Broken 4th Rule

Chapter 6; Meet the Grandparents

Pony bathrooms are weird!

We were ushered into a carriage. Spooky was now restrained by magically enhanced chains, shackles and a muzzle.

Me? I had a ring on my horn to stop my magic -- not like I could use it -- as well as a paper thin chain tied around my midsection holding my wings shut.

On one side were the three Princesses, Twilight and Shining Armor. On the other side was me, Spooky and the purple lizard, well... dragon, Spike. We were a little unbalanced, but I guess they wanted to keep an eye one us.

Spike was looking Spooky up and down. “So you're a dragon?”

Spooky nodded.

“So... are you a grown up dragon?” Spike asked.

Spooky nodded.

“Did the not-Cadence hatch you?”

Spooky shook his head.

I cut in. “My name is Thrashion,” I spoke calmly like I was talking to one of my nephews or nieces. “Little guy, I think he’ll be able to answer you when the muzzle is off. Spooky’s going to be happy answer your question. But could you wait until he does get the muzzle off?”

“Well OK. I guess you're right,” Spike said as he shook his head, a little disappointed.

The one known as Luna focused on me as she pulled out a quill and pad. "Ye must have questions, but I plead with thee to answer ours first."

I nodded. "Ah, no problem, but call me Thrashion. Other then that, shoot." Damn it!

"First, do you know what you are?" Twilight asked.

"Ah, what am I? Winged unicorn?" I watched as she started to write down something. Screwed!

"Secondly, where were you born and where do you live?" Luna looked up at us. "Feel free to answer for your dragon too," she finished.

"Well, we were both born in a place called North Hampton. I live in a town called Goshen and my friend lives in small town known as Spider's Gate," I paused. "Hey, do you know what's happened to us? One moment, we we're at the mall then next moment I'm sporting these… appendages," I added, pointing to my new wings and horn.

Luna, Celestia and Twilight tilted their heads at a confused angle. Luna was the first to recover: "Ye was not always a winged unicorn?" She asked, but her tone seemed funny. "And what of this... mall, that ye speak of?"

"They are common where we come from. They are like an indoor market place. As for the second question, no, I was a normal pony," I answered. Do they even use that term?

"Ah, brilliant if I may say,” Twilight said. “A market place indoors, Applejack would like that. She hates standing out in the rain with her apple cart. But she is a bit stubborn...”

“A few more questions before I answer your questions. Next, what is your preference when it comes to a companion or a potential mate?" Luna asked.

I looked confused. "What do you mean?"

“I believe auntie Luna’s asking what your sexual preferences,” Cadence supplemented, coming to my rescue.

"Oh, chicks not dicks. So why do you need to know that?"

"He likes mares. And for your question, Auntie has her reasons," Cadence clarified again.

"Do you have any previous medical conditions?" Celestia asked, her magenta eye now examining me.

I exhaled. "I have. I’ve got it under control. I'm also nearsighted. As for Spooky, none that I'm aware of," Luna nodded and continued to write again.

"Your family, what was it like?" Twilight asked.

"Why would you asked that?" I snapped at them angrily.

"No offense meant, but were you loved?" Celestia asked.

"Hell yeah! Where do you get off..." I started.

"Curiosity. Nothing more," Celestia added defensively. "How many are in your family?"

"Seven other siblings, plus Mom and Dad," I answered. "Before you ask, we get along well, and I was the youngest! Spooky has a mother, father and a younger brother. His family is good, but it’s complicated for me to explain his family dynamic. He should do it."

Cadence smiled at me and put a hoof in front of her mouth. “Oh, I can’t even hold it in any more. Auntie, can I tell her?”

“Then why don’t you,” Luna snickered.

“Thrashion, you are not a simple “winged unicorn”, you are an alicorn, a near immortal being,” Cadence finished with a chuckle.

I was floored. Near immortal? I mean, my expression on my face must have been priceless, but I quickly remembered. I am a copy... but exact? “What is an alicorn? I mean if Spooky’s mouth was free he would know something I’m sure of it,” I glanced at his hands for a signal. “I mean, could you tell me a little more?” Mother of… I mentally swore.

"I believe we have what I want for now,” Celestia said signaling the others to stop the question and answer session. I shrugged in response.

In no time a slight bump indicated that we had stopped and we must be in this... Canterlot place. I feasted my eyes on the amazing city. It was a fixed to the side of a mountain; the city was a beautiful collage of polished stones, fine sculptured roads, and towering buildings. From my vantage point I could see an expansive region. All different types of cities, towns and environments: I could see it all. The city itself was fused with an enormous castle.

It was like New York City and Washington D.C., all stuffed inside an old castle on top of Mt. Everest. We landed on a small runway and stepped out of the carriage.

“This way please,” Shining Armor said. “Both of you.”

Spike sat on Twilight’s back.

We were lead into an enormous polished hall with arching tapestries and stained glass windows. The room we were left in was just an enormous parlor with a small bookcase in one side of the room, plus a big bay window with a sofa with chairs and a table next to it.

While Spooky went to the bookshelf, I was looking at our new surroundings. It was a pretty nice room. Spooky scanned the titles before taking one down and sitting on the sofa.

That was when my attention was drawn to the center of the room. On a covered pedestal was a delicately polished violin. It didn’t just shine; it gleamed like a gem. It was amazing in both looks and make. Trust me, I bet that someone would paid a mint for it. It was old, and a true piece of art.

I let out a loud whistle. I looked at the guards that were watching us. Both of them were white unicorn stallions, bearing gold armor with blue accents. Both were facing forward, eyes locked.

“Hey,” I called, grabbing their attention. They both looked at me. “Is it OK if I use that violin? Playing music really calms me down, I’m a little nervous.”

The guards looked at each other, then back at me. One finally spoke to me. “OK.” Was his simple answer.

I removed the cover and I picked up the violin. It was only moments before I tuned it up and got it back to proper playing order.

I pulled the bow back and started to play. I didn’t know what to play, so I just let my feelings play the notes. I closed my eyes and became lost in the music: high and low, fast and slow. I really didn’t want to stop. I kept my eyes shut the whole time.

I was free, the music pulling me out of the bars of reality and sending me flying away to another world. I floated on the notes, my hooves guiding the instrument. I was a drop in the ocean, flowing smoothly from shore to shore. I was a cloud, floating gracefully in the wind.
Then, I gently eased myself to the ground, the last bittersweet notes slowly removing me from my dream land. I stopped and opened my eyes. Spooky was still reading but the guards had an entirely different reaction. Their eyes were wide, mouths agape. Just behind them were the royal sisters, the royal couple and Twilight with Spike.

The sister’s eyes were closed with their heads hung low, like they were sleeping.

Shining Armor and Cadence were leaning against each other, wide smiles on their faces, their eyes glossy and dreamy.

Spike was unaffected like Spooky. Twilight, well, she got the worst of it. At least compared to the rest of them. Twilight was sitting on the floor, her eyes were wide with a glazed - sparkle-y look to them. Her lower lip quivered and that’s when I saw a pool of liquid between her haunches.

Spike snapped his clawed fingers and Spooky cleared his throat. The rest snapped out of whatever trance they were in.

Celestia cleared her throat. “I believe that Lavender Rhapsody's Melodic 1308 has found its new owner, Congratulations.” She paused for a moment. “With that I must introduce you to The Elder Alicorn; Lord Tarot, The Clock Keeper.” A white Alicorn with large wings -- much larger than any of the other Alicorns in the room -- and a small and cracked horn, walked into the room. He had a long unkempt, off-white mane and tail. His eyes were a milky white color, and he was clad in violet and gold armor with a clock embedded in its center. Celestia continued her introductions: “And The Elder Alicorn; Lady Satarel, Watcher of the Green Library.”

I couldn't see another Alicorn.

Shining Armor screamed in surprise as a new Alicorn popped into view just behind him. She was bright green with an extremely curly, bright neon green mane and tail, her horn was larger than the other Alicorn in the room, but she had smaller wings. A pair of large round glasses accentuated her violet eyes. She was clad in a simple sundress.

“Oh, hello there stud,” she said to Shining Armor. “Did you miss me?”

“Like hoof rot!” he yelled, starting to hide behind Cadence.

“Ooh, don’t be like that. I’m quite sure that I can make you happy, at least for one night,” she laughed perniciously and started to step toward him.

“Cadence!” Shining Armor shouted in object terror.

Cadence came to her husband’s aid. “Grandma, we're married now. So could you please try not to molest Shining Armor any more,” she said firmly.

“Wah, why not? Oh, well I guess I’ll take care of something else.” She trotted over to Twilight and smiled mischievously at her. “Let me just clean up something.” Satarel knelt down and started to lick up the liquid on the floor. Her smiled widen as she moved closer to Twilight and buried her muzzle deep into Twilight’s privates. Twilight seemed to be transfixed, stunned, about what was happening. She started to shudder and her breathing became heavy.

“Umhur!” The older white alicorn, Tarot, cleared his throat. “Forgive my dear Satarel. You see, our powerful magic has a... counter to it. A curse if you will, when she is away from her library she becomes overly pernicious. Same for me, while I am away from my Clock Tower.” He let out a sigh. “Every hour I’m away, it brings those I love an hour closer to grave danger. It’s quite unfair if you ask me.”

“Wait how can you be more powerful than Sun and Moon? Or even Love? I mean Clock Keeper, Watcher Of the Green Library?” Twilight said, now no longer stunned, but keeping a close eye on the green Alicorn mare.

“Twilight, The Elder Alicorns have great magic that is linked to physical constructs. For example: Luna and I have the sun and moon. But they have physical buildings, Tarot has a great clock tower, like fortress, that keeps record of time of all things, from birth to death. Satarel on the other hoof has a massive Library-like forest containing not only any book that has or will ever be written, but also the sum of all living things’ experiences and thoughts,” Celestia answered.

“Yes, we have no such curse because our physical connects, the Sun and Moon already existed, we were just connected to them. That is why we have no such curse because they are naturally opposite and they clash,” Luna answered. “But Cadence has no such restrictions at all because her power is love. We do not yet know what Thrashion’s ability is,” Luna concluded.

“What is your verdict Grandma and Grandpa?” Cadence asked.

“Easy. Easy Cadence,” Shining Armor said.

“Yes, Cadence dear, we have to talk to them and with that...” Satarel started.

“Could you please leave us alone? We need to talk to them privately,” Tarot finished.

Celestia nodded and beckoned the others to follow her out.

The Elder Alicorns nodded to each other.

“We know you're not from here, this world,” Tartot began

“Don’t worry boys, we won’t spill the beans on you. Just hear us out,” Satarel continued.

“So what’s going to happen to us?” I asked.

“Well, that’s up to you,” Tarot began.

“You see, we’re not really sure why this happened. If you hadn’t run away from the hospital, we could have met you earlier and cleared a lot up for you,” Satarel finished.

“You see we’re trying to bring back Cadence's sister, Princess Mi Gurrero Sueño. We were trying to retrieve her from where ever she was but...” Tarot trailed off.

“We grabbed you and your friend instead. Which brings us to here: we need your help to fix this situation,” Satarel said.

I looked at them a little skeptically. “Really? What can I do?”

Spooky nodded to my sentiment. I was glad to have him in my corner.

“We need both of your decisions so...” Satarel lowered her horn. The muzzle and leg restraints on Spooky disappeared. “You see, Cadence’s power and talent is Love. The pillars of that power is family and friends. If her mind and or heart were to fracture or, heaven forbid, break, her powers would follow.”

“Not good, I’m betting.” I shrugged, or at least tried.

“Wouldn’t that happen if Twilight, Shining Armor or any other mortal family dies?” Spooky asked.

“You would be right,” Tarot stated. “But being an alicorn, she has been raised to expect and overcome such things. We are well aware you know what happened with Cadence's wedding.'

'Well, because of Chrysalis, the Queen of Changelings, Cadence suffered great mental and spiritual strain. We were hoping that by bringing her long-lost sister back to her, so we could seal up the damage that was caused.”

"Makes sense," Spooky said. "I mean she almost lost the love of her life. Now when everything seems to be dark..." He paused for dramatic effect and lifted a claw-hand up. "Suddenly the sister she thought she lost comes back. She needs to be the big sister and help her little sister out. To do that she has to overcome her own demons. Clever."

“The tale of Princess Sueno begins when they were just foals, Cadence’s sister was born sickly, with a heart condition,” Satarel started.

“I’ve got one of those!” I interrupted.

Tarot and Satarel looked at each other with a strange look that I couldn't quite place. “Yes! A strange coincidence." He turned back to us. "Well, as I was saying: though she was incurably ill, Cadence tried to help her sister. It was her first taste of love, the love of a sister. It was also the first time she used her magic. She used her magic to try and aid her sister, to ease the pain and discomfort. The sisters were always together and were very close. Cadence’s powers grew quickly." The both gave a heavy sigh. "With anything good, something bad must come too."

"A group of unknown and unscrupulous individuals wanted to use the baby alicorns for their own means and they managed to get Princess Sueno while she was at the hospital. They tried to use a powerful transportation spell to send her to their stronghold, but it failed and she didn’t end up in the intended location. In fact, she disappeared completely.”

Spooky played with his jaw frills again. “And you were trying to get her back but somehow you got used, am I right? Why now?"

“Spell Mutation, but that’s not important right now,” Tarot said.

"Well did you do this to us?" I asked. "I mean we should be humans right, not a pony and a dragon. In some respects I'm not arguing, but in the principle of the matter..."

“Correct, we were trying to bring her back but...” Satarel said. She looked at me, and then continued. “You ended up here as a perfect double of Sueno. and you?" She stopped and turned her gaze to Spooky. "We have no idea what happened with you. Simply put, we could use your help. Just pretend to be Princess Sueno while Tarot and I look for the real one.”

I picked up the violin again and started to play a little. “You got me. Why do you need the real one? She’ll just cause more problems, seeing as I’m a fake and junk.”

“You were pulled from your own world and if you are not properly returned, or if some sort of fix is not found, it could tear the fabric of existence to ribbons. Much as Starswirl has done in the past...”

“Oh, hush about that honey, it’s over and done with.”

“They have a good point. Why risk all known existence? Besides they can help us out and make sure that this charade goes off without a hitch. Besides you have seven brothers and sisters plus a bunch of nephews and nieces,” Spooky pointed out.

Damn! He’s right I would do anything to help them. Stupid protective nature I cursed to myself. I lowered my head and put the violin down. “Alright, I know man, but how can I lie to her?”

“She needs her sister.” Spooky shrugged. “Besides it’s just until we find her real sister, right?”

“We?” both of the Elders questioned .

“Yes we’re helping,” Spooky said to them.

“Yes, we are more than willing let you help us out and we will inform you on any new developments. Now please step forward,” Tarot added.

We did so and the two alicorns lowered their horns to us and let a burst of magic.

“We have just modified you both,” Satarel started. “Mostly to prevent you from saying or doing the wrong thing. Now you can speak about your life. But anything that could expose you as other worldly beings, you will be seen as beings of this world. When you are alone or with us Elder Alicorns you can speak freely. Other than that everything else is sealed away.”

“Now, are you ready to go out and meet your new family?” Tarot asked.

“Well, I guess so,” I said with a shrug. I cast a glance at Spooky. “You ready for this?”

“Yeah, lets do this,” Spooky said with a clawed fist in the air. This was the most calm and confident I’ve ever seen him. It was reassuring for me.

The Elder Alicorns led us out of the room. “Celestia, Luna, Cadence,” Tarot started.

“We must be going, but our final verdict is clear,” Satarel continued.

Then, simultaneously: “We welcome our granddaughter back home.”

That’s when Cadence pushed her way to me and embraced me in a hug again. “I knew it was you. Don’t worry I’ll help you out the best I can, my beloved sister. We can worry about everything tomorrow."

I made a Cheshire cat grin. “Ah... thanks?” I said questioningly.

That's when I heard a faint voice reach my ear. "Thank You..."