I. Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.
A snow white unicorn with a windswept black mane tapped his hooves on the table. He was alone, allowing the knocking of his hooves to echo through the cabin as the airship dusted off and left Canterlot behind. He was dressed in a tuxedo, though by now most of it was unbuttoned and disheveled, the coat several buttons undone and bow tie resting on the oak table before him.
"What are you doing Cypress?" He asked himself as he watched city drift by the window until the motion of the craft put it out of his sight, though unfortunately, not out of his mind. His mind began to drift, as it always did, but not to academic topics like magic or potion making of the last four years but to the events that led him to his current predicament. With nothing but what he could fit in his suitcase and the clothes on his back, he'd bought a one way ticket to the southern edge of Equestria, about as far away from Canterlot as he could physically get without leaving the country. He pulled a small soundstone from his pocket and sucked as much energy from it as he could. His parents would try to get in contact with him to be sure. He needed silence, now especially. Father would understand to be sure but Mother? He couldn't guarantee himself that comfort. Hopefully Andromeda and Father could get her to calm down. She wouldn't and couldn't understand his reasoning for leaving like this. Hell, he wasn't sure he entirely did himself. But here he was, there was no going back now.
"Can I get you anything today, sir?" A voice pulled him from his thoughts.
A stewardess with a tray balanced on a wing smiled at him.
He coughed. "Yes, uh sorry. I understand you have some wines aboard?"
She nodded producing a small menu from her apron. "Yes sir, we carry a few special vintages aboard. I would personally recommend the Black Velvet Northern if you're on a budget but anything on the more... expensive side is definitely worth the price of the glass if you have the money to splurge."
He smiled. "Can I get a bottle of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape?"
She raised an eyebrow. "The... whole bottle sir? We only carry a few aboard for special occasions."
"Yes ma'am. The whole bottle. Believe me... at this point money is no object."
"Alright sir, one bottle of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape coming right up. Will that be all for now?"
"Yes, and thank you."
She bowed before trotting off to fulfill his request. Cypress returned to staring out the window. He gave a small nostalgic grin as the vessel drifted over a small settlement seated around a small river below. It would be a while before he returned there again. How he got to this seat was an interesting event. Perhaps he would have been happier if the series of unfortunate events that led to him being seated in the first class cabin of an airship hadn't happened at all. But they were inevitable. If he wanted to he could be mad at his friends for it but they were really only being themselves. He couldn't fault them for that.
It started when Cloud Burn and Hyacinth, two of his closest childhood friends, showed up at his door and deposited an envelope in his hooves without a word, only a warning that he should see what was in it and to seriously think about what he wanted to do next. He did, but he almost wished he didn't. It was two weeks before the wedding and by now there was no going back. Father had already paid for the event and there was no backing out now. But Cypress knew one thing: he was not going to be getting married.
It really began to strike him when he was getting dressed. He'd always had difficulty tying bow ties and was once again stuck up on that small detail when his sister walked in.
She sat down next to him and let out a sigh. "You're really going to do this, aren't you?"
"Why wouldn't I?" he asked.
Andromeda frowned. "Geez, you're getting married today! Celestia, I feel old now! Uh!"
He laughed. "You feel old? Four years ago I remember walking you home from poker night, you were still in high school. How do you think I feel?"
"Alright I get it." She laughed. "But are you sure about this? I mean, after this there's no going back. The point of no return. The big plunge. Are you sure you really want to do this?"
"Of course. She's the love of my life." Cypress said solemnly. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well for starters-"
"Yes, believe me. I know what mom thinks of her, but... Delilah isn't a bad pony. Everything she has and will have, she's earned fair and square. There's no fault to be had there. It's something I admire really. She's gotten where she is through herself and herself alone."
"I guess you're right. But really brother, you are definitely too good for her."
He smirked. "Yes you and mother never stop telling me that."
"Well not just us. Hyacinth does it too."
"Yes she does."
She sighed. "If you feel that strongly about this then fine. I guess I'll learn to like the bitch."
"Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine. You'll see."
After finally getting the bow tied with absolutely no help from Andromeda, Cypress and the rest of his family made their way to the church. It was really a large cathedral, one of the largest and most ornate in Canterlot. Stained Glass windows, beautiful granite and marble columns, a magnificent alter, a high ceiling, and seemingly endless rows of pews, it was practically something out of a little filly's fairy tale. Many a wedding had been had here and Father had certainly spared no expense when booking it for the weekend. Before Cypress really knew it, he was standing at the alter, staring at his bride: Delilah. She was certainly pretty. White fur, long flowing blonde mane, bright blue eyes, she looked like a goddess in her dress. She gave a giddy smile his way. Cypress's heart was practically pounding at his sternum as he returned the smile the best he could. He could not deny to himself that he was horrifically uncomfortable. His eyes quickly darted over to his friends and family and their manufactured smiles. He quickly spotted Cloud Burn and Hyacinth who both looked horrifically uncomfortable in their seats before quickly winking at them. For a brief moment, their smiles became authentic. As he turned, he spared a glance at his best stallion: Agate. He had been the one to introduce him to Delilah. Andromeda was right. Now, there was no going back.
"Love is beautiful and deeply spiritual gift, built upon a foundation of trust and mutual understanding. Of patience and tolerance, and above all else, respect for one another." The Priest said with a wide smile on his face. "Friends, Family, all gathered here in the sight of the Gods to celebrate the joining to two beautiful youths, to celebrate two hearts, two families, becoming one. Together, you have watched these two grow from children into successful young adults. Now, we celebrate with them as they take the next step in life together and-"
"Wait, Father!" Cypress said. "I know that this is a bit out of the ordinary but I would like to do something a little different before we continue, if you don't mind."
He smiled. "By all means. Please."
Cypress nodded and his horn began to glow. Up above, a large projector began to descend until it nearly covered the entire far wall of the cathedral.
"Delilah and I have been together for almost four years now. Every day for those four years, I was thankful that she was in my life. Every day since I first met her, the sun has seemed a little brighter and nights not as dark. These past four years have been nothing but an upward spiral that I never wanted to end. I tried for so long to try to describe what our relationship meant to me, what I felt for her. Why, even my sister commented on how special our relationship is."
Delilah gave a somewhat uneasy smile. "Um, babe? What are you doing?"
Cypress smiled. "Delilah, I want to show our friends and family, just what you mean to me. I'm going to show them just how we feel about each other."
"Couldn't this wait till the reception?"
"Believe me, darling. No it cannot."
His horn began to glow and a projector descended from the ceiling.
"Mares and Stallions would you please direct your attention to the screen in front of you? Believe me, it's pretty hard to miss. I would like to give you all a gift. I'm sorry I could not put it into words for how we feel, but I think some images will do."
That got a laugh out of the crowd. What came next, did not. Cypress could hear gasping throughout the church an image shot out from the lens.
Up on the screen, displayed for all to see was a picture of Delilah and Agate, seen through a window, in an act of hard labor, both clearly enjoying themselves. A time and date stamp was on the bottom: two and a half weeks earlier. Cypress shot a quick glance at Cloud Burn and Hyacinth and winked. Both their mouths were dropped to the floor. The room broke out into a flurry of "Oh my gods." Cypress allowed himself to experience a small amount of pleasure at his Father's reaction of, "Holy shit."
Cypress turned to Delilah and smiled. She had a look of terrible shock mixed in with red faced embarrassment and a strange combination of grief and rage.
"Well it is clear how Delilah feels about our relationship." He said. "So I guess it's time you hear how I feel. I think I can finally put it into words now."
He calmly turned to Delilah. "Fuck you. If you don't love someone anymore, just let them go. Don't cheat on them."
Cypress smiled to himself at the audible gasp that came from someone on Delilah's side of the pews. He then turned to Agate and socked him in the face, sprawling him onto the floor, allowing the satisfaction of the moment to flow through his veins. He felt his heart beat quicken. "And fuck you for screwing my fiance."
He then turned to face the now silent crowd of ponies. The calm of the moment overtook him as he spoke.
"Well, thank you everyone for coming today! There's refreshments and food outside on the grounds and the bar is open all night. Myself, I have a ship to catch. Thanks for coming."
He turned and trotted off the alter. He felt the faintest of touches on his shoulder as he passed Delilah before the sound of her weeping into one of her bridesmaid's shoulders reached his ears.
"Cypress! I'm sorry!" Agate called after him.
Without stopping, Cypress plucked the projector from the air and tossed it back at the alter. The sound of it shattering on the stone was almost musical.
"Well hey! Fuck you too then!" Agate responded.
Cypress smiled to himself and began undoing his tie before he stepped out of the church and slammed the doors behind him. A carriage was waiting outside with a white coated mare sporting a crystal blue mane leaning against it. A galaxy was on her flanks. Andromeda.
"Thought you could slip away that easily?" she smirked.
"Yeah." He smiled back.
"That was-"
"Really messed up? Overly malicious? Vindictive in a way that's not up and coming of the top graduate of Canterlot University? Yes believe me, I can already hear mom yelling at me."
"I was going to say fucked up, but yeah, that works too."
"How'd you get out here so quickly?"
"Teleportation. We, uh, just learned at University. I think I have the same teacher you had."
"Mr. Brights?"
"Yup."
"Well, he's a good professor. He'll do you well if you pay attention."
"I will." His sister nodded. "So... what's next for you?"
Cypress turned and stared out at the sky. It was beautifully clear with the faintest of clouds speckled in the distance.
"Don't know yet. But considering my life has just fallen apart, I think I'm leaving. Need some time to get away from it all, you know?"
"Your life hasn't fallen apart-"
He shot her a glare.
"Okay, yeah, it has. Anypony can call what just happened in there a life falling apart. So where are you off to?"
"Not sure yet." He said. "Just booked a flight to about as far away from here as I could physically get. After that, who knows? I just need some time to myself you know? I need to run away, get some perspective on things. Delilah's been such a big part of my life for so long now that I'm not really sure where I stand anymore. I think I need to find myself again, and I can't do that here. Too many memories here now."
He stared at the ground.
Andromeda sighed. "Alright. If that's what you want I won't stop you."
"Thank you. Try to make mom and dad understand. Don't worry about my friends, they'll understand better than all of them, but just... don't let them worry about me."
"Well I think dad will be fine. He couldn't stop laughing as you walked out. But I'll work on mom for you."
"Thanks sis."
"You're welcome." She said stepping out of the way. Cypress climbed into the carriage.
"One more thing." Andromeda asked. "Do you know when you'll be back?"
"No clue. But I'll write you and the poker night crew when I can."
"Alright."
The carriage began to roll away. Cypress smiled and leaned out the window. "Feel free to hate her now!"
The sound of Andromeda laughing was the last thing he heard as the carriage drove towards the shipyards. A few short minutes later and his airship was visible. Freedom awaited as he climbed aboard.
"Sir?" A familiar voice asked.
Cypress jumped and turned from the window. The stewardess had returned with a bottle and a glass balanced on a tray.
"Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Just as you asked." She smiled.
"Ah, yes thank you very much." He said levitating the bottle and glass to the table.
"Will there be anything else you require for the flight?"
"No, uh, I think I'll be fine. Though, uh, do you have any soundstones with music on them?"
"Yes we do. What would you like?"
"You pick. Something with a classic flair to it. I'm feeling a bit happy today."
She smiled. "Of course sir, I have just the thing."
Cypress nodded. "Thank you."
He smiled. Hopefully getting away from home would do some good. Hopefully. The border awaited.
II. It is not down in any map; true places never are.
Front City was as far away from the center of Equestria as one could get. It's status as an Equestrian city was somewhat in dispute at the moment but that didn't stop many a pony from booking a flight there. It rested directly on the border between Equestria and the many Griffin Kingdoms to the west and the numerous other nations to the south. As such, it allowed for a wide variety of different cultures and groups to mix. It was strangely familiar yet at the same time, mostly alien to Cypress.
His bags on his back, he left the airship and the friendly stewardess behind and began his trek through the cultural chop suey of the city. Many of the buildings were stone or brick mixed with some wooden structures. The architecture was a hodgepodge of the more rustic Equestrian architecture, towering spires of the Griffin Empires, and whatever else the inhabitants saw fit to build. While much of it followed recognizable patterns, a large percentage was just plain unrecognizable to Cypress, probably due to the fact many of the buildings didn't appear to follow any known patterns at all. There was little doubt that the buildings here, probably didn't exist anywhere else in the world.
Various stores were set up along the streets selling a variety of wares. Everything from food to clothing to weapons to ceramics could be found. A mix of cultures and customs all on display to be bought and sold. A few of the ponchos and hats caught his eye. He would have to stop by later and grab something for Andromeda.
The inhabitants were an interesting mesh as well. Ponies, griffins, Zebras, antelope, caribou, even the odd diamond dog, there didn't appear to be any species missing. It was all so intimidating. Many spoke in strange tongues he barely recognized. The few that he did understand were with accents or in dialects completely unfamiliar as to have been entirely different languages all together. Every creature he passed had a story written on their body. Scars to their piercings to their clothing, they all came from different backgrounds, from different places, yet oddly enough, like Cypress himself, their paths had all led them here. He would have been excited had fear not overtaken him instead.
He quickly darted down the crowded streets, away from the shipyards towards the center of town, and hopefully towards a hotel.
"Excuse me. Pardon me. Ah, uh, sorry, sorry, I'll just..."
Eventually he arrived at his destination. It was an old three story mud brick building that sat in the shadow of a much larger pagoda. The metal gate in front of the door didn't bring much comfort. Still, he took a deep breath and stepped inside. The paint was peeling and the air reeked of mildew and moisture. Up on the ceiling, the classic brown and yellow stains of water damage were on hot display. An older earth pony mare sat behind a desk reading a periodical.
"Hi, uh, I'd like to rent a room for the night?" Cypress asked.
The mare didn't even flinch, as if he didn't even exist. Her eyes continued to move through her magazine.
"Uh, miss? I would like to rent a room?"
Still nothing. Silence.
"Miss?"
Nothing. Cypress frowned as he noticed a small bell on the desk. He cocked his head and stared back at the mare. It was worth a shot. He raised a hoof and gave it a firm tap, and stepped back and waited.
"Sorry! Sorry!" A voice came from a back room.
Cypress frowned and leaned forward. A younger mare with a tan coat and brown mane stepped out into the lobby. She looked slightly flustered as she took her place behind the desk.
"Sorry, uh, I was a little occupied. Yes you would like to rent a room for the evening, yes?" She said with a somewhat forced smile.
Cypress raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... uh, yeah, I'd like a room for the evening."
"Oh, uh sure. Anything in particular?"
"Um, let's see, anything on any of the other floors?"
"Yes, um, something on the third floor alright?"
Cypress nodded. "That would be perfect."
"Alright." The mare said producing an old fashioned metal key and chain from under the desk. "Your room number is 312. That will be 50 bits for the evening."
"Right." Cypress said, producing the coins from his saddlebags and depositing them on the counter. He gave a passing glance at the older mare, still reading her paper. "Um, out of curiosity, is she..."
"Oh, uh, yeah, I'm sorry about her. Nana's hearing is all but gone these days." The mare smiled sadly. "But, uh, enjoy your stay here. And, uh, do try to be back before 10 O'clock tonight, if you plan on going out. We typically lock up by then."
"Anything you want to keep out?"
"It's not the best to stay out at night. And, uh, do hide any valuables you have. This isn't exactly the most honest town in the world, and uh, forgive me but you don't exactly fit in here."
Cypress rolled his eyes. "Yeah, something kinda gave that away already."
The mare laughed. "If you need anything, just ring. I'm Tiff by the way. Enjoy your evening sir."
"Tiff? Short for anything?"
She smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Maybe I would."
"We close up at 10. Be sure to be back by then and maybe I'll tell you."
"Alright. 10 O'clock then." Cypress blinked.
"Don't be late big boy."
"My name's Cypress, actually."
She smirked. "Welcome to Front City."
With a sway of her hips, she trotted off. Cypress levitated the key up to his eyes and sighed. This was going to be interesting. He quickly trotted out of the lobby and down the hallway. After passing a series of rooms, he finally found the staircase and made his way up to the third floor and quickly found his room. He was slightly relieved upon entry. Compared to the lobby, the top floor was relatively clean. The carpet had rips in some places to be sure but there were no stains or signs of water damage or any offending odors which was completely welcome. Cypress lit his horn and performed a quick scan. No bugs or any other unwanted creatures. He quickly performed a sterilization spell just for safety. On the far side was a door that led out to a balcony. A quick check of the bathroom revealed, thankfully, running water. He stared at the mirror. Next to a few large cracks that divided his face, it was perfect. He could make it work.
He quickly tossed his bag onto a nearby chair and removed anything valuable he had on him. Most of his money, his soundstone, a few gems and a necklace with a flower charm on it. He gave it all a quick scan before his horn ignited again and the items disappeared in a flash. In their place, a small object shaped like molar. He quickly levitated up and gave it a firm chomp before returning to the bathroom and giving himself a quick once over. In the back of his mouth, where his farthest, lower left molar used to be was now a false tooth that held a chrome metallic sheen about it. Perfect. If someone wanted to mug him, they would have to go to some extreme lengths to do so.
He rolled his jaw and returned to his bag. He quickly scanned through his items. Mostly just changes of clothes. Mostly more durable things designed to last a lot longer than the suit he was still in. Some survival gear as well. Plan ahead, as father always said. He didn't exactly know when he was going to be back. He quickly removed the suit and deposited it back into his saddle bags before quietly locking his room and leaving. He stepped into the lobby and gave a quick nod to the old mare behind the counter, whom he was still pretty sure hadn't even realized he'd checked in, before trotting out into the city.
A plan needed to be made. A next step needed. He certainly didn't plan on staying here forever, that was for sure. A next destination would be good. Still, a walk to clear his head would probably help things along as well.
By now the sun was beginning to make it's climb down beyond the horizon. There was still enough light out but it was becoming obvious that wouldn't last for much longer. Cypress watched as his shadow slowly began to get longer, stretching along the dirt roads. Another thing that stuck him was the number of creatures and ponies out and about had free fall dropped. Something about that didn't sit right with him.
A loud crack followed by a scream in the distance made him jump. Within the maze of buildings, it was almost impossible to tell where it came from but the sound was familiar to him. A firearm. They were rare in Equestria due to them being a unicorn exclusive weapon but Interspecies Histories 101 had taught him that other races certainly didn't have a problem using them, particularly griffins and diamond dogs. He frowned. Perhaps it wasn't best to stay out much longer.
He quickly headed over to the stall he saw earlier. Thankfully it was still open. He quickly selected a blue poncho and a rain hat with a wide brim. The zebra operating the stand bowed as he paid before he quickly trotted off back to his hotel. As he left, he noticed the zebra quickly close shop and begin to rush out of the market place. Cypress quickly scanned around. Nothing yet.
He clutched his new items close and began to trot briskly. The sun was gone now and the only lights came from the windows of nearby buildings and the occasional street lamp. The streets were mostly quiet except for the sound of strange music in the distance and the occasional scream or accompanying yell. The air began to cool and his fur began to rise. A strange feeling overtook him and took a deep breath. He quietly pulsed his horn. His eyes grew wide. He was being followed.
"Heya, brother!" A voice said behind him.
Cypress sighed.
"Heya, brother. You, ah, looking for something, sasa?"
A diamond dog quickly appeared on his peripheral and rushed up to meet him. Cypress gulped. The canine leaned against a street light in front of him, blocking his path with a twisted smile on his face.
"Look buddy," Cypress sighed. "I'm just trying to get back to my hotel, here. Alright?"
"Hotel? Ah! I know plenty of hotel in FC, sasa? I can show you for cost, yah?"
"No, uh, I already have a hotel. Really, I'm fine."
The smile began to disappear. "For cost, I can show you, brother. Sasa?"
"Really. I'm fine." Cypress said, moving to trot around him. "Now if there's nothing else, I'll be only way now and-"
A cool pinch of a shiv against his throat gave him pause. Cypress stopped.
"I doan' think you heard me, brother. Cost. I show. Now. Please." The diamond dog snarled.
Cypress frowned as his mind slowly began to process what was happening. He was being mugged. So this was what this was like. A strange creatures just shoves a blade in your throat and demands everything you have. There was something oddly relieving about it so far. For some reason he expected it to be worse.
Cypress backed up. "Look, buddy. I don't have anything to give you. Really."
The canine gave the knife a gentle shove, forcing him back against the wall. "Bags. And fast, sasa?"
"There's nothing in there for you. Just a few gifts for my sister."
"Give." The dog said, holding out a paw.
Cypress stared at it and then back up at the creature. "Uh, no."
His attacker reeled back. "What... did you just say, walla?"
"No."
Suddenly Cypress felt himself being thrown against the brick wall behind him and being slowly driven up against it, his throat slowly being crushed under the dog's forearm while his other paw held the knife to his face.
"Give. Now."
Cypress dropped his bags and moved his hooves up to his throat, slowly trying to pry the creature's paws off of him. His horn began to glow.
"I said... No!" He coughed. In a flash of white light, the diamond dog vanished and Cypress fell to the ground, coughing. The faint clatter of a knife on the sidewalk barely registered to him as he struggled to his hooves. His hat and poncho were still on the ground. He quickly collected them and searched for his attacker. On the far side of the road, the diamond dog lay crumpled in a heap. A dull whine escaped his lips. Behind him, a mud brick wall showed signs of damage, a series of cracks emanating from a spot a few feet above the ground.
Cypress coughed again. It had been a while since he had to use any stunning spells like that. The concussive blast alone had taken a lot out of him, mainly due being out of practice. But it had done it's job well.
He swallowed and quickly scanned the buildings around him. Hopefully no one heard that. Thankfully there was only one light on, near on of the top floors of a nearby pagoda. He quickly scrambled down the street, back to his hotel.
The gated building was a sight for sore eyes as he approached. He quickly rushed inside and closed it behind him, his breathing rather labored. Seated behind the desk was Tiff, her nose in a newspaper. She looked up at him with a frown.
"You're late. We lock the gate at 10." she said, dropping her paper and stepping out from behind the counter.
"Uh, what time is it now?" Cypress huffed.
"Don't you have a watch?"
"Must've left it in my room."
"It's 10:13. Once again. You're late."
"Sorry, uh, I got a little, uh, sidetracked on the way back."
Tiff rolled her eyes. "Someone tried mugging you didn't they?"
Cypress frowned. "What gave that away?"
"You're breathing heavily and your neck is bleeding a bit, baka."
"It is?" he said raising a hoof to his throat. Sure enough, the tell tale warmth of blood was there.
"Yeah it is." She rolled her eyes. "I told you not to stay out too late. This city isn't the safest for ponies like you."
"Ponies like me?" he asked.
"Yeah, baka. Out of town travelers like you. The local dog packs just love picking on tourists like you."
"Well, I made it out in one piece."
"No clue how you managed to do that."
"Just lucky I guess."
"Yeah. Here." she said tossing him a towel. "Hold that there and follow me. We'll get you patched up first."
Cypress cocked his head and held the cloth over his wound. "First?"
"Of course." She smirked. "After that, we're heading to my room."
He rolled his eyes. "Of course we are. I hope I get to sleep in late tomorrow."
"Count on it." She said locking the gate. "Now come on, before anything else happens to you."
Cypress smiled and trotted after her. Perhaps tonight wouldn't be so bad after all.
