Chapter One: Three Fries Short of a Happy Meal
“Ok, Crimson, you can make it through this! You've been preparing for weeks now, It'll be just a bunch of ponies staring expectantly at you... no biggy, no biggy at all,” assured a voice from within.
Crimson Prodigy smiled at the sudden help from within. Said smile soon disappeared as another thought came to him. “But what if I have a nervous breakdown right in front of Princess Twilight Sparkle? Then what do I do? I do not think I could show my face in Canterlot again.”
“And? It's not like you wanted to come to this sorry excuse for a beacon of society. Even if you did screw this up, it'd be completely up to you and how you see yourself. This is for amateur writers. Not those damned famous screenplay writers to premiere their newest piece of ‘insert excuse here.’ You and I both know that Twilight would nothold anything against you and nothave your head on a silver platter to be put on display as her newest win against evil.”
Crimson furrowed his brow in thought. “I suppose you are right on that one. I could show my face in Canterlot again without receiving ridicule, but the likelihood of me coming back here is slim. I hate cities and most of the ponies they squeeze out of their deformed wombs are complete turds.”
Crimson noticed a critical stare from a fellow contestant. He was sitting opposite of him, his back against the tent and was chewing on some local grass. Crimson shifted uncomfortably “What? I am just missing a few marbles.”
“Crazy ponies, don’t know they’re crazy,” replied the other contestant.
Crimson smiled, then proceeded to approach the contestant and held out a hoof. “The name is Crimson Prodigy.”
“Golden Horizon.” The pony reached out with his own hoof.
“Damn, that is one hot Earth Pony.” Crimson could feel his cheeks light afire.
Golden Horizon noticed the sudden change in expression from the stallion in front of him and retracted his hoof, taking a step back as he did so. “Uhh… I do hope I’m not going to have to reject you.”
“Well, ain't he one for jumping to conclusions.”
It took a few moments to figure out what Golden Horizon was referring to and it hit Crimson like a slap in the face, causing him to sigh.
“No. You will not need to. It is just the sane part of me pointing out the obvious,” he replied in a sweet tone.
Golden Horizon cocked an eyebrow. “The obvious?”
“Oh. It is nothing. The little voice in my head thinks you are very attractive. I am not going to pursue you or anything of the sort.”
Golden Horizon stared at him for a moment. “Wow, he must be a pain in the plot.”
Crimson burst out laughing as his expression twisted into manic glee. “Well of course he is! Do you have any idea what it is like to have a another person in your head that at least five to eight times a day talks to you? I got lucky, he is helpful most of the time, but does get to be a royal pain in my rear on occasion.”
Horizon chuckled. “Heh, seems like the sibling you always wanted.”
Shying from the thoughtful stallion, Crimson smiled gratefully. “Thank you for understanding me, I do not get such a blessing often.” Leaning over, Crimson hugged Golden and kissed him on the cheek.
Stealing the chance to ‘check out’ his new business partner. Crimson Prodigy quickly looked up and down his fellow contestant. His coat was a sunny yellow and he adored how his mane flowed like a natural optical illusion. The bright yellows contrasting perfectly with the whites to make him look like a shimmering god. He also liked what he saw in terms of late night equipment.
However, Golden realized what Crimson was doing and gently pulled away from the hug. “Now, new friend of mine. When you go out there, blow them away, or get shamed off stage. It’s all on the presentation and your way with words.”
“Friend…” Crimson repeated the new word as if it were completely foreign to him. “I am...your friend?”
“That’s what I said.”
Golden began to worry about Crimson. He noticed the confusion in his voice and could only guess that this large stallion was an outsider amongst others.
“Sorry. I do not get that often. I am used to business relationships rather than a friend relationship.”
Golden chuckled lightly in understanding. “No need to apologize. I can see you’re very nice and any pony as nice as you that would be willing to give me the time and day is a pony I’d like to call friend.”
Crimson was in complete shock at what was just said, not knowing if this stallion was taking him for a fool or not. Crimson was sure that he was sincere, but past experiences had revealed many ponies merely pretended to be nice to him. “Why does he choose me as friend? I do not like this feeling of this one bit.” Shaking himself from his confusion, he intended to get to the bottom of this.
Crimson was nearly the opposite of complacent, taking no risks and he hated being taken advantage of. “Thanks, buddy... You would not happen to be from Canterlot would you?”
“I’m from Canterlot.”
“Hmm, which class are you?”
Golden Horizon blinked a few times. “Pardon?”
“Social class.” Crimson thought for a moment. “If...you do not mind me asking.”
“Ahh...not at all.” Golden nodded in understanding. “Lower class. I was born by the docks and was raised in a life surrounded by drunks, thieves and prostitutes.”
Crimson sighed in relief. “Typical of any city to have major gap between the wealthy and the poor. I grew up in Ponyville, so I never experienced such.”
“I envy you, dear Crimson Prodigy. I always liked smaller villages and towns, but I have a whore mother who needs real love in her life and I work at an orphanage for a job.”
“Damn buddy, you got it rough. Why not stop by my place or the other way around sometime? One sixteen, Huckleberry Trot. Just off of the main marketplace.” Once again, Crimson pulled Horizon into a hug.
The curtain to the contestant tent opened. “Intermission will be over in five minutes. Get yourselves ready to make me proud to be your leader,” came the invading host. The two stallions left each others embrace, turned to the sudden intrusion and bowed.
“Thank you for the update, Princess Twilight Sparkle. We'll do our best!” exclaimed Golden Horizon.
“Good. I'll see you two on stage,” said Twilight. She turned and smiled at Crimson.
“Likewise, your highness,” replied Crimson in a cheery voice.
Twilight turned to exit the tent, she was just about to leave when she swiveled her head. “How's Petunia?”
Crimson felt his legs go weak.“How? Uhhh...she is fine. Getting good grades in school and is maturing fast for her age.” he managed a weak smile.
“Ah, that is wonderful. Cheerilee has brought her up to me and I'm intrigued to say the least.” She exited the tent, leaving the newfound friendship be.
“Wow, she sure is a crafty one,” stated Golden with appreciation.
“She also has gotten a nice jiggly plot...I like jiggly plots.” The sudden noise within his head caused Crimson Prodigy to blush furiously and facehoof.
“I know that face by now,” chimed in Golden Horizon. “Anyways, I live at two eighty six, Skyview street. It’s nothing special, but it's been my home for the last seventeen years. If you wish to stop by tonight you are most welcome.”
“Last seventeen years? How old are you?” asked Crimson.
“Forty eight years.”
“Ewww, he’d be all loose inside and his house would smell like old people.”
Crimson's jaw dropped. “Oh, my. You sure look younger than what you are. Is it safe to assume you have a son or a daughter?”
“Assumptions are the mother of screw ups. I'm sterile, so I cannot have children. I have no brothers or sisters either; the foals at the orphanage are enough to keep me happy."
Crimson chuckled. “Now I do not know your past and what you are now, but I can tell you are good people from this perspective.”
“I'm not a good pony. I've done things that has put me in jail for years. Things to justify my morals at the sacrifice of my own Equinity, things to survive,” replied Golden Horizon a hint of sadness in his voice.
“I will not hold that against you.” Crimson shook his head. “I am nowhere near as old as you, but I understand. Tis a shame I cannot stop by tonight though. I have got a little seven year old filly to take care of. She can care for herself at my home, but not knowing why I am not back at a specific would cause her severe troubles.”
“You look quite young to be caring for a filly.”
“Yep. I am. Only Nineteen years and counting.” Crimson gave a proud smile before it vanished as quickly as it came. “Almost lost her custody, where she woulda been shipped here and thrown into an orphanage. Good thing I still had a good business partner alive and whom also had the power to prevent that. I will not go into more details, as it’s a long story.”
“No problem at all. Just mail me when you want to drop by. I'm sure we can arrange something for your place or mine.”
Crimson came to alertness as he heard the mic turn on. “Next up we have troubled soul with a very troubled past. He is from the very part of this city of which is not commonly cared about and has a piece which he hopes will explain his pain better. Come on up Golden Horizon!” shouted a familiar voice from beyond the tent.
“Here is where we depart ways. I’ll speak to you in the eventual future,” said Golden.
‘Likewise, buddy. Good luck out there.”
“Luck is all I have left, please don’t let this event be the end of that.” With that note, Golden Horizon left the young stallion.
Looking down, Crimson began fiddling with his hooves. “You better go make sure he can see you supporting him.”
“Will I not I get in trouble if I am not in the waiting tent?”
“I’m sure Twilight can guess and understand your reasoning. She is the Princess of Friendship after all.”
“Ugh, you make too much sense at times and my shrink tells me not to listen to you.”
“Well, your shrink is terrified of you,” deadpanned The Within.
Exiting the tent, Crimson was blinded by the western sun starting to set beneath the mountain’s peaks. Taking a moment to adjust to the glare, he quickly noticed the city’s beauty. White, gold towers spanned from many directions, all reaching up and piercing the heavens. Their tops made like fire under the golden sky. This city, as corrupt as it may seem, was a beacon of Equestrian society. A message to the other nations of what equine kind was capable of. Culture collided with culture here and it was glorious. It made him think twice about what big cities were like. Cities like Manehatten and Baltimare were concrete monstrosities compared to the divine beauty this city was.
“Guess the city’s beauty has to match her beauty as well.”
Looking over the Canterlot Royal Gardens, he spotted the observation area. It was a basic setup to have the least amount of impact on the local environment. Some ponies stood while most sat on nice silk cushions that lined the gardens evenly. It appeared as if the castle staff made sure everything was perfect. The stage however, was made of maple and oak while red silk curtains made an alcove for the presenter. He barely noticed the electrical wiring running along the stage.
As Crimson approached the sitting area, his heart fluttered. There she was, his goddess, his secret love. There sat Princess Luna, she was alone as the surrounding ponies were giving her space. Out of fear, or out of respect, it did not matter to him.
“Oh no, no, no, no. Don’t you even dare,” said The Within.
“You cannot stop me this time, she is mine.”
“You’re insane!”
“Exclaims the voice in my head.”
He approached Princess Luna. Grabbing her attention with a flick of a hoof, he gestured to a cushion next to her.
Holding his breath he thought about this revelation. This was the defining moment for him. For years he wanted to be near his moon goddess. To take in her scent, to smile at her. Maybe even speak to her, but that was a foals hope. Still...never stopped him from trying to get an audience with her on two occasions. He watched her as she pondered his offer for a few seconds and then he watched her nod.
“Well, we’re screwed,” said The Within.
“Quiet! I need to think.”
Approaching Luna, he sat next to her. He couldn’t help but catch her scent. She smelt normal. No perfumes, nothing to cover her. She smelt...perfect.
A stomp and a nicker of irritation from the stage drew his attention where he spotted his buddy, Golden Horizon. He looked quite upset. “Uh oh, what now?”
Crimson felt a brush from a feather against his side. She was leaning into him! Why woul- “Thou has upset the Princess. Twilight is very stubborn when it comes to vocalized literature and doesn't appreciate a cuss of any form. There is not enough time for the change and Mr. Horizon is irritated,” came a whisper into his ear. If his heart didn’t stop before, he was sure it skipping.
Crimson’s mind acted as though he was in danger. Adrenaline was pumping through his body causing cold sweat, heightened hearing and his eyes were uncontrollably darting from place to place. He couldn’t take it, the pressure to run was building. She was too much for him to handle. Crimson’s expression was bound to break. He just had to keep going, he had to last until his turn.
In response to Luna’s information, Crimson's rather nervous smile quickly deteriorated into a frown. He mustered a sentence. “Oh dear, well there is always next time, I do hope he is given a second chance.”
“As do I. He is a troubled soul and I was hoping this could be some major release for him.”
She was still talking to him, her voice as beautiful as the night. The shock was starting to make him feel lightheaded; he was going to faint if this kept up. However, he couldn’t falter in front of her, no never.
There was another nicker from the stage and Crimson watched as Golden Horizon was whisked away by a teleportation spell. Twilight approached the mic.
“Sorry about that. Old folks can be quite stubborn at times.” She smiled at Luna and gave her a wink.
In response to Twilight’s comment, he watched Luna stick her tongue out, her tongue! It was orange and he felt drawn to it. Without noticing, Crimson found his lips within inches of Luna’s mouth. He pulled back and was relieved that her majesty did not notice.
“Next up we have Crimson Prodigy. A single father from Ponyville with a certain view on current society.”
Still reeling from Luna’s recent action, Crimson Prodigy’s summon slipped past him. He was knocked from his shock by a wing slap to the back of the noggin
“Get up there, Mr. Prodigy,” Luna hissed. “Twilight doesn’t have the patience for a slow colt right now.”
She slapped him with her wing. It stung, but it was wonderous! Steeling himself, he prepared for presentation.
“Are you coming up here, Mr. Prodigy?” asked Twilight.
“Uhh, yes. Sorry your highness. I got lost in my noodle for a few seconds.” Rising from his cushion, Crimson approached the stage and leapt onto it with little effort. He Looked at Twilight, who gave a nod to continue.
Puffing out his chest, he let the literary music come out.
“Envy, greed and ignorance. These are the main fault of ponykind. For these three faults fuel hatred, anger and selfishness."
"To be pure, to love and to accept. If one does wishes so, you must shun this blight on the common mind." Crimson took a breath before continuing.
“Practice blocking these faults and eventually you will be able to do it subconsciously. With this ability in hoof you can do great things for Equinity... for Equestria!"
Surveying the crowd quickly, he saw many of the faces gazing at him with looks ranging from curiosity to admiration. Feeling his confidence building, Crimson projected his voice loudly to the seated audience.
"Push yourself to be free of hatred, anger and selfishness. You will then transcend above those who are not and you will be able to create beauty, as well as benevolence itself. With this beauty and benevolence you will feel better about yourself, others may be kinder to you and accept you for what you have become, for they know that you are something they may want to be and may never be.”
“With that thought. Bring forth the courage to spread the word of this ideal of self purification. You will then shower the meaning of Equinity over all you affect with your pure waters of love and acceptance. For all it takes is the will of one stallion or mare to help the ponies of Equestria realize, that they are not as good as they could be.”
“In the end. You may have realized your life sacrifice and where you could have delved into a life of selfish fun. You have instead, delved into a life of selflessness and caring for others. You then may leave this world at your death bed knowing you have helped keep the meaning of Equinity pure.”
There was the typical silence amongst the crowd, this being a quiet event. Crimson looked upon the faces of those watching him. He searched for his night goddess and spotted her smiling at him.
“She is smiling at me, I never thought she would be smiling at me! Oh, this more than I could ever have hoped for, I-” Crimson thoughts were cut off by somepony clearing their throat.
“Hmm, this piece has lots of promise. It’s full of ambitious hopes for equinity and individuals...little rough, but mostly okay. I am curious to what made you think of such.” Twilight tapped her chin with a hoof. “However, the time right now is not appropriate. I want you to send me a letter explaining your view as soon as possible.”
“Yes, your highness.” Crimson said, trying to hide his feeling of glee. “I will get to it when time suits me best.”
“Good. You are dismissed.”
Crimson smiled at his luck. He was getting somewhere with his life, even if it wasn’t what he had in mind. It was something other than selling himself and town maintenance.
Spotting the back exit of the stage, Crimson trotted gayly out of crowd’s sight and off to the contestant tent. However, while approaching the tent, a glimmer of light caught his eye. Looking up he spotted her. There stood the sun goddess looking over the assembly, like a brooding pegasus protective of her young. Her watchful eye examined everypony for weakness or otherwise bad intent, her very presence seeming to raise the temperature of the air several degrees.
Overstaying his welcome, Celestia looked down and stared into his eyes. Crimson flinched from the piercing eyes. They weren't threatening, but just like her sister Luna, he froze by their beauty.
Doing the only thing that seemed rational at the time, Crimson smiled and waved.
Responding to his acknowledgment, Celestia smiled back and continued to watch the crowd; at least that’s what he assumed.
Continuing on his merry way to the contestant tent where his saddlebags stayed hidden away under a perception filter, Crimson entered and immediately noticed something was off. There, his saddlebags sat untouched, but the spell was gone. Normally, he would have to use a detect enchantment to locate it and dispel it, but it appeared as though a residual magical signature was left from another pony dispelling.
Gears immediately turning into his head, he fired up a tracing spell only to find that whatever unicorn that did the act was in the tent, behind him to be more precise.
“Quick thinking, dear child of the earth. Tell me, what is your biggest fear?” said Luna.
Crimson’s heart quickened again and he could feel his gut twisting into a knot. He couldn’t stammer here, not when she’s requesting answer. Steeling his resolve, he took a few deep breaths.
“Failure, my dear princess. I have dealt with it all my life and I fear I will fail my daughter. I do not want to lose another loved one, but no matter how much it pains me, it is an eventuality, one that is a constant conflict upon my thoughts.”
Luna was silent for a moment, a look of curiosity in her eyes. “Interesting. The way you act suggested that I was your biggest fear in many different ways, but also I feel as though you idol me.”
Feeling backed into a corner, Crimson decided to go for broke. “You believe correctly, my dear princess. I do fear a negative judgement by you, but I also admire you for what you do. Protecting those of which are not your blood, but consider children from what evils lurk in the night and defining your moral glory into societies ethics. You strive to change what Celestia has unitentionally kept held.”
Turning around to meet his confronter face to face, he smiled when his eyes met hers. “You and I both know of the ailment that plagues our society. I strive to change it, in order to make a better future for my filly and other young ones as well.”
“That is an assumption, an assumption made upon research of limited resources. Why would you risk suggesting this?”
“Well, Luna. I believe you would forgive and correct me if I was wrong.” Crimson gave her a knowing look. “I have heard enough stories to know that you are not a bad pony and what happened a millennia ago was an honest, foalish mistake.”
“Such nice words from one who has never met me in person until now.” Luna cocked an eyebrow. “You believe in all honesty that I am a good pony, yet how can you rely on such an unknown?”
“Because I have faith in you and if Celestia has not sent you back to the moon and Twilight Sparkle is your friend, so…” He scratched the back of his head with a smirk. “...it is only logical that you are a good pony.”
Luna returned his smile in kind. “Faith, is a powerful thing. It can drive ponies to great lengths, be them benevolent or malevolent. I find comfort in seeing a child with such faith in me, perhaps you can put more in yourself?”
“I do not understa-” Crimson was shushed by a wing.
“There is nothing to understand. Just do it.” And with that, Luna left by flight, leaving a dumbfounded pony standing there.
Coming to his sense, Crimson shouted out. “Wait! Why me? Have I done anything wrong?!” But Luna was already out of earshot.
***
“Princess Luna, what do you plan to do with him?” asked a rough but feminine voice.
“I don’t know yet. Send your best to watch him and look into him. Whatever that thing is, he may or may not be a threat. Report any oddities, tics...whatever. And fetch me a genealogy report. I want to know what kind of family he has, if any.”
“Oh, and Star Blazer. Keep extra tabs on your patient. I fear he might be getting too optimistic again. He can’t handle another heartbreak.”
Opening his eyes, Golden Horizon looked around, only to be met with darkness. ‘Did she forget to send my eyes?’
Panicking, he shot up on all fours he tried to feel around, only to trip over what he assumed was a pipe. Falling flat on his face. he let out a groan as stars burst into vision. ‘Great. I’m stuck in a windowless cellar of some sort.’
He rose once again, this time with more caution. Having been forced to rely on other senses, he perked his ears up, listening intently for a noise that would indicate where he was, he was once again met with nothing. ‘Just peachy. I wonder how many teeth I’ll lose trying to find the exit?’
But just as he was about to feel his way around, he heard the very distinct cry of a foal waking from a nasty dream. His paternal instincts kicked in and he rushed towards the sound, which was above him, but didn’t stop him from trying to reach the source.
Only when he smashed into what he assumed was a concrete wall, did he gain some sense.
Golden was about to cuss when he heard a clink from a door handle and a shuffle. He could do little other than brace himself for the blinding flash that would most certainly be the demise of his still crisp, young eyesight. When he noticed only a small glare, he then realized that the pony who checked out the commotion carried only a small hoofheld torch.
“Whatcha doin down here in the dark, Horizon?” asked the familiar pony.
“Ugh, I was teleported here.” Golden noticed where he was. ‘Well, at least she had the courtesy to make sure I wasn’t late.’
“Well, at least you’re here. Lavender is just finishing up and was going to check up on you.”
“Finishing up?” A realization struck him. ‘The basement has windows, why is it pitch black down here? Oh, no...how long have I been out?!’
“Uhh, Reggie? How long have I been down here?”
“About six hours.”
Golden groaned in frustration. “Oh dear, it looks like I passed out from the shock of being teleported. Darnit. Might as well catch Lavender before she goes to bed.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate that,” added Reggie.
Golden Horizon walked past the custodian and made his way up from the musty basement of the Canterlot Docks Orphanage and into some poorly air conditioned hallways. The walls were a once vibrant yellow, but now through wear and time have become chipped and dirty. Passing a boarded up window he sighed. Hearing the drunks at the bar next door swearing while he could hear and smell buggery in the alleyway. “This is no place for foals to live,” he muttered to himself.
Golden Horizon rounded a corner and made his way up stairs. Here, there was incense in the air and the walls were painted rainbow, the paint job not as aged as other hallways and rooms. Little fillies and colts heights were recorded with lead on doorframes, while pictures hung on the walls and toys lied on the side. He could hear weeping, which was no doubt the foal he heard just moments earlier.
Turning into a bedroom located at the back of the primary hallway on the second floor. Golden spotted Lavender cradling a three year old bundle of innocence.
“Same dream?” he asked.
Lavender turned her head and frowned. “You’re very late.”
“Actually I was early. The event didn’t go well and her majesty, Princess Twilight Sparkle teleported me here. I ended up in the basement, but got knocked out.”
Lavender pondered his words for a moment and sighed. “Two lonely sailors just can’t seem to get enough tonight. They’ve been going at it for a few hours now. Taking breaks to get drunk in the bar, then sobering up screwing. Could you get rid of them please? The foals are having trouble sleeping.”
“Lavender, didn’t the barkeeper say he was going to lock that gate? They shouldn’t be able to get back there.”
“Maybe he was making too many bits off them. Or maybe he was scared. You know how these drunks can get when their blood gets flowing.” Lavender gently rocked the bundle in her forelegs. “Now are you going or not?”
“On it, boss.”
Golden Horizon made his way to the alley and found what he was looking for. Not that it was hard to find. You could smell and hear everything a block away.
Looking at two stallions scraping he couldn’t help but feel a familiar heat within him. Shaking it off, he pushed open the now unlocked gate and approached the two. One was earth pony, quite buff and had his REN uniform on. The other was an escort by the name of Bangers, he was from the other side of town. It was odd seeing Bangers here, normally he’s very expensive and only serves nobles with a secretive and shameful passion.
Clearing his throat, Golden readied for confrontation. “Bangers!” The white middle aged stallion looked up and smiled.
“Ahh, Golden Horizon. Fancy meeting you here. What can this old friend do for you?” asked Bangers.
Golden frowned at him and gestured for the other to leave. The sailor didn’t like that, but a small nod from Bangers was enough to coax. The sailor made his way to Golden. After sizing him up, the sailor pushed past Golden with a grunt of irritation.
“Wait where I met you, mate. I’ll catch you in a bit!” Bangers said to the sailor. “Now what do you think you’re doing interrupting my work? My children ain’t the ones puttin’ food on the table.”
“Umm, Bangers.” Golden shook his head in slight annoyance. “The orphanage was forced to relocate after our funding was slashed. Yet you’re back here, making lots of noise and there are foals trying to sleep.”
Bangers mouth dropped. “Oh! I’m sorry, laddy. I didn’t know. See? This kind of shite doesn’t make the papers and you haven’t spoken to me in months. How was I supposed to know?”
“It’s okay, Buddy. Just you and that sailor go have fun elsewhere.” Bangers pulled his red matted mane out of his eyes. “Well, ya don’t have to tell me twice. Hey, give my apologies to Lavender if the sweet thing is still working for the orphanage.”
“Yes. Of course, Bangers. Oh, and by the way. I thought you only did snobby nobles. What are you doing with a big buff sailor?”
Bangers chuckled heartily. “Oh, Horizon. I do folks who serve as well. And he had the bits. Some of these poor colts. Ever since no fraternizing was enforced, business has been booming. I can actually feed my family proper now.”
“Well, Bangers. I wish you and your colts good luck. Guess I’ll see you around, you now know where I’ll be.”
“Aye, see you around. Oh! And my offer still stands if you ever want to take it up!”
Golden chuckled. “No' Will be my answer till the day I die!” shouted Golden as he waved Bangers off, letting out a sigh as he did so. “That colt will never give up, will he?”
Turning around he made his way to the third floor of the orphanage, but on his way he was stopped by a small innocent voice. “Where’s my papa?” asked a small colt.
Golden frowned. “Blade Beam, your father is sleeping. I’m sorry, he’s not going to wake up. But eventually you’ll be in a deep sleep too and you’re going to see him again.”
“How many times are you going to say that? I know he’s not sleeping. Ponies don’t sleep for this long,” Blade Beam retorted. The nine year old colt tended to drag things on longer than they needed to be with his logic.
“Blade Beam, go back to bed. Even if your father is awake somewhere, I can’t help you find him. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
“What’s there to understand? I know you’re lying. You and Lavender always lie us. Saying our parents are sleeping. Saying mommy and daddy had to go away.” The little colt raised his voice. “Why can’t you just tell us the truth for once?”
‘Here we go again.’ Horizon sighed and pulled the colt into a hug. “As we’ve said so many times. You will understand when you’re older. And we are telling you the truth, it’s just you don’t get it.” He let a tear fall onto Blade’s shoulder. “For now you don’t need to worry about this stuff. All we want for you is to behave yourself and make sure you’re groomed nicely when other mommy and daddies come here to take you away with them.”
“But I don’t want a new daddy! I want my daddy!”
“Blade Beam, me and Lavender. We are your caretakers, your nannies. We can’t take care of you forever and when you grow up, we aren’t going to be there. That’s why you need to get another daddy. Ya know it’s okay to have two. I even had two one time. But I’m going to be honest with you. They were bad to me, much worse than any pony should go through. You, the mommies and daddies that come here to take little wandering eyed colts and fillies such as yourself. These mommies and daddies are wonderful and all they want or care about is you. We make sure of it, because even though we’re not your parents, we still love you. So, please. For the love of Celestia. When the next group comes in tomorrow, look nice and be social. And if you won’t do it for Celestia. Do it for us, the ones who’ve loved and cared for you for the past four years.”
Blade Beam looked into his eyes, tears streaming down his face. “O-okay. I’ll do it for you and Lavender.”
“Good. Now lets get you tucked in.” Golden nosed Blade Beam back into his bedroom and reached around to blow a raspberry. Blade Beam jumped and giggled as he landed on his bed and Golden Horizon pulled the covers over him. “I’ll be here in the morning. And if you ever need anything, you know where to find Lavender.” he said as he kissed the colt goodnight.
Removing himself from the edge of the bed, Golden Horizon made his way out of the room, shutting off the light switch as he passed. But he heard somebody approach from behind him as he left into the hallway. “I could never do what you do, Mr Horizon,” came a feminine voice. “I don’t know how you manage.”
“Ah, Star Blazer. What brings you here?” asked Golden Horizon. He turned and hugged the mare behind him. Returning the hug, Star Blazer smiled a little too broadly, revealing her sharp fangs.
“A little check up and regarding the incident at the writers event,” replied Star Blazer.
“Look, I’m sorry. I got really upset after mustering all that courage and putting so much thought into my words, and it was all for nothing.”
“Oh, silly colt. It’s not about that. It’s about a Mr. Prodigy.” Golden frowned and now was truly worried about his new friend.
“That doesn’t sound good. Has he done something to merit significant guilt?”
“We don’t know. I did a little research for you, cause I know how wary you can get at times. And while he and his daughter are in the archives, his mother and father are not. I couldn’t pull a genealogy report, because there was none. It’s odd, since every family in Equestria has some sort of record. It’s as though they appeared out of thin air.”
Golden smiled and gave her a neck hug. “Thank you for caring that much, but I don’t think Crimson Prodigy is evil or something silly like that. He’s got a little filly!”
“This I can agree with you.” Star Balzer gave a nod. “Social Services reports show a stable and responsible father. A little awkward and quiet, but so far not a threat. However, I want you to keep a little caution until we can figure out where the other three quarters of his family file is.”
“On another topic. Most stallions of certain pursuits can see right through you, even I can and I don’t even go tha-”
“This again? Blazer, I don’t like stallions, I like mares. You know that. I’ve had you and that nice shaggy coat of yours twice now.” said Golden Horizon. Star Blazer snorted, nibbled on Golden’s cheek and smacked his flank with her wing, causing him to blush.
“Yeah...you keep telling yourself that. I just want to see you happy. And your friend, Bangers who you hurt last time because of this. He wants to see you happy too. FYI, you’ve made him cry twice now. And until you finally take his or another's offer, your going to continue to make him cry. He cares for you so much, but you’re stubborn and it makes him so sad that he’s not be able to do anything as he watches you fall into depression on a monthly basis.”
Golden was taken aback by what she just said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
Star Blazer pulled him into the closet and readied to give him an earful. “You didn’t know?! Ugh, goodness. You keep lying to yourself, you need to stop. That little fire you feel when you see a handsome stallion. You should let that blaze, not smother it out. Look at me for example. Whenever I like something I see, I go and take it and I’ve taken you twice now. Those stallions, you’ve just got to go and take them. It’s easy. You’ve got the courage to do it, I know it. That writers event was a fine example of how far you’ve come. And like what you said to Blade Beam. If you won’t do it for anything else, at least do it for me.”
Golden snorted. “You win. But on two conditions."
Star Blazer grinned, this was now a gamble. “Oh? What is it?”
Golden returned the grin.“One. I get to rub it in your face if you’re wrong. Two. You have to let me do that thing I’ve always want to do.”
Pondering his words, Star Blazer smiled. “And if I’m right, you’ll have a punishment coming for you of my own choosing and you won’t know until it’s hit you.”
“Deal” Golden Horizon met her hoof shake.
Star Blazer exited the closet and made her way out of the orphanage, while Golden Horizon continued to Lavender’s quarters.
Arriving at her door, he lightly rapped. “Yes. Golden. What is it?” asked Lavender.
“I just wanted to say goodnight. Oh, and what did the doctor say?”
“He said Corel with heal over time, but her mind is still heavily damaged. I still can’t get close enough to clean her when she wakes up in her own filth,” replied Lavender.
“Tough. Sickening that somepony would do such an awful thing to a filly,” added Golden Horizon.
“Well, we take after our parents. And her parents took after theirs. We grew up with love, and we can still make sure Corel gets that love so her young don’t have to grow up with the awful fate she got.”
Golden Horizon shuddered as a memory hit him. Shaking it out of his head, he smiled. “Might as well leave before my mother worries. Good night, Lavender. If you run into any issues you know how to contact me.”
“Good night, Golden Horizon. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
