A New Era

A New Era

Story 7

Chapter 6: Goodbyes

By: SleeplessScribe

Cobalt

As a guard captain, I understood how imperative it was for all of us to begin preparations as fast as we could, but as I flew over the Crystal Empire on my way home to the city of Meadowbrook, I couldn’t help but feel just a little angry at how Princess Celestia had only given all of us two days to get our affairs in order. To be honest, I wouldn’t have put it past her to give us only one if I lived closer to Canterlot. I found out that two of the other colts that were involved in this lived a ways away as well, so they probably had something to do with it, too.

Meadowbrook was just a short flight north of the Crystal Empire, though I was stopped before I could reach the city walls. A loud roar echoed through the sky as the stony-scaled dragon flew over me. He slowly came to a stop and hovered overhead.

“A rough and dangerous road awaits you, child.”

It was kind of funny how such a beast could blend in so well with the sky, especially since his scales, albeit blue and grey, made him look like he was covered in rocks. “I realize that. I suppose you already know this, but I’m just here to say goodbye. My troops will understand, but I’m still worried about the city and what could happen while I’m gone. Not only that, but I’m absolutely dreading breaking the news to Gilda.”

“Young Cobalt, you need not worry. I have kept watch over this city since the end of the White War. Do you truly believe I will not continue to do so?”

I looked down some. “No, Vahlok. I just can’t help but worry. My fathers have commanded the city guard since Meadowbrook first established an official law enforcement and military force. There’s also Gilda, like I said. Explaining everything to her is what I’m really going to have a hard time doing.”

Vahlok let out a low chuckle, though even that sounded like a menacing snarl coming from a dragon. “I believe you’ll find that an easier task than you believe.”

I tilted my head, but started to understand as we made our way to the mountain Meadowbrook had been built into. Standing before the city gates were at least seven figures, and they all made their way towards me when I touched down. My sisters pretended to pout as Gilda wrapped her arms around me. They always did like getting the first hugs. Once we broke, I gave her a quick kiss on the tip of her beak before both mares pulled me away for their hugs.

Cyan, the oldest of us, adjusted her glasses and looked up at the large dragon behind me. “Vahlok has explained a lot to us already, so you know what we’re going to say.”

As serious as this was, I couldn’t help but smile when I looked to my other older sister, whose eyes I could actually see instead of trying to stare through the long, blonde hair she used to hide them behind. “Do you really have to leave, Cobalt? Is there really nopony else that can go in your place?”

My gaze turned to my girlfriend, but Gilda’s focus was behind us. The tapping of my father’s cane against the stone road was the only thing between us and complete silence. Behind him was Shield Shatter, my lieutenant, and Twister and Heavyweight, two of my most well-respected gate guards. It was no surprise to me that Twister didn’t say anything, but I fully expected Shatter and Ol’ Red – which was Heavyweight’s preferred nickname – to have a few words for me. Instead, my father came between us all and cleared his throat.

“Cerulean, you know as well as I do that this is your brother’s path to walk and his alone. That being said, I would like to hear about what exactly is going on. Vahlok has only told us that you must leave for a time.”

I waited for a moment to see if anyone else had words for me. When it became apparent none of them did, I took my pendant out from underneath my armor and held it up so they call could see it. “This is the element of Devotion, one of the six Elements of Valor. They go together with the six Elements of Harmony to create the greatest power in all of Equestria. This power will be needed to quell a strong evil that will soon return to Equestria. Princess Luna believes I am an embodiment of this element, and as a result, am the only one fit to go. Believe me, if I had the option to say here, I would.”

Shatter came up to me with a look on her face that was near impossible to attach one emotion to. “I know better than to argue with you, so I’ll just make things a little easier. Please, Captain, try not to worry too much. You’ve seen me take over before.”

I slowly nodded. “Thanks, Shatter… but there’s more to this than just the city. Of course, the safety of Meadowbrook’s citizens has always been one of my main concerns, but I’m… afraid. I’m not proud to admit it, but I am. If I don’t come back, all of you will have to go on without me… and that’s something that truly scares me. We have no idea what this enemy is capable of, save for the fact that we know he managed to overpower the princesses.”

After seeing some of the faces I was met with, I shook my head. “It’s complicated. I’d equate it to a ‘dirty trick’ or something. Like… he did something to gain more power that the sisters could do too, but didn’t want to for fear of the damage it would cause. That kind of power isn’t something to be messed with.”

Cyan opened her mouth but shut it immediately after another voice came out.

“You’ll come back.”

All heads turned towards Red, who backed up a little to reveal the skinny, silver-coated pegasus behind him. Twister’s blue mane was hiding her eyes, but she moved it out of the way and looked right into my own.

“You’re strong, and you won’t be alone. If everything you’ve said is true, you’ll have eleven other ponies helping you. Please don’t worry, Captain; the last thing you need is to be thinking about us and distracting yourself.”

Everything was silent as we stared at each other. I slowly made my way towards her, wrapping my forelegs around her once I was close enough. “Thanks, Twister. I needed that. I need to leave tomorrow afternoon, but I just can’t bring myself to say goodbye to everyone. Shatter, if anyone asks about me, just tell them I was called away for a while.”

She saluted, but I didn’t give her a chance to speak. “All of you, back to your posts.” I then turned to my father and sisters, nodding to them. “I’ll see you all at home, but I’d like some time with Gilda if you don’t mind.”

They all maintained their silence as they headed towards the city gates. Vahlok spread his wings but did not take off. “I shall return to my cave in the mountain. However, I urge you to visit the blacksmith before your departure. I have informed him of your journey, and he has prepared a gift that is sure to aid you.”

Gilda and I were left on our own once he had flown off. I turned to her, but she was just staring at the ground. However, she did turn to me when I opened my mouth. “That’s really scary, Cobalt. You know I don’t get scared, but the thought of losing you is just… too much. The worst part is that I know Dash is a part of this too. What if I lost both of you? I… I… I couldn’t even imagine how I would feel.”

She took a step back as I approached her, but allowed me to close the gap and wrap my forelegs around her. “I know, Gilda, I know. I won’t ask you not to worry, and I don’t expect you to stay calm, but please, please, please don’t let this consume you. Gilda, I swear to you I’ll come back. I’ll be cautious and I’ll do everything I can to avoid risks, but you know I’ll have to take them.”

The sweet griffin pressed herself against my chest. “Never make a girl a promise if you can’t keep it.”

I knew she would say that, and I already had a response ready. “I made that promise for a reason. This very oath is what’s going to make it a guarantee that you won’t lose me. You’ve already lost so much, I have no right to make you lose more.”

She curled her talons and beat her fist against my chest plate. “I swear, if you get hurt, I’ll never forgive you. I’ll make sure you cut your lip each time we kiss! I—”

Leaning forward, I pressed my lips against her forehead. “I love you too, Gilda. Look, I have to leave tomorrow, so let’s make the most of the rest of today and tomorrow morning, okay? Focusing on being away from one another isn’t going to do us any good.”

“How can you be so… so calm?” Gilda looked up at me and backed away. “You’re the first person in a long while that I’ve allowed beyond my own personal wall. Can you really forget about that so easily?”

I slowly shook my head, nudging it forward so she would at least start walking with me. “Haven’t you been listening? I’m just as afraid as you. I don’t fear death… but I fear loss. Ever since I was told what I needed to do, I’ve been thinking about what might happen to you if I don’t come back. That’s why I promised you I would, Gilda. You’d be surprised how much extra motivation a simple promise can give.”

She was keeping her gaze off of me, but I caught her glancing back every now and again. “I’m going to miss you. We all are, but I will especially. You know my story… I’m tired of being alone.”

I came to a stop and waited until she noticed. Once she had come back to me, I lifted her head up and smiled. “You’re not alone, even when I’m not here. This is your home now, and as far as the important ones here are concerned, you’re family. My father, my sisters, Shatter, Red, Twister, everyone accepts you now. Those bigots that still don’t want you here? Who cares? Listen, Gilda, I know it will be hard, but I need you to be strong.”

She took a deep breath, and I couldn’t help but feel a little better when I saw that small smile form on her beak. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess I just forgot I can still depend on myself. I’ve lived like that for so long, so having others to lean on feels like a necessity.”

Anvil’s smithy was slowly coming into view now that we had started walking again, so I knew I had to wrap this up somehow. “Just remember that you still have my family, and everyone in the guard. While it’s certainly cute that you’re so comfortable around me, it helps to have more than one person to confide in.”

That got her attention. She swiped at me and let out a low growl. “I swear, if you call me cute one more time, I’ll—” Gilda paused and just stared at me for a few moments. She lowered her claw, turning away from me and hanging her head again. “Damn you, Cobalt. I can’t even finish a threat with you anymore. I really am getting soft….”

I patted her shoulder so she’d turn to me again. “There’s nothing wrong with being soft to a degree. I’ve got a big soft spot for you, and you know that.”

She sighed. “Right. Let’s just go before I embarrass myself even more.”

“Alright then.”

Anvil waved as soon as he caught sight of us. “There you are! I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Sorry, bud. I was kind of busy talking to everyone that met me at the gate. Vahlok said you had something for me.”

He nodded slowly and went through the doorway behind him. “Indeed I do! I was told of your new duty, so I figured I’d do my part to help.”

Both my and Gilda’s eyes widened when he came back. On the counter he had set four boots, a chest plate, a sword, and even a shield. There were all made of the same jagged, stony material, and the coloring made it obvious what this material was.

“Well, what do you think? I dare say this is my best work yet.”

I rubbed my eyes quickly just to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. “Anvil… where did you get this?”

A sly grin crossed his face. “A… charitable donation. Vahlok saw it as both a test of my skills and a tremendous benefit to you. Genuine dragon scales… light as a feather, but stronger than the finest steel.” He gave the chest plate a few taps. “Go on, let’s give it a field test. It’s even enchanted, and Vahlok will show you how to summon it so you don’t have to carry it around.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I turned to Gilda. “See? You’ve got to be feeling at least a little more assured, right?”

She looked from me to the armor and back again. “I guess so… a little bit. Just be careful, Cobalt.”

“I will, Gilda, I will. Come on, let’s test out this equipment.”

She and Anvil both smiled as I put the chest on, showing that it fit perfectly. “Let’s go.”

Astro

My trip home was probably the shortest of all of us, considering my “cottage for rich ponies” – as Trixie put it – was in East Canterlot. Speaking of Trixie, she was waiting for me in front of the gates to my “country style manor” – as I called it – and ran towards me. Her forelegs were wrapped around my shoulders before I could even say anything.

She smiled and pressed her lips against my own. “Astro!”

“Hello, beautiful!” I happily returned her kiss before she released me. “How’d you hold up while I was gone?”

Trixie grinned and nudged my shoulder. “Just fine, Astro. Sapphire and I had plenty of fun together. In fact, it was nice to have a girls’ night for once. Uh… no offense.”

“None taken. Though… I have some news that’s both good and bad.”

She tilted her head and blinked. “Good and bad?”

I nodded slowly. “I’m going to have to leave for a long while, but at least you’ll get some more ‘girls’ nights’ with Sapphire, right?”

“What? You’re gonna be gone even longer?”

A small frown crossed her face as I lowered my head. “Yes, I’m afraid so. Come on, let’s go inside and I’ll fill you in on the details.”

Trixie stayed silent as we made our way to the door. I opened it for her, but she just stood there staring at me. “You’d better have a good explanation….”

As she walked in, I began to wonder if my explanation would truly be good enough, despite the gravity of this situation. I closed the door and followed Trixie through the door ahead of us that lead into the kitchen. Once there, I saw that Sapphire, the dragon that Trixie had hatched, pouring tea into three cups on the small table near one of the windows. Not many ponies actually knew that Trixie was a student at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, at least not many outside of Canterlot.

She turned her head when she heard the door close, and ran towards me with open arms once she saw us. “Astro, welcome back! So? What were you called to Canterlot for? Something big and important, I bet! Are you getting a promotion? Did you break a record? Come on, don’t leave us hanging!”

One could almost feel the excitement drain from her as I looked away. “I… I’m going to have to leave you both for a while. I’m not sure exactly how long I’ll be gone, but it’s more important than you know.”

Sapphire didn’t exactly have ears, but the spines on the sides of her head behaved like them and served as a clear indicator of her disappointment when they lowered. “Oh… well, do you at least have time for a cup of tea? I made it because I knew you’d be back soon.”

I nodded as we all sat down at the table. “Oh, yes, it’s not like I’ll be leaving again in five minutes. I’ll probably leave tomorrow evening.”

Trixie let out a groan and nuzzled my cheek. “That’s still way too soon. Why do you even have to leave?”

I let out a sigh and took a sip of the tea Sapphire poured for me. To be honest, I wasn’t all that eager to retell Princess Luna’s story to them, but it was clear that the girls wouldn’t take “I don’t want to talk about it” for an answer. They both stared into my soul as I tried to find words to say. In the end, I just repeated what Luna had told us, which left them both with rather surprised expressions.

Sapphire's blank stare remained on her face, but Trixie finally shook herself back to Earth. "So you've got to go help defeat this great evil?" She stood up and slammed her hoof on the table, nearly knocking her teacup over. "In that case, I'm going too! You can't expect me to stay here and do nothing!"

Over the years, I had learned quite a bit about patience, which allowed me to stay calm despite the mare raising her voice. "Out of the question, love. You don't need to put yourself in danger. As your coltfriend, I'd worry for your safety, and as your mentor, I expect you to continue practice and studies while I'm gone."

Trixie seemed taken aback by my response. She scoffed a few times before setting her other hoof on the table as well. "My safety? What about your safety? Do you actually think I'll be able to sleep at night when I'm constantly worrying about you?"

That last question shut me up faster than an insult about my mother. Trixie continued to glare at me and eventually leaned forward to get in my face. "Well?"

I sighed again and leaned forward as well, giving her a quick peck on the lips. "I love you, Trixie. You know I love you. I'm just looking out for you, lass. Please just stay here and try not to worry."

She raised her hoof as a scowl crossed her muzzle, but she never got a chance to speak.

"Um... don't I get a say in this?" We both turned to Sapphire, whom was twiddling her thumbs and keeping her eyes focused on the floor.

"Of course you do, Sapphire. I'm sorry I flew off the handle like that."

Trixie sat back down, and Sapphire began playing with her tail as she spoke. "I think Astro should go. Trixie... I want you to stay here. If you go, I'll be all alone, and you know how scared I am of being lonely. Besides, I'm sure the princesses will let him write letters, right?"

I smiled and gave her a pat on the head. "That's right. Once I'm gone, I'll be sure to write as often as I can."

There were tears forming in her eyes as I turned back to Trixie. "Astro... I'm going to miss you. Please be careful; I won't ever forgive you if you get hurt."

Before I could even lean towards her, she was wrapping me in a hug. “I’ll promise to be careful if you promise to keep moving forward with your studies. I want to see some new tricks when I get back.”

The smile returned to her face as she let go of me. “I promise.”

Sapphire crossed her arms, putting on a pouty face. “As long as you don’t accidentally turn me yellow again. I’m sure you remember how long it took us to figure out how to reverse that.”

We all started laughing when she brought that up. For a moment, it was if the heavy air had been lifted. It was nice to kind of forget what our future held for those brief seconds, but as soon as the laughter died down, my thoughts immediately drifted back to what was coming.

“I guess I should get ready. It’d be better to get that out of the way now so I have as much time to spend with you two as possible.”

They both sighed as I got up and headed for my study. There really wasn’t much “packing” I needed to do, seeing as how I’d be in Canterlot proper for the most part. I was sure the princesses would provide with necessities if the need to travel arose, but I did want to take a few scrolls and books with me. However, I decided to look through the family archives rather than my library. I knew there were written works that were dated long before any book I had bought. Maybe there were some documents that could prove useful.

I didn’t really expect it to happen, but I made sure to hide my bags just in case one of the girls tried to snoop. It’s not like I thought they’d do something bad, but I didn’t want anyone else finding out about the existence of these papers. There was a reason no stories or books about that time could be found in Equestria, so I could only imagine what the sisters would do if they found out about my documents.

Once I was finished, I came back down and finished my tea with them. I had a long, tough road ahead of me, but I made sure to at least act like there was nothing to worry about… for their sakes.

Beat

It was kind of funny to see how many of us stayed together. Nova and Twilight stayed behind at the castle while Astro and Cobalt went off to wherever they lived, but the rest of us all went back to Ponyville.

In all honesty, I kind of wished we had split up. Everyone was dead silent, even Pinkie. Of course, I was just as at fault as anypony else, since I just listened to music for the whole train ride, but still. When the ride was over, everyone just kind of sauntered off in their own directions. It was too much for me to take.

"Hey!"

They all stopped and looked at me, though they still kept quiet. "What are we doing moping around? These aren't the homies I was greeted by when I first came here! I gave up my fame and fortune to hang out with you guys, and this is how you act?"

My eyes immediately rested on Pinkie. The party pony was scanning the faces around us, and after a bit, she started nodding. "Yeah, Beat's right! Come on everypony, let's turn those frowns upside down!"

I then turned to Torque. I hadn't hung out with him as much as the others, I knew him well enough to know that between him, Pinkie, and myself, there was enough cheer to raise even the lowest of spirits.

The mechanic looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. "You know, Pinkie has a point. What's the point in getting all down in the dumps about this? The only thing that's going to accomplish is making all of this even harder."

Rarity reached her hoof out to him. Those two were really close, so I was hoping his attitude would rub off on her. "Torque, I understand how you feel, but this is just a lot to take—”

"Yeah!"

We all turned to Jet, who was sporting a big grin. Applejack was smiling too, but Jet was obviously the more... boisterous one in that relationship. "Who cares if this guy has a lot of power? We're all in his together, right?"

Everyone traded looks with one another, nodding towards Jet after a bit. "There you go! It doesn't matter if it's one or one thousand, we can take 'em! Just who the hell do they think we are?"

I looked to Rarity, who still didn’t seem all that convinced. “Look, I know what you all are saying, but this is a lot for me to take it. Remember that we have just been told that we’ll be leaving home, and we don’t know how long we’ll be gone. Can you honestly say that you’re not worried about this?”

After she said this, I shook my head. “I never said I wasn’t worried. Rarity, I’ve got a pregnant marefriend at home! Speaking of, she’s pretty far along, too! When the princess first told us we’d have to leave, I was terrified of the idea of missing the foal’s birth. That’s not to say I’m no longer afraid, but I keep telling myself that there’s no point in dwelling on it.”

“Beat’s right!” I should have known Rainbow Dash would take my side, as well. She flew over us and landed right beside me. “If we go into this all down in the dumps, then how useful would we actually be? We need to just say our goodbyes, get it over with, and keep moving forward!”

It was time to seal the deal. With six out of eight—Applejack was always on Jet’s side, at least I assumed so—ponies cheered up, that only left Rarity and Fluttershy to convince, and after my super-secret finishing move, there was no way they could resist.

“Hey, you know what we should do? We only have the rest of today and tomorrow morning before we have to leave, so let’s make it count! Let’s have a party right before we leave!”

Pinkie’s eyes lit up as she jumped into the center of the little circle we had made. “That is the best idea ever! I’ll run home and get my streamers! Oh, and I’ll need my tablecloths! Oh, and who could forget the confetti? This is going to be so much fun!”

My favorite party pony took off faster than Rainbow Dash herself, who nudged me as she slowly floated towards her home in the sky. “You really know how to change a mood, Beat! I’m feeling more upbeat already.”

She had given me a perfect opportunity, and there was no way I could pass it up. “I made you more upbeat? Eh? Eh? Get it?”

Rainbow crossed her forelegs and rolled her eyes. As she spoke, her hoof met her forehead as well. “And you just killed it. Good job.”

When she said this, I hung my head and waited for her follow up. She chuckled and patted my back. “I’m just kidding! Still, though, that was a pretty terrible pun.”

I immediately perked back up and chuckled myself. “Should I be punished for it?”

The grin vanished from her face, replaced a line so straight rulers and measuring tape envied it. “Don’t push it.” She then picked up a bit more speed as she flew towards her home.

When I turned around, Jet and Applejack were already a decent ways away, and I assumed they were heading to Sweet Apple Acres. I mean, who wouldn’t assume that’s where they were headed? Torque and Rarity were chatting to each other until they split up down the road to go to their houses, but Fluttershy was just standing in the same place she had been, staring up at the sky.

“Fluttershy?” She didn’t look at me when I spoke, nor when I approached her. “Everything alright?”

Even as she spoke, her gaze never shifted away from the afternoon sky. “Ever since Nova came to Ponyville and these strange things began happening, all of my animal friends have been acting strangely. I-I wonder… is it because they knew something was wrong with the nature around them?”

“Huh, never pegged you as the philosophical type. Then again, I’d never peg you as the kind to look at a dragon, let alone raise your voice at one. At least, that’s what Rainbow Dash told me you did. Anyway, I’m sure they knew. I had two dogs once, and they always seemed to know when it was going to rain, because they brought their toys in from outside a couple hours before it did.”

Fluttershy’s upturned brows and straight-line mouth made it obvious she wasn’t concerned with small talk. I hadn’t really gotten to know her very well, but I felt I knew her well enough through the various things her friends told me about her. I sat down beside her and looked at the sky myself, trying to think of what she might’ve been thinking about.

“Look, I know it’s going to be scary, and I won’t tell you that you can’t be afraid. I just want you to remember that you’re not alone.”

Her ears twitched, and she slowly turned her head to me.

I wasn’t really expecting it to, but I was still hoping that seeing me smile would make her smile too. “We’re all scared, I’m sure of it. Even so, we have to keep moving forward. You know, Fluttershy, you’re not as weak as you think. I may not know that much about you, but I know your friends have faith in you.”

Fluttershy’s expression hadn’t really changed, but I could tell without a doubt that I had her attention. “Even when you don’t believe in yourself, all of us do. In fact, I’d say we all have enough faith in you to make up for the times when you don’t have faith in yourself.”

As much as I wanted to keep talking, I caught a glimpse of the clock tower and had a brief, mini freak out. “Um, sorry Fluttershy, but I need to get going. I don’t want to keep Vinyl waiting on me.”

I turned to leave, and had already begun walking when a small peep made me freeze. “Th-thanks. I’ll try to remember that.”

I let out a small chuckle and waved to her as I continued my walk. “No problem. I’m not really great with speeches, so I just spoke what was on my mind.”

As soon as I opened the door, I found myself on the floor and underneath a beautiful, white mare with a swollen belly. “Where have you been, mister? I was worried sick!”

All I could do was chuckle and ruffle up that bright blue mane. “Pep talking. Everyone was more depressed than a funeral precession.”

Vinyl let out a small hiss and scowled. “Ouch, that bad, huh?”

“Yeah, I was busy cheering them all up.” I looked behind here and all around the house. There wasn’t much for me to see from where I was, but I still saw enough to merit asking a question. “Has Via been taking care of you?”

She finally backed up off of me and allowed me to get up, and once I was on my hooves, I spotted my cousin sleeping on the couch nearby. “She’s been taking very good care of me. I guess it helps that one of her orchestra members was pregnant as well, but she’s been working herself so hard. It reminds me of this one time, back when we were dating, and I got really sick and—”

Vinyl paused when she saw the look on my face. I unconsciously put that expression on every time my marefriend talked about the days when she and Via dated, though I wished I could break the habit. “Sorry.”

I shook my head quickly and nuzzled her cheek. “No, it’s alright. Believe me, I’m not jealous or anything. I’ve always thought it was a good thing that you were open minded enough to do what you did, it’s just… I wonder what others think.”

She rolled her eyes and bopped me on the nose a few times. “You dummy. Who cares what others think? Besides, I love you, and nothing’s going to change that.” She took a hold of my hoof and brought it to her stomach.

I couldn’t help but smile now, but this reminded me of something I really needed to tell her. “Vinyl! I… I have some bad news. I’m going to have to leave for an indefinite amount of time. I’d like to give you details now, but I plan on seeing if the princesses will allow you to stay at the castle. I refuse to leave you here and… possibly miss the birth of our foal.”

A soft smile slowly formed on her muzzle as she wrapped me in a hug. “Don’t worry, because I won’t. Well, I’ll try not to, anyway.”

I looked over to Octavia again, deciding it was best to change the subject now. “We’re having a party to boost up everyone’s spirits. Do you think you’d be able to come?”

My focus was still on my cousin, but I assumed Vinyl rolled her eyes. She usually did before speaking in the tone she responded with. “Are you kidding? Beat, I’m pregnant, not paralyzed. You can bet I’ll be there!”

When I turned to her, I was met with a smile brighter than any stage light. There were a lot of things I wanted to say, and one thing I had intended to say, but I couldn’t help forgetting about all of that when I saw her face.

“You know, babe, just a few moments with you is worth more than the lifetime of record labels and concerts I gave up.”

She just nodded and nuzzled my cheek again. “So… I said I’d try not to worry, but I can’t help it. Why exactly do you have to leave, anyway? I mean, I understand if you’re not allowed to talk about it or something, but is there anything you can tell me?”

Once again, I looked to Octavia. I turned back to my marefriend and slowly shook my head. “I’m going to make sure you’re given a place in Canterlot to stay, so I think it’d be best if one of the princesses told you. To be honest, I still don’t understand it all myself.”

Now Vinyl was look over at my cousin, though her expression hadn’t really changed. “So, what do we do with her?”

I just shrugged. “She lives in Canterlot. I’m sure we can get her permission to enter the castle and find out what’s going on.”

“I already have permission.” Hearing her speak made us both jump, and we turned to watch her fidgeting on the couch. “You know, you two are really loud, even when you’re trying to be quiet.”

I let out a nervous chuckle and rubbed the back of my neck. “Sorry, Via. How long have you been, uh… how much did you hear?”

She sat up on the couch and crossed her forelegs. “Everything. Now I want to hear your explanation, regardless of how much you understand.”

Scratch and I both stared at her until she began tapping her hoof. I let out a sigh and walked past Vinyl and into the living room, taking a seat in the recliner across from the couch. “Do you remember what happened with Nightmare Moon about two years ago?”

Via nodded and Scratch trotted over as fast as she could at the mention of that disaster. “Well, something like that is happening again, but this time it’s a lot bigger. Was there any mention of these things called the Elements of Harmony back when Princess Luna’s return was still big news?”

My cousin looked out the window to her left for a moment. “I think it was mentioned a few times in the news articles I read. Why do you ask?”

“Well, there’s another set of magic elements. I’ve become involved with this because I’m one of them. In fact, a bunch of the new guys are involved with this. Nova, Jet, Torque, they’re all part of this, and the other two are guys I’ve never met. Unfortunately, I don’t exactly know what it is we need to do.”

Vinyl tilted her head and nudged me shoulder. Despite the heavy air, she still had a big smile on her face. “So what you’re saying is your help is needed to save the world, basically?”

“Basically.”

She leaned up and kissed my cheek. “Then I’m not going to try and stop you. Just make sure to give the bad guy a few good belts for us, got that?”

It took me a moment to process what she had said, but a grin slowly spread across my face when I finally did. “You got it.”

I was able to spend a few more hours with Vinyl, but Octavia had to return to Canterlot. She didn’t really give any details; she just mentioned something about an orchestra meeting. Heck, I didn’t even know orchestras had meetings. Just a few minutes after my cousin had left, Pinkie Pie poked her head through the door.

“Beat! Guess what!”

Scratch and I traded looks before turning our attention back to Pinkie. “You got everything ready for the party already?”

She nodded quickly. Sometimes I wondered how she didn’t pop her head off doing that. “Yeah! How’d you guess?”

“Call it a hunch.” My eyes were closed as I spoke, but I could still hear Vinyl giggling beside me. “So, is the party going to start now, or do you still need to set up?”

Pinkie shook her head just as quickly as she had nodded earlier. “The party itself isn’t ready, but I wanted to come by and ask if you could sing something. Would you mind?”

I let out a small chuckle and nodded as well. “That won’t be a problem at all.”

“Great! I’ll come back when everything’s ready! See you then!” Just as quickly as she had come, Pinkie took off out the door. My marefriend and I traded looks again before quickly bursting into a fit of laughter.

Vinyl was the first to calm down. “Pinkie is such a nutcase. It’s awesome!”

It took me a bit longer to mellow out; I actually was still chuckling when I finally responded. “She’s in good company, then.”

“So, do you know what song you’re going to sing?”

I tapped my chin a few times as I thought about it. “Mm, I think I have an idea.”