Coco

“Alright, Doctor.” Captain Barlent said, tapping his fingers on his sword hilt. “Explain everything that happened.” The rats and their pony captives sat in the now-empty warehouse, having arrived back in town an hour after nightfall. Today's events almost seemed like a dream to Coco. Did it all really happen? Everyone else seemed to think so...

Caballeron sighed, and rubbed his head. “In the saga Coco recovered from you, we discovered the Horn was not alone.”

“I'll say...” huffed Grimsly.

“When the griffons sought it in their homeland, it was guarded by... what they called demons. I have dealt with the supernatural before, it is a part of the job, but...” he shook his head, exhaustion in his face. “Captain, I am almost at as much a loss as you are here.”

“Keep talking.” ordered Barlent.

“The griffons encountered these demons, and the corpses of their lost kin reanimated by some magic. They recovered the Horn, but not before the Horn's master had taken notice. He went by many different names, but the saga kept calling him the Winter King.” Caballeron shrugged. “I don't know what he was- or is, I should say. All I know is that the Horn belongs to him, and it was written that the moment the Horn is used, he will know exactly where it is. I kept that information to myself. That was the plan, you see. Timar would use the Horn, its master shows up and kills Timar for being a thief, and then lets us go.”

“You knew this would happen?” Torner asked. Coco had known more than any of them; she alone besides Caballeron knew about the so-called Winter King. He earned his title, she thought.

“I hoped it would happen.” corrected Caballeron. “For all I knew, he would kill every last one of us.”

“It was a calculated risk.” said Coco quietly. She'd nearly died out there, when Timar stabbed her. Blood was everywhere, and pain, and then came the golden light and even more pain. But she did not scream, and when it was over, there was not a hint of a wound left. Her leg had been healed. And then came his voice... Life for life, blood for blood. It had been an ancient voice, a cold voice. Shivers ran through her just recalling it.

“A hell of a risk, that's for sure.” Grimsly said.

“How did you know this thing was still out there?” Torner questioned again. “That saga is over a thousand years old, this winter fellow could have been dead just as long.”

“It was Timar who gave me the final realization, actually.” said Caballeron. “He remarked how convenient it was that we got the book from you, and then sailed right into his hands, more or less. It was almost like this was exactly what the Horn, and perhaps its master, wanted. On top of the strange dreams Coco and I had been getting in the weeks leading up to this... It had to have been planned!”

“By the Winter King?”

“Yes, none other. It has to have been him! He must have been the one guiding us here, to get him back his Horn. And we gave it back. We were the pawns the whole time. After he killed Timar, he told me that he would not harm us in return for what we had done.”

“What I want to know,” Grimsly began, “is what exactly those things were! The demons, you called them. They wore animal parts, but underneath...”

“Like light caged by shadow.” Coco remarked.

“Exactly.” nodded Caballeron. “I have never seen anything like them before.” But I have, thought Coco. She saw them in that vision; blurry and vague images compared to what she had seen today.

“I'd be happy if I never saw them again.” said she. “Those things were pure evil.”

“They took the bodies, and the trucks.” Torner said. “Why?”

“The bodies... Perhaps for re-animation.” Caballeron said. “But the trucks? I cannot fathom why.”

“They took the guns too.” Grimsly added. “Sucked them right into that gateway of theirs.”

“Not only can they raise the dead to their service, they have cannons and trucks now.” Barlent muttered. “But who is they? Where is they? What does they want?”

“I don't know who they are or what they want,” Coco said, “but I know where they are. Kind of.” She paused, recalling everything she'd seen as she slept. “In my dreams, I was in a cold, dark place. Nothing grew, the sky was brown with dust and clouds. There were... stone forests, I guess.” She shivered. “I don't know where on Earth it is, but it exists, and that's where this Winter King and his demons are. I just know it.”

Barlent spoke on, looking grim. “So they're out there, somewhere in the world. With that Horn, and what they've taken today. Their master can get them anywhere at a moment's notice, according to the Doctor here. What are they doing?”

Now, Caballeron had something to add. “The Winter King told me another thing, before he left. He said that we should tell our master, if I could.”

“That would be the Princes. What does Princess Celestia have to do with this, though? Why does he want her to know he's out there?” Coco asked.

“That Princess of yours has been around a very long time, Miss Pommel.” Torner said. “I wouldn't be surprised if she knows something about this. Alas, there's no way for us to contact her.”

“She certainly wouldn't want to have anything to do with me.” snorted Caballeron. “I'm bad news for any public official, thanks to those Daring Do books!”

Well, Rarity's met the Princess, and that librarian friend of hers was actually a student of Celestia's... Coco pondered a course of action. Maybe she could call in a favor?

“Well, what's done is done.” Barlent stated. “The shadow-creature has his horn. Timar is dead. One less party official in the world, there's that, at least. Now nothing stands between the Republic and defeat. Once we are defeated...”

“Celestia will convince the others to show mercy.” Caballeron told him. “Our Princess is kind at heart, she won't allow revenge. Not that you wouldn't deserve it, by some accounts.”

Days more passed in the quiet rattish town. The coal from Nutmeg had been shipped off already, and wind alone would not get them far, so their way home was dead in the water, literally. Barlent had his officers and marines swear an oath of silence regarding what they had seen in the desert; Coco and Caballeron agreed to keep quiet too. Their own Captain, Barnacle Billet, had wondered where they'd gotten off to. Coming up with an explanation wasn't easy, they'd just settled on Timar dragging them out into the desert to bid him a farewell as he returned with his prize to the capital. Even though Hivald's capital was north, not west. But the rest of the ponies from Nutmeg didn't know that.

The event weighed heavily on all their minds. Sable's marines were quiet, even around their comrades. Grimsly was less talkative. Torner and Barlent seemed to be keeping up the usual appearance, but they often fell silent and stared into the distance. Coco was much the same. She tried to keep a normal face around the other ponies, but she caught herself thinking back to the day in the desert. Caballeron had seen most of all; she remembered him facing Timar himself, and then meeting the Horn's master face to face. But he, out of all of them, designer, officer, or marine, was the least phased by it all.

“How do you do it?” Coco asked, back aboard Nutmeg in her much roomier cabin. It was good to be back there.

“Do what?” Caballeron replied.

“You don't even seem bothered that fifty soldiers were just- just annihilated by a band of monsters, and their monster leader! Who can summon the dead back to life!” she said, waving a hoof around. “These things are out there! They know who we are, we helped them!”

“They certainly are.” agreed he. “I've had my fair share of strange encounters, Coco. This was the strangest by far, yes. But there's been time to think on it.” Caballeron looked out the porthole, looking at something she couldn't see.

“...And?” Coco prompted, laying her ears flat in impatience.

“There's not much we can do about it, and besides, it's not our problem anymore.”

“What?” That was it? She couldn't believe what she was hearing! “You're one of the smartest ponies I've met, Caballeron. I don't think that cuts it!”

“Think about it the way I have.” he continued. “We were pawns the entire time, the only reason I survived Timar the first time around is because I was meant to. You were meant to survive too, he healed you, even! Though only Celestia knows how... I have to wonder if we were ever in any danger at all.”

“Maybe we weren't, but what about everyone else who died out there?”

Caballeron tilted his head. “Those were soldiers, in the service of the Black Army of the Revolution. At best, they were enforcers for the Republic. At worst, they took part in what happened in the occupied lands these past few years. Criminals either way, Coco. Notice that none of the rats who were with us died. Only Timar and his thugs. We are better off without them. Whatever his true intentions, the Winter King inadvertently helped make the world a better place.”

That made her stop and think for a moment. It was a very hard notion for an Equestrian to accept. There were good and bad ponies, yes, but never was killing the bad ones an acceptable solution at home. Could the world be made a better place with the death of such individuals? Now that's a question for the Princess, Coco thought. “So you're saying... You're not bothered because the 'good guys' won?”

“Precisely.” nodded the stallion, grinning. “An evil rat and his minions got themselves killed, and an international pariah has brought about its own downfall... I've never been on the winning side, before, let alone the good one. It's certainly a new experience!”

Coco couldn't help but smile herself. “When you put it that way, I guess there really isn't much to worry about.” This incident wasn’t one easily to be brushed aside, but if he was right, then she had merely been an unwitting actress on something else’s stage. It was still chilling, but not as terrifying to think about. Then something else came to mind, something she'd heard her friend reference quite a few times during this misadventure. “Wait a moment, Caballeron. Why do always speak like you're in some kind of story? Good sides, bad sides, winning and losing? I mean, you've even spoken like Daring Do is a real pony and not just a character!”

“Daring Do is just a self-insert for A.K. Yearling, like I said. You might even say they're the same pony.” There was a sly look about him, before it quickly changed to a more indignant expression. “And why do you have a problem with the way I speak?”

“No, I- Ugh!” Coco put a hoof over her face. “It's just a bit strange, that's all! It's like you almost believe you are the Caballeron from those books, and not just somepony who got defamed, on a very grand scale...”

“I have a very clear grasp on reality, Coco.” he assured her. She'd have to take his word on that.

The next day, the ponies of Nutmeg were greeted by a sight that actually brought tears to Coco’s eyes. Out in the harbor sat a great white battleship, trimmed in gold and royal purple. The sun banner flew proudly from its tall masts, the long cannons gleamed in their round turrets. On the prow, behind the decorative gilt, read VIRIBUS UNITIS; the very same ship she'd seen so often sailing into Manehatten. At last, the Equestrian navy had arrived to rescue them! We're going home! rejoiced Coco, feeling her spirits rise like sails catching the wind. That wasn't an entirely inaccurate synonym either, she noted.

Viribus Unitis wasn't alone, either. Out beyond sat an array of cruisers and frigates, and further behind them were transports. The ships flew the flags of Equestria, Cania, several Zebra princedoms- including Adin, Coco noted- and a few even hosted the banner of Northbrim! Captain Barlent quickly ordered his marines to raise a white flag over the town, and aboard his own Sable.

“Is this all for us?” Coco asked, as they watched the mighty fleet from Nutmeg'sbridge wing.

“I'm certainly flattered!” Billet remarked.

The commanding officer of Viribus Unitis, a certain notable admiral, accepted Barlent's surrender out on the docks. Their own Captain Billet was there too, representing the ponies whom this mess had started over. He learned the truth of the operation.

“Sorry folks, we're just a sideshow.” he informed them all, in the galley of Nutmeg that night.

“So what's the main event, in that case?” asked Spar.

“Apparently, they're going to round the Cape of Storms, on the southern end of the continent...”

Coco didn't hear the rest of the answer, because at that moment she received the newspaper from home that had been going around. It was long, published several weeks ago on March 9th, and read:

INTERVENTION! In light of the recent and unprovoked attacks by warships flying the flag of Hivald, Princess Celestia has authorized a total blockade of the southerly Republic, and a loan of 500 million bits to the Kingdom of Cania. The Princess stated that “Princess Luna and I agree that Equestria cannot be the target of blatant aggression without consequences. We will take the necessary steps to defend our ponies against all who would harm them. The Tetrarchs of Hivald may consider this a proportionate response to their acts of war.” The Griffon Kingdom of Northbrim, also victim of several attacks in neutral waters, announced their support of whatever actions the Princesses would take.

The Republic of Hivald, an impoverished land of 12 million rats which follows the aggressive, expansionist, and supremacist ideology of National-Collectivism, has been at war with Cania and nearly the whole of Zebradom, among other smaller states, for six years now. The Equestrian embargo, put into the effect after the discovery of the Rattish government's involvement in smuggling illegal substances within our borders, has done much to turn the war's tide against them. The strain on Hivald will only be increased as the blockade cuts off grain shipments from elsewhere in the country and the import of raw materials from deep in the southern hemisphere. Our leading analyst has this to say: “The Republic has been stretched to the breaking point already by our embargo. With our blockade in place, Hivald will not be able to sustain any war effort beyond what few reserves it has left. I feel confident in saying that the Rattish State will undergo complete collapse by late spring.”

This may seem harsh to our readers, as we ponies are a naturally compassionate folk, but it must be remembered that we are dealing with a nation that embraces the scourge of republicanism and has stooped low enough to use slave labor and mass deportations to enforce its will. It is imperative we make the world safe for the righteous monarchies that protect their subjects instead of exploit them. Fate willing, we may yet liberate the rats from the tyranny of mob rule.

It was definitely a more clear and accurate report than the clip she'd read from the state-owned media here in Hivald. “I guess it's over for the Republic.” she whispered to Caballeron.

“I heard that descendents of their king are still out there.” he whispered back. “Perhaps they will restore one to the throne?”

Whatever the plans for Hivald were, the ponies didn't find out. The next day, Nutmeg's crew transferred coal from one of the fleet tenders to get underway again. With the auxiliary sails deployed, they would make decent time on the journey home. Before they left, Barlent and Torner approached them one last time.

“About what we saw... Do you plan on actually telling your Princess?” asked the rat captain.

“I know somepony who knows somepony, I can try.” Coco said.

“I suppose we ought to remain silent here, then. If Celestia wants to hear what we have to say, she can come and find us.” stated Torner.

“Luna is a Princess too, you know.” she reminded him.

“Yes, we heard. But the world is slow to change its ways. For our generation, Celestia is the Princess...” Torner said. “I doubt it’ll change. But send her word, and ask her to have mercy on this wretched nation.”

“Of course I will.” said Coco.

“Well, this is it, then.” Caballeron spoke up. “I am grateful that we were captured by you, instead of a more unsavory band of characters. You made this experience a little less distasteful for us.”

“Someone in this world needs to keep it civilized, even in war.” Barlent nodded. “No reason for everyone to be barbarians, is there? Good luck, ponies. If we meet again, I hope it's not under such grim circumstances!”

That was the last they saw of any living rats. Nutmeg sailed north, with a fully steam-powered corvette from Adin escorting them. No longer limited by sails alone, they were there in less than a week. It was outside the city they saw the last signs of rats at all, living or otherwise: a beached submarine, like two bulging daggers welded back to back with a brass propeller on one end, and painted grey, with the flag of the Republic still flying from its periscope tower. The shore around it was barricaded by the city guards, and a few Aravian citizens had come to see the strange machine.

“I hope that's the as much war as I ever see.” Coco said. “I guess this disaster wasn't without its benefits, though. I've definitely got more appreciation for Equestria than ever before. No propaganda, no hunger, no political officers...” She briefly wondered what had happened to Greywacke, but she didn't dwell on it long. “And of course, we have the Princess to stop any of that Horn nonsense from happening here.”

“It's boring, isn't it?” Caballeron asked.

“What? No! I'd rather have this kind of 'boring' than being scared for my life as literal demons storm out of a portal!”

“I've been away from home too long, then.” the stallion conceded. “Never had a reason to come back for long.”

“Well, I think you might now.” said Coco, with a little smile. “You're too interesting to walk out of my life. And far more honest than most of my co-workers in the design industry...” It was indeed true. He came from a completely different part of life, and the world, really. She found that refreshing, even after spending so much time with him so far. They actually had more to talk about than just this sponsorship or that magazine feature. Coco loved what she did, but sometimes the ponies she worked with were aggravating, to say the least. Doctor Caballeron was a healthy change in pace, and as long as there were no more monsters... She wouldn't mind having him around in the future, that was for sure.

“To your credit, you've proven quite reliable yourself. I didn't have to worry about you stabbing me in the back over a few bits. That's more than I can say for many other 'friends' of mine...”

“Yes, I don’t like the idea of stealing, not after with what I’ve had to put up with... You aren't actually interested in stealing any of my unpublished designs, are you?” she asked.

“Not unless the profit will let me retire!” laughed he. “I can't be doing what we just went through forever, these old bones will wear out eventually.”

“What is it you do, really?” Coco wondered. Even on the first day they had met, he'd hinted that what he did was definitely not something the average pony would put themselves through. “I mean, you said you were an archaeologist, all those weeks ago in February. But... That's not all that you are, is it?”

“No, not at all.” said Caballeron. “In addition to my studies in the field of archeology, I would consider myself a purveyor of items of beauty and interest. Who do you think supplies all those wonderful artifacts that no doubt dot the halls of your clients' penthouses and manors?”

“Hah!” she laughed. “No wonder A.K. Yearling made you a villain, even I know that Daring Do has that tag-line... what was it? It belongs in a museum?”

The stallion grimaced in disgust, before launching into an exasperated rant. “That's no way to make ends meet! I don't do what I do because I'm evil or greedy- well, maybe a little, but I have debts to pay! Parents to look after! Food to eat! How is a pony supposed to live when everything he finds worth anything he has to give up for free? I'd rather sell it to some Canterlot elite or one of the pegasi aristocrats up north. Or griffons, or zebras, or dogs! Rats, minotaurs, dragons! I have tried to sell a ring to a spirit with five hands, you know!”

“You should have become a designer.” Coco smirked. “I don't have to deal with any of that.”

“Well, it's a little late to change gears.” Then, Caballeron too smiled, looking out the porthole again. “Besides, like I said before... I've seen things you ponies wouldn't believe, out beyond our borders. I've been beyond the horizon and off the edge of the map, into the unknown world. How many of our race could say that, Coco? I'm not particularly good at being a good pony, but I wouldn't have traded this life for anything.”

“Wouldn't have?”

“Meeting you was a bit of a perspective change. I've never really had a real friend among ponies, not one I cared for, at least. Perhaps there are things I've missed out on in my years abroad... And to think, it all started over a silly coat!”

Hearing that gave her a warm, almost giddy feeling. Who would have thought that Coco Pommel, who six months ago had just been that timid little no-name assistant who fetched Suri's coffee, could have ever effected somepony so much? For the rest of the voyage home, Coco's spirits were higher than they had been since before this whole ordeal began. She was almost starting to wish their journey wouldn't end so soon, because when it did, she and Caballeron would go their separate ways. But, a week later, they sailed into Manehattan, at long last. In the seven days it took to get from Adin to here, the weather had grown cooler, and Coco's winter coat was put to use in the first time in well over a month and a half. She believed it was now sometime in April... She was definitely late for that meeting. The client would understand given the circumstances, right?

“There were times when I thought I'd never see those towers again.” Coco said, while they stood at the bow of Nutmeg.

“Never really liked them, myself.” Caballeron remarked. “Earth ponies and heights... they don't really go together. You're one too, you should know that!”

“Home is home, Doctor.”

“Fair enough. I might have to get used to this place, if I ever visit.” he sighed.

“And you are going to visit, right?” Coco poked him lightly, to drive home that it wasn’t actually a question.

“Yes, yes,” Caballeron tried to wave off her hoof, “of course I am. You're the only other pony who knows what happened here, and you actually like me for some reason other than my ability to get you trinkets from across the world... Refreshing, to say the least.”

“Well, those were my thoughts exactly.”

Nutmeg slowly bumped up against the docks, and was lashed firmly in. No pony had expected them to turn up, and neither did many know they had been missing for over a month and a half; there weren’t even any reporters about. Coco was fine with that, she just wanted to go home.

“We made it!” Exclaimed Captain Billet to his crew. “Our cargo’s been stolen and we’re broke, but we made it!”

“Don’t tell them I have a few bits left.” Caballeron whispered.

“Where will you two be off to now?” Billet asked them. “I recall you wanting to get here a lot sooner than we did, Miss Pommel, but…”

“I’m going to have a lot of explaining to do with my co-workers and clients, but tonight I just want to sleep in my own bed.” she said.

“And you?” Billet turned to Caballeron, who only shrugged.

“To be honest, my plan involved getting to Equestria with the Horn, and nothing beyond that. I will find my way, though.” said he.

“Well, best of luck to you then. Miss Pommel, you wouldn’t know this, but our voyages are generally much more uneventful.”

“I’m sure.” Coco laughed. She and Caballeron were the first off the ship, finally and officially arriving back in Equestria. With her she had all her luggage, including the roll of red silk she’d gotten before all this began. At least the rats hadn’t taken that from Nutmeg’s materials. Somewhere in Hivald, all that coffee was being put to good use. Or at least she hoped it was. If no one ends up using that coffee, this whole trip would have truly been for nothing!

The differences from the last two cities she’d been in were immense. Here in Manehatten, ponies milled about hurriedly, going about all kinds of business. There relaxing serenity of St. Garnet isle was gone, the oppressive dreariness of that rat town was gone too. This was a lively place, full of energy, if not always positive. It was good to be back.

“Here we are.” she said.

“Here we are.” Caballeron repeated, looking about. “I really thought there’d be a crowd to welcome us home.”

“There’s a reason the international section is at the very back of the paper. I don’t think anypony here pays attention to what’s out there. I know I didn’t, before all this.” How small her world seemed, now. She’d never been more than forty miles from where she was born, her time in Manehatten included, before all this. And now she’d been further south than almost any other pony in Equestria. Those sailors on the ships that freed them would go further, but beyond the southern end of Hivald, there was only blank map. I was within a few hundred miles of the edge of the known world, Coco thought. It was frightening and exciting at the same time. Maybe I’ll go further, one day? Caballeron had said he’d been into those blank places… “You know,” she said, “if you ever do go to somewhere that doesn’t have monsters and republicans at the end of the journey, be sure to tell me.”

“Are you an adventurer now?” he asked wryly. “Has the thirst for new lands and new civilizations been awakened in you?”

“I wouldn’t go that far, but… You said it yourself. There’s a lot to see out there. I can’t help but wonder if it’s worth seeing for myself… In the right company.” Coco explained, smiling up at him.

“Then you haven’t seen the last of me. I-” Suddenly, Caballeron froze, before pulling her behind a stack of shipping crates. “Oh, look who’s shown up to ruin the moment!” he growled.

“I can’t see anypony-” Coco tried to peek out, but he pulled her back.

“Take one guess, just one guess!”

“A.K. Yearling?” she guessed.

“Who else? I believe it’s time for me to depart.” Caballeron said.

“Where are you going?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea. But don’t you worry, I’ll be in town again in a few months.” He looked up and down the docks, no doubt figuring out the quickest way to disappear.

“I’ll hold you to that.” Coco said. “Thanks for everything, Caballeron. I’m glad I got to know you, even if we had to go through everything that we did. Good luck out there, and come back soon!” For a moment, Coco paused, wondering if she was going to be too forward, but gave him a quick kiss on the cheek anyway. That got a look of pleasant surprise from the stallion. “Now, you better get moving, Doctor, otherwise you’re going to have to deal with Daring Do and the Horn of the Damned in a year!”

“I’d like to see her put that thing in a museum…” He did try to do his usual discontent mutter, but Caballeron seemed too pleased with himself to muster up the distaste. All he could do was smile on. “Until next time, Coco. Take care.” With that, he ducked away, and slipped off into the city. She waited a minute before leaving the docks herself, and noticed a bespectacled mare looking around wildly. That must be Yearling… Coco stayed out of her way.

Getting back to her apartment was easy compared to what she’d been through; the doorpony wondered where she’d been all this time. Apparently, rumor had it that she’d been kidnapped by pirates, which wasn’t all that far from the truth. “It was rats,” she said, “commerce raiders from Hivald. There’s a war out there, you know.”

They didn’t know. Most of them didn’t, at least. The big news in Manehatten lately was a lawsuit being filed against her former boss for intellectual property theft. No pony even knew Viribus Unitis and half the eastern fleet had steamed out of port weeks ago and gone south. It really is a different world here, isn’t it? Coco thought, as the elevator took her to her floor. Ponies who opened doors for you, towers twenty stories high, paved streets, court cases over fashion… It was all familiar to her, but now it seemed smaller. She remembered the excotic sights and smells of Adin, the hungry and exhausted people of the Rattish State, the strange eeriness of what they had seen weeks ago.

That night she wrote a letter to Rarity, asking for her help in contacting the Princess. Celestia supposedly was open to mail from her subjects, but Coco had no idea how many other ponies were sending letters too, and this was a matter of importance. She went all the way back to the lobby to put her letter in the mailbox before getting the best sleep she’d had in a long time.

It was only two days later, after much catching-up, that Coco got a reply, and a special address to mail to. She sat down at her desk, and began to write.

Dear Princess Celestia,

My name is Coco Pommel, I'm a friend of Rarity's, who is a friend of your student, Twilight Sparkle. It isn't my habit to use my connections like this, but during my time in Hivald, something happened that you my friend and I were commanded to tell you about. I'll start from the beginning…

Hours seemed to pass as she recalled the entire journey, from start to finish. She included every detail, from the dreams, to Caballeron’s theories about the Horn, to the happenings in Hivald, to all the material the demons and the Winter King had taken. Her story ended with a quick summary of the journey home, but Coco kept writing. She’d made a promise, after all, and she intended to keep it.

Anyways, I'm not sure how what else to say, Princess... it was all so strange. But, you ought to know about this, and this Winter King fellow thought so too, whatever his intentions really were. So here it is, the straight truth. I intend never to speak of it to anypony again, if you so wish it.

As an addendum, I’d like to say something I wasn’t told to report to you. I learned a lot about outsiders, pony and rat alike. Hivald’s history is far more gruesome and grim than any episode of ours, Princess. I’m sure you know that, but hearing about something and seeing it for yourself are very different things. Their government has done terrible, terrible things, but the commoners of Hivald are as much victims as anyone else by what I saw. These are a people who have never been shown mercy or kindness by the rest of the world, Princess. I’m not excusing the crimes I heard about, but I told the rats that helped us that you wouldn’t let this cycle go on. We can stop it, here and now, and maybe even extend some of the goodness we enjoy here to a land that could use some help. I don't want to overstep my boundaries, Princess, but I know you listen to your ponies, and this is what I have to say.

Signed, your loyal subject, Coco Pommel

Author's Note

And there you have it, the first actually finished story from me. I lied, it wasn't a romance, it was a romance tease. Because I'm squeamish when it comes to writing actual romance. Many thanks to Pigeonsmall who came up with this insane prompt in the first place, and who helped greatly along the way when it came to figuring out what characters were going to do. A few questions that were deliberately not resolved in the text:

Who was the "Winter King" and those lads of his?
We don't know, they're a mysterious third party. But in the universe of John Hood, we haven't seen the last of them.
What happens to the rats?
Exactly what the newspaper predicts, I'd suspect.
Would Coco be as interested in Caballeron if she knew who he really was?
Maybe she'd be more interested ;^) ...but really now, I think he was presenting himself mostly honestly, but just more refined than the image Daring Do gives us in her books. Because all those events are apparently real, you gotta admit, there's a huge room for bias. Imagine if the only source on Kaiser Willy 2's life was written by Willy 2 himself. That's how Daring Do's stuff strikes me. Caballeron is just a proponent of the free market who doesn't discriminate in his dealings, and who is more interested in retiring early than IT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM, GOY. Or at least that's how he sees himself... The truth is somewhere in between. I wonder how this story would have gone without Coco here?
What is your next story, John Hood?
Back to Across the Sea. God, it's been three months since I updated, my readers have probably all forgotten about it. By the time that monster is finished, there'll be three readers left... You know who you are. Well, until next time, folks. I hope I didn't drop the ball too hard on this ending considering the climax chapter got like one comment.