The Bonds of Friendship

Chapter 1

“Cyber, wake up, today is your big day.” A voice called from beyond the closed eyes of Cyber.

Cyber slowly opened his eyes trying to get them into focus. When he managed to focus them, he saw a brown mare standing over him. This was his older sister, Free Mane. She had a wide smile across her face, that was covered by her red, long, and straight mane. Her tail was flicking back and forth as her green eyes stared directly at him. “You don’t want to be late silly. You want to be out on the road as soon as possible.”

Cyber groaned as he sat up and tried to get himself out of bed. His first try was met with no success and he sat there staring at the floor for several moments.

His sister looked at him with a questionable stare. Wondering, why on a day like this he wasn’t rushing to get out of bed? This had been the day he was waiting for his whole life. She remembered he wouldn’t shut up about it at the dinner table. When he was a little colt he would constantly pretend to do what he was about to do today.

Today was the day the village of Seabreeze would send one of their stallions to get food for the month. Conditions were too harsh and the trip was too dangerous for a pony to make everyday, let alone every week. Living in the Frozen North, a constant blizzard pillaged the villages that resided in its harsh landscape. The creatures that also lived on the trail leading to Manehattan were very dangerous as well. Polar bears, and snow wolves. All had a hunger for fresh pony blood, and with food scarce, that only made eating a pony that much more of an preference. The town solved this problem though by sending a pony once a month with a cart and a bag full of bits to trade for food. This food supply would last a whole month and then they would send their next. This kept on and eventually became a tradition, and with time, an honor. If you came back alive you were always praised with the first pick of the batch.

Not many ponies died on this trip. in fact Cyber can only remember that out of the 316 trips made, only 3 ponies had ever died on this trip. They were all mostly caused by stupid mistakes the ponies made by not taking extra precautions. Cyber was determined not to end up like these ponies. The night before he packed extra of everything. He made sure the wheels on the cart were on safely. He also made sure he brought protection, in case a polar bear or snow wolf decided to attack.

His sister still stood there, and Cyber was still sitting on his bed looking at the ground. “Cyber?” His sister asked in a quiet tone.

This surprised him and his head quickly shot up looking directly into the emerald green eyes of his sister. Cyber felt a rush of heat fly up through his body. the hairs on his grey coat stood up, and his normally groomed ash mane was in a mess. His jade eyes were slightly bloodshot, from the lack of sleep.

From this point his sister knew Cyber had been up all night. Probably thinking about today. Eager to get on the road. “Cyber…” His sister said her tone going back to normal. “Did you stay up all night?” She said, she obviously knew he did, but for the sake of conversation she asked anyways.

“

Yes.” Cyber finally spoke, his voice cracking from the exhaustion.

“Now why did you do that?” His sister asked.

“I couldn’t sleep.” Cyber said sounding almost like he didn’t even know why he stayed up.

“You know that’s not good for you little brother, and on today of all days. What will Mom and Dad think when they see you like this?”

She was right. What will they think when they see him in a mess today? They certainly wouldn’t go through with letting him travel alone. Definitely not when he was this tired.

“I know.” he said, trying to manage even two simple words was a task for him.

“They won’t let you go on this trip, you know that don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do.” Cyber said, his tone sounding more and more depressed as he talked.

“You still want to go right?” Free Mane asked.

“Of course I do!” Cyber’s tone quickly gaining it’s usual, exuberant tone.

“Of course you do.” Free Mane repeated, a smile quickly returning to her face. “Come on, let’s get you washed up, and looking presentable before we go and see Mom and Dad.”

Cyber quickly jumped off the bed, landing on all four hooves and walking to the shower. His sister stood there watching as he closed the door to the bathroom, and the sound of water started running.

Free mane looked about the room, seeing it in a mess, and figuring she has about 15 minutes before Cyber is out of the shower, she decided to clean. With a glow of the horn her, a broom came flying toward her. She directed it to the floor as it swept, seemingly by itself, across the floor of the messy bedroom.

As she was making his bed a tear slowly fell from her face. It was hard seeing her little brother go, even if it was for a only few days. To her, it felt like a lifetime. Ever since moving out of their parents and getting their own shop for musical instruments and lessons. They had spent a lot of time together. Almost every day was spent in each others company. Now she would have to go days without seeing him. She was going to miss the excitement he brought to the shop on slow days. The sound of his guitar playing as little colts watched in amazement, as his hooves glided across the strings. Cyber created such good music with those strings, and now. Now she would have to find a way to keep herself entertained while he was gone.

More tears began to roll down her face as she kept on with the bed, but eventually, it became too much. A steady stream of tears rolled down her face now as she planted her head in his pillow, soaking it. She wasn’t quite sure whether these were tears of joy, knowing her little brother has finally grown up and seeing him like this made her happy. Or if these were tears of sadness, knowing she would be alone for these next few days with nothing to do, and not a single little brother to keep her company.

At this moment, it didn’t matter, she wanted to cry and that’s all that mattered. She sank deeper into the pillow letting her crying voice be heard by anyone who would have entered the shop.

Then a sound came from behind her as a door flew open and grey pony and a cloud of steam came rushing ut.

                                                   .                               ,                 ,                                   ,  ,

Cyber sluggishly trotted into the bathroom. He had not gotten much sleep last night due to the fact that he was so eager for his big day to begin.

His sister  was right. How would his parents even let him go on this trip knowing he had zero sleep the night before? They had already been badgering him about going on this trip. All the safety precautions, extra food, and constant nagging for him to “Take your time, there is no rush.” No rush? He thought. Only the whole town will starve if I don’t make it back with the food fast enough. There was no point in arguing with them though. Cyber knew perfectly well his parents would get their way. They always get their way. He thought again.

Of course Cyber would have taken all these extra precautions by himself. It was just annoying for him having his parents constantly on his back about it. He knew it was dangerous. He knew how long it would take. His parents just seemed a little, overprotective, again.

It was the shop all over again.

When his sister had proposed to move out with him so they could make a shop and show off their talents, his parents acted the same way they are doing now. They were concerned for his safety, even though his sister had already taken the extra safety measures, and was three steps ahead of his parents the whole way through.When they finally did crack and let him live with his sister, they were still at the shop for the whole day. If his sister did one thing out of place, they would be on both of them.

Eventually everything became better and his parents learned to trust them more. Visiting less and less until they only saw them once or twice a week. It became a very relaxing life after that. The only stresses came when customers entered the shop looking to buy, which Cyber could handle easily.

The majority of his day was spent playing his guitar for the town. He would sit outside on the freezing porch of the shop and strum away. While he played nothing else mattered. The freezing chill of the Frozen North seemed to disappear, and a new heat was brought to his body. Any passing ponies compliments or complaints would not be heard, his ears would be be too busy listening to the sounds of bliss coming from his guitar.

This all reflected on his cutie mark. A black treble clef laid on his flank, showing that his skill in music was his natural born talent.

Cyber would get compliment after compliment for his work, some even saying he was the best in all of Equestria. Of course he didn’t know if this was true or not, seeing as there might be several other guitar playing ponies in Equestria. Who might have just had more time to master the skill than he has.

By this time Cyber was already in the shower, a light cloud of steam had been building below him. He lost track of time and realized that he may have been in the shower longer than expected. he picked up his head, and he heard a noise coming from the other room. His ears flicked slightly as the sound grew louder and louder. Crying? he thought. Not knowing who the crying was coming from his quickly shut off the water, grabbed his towel and ran out the door into the bedroom.

What he saw made his heart sink. His sister, crying on his bed at the top of her lungs. Cyber had never seen her this upset before. His blankets, getting even more messed up than before. His favorite pillow, soaked with his sisters tears.

She looked back at Cyber eyes streaming with tears, her mane in a wreck.

Cyber walked slowly over to her as tears began to run down his own face. He stood in front of his sister, tears rolling down both their faces. The stood face to face.

Then, just like that. Cyber was taken off his hooves, brought into the warm embrace of his sister. He was shocked at first at his sister’s sudden action, but when it all became clear, he wrapped his hooves around his sister and they shared in a hug.

“I’m going to miss you little brother.” His sister said, her words making it out of her mouth with slight pauses.

Cyber felt tears roll down his back as his sister hugged him tighter. “I’ll miss you to sis.”

Cyber said back. They kept in each others arms, and when it came time, they broke the embrace. They looked into eachothers eyes as tears still filled both their eyes. Cyber looked over, and got off the bed. His sister grew a curious look on her face as the grey pony walked over to a shelf. He grabbed something and brought it over to her. “Here,” He said “I want you to have this.” He showed her the object, it was and old toy of his, one of Cyber’s first.

The toy was an old mini guitar that went to one of his old dolls, or, action figures as he put it. he used to play with it all the time, and when the action figure broke, he still never stopped playing with the guitar. it became his most prized possession. That is, until he got his real guitar. The new instrument took the place of the small fake one, and became his new obsession, or better yet, his new talent.

Cyber, despite getting his new guitar and his new found talent, still kept this mini guitar safe on a shelf in their room. Now he was presenting it before Free Mane, who was in shock. She didn’t know what to think. Should she take it? Should she decline? Her mind was racing. That is, until Cyber stuck the toy in her hoof and backed away. Free Mane looked down  to see the little guitar lying there. Tears swelled up in her eyes again as they began to make their way down her cheek and onto the floor. A smile began to carve itself on her face, as she began to cry tears of happiness. “Thank you Cyber.” She sobbed. “This means so much to me.”

Cyber stepped forward again looking back into the happy eyes of his sister. “I’ll come back I promise,” Cyber said calmly. “Until then keep it as a reminder of me.” Cyber looked down at the little guitar then back up at his sister. “I swear I’ll come back to you.”

Free Mane’s smile grew even wider as she looked back at Cyber. “You better.” She said giggling. The two stood there smiling as Cyber looked over through a window.

Ponies were already starting to gather to say goodbye to Cyber for his journey to Manehattan. He looked back at his sister who had already dried the tears from her face.

“Come on.” She said excitedly. “We don’t want you to be late!” The two gathered all of Cyber’s belongings he was taking on the trip and trotted out the door. Cyber looked back inside the shop taking a big breath, knowing he won’t see it in several days. Home. he thought. I can’t wait to get back home.

                                                                                                                                                           .

Town Square was large for the town’s small size. It was wide open, with only a few statues standing, here and there. The only difference this place has compared to any other Town Square in Equestria, is the snow covering the ground. Silverbreeze, being in the Frozen North, meant snow covered the ground every single day. The never ending blizzard however, barely affected any village in this wasteland. Only the outskirts of the villages were ravaged by the frigid cold blizzard the Frozen North threw at it.

Cyber walked into Town Square staring at the crowd that was slowly gaining in numbers of ponies. Ready to bid Cyber a goodbye as he makes the journey for food. He expected the whole village to show up in no time. Which wouldn’t amount to much, considering only a couple hundred ponies lived in the small community.

His sister followed next to Cyber as she stared at the same crowd, still gaining in numbers. They didn’t talk much during the walk. Both of them got so wrapped up in the scenery of the village during this departure. Ponies amongst ponies gathered on the side of the street, and Free Mane was speechless at all the ponies who showed up just to say goodbye.

Somewhere deep down inside Free Mane, it made her sick to see all these ponies gathered just for a goodbye. Perhaps it was because she thought they could be saying goodbye for the last time and they treated it like it was a funeral. Or maybe it was the fact that Free Mane herself treated it like it was a funeral and she would never see her little brother again. This made her stomach churn, and she felt ill from all of this.

Cyber looked over at his mentally ill sister, who was starting to show the signs of sadness on her face once again. “Are you feeling okay?” Cyber asked, concerned with his sisters state of mind.

“I don’t know.” Free Mane replied, her gaze drifting to the ground.

Cyber stopped in his tracks. It took Free Mane several moments to notice she was walking alone. When she regained herself she stopped and turned towards Cyber. “Is something wrong sis?” Cyber asked.

“I...I...I’m just upset, I guess.” Free Mane stuttered the whole sentence, unsure how to express her feelings.

“Are you upset I’m leaving you.” Cyber started. “That you may never see me again.”

It was as if he had read her mind, like their connection as brother and sister had grown so strong telepathy was now possible. “Y…” She started, but her mind not letting her finish the word. “Yes.” She couldn’t say more. What else was there to say? Cyber hit it on the muzzle. There was no further explanation needed.

“Free Mane…” Cyber started again. “I know you’re worried, and I know you are going to miss me when I leave, but you have to stay strong, for me. I swear I’ll come back. I’m perfectly ready for this trip. I’ve taken all the necessary precautions to make sure I’m safe.There’s nothing bad that could possibly happen.” Cyber walked up to his sister, putting his left hoof on her shoulder. “I promise I’ll come back. It’s only a few days, I know you can make it a few days without me. Just try not to break down, for me.”

Free Mane looked up at Cyber into his eyes as she started to tear up again. “CYBER Darling!” A voice called from behind him. Oh no. The two of them thought, groaning in their heads.

Cyber turned around to find that what he suspected was true. There, walking towards them, were their parents. They both had huge smiles plastered on their faces. Cyber couldn’t help but roll his eyes as they approached. He felt so embarrassed at his parents enthusiasm as they got ready to say goodbye to their son for a few does. His Mom was the first to reach him, and she immediately gave him several kisses on the cheek before Cyber pulled away and retreated to  safety next to his sister.

They both stood there and stared at their parents as they stood and did the exact same. Somepony had to break the silence eventually. “How are you both?” Their Dad asked, as he tried to keep a smile above this awkward silence.

“Fine.” Cyber replied, trying to keep conversation to a minimum before he said something he would regret.

“I see you’ve packed all the supplies necessary. Are you sure you’re prepared for this?” His Mother asked as she trotted over to the cart and examined it.

“Yes Mom, I made sure everything is in place. I have everything ready to go.” Cyber said. “I’m ready to go.” He made sure he put all the emphasis on the ready giving his parents the hint he was serious.

“Are you still sure you want to take this trip? The replacement is ready if you don’t want to.” His Mom asked.

Cyber was beginning to get annoyed. Here it goes. he thought to himself. “He’s fully ready to go. I made sure of it.” This time it was Free Mane who answered. She knew Cyber was beginning to get irritated and she thought it was best if from this point on she deal with their parents.

“Oh, I don’t know, What if something happens? Did you pack extra blankets? How about food? Oh, and what about some weapons? it’s very dangerous out there, you know?” Their mother asked nervously.

“He is ready Mom I assure you, he will come back.” His sister replied, trying to sound as sure as she could, even though the same thought were creeping into her own mind.

“Oh, I don’t know. What if something happens to my poor baby, Cy-Cy.”

“Mom!” Cyber yelled, the annoyance being fully projected through his voice.

“Oh right, sorry. I forget you’re all grown up and don’t need to be called that.”

“Mom, please, Cyber is fully ready to go. In fact, don’t you think it’s about time we say our  goodbyes? We want Cyber to leave before sundown?” Free Mane said, trying to end the conversation before it got out of hoof.

“I guess, I’m just so sad to see my baby colt go.” their mother quickly walked over to Cyber and hugged him tightly. “I love you my baby, Cy-Cy”

Cyber made the agonizing attempt to hug his Mom back. it turned out to be just a light touch before he struggled for relief from his mothers hold. “I love you too Mom.” Cyber said with an annoyed tone.

His mother released her grasp and Cyber went shooting backwards. He managed to keep his balance, and when he did he looked over at his sister who was standing tall and proud.

Free Mane was feeling the same annoyance Cyber was feeling. She knew what their mother was trying to do, and she wouldn’t have it. When Cyber leaves, it’s go time. She was going to give their parents hell for trying to make Cyber change his mind. She was going to make sure something like this never happens again.

It may not be obvious but it’s true. Their Mother was trying to get Cyber to change his mind.

How? By showing him as much love and affection as she could. She was trying to show him that if he stayed, things would be better than they would be if he was on the road. This may have been true, but this is something Cyber wanted to do and Free Mane wouldn’t have any of their parents tricks. Cyber knew this as well. He knew perfectly well. He knew their tricks, and he went along with them, but he never gave in to them. When he wanted to leave the house his Mother did the exact same thing, while his father sat there and glared at him as he was doing now. Cyber never gave in though. He denied their affection and left the same way he was going to now. With only goodbyes.

Cyber walked over to the large cart and strapped himself to it. Making sure the straps were tight enough so the cart wouldn’t break away, he was ready to depart.

The entire village of SilverBreeze looked on as Cyber said his goodbyes.

First his Mom, who gave a quick hug.

Then his Dad who, instead of a hug, gave him a hoof shake and a smile.

Finally his sister. They looked at each other for a moment as the two of them had tears swelling in their eyes. But before any tears were shed they both hugged.

It ended as fast as it started and his sister backed away slowly. Cyber looked at her for several moments before his sister’s head turned and looked at the road ahead. Cyber took this as the hint for him to start his journey, and so he did.

Cyber looked forward, and started his trot for the road. The whole town started to stomp their hooves on the ground as he walked on the path. It sounded like thunder was all around him as pony after pony began stomping their hooves. A tear began to form in his eye, but it never left. The sound of all ponies stomping for him made him feel as light as a feather. He felt his own pride bring him off Equestria and into the skies above.

Before long, it was over. The sounds were nothing but distant noises. The only sound now, was the howling blizzard. Cyber’s happiness and pride came back down to Equestria as he realized where he was. The harsh landscape of the frozen North now a reality, and loneliness began to sink in. He wanted to turn around and go home but it was too late now. He had to do this. He had to bring the food back. He had to survive whatever the Frozen North threw at him.

Cyber traveled for what seemed like days, when in all reality it was only four hours. The sun had began to set and Cyber knew he had to set up camp soon.

One hour later and he finally decided to pull off the road and set up camp for the night.

The night went without any trouble. The extra blankets and the flint and tinder he packed made for a warm night despite the freezing temperatures. No sounds but the screaming blizzard made their presence throughout the night. All was peaceful.

In the morning Cyber packed up and went out on the road again. To pass the time away he thought about what Manehattan was going to look like and all the ponies she would meet there.His sister had always told him about how gorgeous the city looked at night. The lights of candles lighting up the rooms of thousands of ponies. Thousands, he thought. How could there be thousands of ponies living in one place. Growing up in a village with only a couple hundred ponies made thousands seem so...outrageous. He never understood the concept. Hundreds of ponies was enough for him. Thousands may be a little overwhelming for him at first.

Three hours later and the sun had made it’s rise about halfway through the sky. Cyber still trotted along the snow covered road. He was now silent with his thoughts, letting the sound of the blizzard consume his mind. Then, a thought of loneliness creeped into his mind. he tried to dismiss the thought, but it refused to be shown the door. Cyber tried his hardest to the thought at bay but it eventually ran its ground and he let it consume him.

Cyber was alone, in the Frozen North, with nopony with him to keep him company. He had to take care of himself. The sheer thought of being alone for as long as he will be made tears swell up in his eyes. That is until, he saw another pony on the road.

The pony was a mere shade at first but as Cyber got closer he saw the pony was wearing a cloak. A little closer and he could tell the pony was heading straight for him.

This made Cyber’s heart race with excitement. He wanted to see another pony. he needed to see another pony. Perhaps this one would be willing to accompany him on his travel? Cyber approached close until they were nearly next to each other. They both stopped. The cloaked pony turned to face Cyber, who had a smile on his face.

Cyber was excited and was very unsuccessful at hiding the smile. The other ponies expression was difficult to tell, the blizzard and the cloak masking his face from Cyber.

They stood there, silent for many moments. Until Cyber decided to speak. “How are you friend?” He asked, trying to sound as casual as he could.

The pony remained silent, as Cyber grew nervous. “Not much of a talker, huh? Well where are you headed?” Cyber asked.

“I am headed for the next village.” The pony replied with a flat tone.

“Oh, you must mean SilverBreeze?” Cyber said reluctantly. “I live in that village. i’m making our once a month trip to Manehattan for food.”

“Are you now?” The mysterious pony replied, sounding more talkative now. “Tell me, how do you plan on getting this food?”

“With these bits in my cart.” Cyber replied, pointing to the large bag o bits given to him.

“I see, and is anypony traveling with you?”

“N...No” Cyber began to grow nervous.

“That’s all I need to hear.” And with a flash of light the cloaked pony revealed himself. He was a dark-blue alicorn with a short but crazed white mane. His white long tail flicked around behind him. His eyes were a dark purple, and looked as if they stared directly into his soul. His horn looked incredibly sharp. The magic he used to cast off the cloak glowed a dark-purple. His cutie mark represented a black star with several other black stars surrounding it.

Cyber watched as the dark-blue alicorn rose in the sky and gave him an evil grin. “I’ll give you two options.” The alicorn began. “You can hand over all the bits and go on back to your village safely or, you can die!” The alicorn gave the most gruesome glare at Cyber.

Cyber was trembling on his hooves. he had heard of the strength of alicorns but never in his life had he ever seen one. He also thought all alicorns were good, like Celestia and the once great Luna. but yet, the one in front of him was asking for his bits, or his life. Cyber was frightened. Never had his life been in danger like this. He had to make a choice and he had to make one fast, this alicorn didn’t look like he was the patient type.

“Make your choice worm!” The dark-blue alicorn yelled angrily.

Cyber was running out of time, he had to do something. But what? What could he do against an alicorn? Was there anything? Yes. he thought. I’ve got it! His mind raced as he put a plan together and with the quick toss of the Bitbag, his plan was set into action..

The bag of bits landed in front of the enraged alicorn as he lowered himself to the ground. “You have chosen correctly my good stallion, I am quite-OOF!!!!” It happened so fast, first the bit bag, then the distraction, then he unstrapped himself, and before he knew it, his guitar was swinging full force at the alicorn’s chest as he made his descent.

The dark-blue alicorn swore he felt a few ribs crack, and his wing had definitely been broken by the impact of the guitar. He was sent flying to the ground in a crash and a cloud of snow erupted as he hit the ground.

Cyber also crashed clumsily on the ground and the shattered bits of his favorite guitar landed all around him. He managed to help himself up before the alicorn even made a movement. Based on the impact Cyber judged the alicorn had broken at least four ribs and one wing. He slowly approached him al the cloud of snow dissipated. What he saw surprised him.

The alicorn was sitting up against a lone boulder staring at Cyber with a surprised look on his face. But the look quickly became even more disturbing when a wide smile slowly creeped on to the injured alicorn’s face. “You have some nerve doing that.” That alicorn started. “I never saw that coming. You used a guitar on me? You managed to do quite some damage as well. You are quite brave colt. But please, I must know, what is your name?” The alicorn’s sinister smile grew even wider, his dark voice projected across the blizzard.

“C-Cyber. What’s your’s?” Cyber asked, chills ran down his spine, not from the cold, but from fear.

“My name is Armosk. Armosk the former alicorn of Justice.” His smile growing wider and wider as he talked, almost reaching the ends of his face.

“W-Why d-d-did you want to know my name?” Cyber asked his voice shaken from his fears.

“Because it’s custom to know the name of the pony who you killed, and the name of your killer.” Armosk replied, still holding that evil grin.

Cyber shuddered in fear. Death? Why? What does he mean by the one who killed you? Cyber’s fear grew stronger as Armosk sat there smiling at him. Cyber had to do something before he was dead. If he was going to go out, he was going to go out fighting. Fear was replaced by confidence as Cyber picked up a shattered piece of guitar. he stood of two hooves, off balance by the new stance. Then he charged, his balance then feeling normal. He ran as fast as he could at the alicorn Armosk.

Armosk’s eyes widened as his smile disappeared, he was caught off guard by the new change of fear to confidence. But this didn’t shake him. Even in is helpless injured state he could still kill this earth pony with one spell. Then as Cyber charged closer and closer Armosk’s smile returned as if this was  funny Cyber thought he had a chance of winning, and with a flash of light and a loud boom everything went silent. For a moment it seemed as if the blizzard had stopped all together. As if it wanted that were it crying for the fallen pony.

The injured, weak Armosk stood up and limped over to the spot where the spell had been cast. He looked down to see the scorched earth where he had cast his spell, and with a straight face he walked over to the bag of bits. Picking it up with his teeth he threw the back into the back of the cart. Armosk strapped himself to the cart and began to walk. He was a good pony. Armosk thought. It’s a shame he had to die so early. His face still held a straight look, as he trotted on. With no destination in mind, he let the road take him. Wherever that may be.