Utopia

Bubbles woke up slowly. She was on her back, something hard under her. Her rump was sore, her wings were ragged, and there was something heavy on her chest. She mumbled and sniffed. It wasn't so bad, she supposed. Whatever was on her was warm. It was heavy, but warm. There was something under her poking at her spine though, and that wasn't pleasant. She grumbled and wriggled, trying to dislodge it to little avail. However, whatever was on her did move, shifting. Her eyes opened blearily at a foreign noise above her, and it took a moment to recognise what she was looking at.

A wooden beamed ceiling.

She smiled slowly, memories of the night previous filtering back into her mind, and she looked down at the sleeping Captain on her chest. He'd even had the decency to not drool all over her. A kiss to his forehead and a few gentle strokes of his mane left him with a little smile on his muzzle too, and she felt even better than she was before.

And then somepony cleared their throat behind her, and she froze. Slowly, she tilted her head enough to look at the doorway with mounting dread. What she saw wasn't what she expected. It wasn't a guard, or Celestia looking for her Captain. It was a young stallion, probably six or seven years older than herself, dressed sharply in a black suit, white undershirt and red tie, trying desperately not to smile.

"Would you like some help Madam?" he asked, unable to keep the mirth from his voice, "I don't mean to be rude or intrude, but Breakfast is almost ready, and the master is terribly heavy."

She gulped, and wordlessly nodded. He inclined his head professionally, and the horn upon his brow, a detail that'd escaped Bubbles at the time, woke up in orange light, matching his eyes. Gild, without shifting position, was lifted from her, and she managed to roll over quickly and land shakily on all four hooves, wings snapping closed, as the young stallion levitated his master closer to himself.

"If you'll follow me young Miss," He said jovially, "There's a shower and bathroom adjoining the master's bedchambers. I'm sure you'll wish to utilise these amenities before making your way down to the dining room for your morning meal."

Wordlessly, Bubbles followed the pony. He walked in a sure manner, like he'd lived here all his life. But he hadn't been here when she'd arrived, or he'd have answered the door, right?

"I don't live in the estate," He answered her unasked question like he'd heard her think it, "My Master thinks it essential I have my own lodgings that I might learn responsibility. The master is wise like that."

He brought them before a heavyset door, and nosed it open, carrying Gild in after him, followed by Bubbles. Gild's chambers were... surprisingly sparse. In the corner was a shiny set of Golden Armour, Gilds' armour. In the opposite corner was a set of burnished black armour with golden trim, remarkably well cared for. Bubbles filed this away for later questioning of her new coltfriend.

"The bathroom's over there young Madam," the butler pointed out a door on the far side of the room as he settled his master into bed, covering him with the covers tenderly, "I wouldn't dream of hurrying a guest, but your breakfast may get cold if you're not prompt."

With a nod, and the ghost of a smirk on his face, the young stallion left without even so much as an introduction. Bubbles didn't pay it no mind, but did remember to turn to face him head on at all times. She didn't know what state her rump was in right now, but she knew damn well she didn't want the servant to see it. If he was a servant. To distract herself, she rushed into the bathroom, and closed the door carefully only as she remembered Gild was asleep. The shower was accompanied by a bath tub, a toilet and a sink, complete with medicine cabinet above it. Curious, she opened it, and felt her heart hurt at how many bottles of pain killers took up the space in the small cabinet. A small piece of it was reserved for a cup, toothbrush and toothpaste, accompanied by a small feather care kit. Suddenly guilty, she closed the cabinet quickly, and decided to run herself a shower instead. The water blasted out hot, and she turned it down quickly. Hot showers were for after long days on the grind, not after a sexually active night.

She blushed, and made sure the water was cool before stepping into the stream, and almost squeaking at the blast of cold. The water washed away remnants of sweat easily enough, but she needed shampoo and conditioner to really clean herself. A look around saw her looking at a small stand in the corner of the shower with a small selection of shampoos, some with conditioner in them as well. After selecting a combination shampoo-conditioner that apparently was scented with 'ocean spray', She began the arduous task of washing her tail, coat and mane. She worked as fast as she could, scrubbing hard, and when she stepped out, she felt much better.

And then, she considered brushing her teeth, looking at his toothbrush in concern. Apparently, it was potentially dangerous to use someone else's toothbrush, something about germs on them or something...

"Screw it," She muttered, uncapping the toothpaste and squeezing some onto the toothbrush, "I've had his dick in my mouth, doesn't get much more unhygienic..."

After a brisk brushing of her teeth, and feeling quite happy with herself, she pranced out of the bathroom, planting a gentle kiss on Gild's forehead again as she passed, which made him smile sleepily, and left the room, looking around. She needed a hair brush for her mane and tail...

Where she ended up, however, saw the young stallion smile at her.

"Ah, Young Madam," He said primly, "Excellent, your breakfast is ready."

He indicated with his head towards a table made of mahogany. Four plates waited for her, much to her surprise, and she was seated rather quickly. The first plate was filled with toast with a variety of spreads. Some had jam, others peanut butter. There was one that looked like it was spread with chocolate.

"It's a hazlenut spread," The suited pony told her upon her asking of it, "The cook keeps the recipe rather secret I'm afraid."

The next plate was filled with a variety of accompaniment foods. Hash browns, scrambled eggs and baked beans. On the last was a stack of pancakes, which the suited pony admitted was his idea.

"I thought that, should we miss out on all of the above, pancakes were a safe bet Madam," He admitted a little sheepishly, "You need not eat all of it, but I'm afraid our cook didn't know what you liked."

"I'm glad I don't need to eat it all," She admitted, "There's so much of it..."

"I'm sure the master wouldn't mind if you were rounder miss," He replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. She glared at him acidly, and he went blank.

"And, what would your name be?" She asked archly. He nodded.

"Butler," He replied. Her brows knitted in confusion.

"A butler named Butler?" She asked, confused. He nodded seriously.

"Yes madam. No jokes."

"Really?"

"I'm a butler madam, it's a prerequisite to not have a sense of humour."

She didn't bother talking to him anymore after that, she just ate what she could, and drank a bit of orange juice, before excusing herself, and making her way back to Gild's study. Her cloak was on the floor, and she felt a stab of fear for a moment, but after a quick examination, sighed in relief. The little glass bottle she'd left in there was unbroken. It was filled with a strange smelling oily blue ointment of some semblance, and it was a hell of a relief to know it was still there and usable.

Which meant there was no time like the present.

"Butler!" She called, walking out of the study, the ointment under her wing, "Butler!"

The stallion just seemed to appear out of thin air, right beside her. She didn't even notice until he spoke.

"You called young madam?" He asked. She took a moment to breathe. He'd scared the breath right out of her.

"Don't do that," She muttered, "I need your help."

"Technically Madam," He said reproachfully, "The only one who may give me orders is the Master, or his Mistress. As it hasn't been made official yet-"

"Then make it official, and follow me," She snapped irritably, "I have to do something, and I can't do it on my own. Let's go."

Shocked into silence, Butler followed the feisty little blue pegasus through the halls again, following a familiar, if not the same, path they'd taken to get to Gild's room in the first place. She nosed the door open herself this time, and sighed in relief. Gild lay on his stomach on the bed, as they'd left him. Bubbles took a moment to psych herself up, before bustling over to his side, Butler in tow.

"Bedclothes, off," She ordered. Butler's mouth was set in a firm line, but he did as she told him to. He was still matted with old sweat and whatnot, which was to be expected. His bandaged wing was, as usual, tight to his body. She took a deep breath.

"Right. Bandages, off," She ordered. Butler froze at this, and even looked a little fearful.

"Young Madam, I'm not sure that's the best idea," He ventured cautiously, "The Master is very particular about-"

"He'll forgive you, Move it," She interrupted him rudely, cringing inside and promising to herself she'd apologise later. Butler sighed, but did as she asked, his horn lighting up. Slowly, and carefully, he undid, then peeled away the bandages. Even Bubbles winced at the damage to the limb, and the slow spread from his wing joint. The skin was bubbled and blistered, just as before. But this time, Bubbles thought, "This time I can help..."

"I hope so Madam," Butler added, "Because otherwise, I'm so fired."

"Hush. Can you restrain him, and open his wing at the same time?" She took the bottle out from under her wing and began unscrewing the cap. Butler swallowed.

"Of course Madam," He affirmed, "Please Celestia, don't let him be angry with me..."

Again, his horn lit up, brightly this time. The light made Gild grumble, but what came next woke him up in good order. He was restrained magically, and then his wing was slowly and carefully opened. Gild's eyes shot open, and he screamed in pain. Bubbles felt a stab of guilt, and she could see Butler wavering already.

"Keep him steady," She ordered, "No matter what he says!"

"Bubbles!?" Gild growled through the pain, "I swear, if I survive this-"

"Oh hush," She muttered, getting some of the ointment onto her hoof, "And stay still. This might hurt, I don't know."

Her hoof touched his wing joint, and he howled in agony. Bubbles could feel tears coming to her own eyes, but she forced them back. She had to be strong now. Gently, she rubbed the ointment into the wing joint, then began moving upwards. Within Butler's magical grasp, Gild's entire body clenched and tried to writhe in pain. Gild was swearing sulferously, cursing out Butler, Bubbles and anything else he could think of. When he ran out of Equish, he began on other languages. Bubbles felt a little surprised he was so well learned in languages. Griffish was the first he switched to, followed by Saddle Arabian. She began on the underside of his wing. His feathers were coated in the oily ointment, soaking into his skin. He swore again, tears in his eyes, as he complained...

And then it was done. Bubbles pulled back, looking at her handiwork. His wing was covered in the blue stuff, and Gild was whimpering in pain. Butler was close to doing so too, by the looks of it. A cursory check in his side table found a fresh roll of bandages, and she re-bound his wing, as according the the instructions she'd received from the same pony she'd obtained the ointment from.

"I hope this works.." She mumbled under her breath, before looking at Butler and nodding. Instantly, he released Gild, who strangely, didn't move. For a moment, Bubbles panicked, before realising he'd just passed out from the pain, and was sleeping again. She sighed softly.

"Come on," She whispered to Butler, and lead him from the room. The door boomed shut, and she looked at him seriously.

"This door is not to open," She instructed, "Gild needs rest. I want you to stand guard here until I send a two-pony team to relieve you, understand? They'll take over from there, with explicit instructions."

Butler nodded, white faced. Bubbles smiled, and kissed his cheek sweetly.

"You did good in there Butler," She told him with a smile, "Gild will thank you one day, I promise."

"I hope so Madam," He quavered, "I happen to like my job."

Bubbles smirked, and left him there, to guard the door.

The guard were a little uncertain when Bubbles walked into the assembly hall. She took small notice of the whispers among the ranks, the curiosity from the Nox Ponies, or Thestrals as they were more commonly called, and the general disgruntled feel around the room, and took the captain's position behind the podium.

"Mares and Stallions of the Canterlot Guard," She spoke strongly, enough to hide her mounting nerves, "The Esteemed Captain Gild has taken ill today, and it's been decided that for today, he must rest."

A murmur went around the room, and Bubbles cleared her throat. Instantly, it went silent.

"Captain Gild has appointed me his stand in today," She continued, "I know many of you don't know me. More of you don't trust me, because I used to work for Ambrosia, whose trial is very close at hoof," The silence was deafening, but she went on anyway, "But remember. I'm the one who turned her in. I'm the one who betrayed her in the interest of Just action. I've worked closely with Captain Gild for some time now, and I will not take well to insurrection. Whilst he is away, you will treat my word as law. I speak with all the authority of the Canterlot Guard Captain, and you will respect that. Anypony who does not, will find themselves demoted or devoid of a job, do we understand each other?"

Had she sharp enough ears, she'd have heard some of the more junior members swallowing heavily. Other than that, there was nothing.

"Good. The first order of business is this; I need two guards, preferably one of you a unicorn, to stand guard outside the Captain's room. He has many enemies, and some might attempt to take advantage of his condition to take him out. I'm looking for volunteers. If none can be found, I will be instead Volunteering you for you. Anypony willing, step forward."

There was a lull of silence, before a stallion stepped forward. Bubbles recognized him as Arc, a unicorn stallion Celestia seemed to have taken an interest in personally.

"Guard first Class Arc, volunteering for duty Captain," He said loudly. Bubbles almost corrected him, but kept her mouth shut on the subject, reminding herself she was technically the interim captain.

"Thank you, Arc," She said warmly, "And another?"

A pegasus mare stepped forward, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Arc blanch. She was very, very pretty, even under her armour. Her navy coat was clearly well cared for.

"Guard second Class, Velveteen, reporting for duty Captain!" She said, louder than Arc, and stronger. Bubbles already felt better about her choice, and she smiled gratefully at Velveteen.

"Thank you, Velveteen. The rest of you, business as usual. I expect reports in at regular times. Any late reports or reports not submitted will be faced with penalties. Dismissed. Arc, Velveteen, stay here."

The guards, no longer held in check by duty, left in a bustle of conversation. When they were gone, Bubbles dropped down to the floor, to join Velveteen and Arc.

"At ease, please," She instructed. Arc sighed, and slumped a little. Velveteen merely took of her helmet, placed it before her, and sat down at attention. Bubbles smiled at them both, "Alright. You two are to guard Captain Gild's door today. I'll arrange for overtime, and meals to be brought to you. It's going to be a tough day. Gild isn't well, and may be in a lot of pain. No matter what he asks, or what he does, I don't want you opening the door."

Arc faltered, and swallowed.

"Miss... With all due respect, why would he speak out against us?" He asked tentatively. Bubbles looked to him.

"Because he doesn't want to take the day off... and as his PA, I didn't give him a choice," She stated firmly, "The truth is, I needed a unicorn to hold him at bay if he tries to break down the door. I left Butler in charge until I had him relieved. I have a note for the both of you to take to him instructing him to feed you and give you both refreshments. He's trustworthy, so don't worry."

"Captain," It was Velveteen who spoke this time, and Bubbles had to fight off a wave of jealousy as she got a good look at her. She was gorgeous, and Bubbles felt vastly inferior. She was also wearing the armour of Princess Luna's House guard, "The Captain never takes a day off. What's really going on?"

Bubbles frowned, but sighed.

"I suppose you deserve an explanation," She admitted, "But it does not leave this room. I'll have your oath on this!"

Velveteen inclined her head, Arc made a motion over his heart to cross it. She nodded.

"Gild's been sick for a while," She said bluntly, "His wing is killing him. Something about a poison from the border. I'm trying a new ointment, and the pony I got it from told me the first day would be the hardest, and he should not try to work whilst the ointment does its job. So, I applied the medicine, and now I'm here to take his place for the day. Any more questions?"

Neither spoke, but neither looked happy with the answer either. Bubbles nodded again.

"Good. Dismissed Guardsponies. Make me proud."