and pointed with her staff towards the air.
Everyone gasped, looked in the direction she pointed and started to shuffle backwards on their skis.
Twilight didn’t get her See The Unseen spell up in time to see them die, but she could see them burrow under the snow and into the corpses.
Moments after, eight corpses burst out of the snow and started to advance on the reindeer.
“Get an axe out!” shouted Vidar and started to follow his own advice. “Spears won’t work on holdraugr!”
“Zombies!” Spike squeaked.
“On this ackja, Spike!” Saga shouted, as she retreated towards said vehicle. “Get up!”
Spike kicked off his skis and scrambled quickly over the snow.
“You too, your highness!” Saga shouted.
Vigg stopped trying to get a big knife out from his harness.
“That’s no use, Your Highness!” she said as she stepped up on it. “Come on, we agreed to this! VIGG!”
He grimaced and trotted back to the ackja and sat on it. Spike grabbed him. Saga shut her eyes and started to chant under her breath.
“I’minthehouseofhemoonI’minthehouseofthemoonsafeinthehouseonthemoonnolongertroddingtheearth...”
“Sure this works?” Spike whined.
“Yeah yeah, I can See the magic,” Vigg said. “If she’s right no one will think about anydeer sitting on the ackja now. Or the ackja itself. That means they shouldn’t be able to see us because they won’t look at us...”
Spike sighed.
“If it works on spirits,” Vigg said and clenched his teeth around the knife.
Spike swallowed loudly.
Meanwhile, the reindeer advanced carefully on the walking corpses. They didn’t move like zombies out of a horror movie, which are after all just pony actors in green facepaint. They didn’t even move in that jerky style of, say, a timberwolf, which still animates the twigs and branches that makes up its body.
No, the reindeer corpses skipped forward like a foal’s doll moved in its muzzle when it pretends the doll is running, stiff legs and all.
Or maybe, thought Twilight, like when you move something with unicorn telekinesis, if it’s stiff and frozen and rigor mortis is only the beginning.
As the two groups drew nearer slowly (the corpses because it was the best they could do, the reindeer because they were both careful and scared) a violet sphere of shimmering force suddenly rose between them. Alva slammed her antlers into it.
“What in Niffelhel...” she murmured.
The walking corpses slammed into the forcefield, failed to penetrated it, and simply tried again.
“We won’t get rid of them this way!” Alva shouted.
“You’re right, but I’m not done yet,” said Twilight and shut her eyes. The field shimmered. “Now we can pass and they don’t,” she said.
Alva was the first to act. She thrust her head and forelegs out of the field, her axe in her teeth. Alva swung it wide and hit the closest corpse in the neck, then wrenched out her axe. It staggered and the lunged at her. As it hit the forcefield with its antlers with great force, its head broke off.
“They're deep frozen!” said Twilight.
“That’s what happens to dead meat in the winter,” said Jarl Vidar.
The headless corpse stood up again. At least it was decidedly more unsteady.
“I can’t watch!” said Spike and buried his face in Vigg’s back.
Tuva grabbed her axe and threw it at the headless corpse. It slammed into the forcefield.
“You have to touch your weapon for that to work!” Twilight shouted.
“Okay, let’s do it this way!” said Tuva. She grabbed her lariat with her teeth and rose up on her hind legs twirling it, then let go. The rope seemed to slow down minutely as it passed the forcefield, but it did get through at hit its mark, the antlers of another corpse. Tuva tug at it and the rope became tight. Then the corpse started to pull her towards the field.
“Help her!” Vidar shouted. “They have the strength of ten deer!”
Not ten but at least five deer quickly grabbed Tuva’s lariat, and it was apparently enough, because the corpse was slammed against the field and lay there, jerking its limbs spasmodically.
“Ge the others, as many as you can!” said Vidar.
Alva was the first to react, and soon had snared a second trotting dead. Five other reindeer, including Vidar, joined her in imobilizing it.
“They aren’t helping each other...” said Twilight.
“They aren’t that bright, Lady Sparkle,” said one of the reindeer left. “The hraesvalg in it is like a really clever dog, and they are greedy.”
Then he twirled his own lariat and immobilized a third, together with the remaining warriors.
“You’ve just made them less dangerous, nodeer is left to take care of them!” Twilight shouted.
Kvalhissir bellowed and rose above the snow, gripping his mace, and kicking off his canoe-sized skis..
“Well, one deer, sorry...” said Twilight. Her face was beginning to show strain.
The moose flew through the field and landed next to one of the captured corpses. His mace swung down heavily and splintered the frozen rib cage into hundreds of bloodred shards. Then he rose quickly upward to avoid the advancing corpses which were left, kicking at one who made an astonishingly high leap to catch him. It failed.
The reindeer holding the lariat around the corpse’s antlers suddenly fell backwards when its head and half its forebody were dragged through the field. Everydeer tried to scramble away from it.
“It’s dead!” Twilight shouted. “It’s okay! The spirit left it so it just counts as an item you’re touching through the lariat.”
“Alright!” shouted Tuva. “Lets get another one!” The deer who weren’t holding lariats in their muzzles cheered, most with bloodied lips.
Snaring one of the free corpses caused the remaining to shift their attention from Kvalhissir, and he dropped to the ground and crushed the head and body of a second snared holdraugr with two powerful mace blows.
This was unfortunately when Spike chose to actually look. He squeaked and buried his head into Vigg’s fur, but then he had to move it to the side and puke.
“Hey!” shouted Vigg, pretty queasy himself.
“Sorry...” groaned Spike.
The reindeer scrambled about and Kvalhissir rose and dived with his mace, and after not too long they had defeated the trotting corpses.
Twilight dissolved the forcefield. She was sweating heavily despite the cold and he breathing was ragged.
Kvalhissir landed. Without his skis he sank through the snow and almost didn’t come up. He was also sweating and winced as if in pain as he struggled, unwillingly smearing himself with frozen blood and meat.
Vigg nuzzled Saga.
“You can stop chanting,” he said, “and you can look now, Spike. It’s over.”
Saga opened her eyes and took deep breaths.
“That was disgusting!” said Spike. “Not to mention scary!”
Then he added: "Twilight! Your nose! You're bleeding!"
He rushed over to her and tried to wipe her clean with snow.
“I should have been helping!” said Vigg. “Kvalhissir had to risk his life all by his lonesome!”
“Is everydeer alright?” shouted Vidar. There was a chorus of hoarse “yes” all around. Kvalhissir, who had pulled himself up, nodded.
“Thanks,” said Vidar and bowed to him. “As well as you, Lady Sparkle. You made this much easier. Though you should have described that spell better to me aforehand, I thought it less versatile, and didn’t know when you would use it. Like you did with Saga’s magics.”
“What was that anyway?” said Alva, who spat some blood. She, like all the reindeer who had fought, had hurt their tongues and muzzles when fighting with the lariats.
Twilight was about to start a lecture but Saga interrupted her.
“It’s a variant of a charm I learnt from Lady Sparkle,” she said. “That one makes so nodeer wants to look inside a room no matter what. They cannot even remember it’s there, so anydeer inside becomes literally invisible, even to Sight, because nodeer can even imagine looking at them. This is the same but it works within whatever boundary you set, like a series of runes painted on an ackja. It works even if you’re moving, so you can make a boat or a sled or a cart invisible.”
“Though more clever people will wonder why the deer in front of the cart are moving like they do, of course,” said Twilight. “That should normally not break the spell. Even if they figure out there’s an invisible vehicle there, they still can’t focus their eyes or ears on it. We thought it best to have the young ones hide under the spell, including your cousin, who is the most important deer on this journey after all.”
“Oh,” said the vaja and looked at Vigg, who was less than happy. "So that's why you sat this one out. I thought you were being a wuss!"
Vigg scowled.
“Much as I love discussing magic,” said Twilight, “there are more urgent matters. Tell me, Jarl Vidar, if you didn’t have my magic and Kvalhissir’s might, you would have defeated those things anyway, right?”
“Well... yes,” Vidar said. “We would probably have suffered losses, but holdraugr are slow and clumsy. Even with that ambush they would have been hard-pressed to win.”
“So why did they attack us?” said Twilight. “That’s not their usual behaviour, right?”
“Hraesvalgs try to kill deer and skolls and animals so they can gnaw on the entrails and hollow out the body, Lady Sparkle,” said Tuva.
“Yes, daughter, but Lady Sparkle is right,” said Vidar and stroked his damaged muzzle. “They try to arrange accidents and lure deer astray, and they attack lone and feeble wanderers... Not like this...”
“I'm certain someone controlled them,” said Twilight. “Some mage placed the corpses here and ordered the spirits to possess them and attack if anyone passed here.”
“You mean it was a trap?” said Vigg.
“Well, it wasn’t exactly set by King Sombra, but yes, this is a classical magic trap, though I guess it wasn’t really intended to kill us all, just hobble us,” Twilight said. “In fact, I would say it was more of an alarm than a trap.”
“How do you mean?” said Vidar.
“Saga, what happens when you, erh, deactivate an animated corpse?” Twilight said. “Does the hraesvalg die?”
“Oh no,” said Saga, “they just flee. It hurts and is scary to them, is all.”
“Now, a spirit magician either bullies spirits around, bargains with them, or gets them to do things by being their friend,” said Twilight. “If a mage can get eight hraesvalgs to do something against their normal habits that will end in pain and fear for them, for any of the three reasons mentioned, he can probably also get them to come back to him after they have been defeated. So if anyone passes here who defeats his cronies, they run home and tell him about it. Meaning this mage now knows who we are, where we are and how many.”
“And that we have a stalu and a sorceress!” said Alva.
“But hopefully not that we have another sorceress, a dragon and the Prince of Tarandroland,” said Twilight and grinned, looking at Saga. “We’ll have to start being more clever with our magic from now on!”
“Did anydeer see where the spirits went?” said Vidar and searched the faces of his followers. The reindeer warriors shook their heads.
“We were kinda busy, father...” said Tuva.
“Nevermind that, then,” said Vidar. “But our scouts better watch the skies.”
“Yeah. Couldn’t that mage just have had the yucky maggoteagles fly around and watch?” said Spike.
“He probably has,” said Twilight, “but this one was a trap as well, remember? In addition, it probably means this route is extra important to him. What can you get to, going this way?”
“Nothing special,” said Vidar, “except where we are going: Joukulvakt!”
“What did you want to talk about, Mistress Twilight?” said Saga.
“I really wish the sky would be clear some nights,” sighed Twilight. They were standing higher up on the mountain slope they had camped on, having tried to put as many miles between themselves and the ambush site as possible. They were high above the valley floor below, and even higher above sea level. Like before, the land around them was white, white, white and the sky above them was grey, grey, grey.
“I would have liked so much to study the sky so close to the edge of the world,” Twilight explained. “I even brought my smallest telescope...”
“Was that what you wanted to talk about?” said Saga. “Star-Lore?”
“No, no, it just... came to me...” Twilight said, trodding nervously in the snow. “Oh, here comes Prince Vigg now!”
Saga turned and saw Vigg coming trotting up from the camp. He didn’t sink down into the snow. The ice crust held, but there was some snow on top of it, and the route was slippery.
“What does he want?” she said.
“Oh, I wanted to speak to both of you,” said Twilight, laughing nervously.
Saga said no more as Vigg them. He looked suspiciously at her, and then at Twilight.
“What did you want to talk about, Lady Twilight?” said Vigg.
“Oh, that was exactly what Saga said as well!” said Twilight and smiled widely. “Can you imagine that?” She looked from one youth to another.
“Yes, I can,” said Vigg. “Since I imagine she also wanted to know.” He looked skeptical.
“Oh, well, what I wanted to say was that I’m proud of you, and that you should know that,” Twilight said. “Both of you.” She again looked from one youth to another and rubbed her guard-suit-clad knees against each other.
“Thanks, I guess..” said Vigg and raised an eyebrow.
“That’s really nice, Mistress Sparkle, but may I ask why that is?” said Saga.
“Oh, I... didn’t say,” said Twilight. “Well, the thing is I was worried about you, that you wouldn’t take this seriously enough.”
The two reindeer stared at her.
“I mean, I was afraid you would be... immature about this whole quest thing, I mean it’s not like a... a game,” she said. “But now I’m not afraid anymore, because you showed today during that ghastly undead spooky thing that you’re really on the level and really really adult about this, and it was wrong of me. To just assume those things. So instead I’m proud of you. Really.”
“You... you didn’t trust me?” said Vigg.
“Well, the important word, Vigg, is ‘didn’t’,” Twilight said. “Because I do now. I misjudged you, see, and I was wrong. Yes.”
“Why?” said Vigg. “Why?”
“Well, I think it’s obvious, I mean I thought it was obvious,” said Twilight. “You’re young and well, act without thinking sometimes. But, and that’s important, but today you showed yourself having great self-control under pressure. So, I misjudged you. I apologize.”
She bowed awkwardly. Vigg still looked full of misgivings.
“You didn’t trust me either?” said Saga, sounding hurt.
“Well, but now I do, see, I’m proud of how well you did!” said Twilight.
“Why?” said Saga.
“Well, I know you sometimes seem to mix up reality and fantasy, is all,” said Twilight. “I mean, I real quest isn’t like a Daring Do story! But you took things very seriously and acted very level-headed today, and nopony can expect more from you. Again, I apologize for doubting you, and I assure you I’m most proud of you.”
“Okay... I guess...” said Saga. She looked away from Twilight and her gaze fell upon Vigg, who didn’t look too happy either, but was at the same time lost in thought, stroking his chin.
“Good,” said Twilight. “That we got this over with.” She smiled nervously.
“I mean... it would be a pity if this was a Daring Do story,” said Vigg.
“What?” said Twilight.
“I mean, no offense, but they can be pretty speciest,” said Vigg. “I mean, in several of the stories being the ‘native guide’ to Daring Do is like a death sentence.”
Saga smirked.
“Yeah,” she said, “if this had been a Daring Do story, we’d be speaking broken Equestrian and rolled our eyes all superstitiously and waiting for the mighty pony to save us.”
“What?” said Twilight. “I mean... it isn’t that bad is it?”
“The best movies are the ones when she’s in Equestria,” said Vigg, a bit energized, “because then it makes sense that its a pegasus that always saves all ancient artifacts and puts them in museums and such. Because in other countries, are there no local sages or heroes? Don’t they have any own museums to put things in? We have one, and we're a poor and struggling country.”
“Yeah, instead of the Mighty Pony, as I said, coming in and saving the poor natives from themselves,” said Saga. “It’s not like they’re villains or anything, it’s that it’s never anyone who isn’t anypony who is the hero.”
“Now I think you’re a bit unfair,” said Spike. “I mean, Daring Do has several friends who aren’t ponies, like that Diamond Dog guy, and I think they’re heroic enough.”
“Spike!” said Twilight. “Where did you come from?!” The two reindeer shield back.
“I brought you guys coffee, I’ve been here a while,” Spike said. “You looked like you had a serious talk so I didn’t want to disturb, but when you started talking books and movies I assumed it was okay of me to butt in.”
He held up the coffee pot that “belonged” to their tent and hearth. It was swept in a towel to keep it warm.
“Thanks Spike,” said Saga and smiled, hauling out her own jug and set it down into the snow. Spike poured her coffee. Vigg imitated her.
“I’m good, thanks,” said Twilight. “And if I might add something, I’d say that the Daring Do stories even subvert some speciest clichés.”
“How?” said Saga.
“Well, in one story she tries to disguise herself so she looks like a pagan idol, probably some image of Celestia,” Twilight said. “She is trying to fool the ‘primitive natives’ into thinking she is their goddess. However, that wouldn’t happen in reality and the natives aren’t stupid so they see through her trick.”
“What movie was that?” said Vigg.
“It was a short story collection,” said Twilight, “they haven’t made a movie of that yet. But I meant things like that. I’m sure there are stories which are worse...”
“Yes, there’s this movie, and there are like six ponies that are sent out to save the world,” said Saga and sipped her coffee. “They have to do several things in several places, and they come to this Buffalo herd, okay?”
“Yeah?” said Twilight.
“I recognize this one,” said Spike and frowned. He poured himself the last of the coffee. "I didn't get to see it because someone thought I was too young, but Rainbow Dash said it was a dragon in it that was supposed to be me..."
“And the Buffaloes need to do this rain dance to save everything,” said Saga, “and guess who must do the dance? One of the ponies! She isn’t even a dancer, and she is better than them at doing their own thing!”
“I think I saw that movie,” said Vigg and frowned, “it wasn’t really like that...”
“I don’t watch much movies...” said Twilight apologetically.
“Well, that’s the impression I got!” said Saga and pouted. “That’s just silly!”
“So, it’s lucky this isn’t any kind of adventure story, but reality,” said Twilight. “I’m sorry if it came across wrong, I just wanted to thank you for being so... good.”
“Sure,” said Vigg. “Thanks, I guess. I think I’ll go to bed now, if you excuse me...”
“Good night, Vigg,” said Twilight.
“Night,” said Spike.
“I’ll go too,” said Saga and followed him as he carefully trotted down the slope. She stopped and waved her tail at them.
“I didn’t know you watched those movies,” they heard Vigg say.
“I dunno, not much... it’s mostly because the extras have cool outfits, no matter whether they are ponies or tapirs or donkeys or whatever,” they heard Saga say with an added snort.
“So?” said Vigg. “I suppose that after Temple of Wool you wore blue woad for a month.”
“I would kick you except you’re right,” said Saga. “It looks much cooler on sheep though. You would look good in it, you have the coat. You could be that evil ram that led the cult!”
“Oh no we don’t go there!” said Vigg, and then they disappeared into the tent.
“Can you tell me why you were digging yourself a hole down to Neighpon there?” said Spike.
“I was just trying to make them understand that I had no hard feelings and so on... and I sort of thought I could bring them together by making it clear they are a good team,” said Twilight and fidgeted.
“Twilight, you’re like a mother to me and I love you, but that was really really dumb,” said Spike. “You almost made it worse. You’re just lucky they dislike the same kind of movies.”
Twilight sighed. She was about to say something when they heard a howl in the distance.
“Wolves?” said Spike.
“All the animals the wolves hunt have fled the mountains,” said Twilight. “Skolls. We’d better get down to camp.”
Spike didn’t need to be told twice.
The next day Alva returned from her scouting to the main force with curious news.
“A tursakalf?” said Vidar with concern. “In what direction was it going?”
“That’s the point, father,” said Alva. “I... can’t tell. The tracks are really strange! Tuva is there keeping an eye on it.”
“That’s usually obvious,” Vidar explained to Twilight and Spike. “It’s like a snowplow, almost literally. You can’t miss where they’re going.” To Alva he said: “Alright, I’ll take a look at them!”
“Can we come?” said Vigg.
“Yes, but be a bit careful,” Vidar said. “We don’t know exactly where this thing is, and we must avoid it at all costs!”
When they reached the tracks half a mile further ahead, Twilight understood what the scout meant.
“I see,” she said. “An ice elemental would basically leave a furrow...”
“But this looks like a series of craters,” said Vidar.
“Can they jump around?” said Saga and sniffed one of the craters. “I mean, if it did, it would leave holes like this, right?”
“Never heard of it,” said Vidar.
“Can’t it be some weather phenomenon that just looks like tracks?” said Twilight. “Natural or unnatural, give the circumstances?”
“No,” said Vidar, “nothing I’ve ever heard of... Of course, with this strange Winter...”
“See, there are pieces of thick ice here in the crater, like splinters!” Vigg said eagerly and trotted down in it. “And there is magic residue everywhere, like there would be from a tursakalf!”
“It Looks very similar to such residue, in fact,” said Vidar.
Twilight cast some spells and frowned. Spike walked around the crater Saga was sniffing in.
“Twilight, can you lift me up...” he said.
“Spike, I’m kind of busy here,” said Twilight.
“But Twilight, it’s important!” said Spike and tapped his right foot. “I need to look at things from above!”
Twilight stared at him, and then it dawned on her.
“Oh!” she said and levitated Spike up into the air surrounded by a purple glow. The others stared at him.
“Yes!” he shouted. “I thought so!”
“What?” said Vigg.
Kvalhissir bellowed and suddenly sprung into the air, repelling the earth and rising to Spike’s level.
“They’re normal tracks!” Spike said. “Like from a pony, or deer, or... or anything with four legs, really!”
Kvalhissir bellowed and nodded.
“He says he has heard stories of the ancient giants...” Saga said. She sniffed some more and licked an ice splinter.
“That’s ridiculous!” Vigg said. “We have proved that the stories of stalo was just stories of moose like Kvalhissir! No moose gets that big!”
“There were giants in the days of yore,” said Vidar, “but that was in the beginning of time. There shouldn’t be any left.”
“Maybe they’re coming back,” said Alva fearfully, “because we’re so close to the end of time.”
Kvalhissir bellowed something.
“He says they look like wolf tracks, or maybe skoll tracks,” said Vigg.
“Princess Celestia told me that the Adamant Alpha, the first Diamond Dog, was... is... a giant canine made of stone,” said Twilight. “Maybe there is a skoll equivalent?”
“I hope not...” Vidar mumbled.
“I think I know what it is,” said Saga and spat out some ice. “It’s pretty crazy but not as crazy as what you’re talking about.”
“What do you mean?” said Vigg.
“It’s a secret of the temple of Hrimfaxi, so you must never ever tell anydeer, okay?” she said. “I shouldn’t be telling you this at all but this is an emergency...”
“Could you put me down!” Spike said.
“Sure - and sure,” said Twilight, nodding to Saga as she placed Spike gently in the snow. Kvalhissir followed him. Saga looked at the others.
“We solemnly swear,” said Vidar, “all of us”. His deer nodded.
“Okay... See, there is this ancient rite to create a servant,” Saga said, “and it hasn’t been done like for ages. It’s from the very founding of the temple. If you sort of butcher a tursakalf, you can use the pieces to build a... a living ice statue, an ice... golem. You need clay from a frozen river and the heart of an enemy and all kinds of gruesome stuff.”
“Like the faceted golems employed in the Ancient Crystal Empire!” Twilight said, eyes glittering. “Eh, although you didn’t need to kill ponies to create those...”
“It’s called a mokkurkalfe,” Saga said, “and usually they built them big, to fight or do heavy labor. But big, that’s big like Kvalhissir, or a big urox... This one must be huge. It must be made from several tursakalfar.”
“Look, that would take lots of magical power,” said Twilight, “and you say this thing is a big secret. Don’t you think that if there was some wandering Hrimfaxi worshipper with that much power, some Grazer shaman or something, somedeer in Vidar’s herd or from your temple would have heard about it?”
“Lady Twilight,” said Saga and looked at her, “Princess Hrim... Princess Luna told us all about who founded the temple. He probably came up with the whole rite to begin with.”
“Right,” said Vigg and looked at Saga admiringly. “And Wiglek the Wicked wasn’t that bad a wizard.”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 45 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
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2013-06-27T13:05:23+00:00
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2013-06-30T20:29:24+00:00
| 2,906 |
“... and we cannot find any fuel any longer, since there is nothing below our hooves but snow, ice and rock, and digging takes too much power. We are now using the oil burners to cook, which means we have started to use up the meager oil supply. Though we could dearly use more heat, since it is now so cold that everything but the oil and vodka freezes during the night, we cannot use the burners for heat only, since we have brought too little oil and need it for the return journey as well. In our goahti, we use Mr Kvalhissir as a radiator, since his big body gets very warm. Everyone tries to sleep in a big heap.
Spike doesn’t take the cold well, and sleeps wedged between me and Mr Kvalhissir. He falls asleep very early in the evenings, which is why I am writing this myself and will have him send it in the morning. You probably realize this from my hornwriting, which is not as neat as Spike’s.
The reindeer say that this is the worst cold they have ever experienced. For light everyone is very grateful for the starstones you provided us with, Princess Luna, but unfortunately they provide very little heat. Yet we keep them stuffed under our caps and blankets for what little warmth they can give.”
Princess Luna raised her teacup to her lips and took a sip. The weather was bad where she was as well, but not like Twilight’s letter told her. Refugees had been trickling into Sarvvik all autumn, but now they were a steady stream. Every family with recognized relatives in the Grazer herds had their homes filled with rather unwelcome guests. The soup kitchen in Skinfaxi’s temple was emptied of lichen soup and sedgebread an hour after it opened. The King was shaking his spear towards every innkeeper and hotel owner in town, forbidding them to deny anydeer entry.
“And you said she wouldn’t need any starstones, Tia,” Luna mumbled and continued to read. The long letter continued with a mix of Twilight’s daily schedule and scholarly study of The Customs of the Tarandroland Nomadic Reindeer During Winter Journeys.
“We have met no more animated corpses, though hraesvalgs can be Seen in the winds every day. Several more times we have heard Skoll howls. Nopony speaks their language, but Jarl Vidar says he knows enough of their howls to know what kind they are, and claims it must be messages of sorrow. Apparently the Winter is harming even them somehow.
We have also passed several Skoll tunnels, all collapsed. Jarl Vidar says they do this deliberately unless they know they will use them again, soon, as they can dig through snow as fast as a deer can run on top of it. Of course, since running in deep snow is actually quite laborious, that doesn’t seem that fast. In any case it seems like most Skolls have abandoned their native mountains. As horrible as it sounds, we hope they have all left for the forests to the South in search of prey, so we don’t have to face them.
The most worrying encounter was one we didn’t have. By sheer luck we avoided three enormous ice elementals, and only watched them at a distance. I suppose you have seen them, Princess, but to me and Spike they were amazing: living icebergs, moving like slow spinning tops over land, grinding their way across the landscape. Normally, most of them break off Joukulvakt and tumble down into the sea, with only a few leaving for land and those breaking apart quickly. They must be more numerous this year, and I shudder when I think what this must mean for shipping.
As they move, pieces break off and are scattered over the landscape, but at the same time they seem to absorb snow and repair themselves, adding scraped-up turf and rocks seemingly by mistake. Jarl Vidar claims, and it has been observed in our time by others, that the colder it is the faster they regenerate damage, and they can even grow in bad enough weather. That must be why they are so big now...”
Luna put the scroll down on the table and stretched out on the bed. She had already read it twice. She just needed to determine what to write back to Twilight. There were no dire news in the letter. Things were bleak, but both Luna and her often pessimistic hosts had mostly anticipated them, as things were going.
At the gentle knock at the door, Luna said: “Please enter, Dark Clouds and Shadows Gather.”
The bat-winged pegasi did so, then bowed. Luna smiled mischievously when she saw the look on their faces.
“Learning to distinguish hoofsteps is a pretty quick matter,” she said by way of explanation. “Besides, you used your wings a bit, and they have a very distinctive sound. At ease, my children.”
“We come because the King’s companions asked for a tour of the camp for the Equestrian volunteers,” Dark Clouds said when he rose from his bow. “Sir Oak Wreath said it was ultimately Your Highness’ decision and responsibility, so we came here at once.”
“Can they do it now?” said Luna and rose from her bed.
“What?” said Dark Clouds. “Like... now now, Your Highness?”
“Yes, might as well get it over with,” Luna said. “The volunteers have worked for some time now, so there should be something to show, at least. I’m surprised the King didn’t ask earlier, but... Alright. We make this an impromptu inspection. If they can accompany me now, they do. Otherwise we set a later date. Who was it that talked to you?”
“The King’s bard, Your Highness,” he said.
“Kol the Singer,” Luna mused. “Very well. Dark Clouds, search him out and tell him we can do it now. Shadows Gather, attend to me. I need to don my armor.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” said both guards, but they sounded less than convinced. Shadows Gather approached the box that held the armor pieces with apprehension.
“I’ll instruct you, soldier,” said Luna.
“Permission to speak freely, Your Highness,” said Dark Clouds.
“Go on, soldier,” said Luna with a frown.
“Will they be okay with... proceeding so quickly?” he said.
“Oh, Tarandrian society might be lacking in some areas, but the court can be refreshingly flexible in some ways,” Luna said. “If the King thinks he’s too busy he’ll tell me, and we’ll just make this a regular surprise inspection.”
Dark Clouds saluted and left.
Heikki gasped and threw his bulk at Skiold, put one front leg around his neck and pointed his head down the hill they were descending.
“Look, Skiold!,” he shouted. “Those soldiers! They’re not ponies!”
“Gosh,” the other reindeer said and rolled his eyes. “I didn’t notice. I’m so glad you told me!”
“Yes,” added Mustikka wearily, “you should be the scout instead of me.” He was walking right behind them, with his King and the pony princess in tow. The Princess’ guards flew above or walked beside her.
“Oh no,” said Heikko, “I couldn’t do that! It was probably just a lucky fluke that I noticed!”
The other reindeer groaned.
“What Sir Heikko clearly meant,” said Luna diplomatically, “was to point out that there are some Equestrian troops who aren’t ponies, contrary to expectations, and that’s who we’ll look at now.”
So far the tour had been adequate. Most of the Equestrian volunteers were camped outside Sarvvik’s western gates, filling a mix of Vanhoover-made winter tents and portable goahtis lent to them by the King’s own estate. They had shown good behaviour, even if there had been some gaffes, mostly too casual magics from the unicorn knights. The troops were miserable in the snow and cold, but the King had liked what he had seen of the engineering attempts to protect the nearby city from both winter monsters and insurgents. Snow filling ditches and moats was the biggest problem.
“Some of our non-equine soldiers are big enough to use Urox weaponry, and I’m proud to show you how quickly they are adopting to it, Your Majesty,” Luna said.
Ukko frowned.
“‘Urox weaponry’?” he snapped. “Isn’t that just horns and bulk?”
“Special equipment,” Luna said, “to fight nidhoggs and other winter beasts.”
Ukko looked at his companions.
“Do you know what she is talking about?” he said. “Skiold! You gave the cattle a place to set up camp and arranged for their provisions.”
“I have no idea,” Skiold said and shrugged. “They asked be for firewood and water, I didn’t hear anything about weapons. I didn’t ask about them either. I just assumed they had what they needed.”
“I am sorry, Your Majesty,” said Luna. “I thought you knew, since they were your subjects.”
“As far as I know, the Urox are farmers,” snorted Ukko.
“They can be more than that,” said Luna diplomatically. “Let’s get down into this camp, and we’ll show you.”
A motley crew of mostly cattle equally interspersed with non-pony ungulates stood at attention when the two royals and their followers trotted down the slight slope into the camp. Banners were held by a cow and a ram flying the colours of the regiment.
“At ease!” Luna shouted as she removed her helmet and let it hover next to her magically. She turned to a medal-hung cow in a deep green, snow-flecked uniform.
“Colonel Raspberry, isn’t it?” she said.
“Yes, Your Highness!” the big cow boomed. It was rare for Luna to be eye to eye with her subjects, but here she was.
She must be part zebu! Luna thought.
“Give King Ukko a demonstration of the Urox weaponry,” Luna said. “Use what hooves seem fit.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” said the cow-colonel. “YOU! SECOND COMPANY, FOÚRTH PLATOON, FOURTH SQUAD! DEPORT FOR TRAINING FIELD FOR FIRETHROWER DEMONSTRATION!”
As one group of the soldiers started running around to gather the gear, the cow turned to Luna.
“We should move to the training field so you and your guests can watch clearly, Your Highness,” she said. “It is just beyond the camp.”
“Alright,” said Luna. “Gentlestags, follow me if you please!”
“Firethrowers?” said Mustikka as he and the others started to trot in the direction given by the cow. “Where did the cattle get firethrowers?”
“Excuse me, but what’s a firethrower?” said Kol.
“It is like a smaller version of the fire-cannon used on some ships,” said Luna, “and it does exactly what it says on the package: it throws fire. And as for your question, Sir Mustikka, do you know how the Urox prepare the land for farming?”
“They... burn the trees...” said Mustikka.
“Exactly,” said Luna smiling. “They practice slash and burn agriculture. They use devices to spread and control the fire. When they were threatened by winter monsters because their liege lords didn’t protect the well enough, they rebuilt them into firethrowers and reinforced the protective gear with scrap metal to make bladed and spiked armors.”
“Bladed and spiked?” said Mustikka. “How can they move freely?”.
“So the nidhogg won’t bite you, I guess,” said Ukko. “They are fewer and bigger targets; they can’t get a spearwall to protect them. Clever...”
“Exactly,” said Luna, again. “They used it to scare away nidhoggs and the like. Now, some of my hooves are cattle, and if not as hardy as the Urox they are often stronger. In addition, Equestrian cattle have one advantage Poatsulan cattle don’t...”
They had reached the training field, where two cows were putting on crude barding, covered in blades and spikes as Luna had described, while sheep, pig and goats were helping them strap big tube-like devices to their backs.
In front of them were three logs joined by chains hanging from a huge crane like a z-shaped snake. They were covered in snow, but below it the wood was painted white and grey, then scorched.
“What is that thing, colonel?” said Luna and pointed to the logs chained together.
“The target dummy, your highness,” said the cow. “It’s not very good, I’m afraid. Once the hooves in the crane get it to work it will at least move, but...”
The reindeer were staring. So were Luna’s guards, who really hadn’t fraternized with these soldiers that much.
“I don’t think any Equestrian yeomanry regiment really uses firethrowers,” Luna said, “so we are not as efficient as the Urox. I assure you the soldiers are doing their very best, King Ukko.”
“I believe you,” the king mumbled. “But... what did you mean by your cattle having an advantage over mine?”
“Well, you can see for yourself: They don’t have to aim with their backs” Luna gestured to the two cows who now had donned their armor and their back-mounted fire-gun. Behind each gun sat a smaller ungulate. One pig, and one goat.
“They have a gunner!” Luna smiled triumphantly.
The crane started moving and the fake nidhogg with it. The soldiers moved around and tried to hit it with gouts of fire. Suddenly it bellowed.
“That was not a nidhogg,” said Mustikka critically.
“No, sir, we couldn’t find a recording of a real one,” said the colonel. “It’s a sea serpent, closest thing we could find.”
“Just where did you find a recording of a bellowing sea serpent?” said Luna
“It was one of the boffins, your highness,” said the cow. “Relaxation tape.”
“Well, better than we thought!” said Skiold. “Seems Sarvvik is safe, at least.”
“As long as the enemy attacks from the west, yeah,” said Mustikka, as they trotted back to Castle Muorra through the city. "I'll guess we'll just kindly ask them to do that."
“That’s where we do expect the enemy to attack though, if we’re talking the dissidents,” said Skiold.
“Yes, this is shaping up better than we imagined,” said Kol. “Reinforcements are arriving, the population is under arms, the war chest is not full but at least not emptying anymore... You still look glum, my friend?” He poked Ukko. The King sighed.
“No joy lasts,” he sighed. “We still have to target attacks against Winter, and that is yet not possible, we don’t know when or how. If we just retreat here until spring - if that comes at all - more than half the country will be devastated.”
“King Ukko is right, of course,” said Luna. “But at least we have the passive defenses in a much better shape.”
“I know!” said Heikko who had suddenly stopped in front of a hot pie stand. “I have a plan!”
“Spare me...” said Mustikka.
“Listen, we just have to trick all the Winter beasts and demons to come to the defenses we made west of Sarvvik! With the traps and explosives and trenches and Urox flameguns! Then we don’t have to find them!” Heikko said enthusiastically.
“How?” said Mustikka. “Heikko, they are dumb beasts! They’re not an army and don’t have a leader, so no stratagem works on them!”
“Can’t you just use bait, like when you trap normal animals?” Heikko said.
“No, because they eat different things!” said Kol gently. “You cannot set a trap to catch both squirrels and wolves. Besides, you’d have to use something that smells all over Poatsula, old fellow.”
“Could you use... a spell?” said Heikko. “I’ve seen Galder summon spirits thousands of times and Princess Hrimfaxi here can summon animals?”
“I think if anydeer knew a ‘Summon All Winter Monsters In Poatsula To Me’ spell they’d have to use it at least once to test it and then they’d be dead by now!” said Mustikka. “Please keep serious for once!”
“Actually, I think Sir Heikko is onto something,” said Luna. “Nothing that drastic, of course, and I know of no simple spell which could do something like that, but it is a valid strategy. Attract the beasts to our positions magically! That removes one of the biggest stumbling blocks to our campaign!”
They all stopped.
“While reporting about today’s activities, I’ll mention the possibility to the Temple of Hrimfaxi, my sister and her scholars and my sister’s student,” Luna said.
“Very well,” said Ukko. “I trust you that you know what you’re doing even when you listen to Heikko.”
“It’s too bad we have to use Twilight for that quest, but I can at least get her advice,” Luna thought.
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 46 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
|
2013-10-03T20:44:15+00:00
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2013-10-04T21:56:44+00:00
| 2,811 |
There was hardly any sunlight anymore. The gray skies, howling winds and constant snow made seeing or hearing anything hard. Spike was certain it wasn’t actually snowing much any more. The snow was just blowing around. He shuddered in his jacket and blinked. The fire in his belly felt less hot every day, and he was ever so sleepy.
“Why are we stopping?” he said, tugging at Twilight’s tail. The expedition had ground to a halt when the scouts returned, and everyone was just standing there in the snow, trampling on their skis now and then to keep warm. Twilight had been huddling with the expedition leaders, their heads close so they could hear each other clearly.
“We are discussing how to continue,” said Twilight. “The part of the glacier where we think Sampo and his follower were buried with snow is the lower one, and then we have to turn south-west - left, as it is.”
“So why aren’t we going there?” said Spike surly.
“Because Saga’s hunch from her spell tells her Viglek’s remains are on the upper part of the glacier,” said Twilight and pointed. “That’s in the opposite direction. And uphill. And over a chasm, though the chasm isn’t really that deep here and the uphill part isn’t that steep.”
“So if we cross it, we cross now,” said Spike.
“Exactly,” said Twilight. “Later on it will be much more of a nuisance and we don’t need any nuisances right now.” She turned back to the discussion.
“Look,” said Vigg, “we cannot be sure how far from Viglek the Sampo is buried. But if the call Saga feels is so strong, we can tell exactly where to dig. We cannot be sure where to start if we go down the glacier.”
“Vigg, that’s like looking for your keys under the streetlight because if they’re there you can at least see them, no matter where you really dropped them,” said Twilight. “But I agree that we should check that site first. I’m certain we’ll need to dig in both places, very carefully, and we better get up there now while we can.”
“What’s the other thing you feel, then?” said Tuva.
“It’s so weak, it’s probably nothing,” said Saga.
“But what is it?” Tuva persisted.
Saga fidgeted.
“An echo, probably,” said Twilight. “Hundreds of people died here tragically long ago. Any neighcromancy is bound to have disturbances here.”
“There’s an ice bridge over the chasm further down from here,” said one of the other scouts. “It looks good for everydeer except the troll.”
Twilight looked at Kvalhissir, who snorted.
“The ‘troll’ can leap through the air,” Twilight said. “We should try out that ice bridge. What do you say, Vidar?”
“Let’s do what the fawn says,” said the older reindeer reluctantly. “She’s a prophetess, after all.”
They started to trot down on their skis, following the chasm as they continued down the slope.
“Finally!” Spike muttered as he started dragging his skis.
Vigg and Saga stayed behind a little bit as Saga spit out her wad of tobacco and put in a new one.
“That’s not much better than smoking, you know,” said Vigg.
“Thanks for supporting me,” said Saga and nudged his flank a little.
Then she started to trot down as well, while Vigg followed with a small grin.
The ambush was perfect. The drifting snow must have obscured the ground, rendering special Sight for hidden things in snow useless. All around the small her, Skolls burst forth from the deep snow, howling and snarling. They had dirty white shaggy fur and eyes as algae-rimmed ice, and wore nothing but a few trinkets of bone and horn jewelry. Some of them waved around wicked icicle spears and daggers of cold flint, but most were unarmed except for huge fangs dripping with drool.
Twilight noticed, as she began to summon magic power and her senses sharpened, that none of them had the cloud of white breath around their muzzles any normal person had in this weather. They were literally cold as ice.
“Back!” shouted Vidar. “Form a circle! Spears out!”
“The shield!” shouted Spike frantically as he and Vigg clambered on the concealable ackja. “The shield!”
Twilight formed the sphere in her mind and a shimmering force field erected between her friends and the ice-wargs. One of them leapt straight into it and almost poured off it down to the snowy ground, completely dazed.
“Hah!” shouted Tuva. “They cannot reach us, but we can reach them! Just like the holdraugr!”
The other reindeer whooped, and Tuva grabbed her lariat and let if fly through the shimmering field. It landed around the shoulders of a huge female Skoll grappling a long icicle spear in her front paws, and Tuva pulled as the Skoll pulled in her direction, her right foreleg pinned to the her side. Alva darted forward with a spear and prepared to jab at the Skoll, when she took a deep breath and breathed on her.
Or more correctly: breathed from her. The Skoll leaned back on the lariat and inhaled, and a white stream flew from Alva’s leg and shoulder and into her mouth. Thick ice formed around Alva’s right shoulder and right front leg and she fell to the ground shrieking.
As if on cue, the dozen Skoll closest to the sphere also inhaled deeply, and ice licked the reindeer closest to the front, though none as badly as Alva. In other cases the snow turned to backed ice from the inhalation of the ice-wargs.
“It doesn’t work!” shouted Vidar. “Fall back!”
“Do something, Hestalander!” shouted Tuva and let go of her lariat, running to her sisters aid. “DO SOMETHING!”
Twilight was stunned by the sudden development, but snapped out of it, furrowed her brow and bit her teeth. Suddenly the sphere changed to an opaque purple, and all sounds and lights from outside were muted. A thin runnel of blood seeped from her right nostril.
“This should be safe,” she said with a hoarse voice.
“Alva!” said Vidar and kneeled at his daughter’s side. “How is your leg?”
“I can’t f-feel it, “ she mumbled. She tried to roll over. Her sister started helping her.
“Spike!” Twilight said. “Help warm her! Melt the ice very very carefully! To fast, and you hurt her instead. You really should wait until you get to safe place when warming frostbite, but I’m sure that would be too far.”
“Will do!” said Spike and hurried to her with a cautious look at the magic sphere. Vigg followed him with a blanket from the ackja.
“They are still trying to get through,” said Twilight with an evil smile, “but I won’t let them. They are even trying to dig through from below.”
“They are too many,” said Vidar.
“Why didn’t the shield work?” said Vigg with desperation in his voice.
“Because a Skoll doesn’t breath cold at you - he swallows your heat,” said Vidar. “Lady Sparkle set up her magic wall so that things couldn’t pass in, but they could pass out - including our life-warmth. Isn’t that so?”
“True,” said Twilight and swallowed. “I cannot - I cannot keep this forever and hope they tire. I can do something that hopefully should knock them down and get them on the run, but I don’t think I’ll be able to raise a shield for a while after that.”
She swallowed again.
“Or do much of any magic before I lay down and have a rest, anyway,” she added.
“We’ll do it,” said Vidar. “We cannot just sit here. Tell us what to do”
“What about Alva?” said Tuva, anger in her voice.
“She, Saga, Vigg and Spike hide on the ackja and keep out of trouble, “ said Twilight. “I’m going to swat them all down and aside with a massive work of magic that won’t harm any of us. Leap at them and harass them. I’m sure many of you have fought Skolls before. Try to drive them off… or kill them if you have to.” She said the last with a whisper.
“I’m not going to hide again!” Vigg fumed.
“Yes you are!” said Twilight. “You and Saga are necessary for our quest, Alva is badly hurt and Spike… Spike cannot fight either, and we need him even more than me to send for help. You all stay on the ackja!”
Vigg said no more but helped carry Alva, with everydeer pressing him to be careful to not move the frostbitten part too much. Spike hobbled after letting a thin stream of steam play over the affected shoulder.
The other reindeer formed a circle and grabbed weapons.
“Ready when you are, Lady Sparkle,” said Vidar. Tuva trampled at his side and snorted in fury.
Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She remembered what her brother had told her about raising force fields long ago, and how he had demonstrated by filling a balloon with air… and how he had shown her this trick, by pumping it until it burst, and earned himself a scolding from the housekeeper.
“Here it goes!” she shouted. The purple sphere pulsed…
...and with a silent explosion it shattered. Shards of force, for a moment solid pieces of purple, burst outwards. They slammed into the Skoll gathered around the sphere, sending them flying into the snowdrifts or knocking them into the snow. They packed the snow deep beneath the snow upon which the expedition was standing, the sphere expanding suddenly in all directions. Twilight felt a shape becoming trapped below as she let go of the last strings of energy, and shuddered. Then she was overcome with nausea and fell over.
The reindeer were shocked as well for a second, then they screamed and leapt out at their stunned enemies, trampling and kicking and butting them, jabbing them with their spears and daggers. They didn’t hit particularly true, but their main tactic was to harry the Skolls and cause them to flee. The attack exceeded their expectations.
The Skolls were shocked. The only ones that didn’t flee howling, bleeding and concussed, with yelling reindeer warriors after them were those too hurt to even move. They lay there whining and moaning, and while most of the herd ran after the enemies hollering, chasing them down the glacier, Tuva stopped and jumped angrily on the fallen Skolls, ending with a drum solo of four hooves on the skull of the Skoll that had frozen her sister.
Twilight, overcoming her nausea, rose up and shouted at her.
“Stop it! Tuva, snap out of it! She’s down!”
Tuva snarled and planted another kick in the muzzle of the unconscious Skoll.
“Stop it!” Twilight begged. “Please, help the kids and your sister instead!”
Tuva stopped, breathed heavily and left to go back to the ackja. Spike had quickly resumed heating Alva’s leg, used as he was to high-magic shenanigans. Saga was so shocked that she had lost control of her spell. Vigg wasn’t any less shocked.
“It worked!” he grinned. “You did it!”
Twilight threw up.
“Darned poison!” she wheezed. “I’m not well yet!”
“You don’t say!” said Spike, but there was worry in his voice.
Everyone laughed, even Alva smiled, and it was then that the last Skoll burst out from the snow like an orca leaping from the sea and grabbed Tuva in his jaws like an orca might grab a seal. She screamed and slammed her hooves down his back with force, but she didn’t have much leverage and lost her breath.
Twilight feebly tore at him with his telekinesis, and he actually let go of Tuva with his teeth, only to try to shift and grab her in his paws. He was bleeding more from his mouth and nostrils than Twilight was, and his cold blood mixed with Tuva’s warm on their coats. He spat out blood and some teeth in the snow.
Spike spit a stream of fire at him that singed his back, and he howled mournfully and moved back, back towards the opening of his tunnel.
“NO!” shouted Alva. “NO DON’T YOU DARE!”
Saga grunted cross-eyed and his tail caught fire, but that only increased his speed.
Then Vigg finally got Alva’s long knife out from its sheath. With it in his teeth he leapt at the back of the Skoll and stabbed him in the shoulder, trying to hang onto his back and stab at him again. The Skoll screamed and let go of Tuva, and he and Vigg tumbled in the snow to the horrified screams of the onlookers. Spike and Saga both held back fire, and Twilight halted a levitated spear in the air in fear of hitting the wrong target.
It was then that the ball of violence disappeared down the Skoll tunnel, despite its narrowness. It was a strange sight.
“NO!” shouted Tuva and Alva at once, leaving the Equestrians and the city reindeer stunned.
“What?” Twilight croaked.
“He pulled him with him!” shouted Tuva and rose bleeding from the snow. “Stop him before he…”
There was a soft deep sound, as if the snowdrifts sighed.
“...collapses the tunnel after him…” she finished.
She got up, shook herself and stumbled after with her eyes in the snow.
“We must follow them as fast as we can,” she said.
“What happened?!” said Spike. “Where did he go?”
“A Skoll might pull an enemy down with him in his tunnel, and if he leaves him there he might suffocate,” said Alva and coughed.
“Kvalhissir!” shouted Saga and thrust her nose into the air.
The moose came striding through the air, swinging his huge mace, flecked with blood. Lacking the ancestral animosity of the reindeer, he had given up the hunt earlier once he realized the Skolls were clearly on the run.
“Kvalhissir!” Saga shouted again, now in the moose tongue. “A Skoll got Vigg!”
She looked at the others.
“We must find him and warn the others, but Tuva can barely walk!”
“I will,” said the moose. “Jump on. I’ve got strength left in my hooves. Enough to run a league on air to save a child. I’ll call on powers you never knew.”
Saga dragged Tuva with her.
“Come on!” she shouted. “Get on Kvalhissir’s back!”
Tuva protested feebly but Kvalhissir grabbed her with his jaws and hoisted her on his back, while Saga jumped on her skis.
“Can he really fly that long?” Twilight mumbled.
“As long as he needs to!” shouted Saga.
“Take care of my sister!” shouted Tuva.
“Hurry up and save our stupid little cousin!” shouted Alva. “Tell the others to search!”
Kvalhissir galloped away, Saga hurrying after him down the slope.
“When he runs out of that spell he’ll be stranded in deep snow or ice, and the only one who knows the tundra is badly hurt,” said Spike.
Twilight washed her face with snow and stood up on .
“Keep looking after Alva,” she said. “I have things to do.”
“What?” said Spike.
“There’s coffee in your thermos still?” Twilight said and walked to Spike’s pack.
“Yeah, I think so…” he said and rubbed Alva’s shoulder.
“I’ll have a sip while I start working, and some sugarcubes, and when my brain is clear enough I’ll do some magic to find Vigg,” she said.
“You can do that, Lady Sparkle?” said Alva.
“It’ll be very indirect,” said Twilight, “but it’ll help.” She dragged out the thermos. “I think you should have a cup as well.”
Vigg had often read stories where someone suffering a terrible ordeal “mercifully fainted”. The real world had no mercy. His captor succeeded in swimming through the packed snow pressing the reindeer to his chest without getting stuck, but now and then Vigg’s antlers snagged. It hurt horribly, and Vigg first screamed until he lost his breath. That happened very quickly.
He screamed more when the Skoll leapt out of the snow and started running topside instead. Vigg kicked and wriggled and only succeeded in hitting his head on the snow when the Skoll made a somersault. He cursed and begged and cried out for… anyone, for his mother, for Twilight Sparkle, for his father. The Skoll didn’t even try to stop him, and he lost his breath again when the uneven ride caused him to lose his lunch on the snow below. The Skoll ran like a madman and started howling as he did, until he lost breath as well.
If Vigg hadn’t been so terrified, out of breath, shaken and battered, he would have realised that the Skoll was crying with fear, whimpering like a puppy, it’s muzzle contorted in horror. As it howled in desperation once more, it followed its captive’s lead and left yellow marks in the snow.
After a period Vigg couldn’t measure two other Skoll started running parallel to his captor. They were at least as big as him. One of them carried something large, flat and brown in his teeth that flapped behind her as she ran, and in a chill flash, Vigg realised it was a reindeer pelt. The three whimpering Skoll suddenly made halt at the brim of the same chasm Vigg and his companion had been following. It was only further ahead, how far Vigg couldn’t tell. On the other side of the chasm rose a steep slope of pure ice, somehow black, as if it had formed over basalt. At the edge of the chasm was a crude ice lozenge, decorated with skulls.
An altar.
Vigg screamed even louder as the Skoll hurriedly rolled him into the pelt and secured it hastily with a leather thong. Two of them held him down while the third, the leader turned toward the chasm and howled mournfully, repeatedly bowing towards it. He kept up the Skoll version of ululating for a long time, while Vigg lost his breath and lay sobbing. Then, the ground started to shake. A huge shadow moved down the slope. A shadow as tall as a house. The Skolls turned tail and ran as if all the beasts of Tartarus were loose.
Vigg, struggling to get out from the stinking pelt, couldn’t break the thong. He frantically tried to get out on the side, and had barely succeeded to poke out his head when he saw it. A giant shape in the form of a Skoll, but a Skoll of dark ice, as if calved off a glacier. Its head was the size of a kota tipped over, and in its two cavernous eye sockets burned blue-black balefire. Its jaw opened and closed, filled with icicle stalagmites and stalactites for teeth. As it laboriously crawled down the slope, its huge paws cracked and ice broke off from them, just to reform as its body sucked up new ice from the glacier with creaking sounds.
Vigg lost his voice as the lumbering Mokkurkalfe leaned over the chasm as a reindeer over a cooking fire, and found it again as the huge jaws closed over him. He was pulled up and away inside an icy cave, rolling back and forth, as the ice golem walked up the slope back towards where it came from. It was then that the laws of fiction finally applied to reality, and Vigg mercifully lost consciousness.
Twilight walked around the fallen Skoll, checking their icy breath and their sluggish pulses, and was relieved that they all seemed to be still alive. She then set about to ensure they remained that way by means of very basic first aid. She wished she had brought a book on the subject.
“What - what are you doing?!” said Alva.
“Saving my enemies,” Twilight said, a tourniquet in her teeth.
“What - why?!” said Alva, aghast.
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Twilight. “Moreover, it is necessary to save us in general and Vigg in particular.”
“Should I help you?” said Spike.
“No, help Alva,” said Twilight. “Wait, you can do something else. Get me the medicine bag I made when I worked with Zecora. It’s in my pack.”
Spike stopped warming Alva for a moment, panting as he did so, and fetched the bag for Twilight. She was kneeling by the huge female Skoll that had frozen Alva’s leg. The badly hurt Skoll looked up at the pony with fear, its eyes dull as in pain.
“I’m using you, ma’am, because I’m pretty sure you can’t bite me,” Twilight murmured.
“Are you gonna use a location spell?” said Spike.
“Maybe later, but this is a different one,” said Twilight and started scattering paraphernalia around the Skoll, who started to panic and squirm.
“You’re doing some kind of Zebra adaption stuff… what, that one?” Spike was incredulous.
“It was made for situations like this,” said Twilight, and started her magic. After some un-unicornian chanting with her horn glowing, she ended by bowing over the frightened Skoll and gently prying her jaws apart. Twilight rubbed her ear against the tongue of her captive who had passed from fear into confusion.
Then Twilight rose up, wiped off the Skoll drool from her ear and whined, barked and grunted to the wounded ice-warg. Her eyes widened and she nodded towards Twilight. Twilight barked reassuringly, the walked a bit away, sat back on her flank and howled towards the sky for a long time.
“What did you tell them?” said Spike. As a way of explanation, he turned towards the confused Alva. “She just learned to speak Skoll. It looks disgusting but is really useful.”
“That we have taken care of their wounded, that we wish them no harm, and that they can come and get them here,” said Twilight. “If the Skoll don’t care about their pack members being saved… I count to eleven hostages. I think I can negotiate a deal, especially since I expect the herd back fairly soon.”
“Why?” said Alva.
“An educated guess,” said Twilight. “They scattered, so Saga and Tuva will only find a few of them. The rest will soon be back here, since they are skilled at this thing and will try to regroup, while those Saga and Tuva find will try to rescue Vigg.”
“I hope you’re right,” said Spike. “Are you strong enough?”
“I’ve had coffee,” said Twilight. Then she grinned. “I also have a plan. You should take a message to Princess Luna, with a copy to Princess Celestia. They should know this.”
Vigg came to and felt himself enveloped by something hair and smelly. He panicked and kicked out, and threw off a very ancient blanket. He was lying in an ice cave, the inner walls sculpted to form shelves and niches. He was lying on a heap of old, felted-together blankets in front of a fire. In the fire, skis, sleds and spear-shafts of ancient design burned merrily, melting the ice around it. A wooden jug with melted water was sitting next to him. Vigg rose gingerly to drink, and realised somedeer - someone, he thought - had washed him off and tended to his scratches and swellings. When he Looked at the room, he saw the small traces of magic there, of spirits, just like a reindeer leaves a shape in the snow when it has rested.
Then he heard hoofsteps. He realized there was an entrance to the cave in the direction of his legs, a dark forbidding corridor of ice. Hooves - and something else - clicked against the ice. The other thing sounded like an icepick. Vigg’s heart grew cold and he looked around for something to defend himself with. He settled for pulling an old spear out of the fire. It was burning, and the still attached point was red hot.
A dark shape walked slowly into the cave. It mostly looked like a reindeer, but almost all its hair had been torn out, and the naked skin was grey and swollen, crisscrossed with scars and stitches. One of its hooves had been torn off and replaced with the point of a spear-staff. The grey flesh and hide seemed to have grown around the polished wood and rusty tip. It made the Thing limp. Its antlers were nailed to its head with fat bronze nails, and one eye, bloated and grey, hung out its socket. The other eye-socket was empty, and a ball of balefire burned in it, a dark blue. The Thing’s lower jaw seemed broken and hung down. It’s tongue lolled obscenely swollen.
Nothing of this grotesquery could compete with what you Saw if you had the Sight and Vigg’s Sight to boot. The Thing’s soul was a roiling cloud of anger, despair and hatred, tinged with madness. Only three small sparks of white occured now and then in the middle of it, rotating like the Thing’s heart like bees around a hive.
It stopped at the other side of the fire and looked at Vigg… and Looked at him as well. Vigg tried to swallow and failed badly with the burning spear in his mouth. The Thing shook its head and seemingly by sheer willpower got its lower jaw to snap back. It wriggled its tongue and spoke. Its voice sounded like it only spoke, Vigg thought, with its tongue, and not with its lungs, and he realized it wasn’t breathing. The voice was cracked and old and spoke in a Poatsi that was closer to the Moose tongue, or perhaps Ancient Cervine. Yet it was also the voice of an old stag holding back tears.
“Sampo… my son… is that really you?”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 47 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2013-12-28T15:26:36+00:00
|
2013-12-29T07:27:20+00:00
| 2,497 |
“Skoll are coming!” the sentinel shouted.
Twilight turned from Vidar, Spike and the coffee-pot towards the vaja keeping watch at the ice bridge that stretched across the chasm.
“Skoll are coming!” she shouted again. The reindeer rose and formed a semi-circle facing the bridge.
“Careful!” said Twilight and stepped closer to the bridge, passing the nervous reindeer warriors. “We’re going to negotiate to get Vigg back, not attack them!”
The snow got into her eyes and she squinted as she, equally nervous, watched the slope beyond the bridge. The heaven beyond it was a very dark gray void, with no stars or moon visible. You could barely make out the roiling clouds, unless that was an illusion because you felt that something should be there. The oil-fueled coffee-fire and the star-stones held by some of the reindeer cast faint and weak lights over the proceedings. Now and then Twilight would turn her attention to the ground and probe the snow telekinetically, very carefully, trying to detect any tunneling.
Twilight grew more and more wary, and jumped a little when Spike tugged at one of her saddlebags. In one paw he held a starstone set in a birchbark cone, a small hooded lantern.
“Go back, Spike!” she said. “It might not be safe.”
“I don’t care,” said Spike sullenly. “I want to be with you.”
Twilight felt something in his voice and turned to look at him in the flickering stone-light. She realized the little dragon was a wreck. His eyes looked like he was about to cry, and that the only thing that stopped him from doing it was that he was so tired.
“Spike… I mean, it’s okay,” she said and nuzzled him. “Stay here with me if you want. We'll get Vigg back.”
Spike nuzzled her back and sighed very very deeply.
“I wish we were home,” he said quietly.
“Me too,” said Twilight and turned towards the slope to squint again. “Me too.”
After a long wait Twilight could see silhouettes over the ridge. One. Two. Four and five. Six, soon becoming a dozen. Big, loping silhouettes switching between quadrupedal and bipedal walking as the snow allowed. Big ones… and small ones.
“Are they… foals?” Spike whispered. “Cubs, I mean?”
“Yes,” said Twilight, “and they are moving above ground. This is not an attack. They are making themselves vulnerable.”
The snow-drifting wind pulled at Twilight’s ears and mane, and the pack of Skoll came into view, faces and not silhouettes. White, pale yellow or pale grey, they all looked worried and hesitant, to the extent that Twilight could read canine faces at all. The cubs walked under protest or were carried, and Twilight was suddenly reminded of Spike. And the adults…
All the adults were old. Old and scarred, some with limps and missing eyes, ears or tails. Male and female alike had not just lived long, but survived long. Some of them carried simple icicle spears, axes or clubs, but they were slung and not ready to draw. One of them, a large yellow female, walked up to Twilight and stood there silently, carefully studying the unicorn. Her face was a strange mixture between worried, afraid and, of all things, awe-struck.
“Well met!” said Twilight in her newly-acquired Skoll. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and this is Spike. I hoped we could, uh, talk…”
The old Skoll fell to her hind knees and spread her front paws. Then she first leaned back and raised them to the sky, then lowered her muzzle to the ground and pressed it into the snow. Then she repeated herself, and the other Skoll copied her movements and started a howling chant.
“Twilight…” said Spike, who didn’t understand their words. “Are they… worshiping you?”
Twilight, who did understand their words, suddenly realized how her environment suit must make her look.
“Oh, hay!” she snarled. “Not this! It doesn’t work for Daring Do and it shouldn't work for me!"
“Queen of the Night! Princess of Air and Darkness! Ruler of the Night Court! Receiver of howls, mother of adders! Beyond good and evil, the volva of night! The sickle and disc and veil! Ever beautiful! Ever vengeful! Ever victorious! She who Is! Nattmara! Nattmara! Nattmara!” the pack chanted.
“Wait!” Twilight Sparkle shouted. “Stop! You’re mistaken!” She manifested her magic as a halo of purple fire above her head.
The Skoll stopped and looked up at her. They looked surprised. One pup sneezed, his nose full of snow.
“I’m not Nattmara!” she said. “There is no need to bow!”
“Of course not,” said the old female Skoll. “Nattmara is a great night-spirit, and you’re just a unicorn. She’s much bigger and more powerful than you, and wouldn’t need to travel with a herd of reindeer.”
“Oh,” said Twilight, to her shame slightly disappointed. “But what was that about just now then?”
“You are her prophetess, aren’t you?” said the old Skoll anxiously. The other canines seemed to wait.
“Well… “ said Twilight, “...I’m just her hoofmaiden.”
“Close enough!” said the Skoll happily. Her packmates wagged their tails and grinned - or maybe they were showing their teeth. “Then, maybe we are saved as the prophecy says!”
Twilight hesitated.
“I’ll do what I can to... save you, but you must return the prisoner you took from my… herd,” she said.
“That wasn’t us - not us here - but we will,” said the Skoll. “But you must hurry, for your pup is in danger as we speak.”
“Danger? From what?” said Twilight.
“The same thing that threatens us - the Jökelgast and his giant!” said the Skoll.
“Jökelgast?” said Twilight “You can’t… I mean, do you mean Wiglek?!”
“I wouldn’t speak that name aloud, but yes,” said the Skoll.
“Wiglek the Wicked?” she said.
“Yes, oh Nattmara’s handmaiden,” said the Skoll and fiddled with her paws, looking around her with worry.
“How did… the glacier rolled over!” Twilight shouted in Equestrian.
“What?” said Spike.
“The Skoll says Wiglek has risen from his grave, and that first seems ludicrous,” Twilight said rapidly. “But when Discord was freed, Karhu-Akka rolled over in her sleep. That must have freed Wiglek from the ice! That’s why he hasn’t ruled from an icy throne for a thousand years or whatever it was you said, he became free just recently! That’s also why Saga feels the tug of his soul from a strange direction - the whole landscape has changed! Dangit, I should have known!”
“You think he is behind all this?” said Spike.
“It sounds likely!” said Twilight.
She turned back to the Skoll.
“Sorry about that!” she said. “Please explain further…”
Spike and the reindeer listen impatiently as the old canine rattled off a long row of barking and whining complaints. The other Skolls listened as well, but looked relieved as they obviously understood the conversation. The pups became a bit restless. One toddled up to Spike and sniffed him. The dragon pulled back nervously as he felt the heat of his own furnace stream away into the little ice-warg’s nostrils.
“Stay back, Fido,” he mumbled and tried to shoo away the pup. He had no success until it sneezed heavily from the sniffing, which made it retreat behind one of the old Skoll, yelping.
Probably dangerous draining too much heat at once when you’re just a kid, he mused. My luck…
Some of the wounded Skoll ( The hostages, Spike thought) dared talking to their relatives, but they didn’t move. They had been lying on crude beds dug in the snow, but now they rose up as much as they could. The reindeer keeping an eye on them grew skittish.
Finally, Twilight nodded and turned to the others.
“We have to hurry,” she said. “This old… lady, whose name is Jarnsaxa, says Wiglek has methodically destroyed the burrows and holy sites of the Skoll pack here, until he has scared their warriors into doing his bidding. When he learned that we were traveling here, he ordered them to capture one reindeer and bring it to him.”
“Why?” said Vidar.
“He said it was for a ‘sacrifice’ to Nightmare Moon,” said Twilight. “That’s why we have to hurry. They know where Wiglek is, and with our - with my presence they dare go there.”
“Sacrifice?!” Spike shouted. “Why are we standing here?!” He ran to the ackja and started tugging at his pack.
“Why would Skoll need to be scared into attacking reindeer?” said Vidar. “They do that all the time!”
“Ah,” said Twilight, “the sacrifice. That’s the whole point. Luna told the temple staff in Sarvvik, and indirectly thus me, that not even when she was turned into Nightmare Moon would she condone cervine sacrifice. Seems that while some of your ancestors forgot, the Skoll never have. It’s an immense taboo act, and the older Skoll won’t have anything to do with it. Wiglek… has the young Skoll more afraid of him than of their gods.”
“This is where the tracks end,” said Tuva. “This has to be the place…”
The three seekers looked at the makeshift altar. Kvalhissir bent down and sniffed it, then sniffed the air. Tuva lifted her gaze and looked beyond, at the huge chasm and the sheet ice wall behind it. Saga was breathing heavily, out-of-air, and just stared up at the altar.
“A-at least nodeer was killed here,” she said and sniffed. “Not recently…”
“There is no smell of blood,” said Kvalhissir.
“What did he say?” said Tuva.
“He can’t smell any blood either,” said Saga.
“There is a small fire nearby,” he continued, “but a blot-fire should be smokier.”
“Why don’t you know Poatsi!” Tuva groaned.
Saga swallowed.
“He says there is a fire around here, but it’s not one you… not one you burn sacrifices in,” she translated.
“Trolls have keen noses,” said Tuva. “With that pipe, you’d think he’d… Anyway, do you See what I See? The tracks on the other side, someone climbing up that wall? They’re gigantic! Like the tracks we saw before!”
Suddenly Saga stood up straight and bellowed in a panicky way. Kvalhissir answered her calmly, then stretched further and sniffed the air.
“What… what is it now?” Tuva said. “What are you talking about!”
“I was asking… asking if he smelled water!” said Saga. “Because if he was talking sacrifice, I wondered… if their was a Moonwell anywhere here!”
“Moonwell?” said Tuva. “What’s that?”
“It’s an old Hrimfaxi thing… I supposed it’s a heresy, really… for sacrificing reindeer,” Saga fidgeted.
“Sacrifice?” Tuva said “I’m not following you.”
“There’s a mokkurkalfe somewhere around here;” said Saga, “like I told you about. That’s a Hrimfaxi secret! And Wiglek founded the Hrimfaxi cult to please Luna, so I wanted to know if there was any water, and…” She started to hyperventilate and collapsed on the ground.
“Calm down!” said Kvalhissir with a kind, surprisingly high voice… in Poatsi.
“What - you - what…?” Tuva stammered. Saga broke off her fast breathing and just stared.
“Yes, I can speak it,” said Kvalhissir.
“Since when?” said Saga.
“I had a talk with Twilight Sparkle,” said Kvalhissir and stuck out his tongue. “Has been a while.”
“And you didn’t tell us?!” said Tuva
“Yeah, why not?” said Saga. He does sound kinda like Mistress Twilight… she thought.
“I’m a ‘troll’,” he said. “We keep secrets to survive. Saga, I can smell no open water, but I might be missing something. Yes, it has a certain kind of smell, but the wind might fool me. I can smell the faint smoke of a small, hot fire, and would probably miss it if it wasn’t near. Whoever took Vigg must be at that fire. I suggest we take off to get him before he gets hurt. I still have some breath left to leap through the air. Get on my back.”
He knelt.
“What about… whatever it was called that left those tracks?” said Tuva, while Saga clambered on the moose.
“You’re more free to use your weapon than I am,” said Kvalhissir as he leaped out into the chasm. “It’s your call whether to use it and when!”
“It can’t be you!” the living corpse shrieked as he rocked back and forth. “It can’t be you! My other eye sees you! Sees you now… my both eyes see you and See you, in twin places… Sampo, my little Sampo…”
Technically speaking, Vigg didn’t dare move, but he had cramps and rolled over, getting a little bit further away from the raving undead as well as the fire. He moved into the heap of old cracked weapons and shields and skis and sleighs.
At the sound Wiglek stopped rocking and shrieking and turned towards him with surprising quickness, his face cramped in sudden anger.
“What?!” he shouted, his face bursting with balefire.
“Sorry sorry, I’m just moving so I can lie still please I didn’t mean anything sorry sorry sorry…” Vigg babbled, horrified.
“Don’t say ‘sorry sorry sorry’!” Wiglek shouted and slammed his metal hoof replacement into the ice. His non-eyes glared at Wiglek. Then he shrank back.
“Oh my antlers… what am I doing… I’m sorry! I’m so so sorry…”
He gave a up a strange, sobbing wail. Vigg started breathing again and realized that Wiglek was crying without eyes or tears and that strange breath-less way of making sounds.
“I sent for… I sent those wretches… those wretches come… and bring back this for Svipp… Svipp brings you here, poor mutt...” Wiglek said, wiping his muzzle uselessly with his hoof. “It’s Her, isn’t it… always Her! She ruined me, wrecked me, for a laugh! Mocking me… always mocking me…”
He stood up and shook his hoof towards the ice roof, looking far beyond it.
“Curse you!” he shouted. “Freeze your guts and kill your spawn! Why did you do this to me?! Curse me with unlife! Promise us the world and use us like thralls and cast us aside as trash, and when your plans fail, everything falls down with you! And when freed from your prison, do you come for us?! Do you spare us a thought!? All us who served you?!”
He turned towards Vigg.
“The name they gave me is wrong,” he said. “I should not be the Wicked, but the Weak. It is the weak who are punished, not the wicked. The strong are not. Fate slides off them like water off a goose. They earn forgiveness and respite. The weak, no matter their actions, do not.”
He turned his gaze towards the ceiling again and his face contorted with anger and despair.
“You kinbetrayer!” he shouted. “Kin-slayer! Curse you to Niffelhel and beyond! Even I, I whom deer call ‘wicked’, would never have touched my kin, my brother, the only comfort an outcast can have. I gave everything for him, everything for my son as well. But you? Oh, your soft words and self-righteous anger, to be the only Queen of the Sky...and yet, and yet… release… and forgiveness and respite, while your old servants rot in tombs and Tartarus and age-green ice…”
He was wrecked with dry sobs again.
Vigg licked his lips.
“You know about… Hrimfaxi and Skinfaxi?” he said.
The lich lifted his head and turned towards Vigg again.
“What is your Sight, you who cannot be my son?” he said.
“What?” said Vigg, enough confused that his fear abated somewhat.
“What is your Sight, the special things your See?” said Wiglek. “Or have reindeer changed, grown weaker?”
“Oh,” said Vigg. “Well…”
He swallowed.
“Only if you tell me yours, Mister Wiglek,” he said. “Because…”
Vigg tried to remember his father’s words.
“Because your Sight is a precious thing, both a Strength and a Weakness,” he said.
“I will, “ said Wiglek, “that is why I am asking you.”
“I can see… the nature of the soul,” Vigg said.
Wiglek raised what was once an eyebrow.
“I can see the good and evil in deer,” he said.
“And what do you see in me?” said Wiglek.
Vigg hesitated.
“I’m trying to learn to use it to spot lies,” he said.
“Answer. My. Question.”
Vigg swallowed.
“It… scares me to look at you, sir,” he said. “It is… strange. Not like the normal… I mean, I have them myself. I suppose it is the Nightmare in you. It…”
He waved his hooves looking for the word.
“Festers,” Wiglek said. “And it is nothing new to me.”
“What… do you See, then, Mister Wiglek?” said Vigg hesitantly.
“I see the Sky,” said Wiglek. “Even trapped in the ice, I saw the heavens moving and changing. Aware of every minute. Seeing Ursas and Leos frolic as I lay supine and suffocating. Seeing destinies unfold. Seeing the Stars aiding in Her escape.”
“Stars controlled by Skinfaxi,” said Vigg.
“Exactly,” said Wiglek. “So, it is common knowledge? That She brought Her sister back despite what She had done?”
“No, I don’t think so,” said Vigg. “It’s… just that I know.”
They sat in silence, the youth and the ancient.
“The fire… you need it, and it needs more wood,” said Wiglek absentmindedly.
Vigg put another broken ski and a spear into it.
“Who’s Svipp?” said Vigg.
“What?” said Wiglek, another flush of anger.
“Sorry,” said Vigg, “sorry sir, you mentioned ‘Svipp’. Who’s that?”
“My mokkurkalfe,” said Wiglek. “When I was... I had gathered most of me, he was the first magic I wrought. For safety.”
Vigg stared at the lich.
“You named that thing ‘Svipp’?” he said.
“And?” Wiglek snarled.
“Sorry, sorry, but that’s… more like a name for a dog,” Vigg said and shied back a little.
“Don’t you remember?” said Wiglek with irritation.
“No, sorry, you haven’t mentioned it before, at least not as I remember…” Vigg said hastily.
Wiglek stared at him, dumbfounded.
“But our dog was named Svipp,” he mumbled. “Why don’t you… Oh.”
He turned to Vigg.
“Not your dog,” he said monotonically. “Our dog. Because you are not…”
“Not… not… both eyes see you!” he whined and started to rock again.
Vigg felt his skin crawl and looked away. He shut his eyes and thought hard and he swallowed. Then he leaned closer to Wiglek and gingerly laid a hoof on his back. The lich shuddered but didn’t move away.
“So, so…” he said, his voice unsteady. “Why… why don’t you tell me about Svipp. The first one. The dog. Tell me about when you got Svipp the first time.”
Wiglek looked at him.
“I mean, the first time you meet a dog, you see what dog it is, even if you don’t See it, right?” he rambled. “Tell me about when… tell me about when we got Svipp.”
Wiglek looked into the fire. Slowly he grabbed one of the old spears and stirred it.
“Voitto Signysson’s dog had whelped, and he owed me one,” he said as he stirred. “I knew we could have one of the pups. I remember how they were rolling around, fighting each other… and Svipp wouldn’t stop fighting, even if he lost all the time…”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 48 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2014-03-30T12:23:40+00:00
|
2014-03-31T17:40:08+00:00
| 2,583 |
Kvalhissir landed after clearing the crevasse, panting. The reindeer fell off his back and they all three started climbing up the glacier.
The face of it was steep and slippery, but there was a path of sorts, and huge footprints, as well as strange craters, as if ice had been sucked up into the air somehow.
“I don’t like this…” Saga whined.
“Shhh!” said Tuva. “We’re trying to surprise them!” She was less exhausted than the city fawn, but the sweat still poured off her back and her wound from when the Skoll bit her had opened. She turned back against Kvalhissir. He was taking up the rear, and not to defend it. He panted heavily and snot and drool fell from his muzzle.
“Are you… are you okay?” she whispered.
He nodded, panting heavily.
“Leaping the air…”
He couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Take it easy!” said Tuva. “We’re carrying on!”
Saga looked at her.
“We should just get Vigg out of there and leave,” Tuva whispered. “He’d better rest.”
They struggled on towards the top, and to their relief they realized they wouldn’t have to go the whole way. There was a shelf, with a mound of ice and snow which must be hiding a cave, judging from the path. Saga and Tuva hurried their steps and slipped more as a result.
Then the mound rose and stretched out its front paws.
“Oh my goddess!” Saga whimpered.
It was a huge canine shape, barely visible in the gloom. It didn’t bark or whine, but it did stomp its back paws before it bent forward and snapped its huge, icicle-hung jaws together. Ice fell off it. Other ice and snow rose up and was absorbed into its body. As it moved, the ice cracked and broke yet was repaired once again by the ever present Winter.
“Oh no…” Saga said. “Oh no…”
“Saga”, said Tuva, “listen to me. Can these things think for themselves?”
“No…” Saga sobbed. “Not really.”
“Great, Saga”, said Tuva, “have you ever seen two jays taunt a dog?”
The “dog” above them tensed, somehow sniffing the air without a real nose.
“Yes,” nodded Saga.
“You scramble right, I scramble left!” Tuva said. “NOW!”
They hurried off, stumbled, slipped, each in their own direction. The ice-thing scrambled down as well, less slow than you’d think, but had trouble getting a grip at first. It turned its head back and forth, first at one doe, then another, hesitating. Then it turned towards Saga.
“HEY!” Tuva shouted. “OVER HERE!”
She chucked her hatchet at him. It clattered uselessly against his lumbering shape, but he turned and advanced towards her ponderously.
“HEY!” Saga shout. “YOU BIG UGLY LUMP OF MANURE!” She tossed some snow at him without effect, then clambered closer, which caused her to slip and slide down a few yards.
That got the ice-thing’s attention, and it turned on the spot and stepped outside the old line of tracks. As a result it also slid down and stopped its fall by ramming its front paws into the ground, shattering both the paws and the ground doing so, its arm-stumps slowly growing new paws. As Saga skittered away from it, it rose up and tore its paws free from the ground.
“HEY!” Tuva shouted and flung a huge block of ice she had found in one of the huge tracks at his head. It shattered one ear. He paused, swiveled his head back and forth, and then started to lumber towards Tuva.
“He is really dumb!” Saga shouted.
“We can’t do this forever!” Tuva shouted back as she backed off and Saga tried to toss her belt-knife at the ice behemoth.
“Kvalhissir!” Saga shouted. “Kvalhissir!”
“Yes!” the tired moose bellowed from below, having slowly worked himself up the slope.
“Can you fly?” Saga shouted. “Just for two seconds! Straight up and back!”
There was a mumbling from below.
“Kvalhissir!” Saga shouted. “Can you?”
“What are you talking about?!” Tuva shouted.
“I… I don’t know…” said the moose.
“Try!” Saga shouted. “Please try, Mr Kvalhissir!”
“What are you…!”
Tuva was interrupted by a loud bellow. The moose came rising at the speed of an arrow shouting at the top of his lungs. The ice-dog turned and faced the moose-projectile, and when Kvalhissir stopped screaming to grab his huge mace and throw it at its face, it lunged towards him despite it missing.
That was when Kvalhissir backed, gliding off the sheet wall. The ice-thing leaped into thin air, its paws grasping and its jaws snapping uselessly, and then it first fell, then tumbled down the crevasse, breaking and splitting into an avalanche of ice shards.
Kvalhissir, meanwhile, landed with a nasty crunching sound in one of the tracks.
“We did it!” Saga shouted.
“Kvalhissir!” Tuva said and hastily clambered down. Saga followed her after her first shout of joy.
“How is he?” she said.
“He’s out cold,” said Tuva, “and I think he’s badly hurt. What do we do?”
Saga shut her eyes, then looked up to the shelf.
“Up there,” she said. “It will return. You cannot just crush a mokkurkalfe on the top of Karhu-Akkka’s sainted body. But it cannot get inside the cave up there. And we might - we will meet Vigg there. The cave is large on the inside.”
“Did you see the cave?” said Tuva, trying to rouse Kvalhissir, who was breathing, but heavily.
“No,” said Saga solemnly. “But I saw it.”
They succeeded in waking Kvalhissir during some tense minutes, during which both of them thought they heard rumbling, grinding ice from below. Then they supported the helpless moose as they wearily walked up the slippery slope.
There was a tunnel beyond the cave, not long. Shapes of light seemed to move within the ice. The two reindeer saw spirits moving as well, things they didn’t want to look at. When they came to a t-shaped junction Kvalhissir slipped to the floor.
“Just leave me here… for now,” he panted. “You can come back… soon.”
“No way!” said Saga.
“He’s right,” said Tuva. “Lets find out where we find a fire and something to care for his wounds. And dispatch any guards here!”
She bit into the shaft of her hatchet. Saga swallowed.
“Right or left?” Saga said.
“You’re the seer!” said Tuva.
Saga started giggling.
“Reply hazy, try again later,” she said.
“What?” said Tuva.
“Its’ an Equestrian toy,” Saga smiled. “It just randomizes things. I’m just about as useful right now.”
Tuva tossed her hatchet into the air and it clattered to the ground.
“Left side up says left,” she said
“Left,” said Saga.
Tuva picked up her hatchet and they took off down the left corridor.
“No chance for surprise now?” said Saga.
“We can always hope,” said Tuva as they reached a curtain made of ancient carpets and blankets.
She pulled it aside carefully and came muzzle to muzzle with a grotesque figure, a hairless corpse, its body painfully torn apart and put together, one eye hanging out of its socket, the other an empty socket filled with balefire.
“Hope,” Wiglek said, “is the last thing which dies.”
Saga gasped.
Tuva gave up a little shriek and first tumbled backwards, then leapt forwards and buried her hatchet in Wiglek’s head, down to his balefire-filled eye socket. She stumbled backwards.
Wiglek sort of rolled his balefire eye-replacement upwards and looked at the hatchet with mild curiosity.
“So,” he said, “correct me if I’m mistaken here, but it seems like you want to kill me?”
“So,” said Jarnsaxa as the Skoll and reindeer traveled through the snow, “this place is considered sacred, and we’re its guardians. We’ve all lost our packs to ice or beasts or reindeer, and are too old to found our own.. We also care for cubs who have lost their families somehow. They are raised to be warriors to help us guard it.”
“How do you get any food here?” said Twilight. “There are no prey around here, right? Neither is there any heat to swallow.”
“The other packs bring food and such as tribute,” said Jarnsaxa. She looked down awkwardly and reverted to running on all fours for a while, until Twilight couldn’t contain herself anymore.
“But they don’t, do they?” she said, trying to keeping up with Jarnsaxa.
“No,” she said. She remained silent, shook her head.
“Why?” said Twilight.
“I think,” she said in a tone that meant she hoped, “that they are too far away. The Winter has already become so strong that all animals have fled or died, and most reindeer followed them, so there are no enemies to plunder either.”
She looked at Vidar, next to them with Spike on his back.
“They cannot gain food except leaving their own hunting grounds and going further treewards, and then they have to go back here, at the same time as… well,” Jarnsaxa said and glanced at Vidar.
“At the same time as they are fighting each other for what beasts of prey are left, if there are any,” said Twilight. “If you feel bad about revealing a weakness of your kin, I can tell you that the reindeer cannot even decide who is king right now. Does that make you even?”
Jarnsaxa chuckled.
“Kings! Reindeer and their kings!”
“What is the Skoll saying?” said Vidar. “She keeps looking at me.”
“She’s talking about your feud,” said Twilight. “She’s probably worried you can understand her somehow.”
Vidar snorted.
“That I should end up trotting with Skolls to save my nephew’s life… This is like the crazy adventures of his grandfather!”
“So Winter isn’t only a good thing for you?” said Twilight to the Skoll.
“Not as this, goddesses no!” said Jarnsaxa. “Some think it is so - young and stupid warriors, think it would be something special to fight over who gets to be the last to die. Wise Skoll don’t. That’s why most are so afraid of the Jökelgast.”
“You think he caused the Winter?” said Twilight.
“That’s what he has said,” said Jarnsaxa.
Twilight frowned.
“No,” she said, “that’s not true. I know what caused it. A mistake by Dagbränna concerning the sun, and the antics of Illvilja when he got free. He must be lying to scare you.”
The old Skoll sighed with relief.
“I thought so, but it’s reassuring to hear it from the servant of Nattmara,” she said.
“Yeah… speaking of that,” said Twilight. “I know how reindeer started following her and when and… why, but I know very little of my predecessor here. When did she, erh, reveal herself to you?”
“It was over a thousand years ago,” said Jarnsaxa. “A winged pony from your country, her prophet, came here and preached about her glory. She was wearing clothes just as yours, and if the descriptions are true, looked like you, even!”
“Really?” said Twilight.
“Yes, she had a purple coat and mane,” Jarnsaxa said enthusiastically. “I bet you can tell me what sign she bore on her flank!”
“...a starburst?” said Twilight.
“No, a mirror,” said the Skoll, somewhat disappointed. “Her name - she told us her name was ‘Night Mirror’, Nattspegel in our tongue. Have you heard about her?”
“I’m afraid she isn’t that famous in Equestria,” said Twilight. “As you know, Nattmara and Dagbränna had a… fallout, and things got muddled.”
The Skoll nodded, then walked in silence.
“So, Night Mirror taught you all about… the rites, and the lore, and so on, of Nattmara,” Twilight asked.
“Oh yes!” said Jarnsaxa. “Including the forbidding of sentient sacrifice! She walked with the Goddess, so she should know.”
I must ask Luna later about Night Mirror, Twilight thought. And whether she or Celestia or both knew that making Skoll think of her when they saw me would be a good thing. She must have been a servant during her Nightmare Moon phase thing, just like Wiglek...
“Wait a second,” Twilight said in Equestrian. She stopped and rubbed her horn.
The Skoll and reindeer around her also stopped.
“Hurry, Twilight, Vigg is in danger!” said Spike.
“Wiglek founded the cult, and did so to please Luna,” Twilight said. “He must know that sacrificing… people to her won’t please her, because she had contact with him. So… why would he want a sacrifice?”
“Some dark magics?” said Vidar.
“Sure, but he’s sitting on a glacier full of useful ghosts and is not really averse to killing Skoll,” Twilight said. “Why go to the bother of capturing reindeer, when the Skoll tell me there almost aren’t any?”
“Does that mean he doesn’t want to sacrifice anypony?” said Spike hopefully.
“I don’t think he lied to the Skoll about that… that just made it harder for him to exploit them…” She rubbed her chin.
“Excuse me, mistress, what are you saying?” said Jarnsaxa. “Please, speak Skoll.”
Twilight’s eyes widened.
“Of course!” she said.
“What?” said Spike, Vidar and Jarnsaxa, in three different languages.
“Wiglek was cursed with undeath, and Luna said how hard it would be for him to actually die,” Twilight said. “What is to say he doesn’t want to… to end it all!”
“By killing someone else?” said Vidar.
“By committing a blasphemy so big that Luna, especially the ‘new’ Luna, free from Nightmare Moon, couldn’t help to come to him… and destroy him in her wrath!” said Twilight. “Trust me, I’ve seen Luna react to even the suggestion of sacrifice. I’m sure Wiglek knows what happens when somedeer actually goes through with it!”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 49 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2014-06-24T18:40:48+00:00
|
2014-06-25T07:29:04+00:00
| 2,124 |
Tuva had pressed against the ice wall of the tunnel, her teeth chattering for other reasons than the cold that seeped through her clothes and fur. Saga, meanwhile, had taken a few steps back and were staring at the ancient lich.
“More reindeer,” said Wiglek, raising a hoof and lowering his head to get at the hatchet. Somewhat clumsily, he batted at it inefficiently until he could tear it loose. He pressed his hoof against his head and the bone started to flow like water, knitting itself together.
“More reindeer,” he repeated, “coming for their friend, no doubt. Good, good!”
He smiled, or at least pulled at similar muscles as reindeer do when they are happy. He turned his balefire eye socket towards Tuva, who whimpered a bit.
“You are terrified of me, and yet you are obviously a warrior,” he said. “You find me dreadful, don’t you?”
Tuva swallowed and nodded.
“Of course,” he said, “of course you do.” he looked down at himself and sighed, as if a bellow full of holes had been used. “Dead flesh walking. Cursed by the gods. I think I dropped something of me there.”
He tapped his icepick-wearing hoof at a dark brown spot on the ice, and the colour drained and seemed to travel up the metal into his leg.
Tuva gagged and turned away.
“If… If… I could still feel it, but not much,” he said, conversationally. “If I leave a bigger piece, I can feel it better.”
He turned to Saga who looked on with morbid fascination.
“I left my good eye with my son,” he said, and turned the balefire socked towards her. “I can… see him… always… in his tomb…” He made a sound somewhat like a sob and somewhat like a snort, and looked at nothing, or maybe at his son.
“You are afraid of me,” he said to Saga, “but terrified you are not. So you must either mad… or a witch. Which is it?”
“Some of column A, some of column B,” said Saga.
“What?!” snarled Wiglek. “Stop speaking nonsense!”
“It - it’s a new phrase, your… mister… sir!” said Saga. “From after you… disappeared. I meant… both. I’m a witch, though just an apprentice, and a temple fawn. Your… curse, it’s.. it is interesting.”
Wiglek stepped closer to her, snarling.
“So… my curse is ‘interesting’...”
Saga was about to step back again, but stopped.
“You were a mighty warlock, sir,” she said. “You must have found magic interesting.”
He stopped and shook his head, and started to mumble to himself. Saga sought Tuva’s gaze and she nodded and started to rise.
“Sit!” shouted Wiglek without turning towards her. Tuva collapsed on the ground.
“Temple fawn.., tell me, what gods do reindeer worship these days?” said Wiglek, suddenly with a more pleasant tone.
“Well, Skinfaxi and Hrimfaxi,” Saga said.
“Ah!” he said. “Still Hrimfaxi, after all that happened… You are not one of Skinfaxi’s healers, fawn. You are of the cult of Hrimfaxi. Shadowcrow and dreamdancer.” He pointed his right hoof towards Saga.
“...yes,” said Saga.
“Good, good!” said Wiglek, nodding vigorously. “You might be useful! Did you know I founded the cult, yes? Because of a visitation by the Moon Mistress.”
“Oh yeah,” said Saga, nodding just as vigorously with a nervous grin. “We… keep your antlers as a holy relic in the main temple, sir.”
“You do, do you?” said Wiglek.
“And I… we used them to find you, sir,” said Saga. “We… I used the summoning ritual for piercing the veil…”
“Hoping to lure my shadow from the Summer Lands, I bet,” said Wiglek.
“Uhm, yeah!” said Saga. “But then we realized you must be up here, sir, so we came here to… to free you!”
“You did, did you?” said Wiglek. “Now why did you want to talk to me that much, daring the worst winter ever, the wrath of the gods and the country at war?”
How did he know about the war? Saga was sweating despite the cold of the cave.
“It is the winter that made us come!” said Saga. “We can only stop it with the Sampo, and you’re the only one who knows where it is and how to safely use it!”
“‘Safely’?!”
Wiglek’s roar again came out of nowhere, and then just as suddenly his voice became calmer.
“Why do you think you need the Sampo?” he said. “It is cursed. A joke played on creation by Äitsi the Trickster. It brought me naught but doom. Naught but doom for my son, my brother and my country.”
“I… I’m a seer,” said Saga. “I… I know that, and… the gods themselves agree. I had a vision… a vision from Karhu-Akka. A vision that Prince Vigg Peivasson could use the Sampo.”
“Vigg?” said Wiglek with a frown. “Vigg… So that is his name… Go on.”
“Vigg is the reindeer your Skoll took prisoner!” said Tuva. “I know he’s here! Please, sir, you must release him - so he can save Potasula! And then you must show us the Sampo, and…”
“Why should I care if winter dooms Poatsula?” said Wiglek.
“Well… you live here?!” said Saga.
Wiglek looked at her.
“Okay, you’re not alive and… and you don’t care about cold… but… but there must be something you care for…” Saga began.
“‘Care for’?” said Wiglek. “I only cared for three other beings in my life, Thrall of the Kin-slayer! Three beings only ever treated me with kindness: My dog, my brother and my son. They are all dead these thousand years. My dog and my brother have become dust and my son ice. Why should I care about Poatsula?!”
“But… have you no compassion for others?!” said Saga. “Think of all the people who’ll die! The whole country will be devastated forever! Vaja and sarv and fawns, animals and plants… even the trolls and the skoll will die!”
“Compassion?!” shouted Wiglek and grabbed Saga’s shoulders with his front hooves. “Just Look at me, ‘seer’, Look if you can find any compassion within this wreck!”
Saga, shocked, followed his order and even met his gaze. She held it for a long time and to Tuva she even seemed paralysed. Then she started sobbing.
“No, no, noo…” she said, pushing off Wiglek. “You can’t… it’ll… you’ll destroy everything…” She pressed herself against the ice wall and looked more terrified than Tuva had done.
“Like what you see, little witch?” Wiglek said. “Still think I have any compassion? I only care about two things: the peace of death and vengeance upon your Mistress! You’ll give me both! I’ll sacrifice you to her - what an ultimate blasphemy - and her rage - I know her rage, I have seen her rage - and she’ll annihilate me! I’ll be free - free! And damn this country and all its herds to Niffelhel, and your Mistress too!”
Saga tried to kick him, and Tuva leapt at him from behind, trying to gore him.
“I call by sacred pacts,” Wiglek shouted as he pushed Tuva away to, “to give me the The Ever-Nimble Five-Clawed Paws of Hubbodamaster!”
Suddenly, dark purple light oscillated in the ice chamber, and two tentacle-like arms of the same magic force seemed to spout from Wiglek’s sides. They bore five-clawed paws the size of an adult reindeer, with strange, eerie toes, moving like segmented worms. The Paws of Hubbodamaster grabbed the two vajas and held them fast.
“I’ll throw in you in the bargain, warrior,” Wiglek growled at Tuva. “I’ll have to invite those despicable Skoll to get a suitable congregation, and I’ll need to feed them!”
“Please! Stop this!” shouted a voice from behind the curtain. Wiglek suddenly stopped.
“Vigg?” said Saga.
“Cousin!” said Tuva.
“You,” said Wiglek, his snarl and growl gone. “Go back, fawn. This is none of your business.”
“Oh yes it is!” said Vigg when he pulled the curtain aside with the spear he was carrying. “I’m sick and tired of adults telling me that, no matter how old they are! Sir, I cannot let you hurt them.”
“You cannot stop me, fawn,” said Wiglek matter-of-factly. “And don’t try, because I don’t want to harm you… son.”
“But I have to!” said Vigg . “Those… those reindeer are my kin! If I cannot stop you from harming them, I’m barely better than a kin-slayer! Would you want me to do that?”
“Kin, what kin?” said Wiglek with irritation, his eyes on Vigg’s spear, which he kept gesticulating with.
“Tuva,” said Vigg and pointed at her, “is my cousin, my father’s brother’s daughter, and my father was the eldest of his siblings, so I’m obliged to her. And Saga is…”
“More cousins?” said Wiglek with disdain.
“No,” said Vigg and swallowed hard. “She’s my… beloved.”
“Beloved?!” said Wiglek. “But… you… Are you married?”
“No… but betrothed!” said Vigg and looked into Saga’s eyes. She raised a quizzical eyebrow.
Wiglek seemed to shrink, then straightened his back.
“And what if I do not care, young one?” he said.
“Then… I’ll have to attack you,” Vigg said, “and you said yourself that you didn’t want to hurt me.”
“Son, you cannot really harm me, and I don’t need to hurt you,” said Wiglek. “I know a galder that will turn you to ice unharmed until I say so, and can crow it quickly. I… I…”
Suddenly, he seemed distraught.
“If I only had used my wits… and used it on you… I mean on my… on Sampo…”
Vigg breathed deeply and put the spear tip under his chin, raising his head.
“Can you cast it before I press my head down?” he said.
“Vigg! No!” shouted Saga.
“What… no, what are you…?” Wiglek muttered.
“You weren’t fast enough to save your son with it,” said Vigg. “Dare you try to be quicker now? Because if I cannot save my kin… I’ll die rather than live with the shame.”
To his credit, he only blinked slightly when he pressed his head a little bit down.
“S-stop that!” said Wiglek.
“Listen to the lich, Vigg!” said Saga.
“Good!” said Tuva. “I shoulda known you weren’t a wuss, cousin. Show the old corpse what our herd is made of! Death before dishonor!”
Saga and Wiglek both looked with horror at the grazer, who grinned as tears started to flow.
“Look, Wiglek, I will count to ten!” said Vigg, his voice unsteady. “If you don’t let my kin-deer go, I’ll do it!”
“No, you…” Wiglek began.
“One,” said Vigg.
“Don’t do it, Vigg!” said Saga.
“Two,” said Vigg. “Sorry, Saga, he’s forcing my hoof.”
Wiglek, seemed to have words on his dried-out lips, almost saying them.
“Three,” said Vigg.
“Not for me or you, for Poatsula!” said Saga. “Without your help it dies!”
“Four,” said Vigg. “It’ll die anyway, since that selfish old fart won’t help you. Might as well be done with it. And five.”
“Don’t… don’t talk about me like that…” said Wiglek.
“Six,” said Vigg. “After all, you said it yourself, Saga, better to die before it happens.”
“I didn’t mean it like that!” said Saga.
“Seven,” said Vigg.
“He’s right, Saga,” said Tuva. “I guess we get to go earlier as well.”
“Eight,” said Vigg. “If any of you survive, give my regards to… to my mother… and uncle Vidar… and…”
“Nine!” he interrupted himself hoarsely. “And Spike and Twilight…”
He raised his chin as if to rise up and then descend and thrust the spear up into his head and shut his eyes. He swallowed.
“T-ten, “ he said and pressed his head downwards.
“No!” shouted Wiglek. The purple paws released his prisoners. “Stop! Stop!”
Vigg opened his eyes.
“I implore you, do not do it!” said Wiglek.
“Dismiss your magic,” said Vigg.
The purple light faded, and the reindeer saw how strange gangly bipedal spirits flew away from Wiglek, chattering with relief.
“Now, promise me not try to harm my kin again,” said Vigg.
“I - I promise,” said Wiglek.
“Swear it!” said Vigg as Tuva helped Saga up. “By something that matters to you!”
“I… swear, by my son, and my brother, and my dog,” said Wiglek and raised his right hoof, “that I will never harm your kin, Sa… Vigg Peivasson.”
Vigg let the spear go and let it clatter to the ground. Then, as if on cue, both he and the old lich sunk to their knees, Vigg breathing deeply because he was out of breath, and Wiglek because of old habits.
Saga shook her head and hugged Vigg.
“This is, in stories, where you tell people never do that again!” she said, shaking him. She nuzzled him, then got up.
“Master Wiglek,” she said approaching the lich, who looked down at the floor, “I know something which can free you of your curse.”
He slowly raised his head.
“What,” he whispered.
“The Elements of Harmony,” she said. “You know what they are, don’t you, sir?”
“Yes…” he mumbled.
“My mistress in magic is a pony, the element of magic, Twilight Sparkle,” said Saga. “She has been ordered to help Poatsula by Skinfaxi. I’m sure I have her ear, and can make her realize that this is what is needed. And Vigg is friends with her son, she’ll listen to him too! She can gather the Elements and they can cleanse you of the Nightmare!”
“Yes,” said Vigg, “I’m sure it can be arranged! Skinfaxi… Skinfaxi set me as her champion, to help us out of this Winter. She must listen to me if I say it is needed.”
“And you would do that, only out of the goodness of your hearts?” said Wiglek.
“To be honest, no,” said Saga. “But I wasn’t lying when I say we need something only you can do. And I’m a Seer… I didn’t freak out because of your spirit, it was because of what I saw could… would happen if you draw down Hrimfaxi’s wrath over this place…”
“‘Freak out’?” said Wiglek.
“Lost her mind,” said Vigg. “Listen, it’s your best chance, Master Wiglek!”
“You… you might be right,” said the lich and rose to undead hooves. “You might be right. Just let me gather my wits…”
“WIGLEK!” thundered a voice from outside, echoing within the caves, shocking the four reindeer and actually waking the collapsed Kvalhissir, though he didn’t rise.
“What!” said Wiglek and turned towards the tunnel to the outside. “Who dares…?”
“WE KNOW YOU’RE THERE, AND WE KNOW YOU HAVE PRISONERS!” thundered the voice again. “RELEASE THEM AND COME OUT PEACEFULLY!”
“Twilight!” said Saga. “They must have found us! What a good timing! Since you wants us no harm, we can just walk out there and...”
There was a horrible howling, barking and screaming outside. It sounded like two kennels fighting, and as he listened Wiglek’s hairless muzzle was contorted into a scowl.
“So!” he barked. “The Skoll have not learned to sit and behave?! And they have brought some new prophetess… of Hrimfaxi?! They dare threaten me?!”
He quickly turned and stepped up to Vigg, gripping the stunned young sarv in a big, fatherly hug.
“Don’t worry, Sampo!” he said as he patted Vigg’s back. “I’ll protect you! I’ll protect you and your kin, young Vigg, from the Skoll and their sorceress! I’ll show them why they call me the Wicked!”
Laughing maniacally, he started chanting and magic shapes formed around him, aery spirits and strange ghosts.
“But…” said Saga, “that’s…”
“Listen, Wiglek,” Vigg said, “you can’t go out there!”
Wiglek, seemingly done with his chanting, crackling with magic, turned to him again as he walked out from the room.
“Why?!” he said. “I am no coward, whatever they say… or said.”
It was then Vigg made the next big mistake.
“Please, don’t go alone!” he said. “We’ll follow you, and…”
“No!” said Wiglek. “I won’t let you down, Sampo! Not again! I will face the enemy alone, and you can stay here… in safety!”
As he said the last words, he kicked his icepick foot into the wall, and suddenly a wall of ice descended into the opening.
The three reindeer were left staring at it.
“I was gonna say that we’ll follow him and tell them there is no need to fight!” Vigg raised his front hooves into the air. “Aaagh!”
Saga started pounding on the ice wall.
“Master Wiglek! Master Wiglek, come back here! IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!”
Tuva as silently looking around the room.
“Can you two fools be quiet?” she said. “I’m trying to find a way out.”
“Digging through the walls?” said Vigg with disbelief.
“No, but whatever thing he built to move the wall must have a… doorknob, somewhere in the walls,” she said. “I’m a true Grazer, Vigg. I’ve been staring at ice and snow all my life looking for patterns.”
“How do we know there is one on the inside?” said Vigg.
“She’s right,” said Saga. “Somedeer like Wiglek will be so afraid he’ll want a door locked behind him. Let’s know if there is someway to help you, Tuva!”
“You two come up with someway to stop that fight once we get out,” said Tuva.
“Alright,” said Saga. “Sooo… he thinks you’re Sampo? The reindeer, that is. Why?”
“Sometimes,” said Vigg. “I think I must look a lot like him. Wiglek’s… not sane.”
“Well, that I realized,” said Saga. “Tell me more. What did you learn about him?”
|
CoastalSarv
|
877
| 50 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Under The Northern Lights
|
Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
|
incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
|
teen
|
2014-09-21T14:09:43+00:00
|
2014-11-09T12:02:17+00:00
| 2,265 |
Twilight Sparkle thought she had waited long enough, and her voice boomed over the glacier again.
“I REPEAT: WE KNOW YOU’RE THERE, WIGLEK, AND WE KNOW YOU HAVE PRISONERS! RELEASE THEM AND COME OUT PEACEFULLY! NODEER NEEDS TO BE HURT!”
“There are spirits!” gasped one of the reindeer warriors flocking to Twilight’s left side. He and his kin scanned their surroundings fearfully.
“Where?” said Twilight, who was watching the cave opening above.
“Everywhere!” said Vidar.
Meanwhile, the Skoll pack on the right of Twilight were skittish, now and then shouting threats and angry recriminations to the glacier’s inhabitant.
“Quiet, please!” said Twilight in Skoll. “I cannot hear myself watching!” Despite the nonsensical statement the wolf-folk calmed down. Twilight cast the spell that let her duplicate the Sight.
“Oh my!” she gasped. “They are coming…”
“Coming?” said Spike, who was sitting on her back.
“Coming from the sky, and the deep ice…”
“The ice is hollowed out, oh Prophetess,” said Jarnsaxa. “There are tunnels carved there…”
“By whom,” said Twilight. “By you?”
Jarnsaxa shook her head.
“No, by the Jökulgast’s servants.”
“There!” shouted Spike. “Look!”
A huge shape rose from the glacier, formed from the snow itself. It looked like a giant, mis-hapen Skoll. In its head - within its jaws - rode a small, withered form, its spiritual signature a black void. Spirits danced in the air around it, forming a minor tornado of spirit-driven wind and snow.
“WOE TO THE DISTURBERS OF WIGLEK THE WICKED!” boomed a voice from ice abomination. “WHO ARE YOU WHO SEEK YOUR OWN DESTRUCTION?!”
“I’M TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Twilight shouted back. “I’M THE HOOFMAIDEN OF HRIMFAXI AND THE STUDENT OF SKINFAXI! I COME OF BEHALF OF THE KING OF THE REINDEER, THE REVERED ANCESTRESS OF THE MOOSE AND THE PROTECTOR PACK OF THE SKOLL! I SEEK ONLY PEACE, NOT DESTRUCTION!”
“HOOFMAIDEN OF HRIFAXI, YOU HAVE COME TO THE WRONG PLACE!” shouted Wiglek. “FOR YOU AND YOUR FOLLOWERS THERE IS ONLY DESTRUCTION! I CALL UPON THE LICE AND WORMS WHO CRAWLS UPON THE MIGHTY KARHU-AKKA! MY ANCIENT PACTS WITH YOUR ELDERS, I COMMAND YOU TO DESTROY THE INTRUDERS! HIRD OF THE HOLDRAUGR! GRINDSTONES OF SACRED ICE!”
Magic energy flowed and flashed, and suddenly two big heaps of ice, far more formless than the one ridden by Wiglek, rose up from the glacier to the left and right of Twilight and started to spin like giant tops. This revealed two gaping tunnels spiraling down into the ice, and Twilight and the reindeer could see how discorporated hraesvalg spirits poured down the holes.
“They animate corpses, right?” said Twilight Sparkle.
“Yes!” said Vidar, who ordered his reindeer to be alert.
“This glacier has the corpses of several armies!” Twilight groaned.
The two tursakalfar started to slowly circle the group of skoll and reindeer. The wolves started to dig at the ground, the reindeer readied weapons. Twilight readied her loudspeaker spell again.
“WIGLEK! THERE IS NO NEED TO DO THIS! PLEASE JUST TELL THEM TO STAND DOWN!”
“THERE IS GREAT NEED, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Wiglek answered her. “YOU ARE A GREAT SORCERESS IN SERVICE OF MY MOST HATED ENEMY! ALL I WISH FOR IS MY DEATH AND MY REVENGE, AND YOU WILL EITHER KILL ME, OR DIE AT MY ANTLERS AND HURT THE DREAM-WALKER!”
“The scroll, Spike, the scroll!” Twilight said. Spike brought out a huge, decorated and betassled scrollcase, and pulled out an equally huge scroll.
“WIGLEK! I HAVE HERE A MESSAGE FROM PRINCESS LUNA! IN IT, SHE CONFESSES THAT HOW SHE TREATED YOU WAS A WRONGDOING AND A CRIME! SHE ADMITS HER FAULT AND ONLY HER FAULT, AND WANTS YOU TO HAVE IT!” Twilight started to levitate the scroll towards the ice-shape and the lich who rode it.
“The hooves…” Jarnsaxa said and pulled at Twilight’s shoulder.
Wiglek seemed taken aback, but then the winds tore at the scroll and set it flapping towards him. Simultaneously, Twilight and Spike winced at the treatment of the written word.
“SHE THINKS SHE CAN GET AWAY WITH AN APOLOGY… ON PAPER, NOT IN PERSON?!” he roared. “SHE DIDN’T DARE FACE ME?!”
Twilight hesitated, then used her megaphone spell again.
“SHE MIGHT RISK WAKING KARHU-AKKA! AND IT’S MORE THAN AN APOLOGY, WIGLEK!” she shouted. “IT’S A PUBLIC CONFESSION OF HER ACTS! SHE’S BASICALLY PUTTING HERSELF AT THE MERCY OF THE COURTS OF CANTERLOT FOR TRADING MAGIC WITH YOU AND NOT REVEALING HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS, A FELONY ACCORDING TO EQUESTRIAN LAW! THIS IS MERELY YOUR COPY AS THE PLAINTIFF! SHE’S SHOWING TRUE REMORSE!”
Wiglek howled with rage and tore the scroll apart.
“SO THE DREAM-WALKER IS PUTTING THIS THING TO A MOOT CONTROLLED BY HER AND HER SISTER, BY ITS NATURE SYMPATHETIC TO HER CAUSE?! JUSTICE!? A JOKE, MOON-THRALL! WHAT POSSIBLY COULD SHE OFFER IN COMPENSATION FOR HER DEEDS?!”
“WE CAN BRING YOU PEACE, WIGLEK!” she shouted. “I WIELD THE ELEMENT OF MAGIC! PLEASE STAND DOWN AND I CAN BRING YOU TO MY FRIENDS! WE CAN EXORCISE THE NIGHTMARE AND BRING YOU PEACE!”
“Mistress, the hooves, hundreds of hooves!” hissed Jarnsaxa.
“NO PEACE, MOON-THRALL!” said Wiglek. “DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING I HAVE KNOWN? NO, HOW COULD YOU! DO YOU THINK THAT I WOULD SO EASILY FORGIVE THE DREAM-WALKER HER BETRAYAL? THAT LIKE A MUTILATED PUPPY, I WOULD BE GRATEFUL WHEN SHE CHOOSES TO PUT ME DOWN THROUGH ONE OF HER LACKEYS, AFTER CUTTING OFF MY LEGS AND EARS AND NOSE?! NO, I WILL FIND TRUE DEATH FIGHTING ALL SHE HOLD DEAR!”
“The hooves of the dead!” said Jarnsaxa and shook Twilight.
“NOT NOW - OH!” Twilight had time to say before adjusting her spell. “We must… oh…”
From the holes opened came stiffly marching rows upon rows of hraesvalg-animated corpses, mostly reindeer, but also moose and aurochs, russ and skoll. Their frozen bodies were decked in ancient armor and wielding weapons just as old, spears and axes and seasx-knives that clash and slammed against each other, and against ancient shields bearing the signs of long dead houses and clans. Their feet trotted against the ice with a click-clacking sound that Twilight first now noticed.
“I don’t have much strength left,” Twilight mumbled. “He cannot use his spells more than once, or twice but they are powerful, and he doesn’t tire…”
“Well, what are we going to do then?” said Spike.
“Use the other things I asked you to send for…” Twilight said.
“Oh!” said Spike and rummaged through his pack and found a thermos.
“Coffee?” said Vidar incredulously.
“Are you going to drink that vile stuff now?” Jarnsaxa wailed when Spike opened it and the strong smell of caffeine assaulted her nose.
“Oh, this is no ordinary coffee,” said Twilight and smiled weakly. “I had Spike ask for this to be teleported through his flame… for an emergency… This zebra-made stuff… I knew a giraffe who swore by it… and he never slept!”
Twilight drank the thermos as fast as she could, and despite trying not to, she spilled half of it in the snow.
“Please… hold them back just a little, wreck the ground…” she moaned. “Once this works… I’ll be back, though not at full power… for a little while.”
The reindeer formed a circle around Twilight, and the Skoll furiously started a tunnel each, trying to undermine the zombie horde and the circling elementals. The ground shook as Wiglek’s pawns drew closer.
The sorcerer chanted again, calling upon wile names that Twilight recognize as she felt alchemically strengthened super-caffeine course through her veins.
“The Windigo!” she gasped. “He has pacts with the Windigo… Then I must… I know what I must do!”
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CoastalSarv
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877
| 51 |
Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Under The Northern Lights
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Luna and Twilight travel to the northern land of the reindeer on a diplomatic mission
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incomplete
| 623 | 11 |
<p>A diplomatic crisis arises between Equestria and the small, poor kingdom of Tarandroland, ancestral home of the reindeer. Celestia and Luna agree that it is time Luna takes a more active hand in foreign relations again, and Luna brings Twilight with her as someone she actually trusts and can talk to. But the mission turns out to be much more than political discussions - if scheming unicorn courtiers, unfriendly surly reindeer, bloodthirsty pirates, ancient sorcery and dangerous monsters weren't enough, our heroines must deal with something old - older than Luna. And is Luna really ready for diplomatic action, will Twilight learn to use a fan properly, and exactly how wrong are Spike's superhero comics about reindeer mythology?</p><br/><p>Now has a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/UnderTheNorthernLights" rel="nofollow">TV tropes page</a></p>
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teen
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2014-12-21T15:55:27+00:00
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2014-12-21T22:57:03+00:00
| 2,285 |
Wiglek chanted and sang, his voice cracked and high, a galder, crowing like a cockerel. Grim horse-shapes of ice gathered around him in the wind, neighing bloodthirstily.
“I CALL UPON THE VOICE OF THE WIND-WALKERS, SPITEBRINGERS! BY THE FEUDS I BROUGHT IN YOUR NAME, TURN FRIENDS TO FOES!” he finally shouted.
Meanwhile, Twilight had shut her eyes and was silently concentrating on her own magic. A violet shape formed in the air in front of her, like a flat, faceted gem with a thousand glittering facets.
“I knew he would try this,” she mumbled. “Here goes everything…”
As the high neighs struck the crystal, they shattered into a thousand and more fragments of magic, spread out over the landscape and dissolved.
“HA!” the lich gloated. “MORTAL MAGIC CANNOT MATCH THE POWER OF THE ANCIENT ONES! YOUR PUNY SHIELD SHATTERED BLOCKING ME! THIS IS TOO PRECIOUS!”
Twilight blinked and fearfully looked around her. Both reindeer and Skoll had winced, but nothing had happened. Then, suddenly, the hooves of the dead stopped. The holdraugr stopped and looked at each other. Then, they suddenly fell upon each other, first chopping and stabbing, then gouging, bucking, biting…
Wiglek was seemingly speechless.
“I DIDN’T TRY BLOCKING YOUR MAGIC, WIGLEK!” Twilight shouted. “I DIVERTED IT! AND YOU’RE NOT THE FIRST AND NOT THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF DISHARMONIC MAGIC I’VE DEALT WITH. STOP THIS! YOU’LL JUST RUN OUT OF POWER!”
Spike shuddered as he saw the undead warriors tear off pieces of each other and swallow them.
“They’re frozen meat, how can they eat?!”he said, his teeth chattering.
“Nodeer knows!” said one of the reindeer. “Everything eaten by a holdraugr turns to spirit, somehow, and disappears!”
“So if he summons more spirits, there will be no corpses to animate,” said Twilight Sparkle.
“I wish you’d be more smug saying that,” said Spike.
“This cannot be over…” said Twilight.
“HA! THAT’S NOT ALL THE POWER OF THE WINDIGO GAVE ME! I CALL UPON… THE WAR ACKJA OF THE SPITE-SPIRITS! ICE STORM, FROST TORNADO!”
The storm around Wiglek intensified.
“Down into the ice tunnels!” Twilight called. “Hurry! I’ll turn up a forcefield to protect the retreat!” Actions followed words, and a blue hemisphere formed over her and her friends.
“FOOLS! I’M NOT STRIKING AT YOU! HEAR ME, HATEMONGERS, WRATHDRINKERS! BRING YOUR SCREAMS TO IMMORTAL EARS! STORM OF DISHARMONY…
...AWAKE KARHU-AKKA! HEAR ME HEAR ME!”
“Oh no!” whispered Twilight. “Oh no!”
Somewhere, somehow, an eye the size of a valley opened like a crack in the ice and drowsily gazed out into the outer darkness.
“YOU DON’T WANT TO DO THAT!” someone shouted.
Someone also smacked the back of Wiglek’s ice-golem as they shouted, and while Svipp didn’t feel pain, he did transfer such sensations to his rider.
“WHAT - WHO - oh you!” he said.
Behind him stood Vigg, Saga and Tuva. The latter had used a spear on Svipp to bring his attention.
“You don’t want to do that, Wiglek!” shouted Saga.
“I’VE TOLD YOU, I CARE NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO POATSULA - OR THE WORLD - OR MYSELF!”
“You do care about your son!” shouted Vigg.
“You said you cared about Sampo!” shouted Saga.
Tuva whacked the mokkurkalfe again.
“MY SON IS LONG DEAD!” shouted Wiglek
“His memory ISN’T!” shouted Saga.
Wiglek suddenly halted. The storm actually slowed a bit.
“What?!” he said.
“The only thing left of Sampo is his memory,” said Saga. “He’s the greatest hero Poatsula has known. Everyone has heard of him! No one has greater honor!”
“And you think my actions would tarnish his memory?! Like they haven’t before?! I know what everydeer thought about me!” Wiglek spat.
“No, but you are about to kill everyone who remembers,” said Saga. “If you call upon Karhu-Akka, Poatsula will die. Even if a few reindeer survive, I dunno, among the caribou of Equestria or as mercenaries in Saddle Arabia or something, our culture will die. And nodeer else cares! Vigg - Vigg told me, tell him, what they think in Equestria of Sampo!”
“They think he is fictional!” Vigg shouted. “They think he’s made up, tell stories which never happened!”
“Yeah!” said Saga. “And something made up, per definition…”
“Never… never existed…” Wiglek murmured.
Saga couldn’t hear him over the wind but saw his pose.
“Vigg told me what you told him! That you took Sampo from his father! That your first wish using the Sampo was to have a son like the one your sister-in-law was expecting, because you were so lonely and jealous… so you found a little baby fawn in the forest… but she miscarried!”
Wiglek shook his head and sobbed.
“I threw it away! That cursed thing! I never wanted to hurt my brother again, so I abandoned all that power… and I vowed to make my son… to a least give him the kingdom he deserved…”
“So when there was a disaster, you lead your son to the Sampo so that he could use it and save the country! But the Sampo was still cursed, so that easy solution didn’t work… and that lead to your son’s death!”
“I could have saved him but I didn’t… I thought I’d join him in the summer lands but I couldn’t die--- waiting in the ice, the same scene again and again in my head… my only child dying…”
“If you do this now, you’ll have taken his birth, his death, and then his memory! It will be as if he had never existed! Do you really want that? Is your revenge worth it? Is it?!”
Vigg had clambered up on Svipp. He put a hoof to the ancient walking corpse.
“Is it, Wiglek?” said he and looked Wiglek straight in his ghost-fire filled eye.
“No…” Wiglek whispered. “No. It isn’t.”
He gave up a high-pitched wail, and the spirits flew up and away, and the storm was replaced with the gray winds of winter-haunted Jökulväkt. And the one eye against cosmos Karhu-Akka had opened shut and she sighed like an earthquake. And Wiglek lay insensate as a perfectly normal corpse, and he didn’t move when Vigg shook him, or Saga and Tuva pulled him down from his mount, or when Twilight poked him with his magic.
“Where’s Vigg?” said Twilight, looking up from the old spearshaft she had been half-heartedly studying.
“He’s still sitting by Wiglek’s… body,” said Spike. “I gave him some coffee, but I don’t know if he’ll drink it.”
“He should rest,” said Twilight. They had all went down into the tunnels. Most of the other reindeer were asleep, and so were most of the few skoll who had stayed. The others had gone back to their camp to spread word that Jökulgast was no more, either finally dead or at least defeated. Everyone who needed it had been patched up, but no one had been really hungry. Saga slept next to Twilight. Tuva had went back to her wounded sister. A few were standing guard, in case some monster or spirit was still about.
“You should rest,” said Spike. “You look like - sorry for the bad word - like manure.”
“I feel like manure,” said Twilight. “But that drink seems to be still working, and I just can’t relax until it’s out of my system. At least - well maybe - I can get something out of this…” She gestured to the old junk in front of her - weapons, skis, blankets.
“Get what?” said Spike. “Are we going to put on a fair about their history and culture to save the reindeer, or what?”
“No, no… I’m just looking for clues who lies where. Buried, I mean. I guess somewhere within these tunnels, or the ice around them, lies Sampo’s tomb, and the other Sampo is buried with him. It would be the most logical thing to do.”
“So you’re now counting on the undead mad sorcerer who is on the run from some Neighponese comic book to be logical?” said Spike. “Are we looking under the streetlamp for our keys again?”
“Now - I mean, yes, I guess so…” Twilight laughed wearily. “Wait, Neighponese comic book?”
“You know, he rides a giant robot and shout out the names of his attacks?” said Spike. “No? Nevermind.”
“We can try ask Wiglek later, but he doesn’t seem to respond to much of anything, and we don’t know how long he will be out,” said Twilight.
“If he even remembers,” said Spike. “The guys said he seemed to think Vigg was Sampo, on and off. What’s up with that?”
“They must look similar…” said Twilight.
“That similar?” said Spike incredulously.
“Maybe reindeer reincarnate?” said Twilight. “Or maybe - y’now, there are a lot of ponies who look very similar, maybe it’s the same here. I mean, I think I’ve seen our mailmare in places where she couldn’t be, and it turns out it was somepony else…”
“Yeah, but you’re not her father!” said Spike. “Mother. Whatever…”
“I’ve mentioned it in my letter to Luna,” said Twilight. “We’ll see what she says.”
“He did kick off a blanket Vigg put on him,” said Spike. “Then he was back to not moving anywhere or saying anything.”
“He did?” said Twilight. “That’s strange…”
“Yeah, a bit silly, I guess he cannot really feel cold…” said Spike.
“No, I meant the kick… of course!” Twilight shook her head.
“What?” said Spike.
“If you had been stuck under a mountain for a thousand years, you’d be a bit claustrophobic as well,” said Twilight. “Enough that you didn’t want to be under anything.”
Vigg sat next to the walking corpse that currently was still. He could still see the churning black within it, the dark force helping it to move around, binding the spirit to the bones.
He could also see three dots of light moving within.
“Your son, your brother and your dog,” muttered Vigg.
When the liche stopped moving his whole body had become seemingly solid, and when they carried him, flesh had been torn by its own weight.
“Listen,” Vigg tried again, talking close to Wiglek’s ear, “remember that story you told me about Svipp? The dog, I mean? I… uh… I kinda wanted to tell you a story in return, about our first dog. Or, well, the first one we got after I was born. Because she was kinda similar. She also, she also liked to eat blankets.”
He swallowed.
“I, I supposed I feel a little because… because my father died, and we’re still here, so I understand a little because I know how it is to lose someone who matters so much to you, so much in the whole world…”
He looked at the cooling cup of coffee Spike had brought.
“Oh! I wrote a paper… I guess you might not know what that is, but it’s like a test of, well, lore and wisdom. It was all about Sampo. I wish you could read it, to see that what I say is true, that he is such a great hero, still…”
He stretched for the cup and stopped, then pulled back his hoof.
“It even had a bibliography,” he said. “I don’t know if they had invented the bibliography when you were still… around, but it is the sign of a true scholar...now…”
He leaned closer to the lich.
“Look, we really need your help, the help to find Sampo, to use it with the least, least risk. So we really need you to rise again, because you’re the only one who can do it, everydeer is counting on you. And… if nothing else, I promise that if you do, I can return a favor. I can.. I can come visit you, while you wait for whatever you need to do, and we could just talk. I could listen to you and you could listen to me, right?”
He sat up.
“Right? Hello? Anything?”
A flame lit in the empty eyesocket.
“I… I would very much like to do that, Prince Vigg,” said Wiglek, and tenderly rose on undead feet.
They walked down icy corridors, and through dark frosty tunnels. Starstones lit the way. Besides Twilight, Spike, Vigg and Saga were Vidar, Tuva, two of their fellow Grazers, Jarnsaxa and a smaller, older Skoll that she said was her great-aunt, and Kvalhissir.
“Can’t leave the moose out of this,” he said when Tuva protested that he was still hurt.
Wiglek lead the way, his spike-tipped leg clattered against the floor, echoing in the otherwise silent underworld.
Several times he stopped, and with a deft kick opened doors in the walls, or deactivated trapdoors or giant blocks of ice falling from the roof.
“How had you time to do this?” said Twilight. “You haven’t been free that long?!”
“I don’t need to sleep, I had good help, and when you’ve been inactive for centuries you want to move,” said Wiglek. “Besides, the Skoll had already built some of it, years ago.”
“Why didn’t you dig yourself out from the glacier?” said Twilight
“You cannot summon ice elementals underground and it is difficult to do any invocations when you cannot speak or move more than half an inch,” said Wiglek. “We’re almost there!”
They entered a chamber dug from the compacted snow turned into ice. It was circular and lit by eerie lights. On the rune-covered walls hung swords and banners, shields and axes. Against the walls lay a heap of more arms, armor, frozen heads and bones, banners and saddle blankets, a grotesque wall of trophies.
In the middle of the room was a dais of ice, carved with runes and images. On it lay the frozen body of a sarv. His fur was white, and he wore a helmet and a backplate made from nidhogg bones and black iron.
“He really looks like you, Vigg!” Spike gasped.
“He does,” said Twilight. “Amazing!”
Wiglek nodded. He had went up to the dais, and tenderly patted the corpse.
“Hello, my boy,” he whispered. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but again, people need your help…”
“What would you have done, Jökulgast, had a digging Skoll found this place?” said Jarnsaxa. She sniffed the haphazard heap of trophies, especially a helmet-clad Skoll head.
“There are more curses in this room than in the rest of Poatsula, greylegs,” said Wiglek smugly. “I have merely temporarily dispelled them. He tapped his good foreleg to the ground and the head growled and snapped at her. Jarnsaxa yelped.
“Excuse me, mister Wiglek,” said Kvalhissir, “but where is the thing we came for? I see no… mill, or whatever. Is the Sampo really buried in this heap of… trash?”
“Sampo is no mill, foolish troll,” said Wiglek. “I see my kinsmen understand better.”
The six reindeer were standing in the doorway, huddled. They all stared, like hypnotized, at Sampo’s corpse.
“It’s… it’s so big!” Tuva finally got out. “How can it… fit? All the arms?”
“Sampo is the Sampo?” said Spike. “That’s why he’s called that?”
“He got his name for a reason… but that’s not it,” said Wiglek. “No, you can say he is named after his... mother. But the Sampo is no mill or cauldron or chalice, no mere... magical thingamajig. It is a fundamental part of reality which exists as a spirit construct. To use it, manifest it, you must meld with it. Once you have, if you ever let it go, you can never do so again… and it will take a piece of you with it. My son did not give it up as he died, and it is left within his mortal remains.”
Twilight activated the spell that mimicked the Sight and took a long look at the dead hero.
“Oh my… I understand now…”
“No you don’t, sorceress,” said Wiglek matter-of-factly. “I certainly don’t understand the Sampo. I doubt even your mistress does. Äitsi might do, but he never used it, he just put the curse on it.”
“The curse - what is it?” said Twilight. “I’ve heard of it, but…”
“It will twist your words, even your thoughts, as long as they are wants and wishes,” said Wiglek.
“Like stealing what you wish for, right,” said Twilight.
Wiglek nodded and looked at his son.
“And since Äitsi has a… wicked sense of humor, the only way to get what you want is usually to give it a laugh instead. Like how my son… at the cost of his life, won the greatest battle this land has seen, without anyone fighting.”
“What did he wish for then?” said Spike.
“Isn’t that obvious?” said Saga, having recovered from the sight of Sampo. “All the snow in Poatsula!”
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