My Little Coffee Shop (A Romeo & Juliet Story)by Vanilla MochaChaptersPrologueChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FivePrologue The glistening sun showered its light upon Equestria as it rose. The night was now ending, and a new day was starting. Celestia's yellow aura faded as the sun was finally set in its right position. Turning around and walking off the balcony and into the castle hallways, she closed her eyes. She always closed her eyes in this small, short, unused hallway. She didn't like it. This hallway was like a burden she was carrying that could never be removed. This had been her fault, and there was no turning back- unless... no. She knew she couldn't do that to her subjects. Celestia opened one eye, then the other. The dark, cold hallway full of old, dusty pictures seemed to be crawling onto her as she looked around at it. In front of the princess was a painting of Nightmare Moon hung on the wall. Next to it was another painting of the dreaded Queen Chrysalis. "They were the ones that defeated me. Nightmare Moon took who Luna was away from me, and Queen Chrysalis blinded me from my niece. I can't let it happen any mo-" Celestia mumbled to herself. She paused, seeing something out of the corner of her eye. She quickly turned, her heart beating fast from worry. Luna stood at the entrance of the hallway. "Who... were you talking to?" The princess of the night asked, her voice as confused as her facial expression; her head slightly tilted to the left as her small pupils glared at her sister. Her mouth was not smiling, but not frowning either. "N- nopony, Luna. I was just thinking out loud, that is all." Celestia replied, sighing. "Something is bothering you. I know. Besides, you have been having dreams about being over powered by other alicorns and supernatural ponies and such." Luna said, noticing Celestia was looking at the Changling picture. "Oh no, Luna. You check my dreams, too?" Celestia asked, now looking at her sister. Her voice sounded worried. "It's my duty. I am the mother of the night, the whisperer of dreams. I protect everypony... even my older sister." Luna forced a smile, even though she had a feeling she wouldn't be. These dreams that Celestia was having are powerful, and Luna could feel almost like an invisible force of tension dragging her sister away from her. "Well... I'm glad you did this time. You're right. I am afraid of being overpowered." Celestia continued to walk down the hallway, her sister now following behind. Luna seemed even more curious; perhaps she could help with the situation. "Take him for example," Celestia began, standing in front of a picture of the feared King Sombra, "He had the same amount of magic the great Starswirl the Bearded did. Only the king used his for evil." "But we banished him, remember?" "But he broke free." "And you don't think because Twilight Sparkle did the same thing that we did a thousand years later would make a difference?" "Luna, this is my fear. I don't need to keep calling up the new princess because a powerful pony with extra magic is attacking me, you, the country... we don't need any more of that." "I understand, Celestia. But I just don't know what to do. We aren't in trouble. Discord is reformed, Tirek is in Tartarus, Queen Chrysalis is in I have no idea where, Sombra buried beneath ice miles thick, and I'm not planning on becoming Nightmare Moon anytime soon." "But, my fear-" "Celestia, why do you think some new alicorn or super-magic pony is going to come and attack you?" "I- I don't know. I guess it's because of a book I read the other day on Alicorns and Pegacorns." The elder Alicorn said, closing her eyes once more. "Pegacorns? There hasn't been one of those in a thousand years!" Luna laughed. "Not who you know of." Celestia said, still wandering the hallway. "What do you mean?" Luna asked. "About two hundred years ago I was attacked by a pegacorn." "But, that only happens with an alicorn and a unicorn or pegasus, right...?" "This one didn't. She was from a pegasus mother and a unicorn father. She had grown wealthy from her pegacorn fame and popularity." "How did she attack you?" "She wanted to take away the castle. I fought her, and finally she gave up. Until..." "Until what?" "I don't want to say." "This will only help get rid of your fears." "She said that she'd come back with revenge. And she did. She almost killed me. Pegacorns aren't immortal like us, so there was a hope. It's sad and wrong of me to think like that, I know, but when a pony raids the castle at night when you're asleep with her little army of followers to kill you and take over, wouldn't you at least somewhat feel the same way?" Celestia could feel tears in the corners of her eyes. "You're not telling me something, Celestia. I can see your watery eyes. Please, tell me the truth. The whole truth." "I am telling you the truth," Celestia said, holding back her tears. "I never said you weren't. But I can sense you're only telling me part of it." Luna said, her voice soft and smooth. "Okay... fine. The dream I had the night she came to kill me was the same dream from last night. But it wasn't exactly a dream last time, when she broke in... it was a vision. That's why I awoke and wasn't killed. Luna, I am worried. This might be a vision as well." "Are you sure it's the same dream?" "Yes. I saw the silhouettes of a unicorn and a pegasus. Then, from behind them, I saw a pegacorn shadow. Then I noticed that it was running towards me. All I could see were her bright yellow eyes glowing." "How do you know it was a pegacorn and not an alicorn?" "Many reasons. First, pegacorns don't have a different wing shape or horn size as regular unicorns and pegasi do. They are born, not made like alicorns. Also, she had the same voice as the one that tried to kill me and take over." "What are you going to do?" Luna asked, feeling concern for her sister. "I already know. Follow me; a new law must be passed." Celestia walked out of the hallway and into another as she made her way into another part of the castle. Luna followed closely behind, sensing that this would lead to more chaos. Chapter OneIn the small town of Ponyville, unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies alike hurried through the busy streets. It wasn't normal for such a calm town to be in such chaos on a normal day. However, today wasn't normal. In fact, it was quite crushing for most ponies. But to somepony that didn't know any better, they would think it was just some kind of holiday or huge sale everypony was trying to find. Ponies were frantic- every one of them tried to get inside, and a lot were running to their spouse or fiance. All for except what looked like one simple pegasus mare. The light blue pony trotted into a small town coffee shop, unlike the big ones that had huge franchises throughout Equestria. The pony stood in line behind two other ponies; a yellow pegasus stallion next to a light pink earth pony mare. They were together, so there hopefully wouldn't be too much waiting. "And I'll take a caramel latte." The mare said, looking up at the stallion. "You two had better not be caught together. Thankfully the law doesn't apply to me- I'm already married." The older cashier said, ringing up the total. "Tell me about it. And right before our wedding, too." The stallion replied with sad look in his eyes. "It just doesn't seem like Celestia to do such a thing." The cashier added. The two ponies received their coffee. As they walked out, another pony walked in. He was a light blue unicorn stallion with silver hair. Standing in line behind the pegasus mare, he waited for his order. The blue pegasus walked up to the counter. Not even saying a word, her order was ready. "Let me guess, Robin. You'd like our hottest, strongest black coffee?" The stallion cashier asked, a smile on his face. "That is the usual." Robin, the light blue pegasus, replied with a smile. "Alright. It'll be right up." "What new law were they talking about, Henry?" Robin asked the cashier. After being a regular for over a year, she just called the well-known employees by their names. "Celestia made a new law stating that all new marriages must be within their own breeds. Griffons and griffons, zebras and zebras, unicorns and unicorns, all of that." "That is so wrong." "That's what I think." Not wanting to carry on the conversation any longer, Robin sat her bits up on the counter, then using her left hoof, she stroked her mane. Her red hair was in a long, thin braid, both her mane and tail. Her long, messy bangs were kept out of her face by a white and black bandanna. Robin's purple eyes gazed back at the store behind her. All around she could see ponies sitting eating small pastries and drinking coffee, and having small conversations with one another. Such a peaceful resort this small area was, but it was perfect. Robin turned her head back around to see that the cashier had her coffee in his hoof. "Here ya' go, Robin." His rough voice cracked. "Thank you." Robin smiled, accepting the coffee. The lid wasn't on all the way, and the ponies that worked here always made it that way for their favorite regular, Robin. The pegasus would usually sit outside alone at a table meant for two, and then drink from the cup. She always threw away the lid, but they still gave it to her anyway. Not looking at where she was going, the blue pegasus turned completely around and bumped into the silver-haired unicorn waiting in line behind her. "Ohmygosh! I'm ever so sorry," Robin said, seeing that she had spilt some of her burning hot coffee on the stallion. "No, don't be. I'm fine- I really am." He had a British accent. "Here's some napkins, uh, sir." Robin said, now sitting down her coffee. "Please, call me Silver. Short for Silver Shield." The stallion replied, using his light blue aura to take the napkins. "I'm Robin. Sorry about that." The pegasus grabbed her coffee, and began to quickly trot out the door. Silver Shield kept his pale yellow eyes on the mare he had just met. Robin... around that mare, she... I felt well chuffed! Perhaps I could have a chin-wag with her sometime, or possibly even the smashing mare would- Oh, Silver! What are you thinking! Especially after Celestia's new law... "May I help you?" The cashier asked. "Oh, yes. I do feel quite peckish this morning. Let me see now, I'll take a Blueberry Scone and a cup of Black Tea." "Will that be all?" "Yes, sir." Silver Shield received his food and payed, and was about to walk out the store when his feelings couldn't stay inside anymore. Turning back around to the cashier, he asked, "Do you know the ginger mare?" "'Ginger mare' what now?" The cashier apparently didn't know his British sayings. "The ginger mare, err, the one with the red hair. She had blue fur, and her name was Robin, I believe." "Oh, yes! Robin is a regular here. Same time, same place, every day. Why do you ask?" "Oh, well, I just wanted to know if you have any idea where she went, since you seemed to know her." "Robin is outside, probably. She sits out there at a small table, reading books and drinking her coffee. But if I were you I wouldn't bother her a bit. She can be pretty rough even though she doesn't look it- especially when somepony is invading her privacy." "Oh, don't worry sir. And thank you!" The blue furred unicorn walked outside. Wind blew through the oak trees above, and loose leaves fell and landed upon the tops of the umbrellas that stuck out from the outdoor coffee shop tables. Like the cashier said, Robin was sitting alone at one right now. Her braids, both mane and tail, were carried by the slight breeze. Her eyes scanned one of the pages in a book, moving from left to right, to left and right again. The aroma of thick black coffee filled the air, and as Silver moved closer the smell became stronger. He didn't mind. At once, Robin's purple eyes were fixed on the unicorn. "And why are you here?" She asked. Her tone sounded worried, but her face looked angry. "Please, don't make a clanger here. I just thought I'd give you some company, that's all." Silver stood as still as a statue. Robin rolled her eyes. "Look, I'm fine. I don't want company, either. Now, I am going to say this nicely: go away." "Please don't act like a chav. I just wanted to have a quick chin-wag with you." "I don't even know what a 'chav' or a 'chin-wag' is." Robin said, her eyes once again focused on her book. "A chav is a trash-talking pony, and a chin-wag is a talk." "So I talk trash?" "No, I just-" "Okay, look stranger. I'm not arguing with somepony I don't even know. Please go now, before I move myself over to the police to get you arrested." "Arrested? For what?" "I'll find a reason, chav." "What happened? You were all nice in there, and now you're threatening me?" Silver turned around, his heart broken. He thought he had found somepony, but she didn't feel the same way about him. "I'm sorry, but I just don't like talking to ponies that I don't know. I hope you'll understand and forgive me. But please, can I have my peace?" "Yes, Robin." Silver walked away slowly. His heart had been crushed not even five minutes after meeting the mare. He sat down alone at another outdoor table. After eating his scone and drinking his tea, he looked back to see if Robin was still there. She was, but she was cleaning up. She picked up her novel, and slid it underneath her wing. The Silver Shield noticed something. The novel's bookmark fell out. Robin hadn't realized it, though. She began to trot off into town. Silver walked over to the bookmark. As he got closer, he realized it wasn't exactly a bookmark, but rather a business card. It read: Robin Quaver: Custom Music Composer. 762 Palomino Lane. Silver Shield smiled, and then set off for Palomino Lane, house 762. Chapter TwoAs Silver Shield continued down the simple dirt roads of Ponyville, a thought came to his mind. I can't go to her house! Am I having a laugh? She'll kill me!, he thought. Looking down on the business card that floated in his magical blue aura. The card hovered in front of him. Then another great idea for finding Robin appeared. Like the card had read, Robin Quaver was a custom music composer. That's how I'll find her. Even though the ginger's prissy, I still feel like a giddy-kipper around her!, Silver trotted into the opposite direction towards his house, with the slight feeling of 'collywobbles'. Robin sat in her house. Alone, in the dim, cold, empty building. Well, actually, the house was quite full with furniture and nice decorations. But Robin felt like something wasn't right. All her life there had always been another pony in the house for her to talk to, even if she didn't want to talk to them. Robin, even if she knew it or not, was lonely. Her musical instruments lined the walls, her advanced facilities in the house worked like a charm. The walls were perfectly painted, and there was no sight of any sort of trash, or even a misplacement on even the smallest decoration. But Robin was alone. Suddenly, a knock came from her front door. Quickly turning on a light in her living room, she jumped up and went to answer it. A light brown pegasus colt stood on the outside of the door. His bright blue eyes met hers the second he gazed upon her. His dark brown mane was pushed back, and his tail was short and spiked. His cutiemark was a light yellow crescent moon. "Y-yes? How may I help y-y-you?" Robin stuttered. For some reason, she felt immediate happiness towards him. "Are you Robin Quaver?" His smooth, calm voice asked the blue pegasus. "Yes, y-yes I am. Why do you ask?" She continued to stutter, but not as much. "I'd like to make an appointment for a piece of music. I saw your ad today in the paper, and I noticed that you only work at home. I hope this wasn't a bad time-" "Oh, no. Not at all. Come right in." Robin said, a smile glued to her face, with some slight blush. Silver Shield, in is house now, was busy working on something for Robin. If she won't like me, at least she might like this. I won't even tell her who it's from! She'll be gobsmacked when she sees this! After almost an hour of working on it, Silver was finally done. When he was a colt, he always had an interest in tinkering with things, building onto something or even building from scratch. Also, he was very much into, like most boys, fighting. But not the rough and tough wrestler fighters fit Silver's mind. He was more into sword fighting, like the medieval knights. Once he had built a shield, like in his name. Silver was very smart and creative with using metals when he was an older colt, and from this he earned his cutiemark. Then he found another yet similar hobby soon after that. Sculpting. This stallion had many interests in many things. If he wasn't dreaming about becoming a sword fighter, which to him that dream was long ago beginning to fade, he was busy doing something crafty, like his "new" hobby, sculpting. Before the stallion stood a huge marble structure. It was like in the shape of a square, but inside of it was cut to make it look like a music note of a quaver. Underneath the cutout was Robin's name plated in golden letters, and smaller text underneath that was the words "Custom Music Composer" also in golden letters. Covering his finished work with a old, but still useful faded sheet, he went into another room to get ready. Silver Shield put on his light gray and white striped scarf around his neck. He would leave at dusk for the final part of his plan to work. Robin Quaver had just gotten done with another piece of music. This one wasn't very long; only about a minute, if that. No matter how hard she tried during the last hour, she couldn't keep her mind on the work as much as she did on the light brown pegasus stallion in front of her. As his handsome blue eyes stared back at Robin's purple iris', the world around her seemed to fall apart and it seemed to revolve around the two of them together. His mane was so smooth looking; pushed down the stallion's neck it added a nice touch to his calm, nice personality. His tail matched in equal luxury. When the stallion spoke his reassuring voice traveled through the air, blocking out other noises so that only what he was saying could be heard. Robin hadn't ever known what this feeling was like. She wanted to giggle, and wanted to jump up, and tackle the stranger in a hug. But he was just a customer. A nice, handsome customer. But just a customer. Was Robin in love? Robin had always been the anti-social type with strangers. But he didn't feel like a stranger. Robin felt a small, emotional tug towards this stallion. She shook her head at the thought. But he still seemed... lovely. The sun began to set in the sky above Silver Shield. It's time, he thought. Chapter ThreePonyville became a dark, cold town the minute the sun went down. Stars shone brightly above the small cottages the ponies slept in. All except three ponies were doing what the rest of their town was. Those three ponies were busy at work. "There you go." Robin Quaver said, looking into the stallion's dreamy blue eyes. "Thank you, uh, Robin... that is your name, right?" The brown pegasus asked. "Yeah, that's me. Robin!" She chuckled. "Hey, so do you want to meet me for lunch tomorrow?" "Yes! Uh, I mean... yeah sure, whatever. Where?" "What about at that new restaurant across from the coffee shop?" "I'm available shortly after twelve... alright. I'll meet you there." Robin couldn't stop smiling. After the pegasus left, she jumped up and down with excitement. If he knew it or not, she was going to think about like a date. Was he trying to ask her out without it being awkward? Did he like her the way she liked him? Whatever was going on, Robin didn't care. She liked him, and that's all that needed to be known. Silver Shield approached the pegasus' home. The unicorn walked through the dark streets of Ponyville; the only sources of light being the stars, broken flickering streetlights, and his magic aura. He was carrying his gift for Robin. The unicorn stallion walked through the village. Soon he had reached Robin's house, and he had done it just in time, too. The house was dark. It didn't matter if she was gone or inside; he wouldn't bother to know. He sat his gift down in front of her door and left. As Luna finished raising the moon, she had a weird feeling that something wasn't right. She turned down the hallway and went to her sister's room. "Celestia..." "Luna! Ugh... what do you want?" "I feel... strange." "Are you sick? Are you going to vomit? Where does it hurt?" "No, not like that. I have a weird gut feeling. You know... when your conscious tells you something's wrong." "Whatever could be wrong?" "I don't know. But I feel that there is a horrible disaster soon." "Don't fret, sister. We will figure this out. For now, go off and do whatever you were doing. And, I need to call in the royal guard. Could you possibly get them for me?" "Yes, Celestia." Luna walked out of the princess' room. She still didn't feel right. As the royal guard walked into the meeting room, Celestia looked at each one of them. Her pink eyes gazed over the ponies and scanned the room. "If I may only speak with the same group from two days ago." Celestia ordered. About two thirds of the stallions walked out and went back to their duty. After closed doors, Celestia covered herself in green fire. Queen Chrysalis was underneath. "We are finally at were we need to be! Now that you are a part of this army, we will flee into the cities and feed off the pony's love!" The queen explained. A stallion raised his hoof. "Queen, how will we do that? Your plan is rather, uh, strange this time!" "I put out a new law saying that ponies can only marry within their own breeds, right?" "Well, yes but-" "There will be a huge protest about this! Everypony will want to marry somepony else. They will have so much love for the other pony that we can fly above through the sky abducting their love!" "Are you sure they'll protest? This is Equestria we're talking about! These ponies are loyal and understanding of their princess!" "Oh, just shut up. It's not like anypony knows what we're doing. And if we need to start a protest, you guys can just turn into plain, everyday ponies and start a protest for me!" "You do have a good idea." "Always! Now, let's get to work!" Queen Chrysalis transformed herself into Celestia, and her army marched out of the room. "And remember my motto, the faster you deceive, the faster you'll feed!" She whispered as the 'royal guard' walked out. Little did the citizens of Equestria knew that their fate was held in the hooves of an evil Changeling queen. Or was it? Chapter FourRobin woke up in her dim bedroom. She could hear the rain drizzling outside as she opened her eyes to the world around her. The cool air drifted into her covers as she pushed them out of the way. The blue pegasus stood on her hooves beside her bed and gazed up at her clock, which hung on the wall across from her bed. It was almost six in the morning. Robin had slept in; she usually awoke at five thirty. But she wasn't going to let that get in the way. All morning Robin had the same, happy, smiling-joyful feeling she did when she was around Crescent Moon. As the pony fixed her mane and tail, she didn't grumble at the knots or sigh when her bandanna came untied. She smiled brightly, and her purple eyes lit up as her morning seemed like paradise. For what seemed like the first time in her life, Robin Quaver actually felt joy and satisfaction. Nothing could ruin her day. Nothing. Before she was to go on her date with Crescent, she wanted to visit the coffee shop. Despite yesterday, she actually stayed and talked with the ponies at Little Coffee Shop, the somewhat original name of the 'little coffee shop'. To her, the coffee shop was like home. In fact, it was. Whenever she was sad, or if she just needed somepony to talk to, the coffee shop employees were the ones to talk too. There was only three of them, but they were just fine with it being a small, family-owned business. The cashier was an older light brown earth pony stallion named Henry. His wife, who was a pegasus, had passed away due to sickness a few years ago. He never told anyone outside of the family, and became teary eyed when he did. Although Henry was usually happy on the outside, Robin could tell that he still missed her deep down. Robin had always comforted Henry when she could. Henry's son, who he nicknamed 'Squirt', was a caramel colored pony with dark brown hair. It had a single white stripe through it. Squirt was also the proud owner of Little Coffee Shop. Henry had been the one to own it, but after the passing of his wife he decided to allow his son take it under his wing. (Literally. Squirt's a pegasus!) After all, owning a business on your own could be stressful at times. Squirt, however, didn't find it stressful at all. He was also very active in the shop. Instead of being in a closed office like most store owners, he and his wife made the beverages. Then there was Cheyenne, a light yellow unicorn with dark brown hair for both mane and tail, like Squirt. Instead of a single white stripe, though, she had three pale red stripes. She was Squirt's wife, and she actually made the pastries and sandwiches while her husband fixed the coffee. And after three years of being married, they were finally going to have a foal. Cheyenne was nervous, though. Would Celestia's law have to tear apart their family? Was their foal safe? Does the new law even affect them? Her mind rushed with questions. The bell on the door rang as the blue pegasus stepped inside. Robin stepped up to the counter; nopony was yet in line. "You're a whole ten minutes late, Robin! What did you do, spend too much time on your mane this morning?" Henry joked. "I actually did. I slept in, too. And did I mention I finally found a special somepony?" Robin asked. "Let me guess... is it that blue unicorn colt that asked me 'bout you yesterday?" "Who? Wait, Silver Shield? Oh, no! That creep! I'm gonna kill him!" Robin made a fist and pounded into her other front hoof. "Now, don't be all angry at 'em. Really, he probably can't resist ya." Robin took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling. "He's a lovely brown pegasus stallion that I met last night during work. He asked me out today, and I am going to have lunch with him." "Isn't it a bit early?" "Early? Early for what?" "Two things. First, your relationship. You only met his last night." "I know. But I can tell he's the one. You said two things... what's the second?" "It's also a tad bit early for lunch." "I know, I know! I just wanted to stop by, maybe grab a small coffee, and chat with you guys! Where's Cheyenne?" "Probably with Squirt. Oh, speaking of Cheyenne, she's got a bit of news fer ya!" Henry chuckled. "Ooh, this should be exciting! Thanks, Henry!" Robin rushed back behind the counter. To the pegasus, Cheyenne was like her sister. Robin was an only child, so she called her best friends her sisters to make up for being alone from other kids outside of school growing up. "Hey Cheyenne, your 'sister' is here!" Squirt shouted, eyeing Robin. "Robin!" Cheyenne shouted, trotting quickly through the kitchen. "Now don't run, honey." Her husband said, stepping away from the counter. "It's so good to see you! You didn't come back here yesterday." Cheyenne said. "I know..." Robin looked down at her friend. She seemed... round. "What's wrong?" Cheyenne asked the blue pegasus. "Oh, nothing." Robin replied, a smile stretching across her face. "Anyways, did my father-in-law tell you the good news?" "He said you'd tell me!" "Well..." Cheyenne began, walking over towards her husband, "we're going to have a baby!" "Oh, Cheyenne, Caramel, this is great! Congratulations!" Robin squealed, clapping her hooves together. "I'm worried, though." Cheyenne said. "What do you mean?" Robin asked. "Do you think Celestia's new law... affects us?" "Now sweetheart, what did I tell you? Even though she's passing a new law about breeding, it would be too late for us. You're already a few months pregnant." "You've kept it a secret from me that long?!" Robin playfully asked. "By a few months he means about a month and a half." Cheyenne replied. "Right, Caramel Flan Latte?" "Yeah." Cheyenne sighed. "I don't like it when you over exaggerate like that... about times and such. 'A month' and 'a few months' are completely different!" "Sorry, dear!" "So, what do you think it'll be? Boy, girl, unicorn, pegasus... with you two it's pretty hard to guess." Robin decided to change the subject... somewhat. Cheyenne looked up at her pegasus husband. "I- I don't know. But it doesn't matter. It'll be our kid, and we'll love it just the way it is." "All I hope is that it turns out as beautiful as their mother!" Caramel, otherwise known as Squirt, said. Cheyenne rolled her eyes at the compliment. "Just watch him turn out as a 'Squirt Junior'." She responded. Robin laughed. Soon after she began to departure, and went to wait by the fancy new restaurant that Crescent was going to meet her at for their 'date'. Chapter FiveCrescent Moon stood outside of the new restaurant. He tapped his front left hoof as he waited for his date. The wind blew gently, and the delicious smell of coffee from the coffee shop next door wafted through the air. It caught Crescent's attention, and noticing the sweet aroma he turned his head and his ice blue eyes glanced over at the coffee shop. As Robin stepped out of the building, his facial expression went from happy to surprised. "Oh, hi Crescent. Sorry I'm a little late. I was jus-" "What were you doing?" Crescent cut her off, "Why were you in there?!" "I just visiting some friends and-" "Friends? What kind of friends?" Crescent immediately became protective of Robin. "I'm friends with the owners of the shop, Crescent. Come on, now. Please don't be so... nosy." Robin's sad purple eyes looked up into his'. Crescent couldn't resist. "Fine. Just... don't be cheating on me." He mumbled, yet it was clear enough for Robin to hear. "Alrig- I'm not cheating on you! Where did you get that crazy idea from?!" Robin exclaimed. "I see you walk out of a coffee shop with a smile on your face... and not to mention you said you were hanging out with 'friends'." Crescent says, now stroking her mane with his wing. Robin sighed. "Let's just go in and eat." "May I take your order?" A stallion asked as he was approaching their booth, who was obviously the waiter. "I'll take a hayburger." Robin said. "And... let's see here," Crescent's eyes scanned the menu, "I'll order a hayburger as well." Robin giggled as the waiter trotted off into the kitchen. "So... I guess I'll be paying today." Crescent said. "Uh, alright. I mean, you know, I do have my purse with me." Robin said, looking down at the bag beside her. "No, no. You're fine. In fact, you're real fine." Crescent said, now staring into Robin's eyes. Those deep, mystifying blue eyes set into Robin's mind as she looked back at him. His smiling face; that handsome, lovable face. She loved everything about him. Little did she know, that was all going to change. As Crescent Moon payed, Robin stood up, and held her purse tightly in her wing. After laying down a tip, he asked, "Are you ready?" "Ready? I guess the date could be over now, I suppose... it just seems too early to be going back home." She sighed. "No, no, no!" He chuckled, "Let's go for a walk or something. You're just too wonderful to not be around." Giggling back, Robin said, "O-okay!" The couple headed out of the new restaurant. Robin looked over, and saw a familiar unicorn stallion sitting outside of the coffee shop. "I-I think we had better go this way." Robin decided, walking away from the shop. "Well, alright." Crescent responded. As the two ponies walked, the day seemed perfect. It was a nice and sunny day. A slight breeze blew by, and a few orange, red, and yellow fall leaves followed. Crescent Moon stopped. Robin stopped too. "W-what's wrong?" she asked the pegasus stallion. Not saying a single word, he walked in front of her. "Give me your purse." He mumbled. His face was stern, and the mare could tell he was not kidding. "Gimme your purse, lady!" He snapped. Tucking the purse under her wing even tighter, she whispered "no". "What was that? I thought you said 'no'. Am I wrong?" Smirking, he pulled out a gun from under his wing. It was small, but powerful. Not to mention it was also fully loaded. He aimed it at her heart. "Give me your purse, woman." Robin didn't hesitate to give away her purse. Crescent held the purse in his wing, but the gun was still aimed at Robin. "I-I g-ga-ave y-you the p-p-pur-rse..." Robin whispered. She was too afraid to talk; her voice was shaky. "That was the test, mare. You gave me your purse, yeah. But now, I'll get what I need. That's only just one, small thing." His smile grew even wider on his face. Robin didn't say a word. As if he was reading her mind, he said, "All I want from you... is Robin." "What?!" Robin shrieked. "You're coming home with me, filly!" He reached out, and grabbed her front hoof. Robin tried to pull away, but the gun now lay on her cyan fur, right on top of her heart. She didn't want to risk it. "Don't be scared, now. Just spend the day, err, night at my house... you can go back home afterwards, and I'll give you your purse back." "No! I don't want to go with you!" Robin screamed back. Pushing the gun onto her chest, Crescent mumbled, "Do you really want to die, Robin?" Sweat ran down Robin's face. "No..." she whispered back, tears forming in the cracks of her eyes. "Good. Now, come with me." "No." Robin stated. A gun shot was heard from all over Ponyville. "What did you do to her?!" Silver Shield yelled. His horn was light up light blue, and he starred angrily at Crescent. "Who are you? And what do you mean? I didn't do a thing to her! You tried to shoot me!" The pegasus stallion yelled back. Robin turned around to see the blue unicorn standing about a yard behind her. She was actually happy to see him. "I didn't try to shoot you. I used that to get your attention." The unicorn said. "Likely story. Now, is this any of your business?" Crescent asked. "That doesn't matter. You are trying to hurt and possibly kill a good mare." Silver argued back. "Really? What are you going to do about it, son?" Crescent protested. "I'm not going to do anything." Silver replied. He too had a smile on his face. "WHAT?!" Robin screamed. "Quiet, woman!" Crescent yelled at her, putting the gun up against her chest. Tears ran down Robin's cheeks as she felt hopeless. "Stop right there, colt! You are under arrest!" A policemare shouted, a whole herd of policeponies following behind her. "Who- what- how?!" Crescent stuttered, dropping his weapon. "You have the right to remain silent." A policepony said, putting the pegasus in hoofcuffs. Robin received her purse back. "I thought you said you weren't going to do anything." She whispered, looking up into SIlver's hazel eyes. "I never said they wouldn't." He chuckled. "T-thank you." Robin said, a little louder than before. "No need to." He smiled. "How did they get here so fast, though?" Robin wiped away her tears as she spoke. "When I preformed my spell. It sounded and looked like a gun shot to get that pegasi's attention, while at the same time it was a call for help. Unicorns can kinda communicate with weird spells like that. Well, only if they know those kind of higher-ranked spells. Some are only for the most smart and talented ponies. Meh, I'm working on it. You never know when it'll come in handy!" "Yeah. You really saved me... thank you, again." "Don't mention it." Once again he smiled. Robin walked into Ponyville, leaving Silver Shield behind.
Prologue The glistening sun showered its light upon Equestria as it rose. The night was now ending, and a new day was starting. Celestia's yellow aura faded as the sun was finally set in its right position. Turning around and walking off the balcony and into the castle hallways, she closed her eyes. She always closed her eyes in this small, short, unused hallway. She didn't like it. This hallway was like a burden she was carrying that could never be removed. This had been her fault, and there was no turning back- unless... no. She knew she couldn't do that to her subjects. Celestia opened one eye, then the other. The dark, cold hallway full of old, dusty pictures seemed to be crawling onto her as she looked around at it. In front of the princess was a painting of Nightmare Moon hung on the wall. Next to it was another painting of the dreaded Queen Chrysalis. "They were the ones that defeated me. Nightmare Moon took who Luna was away from me, and Queen Chrysalis blinded me from my niece. I can't let it happen any mo-" Celestia mumbled to herself. She paused, seeing something out of the corner of her eye. She quickly turned, her heart beating fast from worry. Luna stood at the entrance of the hallway. "Who... were you talking to?" The princess of the night asked, her voice as confused as her facial expression; her head slightly tilted to the left as her small pupils glared at her sister. Her mouth was not smiling, but not frowning either. "N- nopony, Luna. I was just thinking out loud, that is all." Celestia replied, sighing. "Something is bothering you. I know. Besides, you have been having dreams about being over powered by other alicorns and supernatural ponies and such." Luna said, noticing Celestia was looking at the Changling picture. "Oh no, Luna. You check my dreams, too?" Celestia asked, now looking at her sister. Her voice sounded worried. "It's my duty. I am the mother of the night, the whisperer of dreams. I protect everypony... even my older sister." Luna forced a smile, even though she had a feeling she wouldn't be. These dreams that Celestia was having are powerful, and Luna could feel almost like an invisible force of tension dragging her sister away from her. "Well... I'm glad you did this time. You're right. I am afraid of being overpowered." Celestia continued to walk down the hallway, her sister now following behind. Luna seemed even more curious; perhaps she could help with the situation. "Take him for example," Celestia began, standing in front of a picture of the feared King Sombra, "He had the same amount of magic the great Starswirl the Bearded did. Only the king used his for evil." "But we banished him, remember?" "But he broke free." "And you don't think because Twilight Sparkle did the same thing that we did a thousand years later would make a difference?" "Luna, this is my fear. I don't need to keep calling up the new princess because a powerful pony with extra magic is attacking me, you, the country... we don't need any more of that." "I understand, Celestia. But I just don't know what to do. We aren't in trouble. Discord is reformed, Tirek is in Tartarus, Queen Chrysalis is in I have no idea where, Sombra buried beneath ice miles thick, and I'm not planning on becoming Nightmare Moon anytime soon." "But, my fear-" "Celestia, why do you think some new alicorn or super-magic pony is going to come and attack you?" "I- I don't know. I guess it's because of a book I read the other day on Alicorns and Pegacorns." The elder Alicorn said, closing her eyes once more. "Pegacorns? There hasn't been one of those in a thousand years!" Luna laughed. "Not who you know of." Celestia said, still wandering the hallway. "What do you mean?" Luna asked. "About two hundred years ago I was attacked by a pegacorn." "But, that only happens with an alicorn and a unicorn or pegasus, right...?" "This one didn't. She was from a pegasus mother and a unicorn father. She had grown wealthy from her pegacorn fame and popularity." "How did she attack you?" "She wanted to take away the castle. I fought her, and finally she gave up. Until..." "Until what?" "I don't want to say." "This will only help get rid of your fears." "She said that she'd come back with revenge. And she did. She almost killed me. Pegacorns aren't immortal like us, so there was a hope. It's sad and wrong of me to think like that, I know, but when a pony raids the castle at night when you're asleep with her little army of followers to kill you and take over, wouldn't you at least somewhat feel the same way?" Celestia could feel tears in the corners of her eyes. "You're not telling me something, Celestia. I can see your watery eyes. Please, tell me the truth. The whole truth." "I am telling you the truth," Celestia said, holding back her tears. "I never said you weren't. But I can sense you're only telling me part of it." Luna said, her voice soft and smooth. "Okay... fine. The dream I had the night she came to kill me was the same dream from last night. But it wasn't exactly a dream last time, when she broke in... it was a vision. That's why I awoke and wasn't killed. Luna, I am worried. This might be a vision as well." "Are you sure it's the same dream?" "Yes. I saw the silhouettes of a unicorn and a pegasus. Then, from behind them, I saw a pegacorn shadow. Then I noticed that it was running towards me. All I could see were her bright yellow eyes glowing." "How do you know it was a pegacorn and not an alicorn?" "Many reasons. First, pegacorns don't have a different wing shape or horn size as regular unicorns and pegasi do. They are born, not made like alicorns. Also, she had the same voice as the one that tried to kill me and take over." "What are you going to do?" Luna asked, feeling concern for her sister. "I already know. Follow me; a new law must be passed." Celestia walked out of the hallway and into another as she made her way into another part of the castle. Luna followed closely behind, sensing that this would lead to more chaos.
Chapter OneIn the small town of Ponyville, unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies alike hurried through the busy streets. It wasn't normal for such a calm town to be in such chaos on a normal day. However, today wasn't normal. In fact, it was quite crushing for most ponies. But to somepony that didn't know any better, they would think it was just some kind of holiday or huge sale everypony was trying to find. Ponies were frantic- every one of them tried to get inside, and a lot were running to their spouse or fiance. All for except what looked like one simple pegasus mare. The light blue pony trotted into a small town coffee shop, unlike the big ones that had huge franchises throughout Equestria. The pony stood in line behind two other ponies; a yellow pegasus stallion next to a light pink earth pony mare. They were together, so there hopefully wouldn't be too much waiting. "And I'll take a caramel latte." The mare said, looking up at the stallion. "You two had better not be caught together. Thankfully the law doesn't apply to me- I'm already married." The older cashier said, ringing up the total. "Tell me about it. And right before our wedding, too." The stallion replied with sad look in his eyes. "It just doesn't seem like Celestia to do such a thing." The cashier added. The two ponies received their coffee. As they walked out, another pony walked in. He was a light blue unicorn stallion with silver hair. Standing in line behind the pegasus mare, he waited for his order. The blue pegasus walked up to the counter. Not even saying a word, her order was ready. "Let me guess, Robin. You'd like our hottest, strongest black coffee?" The stallion cashier asked, a smile on his face. "That is the usual." Robin, the light blue pegasus, replied with a smile. "Alright. It'll be right up." "What new law were they talking about, Henry?" Robin asked the cashier. After being a regular for over a year, she just called the well-known employees by their names. "Celestia made a new law stating that all new marriages must be within their own breeds. Griffons and griffons, zebras and zebras, unicorns and unicorns, all of that." "That is so wrong." "That's what I think." Not wanting to carry on the conversation any longer, Robin sat her bits up on the counter, then using her left hoof, she stroked her mane. Her red hair was in a long, thin braid, both her mane and tail. Her long, messy bangs were kept out of her face by a white and black bandanna. Robin's purple eyes gazed back at the store behind her. All around she could see ponies sitting eating small pastries and drinking coffee, and having small conversations with one another. Such a peaceful resort this small area was, but it was perfect. Robin turned her head back around to see that the cashier had her coffee in his hoof. "Here ya' go, Robin." His rough voice cracked. "Thank you." Robin smiled, accepting the coffee. The lid wasn't on all the way, and the ponies that worked here always made it that way for their favorite regular, Robin. The pegasus would usually sit outside alone at a table meant for two, and then drink from the cup. She always threw away the lid, but they still gave it to her anyway. Not looking at where she was going, the blue pegasus turned completely around and bumped into the silver-haired unicorn waiting in line behind her. "Ohmygosh! I'm ever so sorry," Robin said, seeing that she had spilt some of her burning hot coffee on the stallion. "No, don't be. I'm fine- I really am." He had a British accent. "Here's some napkins, uh, sir." Robin said, now sitting down her coffee. "Please, call me Silver. Short for Silver Shield." The stallion replied, using his light blue aura to take the napkins. "I'm Robin. Sorry about that." The pegasus grabbed her coffee, and began to quickly trot out the door. Silver Shield kept his pale yellow eyes on the mare he had just met. Robin... around that mare, she... I felt well chuffed! Perhaps I could have a chin-wag with her sometime, or possibly even the smashing mare would- Oh, Silver! What are you thinking! Especially after Celestia's new law... "May I help you?" The cashier asked. "Oh, yes. I do feel quite peckish this morning. Let me see now, I'll take a Blueberry Scone and a cup of Black Tea." "Will that be all?" "Yes, sir." Silver Shield received his food and payed, and was about to walk out the store when his feelings couldn't stay inside anymore. Turning back around to the cashier, he asked, "Do you know the ginger mare?" "'Ginger mare' what now?" The cashier apparently didn't know his British sayings. "The ginger mare, err, the one with the red hair. She had blue fur, and her name was Robin, I believe." "Oh, yes! Robin is a regular here. Same time, same place, every day. Why do you ask?" "Oh, well, I just wanted to know if you have any idea where she went, since you seemed to know her." "Robin is outside, probably. She sits out there at a small table, reading books and drinking her coffee. But if I were you I wouldn't bother her a bit. She can be pretty rough even though she doesn't look it- especially when somepony is invading her privacy." "Oh, don't worry sir. And thank you!" The blue furred unicorn walked outside. Wind blew through the oak trees above, and loose leaves fell and landed upon the tops of the umbrellas that stuck out from the outdoor coffee shop tables. Like the cashier said, Robin was sitting alone at one right now. Her braids, both mane and tail, were carried by the slight breeze. Her eyes scanned one of the pages in a book, moving from left to right, to left and right again. The aroma of thick black coffee filled the air, and as Silver moved closer the smell became stronger. He didn't mind. At once, Robin's purple eyes were fixed on the unicorn. "And why are you here?" She asked. Her tone sounded worried, but her face looked angry. "Please, don't make a clanger here. I just thought I'd give you some company, that's all." Silver stood as still as a statue. Robin rolled her eyes. "Look, I'm fine. I don't want company, either. Now, I am going to say this nicely: go away." "Please don't act like a chav. I just wanted to have a quick chin-wag with you." "I don't even know what a 'chav' or a 'chin-wag' is." Robin said, her eyes once again focused on her book. "A chav is a trash-talking pony, and a chin-wag is a talk." "So I talk trash?" "No, I just-" "Okay, look stranger. I'm not arguing with somepony I don't even know. Please go now, before I move myself over to the police to get you arrested." "Arrested? For what?" "I'll find a reason, chav." "What happened? You were all nice in there, and now you're threatening me?" Silver turned around, his heart broken. He thought he had found somepony, but she didn't feel the same way about him. "I'm sorry, but I just don't like talking to ponies that I don't know. I hope you'll understand and forgive me. But please, can I have my peace?" "Yes, Robin." Silver walked away slowly. His heart had been crushed not even five minutes after meeting the mare. He sat down alone at another outdoor table. After eating his scone and drinking his tea, he looked back to see if Robin was still there. She was, but she was cleaning up. She picked up her novel, and slid it underneath her wing. The Silver Shield noticed something. The novel's bookmark fell out. Robin hadn't realized it, though. She began to trot off into town. Silver walked over to the bookmark. As he got closer, he realized it wasn't exactly a bookmark, but rather a business card. It read: Robin Quaver: Custom Music Composer. 762 Palomino Lane. Silver Shield smiled, and then set off for Palomino Lane, house 762.
Chapter TwoAs Silver Shield continued down the simple dirt roads of Ponyville, a thought came to his mind. I can't go to her house! Am I having a laugh? She'll kill me!, he thought. Looking down on the business card that floated in his magical blue aura. The card hovered in front of him. Then another great idea for finding Robin appeared. Like the card had read, Robin Quaver was a custom music composer. That's how I'll find her. Even though the ginger's prissy, I still feel like a giddy-kipper around her!, Silver trotted into the opposite direction towards his house, with the slight feeling of 'collywobbles'. Robin sat in her house. Alone, in the dim, cold, empty building. Well, actually, the house was quite full with furniture and nice decorations. But Robin felt like something wasn't right. All her life there had always been another pony in the house for her to talk to, even if she didn't want to talk to them. Robin, even if she knew it or not, was lonely. Her musical instruments lined the walls, her advanced facilities in the house worked like a charm. The walls were perfectly painted, and there was no sight of any sort of trash, or even a misplacement on even the smallest decoration. But Robin was alone. Suddenly, a knock came from her front door. Quickly turning on a light in her living room, she jumped up and went to answer it. A light brown pegasus colt stood on the outside of the door. His bright blue eyes met hers the second he gazed upon her. His dark brown mane was pushed back, and his tail was short and spiked. His cutiemark was a light yellow crescent moon. "Y-yes? How may I help y-y-you?" Robin stuttered. For some reason, she felt immediate happiness towards him. "Are you Robin Quaver?" His smooth, calm voice asked the blue pegasus. "Yes, y-yes I am. Why do you ask?" She continued to stutter, but not as much. "I'd like to make an appointment for a piece of music. I saw your ad today in the paper, and I noticed that you only work at home. I hope this wasn't a bad time-" "Oh, no. Not at all. Come right in." Robin said, a smile glued to her face, with some slight blush. Silver Shield, in is house now, was busy working on something for Robin. If she won't like me, at least she might like this. I won't even tell her who it's from! She'll be gobsmacked when she sees this! After almost an hour of working on it, Silver was finally done. When he was a colt, he always had an interest in tinkering with things, building onto something or even building from scratch. Also, he was very much into, like most boys, fighting. But not the rough and tough wrestler fighters fit Silver's mind. He was more into sword fighting, like the medieval knights. Once he had built a shield, like in his name. Silver was very smart and creative with using metals when he was an older colt, and from this he earned his cutiemark. Then he found another yet similar hobby soon after that. Sculpting. This stallion had many interests in many things. If he wasn't dreaming about becoming a sword fighter, which to him that dream was long ago beginning to fade, he was busy doing something crafty, like his "new" hobby, sculpting. Before the stallion stood a huge marble structure. It was like in the shape of a square, but inside of it was cut to make it look like a music note of a quaver. Underneath the cutout was Robin's name plated in golden letters, and smaller text underneath that was the words "Custom Music Composer" also in golden letters. Covering his finished work with a old, but still useful faded sheet, he went into another room to get ready. Silver Shield put on his light gray and white striped scarf around his neck. He would leave at dusk for the final part of his plan to work. Robin Quaver had just gotten done with another piece of music. This one wasn't very long; only about a minute, if that. No matter how hard she tried during the last hour, she couldn't keep her mind on the work as much as she did on the light brown pegasus stallion in front of her. As his handsome blue eyes stared back at Robin's purple iris', the world around her seemed to fall apart and it seemed to revolve around the two of them together. His mane was so smooth looking; pushed down the stallion's neck it added a nice touch to his calm, nice personality. His tail matched in equal luxury. When the stallion spoke his reassuring voice traveled through the air, blocking out other noises so that only what he was saying could be heard. Robin hadn't ever known what this feeling was like. She wanted to giggle, and wanted to jump up, and tackle the stranger in a hug. But he was just a customer. A nice, handsome customer. But just a customer. Was Robin in love? Robin had always been the anti-social type with strangers. But he didn't feel like a stranger. Robin felt a small, emotional tug towards this stallion. She shook her head at the thought. But he still seemed... lovely. The sun began to set in the sky above Silver Shield. It's time, he thought.
Chapter ThreePonyville became a dark, cold town the minute the sun went down. Stars shone brightly above the small cottages the ponies slept in. All except three ponies were doing what the rest of their town was. Those three ponies were busy at work. "There you go." Robin Quaver said, looking into the stallion's dreamy blue eyes. "Thank you, uh, Robin... that is your name, right?" The brown pegasus asked. "Yeah, that's me. Robin!" She chuckled. "Hey, so do you want to meet me for lunch tomorrow?" "Yes! Uh, I mean... yeah sure, whatever. Where?" "What about at that new restaurant across from the coffee shop?" "I'm available shortly after twelve... alright. I'll meet you there." Robin couldn't stop smiling. After the pegasus left, she jumped up and down with excitement. If he knew it or not, she was going to think about like a date. Was he trying to ask her out without it being awkward? Did he like her the way she liked him? Whatever was going on, Robin didn't care. She liked him, and that's all that needed to be known. Silver Shield approached the pegasus' home. The unicorn walked through the dark streets of Ponyville; the only sources of light being the stars, broken flickering streetlights, and his magic aura. He was carrying his gift for Robin. The unicorn stallion walked through the village. Soon he had reached Robin's house, and he had done it just in time, too. The house was dark. It didn't matter if she was gone or inside; he wouldn't bother to know. He sat his gift down in front of her door and left. As Luna finished raising the moon, she had a weird feeling that something wasn't right. She turned down the hallway and went to her sister's room. "Celestia..." "Luna! Ugh... what do you want?" "I feel... strange." "Are you sick? Are you going to vomit? Where does it hurt?" "No, not like that. I have a weird gut feeling. You know... when your conscious tells you something's wrong." "Whatever could be wrong?" "I don't know. But I feel that there is a horrible disaster soon." "Don't fret, sister. We will figure this out. For now, go off and do whatever you were doing. And, I need to call in the royal guard. Could you possibly get them for me?" "Yes, Celestia." Luna walked out of the princess' room. She still didn't feel right. As the royal guard walked into the meeting room, Celestia looked at each one of them. Her pink eyes gazed over the ponies and scanned the room. "If I may only speak with the same group from two days ago." Celestia ordered. About two thirds of the stallions walked out and went back to their duty. After closed doors, Celestia covered herself in green fire. Queen Chrysalis was underneath. "We are finally at were we need to be! Now that you are a part of this army, we will flee into the cities and feed off the pony's love!" The queen explained. A stallion raised his hoof. "Queen, how will we do that? Your plan is rather, uh, strange this time!" "I put out a new law saying that ponies can only marry within their own breeds, right?" "Well, yes but-" "There will be a huge protest about this! Everypony will want to marry somepony else. They will have so much love for the other pony that we can fly above through the sky abducting their love!" "Are you sure they'll protest? This is Equestria we're talking about! These ponies are loyal and understanding of their princess!" "Oh, just shut up. It's not like anypony knows what we're doing. And if we need to start a protest, you guys can just turn into plain, everyday ponies and start a protest for me!" "You do have a good idea." "Always! Now, let's get to work!" Queen Chrysalis transformed herself into Celestia, and her army marched out of the room. "And remember my motto, the faster you deceive, the faster you'll feed!" She whispered as the 'royal guard' walked out. Little did the citizens of Equestria knew that their fate was held in the hooves of an evil Changeling queen. Or was it?
Chapter FourRobin woke up in her dim bedroom. She could hear the rain drizzling outside as she opened her eyes to the world around her. The cool air drifted into her covers as she pushed them out of the way. The blue pegasus stood on her hooves beside her bed and gazed up at her clock, which hung on the wall across from her bed. It was almost six in the morning. Robin had slept in; she usually awoke at five thirty. But she wasn't going to let that get in the way. All morning Robin had the same, happy, smiling-joyful feeling she did when she was around Crescent Moon. As the pony fixed her mane and tail, she didn't grumble at the knots or sigh when her bandanna came untied. She smiled brightly, and her purple eyes lit up as her morning seemed like paradise. For what seemed like the first time in her life, Robin Quaver actually felt joy and satisfaction. Nothing could ruin her day. Nothing. Before she was to go on her date with Crescent, she wanted to visit the coffee shop. Despite yesterday, she actually stayed and talked with the ponies at Little Coffee Shop, the somewhat original name of the 'little coffee shop'. To her, the coffee shop was like home. In fact, it was. Whenever she was sad, or if she just needed somepony to talk to, the coffee shop employees were the ones to talk too. There was only three of them, but they were just fine with it being a small, family-owned business. The cashier was an older light brown earth pony stallion named Henry. His wife, who was a pegasus, had passed away due to sickness a few years ago. He never told anyone outside of the family, and became teary eyed when he did. Although Henry was usually happy on the outside, Robin could tell that he still missed her deep down. Robin had always comforted Henry when she could. Henry's son, who he nicknamed 'Squirt', was a caramel colored pony with dark brown hair. It had a single white stripe through it. Squirt was also the proud owner of Little Coffee Shop. Henry had been the one to own it, but after the passing of his wife he decided to allow his son take it under his wing. (Literally. Squirt's a pegasus!) After all, owning a business on your own could be stressful at times. Squirt, however, didn't find it stressful at all. He was also very active in the shop. Instead of being in a closed office like most store owners, he and his wife made the beverages. Then there was Cheyenne, a light yellow unicorn with dark brown hair for both mane and tail, like Squirt. Instead of a single white stripe, though, she had three pale red stripes. She was Squirt's wife, and she actually made the pastries and sandwiches while her husband fixed the coffee. And after three years of being married, they were finally going to have a foal. Cheyenne was nervous, though. Would Celestia's law have to tear apart their family? Was their foal safe? Does the new law even affect them? Her mind rushed with questions. The bell on the door rang as the blue pegasus stepped inside. Robin stepped up to the counter; nopony was yet in line. "You're a whole ten minutes late, Robin! What did you do, spend too much time on your mane this morning?" Henry joked. "I actually did. I slept in, too. And did I mention I finally found a special somepony?" Robin asked. "Let me guess... is it that blue unicorn colt that asked me 'bout you yesterday?" "Who? Wait, Silver Shield? Oh, no! That creep! I'm gonna kill him!" Robin made a fist and pounded into her other front hoof. "Now, don't be all angry at 'em. Really, he probably can't resist ya." Robin took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling. "He's a lovely brown pegasus stallion that I met last night during work. He asked me out today, and I am going to have lunch with him." "Isn't it a bit early?" "Early? Early for what?" "Two things. First, your relationship. You only met his last night." "I know. But I can tell he's the one. You said two things... what's the second?" "It's also a tad bit early for lunch." "I know, I know! I just wanted to stop by, maybe grab a small coffee, and chat with you guys! Where's Cheyenne?" "Probably with Squirt. Oh, speaking of Cheyenne, she's got a bit of news fer ya!" Henry chuckled. "Ooh, this should be exciting! Thanks, Henry!" Robin rushed back behind the counter. To the pegasus, Cheyenne was like her sister. Robin was an only child, so she called her best friends her sisters to make up for being alone from other kids outside of school growing up. "Hey Cheyenne, your 'sister' is here!" Squirt shouted, eyeing Robin. "Robin!" Cheyenne shouted, trotting quickly through the kitchen. "Now don't run, honey." Her husband said, stepping away from the counter. "It's so good to see you! You didn't come back here yesterday." Cheyenne said. "I know..." Robin looked down at her friend. She seemed... round. "What's wrong?" Cheyenne asked the blue pegasus. "Oh, nothing." Robin replied, a smile stretching across her face. "Anyways, did my father-in-law tell you the good news?" "He said you'd tell me!" "Well..." Cheyenne began, walking over towards her husband, "we're going to have a baby!" "Oh, Cheyenne, Caramel, this is great! Congratulations!" Robin squealed, clapping her hooves together. "I'm worried, though." Cheyenne said. "What do you mean?" Robin asked. "Do you think Celestia's new law... affects us?" "Now sweetheart, what did I tell you? Even though she's passing a new law about breeding, it would be too late for us. You're already a few months pregnant." "You've kept it a secret from me that long?!" Robin playfully asked. "By a few months he means about a month and a half." Cheyenne replied. "Right, Caramel Flan Latte?" "Yeah." Cheyenne sighed. "I don't like it when you over exaggerate like that... about times and such. 'A month' and 'a few months' are completely different!" "Sorry, dear!" "So, what do you think it'll be? Boy, girl, unicorn, pegasus... with you two it's pretty hard to guess." Robin decided to change the subject... somewhat. Cheyenne looked up at her pegasus husband. "I- I don't know. But it doesn't matter. It'll be our kid, and we'll love it just the way it is." "All I hope is that it turns out as beautiful as their mother!" Caramel, otherwise known as Squirt, said. Cheyenne rolled her eyes at the compliment. "Just watch him turn out as a 'Squirt Junior'." She responded. Robin laughed. Soon after she began to departure, and went to wait by the fancy new restaurant that Crescent was going to meet her at for their 'date'.
Chapter FiveCrescent Moon stood outside of the new restaurant. He tapped his front left hoof as he waited for his date. The wind blew gently, and the delicious smell of coffee from the coffee shop next door wafted through the air. It caught Crescent's attention, and noticing the sweet aroma he turned his head and his ice blue eyes glanced over at the coffee shop. As Robin stepped out of the building, his facial expression went from happy to surprised. "Oh, hi Crescent. Sorry I'm a little late. I was jus-" "What were you doing?" Crescent cut her off, "Why were you in there?!" "I just visiting some friends and-" "Friends? What kind of friends?" Crescent immediately became protective of Robin. "I'm friends with the owners of the shop, Crescent. Come on, now. Please don't be so... nosy." Robin's sad purple eyes looked up into his'. Crescent couldn't resist. "Fine. Just... don't be cheating on me." He mumbled, yet it was clear enough for Robin to hear. "Alrig- I'm not cheating on you! Where did you get that crazy idea from?!" Robin exclaimed. "I see you walk out of a coffee shop with a smile on your face... and not to mention you said you were hanging out with 'friends'." Crescent says, now stroking her mane with his wing. Robin sighed. "Let's just go in and eat." "May I take your order?" A stallion asked as he was approaching their booth, who was obviously the waiter. "I'll take a hayburger." Robin said. "And... let's see here," Crescent's eyes scanned the menu, "I'll order a hayburger as well." Robin giggled as the waiter trotted off into the kitchen. "So... I guess I'll be paying today." Crescent said. "Uh, alright. I mean, you know, I do have my purse with me." Robin said, looking down at the bag beside her. "No, no. You're fine. In fact, you're real fine." Crescent said, now staring into Robin's eyes. Those deep, mystifying blue eyes set into Robin's mind as she looked back at him. His smiling face; that handsome, lovable face. She loved everything about him. Little did she know, that was all going to change. As Crescent Moon payed, Robin stood up, and held her purse tightly in her wing. After laying down a tip, he asked, "Are you ready?" "Ready? I guess the date could be over now, I suppose... it just seems too early to be going back home." She sighed. "No, no, no!" He chuckled, "Let's go for a walk or something. You're just too wonderful to not be around." Giggling back, Robin said, "O-okay!" The couple headed out of the new restaurant. Robin looked over, and saw a familiar unicorn stallion sitting outside of the coffee shop. "I-I think we had better go this way." Robin decided, walking away from the shop. "Well, alright." Crescent responded. As the two ponies walked, the day seemed perfect. It was a nice and sunny day. A slight breeze blew by, and a few orange, red, and yellow fall leaves followed. Crescent Moon stopped. Robin stopped too. "W-what's wrong?" she asked the pegasus stallion. Not saying a single word, he walked in front of her. "Give me your purse." He mumbled. His face was stern, and the mare could tell he was not kidding. "Gimme your purse, lady!" He snapped. Tucking the purse under her wing even tighter, she whispered "no". "What was that? I thought you said 'no'. Am I wrong?" Smirking, he pulled out a gun from under his wing. It was small, but powerful. Not to mention it was also fully loaded. He aimed it at her heart. "Give me your purse, woman." Robin didn't hesitate to give away her purse. Crescent held the purse in his wing, but the gun was still aimed at Robin. "I-I g-ga-ave y-you the p-p-pur-rse..." Robin whispered. She was too afraid to talk; her voice was shaky. "That was the test, mare. You gave me your purse, yeah. But now, I'll get what I need. That's only just one, small thing." His smile grew even wider on his face. Robin didn't say a word. As if he was reading her mind, he said, "All I want from you... is Robin." "What?!" Robin shrieked. "You're coming home with me, filly!" He reached out, and grabbed her front hoof. Robin tried to pull away, but the gun now lay on her cyan fur, right on top of her heart. She didn't want to risk it. "Don't be scared, now. Just spend the day, err, night at my house... you can go back home afterwards, and I'll give you your purse back." "No! I don't want to go with you!" Robin screamed back. Pushing the gun onto her chest, Crescent mumbled, "Do you really want to die, Robin?" Sweat ran down Robin's face. "No..." she whispered back, tears forming in the cracks of her eyes. "Good. Now, come with me." "No." Robin stated. A gun shot was heard from all over Ponyville. "What did you do to her?!" Silver Shield yelled. His horn was light up light blue, and he starred angrily at Crescent. "Who are you? And what do you mean? I didn't do a thing to her! You tried to shoot me!" The pegasus stallion yelled back. Robin turned around to see the blue unicorn standing about a yard behind her. She was actually happy to see him. "I didn't try to shoot you. I used that to get your attention." The unicorn said. "Likely story. Now, is this any of your business?" Crescent asked. "That doesn't matter. You are trying to hurt and possibly kill a good mare." Silver argued back. "Really? What are you going to do about it, son?" Crescent protested. "I'm not going to do anything." Silver replied. He too had a smile on his face. "WHAT?!" Robin screamed. "Quiet, woman!" Crescent yelled at her, putting the gun up against her chest. Tears ran down Robin's cheeks as she felt hopeless. "Stop right there, colt! You are under arrest!" A policemare shouted, a whole herd of policeponies following behind her. "Who- what- how?!" Crescent stuttered, dropping his weapon. "You have the right to remain silent." A policepony said, putting the pegasus in hoofcuffs. Robin received her purse back. "I thought you said you weren't going to do anything." She whispered, looking up into SIlver's hazel eyes. "I never said they wouldn't." He chuckled. "T-thank you." Robin said, a little louder than before. "No need to." He smiled. "How did they get here so fast, though?" Robin wiped away her tears as she spoke. "When I preformed my spell. It sounded and looked like a gun shot to get that pegasi's attention, while at the same time it was a call for help. Unicorns can kinda communicate with weird spells like that. Well, only if they know those kind of higher-ranked spells. Some are only for the most smart and talented ponies. Meh, I'm working on it. You never know when it'll come in handy!" "Yeah. You really saved me... thank you, again." "Don't mention it." Once again he smiled. Robin walked into Ponyville, leaving Silver Shield behind.
