Fighting for Equality

Fighting for Equality
Chapter Two: Dinner and a Show... Down
Written by: Penbrush and Slayerbrony!

A week later Wind was in her room picking up several books and putting them into a box, before discreetly hiding them under her bed and smiling.

“They won’t know.” Wind said to herself. She opened her bedroom door and walked downstairs to the living room where Twilight was packing her final things with Mellows help.

“Do you really really need to pack this encyclopedia of human history?” Mellow asked as he picked up the book.

“Well, there are a lot of Normal humans in Ponyville. I’d thought I’d just refresh a bit before I got there. Wouldn’t want to agitate any of them. Everypony knows how easily aggravated some of them can get.” Twilight said as Mellow nodded and packed the book away with the other things.

“Do you have my gems packed?” Spike asked as Wind sat down on the couch.

“Noooo, I totally forgot to pack the massive sack of gems...” Mellow said sarcastically as he looked at the little drake. “Don’t worry, top pocket of your suitcase.”

“Awesome.” Spike said smiling.

“I have been meaning to ask, who won the bet?” Mellow asked as he floated a few other of Twilight’s supplies to him before packing them away.

“I won, I read all the books.” Wind said nonchalantly, smiling.

“Really?” Mellow said looking up and giving Wind a strange look.

“Is it surprising?” Wind asked.

“Considering you had a good two shelves left yesterday, yeah, kinda is.” Mellow said before shrugging and going back to packing. “No big deal though. You did say you were a fast reader, just didn’t think you were that fast.”

“Not many books on those shelves.” Wind said.

“Well congratulations then!” Twilight said smiling. “Although considering how many books you read, you probably aren’t going to pick up another one in a while.” She remarked with a chuckle.

“I might.” Wind said, “Anyway, you owe me one hundred bits.”

“Yeah yeah, I’ll go get them.” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “A deal’s a deal.” She walked off and up the stairs while the trio left behind continued to pack up hers and spikes’ things. There was a bunch of chatter before Twilight came downstairs with a rather smug smile on her face.

“Ooooh Wiiiind!” Twilight said in a singsong voice as she walked over to the couch.

“Yo?” Wind asked.

“Could I ask you something?” Twilight asked innocently.

“Sure...” Wind said.

“Why is there a box of books hidden under your bed?” Twilight said with her grin turning into a knowing smile.

“I was going to read those books again later, they were my favourites.” Wind said quickly, smiling.

“Reeeeally?” Twilight said leaning in closer.

“You have no idea how creepy it is to have a pony right next to your face.” Wind said worriedly.

“And you know what I think? I don’t think you read those books at all.” Twilight said.

“It was worth a shot at least.” Wind said shrugging, “You got me, here.” She opened her wings and took out a small pouch with one hundred bits in them, before handing it to Twilight.

“That’s where you hold your money?” Mellow asked looking at Wind as Twilight pocketed the bits and smugly went back up the stairs.

“It’s the safest place for an angel.” Wind said as she closed her wings.

“I keep mine in an enchanted pouch. Seems easier and more comfortable.” Mellow said shrugging.

“I don't notice, its in a place that is comfortable enough.” Wind shrugged. Mellow just mimicked the action before zipping the bag closed and sitting in a nearby chair.

“There! Jeez... How much crap do you need to pack at once?” Mellow muttered to no one in particular.

“Enough for a week to prepare apparently.” Spike replied.

“Tell me she doesn’t do that weird thing where she double packs...” Mellow groaned and looked at Spike.

“Ok, I won't tell you that.” Spike said.

“Thank you.... Wait she does doesn’t she?” He said.

“You said not to tell you, so I won't.” Spike said, holding up his hands. Mellow just groaned and facepalmed with both of his hands.

“That mare is crazy...” He muttered.

“You haven't seen her checklists...” Spike muttered.

“I have.” Wind said, her eyes suddenly looking tired.

“You okay?” Mellow asked looking at her as his hands dropped back to his sides.

“I have seen her checklists, and she has a checklist for a checklist for a checklist, she has so many checklists in her room.” Wind sighed.

“Ah...” Mellow said nodding his head.

“Hey! I don’t make that many checklists!” Twilight defended as she walked back into the room.

“Then why do you have twenty in your room last time I checked?” Wind asked.

“Because I need to stay organized!” Twilight defended again.

“You don’t need a checklist for another checklist though, the checklist for the checklist takes up more space.” Spike said, walking over to Twilight.

“Oh pshaw, you just don’t like how organized I am.” Twilight said sticking her tongue out.

“I do, but you are too organized.” Spike said.

“There is no such thing!” Twilight stated. “You can never be too organized.”

“You can.” Wind interjected.

“No, you can’t.” Twilight said as she stuck her tongue out again.

“You are such a child...” Mellow said shaking his head and laughing lightly.

“Nu uh!” Twilight said shaking her head.

“Yeah huh!” Mellow said before he realized what he did and facepalmed again. “Oh great, now I am doing it.”

“So why else are you going to Ponyville besides the Summer Sun Celebration that was so important for Celestia to send her prized student?” Wind asked, trying to stop the bickering.

“Uhm... No reason!” Twilight said quickly.

“Ok...” Wind said.

“Because she told Celestia about an old mgff.” Spike started before Twilight put a hoof in his mouth.

“Unimportant detail. Don’t worry about it.” Twilight said chuckling nervously.

“Oooh kay...” Mellow said as he raised an eyebrow.

“I hope you enjoy your trip?” Wind said questioningly.

“Oh I will! Don’t you guys worry about it! I’ll send you a letter when I get there!” Twilight said quickly as she grabbed her packed things and rushed out the door.

“She forgot someone.” Wind said, looking at Spike.

“Sooo... Why is she going nuts?” Mellow asked.

“Well, she was going nuts about an old-” Spike tried again before Twilight ran back into the house and used her magic to put Spike on her back.

“Sorrygottagobye!” Twilight quickly said before she rushed out the door.

“Well then.... Ask when they get back?” Mellow said looking at Wind.

“I’m not sure I want to know anymore.” Wind said uncertainly.

“Good enough for me...” Mellow shrugged before he got up and went to the kitchen. “What do you want for dinner tonight? I’m cooking or we can get take out.”

“Unless you know how to cook lamb, I say we go to one of those griffon restaurants to eat.” Wind said, getting up and walking after him.

“Eh.... Okay, then grab your coat, Windy we are going out!” Mellow said walking out of the kitchen and levitating his coat over to him and slipped it on.

“Alright.” Wind said, walking over to the coat rack and taking a long purple coat off the hook and putting it on. Mellow merely opened the door and did an unnecessarily exaggerated bow.

“Ladies first.” He said snickering slightly. Wind rolled her eyes and walked out the door. Mellow walked out and locked the door before they began to walk towards the town. “Okay you remember where the place is?”

“Yes, its a couple blocks away.” Wind said, turning left once she reached the end of the driveway.

“So what route we taking, the sky or the road?” Mellow asked as he walked up next to her.

“Depends, how is the height problem with you?” Wind asked.

“Don’t scare me like last time and I think I could handle it.” Mellow said shrugging. “Also the fact that I have to clean the ceiling in the rafters at my work, that kinda helps.”

“Why do you have to do that?” Wind asked, confused.

“Because my boss is one of the strangest ponies I have ever met.” Mellow said shaking his head.

“Alright then, hold on.” Wind said, opening her wings and flying above him, before grabbing his arms and flying in the air. Mellow stiffened up and clutched Wind’s arms before slightly relaxing.

“Heh heh.” He chuckled nervously. “This... This isn’t so bad!”

Wind rolled her eyes above him, “Please, this is boring and it would take awhile to get there this way.” she said as she started to fly faster and faster, building up more and more speed.

“We may be going slow, but at least I won’t die of a heart attack!” Mellow said, shuddering slightly at the speed increase.

“Calm down, it isn’t that bad.” Wind said as she continued flapping her wings, “This is why my parents named me Wind Song, if you listen closely as I fly fast you can hear the wind singing a song as I fly.” She said cackling slightly. Mellow just shook his head and kept quiet, letting the wind pass by at incredible speeds.

“We are almost there.” Wind said as the restaurant came very quickly into view. They quickly landed onto the concrete, with Mellow wobbling a little as he got used to solid ground again.

The griffon restaurant consisted of wood and logs with a thatched roof on top and an open bar inside. As well as wooden tables put all around the restaurant floor. The floors looked to be polished planked wood, as well as several brawny looking griffons waiting tables. Even the kitchen had a small open window for ponies and people to look inside and watch them cook.

“Looks cool doesn't it?” Wind asked as she folded her wings back.

“As long as I don’t lose my hands in an argument with a griffon, then yes. It looks like a wonderful place to eat.” Mellow stated as he shook his head to clear the motion sickness he was feeling.

“The good news is that no other Angels are in here right now, which is good good news for us.” Wind said.

“I’d be more worried about the normals.” Mellow muttered as he adjusted his jacket.

“Please, the normals don’t care for this kind of stuff, the only people who come here are angels because they love lamb. Normals I think are vegetarian.” Wind said as she walked over to the doors and opened them.

“Um... Alright.” Mellow said raising an eyebrow and following after her. “Hope they serve fish. I love fish.”

“Griffons serve all kinds of meat, fish constitutes as meat.” Wind said. They walked in and took a seat at one of the booths, close to the kitchen window and with a nice view of the outside area. Before they knew it a large griffon walked over and pulled out a pad and pencil.

“Velcome to Zhe Rusted Blade, may I take you order?” The griffon said in a thick Germane accent. Mellow just stared at him for a moment before looking at Wind and mouthing ‘Why am I suddenly afraid to speak?’.

Wind rolled her eyes and mouthed back ‘Don’t be scared of a restaurant name.’ Mellow just shook his head and nodded towards the burly griffon next to them. Wind sighed and looked at the griffon, “I would like some cooked lamb and my friend here who seems to have lost his ability to speak would like fish.” She ordered.

“Very gud. Any particular vay you vanted it cooked?” The griffon asked, looking at Wind with a small grin and a chuckle.

“Well done.” Wind said.

“Filleted please...” Mellow practically squeaked out. The griffon let out a hearty laugh and nodding and quickly writing it down.

“Drinks?” He asked, looking at the two.

“Lambs blood.” Wind said, smiling. Mellow just stared at Wind for a moment before shaking his head.

“Crystal water if you got it.” Mellow said as the griffon nodded and walked off. Mellow let out a small sigh and stretched his arms out before slumping in his seat. “I can’t wait till I can get into some of those spell books Twilight has.”

“I bet, you always act like a little kid when you learn a new spell.” Wind said.

“Hey, it’s pretty awesome! I mean, controlling fire and water! Who wouldn’t want to do that!” Mellow chuckled. “You watched an hour long special about flight stunts.”

“So I could fly and do stunts better! Besides I can fly in a circle and make water rise into the air, it seems like the same thing.” Wind said shrugging.

“Oh you would think that.” Mellow said sticking his tongue out at her.

“I hope you aren't squeamish about blood as well as heights.” Wind remarked.

“Considering how many times I have botched up a spell and had to get stitches, I’ll be fine... Just don’t... Gurgle it or anything please.” Mellow said shuddering slightly.

“Gurgling blood is disgusting.” Wind said.

“Drinking it is worse. It’s like you're a vampire.” Mellow said chuckling.

“Its the drink of the gods, lambs blood.” Wind said.

“I’ll stick with ground up crystals in water thank you. More fruity, less metallic.” Mellow said shaking his head.

“You get used to the taste of lambs blood when your parents force you to drink it all the time.” Wind sighed.

“Eh had to be better than studying the same spell book until you could literally recite it...Twice.” Mellow said shaking his head. “That is the only time I don’t pick up a book.”

“You can’t imagine how thick lambs blood actually is.” Wind said.

“Okay! Change of subject before I lose my lunch.” Mellow said clapping his hands together. As he finished talking, the large griffon walked over with the food and drinks expertly balanced on his wings before setting the dishes down on their table.

“Enjoy, if you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.” The griffon said with a click of his tongue before he walked off to go serve somepony else. Mellow took his plate closer and sniffed the food briefly before smiling and chowing down as Wind did the same.

Soon Wind finished her lamb and picked up her cup and started drinking. As she finished her cup of blood she put the cup down and her upper lip was stained red. Mellow just looked at her before giving a small chuckle and finishing up his food.

“I didn’t know you wore lipstick.” He said with a small suppressed laugh.

“Its usually worse if I get really thick blood some dark black blood will stick to my lip.” Wind said shrugging her shoulders as she licked her lips of the remaining blood. Mellow just laughed quietly before he sipped at his own drink, leaving a small thin line of sparkles along his upper lip. “Nice sparkle Edward.”

“Wha?” Mellow asked before looking at his drink and facepalming. “Oh of course... Now I remember why I don’t drink this stuff often.”

“Now your the vampire.” Wind said laughing.

“Oh har har...” Mellow said rolling his eyes before finishing his drink and wiping his lips with a napkin. “Shall I pay, or you?”

“I think you should pay.” Wind said. Mellow just nodded and pulled out a sack of bits from his pocket and pulled out a good twenty bits to pay for the meal, as well as a small tip for the kind and overly buff griffon, before standing up.

“Shall we?” He asked giving a grin and doing a mock bow.

“I think we shall, it looks like while we were eating when the sun went down and the stars are beautiful tonight.” Wind said as she got up and walked out the door with Mellow.

“Oh being a hopeless romantic are we?” Mellow said with a chuckle.

“Hopelessly romantic with who?” Wind asked.

“You have no sense of humor do you?” Mellow laughed as he began to walk towards their place of residence.

“I have a sense of humor, I just do not believe in hopeless romantic people.” Wind said as she followed.

“Pfft, they are the funniest ones to watch!” Mellow said chuckling. “Not to mention awkward.”

“I’ll give you that, but honestly they are depressing to watch because they are so hopeless.” Wind said.

“It’s sweet to watch though.” Mellow said before looking up at the sky.

“Its too sappy.” Wind replied.

“Meh, same difference.” Mellow replied shrugging his shoulders.

“You know something I don't trust?” Wind asked suddenly as they walked.

“Hm?” Mellow hummed as he continued to watch the sky.

“I don’t trust bridges.” Wind said as she pointed to a bridge a few feet away that they were going to have to walk over to get home.

“Why? Think a monster is going to pull you under?” Mellow chuckled out.

Wind shook her head “No, I think they are going to crumble and fall apart.” she said as she opened her wings and flew into the air.

Mellow walked onto the bridge, and balanced onto a single foot. “Look at me, ma! I’m doing it! Im doing it!” He stated with a childish tone.

Wind rolled her eyes as she circled over him, “You're in the middle of a bridge, that isn't impressive.” she said. Mellow pouted a moment, crossing his arms as he settled back down onto both feet.

“Party pooper.” He muttered going back to crossing the bridge, hopping onto the railing and balancing his way down.

Wind smirked as she flew above him, wondering if she could send him over the edge into the water with a gust of wind as she heard something moving in the dark of the night, “Do you hear that?” she asked, pausing in the air.

Mellow stopped and glanced around him, putting a hand to his ear and listening for a moment. Shaking his head he looked up at her. “Nope, didn’t hear anything.”

Wind frowned as she looked around, “I swear I can hear something.” she said, hovering as she turned in circles.

“Bah, it’s probably just the wind.” Mellow stated, snickering at his pun.

“I know the wind! It isnt the wind, but fine, lets just get going...” she said, looking around a final time as she started flying slowly back across the bridge again. There was a brief moment before a loud splashing filled the air and a rock was hurled at Mellow, striking him across the head and forcing him to the ground.

“Mellow!” Wind yelled, flying quickly around in the sky to try and see what hit him.

“Shoot the bird!” A voice shouted out before a normal human ran out, pulling out a bow and aiming at Wind. Before he fired his bow off, another ran out and stopped him.

“Hey, wait a minute there, Swift Bolt, lets get some fire onto it.” A voice laughed as fire blew onto the arrow Swift was holding back. “Roasted bird is much better then just speared.”

A malicious grin spread across Swift’s lips before he took his aim at the sporadically flying Wind Song. He waited a moment before letting the arrow go, the flaming arrow flew through the air and ripped its way through her left wing, charring and partially cauterising the flesh.

“Ahhh!” Wind screamed, feeling the deep rooted pain of the burning arrow in her flesh as her wing started to catch fire. She lost control of her wing and fell out of the air, landing into the water, which doused the flames as she swam up, the cover of darkness making her invisible to the people on the bridge as she painfully swam to shore.

“Ha ha! See that trick shot?! I’d like to see your flame balls do that!” Swift shouted with a cackle, putting the bow onto his back while several other normal humans came out from the bridge to go get Mellow.

“I set it on fire man! I think that got the bird better then the arrow. I ain't called Flame Strider for no reason!” Flame said. “Shame though, the catch was kinda a beauty...to bad she was a bird”

There was a collective chuckle before a normal was launched off of the bridge with a loud crack and a flash of azure light. Mellow shakily stood up, a hand on his head while the other began to cackle with energy. Two others began to come after him as he began to stumble away.

“The magician is awake, here to save his dove.” Flame muttered, drinking from a blue bottle before shooting fire out of his mouth towards Mellow. He laughed, “Too bad she is gone already.”

Mellow stumbled backwards, falling onto his back and beginning to push himself away. He looked left and right before noticing something curious. He lifted his hand a moment before ripping a loose stone from the bridge and chucking it at the two normals. They both easily dodged the rock as it flew by.

“Is that the best you can do?” Flame asked, nudging Swift to get him to have an arrow ready. Mellow just put a hand on his bleeding forehead before pointing down. The two normals left, as well as Flame and Swift, glanced at the bridge before noticing a large, spider webbing crack making its way around the bridge. The normals on the bridge started taking large steps back as they saw the cracks starting to form under their feet. Before they knew it, the bridge collapsed, causing them all to jump backwards to avoid getting crushed by the debris.

As the bridge came down, dust, water, and debris was flung everywhere, masking everyones field of vision. As the smoke cleared, and the coughing began to slow, Flame and Swift glanced to the other side of the river where Mellow and Wind were beginning to dash away, both occasionally staggering or falling from their wounds. Swift glanced at the two Normals on the bridge before throwing a hand in the direction of the two fleeing friends.

“Well?! What are you waiting for?! A party?! Go after them!” Swift bellowed.

The two normals looked down at Flame and swift, before looking at each other, “No way man! We are getting out of here! Assault is one thing, destruction is a complete different thing!” one of them said, pulling the other normal in the other direction.

Flame turned in the water to look at Swift, “Your brothers suck.” he said.

Swift sighed and put his face into his hands. “Just shut up, Flame.” He muttered quietly.

Mellow grunted and shifted in place as he clutched the gash on his head. He glanced over his shoulder and sighed in relief as he found no one to be following them. Looking at Wind, he saw the burnt arrow barely stuck inside of her wing, the flesh and feathers around it burned horribly. “By the sun, they got you bad....” He muttered as he gently grazed a hand around the burned area.

Wind hissed in pain as she felt his hand, “Yeah, I noticed, get this arrow out of my wing!” She yelled.

“That’s not a good idea, it may get infected. We should get to the hospital before we do anything.” He grunted out as he shakily stood up and leaned against a building.

“Get the arrow out.” Wind said again as she winced at the pain that shot through her extended wing. He sighed and gently put a hand on the arrow, snapping off the charred and useless arrow head before getting a firm grip on the stick.

“Alright. On three. Three-” And in one swift motion he yanked the arrow out eliciting a loud yelp of pain from Wind. “There it’s out.” he said handing her the blooded arrow body.

Wind bit her lip, “Yeah, thanks. I see what you meant by the gangs of normals now. Fire Normals suck.” she sighed, “Won't be able to fly now for awhile, and my feathers will have to grow back.” she muttered, looking at her wing, soaked with blood and water.

“You won’t be flying at all unless we get you to a doctor. Now let’s go!” He grunted out, staggering down the street with a hand on his forehead. “Gods above, my head is killing me...”

“You were hit with a rock.” Wind said, standing up to follow him. Mellow only groaned in response. They both walked until they found a large red cross shining in the night. As they both walked inside, several ponies gasped at them while a nurse rushed over to them.

“By Celestia’s beard, what happened to you two!?” The pony cried as she began to look over both of them frantically. Wind just pointed at her wing as she threw the stick onto the floor. The pony glanced at the arrow before sighing sadly and shaking her head. “Ooooh, those stupid!... Errrgh!” She fussed over them a moment before a doctor came out with a tray full of supplies.

“Sorry, we are a bit backed up at the moment. Several of these attacks have been happening lately.” The unicorn stallion stated as he gently began to tend to Wind’s wing.

Wind frowned, “Yeah, I bet, Ow!” she exclaimed, moving away from the doctors hooves after a sensitive part was touched. The doctor simply huffed and pulled her back and continued his work as a nurse stitched up Mellow’s head.

“Now, I am going to call the authorities and see if we can’t find your attackers. Until then we are going to keep your heads clear and provide you with water and food. Can you both hold out a few minutes until the guards get here?” The nurse asked.

Wind stared at her wing, which had gause carefully and tightly wrapped around it, “I guess so.” she said, “Can I put my wing against my back, or does it have to stay extended like this for awhile?” she asked.

“For a few days so the muscles can heal properly. And then you will need to have them rewrapped and rechecked. We are going to give you some antibiotics to clear any infection.” The doctor stated as he began to pick up the bloodied tools.

Wind frowned, “Shouldn't I have a cast around my wing then instead?”

“If the wing was broken yes, but for now I have wrapped the gauze tight enough to keep it from closing. As long as you don’t force anything you should be alright in a few days time.” The doctor stated.

“Alright.” Wind sighed. The doctor turned to Mellow and quickly wrapped a bandage around his head with a cloth wet with medical alcohol.

“And you don’t use your magic for a couple days unless you want a horrendous migraine.”

“Yes doctor...” Mellow said.

The doctor gave them both a firm nodded and walked towards one of the offices. “I will return shortly, but for now, please do not move. It will only exacerbate your conditions.” He started, walking away. The two only groaned in pain as they nodded. They briefly glanced around their surroundings before they both began to subcomb to exhaustion, passing out in their seats.