Sentinel

The mission up in the north had netted us all quite a hefty sum of bits – definitely nothing to scoff at. After some parting words from the princesses upon our return, we went our separate ways, with me fighting off a persistent, bugging need to sleep as I flew back to the Sweet Apple Acres – had to get there before Sun Horse lowered the sun, to boot. Despite my tiredness, I felt some sense of accomplishment – I took up arms back on Earth to protect people, to do the right thing, you know? Despite my griping, I was glad to have helped out here. This mission gave me a bit of an insight on how Equestria worked, too.

Now, however, I simply hoped I'd get to the Acres before I fell asleep. The arranged leave from the hospital would end in a couple of days, and I most definitely would spend sleeping through most of them before returning to the daily grind that was my job. I already could feel my muscles getting sore. Serves me right for not working out regularly. Pretty sure the only reason I didn't get fat was because of my Chimeran metabolism. Either way, with my sleep-deprived mind picking apart whatever random snippet of thought happened to pop up, I soared across the twilit skies, looking forward getting to my bed.

I did not look forwards to thawing my domicile out, though. That'll be a bit of a bitch, for sure.

Over the next couple of weeks, my life returned to its normal rhythm. I received the occasional updates on the antidote's progress and such, or requests for another blood sample. As time went on, Luna sometimes mailed me with a letter requesting for assistance at one top secret mission or another – among the most interesting of those had concerned changelings.

After Chrysalis' failed siege of Canterlot, numerous changeling expatriates had asked the Princesses for help. Turned out that Equestrians' ability to defend themselves was only matched by their willingness to make friends. The diarchs had acquiesced to their request, and helped the changelings discreetly integrate themselves among Equestria's population. All seemed well for the time being, until changelings started popping up dead around Equestria. Immediately, me, Siegebreaker and others were summoned to Canterlot, where an incandescent Celestia greeted us and lemme tell ya – she is really goddamn scary when pissed.

As I soon found out, she had very good reasons for that – the dead changelings showed signs of torture – wings cut off, chitin ripped off, etcetera. When she finished reading us the reports, we were sweating like pigs, in equal parts of terror and heat. Rather briskly, we departed in the Kingfisher and left to search for clues – apparently, there was an underlying pattern regarding when the bodies showed up. If we cracked it, we could predict where the murderers would be the next time. We chased down all manners of small, seemingly insignificant details – just like you'd meticulously sweep the floor after dropping a glass on it by accident.

It took us a while, but we did it, tracing the clues back towards several nobles who had heavy pull in Equestria. We rooted out the murderers, arrested them, and sent the lot of 'em to Canterlot for Celestia to deal with. A couple of days after the conclusion of our mission, she announced that she'd be introducing several restrictions that severely reduced the nobles' control over Equestria. This naturally meant that quite a few of the noble houses would fold in on themselves like wet cardboard in the coming years.

But that was neither here or now. At the present, I was strolling down the Mane Street in Ponyville – oh god, the puns are getting to me – taking care of an errand for Jennifer. For reasons I couldn't quite understand, she needed piano wire, but it had something to do with the Kingfisher. And, far as I knew, there was only one store in Ponyville that sold musical instruments and musical instrument accessories – the drumbeats were kind of hard to miss, considering most ponies were staying indoors at this weather. So off I went, weaving through the mostly-empty streets, guided by the noise of muffled music.

The door creaked as I pushed it open – a wave of warm air hit me, followed by the loud music I'd heard before, along with someone enthusiastically belting out lyrics to a song.

Breakout - let 'em shout

We are here tonight

And it's our fight

Breakout - let 'em shout

We own the night..!

Well, obviously the shopkeeper was busy. No matter. I could wait. Humming to myself, I took a look around – the store wasn't anything flashy, but was well-maintained – the back wall was covered with guitars and such, while several cellos, violins and the like were arranged around in the store, each of them sporting a price tag. There was also an abundance of posters covering the walls – one in particular caught my eye. This one displayed about half a dozen or so of young dragons, with 'DRAGONFORCE' written on the lower half of the poster. Now that I paid more attention, most of the ponies, minotaurs and griffons featured in the other posters had copious amounts of facial hair and long manes. Hell, some were even dressed in leather, denim, and were wearing sunglasses, seeming to enjoy scowling a lot. Most of the posters were signed, to boot. Clacking my tongue absent-mindedly, I sat down on a vacant chair, twiddling my thumbs as I waited. A couple of minutes later, the window-shaking music ended and I was left with a mildly-annoying ringing noise that bounced around in my head like Pinkie Pie after a shot of adrenaline.

Don't think too much about that sentence, I certainly didn't.

“Hey! Alice, right? Haven't seen you since the Gala!” A slate grey pegasus mare trotted out from behind the shop's counter, smiling as she trotted over to me. We shook, hoof to hand.

“Yeah, 's been awhile, Iron.”

“So, what brings you to my humble establishment, anyways?”

“Runnin' an errand for a friend.” I fished out a scrap of paper from my pocket – the note Jen had given to me. “Here's the details.” Iron took it and studied for a moment.

“Piano wire, huh? I think I have some in the storeroom. Be right back.” With that, she trotted off, humming a tune to herself, leaving me to twiddling my thumbs again. Iron returned a minute later, clutching a paper packet in her left wing. “Right, that'll be seventy-three bits.” I nodded and withdrew the sum of golden coins from my wallet – Jen had given me a hundred to cover the costs. “So, wanna make out?”

I sat upright in alert, my wallet spilling its contents across the floor as I turned to stare at Iron in shock. In response, the mare toppled over, all but shrieking with raucous laughter. “Ho-ho-holy shit, thelookonyourace~” Her voice petered out as she ran out of breath, still erratically twitching on the floor as I stared down at her, unamused.

“Ya done with bein' immature yet?”

“Khrrrrrk-kh-kh-kh~” I rubbed my face at the noise and waited patiently for her to be done with it.

She got back up a minute later, wiping mirthful tears from her eyes. “Man, I needed that... Anyways, what've you been up to? Silver says you'd taken a leave from the hospital for a while.”

“Oh, ya know. Royal business in th'Canterlot an' whatnot.” She nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer.

“Makes sense, what with you being an alien and all. So, do you have any musical needs that I can help with, perchance?”

“Nah. Ah ain't much of a musician. But it is a pretty nice shop you've got here.”

“Damn right!” Iron puffed out her chest proudly. “When I first bought this place, it was in a real crappy state. I worked for days, cleaning it out and getting everything to a decent state. It took me some time, but it was worth it in the end.”

“So, does anyone else work here?”

“Nope. Everything you see here in the shop is my own hoofwork. Most of the time, I maintain a small stock of completed items, and take orders as they come – sure, it might take a while longer, but you get a guarantee of superb quality. Whenever I complete a guitar or a violin or something, I do stress testing, to see how much it can take. You might've heard me test a drumset just a couple of minutes ago.”

“Ah think half th'town heard it.” She snickered at that.

“Fair enough! Anyways, not only can I make music instruments and such, but I can also play them, and sing, if I feel like it.” She gestured to the posters on the walls. “Listened to a lot of bands and musicians since I was a filly – Motorherd, Mare-O-War, Discord Priest, Maretallica, Bridle Guardian, the list goes on! I've lost the count of hours I've spent with headphones on.” I chuckled at her enthusiasm as she talked. “I’m not one for composing tunes or lyrics, but I can play a guitar like nopony’s business and sing, if need be. Say, you doing anything next Thursday? I an’ a couple of other dudes are organizing a concert-slash-party. Wanna come along and loosen up some? Can’t be fun working as a security guard at the hospital all the time, right?”

Well, I sometimes do top-secret missions for the princesses - mix things up a little.

“Sounds nice. ‘s been a while since Ah last had a night out. Where’s it goin’ to happen at?”

“A warehouse a ways off from here. I’ll give you the address.” She grabbed for a piece of paper and a pencil, scribbling on it for a moment before passing it to me. “If there's any problems, just drop my name and you’ll get in, no problem. If you find somepony who wants to come along, even better!”

“Cool.” I pocketed the paper, gathering up my things as I stood up and exited the shop. “Be seein' ya!”

“Buh-bye!” The grey mare waved at me as the door closed.

I'd pitched the idea of having a night out to Redheart when I met her at the hospital. She also was eager to get out of her routine, if only for a day – hell, I even managed to rope Tech Beat in joining us. But, as it seemed, trouble was fond of following me around, because that evening turned out to be anything but fun. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The three of us found the warehouse without much problems on that day. The muffled music also served to guide us. We eventually found ourselves outside an old warehouse, its entrance watched over by a pair of brawny stallions. As we made to enter, they stepped in front, staring at us.

“Password?”

“Uuhhh...”

“Nah, just kidding. Go on inside. All are welcome, so long as they don't make any trouble.” The leftmost stallion chuckled, pulling the door open and stepping aside. “Have fun!”

We nodded as we went inside, the music getting louder with every step, dozens of voices singing along to some fast-paced song that was positively shaking dust from the walls – seemed like they were trying to bring the place down around them.

That's what the minstrels sing

Join in the horrible screams

Take part in murderous deeds

Re-owned be the lion-hearted...

“Well, that sure sounds cheery.” Redheart intoned flatly, watching as a nearby pane of glass vibrated from the sheer loudness.

“Ain't gonna argue with that.” I chuckled and entered the warehouse proper – and was momentarily stunned by the bustle of unfettered chaos – ponies and the occasional griffon were bouncing up and down among their crowd, singing along with the musicians that were playing their hearts out from atop a stage set up against the far wall. A number of dim spotlights on the ceiling kept the place vaguely lit, and a bar counter was set up against one of the side walls, with a pair of unicorns tending to the needs of their patrons. Heck, there was even a food stand.

“Yo, Alice! Nice to see you decided to come! And you brought friends, sweet!” Iron's cheerful voice reached my ears and I turned around, seeing the grey pegasus trot towards me through the crowd, Silver in tow. “Grab something to drink or eat if you feel like it, it's all free!”

“Seriously?” Tech piped up, although he had to all but shout to be heard.

“Totally! Now, I do have some ground rules to lay down – first, don't be a dick. Second, be cool to others. Simple enough?”

“Sure!” The three of us chorused. Both Redheart and Tech wandered off, while I turned my attention back to Iron.

“How did ya afford this, anyways?”

“Oh, a couple of thankful customers and sponsors gave us the funds for this as a way of thanks for providing their artists with good instruments.”

“'Us?'”

“Yeah – me and a couple of other folks from Bolton, Manehattan and Phillydelphia. This is the get-together for me and my associates, and we decided to take it up a notch!” Iron stood on her hindlegs, gesturing at everything with her forelegs.

“Taking it up a notch is kind of failing to describe this, Iron. Ah am fairly certain there'll be more'n a few ponies here with hearing problems after this.”

“Well, that's nothing a bit of healing magic can't fix!” Iron patted Silver on the back, whom grumbled.

“What am I, a walking medicine locker?” Iron chuckled at that, wrapping a wing around the charcoal unicorn.

“No, you're my walking medicine locker, and I love you very much.” The pegasus pecked Silver on the cheek, making the mare roll her eyes.

“You utterly confound me sometimes, Iron.”

“And that is why you love me.”

Silver sighed, nodding as she conceded. “Yes, yes it is. Now, isn't it soon going to be your turn on the stage?”

“Oh, you're right. I'll go and get ready. See ya later!” With that, the grey pegasus was off, soon disappearing amidst the crowd.

“She's sometimes a hoofful to deal with. But that's what makes her, well... her.” Silver chuckled good-naturedly as we went over to the food stand. “Of course, we've had our misunderstandings and arguments but no relationship is complete without them, right?”

“Right.” I responded as the music slowly died down, replaced by the spectators' cheers and stomping in lieu of applause. Humming, I snatched a sandwich from the food stand, inspecting it carefully for any hay, flowers, or suchlike. Upon finding it human-friendly, I took a bite as Silver did the same with a clump of hay fries she held aloft in her magic. “So, how long have you two been together, anyways?”

“Oh, for about a year and a half. I was still studying medicine when we first met.” Nom. “Might sound cliché, but I was immediately smitten. We hit it off some time later, and here we are now. Dealt with a few tripping stones along the way, too, but what I have with Iron is worth fighting for.”

Not exactly knowing what to say to that, I simply nodded in lieu of an answer. Nom.

Nom.

A moment later, Iron stepped on the stage, followed by a minotaur and two griffons – the minotaur sat down at the drums, while Iron and one griffon took up the guitars. The last griffon went over to the microphone. The four of them chatted among themselves for a brief moment before starting to play.

At the summer solstice you and I will gather round the strong

We'll drink a toast from the cup of blood and realize the truth...

Well, one thing's for sure – those four knew their stuff. Despite my skepticism, the rhythm, although heavy, drew me in after a while, and I found myself singing with the crowd, a bottle of beer in my hand. I wasn't doing my sobriety and ears any favours, but at the moment, I didn't give a damn. It was my night out, and if I wanted to sing my vocal chords out, then I damn well would.

That's what I intended to do, and I would have done so unless something had come up.

Specifically, the unicorn dude I'd told to screw off all those months ago. He was bothering Redheart. Again. No idea what he was doing here, but that didn't matter.  I'd hoped he'd get the idea not to bother my friends, because she was looking downright pissed by now. Putting my half-empty beer aside, I went over, anger stirring inside my mind. Didn't even take ten seconds to get behind the persistent bastard.

“Ya just don't know when t'quit, do ya?”

At that, he unsteadily turned around – the fumes coming off him indicated total and utter drunkenness. Nonetheless, he remembered me.

“Oh, it's this freak again, hmm?” He slurred out, kinda-sorta focusing on me.

“Ah think Ah told ya to not bother Redheart anymore.” I ground out lowly, my voice barely audible.

“What, why d'ya care about that worthless muddy anyways?” He spat out defiantly.

He never saw the fist coming. Already unsteady on his hooves from the booze, he toppled over like a house of cards.

I believe a bit of context is in order. Some time ago, I went over to Twilight's to learn more about Equestria – social etiquette, manners to use, that sort of stuff. I didn't want to get my head kicked in because I committed a social faux pas of one sort or another. And while reading the appropriate books, I came across the term 'muddy' – a derogatory term for an earth pony, one that had been coined back in the days when the ponies were divided in their three tribes. Simply put, one did not say that to an earth pony if one valued one's life. I'd wager Redheart would be wailing on the bastard if I hadn't beaten her to the punch – being called a muddy was just about the gravest insult around. Just to give you an example, one of the culprits we'd tracked down during the whole changeling murder deal called Windwaker a muddy. Siegebreaker almost beat him to death with nothing but her own hooves, and it took everyone's combined strength to pull the enraged unicorn off the bleeding, bawling mess of a stallion.

Almost immediately, the music halted and I spotted Iron glide our way, an irritated expression on her face. “Okay, what's going on here?” She got her answer a moment later when a nearby stallion spoke up.

“That bastard called her friend a muddy!”

Following that exclamation, some other nearby spectators nodded, murmuring in agreement. The grey pegasus' eyes narrowed as she glared at the prostrate unicorn.

“That so, huh...”

Several heads nodded affirmatively.

“Well, then...” Iron took to air again, raising her voice. “What do we do with those who mess with our friends?!” The answer was a bit unexpected.

“WE KICK THEM OUT ON THEIR ASSES!”

Suffice to say, that was the last of him both me and Redheart saw.

Turning to look at Iron, I spoke to her. “Hope ya don't mind if we leave early. Don't really know if we can enjoy ourselves after this incident.”

“No, it's okay. I know how you feel, believe me. If you feel like partying with this bunch again in the future, just let me know.”

“Ah'll keep that in mind.” With a final nod, I left, with Redheart in tow.

Soon as we were outside, I turned to look at the mare. “You alright, Redheart?”

The nurse sighed dourly, shaking her head wanly. “No, not really, Alice. But thanks for interrupting, nonetheless. I don't know what I would've done to him if you hadn't beaten me to the punch.” She chuckled half-heartedly at the pun.

“Don't worry 'bout it. Ah sure as hell ain't lettin' some idiot harass any of my friends. C'mon, let's get ya home.” With that, we headed off into the lamp-lit streets of Ponyville. I accompanied Redheart up to her house before leaving for my own, mood not quite buoyant.

Remember how I said that trouble seemed to follow me everywhere? Well, case in point.

Next morning found me at Iron's shop again, seeing as I wanted to apologise for yesterday's business. I knocked on the door, and a couple of moments later, Silver, of all ponies opened it. Seeing it was me, she smiled and beckoned me to enter.

“Alice! Come on in. Iron's cooking up some breakfast if you're feeling peckish.”

“Nah, Ah'm fine. Wait, she's doin' the cookin' in her store?”

“Upstairs. She both lives and works in this place.”

“Ah, okay then. Lead the way.” She nodded and opened a door that I'd missed during my previous visit – it was pretty much the same colour as the wall, which would've explained it. Up a narrow, creaking staircase we went, reaching a slightly chilly hallway which led to three other doors. We went through the one that had a bit of vapour spilling from the slight gap between the floor and the door itself. Inside, was Iron, busying herself over a stove, humming to herself as she cooked. Upon seeing us, she grinned.

“Hey, Alice! Nice to see you. Come on, take a seat. You feeling up for breakfast?”

“No, thanks. Ah already ate at my place. Smells good, though.”

“Thanks. 's just a sweet little snack I like to have now and then. Silver calls it Type 2 diabetes.”

The unicorn grumbled to herself as she sat down. “And justly so, considering there is enough sugar in that cooking pan to give one of Miss Pie's cupcakes a run for its bits.”

“Oh, don't get me started on her, Silver.” Iron tsk'ed sourly.

Well, that was definitely news – a pony Pinkie Pie wasn't friends with? Curious, I looked at the peevish pegasus. This I had to know.

“Why? What happened?”

“Well, it happened when I'd just moved here to start my humble business. I'd just gotten the deed of the place from the Mayor and set about fixing it up. At the end of the first day, I was pretty much dead on my hooves. Had no appliances yet, and had to hoofslog it into town for food. And, when I came back, I almost got a heart attack when she jumped out of nowhere, yelling 'SURPRISE!' at the top of her lungs the very moment I came inside.”

“And then what?”

“I called the police on her and had her escorted off my property for breaking and entering.”

“Oh, wow. Seriously? You had th'Element of Laughter arrested and got away scot-free?”

“That happened before the Summer Sun Celebration. And besides, Element of Harmony or not, you can't go around and waltz into others' houses. 'cause, you know, if you live in Equestria, you gotta abide by their laws.”

“Well, Twilight had her surprise party without throwing Pinks out, if Ah remember correctly.”

“And it was arranged in the Golden Oaks library, which is, y'know, a public library. Technically, she didn't break any laws there. This building, however, wasn't a store at the time. I was fully justified to call the cops on her.”

“So, she never showed up here again after that?”

“Nah. Which is fine by me. I don't know if that sort of hyperactivity is contagious, and I really don't want to find out.” She hummed as she lifted the pan over to the table, shovelling some of the sweet-smelling foodstuffs onto two waiting plates. “So, what brings you here, Alice?”

“Jus' wanted t'apologise f'r makin' a scene last night.”

“Ah, don't worry about that, Alice. I asked around later that night – turns out that guy had been kind of an ass to others there.  Looks like he forgot what the rules were, huh?”

“Totally. The bouncers were pretty clear about what was allowed and what wasn't.” I replied, prompting the pegasus to nod her head sagely before digging into her meal.

“Exactly.”

I left their abode half an hour later, my mood improved as I headed straight back to my home. The streets were empty and quiet at this hour, and I got home in record time. Turns out, however, a little surprise was waiting for me there – a pegasi-drawn chariot parked just outside my lawn. Upon seeing me, one of the guards turned to me.

“Alice Bradley? The Princesses are requesting your presence in Canterlot.”

Well, this day just got more interesting.