The Vagrant Star

Chapter 1: Awakening

April 3rd, Year 1002 of Celestia’s Reign

(5 months ago)

The absence of light was an expected condition given the circumstances. What he didn’t expect however, was for hell to feel as it did now. Burning in righteous fire felt oddly cold and wet.

In all honesty, if floating around in darkness for all eternity is the extent of the afterlife’s tricks, I am not impressed.

With that simple thought, he began to have trouble breathing. The stallion flailed his limbs about and choked out a stifled breath from the pain. Much to his surprise, he felt bubbles of air swirl around his body towards an unseen surface.

Am I underwater?

With great strain, the stallion struggled towards the surface, his entire body wrought with sheer agony. He broke through the top and took in a huge breath of air, filling his lungs greedily until they burned. Water poured down from his mane and into his eyes, forcing them shut. He spit water from his mouth and followed the gentle flow of the current. The stallion carefully tread water as best he could, straining to stay afloat thanks to a wave of fatigue.

A few feet of strained swimming and he reached what felt like the edge of the water. Pushing as hard as his limbs would allow, the stallion managed to drag himself from the water and collapse in a heap on its bank.

He laid there on his back, dripping wet from head to hoof and completely exhausted. About a half-hour had passed before he could muster up the smallest movement. As soon as he was able, he ran his hoof along his body, feeling for the source of the pain. Much to his chagrin he located the source, or sources, rather quickly. Cuts, bruises, and gashes were spread generously across his frame, and though he couldn’t quite tell, the stallion assumed something was broken.

A sudden realization sent a chill down his spine, and in a panic he moved his hoof towards his horn. He let out a sigh of relief as he felt that his favorite cranial appendage was left unscathed. The unicorn focused, and determined that he had plenty of magic left in him to cast a basic healing spell.

The stallion focused magic into his horn, causing it to glow a deep red. With the dim light now cutting through the darkness, he could finally see his surroundings. He was in a very dark, cave-like tunnel with no exit in sight. It was essentially a long path that allowed water to flow through. On one side, there was the sound of a rushing flow, indicating the source of the mild current.

The unicorn turned his attention to his own body, watching as the smaller injuries began to close up and dissipate. Within minutes, his dark gray coat was completely scare free, save for the remaining blood stains littered about. They matched his tail and mane in color thanks to the dim light.

Nova, you’re far too lucky for your own good.

The dark gray unicorn struggled to stand, deciding that the rest of his medical procedures should be conducted somewhere that wasn’t pitch black. Nova opted to follow the flow of the water out of the tunnel. He walked along the bank of the water, limping slowly along thanks to what felt like a sprain in his left shoulder.

Nova kept his horn glowing as he hobbled along, granting him a ten foot field of vision; just enough to keep him from falling back into the underground river. The walk gave the stallion enough time to piece together what happened prior.

I should have died. I fell at least seven stories; my body was limp the whole time. I don’t remember a water source at the bottom of that pit. Wait…of course. The waterfall. It must have filled an area large enough to cushion my descent. I’ll have to thank Thundervolt for opening that up.

The darkness of the tunnel seemed to stretch on endlessly, a new twist or turn around each bend. Slowly however, the end drew nearer, light becoming visible from a viable exit. Nova increased his speed out of impatience, eager to remove himself from underneath Canterlot’s massive mountain.

A minute later, the dark gray unicorn emerged from the cave into the brightly lit woods below the royal city. Barely taking the time to look around, Nova limped towards the nearest tree and set himself down beside it. He took a few minutes to rest before resuming his medical treatment.

With enough light to work by, Nova had the ability to see how bad his condition truly was. Three cracked ribs and another one broken were the cause of his labored breathing. The muscles around them were bruised, creating an uncomfortable tension with each breath.

Just as he thought, his left shoulder blade was also damaged, and the ligament was all but torn. There was some internal bleeding, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed. All in all, Nova’s condition was bad, but he’d be back on his hooves soon.

A red aura surrounded Nova’s horn as he began healing himself. He began by mending each of the ribs, ensuring he could breathe easy. Once each injury was targeted, he was free to let his thoughts wander without fear of dropping or muddling the spell.

Look at yourself Nova, you’re a wreck. Your plans fell apart and the pieces fell to the ground, crushing you underneath. How could you of all ponies let that happen?

Without an answer for himself, the unicorn focused on his treatment. One rib, namely the broken one, was almost fully healed. It was proving to be quite a long process, mostly thanks to the extent of his injuries and his now drained reserve of magic.

What wouldn’t I give to heal like those two. My serum could be so effective in keeping me up and running. I just wish I had managed to stabilize the compound for safe use with unicorn test subjects.

Dismissing the thought, Nova looked closer at his surroundings. A thick collection of trees lined the base of Canterlot’s majestic cliff face. Based on the position of the city, Nova surmised that he was somewhere in the Northern section of the Whitetail Woods. Not a dangerous place, but closer than he wanted to be to royalty right now.

I’ll just sit here quietly and pray that I am not found.

“Found by who?”

“Fuuh!” Nova tried to swear frantically as he jumped out of his skin. “Stop doing that!”

“Stop doing what?”

“That! That thing you do where you pop up randomly and try to induce a heart attack!” Nova said, glaring at the new presence before him.

A bright red pegasus with a black mane and lavender eyes had materialized before the injured unicorn. He brought with him an unwelcome cheerful demeanor, and his special blend of commentary and criticism.

“I still don’t know how you get surprised by me.”

“Because despite my general awareness, I can’t hear something that isn’t real as it approaches.” Nova said tersely.

“Hey, just because you’re the only one who can see me doesn’t mean I’m any less real.”

“You are nothing more than a symptom of my apparent psychosis.” Nova spat viciously. “You are not the real Tempest.”

“I know that. You left the real one to die in a ditch, destroyed his life, and kept a changeling that looked like him in a cage for about twelve years.” Tempest said, putting on a venomous grin. “I guess that means I’m your guilty conscience.”

“I’ve never known one of those to stick around, pretending to be your friend.”

“Well, I guess I’m also your imaginary pal.”

Nova wanted to reply, but he couldn’t really argue with that statement. Debating with an extension of your own psyche is pointless, considering they know exactly where to find the faults in your stance. The shit eating grin slathered across his face wasn’t helping either.

“Well, since you’re here, you might as well make yourself useful.” Nova said, gaining the pegasus’ attention. “How long have I been unconscious?”

“Hmmm, good question. A better one, why don’t you look up and use your brain?” Tempest replied cheekily.

Nova ignored the sarcasm and looked towards the sky, noting the suns position behind the city. He had been knocked out late last night, and now it was late morning. The numbers added up nicely. A few hours forcibly put to rest wouldn’t do that much harm.

“They couldn’t have gone far in that time. They may still be in the city.” Nova said calmly.

“You’re going back? Didn’t you learn from the last time? That happened yesterday!” Tempest said, doubt rising towards the surface.

“Quite the opposite. I’m persistent, not suicidal.” Nova responded. “I’m going to head as far away from here as I can. There’s no point in getting overzealous and challenging them again.”

Nova’s horn stopped glowing, and he stood up to test each of his extremities. He was still very sore, but everything was working.

“So you’re giving up? Never known you to be that type.” Tempest said mockingly.

“No, but I won’t be able to continue for a good while.” Nova said pensively. “First thing’s first. Let us depart.”

“Our destination being?”

“Anywhere but here.”

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April 8th, Year 1002 of Celestia’s Reign

The snow-capped mountains marking the start of the Frozen North had become visible hours ago. As Nova walked along the dirt road to Vanhoover he couldn’t help but stare at the majestic sight. The Crystal mountain range extended largely unbroken from the eastern to the western coast, playing host to many settlements along the base.

One such settlement was a small town about fifteen kilometers outside of Vanhoover. Though it was relatively close, it remained fairly rural thanks to its location in between two of the northern mountains. The near constant snowfall on the mountains provided the town plenty of water, making irrigation the least of their worries, while the cold growing season occupied the greater section of the year.

About a quarter mile stood between Nova and the town, which would mark his first stop on his inevitable run from the law. Fate would have it that it was drawing near to the middle of spring. This would ensure open space in the town’s motel, now that anypony on holiday would be back to work by now.

It took him about an hour to walk through the small, forested area to the front of the settlement thanks to his sight-seeing pace. The dark grey unicorn laid eyes on the town and couldn’t help but smile. It was peaceful towns like this that truly made Nova feel at home. Maybe it was the fact that he was raised in a small town, or maybe it was because it was a nice change of pace.

“Or maybe you’re just glad nopony will think to look for you here.”

“I was beginning to think you’d lost interest in me.” Nova said sarcastically.

“I couldn’t possibly. You’re just too much fun. You always were.” Tempest said reminiscently.

“I’m sure I was.” Nova replied flatly. As he drew nearer to the town’s gate, he noticed a familiar wooden sign. “Eingehoof Proper. We’ve made it.”

“Population…247?” Tempest said with surprise. “This place is still as tiny as ever!”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping for.” Nova replied as he walked into the quiet town.

Eingehoof wasn’t a very well-known place. Ever since it was founded by Heinz Wolkefeder in the year 471, the settlement had stayed off of most maps of Equestria. Arguments circulated as to why, but the popular conclusion was that it was because Heinz was a Gryphon straight off the boat from Greifenraum. In a land of ponies, what place did a Gryphon have founding a town?

That didn’t really matter now though. The town grew to a couple hundred griffins and ponies, the latter being the more prevalent now, and stayed quiet ever since. The picture of peace, secluded off in the mountains away from anything and everything stressful.

That’s probably why he dragged me here in the first place.

“It is actually. You’re still wound-up to hell, it’s good we’re coming back here.” Tempest said in reply to Nova’s thought.

“I’ll admit, I thought you were stupid to bring us here while we were on leave.” Nova said, a small smile escaping onto his face.

“And yet it was one of the best memories you have to this day.”

“That’s because I didn’t spend the night with you.” Nova said cheekily.

“Only because I stopped you from yelling at that poor girl! What was her name again?” Tempest asked, unsure of the detail.

“If you don’t remember, I surely won’t.” Nova said almost longingly. “I just remember her being very pushy.”

“Just the way you like ‘em, right?” Tempest asked, teasing the unicorn.

“Just the way I like them.” Nova replied with a smile.

Nova and his ethereal companion walked around the town for hours, taking in the sights and reminiscing about their trip. Nova knew the circumstances, but that didn’t prevent him from enjoying himself, if only for the day. He ate at the local bistro, ordering his favorite dish, a carrot lettuce tomato sandwich with black coffee. After his meal, he settled down at Eingehoof’s only inn, in room number seven; Tempest’s room.

“So what, you’re calling it a night?” The bright red pegasus asked with evident disappointment.

“I was going to. What else did you have in mind?” Nova asked curiously. He thought for a moment and then verbalized in unison with Tempest. “The Hammered Stallion.”

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“It’s a good thing these seats were open. It looks like the bar is packed tonight.” Tempest said, taking in the sights.

“Yes, it’s always a pleasure to be seated quickly.” Nova replied. “This place hasn’t changed a bit. It’s amazing.”

“Yea, if you like the old intrigues of a senile griffin and the smell of pine.” Tempest shot back.

“Those both sound like things you’d enjoy.”

“I know, they’re great!”

“Excuse you, but you are presently sitting in The Great and Powerful Trixie's seat.”

“Pardon?” Nova said with disdain, adjusting his gaze towards the source of the noise now drilling into his eardrums.

There standing next to him in the bar was a young, azure unicorn mare with a silver mane and piercing lavender eyes. She had a cutie mark resembling a magic wand, indicating she was skilled with some type of magic beyond that of a standard unicorn. She was a pretty young thing, but the angry scowl she wore detracted greatly from her charm.

“Trixie said move, as you are preventing her from sitting down.” The mare said, noticeably irritated.

Nova's hoof began to tremble, as he was swiftly becoming ready to strike the unicorn for being so audacious and full of herself. Tempest rested a ghostly hoof on his shoulder however, calming the dark gray unicorn down enough to exercise his silver tongue.

“I propose a counter-offer, Trixie.” Nova said calmly, fixing his blood red eyes on the mare. “How about you sit down in the seat next to me instead, and I'll buy us a round of drinks in recompense for the inconvenience you’ve suffered.”

“Hmmmmm...” The azure mare contemplated the offer before smiling confidently and replying. “Trixie accepts your offer, as she is much too parched to continue her argument.”

The azure unicorn sat down beside Nova and ordered the two of them drinks, not bothering to see what Nova wanted. In a moment, two drinks slid down the bar towards the two ponies. A glass of scotch on the rocks coming to a rest in front of Nova, and a bright green Appletini stopping in front of Trixie. Nova reached for his drink, but his hoof was slapped away by the silver maned mare.

“The liquids position is incorrect. Trixie does not tolerate such a foul beverage.” Trixie switched the Appletini and the scotch, picking the latter up and downing it herself. “The fruity beverage is yours...”

“Nova.” The dark grey unicorn replied, eyeing the Appletini suspiciously. “I'm curious, why such a flamboyant cocktail?”

“The Appletini is very sour, just like yourself.” Trixie said with a sly smile. “Trixie felt the choice was appropriate.”

“I see. You put a lot of thought into that.” Nova said, returning her smile with a grin of his own. “Is that why you ordered the scotch?”

“Trixie wishes to know what you’re implying.”

“Oh nothing. I don't mean to say that you're rough and unpleasant, or that you smell of wood chips.”

Trixie didn't reply. She merely scowled at Nova and ordered another round of scotch, this time sending one Nova's way. She didn't guzzle the glass this time; instead, she sipped it and set her eyes on the dark gray unicorn.

“You'll be buying this round as well, just for that comment.” The azure unicorn said flatly, grinning at the dark gray unicorn.

“I suppose I deserve as much. I might as well use the fund before it's cut off.” Nova said dismissively.

“Fund? Trixie would like to know more.” Trixie asked curiously.

“I used to work in research, and I have access to a decent grant.” Nova said flatly. “I recently left to pursue other mediums, and I imagine the they will be canceling my account shortly.”

“Is that so?” Trixie asked, sinisterly raising an eyebrow. “Bartender, the bottle if you will?”

A bottle of premium scotch filled three-quarters of the way slid across the counter, stopping in between the two unicorns. Trixie did not bat an eye at the bottle. Nova didn't take his eyes of the azure unicorn as he studied her intently.

“You're one to push your luck, aren't you?” The dark grey unicorn said bitterly, with an edge of humor.

“Trixie does not believe in luck. Trixie only believes in circumstance, and the circumstances now are that you have money that will soon disappear, and if you don't spend it now, you never will.” The azure unicorn finished her glass and levitated the bottle of scotch, filling her glass yet again.

“You have a point my dear.” Nova said, siding with Trixie's logic. “Bartender? Another Appletini and your finest bottle of Spiced Hard Apple Cider.”

“Here's to alcohol, the solution to all of life’s problems.” Trixie said jokingly, levitating her scotch glass for a toast.

“Hmph, how crude. To alcohol, then.” Nova levitated his drink and tapped it against Trixie's scotch.

“Awww, look. You made a friend.” Tempest said, teasing the dark gray unicorn.

Nova said nothing, and instead enjoyed the surreal moment unfolding before him.

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Night had crept up on the small town slowly but surely, but for Nova, it had arrived in an instant. The evening started out with drinking, then there was some more drinking, and of course he couldn't forget the drinking. Now, one bathroom break and an established tab later, the dark gray unicorn was stumbling out of a bar late at night with an equally drunk companion at his side.

Trixie; that brash little mare could definitely be counted among the elite of drunks in Equestria. Calling that girl a heavyweight was like comparing the sun to a lit match. Apparently even she had her limit however, as she was now trying desperately to stand next to Nova without falling over. Bracing herself against the dark gray unicorn was a fruitless effort however, and soon she was lying on the ground, fast asleep in a puddle of her own drool.

Nova looked down at the azure mare and decided that leaving her out in the middle of the night was probably rude. It took all of his concentration, but Nova managed to lift the mare onto his back and began to stumble towards the inn he had previously checked into. The journey was a blur, but after a jumbled fifteen minutes or so, Nova made it back to his room complete with his unconscious friend in tow.

The dark gray unicorn stumbled towards the bed, and less than gracefully dropped Trixie onto his side of the mattress. The mare didn't wake up. Instead, her unconscious body seemed to realize she was on a double bed and she stretched herself out, rolling onto her stomach with her flank in the air. Nova didn't want the mare choking on her own vomit in her sleep, and so he did his best to rotate her.

Once lying on her side, Nova couldn't help but look over the azure unicorn with intrigue. The moonlight coming in through the window shined on her coat, and her mane lit up brilliantly, sparkling like the stars. Her curves seemed to flow gracefully with the light, accentuating her features beyond compare. Her shoulders were petite and relaxed, and her flanks were rounded and exceptionally toned. Nova couldn't help but recall how soft she felt on his back on the walk to the Inn, and how she felt on his hooves when he moved her...

"Snap...Snap yourself out of it Nova. It's the drink talking, not you." The dark gray unicorn said, averting his eyes from the silver maned beauty before him. "You're drunk, and she's unconscious. You are a bad pony, but you are not a rapist..."

Nova stole one more glance at Trixie, whose unconscious form only seemed to beckon him further, before hobbling over to the other side of the room and collapsing into himself. He was asleep before he hit the ground.

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Morning came much sooner than Nova would have liked. The curtains left open the previous night now let in copious amounts of sunlight, blinding the stallion and causing his head to throb unpleasantly. With great effort, he stood up and groggily walked over to close the blinds. Nova blinked the sun spots from his eyes and surveyed the room slowly.

“Empty.” The stallion said, sounding uncharacteristically disappointed.

There was no reason he should have expected to find the mare the following morning, however her absence still stung ever so slightly. She’d managed to worm her way into his thoughts, a rare feat for such an unfamiliar pony. Nova did his best to banish her still stunning image from his mind as he entered the bathroom.

He readied himself to take on the day, having a long journey to nowhere resting on his plate. As he washed his face in the sink, the dark gray stallion heard the door to his room shut. Nova turned off the flow of water and went to investigate. He opened the door of the bathroom, and before he could think to suppress it, a genuine smile found its way onto his countenance.

“Well, it’s excellent to see you didn’t die in your sleep,” Trixie said, teasing the stallion as she set two bags she was levitating down on the table beside her, “I was beginning to wonder if you’d drank yourself to death.”

“No, I’m fine. Just a little old for this kind of thing.” Nova said with a slightly bitter laugh. “Forgive me for being so frank, but I thought you had taken your leave.”

“Not before treating you to breakfast.” Trixie levitated one of the bags over towards Nova, who extended his own magic over the object, sending a tingling sensation through both unicorns. “Ooh! Wow…”

“I’m sorry”—

“You…You’re a powerful unicorn,” Trixie said, staring widely at the stallion, “Even more powerful than…”

“You felt like quite the caster yourself, if I may say so.” Nova replied coolly, diffusing the topic.

It wasn’t a lie. Trixie had a huge reserve of magic that she didn’t seem to know was there. He’d seen the same situation in another unicorn about her age. The only difference was that the lavender nightmare had been able to tap into her hidden power. This mare was blissfully unaware of her potential.

“Trixie…I thank you for the compliment. I specialize in illusionist magic and alteration spells.” The azure unicorn said meekly. “What about you?”

Nova choked back his doubts and responded. “I’ve dabbled in most fields of magic, but I’m strongest with offensive spells, and am well versed with many technical applications.”

“Wait…were you a combat medic?” Trixie asked. Nova was impressed with her deduction.

“Not officially, but I was in the navy and I frequently provided medical assistance to anypony that needed it.” Nova stated, surprised at how easily he was confiding in the mare.

“I’ve never met anypony from the navy.”

“I’ve never met anypony I could speak to about that.”

“Trixie feels so special.” Trixie said, half sarcastically. “I take it you aren’t the type to share so easily.”

“Not usually. I blame the alcohol.” Nova said bitterly.

“You’re sober. Trixie demands a better explanation!”

“Stubborn…” Nova audibly sighed and the smile disappeared from his face. “I’m not somepony you or anypony for that matter should trust.”

“If Trixie can’t trust you, how can she trust what you just said?” The mare asked jokingly.

“You can’t.” Nova said, standing up and gathering the few belongings he had acquired from the town. Mostly just a pair of saddlebags and some provisions. Though he had a heavy heart at the moment, he understood he couldn't stay. “It doesn’t matter, regardless. I must be leaving now. Thank you for breakfast, I appreciate it.”

“Where are you going?” Trixie asked in surprise.

“Away.” With a flash of red, the room disappeared, being replaced by wide open countryside. The town of Eingehoof could be seen in the distance from the small hill where Nova stood, far removed from its populace.

“You shouldn’t have abandoned her.” Tempest said, his image refusing to surface.

“I’m sure I’ll come to regret leaving that gem behind.” Nova said, more to himself than anything.

“Yes, you will.” Nova turned, startled to find the azure mare standing mere feet away. “Trixie is a sparkling treasure, and you’d do well to treat her as such!”

“Whoever said I wasn’t?” Nova replied cryptically.

“Excuse me?” Trixie said with obvious confusion.

“I left you behind for a reason, and not a selfish one either. I suggest you drop the thick headed shroud you’re wearing and take the hint.” Nova added an afterthought. “How did you manage to follow me?”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie never reveals”—

“You used the remnants of my magical signature to lock onto my position as you detected the spike in energy as I reentered from my teleportation spell. Let me rephrase that question: Where did you learn such high level magic?”

“Trixie is reluctant to say, lest her glorious image be marred by”—

“Spit it out, woman.”

“How rude! Trixie had the misfortune of picking that trick up from her ultimate rival, Twilight Sparkle.”

There’s no way…

“Celestia’s student Twilight Sparkle?” Nova asked cautiously.

“Her reputation precedes her then.” Trixie said with a huff. “It looks like I’m still caught in her shadow.”

The sting of being bested by Twilight himself was still fresh. Nova’s only excuses were old age and having been fighting for a while before engaging her. Nova knew better than to downplay her talent however. Twilight, though not necessarily combat savvy, was a more powerful and skilled unicorn than Nova could ever hope to be.

Trixie however...

Nova thought for a moment, debating a few options in his head. He didn't know how this mare knew Twilight, though he was certain whatever conflict the two had shared wasn't anything serious. Most likely a competition of some sort. Judging by Trixie's overconfidence and boastful nature, she was most likely hanging onto a superficial grudge of sorts. He might be able to help her out.

“How would you like to change that, Trixie?” Nova asked, turning his gaze towards the mare’s lavender eyes.

She looked at him and smiled with fierce and unbridled determination. “I'd like that a lot.”