Chapter 24

Madam Widow

The room was dead quiet. Swift had just dropped one of the biggest bombs any man could for a woman. “Um what?” Eris had been the brave one to ask what everyone, aside from the eyepatch’d man, was thinking.

“If I do the math it adds up. Last time I saw Aurora was twenty-two years ago.” He ran a hand through his faded blonde hair and bit his lower lip. Trixie was glaring daggers at the man unsure of how to take the declaration. Grey felt the tension in the room rise and knew this was going to be trouble if he and Eris stayed. “C’mon Eris, these two have a lot to talk about.”

“But I wanna see how bad this gets.” Grey took her by the hand and pulled her out of the room and closed the door behind them.

“How does Trixie even know what you said is true?” She hissed.

“I figured you’d have doubts.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an old photo of the blonde man, Trixie’s mother and a woman with bright blue hair. “This photo is from a long time ago. Your mother and I were on a team together with another woman. We....were a little more than friends to say the least.” Trixie took in a deep breath.

“Mother mentioned that she was in a herd at one point, but she never mentioned you.”

“No surprise there. Aurora was always aloof when it came to personal things.” Trixie gritted her teeth.

“Let’s say I believe you. If you really are my father then why didn’t you come for us?” She shouted.

“I had no idea where your mother went, let alone she had a daughter. I tried to find where Aurora went, but I never was able to find out where. The woman was always good at covering her tracks. Every time I thought I had a lead she’d already be gone.”

“We were always on the road. Never stayed in the same town for more than a month.” Trixie said in a soft tone. “Wasn’t always easy, but she did her best for us.” She wrapped her arms around her knees and felt tears welling in her eyes.

“How did she....No I can’t ask that. Forgive me.”

“Ursa Major.” Trixie hissed. “We were traveling and came across a trader’s caravan that had accidentally taken camp in it’s cave and woke it up. My mother said she’d help them. She managed to scare it off, but at the cost of her life.” She buried her face in her knees. Swift slowly put a hand on her shoulder.

Trixie immediately shook it off and retreated. “Trixie doesn’t need your help or charity!” She glared at the man with angry, tear filled eyes.

“I was just trying-”

“Well stop! Trixie has been fine on her own and doesn’t want your help.” Swift shivered slightly at the harsh words.

“I understand. I was never there for you or your mother Trixie and for that I am truly sorry. I know that if I spent a hundred years apologizing it’d never be enough and I know you must have been through some truly rough times.” Swift stood up and hung his head in defeat, his blonde bangs covering his forehead. Trixie turned her head towards the window, refusing to look at the man.

“Just leave Trixie alone.” Swift made his way out of the room, but pause as he got to the door.

“If you ever need anything Trixie, I’ll be there.” She remained silent as the man closed the door to her room. Swift sighed and saw Grey standing a few feet away from the door.

“Well that went well.”

“She definitely takes after her mother.” He sighed. “I can’t blame her for acting the way she is.” The man bit his lip and gripped his hair. “What should I do?”

“Why are you asking me? Not like I’d know what to do in either of your situations.” Grey shrugged. “Anyway do you know where Widow is?” Now it was Swift’s turn to look surprised.

“Her? What do you want with that spider woman?” His tone was jaded.

“She has some information I need.” Swift sighed and gave Grey the name of a club not too far away. Grey and Swift parted ways. Eris walked beside Grey as they passes several streets. Many vendors were trying to sell their goods despite them being somewhat mediocre.

“So where are we going?” Eris asked as they walked down a alleyway.

“I need to see an old acquaintance.” He came to a large iron door and knocked on it three times. A slide at eye level opened up and a set of brown eyes looked at them.

“What do you want?” He said in a gravely voice.

“I need to see Madam Widow.”

“Take a hike kid.” Grey pulled out a folded slip of paper and dropped it in the chute.

“Tell her to take a look at that immediately.” The man slid the slide shut and huffed as he stormed off. Grey leaned against the wall and waited for the man to return. Minutes ticked by and the door opened for the raven haired man.

“The Madam wishes to speak with you.” Grey smiled as he and Eris walked inside. There was heavy smoke in the air and the smell of alcohol and incense filled the building. There were men and women sitting at amy of the cushioned booths. Most of the girls were scantly clad and were dancing for the patrons’ amusement.

Grey walked past all the patrons and came to a set of spiral stairs. He walked up with Eris keeping close behind him. The stairs led into a long hallway with a large red door at the end. Grey walked down the hall and stopped to knock on the metal door.

“Come in.” A woman’s voice said from the other side. The door opened to show a female changeling with long orange hair lounging on a couch. She was wearing a loose kimono that left little to be imagined. “Grey, it’s been far too long.” She said with a seductive smile. Eris furrowed her brow as a small wave of jealousy washed over her.

“Nice to see you’re doing well Widow.” Grey nodded.

“So, what brings you to me?”

“I need some information.” He said as he sat down across from the woman. “I’m going to the Winter Gala next week and I have no idea who is who and how to act. Your girls handle all the big time clients and know everything.” Widow smiled at the compliment.

“Wait a second. She’s a pimp?” Eris asked. The Changeling frowned as she glared at Eris.

“Pimps? You know what pimps are? Men with sever anger issues and take it out on their employees who provide an essential service that has been around since the founding of civilization. I treat my girls with respect and dignity and if anyone decides to get rough with them,” A sly smile spread across her lips and her eyes flashed a glimmer of malice. “they don’t call me The Widow for nothing.”

Eris gulped at the woman’s words. The Changeling sat back and turned her attention back to the raven haired man. “Quite the woman you have there Grey. The three of us could have some real fun.” She licked her lips as she thought of all the things they could do.

“Sorry. We’re not on the menu.” Grey’s tone was serious and glared at the woman. This had not been the first time Widow had been this lewd towards him. She pouted at the remark.

“You’re no fun.” The woman stood up and cracked her neck. “So you need info about the upper crust of Canterlot?” Grey nodded and stood up. Widow put her hand on his fore head and sparks came from her fingertips and arced across the man’s head. Grey suddenly started to fall, but was caught by his white haired companion.

“Grey?” She looked noticed that the man hand slipped into unconsciousness. “What’d you do?” Eris said as her temper and magic flared.

“Ugh, doing that with non-changelings really gives me a migraine.” Widow said a she rubbed her temples. She helped Eris bring the man over to her couch. Eris rested his head on her lap, still waiting for an answer from the woman. “I directly transferred the information he needed into his head. It’s a lot quicker than listening to me talk for hours, but whenever I do it with non-changelings it always gives me a headache and puts a lot of strain on the recipient. He’ll come to in a few minutes.”

Eris calmed down and ran her fingers through his hair. “So are you two a thing?”

“Kinda.” Eris paused as she remembered the contract they both had unknowingly gotten themselves into. “It’s complicated.”

“What isn’t when it comes to Grey?” Widow reached into her robe and pulled out a long cigarette holder and lit the end.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Widow smiled as she puffed on the long pipe.

“You really don’t know do you?” Eris was confused by her words. “Back in the day, Grey was a really scary guy. Most people were afraid to even cross his path.”

“Why? I don’t think Grey would actively hurt anyone that didn’t deserve it.”

“True, but that didn’t change the fact that everyone was frightened of him.”

“But why? What’d he ever do to them?” She hissed.

“It’s because he survived something horrible. People instinctively fear what they don’t understand or think is impossible.” She inhaled a large amount of smoke before blowing a ring of smoke that floated around the room. “Let me tell you of the Rosewood Massacre.” She inhaled deeply gathering her thoughts. Eris cringed at the name. Grey had told her, Roach and Winter about what occurred there.

“Grey told me about it.”

“Oh really? What exactly did he tell you?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“That a bunch of crazy guys came in and shot up the place. Grey and a few others got out.” Widow chuckled at the words.

“He left out a few details.” She puffed another ring of smoke form her lips. “Thirteen years ago, a group of mad men went into a school and decimated the entire student body and faculty. Grey was the only one to walk out of that place alive.”

“You were there?” Eris asked.

“Of course not, but I’ll never forget what I saw that day. I looked out the window and I saw a large pillar of white flames shooting into the sky. It burnt the clouds and ash fell like snow. I heard that a few of the mad men came running out in pure fear of this small boy who looked more dead than alive.” She puffed once more and let the smoke slowly escape her lips. “When they tried to flee they suddenly caught fire and in a flash all that remained of them were piles fine white ash and scorch marks that looked like shadows burned into the ground.”

Eris felt her blood run cold as she looked down at her lover. “One of them did make it out and confessed to what he did to some weird guy. Didn’t do him much good since they found him strung up in his holding cell. Apparently he was driven mad by the man clothed in flame and ended his life. After that, the area was sealed off.”

“No one was allowed anywhere near the place.” She chuckled a little. “Me and a bunch of my friends got dared to go in there when we were younger and to this day I wish I hadn’t.” Her tone got more serious and grim. A shiver crept down her spine. “Even to this day I don’t know how he walked out of that mess.”

“So everyone was scared oh him for just surviving?” Eris said in disbelief.

“Think of how desperate the families of those lost felt. They needed something, or someone to blame. With Grey being the only one left naturally they hated as to why he made it and not their daughter, son or friend. It’s stupid I know, but such is the nature of people.” She puffed another cloud of the smoke. “Although, I’m not completely convinced that that’s how things really went down.”

“What do you mean?”

“All I’m saying is that there’s a lot of inconsistencies. What spell rifle has that kind of power? Why didn’t they find any weapons if they used them? Where did these psycho’s come from?”

“How do you know the case files?” Widow chuckled softly at the question.

“You’d be surprised how much guys talk when you’ve literally got them by the balls.”

“Why didn’t they just ask Grey what happened?” She figured that he would have been eager to clear the rumors surrounding him.

“They did and at the time his story coincided with the reports,” Widow looked at the dark haired man. “but there’s still no certainty what he remembers to be the truth.” Eris was beyond confused at this point in the conversation. “This wasn’t the first time I’ve passed info to him with the mind melding and every time I did, I felt a little resistance. Almost like a wall around his mind. I don’t know if it was just a way to deal with trauma or something else.” The man groaned as he felt Eris’s hand on his head.

“I’m actually surprised he shared as much as he did with you. He hates discussing personal matters as I’m sure you’re aware. I can only think of one other person who he trusts with that information.”

“You mean his ex? What was her name; Scarlet I think?” Widow shot Eris a stern glare. A flicker of hatred mixed with fear showed on her face.

“Never say that name within the Osiris.” She whispered. “There are eyes and ears everywhere. It’s best if you forget about her entirely. Even mentioning those of the Red Keep will rue terrible repercussions.” Eris was even more confused about the situation. What did the girl do to get the entire city against her? “And don’t mention to Grey that I told you any of this. He’ll be furious. I’ve seen that once, I pray I never doo again.”

As if on cue the man opened his eyes and groaned. “Man that always smarts.” Grey rubbed his head after he sat up straight. His head was pounding and felt like someone had used his head for a punching bag. “How long was I out?”

“Not long. Just a minute or two.” Widow lied as she sat back and extinguished her cigarette. “Is that all you need? I have many other clients today.” She smiled seductively. “Unless you’d rather stay here with me.” Eris hissed and her feline ears pointed back as she glared at the madam.

“I don’t think that’d be wise.” He stood up with Eris who locked her arm around his. “Thank you for the help Widow.”

“Anytime dear. It was the least I could do.” She gave him a nod. Grey and Eris made their way out of the establishment and onto the city street.

~~~

Scarlet sat at a cafe with a cup of hot tea. Sitting across from her was Owl who sipped his tea. He se the cup down and cleared his throat. “I will give the nobles one thing, they know how to make a cup of tea.”

“Agreed.” Scarlet smiled. “So what brings you to the capitol? I thought you hated it here?”

“Oh don’t get me wrong, I do. Everyone here is so sickeningly uptight and have their noses pointed up so far it makes my neck hurt just thinking about it.” He set his cup down and sighed. “I’m here to make sure Armor doesn’t screw things up. He’s a good leader, but he’s too impulsive.”

“It’s ironic. There’s so much rot in the city that’s supposed to be pure.” Scarlet nodded in agreement. So many people got away with so much just because they were born into the right family or had a vast amount of money. “Which only begs the question; why are you here?”

Scarlet bit her lip at the question. “I just wanted to do some good. Seemed like the best place to start. I thought the only thing people care about here was skill.”

“And?”

“Turns out I was wrong, again. Here it’a all about who you know and where you come from.” She looked at her darkened reflection in her tea cup and sighed.

“Don’t beat yourself up kid. It’s been like this for decades, maybe centuries and you’re definitely better than most nobles around here that’s for sure.” She smiled at the words from the older man. “Not to bring up old wounds, but I saw Grey not to long ago.” Scarlet furrowed her brow at the words. “Now I don’t know what happened between you two and frankly I don’t want to, but Grey doesn’t do something with out a viable reason.”

Before Scarlet could put forth a counter argument, a familiar voice called her name. She turned and saw Rarity accompanied by Twilight approaching them with a bag in hand. “I’m glad I caught you dear. I was just on my to drop off your dresses.” The fashionista smiled. Owl couldn’t help but chuckle.

“This one in a dress?” He pointed to the redhead. “Oh I’d pay big money to see that.” Scarlet scrunched her nose at the man and took the bag.

“Thank you Rarity. I’ll be sure to give Nova her’s too.”

“So I take it you’ll be attending the Gala?” Owl chuckled. Scarlet grumbled slightly. “Things are starting to get more interesting.”

“I’m sorry, but we haven’t been properly introduced.” Rarity said as she looked at the man.

“Name’s Owl.” He said flatly.

“Owl is an old acquaintance of mine.” Scarlet said as she set the bag down beside her.

“What she means by that is I taught her everything she knows.” Owl sipped his tea as the two girls each grabbed a chair from an unoccupied table and sat themselves down.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m-”

“I know who you are Ms. Sparkle. The same with your friend Rarity Belle.” Owl stated. “You don’t meet many people who haven’t heard of the Elements of Harmony.” The Elements and their wielders weren’t a well kept secret. Practically everyone in Equestria and beyond had heard of their successes against Nightmare Moon, Discord, the changeling invasion and the return of the Crystal Empire.

“So Scarlet was your apprentice?” Rarity asked as she ordered a cup of tea for herself.

“One of them yes, and one of the few I actually like.” He sipped his tea once more.

“What kind of training did scarlet go through?” Twilight asked. Scarlet grimaced as she remembered the years she spent training with the one eyed man.

“Well I surprised attacked her whenever she had her guard down, made her walk on sword blades without getting cut, I also made her fight my other pupil as much as possible.” He smirked as he remembered the many times the two locked horns. “She and Grey fought over almost every little thing. It was very entertaining to watch.” Twilight looked at the older man in surprise. Yet another person who knew of Grey’s past.

“You trained Grey as well?”

“I suppose I have a weakness for pretty girls and broken things.” He shrugged at the words. “Frankly the two enjoyed fighting one another. I rarely had to instigate it.”

“You encouraged them to fight?” Rarity asked.

“Fighting is the only way you can see a person’s true colors.” The older man grinned to himself. “In a fight, nothing is hidden between the fighters.”

“That sounds sociopathic.” Twilight stated firmly.

“Have you ever been in a fight before?” Owl asked as he rested his chin on his hand.

“Yes. My friends and I fought Nightmare Moon and-”

“No.” He cut her off. “Not you as an Element of Harmony. I’m talking about you as Twilight Sparkle. No help, no friends, just you.” Twilight thought for a moment. She’d never really faced anyone in a duel or physical confrontation by herself. “How much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?”

“I was always taught that fighting is wrong.” Twilight stated firmly. Owl let out a small laugh at the words.

“Sometimes there’s no way around it and sometimes it’s needed. It’s good to cut loose every now and again. Relieves a lot of stress.” Scarlet added as she sat back. Sometimes you need to take your rage out by beating the crap out of something, or someone. Owl then stood up and stretched his back.

“Well I’m going to get going, but I think I should give you something.” The man reached into his coat and pulled out a medium sided rectangular box. “Consider it a Hearth’s Warming gift.” Scarlet looked at the box, unsure whether or not it will explode or something terrifying might pop out. Scarlet delicately opened the box and saw a sword handle with a beautiful rose shaped guard and a wolf head pommel.

“What is that?” Rarity asked as she looked at the silver handle.

“That is a mana blade.” Owl stated. Twilight couldn’t help but marvel at the device. Mana blades worked similarly to wands. There was a central core crystal inside the handle and the user focuses their magic and gives it physical form. They were very popular in the early days of the royal guard. The only down side was that it used up a large amount of magic. For that reason the mass production of them was stopped.

“I thought I lost this.” She said as he held the handle. “Thank you for finding this.” She smiled at her former mentor.

“Don’t thank me. I’m not the one who found it.” Scarlet was but to ask, but the man vanished from her sight. She looked up to see an owl flying away.

“I hate it when he does that.” Scarlet sighed before standing up. “Well, I’ll see you two at the Gala. Thanks again Rarity.” Scarlet said before paying the bill and headed back to the barracks.

Author's Note

Okay so I based the Mana Blade idea off of the Spirit Blade weapon in Dragon Age: Inquisition from the Knight Enchanter Mage class.

And here is a small teaser for for what's to come.