Containment is Magic 2: Chaos Rising

Follower

En Route to Canterlot Castle

July 3rd, 2013 CR

(Shadowfire)

It was silent inside the chariot as Follower and Apple Bloom sat across from Lt. Flash Sentry. Shortly after takeoff, Apple Bloom had fallen asleep on Follower's lap, something he was silently glad for. He didn't want her asking questions all over the place. However, not a word had been spoken since they had been picked up, and the silence had been getting to Follower.

"Why am I being taken to Canterlot?"

Lt. Sentry snorted in slight annoyance. "I told you, it's classified."

Follower grumbled. "You can still tell me. There's nopony else around that's going to hear it, and I'm going to find out soon anyway. So why not just tell me?"

"Because I wasn't given permission to. Look, the details are top secret, and the only reason I was told is because I had to know why I was getting you."

Follower sighed. "Isn't there anything you can tell me? Anything at all? Seriously, if you can tell me one thing, I'll shut up for the rest of the trip."

Flash's ears perked up at the offer. "Really? The entire rest of the trip? Well in that case, there is one thing I believe the captain would be ok with me telling you."

Follower leaned forward in his seat, nearly disturbing Apple Bloom. "Yes?"

"It involves the Containment Breach in Facility 1a."

Follower's face blanched slightly at what he had heard. He opened his mouth to confirm what the guard had just said, but was stopped immediately by said guard.

"Upupupupup, not another word."

Grumbling, Follower slid back in his seat, crossing his forelegs over his chest.

"Hey, it was your deal, not mine" Flash chuckled before gazing out the window. "Don't worry though, we're almost in Canterlot, so you won't have to be quiet much longer."

Tracing Flash's gaze, Follower saw the castle coming up on they're left. Sighing in content, he closed his eyes, waiting until they landed.

A couple minutes later

"Follower! Wake up!"

The sound of Flash's voice cut through Follower's sleep as he jolted awake, causing Apple Bloom to fall off his lap with a startled "Woah!" Apologizing, he helped her up, placing her on his back before turning to Flash.

"We've arrived."

"Lead the way Lieutenant."

"Hmph." Flash led the pair up to the main gate, where he was stopped by two other guards.

"Halt. Visitors aren't allowed in today."

"These two are here on Captain Armor's order. Unless you want to answer to him, let us through."

After a brief moment of hesitation, the guard resigned. "Very well. But anything they do is on you."

"Understood." Flash then led them through the many winding corridors of the palace before stopping in front of a large set of iron doors.

Turning to Follower, Flash instructed "Alright. Captain Armor and the Element of Magic are inside. They will fill you in on the details."

The doors opened, and a loud voice boomed from inside. "Follower, please step inside. You too Lieutenant Sentry."

Flash looked slightly surprised at the order, but entered nonetheless, Follower and Apple Bloom close behind. Upon entry, Twilight turned and noticed Apple Bloom on Follower's back.

"Apple Bloom? What're you doing here? And why are you with Follower?"

Follower spoke up. "I saved her from Rainbow Dash's pocket dimension during the containment breach. She helped me escape, and I found out she didn't have a family left. After it was all over, Celestia let me adopt her."

"I see. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why we asked you to come here."

"'Asked' being a relative term, but yes, the thought crossed my mind."

At this point, Captain Armor spoke up. "You remember the containment breach at the LTF, yes? Well, new information has come to light, leading us to believe that you might be the key to reversing the damage done to the Elements of Harmony."

Follower attempted to respond, but was cut off. "We will explain everything to you once we get to the facility. Basically, we believe that there is something special inside you. Special enough to break the curse that was placed on the Elements. I know you probably don't want to go back given what you have experienced, especially the containment breach, but this may be our one and only shot at restoring Equestria's greatest defense."

Follower sat down, lost in thought as Flash stepped up.

"But why am I here?" He asked. "You only told me to pick him up. I don't see what any of this has to do with me."

Shining smiled. "True, but the thing is, you go back to work tomorrow. And your assignment, since the carriage drivers told me how well you two got along, will be guarding this stallion inside the facility, for as long as it takes him to finish this job. Could be weeks, could be months. Who knows? It could even take a year to finish it. Now go get ready."

Flash almost opened his mouth for a rebuttal, but decided against it, simply grumbling as he walked out the door.

Follower sat there for a few moments longer, thinking through what he'd heard.

His thoughts were broken by Twilight's voice. "You will do it won't you? The entirety of Equestria depends on lifting that curse."

Tapping his hoof to his chin for a few moments, he said "I will. On two conditions."

Shining nodded. "Name them."

"First, Apple Bloom stays here, guarded at all times. I don't want to take any chances of her getting hurt, especially if we're going back to the LTF."

"Acceptable. And the second condition?"

"If she's still there, I want to talk to Jitterbug. Please don't ask why, I have my reasons. Yes, I know she's a Keter class subject, but I need to talk to her."

After mulling it over for a little bit, Shining nodded again. "Very well, I'll allow it. We head for the LTF tomorrow. A guard will be by shortly to show you and Apple Bloom to your room, and dinner will be brought to you when you're ready for it. Rest up though, you're gonna need it..."