Chapters Chapter One: Heterochromia.
One of my eyes is a dark purple color. The other is a crimson red. I tell everypony it’s that way because of a spell gone wrong, and it changed my right eye red. That’s only a half truth. Really, the spell went completely right. Far better than I had hoped, actually. This would be best explained from the beginning.
It started when me and my sister where traveling. We had just decided to move away from home, and start our own adventure through life. We were all set, and prepared. We had bits saved up, we had our cutie marks. Mine a shimmering, purple like, aurora. Representing my talent in art magic. (And coincidentally my name, Aurora Shimmer.)
My sister, Windy Dawn, had a rising sun. With bright hues of purple and orange. Representing her talent of sky art.
Anyways, we were out and traveling. Loving every moment. But, then something happened, that caused every moment before to come crashing down, as we were brought into the harsh reality of life. We got caught up in a giant storm.
Two years ago, in the midst of the storm.
“The winds aren't bad. I can fly and get help.” I shook my head as I heard the voice of my sister yell over the roaring rain and thunder.
“No! Dawn, it’s still too dangerous to fly. Even if the winds ain't bad!” I yelled back to her, trying to squint and see her form through the rain.
“Come on Shimmy, you know me. I’ll be as safe as ever.” I reached out, to try and grab her before she could’ve taken off. But I was too late. She was up in the air. And she was struggling. I would’ve use my magic to drag her sorry flank back down, but the storm was messing with my magic. It was the lighting. The lighting that was was too close, and Dawn was way too high up.
“Dawn!” I called out, trying to get her to land. But my words fell on her deaf ears. “Windy Dawn! Please. Get back down here!” I kept trying, pleading with who ever might hear. May it be Faust, or Celestia. I pleaded with them for my sister to be safe.
But I watched,as if in slow motion, as the wicked bolt of energy lashed downwards, and struck my sister. I watched as her form froze solid in the air, then fell. Fell and fell, until she bounced on the ground. “Windy, No!” I shouted, and ran out towards her. I felt the harshest of the storm then, after I ran away from the makeshift shelter under the tree.
I slowly approached my sisters body. “W-w-windy?” I asked in a whimper, gaining no response. “Windy?!” I reached out, and held onto her form. I looked over her scorched fur, watching the twisting and winding paths of the lighting flower tattoo she just received. My eyes started to sting from the tears that wouldn’t stop. And, I just laid there by her. I layed there till the storm subsided. I stayed there until the sun rose high into the sky. Then, I remembered the spell. “I can still save her! It’s not too late.” I thought, as I charged up my horn. I opened my mouth, and spoke the words.
“My love for you is so deep and so true, that there will never be another so dear to me as you. So I take your hooves in mine. And with this ribbon of magic, I will entwine. Your life I'll forever bind, from now until the end of time.”
I felt my voice resonate with a hidden power, something I never thought myself capable of. I watched as my magic aura spread over my sisters lifeless body. “This has to work. This has to work.” I kept pleading to myself, as I felt the constant pressure from the spell grow. I closed my eyes tightly, cringing under the now intense heat radiating from me.
I opened my eyes, just in time to watch as her body dissolved into shimmering dust. “No. This isn’t how it’s supposed to work.” I only sat and watch as she dissolved. The dust wrapped around me, slowly. I felt it spread over my body, chilling me as the spell started to subside. “This. . This isn’t. . . No. I thought it would.” I stammered out, not being able to form a coherent sentence.
“Aurora. What’s happening. . . Did you just?” I looked around, after hearing the voice of my sister.
“Windy!” I called out trying, hoping, to see if she had appeared somewhere else.
“Aurora. You did grandmas spell. . .Didn’t you?” I could only nod. “Why? Why did you do grandmas spell!?” She asked. I heard her voice as clear as the day was. As if she were right next to me. even though she was nowhere in sight
“B-Because I wanted to save you. I didn’t want to lose you.”
“Yeah. So you thought binding my soul to yours would help? Did you think that would save me?” I could only nod.
“You never listened to grandma as much as I did. You now, I had always wanted to be a unicorn. Like you, like the rest of the family. But no, I had to be born a pegasus. And you! You got the gift that I always wanted, and you never payed as much attention to grandmas lessons as I did. The spell you cast, it wouldn’t save me. It couldn’t. It would only mix my soul with yours.”
I started to sniff as she lectured me. “But. . . I guess. . . I guess it was something . . And thank you for. . . For saving me. Kind of.” She let out a small laugh, like she always used to.
Present
“For Celestias sake, can you stop that!” I hear the disgruntled voice of my sister ring though my head. “You know I hate when you think about that. . . . Why are you even reiterating the past?”
“I’m writing a journal. Since we can’t actually tell anypony about this, I thought this would be best. No pony will be able to see it, and I can at least get things off my chest.” I feel her give a mental shrug.
“Fine. Lemme see it then.” I shake my head swiftly. “Why not? Shimmy, I already know everything you wrote. You can’t hide your thoughts from me. Remember? Just move your stupid hair, or use the spell.” I bring my hoof to my face, and let out a groan.
“Oh sweet Faust. How could I forget that? Fine.” I light up my horn, and send out the charge. Soon, the transparent body of my sister appears before me. An astral projection. It doesn’t take that much energy to do, since I am bringing out a soul other than mine. It still wears me out slightly, so I lay down on the wooden ground. “Happy?” I say through small pants.
“I’m telling you. We should go to grandma. Even if she can’t help with this. At least she can teach you magic. . . Or, teach me the magic stuff, and I can just influence you.” I let out a groan. I hate when she influences me. It’s nothing major, but she can make me cast spells. Spells that I don’t even remember learning as well. I hate it because she’s better than me at it. That it just comes naturally to her. A pegasus.
“That’s because I listened to grandma. Unlike some foalish unicorn.” I give her a glare. And then she’s always there, reading my thoughts! I can’t even vent to myself with her in my mind.
“Do you always have to listen to my thoughts? You know, some of those are exposed to be private.” She frowns, and her astral body disappears.
“Hey. I’m not the one who got us in this mess.” I feel myself grow angrier as I cast the spell again. Since she is connected to me, unlike other ponies, I can interact with her astral form. Like grabbing her around the neck, to pull her close to me.
“Yes. You. Are.” I state out. Before the storm, we were close. Barely ever fought. But ever since the storm, that’s basically all we done. “You’re stupid flank flew out, and got yourself killed! If it weren't for me, you would be completely out of this world. At least this way you have another chance at living. We just need to find the. . “
I hear a loud thump from above us. “Hey. Keep it down. Some ponies are try’n to sleep here!” I quickly cover my mouth with my hooves. I look to my sisters astral form, and she only gives me. . . that look. The look that means ‘Way to go Shimmy. You almost screwed up. Again.’
“Of course it means that, because you almost did!” She whisper shouts at me, and vanishes once more. I look out the small window of the inn room we are staying in. The moon is still high in the sky.
“Fine. . Goodnight.” I mumble as I crawl into the bed. Two years. Of that. I love my sister, I really do. But, sometimes she just gets on my nerves. I never regret saving her, but sometimes. . . Sometimes I wonder what it would’ve been like if I hadn’t. I wonder if she knows about these thoughts? I never know what she does or doesn't listen too.
I pick up my journal, the one that I had just written in, with my magic and place it atop the nightstand next to the bed. I place it right next to grandmas journal. That’s the item I hold dearest. Grandma gave us both a parting gift for our journey. My sister got grandmas necklace. The one that I’ve always seen grandma wear. Like, literally, she never took it off. Ever. It’s a simple looking one. A long silver chain, that connects to multi-colored rainbow gem, that’s entwined in silver. I survived the lightning so I wear it now. We have no idea what it does, but knowing grandma, it does something.
I got her journal. It details several amazing things about Equestria that she learned when traveling it herself. . . But. . She put a weird spell on it. She didn’t want me to be able to look through it, and learn everything at once.
So, pages will appear. . I want to say randomly, because that’s what it feels like. Grandma said they will appear when we need them. But the journal and I tend to disagree on one thing. It’s that when we think we need a page or something, to when it thinks we need the page or something. I was sitting there, staring at the blank pages, practically pleading with the thing to show me something to help my sister. Something that will give her body back to her.
It wasn’t till later, when we heard a myth about Fausts Sigil. Or The iota. Or the Goddesses tear. There are many names for it. . But, it is most commonly known as reincarnations tear. once we heard about it, the journal glowed, and we flipped to the page. Grandma had written about it. Of course, the journal didn’t reveal much, other than a vague possible location. Up and past the Frozen North. Across it’s great peaks, and into the unknown frozen tundra beyond.
Of course, we haven’t even bothered to go on that suicide quest. . Yet. We’ve been trying to get more information. I’ve gotten my own title around these parts. Aurora Shimmer, traveling show mare, and rare artifact hunter.
“Ha! You wish ponies would call you that.” I groan when I hear my sister speak within my mind again.
“How long have you been listening?” I say in a low, despondent tone.
“Just started. Also, ‘rare artifact hunter, doesn't suit you. I was thinking something more like. . . . Hmm. . . ‘Aurora Shimmer. Traveling show mare, and artifact hunter extraordinaire’!” We both laugh at that.
“Come on, lets face it Windy. I’m just a nobody up here. Besides, I like it that way. The less others know about me. . About us, the better.” I feel her give that mental nod.
“Yeah yeah. Now lets sleep. You can think more about whatever in the morning. And, I still say we visit grandma. We ain't that far. just saying.” With that, her voice fades. And soon, I drift off to sleep as well.
Chapter Two: Crooked Motives.
There it stood. Dressed in a long dark brown cloak and hood, it’s features completely hidden from sight. It surveyed the scene around. In complete silence it stood. Not even the whisper of the wind could be heard. Once it was seemingly satisfied, it moved through the shadowed streets of Canterlot, further and further into the slums. The darkened figure worked it’s way through the meticulously planned out city streets, and alleyways, till coming upon a wooden door. The door, attached to a moderate sized stone building, was marked with a single symbol. To a passerby, it would look like a vague attempt at failed vandalism.
But to the figure, the star shaped marked the correct destination. It reached out, and put it’s hoof onto the door. With a simple push, it was inside. “So, you finally decided to show up, eh?” A rusty voice spoke out. The figure only looked at the dark brown stallion bartender that stood behind the counter. As if glaring at him. But the stallion could only see blackness inside the hood.
“Never were much of a talker.” The stallion grumbled, the motions with his hoof behind him. “the ‘hired help’ you wanted, is waiting in the back. Just like you ordered.” The figure only stared more, before moving slowly into the back room to meet its helper.
In the room sat a single unicorn mare, her eyes closed with a bored expression on her face, as she rested half slumped onto a table. Her solid white fur and long black mane and tail graced his presence. The figure looked down, and at her flank. Taking note of the small blade that is her cutie mark. “You hired me to kill. Not to stare at my flanks. . Though, if you want to pay extra, I guess I can arrange something.” She speaks out, her voice firm, but floaty at the same time. She smirks teasingly, as she opens her eyes, both blood red.
The figure walks up to the mare, and pull out a small case. Setting it onto the table. “Straight to business, I see.” She lights up her horn, its silver aura surrounding the box, opening it. Inside, it was generously filled to the brim with bits. And, taped to the inside of the lid, was a small picture. A picture of two mares, one circled in red. And, in the same red ink, a name was scribbled. “‘Aurora Shimmer.’ What a shame. She looks like a. . .delicious little mare.” The unicorn licks her lips, as she stares at the picture.
“I know my deal was ‘no questions asked.’ But, I do have one. Why this mare, in particular? She’s cute and all, but she’s. . . Average. Did she wrong you in some way?” The figure reaches up, and removes the hood that had adorned it the entire time. The mare stares in awe at the figure, as his face comes into view. Solid brown fur, and a short spiky black mane. A horn atop his head. But, what struck the mare most, was his eyes. Two different colors. One a solid green, the other a bright gold.
“She’s an interference.” His voice was low, and dark, and it echoed around the room. “She will only get in the way of my goals. And I have come to far, just to have some foalish mare ruin everything.” He steps closer to the mare. “Now, I don’t care what you do to her. Kill her, maim her. Capture her. Just make sure that she won’t be venturing any further than this line.”
An aura swirled with gold and green appeared on his horn, as he pulls a map from his cloak. Spreading it out on the table, the mare looks down. A line, straight across the map, stretching from Vanhoover to Manehattan. “Ok. And, where are they now?”
The stallion lights up his horn again. A small area on the map glows. “Here. Staying at a small village in within the White Tail Woods. Should only be traveling north from there. This is your payment that you requested in advance. And, I’ve also covered your travel fees to the village. From there, any money you spend is your own. But, once you take care of your assignment, then you will get the rest of your payment.”
The mare nods slowly, still in some awe of the mysterious stallion. “Is this all understood? Do I have your word that you will not fail?” The mare only nods again. “Good. I only requested you from the guild because a friend told me that you are true to your word. And very trustworthy. So, I know none of this information will be heard by anypony else?”
Again, only the mare can nod. Something was off about this stallion to her, but she couldn’t quite saw what. His presence enough was intimidating. “Good. And one last thing before I have to take my leave, I hope you do not fail me. I do not take kindly to failure. The consequence is your life, forfeit.” The mare gulps, when she hears that. “Yes. . I don’t think I ever learned your name?”
The stallion glares at the mare, his eyes meeting hers. She is frozen on the spot with fear. “And I would like to keep it that way, Miss. Anlace.” The stallion turns away, flicking his hood back on. “Oh. And I recommend you leave as soon as possible. That mare loves to move around. I have a feeling she will be leaving that village in the morning.” He leaves the mare with that last bit of information as he leaves the room. He looks back at the stallion, giving one nod before stepping back out into the cold windy night.
The mare looks down at the map, the case of bits, and the picture of the mare. “He sure has thought this out.” She reaches out with her hoof, and brings the case closer to her, looking at all the bits. “He sure has something planned.” The mare smiles, as she stares at the picture. “Mmm. This is going to be fun.” She says, almost lustfully as she slams the lid of the case closed. She gathers everything up, and then heads out herself.
“Take care now, young lady. There are schemes going on here, dangerous ones. Do your job. Don’t ask questions, and don’t try to find answers. I would hate to see you end up on the clean up list.” The normally kind stallion says firmly, and grimly to her.
“I’ll try.” She gives him a wink and walks out the door. The stallion lets out a sigh, as he moves away from the counter. He flips a sign onto the door, and locks it up.
“I hope she takes my warning. I know how she is. If she gets involved in this. . . I won't be able to forgive myself.” He glances onto the counter, and looks at the picture. Taken a few years ago. There he stands, younger, looking more youthful, with a little filly by his side. Both smiling wide, with their eyes closed. “Anlace. Your father would be so proud of you to see the mare you grew up to be. But, he would hate me for letting you join the. . Family business.”
“You don’t know that for sure.” The stallion turns quickly, looking at the mare that stands there. “Those schemes you mentioned to your niece go way deeper than even you could imagine. I’m just here to tie up some loose ends. Make sure that there is nothing to interfere with the lords plans.”
The mare, using her azure arua, summons up short sword, with a long wavy blade. She launches it towards the stallion. He has no time to react, and soon feels the cold steel slicing into his chest. “My, have the mighty fallen. Your skills have diminished with age.” The mare walks closer to him, her voice cold, and solid. The blade being pushed deeper into him as she steps closer. “I guess you’ll be able to ask your brother how much he hates you, once you see him down in tartarus.” He grimaces as he feels her twist the blade.
“Creese. After all the training I gave you. Teaching you to be better than this. . . You still ended on the dark path?” She laughs, cold and malicious. She pulls the blade out, only to jab it into him again.
“No. Falchion. I only realized the lies you were telling me. I found the truth. And now I serve the lord faithfully. now, my old master, just close your eyes. And sleep.” She pushes the blade as deep as possible.
“You still have. . . .A. . A chance to. . To turn around.” With those final words, the stallion, Falchion, closes his eyes. The mare stands and watches as he takes his final breath. She smirks, and draws her blade back, licking the blood of slowly. “Mm. I tasted this once before. When you first found me, old master. Ever since I had the craving. A craving you tried to subdue, tried to make me hold within. Well, no longer will I be held back.” She lights up her ausure magic once more. Slowly, it spreads out along the floor.
“Farewell, old master.” With her final words, she steps out of the building, giving a small spark with her magic, causing the entire floor to ignite in a large, destructive fire. “It was a pleasure to know you, and rid you of your foolish life.”
Chapter Three: Confessions.
“Don’t let it go to your head now, Shimmy. We need to get out of here, and get going. Now.” My sisters voice rings out in my hand, as I stand by the front desk of the inn.
“Oh, come on Dawn. he’s just asking for a show. What’s the problem with that? And, it’s extra bits for us.” I think back to her.
“So, what is it, missy? You gonna perform or not? Ain’t got much time here.” I can still hear my sister nagging at me, but I give a smirk, and hold out my hoof to the older, burly stallion.
“You got a deal.” He smiles, and extends his hoof to shake mine.
“Great. Now, the stage is already set up for you. Lemme’ lead you there.”
“What are you doing?” I hear my sister complain. I ignore her, and I give a smile and nod. The stallion walks out from behind his counter, and starts walking towards the back of the inn, into the area where we ate food last night. The seats have been rearranged, pushed towards the side. And, in the center of the room, is the stage.
The stage makes my jaw drop to the ground. I thought it was going to be a normal stage, with a curtain that I would stand behind, till it was time to perform. Yeah, sure there is a curtain. But, it’s in the center of the stage. Basically see through. And it surrounds a pole that stretched from the ground to the ceiling.
“Ya said you were a show mare, right?” The stallion laughs out, and I just stand there in shock.
“Told you that we should’ve just left.” Dawn quips to me.
“Shut it.” I think to her. Ok, just tell him the truth. “Yeah. I’m a show mare. . But not that kind. I’m sorry I can’t perform for you.” He gives me a stern glare, and grabs my neck with his hoof in a firm grip.
“Listen here missy. My original act had to bail out. Stupid good for nothing mare. Broke her leg. I won’t you cancel on me with out a really good reason. Understood.” I can smell the alcohol that tinges his breath.
“Great. It looks like we're stuck here.” I let out a sigh, only being able to nod slowly.
“Yes. I understand. . But. . Do I have to do. . . That?” I ask disgustingly as I point towards the pole.
“it’s already all set up. Cost me quite a few bits. . . So you better attract some well paying customers.” The stallion says and swats my flank. I jump forward and gasp.
“Think we would be able to sneak away?” I think to Windy.
“I doubt it. If you had studied some normal magic more, we would’ve been able to teleport away. But no.”
“Oh come on. Don’t start doing your judgmental thing now. Can’t you do that for me? You seem to be able to use my magic just fine.” I think out, as I walk back stage. Where the stallion told me my ‘dressing’ room would be.
“Well. I guess it’s worth a shot. Better than nothing.” My sister says to me. But, before we can do anything, I feel myself get tackled. A blond unicorn mare sits atop of me, as she slips a collar around my neck. I feel as she tightens it, almost choking me with it. “What. . . In tartarus.”
She puts her hoof to her mouth. “Shh. Just preparing you for the stage. . I wouldn’t try using magic, by the way. That collar will stop you with a nice little shock. And, then it will block your magic flow. And. . Mmm, you’re so cute. I don’t want to see you hurt.” I watch her lick her lips, and as she leans in, leaving her lips just mere centimeters from mine.
“Im. . . I’m not like that. . .” I say, as my eyes are wide.
“Oh come on. Loosen up. Have some fun. My offer to you. . . Is. . . ” I feel her breath against me. Seeing the lustful. . . Crazed look in her gold eyes. As she lets her sentence trail off, slowly closing the gap between our mouths.
“Come on Couturier. Stop messing around with the dancer.” I hear a stallions voice of to the side. I look and see him. He looks like the mare above me, just buffer, and shorter hair.
“Oh, come on Deviser. I just wanna have some fun.” He rolls his eyes.
“Then why don’t you go to. . Oh, whoever she is. The one you always fool around with?”
“pfft. Come on. It’s fun to. . .Well, have fun.” The stallion only glares at her. She frowns at him, as she slides off of me. giving me one last wink as she trots off.
“Sorry about my sister. . She’s just like that.” He reaches out with his hoof, and pull me up. He’s strong, and with me being so light, he nearly pulls me right into him. I blush, feeling his strength, seeing my mouth mere centimeters from his now.
“Oh. . Well. . .That’s ok. . I just. . Umm.” I stammer out, and finally move away from him. Blushing hard.
“Well. . . This could be more awkward, really.” I hear my sisters sarcastic remark.
“Oh. Just shut it.” I think to her, hearing her giggle. “Well. Thanks for. . That. So. About this collar then. . Does it really?” He nods slowly.
“Yeah. Designed it myself. Sorry about your situation though. But, I do what I am payed for.” He says, giving me a cold look as he shrugs, and walks away, taking the same exit his sister did.
“Well. . . I guess we are officially stuck here.” I mumble.
“Why did you lie?” I look up quizzically, waiting for Windy to explain. “You told that mare, Couturier I think her name was, that you weren’t ‘like that.’ Though, I know you’ve had plenty of mare friends in your past.” I blush hard, and shake my head.
“What? No . . . No I didn’t” I say, trying to argue. Even though she would be able to see through my lies. I let out a long sigh. “Yeah. I’m bi. And in the closet. So what?” She laughs.
“I never said anything was wrong. You know me. You know that I prefer mares myself. I was just wondering why you hide it.” I give a shrug.
“I just remember, before we lived with grandma, how our parents reacted to you when you came out. Sure, they acted like they didn’t care. And that they loved you no matter what. But, I heard what they said afterwards. ‘It’s just a phase.’ ‘She’ll grow out of it.’ And. . . ‘How disgusting.’ So. . I was always afraid to come out myself.”
I hear my sister laugh slightly. “Oh yeah? They did think that, didn’t they? They tried at one point setting me up with a stallion. They said that I need to grow up, and get out of that phase. I mentioned that to grandma, and boy did she chew them out. Actually. . . I think that was near the point we started living with her, as well.” She keeps laughing. I love hearing her laugh. We may be twins, but she has a cute floaty laugh. Mine’s just annoying.
“Let’s try to get out now.” I give a nod, with a small smile, and start walking towards the exit that Couturier and Deviser left through. But, the moment I put my hoof on the door, I get a solid shock through my body. I let out a yelp, as I jump backwards.
“Nice try.” I hear that mares voice say, as she walks back into the room. She has a rack of several different, and skimpy, outfits. “It’s perimeter locked too. You can’t leave the building.” Damn these ponies.
“Shimmy. Work some of your charm. Maybe you can convince this mare to take the collar off.” I blush slightly.
“W-w-what! Are you telling me to. . . To hit on her?” I only feel the mental nod my sister gives. I let out a sigh. i guess she’s right. . . . She’s always right. I close my eyes, and take a second to calm down. I open my eyes, and try to give the mare the most seductive look that I can.
“I’m sorry about earlier. I was just surprised to be tackled by such a. . . Beautiful mare, such as your self. So, why don’t you tell me your offer now?” I reach my hoof out, and let it run down her leg, until I rest it on her hoof. I notice her blush slightly.
“Wow. . . You’re a pro.” My sister says, and I give her a mental smirk,
“Well. Glad to see you’ve loosened up. But, your show is about to start. I need to get you dressed up.” I smile nervously.
“Not even a few minutes? I can really. . Rock. Your. World.” I let my eyes close slowly, as I bring myself right up against her. I can feel her short, ragged breaths, and I can see the blush on her face grow.
“J-just a couple minutes.” I hear her stammer. Wow. . . . Maybe I am a pro at this.
“Mm. Well, there’s a problem with that, Couturier. This little collar you put on me. I can’t really rock your world with out my magic.” I bring my hoof up, resting it on her neck now. And, without warning, I close the gap between us, letting my lips brush against hers gently. She gasps softly, but moans as well. We fall, myself landing on top of her.
“Lets fix that then.” I hear her say.
“Yes! Yes, yes, yes. It worked! You always have the best ideas, Windy!” I think to my sister.
“Th-thanks.” I hear Windy stammer. I feel the mares hoof run up my side slowly, gripping the collar. I feel it loosen, and fall to the ground.
“Windy. I need you to do something. use my magic. Like, right now!” I tense as I feel my magic grow.
“Ohh. This is gonna be intense.” I look down at the mare below me, seeing her bite her lip. And intense blush on her face.
“Better say a goodbye.” I her my sister say, as I keep feeling my horn charge up.
“I’m sorry. And bye.” I close my eyes, and on impulse I lean in, and kiss her. I feel the heat grow, and grow. I start to feel as if I am in the middle of a fire hurricane. The sound of the rushing wind fills my ears, deafening me to the rest of the world.
Soon, everything becomes quite. The storm of magic subsides. A long range teleportation spell. One that carried me out to the open. I can feel the breeze against my fur. I can feel the ground on my hooves. . . . But, I can still feel the heat, and the lips, of the other mare, still pressed against me. I open my eyes slowly.
Her eyes are wide open, staring at me. Blushing harder still. I pull away from the kiss. “Umm. . . . Well. Hey there.” Is all I can say as I rub the back of my head with my hoof.
“Why did you do that!? You stupid mare.” She says and smacks me. “I would have been fine with you using me for sex. But using me to escape? Where did you even take me?” I sit there.
“I. . I don’t know.” My sister says. “I panicked, and. . . I was. . . Distracted. I don’t know where we are.”
I sigh. “I don’t know. Really. I was kind of panicked and. . . Distracted. I dont know where we are.”
“Great. That’s just lovely. Why did you have to escape? Why couldn’t you just go, and do a little dance?” She says, as she stands up, and brushes herself off.
“We had to leave. . . And. . I’m not a that kind of show mare. I’m not a. . . Uh. ‘Dancer.’” I say.
“So? You just had to do one dance. Then you could’ve been out of there. Simple and sweet. Just like that.” She crosses her hooves, and glares at me. “You’re going to bring us back, right now.” She demands to me.
“You’re too burnt out from the spell I cast. Anything more will cause physical, and mental, damage.” My sister says. “But, we left all our stuff back there. Let’s see if we can work with this mare.”
“I’m really sorry. I am. . . But, there’s a slight problem.” She gives me a quizzical glare. “You see. that spell I cast. Well. . Since I was so panicked and stuff. . . Well, it burnt me out. I can’t do any magic for a while.” Her glare only grows, and it looks like she is about ready to attack me.
“Great.” She mutters out, and turns away from me. Looking all around the area we are in.
I also look around. We are in a large field. We used to be in the woods. Trees all around. And. . . From there, we could see the city of Canterlot. . But. . From here, I can only see the back of the mountain. “Wow! Windy! You teleported us to the complete other side of Equestria. Look. We are about the same distance away from the mountain, but on the complete other side!”
“Really?” I hear my sister ask, and I can only nod. I didn’t know I had that much power. . . . Well, I guess that’s why I am burnt out. Such a long range teleportation spell. . . It’s actually a surprise that I’m able to stand. . . And that me and that mare are in one piece. “I guess you did listen to some of grandmas lessons.” I hear my sister remark, and I blush.
“What’s with that stupid nod and blush?” I hear that mare ask.
“Oh well. . . I just found out that. . I teleported us to the. . . Other side of Equestria.” My voice trails off to a quick whisper. But it seems she hears every part of it.
“The other side. . . . Of fucking Equestria!” She yells. and I can only whimper back and nod, as I shrink backwards. “Great! What are you going to do now!”
"Tell her she can use a tracing spell, then teleport us back. But make so you get her to agree to help us first.” My sister says.
“Help me out. I know a way to get us back. But I need to know that you can help me. I just need to get my stuff from the inn, then I’ll be out of your mane. Ok?” She glares at me, before sighing.
“Fine. How are we going to get back?” She asks as she turns away from me again, closing her eyes.
“You can use a. . . Umm, tracing spell. Then you can easily teleport us back.” She shakes her head.
“It’s. . . It’s not that simple. I was born kind of wonky. I need someone to supplement me, to use my magic. And, with the condition you're in, you can’t do it.”
“What does she mean?” I ask Windy, and she sighs.
“It means she can only use her magic, if someone else supplies the energy to do it. It’s a rare birth defect in unicorns. And she’s right. You are in no condition to help her.”
“Great. Then what can we do?!” I only feel my sister give a mental shrug. And I let out a sigh.
“You know. You get pretty animated while just sitting there. Talk to yourself up here much?” The mare asks as she knocks on her own head.
“Yeah. I do it in stressful situations. My mind always knows best.” I say with a sheepish smile.
“Yeah? Well, isn’t it your mind that got us into this mess in the first place?” I sigh, and can only really nod. Even though I don’t blame my sister at all.
“Wait! Shimmy, this is perfect!” Windy shouts, making me wince slightly.
“What? What’s perfect?” I ask as I rub my head.
“Look where we are at. Guess who should only be mile or two away!” I look around. After a while of looking, I finally spot what my sister mean. Down the ways abit, I can spot a small dirt path, that leads to a barely visible bridge. One that we crossed over a long time ago. When we left on our journey.
“Grandma.” I whisper to myself, and feel my sister nod.
“What? Grandma? I don’t see any old lady ‘round here, what’cha talkin’ bout’?” I hear the mare say, as she looks at me, puzzled.
“My grandma. She lives in this small city, Dodge City. It’s only right down that way. She can help us. I’ll only lead you there if you agree to help me. Ok?” I say as I smile, and hold my hoof out to the mare.
“Fine.” She says and puts her hoof to mine. “But I owe you this.” She smirks, and grips my hoof, pulling me close to her. I feel her lips press against mine. My eyes wide open, as she closes hers. I let out a small gasp, which causes her to snake her tongue into my mouth. I pull away quickly and fall onto the ground, Right on my back. She laughs for a moment. She smirks as well, as she helps me back up. “There. That’s how you kiss. Let’s go now.”
I sit there for a moment, stunned. “Come on lover filly. Hurry up.” My sister says. I blush hard, and run after the mare.
(A few hours later.)
“It feels great. Being back in Dodge.” I say as I feel the dirt path shift into the sandy ground of this country type city. I always loved that feeling.
“Just stop reminiscing. We need to hurry. Already wasted enough time walking here. And the more time we waste, the harder it’s going to be for you to get your stuff.”
“Yeah yeah. We’ve got time. Don’t you worry your flanks now.” I smile back at her. Blushing when I notice where her eyes are. “A-and stop looking at mine.” She smirks, and looks away, whistling innocently. I roll my eyes and continue walking through the town that served as my home for a long time.
I even stop to wave, and even chat with some old friends. Old Mr.Shield Wing still sit out on his porch. Surprised that he actually hasn’t keeled over yet. Dudes old. I smile, and even start to skip slightly, as I approach the big, old, white town house. The house that used to serve as my home. The house where my grandma lives.
“Here we are.” I say as I look back at Couturier, just to see her glancing at my flanks again. I blush but ignore it, walking up knock on the walnut colored door.
“Doors open. Come on in.” I roll my eyes. My grandmother never turned down a visitor. Even if she didn’t know who it was. She also never locked the door. To be fair, anyone foolish enough to rob her would deserve whatever they had coming.
I push my hoof to the door, opening it. “Grandma. It’s me. Shimmer.” I hear her gasp.
“Shimmy? I’m in the kitchen. Hurry on in.” She calls excitedly.
“Follow me.” I say to Couturier, leading her around the house. I work my way into the kitchen, seeing the back of grandmas graw and dark purple mane and tail. Her light purple-gray fur shining slightly in the light. She turn when she hears my footsteps, and I see her bright red eyes shine.
Red eyes. Grandma, dad, and Windy. They all have read eyes. Red eyes in this family show our strong family lineage. One that includes a great connection, and talent, with magic. They all have red eyes. Except me. I guess I just took to much from my mothers side, giving me her purple eyes.
I smile, and go to give my grandma a hug. But she stops me, holding up a hoof. Staring me right into the eyes. “You did my spell. Didn’t you?” I only sigh, and give a nod. “And why would you have to use my spell? On Windy, I presume, since she’s not here. And that certainly looks like her eye.”
“It’s a long story. Can We at least get a cup of coffee, or something?” I say, and point between me, and Couturier.
“Oh!. I didn’t see you have a guest with you.” My grandma turns around, whipping two cups quickly. She holds the cups out, waiting for both of us to grab them.
“We can’t.” I mumble. “I’ll explain.” I sigh as we all walk into the living room.
“For me, a long range teleportation spell. Burnt me out. Can’t use any magic without risk of harming me. This is Couturier, and she has a birth defect. She can’t use magic unless someone else supplies her energy.”
“Ah. She has a magic stymie. A rare problem, but fixable. Given the right circumstances are met.” My grandmother speaks, always full of a seemingly endless amount of wisdom. “So. Explain to me. About why you had to use my spell.” I am given a stern look from grandma, and a confused one from Couturier. I sigh, and explain the events two years ago.
“Two years?” Grandma asks. She doesn’t seem angry, more confused. “Two years, you said? And, you have had constant contact with Windy in your mind. And, can even use astral projection for her?” I only nod. Too embarrassed to nod. I look over at Couturier, and she just looks in awe. “Look at me. In the eyes.”
I turn to grandma, and look her in the eyes. She brings herself close to me. “Hmm. This isn’t good. At all.”
“What does she mean?”
"What do you mean?” I ask at the same time Windy, in my mind, does.
“It means. . . That spell was never perfected. And never will be. It’s intent is clearly seen. Her soul and yours are binded, together. But, because of forces beyond our own, it will never be a perfect bind. Slowly, surely, one soul will consume the other. Becoming one being again, with only one of you in control. The other fading away. Normally, this would happen in months after the original cast. But you two have gone two years without any adverse effects. Windy has even apparently learned how to control your magic, if I heard that right.” I only nod.
“I’m glad you came to me. Even if it took two years. Just hand me my journal, and I can unbind the spell from the pages you need. Everything I learned about the iota from my studies.”
“Yeah. There’s a problem with that. . I don’t have the journal with me. That’s another reason why we are here. We need to get back to the inn, so I can get the journal. Couturier isn’t even exposed to be here. We accidentally teleported her with us. But luckily we were close to you. So, grandma, please. We need you to teleport us back.”
Grandma only nods, with her eyes closed. “You said longe range teleportation spell. . . How long are we talking?”
“The other side of fucking Equestria.” Couturier mumbles out, and my grandma opens her eyes wide.
“The other side of fu- . . . Equestria!?” My grandma nearly repeats.
I only nod again. “The White Tail Woods.”
“Well. . That’s not all the way on the other side of Equestria. But, I’m afraid I don’t have spark I used to when I was younger. The closest I could get you there, safely, is at the small town of Ponyville. From there you can easily take the train back.” We all grown when we hear that.
“That’s as good as it’s going to get.” I say. “We’ll take it. Thank you grandma. And, don’t worry. We have this all under control. We’ll be back in a day or two.” I smile. and hug her. She hugs me back.
“Before you go, can I pull out Windy. To see her?” I feel Windy nod, so I do as well.
With quick, practiced ease, grandmas light purple aura surrounds me. I feel a slight chill, as I watch Windy’s astral form appear in front of me.
“Hey grandma. I’d hug you if I could. But, I can only touch this one.” She says with a smirk, and smacks my shoulder.
“Watch it, Windy.” We stick our tongues out at each other. Then, all of us save for Couturier, laugh. “Ok ok. Grandma. We shouldn’t waste any more time. It’s lovely seeing you and all, but we kind of have a mission.”
My grandma nods, and I watch as the ground below me and Couturier glows.
“Wait. I never got your name.” Couturier says, as tingles start to rush through us.
“Sparkle. Sparkle Nightfall.” My grandma says with a smile. There’s a bright flash, as I feel the wooden ground below us shift into soft grass.
“S-Sparkle Nightfall? One of the greatest mages, and scholars, equestria has ever seen?!” I smile shyly and nod.
“Mmhmm. That’s her. But, she’s quite humble, really. Don’t mention that around her.” I laugh slightly, and look around. “Now. Where is that train station?”
Chapter Four: Clean-up.
“Can you believe it? The great assassin Falchion. Falling to a single blade.” Says a white stallion, as he slowly works away the ashes of the old tavern.
“Will you hush up about that already? We ain’t here to gab around. We just clean up, and go. You got the body, right?” A gray mare replies, as she drags out whatever remains of the fallen stallion.
“I know. I know. . But, this is a stallion of legend! We only heard stories of him during our time at the guild. The untouchable assassin. The Phantom Blade Falchion. If we were here on different terms, I might actually feel sad over his lose. But you’re right. Let’s finish cleaning this mess up before any pony arrives. That would only make this clean up harder.” The stallion sighs out, looking at the charred body of the stallion.
“That’s true. He was apparently the best of the best. The lords protege must be really. . . Talented, to bring him down.” The mare says, as she skilfully wraps the stallions body into a bag.
“I’m more than just talented. I was trained by him. He took me in. He turned all my raw, unrefined energy, into deadly skills of precision.” A mare walks out from the shadows, azure fur, and darker azure mane. With matching dark azure eyes. “The likes of which became his demise. He always tried to hold me back. And, I showed him the power I am capable of. Now, quite your talking, and finish cleaning. Before you meet the same fate as him.” And, in her azure grasp, was the long, wavy sword. “This blade craves blood as much as I do. Do not tempt me into feasting on a co-operative to the lords cause.”
“Yes, Lady Creese.” The mare whimpers out as she stands, and looks at her with fear as she steps close. Quickly moving out of her way.Watching her walk into what was once the tavern, was now barely a frame, and ashes on the ground.
She steps through the ashes, until she reaches the bar table. “Hmm. My flames didn't even affect this.” She closes her eyes, and lets her aura surround the bar. “An enchantment. A strong one. What are you hiding, Falchion?”
She brings her blade up. A low hum could be heard. She closes her and lets her magic energy flow out, more and more, all going into the blade. “You taught me to well, old master. I know everything. This spell should do just the trick.” She chuckles to herself. After concentrating longer, she opens her mouth and speaks words full of power.
“Secrets you know, secrets you have. Secrets you conceal, and secrets you hide. All shall be seen, and all shall be known. With one simple touch, I’ll see what’s inside.”
The mare brings her blade down swiftly. Stopping the moment it touches the bar table. She stands for a moment, slowly opening her eyes, giving a crooked frown. “Hm? That should’ve-” She’s silenced the moment the bar splinters, and explodes into thousands, and thousands of pieces. “Shit!” She yelps, as she covers her face, feeling the splinters wize by her. It’s cutting pieces stinging her. “Hmph. I should’ve known you would’ve put a counter spell on this.” She mumbles to herself.
“Great Faust! That’s Creese!” The mere whispers to the stallion.
“Who?” He asks with a confused gaze.
“You don’t know who. . .” The mare sighs. “She’s the lords protege! His personal student. . She’s the one who killed Falchion.” She continues in whispers.
“Her?! She’s doesn't even look like she comes close to being the same age as us! She’s so young.” He says, almost shouting out in his surprise.
“Well. Looks are deceiving. She’s older than both of us. Not by much though. Only by a couple years or two.” The mare shrugs. “Anyways. Let’s hurry and finish-.” Before the mare can finish her sentence, they both her the small explosion from the bar table. Both feeling, and hearing, as the splinters fly by them. Cutting them up. “Fuck! That hurt! What was that!?”
“I don’t know. But, damn Celestia, that hurt.” The stallions says, as he looks over all the small cuts that now litter his body.
“Everything is fine. Don’t worry. . But. . “ Creese speaks from inside, looking down at the ground where the bare table once stood. “It seems my old master wants what ever he is hiding, to stay hidden. The table was under two protective spells. And this.” She points down, motioning to the large ground safe, that must’ve been hidden under the bar. “Has another one on it. Probably should’ve been destroyed. But, my spell negated the first, and most of the second. That explosion would’ve been far, far worse than just a couple splinters.”
Neither the stallion or mare standing on the outside of the courage to speak up to her. “If you’re wondering how I’m going to open this one, I’m going to need some help.” They watch as she places her blade to the side of herself, and vanishes into thin air. “What? Surprised that I can do that? Remember, I was trained by Falchion, the Phantom Blade. I was able to learn some of his greatest abilities. Now, you.” She points at the stallion, and motions him over.
slowly, he walks up to her. Feeling the soft ashes under his hooves. Limping slightly from one large splinter in his leg. “Mm. You poor thing. That must hurt.” She says. But, instead of true concern, She only gives of a cold humor. “Help me open up this safe, and I’ll help the pain in that go away.” He is struck with instant fear, just being this close to her presence. “What’s your name?” She asks with a coy little smile.
“D-Deterge. L-lady Creese.” He stammers out, and she laughs.
“What a lovely name. What you need to do, is simple. All that you need to do, is stand at the safe, and channel some magic energy into it. Should be simple, at least. Can you do it?” Her voice becomes firm, and commanding. he nods slowly, and walks to the safe. “A little closer. As close as possible, really. For this to work.” She calls to him, and he practically stands above the safe. “Perfect.” She says to herself, and licks her lips.
She watches as he charges up his horn, slowly watching his white energy flow into the safe. The mare charges up her own horn. Looking back at the gray mare, Creese puts her hoof to her mouth, mouthing a ‘shh’ to the gray mare.
The gray mare watches, in complete silence and horror, as the azure mare summons her blade, and quickly jabs it through her stallion comrade. He lets out a yelp, and she watches as the blade disappears further, and further, into his body. Until it sticks through out of his chest. He slumps over slowly, falling to the ground. The blade left floating in its position in the air. The azure mare smiles, and watches as the stallions blood slowly flows around the safe. She brings her blade up, and licks it clean, a cold cruel smile on her face.
A small glow appears around the safe, and a loud click could be heard as it unlocks. “I’m sorry about your friend, or whoever he was to you. But, his sacrifice was very worthy to our lords cause. You’ll understand. Now. Come and clean this up, before I open the safe.”
The gray mare nods in complice, completely in fear that she will meet the same fate as the stallion. They weren't friends, she thought. She barely knew him from the guild, and she was the one who convinced him to quit the assassins guild with her, and join the Union of the Blood Lord. She was asked to bring as many ponies as she could with her when she was offered to join in. She could honestly care less about his death. But, just seeing some pony die in front of her, and have the one that killed said pony stand behind her, was very nerve wracking.
“Say, what’s your name?” She her’s the stallions murder, the azure mare, Creese speak to her. She gulps, having being asked the same question that the stallion was asked, only mere moments before his swift death.
“V-Vanilla. Lady Creese. Vanilla is my name.” She speaks out, as she finishes cleaning up the blood, where the stallions body once was. Now slumped over in a bag next to the other one.
“Vanilla. What a cute name, to a cute mare. What do you say about becoming my personal assistant, Vanilla? You seem very compliant, and you would be nice to keep around. Plus, my last assistant. . . Well, I was less than pleased with his performance. And, his fate was worse than either of theirs.” She says as she points to the two body bags. “So. Do not disappoint me, Vanilla.”
She was literally given an offer she can’t refuse. “That. . That sounds great, Lady Creese. I would love to be your assistant.” Vanilla smiles, trying to hide her fear away. Creese walks up to her, and places her hoof on her cheek.
“Vanilla. You have no reason to be afraid of me. Just as long as you listen to every order, and follow them. You should have no problems. Plus, I reward compliant servants greatly.” Creese closes her eyes, and kisses the gray mare softly. “Mm. Your name also seems to imply your scent, and taste, other than just your talent.”
Creese laughs to herself. “Go ahead and finish cleaning up her. I will be back at the Unions sanctuary, in my room. You are invited to come stay there at your leisure. I’ll even have a bed set up for you there. . Though, you’ll most likely be sharing mine.” Creese licks her lips as she walks away slowly.
“And remember. Do not disappoint me.” She leaves with that final warning, Vanilla still stood there in shock.
Vanilla figures she shouldn't ever bring up the fact that she isn’t into mares to Creese. Guessing that she will just have to learn how to. She closes her eyes, regains her composure, and starts to finish up her job.