Crumbling Castles

Dear King,

Another day passes and life in the Earth district has not improved. We are giving you ample time to reply with an adequate solution but we will not wait forever. We saw your VIP show up today and along with him a giant bolt of steel attached to a griffon that sank itself into the stone reflecting pool, a source of water for all of the Earth district. The impact formed a hole in the base of the pool and all of the water has drained into the ground. More than 90% of the Earth district is now without water.

We are dying.

Fix this or you will be too.

You have two days.

The Earth Ponies

The kingdom of Bresux was painted as a bright and magnificent place to live and flourish. From the outside, it seemed that was the case. With towering structures built high on the mountaintop, and the castle walls buzzing with pegasi and unicorn soldiers, and the clouds draping down the side of the mountain and around the kingdom, shrouding it in fog and mystery. However, to the investigative type, one could easily discover this place with not without fault. I fully intended on discovering just what problems this place hid from me, and offering my say on how to fix them. First the rude welcoming, then Sedina, and now the mare letting me in is the king's disowned daughter? All because she's an earth pony? This place was twisted, that's for sure. When I met king Bresux I fully planned on exchanging some words with him.

Olivia had explained that the Earth pony gene was a recessive one in her family, and that she was the only living member of her family to be born an Earth pony. So instead of merely accepting her for who she was, they decided to separate her from the royal family almost right after birth, give her a new name, and she was raised and protected by a unicorn mage by the name of Star Swirl. From all she told me about him I began to get a little jealous, apparently he's an extremely smart and talented unicorn who's skills are used to that of the king's family. More often than not he spend's his time reading, but is given the occasional task of developing a tool or machine that could be used to solve problem's around the castle. Last time Olivia saw Star Swirl was a few years ago, when she turned old enough to take care of herself. After that, she's only had messanger unicorns deliver supplies to her every now and then. However, even they are few and far between.

Upon hearing Olivia's tragic story, I sat with her awhile and tried my best to comfort her. Normally I'm horrible at doing so, but apparently Olivia has spent all this time alone, and it's worn down on her so much, all I needed to do to calm her down was to let her talk it all out. It started off about her past, but shifted to her day-to-day activities, and the bad stuff that she goes through every day. Eventually I got her talking about her hobbies and interests and discovered we share a fondness of taking care of animals. Olivia, despite living in horrid conditions, owns 2 cats, a small dog, and even a bird. All of which leave the house by day, but return and stay each night. She gives them what food she can spare.

Eventually, she wound down and right when I was about to hit the hay, she decided to ask about me.

"Now that I've given you my sappy story," Olivia mused, "What about you? What was your home like?"

Thinking back to my small town, I recalled growing up and seeing the town expand, "It wasn't my home."

"I'm sorry?" Olivia asked

Realizing I sounded like a madman, I explained, "The town I left wasn't the same as the home I grew up in. When I was young the town was very small, and we were a tightly knit community. As I grew up, so did the town. Before I knew it, all my friends and family were nowhere to be seen, lost in the hustle and bustle of a now great city."

"Wow," Olivia said, "That doesn't sound very nice."

"I was hoping this would end up as my new home," I replied, "But after hearing and seeing all the wonderful things about this place, I don't think I'm gonna stay too long after I see the king."

Olivia laughed at my sarcasm, which made a feeling in my chest tighten up.

The sound of a chiming clock rang out from the kitchen, signaling it was well past midnight.

"Oh my," Olivia gasped, "I didn't realize we'd been chatting for this long."

"I can't remember the last time I stayed up past midnight." I said, driving the point home by following up with a yawn.

"Yes well, I guess time flies when you're in good company." Olivia said, giving me a smile.

I looked back at one of her pictures. It was the same smile.

"You'll be staying in there," Olivia pointed towards the dark room, "That's the bedroom."

Confused, I asked, "The only bedroom? Where will you be sleeping?"

"I'll sleep on the couch," She replied, "Besides, I've already made myself comfortable."

Absolutely not. "I'm sorry Olivia, but I have to refuse."

"Oh don't try and pull that chivalrous card with me," She warned, "Please take my bed, I insist."

"Well, you see, I'm not entirely comfortable sleeping in a girl's bedroom." Which was true.

"Oh," She answered, "Are you sure you don't want the bed?"

"I'm positive." I explained.

After a brief pause, Olivia responded, "Okay Mr. Malum. If you insist, then the couch is yours." Olivia climbed off the couch and stood up.

"Thank you Olivia, and just call me Rex, please." I responded.

Olivia offered me another bright smile, "Of course, Rex." and with that she trotted off to bed.

I climbed on the couch where she was sitting and got comfortable, the cushion still warm from her body heat. Resting my head in the cushion I could still smell a faint tinge of her perfume.

I dug my face a little harder into the cushion and inhaled deeply. The crackling of the fire had me fast asleep as I imagined I was cuddled up with Olivia.

I woke up the next morning to find the front door bashed in, heavy rain and wind blowing in from outside. I shot up and galloped to the door, discovering that it had been snapped in two and strewn about the front of the house. Heavy thunder and lightning threatened me from above, and a downpour of rain instantly drenched me. I stepped outside to try and see what broke the door, only to be stopped by the sound of a loud screech from above.

In the shadow of a lightning bolt, a single griffon was hurdling it's way towards me. Light from the thunderstorm shone through a perfect hole right in the center of it's chest.

"Sedina?" I asked myself, only to have my question answered as the zombie griffon swooped down and snatched me up. Grabbing me by my back and digging her talons deep. I let out a scream in pain, then began to call for help. The slums remained still. Not a moving thing in sight.

Sedina carried me to the front of the castle gate, right were she was shot down. She turned herself so that I could see the gate. On top of the gate was a giant crossbow, mounted on a rotating platform, and armed with a great steel bolt. Two guards began aiming the device at me and Sedina.

Oh no...

The guards lined up the shot.

Sedina swung me back, and then forward again, letting go and throwing me in the air.

I held my breath.

I looked to the crossbow.

The bolt was fired.

A searing pain rippled through my body, as I felt myself being yanked back to the earth. Almost as if somepony had tied a rope to me, and pulled me back down. Suddenly, my movement came to a sharp halt. I found that the bolt had struck me dead in the chest, and planted me down into the same pool as it did to Sedina. The edges of my vision began to darken as I noticed that the pool was already deep red with blood. The zombie griffon landed on the other end of the pool, and began making her way towards me. Her eyes reflecting the lightning strikes around us. A bright green that pierced my very soul not much unlike the bolt had pierced my body. Earth pony zombies began rising from the shallow waters, each of them missing limbs or pieces of flesh. Exposed bone and rotting tissue filled the air with a foul stench. All of them walking towards me.

The first zombie pony reached me, biting down on my hoof and yanking until it had torn off a piece of flesh. I screamed at the top my lungs, helpless to the horde that was about to devour me. Two more joined it, one ripping off my ear and another one tearing into my leg. The pain was unbearable. My vision began to fade even more. Sedina finally reached me, and wasted no time digging her claws right into my stomach, and pulling out a handful of flesh and intestines. I began to pass out as I heard the cries of a mare. Slowly looking to the right revealed Olivia getting swarmed by another horde of zombie earth ponies, about 5 or 6. Each of them ripping pieces of her flesh and taking massive bites.

"REX! REX!" She screamed, reaching out for me with a hoof.

Another zombie took a bite of my shoulder.

"REX!" She shouted, another one joining her already growing pile of undead.

"REX!"

I awoke with a start, to find Olivia standing over me, a worried expression on her face.

She shook me, "REX! WAKE UP!" She yelled.

I sat up, "I'm awake! I'm awake!"

Olivia moved to sit in the chair, next to me, and let me get up.

I realized I was sweating, and my throat was dry. The sun shined through the windows as earth ponies trotted along, tending to their day's work. The door was on it's hinges, still locked presumably, the key hung loosely on the hook next to it. The skies were clear, not a cloud in sight. Looking to Olivia, I saw she had gotten herself ready for the day, two cups of coffee sat on the table. She was watching me carefully, a worried expression still on her face.

"Are you okay?" she asked me.

Trying to play off the fact that I surely didn't seem okay, I replied, "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

Olivia frowned, "Because you were screaming in your sleep. I thought somebody had broken in and hurt you or something."

I recalled the horrible nightmare, "Just... a bad dream. That's all."

Olivia tilted her head, this time less cute due to the fact she seemed distressed, "Now it's my turn to call out your lie."

I sighed, realizing that Olivia wasn't going to drop it, I told her about the nightmare.

"You're blaming yourself for Sedina's death." she explained.

Shocked at her observation, I replied, "What makes you say that?"

Sedina looked out the window, as if reflecting upon a distant memory, "Star Swirl told me once that many ponies deal with the concept of death in many different ways." She returned her gaze to me, "Being that I live in a place where death is common, he felt I should know how to deal with it. One of the things he warned me about was that if the deceased ever return to you in your dreams, especially in form of a nightmare, it's typically a sign that you're blaming yourself. Whether you know it or not."

There wasn't anything I could have done to prevent Sedina's death, but the fact that she came back for me made it feel like I played a part in it. A part in an act that I didn't even know I was playing. The whole situation is akin to giving a filly a honey-nut bar, only to discover she's severely allergic to nuts and it nearly kills her. You didn't know she was allergic, you couldn't have known, yet you were the one who handed her the snack that caused her so much stress. If I hadn't forgotten my book like a fool, or maybe if I had kept my bits, Sedina might not have came back for me.

That's an inner conflict I'll have to struggle with for the rest of my life.

"Rex?" Olivia prodded

Realizing I had been standing there moping to myself, I lifted my head up, "There's nothing we can do about Sedina now except to move on. I plan on personally seeing to it that her death doesn't go unanswered."

Olivia frowned and sighed, "Okay Rex, just don't do anything too crazy."

I wanted to scream. How could she? Sedina returned to the castle for me! I'd see her name be heard by everyone in the kingdom if I have to. I'd paint the castle walls with the king's blood! I'd gladly give my life, if it could bring her back as if nothing happened. I wanted to speak my mind to Olivia, but I knew she was just trying to be a good friend. I quickly calmed myself and replied, "Thank you Olivia."

She seemed to notice my pause and looked away. The room was silent for a moment until she spoke up, "I prepared us some coffee."

"Thank you," I replied, much more genuinely. I picked up a cup and put it to my lips, taking a sip. Cold.

Olivia sipped hers too, giving it a disapproving look, "It seems this morning's antics caused it to sit for too long."

Realizing that the only reason it had been sitting there, getting cold, was because of me, I gave a weak apology, "Sorry, I'll prepare us some more."

Olivia set her cup down, "Oh there's no need," Olivia smiled, "Today we'll be meeting Star Swirl at the gate, and he makes the best cup of coffee you've ever tasted!"

"Wait, you mean I'll be meeting the Star Swirl?" I asked, "The one you've told me so much about?"

Olivia gave one of her signature smiles, "Yup! He'll be taking you through the Arcane district."

I frowned, "You mean... you won't be coming?"

Olivia's expression instantly darkened, she looked down and frowned, "Oh... I suppose not."

"Why not?" I asked.

Olivia looked up at me, "Earth ponies aren't all that welcome in the Arcane district, there are a few, but I don't think it'd be a good idea for me to stay for any extended period of time."

I waved a hoof, "Nonsense," I smiled at her, "If the king's requesting a Earth pony come all the way up to his castle, then surely another one wouldn't be amiss."

She gave a weak smile, "I sure hope so..."

It was almost midday, the birds were chirping, the slums were buzzing with activity, and me and Olivia were ready to go. Before we left, I cleaned myself up with Olivia's facilities and even repolished my hooves. They weren't as shiny as they were yesterday, but I don't think I'd ever feel right if they were. Olivia had put on a small sun hat with a mint green ribbon to match her mane. I had my saddlebags at my sides, now freshly cleaned and restocked, and we began to trot towards the gate. Looking towards the reflection pool, I saw the metal spear had been picked up, most likely taken back behind the wall to be...reused. A large hole was left in the stone at the bottom of the pool where the bolt struck it, all the water had drained out. Many ponies sat around the edge of the pool, looking towards the hole with sadness in their eyes. Another thing that I couldn't help feel was my fault. As if to worsen my feeling of guilt, some of the ponies even looked my way with angry glares.

I steered my gaze towards the gate, me and Olivia trotted up the stairs. It seemed different unicorn guards were here today, due to the fact that they didn't try to skewer me on sight, plus they didn't wear helmets. They looked almost identical, blue unicorns with emerald colored manes, only the one on the left had yellow eyes, and the one on the right had green eyes. Although the guards were different, the welcome was the same.

The one on the left blocked my path with his spear, "Halt!" he shouted, "State thy business!"

I raised a hoof and opened my mouth to explain when Olivia stepped forward to speak, "Now Gerdum, you and your brother both know we are expecting company for the king today."

The knight on the left, Gerdum, looked to his brother on the right, "Sir Malphus, do we have any such orders today?"

Malphus pulled a small scroll out from underneath his armor, unraveling it, he stated, "By order of the king, you may permit entry to a single pony. This pony is to be treated with the utmost respect, and given anything he desires. Please alert all stuff upon his arrival and ensure he reaches the Gold district in 2 days time of his arrival." Malphus looked up from the scroll, "Your name, sir?" He asked me.

I replied, "Rex Malum."

Malphus looked down at his scroll, "That matches the name on here, if you'll follow me sir, I'll show you to your guide." Malphus turned and began to walk through the gate.

I began to follow him but noticed that Olivia wasn't coming, "Aren't you coming?" I asked her.

Malphus and Gerdum both turned to face me, Gerdum said, "Sorry sir but we can't have the Earth pony commonfolk inside the walls, orders are orders." It was stated as though they were pleased with the order, rather than dismayed by it.

"But I'm an Earth pony, surely one more wouldn't be a bother." I smiled at Olivia.

Malphus spoke up, "I'm sorry sir, but it simply cannot be allowed. The king has asked for your presence, which means you are clearly a very important pony to him. Another earth pony entering the walls may give the commonfolk incentive to try and enter themselves."

I smiled at him as an idea struck me, "What did that note of yours say again, Malphus?"

He pulled the note back out, "By order of the king you may permit entry to a single pony. This pony is to be treated with the utmost respect and given anything that he desi-..." His voice trailed off as he realized what I was saying, "I'm sorry Mr. Malum, but the note clearly states that we can only allow one pony to enter."

I huffed and examined my hoof, "Well then I guess I'll just have to let the king know you denied my friend access after I clearly asked you to let her in."

Malphus' eyes widened, and he looked at his brother, who also bore a worried expression.

He cleared his throat and put his note away, "Very well Mr. Malum," he stated bluntly, "Allow me to escort you and your friend to your guide." He said 'friend' as if it was the most disgusting title he could give her. It seems the king wasn't the only one who didn't like earth ponies.

I turned to Olivia, who was smiling as bright as she did in the photos on her walls. She ran up to me and gave me a hug, nearly knocking me over in the process. I returned it as my cheeks turned red and my heart rate began to race. Her mane got in my face and I got a strong smell of her perfume. It was the same as the couch cushion, only a million times stronger. The scent nearly made my hair stand on end, and surely made my face bright red. She hugged me for mere seconds but to me it felt like an eternity. When she finally let go, she looked me right in the eyes, a huge smile on her face, and said, "Thank you." Digging in her saddlebags, she pulled out a camera, setting it to take a picture she spun us around so our backs were to the entrance and held the camera in front of us in a sort of self-portrait position. She pulled herself close to me, undoubtedly making my face turn even redder, and said, "Say cheese!"

In the spur of the moment I gave the best smile I could, which was goofy looking at best, and said, "Cheese!"

The camera flashed and spat out a photo of me and Olivia standing at the entrance, side by side, a very worn-for-wear Malphus standing behind us. Looking at myself, I realized that my head wasn't as red as an apple, but my cheeks were certainly getting there.

Olivia shoved the camera and photo in her saddlebag, "That's going on the wall when I get home!" she stated.

At first I was pleased to hear it, but suddenly I realized that a photo of me blushing like a fool would be on her wall to welcome her home each time she came in the door. No words could express my embarrassment. At least it seemed she was yet to notice my rosy cheeks.

Olivia and I turned together to follow Malphus through the gate. The first thing I noticed was the stark contrast in living conditions inside. All of the homes and buildings were made of rock, and the streets were paved with stones, the gaps filled in with gravel and pebbles. Unicorns ran back and forth along the streets, some entering businesses and others staring at scrolls and almost bumping into ponies as they walked by. It wasn't much different from the hustle and bustle of a city, really. The only stark contrast was that of all the ponies running about, I could only spy about two or three earth ponies, and not a pegasi was in sight. Was segregation just an accepted thing here? Surely there had to be a few pegasi about, as they are the acting military force for the castle. Maybe they remained out of sight until something happens.

The setup of the Arcane district was not much different from the one of the Earth district. All buildings lined a single main road going straight down the center of the area, with small roads and alleyways branching off to the sides. At the far end of the district was a large pool of water with a statue in the center of a unicorn. A small stream of water shot out of the tip of his horn and into the pool. However this water was crystal clear, and not a single pony dare lay hoof in it.

I fully intended on dirtying that pool before I left the district. Something about this place told me that the unicorns here didn't give an ounce of their thought to the earth ponies just outside the walls. I intended on performing a small act of revenge on the earth ponies' behalf.

My devious thought was cut short as a grey unicorn with golden eyes approached us. He was clearly a wizard due to his large pointed hat and cloak he wore. The edges of his hat and cloak sported several golden bells, all jingling as he walked. His hat and cloak were both a deep blue, and sported a design of the night sky. He was starting to grow a snow-white beard on his chin, a sign he was somewhat older than he looked.

He looked at Olivia, "Olivia!" He shouted, "It's been too long!" he walked up and gave her a hug, making me only a little jealous.

Olivia smiled at him, "Same to you! When did you grow the beard? I don't like it on you!"

The unicorn replied, "Oh I have too much work to tend to, no time to keep it trimmed! Besides, I plan on growing it out anyways, so you better get used to it!"

I approached the unicorn, already guessing who he was, "So you must be Star Swirl, the king's Wizard? Olivia has told me much about you!"

Star Swirl feigned shock, "Oh my! Good things I hope!"

Me and Olivia both chuckled.

Catching us off guard, Malphus chimed in, "You three make haste to the Gold district. The king expects Rex Malum in two days time." With that, Malphus returned to his post at the gate with his brother.

Almost as if he never said anything, I continued the conversation, speaking to Star Swirl, I asked, "So I take it that you don't share many of the same beliefs of the king?"

Star Swirl put a hoof to my mouth, and looked around worriedly. He removed his hoof and looked at me threateningly. He replied quietly, "Yes, that's true. However, I take it you don't understand that's not something you should go saying so that all of Equestria can hear you?" As if to drive the point home, Star Swirl looked up the castle wall. A unicorn guard was peering over and looking right at us, but pulled his head back upon our gaze and continued his rounds.

"Noted." I replied bluntly.

"Good." Star Swirl smiled, "Now, I'm sure you're eager to see the great kingdom of Bresux! Follow me!"

Star Swirl began to trot off, but I stopped him, "Actually, Olivia tells me you make legendary coffee?"

He turned to face me, and grinned at the comment, "Coffee? Coffee? My friend, what I make may start off as coffee, but what it becomes is art."