The day began as any other, the rich lavender Pegasus slowly awoke. Her eyes squinted open. Her eyes a rich emerald green slowly brightened as she awoke. The young pegasus sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes lazily. After a lengthy stretch, feeling her tendons crack and muscles stretch, she was able to awaken. Peeling the wrinkled blankets from her slender form she arched her back and spread her wings and fluttered her feathers. As the last glimpses of sleep fled her senses she happily hopped off the bed and meandered towards the bathroom. A large mirror sat above the sink. As she passed it she could not help but giggle. Her brilliant violet and pink mane was knotted and warped into impossible shapes. It so greatly contrasted her body. Shaking her head she stepped into the shower and turned the faucet with her hoof. Steaming hot water streamed onto her coat. She stood motionless for minutes before opening her eyes and sighed full of content. She reached to her side and grasped the soap. Balancing it on her hoof she rubbed her coat firmly with the vanilla scented bar. Her mane was rubbed with a fresh shampoo that smelled of strawberries. Fifteen minutes later she stepped out of the shower smelling fresh and feeling fully awoken. The next few minutes consisted of her running a brush through her mane, coat and tail before a firm knock was heard at the door. A quick canter brought her to the door. Opening it she found two ponies, a unicorn and a pegasus, waiting with expectant smiles on their faces.
“Good morning Summer Belle” the two stated happily. The unicorn was a shade of deep crimson while his mane consisted of black and grey streaks. His mane was spiked and pointed in all directions contrasting his piercing, icy blue eyes. His body was strong and lean. Many feared him upon their first encounter. His dark look and aggressive demeanor often startled other ponies. However, looking into those eyes one could only see the happiness and love for his friend. Even as a very talented unicorn he could never harm an innocent pony especially a friend. The pegasus by his side was pure white with a sunset orange mane that curled and lay upon her neck. She stood slightly behind the pegasus showing how she was slightly shy and often followed others instead of leading. She had a kind, pure face as she smiled upon summer. Her chocolate brown eyes glowed with happiness and care as she looked upon her friend.
“Hello Crimson Dusk, Winter Moon. How are you this gorgeous morning?”
The unicorn, Crimson Dusk replied first. “Beautiful? What is so beautiful about this weather?” he replied grouchily while looking at the overcast sky. Pegasi flew to and fro in the sky setting clouds into place preparing for the upcoming storm.
“I don’t mind the weather. I would prefer the cold with snow but the rain is nice as well,” the white pegasus Winter Moon replied looking into the dark clouds.
Summer Belle giggled. “It may not look very pleasant but the feeling of rain is the best! Flying in the air, wind streaming through your main while water precipitates on your coat and slips through your wings? There is no feeling like it!”
Crimson rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say Summer. You always were the odd one in the group. Anyway, we need to move or else we are going to be late again!”
The trio looked at the sky and noticed the quickly rising sun.
“Sweet Celestia!” Summer exclaimed. “I can’t be late again!”
She nervously trotted in place then darted down the hall. After exchanging a quick glance, Crimson and Winter called after her. “There is a faster way Summer!”
Summer skidded to a halt and blushed furiously. Walking briskly back to her friends they walked into her apartment. They headed for the French doors in the living room. Crimson swung them open with his magic before walking out onto the balcony overlooking the city. Normally they would have admired the glow of Canterlot under the rising sun but not when they had so little time to spare. Crimson’s horn glowed a light blue. His eyes clenched in concentration before he leapt off the balcony. A simple black tile appeared feet below and he landed on it. Immediately he shoved off and free fell once more until another tile caught him. His horn blazed throughout the descent but he seemed to be showing no sign of strain. He reached the ground quickly as the apartment was only on the fifth floor. The second his hooves hit the cobblestone street he broke into a gallop while looking expectantly up and behind him.
Summer stood on the balcony with her mouth hanging open.
“New spell?” she managed to choke out.
“Yes, you know how Crimson is. He always pushes himself to the limits then has to show off his new trick as soon as possible,” Winter said with a small laugh. “We should catch up before we lose him. Even without wings he is fast.”
Winter gracefully leapt off the balcony and glided towards the ground. She beat her wings and began to catch up to Crimson. Laughing to herself Summer pushed off the balcony rail and immediately dove. She held her wings firmly at her side as she gained speed and shot towards the ground. With a mere five feet from the ground she opened her wings and pulled up. She beat her wings faster and faster. In seconds she sped past Winter and set her eyes upon Crimson. She smirked as she sped past him. As soon as she passed him though she felt a tingling sensation throughout her body. Looking back she saw her tail enveloped in a light blue magic. She slammed to a stop and hung limply in the air. Crimson shot past her sticking his tongue out at her. Furious she slammed to the ground as the magic released her. Landing on her hooves she galloped after Crimson but saw him leaning against a light post with a smug smirk upon his lips. Summer skid to a halt and glared at him.
“That’s not fair! You can’t use magic to win a race!” Summer shouted.
“You used your wings,” Crimson stated smugly. “What’s the difference?”
As Summer began to reply Winter softly landed next to the arguing two and pointed to the clock. The clock tower of Canterlot towered above the nearby. The hands ticked and nine booming chimes rung out. With no words needed the three gave each other a quick hug and ran different directions to their respective jobs. Crimson and Winter shared a competitive glare before galloping off. Winter simply rolled her eyes and smiled.
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Summer stood inside a small white building. The glass door behind her showed a large black paw print with a red cross on the inside. Under the symbol the words Canterlot Veterinarian was inscribed in a royal white. Summer wore a white coat that fit on her slim body and hid her wings. A stethoscope hung loosely around her neck. In front of her sat a reception desk where an elderly grey unicorn sat writing notes inside a file that sat open in front of her. She wore a light blue coat with a nametag that said Stainless Harmony. The two were discussing the most previous patient, a kitten who had fallen off a building and broken a leg. The cure was simple but the two were discussing if magic or a traditional cast should be used. Deciding on the cast being a safer route for a kitten, Summer left Stainless with the paperwork and entered her office to meet the next patient and owner.
Eight hours later Summer walked calmly home. She was exhausted but fulfilled. The day long but successful. Instead of following the same path as before she took a different route that led straight to the Midnight Flower. Opening the door she entered the atmosphere filled with music and the smell of cooking vegetables. With a nod to the waiter she let her hooves lead her to a familiar booth in the back of the restaurant. Waiting for her were Winter and Crimson. They smiled happily when she sat down with them. After ordering their food, each consisting of steamed vegetables and hay fries, the three talked of their day. Winter worked in the weather factory in Cloudsdale. Although she worked in a different city, the majestic hovering city lay only a short distance from Canterlot. It could be easily spotted from the street of Canterlot. She worked with snow. Winter was the most successful in the factory. She was able to craft a large quantity of snowflakes yet each one was pure perfection. They were all different but all were dainty and full of a similar grace that she herself possessed. Crimson worked in the castle. He was an assistant to the trainer of the royal guard. He was brash but smart. All who saw him wordlessly followed his leadership second only in command to Shining Armor, trainer and general of the royal guard. As each of them told of their jobs their cutie mark grew slightly brighter and more defined. The pure happiness of fulfilling their true purpose and special talent was shown in their cutie mark. Winter had a white and blue snowflake as a cutie mark. Crimson had to silver swords clashing. Summer had a pink heart with a paw print. The conversation began to drift away from work and focused upon Summer.
“So…” Crimson sad leaning forward with a dangerous smile on his face. “Hearts and Hooves Day is coming up, any ideas for a special somepony? Your business isn’t an excuse anymore. It’s up and running and growing successful by the day. You need somepony to have some fun with” Crimson leered at her and winked.
Summer blushed furiously and shot a deadly look at Crimson. Winter giggled quietly behind a hoof while watching the scene unfold.
“I have plenty of attention in my life!” Summer shot back.
“Like who? Animals, Winter and I don’t count.”
“Well there’s… umm...”
“I knew it! You haven’t even been trying have you!” Crimson yelled prodding her in the shoulder. Before she could reply he covered her mouth with his hoof. “We’re going out tonight and we are going to help you find someone!” Crimson grabbed Summer with his magic and dragged her out of the restaurant. Winter was only a few paces behind them with a nervous expression on her face. She knew better than to get involved when it came to Crimson when was determined. He could be as stubborn as any mule she had ever met. Tapping him lightly on the shoulder he slowed and turned to her with a questioning look on his face.
“I’m going to head home.” Winter said quietly. “I would rather not get involved in the debacle.”
Crimson nodded and Winter smiled before trotting off in the opposite direction. Winter was an anxious and shy pegasus. Crimson and Summer knew better than to push her past her limits. They had tried to bring her to a night on the town once and she had ended up hyperventilating in a corner with the excess noise and ponies. Crimson could settle with helping Summer, through his own tactics. He turned away from Winter and trotted towards the center of town. Summer had long since given up the fight against Crimson’s magic. It was a useless battle.
“Crimson!” she yelled. He looked up at her floating angrily in front of him.
“Yes?”
“I won’t try and run away I can walk on my own!”
“Hmm... I suppose you are right. Well just know that if you try and escape I will just catch you again and drag you with me.”
“Deal.”
The magical aura around Summer disappeared and she flopped to the ground. Lifting herself up she shot a glare at Crimson before flicking her tail at him. He just rolled his eyes and trotted towards a nearby building. The sun was quickly lowering and lights could be seen flashing underneath the door. The building itself was two stories tall and was a shining black covered in white stars. A large sign was hanging off the building that read “The Party after Dark.” Summer looked unsure but Crimson strode confidently forward towards the door. A large white unicorn with black sunglasses and a black vest stood guarding the door. Crimson walked up to him and with a quick nod walked past him Summer close at his side. Crimson was obviously a frequent visitor to the club. Stepping inside Summer’s senses were shocked by the flashing rainbow strobe lights and pounding music. The club was not two stories but one gigantic room. The dance floor was surrounded by numerous chairs and tables. A bar was on the end farthest from the door. Ponies littered the dance floor and sat in tables or the bar chatting with others or dancing with the music. To their right a huge stage was erected. There lay massive turntables and a pony behind them controlling their every twist and fueling the club with energy. The unicorn controlled the lights and music of the club. She had an outrageous blue mane and was pure white. Her eyes were hidden by deep purple sunglasses. Even Summer who rarely went out knew this famous DJ. Her name was DJ Pon-3 or Vinyl Scratch depending on the audience.
Summer felt overwhelmed and compelled to dance at the same time. Crimson smiled at her bewildered expression and led her towards the bar. As they walked towards the bar Summer couldn’t help but notice the number of mares that looked at Crimson longingly. He was one of the most wanted colts in Canterlot. He hooked up with a new mare every few days. His appearance in the club had attracted the attention of nearly every mare. As soon as Crimson had ordered drinks a sleek black mare with a pure black mare with a white crystal cutie mark trotted up. Her mane was a charcoal gray and she flashed a devilish smile at him.
“Care to dance handsome?” She cooed at him. Before he could answer she grasped him by the shoulders and led him towards the dance floor. Summer found herself alone in the wild place without any idea of what to do. She faced the bar and tried to hide her discomfort. Mere minutes passed before a large blue earth pony colt sat next to her. He faced her and smiled sweetly.
“Hey there. What’s a fine looking mare like you doing all alone here? Looks as though you could use some company.” He said while leaning close to her.
Summer may not have much experience with places like this but she had a dangerous vibe coming from this colt. He seemed to be leering at her and eyeing her body. She didn’t want to appear rude so she simply shrugged and sipped on her drink. It wasn’t alcoholic but still tasted exhilarating to her. He placed a hoof around her shoulder and led her to the dance floor. She struggled but realized it was useless. He easily over powered her so she hesitantly allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. The first dance was awkward but Summer quickly began to have fun. Everything appeared to be going great. The colt didn’t seem as pushy as he appeared and she soon got into the beat of the music.
An hour later she was having the time of her life despite the unusual circumstances. He leaned into her and whispered if she wanted to step outside for some fresh air. She agreed and followed happily after him. She followed him out the door without a second thought. She did not realize what was happening before it was too late. He shoved her against a wall in an alley next to the club and shoved their mouths together. She felt his tongue slide forcefully into her mouth as he shoved his body against hers. Out of fear her wings sprung outwards. As he leaned back to leer threateningly at her she forced her wings to beat and shot out of his grip and into the street. She had traveled no more than a few feet before she was struck by something. She crashed into the ground and moaned. Looking to her side she saw that the colt and flung a garbage lid at her. By the time she had recovered enough to stand the colt had already pinned her again. Summer looked desperately around her but found the street barren. They were on a small street that was rarely traveled. She became frantic and struggled against the grip. He had pinned her so that her wings were beneath her. She was completely trapped. He simply stood above her smiling as he soaked in her panic and fear. Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement. A gray earth pony was pulling an enormous cart behind him. She screamed for help and he jumped in surprise. Searching the shadows he spotted the colt and pinned mare and his ears flattened against his head in anger. He wiggled out of the harness and galloped towards the pair. The colt pinning her down had punched Summer after her outburst and glared at her, unaware of the quickly approaching visitor. The gray colt sprung at the aggressor and hit him across the snout. The two fought and threw punches and kicks. Both received vicious wounds and were soon panting for breath. As the gray colt bucked the aggressor against the nearest wall and enormous flash appeared throughout the sky. The three froze at the flash. An explosion of smoke appeared in between the two colts and they were sent tumbling backwards. As the smoke cleared a black shadow approached them.
Shaking in fear and surprise the three backed up and collapses on the ground. A single sliver of moonlight appeared and lit up the black figure. The three soon saw a tall form with a navy blue coat, a mane that glistened with stars and flowed on an invisible wind. The black regalia engraved were the final detail that made the three fall to their knees and bow. Princess Luna strutted forward with a disapproving look upon her face.
“Rise my little ponies” she said with a harsh tone. “Now tell us exactly what is occurring.”
Before anypony could begin to talk she spied the aggressor hiding behind Summer. Her eyes narrowed and her demeanor became threatening. She stomped her hoof on the cobble street and lighting flashed above her.
“Scarred Shadow!” she thundered. “This is the fourth offense that thou hath committed this moon. We have been patient but this was the last chance. Thou must now pay for thou crimes!”
Scarred Shadow seemed to grow smaller and smaller as the princess of the night rose up above him. Her horn lit up and a black bolt of lightning flashed from her horn and pierced the sky. Within moments her royal guards appeared. They were a deep grey with bat wings as dark as night. Although they were ponies their pupils were nothing but predatory slits and they had fangs resting on their lips. Luna angrily nodding at Scarred and the bat ponies bowed before encircling the colt and forcing him to move. They turned and headed for the enormous castle that towered over the buildings.
Luna snorted in the direction of the criminal. As she turned towards the remaining ponies the harsh look faded off her face and was replaced with one of love and compassion.
“Art thou alright my ponies?”
“Yes princess” Summer stated hiding the fear and pain that she felt.
“And you young colt?” Luna inquired.
“I’m a little beat up but nothing too bad” the colt stated. His voice was rough but soft. Summer could not help but look at him in awe. Ignore this line my computer won’t get rid of it just pretend it’s not there
“Hold still my subjects I will help ease all thy pain.” With a flare of her horn,
Summer and the colt were enveloped in a deep blue magic. The wounds around their bodies cured and energy flowed through them. Summer felt reassured and safe under the protective magic of the princess. They were gently set onto the ground and the princess smiled caringly at them.
“Thank you your highness!” the colt and Summer said in unison.
“There is no need for thanks. We are simply preforming our royal duties. It is our job to see that our subjects are safe and protected. Is there anything else thou require?” Luna asked. “Doth thou require assistance to thy home my dear?” Luna said turning towards Summer.
“I should be quite alright thank you princess” Summer said smiling.
“Very well, pleasant dreams my subjects.” With that she lifted her wings and flew into the night sky. After the princess had vanished from sight Summer turned towards the mysterious colt that had saved her.
“Thank you for saving me,” she said nervously. “My name is Summer Belle.”
“Name’s Silver Hammer, think nothing of it. I saw you were having some trouble I couldn’t just stand there watchin’” the colt sad with a slight smile. Even though his voice was deep it was soft and gentle. Summer was once again caught up in his words.
“Well thank you none the less. Can I repay you anyhow?”
“Naw, think nothing of it miss. It was just a favor among strangers.”
Summer blushed. Bidding Silver goodbye she turned to walk to her apartment. Seeing the dark street she halted nervously. She quickly scanned her options. She could walk home by herself but she could run into another problem. She cursed herself for not accepting Luna’s offer to help her home. Sucking up her pride she turned towards the colt. If he had just saved her he shouldn’t mind walking her home... right? She turned towards him and froze, observing a small grin he had on his face.
“Would you like me to walk you home?” he said gently.
“Yes please, if wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
“Of course not little miss. Let’s get goin.”
He walked over to his cart and slipped back into the harness. With a smile he walked over to her and they began to walk. Summer felt strange. Every time she looked upon the colt she felt a blush fill her cheeks and her stomach clenched. Even in the night light he was very handsome. His coat was rugged and a dirty gray. His mane was a light steel blue. It was cut short and was slightly spiked yet not to the same extent as Crimson. His cutie mark was a sparking gear. He stood slightly taller than her and she couldn’t help but notice his muscular build. Most of the colts in Canterlot were strong but did little manual labor. This colt had thick sleek muscles that pulsed when he walked. The enormous cart seemed to have no burden on him. She stared in awe until she caught him staring at her with a look of amusement on his face. Blushing furiously she quickly focused herself on the ground under her feet. He laughed and decided to pretend that nothing had happened. Instead he asked a simple question, “so Ms. Belle you live in this city?”
Twenty minutes later the two arrived at Simmer’s apartment complex laughing at a horrible joke Summer had attempted. Throughout their walk they had learned bits and pieces about each other. Summer had found out that silver was from Hoofington. He worked as a mechanic fixing anything that he placed his hooves on. He was the most talented with metal or other working mechanisms. He even tinkered a bit in inventing new ways of transportation. He was very polite and it took a few corrections until he willingly called her Summer instead of Ms. Belle.
They arrived at her apartment and Summer didn’t want to leave. She had been so fascinated by this colt that she could easily imagine spending all night talking with him. Yet she was also exhausted and could barely keep her eyes open. The thought of the weekend and the day off from work brought great pleasure to her. She said goodnight to Silver and walked inside her apartment. Only after reaching her room she realized that she had no way of contacting him. Sprinting to the balcony she scanned the streets but found no sign of her hero. Wings drooping she slunk into bed and closed her eyes.
“Oh Celestia please let me run into Silver again,” she murmured before falling into a deep sleep