Chapter 1: The Nameless Town
To say the Sun was shining brightly was an understatement; the heating flare of the Sun was so great, it was as though it had only just recently received its golden rays and wished to display them for all of Equestria. Needless to say, it was doing a fine good job in doing so, every pony in town could feel the heat radiating from the large orb that loomed overhead like a silent celestial guardian; some would even argue that it was like Celestia herself was looking down and smiling upon this small town.
And seeing as this particular town was almost outside the farthest reaches of Equestria, the thought of the land’s mighty princess keeping a watchful eye on the town and it’s citizens was very reassuring. However, it never seemed to be enough as the occasional group of bandits and troublemakers would roll through town robbing shopkeepers and terrorizing the pony folk living there; just like today in fact.
The pale yellow earth pony shopkeeper hid behind the counter as the three pegasi vandalized his store; he had no intention of fighting back, the constant harassment he received from these thugs was a weekly event now. If all went as usual, they would vandalize his store, harass him, and then be on their way; but fate has a funny way of taking a turn when you least expect it.
“Please, just take what you want,” the shopkeep pleaded, though his pleas fell on deaf ears. “Just please stop destroying my store, please! I’ll give you anything!”
“Maybe we don’t want nothin from ya pops,” a yellow pegasus teased as the other two proceed to eat candy off of the nearby shelves. “Maybe we just wanna mess up your stuff, ya ever think of that?”
“Please, for the love of Celestia, just stop wrecking my store you ruffians!” Once again, the shopkeeper’s plea had no effect on the ponies; in response, they began to laugh at the stallion’s pitiful attempts to try to control the situation. They proceeded to further damage shelves and eat the store’s inventory, that is, until they were confronted by another.
“Hey!”
The three pegasi snapped their heads at the commanding voice that had snuck it’s way into the store and decided to make its presence known; standing in the doorway was a deep light blue unicorn with a mane of light grey and white stripes. His mane was curly and his tail was long to match, his features were accented by his strong burning golden eyes; eyes that were filled with distinguishable honor and courage, as well as an unknown wisdom.
“You’ve all had your fun, now would you please leave the kind gentlecolt’s store?” the unicorn asked as he walked in further.
“And who’s gonna make us, you?” the lead pale yellow pegasus asked as he stepped forward and locked eyes with the newcomer.
A short staring contest was held, the unicorn being the first to break his gaze. He reached around and dug into his saddle bag and pulled out a sack of Bits. “Here, take it and leave this town, please. That is all I ask of you, just leave this poor stallion’s shop alone.” The pegasus eyed the sack before looking back at his buddies for conformation, once received, he gladly snatched the sack of Bits and exited.
“Come on fellas,” he mentioned to his underlings to follow, they did so without the faintest hint of hesitation.
The two ponies followed their leader, both stepping purposely on the unicorn’s hooves on the way out; one even went as far as to give him a nudge before exiting after the other two. Once the thugs had gone, the unicorn let out a sigh and trotted through the ravaged and torn down shelves and past destroyed items to the owner behind the counter.
“Oh thank goodness for you Tempest, I thought those ruffians would never leave my precious little shop alone,” the shopkeeper said as he watched the unicorn give him a warm smile in response.
“No problem Mr. Breeze, someone had to do something. I couldn’t just stand by and watch your store get destroyed.” Tempest’s horn lit up with a golden aura as he retrieved a broom and dustpan from a supply closet. “Here, let me help you get this place cleaned up.”
“Oh, but I couldn’t ask you to my dear boy. Why, you’ve done plenty for me as it is.”
“It’s no trouble, besides, it’ll take you all day to clean this place up all by yourself; why not let a little magic help get the job done?” Tempest received a nod from the earth pony as he made the broom sweep up rubble by itself; he then simultaneously began picking up the pieces of broken shelves and repairing them. With a quick jolt from his horn and flash of golden and white light, the shelves were repaired in the blink of an eye; they had almost seemed as good as new.
“I’ll never get over how good you are at magic Tempest, I mean really, those shelves look brand new!” Mr. Breeze exclaimed as Tempest finished sweeping up the remaining rubble into the dustpan and began to empty said pan into the trash. “Your grandfather has taught ya well, hasn’t he?”
“Mmhmm,” Tempest replied with a smile and a nod, “Grandpa has learned all types of spells over the years and he’s taught me a bunch of them. Everything from simple repair spells to summoning and incantations.”
“If you’re so good, how come you didn’t give those thugs a run for their bits?” the earth pony questioned with a laugh. “Ya know what I mean? Just show off a little bit of your power and I’m sure they’d stop coming around.”
Tempest let a sigh leave him as he returned the broom and dustpan he had borrowed back to their original locations. “While it’s true grandpa has taught me numerous spells on elements, he also told me that they should be used only for self defense. I have no intention of harming any pony, I don’t like fighting. Besides, grandpa has taught me how to deescalate situations without having to resort to magic or violence.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Jeez, I almost forgot how wise your old stallion is.” Mr. Breeze shifted uncomfortably as he fetched a box from the back storage room and returned with it, he began restocking the now fixed shelves before he continued with his next question. “Speaking of that old sage, how is he? I heard about his sickness.”
The unicorn stopped and shifted uncomfortably himself now, with a slight silence now lingering, he cleared his throat as well as his mind before answering. “Grandpa’s been doing well, but his coughing has been getting worse.” Tempest levitated several items from the box that the shopkeeper was emptying and quickly placed them where they belonged back on the shelves. “Actually, I originally came here to see if you had some of the herbs I needed so I could make a special tonic for his sickness; I need some Unsung Root and Dewdrop Leaves, you wouldn’t happen to have any would you?”
Mr. Breeze tapped a hoof to his chin before he lit up like a bulb, he began rummaging around behind his counter while mumbling to himself. “Where? Where? Oh, I know I picked some more leaves the other day….if I could only…Aha!” The shop owner returned to meet his unicorn customer’s face above the counter. “Found ‘em! I knew I had some lying around here; here you go Tempest.”
“Thank you,” the unicorn nodded respectfully, he levitated the ingredients he needed into his blue saddle bag on his back. However, his expression quickly changed from grateful to saddened. “I’m sorry Mr. Breeze, I gave all the bits I brought with me to those thugs.”
“It’s quite alright my boy!” the pony laughed warmly, “You’ve done plenty for me, consider it a thank you present for all you’ve done; not just what you’ve done for me, but for everything you do for our little community here.”
“Thank you very much Mr. Breeze. I have to go now, I still have chores to do back home.” The blue unicorn trotted toward the door and exited, but not before receiving one last call from the shopkeeper he had helped.
“Say hello to your grandfather for me, would ya?”
*****
Tempest trotted happily through his small hometown; it was never much, it didn’t even have a name, but it was home nonetheless. This town was located almost at the edge of Equestria’s borders, no form of authority reached out here, hence why crimes like the one Tempest had stopped earlier were considered regular things. But even with no name, thugs coming through on a daily basis, and not many tourists or visitors to help stable the town’s economy; the ponies of this town still smiled, some would even argue that they smiled the brightest of any pony of Equestria.
The truth of it is, even though it was in the middle of nowhere, ponies liked the isolation; ironically enough, it made them feel safe, regardless of the going-ons of day to day crime. Tempest waved to several passerby ponies, he had made a name for himself as being the problem solver of his little hometown; ponies said if there was ever a problem, leave it to Tempest or his grandfather. No one ever flat out said it, but with the two of them being the most skilled (and possibly even most powerful) unicorns in this small community, they were the foundation which kept others going.
“Hi Tempest.”
“Afternoon,” he replied kindly with a nod and a wave as he pulled his grandfather’s old cart behind him filled with supplies and food items that had been given to him by the citizens of his home. “Thanks again for the roses Daisy, I’m sure my grandfather will love them as much as I do,” he called out to the pinkish mare as he passed her by.
“Y-you’re welcome,” the mare called back as her cheeks flustered with a darker shade of pink.
“Good afternoon, Tempest!”
“Good afternoon, Iris,” Tempest replied as he now trotted past another earth pony mare; this one being a pale white with a bright pink mane. “Thanks again for the produce, I’ll be able to make grandpa and old fashioned apple pie just like my grandmother used to make.”
“Anything for my best customer, just remember to swing by when you got the Bits and I’ll sell you more!” the mare laughed as she gave a wave back to the unicorn.
Tempest nodded gratefully in response, it was more of a silent promise more than a verbal one; and one he would keep. As he continued down the dirt road which would soon lead to the outskirts of town, he could see a small group of ponies running up to him with happy expressions of glee plastered on their faces. Two small fillies, a pegasus and an earth pony, with a unicorn colt seeming to take the lead; they ran up to the older stallion and stopped right at his hooves.
“Tempest! Tempest!” they all three squealed happily as they stopped at the base of the unicorn’s towering figure. “Look! Look!” The two fillies pointed to their colt friend, his horn lit up and in a flash of blue magic he was gone. When he had reappeared, he was in the back of Tempest’s cart, laughing at his great success.
“Wow Chestnut, you can teleport at your age already?” Tempest raised a brow, “Color me impressed, even I had difficulty when I was a young colt.”
“And that’s not all!” Chestnut said in delight as he teleported back in front of Tempest and took his position in front of his filly friends. “Hazel can fly already and Violet can buck a whole tree of apples by herself!”
“Really?” a curious look overtook Tempest’s features as the three young ponies nodded their heads happily up and down to answer him. A soft chuckle left stallion, then he raised a hoof and ruffled Chestnut’s mane gently. “Keep up the great work, all of you. You’re all on the way of becoming amazing ponies someday.”
“Thanks!” the trio of ponies giggled amongst themselves as the ran past Tempest, he watched them go with a smile on his face.
He never once had a problem with children, he even let the thought cross his mind sometime about having a few himself. As young as he was, he knew there was plenty of time to find a mare friend down the line; but now wasn’t the time. Words didn’t express how much Tempest cared for children, but it wasn’t because of their innocence, or their carefree demeanor; it was because they were Equestria’s future, and he wanted the future to be in capable hands.
“Tempest, the kind hearted and honorable hero of our small little town.”
Tempest recognized the voice coming from in front of him, it resonated like silk to his ears which twitched due to the mares words. Craning his neck back forward, he was greeted with the presence of a cream yellow pegasus with a curvy mane and tail of pink and scarlet; lastly, her crimson red eyes finished off her features.
“Good afternoon to you, Scarlett,” Tempest responded with a warm smile and his usual nod. “Who exactly are you calling a hero?”
“Oh, please,” Scarlett scoffed playfully, “everypony around her says it, ya know?” Scarlett flew over to the stallion’s side and rested a hoof around his neck as she held the other out to emphasize her words. “Tempest, the kind hearted hero who battles crimes with his amazing pacifism.” The pegasus and unicorn shared a giggle, “I’m surprised they haven’t written folk songs about you yet.”
“I help out everyone in town, it’s no big deal.”
The cream colored pegasus quickly spun around and pointed an accusing hoof at her friend, “See!? Right there! Modesty, that’s a big time hero trait. Not to mention you’re loyal, caring, honest, wise, and above all else, you can do some crazy powerful magic! You’re practically dripping in hero material.”
Tempest continued to smile but gave a shrug, “What can I say? My grandfather raised me well.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Speaking of which, I see you’re headed back home, don’t let me keep you busy.” Scarlett began flying toward the direction of town as she gave a goodbye wave to her friend; “Say hi to your gramps for me!”
“Of course, take care of yourself Scar!” When the pegasus was no longer in sight, the stallion fixed his gaze back on the dirt road before him; he could see his grandfather’s cottage nestled into the confines of the prairie outside of town, he knew he had a good walk ahead of him.
*****
Tempest unhitched himself from his grandfather’s cart and gave himself a stretch, reaching forward with his hooves and receiving a few cracks from has back in doing so. “I can’t believe he used to tote this thing around with him in his younger years. Still, it’s a decent workout, I must be trained well in both mind and spirit.” After his short stretch session, Tempest placed his saddle bag from the cart onto his back and made his way toward the small cottage.
He was curious as to where his grandfather was, but quickly caught sight of him on the porch resting in his rocking chair with his large walking staff with him. “Should’ve known,” Tempest laughed softly as he approached the porch. “I’m back from my trip to town Grandpa,” he said as he walked past the old grey white haired stallion. Getting no response out of his elder, Tempest gently shook his grandfather in his chair to rouse him. “Grandpa, wake up, I’m back, and I have the ingredients to make the potion.”
“Huh!? Wha!?” the old stallion snapped his golden eyes open with a snore and frantically searched for the cause of his awakening. Once Tempest was spotted, his grandfather gave him a gentle smile. “Oh, there you are Tempest, did ya bring back the ingredients for my medicine?”
“Yes, I did. Why don’t you come inside and you can take it before I prepare dinner?” Tempest opened the door and entered the cottage with his grandfather following closely behind. “So is that all you did was sleep all day?” Tempest began to make small talk as he turned right and entered the kitchen where a cauldron awaited.
“Not entirely, I had to deal with a few roughneck pegasi earlier,” SwirlingStar explained as he took a seat at the kitchen table. “Said somethin about ‘payin bits for the land as a fare’; some manners they had. Back in my day we respected our elders, and your grandfather got some respect he did.”
“Yes, yes, you’ve told me the stories many times,” Tempest sighed with a kind smile as he levitated the ingredients out of his saddle bag and began chopping up the Unsung Root. “Very talented and important wizard, you even told me how you met Princess Celestia and Princess Luna a few times.” Scooping the roots into the cauldron and sparking a flame underneath, the green liquid of the large pot quickly came to a boil. “Things weren’t always so peaceful though, were they grandpa?”
“Nope. Back then, Equestria wasn’t nearly as big as it is now, the princess’ had limited control on the territory and wars were always breaking out all over the place.” The old stallion let out a blissful sigh that he hadn’t even noticed that he had been keeping in. “Things are much better now, since there are three princesses ruling now instead of just two.”
“Four princesses actually,” Tempest corrected, now turning a large wooden spoon in the cauldron and adding three of the Dewdrop Leaves he had picked up earlier. “There is Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of our capital, Canterlot; Princess Cadence and her husband Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire; and lastly, Princess Twilight. She is the most recent princess of Equestria.” The unicorn gave a chuckle and added, “Well, if you don’t count Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor’s baby, Princess Flurry Heart; then technically, there’s five princesses of Equestria.”
SwirlingStar licked his dry lips and gave them a smack as he focused his thoughts and ran a grey hoof through the small remnants of what used to be a proud white beard. “Five princesses, eh? Well I’ll be, Equestria sure has come a long way since my time.” SwirlingStar suddenly let out a wheezing cough, he used his hoof to cover his muzzle and felt his breathing harden.
Tempest quickly rushed to the old stallion’s side and looked on with worry, “Grandpa, are you alright? Have you been getting worse?”
Grandpa SwirlingStar simply waved off his grandson’s worry, “Ain’t nothing to fret over Tempest. Besides, you don’t get to live as long as I have just by maintaining a clean bill of health. No siree, this old fart still has a few tricks up his sleeve.”
“Hopefully nothing forbidden,” Tempest joked lightheartedly as he tried to regain his usual composure. Fearing for his grandfather’s health or safety has always made him a bit protective, but he knew if worse came to worse, he could handle himself. “Haven’t been studying Dark Magic, have we? Perhaps an age reduction spell or a self sustaining one instead?”
“Yup! And I plan on reclaiming the Crystal Empire in the name of King Sombra and declaring war against Equestria.” The aged stallion quickly rose from his seat and transformed in the flash of white and gold. Now, standing before Tempest was King Sombra himself, complete with glowing green eyes and ethereal flowing mane. “Crystals,” was the only word which left the Sombra lookalike’s muzzle, for complete effect it was uttered in a deep, foreboding tone.
Tempest flashed in a similar light to his grandfather and soon took on the form of Princess Luna, complete with her loud Royal Canterlot Voice. “Vile villain, we shall not allow the to do as thy pleases. Have at thee!” The two unicorns’ transformations quickly dissipated in a similar fashion as to how they formed; the two “enemies” were now rolling on the floor laughing to themselves wildly. “How much trouble do you think we’d be in if the princesses found out how we portrayed them?”
SwirlingStar quickly calmed his laughter and wiped a tear of joy from his eye before continuing, “I highly doubt we would, Princess Celestia did always enjoy my humor, even if it did rile her sister up a bit.”
“You make it sound like you and the princesses were close, grandpa.”
“In a sense, yes, we were pretty close.”
“Then why not visit them?” Tempest asked as he returned back to the cauldron who’s contents color had changed from green to a deep shade of sparkling indigo. “I mean,” the young stallion continued, “Why move all the way out here, in the middle of nowhere? I’m sure you could have continued practicing magic in Canterlot.”
The old grandfather let out another sigh which gave way to a yawn, “My time and….’legend’, has come and gone; I knew that back then and I know it now.” The stallion returned to his seat and gazed out the nearby window. “The time now belongs to the skilled youth, not old timers like me. Besides, back then, your grandmother came to me with the most adorable little colt I ever saw; and I knew right then and there, that I wanted to raise him like he was my own son.”
SwirlingStar turned to see his grandson looking in his direction and gave him a large wrinkled smile. “And you know what? I haven’t regretted a day of my life since.”
Tempest withdrew a bowl from a cabinet along with a spoon; dipping the bowl into the cauldron and scooping out its contents, the stallion placed it in front of his grandfather with a smile. “Here you go, hopefully I made it right.”
“Hopefully? Have you no faith in your own skills?” The aged unicorn raised an eyebrow as he used his magic to levitate the spoon and gather some of the liquid. “Now, if you made it right, this’ll cure my cough. But if not, I may be seein’ an early grave.” Placing the wooden spoon in his mouth, SwirlingStar’s eyes widened and his pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks.
“Oh no, grandpa! Are you alri—”
“Sweet mother of Celestia, now that’s the stuff!” the stallion cried out, startling his grandson in the process. There was a long lingering silence which befell the two unicorns, after the excruciating long moment, the old time pony began to cheer. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! Your grandma may not have taught you magic, but she sure as Tartarus taught you how to cook! Nothing cures a bad cough and sore throat like her cooking, and you replicated her Herbal Root Soup perfectly!”
“Seriously!? You about gave me a heart attack!” Tempest snapped at his grinning grandfather. He sighed and regained his poise once more, “I’m glad you like it, eat as much as you want. But do try to save some room for desert, I’m baking an apple pie, grandma’s recipe of course.” The unicorn gave his elder a smile before his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock at the cottage door.
“Were you expecting company Tempest?” his grandfather questioned as he levitated another spoonful of soup into his mouth greedily.
Truth was, Tempest was just as surprised as his grandfather was. He exited the kitchen and opened up the front cottage door, to his pleasure, the visitor was that of his pegasus friend that he saw earlier.
“Hey Temp, I thought I’d stop by and bring a little gift.” Scarlett hovered in the door’s entranceway with a box in her hooves.
“Is it that Scarlett mare, Tempest?” SwirlingStar called from the kitchen, his voice carrying to the front door. “Oh she is such an angel, do let her in.”
“He’s kissing up to you already?” Tempest laughed, “He must be used to your visits already.”
“Or maybe he just likes me,” Scarlett teased as she stuck her tongue out at the unicorn and entered the home.
Tempest and Scarlett made their way to the kitchen where SwirlingStar waited with a certain poise that he only put up when he was around the company of others. He eyed the box that the cream yellow pony carried with her. “Now what do we have here?”
“Just an apple pie that I baked up,” Scarlett’s smile beamed with pride, “I just KNOW you’ll love it, Mr. SwirlingStar.”
“Scarlett dear, you’re practically family to me, you can call me grandfather or grandpa if you’d like.” SwirlingStar waved a wrinkled grey hoof in the air, “None of this ‘Mr. SwirlingStar’ nonsense, makes me feel old.”
“Grandpa likes to think that he’s not over the hill yet,” Tempest tried to whisper in Scarlett’s ear, but he knowingly said it loud enough for his elder to hear.
“Oh please, I practically molded the hill, there’s no way I’m anywhere close to being over it.” The old stallion teleported his empty bowl along with his spoon in the sink and then looked to the pegasus with pleading eyes. “You didn’t come just to drop off the pie now, did you? I’d really hate for you to have to leave so soon.”
“I’ll stay, but only on one condition;” the pegasus pony pointed at her elder and smiled, “I want to hear one of your stories.”
SwirlingStars eyes lit up, happily, “Well, you hear that Tempest? Somepony who actually enjoys my stories.”
“I enjoy your stories grandpa, it’s just that I’ve heard them all already.” Tempest maneuvered past Scarlett as she took a seat in a chair across the opposite side of his withered grandfather. He opened up a cabinet and began to pull out three plates as well as forks to go with. Then, the unicorn moved the plates in front of each pony before taking a seat in the middle of Scarlett and his grandfather. “Honestly, however could I forget, when you’ve beaten it into my head?”
“Is that so?” SwirlingStar asked as he removed the apple pie from its box prison and began to serve everyone, starting with his guest. “You haven’t heard ALL of my stories Tempest, I still have a few that you’re ignorant of.”
“Like?” the unicorn egged on playfully as he ate a bite of pie. It was still warm and immediately melted in his mouth; the dough was so soft, Tempest could have sworn he was eating a cloud. Refocusing his thoughts back on the old stallion before him that had a grin on his face.
“How about the story of how I met your grandmother, hm?” At the mention of his grandmother, Tempest froze in his spot, in mid bite with the fork paused just inches away from his muzzle. He looked to his grandfather with eyes that practically yearned to know the story behind their wonderful marriage. “So I’ve piqued your interest, have I? Very well then, get nice and comfortable you two, because this one is original quite the lengthy tale.”
*****
Tempest fixed the blanket so it was resting comfortably under his grandfather’s neck, he then blew out the lit candle on his nightstand before retreating from SwirlingStar’s room and joining back up with Scarlett downstairs. The pegasus was waiting patiently by the front door when she spotted Tempest coming down the pair of stairs which led to his grandfather’s room.
“I didn’t know telling stories tuckered him out so quickly,” Scarlett giggled, “The story about their meeting was so romantic, and I can tell your grandpa loved talking about her.”
“While I’m not really a big fan of romance, I have to say, that story was breathtaking.” Tempest almost became lost recalling the events his grandfather had spoke of earlier. “Anyway, thanks for coming over Scar, he really does like telling others his stories; but the young colts and fillies in town won’t sit still long enough to listen.”
“No problem Temp, I enjoy paying your grandpa and you a visit,” Scarlett opened the door and began to exit before her friend stopped her midway.
“You sure you can get home by yourself? You know those thugs from the Tailspin Gang have been skulking about at night.”
“As much as I like the gesture, you know I can handle myself,” Scarlett pulled an eyelid down and stuck her tongue out at Tempest. “I’m not some weak pegasus mare ya know.”
Tempest gave his friend a playful shove as she moved out the door. “If you say so, if any problems arise you know where to find me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, goodnight Tempest, sweet dreams.”
The unicorn watched his friend take to the sky before making her way back towards town. “Goodnight Scarlett, sweet dreams.” Tempest shut the cottage door before let a tired yawn escape from him. Turning off the kitchen lights, Tempest climbed his way back upstairs, collapsed in his bed, and allowed himself to drift off into slumber.
Chapter 2: Growing Tensions
Tempest had risen bright and early, much as he did every morning with his grandfather; of course, SwirlingStar was nowhere to be seen in the cottage, but Tempest didn’t worry, his grandfather never ventured far from home without his grandson by his side. Tempest had already fixed his bed, bathed, and was now in the process of making breakfast for both he and his grandfather. The iron skillet on the fire sizzled and filled the cottage with a sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar. Multitasking, the unicorn also had several strips of hay bacon cooking on a separate skillet. Tempest’s attention was drawn to the sound of the shutting front door, followed by SwirlingStar waltzing into the kitchen with his nose twitching.
“Smells like you’ve got breakfast going,” the withered stallion said as he found a seat at the kitchen table.
“Yes, it’s Prench Toast and Hay Bacon, there’s also some orange juice if you’d like some.” Tempest still had his back to his grandfather as he brought out two plates and forks and flew them to the table with food on them. He then began to place two empty glasses by the plates, a quick bolt of gold magic later and the glasses were filled with orange juice. “You were outside, so I take it you paid grandma a visit?”
“Yup, had ourselves a good talk, reminiscing about the old days when we were younger.” SwirlingStar took a sip of his juice before he proceeded to eat his toast. “Says she misses you, maybe you should pay her a visit some time today.”
“I will, but I think I’ll pay Daisy a visit, pick up some of her favorite flowers before I see her.”
“She’d love that.” Having placed the dirty dishes in sink now and letting them soak, Tempest joined the other stallion for breakfast; however, when SwirlingStar looked up at his grandson he nearly choked on a piece of his toast. “Well, I’ll be, you got yourself a beard just like your grandpa forming on your face.”
“Hmm?” Tempest swallowed a bite of toast before reaching up with his hoof and feeling under his chin; he then conjured up a small mirror to better see. Sure enough, growing there was a small white beard which matched the color of both his and his grandfather’s mane. “I…I’m not sure where this came from, I don’t remember growing it out.”
SwirlingStar watched his grandson carefully, he knew what this meant. ‘It won’t be long now, he’s almost ready,’ the stallion thought quietly to himself. “I guess you’re just growing quicker than expected,” the experienced unicorn laughed. “Besides, it looks good on you.”
“Really?” Tempest asked as he made the mirror disappear, though he still continued to play with the small beard he was growing.
“Of course, mares love a good beard,” SwirlingStar made a fake Canterlot accent, “Having such a piece of facial hair makes the mares of Equestria practically fawn over you, trust me, I know. That’s how I won your grandmother over.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Tempest chuckled as he finished his breakfast and then downed the last of his orange juice. “Anyway, I must be going. I promised the mayor that I’d replace the leaking roof in town hall.”
“I’ll go with ya,” SwirlingStar commented as he and Tempest both rose from their seats and placed their dishes in the sink. “These old bones could use the exercise, and I have a matter that I want to speak to her about anyhow.” Once finished with his statement, the old stallion let out several hard wheezing coughs.
“And we’ll get you some medicine while we’re in town too,” Tempest added as the two exited the cottage and he hooked himself up before he began to pull his grandfather’s wagon which housed the tools he’d need for the job. With both unicorns prepared, they began their trek into the small town.
*****
“Looks like a storm is brewing up,” SwirlingStar pointed out as he raised a hoof at several dark clouds looming overhead. The clouds crept slowly across the sky, like thieves cautiously stealing away the golden sunlight which would have illuminated the town.
“Maybe that’s why no one is outside.” The two unicorns noticed that the town was devoid of life, but something seemed off; there was a distinct feeling of tension and apprehension in the air, and it lingered strongly. “Do you feel that?”
“Yes, something isn’t quite right,” SwirlingStar responded sternly as his eyes scanned the nearby buildings. They appeared empty, every shop seemed closed down and not a single soul could be seen; the once alive community was now practically a ghost town. “Lets head to town hall, see if the mayor knows anything. Keep your eyes sharp just like I taught you, something is definitely amiss.”
Tempest nodded in agreement with his grandfather’s words. Because of the two of them being so well trained in magic, the unicorns could tell when the natural harmony or peace of something had been disturbed; SwirlingStar’s many years of experience had taught him how to sense any magical imbalances in the world, he thanked Celestia that this was not the case. It may not have been a magical imbalance, but whatever it was, something had disrupted the small nameless town’s naturally harmony.
Trotting down the dirt roads of town, Tempest got a creepy (almost sinister) vibe, the only sound was that of howling wind which synced up well with the approaching storm’s thundering booms. They had already passed by the flower shop and bank, then the general store and doctors office, still not a single inhabitant of the town could be seen.
“Tempest,” the unicorn returned to reality with his grandfather calling his name. The two came to a halt at the base of town hall, standing outside the round shaped building was a yellow pegasus, one that Tempest immediately recognized. “That there is the pegasus who came by the other day demanding I pay him bits.”
Then, it hit the young stallion just what might be going on, “Grandpa, he’s a member of Tailspin’s gang, I’ve encountered him before, though when last we met he had two others with him.”
“Looks to me like he’s on some sort of sentry duty, hmm?” The old stallion let out a small chuckle as Tempest unhooked himself from the wagon so he can venture forward with his elder. “Come on then, let’s go say hello.” The old stallion carefully crept up the steps to town hall with his grandson right by his side. When the pegasus spotted SwirlingStar he didn’t seem phased, his glare remaining. But as soon as he spotted Tempest, his glare broadened into a devilish smirk.
“Good morrow dear friend, could we trouble you for details on what may cause all of our dear friends and neighbors to vanish like smoke in the wind?”
“Everyone is supposed to be inside you old fool,” the pegasus scoffed at the old stallion. He turned his gaze toward Tempest, “Well, well, if it isn’t the hero, huh? Did you come to bring me more bits, hero?”
“Actually, we’re here to see Mayor Isabelle,” Tempest responded calmly to the rude pegasus.
The pegasus scoffed once more, “The mayor’s busy, she’s in the middle of a very important business transaction. I’ve been given orders to keep everyone in their homes and not to allow anyone to interfere.” The pegasus hovered in mid air and crossed his hooves, “You aren’t going to be seeing the mayor anytime soon, so I strongly advise you to go home and stay there.”
“Oh, but we’ll just be but a minute,” SwirlingStar replied kindly as he tried to walk past the pegasus only to have said pegasus block his path. The unicorn continued to smile kindly, “I know, you wish not to fail your superiors, but I really must protest against your actions—”
“I said go home old timer. Now.” The pegasus’ words were followed by an audible growl which came from the back of his throat.
Tempest moved forward slowly, but a raised hoof from his grandfather made him stop. SwirlingStar cleared his throat, “Maybe you’d have more respect for your elders if you had a change of perception. Allow me to show you what I mean.”
*****
Mayor Isabelle was unsure of what to do in her current predicament; her town was on lockdown with everyone forced shut inside their homes, and then there was the griffin with his gang of thugs that had broken into her office and was demanding she open the bank vault and give them every bit the town had.
“No way am I going to give you a single bit, ”Isabelle said sternly as she rose from her desk in her office to lock eyes with the grey haired griffin. “Why would we give you and your gang anything anyway?”
“Please,” the griffin scoffed as he rubbed a claw against his chest fur. “Day in and day out my brother’s gang keeps you and your townsfolk safe from any of the other rival gangs. It would only seem fair that we demand a small fee for our services.”
“We have not asked for your services!” the unicorn mare snapped on the griffin, she now motioned to his other two pegasus companions. “You and these thugs of yours have performed no acts of protection! All the lot of you have done is harass my citizens and terrorize this town, and for that you’ll not get a single bit from us!”
The griffin’s nostrils flared as a flash of anger shone in his eyes, his glare shifted to his two pegasi underlings standing by the door. “You two, get down to the bank and take every last bit that this pathetic—”
BANG!
The griffin’s words were interrupted by the slamming of the office door, standing in the doorway were two unicorn stallions; a withered old grey one and a pale phthalo blue young one, both sported the same grey and white mane and beard combo with the older having more though. Seeing them both, the mayor let out an audible sigh of relief.
“Good morning to you Isabelle, your looking as lovely as usually,” SwirlingStar said with a smile and a slight bow.
“Always quite the flatterer weren’t you SwirlingStar,” the mare giggled, “And good to see you too Tempest.”
“Who’s this clown?” the griffin asked the two pegasi who merely shrugged in response to the question. “Just get rid of them,” he commanded.
The two pegasi flew toward the two unicorns, the older one with his horn glowing gold in preparation. In a blinding and brilliant flash of yellow and white, the two pegasi stallions were gone and in their place were two young, innocent, harmless foals which were cooing and drooling while they sat on the floor.
“What….what happened to you two!? Why are you on the floor? Get up!” the griffin was growing more and more irritated as he watched the baby ponies make no attempt to listen to him or even try to fly. “You!” the griffin pointed a claw at the old unicorn, “Who are you? And how did you get in here? I specifically told that numbskull WindCurrent no one is to enter here.”
“Oh, that rude fellow?” SwirlingStar and Tempest further entered the room, avoiding stepping on the young pegasi in the process of doing so; the griffin backed up and tried to keep his distance from the old stallion’s horn. “No respect for the elderly that one, telling me to go home when I’m here on business. He kept talking down to me, so I gave him a little taste of the senior life.”
Just then, an old withered stallion pegasus entered the room; he was standing on his back legs while holding a cane, his features were as wrinkled as SwirlingStar’s and he looked just as old if not older. He gave his dry lips a lick and smacked them a few times before he began to speak in a raspy voice. “I’m sorry Grey Wing, I tried to stop them, but they’re too fast.”
“Ugh, useless.” Grey Wing face palmed himself with a claw as he growled at his lackeys’ failure to follow through with their orders.
“Now, Grey Wing was it? I suggest you take that old stallion and these foals here and leave.” Swirling raised an eyebrow with his smile widening, “Unless you wish to take a trip down memory lane and recount your younger experiences?”
Grey Wing looked back and forth between the mayor and his underlings, had he come with greater numbers he may have been able to overpower the old stallion; however, with a town as peaceful as this one, he expected little to no resistance. He hadn’t expected there to be a mage as powerful as this stallion in such a little place, his ignorance has cost him, and more than likely his older brother would see to it that he is fully reminded of his mistakes.
“We’ll be back, with greater numbers,” the griffin barked as he scooped up the two foals and helped the old pegasus find his way out the office. Before finally exiting, Grey Wing turned back to face the three ponies, offering up one last comment. “You can’t expect this old fart to fight all of your battles, he won’t always be around.”
“What do you think I’m here for?” Tempest questioned as he stepped forward toward the griffin, though no malice was detected in his actions. “Even when he’s no longer around, I will continue on my grandfather’s legacy, forging my own in the process.” Tempest didn’t see it, but his grandfather’s eyes were glistening with hope and awe, if he wasn’t sure if his grandson was fully capable and ready before, he did now.
“Hmph, whatever. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.” Allowing himself to get the last word in, Grey Wing exited the office, and hopefully the town as well.
“Well, that takes care of that,” SwirlingStar laughed warmly as he turned back to face the mayor. “Isabelle, what was it that they wanted?”
“Grey Wing and his lackeys demanded I hand over all the bits that are locked up in the town bank, saying it was payment for his brother’s services since the gang keeps our town protected.” Isabelle made air quotes with her hooves on her final word, “That griffin doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”
“Well, it’s safe to say that he won’t be showing up again for awhile, that being said, perhaps we should try sending a letter to the princess again?” Tempest asked as he and his grandfather found seats in front of the mayor’s desk.
“We’ve tried a dozen times, no mail service makes it to Canterlot, not only that but even with your grandfather’s magic, we don’t have enough to transport the letter that far.” A sigh left the mare as she slumped in her chair and her glasses fell to the tip of her muzzle. “And even if the letter made it, I highly doubt Princess Celestia would send a scout of troops this far out just to protect our little old town.”
“But what if we tried—”
“I’m afraid she’s correct my grandson,” the aged stallion now interjected honorably. “Princess Celestia has pressing matters to tend to day in and day out, even with Princess Luna back by her side, the two of them can still only do so much.” It was now Swirling’s turn to sigh, “As far out as we are, it’d be difficult to send a scouting party just to watch our town, and what about barracks for the guards? Our little community is quite populated as is.”
Tempest blinked a few times as his grandfather’s wisdom set in, “You’re right, I hadn’t thought about that part grandpa. There would still be difficulties, even if the guards managed to make it here.”
“Well,” Isabelle sat up in her chair and pushed her small frames back up her muzzle, “I’m sure you two didn’t stop by just to chat, and if you did I’m flattered and still wouldn’t mind a little company.”
“Actually, I came to replace the roof of town hall for you,” the young stallion smiled at Isabelle. “I know you’ve been complaining about the leak, and the raining season is coming up so I’d hate for you to get drenched.”
Isabelle smiled after hearing Tempest’s request, “Why thank you Tempest, you truly are an element of kindness aren’t you? Well any who, you can get started right away should you choose, we’re supposed to be getting some drizzle in today, though judging by the cloud patterns we may be getting a bit more than that.”
Tempest gave the unicorn mare a nod and rose from his seat making his way to the entrance, he paused halfway out the door when he heard his grandfather beckon his name. “Tempest, if you could be as so kind as to let the townsfolk know that everything is alright now, I’m sure everypony is frazzled out of their mind right now.” SwirlingStar’s nephew gave him a nod in response. “Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some more medicine.”
“Okay grandpa, I’ll do all of that before looking into fixing the roof.” And with those final words he was off, leaving only the old stallion and the young mare alone in the office.
Isabelle’s smile faltered slightly, before finally giving way and crumbling; she knew what the old stallion was here for, he had left her a scroll explaining the details of his condition a few days prior. “In your letter to me you said that the medicine didn’t help, then why continue to take it?”
“The medicine isn’t for me, it’s for him.” The stallion sighed heavily before elaborating, “Taking the medicine keeps my dear grandson’s mind at ease, I’m still not sure if he’s ready to hear the truth.”
“Isn’t there something we could do?” Isabelle asked as she looked to Swirling with pure concern and worry. “I mean, it can’t end like this, Starswirl The Bearded succumbing to sickness?”
“Sickness ain’t got nothin to do with it,” Swirling explained with a half smile, “Its just my time, I’m past my old age. Now Isabelle, when I stopped practicing magic, I moved away from Canterlot with my wife and grandson and began going under an alias. I moved out here, far away from the central powers so I could retire peacefully with my family; why, not even Princess Celestia herself knows I’m still trotting out and about.”
It was true, the letter sent to Isabelle a few days prior explained everything; how Starswirl “disappeared” and changed his name to an alias, albeit not a very good one. He had told the mayor the truth about who he was, the truth about his story; and yet, she still didn’t understand why. So, she let her words do the thinking for her and asked the question that had been bouncing around in her mind like a mare full of sugar at a Hearthswarming party.
“But I still don’t understand why, I mean, you’re Starswirl The Bearded, a living legend; even a myth to some. Why trade off your legend for a simple life?”
Another sigh, “I have seen many things Isabelle,” Swirling exited his seat and walked over to a nearby window, outside he could see the storm clouds growing more agitated by the minute; but what he also saw were ponies exiting their homes, and going from door to door was his grandson. A smile warmed the old stallion’s features. “I have lived long, Isabelle. Longer than the average unicorn stallion, almost as long as an alicorn; correction, I have lived longer than Princess Celestia herself. I have mentored Clover The Clever and I am even one of the founders of Equestria.
I have seen three races come forth and combat the Windigos to create Equestria in harmonious unification; I myself have even battled and imprisoned away sirens; I have traveled through time and space. I was at the coronation of both Celestia and Luna; I have seen the first time Celestia rose the sun and the first of Luna’s moon lowering; the first Summer Sun Celebration; Luna’s fall from grace and then her recovery of her position; I have seen and lived through many historical events.
But what I never got to do, something those with positions like the princesses and I never really got to do, was lead a normal life.” A brief pause of silence followed by a warm chuckle, “Listen to me rambling on like an old crone, you’ve already read this all before in my letters, hmm?” The mare nodded solemnly as a response, “Very well then, its time I give full reason as to why I am here,” Swirling shifted his eyes back to Isabelle and returned to his seat, slowly treading onward before plotting down in the wooden chair.
“Alright then, Isabelle, I wish to write my final will and testament and I wish for you to be a witness.”
*****
The town was back to being as lively as ever, ponies rushing around the small community trying to get errands done, purchase groceries, and perform whatever tasks needed to be done before the storm came. The small town had no pegasi to control the weather, reason being there simply weren’t enough to live in a town so small; the citizens simply took the weather as it came, and that meant dealing with the raining season.
Among the many others scampering about was Tempest Startreader; having bought his grandfather’s medicine, Tempest was making his way downtown to town hall, ready to begin working on the roof. He watched everyone else scatter about before a particular pegasus caught his eye.
“Hello again hero,” the pegasus began as she landed next to the unicorn and joined him in a gentle trot by his side. “So, you scared those thugs outta our town?”
“Afternoon to you too, Scarlett. And no, grandpa did the work, I never need to step in when he’s around,” Tempest explained. Tempest looked over to the cream colored mare as they kept trotting and asked, “Hey Scar, can I ask a favor?”
“Go ahead,” she replied.
“Well, I promised Isabelle that I’d help replace the roof, I was wondering if I could have a little pegassistance?” the unicorn’s question was followed by a laugh, “As good as I am, I’m afraid I have yet to master any flight spells, and transformations only give me the ability temporarily.”
The mare smiled, “Sure thing, it’ll take up a good portion of the day right? I don’t have anything planned for today anyway.”
“Won’t take THAT long,” Tempest chuckled lightly, “Possibly just a few hours, give or take 3 at the most.”
“Just tell me where you want me,” the pegasus smiled as the two stopped in front of town hall.
“If you could begin removing whatever wood is rotted or work from the top to start, that’d be great. And then…,” Tempest paused as he went over to his grandfather’s wagon and pulled out an ink bottle. “Mark the areas that seem weak and rotted away and I’ll know where new roofing needs to be placed.”
“I can handle that,” Scarlett responded as she took the bottle flew to the top of town hall with a quick flutter of her wings. Tempest trotted to his grandfather’s wagon once more to fetch the tools that he would need before he began.
******
Tempest sat on his haunches in the gentle spray of the retreating rain, the cold touch of the liquid followed by a gentle rolling breeze helped relax him after several long hours of work. He let out a sigh before speaking to the guest he had come to visit.
“I fixed the roof for Mayor Isabelle today, well not just me, Scarlett helped too.” Tempest let out a chuckle, “You always did like her, but I don’t have time for marefriends right now, I have to take care of grandpa. He seems pretty sick and I don’t think his medicine is doing him any justice.” The unicorn let out a sigh as stuck his head back in a saddle bag that rested on his side. He pulled out a bouquet of white flowers and placed them down in front of the tombstone which rested in front of where he sat.
“I brought Tulips, your favorites, I know you’ll love ‘em.” Tempest gently brushed a hoof over the flowers before placing it on the tombstone. “I miss you grandma, grandpa misses you too, actually it was his idea that I visit you today.” Tempest was struggling to fight back tears, thankfully he won that battle, though he wouldn’t have noticed anyway with the falling rain. “I love you grandma, grandpa loves you, and we wish you were here with us.” A deepened sigh left the unicorn again as she drenched his wet beard. “I have to go now grandma, I’m gonna make grandpa your famous dandelion salad with some soup on the side.”
Tempest trotted back through the rain and around the side of the cottage before stopping at the door. He pushed it open and felt the warmth of inside pushing against him, he craned his neck back to look at his grandmother’s tombstone before whispering softly, “I love you grandma, always.”
“What are you doing out there Tempest?” SwirlingStar’s voice called from in the kitchen. “You’re gonna catch a cold, the last thing we need is the BOTH of us getting sick, and besides, you’re the only one in this home that can cook.”
Tempest laughed warmly to himself before rolling his eyes playfully, “I’m going old timer, I’m coming.” The unicorn entered the home, shut the door, and then dried himself off with a spell before proceeding to fix dinner for him and his grandfather.
