Sins of the Mother

Applewood: the city of stars, fame and fortune. Or so the tourist brochure advertised anyways.

Hey, Eclissi… What gives? Octavia’s voice nearly made me jump at the suddenness of her “appearance”. You leave and you don’t call me as soon as you get on the train? And here I thought we had something special!

I was going to, but then I ran into your friend Vinyl. She and I got to talking and I began to wonder how I was getting information like her name or questions. Turned out she uses a modified version of this spell to indirectly influence a pony’s brain to plant information into their heads. When I found this out, she and I chatted telepathically to the point where we had to take a break. I explained, searching for some indication of where I should go or what I should do.

Vi can use this spell? So I can talk to her as well? Octavia’s mental voice sounded surprised, though I suppose I was as well when I found this out just over an hour ago. Can you hear me, Vinyl?

Woah, Octavia, is that you? How’re you using this spell without any magic? Vinyl’s voice joined in on the chat room now taking place in my mind.

You can blame me for that one, actually. I inscribed the physical form of the dark magic spell we use onto a sheet of paper for Octavia. I explained as a headache began to worm itself into my cerebellum.

Oh, cool. Why didn’t I think of that? Vinyl asked “out loud”.

Well, when Eclissi did it, it looked rather strenuous. I’m not sure if you would’ve been able to do it yourself. Octavia replied as I strolled the streets nearest the station. Speaking of Eclissi, how’re you finding Applewood?

Big. I genuinely have no idea where to start, where to go or what I’m actually doing here. I sighed both audibly and mentally. Oh, and no Vinyl wouldn’t have been able to the the inscription herself if she doesn’t know the specific spell that does inscriptions.

And who’s to say I don’t know that spell? Vinyl demanded, feigning insult. Who’s to say if I already know one dark magic spell that I don’t know that one as well?

Easy, it’s not dark magic, it’s black and I’m almost willing to bet my useless wings that black magic is more or less outlawed in Equestria right? I explained, gaining a gasp from both mares in my head.

Ehh, yeah. While not in any physical writing or similar forms, black magic is mostly forbidden. Vinyl admitted. Mostly because of how corruptive it actually is. Which leads me to my next question, how are you not suffering from black magic pollution?

I was born and raised by Nightmare Moon. I have some level of black magic running through my circuits at all times. I believe the late King Sombre was the same. I explained, stopping in front of a city map to look at the attractions. Any stops I should make in the city? Sights to see or things I should do?

How do you know about King Sombre? He was long before your time and was defeated before you got to our planet. Check out the Red Dragon theater, by the way, there’s usually some kind of show you can see. Octavia remarked before offering in advice.

My mom would occasionally talk about the fights she and her sister got in with other ponies of power. Sombre was one of her favourite topics and had me study a number of his black magic spells. My growling stomach instantly made up my mind for where I would go first and after a quick glance to the map, turned towards salvation.

So… Not to suddenly swap topics, I could almost tell Vinyl was grinning like a fox. If foxes could grin anyways… I hear tell that you’ve got a new coltfriend, Tavi.

I suppose you could say that… Octavia replied dreamily. I could almost feel her tail swish against my backside despite the distance between us.

Despite having only known each other for just shy of a week… I added as I pulled myself over at a relatively cheaper looking cafe. If there was such a thing with the cheapest item being thirty bits.

You’re going to very quickly learn, Eclissi, that a week is sometimes all it takes. Besides, I’ve always got you and Vinyl a thought away now. Octavia reminded me. I rolled my eyes and ordered myself a straw and lavender sandwich.

Hey, all these voices in my head is starting to bring my corruption up faster than normal. You two can keep chatting for another… I’d say ten minutes or so before you’ll start feeling it too. I announced, mostly just trying to give myself a reason to have some mental silence.

Aww, the big bad alicorn doesn’t want to stay and chat with two lovely mares? Vinyl teased with a telepathic chuckle, but she soon calmed down and continued, alright, that’s fine. I’ve gotta check into my hotel anyways so I should probably get going as well. Talk to you later Tavi, same to you Eclissi.

Very well. I’ll call you tonight, alright Eclissi? Tavia sighed before I could feel her end of the conversation go dead, followed by Vinyl’s.

Hello? I telepathically asked. The responding silence was wonderful. “Awesome.”

“What’s so awesome?” a female’s voice asked of me from behind me. “The world sucks as it is, I can’t imagine what could be so awesome.”

Turning myself around, I found myself sat near to a light blue mare with the strangest purple cap and pointed hat on.

“I was merely noting that mental silence is quite nice after a threeway telepathic conversation.” I replied, turning back to my own table as my lunch appeared before me in the teeth of a waitress.

“A what?” The mare now turned around completely to face me. “You can have telepathic conversations with ponies?”

“Yeah, it’s a relatively simple enough trick if you know how to do it and don’t mind the consequences.” I shrugged back as I dropped a number of bits onto the table for my meal.

“The Grrrrreat and Powerful Trixie wishes to learn of this trick! I request that you teach it to me!” the mare suddenly appeared on the opposite side of the table from me with pleading eyes.

“Do you have any affinity for dark magic?” I asked with a partial mouthful and a raised eyebrow.

“It… it’s a dark magic spell?” The mare seemed to completely deflate with this revelation. “Oh, alright. I’m sorry for having bothered you.”

“It’s alright. Not every unicorn has the affinity.” I shrugged back with the intention of eating in peace.

“But, doesn’t having an affinity for dark magic mean you are that much greater of a unicorn? I know somepony who certainly is greater than I and has cast at least one black magic spell. She is the greatest!” Trixie gushed, having reappeared at my table for a second time. “She was Princess Celestia’s star student at one point and even became an alicorn for her skills!”

“Oh really?” This piqued my interest. “I don’t suppose this new princess would have much of a relationship with Princess Luna, would she?”

“I suppose, they are all royalty you know. Way I see it, as soon as you become an alicorn, you become royalty.” Trixie shrugged, leaning back in the chair with a foreleg resting on the table, her head perched on the hoof.

“What if an alicorn was born but never recognized?” I suggested, now halfway through my sandwich. “Would they still be considered Royalty?”

“I dunno, never met an alicorn who was never recognized…” the mare sighed and let her lead loll backwards on her shoulders. “But imagine that huh, running into an uncrowned alicorn. Imagine the things she’d know, the things she’d have seen?”

“Yeah, imagine if said alicorn was also a male…” I narrowed an eye at the mare to see if she’d catch my point. Instead, she merely burst into a fit of laughter.

“Hah, a male alicorn! That’ll be the day!” Trixie chuckled to herself for a while before hopping down from her seat and I swallowed the last of my lunch. “Ahh, good talking to you, you really helped take my mind off life. I like you, you should come to one of my shows sometime.”

“Maybe. I first have to go find a doctor about restoring my wings first…” I announced as I slid off my own chair and magically passed her a couple bits for a drink or something. “See you later, Trixie.”

“I…” Trixie stared at the previously levitating coins now on the table as I walked off. “Wait hold on!” The mare leapt from the table, with coins in telekinesis, and chased after me. “You said you have to get your wings fixed, but you just used magic! What gives?”

“Well you see…” I began, casting an area of effect spell to turn the two of us invisible. I then pulled off my saddlebags and cloak to show off my black fur with the red tinge, as well as my equally coloured wings tethered to my side.

“You… What?” Trixie shrieked as I released the belts holding my wings down to let them fall limp to the ground. “B-but your… you’re a stallion…”

“Last I checked, yes I am.” I remarked.

“And… And you’re an alicorn!” Trixie got in close to study my wings. “what’s wrong with your wings?”

“Clipped. They’ve been stitched up but I need a medical pony to use a restoration spell on them to restore my flight.” I explained as I magically lifted them back to my side and strapped them down again.

“Then.. everything you said about imagining an alicorn unrecognized as royalty… you were serious? B-but, how’d you get to be an alicorn?” Trixie sat back hard in disbelief.

“I was born and raised an alicorn.” I replied simply. “I was never turned into an alicorn like this new princess was.”

“But then… you’d have to have been born to an existing alicorn, right?”

“That is how genetics work, yes.” I nodded. “I was born to Nightmare Moon during her banishment on the moon.”

“You… You’re Princess Luna’s son… I’m talking to Princess Luna’s son...” Trixie’s voice was becoming gradually more and more faded until she eventually collapsed altogether.

“Oops. That can’t be good for your health… I hope the healthcare is good in Equestria.” I muttered as I hoisted Trixie’s unconscious body onto my back as soon as I had cloaked and equipped my bags. Dispelling the illusion hiding us, I had the joy of giving a couple of ponies a jump upon my appearance before running off towards what I hoped was some kind of clinic.

~~~

After a bit of navigation and asking of directions, I trotted into a medical care facility and let Trixie fall onto a gurney carried by a pair of nurses.

“Her name, what happened to her and your relation?” an administrator asked, a clipboard held in his wings.

“Trixie, don’t know her last name, fainted and we just met.” I replied. “Also, what’s the going rates for restoring a pair of wings to full functionality?”

“Well, that depends on the wings conditions. I’ve seen wings completely removed and put on ice before we successfully put them back on and got them in working order. Judging by your horn, I’d hazard a guess that this request if for a disabled family member?” The admin looked me over, spotting my horn poking out from my mane.

“Uhm, not exactly. Can we speak in private somewhere?” I requested, turning to look over the pony before me as Trixie was hauled off through a set of doors.

“I… think we’ve got a room available for a quick conversation…” the admin rubbed his chin with his hoof thoughtfully. “Yeah, just follow me.”

Doing as instructed, the pair of us followed Trixie’s procession through the doors but continued on past where the mare was now resting. Entering into a doctor’s office, I was requested to wait patiently.

Fifteen minutes of playing with the safety dark magic spell I knew, the door swung open and a female doctor in a white lab coat and appropriate stethoscope around her neck entered.

“Afternoon, what can I do to help?” The doctor asked, hanging her coat on a peg before taking a seat at her desk. I’d already shed my cloak and had let my wings hang free from my side. “Uh… ma’am?”

“Now what makes you think I'm a mare?” I grinned at her utter shock at my very masculine voice. “Is it the wings? It’s the wings isn’t it?”

“I.. uhm, yes, sorry sir. I’m sorry, who’re you and why’re you an alicorn?”

“My name is Eclissi and I am the uncrowned alicorn prince born to Nightmare Moon. I have finally managed to leave the moon after five years of my mother neglecting to retrieve me like promised. I was ambushed by a cult of ponies who called my existence blasphemy against the four princesses and so, for my sacrileges, my wings were clipped. I have since had them stitched up and are mostly healed, but the main tendon has remained unrestored which leaves them hanging rather…” I took a breath from my explanation to swing my useless wings around. “Like this…”

“Uh… huh…” the doctor murmured, staring at me in confusion. “So you’re here for…”

“Hopefully for a restorative spell to fix up my wings completely, or to learn such a spell for my own use…” I replied, magically tying up my wings again.

“Right. Well, normally for Royalty such a treatment would be free of charge…” the doctor began, still staring at my bound wings before I covered them in my cloak again.

“But?” I frowned, her tone of voice indicated a ‘but’ coming and I was sure not to like it.

“But, because I've never heard of an alicorn Prince, I can’t give you the discount. I’m going to have to charge you the normal rates, plus whatever else it takes to properly reset your wings depending on if your story is true or not; those wings could’ve been artificially grafted onto your body so we’d have to forcibly grow the tendons from scratch.” Doctor pony sighed and pulled a clipboard from the desk to flip through a couple of sheets.

“So, I'm almost too afraid to ask, what would that cost me?” I asked anxiously, leaning back towards the wall.

“To start, four thousand bits for the reconstructive spell.” my jaw dropped open in absolute shock. “Because this isn’t a medical emergency and I can’t guarantee that those wings are natural for you, the usual medical care coverage doesn’t cover this.”

“Holy shit… What about what it would cost to teach me the spell itself?” I hoped. Those hopes were dashed quite quickly.

“That’s another issue. We can’t just go teaching a restorative spell as powerful as the ones we use to just anypony. The more powerful restoration spells, like the one you’re requesting, requires an in depth knowledge of the equine body that’s only gained from eight years of medical school. There are lesser spells that could be used, but the effects would be temporary and more likely to cause harm then help in the long run.” The doctor explained, sitting back in her leather chair with her forelegs crossed over her chest.

“So I'm fucked…” I muttered in defeat. “Uhm, what about… dark magic restorative spells? Do they exist?” This question had the doctor’s eyes go narrow and twitch before I was magically lifted with all my things and dragged out of the room, then thrown out of the building itself.

“You dare to ask about dark magic in life saving medicinal practices?” The doctor shouted at me before turning away in a huff. I quickly donned my packs before setting off down the street, avoiding looks from other ponies all inquiring about what just happened.

“Yeah, that went well…” I muttered as I magically rubbed some feeling into my nethers. “Sorry wings, you’ll just have to wait a while longer I guess…”

~~~

“I’m doomed…” I muttered, staring up at the ticket prices at the train station. The closest trip that wasn’t Las Pegasus was either to the “Smoky Mountains” up north, or a long walk across the San Palomino Desert to what looked to be a… rock farm? How do you farm rocks? There was a train going to someplace called Ponyville, but tickets were currently sold out for that ride.

Octavia, you there? Octavia? I mentally thought, aiming for the sheet of paper. If she wasn’t nearby, my message would’ve been left as a message with the seal indicating the waiting communicae. Hey, Vinyl?

Yo, bro. Whazzup? Vinyl replied, sounding like her head was filled with the sound of some kind of heavy musical beat.

I’m just wondering if I should go to the Smoky Mountains next or take a trek through the desert to a rock farm… I replied, still staring at the map. It’s still going to take me a bit to source the funds after lunch, so… yeah… Take your time.

Isn’t there a rail line going to Ponyville? I know a couple mares there who’re pretty cool. Vinyl suggested.

Yeah but it’s sold out for the next four days.

Hahah, damn! Who’d have thought that the mainline into Ponyville would be so active? Okay, uhm… I dunno, go to the rock farm. I’d steer clear of the Smoky Mountains, they’re a… lively bunch to say the least. Vinyl sighed. Look, I'd love to stay and talk, but I'm in the middle of a concert and all this chatter is messing up the wubs!

I’ll just pretend to understand what you’re talking about. Thanks though! I thought back before “hanging up” on her.

“Excuse me, sir?” A stallion with an unrecognizable accent pulled my attention from the board. Stood before me was a brown coated gentlecolt with an oddly coloured scarf wrapped around his neck. “I don’t suppose you’re out of bits and looking to get a ride somewhere are you?”

“Uh, that depends… Why do you ask?” I continued to examine the stallion and his appearance. The backwards flaring mane sort of drew the eyes away from his scarf, despite the warm weather. Though I suppose I was in a cloak so I was no better.

“I’m looking for somepony willing to help me with a quick experiment. I’ll pay handsomely or do you some kind of favour if it’s in my power to do so, of course.” The stallion requested eagerly. “I assure you, it’s nothing dangerous to a unicorn like you.”

“What’s the experiment?” I inquired, slightly interested in this offer.

“I’m trying to find a way of making unicorn’s capable of flight for relatively long durations of time. So far you’re only capable of self levitation but it only lasts for as long as your magic.” the stallion explained eagerly.

“Really? How do you plan to do that?” Now I was very interested.

“Artificial wings.” the stallion grinned in his whispering voice. “I’ve developed a machination that simulates a pegasi’s wings and channels existing unicorn magic through them to achieve lift! I just need somepony to test them on!”

“Why not try them on yourself?” I inquired, standing to join the stallion as he lead me off.

“Regretfully, earth magic is unable to charge the wings enough to give more than a hop.” the stallion admitting sorrowfully. Maybe he had tested them on himself and was sorrowfully disappointed.

“Okay, and what if a pegasi with disabled wings were to use them?” I wondered as we stood before a… blue.. police box. “What’s this?”

“This… Oh it’s just the entrance to my laboratory.” The stallion chuckled and keyed the lock. He quickly disappeared into the looming darkness with the door still open for me. “Are you coming?”

“Uhm, is there going to be enough room?” I asked, poking my head into… the most impossible room I'd never seen. “Uhh…”

“Yeah, I know…” The stallion chuckled and trotted down the catwalks to a central console almost eight times larger than the box itself. I stuck my head out the door again to check the exterior before pulling back in…

“It’s smaller on the outside?” I asked, pausing the stallions’ trot.

“Huh, they usually say, ‘It’s bigger on the inside.’ No matter, same thing! My name, is Doctor Whooves and it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance!”

“Eclissi, likewise.” I muttered, my head on a swivel as I examined all the strange and fantastical contraptions hanging around.

“But to answer your question, I suppose I could refit them to fit a pegasi’s existing wings but it would all depend on what kind of disability they’re faced with.” Whooves remarked, leaning against his console of everything but the kitchen sink.

“Main tendon in the wings clipped, didn’t get reconnected in the medical care.” I replied, still looking everything over as I approached the Doctor’s position.

“Oh, then yes, I suppose I could fit them to their wings.” The doctor replied before retrieving his aforementioned contraption. “Now then, shall we get to work?”

“Yeah, but you’ll probably wanna make those edits you were talking about.” I announced, magically stripping myself of my cloak and bags, then the belt that held my wings down. “I don’t think I'd be compatible otherwise.”

“Wait, hold on.” The Doctor’s jaw dropped, as did his machination with this news. “You’re a male alicorn? But that hasn’t happened in over a thousand years!”

“I know, I know. The last one was my grandfather I’ve never met.” I replied, magically lifting my wings above my head to stretch them out as best I could.

“But, that would mean that you’d be one of the eldest Princess’s son!” The Doctor remarked before producing some kind of glowy stick in his mouth and pointed it at my body. “Astounding! You’re actually a direct descendant to Princess Luna herself!” the Doctor exclaimed, looking at his… pen? “Though you were born to Nightmare Moon almost twenty seven years ago, you spent the first twenty one years studying all forms of magic!”

“Twenty-seven, but I'm only eighteen!” I tilted my head at the even more confusing stallion.

“To you, I suppose it would’ve seemed like eighteen years. The moon’s lesser gravity would’ve meant that time would flow a bit differently than on Equus so you’re actually much older than you think. Tell me, why didn’t you come down with Nightmare Moon five years back?” the Doctor began examining my body much more closely, running his tool through my mane and tail, over my fur and my wings.

“I tried, but the spell only took my mother. She promised me she’d come get me but after what seemed like only a year, I worked out the banishment spell on my own and banished myself here.” I explained, trying to ignore the prodding.

“Really? You banished yourself to Equus? I suppose that’s one way of doing it.” Whooves remarked in surprise. “Okay, so let me make a couple adjustments to my device and we’ll get you strapped in.”

The Doctor then returned to his device and began unscrewing almost eighty percent of his invention, leaving the frame the only really thing left aside from what I surmised were the things that provided lift.

“Alright, let’s get you strapped in.” the Doctor requested eagerly. With a sigh I nosed myself under the contraption until it sat snugly on my back, the frame cradling my spine quite comfortably. “Alright, and the wings!” he mumbled as I magically held my wings up to the exo-skeleton to let the stallion strap them in.

“So now what? Can I fly again?” I inquired, trying to move my wings. Without the tendons that usually did most of the work, they remained yet still though at least flared outwards.

“Let me turn the darn thing on first, then we’ll see!” The Doctor smirked before pressing the glowing bit of his device against the machine. The frame seemed to react almost instantly as my wings stiffened before relaxing again, this time resting naturally against my body.

“Oh, hang on.” I mumbled, slowly stretching my wing out for the first time in days. The joints all cracked and protested from having been cramped up for so long and it was nothing but bliss to be able to do so again. “Ahh…” I sighed in content.

“So? Are you going to give it a go? Try flying!” The doctor pranced about on his hooves eagerly to see the results.

With baited breath I spread my wings wide and flapped hard, finally achieving lift again. With a chuckle the Doctor watched as I lazily cruised around his room until I came in for a landing again.

“I bet that felt good.” The Doctor noted as the machine powered down to an idle.

“Oh, you have no idea!” I remarked, testing my range of motion. “I am noticing a slight hitch in the joint here when I try to raise my wings up over my head.” I replied, pointing out a particular joint in the machine that paired up to my wing.

“Oh, yeah i’ll fix that as soon as I can. So, what do you think?” The Doctor inquired nervously. “Do you think it’d work for unicorns?”

“I have no idea. Sorry I couldn’t help you out like you’d wanted, being an alicorn.” I sighed as the machine powered down and my wings were released and tied back up again. I slipped out from under it once free and let it sit on the ground.

“Oh it’s quite alright, it’s quite alright. May I ask about the circumstances of your wings state or… no?”

“Ehh… If you can get me to the rockfarm across the desert i’ll tell you about it.” I offered with a shrug.

“Sounds fair.” The doctor shrugged back and began pushing buttons, pulling levers and making all sorts of noises. “Hold on!”

“To what?” I demanded as the entire room began shaking.

“Good point!” The doctor grinned as he rested against his console, staring up at the screen. Pushing a lever back up, the entire room went silent again. “And we’re here as promised.”

“Wait, what?” I demanded before galloping for the door. Pushing it open with my nose I looked out at a quaint, if bland, farm house surrounded by miles of farmland and rocks. “Well I’ll be my mother’s son!”

“Yeah, I suppose you don’t have a choice there, do you?” Whooves remarked, appearing above me and on my back. “Now then, i’ll expect you to keep that promise of telling me that tale, but at a later date. I suspect you have things you need to do yes? Come on, let’s go meet the locals!” the doctor flew from the door and skidded to a halt for a moment, as though about to have some great burst of inspiration.

“What?” I asked, stepping out with my stuff floating behind me.

“Allons-y!” The Doctor declared, running off towards the house like a maniac.

Oi…