Chapter 21

Surprise Guests

“Mom! Why didn’t you tell me about you being Grey’s psychiatrist?” Twilight asked as she sat across from her mother with a cup tea in her hand.

“Because this has never come to light before.” Velvet said as she sipped her tea. “Why the sudden interest?”

“Grey is about the biggest mystery at the school.” Velvet grinned.

“I think there might be something else you’re not telling me~” She teased in a sing song voice. Twilight’s face went red at the words.

“Not like that! It’s infuriating!”

“Oh that’s how your father and I started out.” She chuckled.

“Mom!”

“Oh come now, I have to tease you when I can.” Twilight crossed her arms and pouted as the front door opened to show the guard captain. “Shining!” The woman said as she embraced her son. “What are you doing here? I thought you needed to coordinate things for the gala?”

“I figured I could get away from the sea of paperwork for a little while.” He chuckled as he sat down next to his sister and gave her a hug. “So, what’s new around here?” He asked as he poured himself a cup of tea and lifted it to his lips.

“Shining, it turns out mom was Grey’s psychiatrist.” The man did a spit take and choked on the warm liquid.

“What?”

“You know him as well?” Velvet asked.

“Yeah, he’s on the dueling team.” He said cleaning up the mess he’d made with a paper towel. “What can you tell me about him?” Velvet furrowed her brow at the words.

“Shining, you know that I cannot legally allow you access to my patient records without consent from said patient. That goes for former patients as well.” Her tone was calm, yet determined.

“Mom, I’m captain of the guard. I can-” That made Velvet angry.

“No! It’s not just the legal repercussions. When I became a doctor, I took an oath and I will uphold that oath.” She said in a firm tone. “Even if you get a court order, it won’t do you any good.”

“Why?” Twilight said.

“Because, a lot of my old files were destroyed during the changeling attack.” Twilight remembered hearing that her mother’s main office was hit by a magic salvo and several records were lost. Thankfully no one was in the building at the time.

“But-”

“Once again, the answer is no. If you continue to pester me about it then I will have to tell Cadence about your tenth birthday party.” She grinned. “The red present.” Shining shivered at the memory and admitted defeat, for now.

“You win. I’ll drop it.” He sighed. Twilight groaned at how her brother gave in.

“Ugh. Anyway mom, Rarity is coming over tomorrow and will be staying for a few days so she can make some adjustments to my dress. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course dear. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her. Not since Shining’s wedding if I remember correctly.”

~~~

Canterlot Castle

Celestia sat at her desk contemplating on how to approach the situation. With a heavy sigh she pulled out a large crystal ball and a stand for it to rest. The Princess shot a small bolt of yellow magic into it. The two guards in the room watched as swirling light appeared inside the ball. There was a crackling sound coming from the orb.

“Who are you and how did you get this frequency?” A dapper voice said.

“This is Princess Celestia. I need to speak with Owl.” There was a long silence.

“One moment ma’am.” The voice said. Celestia tapped her finger patiently as she waited.

“Well, you’ve got some nerve Tia.” A gruff voice said through the sphere.

“Owl. I’d like to have this conversation face to face.” The orb glowed again and showed a three dimensional image of a man in his mid sixties. His once jet black hair was combed back and had faded to a silver color along with his goatee. He was wearing a white suit that matched the eyepatch over his left eye. He had a cane in his right hand that had an owl’s head as a handle.

“So what do I owe the pleasure?” His tone was thick with sarcasm. One of the guards then stepped forwards towards the image with a scowl on his face.

“How dare you talk to our Princess in such a-” The image of the man flicked a finger and the guard was sent crashing against the far wall. The other guard moved, but felt an invisible grip around his neck. He gasped for air as he was lifted off the ground.

“You should keep your dogs on a tighter leash Celestia. Else they might bite off more than they can chew.” He said as he released the guard from the hold. The man gasped for air as the other stood up.

“Guards, leave us.” Celestia said.

“But, your highness-”

“Now.” The two guards grunted and left the room. Celestia faced the image. “I see you’ve been keeping your skills sharp.”

“Get to the point.” He folded his arms.

“Very well.” Celestia huffed. “Do you know a man named Grey Newhope?” Owl raised an eyebrow.

“What if I do?”

“He’s currently enrolled in my school. Is there anything you can tell me about him?” The man look at her bewildered. He started chuckling, then threw his head back in laughter.

“You know something Celestia? For a woman, you’ve got some real balls you know that?” His face grew more serious. “Last student I had you put on the run. So what in the hell makes you think I’m going to talk to you about anything related to what I do or anyone I might instruct?” The Princess frowned at the words and bit her lip.

“I didn’t have a choice.” She said in a half guilty tone.

“We always have a choice.” He bent forwards so he was inches away from Celestia’s face. “I figured you of all people would know that.” Celestia was gritting her teeth at the man. “Are you finished?”

“I will be hosting the annual Winter Gala in Canterlot Castle.” She sighed. “As usual, you are invited.” The man rolled his eye at the words. “Grey will also be attending.”

“Is that all?” His tone had not changing a bit.

“Yes.” The man snapped his fingers and Celestia’s crystal ball shattered. The Princess let out a heavy sigh and remade the crystal ball with a wave of her hand.

~~~

It had snowed during the night and there was about a foot covering the cobblestone ground. Grey and Eris decided to go for a walk around the city. Most of the buildings were repaired, but many were still being reconstructed. They soon found themselves inside the park where a petrified Eris once resided. “How long were you under there?” He asked as he looked at the lake and sat on a bench.

“Close to a thousand years, give or take a few years.” She shrugged. “I made friends with several fish.” She sighed.

“That’s....cool?”

“There isn’t much choice for company when you’re stone.” She deadpanned.

“How did you mange to keep it together? I think I’d go nuts spending close to a thousand years of isolation.” She casted a dark look at the man. “Sorry.”

“Wasn’t easy.” She then rested her head on his shoulder. “It got really lonely down there. Then you came along and pulled me out of the drink.”

“No big deal.” Eris then took his hand in hers and nuzzled his neck. The woman then purred as he cat ears flickered. The two then heard a buzzing sound. A golden haired Changeling man then landed in front of them.

“Hey you Grey?” He asked as he looked at the raven haired man.

“Yeah, why?”

“Some guy named Roach is looking for ya. He’s near the clock tower.” Grey nodded and tossed him a few bits before he flew off.

“Wonder what Roach is doing here?” Eris said as the two of them stood up.

“Only one way to find out.”

~~~

Out in the streets of Canterlot, Scarlet and Nova were making their way through the crowded streets of Canterlot’s high end shopping district. The redhead was being dragged by her winged friend from shop to shop. “Nova, why do I have to spend my day off trying on dresses?”

“It’s part of a mission. We need to look awesome!” She said in a chipper tone.

“Then get Fox to go with you. She’s into all this stuff.”

“She’s already got her dress and she’s on duty today.”

“Doing what?”

“She’s guarding that prisoner in the dungeons. Boring.” The flyer said in a loud tone. The two went into several dress shops and tried on dozens of different dresses, but none of them seemed to fit right. No doubt Nova was dragging this out for as long as she could. She loved playing dress up and feeling like a Princess. Scarlet, not so much. The duo decided to stop for a cup of coffee and to rest their tired feet.

“Thats shop number six down.” Scarlet said as she took a sip of her drink.

“I still think that brown one looked good on you.” Nova said with a sigh.

“It exposed too much cleavage.” Scarlet mumbled.

“So? If you’ve got em flaunt em missy.” Nova said as she made the shape of an hourglass in the air with her hands. “I know half the girls in the guard wish they could have your figure and-”

“THIEF!” A high pitched voice yelled out. Scarlet’s head whipped around to see a man with red wings flying away from a girl with curly purple hair who had her wand out and was firing spells at the man. The flyer was good, really good and dodged the blasts with ease. Nova quickly jumped in the air and gave chase. The wind whipped by the girl’s orange hair as she zoomed after the purse snatcher. Nova was gaining ground fast and tried to grab the thief, but he out maneuvered her. The culprit ducked down into the city streets and started to weave between the buildings.

Nova was great when it came to speed, but not so much when it came to tight turns. He looked back to see the woman barely keeping up. He gave a chuckle at her efforts and decided to gloat.

“Are you even try to catch me?” He blurted out.

“Nope, I’m just distracting you.” She smirked

“From wha-” Out of the corner of his eye he saw a large metal object appear in front of him. He didn’t have time to stop and slammed into the dumpster hard enough to leave a perfect imprint of his face on the back wall. Scarlet levitated the dumpster down and pulled the man out before shoving him into a trash can. She gripped the sides and crunched it around his body like it was cardboard. The pristine white purse fell out of the dumpster and was retrieved by the flyer.

“From that.” Nova chuckled at the barely conscious flyer. Scarlet walked out with the flyer still trapped int he trash can.

“You two won’t get away with this!” He hissed. “My father’s a noble and-” Scarlet clenched her fist and the metal tightened around him. He cried out as he felt the metal put more pressure on his wings.

“Tell someone who cares.” Scarlet said as the owner of the purse came up to them. She was out of breath. Scarlet was actually surprised she managed to run four blocks, especially in heels.

“Thank....you....both...” She panted as she held up a hand. After she composed herself she started again. “Thank you both for getting back my purse.” She said as Nova handed it to her. Rarity looked though it and saw that all her belongings were there. As soon the police arrived to collect the thief, Scarlet released him from the trash can, while the cops took him into custody.

“No problem ma’am. We’re just doing our job.” Scarlet smiled.

“Are you two police?”

“Nope, royal guards.” Nova chimed. The flyer reminded Rarity a lot of Pinkie.

“Well, if there’s anything I can ever do to-” Scarlet heard the sounds of a struggle and turned to see the thief wrestle his way out of the cuffs and grab the officer’s pistol. He pointed it at the redhead and fired. Scarlet’s hand shot out in front of her. Rarity noticed that the woman’s right hand and forearms seemed to change to a black color. Scarlet opened her palm to show the bullet that had been fired. The thug had a confused look on his face and got ready to fire again.

The bullet spun in her hand and was shot back at the handgun. The bullet went back inside the chamber and exploded, burning the man’s hand. In the blink of an eye Scarlet slammed her armored fist into the man’s jaw, shattering his teeth and jaw bone. He was on the ground in an instant. Scarlet walked up to him and crouched next to him.

“I see you around here again, you’ll be eating through a straw for the rest of your life. Got it?” The man whimpered and nodded. “Good.” The man was picked up and taken to the police station.

“Well, that was impressive.” Rarity said as Scarlet’s hand turned back to normal. “Anyway, before we were so rudely interrupted, if you two ever need anything. Don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you Miss.... Sorry I didn’t catch your name.”

“Rarity.” She chimed. “I don’t believe I caught yours.”

“I’m Private Scarlet Rose and this is Private Nova Dust.”

“Hi. Nice to meet you.” Nova chimed.

“A pleasure.” Rarity smiled. “I simply must repay you two somehow.”

“Thank you Ms. Rarity, but we were just doing our job.” Scarlet stated. “No need to thank us.”

“Oh no I insist!” The woman persisted.

“Well, we’re shopping for dresses and-” Scarlet lightly slapped Nova’s stomach.

“Nova. No.” The woman scolded.

“Dresses? Why?” Rarity inquired.

“It’s a mission.” The flyer said. Rarity looked at her in confusion.

“We’re going to the Gala that’s two weeks away.” Scarlet clarified. “We need dresses to blend in with the crowd, but they’re all super expensive and none of them have really caught my interest.” Rarity tapped her chin with her finger and smiled.

“I believe I may be able to help you two with that.”

“Ms. Rarity-”

“Oh please, just Rarity is fine.”

“Okay Rarity, but I can’t let you pay for us.” Scarlet said.

“Oh no, you misunderstand dear. I’m a tailor by trade and I can make you a dress free of charge.” She chimed. “It’s the least I could do.” Scarlet weighed her options of finding a dress that she liked and one that was affordable. The odds were not in her favor. With a heavy sigh she agreed to Rarity’s offer. “Splendid, I’m staying with a friend right now, but I’m sure she won’t mind.”

“Lead the way.” Nova smiled as Scarlet trudged behind her.

~~~

Grey and Eris made their way towards the large clock tower in the center and saw Roach leaning against the building. “Roach, what brings you down in my neighborhood?”

“Well, you said you’d be going through some training.” The enchanter stated.

“Yeah, after the holidays.” Eris answered. “Why aren’t you with your folks?” The man bit his lip at the words.

“Let’s just say my family life is a little....complicated.”

“Join the club.” Grey stated. “Well, You can stay with me, we got plenty of room. So long you don’t mind squeaky floor boards.”

“You sure man? I can get a hotel or something.”

“Not the best idea. Pick the wrong hotel and You’ll wake up the next morning with only one kidney.” Roach gulped at the words. “Anyway, we can start tomorrow if you feel up to it.”

“Yeah, Winter may be coming here soon too.”

“I’m sure you’re excited about that.” Eris cooed. Roach’s cheeks went red at the words. “Oh relax, I’m just messing with ya.” Eris chuckled.

“Eris, head back and let the other’s know we’ve got company coming. Anyone messes with you just smack em around a bit.”

“I find these parameters acceptable.” She said before vanishing in a flash of light.

“How do things work with Eris?” Roach asked as they walked down the street.

“Well, before I answer that I have a question for you.” Roach raised an eyebrow as Grey stopped walking and looked at him. “Why do you continue to hide?”

“I’m not following.” Roach deadpanned. Grey rolled his eyes and took out his wand and tapped it against Roach’s forehead. “What was-” There was a sound similar to breaking glass and roach’s face seemed to break revealing jet black skin and spliced green eyes. The enchanter stood frozen and felt a wave of fear wash over him.

“That’s wha-” Roach grabbed Grey by his coat and lifted him up.

“ARE YOU INSANE? ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME KILLED?” He bellowed.

“Dude, no one around here cares.” Grey said as he gripped his friend’s wrist. Roach hissed and looked around at the snowy streets. The crowds were still passing by. There were still a few onlookers, but they just shrugged the scene off and continued on their way. “Like I said, here no one cares. People are too poor to be racist. Call it one of the pro’s of being dirt poor.”

“How long have you known?” Roach narrowed his eyes at the man.

“Since I first met you. I’ve lived with Changelings for years. I know when they’re using an illusion spell. Also, ‘Roach?’ You couldn’t come up with something that sounds a little less obvious?” Roach grit his teeth at that.

“Who have you told?”

“No one. I didn’t want Armor to kick you off the team so I kept my mouth shut.” Grey said as they continued walking down the snowy street. “So, does Winter know?”

“No. I figured she’d freak out.” Grey sighed at the words.

“Dude, the longer you put it off the more it’s going to blow up in your face.”

“I know.” Roach groaned.

“Who else knows?”

“Besides you? Celestia.”

“Celestia let you in knowing you’re a Changeling?” Grey said in shock.

“My uncle is a noble and has a lot of influence.” He sighed. “He’s a great guy, took me in after-” Grey noticed that he winced as he stopped. “Let’s just say he’s the only family I’ve got left.”

“Fair enough. We’ve all got our own little secrets.” Grey stated. “Some more than others. Let’s head back. I’ll introduce you to the rest of my little family.”

~~~

Rarity arrived back at Twilight’s house and knocked on the door. It was soon answered by Velvet. “Oh hello Rarity.” The woman then noticed the other two standing behind her. “Oh you have company?”

“Yes, I’m terribly sorry for this. You see these two helped me out a of a pinch and for helping me out I wanted to make them dresses for the Gala Twilight and I will be attending.”

“Oh there’s no need to apologize.” She smiled. “Thank you both for helping out.”

“No problem ma’am.” Scarlet said as they followed Rarity inside to the guest room she was staying. Rarity tapped her wand and summoned her tape measure and a pair of horn rimmed glasses while she put er hair in a pony tail.

“Now, let’s get your measurements. If you’d both be so kind to remove your shirts.” The two complied and removed their tops, only leaving their bras and underwear on. Rarity noticed that Scarlet had a large scar in the center of her chest. It looked as though she was stabbed with a hot piece of metal. There was also an identical one on her back.

Rarity put it out of her mind as she started taking their measurements. There was a knock on her door as she wrapped the redhead’s neck. “Come in.” The door opened to show Twilight.

“Hey, Rarity I-” She stopped when she saw the two women. “Oh, I didn’t know we had company.”

“Oh I’m terribly sorry for not telling you dear.” Rarity told Twilight what happened with the purse snatcher while she finished taking Scarlet’s measurements. The redhead put her clothes back on while Rarity started on Nova.

“Well, thank you both for helping out my friend.” Twilight smiled.

“No problem.” A bell seemed to go off in Scarlet’s head. “Wait, did you say your name was Twilight?”

“Yep, Twilight Sparkle.” Scarlet gulped at the words.

“What’s wrong Rosy?” Nova asked.

“This is Captain Armor’s little sister and an Element of Harmony.” Nova’s jaw dropped at the words.

“You know Shining?” Twilight asked.

“Only by name and reputation. We’ve never met him personally.” Nova stated.

“Well, he was here two days ago.” Twilight stated. “Tuns out mom was Grey’s psychologist.” Twilight huffed. The mention of the name rang a bell in Scarlet’s mind.

“Are you still obsessing over him dear?” Rarity sighed.

“I am not obsessing!” Twilight growled. Nova tapped her lip.

“Hey Scarlet wasn’t your old guild partner’s name Grey?” That caught Twilight’s attention. Scarlet gave a hiss at the name. “Yeah, he was that guy with the white hair on that one dueling team.”

“That’s the guy I’m talking about!” Twilight said as Scarlet finished getting dressed. “Is there anything-”

“All you need to know is to not get to close to him if you know what’s good for you.” Twilight was shocked at the words. “Trust me, he’s more dangerous than he lets on.”

“How do you know that dear?” Rarity asked as she finished taking Nova’s measurements. Scarlet turned back at them and pulled her shirt down to show them her scar.

“He gave me this scar.” Twilight and Rarity both gulped as they looked at the healed injury. “I cut ties with him and you should too unless you don’t mind getting hurt.” With that, the redhead turned to leave.

“Um Scarlet, about the dress-”

“Just do what you want. You’re the expert on this type of thing. Just don’t make it pink.” She said as she walked out the door. Nova looked at the two and gave them a nervous smile.

“Sorry about her, she’s got a complicated past and all. Not easy to talk about.” She thanked Rarity and Twilight, before zooming after her compatriot. Twilight looked at Rarity who started on the dress designs.

“He did that to his own partner? Why?”

“Twilight, dear, it’s none of our business what happened between them. Clearly the two have some long history together and Scarlet would prefer it stays in the past.” Rarity said as she levitated more materials over to her bench. “Now on to a much more important matter.”

“What’s that?”

“Why your dress of course dear.” Twilight just rolled her eyes at the words.

Author's Note

So sorry this took so long!