Melodious Secretsby Sapphire ShadowChaptersA Pony's MelodyThe Stranger and the GuardMysteryA Pony's Melody“So I pause at the gates, once more, as my spirit lifts and soars, and I wish I could enter in, 'cause you make me sing! 'Cause you make me sing!” Clapping burst from the other pony's hooves, and her eyes lighted with genuine adoration. “That was simply beautiful! I loved it!” Spice cheered. Azure Harmony blushed. She brushed a silky strand back from her face and smiled. She had written that song for Sweet Spice simply because she was the greatest sister a pony could have. She put her music down on a stump and clumsily bowed. “I'm glad you liked it. It took me weeks to write it and even longer to practice it.” she said, hugging her sister. “Well, I'm sure glad you did. Seriously, you are a great singer. Ponies would love to hear your music!” At this, Harmony quickly blushed and averted her sisters happy gaze. She looked at her bright blue hooves. Spice always spoke what she thought, and it was usually true. But ponies would never love Harmony's kind of music. It was simply....too different. “No, no, they wouldn't. Not my kind of music.” she said quietly. She heard her sister sigh. She looked up into her sister's bright eyes and saw a mixture of disappointment and reluctant surrender. “Well, okay. But hey, let's get something to eat. Singing must be hard work, and we already missed lunch.” That was her Sweet Spice. Once again glowing and cheerful, Harmony looked back into her sisters pretty pink eyes and nodded smilingly. Together they set off for the cottage. Azure Harmony and Sweet Spice were sisters. But no pony that didn't know them would be able to tell. They were completely different in looks and talent. Sweet spice was a cocoa-colored pony with a very, very light pink, almost white mane and tail, and a wooden spoon with a pinch of cinnamon on it as a cutie mark. Her talent was baking and cooking. Azure Harmony, on the other hand, was, hence the name, an azure pony with a white and aqua mane and tail, and a treble clef for a cutie mark. Her talent, of course, was singing. As she reflected smilingly on this, she trotted behind her sister, almost tripped on the wooden steps and sat down at the hard wooden table with an exhausted thud. When they got inside, Spice pulled freshly baked blueberry pumpkin cookies out, and set three on a plate, and put it on the table. She poured two icy glasses of peppermint tea and set them at each place. “Oh, this looks delicious, Spice.” Harmony said as she bit into a cookie. “Ah, thank you. Just repaying your beautiful talent with mine.” and she smiled sweetly. After they ate, Harmony brushed out her mane and went into Pony Ville with a basket. She had to get a few things for Spice, and pick up a couple things for herself. It was always beautiful in Pony Ville this time of year. The sun was high and bright in the cloudless sky (obviously Rainbow Dash and her friends were being lazy) and bright green growth underneath the bright blue covering glistened and glimmered with a sense of spring freshness that Harmony absolutely loved. “Harmony! What luck to see you here!” a chirpy voice called out. Harmony smiled. She didn't have to see to know who that was. She thanked the vegetable-selling pony and turned to see Pinkie hopping towards her. “Hi Pinkie.” she said, and would have hugged her, if it weren't for all the bouncing. “What are you doing here?” Pinkie asked. Her curly mane was bouncing up and down on her bubblegum pink neck. “Oh, nothing interesting, just picking up a few things for me and Spice.” “Yeah, that's not very interesting. It is when it is something fun, like muffins, or maybe popcorn!!”and with this she closed her eyes in glee and bounced on her hooves. “I agree.” Harmony said, giggling. Pinkie always had that effect on her. “Oh, when you go home, don't forget to tell Sweetie Spice I said HIII!!! she's such a talented baker, and helps make the YUMMIEST things for parties!” and Pinkie bounced some more. Pinkie Pie loved to call Spice, Sweetie Spice. Harmony wasn't the only one who thought her a sweetheart. “I won't forget. As long as you tell Gummy hi for me.” Harmony didn't really have any affection for Gummy, but she liked exchanging pleasantry for pleasantry. “Oh I will! Oh! And did you know that there is a strange, new pony in town?” Pinkie asked mysteriously, suddenly lowering her voice and leaning close. “No, I didn't.” Harmony was getting more amused by the second. “He's not a regular pony, see, he walks with a limp, his head is always bowed, he wears a black cape! With a creepy-scary hood!! Some say he's a ghost, others say a thief, or murderer, of some sort...and--” “Pinkie Pie! Are you scaring Harmony with all your gossipy tall tales?” Rainbow Dash asked as she landed in front of the two. “Uh, no.” Pinkie blushed. “No, she was just telling me about the 'mysterious, new pony' in town. Nothing scary.” Harmony assured her. “How can you say that? He's suuuuper creepy!!” Pinkie said. Her eyes widened as if she was remembering his creepiness. Rainbow just rolled her eyes. “He is kinda creepy, but I have more important things to talk about. I just came over here to see if Pinkie was spreading tales.” with a wave, she left the pink and blue ponies alone. “Well, I better go, Pinkie. Spice will be getting worried.” Pinkie nodded and sported her usual super happy smile, and bounced away. Harmony tucked an extra few apples in her basket, then flew toward home. She didn't feel up to walking. As she flew, she looked at the weather ponies finally starting to push clouds here and there, and from up here she could see the far away peaks of Canterlot rising above the slowly descending fog. It had been getting eerily foggy during the middle of the day, lately, and Harmony didn't like it. Fog always creeped her out, for she always thought something with red eyes and a black shadow of a body would appear and snatch her. Or Spice. Once she was safely out of town, she started singing her newest song again. “So I pause at the gates, once more, as my spirits lift and soar, and I wish I could enter in, 'cause you make me sing, 'cause you make me sing.....!” 'Harmony, Sorry, I got called off. I had to go help Rarity measure me for my new outfit I ordered. For the upcoming singing show. (I still think you should enter!) so I won't be back till late. I wasn't notified till just now, so that's why I had to rush out. See you later. Spice.' That was alright. She could wait. She at once set to putting her purchases away. The upcoming singing show would be held in Rarity's boutique. She hadn't once given participating a thought. Like she'd convinced herself, even if she was good at singing, as her cutie mark suggested, no pony else would think so. So, she would simply have to be content listening to the show. And, getting asked a thousand times about why she wasn't in it. Oh well. She could endure it for one night. It was sure to be a dazzling performance, because Rarity was making outfits for each participant, plus for any pony who would be watching that asked her for one. Like Spice. When she finished putting everything away, she made her way to the cupboards and found a spare blueberry pumpkin cookie just waiting to be eaten. She gobbled it hungrily, washed it down with a drink of cool water, then flew upstairs to her room. With the house empty (sure, her sister was a great listener, but sometimes it was nice to practice alone) Harmony decided she'd like to work on her latest song. Not her 'So I Pause At The Gates' but a new one that had just sprang into her mind while she had flown back from the market. She had been looking for inspiration like this ever since she finished her previous song. And when inspiration found her, she had to seize it in the moment before it was gone and put it down on paper. Harmony pulled the curtains of her bedroom window back, tied them with a silver ribbon and threw open the window, letting in cool fresh air. She took out a worn leather suit case and opened the snaps, then threw it open, causing it to make a thwang as the rusty springs once again did her bidding. Inside were her treasures. Old, beautiful, irreplaceable treasures. She dug through the piles of stuff till she found what she needed. She lied all her supplies on the desk then shut the suitcase, pushed it under her bed and flew into her desk seat. She pulled her thick mane back into a pony tail and brushed a few stray strands back behind her ear. Then she got to work. She opened her music notebook, flipped to a black page and smiled. Her new song would be written on this very page. She took out a quill, dusted off the feathers and dipped it in her new bottle of ink. As soon as she set her quill to the page, it was like magic. The notes, words, treble clefs, and tune fell on to the page, and the only sound in the room was that of her humming out her new tune and the faint scraping of quill against paper. An hour later she left the quill in the ink and whipped out the new song. “There! Finished! It may need some fine tuning but it's done.” and with that, she put her things away, and washed the ink off her hooves and face, then let her mane down, shaking it out as she did, then running a wide-tooth comb through it and patting it into place. As soon as she finished, she heard the front door squeak open, then close, and the soft footsteps enter. She heard the rustling of a dress being brought from a box and the fwap of it being shook out. She smiled to herself. Writing a new song always brought a smile to her face. Spice is home, and I am finished with the song just in time. I can go down and we can have a pleasant evening together, maybe she'll show me her new dress! She thought happily. And why shouldn't she be happy? Writing a new song ALWAYS brought a smile to her face. “Harmony! Come look at Rarity's dress she made for me!” That was her cue. With a barely audible squeal, she flew down to meet her sister. Author's Note I hope you guys like my main characters, Sweet Spice and Azure Harmony. I plan for the 'strange, new pony' to play at least a minor part, too. Can you tell? Please let me know of anything that needs correcting! The Stranger and the GuardHarmony smiled as she trotted along the road to PonyVille. She had talked to her sister yesterday, and told her about her recent song. She read it and loved it, but said she still liked “So I Pause At The Gates” better simply because it was written for her. Oh Spice. Harmony had a way of loving songs in different ways, not liking one better than the other. It was strange to some, but Spice understood, even if she elbowed Harmony in the ribs teasingly once and a while. Harmony got back to the present and smiled as she saw PonyVille in the distance. She usually didn't go in so often, but she had been invited to a singing festival with Twilight and Fluttershy, and had to meet them in the quaint town. She walked past the creek and stopped, spying Spice's favorite kind of flower. A tiger lily. Then, she spotted another, and another. There was tons of them! “Oh Spice will love these! I have to pick some and ask some pony if he or she will deliver them for me since it's too far to walk or even fly back on my own. Besides, I'd be late.” she picked several and went along her way, flying now, so she could cradle them in her forelegs. When she got to PonyVille, she landed gracefully and stood on her hind legs, searching the crowd for some pony who might be willing. She spotted Pinkie Pie by the cupcake stands. Hmm. No. She might bounce too much and the petals were delicate. She really could not see any pony that might help. Then, her thoughts stopped as she spotted a strange looking pony on the other side of the market. This must be the pony Pinkie and Rainbow were talking about. He was exactly as Pinkie described him, with a black cape that, yes, had a hood. His head was bowed in an unnatural way, and he walked with a limp. A slight limp, but a limp. Suddenly he raised his head and locked eyes with hers. They were dark brown eyes, and Harmony blushed, looking away, her heart racing. In that one small moment, she'd felt the strange pony could see right through her. She spotted Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy over by Pinkie's bakery. She made her way there, making sure to very widely avert the stranger, and just before they caught sight of her, she stopped, feeling she was being followed. “Hallo, miss.” she jumped to the side and nearly crushed her flowers. The stranger was standing right beside her. His cape darkened him so much she couldn't tell what color he was, and was able to see just a small part of what looked to be a shaggy mane. “Um, uh, hello...” she said, trying to be friendly, even though this pony was scaring her. He-she could tell by the voice-was taller than her, and had such dark, piercing eyes, she didn't know what to think. “I saw you looking around in the marketplace. Are you looking for someone? Perhaps I can help.” He said. His voice was slightly raspy. “Um, I was just looking for someone to take these flowers to my sister...” she said cautiously. “Oh! By Luna's moon, I'll take them for you, Madam.” he said. Now she was scared. “That's okay. I'll find someone. You don't have to.” “Please, miss. I've been tortured all my life with harsh looks, scared ponies, and frightened colts and fillies, I must do something kind to show them I'm not the scary pony they think I am.” he pleaded. She caught site of a ragged scar down his cheek. He sounded pitiful enough. Besides, Spice was strong. She could fight her way out if need be. “Okay, but just lay them on the front porch, knock, and then leave, and don't trouble yourself no further. Thank you. The house is just down the road. The first one. You won't miss it.” And with that, she shoved the flowers into his hooves, but he picked them up with a blue aura. Ah, he must have a horn hidden under that large hood. “Thank ya, miss, thank ya!” and she heard him limp away. She sighed. If something went wrong she could always pick more flowers on the way back. Now it was time to meet with Twilight and Fluttershy. She tucked a few stray strands of mane behind her ear and walked up to them, her wings neatly folded on her sides. “Hello, Harmony. Nice to see you. Are you ready to go to the singing festival?” Twilight greeted her. She grinned. “So ready. Hey, Fluttershy.” she looked at the pale yellow pony. Fluttershy smiled. “Hi, Harmony.” “Follow me, girls.” and she took off flying. Harmony smiled. Twilight looked so regal in her new wings, and so beautiful, too. Fluttershy smiled at Harmony, and together they took off after Twilight, flying to the train station. When they landed on the hard, wooden platform, they went up to where a blue ticket master with a black mane stood. “Three tickets to Fillydelphia, please.” Twilight said, calm and collected as ever. Harmony envied her grace and smoothness. “Yes, ma'am.” the ticket master handed her three, and tipped his hat to us. We smiled our thanks and went to wait on a bench for the train to arrive. We were a few minutes early. The train arrived soon, and we went in and sat on our plush seats. Fillydelphia wasn't far, so I took in the scenery as we went, biting my lip in anticipation of the show. Even if I wouldn't join, hearing singing was almost as good as doing the singing. Almost. They arrived shortly, and went to the building where a black stallion with glasses and a gray tuxedo stood at the front to greet them. If you could call it 'greeting.' “Names, please.” he pulled out a long paper wound into a scroll. Twilight smiled at her friends and stepped up. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Fluttershy, and that is Azure Harmony.” she said coolly. The guard looked up quickly, probably aghast at her beautiful voice. “Uh, yes, here is your names, go right ahead, Miss Sparkle, you and your friends.” he said a little shakily. Harmony fought to keep back a laugh. Guards usually were NOT like this! The guard didn't even look in Harmony or Fluttershy's directions, but watched Twilight till she disappeared. Deciding to be nice, Harmony stopped before going in. “What is your name, sir?” she asked. He didn't move, but kept his dark eyes fixed on the doorway. “Sir?” He jerked his gaze back. “What? Uh, yes, sorry. N-name?” Harmony tried not to giggle. “No, I'm with the pony you were just staring at. What is your name?” she asked. She was almost sure she could see his cheeks redden the slightest bit. “I'm-uh, Knightly Charging, but every pony just calls me Knight.” he answered clumsily. “Well, Knight, I will tell Twilight Sparkle that, and who knows, maybe we'll see you around.” and with another dazzling smile, Harmony dashed in after her friends. Giggling, she caught up to a very puzzled Twilight and a very confused Fluttershy. She took her place on a red velvet seat between them, still giggling. “What did you do?” Twilight asked. “I just had a little chat with the guard.” Harmony said, smiling at Twilight. “What-do you mean you talked to him?” “Yes, after I pulled his gaze away from YOU!” Harmony exclaimed, nudging her friend. Twilight went beet red. “Oh, Harmony, you didn't!” she covered her mouth with a hoof. “what did you say?” Harmony could hear Fluttershy softly giggling. “Just asked him what his name was, told him I'd tell you, and told him maybe we'll see him around.” she smiled innocently. “that's all.” Twilight put her face in her hooves. “Oh Harmony!” she said. I bumped her with a hoof. Come on, don't you think a tall, dark stallion with the name “Knightly Charging” is at all a romantic deal? Come on, you'll probably like him!” Harmony sank into her seat, fully realizing it's softness. Twilight sighed. “Okay, you're right, maybe I will. I just don't understand why you did it in the first place!” “Well, you're a beautiful, intelligent alicorn, now, and so you deserve to have someone to share your life with.” Harmony explained. “I'm not lonely! I have Spike....” she trailed off, then smiled as the thought occurred to her, “of course, I have always wanted a partner, and he was kinda good looking....” “Well, 'maybe we'll see him around.'” Harmony said, and with one last round of giggling, they finally fell silent as the red curtains drew and the singing show began. That evening, the mares headed toward the train station. Harmony was eager to get back and see what Spice thought of the flowers (if that blasted pony ever brought them) and to tell her about the singing and the guard fiasco. The guard fiasco! It had continued as they walked out the door. Twilight smiled at him brightly, to which he smiled back, but not in a bold way, and Harmony had quietly sidled up to him and said, “I'll see what I can do.” To which he replied, “thank you, miss Harmony.” and she had flashed another smile at him. When they arrived back in Ponyville, Twilight and Harmony said goodbye to Fluttershy, then got to talking before they separated. “So, you seen the stranger yet?” Harmony said, only half-joking. “Stranger? No...” she peered at Harmony and studied her face. “You haven't? Yes, there is this new pony in town wears a dark cape, walks with a slight limp, and has a weird accent. His head always seems bent, yet when he looks at you it feels like he can look right through you. Oh, and he has a jagged scar on his cheek.” she looked up at Twilight, expecting her friend to be amused. What she saw startled her. Twilight was pale, her eyes wide. Her horn lighted up and Harmony kicked the air as she was brought nose-to-nose with Twilight. “What color was he?” she asked in a low tone of voice. “I don't know...I couldn't tell.” “Have you spoke with him?” “Yes-he offered to take my flowers to Spice.” At this, Twilight gasped, dropped Harmony, purely by accident, then pushed her up again, forgetting to use magic. “Come, we must go, now! Your sister is in grave danger! Quick! Come!” and she started to fly at top speed towards Harmony and Spice's cottage. What was going on? Did Twilight know something about this stranger? “Twilight! What is it? What's wrong?” Harmony called out as she struggled to keep up with Twilight's furious flapping. “This stranger is dangerous! He will do something horrible! No time to explain! We must get your sister if it's not too late already!” Twilight shouted and that was enough explanation for Harmony, though she was still curious. Still Harmony struggled to keep up, the cool, night air stung her face as she flew through it at such unnatural pace, and she occasionally felt the slap of tree branches across her face and chest. Finally they saw the cottage. Harmony saw the flowers laying on the porch and sped up, hoping, hoping, hoping. Twilight stopped so suddenly, Harmony went flying over her, trying to stop herself, and crashed into a bush. “Oof! Ow! Who put a bush here?!” she grumbled as she fought to untangle herself from the prickly branches. “Harmony!” Twilight cried out, and with like an arrow to her heart, Harmony realized it was a frantic, sad call. She ripped the branches off herself as she half flew-half hopped over to the house. The door was wide open and Twilight was thrown over a chair, sobbing. “Twilight! What-what-” Harmony stopped as she realized the horrible truth. The house was perfectly in order. The flowers untouched. Everything the way she left it. But Spice was no where to be seen. Author's Note Ah! Don't you just love it when you fall in love with your OCs? I plan to make Knightly Charging a part of the story, as I at first intended to make him just a funny Twilight-smitten guard, but I think he has potential to play a larger part. Open to any criticism! MysteryChapter Three Melodious Secrets Mystery “What happened to her?! Where could she have gone? Who was the mystery pony?!” Harmony ran back and forth, her wings up and her mane frazzled from the surprise. “Whoa, settle down! We'll figure this out.” Twilight said, but she too was worried. Harmony could see. “Please, can I sleep at your place tonight? I will not sleep in such a perfect house when my sister could be in trouble out there!” Harmony looked desperately at Twilight, who nodded her purple head. “Let's go. We have to get back.” she said and picked up Harmony with her magic again. As she flew, Twilight was silent. She HAD to know something she wasn't telling Harmony. When they landed at Twilight's tree, Harmony turned to look at her. “Something is up. I can see it. Tell me about the stranger.” Harmony insisted. Twilight, who suddenly looked tired and wore out for an alicorn, shook her head. “I can't. It won't help anything. Now get some rest. We'll send out a search party and we, too, will search for your sister.” Twilight replied, going inside. “Thanks.” Harmony murmured. “Twi! I was so worried! You're never out this late! Y-” Spike stopped his run towards Twi when he saw Harmony and their worried looks. “Is something wrong?” he asked. “Yes, Spike. Spice is missing.” Twilight replied. “What? But she was such a nice pony! Whenever I came over she would give me treats and stuff and make me laugh. We must find her!” he said. “Oh, Spike, you're very valiant, but, I'm afraid we'll have to wait till tomorrow. Plus, I need you here in case Spice comes here for some reason.” Twilight shook her head at the possibility and trotted up to her room, telling Spike to get Harmony settled. “Come, Harmony. You can sleep with us. There is another bed around here somewhere.” Spike said, a little sad, since he couldn't join the search tomorrow. “Thanks, Spike.” and Harmony followed. Who was the stranger? Was he really dangerous, like Twilight said? How did she know him? Was he another evil pony like Queen Chrysalis or The Nightmare Mare? Harmony slept little, and she figured she probably would have gotten less if she knew who the stranger was. When Harmony did doze off, she was woken up what seemed like two seconds later by the soft golden light streaming through the windows. She got up and stretched and suddenly all last night's memories came rushing back. “Oh! The search!” she quickly trotted downstairs and saw Twilight outside talking to some ponies with packs and search equipment. When she spotted her, Twilight dashed over. “It seems the whole town knows who you are. Many stallions, mares, colts, and fillies have joined, hoping to find your sister. Even some of the young foals asked to 'pwease find spice.'” Twilight said. “Well, she was pretty popular.” Harmony said, choking up at the thought of her missing sister. “We had Rainbow fly out to see if she was back at the cottage, but no pony was there. So, me you and Rainbow will go one way and the rest will separate.” Twilight informed her, looking down at a clipboard. She was neat and organized, as usual. A lot like Spice. Harmony frowned. So, the other groups set off after receiving instructions, and Twilight, Rainbow and Harmony set off, after telling Spike for the last time he should stay at the tree. “Where are we headed, Twilight?” Harmony asked as they trotted at a brisk pace. “The woods.” Twilight nodded at the woods looming ahead of them. Harmony stopped dead in her tracks. “We're not looking in THOSE woods, are we?!” she said, looking into the dark, crowded forest. “We have to. If it was indeed the stranger who took Spice, he would have taken her in here. Come on now.” Rainbow replied. Harmony squared her shoulders and trotted in behind them. The woods were dark, shadowed, even in the daylight. They were creepy, too. Harmony never had liked the woods, or really any enclosed space that was dark and had weird noises. They passed by Zecora's cottage and went even deeper, looking everywhere. Rainbow flew up a little higher, looking in the treetops. “Oh Spice where are you?” Harmony whispered to herself. Then a thought occurred to her. She trotted up to Twilight. “Twilight! Tell me what you know about this stranger! I won't rest till I know.” Harmony said, whirling around in front of her friend. Twilight sighed and shook her head. “Alright, if you must know. Let's talk as we go.” she answered wearily. And so they started off again, side by side. “This pony, 'the stranger,' as you call him is extremely dangerous. He has never done a wrong thing in his life, except for one. And that one sin he commits daily, it seems. Or at least weekly. He has grown obsessed with it and stays hidden presumably in these woods, with his victims.” Twilight began. “What crime?” Harmony whispered nervously, fearing for her sister. “He kidnaps ponies. Mostly mares, but a few colts and stallions as well. He doesn't do it for ransom, he doesn't do it for any known motive. He just locks them away in his hidden fortress, and says he will keep kidnapping them and doing who knows what to them in his hideout until some pony comes and fulfills his code.” Twilight said, shivering. “Code? What code?” Harmony asked, knowing this was the answer. “Come, ye mare who knows the answer The answer to my code, She must come and stand bravely at the door of my abode Two lines, perhaps, maybe a paragraph, A whole page, perhaps of the sweetest words Must be said to my all-hearing ears These words must not be spoken, loud or soft, Must not be written, sloppy or neat, Must not be shouted, or whispered, or scoffed at Or loved, but must still arrive at my large and hidden door Of my abode For when they are, all shall go back to what it was, and all ponies Released. Come ye mare, who knows the answer The answer To my code.” Twilight looked dismally down at Harmony. “Wow. That doesn't rhythm. Or make any sense of any kind.” Harmony said dully. “Too true. That's why I dearly hope he hasn't kidnapped her.” Rainbow said down from her spot in the treetops. “Well, we must keep up hope. Keep going, Harmony.” and together they plunged through the underbrush, hoping for a glimpse of her sister. The darkness seemed to swallow her up. The emptiness clawed at her and the chains seemed to pull her into the ground. “Help! Some pony, please! No...this can't be happening. Harmony! What will become of her?” Spice tried jerking her front hooves away from the steel grip of the foot long chains. “Do stop that racket. No one will hear you except for my other captives. We are far away from Ponyville, and even farther from any place any pony will ever look. So do stop it. It is hopeless, young mare.” the voice came again. Spice just growled angrily. This voice of this stranger had been taunting her every word, and she really didn't like it. All she remembered of yesterday was that a strange pony came in hooded and walked up to her. She hadn't been able to move. Then he simply tossed a cape over her head and led her out. Now she was in the castle, and back to her usual self, except she was scared and angry. And she didn't like the pony hiding himself. “You are agitated young mare. Let me get you something.” and she could hear him trotting off. That was the thing about this stallion, or colt, or whatever. He actually half cared. He didn't torture her, kill her or mistreat her. He brought her good food and clean water, and made sure she had a blanket for the night. All he did was leave her there, chained to the floor in darkness, proclaiming it would be better if she didn't see him. She never could tell when he was and wasn't there. It was like he had some secret gate that didn't let in any light when he left. Oh, and when he talked to her it was usually disheartening news or discouraging of her thoughts. Besides all that, she was close to being well taken care of. “Here you are.” he said in his deep, raspy voice. She heard a cold glass clink on the floor. She gingerly picked it up. “Water. Always helps me.” and then the voice was no more. She drank heartily and then dared to call out, hoping he hadn't left her. “Why are you keeping me here?” she called out into thin air. “Because I must capture ponies until my code is fulfilled. You happened to be a loved pony in Ponyville, so I thought, her capture should bring some action, and hopefully, fulfill what needs to be fulfilled.” came the answer. “What is the answer? Perhaps I can send out a message if you permit me.” At this she heard a frustrated sigh. “Don't you get it, young mare? The code isn't something you can order someone to fill. They have to do of their own ambition.” he said. “But why? What is so important about it?” Spice demanded. “Silence, young mare. You will do good to shut that mouth.” he said in a scary low voice. Then she heard no more and assumed he had left. She sighed heavily and awkwardly laid down to try and sleep. Maybe Harmony could figure it out.... “Okay guys, back we go.” Twilight said that evening as they scoured another area. “What? No! We must keep looking! The longer we delay the more trouble Spice could get into!” Harmony pleaded, almost in tears from no luck and this news. “We're nearly spent, Harmony. We'll come back first light, I promise. But we have to get back. Come, now. Spike will worry.” Twilight smiled sympathetically at her friend. Harmony sighed. She knew they should. She was just so worried. “Okay.” she said in barely above a whisper. Then they headed back with Rainbow trailing along. She had worn herself out flying all day. When they got back to the tree, Spike came running out. “Harmony! Twilight! Rainbow! Something crazy happened while you were out! Thank goodness you're back!!” he exclaimed. “Spice?!” Harmony said excitedly. “No, I'm sorry, Harmy. Something way worse. Not saying your sister is worse-er-bad-er-” Twilight held up a hoof. “We understand, Spike. Now, what happened?” Harmony smiled at her friend's control. Probably because she had lived with Spike for so long. “He came!” “Who?” Rainbow asked. “The stranger! He came while you were gone! He asked for Harmony, saying he knew she was staying here. He wanted to pay you a visit. I said you were out and wouldn't be back. Then he said to give you a message, Harmony.” Spike stopped for breath. The ponies escorted him inside as he talked. “Message?” she asked fearfully. “Yeah. He said, 'tell her I want to discuss flowers.' and then he left! Do you know what he was talking about?” Harmony gasped. Flowers?! “Spike! I have to-thank you Twilight, I must go!” and with that Harmony raced out, oblivious to Twilight calling her name. She ran into the market place and looked around. In the fading light, not very many ponies were around, but it was also getting hard to see. She ran in circles, hoping desperately for a glimpse of him. Finally she stopped and breathed in. Where was he? She couldn't have missed him, surely! “Are you looking for someone?” a voice said behind her. She jumped and whirled around and then jumped again when she saw who it was. “Hello again.” he said. She fought hard to control her rage. Maybe he didn't know that she knew.... “Hello...” she said, trying to be friendly but in a cautious way. “Why are you out here at this time of day, er, night, or, evening, or whatever?” he asked, trotting up closer to talk to her. She skittered backward involuntarily and fell into the water fountain. Then he started to laugh. He laughed, not in a mean way, and offered her a hoof. She blushed with a mix of embarrassment and fury but thanks to her growing-up years could not refuse the hoof. It would be rude. She gingerly placed her hoof into his and he pulled her up. She shook violently and looked at him. “Did the overgrown lizard give you my message?” he asked. She bristled at that. “He's a baby dragon, and his name is Spike. And yes, he did.” she said, trying hard to keep anger out of her voice. “Oh, Pardon me. He struck me as a nervous lizard, all the jumping around and nervous talking. Stuttering, I think you ponies call it. I'm from a different region.” he smiled and she once again was drawn the scar on the part of his face she could see. “Well, I told him to tell you I wanted to discuss flowers because I figured you would know me by that.” he said matter-of-factly. Something about his voice...he sounded good-natured and calm. No, don't be fooled, she warned herself. Lots of villains are like that. She smiled falsely to him and then decided to be clever. “I have a question for you. Two, actually.” she said, smiling to herself. “Fire away.” he said and cocked a hoof. Something she had never seen before. She swallowed and looked at the big pony. “First of all, why did you want to see me? And second, why do you never take that cloak off?” she said, saying it stronger than she felt. “Simple, my dear. I wanted to see you to tell you this: the flowers were safely delivered, and I just wanted to see your pretty face again.” he smiled lazily. “and I keep the cape on because it is so blasted hot here! I must have some shade, because, my dear, Prance is so much cooler.” he said. She shivered slightly. He talked lazily, as if he hadn't a care in the world besides delivering flowers and keeping the sun off his back. And the way he just let his words slip out smooth as honey, yet didn't reveal hardly anything, she judged he was a master of crime. She shivered. So powerfully deceiving. “I must go now...uh..Mr...uh...” she wanted to slap herself. “Oh, I'm sorry. I've never really had a name. Call me..well, call me Thunder.” he replied, and waved a hoof as if it didn't really matter. “And go ahead, my dear, go enjoy the rest of this fine evening. Oh, and by the way...” he grabbed her foreleg and pulled her close to him. “I would be most honored to see you again...” “What?!” she jerked away from him, then suddenly thought to herself...maybe she could find out more about this strange pony if she saw him again. Anything to help her save Spice. She let a smile slip. “Okay. When?” Even under his hood, she could tell he was smiling. “Wonderful! How about tomorrow evening, same time?” “Sure. I'll be seeing you.” Harmony smiled coyly then trotted off towards Twilight's home. Why did he keep wanting to see her?! Was he trying to get her to fulfill that stupid code of his? Because she had absolutely no idea what it meant and she had no clue how to solve it. “Goodbye, my music mare.” he waved as she left. She huffed as she trotted away. How did he know she was a 'music mare'?! When she got back, she entered Twilight's home and locked the door behind her. When she turned around, the sight that met her eyes was astonishing. Spike was once again flustered, but this time for good reason. Twilight was stretched out across the floor and sobbing. Author's Note Hope you liked it! I'll add more soon! I'm really enjoying my OC's. Don't we all?!
A Pony's Melody“So I pause at the gates, once more, as my spirit lifts and soars, and I wish I could enter in, 'cause you make me sing! 'Cause you make me sing!” Clapping burst from the other pony's hooves, and her eyes lighted with genuine adoration. “That was simply beautiful! I loved it!” Spice cheered. Azure Harmony blushed. She brushed a silky strand back from her face and smiled. She had written that song for Sweet Spice simply because she was the greatest sister a pony could have. She put her music down on a stump and clumsily bowed. “I'm glad you liked it. It took me weeks to write it and even longer to practice it.” she said, hugging her sister. “Well, I'm sure glad you did. Seriously, you are a great singer. Ponies would love to hear your music!” At this, Harmony quickly blushed and averted her sisters happy gaze. She looked at her bright blue hooves. Spice always spoke what she thought, and it was usually true. But ponies would never love Harmony's kind of music. It was simply....too different. “No, no, they wouldn't. Not my kind of music.” she said quietly. She heard her sister sigh. She looked up into her sister's bright eyes and saw a mixture of disappointment and reluctant surrender. “Well, okay. But hey, let's get something to eat. Singing must be hard work, and we already missed lunch.” That was her Sweet Spice. Once again glowing and cheerful, Harmony looked back into her sisters pretty pink eyes and nodded smilingly. Together they set off for the cottage. Azure Harmony and Sweet Spice were sisters. But no pony that didn't know them would be able to tell. They were completely different in looks and talent. Sweet spice was a cocoa-colored pony with a very, very light pink, almost white mane and tail, and a wooden spoon with a pinch of cinnamon on it as a cutie mark. Her talent was baking and cooking. Azure Harmony, on the other hand, was, hence the name, an azure pony with a white and aqua mane and tail, and a treble clef for a cutie mark. Her talent, of course, was singing. As she reflected smilingly on this, she trotted behind her sister, almost tripped on the wooden steps and sat down at the hard wooden table with an exhausted thud. When they got inside, Spice pulled freshly baked blueberry pumpkin cookies out, and set three on a plate, and put it on the table. She poured two icy glasses of peppermint tea and set them at each place. “Oh, this looks delicious, Spice.” Harmony said as she bit into a cookie. “Ah, thank you. Just repaying your beautiful talent with mine.” and she smiled sweetly. After they ate, Harmony brushed out her mane and went into Pony Ville with a basket. She had to get a few things for Spice, and pick up a couple things for herself. It was always beautiful in Pony Ville this time of year. The sun was high and bright in the cloudless sky (obviously Rainbow Dash and her friends were being lazy) and bright green growth underneath the bright blue covering glistened and glimmered with a sense of spring freshness that Harmony absolutely loved. “Harmony! What luck to see you here!” a chirpy voice called out. Harmony smiled. She didn't have to see to know who that was. She thanked the vegetable-selling pony and turned to see Pinkie hopping towards her. “Hi Pinkie.” she said, and would have hugged her, if it weren't for all the bouncing. “What are you doing here?” Pinkie asked. Her curly mane was bouncing up and down on her bubblegum pink neck. “Oh, nothing interesting, just picking up a few things for me and Spice.” “Yeah, that's not very interesting. It is when it is something fun, like muffins, or maybe popcorn!!”and with this she closed her eyes in glee and bounced on her hooves. “I agree.” Harmony said, giggling. Pinkie always had that effect on her. “Oh, when you go home, don't forget to tell Sweetie Spice I said HIII!!! she's such a talented baker, and helps make the YUMMIEST things for parties!” and Pinkie bounced some more. Pinkie Pie loved to call Spice, Sweetie Spice. Harmony wasn't the only one who thought her a sweetheart. “I won't forget. As long as you tell Gummy hi for me.” Harmony didn't really have any affection for Gummy, but she liked exchanging pleasantry for pleasantry. “Oh I will! Oh! And did you know that there is a strange, new pony in town?” Pinkie asked mysteriously, suddenly lowering her voice and leaning close. “No, I didn't.” Harmony was getting more amused by the second. “He's not a regular pony, see, he walks with a limp, his head is always bowed, he wears a black cape! With a creepy-scary hood!! Some say he's a ghost, others say a thief, or murderer, of some sort...and--” “Pinkie Pie! Are you scaring Harmony with all your gossipy tall tales?” Rainbow Dash asked as she landed in front of the two. “Uh, no.” Pinkie blushed. “No, she was just telling me about the 'mysterious, new pony' in town. Nothing scary.” Harmony assured her. “How can you say that? He's suuuuper creepy!!” Pinkie said. Her eyes widened as if she was remembering his creepiness. Rainbow just rolled her eyes. “He is kinda creepy, but I have more important things to talk about. I just came over here to see if Pinkie was spreading tales.” with a wave, she left the pink and blue ponies alone. “Well, I better go, Pinkie. Spice will be getting worried.” Pinkie nodded and sported her usual super happy smile, and bounced away. Harmony tucked an extra few apples in her basket, then flew toward home. She didn't feel up to walking. As she flew, she looked at the weather ponies finally starting to push clouds here and there, and from up here she could see the far away peaks of Canterlot rising above the slowly descending fog. It had been getting eerily foggy during the middle of the day, lately, and Harmony didn't like it. Fog always creeped her out, for she always thought something with red eyes and a black shadow of a body would appear and snatch her. Or Spice. Once she was safely out of town, she started singing her newest song again. “So I pause at the gates, once more, as my spirits lift and soar, and I wish I could enter in, 'cause you make me sing, 'cause you make me sing.....!” 'Harmony, Sorry, I got called off. I had to go help Rarity measure me for my new outfit I ordered. For the upcoming singing show. (I still think you should enter!) so I won't be back till late. I wasn't notified till just now, so that's why I had to rush out. See you later. Spice.' That was alright. She could wait. She at once set to putting her purchases away. The upcoming singing show would be held in Rarity's boutique. She hadn't once given participating a thought. Like she'd convinced herself, even if she was good at singing, as her cutie mark suggested, no pony else would think so. So, she would simply have to be content listening to the show. And, getting asked a thousand times about why she wasn't in it. Oh well. She could endure it for one night. It was sure to be a dazzling performance, because Rarity was making outfits for each participant, plus for any pony who would be watching that asked her for one. Like Spice. When she finished putting everything away, she made her way to the cupboards and found a spare blueberry pumpkin cookie just waiting to be eaten. She gobbled it hungrily, washed it down with a drink of cool water, then flew upstairs to her room. With the house empty (sure, her sister was a great listener, but sometimes it was nice to practice alone) Harmony decided she'd like to work on her latest song. Not her 'So I Pause At The Gates' but a new one that had just sprang into her mind while she had flown back from the market. She had been looking for inspiration like this ever since she finished her previous song. And when inspiration found her, she had to seize it in the moment before it was gone and put it down on paper. Harmony pulled the curtains of her bedroom window back, tied them with a silver ribbon and threw open the window, letting in cool fresh air. She took out a worn leather suit case and opened the snaps, then threw it open, causing it to make a thwang as the rusty springs once again did her bidding. Inside were her treasures. Old, beautiful, irreplaceable treasures. She dug through the piles of stuff till she found what she needed. She lied all her supplies on the desk then shut the suitcase, pushed it under her bed and flew into her desk seat. She pulled her thick mane back into a pony tail and brushed a few stray strands back behind her ear. Then she got to work. She opened her music notebook, flipped to a black page and smiled. Her new song would be written on this very page. She took out a quill, dusted off the feathers and dipped it in her new bottle of ink. As soon as she set her quill to the page, it was like magic. The notes, words, treble clefs, and tune fell on to the page, and the only sound in the room was that of her humming out her new tune and the faint scraping of quill against paper. An hour later she left the quill in the ink and whipped out the new song. “There! Finished! It may need some fine tuning but it's done.” and with that, she put her things away, and washed the ink off her hooves and face, then let her mane down, shaking it out as she did, then running a wide-tooth comb through it and patting it into place. As soon as she finished, she heard the front door squeak open, then close, and the soft footsteps enter. She heard the rustling of a dress being brought from a box and the fwap of it being shook out. She smiled to herself. Writing a new song always brought a smile to her face. Spice is home, and I am finished with the song just in time. I can go down and we can have a pleasant evening together, maybe she'll show me her new dress! She thought happily. And why shouldn't she be happy? Writing a new song ALWAYS brought a smile to her face. “Harmony! Come look at Rarity's dress she made for me!” That was her cue. With a barely audible squeal, she flew down to meet her sister. Author's Note I hope you guys like my main characters, Sweet Spice and Azure Harmony. I plan for the 'strange, new pony' to play at least a minor part, too. Can you tell? Please let me know of anything that needs correcting!
The Stranger and the GuardHarmony smiled as she trotted along the road to PonyVille. She had talked to her sister yesterday, and told her about her recent song. She read it and loved it, but said she still liked “So I Pause At The Gates” better simply because it was written for her. Oh Spice. Harmony had a way of loving songs in different ways, not liking one better than the other. It was strange to some, but Spice understood, even if she elbowed Harmony in the ribs teasingly once and a while. Harmony got back to the present and smiled as she saw PonyVille in the distance. She usually didn't go in so often, but she had been invited to a singing festival with Twilight and Fluttershy, and had to meet them in the quaint town. She walked past the creek and stopped, spying Spice's favorite kind of flower. A tiger lily. Then, she spotted another, and another. There was tons of them! “Oh Spice will love these! I have to pick some and ask some pony if he or she will deliver them for me since it's too far to walk or even fly back on my own. Besides, I'd be late.” she picked several and went along her way, flying now, so she could cradle them in her forelegs. When she got to PonyVille, she landed gracefully and stood on her hind legs, searching the crowd for some pony who might be willing. She spotted Pinkie Pie by the cupcake stands. Hmm. No. She might bounce too much and the petals were delicate. She really could not see any pony that might help. Then, her thoughts stopped as she spotted a strange looking pony on the other side of the market. This must be the pony Pinkie and Rainbow were talking about. He was exactly as Pinkie described him, with a black cape that, yes, had a hood. His head was bowed in an unnatural way, and he walked with a limp. A slight limp, but a limp. Suddenly he raised his head and locked eyes with hers. They were dark brown eyes, and Harmony blushed, looking away, her heart racing. In that one small moment, she'd felt the strange pony could see right through her. She spotted Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy over by Pinkie's bakery. She made her way there, making sure to very widely avert the stranger, and just before they caught sight of her, she stopped, feeling she was being followed. “Hallo, miss.” she jumped to the side and nearly crushed her flowers. The stranger was standing right beside her. His cape darkened him so much she couldn't tell what color he was, and was able to see just a small part of what looked to be a shaggy mane. “Um, uh, hello...” she said, trying to be friendly, even though this pony was scaring her. He-she could tell by the voice-was taller than her, and had such dark, piercing eyes, she didn't know what to think. “I saw you looking around in the marketplace. Are you looking for someone? Perhaps I can help.” He said. His voice was slightly raspy. “Um, I was just looking for someone to take these flowers to my sister...” she said cautiously. “Oh! By Luna's moon, I'll take them for you, Madam.” he said. Now she was scared. “That's okay. I'll find someone. You don't have to.” “Please, miss. I've been tortured all my life with harsh looks, scared ponies, and frightened colts and fillies, I must do something kind to show them I'm not the scary pony they think I am.” he pleaded. She caught site of a ragged scar down his cheek. He sounded pitiful enough. Besides, Spice was strong. She could fight her way out if need be. “Okay, but just lay them on the front porch, knock, and then leave, and don't trouble yourself no further. Thank you. The house is just down the road. The first one. You won't miss it.” And with that, she shoved the flowers into his hooves, but he picked them up with a blue aura. Ah, he must have a horn hidden under that large hood. “Thank ya, miss, thank ya!” and she heard him limp away. She sighed. If something went wrong she could always pick more flowers on the way back. Now it was time to meet with Twilight and Fluttershy. She tucked a few stray strands of mane behind her ear and walked up to them, her wings neatly folded on her sides. “Hello, Harmony. Nice to see you. Are you ready to go to the singing festival?” Twilight greeted her. She grinned. “So ready. Hey, Fluttershy.” she looked at the pale yellow pony. Fluttershy smiled. “Hi, Harmony.” “Follow me, girls.” and she took off flying. Harmony smiled. Twilight looked so regal in her new wings, and so beautiful, too. Fluttershy smiled at Harmony, and together they took off after Twilight, flying to the train station. When they landed on the hard, wooden platform, they went up to where a blue ticket master with a black mane stood. “Three tickets to Fillydelphia, please.” Twilight said, calm and collected as ever. Harmony envied her grace and smoothness. “Yes, ma'am.” the ticket master handed her three, and tipped his hat to us. We smiled our thanks and went to wait on a bench for the train to arrive. We were a few minutes early. The train arrived soon, and we went in and sat on our plush seats. Fillydelphia wasn't far, so I took in the scenery as we went, biting my lip in anticipation of the show. Even if I wouldn't join, hearing singing was almost as good as doing the singing. Almost. They arrived shortly, and went to the building where a black stallion with glasses and a gray tuxedo stood at the front to greet them. If you could call it 'greeting.' “Names, please.” he pulled out a long paper wound into a scroll. Twilight smiled at her friends and stepped up. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Fluttershy, and that is Azure Harmony.” she said coolly. The guard looked up quickly, probably aghast at her beautiful voice. “Uh, yes, here is your names, go right ahead, Miss Sparkle, you and your friends.” he said a little shakily. Harmony fought to keep back a laugh. Guards usually were NOT like this! The guard didn't even look in Harmony or Fluttershy's directions, but watched Twilight till she disappeared. Deciding to be nice, Harmony stopped before going in. “What is your name, sir?” she asked. He didn't move, but kept his dark eyes fixed on the doorway. “Sir?” He jerked his gaze back. “What? Uh, yes, sorry. N-name?” Harmony tried not to giggle. “No, I'm with the pony you were just staring at. What is your name?” she asked. She was almost sure she could see his cheeks redden the slightest bit. “I'm-uh, Knightly Charging, but every pony just calls me Knight.” he answered clumsily. “Well, Knight, I will tell Twilight Sparkle that, and who knows, maybe we'll see you around.” and with another dazzling smile, Harmony dashed in after her friends. Giggling, she caught up to a very puzzled Twilight and a very confused Fluttershy. She took her place on a red velvet seat between them, still giggling. “What did you do?” Twilight asked. “I just had a little chat with the guard.” Harmony said, smiling at Twilight. “What-do you mean you talked to him?” “Yes, after I pulled his gaze away from YOU!” Harmony exclaimed, nudging her friend. Twilight went beet red. “Oh, Harmony, you didn't!” she covered her mouth with a hoof. “what did you say?” Harmony could hear Fluttershy softly giggling. “Just asked him what his name was, told him I'd tell you, and told him maybe we'll see him around.” she smiled innocently. “that's all.” Twilight put her face in her hooves. “Oh Harmony!” she said. I bumped her with a hoof. Come on, don't you think a tall, dark stallion with the name “Knightly Charging” is at all a romantic deal? Come on, you'll probably like him!” Harmony sank into her seat, fully realizing it's softness. Twilight sighed. “Okay, you're right, maybe I will. I just don't understand why you did it in the first place!” “Well, you're a beautiful, intelligent alicorn, now, and so you deserve to have someone to share your life with.” Harmony explained. “I'm not lonely! I have Spike....” she trailed off, then smiled as the thought occurred to her, “of course, I have always wanted a partner, and he was kinda good looking....” “Well, 'maybe we'll see him around.'” Harmony said, and with one last round of giggling, they finally fell silent as the red curtains drew and the singing show began. That evening, the mares headed toward the train station. Harmony was eager to get back and see what Spice thought of the flowers (if that blasted pony ever brought them) and to tell her about the singing and the guard fiasco. The guard fiasco! It had continued as they walked out the door. Twilight smiled at him brightly, to which he smiled back, but not in a bold way, and Harmony had quietly sidled up to him and said, “I'll see what I can do.” To which he replied, “thank you, miss Harmony.” and she had flashed another smile at him. When they arrived back in Ponyville, Twilight and Harmony said goodbye to Fluttershy, then got to talking before they separated. “So, you seen the stranger yet?” Harmony said, only half-joking. “Stranger? No...” she peered at Harmony and studied her face. “You haven't? Yes, there is this new pony in town wears a dark cape, walks with a slight limp, and has a weird accent. His head always seems bent, yet when he looks at you it feels like he can look right through you. Oh, and he has a jagged scar on his cheek.” she looked up at Twilight, expecting her friend to be amused. What she saw startled her. Twilight was pale, her eyes wide. Her horn lighted up and Harmony kicked the air as she was brought nose-to-nose with Twilight. “What color was he?” she asked in a low tone of voice. “I don't know...I couldn't tell.” “Have you spoke with him?” “Yes-he offered to take my flowers to Spice.” At this, Twilight gasped, dropped Harmony, purely by accident, then pushed her up again, forgetting to use magic. “Come, we must go, now! Your sister is in grave danger! Quick! Come!” and she started to fly at top speed towards Harmony and Spice's cottage. What was going on? Did Twilight know something about this stranger? “Twilight! What is it? What's wrong?” Harmony called out as she struggled to keep up with Twilight's furious flapping. “This stranger is dangerous! He will do something horrible! No time to explain! We must get your sister if it's not too late already!” Twilight shouted and that was enough explanation for Harmony, though she was still curious. Still Harmony struggled to keep up, the cool, night air stung her face as she flew through it at such unnatural pace, and she occasionally felt the slap of tree branches across her face and chest. Finally they saw the cottage. Harmony saw the flowers laying on the porch and sped up, hoping, hoping, hoping. Twilight stopped so suddenly, Harmony went flying over her, trying to stop herself, and crashed into a bush. “Oof! Ow! Who put a bush here?!” she grumbled as she fought to untangle herself from the prickly branches. “Harmony!” Twilight cried out, and with like an arrow to her heart, Harmony realized it was a frantic, sad call. She ripped the branches off herself as she half flew-half hopped over to the house. The door was wide open and Twilight was thrown over a chair, sobbing. “Twilight! What-what-” Harmony stopped as she realized the horrible truth. The house was perfectly in order. The flowers untouched. Everything the way she left it. But Spice was no where to be seen. Author's Note Ah! Don't you just love it when you fall in love with your OCs? I plan to make Knightly Charging a part of the story, as I at first intended to make him just a funny Twilight-smitten guard, but I think he has potential to play a larger part. Open to any criticism!
MysteryChapter Three Melodious Secrets Mystery “What happened to her?! Where could she have gone? Who was the mystery pony?!” Harmony ran back and forth, her wings up and her mane frazzled from the surprise. “Whoa, settle down! We'll figure this out.” Twilight said, but she too was worried. Harmony could see. “Please, can I sleep at your place tonight? I will not sleep in such a perfect house when my sister could be in trouble out there!” Harmony looked desperately at Twilight, who nodded her purple head. “Let's go. We have to get back.” she said and picked up Harmony with her magic again. As she flew, Twilight was silent. She HAD to know something she wasn't telling Harmony. When they landed at Twilight's tree, Harmony turned to look at her. “Something is up. I can see it. Tell me about the stranger.” Harmony insisted. Twilight, who suddenly looked tired and wore out for an alicorn, shook her head. “I can't. It won't help anything. Now get some rest. We'll send out a search party and we, too, will search for your sister.” Twilight replied, going inside. “Thanks.” Harmony murmured. “Twi! I was so worried! You're never out this late! Y-” Spike stopped his run towards Twi when he saw Harmony and their worried looks. “Is something wrong?” he asked. “Yes, Spike. Spice is missing.” Twilight replied. “What? But she was such a nice pony! Whenever I came over she would give me treats and stuff and make me laugh. We must find her!” he said. “Oh, Spike, you're very valiant, but, I'm afraid we'll have to wait till tomorrow. Plus, I need you here in case Spice comes here for some reason.” Twilight shook her head at the possibility and trotted up to her room, telling Spike to get Harmony settled. “Come, Harmony. You can sleep with us. There is another bed around here somewhere.” Spike said, a little sad, since he couldn't join the search tomorrow. “Thanks, Spike.” and Harmony followed. Who was the stranger? Was he really dangerous, like Twilight said? How did she know him? Was he another evil pony like Queen Chrysalis or The Nightmare Mare? Harmony slept little, and she figured she probably would have gotten less if she knew who the stranger was. When Harmony did doze off, she was woken up what seemed like two seconds later by the soft golden light streaming through the windows. She got up and stretched and suddenly all last night's memories came rushing back. “Oh! The search!” she quickly trotted downstairs and saw Twilight outside talking to some ponies with packs and search equipment. When she spotted her, Twilight dashed over. “It seems the whole town knows who you are. Many stallions, mares, colts, and fillies have joined, hoping to find your sister. Even some of the young foals asked to 'pwease find spice.'” Twilight said. “Well, she was pretty popular.” Harmony said, choking up at the thought of her missing sister. “We had Rainbow fly out to see if she was back at the cottage, but no pony was there. So, me you and Rainbow will go one way and the rest will separate.” Twilight informed her, looking down at a clipboard. She was neat and organized, as usual. A lot like Spice. Harmony frowned. So, the other groups set off after receiving instructions, and Twilight, Rainbow and Harmony set off, after telling Spike for the last time he should stay at the tree. “Where are we headed, Twilight?” Harmony asked as they trotted at a brisk pace. “The woods.” Twilight nodded at the woods looming ahead of them. Harmony stopped dead in her tracks. “We're not looking in THOSE woods, are we?!” she said, looking into the dark, crowded forest. “We have to. If it was indeed the stranger who took Spice, he would have taken her in here. Come on now.” Rainbow replied. Harmony squared her shoulders and trotted in behind them. The woods were dark, shadowed, even in the daylight. They were creepy, too. Harmony never had liked the woods, or really any enclosed space that was dark and had weird noises. They passed by Zecora's cottage and went even deeper, looking everywhere. Rainbow flew up a little higher, looking in the treetops. “Oh Spice where are you?” Harmony whispered to herself. Then a thought occurred to her. She trotted up to Twilight. “Twilight! Tell me what you know about this stranger! I won't rest till I know.” Harmony said, whirling around in front of her friend. Twilight sighed and shook her head. “Alright, if you must know. Let's talk as we go.” she answered wearily. And so they started off again, side by side. “This pony, 'the stranger,' as you call him is extremely dangerous. He has never done a wrong thing in his life, except for one. And that one sin he commits daily, it seems. Or at least weekly. He has grown obsessed with it and stays hidden presumably in these woods, with his victims.” Twilight began. “What crime?” Harmony whispered nervously, fearing for her sister. “He kidnaps ponies. Mostly mares, but a few colts and stallions as well. He doesn't do it for ransom, he doesn't do it for any known motive. He just locks them away in his hidden fortress, and says he will keep kidnapping them and doing who knows what to them in his hideout until some pony comes and fulfills his code.” Twilight said, shivering. “Code? What code?” Harmony asked, knowing this was the answer. “Come, ye mare who knows the answer The answer to my code, She must come and stand bravely at the door of my abode Two lines, perhaps, maybe a paragraph, A whole page, perhaps of the sweetest words Must be said to my all-hearing ears These words must not be spoken, loud or soft, Must not be written, sloppy or neat, Must not be shouted, or whispered, or scoffed at Or loved, but must still arrive at my large and hidden door Of my abode For when they are, all shall go back to what it was, and all ponies Released. Come ye mare, who knows the answer The answer To my code.” Twilight looked dismally down at Harmony. “Wow. That doesn't rhythm. Or make any sense of any kind.” Harmony said dully. “Too true. That's why I dearly hope he hasn't kidnapped her.” Rainbow said down from her spot in the treetops. “Well, we must keep up hope. Keep going, Harmony.” and together they plunged through the underbrush, hoping for a glimpse of her sister. The darkness seemed to swallow her up. The emptiness clawed at her and the chains seemed to pull her into the ground. “Help! Some pony, please! No...this can't be happening. Harmony! What will become of her?” Spice tried jerking her front hooves away from the steel grip of the foot long chains. “Do stop that racket. No one will hear you except for my other captives. We are far away from Ponyville, and even farther from any place any pony will ever look. So do stop it. It is hopeless, young mare.” the voice came again. Spice just growled angrily. This voice of this stranger had been taunting her every word, and she really didn't like it. All she remembered of yesterday was that a strange pony came in hooded and walked up to her. She hadn't been able to move. Then he simply tossed a cape over her head and led her out. Now she was in the castle, and back to her usual self, except she was scared and angry. And she didn't like the pony hiding himself. “You are agitated young mare. Let me get you something.” and she could hear him trotting off. That was the thing about this stallion, or colt, or whatever. He actually half cared. He didn't torture her, kill her or mistreat her. He brought her good food and clean water, and made sure she had a blanket for the night. All he did was leave her there, chained to the floor in darkness, proclaiming it would be better if she didn't see him. She never could tell when he was and wasn't there. It was like he had some secret gate that didn't let in any light when he left. Oh, and when he talked to her it was usually disheartening news or discouraging of her thoughts. Besides all that, she was close to being well taken care of. “Here you are.” he said in his deep, raspy voice. She heard a cold glass clink on the floor. She gingerly picked it up. “Water. Always helps me.” and then the voice was no more. She drank heartily and then dared to call out, hoping he hadn't left her. “Why are you keeping me here?” she called out into thin air. “Because I must capture ponies until my code is fulfilled. You happened to be a loved pony in Ponyville, so I thought, her capture should bring some action, and hopefully, fulfill what needs to be fulfilled.” came the answer. “What is the answer? Perhaps I can send out a message if you permit me.” At this she heard a frustrated sigh. “Don't you get it, young mare? The code isn't something you can order someone to fill. They have to do of their own ambition.” he said. “But why? What is so important about it?” Spice demanded. “Silence, young mare. You will do good to shut that mouth.” he said in a scary low voice. Then she heard no more and assumed he had left. She sighed heavily and awkwardly laid down to try and sleep. Maybe Harmony could figure it out.... “Okay guys, back we go.” Twilight said that evening as they scoured another area. “What? No! We must keep looking! The longer we delay the more trouble Spice could get into!” Harmony pleaded, almost in tears from no luck and this news. “We're nearly spent, Harmony. We'll come back first light, I promise. But we have to get back. Come, now. Spike will worry.” Twilight smiled sympathetically at her friend. Harmony sighed. She knew they should. She was just so worried. “Okay.” she said in barely above a whisper. Then they headed back with Rainbow trailing along. She had worn herself out flying all day. When they got back to the tree, Spike came running out. “Harmony! Twilight! Rainbow! Something crazy happened while you were out! Thank goodness you're back!!” he exclaimed. “Spice?!” Harmony said excitedly. “No, I'm sorry, Harmy. Something way worse. Not saying your sister is worse-er-bad-er-” Twilight held up a hoof. “We understand, Spike. Now, what happened?” Harmony smiled at her friend's control. Probably because she had lived with Spike for so long. “He came!” “Who?” Rainbow asked. “The stranger! He came while you were gone! He asked for Harmony, saying he knew she was staying here. He wanted to pay you a visit. I said you were out and wouldn't be back. Then he said to give you a message, Harmony.” Spike stopped for breath. The ponies escorted him inside as he talked. “Message?” she asked fearfully. “Yeah. He said, 'tell her I want to discuss flowers.' and then he left! Do you know what he was talking about?” Harmony gasped. Flowers?! “Spike! I have to-thank you Twilight, I must go!” and with that Harmony raced out, oblivious to Twilight calling her name. She ran into the market place and looked around. In the fading light, not very many ponies were around, but it was also getting hard to see. She ran in circles, hoping desperately for a glimpse of him. Finally she stopped and breathed in. Where was he? She couldn't have missed him, surely! “Are you looking for someone?” a voice said behind her. She jumped and whirled around and then jumped again when she saw who it was. “Hello again.” he said. She fought hard to control her rage. Maybe he didn't know that she knew.... “Hello...” she said, trying to be friendly but in a cautious way. “Why are you out here at this time of day, er, night, or, evening, or whatever?” he asked, trotting up closer to talk to her. She skittered backward involuntarily and fell into the water fountain. Then he started to laugh. He laughed, not in a mean way, and offered her a hoof. She blushed with a mix of embarrassment and fury but thanks to her growing-up years could not refuse the hoof. It would be rude. She gingerly placed her hoof into his and he pulled her up. She shook violently and looked at him. “Did the overgrown lizard give you my message?” he asked. She bristled at that. “He's a baby dragon, and his name is Spike. And yes, he did.” she said, trying hard to keep anger out of her voice. “Oh, Pardon me. He struck me as a nervous lizard, all the jumping around and nervous talking. Stuttering, I think you ponies call it. I'm from a different region.” he smiled and she once again was drawn the scar on the part of his face she could see. “Well, I told him to tell you I wanted to discuss flowers because I figured you would know me by that.” he said matter-of-factly. Something about his voice...he sounded good-natured and calm. No, don't be fooled, she warned herself. Lots of villains are like that. She smiled falsely to him and then decided to be clever. “I have a question for you. Two, actually.” she said, smiling to herself. “Fire away.” he said and cocked a hoof. Something she had never seen before. She swallowed and looked at the big pony. “First of all, why did you want to see me? And second, why do you never take that cloak off?” she said, saying it stronger than she felt. “Simple, my dear. I wanted to see you to tell you this: the flowers were safely delivered, and I just wanted to see your pretty face again.” he smiled lazily. “and I keep the cape on because it is so blasted hot here! I must have some shade, because, my dear, Prance is so much cooler.” he said. She shivered slightly. He talked lazily, as if he hadn't a care in the world besides delivering flowers and keeping the sun off his back. And the way he just let his words slip out smooth as honey, yet didn't reveal hardly anything, she judged he was a master of crime. She shivered. So powerfully deceiving. “I must go now...uh..Mr...uh...” she wanted to slap herself. “Oh, I'm sorry. I've never really had a name. Call me..well, call me Thunder.” he replied, and waved a hoof as if it didn't really matter. “And go ahead, my dear, go enjoy the rest of this fine evening. Oh, and by the way...” he grabbed her foreleg and pulled her close to him. “I would be most honored to see you again...” “What?!” she jerked away from him, then suddenly thought to herself...maybe she could find out more about this strange pony if she saw him again. Anything to help her save Spice. She let a smile slip. “Okay. When?” Even under his hood, she could tell he was smiling. “Wonderful! How about tomorrow evening, same time?” “Sure. I'll be seeing you.” Harmony smiled coyly then trotted off towards Twilight's home. Why did he keep wanting to see her?! Was he trying to get her to fulfill that stupid code of his? Because she had absolutely no idea what it meant and she had no clue how to solve it. “Goodbye, my music mare.” he waved as she left. She huffed as she trotted away. How did he know she was a 'music mare'?! When she got back, she entered Twilight's home and locked the door behind her. When she turned around, the sight that met her eyes was astonishing. Spike was once again flustered, but this time for good reason. Twilight was stretched out across the floor and sobbing. Author's Note Hope you liked it! I'll add more soon! I'm really enjoying my OC's. Don't we all?!
