Chapters Prologue Part 2: Brainwashed
The Missing Bard
Prologue Part 2: Brainwashed
"What is this place?!" Yelled the bard. "Where he hell am I? I just remember seeing darkness! Now I'm... here? Where is here?" The bard then looked up to see a strange statue in front of him that looked to be combined of different animals.
"My my, what an interesting creature. You are in the land of Equestria." called out a voice.
"Who are you!? Where are you?!" Shouted the bard.
"Over here genius!" Called out the voice.
"Where?!" The bard continually looked around.
"Ugh... The statue in front of you." The statue commented.
"Who are you?" The bard looked at the statue in amazement, and raised his guitar toward the statue.
"Oh little old me? I am Discord! Ruler of Chaos!" Shouted the statue. "Now what pray tell is your name and put that silly thing down, you look ridiculous."
"My...name is... Aldo. How did I get here!?" The bard again looked around to see several statues of what looked like equines and a hedge maze surrounding him and lowered his guitar.
"I brought you here, I was able to sense your magical power from this great void."
"A great void? Was that the darkness?! Why did you bring me here?!" The bard said.
"Yes the void was the darkness and because I need a favor from someone like you." Statue Discord stated.
"Why should I help you?" The bard asked.
"Easy because I saved you, why else? Can you not repay a favor with a favor?"
"But you yourself said your the Ruler of Chaos, I've fought against the likes of you in my world." The bard suddenly gasped. "My world! I have to get back and stop Satan Morroc!"
"Yes you must return to your world but to do so I pulled you from the void he placed you in."
"You mean the darkness" The bard asked
"Oh my yes." Discord stated.
"How do you know this?!" The bard yelled.
"Because I sensed you get placed there, and I realized how powerful you were, so I decided to save you." Discord stated
"How can I trust you?" The bard asked
"But who else can you trust in this new land, I saved you and I'm the only one offering to send you back home." Discord stated.
"But... But... I can't I've fought against people trying to start chaos in my world."
"You wish to get back home do you not?" Discord said persuasively.
"Yes... I have to get back." The bard agreed.
"If you can help me escape I promise to get you back to your world, but first, I need a little insurance. You can not walk around like that in this world... so let us fix this!" Discord shouted and the statue of himself began to glow.
"What are you doing!" The bard yelled.
"Elementary my dear. I'm going to turn you into a pony! Hopefully once you are transformed you can walk around with little suspicion."
"Why are you going to do that?!"
"So you can find a way for me to escape from this statue prison and while you do that see if you can get rid of those pesky ponies called the Elements of Harmony."
"I refuse! I will do no such thing!"
"I'm sorry, but you have no choice in the matter! Oh wait... I'm not sorry! But if you can accomplish this task, I will send you back home!" The statue began to glow brighter and brighter. "And you can not deviate from your task, because if you do! Well you won't have the option! You're free will is mine!" Then the glow began to encompass the bard.
"Noooo! AAhhhhh... ugh...." Slowly the bard began to change into a pony. "Please.... do....." The transformation was complete, now the bard was an earth pony with, light green eyes, blond mane, dark brownish orange coat and a guitar for a cutie mark, "My master.... what is .... thy... biding..." The mind of the bard now belonged to Discord.
"Now my little pony... Your name is... Meadow Song. Now repeat after me. My name is Meadow song."
"My name is Meadow Song." Repeated the brainwashed pony.
"Now you're talent is playing the guitar, now I assume that you can still play that guitar considering your cutie mark is a guitar."
"Yes my master... I am still proficient with my song magic."
"Very well, then, go forth my child, and upon your return you will free me when you find out how."
"Yes my master..."
"Oh and don't forget, if you get the opportunity do remove the elements of Harmony from the picture, if I am to return I can't have them putting me back in this awful statue like they did recently. But freeing me is the priority task. Now go!"
"Yes my master... I will not fail you my master..."
End of Prologue Part 2.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 1: A New Life
Many months had passed since our victory against Satan Morroc and the banishment of Queen Xellie. A new holiday had been set in Equestria a day dedicated to the victory "Day of the Musician." However the events of my arrival or the battles that had taken place in the throne room had been a kept a guarded secret that none of us were allowed to discuss in public. So to the all us involved and those who were trustworthy enough to know the truth, knew what the holiday was really about, but to the rest of Equestria it was known as a holiday to celebrate the musical talents of ponies everywhere.
My friendships with everypony that day had become much more valuable to me as we all shared the dark secret of what had transpired, even though we tried not to live to much in the past so we let our friendships be judged based on what we did on a day to day basis.
Applejack had given me the opportunity to work at Sweet Apple Acres part time apple bucking and occasionally making a few Lutie Apples for the Apple Clan to give them the strength to complete their harvests much quicker. It was a lot of hard work, but I enjoyed it and it helped me get a few bits here and there.
Even Rarity and I had become closer friends. She had become obsessed with tales of the fashion from my world, even though I knew very little, any piece of information I could give her gave her such abstract and beautiful ideas. She even asked if I could model her designs of human inspired concepts considering I was once human.
Also Fluttershy and I had become better friends, considering she was extremely shy when we first met, but the saying back in my world was "music soothes the soul" and believe it or not this shy pony partook in my music very well, especially for the animals she cared for. So every so often I'd get invited over to play some music, which I didn't mind, it gave me plenty of opportunities to practice.
Rainbow Dash and I had a bit of trouble get along sometimes, not in a bad way, but it was extremely awkward with her. Mostly because the things she loved doing I didn't care for much or couldn't partake of. But recently things had been getting better considering she finally got me to start reading this series of books called "Daring-Do." It was about some pony who was an adventuring archeologist who would try to stop precious relics that were often imbued with ancient powers from falling into the wrong hands. It actually pretty good. But every so often we'd have a hoof race just for the hell of it, so at least things were improving between us, but I was glad that if we ever got in tiff she'd have my back.
Not to mention Pinkie Pie and I had an... interesting relationship to say the least. I knew she meant well most of the times, and her sense of humor was amazing, but her constant partying was a little bit annoying, but like said I'd only feel like that before the party, but once the party got started, I had always changed my mind. Plus she was the type of pony that knew every other pony in town and even if we were traveling, almost guaranteed she knew someone somewhere. But to say the least her heart was in the right place, but she wouldn't stop offering me to join this band that she had formed to play at the parties she had.
Finally, the love of my life. Twilight Sparkle... No matter what I did, I always found myself thinking about her. About how smart she was, how supporting and loving she was. She had been helping me regain my magical prowess these past few months since I became a pony, showing me and explaining how a unicorn focused its magic via concentration. Plus she had gotten me some music lessons with one of her friends in town by the name of Octavia, granted she played the Cello and I played the guitar, but I was pretty much being taught how to play the cello without the bow, and the concept carried over to my guitar. I mean I knew how to still play the guitar, but... to play it with hooves and not hands was the challenge and that's why I was taking lessons. But I remember my first night as a pony with Twilight, she was so excited to have somepony there with her that she loved, that she cared for, and that she found as she called 'handsome'. I had never felt so loved in my life, but I never thought that I'd see Twilight the way I did, the way she was able to...
"Hey Kini! Wake up!" I felt a sudden hoof punch on my shoulder.
"Ow... hey... what was that for!" I responded out and I opened my eyes to see Twilight looking straight at me with a slight smile.
"Did you forget something?" Twilight asked.
"Did I... over sleep again?" I asked.
"Yeah you kinda did" Twilight giggled. "Considering, you were extremely tired from last night. Now wake up silly!" Twilight kissed me.
"Do you mean that we...?" I asked.
"That we did!" Twilight giggled heavily.
"Oh my..." I responded.
"Yeah you finally pulled off that magic spell of levitating objects after a lot of practice and you kept levitating me off the ground to show off!" Twilight laughed. "I never thought that I'd see an earth pony do that! Then again I'm surprised you were able to pull that off considering you're a tad tipsy from the cider AJ brought last night!"
"I guess there's always a first." I said with a big smile.
"There always is! Now get up out of bed! You promised to help me make breakfast for levitating me off the ground!" Twilight said with a wink.
"Alright Twi, I'll be downstairs shortly."
"Don't take to long!" I saw Twilight say as she descend the staircase. No matter the case, she always looked radiant as ever, no matter what she was doing or what she was up to. I was just glad that I was able to stay in Equestria for many reasons, but she was on the top of the list, and I wanted to make sure that she never forgot that.
"Alright Twilight! I love you!" I responded.
End of Chapter 1
Chapter 2: An Offer from Vinyl Scratch
The Missing Bard
Chapter 2: An Offer from Vinyl Scratch
Coming to Equestria and becoming a pony had been its challenges off and on. However as time had passed, I found myself re-realizing who I was. For example relearning how to play the guitar was a challenge in its own right, I felt like I was right back at the old Musician's Academy. But sometimes I wish there some traits of myself that I could have left behind when I left my human form behind.
"Well Kini I thought I'd never see the day." Twilight said with a laugh.
"Twi... Please give it a rest already, you're making me feel bad!" I said with a shameful voice.
"I'm sorry Kini, but honestly, how is it physically possible to burn a bowl of cold oatmeal!" Twilight giggled as she handed me the burnt remains of the once proud breakfast ingredients.
"Oatmeal! Are you crazy?!" Pinkie Pie asked burst through the kitchen window. "Hiya Twilight! Hiya Kini! How are you two this morning!" Shocked from the unexpected pony I fell back tossing the bowl into the air.
"GAH!" I shouted. "Pinkie!" Following with a loud blobbing splat. I looked over to the source of the sound only to see Twilight's face covered in burnt oatmeal with the bowl on top of her head. "Are... you ok... Twi?" I asked trying not to laugh.
"Don't you have music lessons to get to with Octavia down the street?" Twilight reminded me with a frustrated tone.
"Yeah... I guess I do... I'll be back a little later... See you!" I said as I excused myself from Twilight and I quickly made haste for the door.
"You know Pinkie... we have a door." I heard Twilight mention with her still frustrated tone.
"Oh I know! But what fun is that! Plus I came to talk about throwing your 5 month Anniversary party!" I heard Pinkie mention, but I didn't continue to follow the conversation as I was already running late.
I finally made it the door and I saw my guitar laying there on there on the side of the door frame. I quickly picked it up with my mouth and shuffled out the door. Making haste to next door I tried not to drag my guitar. "Note to self, ask Rarity if she can make me a new strap for my guitar to better fit my pony body." I thought to myself. My journey to Octavia's wasn't far, as it was just right across the way. But I have been guilty enough to end up knocking on the wrong house only to get a confused pegasus as a response, or at least she looked that way, considering her golden colored eyes were a bit a skew when I showed up, but she was always nice enough to point me off into the right direction. Considering every house in Ponyville looked the same or to me they did anyway, it wasn't the first time, this has happened making this trip and I'm sure it wasn't the last, but at least the pegasus never got got mad, and once she gave me a basket of freshly baked muffins!
"Ah... Octavia's house." I said aloud to myself as I had arrived at my destination. I had set my guitar down and knocked slowly on the door with my hoof. "Hello? Is Octavia home?" I asked. Only to find a white unicorn with what appeared to be a mixture of a light purple and light red for her eyes, and blue mane with what looked like lighter blue highlights.
"Yeah she's in." The unicorn responded. "Octi! You got that guitar playing pony that you told me about here!"
"Thanks... the name is Kiniro." I responded. I had always hated when people called me by some other name, granted she didn't know, so I thought I'd let her know.
"Yeah Kiniro is here for you!" The unicorn shouted.
"Hey didn't you DJ for a party Pinkie Pie held on the train to Canterlot a few months back?" I asked.
"Yeah... how do you know that?" She asked curiously.
"Oh crap... I wasn't supposed to talk about being human.." I thought to myself. "Oh Pinkie talks about how she offers you a lot of small gigs."
"Oh yeah... she does, mostly small scale stuff, but hey it helps me get a few bits here and there, plus she's a good friend."
"Mind if I get your name? You know in case I ever need to hire a good DJ?" I asked.
"The name's Vinyl Scratch, I have the DJ name of DJ-Pon3 in some circles, but I drop the bass and bring the wubs!" She responded. "So are you going to come in for Octi or are we going to sit here talking at the door all day?" She asked. "I don't mind either way."
"Oh right... yeah... sorry." I blushed slightly for making a fool out of myself and grabbed my guitar and I walked inside.
"Oh so you play an acoustic guitar?" She asked as she noticed as I grabbed my guitar. "You know their's nothing wrong with acoustic but have you ever thought about going electric to help bring the wubs when you play?"
I set my guitar down to talk a I stepped inside. "An electric guitar?" I asked.
"Yeah, its electrically powered, mostly by magic though, I've only ever seen unicorns such as myself play them, the only problem I see with them is that you have to carry around an amplifier to get them to make a decent sound, otherwise it just sounds like you plucking that instrument Octi plays."
"I heard that!" I heard another pony say.
"Oh... that's Octi I better let you go. But hey come talk to me before you leave." Vinyl mentioned and she rushed into the next room.
"Ok..." I responded but she was already gone.
"Ah their you are Kiniro, I hate to do this to you this time, but it appears I have to go run some errands due to my roommate's... 'interesting' inventions at work. Would it be ok if you stop a little later today? I'm so sorry my dear." Octavia explained.
"Yeah its no big deal, go take care of your errands, I can practice my guitar back at home in the mean time." I replied.
"Yes, that would be a good idea, I promise I won't be to long!" Octavia said while rushing out the door.
"Man... what was that all about?" I asked myself aloud.
"Is she gone?" I heard Vinyl call out from the other room.
"Yeah I think she's gone." I responded.
"Ok good, I didn't want to see, me, she know's I've been home, but I've been trying to avoid her because I know she's mad at me for my latest invention."
"Oh? What type of invention did you create?" I asked.
"What haven't I tried to create?! This past one was a bass powered dishwasher, if you set it to 11 it cleaned dishes with wubs on a microscopic level... but... it shattered all the glasses inside, and over flowed with suds. But at least it worked!"
"Interesting..."I replied. "I have to admit, I would have never thought that it would work."
"But it did! I always have so much ideas that bass and wubs could do for pony kind!" Vinyl tried to explain.
"Well... what other inventions have you made?" I asked.
"I've made a bass cannon! It fires off wubs so loud that it makes a beam of energy as it plays, I've also made a bass powered air conditioning system... but that one needs some fine tuning. Admittedly... most of my greater inventions are for music..."
"Oh thank heavens a pony trying to progress musical standards and instruments in this land." I thought to myself. "Hey what instruments have you worked on?" I asked.
"Well... ever since I saw this pony that I opened for at a gig use an electric guitar, I've been fascinated with making instruments electric. I've even made Octi an electric Cello, but she wasn't interested. But I have been trying to perfect the idea, of the electric guitar by building a built in amplifier! Mobility is key!"
"Hmm an electric guitar with an amplifier you say?" I asked with intrigue.
"Yeah. Its pretty cool, but I'm not much of a guitar person." Vinyl explained.
"Well I know how to play the guitar somewhat decently. Maybe I could help?" I asked.
"Yeah you could, but your an earth pony? How will this help me test it, you know unicorn? Magic? Electric?"
"Yeah... but at least I could play it. Maybe you could provide the juice?" I suggested. Granted I already was magically capable, but she didn't need to know that, plus I think it would drive her up the wall that an earth pony knew magic.
"Yeah that's a good idea, if you help me test it and if it works consider it a gift!" Vinyl suggested.
"A gift? Why?" I asked.
"Well like I said I'm not a guitar person, plus, if I can get this prototype off the ground, I bet I could sell the idea or make more of them and sell them. Custom instruments is a big thing lately. Plus... my... inventions have a tendency... to back fire... so if it works! Consider it a gift for celebrating success!"
"Tendency to back fire?!" I asked with an alarmed voice.
"Yeah... my bass powered dishwasher worked... but not like I wanted. But at least it worked! So at least you have a good chance of it working."
"Alright, I'm game. But can it wait until after my lesson? I know Octavia is going to be out for a bit, but I probably should practice till then."
"Oh all right, but I'm holding you to that!" Vinyl said with a excitement. "I just have to do some finishing touches! I'll see you in a bit!"
"Alright see you... then..." I tried to say, but I was too slow, she had already seemed to vanish into thin air, probably to go work on her guitar invention of hers. But admittedly this idea of hers was revolutionary, we never had such ideas back in Midgard, and to be at the forefront of a musical break through such as this! I just had to be apart of it, but granted owning an Electric Guitar just seemed to fascinate me more, I had to make sure that this test didn't fail. I hardly ever let my greed or wants ever get the better of me, but for the progression of musical interests, I guess I could let it slide just a little bit!
End of Chapter 2.
Chapter 3: Lessons from Octavia
The Missing Bard
Chapter 3: Lessons from Octavia
Excited of the thought of being the forefront of helping develop an improved version of a musical instrument, had made me disregard going back home to practice my guitar until Octavia came back. "I'm sure Twilight is ok at home for just a bit more, plus I can just tell her that Octavia had to run some errands and I stayed behind practicing." I thought to myself. "But a guitar that was electric and could produce sound from itself? Honestly sounded like a new an improved version an acoustic guitar. But considering what I was told was required to play this type of guitar, was another piece of equipment entirely, and this invention of Vinyl's was eliminating that extra piece?" I couldn't keep my thoughts off this idea that it was making it extremely difficult to practice, but I had to stay focused I do have to practice to get back to my old self.
I had glanced over at my guitar wondering. "I know I've gotten better at playing since I first became a pony, but every so often I make a mistake in my hoof positioning, while grabbing the neck. Will all of this really help me?" I thought to myself. My playing had gotten extremely better but when I'd get into playing more complicated, I'd always think as if I had hands, and not hooves. I knew for sure I wouldn't be able to play a few of my basic magic songs, and those were the ones that mattered to me the most, personally anyway. I was unable to play "The Rift" and I sure wasn't able to play the "Song of Ragnarok." I had attempted these few furiously in the past few days but, I couldn't get my guitar to glow due to making several mistakes, but at least I had "Bragi's Poem" and "Song of Lutie."
"Vinyl? I'm home!" I heard a pony call out as I heard the front door open.
I looked toward the front door to see Octavia returning home. "Why hello there Octavia? Any luck with your errands?"
"Oh, hello there Kiniro, and no, I went down to the shop to see if I could find some new drinking glasses, after my friend's crazy invention had broken the ones we had, but no luck, they didn't have any that I liked. By the way how was your practicing going?" Octavia asked.
"Well, I haven't been practicing much since you left, I know its been less than an hour, but I've just had a lot on my mind. Plus I really enjoyed the silence here and it gave me a nice place to think, mostly about music." I explained.
"Wow it was really that silent here? Hmm... I'm surprised that Vinyl hasn't been filling the neighborhood with wubs let alone the house. Anyway shall we get to your lessons?"
"Sure, I've been itching to get this hoof play down." I commented.
"Very well, let me go get my Cello and lets get you started on playing a small melody." Octavia commented as she trotted into the next room. I decided to take a seat on her couch to wait for her, but I had underestimated her timely return, only to see her coming through the doorway with her Cello in tow. "Here we are Kiniro." She promptly set up her Cello in front of me. "Are you ready?"
"Uh... uh... I guess..." I said with hesitation a I got up from the couch and tried to position myself around the cello. Putting my left hoof around the neck so I was able to hit the different notes, and put my right hoof near the center so I could play the strings. "Ok... now... lets try... to play..." I tried to play the cello like my guitar but I kept plucking the Cello as I tried to strum it. "Ugh, I can't do this!" I said frustrated and stopped playing due to my incompetence.
"Its alright Kiniro, try to again, and try to take these things slow." Octavia said supportively.
I sighed heavily. "Ok I'll try." I again tried to play the Cello with the same response but I kept trying to carry on. "I really can't do this Octavia... I've been coming over for weeks, but I can't get any better at this." I stopped playing. "I'm just... useless at this."
"Its alright Kiniro these things take time, here let me show you." Octavia said as she grabbed her cello, and she positioned herself behind it.
"Don't you need your bow to play it?" I asked.
"Oh don't worry Kiniro, let me show you something, I picked this up before I started performing for the Canterlot Orchestra." She slowly began to play simple melody which seemed to have a heavy bass line. I had never seen someone play a Cello this way, but as the melody progressed a series of chords became more and more common to produce what seemed like Jazz. It was a new style of music that was progressing in taverns in Juno before I arrived here.
"Wow that's amazing!" I commented. "I wish I could play like that!" But as I finished my sentence, I realized I can, but my guitar! I quickly reached of my guitar and joined in her song playing a higher key to keep the music from becoming stagnant while adding in a few rifts of my own as we played. Letting my heart and soul play into the song. We both played for what seemed like minutes, and I began to look down and saw my guitar starting to glow bright light blue. "Oh shit.... no no no no no." I thought to myself and quickly looked at Octavia to see whether or not she had noticed. "Good she hasn't noticed, she has her eyes closed due to her dedication to playing." I thought. I was enjoying our duet together, but I realized she could open her eyes at any moment and see my guitar glowing so I decided to stop.
"Whats wrong Kiniro? Is everything alright?" Octavia asked. "Why did you stop? You were playing excellently!"
"Oh. I just realized I have something to take care back at home! Sorry Octavia!" I commented to cover up why I stopped.
"Oh that's quite alright there, and consider your Cello lessons over. Kiniro there is nothing wrong with you playing the guitar. You say that you've come to learn the Cello to learn to play the guitar better, but hearing you perform, you know more than I can teach you." Octavia explained.
"But but... I'm not good enough." I said with a shameful tone.
"Kiniro you are good enough, I listened to you play! The only problem you have is in here." Octavia pointed her hoof at my chest. "Its in your heart Kiniro, you just need to find that passion as you play and I'm sure you'll always do well." Octavia explained and gave a big supportive smile.
"I see." I agreed. "The power of passion? I have to admit I haven't had much passion lately in my music, only because I haven't found much passion to be playing for, other than when I'm around Twilight. Twilight! That's it! I've been so hell bent on playing for myself to get better!" I had a sudden realization. "When I originally learned to play the guitar back in Midgard and the first time I saw my guitar glow was because when I met my first love and I dedicated a song to her. My passion comes from wanting the best for others to see people smile! To see people happy!" I thought to myself.
"Very well Kiniro there is nothing much more I can do for you, but I do wish you the best, now why don't you go play for Twilight and show her this new found passion of yours!" Octavia commanted.
"I think I will!" I agreed. "Thank you so much Octavia! I can never thank you enough for opening my eyes again!" I began to head out the door realizing what it was that I've been missing and why my music had been so faulty. I had forgot my roots and my connection to my music. Now I knew I'd get better and I knew I'd get better to make my friends smile with my music and I'd make Twilight very happy to be my special somepony.
As I walked outside waving good by to Octavia. She slowly closed the door behind her. Only to hear someone calling me. "PSST! Hey Kiniro! Heads up!"
"Huh?" I said.
"Up here!" I looked toward the source of the voice. It was Vinyl poking her head out from the second story window. "Hey you forgot to test my guitar!"
"Oh I'm so sorry!" I forgot! I got caught up with something!" Suddenly I had an idea. "Hey think you can bring the Guitar over to Twilight's place in just a bit? I think its better that we test it there just in case if you're still trying to avoid Octavia"
"Oh good idea! I'll be over shortly!" Vinyl said and quickly closed her window.
I walked up to door of the Library and opened it only to see Twilight reading a book on the couch. She looked up at me and smiled. "How did your lessons with Octavia go?" She asked.
"They went well, I found my source of inspiration for my music. Octavia said that it was the passion I had been lacking, and that I found it again." I commented.
"Oh what's that inspiration?" Twilight asked.
"Making others smile, making others be happy with my music." I said as I walked over to her. "And being with you, you bring the passion back into my music." I followed my sentence with a kiss to her forehead, only to see Twilight blush heavily. I can't believe that it had been 5 months already, and now I knew that she was my passion, not only in my life, but in my music as well. Twilight, I can never thank you enough, I wouldn't know what I'd do without you.
End of Chapter 3.
Author's Note: This Chapter is dedicated to my friend Jesse who I found out passed away this evening after losing his fight with cancer. I miss you bro. May you rest in peace. I wish I could have hung out with you one last time.
-Kiniro September 6th, 2012
The Missing Bard.
Chapter 4: Electrified
Over the many years that I had been a Musician in Midgard, I had never been at the fore front of anything besides developing magic, but now for once I had my chance to be the stepping stone of a musical game changer in my new home. Admittedly the thought made me rather giddy. "I swear my interest in music will someday get the better of me." I thought to myself with a big smile. Suddenly I heard a high pitched sound.
"Did you just... squee?" Twilight asked.
"Squee?" I asked.
"It happens when any pony gets super excited. What's on your mind Kini?" Twilight asked.
"Oh! Right I forgot to ask. Is it alright if Vinyl comes over shortly? She asked a favor of me." I responded.
"Yeah I don't see the problem. What does she need?" She said with a supportive smile.
"She asked me if I could test out one of her inventions and I told her I would."
"Oh... um. Are you sure Kini? Her... luck with inventing is very..." Twilight began to explain.
"I know Twi, her inventions have a tendency to not work as intended, but this one is regarding a new type of guitar! I can't say no to this!" I interrupted.
"Well... are you sure about this? I just don't want you getting hurt... What type of guitar is she working on?"
"I believe its called an Electric Guitar, but she says this one is special because it has a built in 'amplifier.' As opposed to having to use one to give it sound." I tried to explain.
"Well... as long as it isn't her Bass Cannon or her Wub Powered book sorter... Just be careful ok Kini?"
"I promise, you do know who you're talking to?" I said as I nuzzled up to her on the couch.
"Yeah yeah. Just be safe!" Twilight responded.
"Alright I promise." I commented. I heard a slight tap on the door and looked over to the door? "Who is it?"
"Hey Kiniro! Its Vinyl! I brought my prototype!" I heard a voice say from the other side of the door.
"Be right there!" I responded.
"Just remember, be safe! I'm going to go take cover up stairs just in case." Twilight joked and gave me a big smile.
I heard a slightly louder tapping on the door. "I'm coming!" I got up from the couch, slowly made my way over to the door and pushed it open with my hoof. To see Vinyl just outside using her magic to carry the guitar. "Would you like to come in?" I asked. Vinyl slowly made her way inside and began looking around in amazement.
"So you and Twilight live in a Library?" Vinyl asked.
"Yeah, we do. Haven't you lived next to Twilight for a while?" I questioned.
"Well yeah, but I never thought that it was a library in here, I saw the book sign outside, but I just thought Twilight put it out there for decoration, you know because she loves books. And not to mention, I'm usually traveling or out doing gigs."
I chuckled slightly at the notion of Twilight using a book sign outside for just mere decoration. While the notion amused me at the sheer possibility of this being true. "She did have an obsession with books so the sign idea is hilarious! But I'm not one to talk really, I have an obsession with music. So I guess me and Twilight were just different pages of the same book. Oh Celestia now she'd be excited to hear me say that." I thought to myself. "So are how does this thing work?" I asked Vinyl.
"Well ideally the same way your acoustic guitar does. You just have to turn this switch here so it can start to receive power." Vinyl stated as she turned a knob at the base of the guitar. "Its just a safety switch I put in so you can't overload it when its not in use so you don't over charge it with magic."
"What happens if you overload it." I asked.
"I'm not sure, since I can't play it, but I wouldn't want to find out honestly, probably just blow out the amp. Then its bye bye guitar." Vinyl explained.
"I see, so shall we get this going?"
"Yeah alright, here you go Kiniro." She levitated the guitar toward me.
"Oh alright..." I stood up on my hind legs reached out and grabbed the floating guitar with my front hooves and attempted to position it in front of me like I would my normal guitar. "Wow... this thing is a little heavy"
"Well yeah, compared to your wooden guitar, but this is considered lightweight for an electric guitar, most of them weigh a lot bucking more." Vinyl commented.
"Much more? How much more..." I asked curiously.
"About 4 or 5 time the weight."
"You have to be kidding me..."
"Well a unicorn can lift it up with magic as opposed to using brute strength, which is why it usually takes 2 unicorns to play this one instrument, one to actually play it with magic, and another to levitate it to help the other hold it. Be glad this one is light weight. So you'll have to muscle this one mostly, because I can give it the juice but I can't levitate it at the same time. By the way you are holding it wrong."
"Wait how do you hold this?" I asked.
"Just like your acoustic guitar, but you can't just hold the guitar from the neck since it a little heavier, it will strain your muscles, here use this." Vinyl commented and levitated what looked like a strap and she attached it to the head of the guitar and the base. "Now place the strap around you and let it rest around your neck and let your body support the guitar, you'll be less fatigued as you play."
"Oh ok... now lets just... "I said as I put my head through the strap placing me between it and the guitar." Ah there we are." Now feeling the weight distribute itself with the strap this felt like much more manageable.
"It's something I see earth ponies use a lot when playing acoustic guitars, but I'm surprised you haven't."
"Well its something I planned to get sooner or later, but I just got used to muscling my guitar after a while, considering its made out of wood, its not that heavy. Guess I just kept putting it off." I said, considering I had an old strap I used for my guitar when I was a human but it wasn't usable in my new pony body. So I had just removed it, never really thinking of getting it replaced.
"Well in any case time to get this show on the road. You don't have to really play anything fancy, you just have to play anything really, just so we can make sure it works and fix any kinks as they come up."
"Alright..." I commented. "I really need to focus on not letting my magic come out, so I'll play a simple melody to get this going, plus I don't know what effects my magic will have with this new guitar if it all." I thought to myself. "Alright give it some juice!"
"My pleasure!" Vinyl said. I saw her horn on her head glow lightly with a white aura and as looked down at the guitar it glowed the same as well. "Alright, lets here you play some."
"Very well!" I said, I use my left hoof around the neck to put light pressure on the guitar's neck strings to form my chord and began to strum my guitar with my right. "Just have to get the feel of it. The slightly thicker metal strings are a bit weird."
"Yeah, coming from an acoustic your strings are thinner than the electric guitar, so don't worry, its the same concept." Vinyl reassured.
"Ok then... lets try... this." I said as I began to slowly change my left hoof's position to change my chords as I strumed. "Hey this isn't much different than my guitar!"
"See I told you!" Again Vinyl reassured.
As I became more reassured by the guitar's familiarity to my own, I began to slowly form out the melody. Chord after chord, strum after strum. A simple relaxed melody that reminded me of the song The Rift that I had played in the past, but with more of a Jazz feel considering Octavia and myself had recently played, and I loved the style. But I had to make sure I didn't get to over excited playing least I wanted my magic to manifest into this new guitar, especially with a pony who believed I was just a simple earth pony. But with any further to test, I brought the song to a close. "Wow. I'm liking this guitar." I commented.
"That's good! I'm just surprised everything went as planned. The internal amp didn't have any problems either, but then again I only gave it a little juice, just to give it the sound of your old acoustic, but if you wanted it to be louder I could just give it more juice!"
"I'd like to bring it up a notch more, but I promised Twilight I'd be safe, but we proved that the guitar works, even with minimal magic supplied! Energy efficient!"
"Hey you're right, guess I got a little more than I bargained for!"
"All and all Vinyl, I consider this test as success!" I said with a smile.
"Well its a good thing I don't have much to improve on from the prototype! I kept the blue prints of it so now I could just make more and make a killing in Canterlot selling them to some of the bands up there! I'm pretty sure they'd dig this new instrument, especially without the need of amplifiers, specifically when they play small gigs!"
"Sounds like a plan Vinyl! Looks like you have a good future in music industry ahead of you! Not just in wubs! But in sales!" I supported.
"Yep! Oh! And a I promised, keep the guitar, I know you won't be able to play it much without a unicorn to power it, but consider it a token as my appreciation, and for being an awesome pony who loves music! Maybe you and Twilight can form a band! If you get really good! Maybe I could bug you to come open some shows for me in the future!" Vinyl suggested.
"Well I'm not into doing shows often, but maybe once and a while when I get better at handling this thing, and if Twilight is interested! I could at least do that once to repay the favor for you for this awesome guitar." I commented.
"Hey anyway, I appreciate all the help, but I have to head home and face the music with Octi sooner or later, so I might as well. But I think she'll let things slide once she finds out that I've made an invention that hasn't backfired on me I'm pretty sure she'll let it slide." She said as she headed to the door. "Anyway stop by anytime you'd like, I've love to have you over and jam sometime, maybe I could ask you to make a couple sound mixes for me just by playing that guitar!"
"I'd love to and thanks again for the guitar! Just let me know when you need me to make some!" I agreed as Vinyl stepped out and closed the door behind her.
"Hey Kini!" I heard Twilight call from upstairs. "I heard you playing that guitar, sounds pretty awesome." I looked over to the stairs to see Twilight coming down. "Glad to see your helping out your friends with some inventing. I know I usually would, but it takes some guts to help Vinyl with her wacky ideas, but this one seems pretty on the level this time." Twilight explained as she headed for the couch.
"Yeah, well personally I blame my interest in music than guts." I responded with a smile.
"And that's why I love you, we both have passions for what we like. You like music, playing it, perfecting it, studying it, and not just your own, but you love to see music develop as a whole. As where I like books, reading them, learning from them, and studying them. And now we have each other, to learn from, to grow and to love."
I nodded in agreement and gave a big smile. "And each other to study..." I said in a low tone.
"I'm sorry what was that?" Twilight responded and gave me a slightly dazzled look.
"Oh nothing. Nevermind." I quickly retorted.
"You know I heard what you said. Don't try and hide it from me!" Twilight smiled and winked.
"Me and my big mouth..."
End of Chapter 4.
Chapter 5: The Invitation
The Missing Bard
Chapter 5: The Invitation
With my rediscovery of my talent in guitar playing, I believed I would be able to return to my old magical prowess soon, and I had the best teachers around to help me through it. Whether or not some of them knew my talents or knew of my mysterious past, I had to thank them for it. Octavia had to reteach me that music has to come from deep down, from the heart, from the soul and from passion, if you can not harness the three together, music has no value. Vinyl while not my teacher at first reminded me why I love music, to see it progress, and to see new things be invented and discovered for the betterment not just for myself, but for civilization as a whole. Finally Twi, probably my best teacher of all, and not just because I loved her, but she showed me that the things you love are worth fighting for. She showed me that the things you love take dedication, a lot of hard work and concentration.
I caught myself gazing at the new guitar that I had been given by Vinyl just a few moments ago as it rested near one of the many bookshelves in the library.
"Alright Kini, think you are ready to do some more of your basic magic, and no cider for you this time!" Twilight commented.
"Yeah, I know, no more cider." I responded.
"I know you were really excited the first time but I'm not fond of being levitated."
"Oh yes you do, you just love being swept off your hooves." I joked.
"Very funny Kini, but we have to get you practicing, if you really want to persue being apart of Equestria's defense."
"I know I have to focus, but sometimes you still have to take the time and laugh, otherwise what's the point of living?"
"You sound like you've been hanging around Pinkie too much, but you do have a point."
"Well regardless of me hanging around her, I've always had to look life with a sense of humor... or at least I used to before things went to hell in a hand basket in my world, but I guess I had all of you here remind me of that."
"Do you ever miss Midgard Kini?" Twilight asked.
"Honestly... I miss my good friend Lightning Strike, I know he's king now, but I know I could never go back, even if he wanted me to, I know what the risks are and I'm better off staying here. Besides, I've got you and my friends now, I wouldn't dream of giving this up ever."
"But don't you miss everything you ever left behind?" Twilight questioned.
"Sometimes I miss my old friends, and the memories, but that's all they are now, memories, whether here or there, nothing will change that. Besides, I've enjoyed my time thus far here in Equestria. I've met great ponies during my stay, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Octavia, Vinyl, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and even Big Mac. Not to mention Princess Celestia and Princess Luna! All good friends, most of them know where I'm from, and what I've done and they still accept me for who I am, and the pony I am now. I wouldn't give that up for anything. Plus I feel the need to step up to the plate, whether or not my talents were unique in my world, they are here, and I feel that I need to be able to protect my friends if anything ever threatens them."
"Your intentions are noble Kini, I don't blame you, you've spent your entire life fighting, most of the time for what you believed was right, and you feel that this is your way of being able to stick up to those old habits to show you care for us. But you don't have to dedicate you're life to this holding up this ideal if you don't want to here Kini."
"I know Twi, but I could say the same for you and any other our friends who represent the Elements of Harmony, but they do, not because they feel its their duty, but because they know and you know, that you all do it because you want to make sure everypony not just your friends and family are safe." I responded. "All I ask is to be able to be held to those same standards, I think its only fair if I chose to."
"But you don't have to do that here Kini! I just don't want to see you hurt, you don't have to take this path."
"But I'm choosing to because you do, if there is a chance that when a threat looms over a Equestria and the Elements of Harmony have to be called to save the day, there is a chance that you could get hurt, and I don't want to see that. I'm choosing to so I can help fight with you, along side you and our friends. Besides my cutie mark proves it! A Scroll with a guitar on it! A scroll meaning I'm good with magic, and knowledgeable with it and the guitar being my talent and my channel! I was meant to do this here!"
"But Kini... I understand, you're just trying to look out for all us, as we all looked after you when you first got here, but you don't have to pay back the favor."
"But I want to, and this is the best way I know how, and I know and everypony we know, who knows about my origins, knows that eventually my secret will come out, especially the fact that an Earth Pony who has this cutie mark can use magic! This is the best way for the world to accept me who I am, because there will be a lot of confusion out there about who I am and what I am. I'm not doing this for glory, I'm not doing this for fame, I'm doing this because I want the world to see that I'm here to stay and I'm here here to help, and not be treated differently for who I am."
"Kini no one will judge you for being you."
"But they will for me being an earth pony with magic! This is what scares me Twi! Because they won't believe it to be real, or to be possible, but yet, here I am, even you said it was impossible for me to be here. But I'm here..." I explained. "I'm just worried Twi, I'm sure you'd feel the same in my hoof steps"
"I can't say I'd know how it feels, but I am trying to understand."
"Then that's all I can ask." I responded with a short sigh at the end.
"Kini I'm sorry I upset you, I was just trying to look out for you." Twi responded. "I don't want you to believe you have to do something just because its expected, I just wanted to make sure if this is what you really want."
"Yes Twi... this is what I want, and I know you're trying to look out for me. But we have talked about this before and this is my decision, and I'm choosing to fight beside you and our friends. I think that everypony who could have the opportunity would take it." I explained.
"Yeah, I can relate, I've been the one who has stood up to help my friends plenty of times. And I know we've talked before, and I'm always very supportive about it. Kini, you can fight along side us, but just promise me you'll be safe. That's all I ask." Twilight responded.
"Only if you can make that same promise, I will."
"Alright." Twilight commented. "Now let get back to your basic magic skills." Twilight gave a light smile.
"Alright, and Twi, I didn't mean to make you mad or uncomfortable about this. I just wanted to help that's all."
"i'm not mad, I'm just worried that's all, I care for you... I love you."
"Alright, lets get back to basic levitation" I suggested.
"Excellent, good idea Kini! See if you can levitate this book." Twilight said as she put out a book in front of her.
I nodded in agreement and began to form the chords of a short melody to see my guitar glow lightly. "Are you sure just want me to get the book?" I asked.
"Yes just the book!" Twilight confirmed.
Slowly I closed my eyes and began to focus on picking up the book as my melody picked up. "I know Twi wants me to pick up the book but I think I need something a little more challenging!" I thought to myself and changed my focus from picking up the book that was in front of me to picking up Twilight again. " I know I'll get in trouble for it, but sometimes just we all just need a little laugh" I thought, and I began to open my eyes to see Twilight being slowly encased in the light blue aura.
"No no no no no no! Don't you dare!" Twilight shouted.
"Then try and stop me!" I said with a big smile only to hear that strange high pitched sound again. And I saw slowly lifting off the ground.
"Oh I will!" Twilight shouted and her horn began to glow with a purple aura. "How about a taste of your own medicine!" I saw Twilight smile and a purple aura began to cover me.
"Oh so that's how it is!" I challenged Twilight and began to move her around the library and flipping her over and turning her around.
"You're forgetting that I'm a very talented unicorn and you shouldn't tempt me!" Twilight quickly levitated me off the ground and pulled me toward her in air. "Think you can beat me Kini?" Twilight commented and kissed me.
"Oh I bet I could!" But I regretted those words. Twilight's magic is definitely stronger than mine considering I could just do basic magic channeling and I was challenging an expert. Quickly Twilight had levitated me off the ground and pushed me back down directly underneath her knocking my guitar from my hooves and got the wind knocked out of me and I closed my eyes in pain.
"See I told you! You couldn't beat me! "Twilight stuck her tongue out at me and blew a raspberry at me but with my guitar now out of my hands I obviously couldn't perform my spell anymore, so it would wear off soon. But my thoughts were confirmed within seconds, and the blue aura covering Twilight dissipated. "Uh oh! Aaah!" Twilight quickly fell and landed on top of me. "Oof."
"Ugh...." I opened my eyes to see Twilight laying on top of me. "Why hello there Twi... wish I could run into you like this more..." I tried to joke.
"You wouldn't be able to handle it..." Twilight joked back with a light smile and she buried her head into my chest. Suddenly I heard the door slam open.
"Twilight! Kiniro! I'm back from running errands! And by the... What are you two doing..." I heard a voice call out to us both, only to look up towards the door to see Spike in the doorway with appeared to be a scroll with Celestia's royal seal and ribbon wrap. "Uh... I don't want to know and I'll come back later..."
"No no! Its not what it looks like!" I quickly responded.
"Sure... and I'm a pony who just has scales instead of a mane." Spike said sarcastically. "Could I just for once please come home without having to run into you two... doing what ever it is your doing now!"
"But but... we never have... when..." I tried to say.
"Look I got a letter from Celestia and its for both of you. I'm just going to leave it here on the table in front of the couch and I'm going to head to my bed and pretend I never saw anything." Spike said as he covered his eyes and walked into the next room where his bed was housed.
"But we never... have done anything when you're... here... oh whats the use." I gave up trying to explain.
"Did I hear we got a letter from Celestia!?" Twilight quickly got up off me and ran over to the table and quickly opened the letter with her magic and began to read it aloud. "My Dearest Pupil, I have received your letters over the past few weeks on the status of Kiniro's reintroduction to his former abilities. However I can not make a decision to make him an honorary member of the Elements of Harmony until I can see his abilities for myself so that I and my sister Luna can pass judgement on the matter. Please come to Canterlot at your earliest convenience and do bring your friends with you. I will eagerly await you all at the Castle to see Kiniro's performance. Signed, Princess Celestia." Twilight said as she slowly paced the library.
"Previous letters to Celestia?" I asked.
"Ok I'm sorry I didn't tell you, and I knew that being able to fight by my side was huge thing for you, but the real reason why I've been trying to get you to change your mind, was because I feared that this day might not come, but it has, and I'm happy for you, but I just didn't want you to get disappointed if it didn't become a reality. Please forgive me." Twilight said with a saddened tone.
"I'm not mad... I understand why you did, but I forgive you, I'm just glad I'm being given the opportunity to test my mettle." I responded.
"That's good and I'm very proud of you, I hope you get both princesses' approval!" Twilight said with a big smile and again I heard that high pitched sound.
"Did you just... squee?" I asked.
"Yes... Anyway! I'll go tell the girls and tell them to be ready so we leave first thing tomorrow morning! We'll be taking the train to Canterlot!"
"Hopefully this time no party train this time?" I joked.
"I can't promise that! You know Pinkie!" Twilight laughed. "Anyway I'll be back shortly I have to let the girls know the good news!" With that Twilight bolted out the door.
I was finally being given a chance to prove myself that I was able to fight with my friends, and fight with Twilight if a threat ever loomed over Equestria. I hoped that everything went as planned because I knew I was ready and I knew that I wouldn't let any pony down!
End of Chapter 5.
Chapter 6: Return To Canterlot
The Missing Bard
Chapter 6: Return to Canterlot
It had been a very long time since I ever felt the need to prove anything to anyone, and let alone be excited about it. I still couldn't believe that I was going to have an audience with the Princesses to prove that I was ready to step up to the plate. Not to mention I was going to be made an honorary member of the Elements of Harmony. While normally this wouldn't have phased me back in Midgard to be apart of anything above the norm, but here, I felt such a thrill, and such excitement. Yet I think I found it more exciting that I was to be considered special here in Equestria, I finally felt like I was going to belong somewhere fighting for what I believed in and what I stood up for was the right cause. This is something I had dreamed of my entire life, and now was my chance.
The train ride to Canterlot was nothing special compared to last time. We didn't get stopped by the attendant at the train station leaving Ponyville, unlike last time, as the Attendant recognized Twilight and offered Twilight and all of us free passage as offered previously. Pinkie Pie once again through another party on the way up to Canterlot, but her reasoning this time was "Riding the Train Party." However this time there was no Vinyl or any other pony for a DJ, instead Pinkie just played music from this device she called a "record player." But like I had said before, the thought of partying randomly did get annoying at first, but once the moment came, well you couldn't fight the urge to just let loose! But the party did help keep our minds off the trip and before we knew it we had arrived.
The train ride to Canterlot seemed much shorter this time compared to when I first made this trip as a human. Even with one of Pinkie's parties, time did seem to go much faster this time around. Perhaps it was because this time I was not worried about finding a way back home, or worried about Midgard.
"Canterlot Station!" Called out the attendant.
"Thats us I guess." I called out to everpony traveling with us.
"I reckon' it would be! Come on gals!" Called out Applejack.
We had all disembarked from the train, myself waiting till last to let all of the girls go first. Twilight waited till the other girls had left the car and she had put her hoof on my shoulder and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. She finally winked, smiled and then exited the car, and I followed behind her.
"So Kiniro think that you'll be able to give it your all and be as cool as all of us?!" Rainbow Dash had asked me
"Well... maybe not as cool as you Dash, but definitely cool enough!" I laughed slightly.
"Well that's true, no one can be as cool as me!" Rainbow Dash commented while putting on what looked like sunglasses.
"Rainbow, now don't be bragging!" Applejack responded.
"I wouldn't be bragging if it was true." Rainbow Dash mentioned as she took flight, hovered in front of us and crossed her front legs.
"Now don't you be startin' that again!" Applejack retorted. "Don't make me whip ya today in front of everypony here!"
"Is that a challenge?!" Rainbow Dash responded.
"You bet yer' hiney it is!" Applejack shouted. "Last one to the castle has to give up their cider privileges this next season and the winner gets the other's supply!"
Rainbow Dash gasped loudly! "You are so on! No one gets between me and my Cider! Not even Berry Punch!"
"On yer' marks', get set...GO" Applejack yelled. Both her and Rainbow Dash took off in a flash.
"Well... this w-wont end w-well... Even if I-i wanted to race, I-i'd never bet my s-supply of cider." Fluttershy squeeked.
Rarity sighed loudly. "I swear, I love them both to bits, but they can turn into ruffians like the turn of a stitch."
"Dibs on throwing the victory party!" Pinkie shouted. "Good thing I know who will win!"
"How do you know who will win Pinkie?" I asked.
"Well duh that's easy! I got a chance to talk to the writer, he keeps his key points of the story in a small little notebook!" Pinkie replied.
"Oh no... not this again." Twilight quickly placed a hoof in her face in shame.
"He's been keeping notes since he hasn't been able to write much! Plus he's been really busy, so I gave him a hoof in picking a winner!" Pinkie Pie smiled.
"Uh..... ok?" I said as I gave Pinkie a dazed look. As I looked at the other ponies still in our group, looks like my reaction was not alone. "Shall we press on to the Castle?" I asked.
"Yes! We should!" Twilight answered.
"Lead on!" Rarity commented.
"Um... only if you think we should." Fluttershy squeeked.
"Well I think the script says we should so..." Pinkie trailed off.
We had left the train station with the goal of arriving to the castle. I found myself constantly trying to point out landmarks or familiar buildings a we made our trip to the Castle. But I called out every familiarity with the area since my first arrival here as a human.
"Hey Twi, any chance that we will run into your brother here today?" I asked.
"Probably not Kini, he's actually on leave from his post he's spending time with Cadance out in Baltimare. Mostly sight seeing but I know that its a late Honeymoon trip!" Twilight answered.
"Oh... that's good for them, but I was kinda hopping to run into him again." I said with a slight disappointment.
"Oh cheer up Kini, I'm sure you two will get the chance to run into each other soon!" Twilight reassured.
"It would be nice." I responded. Considering most of my friends were female, a bit of guy time would be nice. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed spending some quality time with Big Mac also, but he's usually really busy, and a stallion of few words. So unless we were working on something together at the orchard, we was usually very quiet. But I had been hoping to run into Shining Armor this time around, maybe get a different perspective on magic and who knows, maybe bond a little more, considering, more and more I kept looking at him like a brother figure. Considering Twilight and I had been together for 5 months, I was hoping to establish that bond soon.
"By the way darling. Kini, you do need to stop by the boutique soon, I'm just finishing the final touches of your wardrobe. The designs of your human clothing while simple, are rather hard to replicate for in pony form! But good thing you have good ol' Rarity and her fabulous fashion sense to make sense of it all!"
"Ah, good to see you're close to finishing them. It did take a while, but I knew you wouldn't let me down!" I responded. "I can't wait to see the finished results!"
"Oh but I do have to admit, I did add a little bit of my own... personal ideas into the ensemble of yours, and I do hope you like it!" Rarity continued.
"I'm sure it will be amazing Rarity. Considering I saw the dress that you made for Twilight, she looks absolutely amazing in it." I commented.
"Oh I know! Does she just not look fascinating and gorgeous in it!"
"Well that would be one way to put it!" I smiled. I looked over to Twilight to see what she thought only to see her blushing heavily due to my comments.
"Well I have had her model for me on a few occasions, when she's not not buried in book work and I need some new opinions, but truth be told. Twilight has an excellent figure for a unicorn, but I hardly ever get her to model for me!"
"Rarity, I would have to agree, she should model more often, considering that figure of hers." I said as I winked at Twilight. Suddenly I saw Twilight again put her hoof in her face in shame and Rarity had noticed this also.
"Oh sweetie. Twilight, Kiniro is only complimenting you! Considering the matter, I think he got a good catch! As did you!" Rarity tried to explain.
"Um..." Twilight tried to respond but couldn't gather her thoughts.
"I do have to admit Twilight, you are very amazing, and not just in your personality! I have to admit you are kinda cute." I added in. Only to see Twilight turn even more red from blushing.
"See! He adores you Twilight! Besides you got a nice catch yourself, outside of his talents, look at him! Very nice soft beige colored coat! A midnight blue colored mane! Plus he himself is very well built for a stallion if I must say so myself. Plus he does have a bit of cuteness to him, but mostly its his cheery personality that does it for him! Honestly Twilight, you have a keeper!" Rarity explained.
"Oh stop it you!" I blushed slightly and chuckled. "Rarity I swear if I wasn't already taken, I swear you've been keeping your eye on me." I laughed.
"Oh, perhaps, but I'm not that type of mare Kiniro! As you do recall I am a fashionista! I do have an extreme eye for detail! But I you two are perfect for each other!" Rarity commented.
"Thank you Rarity!" I responded as I went in for a kiss on Twilight's cheek. Only to see her bury her face into her hoof. After the kiss I whispered into Twilight's ear. "You know I love you and you know that you have an amazing figure." The only response I got was a small giggle and a hoof punch in my front right leg.
"Hey look the castle is up ahead!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
"Yay!" Fluttershy said lightly.
"We shouldn't be much longer now dears!" Rarity commented.
"To the castle!" I shouted. "Onward!"
My moment with the princesses was drawing nearer. Unlike our last meeting, where dread and despair was a constant feeling of what I knew I was surely going to leave behind. This time, the excitement and joy ran through me like the sugar rush of eating one of Pinkie Pie's cupcakes. I knew that now I was going to accepted as a pony here in Equestria, whether or not I passed my trials in becoming an honorary Element of Harmony. I was now able to call this place my home, after the months of struggle, My initial entrance into this world with its many trials and the suffering from my past world. Even though I was accepted by my friends, I knew that I was going to be in a world that accepted me for who I was, and that moments was coming soon.
End of Chapter 6.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 7: Memories
As we continued to walk toward Canterlot Castle to meet with the Princesses, I still had a keen eye trying to identify old landmarks from my original journey here. I know I had been doing this for a while since we had arrived back in Canterlot, but I still found myself fascinated that I was identifying familiar buildings. I found myself believing that my fascination stemmed from being allowed to stay in Equestria as a pony. Who would have known that the song of Ragnarok would have given me this opportunity. Not to mention giving me a new home, a place where I belonged, where I had friends, I had something I believed in, and I had that special-some-pony. Or at least that's what Twilight called me instead of her boyfriend, but hey, cultural references are different, but they meant the same.
I had looked to the four ponies that marched forward with me. Pinkie and Rarity to my left, both looking extremely pleased and Twilight and Fluttershy to my right, both giggling softly. "I just want to let you all know... Thank you all for helping me these past few months. You all have taught me about friendship." I said followed by looking at Twilight. "You have taught me about love. The best part of it all is that I don't see you just as my friends. I see you as my family."
"Aww thank you Kini." Twilight blushed slightly.
"We try Kini!" Pinkie responded with a big smile.
"Kiniro, I'm honored that you think that!" Rarirty commented.
"Aww... Thank you K-Kiniro." Fluttershy squeeked.
"I know Rainbow Dash and Applejack aren't here to hear it, but, even those two are apart of what I see my new family. Even though Rainbow and I don't always meet eye to eye and mostly just end up competing with each other, I appreciate that she tries to keep me going! To never let my guard down. Finally Applejack, if it wasn't her, I wouldn't have met the rest of you, but she was the first to trust me when I got here, and to be my first friend." I said with a tear rolling down my face. "I'm just so glad I had the opportunity to stay."
"Aww!" The four ponies said together and proceeded to give a group hug.
"See its things like these... I wish I had back in Midgard, but I'm glad to have now." I said with a smile. "I have to thank you all, and my trusty guitar as well." I said as I wiggled the guitar on my back. I was so glad to get that strap from Vinyl, it finally allowed me to not only play it easier but to carry it around as well!
We had the arrived at the front gate of the castle. Twilight had nodded to the two ponies guarding the gate. Both looked at each other and nodded again in agreement and used their magic to raise the gate. The four ponies in my group had walked into the gate all giving some sort of acknowledgement or thank you to the guards. However as I walked through the gate, I gave the most appropriate response I could think, and I raised my hoof and saluted both the guards and proceeded through. Only to hear one of the guards say. "Thank you Sir!" Admittedly the response made me smile. Even though I was done with my days serving in the Military either as a soldier or a rebel back in Midgard, they would always have my respect, I just hope that they would never have to witness the things I had seen.
As we made our way through the front courtyard, I had taken in the beautiful scenery. The garden courtyard reminded me of those back in Pronterra Castle. With lush flowers, gorgeous trees and extremely green grass with cobbled rock walk ways. I wondered to myself how did I miss this precious sight my last visit here. Then I remembered I was preoccupied last time while Shining Armor escorted me to the throne room. More and more as I walked through the courtyard, I kept drawing more and more analogies to my old home. I had paused my journey and sat down on the walk way, only to find myself slightly tearing. My subtle tears did not go unnoticed, only to see the four ponies that still accompanied double back to come to my side.
"Whats wrong Kini?" Twilight said as she gave me a hug trying to comfort me.
"I think I miss my old home. I know I can't go back, and I don't really want to go back. Because I know what will happen, but everything that reminds me of my old home... Reminds me that I spent so much of my life." I stopped myself due to heavier tears setting in and almost coming close to sobbing.
"Kiniro my dear, any pony who has lost their home, would miss it. I understand." Rarity tried to comfort me.
"Its not that I just miss it... I've just remember how much I did, and how much I've lost before I got here. The scars... are still with me. I'm glad I'm here, with all of you as my new family, but the scars of the past, are very hard to let go." I responded.
"Kini, I know how you feel, remembering the times before I became the pony I am now. Back when my life was gloomy and bleak back when I worked on the family rock farm. Before I saw Dashie's Sonic Rainboom, it was very rough, I loved my family, but they were tough times, feeling that no matter what you did, no pony was happy. It felt like the worst suffering you could go through, I know it might not be the same of what you've gone through, but not being able to see the joy in life, before seeing the joy of bringing smiles to others, before when you're thoughts were of just getting through another tough day without knowing that you're family might not survive for the next day." Pinkie pie tried to explain as she herself became to tear up. Trying very hard to keep herself from sobbing. "Sometimes, you wonder during those tough times, if life is really worth living. I wondered these thoughts constantly, about a saddened life, and what was in store for me... But life, sometimes has a pleasant way of showing you even though you have suffered, there is something to reward you for the suffering." Pinkie came and hugged me tight. "I got the chance to see Dashie's Rainboom, and it brightened my day. In the following months, I moved to Ponyville and started working for the Cake Family at Sugar Cube Corner. Bringing smiles to every pony that came in, giving them sweet treats and being that pony that everyone knew for throwing parties for everypony that needed to be cheered up. I realized the importance of sharing the gift of laughter, and if it wasn't for all of that, I would have never met the ponies I know now and that includes you now." Pinkie smiled and pointed her hoof at me.
"Thank you Pinkie." Is all I could muster to say as I began crying, not just over my past, but knowing that I was truly cared for. I know that sometimes I took this feeling for granted, but hearing Pinkie's wise words, which I was shocked to hear, really let it sink in. The four ponies came in for a group hug and they all held me tight and as I began being squeezed, I felt another two join in the group.
"Don't think you'd forget about us sugar cube!" I heard Applejack call out.
"Yeah, you can't leave us out of this!" Rainbow Dash agreed.
"We are all your f-friends K-Kiniro, we will l-look after you. Its what friends d-do." Fluttershy said with a slight squeek.
"Yes deary, we all look after our own. Friend or family." Rarity added in.
"Because we all care Kini!" Pinkie commented.
"And because we all love you, we all care for you, we all owe a lot to you, all of Equestria does." Twilight added in and kissed my cheek. "And because you taught all of us, that there are ponies out there that will stand for justice and for whats right no matter what, no matter what it is they endure, and what sacrifices they must suffer. But we all want you to know that you're suffering was never in vain, because we are as happy to have you as you have us. But because you also showed me that there is more to life out there that I once imagined." Twilight said with a big smile.
"Thank you everypony." I stated. "I know I've had an extremely tough life leading to this point, and the scars may never heal from what I've had to endure, as long as I have you all here, I will have the strength to carry on and I will have the strength to remember whats important now. I just wish it didn't take this long for me to meet all of you." I said with a smile and tears running down my face.
"Kini things happen for a reason. Princess Celestia has taught me this, but in due time as we suffer, just like Pinkie said, we will be rewarded for the suffering that we go through in life." Twilight reminded me.
"You're right, it hasn't been all in vain. My time in Midgard, fighting various wars, taking the lives' of others, defending my home, losing my parents, losing my friends, and my country. It was not all in vain, I got to meet all of you, stay in Equestria, fall in love with Twilight, I brought peace to my home world, Satan Morroc is gone, Xellie is banished, and the best of all. I'm getting my shot to be an honorary Element of Harmony." I said still with a smile but with the tears drying on my face.
"See Kini? We all go through our challenges to get to this point." Pinkie Pie added in with a giant smile.
I had looked over to Twilight, expecting a shocked reaction that the other ponies now knew about our relationship. However only to be greeted with a smile. I guess she had gotten over her fear and keeping this a secret, it was nothing to be ashamed of, but knowing Twilight I thought she would be unaware to handle a situation like this. I was proved wrong. The other ponies knew now, and I was not ashamed of it either. I was proud to have this out in the open as opposed to having it a secret with just a few. "Thanks everypony, I appreciate all of the kind words and the sympathy. Its because of all of you, that none of that was in vain. Thank you." I responded. "Lets get going... The Castle entrance is up ahead. I've got a test to pass!"
With those words, the group hug broke, seeing every pony smile and being supportive of me. From the moment I arrived in Equestria, meeting Applejack and getting to know her, I felt that things were going to be different in this world compared to my own. Even as time went on, and as friendships formed, that feeling was never proven wrong. I hoped it would never proven wrong, knowing this made me extremely happy and I hoped it never changed. I'm glad I was home.
End of Chapter 7.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 8: The Test
The Elements of Harmony and myself had been navigating the castle for a while now as we made our way to the throne room. Twilight had been anxiously leading the way, with me by her side and the other 5 ponies following right behind. Even though I imagined that the other ponies had visited this castle many times, I constantly found them taking in the scenery and looking amazed. I couldn't blame them in the slightest, I had only made this trip once before, but I still was amazed at the glorious architecture and wonderful decorations.
Based off what I remember from my last trip, I knew that the throne room was quickly approaching. I couldn't help but feel slightly giddy inside. Considering I was going to be given this honor to test my abilities to become an honorary element of harmony. I'm not sure how high of an honor this was here in Equestria, regardless if it was, it meant a lot to me. I know I had been emotional several moments ago, but the thought of having this opportunity made me extremely happy.
"Hey look everypony! The throne room door is straight ahead!" Called out Twilight. I had looked ahead to see two more guards stationed in front of the throne room. One of Celestia's guards and one of Luna's respectively. It looked slightly off considering how their armors looked, literally like night and day. Slowly as we approached both guards saluted us and opened the doors to allow us access.
"Thank you sirs!" I said aloud and saluted them back to return the gesture. Only to get a nod of acknowledgement, but I knew it meant a lot to them considering the response I had gotten earlier from one of the other guards. Every pony in our group nodded to acknowledge the guards and said thank you on the way in. Except I wasn't so sure about Fluttershy, I think she just squeaked as she passed in.
As we entered the light of the throne room seemed to be blinding, but as my eyes adjusted to the abundant lighting, I saw both Celestia and Luna both standing in front of their throne. They were facing each other as if having conversation before we had arrived, but they both quickly turned to face us.
"Ah. Welcome back to Canterlot, we have been expecting you all." Celestia commented. "It is always a pleasure to have my faithful student and her friends in my company."
"Thank you for having us Princess Celestia." Twilight responded and bowed. Following the queue the other ponies in the group and myself bowed.
"It was my pleasure my faithful student. My sister and I have been very excited to hear that Kiniro has been regaining his powers these past few months, we both have been very anxious to see how he's been progressing." Celestia responded and signaled us with her hoof to rise from bowing.
"Thank you for having us all! I also have to thank you for being open to my suggestion to make Kiniro an Honorary Element of Harmony." Twilight stated as we all rose.
"Wait what?!" I said quickly.
"Both myself and my sister commended your idea Twilight. We all know that he is very valuable to the defense of Equestria and if Kiniro would be willing to accept these duties as Element of Harmony. He would share the responsibilities of the other Elements should we deem him acceptable." Celestia explained ignoring my comment and smiled.
"Wait wait wait..." I tried to get in the conversation. "Twilight you're the one who pushed for this meeting?"
"Yes, I know how much it meant to you, and both Princesses know how important you are, you saved not only your world but Equestria a few months ago. They were more than happy to give you the chance, they just wanted to see how you can perform now before they made a decision. They didn't want to put a burden on you that you weren't ready to accept, that's why when I first suggested the idea months ago. Celestia and Luna recommended I kept an eye on your progress for them until I believed you were ready," Twilight explained to me.
"You did this for me?" I responded with a few tears of joy coming down my face.
"We all did young Kiniro." Celestia responded. "Twilight and the other Elements of Harmony have been sending me letters of your progress and your desire to help in Equestria. I could not ignore the recommendation of the Elements of Harmony." Celestia said and gave a smile.
"Kiniro, we know that you will not disappoint us, and we know that you will not disappoint yourself." Luna also commented. "I know that you can do this.
"Thank you... everypony." I had looked at the other Elements of Harmony to see them gesture in agreement.
"We all know you can do it sugar cube." Applejack supported.
"Yes dear, we know you can." Rarity added in.
"You got this in the bag!" Rainbow Dash commented.
"This will be easy as baking cupcakes!" Pinkie stated.
"You g-got this! Woo-hoo!" Fluttershy had squeaked.
"I know you're ready Kini! I believe in you, we all do!" Twilight said.
With those words of support from my friends, I knew what I had to do. It had been a difficult 5 months re-learning trying to relearn how to play my guitar, fitting in, learning to be a pony, and learning that even if I failed here today. I'd still have the support from all of them to try again, and no pony would think any different of me for not succeeding. But I wasn't here fail, I was here to prove that I was worth it, not just for myself, but for them, all of them.
"Are you ready young Kiniro?" Celestia asked me.
"I am. I promise I will not let you all down." I responded. I took a deep breath and prepared for what felt was to be an eternity. I pushed myself off the ground with my front hooves to stand upright on my hind legs, almost falling but I quickly regained my composure. I slowly wiggled the guitar off my back and let it swing forward in the process so that I could grab it with my front hooves. It was the first time I attempted to play my guitar standing. As my guitar swung around I caught it with my right left hoof grasping the neck of my guitar, and I positioned my right hoof to the base ready to strum the strings.
I looked at every pony to see them amazed that I was able to stand upright and cusp my guitar the way I did. I knew that some ponies had this ability to stand on their forelegs, just not for long periods of time. But some ponies just had a knack for it, just like Pinkie, Octavia, Vinyl, and even the estranged Lyra who I had first met when I arrived in Equestria.
I slowly began to strum my guitar to do a few practice chords. Everything felt natural, no chord out of place, even for hoof play compared to how I had originally learned how to play. Slowly I began to form a the whimsical melody that belonged to the Song of Lutie. Seeing my guitar glow bright blue, and as I picked up the tempo to form the song, I began to see various golden Lutie Apples materializing from thin air. After I saw a few appear I quickly switched to the robust classical song of Bragi's Poem. I had signaled over to Twilight as she recognized the song, she quickly performed a teleportation spell and found herself quickly jumping from place to place in the throne room within blinks of an eye. Seeing that the song had performed its job, I quickly changed the chord structure to match to that which belong to The Rift. I brought down the tempo to match relaxed sounds of the song and I slowly felt time slow down and I felt the sudden surge of adrenaline, with that I quickly stopped playing the song. Still under its effects I quickly switched my guitar to a guarded position readying it to swing, and with a quick swoop swung my guitar 9 times in air to show how quick I could move. As the final swing came, I felt time return to its normal speed and I found myself breathing heavily.
"Very impressive Kiniro! I see that you have regained most of your abilities!" Celestia called out.
"Thank you Princess Celestia!" I said still panting heavily and looked over to Luna as well to see her impressed.
"I'm shocked Kiniro! I would not have thought you to regain your talents so quickly!" Luna stated.
"Thank you Princess Luna! You're the one who gave me a second chance." I responded. "Now just for a few more..." My guitar still had been glowing a bright light blue. Noticing this, I began to play a simple melody and I closed my eyes. Feeling the energy still surging through me, I focused on myself. Slowly I felt myself lift off the ground and as I opened my eyes I saw to see that I was levitating off the ground. "Now to test something." I thought to myself I began to focus on moving my levitated self around. I pitched slowly to the right and moved slowly in that direction. I focused once again in the opposite direction and slowly I pitched left and moved slowly. I finally focused on the ground and slowly I descended to the ground, to feel my hooves feel the cold tile that was beneath me.
"Again impressive!" Celestia commented.
"Indeed!" Luna added in.
"Ok one last song, I hope I can perform this one." I stated aloud now firmly on the ground. I slowly began to form the chords of Ragnarok, and increased the tempo to accommodate the song. Still seeing my guitar glow, but as the basis of the song formed, my guitar still glowed, but nothing happened. "Thats strange." I said aloud.
"Are you trying to play the song of Ragnarok?" Asked Celestia.
"Yeah, but its not activating..." I responded.
"Is there something wrong?" Luna questioned and with that I began to ponder about the song of Ragnarok for a moment.
"I think I know why I can't play it right now. Every time I've played the song, there has been a grave danger present or there has been a great desire to play the song out of necessity. But none of those factors are present, so I'm guessing the song knows it shouldn't be activated..." I responded.
"That's unfortunate but still an impressive performance young Kiniro!" Now give me a brief moment to converse with my sister. We must make our decision. Quickly Celestia turned over to Luna.
"I wonder if I did ok." I said to myself.
"I'm sure you did fine Kini." Twilight overheard my comment.
"You were so awesome!" Rainbow Dash responded as she squished her face with her hooves.
"That was impressive!" Rarity added.
"That was soooooooooooo cool!" Pinkie commented.
"You rock!" Fluttershy squeaked.
"Now that's how its done!" Applejack supported.
"Thanks everypony, but I know I could have done better." I responded and felt slightly shameful.
"Don't be so hard on yourself sugarcube. You did amazing." Applejack commented.
"Yeah you did your best, that's what counts." Twilight agreed.
"Young Kiniro! My sister and I have come to a decision." I heard Celestia called out. "I will give Luna the honor." Celestia smiled.
"Thank you my sister." Luna responded. " For fighting for whats right, for never faltering even in the face of defeat, for bringing peace to your home world, and for defending Equestria even though it was not your responsibility. You risked your life to make sure that you could all these goals could be achieved. My dearest Kiniro, you have suffered greatly through out your life, protecting the innocent, fighting for whats right, and even though you had your dignity taken on multiple occasions prior to arriving in Equestria, but that never stopped you from doing what was necessary. Please lower for a moment Kiniro." Following Luna's queue I bowed. "For your heroism, and for your sacrifices not just in Midgard but in Equestria, we thank you. Kiniro, for the power vested in both my sister Princess Celestia and I, Princess Luna. We grant you honorary status as an Element of Harmony, representing the Element of Justice."
"Thank you... I don't know what to say..." I choked up.
"As we grant you this status. You are now responsible for the defense of Equestria should you be called upon. However you have one additional task that is asked for you. As an Element of Harmony, you are to write a letter to me when it applies to any findings you find on the friendship of magic and any findings you you come across on your progression in your unique magic." Celestia stated.
"Dearest Sister, might I recommend something?" Luna commented.
"Yes Luna?" Celestia responded.
"If it is not to much trouble... Could those letters be addressed to me? Considering I rescued him from the void?" Luna slowly had her voice recede as she asked.
"Why of course Luna, if not for you, he would not be here. I would be honored if you took this task." Celestia smiled. "Regardless of the circumstances, of what may have come from your involvement in bringing him here, I'm glad you did my sister."
"Thank you my sister!" Luna said slightly tearing. "I will not let you down!"
"Then it it settled Kiniro! Please report any of your findings to Princess Luna!" Celestia again said with a big smile.
"Thank you... all of you. I will not let anypony down!" I responded.
"Very well, we hate to cut this engagement short, but my sister and I have pressing issues to attend to in Manehatten." Celestia commented.
"Yes! We must attend to business in Manehatten. The release of Mares of War is..." Luna tried to comment but was met with a hoof in her mouth from Celestia.
"Don't mind my sister, she is confused, she knows we are going to Manehatten to attend the meeting with the governor to address pressing issues?! Isn't that right Luna?!" Celestia tried to cover up Luna's earlier response. Luna only nodded with Celestia's hoof in her mouth. "Anyway we must be going! It was a pleasure, we hope to have you all visit us soon when time permits!" Both Celestia and Luna walked over to the throne room entrance. As they exited, Luna turned back and smiled, now knowing of her future obligations.
"Uh... what was that all about?" Twilight commented.
"Twi, I have no idea..." Applejack responded.
"I... won't even ask..." I stated with a confused look.
"Yay! Kini is an Element of Harmony! Woo!" Pinkie yelled at the top of her lungs trying to change the subject.
"Congratulations K-Kiniro." Fluttershy squeaked.
"Yes my dear, we are so proud of you." Rarity commented.
"Oh right! Yes! Congrats Kiniro!" Applejack added.
"See! I said you could do it!" Rainbow Dash stated.
"So... the Element of Justice? It has a nice ring to it. I'm glad to have you apart of the Elements of Harmony!" Twilight explained.
"Thanks everypony. I will never let all you down." I responded.
So after so much pain in my life. I know I had meant something to these ponies, but now I meant something to their leaders. I knew that I had the respect of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, I was glad to call them all my friends. I was now the Honorary Element of Justice, and I made sure that I'd never let any of them down. I would fight if called upon, if needed, but I was happy mostly to belong to something and know that I'd be siding on the right side this time, and I didn't have a doubt in my mind this time about it. Even if I had to write letters to Princess Luna every so often on my findings, which seemed annoying at first thought, I guess it was a small price to pay to become an Element of Harmony, but I'd make sure I was damn proud to write those letters and make sure they'd never be late. I was just glad to be given the honor. I had my place in history, for doing the right thing, I'm glad I finally got my wish after so long...
End of Chapter 8.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 9: The Stroll
No words could properly explain how happy I was to finally become apart of something greater. To know that everything I've done thus far has never been in vain. To know that I was finally recognized for who I was, and what good I could do. Not just another tool, another pawn for someone to use. I would stand ready to defend this land that gave me a second chance, and gave me a new home.
I felt myself tearing slightly at the thought. Considering how much I've been through. The scars of my past would never go away, but knowing what I had achieved, and knowing that I had my friends to thank. It just felt amazing to be on the right side of things. To know that I was being looked after just as I would be looking after them.
The six ponies and I had been navigating through the castle grounds attempting to reach Canterlot Square. During our journey mostly hearing remarks of support about my inclusion into the Elements of Harmony. I even found myself tearing several times, and being comforted by Twi along the way.
"Its ok Kini, I know you're happy." Twilight commented on my slightly emotional state.
"I know... it just means a lot to me." I tried to smile back, fighting back the tears of joy.
"Now now sugarcube, no need to get teary eyed. This is a time for celebrating." Applejack added in.
"Did someone say party?!" Pinkie shouted out.
"Yes Pinkie, I think Kiniro has earned it." Rarirty agreed.
"Oh my yes, he has." Fluttershy squeaked.
"Heck yes he deserves a party! He did amazing!" Rainbow Dash stated while putting on her sunglasses.
"Agreed everypony. We should throw him a party!" Twilight agreed with the other five.
"That would be awesome! When's the party start?" I asked Pinkie as I wiped the tears from my face with my hoof.
"Well I'd say we could right now, but a lot of my emergency party supplies have been used up! So we might have to wait till we get back to Ponyville! I could get everything together from Sugar Cube Corner!" Pinkie replied.
A collective "Aww." Had come from all of us in response to Pinkie.
"But think if it this way! I'll have access to the big guns for parties when we get back home! I could even get Vinyl to DJ if she's not busy!" Pinkie answered.
"That would be awesome if you could." I commented, knowing that seeing Vinyl perform again would be a treat. I just wish I could tell her and Octavia the good news about what happened. But I doubt they'd understand or could comprehend what was going on.
"Well now come to think of it. I could probably pick up some party supplies here in Canterlot before we head back home!" Pinkie responded with a sudden loud gasp. "There are things here that I can't get back in Ponyville! I must go get some! I MUST PREPARE!" With those last words Pinkie Pie was off in a flash and disappeared.
"Uh... how does she does that?" I asked the five remaining ponies. Only to get shrugs as a response.
"You know, come to think of it. I think I recall seeing one of the fabric boutiques we past earlier when we arrived was having a sale on exotic materials. Maybe I should get some before we go back home." Rarity questioned.
"Go ahead Rarity. We have some time before the train leaves back home, and even if you miss it. Just tell them you know me and they'd be more than happy give you a ride home." Twilight explained.
"Oh goody!" Rarity stated. "I'll meet you all back at the platform!" Rarity stated as she ran off.
"Uh... now that I think of it I should go keep an eye on Pinkie just to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble." Applejack commented and chased after Pinkie.
"That might be a good idea." Rainbow Dash agreed. "Hey, you guys have fun riding the train. I'm going to fly back, I need to stretch my wings out! Can't let myself get lazy if I ever want to get into the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she took off leaving a rainbow streak behind her.
"I think I-i'll stay here with you two." Fluttershy squeaked.
"Are you sure you don't want to head out like the others and maybe get some things from here in Canterlot?" I asked.
"N-no, its ok. I don't need a-anything. I'll just s-stay with you t-two. If that's ok." Fluttershy said with a receding voice.
"We'd be glad to have you with us. Unless Twilight has something planned" I responded looking at Twilight.
"I don't have any plans, other than just look around town until the next train arrives." Twilight responded.
"There you go Fluttershy, you can stay with us!" I commented.
"Yay!" Fluttershy squeaked. " I just don't like being l-left alone in the b-big cities."
"I get it, safety in numbers. I was the same when I was a young traveler, especially if I ever traveled to cities like Lighthalzen or Einbroch back in Midgard."
"Einbroch?" Twilight asked. "I've never heard you mention that city before."
"Oh! I'm sorry, Einbroch was another city that belong to The Swartzvald republic. A big dirty city, due to a lot of industrial pollution."
"Um... Kiniro. What's p-pollu-tion." Fluttershy asked.
It had just occurred to me. These ponies have never experienced what pollution was or even understood the concept. Considering I've never seen any of it during my stay here in Equestria. Granted I didn't travel much, and mostly limited myself to Ponyville and my few trips to Canterlot. "Uh... pollution is a side affect of when people burn things to try to create something else. Its not always clean, but it created the things we need, at least back in Midgard anyway. But I don't think you guys have that here since you usually use magic to create what you need." I tried to explain. As I finished my very sad excuse of an explanation, we had found ourselves at the courtyard gate leading into Canterlot square.
As we arrived in the square I began to look around seeing the beauty of the surrounding buildings and the castle behind us. Remembering that I hadn't gotten a good glimpse at the square from this angle. Admittedly I was still fascinated by the whole, "I missed this the first time here due to my worry or I don't remember seeing this area from this perspective." I guess still just reminiscing on the idea that I was a pony and I was able to stay. But as I looked further around, I saw several ponies talking in the square, but I noticed one that there was one stallion all by his lonesome holding his head down low with a guitar strapped to his back, just like I had been carrying mine. A dark brownish orange earth pony with a blond mane, slightly light green eyes, and a guitar for a cutie mark. I had wondered if I should approach him, considering he was the only pony I have ever seen with that cutie mark before.
End of Chapter 9.
Chapter 11: Canterlot Hospital
The Missing Bard
Chapter 11: Canterlot Hospital
It felt like the agonizing minutes seemed more like hours traveling from the square to the hospital. My memory outside of that had gotten hazy, I remember falling down several times and coughing up more blood. Twilight comforting me and trying to help me along the way, but her hooves were tied with Fluttershy. So there was only so much she could do. My last memory before blacking out was reaching the entrance of the hospital and collapsing on myself as I made it past the door.
I do remember having a very vivid dream though. The words Xellie said before her banishment to the moon,"I'll get you Kiniro! I swear to god I will find a way back and get you! That's a promise." I couldn't visualize her, because I didn't even know if she was still a human or she had become a pony like me, stuck on the moon. But I having this dream as if seeing it from her perspective. She was wandering on the moon, trying to find a means of escape, but nothing seemed likely. Then she dropped something from one of her garments. As she looked down to see what she dropped, it was a copy of the Heart of Ymir, and as he picked it up from the ground, it began to glow black and everything went dark.
"Uh-ah!" I woke up in a cold sweat. "Where am I?" I quickly looked around and saw off colored painted walls, with what looked like sheets hanging from the ceiling as if to make a small room out of where I was. I laying down in a bed with a light sheet on top of me. I saw Twilight asleep on the ground, hanging from the bed I laid in, keeping one hoof on top of my stomach from atop the sheets. I got a closer look at her face to see that tears had been running down her face, mostly from what looked like small dried clumps of her coat just below her eyes. "Was this the hospital Twilight was talking about?" I said lightly, to see Twilight yawn lightly and open her eyes slightly. "Twi are you awake?"
Twilight quickly bounced up. "Oh my Celestia... you're ok." Twilight responded.
"Why wouldn't... I be" I tried to joke as I coughed. But as I coughed this time, no blood.
"Because you were badly hurt. But I'm glad you're ok and still have that sense of humor of your's." Twilight smiled at me.
"No pony can take that from me Twi." I said with a smile back. "How's Fluttershy doing?"
"She's doing ok, her right wing is broken bad, but she'll be ok. The doctors had to break it again to be able to put it back into its normal position." Twilight explained.
"Ouch... I'm sure she'll be ok Twi. I'm glad she didn't get it anyway worse than she did." I commented.
"Yeah Fluttershy, deep down she's tough, or she can be at least, but I agree. It could have been much worse. But you saved her Kini. Thank you." Twilight said with light tears running down her face.
"Hey... hey... there's no need to cry, we are going to both be alright. I would have done it if it was any other pony I knew. But I couldn't keep you both safe." I responded with a guilty tone.
"Don't say that Kini, you did your best, and we are all alive still. You even sacrificed your guitar to do it." Twilight reminded me.
"My guitar..." I suddenly burst into tears, but I was not sobbing. "My guitar... its gone. I'm just a normal earth pony now."
"Kini, I know that guitar meant a lot to you, but we could always get you another." Twilight tried to comfort me.
"I know I can always get another, but that guitar was my heart and soul. I've had it forever, I don't even know if I could put my heart and soul into another guitar again." I commented.
"I'm sorry Kini, I know you had that guitar forever, but its gone now, there is nothing neither I or Princess Celestia can do to change that. No pony can."
"But..."
"No buts! Kini, whats your cutie mark again!" Twilight interrupted my train of thought.
"A scroll with a guitar on it." I answered with a low tone.
"Exactly, you have that talent, its who you are. You'll eventually move on, I know you'll always mourn the lost of your guitar, but you can't let that change who you are. I know you have it in you if you find another guitar you like." Twilight explained and gave me a peck on the cheek. She then proceeded to push herself away from the bed and got up on all fours. "I'm going to go check on Fluttershy and make sure she's doing ok."
"Hold on. I'm coming with you!" I tried to get up but felt a sharp amount of pain run up my back and I fell back in bed.
"Kini, please stay in bed, I don't need you hurting yourself again."
"Please Twi, I need to go see how she's doing. Please help me up."
"No Kini, stay in bed."
"But Twi..."
"No, bed stay!"
"But Twi..."
"Ugh, fine. I love you, but sometimes you can be as stubborn as a mule." Twilight commented on my resistance. I saw Twilight's horn glow a light purple and I slowly saw the light purple aura engulf me. Lifting me lightly out of bed an on to my four hooves on the ground.
"There we go... good as new." I said, then noticed I had bandages wrapped around my torso, my front left, front right leg and two small bandages forming an "x" on my right cheek where Meadow Song had kicked me in the face. "Well... ok good as a used model can get." I tried to laugh at my bandages.
"Ugh." Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. "I love you, you silly pony. Ok, now follow me. Fluttershy is a few beds down. She just got out of surgery for her wing not to long ago." Twilight began to walk slowly so that I could keep pace with her. I knew this would pass quickly for me, I was tough, just a couple of days then I'd be back to normal. We had arrived at a bed not to far from mine. "Fluttershy are you awake?" Twilight asked.
"Oh yes Twilight, I'm awake." I heard Fluttershy respond, as I looked over I saw her laying on top of sheets of her bed, with her legs bent down so she could lay on her stomach with her right wing bandaged up tight/
"How are you holding up Fluttershy?" I asked.
"I'll be ok now Kiniro. My wing still hurts a lot, but I can still walk. The D-doctor said just no flying for a while." Fluttershy responded, as she looked at her wing. She quickly turned back to face me noticing my bandages. "Oh my. Kiniro are you alright?"
"I'll be fine in a couple of days Fluttershy, I'm just glad you're ok." I said with a reassuring smile, followed by myself falling on the ground. "Ow... yeah. Just a couple of days." I said with a nervous chuckle followed by a stare from Twilight.
"Kini, this is why I wanted you to stay in bed." Twilight said with a frustrated tone.
"I know, but I had to see how Fluttershy was doing." I tried to explain.
"Bed now!" Twilight raised her voice slightly.
"Twilight, don't be so hard on him, he's just trying to make sure everypony is ok." Fluttershy defended me.
"Ugh, fine." Twilight stated as she used her magic to raise me up again on all fours.
"Ah there you are!" I heard a male voice call out.
"Huh?" Fluttershy, Twilight and myself commented in unison.
"Ah, yes Ms. Sparkle. I have some good news for you and your friends." I heard the voice say. I quickly turned to see where the voice was originating from. It was a unicorn with a some medical device hanging from his neck with a clip board hovering infront of him. Light blue coat, with a white main with a giant red cross for his cutie mark. Obviously this pony worked here at the hospital I assumed.
"Whats the news Doctor?" Twilight asked.
"Both your friends Fluttershy and Kiniro are both being discharged, you two are ok to go." The pony explained.
"Are you sure? Kiniro can barely walk, and Fluttershy isn't healed yet!" Twilight responded.
"No worries now Ms. Sparkle. Fluttershy is still fully mobile, she just needs to not fly for a while, as her wing heals, I can have her check in at..." The doctor quickly checked his clipboard. "Ah yes, I can have her check in at Ponyville Hospital. Same goes to your friend Kiniro here. Of course if you feel they need to go for a follow up. But as far as Kiniro goes, he's just sustained mostly bruises, no broken bones. But I'm pretty sure it feels like it!" The doctor quickly joked as he trotted beside me and placed his hoof on my back.
"YE-OW" I screamed in pain.
"See? Seems like broken bones, but just bruises. He'll be fine in a week give or take a few days. "He seems like a tough Stallion, he'll be ok."
"But what about the blood he was coughing up?" Twilight asked the doctor.
"Oh thats nothing major, he had a small laceration in his mouth from what looked like someone hoof punched him in the jaw. Lots of blood, but its started healing now. Just make sure he doesn't eat any hay for a while, just to avoid the laceration from opening up again." The doctor explained.
"Oh... ok." Twilight said with a slightly confused look.
"Anyway you all are free to go! And remember, try to be careful out there! But not too careful! I still need to have a job!" The doctor joked as he trotted away.
"I hate doctors..." I muttered.
"Yeah me too sometimes..." Twilight responded.
"O-oh I think he did fine." Fluttershy commented. Only to be greeted with silence. "Did I say something wrong?" Fluttershy whimpered.
"Anyway, look." Twilight looked up at a clock in the room. "Its 6:23, we can still make our original train back home, it leaves in 37 minutes."
"Wait we still have time to make it to our train? How long was I out for?" I asked.
"Oh, you were out for about 4 hours after getting to the hospital." Fluttershy answered.
"Talk about fast... medical attention." I responded with a surprised look.
"Well Canterlot Hospital is the best in Equestria, and considering I'm apart of the Royal Family, they technically can't say no."
"Well thats goo- Wait ROYAL FAMILY?" I responded with a shocked tone.
"Well yeah." Twilight responded.
"How? How...." I tried to ask.
"Well my Brother Shining is married to Cadance remember?" Twilight explained.
"Yeah, but I've never seen Cadance. But go on." I answered.
"Well Cadance is a Princess. She is an Alicorn, she's related to Princess Celestia, considering Princess Celestia is her Aunt by... Oh I don't remember how many times."
"So... I'm..."
"Yes, technically dating royalty." Twilight winked at me.
"But... but..." I tried to form a sentence. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You never asked!" Twilight gave a big smile. I just buried my face in one left hoof.
"Can we get going... We have a train to catch..." I quickly changed the subject.
I'm glad that both Fluttershy and myself were going to be ok. Not to mention at least I was able to keep Twilight safe. Considering now that I knew she was royalty, its a good thing I did. But we were going to be heading home soon, finally away from Canterlot and hopefully away from any other danger from that Meadow Song. Considering he was now locked up. But the loss of my guitar still bothered me, but I had to take Twilight's advice. I had to move on, I know I'd find another guitar to play that I'd get that connection with again. I'm sorry we had to part ways my friend, you've always been by my side. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm going to miss you, my one guitar...
End of Chapter 11.
Chapter 12: The Train Home
The Missing Bard
Chapter 12: The Train Home
Its good that train station wasn't too far away from the Canterlot Hospital. The walk to the station was manageable, painful, but manageable. Twilight was leading us, with Fluttershy by her side, and myself lagging behind slightly due to my injuries. Every step I took forward, every muscle moving, or every twitch, sent a rush of pain and agony, but I had to stay strong, once I made it on board the train, I was good, at least until I had to walk home from Ponyville Train Station.
Even with my enthusiasm of making it out of that fight alive. The one question on my mind was, how did that pony by the name of Meadow Song know how to play Ragnarok. Let alone knowing the chord structure, let alone being able to activate the song itself! But a yellow glow of his guitar. I can't say I've ever seen another Bard or Minstrel for that matter from Midgard ever have their guitar glow yellow. Most musicians harnessing basic song magic had either a subtle white aura or a very light teal color, but as far as I knew I was the first who had blue for an aura. But this pony had... yellow? Then that engraving on his guitar, it was so weathered that whatever was inscribed on it, could not be made out. Nothing seemed to add up to me what so ever. How was I going to explain this incident to Twilight and the others, or even the Princesses for that matter.
My thoughts and pondering made the pain go away slightly a it distracted me as we navigated through the train station, eventually boarding the 7:00 evening train back home. As we boarded the car, we were greeted by the by the attendant, but I didn't recognize this one. Yet just like before, Twilight pulled out her parchment with the "royal decree" as it were, but instead got waved in by an attendant that recognized her. The attendant hoping Twilight have a safe and enjoyable trip home, and that the ride home was on the house. I began to wonder if this is just because Twilight was a sociable pony or if it had something to do about her being related to royalty, which I had just found out about. I can't believe I had broken my number one rule from back in Midgard, "Never date anyone related to royalty or someone of great importance." Then again... this wasn't Midgard, and things were working out.
As Twilight made it to our assigned section of the car, she were greeted by our other friends that had gone their separate ways earlier today, with the exception of Rainbow Dash who had flown home. Rarity surrounded by bags of what looked like exotic fabric and fashion booklets. Pinkie Pie, seemingly covered in glitter, streamers and what looked like cake frosting, with a few bags of party favors laying on the ground overturned. Finally Applejack just shaking her head at what appeared to be Pinkie, so what ever mess Pinkie Pie had gotten into must have been recent as we boarded. But as myself and Fluttershy lagged in, the other's expressions of joy quickly turned to questions and worry.
"Oh my, what happened to you two?!" Rarity commented as we walked in.
"Oh my gosh, are you all ok?" Applejack added in.
"Oh no! You two are hurt!" Pinkie Pie stated.
"Its ok everypony, we are ok." I responded, only to be given a slight stare from Twilight.
"Yes, w-we are ok." Fluttershy tried to put on a brave face.
"No... they aren't." Twilight quickly took our credibility away from us. "Kiniro got in a fight with another pony in Canterlot square. For what ever reason, the pony seemed to snap when he heard my name. It seems like he was after myself and Fluttershy."
"I'm guessing you showed that ruffian what for!" Rarity commented as she stood up on her hind legs and began to imitate throwing punches with her front legs.
"Yeah, I'm betting you wiped the floor with his hiney" Applejack agreed.
"Well... no, we just barely got away, I wasn't strong enough to fight him head on, so I made I difficult choice." I mentioned as I laid in a chair across from Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack. With Twilight and Fluttershy following my lead.
"What was that Kini?" Pinkie asked.
"I had to... I had to..." I began to sob lightly. "I had too..." I couldn't finish my sentence out of sadness of what I had to do.
"Kini had to sacrifice his guitar to save Fluttershy. From this other pony." Twilight explained.
"Why did he have to do that?" Applejack asked.
"Well you see, he..." Twilight tried to explain.
"He was a musician, his name was Meadow Song." I interrupted Twilight. "And he was extremely physically strong. And I'm not sure how, but he knew how to play the song of Ragnarok. He tried playing it to kill Fluttershy, but I sacrificed my guitar to stop him from playing it, and it knocked him out from the feedback. So my guitar lays in pieces scattered in Canterlot square."
"So you don't have your guitar anymore?" Rarity asked.
"No... its gone... I've had it for years and I've had it for an extremely long time... and its gone." I said as I began to cry.
"There there Kini, it will be ok, I'm sure you'll get another" Pinkie tried to comfort me, but her words made me sob even harder.
"But there won't be another one like it. It's not mine, it doesn't have my heart and soul in it." I tried to explain how I felt.
"But what about the prototype guitar Vinyl gave you?" Twilight asked.
"Oh I had completely forgot about that!" I forgot that I was given that as a gift.
"Well she did give it to you considering you helped her test it." Twilight responded.
"I don't think it can have my heart and soul like my old guitar. I don't even know if it can." I tried to off play the usefulness of the new guitar idea. "The only reason I got it is because my interest in music and that pushed me to help Vinyl."
"Interest? More like obsession." Twilight retorted.
"Regardless, it still won't replace my old guitar." I tried to explain again.
"Well it might not replace your old guitar. I know that because you've had it forever Kiniro, and I know that one will have a special place in your heart, but you can't let that stop you from being you you are darlin'. You should give that new guitar Twi's been mentioning a chance, it is yours after all!" Applejack explained.
"Yes deary, Applejack is right, give it a try. You never know how things will turn out!" Rarity added.
"Yes K-Kiniro, give it a try." Fluttershy squeeked.
"If you all think I should try. I will." I mentioned. Seeing the other ponies agree with my statement and give me a nod of approval. "Alright then, I'll mess around with it when we get back home... but until then... " I yawned heavily. "I think I need to get some rest... I'm getting really slee..." I immediately knocked out, slouching in the chair I laid in.
I guess I still needed rest from my injuries... I know I had to try the guitar when i got back home. But would it be able to fill the shoes that my old guitar left behind. I don't think it would, but if my friends thought it was worth a shot. I guess I would try it. But I'd worry about that later. As for now, sleep was a good idea...
End of Chapter 12.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 13: Dreams
I remember falling asleep on the train. More than likely due to my injuries draining me of my energy. I could vaguely recall hearing voices of the ponies that accompanied home. But after a while the voices stopped and everything was dark. My mind was in a full state of rest. Finally I could rest easy or so I thought, as a loud explosion rocked me back and forth and I awoke violently.
"DAMN IT KINIRO! GET DOWN" I heard someone yell and felt a violent tug on my shoulder that pulled me down to the ground. "What the hell are you thinking!" As I fell to the ground, I opened me eyes to see a human warrior in front of me in plated armor covering his entire body, with a royal crest on his chest plate. As I looked up at the face, there he stood, the Colonel of the Royal Guard, Lightning Strike. "I know your anxious to get back an retake the castle from the rebels but you have to wait for our reinforcements to form up from the rear!"
"What are you talking about Colonel Lightning Strike?!" I questioned furiously, as tried to push up from the ground, I saw... I no longer had hooves, but I had hands again. Somewhat phased by what I saw, I reacted quickly upon hearing another loud explosion near us and I quickly pushed myself up. As I pushed myself up I got a quick glance at my body, arms, normal legs, wearing shoes and clothing I must be human again. I followed up by quickly looking around and saw myself in a trench with other armor plated warriors.
"Colonel!? Are you kidding?! I'd never take that kind of promotion! Remember it's CAPTAIN Lightning Strike! Say it with me! Captain!" Lightning Strike tried to joke with me unphased from the explosion that just had happened moments before. "Whats wrong with you kid?! You see to be out of your element! Whats wrong!?"
"I'm not sure Lightning! I'm just surprised to be here! That's all!" I tried to respond, unaware of why I was back in Midgard.
"Trust me Kiniro! We all are! You got us here! You had infiltrated rebel forces to get us the intel that they were going to strike here at the heart of Pronterra and now we have them trapped in the city walls! Good thing too! We were able to move King Tristam the Third just hours before they arrived!"
"Good thing we were able to move him out! I wouldn't want him to be caught up in this mess!" I tried to add to the conversation still unaware of what was happening, but yet somehow it seemed oddly familiar.
"Anyway! We are waiting on the 25th Morroc Ranger Platoon and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment to arrive! Both of them are just minutes from forming up and arriving at our front lines! Its been a tough fight holding these positions! But damn it! WE ARE THE ROYAL GUARD! WE FOLD FOR NO ONE BUT THE KING!" Lightning strike yelled out to hear scores of voices cheer out.
"Well they wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a fine commander such as yourself!" I complimented Lightning Strike. I slowly peered my head over the trench line to see the city of Pronterra in the distance, but the skyline I had saw a long time ago was not there...
"Save it Kiniro! We have a city to retake! FOR PRONTERRA!" Lightning yelled.
"FOR PRONTERRA! HURRAH!" Many voices yelled out, but the cheer was quickly cut short with the sound of a loud whistle over head.
"GET DOWN ALL OF YOU! MAGICAL BOMBARDMENT INCOMING!" Lightning yelled out and quickly hit the deck. Following his queue I hit the ground as quickly as I could.
"What now Captain!?" I heard another voice call out!
"Wait this bombardment out! Our reinforcements can't be more than just a few minutes out!" Lightning responded to the voice. "Kiniro! Don't just lay on the ground! Make yourself useful! See if you can make a barrier with your music! Help keep some of us alive! We'll be useless if we can't hold out against a pathetic bombardment like this!" Lightning called out to me.
"You got it Captain!" I agreed. "Where's my guitar!?"
"You dropped it! Here catch!" Lightning Strike tossed me my guitar, but it was my old acoustic guitar. It was still in one piece, but no lever on it and it didn't looked weathered. "Now hurry up and play the damn song!"
Slowly I began to play a small melody, that was soothing, as if to calm the nerves even considering what was happening around us. I closed my eyes for a small amount of time as I played. Letting the magical energy flow through me. "Almost got it!" I called out. As I felt the surge of energy stop, I opened my eyes I saw a small blue bubble surrounding me.
"You know Kiniro! I still find it fascinating that your guitar glows blue. I've worked with many musicians before! But you happen to be the first kid! You happen to remind me of the old stories of this bard I heard of his name was Al-" Lightning Strike paused as a whistling noise over head grew louder and louder. "BOMBARDMENT! ITS COMING STRAIGHT DOWN!"
"HOLY SHIT! GET DOWN!" I yelled, and I saw Lightning Strike hit the ground in the trench. I knew that him doing so wouldn't save him from the incoming blasts. I knew my magic barrier was small, but I had to try. I quickly jumped on top of him bringing him into the barrier, and I closed my eyes. Feeling the shocks of the blasts and the explosions deafened me as I laid on the ground.
"BY THE GODS HELP US!!!" I yelled out at the top of my lungs, I suddenly felt a kick in my side. As I opened my eyes, I was no longer in the trench that I was just in moments ago. I laid in the ground, it was cold as stone and I quickly looked around. I saw many royal guards surrounding me and I saw buildings in the background, it was the city of Pronterra with a developing skyline. Slowly my hearing began to return to me.
"-ink I'd be able to realize what you and the other members were planning to do?" I heard a female voice call out to me.
"What?" I responded, unaware what was going on. "Where is Captain Lightning Strike!?" I shouted.
"Oh don't you worry foolish bard. You're friend isn't here, so he doesn't know what is going on. I'm sure if he knew why you were here for, he'd try to stage a coup against me. Just like you did." I recognized the voice, and I looked up, there she was, Queen Xellie, still alive, and threatening me.
"Where are am I!?" I shouted.
"Surely you don't know? Can you not tell? Its the city square. It's your execution day! Foolish bard. But I thought I'd make something of it. Every one of these guards has wanted a piece of you, since you denied my request to self exile. Instead you chose to fight my excellent decree and offer." Queen Xellie explained.
"Execution?!" I shouted, I finally realized were I was, but upon discovering where I was. I no longer felt in control of myself. "You damn know that myself or the other guild members would have never planned a coup against you! We are loyal! We all fought hard to achieve this peace! We don't deserve this type of punishment! That's why I resisted. Unlike the others from the guild that took your offer into exile, I'm not afraid of you!" I proceeded to push myself up to stand and as I stood tall, I spat in the Queen's face.
"You'll regret this! Guard's get ready!" Xellie yelled. I looked frantically for my guitar. "Looking for this?" Xellie held out my guitar in her hands. "Tell you what traitor, I'm feeling generous, and the crowd is anxious, how about you do what you do best. Entertain a crowd, by fighting to your death." She tossed my guitar at me and I barely caught it, fumbling with it until I was able to hold it upright. I quickly depressed the lever to open the slot to see how many arrows I had in the guitar. I counted ten fully loaded. Just enough.
I'm guessing she didn't know about the slot and what else my guitar could be used for. Considering I had modified my guitar to be able to chamber arrows and fire them. It was a creation of mine, but I had based it off some old blue prints I had stumbled across when capturing one of the initial strongholds during the Wars of Emperium before it was eliminated from play. So its modification was kept secret until I had planned to unveil it once it was completed, this was going to be able to give us an undeniable edge considering we had a numerous of musicians in our guild, none as skilled a me however.
During my time with them, I had given them my full attention, my loyalty, and my respect, but as the wars went on, my noble leader turned, cold, brutal and lost face with her original noble cause. So it gave me little to no reason to announce its completion after the second year of fighting, especially as Xellie slowly succumbed to madness and greed for power a our victory seemed more and more imminent as the days went on. So I kept it my little secret ace in the hole as time continued to pass to myself, and did damn good job keeping it that way.
"Making your guards do your dirty work! Why don't you make it a point and fight me yourself?!" I called her out.
"Because I'm royalty, and royalty does not succumb to such brutish tactics. Have you learned nothing?! I have people to do my dirty work now." Xellie explained. "Now prepare to defend yourself bard, I don't even think your impressive skill of using that song of your's, you call 'The Rift' can help you, there's no way you can dispatch all my guards by swinging that guitar of your's in five to ten seconds." Xellie mocked me. "Guards on the ready!"
"Bring it your over zealous bitch!" I shouted.
"Attack!" Xellie yelled.
Quickly I played the song the rift, with its relaxing tone and melody. Forming the song, and seeing my guitar glow its signature light blue. Slowly time slowed down significantly and I felt the surge of adrenaline flow through me. It was now time to unveil my creation to my former leader. I quickly took aim at the first guard to my right, aiming toward his exposed face, and depressed the lever, seeing the arrow in flight head toward its target, him completely unaware this his life was coming to an end. I quickly turned away to avoid the scene of gore and aimed left toward the second guard repeating what I had just done. Quickly I turned and repeated what I had just done with first two guards to the remaining seven that surrounded me. As my adrenaline wore off, and time returned to normal, I heard quick screams and then they suddenly silent with a mist of blood spraying into my face.
"What the... how did you..." The Queen tried to respond but could not just comprehend what happened.
"You're next Queen, I promise, but you're next." I said as I wiped the blood off my face.
"You bastard..." The queen responded. "But I know your power Kiniro, the song has worn off and you won't be able to be fast enough to fight me!"
"But that won't stop me from trying!" I quickly rushed at her with my guitar ready to swing and as I reached her position, she disappeared. "Come out here Xellie and fight me! Fight me in front of all of them!" I yelled. "I have one arrow left in this guitar and it has your name on it Queen! Fight me!"
"In due time Kiniro, you wouldn't want to fight an unarmed opponent now would you? That wouldn't be fair." Xellie mocked me. "But until then... let my guards take care of you..."
I knew, I more than likely wouldn't be able to pull off that stunt that I just performed with my guitar again, as I only had one arrow left. I knew that if I wanted to make a stand against Xellie and her tyranny, it wouldn't be here. "I promise by Odin's wrath! I promise you! You will fall by my hands with this very arrow! "I said as I pulled the final arrow out of the slot and showed it to her. "I promise I will save it for you! Because I don't deserve what you did! Neither do the ones who went into exile! Nor do the people of Rune Midgard!" I shouted. I quickly loaded the arrow back into the guitar, slung my guitar over my shoulder and ran. Pushing my way through the crowd that had formed around the sight of the battle that had just took place, knowing that more guards were on their way. Slowly as I continued to run, my eyesight slowly went black and my hearing went deaf.
I felt a slight nudging on my back and as I felt the nudging my hearing returned to me. "-re arriving in Ponyville! Wake up Kini!" I heard some thing call out to me. My eye sight returned to me to see a purple unicorn staring down at me. Shocked by the responded I jumped up from laying down and fell down to the floor, feeling a sudden jolt of pain.
"AH! Ouch..." I yelled out in pain. I looked down at where I had fallen, seeing my arms in front of me, seeing I had hooves again. "Where am I?" I asked. Slowly my memories of being in Equestria and being a pony returned to me.
"You're on the train you silly pony. Did you forget? Or did your nap get the better of you?" I heard Twilight joke.
"Right... the train." I responded slowly stroking my head with my right hoof trying to figure out what had happened. "How long was I out for?" I asked.
"The entire train ride. Everyone just got off the train, the girls are waiting for us on the platform! Did you have good dreams?" Twilight smiled at me.
I looked at Twilight with a puzzled look as if unable to answer, but within a few moments of silence, I found the words I was looking for. "No Twi... they weren't good dreams. Not good at all..."
"Nightmares Kini?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah..." I responded with a slight disappointment in my voice.
"What about? If I may ask."
"About my past... Why I'd be dreaming about that now... I don't know." I said with an unsure tone.
"There's nothing wrong with that is there?" Twilight asked. "Maybe you're remembering something important or maybe you're subconscious is trying to tell you something"
"Maybe... but what were they trying to tell me..." I asked.
"That's for you to figure out Kini. I wish I could tell you." Twilight responded trying to comfort me. "I'm sure in time you'll figure it out. Now come on the girls are waiting." Twilight stated as she began to lead the way off the train.
"Right... lets get off the train." I responded following her lead.
I'm not sure what my dreams meant or what my subconscious was trying to tell me. But my dreams they seemed so vivid, mostly that first one. It was about my time during the civil war and when I saved Lightning Strike's life, but I felt more in control in that one. Yet when I figured out where I was in the second dream, I no longer had control, I was just as if I was watching a magical replay of what happened that day. What they meant I don't know, considering I hardly ever remembered my dreams unless they were important. Maybe they held clues for me on how to defeat this Meadow Song pony if I have to fight him again, but one thing was very apparent from me in the dreams and considering my last fight with him. I was much stronger when I was a human, than I was as a pony, I had to train both physically and magically if I ever wanted to fight him again...
End of Chapter 13.
Chapter 14: Ponyville Station
The Missing Bard
Chapter 14: Ponyville Station
As I followed Twilight disembarking the train, I saw the other girls waiting for us on station platform. Most of them were concerned with Fluttershy's injuries and giving remarks of support to comfort the hurt yellow pegasus. However Fluttershy was showing that she was strong, and not letting her injury keep her down. But as we approached the others, Fluttershy quickly rushed over to both Twilight's and my side.
"I just w-wanted to tell you, t-thank you for s-saving me." Fluttershy said trying to keep her head up. I knew she was trying to stay strong, but I could only imagine she was in alot of pain.
"You're welcome Fluttershy. You're my friend, I know you would have done the same for me." I mentioned with a slight smile, still gritting my teeth from the pain.
"O-oh, I don't know if I c-could have done the s-same, but I would d-definitely try." Fluttershy reassured me as she smiled back.
"That's what matters Fluttershy. Trying is all I could ask, but from what the others have told me, I know you would be able to pull through and you know why? Because you're still here, you're a very strong pony." I complimented Fluttershy.
"O-oh. I'm not t-that special." Fluttershy tried to disregard the compliment.
"Now horse apples. We all know you're strong Fluttershy. Remember that dragon you stood up to? Or what about that time you saved my little sis and her friends from that cockatrice? Or when you stood up to that Minotaur Iron Will?" Applejack commented contesting Fluttershy.
"Yes dear, you have always risen to the occasion!" Rarity supported.
"Yeah Fluttershy you've always done the unexpected." Twilight also supported.
"W-well. I guess I can be a l-little assertive when I n-need to be." Fluttershy finally agreed.
"That’s the spirit Fluttershy!" I commented.
"T-thank you all for b-believing in me." Fluttershy stated while giving a big smile with a high pitched sound.
"Did you hear that?" I said curiously. "Is that that squeeing sound you told me about Twi?"
"Yes Kini. It is." Twilight confirmed. "Fluttershy is just excited"
"Oh ok, I'm just still trying to figure out how that works..." I stated as I tried to scratch my head with my front right hoof.
"Oh! S-speaking of! I have to go tend to my animal f-friends!" Fluttershy quickly stated. "Oh but I don't know if I'll be able to get it all done, they all expect to be fed by a certain time, especially Angel."
"Don't worry Fluttershy! I can go help you!" Pinkie Pie answered.
"O-oh c-could you? I m-mean if you're not b-busy or anything." Fluttershy responded.
"No not at all Flutters! I took the day off from Sugar Cube Corner Mr. and Mrs. Cake said I deserved a break!" Pinkie told the yellow Pegasus.
"Oh, ok, that's g-great! Think we could go d-do that now?" Fluttershy stated to only see Pinkie Pie nod in agreement. "If you'll e-excuse us every pony, we have to go take care of my animal friends. We'll see you all tomorrow and please Kiniro get some rest."
"I'll try." I responded.
"Please do try." Fluttershy stated.
"And if he doesn't I'll make him get some rest." Twilight added in.
"Oh yes Twilight, if he can't rest, make him get rest." Fluttershy stated as both her and Pinkie both trotted off.
It had always surprised me to hear stories about Fluttershy being, well not so shy and timid. Yet I still had a hard time believing some of the other girls stories about her, but then again hearing Applejack say it. It definitely had to be true. Then again even back in Midgard there was a saying. "Its always the quiet ones that you least expect ", I thought to myself.
"There's something that's been bothering me Kiniro." Rarity commented.
"What is it Rarity?" I responded.
"Back on the train, you told us all that there was a pony, you called Meadow Song, knew how to play that impressive song of Ragnarok. How is it possible he knows it?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah how did some random pony know that song?" Applejack added in.
"What pony knew what song?" I suddenly heard a familiar voice ask like the others. All of us quickly turned around to see Rainbow Dash land on the station platform.
"There was another pony earlier today in Canterlot that knew how to play the song of Ragnarok." Twilight responded.
"What how is that possible? I thought Kiniro here was the only pony who could possibly play that here?!" Rainbow Dash said shocked.
"Yeah, well that's what I thought also." I answered. "So I don't know how this other stallion knew it."
"By the way what happened to you Kiniro?" Rainbow Dash asked noticing my bandages. "You look like a train hit you."
"I think the train would have hurt less, but I got in a fight with the other stallion by the name of Meadow song, he knew the song of Ragnarok." I commented.
"At first, Kiniro went to go talk to him seeing that there was another pony with a guitar for a cutie mark, since Kiniro lets his obsession of music get to him, but when when Fluttershy and I went to pull him away, this other pony by the name of Meadow Song just flipped a lid and attacked us. He hurt Fluttershy and Kiniro pretty bad, but Kini got the better of him." Twilight tried to explain.
"That stallion hurt Fluttershy!? Let me at him!" Rainbow Dash quickly commented.
"It's ok, he's been taken in by the Royal Guards for questioning." I said to calm Rainbow Dash. "Plus Fluttershy and I will make a full recovery within a few days. But I had to..." I quickly trailed off.
"He was trying to play the song of Ragnarok to kill Fluttershy and thanks to Kini's quick thinking, he stopped him and knocked him out, but he broke his guitar in the process." Twilight explained to Rainbow Dash. "Plus he's been pretty beat up over the idea of him losing his old acoustic guitar."
I tried to add to Twilight's explanation, but I quickly was over come with emotion with being reminded of the loss of my guitar and started tearing.
"See Twi, look what you've gone and done. He was just barely getting over it, and now he's crying over it again." Applejack scolded Twilight.
"Gah! I didn't meant to get him to start crying over it! I'm sorry Kini! I wasn't trying to make you cry, I was just trying to explain to Rainbow!" Twilight tried to comfort me.
"Its... ok..." I stated quickly breathing heavily once through my snout, pulling the tears that had emptied into my snout to the back of my throat and wiped the tears off my face with my front right hoof.
"But that does seem crazy, how would another pony know how to play the Song of Ragnarok." Rainbow Dash stated.
"That's what myself and Applejack were trying to figure out." Rarity agreed with Rainbow Dash.
"Its even a shock to me." Twilight added. "I believed that Kiniro was the only pony here in Equestria that had musical magic, but now seeing this Meadow Song, that really raises some questions."
"It does, have there ever been rare cases of any ponies other than Unicorns having magical abilities?" I asked Twilight.
"From my studies, no, there have been plenty of stories and novels I've read, mostly fantasy novels, but nothing in actual recorded history. As far as Equestria is concerned you were the first recorded case, but then again that's because you turned into a pony, not that you were actually a pony of birth." Twilight tried to explain.
"I understand Twi, but how does that explain Meadow Song?" I asked.
"I don't think any pony would really know." Twilight answered with Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash listening in with dedication.
"Hmm..." Applejack stated.
"What are you thinking AJ?" Twilight asked.
"Well, I'm not the smartest with understanding magic like you do Twi, but Kiniro here has his musical magic talent because he's from Midgard. Now its a long shot, and I think its highly unlikely, but do you think its possible that another human from his world who had similar talents like him was brought here?" Applejack pondered as she removed her hat and scratched her head with her front left hoof.
"Well... Its possible, but highly unlikely, considering Kini's arrival was very unique." Twilight tried to explain.
"Its true, the only I'm here is because of very unique circumstances." I answered for Twilight as I got my composure back.
"How so Kiniro my dear?" Rarity asked. "We've heard the stories but what's your theory on it?"
"Well after these past couple months in Equestria, its still a theory and I can't prove it considering as Twilight says, we can't prove it via the 'Scientific Method' or whatever she calls it. But anyway, I fought Satan Morroc in my world, and the combination of both my song of Ragnarok and his aura burst trapped me in this great void. Once there, then Princess Luna who is one of most powerful magic users here in Equestria found me in the void via my magical signature and pulled me through to save me."
"While I do believe in the unique magic signature theory, I've never sensed it, but if Princess Luna says it exists, it has to be true, but I wonder if Princess Celestia ever noticed your presence in the void?" Twilight asked.
"I don't know Twi, that's something we'd have to ask them both, but I'm still thankful that Luna pulled me through. But it is highly likely Princess Celestia noticed me but refused to pull me through due to her rules." I responded. "But that only explains my unique entry into Equestria, so I highly doubt that this Meadow Song is from my world."
"I know Kiniro, but we can't rule it out completely." Applejack argued.
"We must be not disregard this, even if highly unlikely it is a possibility." Rarity sided with Applejack.
"I mean its possible that someone since I left Midgard has learned to play the song of Ragnarok, but Satan Morroc is dead now so its not possible for someone to cross over." I stated.
"What about from before you Kiniro?" Rarity asked.
"Well... back in my world there was another Bard who was able to play the song of Ragnarok, but that was 300 years ago in my world, and he perished playing it. History from my world states that he lost control of the song and the aura you've seen engulf me when I play Ragnarok, burned him alive due to his lack of control. So again, there's no way to make that theory work. I wish there was a way to make it work because it would make sense this way." I explained.
"Well its the only theory we can see working Kini." Twilight sided with Rarity and Applejack. "Because there's no way that an earth pony by any means here in Equestria could possess magic, your the only exception because you're originally from another world and you turned into a pony."
"But I don't think." I tried to continue but then I remembered. During my fight with Meadow Song, he had a guitar similar to mine that fired arrows from it. He had originally tried to use them to take out Twilight. "There is something that is a bit strange, his guitar that he used to attack Twilight and Fluttershy, it shot arrows, just like how I modified mine to."
"Modified?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, originally this guitar was just a regular acoustic guitar, but I modified it and built a firing mechanism based off some blueprints I had found during my days fighting in the Wars of Emperium fighting for my former leader Xellie."
"So how did he make a guitar similar to yours?" Rarity asked.
"That I don't know, but it was oddly similar, mind you, I only used these blue prints as a guide, but I built all the parts to my own liking. Considering I never shared the blue prints with anyone else, and when I found them, they were in a stronghold back room that could only be accessed via a secret passage way. Not to mention the back room looked like had not been accessed in many years." I explained. "But I did notice that Meadow's guitar seemed to more closely resemble the blue prints than mine, at least for what I can remember."
"So that has to be the proof! If we can get his guitar and investigate it, maybe we can find some clues about who this pony is!" Applejack commented.
"That's a good idea!" I agreed. "There has to be some more clues!" Then I also remembered the silver engraving plate that I had noticed with the weathered writing. "I also remember seeing this silver plate on the back of the neck of his guitar, it had some writing on it but I couldn't make out what it said."
"Writing? How weathered was it?" Twilight asked.
"Pretty bad, I was able to make out some letters here and there, but I couldn't decipher its message."
"Well if we could get a hold of his guitar, maybe I could use a restoration spell to see what the message says."
"Good! Maybe we should go back to Canterlot and go get it from the Royal Guards!"
"Well... if only, once something comes into the possession or it gets confiscated by the Royal Guards its probably gone for good. I could try to pull some strings with Princess Celestia or my brother Shining Armor when he gets back, but who knows it it will still be there once I put my in requests." Twilight explained.
"So back to square one then..," I said with a slightly depressed tone. "That guitar of his holds the key of who he might be and its out of reach, but I'm still skeptical about another human from Midgard being here."
"But yet Queen Xellie got here didn't she?" Rainbow Dash commented.
"But I think that's only because she got caught in the blast of my song and Satan Morroc's aura burst, and of course Luna admitting to pulling her through as well." I explained.
"Still seems to be pointing to another human from Midgard Kiniro." Applejack stated again.
"I highly doubt it, but the more and more even I look at some of the evidence... It might just be, but, something doesn't add up though, I've been the only musician to ever play the song of Ragnarok and survive its effects! But no future bards have the same circumstances fighting Satan Morroc to be put in the same position, and the only bard who ever used the song died by the song of Ragnarok's overwhelming power!" I said with a frustrated tone. "I just... I'm having to very conflicting stories here and... I don't know what to think, either something impressively impossible has happened here in Equestria or the history of Midgard is wrong! And I know that Midgard's history can't be wrong! I know I'm the only musician to survive Ragnarok, I was told this since I performed it during the Civil War! Lightning Strike told me so and he's a huge History buff back in Midgard! So I know it can't be wrong!"
"But Kini something just doesn't sit right here." Twilight wondered. "No earth pony can have that talent other than you!"
"But Midgard's history can't be wrong! Lightning even told me the name of the bard who died! His name was Aldo! He told me he died when he pushed his limits and the song of Ragnarok killed him! That's why that song was forbidden to be used by all musicians everywhere!"
"So then why did you use it?" Twilight asked.
"I used it by accident the first time, and that brought the Midgard Civil War to a cease fire, mostly due to concern of me possibly obliterating both sides, but when I said I only wanted peace to be brought back to the land the rebels seceded to those defending Tristam's rule, on the condition of better freedom and representation, which lead to the formation of the High Council of Rune Midgard." I stated.
"Didn't you say that the High Council lead to the Wars of Emperium?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, but that's only because they feared that without a king there would be another unpredictable power vacuum in Rune Midgard so instead they produced a controlled one via the wars. But that's beyond the point." I explained. "Look I'm sure we will find the answer in due time... I'd like to try and figure this out more... but I have to get to sleep, I need to rest up for a while."
"Yes agreed Kini needs his sleep. We'll catch you all tomorrow and hopefully we can figure this out." Twilight commented.
"And get me better trained in case I need to fight that Meadow Song pony again, I doubt that this is our last encounter." I said with a worried tone.
"Hmm, leave the training planning to me and AJ." Rainbow Dash stated. "We're the best athletes in Ponyville, so once you're better we can get stronger!"
"Yes leave it to us Kiniro." Applejack agreed to help.
"Also, I maybe just a simple fashionista but I'm sure I can work up some protective clothing for you if given some time to study some designs." Rarity added in.
"Stop by the library later Rarity we can study together." Twilight invited. "Anyway I have to get this tired pony home."
With that we all went our separate ways from the train station. Twilight and myself heading home, and I began to ponder the evidence that was piling up. As much as I hated to admit it, but Twilight and the others had to be right, but I just kept wondering how it was possible. Was it really true that another human with my abilities was here in Equestria? There couldn't be another other explanation. He had to come from Midgard's past, and this bard had to have fought against Satan Morroc before he was imprisoned, like I did to get here, and someone had to pull him through. But one question that was now on my mind who was this bard who was missing from Midgard's history...
End of Chapter 14.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 15: Rest
As I walked home with Twilight, the thoughts of Meadow Song constantly troubled my mind. Just the thought of this pony did not set well with me, the fact that he could very well likely be from my world. But just two things did not add up in my mind still, there was only one bard before me that knew the song of Ragnarok, and he existed during the time period in which Satan Morroc existed, or at least from what I decipher from what Lightning Strike had once told me in my past. But what could be the connection.
Myself and Twilight had been walking for a few minutes, but we had finally arrived at our home, the Ponyville Library. It still amazed me some times that this building was my new home. Considering back when I lived in Juno I was almost in the Grand Library everyday studying music theory when I wasn't performing for Zeny or at my apartment resting, but this took it to the extreme. Just a shame that Twilight had still not expanded on her music collection yet, but every time I asked her she always seemed to give the excuse of not many books on music existed in Equestria and most of those only existed at the Royal Library in Canterlot. However she did put in requests to Princess Celestia if it was possible to get copies made for me and sent here, and we never got no for an answer, so I only assumed that book production in this world took a significant amount of time compared to in Midgard, but I'd think with magic being prevalent here, just as in Midgard, it wouldn't be such a set back.
"Lets get you inside Kini and get you to bed, you've had a long day." Twilight remarked as she opened the door to the library.
"Yeah... long day is putting it nicely, but yes I need some rest." I responded with an exhausted tone. "I'm going to head off to bed here soon."
"Good idea, I just hope you'll be better tomorrow." Twilight stated, but realizing her mistake in her phrasing quickly responded with, " well at least feeling better by tomorrow, I know you won't be completely healed but you know what I mean."
"I know what you mean Twi, I'm still glad you're wishing the best for me." I responded and leaned in for a kiss.
"I'd never stop wishing the best for you Kini." Twilight replied as she leaned in also and we both kissed lightly. "Now off to bed you! I'm going to stay here downstairs and wait for Rarity to come over, hopefully we can find something that could be used as armor in your next fight with Meadow Song. If that day ever comes, we all want to make sure you're prepared. We'll try not to make too much nose so we can let you sleep."
"Thanks Twi, I appreciate it." I said with a big yawn. "I'll see you in the morning and thank you again, tell Rarity I say thank you as well."
"I will, and hopefully we find something for you. Now stop stalling and get to bed!" Twilight responded and smiled.
"Alright alright. See you in the morning." I replied as I began to head up the staircase to the bedroom. Each step I had taken up the staircase sent a surge of pain up and down my spine, but at least the climb was manageable, but the thought of me being in a much worse condition gave me the strength to continue all the way to the top.
As I reached the top I opened the door and looked around the bedroom to see the bed that both Twilight and I had shared for months since I became a pony. I thought I never see that bed with such enthusiasm as I did right now, that I would be finally able to rest my aching bones and muscles, considering most of the time I thought the bed was as hard as a rock, but right now, it didn't matter and I didn't care. I had slowly made my way to our bed and crawled in, not bothering to get underneath the sheets, only to realize that the bed was much more comfortable this way to lay in. I only guessed its because the sheets were giving extra cushioning, or the fact that I was extremely exhausted, but either way it felt amazing.
As I laid in bed, I found myself physically tired, but mentally awake and unable to fall asleep right away, so I began looking around the room again.As I investigated the room, I caught a glimpse of a small bookcase in the corner of the room. I had seen this bookcase before and no matter how many times I had seen it, I always scratched my head on why it was in the bedroom, considering we lived in a library. But what made this bookcase special was that it was filled with a collection of books which Twilight called her favorites and a photograph of both her and I at the "Day of the Musician" festival held in Ponyville, with me sticking my tongue out with a big dumb smile and her just putting her hoof in her face ashamed of my reaction.
Upon seeing the picture I smiled and closed my eyes remembering the days of the festival. The day was beautiful, the entire town square in Ponyville was decorated with banners, streamers, flags and balloons. The aroma of the delicious treats made by the a Cake Family, The Apple Clan, and the Carrot Family was in the air, and all of it was as delicious as it smelled. Even the gray pegasus that I would run into, when trying to navigate to Octavia and Vinyl's house, by accident was there and selling these delicious smelling muffins, and I swore that she was so proud to be selling her baked goods that her walled eye'd stare even corrected itself for a short time! I swear that day I could have put on significant amount of weight if not for being apart of the festival organization committee with Twilight and our Friends, so I had only gotten to taste some of the treats. So I had missed out on a lot of what was there, but every time I missed the chance to try something there, I kept telling myself "Next Year. Always next year."
As I opened my eyes again, I took another look at that picture, realizing that I had the song of Ragnarok to thank for all of this. Not just for turning me into a pony, but also for being apart of the catalyst that brought me here. Granted I had to thank Satan Morroc partly for this, which I seemed odd that I was thanking the great evil from Midgard for doing its part to bring me here. Yet the one I had to thank also was Princess Luna, her caring heart saved, Equestria, Midgard and finally she saved me, not just physically, but she saved me from being alone the rest of my life, I never knew how I'd be able to repay her. I was finally happy, having a new home, a special some pony that cared for me just as much as I cared for her.
With the thoughts of Princess Luna, I had remembered that I was supposed to send letters to her! "What should I write to her, come to think of it... how will my letters get to her?" I thought and quickly my questions were answered.
"Hey Kiniro, Twilight asked me to come check on you, is there anything I can get for you?" I heard a young male voice call out to me and I turned my head to see that it was Spike standing in the doorway.
"Actually yes." I responded.
"What can I get you?" Spike asked.
"Well I need some parchment and a pen." I replied.
"Sending a letter out?"
"Yes, I need to send a letter out to the Princess."
"Alrighty, let me just... Ah there we go!" Spike replied as he pulled a piece of parchment and a quill from behind him.
"Uh... you just carry that stuff with you all the time or something?" I asked.
"When you're Twilight's number one assistant you always prepare for emergency letters or double-triple checklists. So I'm always ready. I know it seems silly, but better than always running back to get more supplies and have Twilight get impatient." Spike explained.
"Yep, that's Twilight." I responded to have both Spike and myself chuckle lightly. "Hey Spike, I know we don't get to hang out a lot or see you that often, but thanks for everything."
"No problem, I'm just being a friend of a friend." Spike replied with a smile. "Hey I hope you don't mind me asking, but maybe we could, I dunno, hang out in the near future. Don't get me wrong I love helping Twilight and her friends, but I'm always hanging around a lot of girls, not a lot of guy time you know."
"Sure Spike, that'd be cool, considering the only guys I know are Twilight's brother Shining Armor and he's out on vacation with Cadance. Then there's Applejack's brother Big Macintosh and don't get me wrong, he's awesome to work and talk, but... not much of a talker just to talk or hang out, a stallion of very few words. So in other words, I'd look forward to it." I smiled at spike.
"Cool beans! I mean, that's awesome." Spike said out in joy. "So I'm guessing this letter is to Princess Celestia?"
"Actually no, Princess Luna." I retorted.
"Hmm. Princess Luna huh?"
"Yeah, I'm supposed to send out letters regarding the magic of friendship just like Twilight and her friends. Plus any other findings I have regarding my magical abilities." I explained.
"Hmm, alright, I'm surprised Luna is taking this on, but ok."
"Well Celestia was going to spearhead it but Luna insisted, she wanted to play a role, considering she's partly the reason I'm here."
"Fair enough. So what should I write?" Spike asked.
"Hmm... let me think." I said, and as I began to think." Ah I've got it!"
"Lay it on me!" Spike replied as he put the quill onto the paper and awaited my words.
I cleared my throat lightly and began to speak. "My Dear Friend Princess Luna. I may not be able to state it enough, but I wanted to say thank you for saving me from the great void many months ago and giving me the opportunity to have a new life here in Equestria because of which. No simple words or even a song could express my gratitude toward you." I paused to gather my thoughts only to see Spike pause and peer over the parchment and awaited my following words.
"Anything else Kiniro?" Spike asked.
"Oh right yes. Sorry." I replied. "However I am also sending you this letter as a response in my findings in friendship and my magic. As far as friendship is concerned, these past few months I have discovered, that no matter how tarnished a pony's view on life can be, there can be that moment or that pony that can cause him or her to change his or her mind about life. Even to the point where that pony opens up and is able to cherish the greatness of Friendship. I am fortunate enough to have learned this here in Equestria due to the great friends I have made here." I paused again to gather my thoughts. "Sorry Spike give me a second."
"That's ok, take your time." Spike responded.
"Ok, last part." I replied. "Finally as far as my magic is concerned, I have recently undergone a battle with a mysterious pony by the name of Meadow Song. While I'm sure you've witnessed fights between ponies before, but this was no ordinary pony. As we did battle, he wielded a guitar just like I do, but what I find very troubling is that he was able to play and activate the song of Ragnarok as he attempted to kill my friends and I in Canterlot Square earlier this morning. While I'm sure you have heard something of it by now, I'd prefer you know what happened from the ponies involved. This guitar playing pony troubles me immensely considering he does know how to harness the power of Ragnarok, but what troubles me more is that there is a very strong possibility that this pony might be just like me. Another from Bard from Midgard, but how he got here or what's his purpose here I am unaware. During the battle I was fortunate to knock him out unforunately at the expense of my guitar and he is currently being held by your royal guards. Please do consider him very dangerous as he mentioned something about eliminating the Elements of Harmony. I hope your guards can keep him contained and if not, believe that he will come after the Elements of Harmony. If that happens I will do in my utmost capability to stop him to prevent this from happening. Please do take appropriate precautions my Princess and please do respond with any information you might have about this pony, as it might aid in discovering his identity. Thank you. Forever in your debt. Kiniro The Bard." I paused for a moment and waited for spike.
"Ok... Kiniro The Bard... Got it. Is that it Kiniro?" Spike asked as he lifted the quill off the parchment.
"Yeah that's going to be it." I replied.
"Ok now to send it!" Spike commented and quickly breathed a green fire onto the parchment and I saw it burst into flamesand disappear.
"Hey why did you do that!?" I shouted.
"Well duh to send it to Princess Luna, why else?" Spike explained.
"Sent it?" I asked with a confused look.
"Yeah, I am a magical dragon you know, breath fire on them and they get sent out. How else do you think Twilight sends her letters? Via the Ponyville Post Office?"
"Oh... I uh." I tried to understand.
"Yeah yeah I know its a difficult concept for some ponies, but you'll figure it out soon. Now anyway if you need anything else just call, I'll be down stairs with Twilight and... Rarity..." Spike trailed off as he exited the bedroom.
It's times like this that make me wish that I had more time to hang out with Spike so I could get to know him and understand how he does things. But I had spent to much time lately worrying about getting my magic back that I kinda ignored all the other wonderful things around me, but I did promise Spike that I would hang out with him going forward, so hopefully things would change.
I quickly turned over to face the bookcase as felt a sudden mental exhaustion set in. I looked up seeing the photograph that stood on the bookcase again. "I promise I'll figure out this Meadow Song out.. I promise... for you Twi... For you." I said aloud as I stretched my left front leg trying to touch the picture with my hoof, only to fall limp. "I promise..." Slowly closing my eyes, feeling the mental exhaustion really set in, I yawned deeply and took my body's queue that I needed rest. I turned over again and placed a pillow over my head and called it a night.
End of Chapter 15.
Chapter 16: Dreams Part 2
The Missing Bard
Chapter 16: Dreams Part 2
These past few hours had drained me both physically and mentally. The combinations of my injuries, my self loathing on how I let Fluttershy get injured and the loss of my precious guitar that I had carried with me over the years. While I had been cooping better as the day went on, but the thoughts and pain continually lingered on. It all took a very big toll on me and now the thought of rest was a very welcome idea after all of this.
I had laid in bed for sometime, with my mind racing with transit nodes of thought of the mysterious Meadow Song. Trying to make sense of him, his ability to play Ragnarok, a similar guitar that fired arrows and Applejack's theory of the pony's magic. However no matter how many times I tried to connect every piece of information together, it always came to the same problem. The original bard that played the song of Ragnarok had perished due to his inability to control the song, but yet, he did exist during the reign of Tristam the First, considering each king ruled for roughly one hundred years. My final thoughts before I let my mind relax and going completely blank, were "Could this bard have fought in King Tristam the First's grand army against Satan Morroc..."
As I laid on the bed, I felt a nudge on my back pushing on me, but I shrugged it off wanting to continue on with my sleep. But as I tried to shrug it off, I felt the nudge get stronger and then followed a slap on my back and I fell of the bed. "Ow... damn it. Who is trying to..." I stopped my sentence as I opened my eyes and found myself inside a trench.
"Are you alright kid?" I heard a male voice call to me, I looked in its direction and found myself lying on top of Lightning Strike. "That was extremely close, thanks... for saving me." Lightning Strike mentioned.
I quickly realized that I was revisiting my past, unable to alter my movements, I was a puppet in my own mind, and no longer in control. "Yeah... I'm alright, Captain, and you would have done the same to me." I replied only to here more of the magical bombardment land near by, but it seemed weaker than the previous blasts that had been hitting our positions.
"CAPTAIN LIGHTNING STRIKE!" I heard another male voice call out, also being vaguely familiar. I crawled off Lightning Strike and we both arose from the ground covered in mud. "Captain! We have arrived! The Cavalry has arrived, were do you need us?" I heard the voice call out again. We both turned around to greet the voice, seeing another armored individual from head to toe, but instead of the Royal Seal on his armor, he had a giant cross on his..
"Good, so the 3rd Cavalry is here to reinforce us. Captain Fayd, good to see you make it to the big dance." Lightning Strike greeted the individual. "I see you're still wearing your old crusader armor, whats the occasion?" Lightning strike followed with a laugh.
"I'd rather wear my crusader armor, its not as well plated as yours, but you know me better, I'd rather be nimble and agile than over encumbered. What can I say, its kept me alive and that's what matters." Captain Fayd retorted.
"I can't argue with that, good to see you again my old friend. Any news on Lieutenant Marcus and his Ranger Platoon?" Lightning Strike asked.
"Yes I do actually, Lieutenant Marcus has devised a plan to get the 25 Morroc Ranger Platoon and flank their position from the right, over by those hills over there." Captain Fayd pointed with his finger.
"Fayd?" I asked interrupting the two officers conversation. "Is that really you?"
Captain Fayd quickly turned to face me. "By Odin's name, Kiniro! My boy what the hell are you doing here?"
"Its a long story Fayd. I just got swept up in this really." I tried to explain.
"Yeah Fayd, I picked him up a few months ago. He had been traveling near the eastern forest town of Payon, he had gotten ambushed by rebel forces. He had held them off quite well for some time but they had brought up almost an entire regiment to fight against him alone, he was outnumbered, but he was vicious but it was to much for him. Luckily for him, I had sent elements of the Royal Guards to do recon in force to see if Payon was either a threat or supporter of the kingdom. The rest well, you can imagine how it turned out." Lightning explained.
"Well, Kiniro you take after your father, rest his soul. I'm sure he's looking down from Valhalla and I'm sure he's proud of you. But even though I wish you weren't involved in this conflict, but at the same time I'm glad that you're here at least now I can watch over for you just like old times." Captain Fayd commented.
"Thanks Fayd. I know I had left at an early age to be an archer then quickly followed my path to become a musician. I never did get to say thank you for taking me in with your family when I was a child." I replied.
"Its alright, Kiniro. It's what your mother and father would have wanted." Fayd stated.
"I hate to break up this reunion but, Captain Fayd, are your troops in position?" Lightning Strike asked.
"Oh yes, sorry my friend." Fayd responded quickly. "Sorry Kiniro we will have to play catch up later."
"Whats the plan Fayd?" Lightning Strike asked.
"Well if my intel is correct, the city is heavily defended, but its mostly magicians using magical bombardment to keep everyone here at bay, but now that the 3rd Cavalry is here, we can swoop in and make a breach." Fayd stated.
"Isn't that a bit risky?" Lightning Strike asked.
"Extremely, but we don't have a choice here, but we are the fastest cavalry regiment in Tristam's army! So I hope they know how to cast their magic quick enough to be able to hit us as we make our charge toward the city walls." Fayd stated with heavy enthusiasm.
"Very well, promise me you will take care my friend." Lightning Strike responded.
"Yes Fayd, please don't die out there." I requested.
"I will try my best, I can't promise, but I will try my best." Fayd replied. Fayd then quickly placed two fingers in his mouth from the same hand and made an extremely loud whistle as if to call out to someone. Quickly a giant bird with small wings covered in plate armor and worn a saddle on its back, had run up toward our position and jumped in the trench where all three of us had been talking. "There there Enden..." Fayd said to the bird while petting its head, and then quickly mounted his feathery steed. "Be still Enden. Lightning, follow my regiments charge, we shall do this together."
"Agreed friend, you go, I go." Lightning nodded his head to his fellow officer. "ROYAL GUARD! WE ARE TO FOLLOW THE 3rd CAVALRY IN THEIR GLORIOUS CHARGE TO RETAKE THE CITY, ON THE COMMAND OF CAPTAIN FAYD OF THE 3rd CAVALRY. MAKE READY YOUR WEAPONS AND MY GOD BE WITH YOU! FOR PRONTERRA!" Lightning Strike yelled to his troops.
"FOR PRONTERRA! FOR KING TRISTAM! HUZZAH" I heard thousands of voices cheer out in unison followed by cheering.
Lightning Strike had nodded to Fayd signaling his support. "We are with you, all of us." Lightning told Fayd.
"Just what I want to hear." Captain Fayd stated taking a deep breath. He looked down for a moment at his steed, followed by looking at us and finally the all the troops that occupied the trench. Fayd slowly exhaled and then reached down for his saber that he had sheathed on his side. In one swift stroke, he grabbed his saber, released it from its leather prison and pointed it skyward.
I looked at its magnificent glory as it pointed upward. Even seeing the sun shine off the blade, I shaded my eyes with my hand as it nearly blinded me. I turned to see Fayd, and nodded to him. Only to receive the same back as a response. Then he quickly pointed his sword forward, and I saw him quickly look around again. Finally to hear the words that we all expected, anticipated and dreaded all together. Fayd screaming at the top of his lungs. "3rd CAVALRY AND ROYAL GUARD! CHARGE!" and he quickly took off on his steed.
I heard the thousands of voices that had been recently cheering do so louder. I looked around at the trench seeing Royal Guards go over the top of the trench. Followed by what looked like hundreds of armored soldiers on giant birds jumping over the trench to enter the no mans land that had been established. As I looked in amazement, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I quickly looked over to see Lightning Strike signaling at me. "HEAD OVER THE TOP! I'LL BE RIGHT BEHIND YOU." Lightning Strike yelled.
I attempted to climb up over the trench to fall on my behind and my guitar fell by my side, but that didn't stop me. I pushed myself back up, picked my guitar and slung it over my back. Lightning Strike positioned himself placing his two hands like a cradle and signaled me to step on his hands. Following his instruction I placed my right foot on his hands, he pushed me over the top and I fell flat on my face in the mud.
I slowly pushed myself back up and wiped the mud off my face. I opened my eyes to see the sight of the once beautiful city of Pronterra in the distance, ablaze and finally the city wall in front of us. I had quickly shed a tear seeing that the capital of our great nation was being destroyed, but it filled my heart with hate. "Kiniro! MOVE UP! I'M RIGHT BEHIND YOU." I heard Lightning Strike call out.
"YES SIR!" I responded, quickly swinging my guitar around off my back into my hands and caressed it tightly. I looked around again to see many armored soldiers both on foot and on their birds rushing forward. I felt Lightning Strike tap my back to signal that he was right behind me, and I began to run forward toward the city wall. As we both ran forward, I heard a loud whistle and turned to my side to see Captain Fayd on top of his steed accompanying us as we ran forward. All of us were brought together as friends, family, and allies. Fighting for the freedom of our great nation and this reassured me.
As we rushed forward, I began to hear the signature whistle of incoming magical bombardment overhead. I knew that my demise might come at any moment, and I knew that my friends at my sides knew the same. However that didn't deter us from our goal at hand but, as we heard the first set of bombardment land around us, we quickly put some distance between us in the event if an explosion hit nearby.
What seemed like an eternity, we still continued rushing forward, as we dodged the bombardment as it landed near us. I quickly swung my guitar over my shoulder into my hands, as we moved forward, in the event I had to play a barrier spell. We had quickly grouped together again as the city wall got closer and closer. "WE'VE GOT THIS!" I heard Fayd yell out. "WE'VE GOT THIS!"
But as shortly after Fayd began to yell his remarks of support, the deafening sound of bombardment overhead was getting louder and louder. I knew that any moment this could be the end, I felt as if time slowed down, as if every second now was precious, and my heart was racing. I closed my eyes and continued running forward as fast as I can and I heard the explosion and then within a second, the shock wave that came with it. I felt myself being tossed upward, I caressed my guitar as hard as I could to hold it with me, and finally landing hard on the ground getting the wind knocked out of me.
I heard a loud ringing in my ears, unable to hear anything else. I felt the sudden surge of pain run through my body, I knew I must be badly injured. Not wanting to face what may have happened to me, I refused to open my eyes, and let myself die here, but I knew I had to face the truth. I opened my eyes slowly, and I saw myself covered in mud, dirt and still holding onto my guitar tightly. I moved the guitar off to my side to see what had been done to my body. No missing body parts, no blood, I was ok, mostly, I assumed. I quickly pushed myself off the ground, feeling a sudden surge of pain go through me, but I knew I had to keep moving.
I looked around to see what had become of my friends. I quickly scouted the area to see Lightning Strike being helped up by Fayd. I quickly picked up my guitar and rushed over to their side to assist Fayd with Lightning strike but Fayd's steed was no where to be found. I grabbed Lightning Strike's hand and helped Fayd pull him up. We all nodded to each other and I signaled to them that we had to keep moving. Lightning agreed with a thumbs up, and Fayd responded with a yell which sounded like "Let's go." But my ears were still ringing from the bombardment that hit us.
I saw Fayd duck down to pick up his saber that had fallen from his hands from what I assumed was the explosion. He grabbed his saber and began to pull himself up, and as he recomposed himself. I saw an arrow hit Fayd on his chest plate and penetrate his armor and he quickly hit the ground.
"FAYD!" I yelled. I quickly got down to his side and the ringing in my ears was now mostly gone.
"Get this damn... Arrow out of me!" Fayd yelled.
"I got you buddy!" Lightning strike stated and tried to pull the arrow out of him, but it snapped mid shaft and the arrow head was still inside of Fayd. "Sorry I can't get it out!" As Lightning strike held the arrow, I saw that there was this purple liquid draining from the inside of the shaft of the arrow.
"Oh shit..." I stated.
Lightning Strike looked at Fayd. "I'm sorry my friend..." Lightning said with the prideful tone of his voice escaping him.
Fayd examined the arrow that Lightning had tried to remove from him. "Its a poison arrow... Damn it." Fayd quickly pulled at my vest and brought me down to him. "Kiniro, I know I won't be left for this world long now. Those crafty bastards and their poison arrows." Fayd took a deep breath." Look Kiniro... I promised your father I'd look after you, but I won't be able to hold that promise anymore... I just want you to know, that when I raised you and helped you get out into the world." Fayd stated and took another deep breath, but it was weaker this time. "You're father wanted me to take care of you as my own, and in some ways, I treated you like the son I never had. You've made me proud... you've made your... parents proud."
"Fayd... I know you did the best to take care of me and look after me, but... I always respected you as if you were my father and I'm glad that you helped raise me. Thank you... for everything." I said with tears running down my face.
"I'm glad that for... a small time... I could call you... my son..." Fayd took one last breath, slowly faded away and his grip on my vest slowly released me.
I pushed myself up from Fayd's now lifeless body, and Lightning Strike put his hand on my shoulder to try to comfort me. I looked at Lightning to see him also tearing slightly. "We have to keep moving Kiniro, there is nothing we can do for him." Begrudgingly I had to accept this and held my guitar tightly. As I held my guitar, I began to see it glow light blue without playing it, and I felt something posses me. I began to play my guitar with chords that I did not recognize. I had a mixture of feelings over take me, hatred, apathy and sorrow for the loss of the man that helped raise me.
"Kiniro... what's going on!?" Lightning Strike asked, but his question went unanswered as I continued to play this melody that I did not recognize. Slowly my guitar began to glow brighter and brighter and suddenly I saw a weak aura not just surround the guitar, but me as well. "Kiniro what the hell is going on!?" But again it went unanswered. The aura began to grow brighter and brighter until it completely covered me and engulfed me. "KINIRO! By the gods... is this the... It can't be..." Lightning trailed off.
As the aura engulfed me I felt myself lift off the ground and began to levitate higher and higher. I was able to see the no mans land, the city wall and then the city interior. The song began to play faster and faster. Somehow I felt I knew the song was coming to an end soon. Feeling myself surge with energy that I had never felt before, and with the strum of the final chord I aimed the neck of my guitar downward toward the wall. The surge of energy quickly rushed from my body and seemed to get channeled through the guitar and formed a beam of light, blinding me and deafening me as I heard a loud explosion.
After a few brief moments I reopened my eyes to find myself laying on the ground with Lightning Strike looking straight at me with my guitar by my side. "By the gods Kiniro... Was that the... song of Ragnarok?" The battlefield had gone silent, the bombardment had stopped the yelling of soldiers had dimmed and everyone stood in place unaware of what might happen next.
"Loyalists! This is the rebel leader speaking! We wish to speak to the leader of loyalist forces!" I heard a female voice call out from the distance near the city wall.
Lightning strike turned to the direction of the voice. "My name is Captain Lightning Strike of the Royal Guard! I am currently in command! What is it you wish to discuss?!"
"We are inquiring on what that blast of energy was?!" The voice called out.
Lightning Strike hesitant to speak quickly swallowed his courage. "That is our secret weapon! We have a bard who knows the song of Ragnarok, and he isn't afraid to use it again! He knows that it might destroy us both!"
"By God's name! Ragnarok!?" The voice yelled, followed of a pause. "Commander Lightning Strike! We are proposing a cease fire! I for one do not want to perish like this, and I doubt neither do you."
"No I do not, the song of Ragnarok is unpredictable and it can destroy the entire world! I accept your terms for cease fire! In return our bard will stand down."
"Good! We shall have our cease fire and meet commander to commander tomorrow at dawn near the city gate!"
"Agreed, we shall retreat to our previous positions if you do the same." Lightning responded.
"Very well, all hostilities are now on cease fire. I await your meeting tomorrow." The voice responded.
Lightning Strike turned away from the city wall and turned to me and offered me a hand up off the ground. I graciously took his hand with mine and pulled myself up. "By the gods Kiniro, how did you do that?" Lightning Strike asked.
"I don't know... I just felt something over take me and I started playing." I responded.
"So the gods chose you to play the song? Why?" Lightning questioned.
"I don't know Lightning Strike. I don't know..." I replied.
"Only another tried to play this song, just like you and he failed, but the gods have chosen you Kiniro, to play it and live."
"I've heard stories that this other bard perished playing it back at the academy, and that the score for the song was destroyed centuries ago... so how do I know it?"
"The gods have chosen you. You now harness the power the most powerful magic in Midgard, they have entrusted you with it. Just like they entrusted the first bard, Aldo, with it."
"Aldo? Was that the bard you were trying to tell me about earlier?" I asked.
"Oh right yes..."
"Why?"
"Because he had a unique aura while playing his guitar just like you. It wasn't the traditional white or light teal. You have light blue which is the first case I've ever heard of and probably only. Just like Aldo was the first and only case to have the aura of yellow." Lightning Strike explained.
With those final words, my eyesight dimmed and my hearing went deaf. My hearing returned first, I had heard sounds of birds chirping. I forced my eyes open and found myself back in Twilight and my bedroom, staring at a picture of me sticking my tongue out and Twilight placing her hoof in her face. I was drenched in a cold sweat, the dream seemed so real, and it finally occurred to me, what these dreams had been trying to tell me. The connection was finally clear, history was wrong and something must have been hidden from the world in Midgard.
I slowly muttered the words. "Meadow Song is Aldo... it has to be..."
End of Chapter 16.
Bonus Chapter: Studying Together
The Missing Bard
Bonus Chapter: Studying Together
"I'd never stop wishing the best for you Kini." Twilight replied as she leaned in and kissed the tired bard. "Now off to bed you! I'm going to stay here downstairs and wait for Rarity to come over, hopefully we can find something that could be used as armor in your next fight with Meadow Song. If that day ever comes, we all want to make sure you're prepared. We'll try not to make too much nose so we can let you sleep."
"Thank you Twi, I appreciate it." Kiniro yawned heavily. "I'll see you in the morning and thank you again, tell Rarity I say thank you as well."
"I will, and hopefully we find something for you. Now stop stalling and get to bed!" Twilight instructed Kiniro and smiled.
"Alright alright. See you in the morning." Kiniro replied to Twilight instruction as he began to slowly limp up the staircase toward the bedroom that both he and Twilight shared. Twilight carefully watched Kiniro as he ascended each step, trying to be ready to help rescue Kiniro should he fall or if he could not continue on his journey upstairs. But the bard muscled and fought heavily to make it to the bedroom, but his determination to succeed allowed him to ascend to the bedroom.
"I love that pony... I just wish he didn't get hurt earlier today..." Twilight said to herself trying to fight back tears. "I shouldn't have abandoned him and Fluttershy like that. Kiniro told us to run, and Fluttershy panicked. I feel horrible about all of this... How am I going to forgive myself..."
"Forgive what Twilight?" A young voice called out.
"Oh! Spike. I didn't know you were home. I'm sorry." Twilight responded.
"Oh I was in the next room tidying up, apparently some pony left a big mess of books laying all over the place." Spike chuckled.
"Oh I'm so sorry Spike. We had urgent business in Canterlot with the Princesses earlier today." Twilight explained.
"Urgent business in Canterlot? Oh you mean Kiniro's test?" Spike asked.
"Yes." Twilight simply responded.
"Oh how did he do? How did he do?!" Spike asked eagerly.
"He did amazing Spike! His magic is superb! He's almost to his old magical prowess from before he became a pony."
"That's great! Wait almost?" Spike questioned.
"Yeah... he showed off all his magical abilities to the Princesses but for some reason he couldn't play the song of Ragnarok. He figured it was because there wasn't anything that would warrant it's use." Twilight explained.
"I see, but otherwise everything else is fine?" Spike retorted.
"Oh yes Spike. I'd almost be able to say better than when he was a human. So he passed his test. So the Princesses made him an Honorary Element of Harmony. The Element of Justice." Twilight said eagerly.
"Wow, an Honorary Element of Harmony. That's got to be something special!" Spike responded excitedly.
"It is Spike! He even has to send reports out just like myself and my other friends do!"
"That's still pretty amazing, such a great honor. Uh... sorry to change the subject Twilight, but you were saying something about forgiving somepony?"
"Oh... about that." Twilight's voice quickly retreated. "Well Kiniro and Fluttershy was hurt earlier today.
"How did that happen? Was it regarding his test?" Spike questioned.
"No it had nothing to do with the test. It actually happened after." Twilight tried to explain.
"What happened Twilight?" Spike interrupted.
"I'm getting to that Spike." Twilight said slightly frustrated at the interruption. "You see the short version of the story is that Kiniro, Fluttershy and I were attacked today in Canterlot. We made it out alive, but there was this other pony by the name of Meadow Song, he attacked us and he knew how to play the song of Ragnarok on his guitar. He hurt Fluttershy by breaking her wing, and he hurt Kiniro because he tried to defend us both."
"Who is this horrible pony who would attack you all?" Spike asked.
"Other than knowing his name because of the attack. I have never seen this stallion before. But as Meadow Song tried to play the song of Ragnarok, Kiniro stopped him by sacrificing his guitar to knock him out." Twilight explained. "But the strange thing about the fight that took place earlier, the pony Kiniro fought against, didn't seem to be in control of himself. The behavior seemed very familiar...
"Wow he sacrificed his guitar? Just like that? I mean he's had that thing forever from the stories he's talked about." Spike interrupted again.
"Yeah Spike, he's pretty beat up over losing it."
"Oh my gosh, I almost forgot! How hurt is he?! Is he going to be alright? What about Fluttershy?" Spike said worriedly.
"He's a tough pony, he'll be ok in a couple of days, but he's upstairs resting." Twilight explained. "And Fluttershy should be ok, its just a broken wing, the doctor we met with in Canterlot thinks it will be a while before she flies again, but she should make a full recovery."
"That's very good. I'm glad you all are ok." Spike responded. Suddenly a knock came at the front door.
"Spike could you get that for me?" Twilight asked as she quickly turned away and began investigating a bookshelf.
"Sure thing Twilight!" Spike said as he rushed toward the front door. Spike quickly opened the door preemptively saying, "Welcome to Casa de Twilight, how can I help you... you... you... Hi... Hi... Rarity..."
"How are you doing my little Spikey Wikey?" Rarity asked.
"Hi... Hi... Rarity..." Spike said as he fainted at the door.
"Silly Spike." Rarity said with a subtle smile.
Twilight quickly looked over toward the door to see Rarity with her custom made saddle bags with a diamond symbol for the buckle that latched them down, standing at the front door. "Ah come in Rarity! Did you bring anything that might help with our study session?" Twilight then quickly caught a glimpse outside to see that it had now gotten dark outside.
"I did actually Twilight. It took me a while to locate it but I'm glad that I saved it." Rarity said her horn lit up a light blue, slowly unbuckling her two saddle bags pulling out 2 pieces of familiar clothing. "They are Kiniro's old human clothing."
"Ah yes I remember. His brown vest and I can't identify the other one, but what do these have to do with anything?" Twilight asked.
"Well Twilight, I searched high and low for a while on this other piece but it has the same material like his old vest. Later I realized I should have just asked Kiniro what it was, so I asked him a few months ago what it was at the Day of the Musician festival. Turns out, its called a quiver, its used to hold arrows inside, but the arrow heads are pointed down, and most fabric holding them like so would get pierced easily."
"So what's the material?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Honestly, I can't pin point what type of material it is, but this is probably because its from Midgard. Yet it does seem to share some common properties with leather?"
"Leather? You mean... cow..."
"Yes darling, I know that, that type of material is forbidden here in Equestria and it hasn't been used since the Classical Era as we are not savages, but any pony who's any pony knows about all types of materials especially when they want to be involved in fashion. You see Twilight that's where we have a lot of common ground, we both have a certain nack for studying when it comes to our respected fields." Rarity extended her front right hoof at Twilight. "Knowledge is power is it not Twilight?" Rarity smiled.
"It is Rarity, I never took you for the studious type. Twilight grinned lightly unsure if her comment was appropriate.
"Well, only as far as fashioned is involved Twilight! But how else would I know how to incorporate such different designs together to make such wonderful pieces and ensembles." Rarity retorted back with a smile. "But anyway I only stated that the material in these pieces only share similar characteristics to leather. But this is what I found interesting. Twilight I'm going to set the vest on the ground and do me a favor try to use your magic to try and damage the vest."
"But wouldn't Kiniro be upset if they get damaged or destroyed?" Twilight asked.
"Oh not at all Twilight, Kiniro gave them to me as a gift since, well you know. He said I could have them to study them and get ideas from his old clothing. Which to be completely honest Twilight has been stupendous. The ideas and creations I've been able to make!" Rarity stated slowly going on a tangent. " Oh I'm sorry.. I got rather excited about what his former clothing has done for me." Rarity slowly placed the vest on the ground with her magic and released it from her magical grip. "Now give it all you've got Twilight."
"Ok if you say so..." Twilight responded and her horn glowed light purple. Slowly engulfing the vest with her magic, and she began to try to tear it apart by stretching it, but to no avail. "Hmm that material is very strong."
"While that's not what I had in mind Twilight but yes it is very strong, try shooting a small burst of energy at it. Hopefully you see what I mean." Rarity
"Very well... Oh! Before I forget! Spike! Spike!" Twilight called out.
"Huh?" Spike quickly bolted up from his fainted position on the floor near the door. "What can I help you with Twilight?"
"Can you do me a favor and go check in on Kiniro? Make sure he's ok?" Twilight asked.
"Can do Twilight!" Spike responded eagerly and rushed up the stairs.
"See you when you come back Spikey Wikey!" Rarity commented with a smile.
"See...see... you soon... Rarity." Spike said with a sing-song tone.
"Now lets try this again..." Twilight stated giving it her all. Her horn lighting up brightly and the vest burst in to flames. "Oh my gosh! That wasn't what I wanted to do!" Twilight quickly pulled back her magic to see the burning clothing to the ground. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Rarity!"
"Wait for it Twilight." Rarity responded and approached the burning vest and quickly extinguished the flames with her own magic. "See now look." Both ponies looked down where the vest lay, completely unscratched and undamaged from the magical assault conducted by Twilight.
"Wait... what? How?" Twilight asked.
"Well I'm not so sure Twilight, but when I tried to break a piece off the vest with my magic, when I originally got it to study it, well it resisted heavily and I couldn't rip it that way. But I was able to cut a small piece off of it with some scissors, but even that was a bit of a struggle.
"Hmm... so this vest has some magic resistance properties and its physically resilient?" Twilight asked.
"It appears so, at least when it comes to magic destroying it anyway, and it is rather rigid." Rarity responded.
"That gives me an idea. Rarity do you think its possible to reshape the this material to better fit a pony body?" Twilight asked.
"Well I can't say I've tried, but its worth a short isn't it?" Rarity responded.
"That gives me an idea. Remember that one time I was able to make Spike's suit for the Grand Galloping Gala from rocks and some basic fabric by transmuting it my magic?" Twilight asked.
"Well not per-say but I do remember the story. If you think its worth a shot, perhaps we can reshape it!" Rarity responded.
"Well here goes..." Twilight stated, having her horn light up in a purple aura, quickly engulfing the vest and levitated it off the ground. The vest lit up brightly with a purple aura nearly blinding the two ponies and they covered their eyes with their hooves. "Ah! I can't see!" Twilight quickly reacted and recalled her magic.
"Did it work Twilight?" Rarity said still holding her hooves in front her face.
"I don't know..." Twilight responded and lowered her hooves. "By Celestia... it..."
"Oh my..." Rarity stated as lowered her hooves.
Both ponies stared down at the floor at the newly shaped vest. "It almost looks the same... but smaller and the openings where his arms would go through are slightly lowered so if his front legs could go through it, but other than that... it looks the same... pretty resilient stuff. This should hopefully help him if he has to fight against Meadow Song again, at least protect him from some of the lighter Physical blows, and from some stronger magic." Twilight stated.
"Well from our unicorn magic anyway Twilight, it might not protect him from that pony's stronger magic." Rarity said worriedly.
"That's very true Rarity, but our magic isn't very different, at least when Kini used his guitar to channel it to do basic magic anyway. So if Meadow Song has that type of power it should help. I just hope it fits him and I hope it helps him a lot when the time comes... I just have a feeling it might be soon..." Twilight responded.
End of Bonus Chapter.
The Missing Bard
Bonus Chapter: Escape
Meanwhile at the Royal Guard's Armory in Canterlot...
"Captain? What brings you back home to the old post so early? Aren't you supposed to be on vacation with your dear wife?" Asked a male voice as he took off his golden plated helmet and placed it on a desk.
"I was asked to return by the request of Princess Luna, and she stated it was of the utmost importance. Unfortunately my small vacation with Cadance will have to wait." Another male voice responded.
"Are you sure she will take it well Shining?"
"She knows that me being in the Royal Guard can have me recalled at a moments notice, she's not to thrilled, but she understands."
"I wouldn't be to thrilled about having to return to work immediately after some personal leave."
"I think any Royal Guardspony would think the same way Iron Blade."
"No sir. Anyway Sir, what really brings you back, other than a request of Princess Luna."
"To be honest Iron, its the reason of her request. She instructed me to return to talk to you. Specifically about an incident that happened earlier today."
"Oh dear... about that sir... I swear I had nothing to do about the photographs floating around about your wife..." Responded Iron.
"Wait? What? NO!" Shining Armor cleared his throat. "No Iron, that's not what I'm here for, I'm sure Luna wouldn't have me break away from Cadance for that..."
"So then what is it sir?" Asked Iron.
"Well you tell me? Anything else happen today that was out of the ordinary?"
"Well... there was a strange occurrence and a fight in Canterlot Square earlier today. There I was manning my post with Spearhead up right by the castle's main gate. You know the one right in front of the castle courtyard and garden,"
"Yes I know where the post is Iron. Hmm..."
"Plus we also took some pony into custody today, he's in the backroom being guarded by two of Luna's Guards." Iron stated as he pointed over to the two Lunar Guards standing at attention on the far side of the building, both guarding a lonesome door, one on each side. Both Shining and Iron looked cautiously towards them.
"Luna's Guards? Now why would they be here? Strange that they would be here in a Royal Guard facility."
"I don't know, they showed up roughly an hour ago and relieved me from watching him. I didn't want to argue with them about it, plus they said it was royal business. They showed me a piece of parchment with Celestia's Seal and Luna's signature. Plus you know me... Luna's Guards give me the creeps. Especially those bat winged ponies. I mean I know ponies with pegasus wings, but bat wings of all things!" Iron stated as he shivered.
"Fair enough, but if its those two guards, its really important, those two guards are her elite protectors. Even me, being Captain of the Royal Guard... Well lets just say I wouldn't want to have a tussle with them. But if anything I was requested to come back to Canterlot on Luna's request. Maybe they will know more or know why I'm here." Shining stated as he began to walk over toward the two guarding the door.
"Shining Armor!" The Lunar Guard on the right called out. "We have been expecting you."
"Expecting me?" Shining asked.
"Yes Shining. Luna had informed us of your arrival previously. She has requested us to stand guard and to watch this pony interned here and to allow you access when you arrived to interrogate him."
"Interrogate him? I don't even know why he's here." Shining questioned.
"I would have gladly interrogated him for you had we been given the order sir!" Iron stated to the Lunar Guards as he walked over to Shining's side.
"I respect your enthusiasm Iron." Shining responded.
"As do we, but you were not requested nor have the authority to interrogate him." Both Lunar Guards said in unison.
"Ah well... what do you know." Iron said in a huff. "I'll stay right here Shining, you know, just in case." Iron responded
"Iron... just relax, I'm sure everything will be under control, but if you insist on making yourself useful." Shining Armor stated. "Is that ok with you two?" Shining asked the lunar guards.
Both Lunar guards looked at each other and nodded. "I don't see a problem in that Shining Armor. Just make sure he behaves." The guard on the right responded and then both chuckled lightly.
"Ha-ha... ha." Iron stuck his tongue out at both guards.
"Iron... your in the Royal Guard, and a soldier. Act like it!" Shining repreminded Iron.
"Oh all right..." Iron sat down on the floor. "I'll just wait here then."
"Are you ready to proceed with your interrogation?" Asked the Lunar Guard on the right.
"Well... Not really, but I guess I have to." Shining responded reluctantly. "Is there anything you can at least tell me before I go in there?"
"Considering our orders Shining Armor. All we know is that we are here via Luna's request just as you are, and the information that has us all here. It concerns a letter from Kiniro, Honorary Element of Harmony. The Element of Justice." The Lunar Guard on the right responded.
"Well I'll be damned... He finally did it... glad to see Twily told me...And then she gets upset if I don't tell her something..." Shining muttered. "But a letter from Kiniro? How important was it?"
"As far as we know Shining. Luna instructed us to use force if necessary in subduing this pony we have interned by the name of Meadow Song. He's very dangerous, don't let him deceive you, and last of all, do not let him get close to this..." The Lunar Guard on the right stated then pointed to an acoustic guitar that was propped up right beside the guard.
"Are you serious? Don't let him close to a guitar? Don't make me laugh." Shining Armor chuckled
"Trust me, we both have laughed at the thought, but its Luna's instructions. Please head warning, if they come from the Princess." The Lunar Guard on the left finally spoke out for himself.
"Hmm..." Shining muttered as he stopped laughing. "Very well... let me talk with this... Meadow Song."
"As you wish Shining Armor." Both guards said in unison.
Shining Armor nodded and saluted both guards. "Thank you both." Shining stated as he opened the door and saw a dark brownish orange earth pony with a blond mane, slightly light green eyes, and a guitar for a cutie mark, chained up on all four legs then chained to the wall. "Is this all necessary?" Shining Armor asked.
"Yes Shining, now please proceed with your interrogation." The Lunar Guard on the left requested then closed the door behind Shining Armor.
Shining Armor looked at the chained up pony. "Why are you here?" Shining asked.
"Help me... the voice in my head... told me... SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" The pony yelled and twitched.
"Are you ok?" Shining asked.
"No I'm not... I keep hearing this...NOPE JUST FINE! Everything is fine." The pony stuttered and twitched heavily.
"Whats you're name." Shining questioned.
"My name is Al... Nope my name is Meadow Song, just Meadow Song!" The pony shouted and twitched again.
"Ok... Meadow Song... You don't seem to... be making much sense."
"None of this makes any sen... Of course it does."
"Ugh... look, maybe we need to get you checked into the Equestrian Mental Institution here in Canterlot, and maybe help you out with... uh... that"
"Yes please! I MEAN NO. I'm Fine."
"Uh..."
"Please! Who ever you are! Help me! I don't belong here! Yes I do! I love ponies, ponies everywhere, see I'm a pony, pony, pony, pony." The pony stated as he twitched again. "I need help before I hurt more ponies! Please help me! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"
"Hurt who?"
"I hurt this... BLAHHHH... I hurt these two ponies! NO I DIDN'T! DID NOTHING! I heard a name called Twilight Sparkle and I... SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" The pony yelled and spasmed.
"Twily..." Shining Armor muttered to himself. "How do you know my sister?!"
"I don't! I just heard her name and I lost control of myself! UGH! UGGGGGGGGGGGHH AHHHH!" The pony began to yell and his eyes changed from their light green color and changed grey.
"What the... your eyes... they changed!" Shining shouted.
"Ugh... you'd think I would have broken this human's will power by now, even turning him into a pony by now and he still resists, but no matter. He will lose eventually..." The pony spoke to himself.
"Huh... hu-hu... human?" Shining's questioned with a shocked look.
"Oopsie... looks like I said to much. No matter."
"Who... Who... Who are you?" Shining stuttered, but got no response. The pony began kicking and jolting about as he tugged on the chains that tied him down to the wall. "That won't do you any good, you're stuck here." Shining responded to the actions of the restless pony.
"Let me out... now...." The pony responded.
"Or what?" Shining retorted.
"Or else."
"Or else what?"
The pony took a deep breath and relaxed with a heavy sigh. Closing his eyes, stood completely still and began to hum lightly.
"That's it? You've got to be kidding..." Shining responded with a shameful tone. But the pony began to hum louder and louder. "Whats... that... stop that!" Shining Armor yelled.
The pony stopped humming and opened his eyes. "What? You didn't like my song? What a shame... I thought I would entertain you at the very least, but if that's not your fancy, how about just loud noise?!" The pony shouted and began screaming at the top of his lungs.
"Stop that! Be quiet!" Shining yelled, but the pony would not stop yelling. "Whats happening!" Shining shouted as the entire room began to shake and chains that held the pony down began to vibrate. The screaming was becoming unbearable as it hit higher and higher tones to the point where it began to shake the entire building.
"Whats going on in here?!" One of the Lunar Guards shouted as he pushed the door open. "What the?!" The Lunar Guard shouted as four loud metallic snapping sounds were heard.
The pony stopped suddenly stopped screaming and slowly muttered in a raspy voice."Freedom..." He looked up at Shining Armor only making eye contact for a moment and then bolted towards the door. Both Lunar Guards quickly rushed into the backroom to stop the mysterious pony from escaping.
"Stop now! Refrain at once!" Shining shouted.
"Refrain?! Of chorus I will!" The pony shouted out, as ice began forming around the hooves of the Lunar Guards and Shining.
"What the..." Shining Armor shouted and was suddenly silenced, as he and the guards was frozen in ice.
"The... hell... The hell did you do!?" Iron Blade shouted out. "If you hurt them! I'll kill you!" Iron Blade shouted as he began to charge toward the escaping pony.
"Now now, if you kill me, all my music would decompose with me!" The pony shouted, stopping Iron Blade in his tracks as he froze in a block of ice. "Simpletons...shame I can't use that scream more often. It just drains my energy..." The pony walked over to where his guitar laid propped up. He reached out for his guitar with his hoof and quickly swung it over his back. "Now where do I go?" The pony asked himself as he headed toward the building exit.
The pony had made it to the door and slowly opened the it, to see a grey walled eye'd Pegasus with a blonde mane standing in the doorway wearing a mail carrier's hat and satchel bag. "Hi there! Derpy Hooves Equestrian Postal Service! Is Shining Armor in? He's got a letter from his sister Twilight Sparkle from Ponyville!" The mail mare stated.
"So that's where she is..." The pony commented as he stormed off out into the night.
"What a strange pony... and everyone is always calling me weird." Derpy commented and walked in side to see the two Lunar Guards, and Iron Blade moaning on the ground shivering. "Ugh... soldiers... Such creeps. Hellllloooo! Shining Armor! You've got mail!"
"I'm... Shining Armor..." Shining Armor moaned from the backroom.
"Ah there you are! You've got mail Shining Armor!" Derpy stated with a smile as she waltzed into the backroom where Shining armor laid on the ground shivering. "Ugh you too... Whats with the Shivering! Never mind... Soldiers... Any who! Here's you're mail!" Derpy stated as she reached into her satchel bag with her snout, pulled out a letter and placed it in front of Shining Armor. "No bad weather, or cravings of muffins shall stop the mail! For the mail stops and always flows! For it..."
"My sister... I have to warn my Sister... Derpy... please... go back to Ponyville and warn my sister and Kiniro..." Shining Armor interrupted and pleaded as he shivered. "Please warn them... its important.... Meadow Song is coming..." The seriousness in Shining's voice came out as he muttered those last words before passing out.
Derpy gasped lightly. "This must be serious... I won't let you down!" Derpy stated and gave an awkward salute and rushed out into the night to deliver her urgent message.
End of Bonus Chapter.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 17: Thoughts
I finally turned away from the picture of Twilight and myself to stare at the ceiling to gather my thoughts of my sudden realization. Thoughts of Meadow Song's yellow guitar aura and the story which Lightning Strike had told me constantly swirled around in my mind. There had to be a definite connection between the two, and not to mention the arrow firing guitar, and his ability to play Ragnarok. All the evidence was mounting, even the dreams I had been having lately, even had me believing that Meadow Song was Aldo the Bard from Midgard's past. Every piece of doubt I had in my mind, was slowly being eaten away as the seconds rolled on.
"He has to be Aldo... Applejack's theory was right... But who brought him through the void?" I said aloud to help focus my thoughts. "Could have Luna done the same for him before I even arrived and if so why had I not heard of it? I'll just have to wait for a response from Luna from last night's letter." I stared at the ceiling pondering in thought for just a few more moments before turning over to face the window in our bedroom. Only to see the curtains drawn over the window. "Huh... I don't remember closing those before I went to bed..."
I slowly nudged myself over to edge of the bed, and bunching the sheets in the process, especially the one that had been covering me. As I finally finished my trek over to the edge of the bed I slowly placed my two front hooves on the ground and pushed myself of the bed only to land face first on the ground. "Ow... The one thing I still... haven't gotten used to." I muttered to myself. I began to slowly push myself up off the ground when I noticed that the bandages that I had the night prior were gone. "There is no way I can be healed by now." I asked myself as I poked my front left leg with my front right hoof, only to feel it be a little sensitive, but no where as close to the intensity of pain that I felt yesterday when I arrived at the hospital. "Well... at least not fully healed." I stated as I squirmed around and stretched out my back to feel no major pain in my back, just a few sensitive spots, but it was nothing I felt I couldn't handle.
I looked over to the window again eyeing the curtains that had been drawn over it. "I still don't remember closing those last night." I stated as I began to make my way over to the window, trying to be very careful to not cause myself pain as I walked, but finished my short trek my worries were quickly pacified as I had no major pain. "Do all ponies heal this quickly?" I asked myself as I opened the curtains that covered the window, only to be blinded by a bright light and I quickly shielded my eyes with my front right leg "Ah damn it my eyes! Can it be day already?!" I slowly had my eyesight return and I lowered my leg to see that it was daylight out already.
"Wow I can't believe its day already... I wonder what time of day... how long have I been out?" I mentioned to myself aloud. I looked outside the window to see three ponies gathered around and what appeared to be talking. I had recognized one of them, it was the teal unicorn that I had run in when I first arrived in Equestria, Lyra was her name.
These past few months during my stay in Equestria, I had gotten to know her and even become decent friends. She was a very kind pony, very talented in playing a harp, but very devoted in her hobby of researching anthropology. But her hobby of anthropology lead to an awkward obsession about humans. However it made her happy trying to research what she called an ancient species that formerly occupied the world of Equestria god knows how long ago. But sometimes she let it get the better of her even to the point where she would turn into a different pony. I always worried if she ever found out that I was the human she ran into months ago, would she take it well? Or would she go crazy with the thought. "Maybe I'll cross that bridge... just not today." I said aloud to myself.
I pushed open the window with my front right hoof completely open and poked my head out of the window, laying my front legs over the window seal to have my hooves hang out. "Hi Lyra" I shouted. "How are you today?" I asked.
"Oh things could be better Kiniro! I'm just having a conversation with Bon Bon and Colgate about this idea I had for mint chocolate candies that would be good for your teeth!" Lyra shouted back.
"Oh awesome!" I responded.
"Whose the pony up there Lyra? Secret boyfriend?" The blue unicorn said with a female voice.
"Yeah who is that Lyra?" The beige earth pony with a female voice asked.
"Oh I'm sorry how rude of me! Bon Bon, Colgate, that's Kiniro. He's an awesome guitar player and Twilight's special some pony." Lyra responded. "Kiniro this is Colgate" Lyra pointed to the blue unicorn with her left hoof. " And this is Bon Bon." Lyra stated as she finally pointed to the beige earth pony.
"Wow Twilight has a special some pony?" Colgate asked.
"That's a first." Bon Bon responded.
"Yep! I never would have thought myself either." Lyra added in.
"You all know I'm right here." I mentioned as I hung my head low.
"Sorry Kiniro! Anyway I'll talk to you later, I gotta run, we are going to run some errands together so we can get the chocolate mint candy project started!" Lyra shouted.
"Oh... Ok, have fun with your project you three!" I responded.
"Oh oh! Before I forget! Next time I run into you I want to show you this new human relic I found! But anyway for next time we meet! Bye bye!" Lyra commented. The three ponies all waved at me and began to walk off. I gave a cheerful wave of my hoof back at them.
I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, enjoying the sunshine and the subtle breeze that was picking up. I closed my eyes for a but a moment to relax. Letting my mind clear of the thoughts of Meadow song, about Ragnarok and of my dreams. The warmth of the day embraced me, and it reminded me all of the beautiful days I had seen here in Equestria, even those that I had seen in Midgard. But even the thought of Midgard now, no longer made me cry, I would always miss my old home, but I no longer mourned my history. I only embraced my new home even more.
I opened my eyes slowly, and I began looking around the town surrounding the library. Seeing the Cutie Mark Crusaders playing around, seeing Big Mac hauling a cart of apples, which I assumed was going to the shop to sell in town, but what really caught my eye was a brown stallion with a brown mane and had a hourglass for a cutie mark. For some reason I had not seen this pony around town before, so I carefully tracked his movements from the window. He walked around town normally as if he was a resident. Finally I tracked him to his final destination where he entered this blue booth looking thing, but the strangest thing was, as soon as he entered it, within seconds the booth disappeared into thin air.
"What the hell was that?" I asked myself. "Did I just... I have to be imagining things..." I stated as I rubbed my eyes with my front hooves. "Maybe I've had a little... too much fresh air..." I pulled myself back inside, pulling the window with my mouth as I stepped back. "Maybe I should go downstairs and check in with Twilight and Spike, let them know I'm awake..." I stated as my stomach rumbled. "And... maybe get something to eat... Maybe my hunger is why I'm seeing things..." I rubbed my eyes with my hooves again.
But as I rubbed my eyes with my hooves, the thoughts of Meadow Song slowly returned. I knew that there was that connection, even my gut was telling me it was the truth but I had to find a way to prove it now. If only I could get his guitar from the Royal Guard.
Even with these worrying thoughts returning to me. The few moments I had without them was a nice break of well deserved peace. For such a long time, I had never had the chance to be normal, even in my world, to just be accepted for who I was, and not be this tool to be used for the bigger picture. So getting this small opportunity felt so foreign to me, but it felt nice. Maybe someday this foreign idea, could become my normal after all this Meadow Song issue was dealt with.
End of Chapter 17.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 18: Old Armor
Every new day, every new morning, the same results. I always loved them and despised them. I loved them because I got one more day to live in Equestria with all my great friends, but I always hated it because I would wake up with the worst of hunger pains every day!
"Ugh... so... hungry..." I said to myself aloud as I heard my stomach rumble heavily. "I sure hope Twilight or Spike has some breakfast or... something prepared. I don't care if its hay pancakes again. Hey... whats that amazing smell!" I looked toward the door as I smelled a very fragrant aroma of what smelled like food. Its aroma was nearly intoxicating to me. "Oh what ever that heavenly smell is... I want some of it!" I said as I rushed toward the door.
I quickly slammed the door open with my front right hoof and I looked out into the main section of the library, trying to identify where this heavenly aroma was originating from as I constantly sniffed the air.
"Good morning Kiniro!" I heard Twilight call to me.
"Yes good morning dear!" I heard another female voice call out to me.
"Huh?" I questioned and looked toward where the voices originated from to see Twilight and Rarity sitting on the floor. "Oh Good morning Twi! Good morning Rarity!" I responded with a smile. "By chance... what is that heavenly smell?"
"Oh that's Spikey Wikey making some breakfast." Rarity answered.
"Yes. He's making some potato hash-browns, some corn bread muffins and some eggs with gravy." Twilight responded.
"Wow. That sounds..." I interrupted myself as I licked my top lip. "Amazing. Is it almost ready?" I asked.
"Almost, just waiting for Spike to call us to breakfast." Twilight answered. "In the mean time do you want to come down here? Rarity and myself have been working on something for you last night."
"Yes do come down and have a seat with us. We hope you like what we've got for you." Rarity added in.
"Alright! What did you two get for me?" I said with a light smile.
"Well that you'll just have to come down and see!" Rarity commented as Twilight signaled me to come down with her hoof, and then proceeded to stick her tongue out at me.
"Oh ok! I'm coming, I'm coming!" I answered and began to take my journey down the stairs. Slowly trotting down the stairs, making sure my injuries did not flare back up during my trip. Finally to my surprise as I hit the last step on my way down, no pain had resurfaced. "I guess its possible I am healed?" I thought to myself as I walked over to the two ponies. "Alright so what do you two have for me? " I said with a heavy smile, only to hear a high pitched noise.
"Close your eyes Kiniro! It will be just a moment." Rarity commented with a grin.
"Uh... ok?" I responded as I closed my eyes.
"Ok Twilight lift him up, I'll put it on him." Rarity instructed.
"You got it Rarity!" Twilight answered.
"Wait what?!" I shouted as I felt myself get lifted up in the air and felt something get wrapped around me and covered the top half of my torso.
"Alright open your eyes!" Twilight said with excitement.
"So what is it?" I said prematurely as I opened me eyes. "Its... its my... old vest?" I mentioned as I glanced over at Rarity. "You've kept it this long? But how did you..."
"Why of course dear. It is your's! I know you gave it to me as a gift but I think its time I gave it back to you."
"Thank you Rarity. But how did you... reshape it? You know that material is some of the toughest fabric in Midgard.
"Hmm... that would explain a lot considering I could barely tear off a sample of it months ago. But Kiniro I do have a question, was your vest resistant to magic in your world?" Rarity asked as Twilight carefully listened.
"Um... I don't think so. When I purchased it prior to the Midgard Civil War, the tailor I had bought it from mentioned that it was his special project, and that the material was so durable that it took him almost 2 years to form the vest, let alone however much more time to get the right cuts to form it. I had asked him why he chose this material, he only told me it was just a made from very tough fabric to help protect me in case I got into a melee battle with blunt objects or someone throwing punches. So it would absorb the impact, but that's about it." I explained. "Maybe the fabric from Midgard was very resilient, perhaps a little too resilient."
"That's odd." Twilight responded.
"Why do you say that?" I asked.
"Well... Rarity was explaining to me that when she tried to use her magic to alter the vest or to get a sample of the material it was very resilient against her magic." Twilight mentioned.
"Well yeah, it is very very strong..." I retorted.
"But that's not just it." Rarity interrupted. "I tried to actually rip a piece of using my magic, and it resisted heavily, which usually unicorn magic is very hard to resist against, I can understand not being able to rip a piece off with scissors because its extremely durable but..."
"Even I tried to damage it with my magic Kini. I tried to rip it just the same as Rarity and nothing. I even set the vest a blaze with my magic and it did nothing. It wasn't burnt and it unscratched from all that." Twilight chimed in right as Rarity trailed off.
"Wait.. what? It you used magic against it and did nothing?" I asked curiously.
"She's telling the truth dear. She gave it her all last night trying to destroy it with her magic and no matter what she did, she couldn't make a indentation in it." Rarity commented.
"That's odd... I don't remember this vest being resistant to magic, at least not in Midgard." I mentioned.
"Hmm! That gives me an idea!" Twilight quickly jumped up.
"I think I might be thinking the same thing you are Twilight." Rarity also added in.
"Kini... I need you to... oh... never mind." Twilight said shamefully.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I was going to have you test your magic to try to destroy the vest while you wore it... but you don't have a guitar anymore." Twilight explained.
"Oh... right..." I said with a sorrowful tone.
"Now now Kiniro, don't get depressed. I'm sure we can get a replacement guitar for you eventually."
"Well he does have a replacement, But well... he's not comfortable with it yet." Twilight mentioned.
"Maybe sometime soon... but... just not now." I responded.
"Ugh." Twilight grunted.
"Its ok now Kiniro, I know you're slowly warming up to the idea, when ever you are ready, we shan't push you into it." Rarity responded and glared at Twilight.
"Yes Kini... when ever you are ready for it." Twilight said begrudgingly.
"Thanks... Anyway thanks for getting my old vest back to me and now especially since it fits me as a pony now." I responded. "I may not be able to match Meadow Song in brute strength, but at least this might be able to help me take some of his hits, if the vest is still can hold up to it."
"Well aren't you going to be training with Rainbow Dash and Applejack in the future?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah that's right. What about it though?" I asked.
"Well you could have them test it for you see if it holds up to its old self." Twilight recommended.
"That might just be good idea. Maybe I could AJ give me an apple bucking kick and see how well it holds up."
"Don't you think that might be... a little too brutish or to much for you Kiniro?" Rarity asked.
"Well she is the strongest kicker I know, and what other way to test it out if it works." I responded.
"Well I don't like the idea of you going out and hurting yourself, but if you think its the best course of action, then so be it." Rarity retorted but accepted my idea.
"I'm going to have to side with Rarity on this one, but... I understand why you want to have the strongest thing thrown at you. Just don't hurt yourself." Twilight agreed.
"Well it is my old vest, I'm sure it can stand up to the abuse. Plus if it does hold up well, that means I can go against Meadow Song for sure with it." I explained.
"He does have a point Twilight. I know we both don't like it, but I'm sure Applejack and Rainbow dash would make the same point as Kiniro would. Plus we know that he will be in good hands if something does happen." Rarity comforted Twilight.
"I already said ok. Just be careful." Twilight commented.
"Hey Twilight before anything else, could you mind doing a back kick on me. I want to test it out first this way, just to make sure I'm not over my head." I seceded to their concerns.
"Uh... I really don't..." Twilight trailed off.
"Yes excellent idea! Applejack is just too strong for this kind of primarily test, Twilight would be an excellent stepping stone for this!" Rarity interrupted Twilight.
"Hey! Are you calling me weak!?" Twilight raised her voice.
"No not at all Twilight! I'm merely stating that Applejack is just extremely strong. Plus this would be great for proving your... your... that theory you use when testing things." Rarity tried to explain.
"Scientific method." I chimed in.
"Yes the scientific method Twilight." Rarity smiled with my well timed recovery.
Twilight sighed heavily. "Ok fine! But if you get hurt Kiniro, I'm not going to say you didn't deserve it. Now go get ready!" Twilight explained.
"Yes! Ok. Just a sec." I quickly responded as I positioned myself behind twilight and stood up on my hind legs to stand up right. "Ok Twi, now just aim high to hit the vest!"
"Alright... on the count of three!" Twilight stated. "Ready?"
"Yes!" I responded.
"One" Rarity commented.
"Two." I chimed in.
"Three!" Twilight shouted. She quickly lifted her hind legs off the ground putting her entire weight on her forelegs and a sudden jolt kicked with both of her back legs. Her back hooves aiming high made contact on the vest knocking me down from how I was standing and I fell flat on my behind only to hear a loud thud.
"Ow. Heh.. heh..." I mentioned as I sat on my behind on the floor.
"By Celestia... Are you ok?" Twilight quickly responded.
"Yeah... I'm ok. Didn't feel a thing!" I retorted, only to have Twilight give me a dirty stare. "Ok mostly nothing, I didn't feel anything on my torso, but I felt me falling on my behind." As I explained myself Twilight's stare disappeared and changed into a small smile as she closed her eyes.
"That's good Kini. Looks like it stood up to me... but do you think it will stand up to Applejack?" Twilight retorted.
"I sure hope so, I didn't feel a thing with you, well except falling flat on my behind." I responded. "Hey Rarity thing we can get one made for my behind as well?" I chuckled lightly, only to hear Rarity giggle lightly.
"As amusing as the idea would be, I don't believe so Kiniro." Rarity chuckled lightly before getting back to her normal tone. "The only reason you have the vest is only because we had your original vest and Twilight used her transmutation spell that reshape objects, but mind you its very resilient, so she was able to resize it."
"I see... that's a shame we don't have any other material to make other things, but I doubt if we did we'd be able to manufacture anything else with it considering how tough the material is." I responded.
"Well... we do have something else... but I don't think it will work." Twilight added.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Your old arrow quiver. But its not enough material to make anything." Twilight responded.
"Nah don't bother with that thing, you're right, its not enough for anything. If anything Rarity, you still keep it, maybe you can find something else useful from it's material. I don't have any more uses for it considering I don't have my guitar that shoots arrows, plus... I don't think anyone here in Equestria makes arrows." I explained.
"Oh thank you Kiniro, but it is your's but if you wish me to keep it to study I sure I'll be able to find something similar to it here in Equestria to make you more protective clothing in the future." Rarity shared.
"Anyway thank you both again for getting my vest resized for me as a pony. I'm sure thing will be better now if I have to fight Meadow Song, plus it is nice to have some of my old duds back." I smiled.
"It was nothing at all Kiniro. You must thank Twilight for this though, it was her magic that was able to do it." Rarity seceded to Twilight.
"Thanks Rarity, but it was your findings that made it all possible!" Twilight complimented.
"But it was..." Rarity stated but was interrupted.
"I know I was through both of your efforts that I have it again. Thank you." I smiled. "Hopefully it just doesn't come to me actually having to fight Meadow So..." I was interrupted.
"BREAKFAST IS READY! COME AND GET IT! Spike yelled out from the kitchen.
"Oh finally! Food!" I shouted.
"Ah good, breakfast is ready. Care to stay with us Rarity?" Twilight asked.
"Oh I'm not so sure I do have some things I have to take care of back at the Boutique, plus Sweetie Belle is supposed to be coming back home from having sleep over with Applebloom and Scootaloo at Applejack's." Rarity explained.
"Oh come now Rarity. I know Spike made an extra special breakfast because he knew you'd be here!" Twilight commented.
"Well... I guess a few minutes of breakfast wouldn't hurt." Rarity agreed.
"That's the spirit Rarity! Now lets go get some food! I'm starving!" I mentioned. "Food here I come!" I shouted as I rushed into the kitchen, ready to get some food in my belly. I was glad I'd be finally be getting some food to get rid of my morning hunger pains, especially after doing a few tests on my vest. I thought breakfast would never be ready!
Food aside, I was extremely happy that I got back some piece of my past back, even if it wasn't my guitar, but its something I carried with me for almost just as long. Granted it was a garment which happened to be the vest, and served me less than my guitar did, it didn't matter I had something from my past again. I felt it covering me in its embrace, just made me feel safe and almost made me feel as if my past was finally welcoming me instead of hurting me. But one thing puzzled me now that I did have my vest back. Why was my vest now magically resistant, and would it help me now that it was.
End of Chapter 18.
Chapter 19: To Sweet Apple Acres
The Missing Bard
Chapter 19: To Sweet Apple Acres
One of the biggest things I missed from Midgard was the food and the styles of cuisine that were available back in my old home. Granted now I was a pony and Equestria had its own fair share of cuisine, however I didn't really care for most of it. Considering I wasn't much of a vegetarian in Midgard, but I was having to slowly adjust to it here, even though my body had no problems with it, but it was mostly the memories of the delicacies that I could no longer have here that gave me the most problems. I guess I was a bit stubborn, not letting go of the subtleties of my old home and my old world, but I believed it gave me a sense of uniqueness here in Equestria.
But Spike's preparation of this morning's breakfast was extremely delicious, for once Equestrian cuisine sat right with me once. The odd thing about it was that it almost seemed to mimic some dishes I've had back when I lived in the Swartzvald Republic in Exile. Even though most of the breakfast this morning was considered mostly vegetarian, with the exception of eggs, I didn't find myself just eating to sustain myself, but actually enjoying it immensely.
"That was amazing! I can't say I've ever had a better breakfast! You're awesome Spike!" I stated with a sigh of satisfaction as we walked out of the kitchen into the main library." I swear I could eat more if I took off this vest."
"I agree Spike that was delicious." Twilight added in.
"Just splendid Spike, you have really out done yourself!" Rarity confirmed.
"Aww shucks, its just breakfast." Spike stated with a heavy blush set in.
"But you really have out done yourself Spike." Rarity complimented.
"I'm glad you... liked it... Rarity..." Spike began to stutter slightly.
"Ah delicious..." I restated my satisfaction. "Well I am definitely feeling better!" I commented as I stretch out my legs. "I wonder if Applejack would be home right about now..."
"Don't tell me that you're going to have her kick you to test out that vest right now?" Twilight responded with slightly frustrated tone as she took a seat on the couch.
"Why not?" I quickly retorted.
"Don't you think this is a tad bit rash Kiniro?" Rarity agreed as she took a seat beside Twilight.
"Well, I was going to test it anyway! The sooner the better, besides what if I wait for to long and worst comes to worse?" I tried to defend my idea.
"Ugh... Fine, better catch the problems early as opposed when its to late." Twilight seceded.
"Wait what? You're not going to detest this one?" I asked.
"Well when you put it that way, it is better to get things done early so that you have more time to test them later if the first experiment fails." Twilight stated.
"Oh... well... ok." I responded skeptically. "Are you sure?"
"By all means." Twilight answered.
"Oh well... then ok. I'm going to head to Applejack's place and see if she's in. I'll be back later today." I commented as began to head toward the door.
"Do be careful Kiniro!" Rarity stated.
"Yes Kini, please don't hurt yourself, because if you do, trust me you'll be taking care of yourself this time!" Twilight stated with a smile and stuck out her tongue.
"There it is!" I joked back. "I promise I'll try to take care of myself. I'll see you all later. Hey spike, when I get back, are you up for some ice cream?"
"Ice Cream? Are you kidding? I'm always up for some ice cream! Think we can get some sapphire sprinkles on it if we can?" Spike eagerly asked.
"Alright alright Spike, it will be my treat. I'll come get you after I test out this vest with Applejack." I responded to Spike as I pushed the front door open with my hoof. "I won't be long, I promise."
"Take care!" Twilight, Rarity and Spike said out in unison. I responded in kind with a simple hoof wave with my right hoof.
"Ok to Applejack's I go!" I said aloud as I stepped out side. "Now... which way..." I pondered to myself, but it had not been the first time I had gone to Sweet Apple Acres recently, considering I occasionally aided the Apple family this past apple buck season. "Ah yes! This way!" I stated as I began my trek south toward Sweet Apple Acres.
Taking a steady pace, I slowly passed the grey wall eyed pegasus's house, but it appeared to be empty. As there was no rummaging sounds coming from inside. "She must be out today." I thought to myself.
As my trek continued I passed Octavia and Vinyl's place, hearing the sound of a beautiful Cello playing. I paused my journey to slowly enjoy the melody, and began tapping my front right hoof on the ground. Shortly after a loud crash was heard from inside followed by a loud amount of feedback coming from the second story. "VINYL!!!" I heard Octavia yell from inside as a very interesting bass heavy song began playing.
"Must be one of Vinyl's inventions or she just started playing her music." I said to myself with a smile and I pushed forward. "Those two!" I chuckled slightly. I few moments later I had arrived in front of Sugar Cube Corner. "Man I would love some treats right about now, but... still too full from breakfast. Maybe later." As I stared at Sugar Cube Corner as I passed through I saw Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy exit the shop and I stopped shortly to give a hoof wave. Fluttershy was still wearing a bandage on her right wing.
"Hiya Kini!" I heard Pinkie Pie call out. "Me and Fluttershy got something for you and Twilight later!"
"Oh what is it?" I asked.
"Oh just a little something me and Fluttershy put together for you two!" Pinkie responded.
"Well alright! Take it over to Twi's place, I'm just out to go test something with Applejack so I'm going to meet her at Sweet Apple Acres. I'll be home in just a bit! I promise!" I replied.
"O-oh. Well please don't take t-to long." Fluttershy asked.
"I promise I'll be back home soon!" I confirmed.
"Well we'll meet you back at the library!" Pinkie Pie mentioned. A subtle hoof wave was given from both her and Fluttershy as they began their trek to the Library. As they turned away from the shop I saw a box wrapped up in a red bow being carried on Pinkie's back.
"Hmm I wonder what that is... I guess I'll find out soon enough." I smiled as I pondered its contents and began my trek again. I passed by a few more buildings, especially the iconic windmill of Ponyville. The majestic structure that was our source of fresh water in town and filled up the local reservoir. I had never figured out what that giant reservoir was for. I even took a good look at it as I crossed over the bridge passing over the local stream that the windmill pumped out of.
As reached the opposite bank of the stream I stared over to the west to see Rainbow Dash's glorious mansion in the sky. Sure enough though, I saw her performing some aerial acrobatics with perfect precision. After she finished her stunt I saw her fly over in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. "Hmm I wonder what she's going over there for? Maybe her and Applejack have been preparing stuff for me once I got better.
As I turned away head away from the sky, and reoriented myself to face forward. I saw a small gazebo surrounded by some pink trees in front of me some ways with a road branching off that lead to Sweet Apple Acres.. Continuing my stroll I looked to my left to see the Ponyville Schoolhouse with a red flag hoisted up high to signify that there was a class in session. "Shouldn't Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo be in class?" I mentioned to myself aloud. "Well it is a small school maybe they alternate days or something to be able to teach the younger ponies." As I pondered in this thought I hadn't noticed how long I was walking.
I stopped looked behind me to see the Gazebo quite some ways back. "Crap I have to back track a bit." But as I turned forward, I noticed a small hill ahead of me. I had never given this hill any attention previously as I usually just avoided it getting to Sweet Apple Acres. "Hmm... I wonder if I can get a good view from up there?" I thought as I decided to make a slight detour in my trip. The hill wasn't very steep but the distance to the top wasn't far either. As I reached toward the top of the small hill. There it stood, Sweet Apple Acres, but for some reason... this view seemed very familiar. To only have a sudden thought pop in my head, "Maybe if I go there, I can find the owners of the orchard, maybe I could get some answers to where I really am."
I had remembered where I was. This was exactly where I had stood when I originally arrived in Equestria. I began to investigate the ground looking to see if there was still a charred ring of grass on the ground nearby. As I intensified my search I saw a ring on the ground where the grass had completely died out. "That's where I must have originally landed." I stated aloud as I walked over to it to investigate. "Wow... this is the place... this is where I was were I arrived in Equestria from Midgard..." I thought to myself as I sat down in ring, and I began to look around like I had originally done when I arrived, reliving the memory, but this time now knowing what good would come from such an incident.
I again looked over to Sweet Apple Acres. "Who would have known that me being in this exact spot nearly five months ago would have lead to all this. I can't say I don't miss Midgard, I know it is doing better with me gone, but I'm glad that I'm here. Here in Equestria, here with all my new friends, and here with somepony that cares for me. I'm glad to call them all my family. But I'm also glad that I still have something to remember my past by, it may not be my guitar, even though I will miss it, I have something." I mentioned aloud as I slowly pounded my hoof on my vest. "I will never forget you Midgard... but you will never miss me... I wish I could have felt this appreciation there, but I finally have a home, no matter how much I must have to remind myself. I am finally home, where I belong and I hope that for the things that I've done, I will never be forgotten here..." I said to myself as a tear ran down my face. "I will never be forgotten here..." I said as I wiped the tear off my face and continued my trek to Sweet Apple Acres just as I originally had done five months ago.
End Of Chapter 19.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 20: Unprepared
As I approached the gate of Sweet Apple Acres, I paused to take in the sight of the Apple Family's pride and joy. I looked at the main entrance seeing the beautifully decorated arch way with two small apple trees bearing fruit, and a carefully crafted apple sign t hat hung from the arch. Followed by the family's homestead with its apple weather vain located at the highest point of the house. Also seeing the numerous fields of corn, apple trees and several chicken coops that were being tended by various ponies, but I did not recognize any of them.
As I passed through the arch, I saw that some of the ponies that were working the farm had waved at me, even though I didn't know any of the. I was able to catch a glimpse of their cutie marks, most of them had one which resembled an apple or an apple baked good. Considering what Applejack had told me shortly after my arrival in Equestria, that the Apple family was extremely hospitable, so I assumed most of the ponies working were extended Apple Family. I stopped shortly and gave a hoof wave with my right hoof to acknowledge their welcome.
I set my hoof back down and turned back toward the homestead to see Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle run out of the front door excitedly and saw them talking, but couldn't make out what it was they were saying. I slowly picked back up and decided to walk towards them. I saw the three look over at me and then saw Scootaloo point her hoof at me and then they began to walk toward me.
"Why hi there Kini! how have you been?" Scootaloo asked.
"Yeah how are things?" Sweetie Belle added in.
"How are ya?" Applebloom commented.
"Hey! I'm actually doing ok now." I responded.
"My sis told me that you were in a fight yesterday in Canterlot, and that you were beat up pretty bad. Are you sure you're ok?" Applebloom asked.
"Well... for the most part, I'm still a little bit sore in some places, but nothing I can't handle." I answered.
"Did you beat the pony up and did you win?" Scootaloo questioned.
"Well... I did knock him out, but I got pretty messed up, but I'm definitely ok now." I responded to Scootaloo.
"Yeah! You showed him whose boss!" Scootaloo commented as she jumped on to her hind legs and brought her front legs up and mimicked throwing hoof punches.
"I guess I did, but Scootaloo, fighting is not fun, its really dangerous, I only fought to protect Twilight and Fluttershy." I mentioned. "If I could avoid fighting... I would." I commented as Scootaloo brought herself back down from throwing punches.
"By the way Kini, where is your guitar and whats with the vest?" Sweetie Belle commented as she noticed the irregularity.
"Well... I sacrificed my guitar to stop the pony that was attacking Twilight and Fluttershy. So its scattered into a bunch of little pieces in Canterlot." I said but this time, I wasn't hurt by the mention of its destruction. "As for the vest, your sister Rarity and Twilight found my old vest from when I was a human and reshaped it to fit me now."
"Speaking of my sister, do you know when she's going to come get me Kini?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I'm sure she'll be here soon. She was over at Twilight's place I last checked, she was over there having breakfast with us earlier." I answered.
"Either way, that gives us more time to go find out what our special talent is! Isn't that right girls?!" Sweetie Belle shouted and took of running.
"Lets go! Times a wasting!" Applebloom also shouted and followed in pursuit.
"What should we do next?! Roller derby or ice sculpting?" Scootaloo yelled as she got left behind, followed by her chasing after the two.
"Hey wait! Have you seen Applejack?" I shouted to the three young ponies running away.
"She's out on the other side of the house with Rainbow Dash!" I heard Applebloom yell from a distance.
"Thank you!" I shouted as I saw the three fillies run off. "I wonder what they'll be getting themselves into today..." I said aloud to myself and began to let my mind wander with the possible shenanigans that would unfold today regarding those three.
I began to slowly circle around the house as I continually thought of the trouble the cutie mark crusaders would be getting themselves into. But as I continued to walk around, I heard the voices of Applejack and Rainbow Dash, but could barely make out what was being said. Finally as I turned the corner I saw the two mares break their conversation and look toward me.
"Hi Rainbow Dash. Hey Applejack." I stated.
"Oh hey there Kiniro." Rainbow Dash replied.
"Howdy Kiniro." Applejack responded. "What brings you out this way today?"
"Well, I wanted to ask you a favor Applejack. Rarity and Twilight recently recovered my old vest from when I was a human, and well, its supposed to be able to absorb large impacts. So I'm testing it out to see if it still works." I answered.
"So how does that concern us?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well, I need Applejack to kick me hard. Like when you applebuck a tree."I responded.
"Are you crazy? That type of kick would break you in half!" Applejack shouted in disgust at the idea.
"I know it sounds crazy, but you're going to have to believe me. I won't get hurt, at least I shouldn't be completely hurt."
"Kiniro I don't think that's going to work..." Rainbow Dash trailed off in doubt.
"Seriously I think it will work, Twilight gave me an applebucking kick earlier and I didn't get hurt what so ever." I tried to ease Applejack into the idea.
"Kiniro, seriously, no means no. I'm not going to buck you. Really now do you think this will..." Applejack was interrupted by Rainbow Dash chuckling uncontrollably.
"Ppppffffff.... Bwah-ha-ha-ha.... Woo... Yeah Applejack, that's Twilight's job." Rainbow Dash stated trying to contain her laughter.
"Uh... what?" I questioned unaware of what was so funny. I quickly glanced over to Applejack now blushing over what she had just stated moments earlier. " Uh.... seriously... I don't get it..."
"Well Kiniro, what it means is..." Rainbow Dash tried to explain but suddenly was silenced by Applejack sneaking behind her and placing her left hoof in Rainbow Dash's mouth.
"Hey look, I've had a sudden change of heart! I guess I can help you with this all of a sudden!" Applejack stated with her snout scrunching up toward her face. "We'll help Kiniro and forget this conversation ever took place! Isn't that right Rainbow Dash!?" Applejack stated as she slightly shook Rainbow Dash.
"Mmppphhh Mmmpphfhf." Rainbow Dash stated with Applejack's hoof in her mouth then nodded.
"Well alright then. Let's get you squared away Kiniro." Applejack mentioned as she removed her hoof from Rainbow Dash's mouth.
"Yeah otherwise she'll buck you!" Rainbow Dash shouted and took flight to avoid Applejack.
"Ugh..." Applejack groaned as she slowly tipped her hat to hide her face.
"I still don't get it..." I stated with a confused stare. "Oh also Applejack, did you and Rainbow Dash come up with anything that could help me get physically stronger?" I asked.
"Well I have a few ideas but nothing I can really put my hoof on." Applejack scratched the side of her head with her hoof.
"Well she could buck you!" Rainbow Dash joked again and laughed heavily.
"Darn it Rainbow Dash! Enough of that!" Applejack said angrily.
"Make me!" Rainbow Dash shouted and then proceeded to stick out her tongue.
"Uh... Like I said I still don't get the joke, so I don't see what the big deal is... Besides aren't you two supposed to be helping me out?" I said with a slightly frustrated tone.
"Right... Well I personally haven't come up with much that can help you to be completely honest." Applejack said slightly ashamed. "But then again its only been a day since me and Rainbow offered to help you. So we haven't had much time to think it out."
"Oh Oh what if she bu..." Rainbow Dash tried to state but quickly stopped from the slightly sinister glare I gave her. "Well... I have a small idea."
"What would that be?" I asked.
"Yeah Rainbow, what do you have in mind?" Applejack also questioned.
"Well... Remember that competition we had a few months ago?" Rainbow Dash commented.
"You mean the Iron Pony competition? Oh! Yeah I get it, train him with that." Applejack said in a slight excitement.
"Well we never did dismantle most of the equipment and stands, since Mayor Mare recommended it stay so host it again next year with more contenders." Rainbow Dash stated.
"Iron Pony?" I asked.
"Yeah its a competition of strength and endurance." Rainbow explained.
"Eyup, its several events that form up the competition." Applejack chimed in.
"What are the events?" I asked curiously followed by Rainbow Dash landing beside me and her placing her hoof on my back.
"Easy, The Barrel Weave, The Bucking Contest, The Bronco Buck and the Hay Bale Toss." Rainbow explained.
"Not to mention the others! Like the Football Kick, the Long Jump and finally the Bouncing Ball Contest." Applejack also explained.
"Hmm sounds extensive? Think we might be able to start on that sometime soon?" I questioned.
"Sure I don't see why not, we may just need to get some stuff out of the barn and take it out into the field were we have the Iron Pony competition set up." Applejack responded.
"Awesome, I can't wait to get started." I stated with a smile. "By the way, what were you and Rainbow Dash talking about."
"Well..." Applejack tried to say but was interrupted by Rainbow Dash.
"The thing is, we are both worried." Rainbow Dash said with worried tone. "I know we weren't there earlier when you got in that fight in Canterlot, and we should have been."
"Even though we weren't there to help you, you made a difficult sacrifice to defeat Meadow Song." Applejack also commented in a worried voice.
"So... our worry is that with your guitar gone... if Meadow Song comes back after us, will be able to take him?" Rainbow Dash questioned.
"I sure hope so... I sure hope so... but this is why I wanted to test this vest. Meadow Song is physically stronger than me, but if the vest can absorb his physical blows, that could even the playing field." I responded slightly unsure of the thought itself.
"But even with out your old guitar..." Applejack tried to comment.
"We'll have to try to take him together if we comes after us." I interrupted. "We wouldn't have a choice otherwise..."
"I guess we don't, so we'll have to make due." Rainbow Dash agreed with me.
"So Applejack think we can test this vest out?" I asked.
"Well... I'm reluctant but... if its for evening the odds. We might as well." Applejack responded.
"I know, trust me. Twi felt the same way when I asked her. But its for the best." I assured Applejack.
I quickly turned toward Rainbow Dash and slowly she moved her hoof off my back and she quickly took to the air above me. "I'll be up here and be out of the way while you test this." Rainbow Dash mentioned.
"Alright here goes." Applejack stated as she walked toward me then turned around to have her face away from me. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I'm completely sure about this." I stated. "Just aim for the vest"
"Hey guys?" Rainbow Dash said worriedly.
"In a minute Rainbow" Applejack blew off Rainbow Dash. "Ok here goes... one... two... three!" Applejack stated and she reached three she looked back, jumped forward on to her front legs, aimed high and quickly kicked back with her back legs. Making contact with the vest, I closed my eyes as I flew backwards due to the force of Applejack's kick. I flew in the air for what felt like a few small seconds, and I felt myself hit something hard behind me. Followed by several small thuds that I heard hit the ground. I felt the wind get knocked out me from the impact of what I hit.
I felt myself sitting up against something, I brought my right hoof around to feel what was behind me, and as I rubbed my hoof on the surface of the object behind me, it felt rough and uneven. I turned my head and opened my eyes to see what it was that I had hit. To my surprise I had hit the trunk of one of the apple trees that adorned the mostly open yard in front of the Apple Family's homestead. I quickly looked on the ground surrounding me I noticed that my impact against the tree had knocked down some of the apples that were on the tree. "Ow... heh... hard enough to knock some apples down. Now that's some strong stuff. I didn't feel the kick, that's for sure, but I definitely felt me hitting the tree." I said to myself.
"Uh guys!?" I heard Rainbow Dash say worriedly.
"I got you Rainbow Dash!" I heard Applejack yell.
"What's going on!?" I shouted. I quickly looked over in the direction where both their voices had originated. I saw both Rainbow Dash and Applejack in defensive stance, keeping their bodies low to the ground and they were both facing the same direction. I turned my head to look toward what they were looking at, I couldn't believe what I saw, I was shocked just at the thought of what would be taking place in just a few moments.
"Hey Kiniro.... You remember what you said about not having any other option?" Applejack stated in a very defensive voice.
"You're going to regret coming here bub!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell out.
I quickly jumped up and ran over to the side of both Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "You..." I stated with my voice retreating.
"I've finally found you... and with your guitar gone, this time you're just as useless." I heard another voice call out.
"Meadow Song..." I commented in a defensive voice.
"Don't count him out yet! He's got two of his best friends by his side." Rainbow yelled out.
"You think you two can help him? Like his other two friends helped him in Canterlot!" Meadow Song yelled out.
"Don't you dare insult them!" I shouted, and I got a closer glimpse at Meadow Song, he had his eyes grey. Followed by him standing on his hind legs and brought his guitar forward.
"They were weak! They deserve as such!" He shouted. With those words the color in his mane and his coat turned grey.
"Did he just..." Rainbow Dash stated.
"He did... I know who is behind this..." Applejack commented to Rainbow Dash.
"Who is?" I asked.
"I think we have bigger problems than that now Kiniro." Applejack commented toward me.
I looked towards Meadow Song and gritted my teeth, pondering the possibility of what was about to unfold. I knew, I no longer had my guitar, so I couldn't combat him directly with his magic. However I did have vest, so it did level the playing field when it came to physical blows, at least when it came to taking hits. However Meadow Song was still definitely stronger than me considering I wasn't given the opportunity to train and get stronger. Not to mention I had two of my friends and two of the Elements of Harmony at my side, but would they be able to fight against him directly without the elements unified magic. I just hoped that all of this would be enough to compensate for the lack of my guitar, and lack of physical training. Unprepared for Meadow Song's arrival, I knew we wouldn't have many options, but the most obvious one, as much as I knew it was a bad idea, would be to take him on directly... and fight.
End of Chapter 20.
Chapter 21: Loyalty, Honesty, and Justice
The Missing Bard
Chapter 21: Loyalty, Honesty and Justice
There I stood along side Applejack and Rainbow Dash, staring down my opponent by the name of Meadow Song. He stood ready with his guitar in hoof at any moment, he could strike the beginning chords and begin to activate the Song of Ragnarok. Arrogantly he positioned his front left hoof around the neck of the guitar and hovered his front right hoof around the strings.
"You think you three can take me?" Meadow Song asked.
"You better believe it bub!" Rainbow Dash stated as she spread her wings open and pounded down at the ground with her front right hoof.
"I've bucked apple tree's tougher than you!" Applejack yelled pounding the ground mimicking Rainbow Dash.
"You can count on it you bastard." I yelled.
"Then bring it you pests!" Meadow Song shouted as he placed his hoof on the guitar to make contact with the strings.
"LETS GO! You two take him from the sides! I've got him head on!" I shouted to the others as we took off making our charge toward our opponent. "Keep him from playing that song!"
"I've got him from the sky!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she took off into flight.
"I got your back down here Kiniro!" Applejack shouted. I looked toward her quickly and nodded.
I heard the first strum of Meadow Song's guitar. "Shit we gotta move faster!" I looked forward at my opponent seeing his guitar begin to glow bright yellow.
"Take this!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell out. I quickly turned toward her seeing her give a reverse kick while in mid air. Knocking down Meadow Song.
"Great job Rainbow Dash!" I shouted in excitement still running with Applejack toward Meadow Song. "Watch out!" I yelled.
"You gotta do better than that!" Meadow Song yelled, quickly jumping up and swinging his guitar onto his back. "Take this on for size!" The guitar playing pony shouted as he grabbed Rainbow Dash by the hoof and brought her down to the ground.
"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Get your grubby hooves of her!" I heard Applejack shouted as she gave her all running toward Meadow Song, and knocking him down by running into him and attempted to pin him to the ground.
"Applejack!" I shouted.
"Get off me you pathetic cow pony!" Meadow Song shouted as he pushed Applejack off and threw her off to the side.
"Ye-ow!" Applejack shouted as she was thrown aside.
"You have to do better than that!" Meadow Song screamed.
"Then take me on!" I screamed as I charged at Meadow Song, quickly jumped on to my hind legs and got in hoof punching distance.
"This again?!" Meadow Song shouted as he jumped on to his hind legs and attempted to throw a hoof punch at me with his front right hoof.
"Yes this again!" I screamed catching his hoof with my front left hoof.
" Did you forget already? We already did this once!?" Meadow Song stated as he jabbed me with his front left hoof, right in the chest making contact with my vest.
"So it does work..." I said with a surprised tone. "I got something to help me this time Meadow Song!" I shouted as I jabbed him in the snout with my front right hoof.
"Still doesn't hurt!" Meadow Song yelled.
"Well maybe this does!" Rainbow Dash yelled. Seeing a sudden flash of color in front of me, followed by what looked like a light blue hoof make contact with the side of Meadow Song's face. Knocking him down to the ground, Rainbow Dash still airborne after her assault.
"Heh... Heh heh..." Meadow Song tried to chuckle and quickly recovered grabbing Rainbow Dash by the hoof and bringing her back down to the ground. "Come now, its three against one!" He shouted as he kicked Rainbow Dash directly on her right wing, with what sounded like several snaps.
"You bastard!" I shouted.
"Looks like that's another pegasus down. Just like the yellow one! Weak." Meadow Song commented.
"Rainbow!" I heard Applejack shout.
"He broke my wing!" Rainbow screamed and flinched heavily. "But I can still take this jerk!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she brought herself back up onto her four hooves considering the injury. "I won't back down!"
"Pitty." Meadow Song stated.
"I'm going to show you how we take out the trash here on Sweet Apple Acres!" Applejack screamed and she charged toward Meadow Song.
"Applejack! Wait!" I shouted and followed Applejack's lead charging straight into our already nearby opponent.
"Really now?" Meadow Song said confused tone.
"Take this you son of a bitch!" I screamed as I slid on the dirt, quickly bringing myself around attempt to give a reverse kick, however I had slid too far and missed my opponent. "Whoa!" I shouted as I collided with a tree, knocking down several apples from its branches.
"Pathetic, you really have to try har..." Meadow Song tried to state but was interrupted by Applejack giving a reverse kick, in the same manner that I had attempted just moments prior, making her back hooves make contact with his torso. Knocking the guitar off of Meadow Song's back and knocking him to the ground. Applejack completed her maneuver and crossed her legs.
"How about them apples!" I heard Applejack shout.
"Still not hard enough!" Meadow Song quickly jumped up onto his hind legs and tried to throw several hoof punches on Applejack but was unable to make contact.
"What's that? To fast for you?" Applejack stated.
"No! I'm only toying with you!" Meadow Song shouted as he threw another hoof punch with his front right hoof, only to have it caught by Applejack's front left hoof.
"Gotta do better than that nancy boy!" Applejack yelled and attempted throw a hoof punch of her own only to have it caught by Meadow Song's free hoof.
"Hold on! Wait for me Applejack!" I shouted as I recomposed myself from my collusion with the tree and brought myself up on all four hooves and charged straight toward the two ponies in a stalemate.
"My my, this again. Let me teach you a lesson, just like I did your dear friend Kiniro!" Meadow Song shouted as he used his hind left hoof to trip Applejack.
"Ye-uagh!" Applejack shouted as she fell toward the ground.
"Lesson learned!" Meadow Song said as he kicked Applejack forcefully in the side and then stomped his front left hoof straight down on Applejack's back.
"YEEEEEOOOOOOW" Applejack screamed, followed by groans of pain.
"You leave her alone you loser!" I heard Rainbow Dash shout as she jumped on top of Meadow Song attempting to pin him to the ground.
"If you think your friend Applejack couldn't do it? Why do you think you could?" Meadow Song stated with an extremely frustrated voice as he squirmed heavily as he attempted to free himself.
"Because she's not me!" Rainbow Dash screamed.
"Keep him pinned Rainbow Dash" I shouted as I neared the two fighting on the ground.
"Get off me you multicolored freak!" Meadow song screamed, forcing Rainbow Dash off him and brushed her off to the side. Freeing himself from the ordeal.
"How did you?!" Rainbow Dash commented.
"Easy! I'm better than you!" Meadow Song screamed and tackled her to the ground. "Now stay down!"
"You'll never keep me down!" Rainbow Dash said as she quickly pulled herself back up onto her hooves.
"Pick on someone from you're own size!" I shouted as rammed into Meadow Song at full speed, knocking him down to the ground. "Quick Rainbow give me a hoof!" I shouted
"You got it Kiniro!" Rainbow Dash stated as we both piled on top of him.
"Stay down you asshole!" I shouted as I struggled to keep Meadow Song from squirming free.
"Yeah give up while you're ahead!" Rainbow Dash chimed in as she aided me.
"You two really have try harder!" Meadow Song shouted and suddenly threw both Rainbow Dash and me off. Meadow Song slowly retreated toward his guitar.
"Ye-ow!" I stated as I landed on the ground.
"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she landed right next to me. "This pony is tough!"
"But we have to be stronger!" I commented to Rainbow Dash. "Lets go!" I stated. Both of us quickly recovered from the ground and charged toward our opponent once again. "Keep him away from that guitar!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.
"Still think that old strategy will work?! You're already down one ally!" Meadow Song shouted as he reached his guitar.
"Better than nothing!" Rainbow Dash yelled and tackled him down. "Quick Kiniro! Get his guitar!" She stated struggling to keep Meadow Song pinned down.
"Get off me you Rainbow colored freak!" Meadow Song shouted.
"I've got it! I've got it!" I yelled as I ran for his guitar. I brought myself to a halt as I saw his guitar laying down in front of me. It was still glowing its bright yellow aura. "You're mine now!" I shouted as I reached down for Meadow Song's guitar that laid glowing on the ground.
"No! That's mine!" Meadow Song screamed as I made contact with his guitar.
"Not anymore!" I said as I felt surge of power coming from the guitar. "Now that's more like it! Time for a piece of your own medi... Whoa whoa whoa whoa!" I shouted as I felt a bigger surge come from the guitar, causing deafening energy feedback that blew me back. "Oh shit!" I shouted while still airborne. I felt myself make contact with something, and I closed my eyes feeling the pain of the contact rushing through me as it penetrated the absorbing material of the vest. Hearing a loud crash and what sounded like the splintering of wooden boards, and finally landing hard on the ground.
"You're on your own!" I heard Meadow Song shout.
"I can still take you!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell at the top of her lungs.
I opened my eyes to see that I landed inside one of the Apple Family Homestead's bedrooms and that I had crashed through the wall making a big hole in the process. "Ugh..." I quickly tried to pull myself up, struggling only for a moment to get on all fours. "I guess the vest has its limits, but still... that could have been a lot worse!" I quickly rushed to the hole and peeked outside to see Meadow Song and Rainbow Dash still at it. Meadow Song trying to land a hoof punches on Rainbow Dash, and Rainbow Dash evading them elegantly.
"You have to do better than that!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Fight back you rainbow freak! Stop evading me!" Meadow Song screamed.
"Deal with it! Getting tired yeee-whoa!" Rainbow Dash screamed as she tripped over an apple that I had previous knocked down from my earlier collusion with a tree due to my botched reverse kick.
"Shit!" I commented as I jumped through the hole and began to charge my opponent.
"Looks like you couldn't evade me forever! Meadow Song screamed as he kicked Rainbow Dash on the ground. "Now stay down!" He yelled as he hoof stomped on Rainbow Dash's left wing.
"Ye-ow!" I heard Rainbow Dash scream out in pain followed by several loud whimpers.
"Now stay down... My fight's with him." Meadow Song commented.
"You bastard! You'll pay for that!" I said charging at my opponent.
"Are you forgetting something?" Meadow Song stated as he fell back some ways to where his guitar laid from my point of flight and picked up his guitar that was no longer glowing. Slowly he placed his hooves around the neck and around the base.
"Crap!" I stopped mid charge and stared down at my opponent.
"You know what this means right?" Meadow Song stated, but I refused to answer. Silence remained for a few moments as we both stared each other down, his right hoof hovering over the strings. "Game over Kiniro." Slowly Meadow Song began to play the first few chords of Ragnarok and his guitar slowly lit up into a bright yellow glow. I knew without my guitar or my magic, I would be unable to stop his onslaught that would be coming my way. I sat down on the ground on my hind quarters and closed my eyes.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry Twilight...I failed you." I stated as the chords of Ragnarok continued to play from Meadow Song's guitar.
End of Chapter 21.
Bonus Chapter: The Message
The Missing Bard
Bonus Chapter: The Message
"Oh well... then ok. I'm going to head to Applejack's place and see if she's in. I'll be back later today." Kiniro commented eagerly as he headed toward the front door of the Library.
"Do be careful Kiniro!" Rarity stated with slight concern.
"Yes Kini, please don't hurt yourself, because if you do, trust me you'll be taking care of yourself this time!" Twilight stated with a smile and stuck out her tongue.
"There it is!" Kiniro joked back. "I promise I'll try to take care of myself. I'll see you all later. Hey spike, when I get back, are you up for some ice cream?" Kiniro quickly shifted away from the joke.
"Ice Cream? Are you kidding? I'm always up for some ice cream! Think we can get some sapphire sprinkles on it if we can?" Spike eagerly asked as he licked his lips lightly.
"Alright alright Spike, it will be my treat. I'll come get you after I test out this vest with Applejack." Kiniro responded to Spike as he pushed the front door open with his front right hoof. "I won't be long, I promise."
"Take care!" Twilight, Rarity and Spike said out in unison only to have Kiniro respond with a simple hoof wave of acknowledgement.
"Ok to Applejack's I go!" Kiniro said aloud excitedly as he stepped out side. "Now... which way..." Kiniro stated as he looked around to his surroundings outside of the library. "Ah yes! This way!"
"You know I probably should go with him Twilight. Considering my sister is there at Applejack's, and I do need to go pick her up." Rarity commented.
"Oh don't worry about it, I'm sure a little bit of extra time with her friends wouldn't hurt." Twilight responded. "Plus better her and her friends be getting into trouble getting their cutie marks elsewhere." Twilight snickered lightly.
"Oh... well I guess a little bit more time wouldn't hurt at all, but I should leave here in a bit. Care to go with me you two?" Rarity asked.
"Hmm..." Twilight responded.
"Sure, I could use a bit of fresh air and walk off breakfast, besides I'm just about done cleaning up all the dirty dishes..." Spike stated his interest in going out. "If only I had one of Vinyl's bass dishwasher thingies, at least I wouldn't have to clean all the dishes by hand." Spike muttered.
"What was that spike?" Twilight questioned.
"Oh nothing..." Spike quickly retorted.
"Well I guess we should walk off breakfast, don't want to let today's breakfast go hips!" Rarity joked followed by a slightly awkward chuckle from Spike. Embarrassed by his laugh Spike quickly covered his mouth with his claws. "I say we chase after Kiniro and meet up with him before he gets to Sweet Apple Acres!" Rarity stated as she headed to the door but was stopped in her tracks as her eyes met with the eyes of a bouncing pink pony.
"Oh hi Rarity! Whatcha doing?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"I'm about to go catch up with Kiniro so I can go pick up my sister from Applejack's." Rarity explained.
"Oh yeah! I just saw him heading out a minute or two ago, me and Fluttershy saw him as we got out from Sugar Cube Corner." Pinkie responded
"Oh y-yes. We saw him walking, he stopped and waved to us." Fluttershy added in.
"By the way! Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said in a sing song tone. "We got something for you! Well something for both you and Kini, but I thought we should show you first since he's out right now."
"You got us something?" Twilight asked. "Aww you girl's shouldn't have. Come on in!"
"W-well we wanted to get you t-two something to mark your 5 month anniversary together as s-special some p-ponies." Fluttershy stated with a light smile as both her and Pinkie Pie walked inside. Pinkie Pie closing the door behind her.
"So we got you a cake! Me and Fluttershy made it ourselves." Pinkie Pie said as she walked over to a small table and set down box wrapped with a red bow.
"D-do you two want to s-see?" Fluttershy asked
"Of course!" Rarity added. "I guess I can wait for just a few minutes more."
"I'd love to see the cake you made us." Twilight commented.
"Okie dokie!" Pinkie Pie answered and pulled the bow off with perfect precision and opened the top of the box to reveal a cake with a drawing of Twilight's head and Kiniro's head kissing made with cake frosting and icing. The cake background being of white frosting with yellow icing on the sides. On the top layer of the the cake a message was written surrounding the heads of the two.
"Aww that's so sweet! Thank you two! But whats the message say?" Twilight asked.
"Hapvw Amiwrzrw IuiIiugt & Ylhimq?" Rarity asked.
"S-sorry, its supposed to say Happy Anniversary Twilight and Kiniro." Fluttershy explained.
"Yeah... I personally blame the help at Sugar Cube Corner." Pinkie Pie said with slight sarcasm.
"Uh... Pinkie... aren't you the only other pony that works at Sugar Cube Corner other than the Cakes?" Twilight stated as she stared lightly at Pinkie Pie.
"Oh... right... I guess that's right... I really have to work on my hoof penmanship." Pinkie Pie smiled and laughed.
"That cake looks delicious!" Spike commented. "I can't wait to have a piece of that."
"Now now Spike, that's both Twilight and Kiniro's cake, perhaps we should wait cut it once we can get everyone together later."
"Oh... ok..." Spike said now slightly depressed about having to wait.
"Well Spike you know Kiniro offered to treat you to Ice Cream when he gets back." Twilight reminded.
"Oh yeah I almost forgot about that!" Spike said as he scratched his head nervously.
"But yes Fluttershy and Pinkie, I love the cake. I'm sure Kiniro will love it also." Twilight stated with a smile.
"Speaking of K-kiniro, why was he off to A-applejack's?" Fluttershy asked.
"Oh... ugh..." Twilight said in a slight disgust.
"What has her mane in a bunch?" Pinkie commented.
"Well, last night I brought over one of Kiniro's old clothing from when he was a human. Specifically his vest, Kiniro said he wore it originally to be able to take physical blows, which is very brutish if you ask me, especially considering he's such a gentlecolt. So I thought maybe he could use it again to help him if he ever ran into that Meadow Song. But of course, it was still fitted to when he was a human, so with some help of Twilight here, she was able to reshape it to fit him better now." Rarity explained.
"So pretty much he wants to have AJ kick him like when she bucks apple trees and see how it holds up." Twilight said slightly frustrated.
"But it absorbs the impact, at least that it did when Twilight kicked him." Rarity explained.
"O-oh my... You kicked him?" Fluttershy asked.
"It was only to test out that vest of his, and I didn't want to hurt him." Twilight answered.
"And it worked perfectly." Pinkie Pie commented.
"Pinkie... how did you know that?" Rarity asked.
"Well first off, why else would he go to AJ's? Plus on top of that, I've been reading the writer's notepad, I was able to snatch it from his back pocket while he was at work." Pinkie Pie answered as she walked over to the couch and proceeded to plop herself on it. "But I had to place it back before he noticed it was missing."
"Wait... what?" Twilight said with a confused look.
"It also has some other cool notes, but I didn't get to read all of it, something important... Oh I can't remember, but there was supposed to be something important..." Pinkie tried to explain.
"There she goes again with this." Rarity said with a dreadful tone.
"I-i... don't understand..." Fluttershy commented.
"I don't think any of us do." Twilight added in as she scratched her head with her front right hoof.
"Something..." Pinkie Pie muttered.
"Anyway Fluttershy and Pinkie, we have some left over breakfast that Spike prepared if you want some." Twilight asked.
"Oh no t-thanks. I had some o-oatmeal for breakfast." Fluttershy stated, and quickly looked over to Pinkie Pie as if to expect a specific response.
"Yes Fluttershy?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"O-oh... nothing. I like you're mane this morning." Fluttershy responded.
"Oh thanks! I just curled it this morning!" Pinkie Pie answered.
"Don't you curl it every morning?" Rarity asked.
"Of course I do! How else would I keep my mane like this?" Pinkie stated as she swayed her head back in forth having her mane sway with her to show it off. "Hmm... I feel like we should be expecting something soon..."
"Like what?" Twilight asked.
"I'm not sure... I just know... something..." Pinkie Pie answered.
"Look out below!" A voice yelled out.
"What the!" Twilight shouted.
Suddenly a Grey colored mare with a blond mane wearing a mail carrier's hat came crashing through the door, narrowly missing Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, finally to end up crashing into a library bookcase knocking down every book on the shelves onto herself.
"That's what it was!" Pinkie Pie shouted out.
"I'm so sorry!" The grey mare stated with a shameful voice, and she proceeded to push the books off herself as she brought herself on to her hooves. "I'm so so so sorry for the mess!"
"You know we do have a door Derpy." Twilight stated.
"I know I know I know I know." Derpy responded.
"So to what do we owe the occasion?" Rarity asked.
"I have an urgent Message!" Derpy answered.
"For who?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Did I win the sweepstakes?"
"For Twilight! And no Pinkie I haven't seen anything for you yet."
"I've got a letter?" Twilight asked.
"No, not a letter!" Derpy shouted as she breathed heavily from her recent collusion.
"So what is it!?" Twilight said with a slightly frustrated tone.
"Its a message from your brother!" Derpy explained.
"A message from my brother? Hmm... I wonder if its about the letter I sent him." Twilight commented.
"M-maybe it has s-something to do with Cadance." Fluttershy weighed in.
"No its worse than that!" Derpy replied.
"Worse than Cadance?" Twilight said with a puzzled look.
"Well... at least it sounded that way when your brother talked to me." Derpy answered.
"So whats the message my dear?" Rarity asked.
"Oh... right! Lets see here..." Derpy answered as she tried to gather her thoughts. "I'm sorry, I went through so much to get here in such a hurry, I can't remember it right away. Give me a minute to gather my thoughts." Derpy explained as she sat herself down on the pile of books and began to scratch the underside of her snout as if to scratch a non-existent beard.
"Oh come on..." Twilight stated.
"Give it time T-twilight, you know Derpy, she m-means well." Fluttershy commented.
"I know... its just... my books are out of order now!" Twilight shouted lightly.
"I'm so sorry Twilight, I can help you clean up soon if you want!" Derpy offered.
"Well... ok fine but maybe a little later if that's alright, I might have to go out in a bit." Twilight answered.
"Ok! Sorry again... oh! By the way I remember the message now!" Derpy said as she stop scratching her non-existent beard. "It was something along the lines of... Derpy please warn my sister and Kiniro that Meadow Song is coming."
"Oh my Celestia..." Twilight responded followed by several gasps from the other ponies. "How does he know we are here and how did he escape?"
"Um... Well... I don't know how he escaped... but... I think I know how he might know his way here..." Derpy said shamefully.
"Derpy Hooves... what did you do..." Twilight said with a frustrated tone.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I was just doing my job!" Derpy said with a shameful voice.
"What did you do!" Twilight pestered again.
"Ok ok I'm sorry! I didn't know at the time, but there was this pony at the place you're brother was at and he was running out and he ran into me when I was doing my Equestrian Mail announcement. Saying your brother got a letter from you from here in Ponyville! I think that might be that pony named Meadow Song." Derpy tried to explain and started to tear up heavily.
"I'm sorry Derpy... I didn't meant to make you cry." Twilight tried to explain.
"I wasn't trying to mess up this time! I promise! I was just doing my job..." Derpy began to sob heavily.
"Now now Derpy my dear, don't be so hard on yourself, like you said you were just doing your job." Rarity explained.
"Do you mean it?" Derpy asked as she sucked in her tears and snorted in a bid to try to recover from crying.
"Of course Derpy!" Rarity explained.
"I'm sorry, I didn't meant to upset you Derpy..." Twilight commented.
"Its ok... I'll be fine..." Derpy smiled lightly with her eyes correcting themselves for a brief moment before going back to their walled posture.
"Um... I don't w-want to be a b-burden... but shouldn't we be w-worrying about Meadow Song finding us?" Fluttershy commented with a worried tone.
"By Celestia you're right... We have to go find Kiniro, AJ and Rainbow, and warn them that Meadow Song is on his way to Ponyville."
"Well we should make haste!" Rarity added.
"I a-agree." Fluttershy commented. "W-we have to stand by our f-friends if trouble c-comes."
"We go to Kini!" Pinkie Pie stated.
"Lets go then!" Twilight retorted. "Come with us Derpy."
"Are you sure? Really?" Derpy questioned.
"Of course!" Twilight answered
"To Sweet Apple Acres!" Derpy shouted with excitement.
"Now lets go!" Twilight stated as the 4 others dashed out the door with Twilight following closely behind. "Wait a second..." Twilight commented as she stopped herself in the doorway... "If Meadow Song is going to be on his way, I better bring this..." Twilight mentioned to herself aloud as she looked at the electric guitar laying against a bookshelf. "I know Kini is skittish about using this, but if Meadow Song is on his way, he might just have to get used to it fast. I just hope it works for him like his old guitar if he has to use it..." Twilight commented as she levitated the guitar with her magic and carried it out the door with as she chased after the others. "I just hope we have enough time to prepare before Meadow Song gets here..."
End of Bonus Chapter.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 22: Variations
I sat on the ground counting my final seconds. Feeling the tears run down my face, knowing that I had let not only myself down, but everypony I knew down. Feeling the heart ache of not just failure but the depressing fact of defeat. I knew that even if I tried to do anything I would no longer succeed at this point as the chords of Ragnarok continued to be played. Seeing my life flash before my eyes, that of Midgard, my short time in Equestria, and all the wonderful things that have come these past five months that I had awaited for an entire lifetime. I brought myself to the ground completely tearing that it was all going to be over, I just hoped that it would be quick and that I would be able to be with my family in Valhalla once I was gone.
"Don't you dare touch my special somepony!" I heard a familiar voice yell out, I quickly opened my eyes and turned to the direction I heard the voice originate from. It was Twilight magically carrying my new electric guitar with her, and next to hear was Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and The Grey Mare that I would run into occasionally when I lost my way to Octavia's.
"Twilight!" I shouted.
"You!" Meadow Song yelled as he broke his concentration playing Ragnarok and misplayed a chord. Deactivating the yellow aura on his guitar as the song was played incorrectly.
"Leave him ALONE!" Twilight yelled out as jumped up and her mane caught on fire followed by her purple coat turned white.
"What the..." I commented as I pulled myself up off the ground..
"Oh... crap..." Pinkie Pie stated.
"You girls get this guitar to Kiniro! I've got this pony!" Twilight stated and passed the guitar over to Rarity.
"O-okay Twilight." Fluttershy responded.
"You got it!" Rarity chimed in and began to hold the guitar in her magical grip.
"Okie dokie!" Pinkie Pie added.
"Derpy go get help!" Twilight shouted.
"Understood!" Derpy shouted as she gave an awkward salute and took off flying towards Ponyville.
"Well looks like I get the chance to destroy not just this pest Kiniro, but I get to destroy Twilight Sparkle, as well." Meadow Song commented.
"Well then bring it!" Twilight shouted as she began to charge at him with her mane ablaze and her horn began to glow a bright red. "Never fight a pissed off unicorn!"
"I've taken ponies stronger than you!" Meadow Song shouted and stood his ground with his guitar.
"Now's our chance!" Pinkie Pie shouted to the Fluttershy and Rarity.
"Right!" Rarity and Fluttershy said in unison and the three began to rush toward my position.
"Twilight no!" I shouted.
"Time to take you out like the cow pony and the rainbow freak!" Meadow Song shouted but as his sentence finished his eyes turned from grey to light green. "I won't do this anymore! I can't... I can't hurt anyone anymore!" His eyes quickly changing back from green to grey. "You will do as you're told! You will follow my command!" His eyes changed again after he spoke. "I... help... me...help...me..." He fell to the ground letting go of his guitar and bringing his hooves to cover his ears as if to stop from hearing something.
Twilight stopped mid charge and she returned to her normal color. "He's being controlled! I know who's behind it!" Twilight shouted.
"Applejack and Rainbow Dash commented something cryptic like that earlier. What's going on here?" I stated.
"Well I guess you all know now..." Meadow Song stated as his eyes turned back grey and he picked up his guitar again.
"It's Discord... he brainwashed us before... its what he's doing to this pony." Pinkie Pie said as her, Rarity and Fluttershy reached my position with my electric guitar.
"Very very smart. Except this time, I've taken a more direct approach from brainwashing, I'm in direct control, but this creature's spirit is very strong, but I'm stronger." Meadow Song shouted out.
"Everypony we have to pin him down and I can use a restoration spell to help that pony!" Twilight shouted. "It worked before!"
"Got it!" Myself, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy shouted out in unison.
"You really think its that easy?! You only got away with it last time because you ponies have no strengths of your own, only together you form the Elements of Harmony! But this... creature that I've turned into a pony, has such incredible strength and magical prowess... I wish you good luck reclaiming him!" Meadow Song shouted out.
"Well then... time to fight fire with fire." I stated as I reached out for the electric guitar and brought its strap over my body for leverage.
"You think you have the strength or power to fight me again?" Meadow Song stated.
"Maybe I don't, but I will keep fighting to defend what I hold close!" I shouted. "DO YOU GOT THAT!"
"My my... so feisty... I've always missed fights such as this... just like those between myself and Celestia..." Meadow Song stated.
"Girls... stay back... get Applejack and Rainbow Dash out of here... I need you all to stay safe, and get the Elements of Harmony together in case I fail to defeat him. You will be our last chance. Discord or who ever you are... you will have to go through me if you want to get to them." I stated as I began to strum on my electric guitar hearing a more vibrant sound compared to my old acoustic guitar.
"You heard him girls!" Twilight shouted and signaled the girls to split up.
The girls split up. Twilight and Fluttershy went to assist Rainbow Dash, Twilight using her levitation magic to carry Rainbow Dash. Followed by Rarity and Pinkie Pie using a combination of magic and strength to aid Applejack to safety nearby.
"We have to stay..." Rainbow Dash muttered.
"We have to help... Kiniro..." Applejack stuttered.
"But we have to go girls!" Twilight commented.
"But..." Applejack tried to say but was interrupted.
"We c-can't fight against t-that." Fluttershy interrupted.
"If that pony is being controlled by Discord... shouldn't we try to save him?" Rainbow Dash struggled to say.
Twilight pausing looking back toward me. "We have to stay and help that pony get free. We just can't let Discord keep using him this way." Twilight stated with doubt in her voice. The Elements of Harmony staying within sight of both of Meadow Song and myself.
I stared down my opponent, playing my left front hoof on the neck of the guitar and brought my right front hoof over the strings, awaiting his move, suddenly a thought entered my mind of what Vinyl had told me, "Its just a safety switch I put in so you can't overload it when its not in use so you don't over charge it with magic." I quickly looked at the safety switch seeing it flipped over to where it was not active. "That could be trouble." I thought to myself, as I quickly flicked the switch with my free front right hoof and brought it back over to strings.
"You really think that piece of junk will help you?" Meadow Song shouted towards me as he began to play the song of Ragnarok, seeing his guitar glow in its yellow aura.
"I don't know, but it's better than fighting with out a guitar!" I retorted as I began to play the initial chords of Ragnarok but my guitar didn't activate. "Shit! Its not working on this one either! Why is this not working!"
"See I told you pathetic!" Meadow Song commented.
"Well at least I can still do this!" I shouted as I quickly changed my melody to a more relaxing tone to form the song the Rift. Seeing my guitar glow lightly, feeling time slow down and feeling my reflexes become super responsive, I charged at him with my guitar and I got within a few feet of him I swung my guitar as hard as I could. But as my swing got within inches he reacted, brought his guitar up to block my swing and with the block the light aura dissipated on my guitar. "How did you... How... did..."
"You're song you played... it helped me get faster as well..." Meadow Song stated as we were now in a stalemate and as time returned to normal.
"Shit... he's using my song magic against me, it think's he's friendly!" I shouted as I pushed against my guitar in an attempt to break the stalemate.
"Well well... guess your magic is useless against me" Meadow Song shouted back as he pushed back on his guitar to counter me.
"How about a taste of you're own medicine!" I yelled as I tripped him with my hind right leg, causing the stalemate to break.
"Charming!" Meadow Song commented as quickly recovered, and pushed back on me and my guitar, so he could slide back some ways. Finally he brought his guitar up to play. "Don't think I'll fall for that again!"
"Damn it... I can't play Ragnarok... I can't use my basic song magic to help me... what about... my improvised magic!" I said aloud. Remembering that I could levitate objects and create barriers. "That won't work..."
"Having trouble finding something that will help you win?" Meadow Song commented and followed up with a sinister laugh. "You could just sacrifice your guitar again! See how good that will help you this time!"
"You bastard! You haven no idea how much that guitar meant to me! I may not be able to do much now! But damn it even if I have to discover a new song spell! I will!" I shouted angrily as because of him, I lost my most prized possession from Midgard. I strummed my guitar loudly and saw my guitar glow its unique glow vibrantly, playing a very violent song. Seeing my guitar continue to glow, and suddenly the thought popped in my head... "The safety switch..." I quickly brought my hoof around to deactivate the switch, to suddenly see my guitar change its aura from blue to a dark green.
"What the!" Meadow Song shouted.
"A new aura... I've never... seen or heard of one like this..." I said aloud, remembering the switch changed its color. I quickly flicked the switch back and forth momentarily seeing the aura change from green to blue and finally back to green with the switches direction.
"So you have a new aura... but no matter! It's nothing special and it certainly won't help you!" Meadow Song shouted as he began to play the song of Ragnarok again.
"Shit..." I said aloud. I know I have to play the song of Ragnarok to counter him otherwise I won't be able to fight him." I thought to myself as I began to play the chords of Ragnarok, but as opposed to seeing an aura engulf me, it began to super charge the aura of the guitar. "Oh hello." I said to myself seeing the guitar's aura grow stronger and darker green, and with a sudden urge, I strummed the guitar loudly with a chord of the song of Ragnarok. Only to have the aura of the guitar get discharged out of the guitar out of the neck and shooting out like lightning, as opposed to an aura blast, missing Meadow Song by quite a distance.
"This can't be!" Meadow Song shouted. "A new variant of Ragnarok?!"
"Looks like it doesn't it!" I shouted as I aimed my guitar toward him directly as he continue to play. "Lets try that again!" I strummed my guitar heavily seeing a yellow aura form around Meadow Song. Waiting for my aura to darken again.
"Looks like you are too late!" Meadow Song commented.
"Don't count me out yet!" I shouted seeing my guitar's aura darken just like before, and with another heavy strum triggered another discharge of lightning from my guitar aimed perfectly toward Meadow Song.
"No no no!" Meadow Song shouted as the lightning pierced through his yellow aura knocking his guitar away from him as he flew back quite a ways hitting a tree and knocking himself unconscious.
"Now to end this!" I shouted as I flicked my guitar's safety switch back seeing my guitar's aura switch back to blue and continued to play the song of Ragnarok, but this time, the guitar continued glowing and the aura began to spread around me from the guitar in its beautiful blue light. "Now you're back... I've missed you, I think I know why you are gone... That warm glow... It's over Meadow Song." I stated as I reached the mid point of the song and aimed my guitar toward Meadow Song's unconscious body. "This is if for Fluttershy! This is for Applejack! This is for Rainbow Dash! And This is for my guitar! You heartless bastard!" I shouted as I nearly reached the end of the song. I had a suspicion my mind that my determination to defeat my foe was the reason why Ragnarok responded to me this time around in both variations.
"NO KINI! NO!" I heard Twilight shout, I quickly reacted to Twilight's plea and stopped playing the song of Ragnarok, causing the aura to dissipate quickly and I brought my guitar down and slung it over my back.
"Twilight! Why?! He's been trying to kill us! Why should I let him live!" I shouted to Twilight.
"Because even though it's that pony's actions! He is not completely in control! He's being controlled by Discord and he's been fighting his influence! He needs our help! How can we let an innocent soul like that die for something he can't control!" Twilight shouted and came into view.
"But what if this Discord comes back to try and control him!" I retorted.
"You just have to trust me!" Twilight shouted back and walked over toward the unconscious Meadow Song. "Kini please come with me just in case. I hope this works."
"Ok.. but please... be careful." I commented as I caught up with Twilight and we both arrived at the body of Meadow Song.
"Please work..." Twilight commented as her horn began to glow purple and she placed her horn upon Meadow Song's for head. Suddenly the grey color that engulfed him, quickly retreated, his mane returning to its blond color, and his coat also becoming its former dark brownish orange color. "It worked!" Twilight shouted in excitement.
"Now look at that!" I said in shock.
"But he's still out cold... Look's like we won't be sure if he's back to normal until he wakes back up." Twilight responded.
"Looks like it... I just hope it works like you said it will." I quickly looked over to his guitar that laid some ways away from us. "Twilight... his guitar... remember that silver plate I told you I couldn't decipher? Think that restoration spell might be able to work on it?" I questioned.
"I believe so maybe we should give it a shot and see what that the silver plate says. Maybe it will finally answer the question of this pony's origin." Twilight looked at me and nodded.
"I have my suspicions but this... this could lay it to rest finally." I agreed as both Twilight and myself walked over to the guitar and we both looked down toward it.
"Are you ready Kini?" Twilight asked
Finally after so much fighting, lucid dreams and even questioning my Midgard's history. I was finally going to learn the answer of how this pony new the song of Ragnarok, how he had a guitar similar to mine and maybe why he was coming after us. I knew the connection was there and I was eager to know the answer. Yet at the same time now with all the evidence that had been brought forward these past few days, I worried about being proved right, especially if we couldn't save this pony but my curiosity of this matter had to finally be laid to rest.
"Twi... Do it." I commented.
End of Chapter 22.
The Missing Bard
Chapter 23: Origins
Twilight took a deep breath and closed her eyes attempting to concentrate. Her horn slowly beginning to glow with a purple aura and within a few moments the guitar also was engulfed by the subtle glow. The guitar was slowly flipped over toward its backside, exposing the underside of the neck where the silver plate resided. The aura that engulfed the guitar slowly receding to only encompass the silver plate.
"Just a little bit more!" Twilight said with a strained voice.
"Almost there!" I responded in kind.
"Almost... almost... there!" Twilight stated as she opened her eyes and then glanced at me with a smile.
"You're amazing, you know that right?" I complimented, only to see Twilight blush heavily.
"Look! The you can make out the letters on the plate now!" Twilight said joyously.
"Now we'll know..." I responded uneasily as I looked down upon the silver plate. "To my dear friend Aldo, King Tristam." I said hesitantly. The answer I had long sought, while it worried me that it was true, that the history of Midgard was a lie, yet I found comfort in finding that I was right, as if I had known the answer all along.
"King Tristam? Aldo?" Twilight questioned. "Isn't Tristam the name of the King of Rune Midgard that you've mentioned to me? But who is Aldo?"
"There were three King's by the name of Tristam. King Tristam, King Tristam the Second, and King Tristam the Third. King Tristam the Third was my king. The others by the same were the predecessors. So King Tristam the Third was the heir to the throne from Tristam the Second as he was the heir to original King Tristam."
"So it in your world the throne is passed on via lineage?"
"That's correct."
"So how does this fit in with this Aldo?"
"Well... if my memory serves me right... the name Aldo is associated with the first musician in all of Midgard to have played the song of Ragnarok." I explained.
"Wait a second... but you told me that the first musician to play Ragnarok had died! There is no way this pony could be him? Could there?" Twilight said curiously.
"I know it sounds completely impossible, but it gets more complicated. Aldo, lived three hundred years before I was born."
"Wait... how long are the life spans of you humans from Midgard?" Twilight questioned, shocked by the response.
"See... that's what bothers me, in my world the oldest human that ever lived was only ever one hundred and fifteen."
"So... how then... it couldn't be him could it?"
"I'm not so sure, but I have a strong feeling it is. These past two days, I've been having dreams of my past. Memories of the civil war, my escape from execution, and the loss of a good friend. But they all reminded me of things that I had once forgotten. There was an old folk tale back in my world of the first bard who played the song of Ragnarok, who perished in the process of playing it, and no one else since in my world had ever played the song, until I did by accident, ending the civil war. I knew this bard lived during the reign of King Tristam, but you see I actually never knew the name of this bard, until one day on the battlefield Lightning Strike a good friend of mine, who was a very talented and skilled historian, reveled this bard's name to me, and his name was Aldo." I tried to explain.
"I'm still rather lost." Twilight stated with a mild sense of confusion. "I remember you mentioning Aldo being the first a while ago, but I'm still rather confused to how this ties in."
"Its the subtlies that are bringing this together Twi... I think anyway. He also told me that Aldo, before he had 'died', he had developed a unique aura, just like I did, except that his was yellow as opposed to the regular aura colors. Just like Meadow Song over there." I said raising my hoof pointing toward Meadow Song lying unconscious on the ground. "Other thing's I've noticed, is that he has this guitar here that is very similar to my old acoustic guitar. Not because it's an instrument, but because it has an arrow firing mechanism similar to mine, granted mine was a mixture of some blue prints I found during the Wars of Emperium, and combination of my own tinkering. That in it of itself I found extremely disturbing."
"So the three major pieces of evidence you have are, that Aldo was known to have a yellow aura, the fact that Aldo was said to be the first musician to play the song of Ragnarok, and that guitar that this pony carries is similar to yours?" Twilight questioned.
"I know it doesn't seem like a lot to go by, but what else do we have? Or the fact that no other earth pony for that matter can have that level of magic, and that I'm the only exception only because I already had the ability because I'm from Midgard, so that only points to one thing... Meadow Song has to be Aldo from my world." I explained. "It doesn't explain how you two are three hundred years apart in age, but yet he's here does it, if it is really him."
"No it doesn't... considering ponies don't have as nearly as long as a life span as you humans do from your world." Twilight commented.
"We are missing the fact of what really got him here also..." I stated.
"Ugh... what... where..." I heard a voice state, it sounded familiar, but somewhat different in tone. Both Twilight and myself looked over toward where it originated from. Meadow Song was laying on the ground, his eyes open and their normal light green color.
"Quick he's getting up!" Twilight shouted.
"Come on lets go!" I shouted as both Twilight and myself quickly turned around and ran toward Meadow Song.
"The voice... its gone... its gone!" Meadow Song shouted with a sudden burst of excitement, pulling himself up from the ground onto all fours."
"Hold it right there!" Twilight shouted as she got within a few feet of the re-awoken pony.
"Don't you move!" I yelled as I jumped on my hind legs, bringing my guitar forward into my front hooves in a single motion.
"Please! Don't hurt me!" Meadow Song yelled and brought himself to the ground covering his head with his front hooves, shaking nervously. "I don't hear the voice anymore! Please... please don't hurt me. Just leave me alone."
"Meadow Song?" Twilight asked.
"My name isn't Meadow Song." The pony explained.
"What is you're name then!" I retorted with a frustrated tone.
"My name.... my name is Aldo... My name is Aldo." The pony said cowering on the ground.
"Aldo..." I commented with my voice retreating.
"Yes! That's my name... now please don't hurt me!" Aldo stated.
"Where are you from Aldo?" Twilight asked.
"I'm from... the city of Morroc."
"In Rune Midgard..." I muttered, to only see Aldo's ears perk up.
"You know of Rune Midgard?! Do you know how to get back?" Aldo asked. "I have to get back and help my friend the King defeat Satan Morroc!"
"You... you're... the first bard to play the song of Ragnarok." I mentioned.
"Wait... how do you know." Aldo commented.
"Aldo I know this is going to seem strange... but I'm from Midgard as well... but 300 years from your future. You're story of being the first to play the Song of Ragnarok was legend." I explained.
"Is this... Midgard but in the future?" Aldo asked.
"No... you are on another world Aldo. This world is called Equestria, as you can tell its inhabitants are well equines, or better said ponies." Twilight explained.
"How did I get here though? I remember I was fighting against Satan Morroc by playing the song of Ragnarok suddenly to find myself in a dark void, then moments later to be standing in front of a statue of a disfigured creature by the name of Discord." Aldo explained.
"I'm not sure how its possible, but perhaps the dark void that both you and Kiniro were placed in, has some time altering principles..." Twilight commented. "Maybe... Discord..."
"Aldo... You got here the same way I did, or better I got here the same way you did. The combination of the song of Ragnarok and the magic of Satan Morroc co-mingling together causes an explosion that who ever is caught in the blast, gets placed in the dark void, as far of that much I can explain for you. I was pulled through the dark by a pony by the name of Princess Luna, then I arrived here." I explained swinging my guitar over my back and bringing myself back on all fours.
"Yes... that seems familiar, except that I was pulled through by that creature." Aldo explained as he brought himself off the ground seeing that we were no longer hostile toward him. "Wait a second... that means that you... know the song of Ragnarok was well!"
"This is very disturbing... if Discord still has this amount of power even though he is imprisoned in the statue... it could be problematic." Twilight stated completely focused on the thought of Discord. She then proceeded to signal the other Elements of Harmony nearby that it was safe.
"This could be a big problem considering the story you've told me about him." I agreed.
"Um... so uh... You know the song of Ragnarok also?" Aldo questioned.
"Oh I'm so sorry for ignoring you, yes I know how to play it." I responded.
"How did you come to learn it?" Aldo asked.
"Funny thing is... by accident, I felt my body get overtaken as if I was being controlled by the gods themselves and I played song, ever since then, its been imprinted in my memory down to the exact chord structure and tempo. How did you learn it?" I asked.
"...That's how I learned how to play it as well... I was tasked in protecting my good friend King Tristam during his crusade against Satan Morroc, to have same thing happen, but it came to be as if I was destined to fight against that great devil."
"Why did history lie about you..." I muttered to myself.
"What was that?" Aldo questioned.
"Oh nothing... don't worry about it." I retorted quickly.
"So is there any way to get back to Midgard?" Aldo asked.
"I'm sorry to say this Aldo, but you're stuck here." I explained.
"So then Midgard is lost to the fire of Satan Morroc." Aldo said with extreme disappointing as he brought his ears down.
"Not exactly Aldo. When I arrived Satan Morroc crossed over here shortly after, attempting to destroy this world before attempting to return to Midgard, mostly chasing after me to make sure that his victory would be assured. But his crossing weakened him completely giving myself and..." I tried to explain but was interrupted.
"Us the opportunity to defeat Satan Morroc." An injured Applejack mentioned as she stumbled over next to Twilight, with the other Elements of Harmony in tow.
"That devil is finally gone..." Aldo said with a low voice. "Midgard is finally safe... but are you positive there is no way to return?"
"Not that we are aware of...no. Prior to Satan Morroc's defeat here in Equestria we had opened a portal that would send me back home, but when Satan Morroc passed through it, we focused on defeating him instead, and well we got side tracked and shortly after the battle the portal closed." I explained.
"Well can we not open another?" Aldo perused.
"I don't think we can Aldo... when I got here... and possibly yourself, a rift between our two worlds was created, allowing you two to pass through. We used this rift to help open a portal back to your home world, but when the portal closed, we believe the rift closed also, only because as once it closed, I began to die." I explained. "But the song of Ragnarok saved me and made me into a pony."
"Becoming a pony... That Discord thing, turned me into, this! So it looks like even if I could return to being a human... I would perish here now." Aldo said worriedly.
"Oh its not so bad once you get used to it." I comforted Aldo. "So the entire time, you were being... uh controlled. Do you remember anything?"
"Mostly everything after I got here, a few blank moments here and there. The fact of witnessing everything you've done while not being in control of yourself. Even though most of the time in Equestria, I was peaceful as I searched for the Elements of Harmony, I sometimes prayed for the blank moments to just over take me,but I remember trying to resist that things control." Aldo explained.
"Which explains why it looked like you had a split personality disorder." Twilight commented.
"I just... I... I know what horrible things I've done while not in control, that's why I would try to resist, but its grip on me kept getting tighter and tighter... I just can't... live with myself knowing who I've hurt." Aldo explained.
"Aldo... it's not your fault. You weren't in control of yourself." An injured Rainbow Dash reassured.
"D-don't worry... You're f-free from him." Fluttershy added.
"I tried to fight him... but I wasn't strong enough." Aldo commented.
"It's ok now Aldo... you're free." I reassured. "Don't be so hard on yourself..."
"Thank you... um... what's your name?" Aldo asked me.
"My name is Kiniro... Kiniro Tonada." I explained sticking out my front right hoof in confidence.
"Aldo... Aldo Teng." Aldo answered placing his front hoof against mine and lightly shaking."
"You have a last name?" Twilight asked.
"I always have, but my my world, last names are not as common, as people in my world prefer to be called by their first name and their job title." I explained.
"Yes in our world exposing ones last name is a gesture of peace between Midgardians. It is a formality." Aldo also explained.
"So... still why haven't I heard of it?" Twilight questioned.
"Because I'm personally not fond of my last name..." I muttered.
"What does it mean?" Twilight asked.
"Uh... maybe another time..." I avoided.
"It's a beautiful last name especially when paired with you're first." Aldo mentioned.
"Shut up!" I quickly responded. "Just because my parents named me that doesn't mean I have to like it!"
"So..." Twilight commented.
"No! I will not mention this here!" I responded with a frustrated voice.
"So Aldo what will you do now? Do you need a place to stay?" Applejack responded.
"Yeah! Where will you go?" Pinkie Pie commented.
"I could assist you if you need something to get you by." Rarity also chimed in.
"To be honest... after all I've done to all of you... even though I know I wasn't in control. I still feel extremely guilty for all of this. I wouldn't be able to accept all of your generosity." Aldo responded.
"Non sense! I insist!" Applejack stated.
"As do I." Rarity agreed.
"I appreciate it... but I can not. I feel I must clear my name in Equestria before I can take any hospitality." Aldo stated.
"But Aldo..." Twilight tried to add in but was interrupted.
"Girls... please let him do this... it's apart of being a musician and being a bard, in our world we have a high sense of honor, we must pay our debts personal or otherwise before we can let go. Which is why I fought in the civil war originally, I could have easily just left at any time I wanted, but my friend Lightning Strike saved me several times, so I stood by his side all the way up to the end. You would hurt him more if you didn't let him do it." I explained.
"Kiniro is right... I must repay all of you and to all else I have hurt." Aldo commented.
"B-but we don't want you to repay or us, w-we know you weren't in c-control when you..." Fluttershy tried to explain bu was interrupted.
"Please Fluttershy... I know you mean well, but please let him." I stated.
"If you don't want me to repay you, I must repay my debts by doing my job of Midgard here... spreading the joy of music to others." Aldo commented. "At least if I can not replace the pain I have caused, I can bring happiness to others who need it to get through their pain."
"Aldo... please. Once you feel you're debt is done... please come back and stay with us." I pleaded.
"Kiniro, once it's done, I will return and accept your generosity. Because even now, I owe you all a debt, you all have saved me from Discord." Aldo explained. "I no longer hear that horrible voice... thank you. But importantly of all, even if I can not return to Midgard, I owe you the biggest debt of all Kiniro for saving my home."
"Where will you go Aldo?" Twilight asked.
"Twilight... I am a bard." Aldo smiled. "I will go where my music is needed, and I will clear my name."
"But Aldo, no one knows you." Pinkie Pie mentioned.
"But they do know the name Meadow Song." Aldo retorted. "That is the name I need to clear, and as I did horrible things with that name, and that name is associated with this body. I am Meadow Song."
"So Aldo..." Rainbow Dash tried to add to the conversation but was interrupted.
"Please... don't call me that anymore." Aldo commented as he slowly trotted over to his guitar and picked it up and swung it over onto his back.
"So no more Aldo?" Rainbow Dash stated.
"Kiniro isn't the only who was given a name he didn't like either." Aldo smirked lightly and I smiled in kind as well. "Once I repay my debt to Equestria, I will return, and I hope that someday that we all cross paths again. Hail Kiniro the musician who defeated Satan Morroc! Savior of Midgard and Equestria." Aldo shouted at the top of his lungs as he began to walk away from us and into the orchard.
"So then... Aldo I guess this is good bye then." I said. "I hope we do cross paths again, until then, take care of yourself."
"Goodbye, again thank you all. Take care all of you, and I'm sorry for all I've done to all of you, and I hope that we do meet again in the future... And please call me Meadow Song." Meadow Song stated as he disappeared into the orchard.
The End.
Dedicated to my wonderful girlfriend, my new friends in the Brony community locally and world wide, and to all of you who helped see me through who have inspired me to keep me writing. Thank you.
-Kiniro
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Prologue Part 1: First Performer of Ragnarok
The Missing Bard
Prologue Part 1: First Performer of Ragnarok
"Colonel are you sure that these archives are correct?" Asked a female voice
"Yes I am almost positive, I'm an decent historian but many of the royal scribes have double checked and triple checked their history and accuracy. I have no doubt in our scribes' proficiency" responded the Colonel.
"So how does this make me want to to establish a temporary truce with my enemy? Please do explain this to me Colonel Lightning Strike!" The female demanded!
"Queen Xellie, please let me explain!" Lightning strike pleaded.
"Please do, because you are asking me to force a damn truce with Kiniro! So there better be a damn good reason!" The Queen yelled.
"The original grand army formed by Tristam the First, that imprisoned Satan Morroc under the City of Morroc, was aided by the original bard that was able to play the song of Ragnarok."
"So how does this explain me allying with Kiniro?"
"I'm getting to that... Here" Lightning Strike pulled out a very weathered book. "This is the private journal of King Tristam the First. Dated here on the 26th of March. If not for my dear friend Aldo, the bard, not only our Kingdom but I fear the entire world would have succumbed to fire from the great Satan Morroc. I only wish that we had a body to bury for this very noble bard's funeral."
"Again so?"
"That means that the story of the original bard to play the song of Ragnarok fought along side the King during that battle! As where historians state that the first to attempt this song and succeed perished due to being unable to control it! That means that history was hidden from the world!"
"Ok so Kiniro can play the song of Ragnarok, we know this because of his so called 'triumph' ending the Midgard Civil War."
"Exaclty, we know that a bard who played the song of Ragnarok had a purpose in imprisoning Satan Morroc, if we can not defeat it, at least we can imprison it again with Kiniro's help."
"I don't have to like this, but I do have to agree with your logic Colonel of the Royal Guard."
"I know Kiniro can do this, I believe in him, he's a good friend from back during the Civil War."
"That's excellent... perhaps once this is over, we can lure him and finally remove that pest." The Queen explained.
"I will do no such thing, I will not allow you to hurt my friend my 'Queen.'" Lightning Strike rose his voice. "I know where I can find him and you need my help to locate him, but I will not be apart of any plan to hurt my friend."
"You will do as you're told Colonel!" The Queen shouted.
"I will only find Kiniro and deliver him to defeat this beast, after our victory, consider my resignation, because I will not follow such a horrid queen such as yourself! I am only doing this to help save our world, not to serve you, you disgusting bitch." Lightning strike spat at the floor in front of the queen and them stormed out of the throne room.
End of Prologue Part 1.
Chapter 10: Fight in Canterlot Square
The Missing Bard
Chapter 10: Fight in Canterlot Square
Seeing this other pony in the square, just fascinated me. Another pony who could play the guitar! I just felt like I needed to approach and talk to this pony! I felt my over bearing obsession of music taking control of me, I just had to know who this was. But deep down my gut kept giving me a different feeling. But the gods be damned I didn't care. I just had to know who this pony was.
"Hey Twi, do you see that pony over there?" I pointed with my hoof in the direction of the dark brownish orange pony. "That one right there, with the guitar for a cutie mark."
"Where I don't see... oh I see him now." Twilight responded.
"I have to go talk to him! Another guitar playing pony!" I said with a giant smile appearing on my face with a high pitched noise.
"But you d-don't know w-who that is." Fluttershy squeaked.
"I don't care! Another guitar player!" I disregarded Fluttershy's comment.
"But what about wondering around town for a bit before head back to the train?" Twilight commented.
"It will only take a few minutes top! I promise!" I reassured Twilight.
"Oh ok fine! But try not to waste to much time! I want to show you some of the sites in town before we go back to Ponyville!" Twilight stated.
I simply nodded toward Twilight and quickly trotted over to the mysterious pony with the guitar for a cutie mark. "Why hello there!" I called out to pony.
"Huh?" The other pony responded.
"I see you're cutie mark is a guitar! And you so happen to be carrying a guitar with you! Does that mean you play?" I asked.
"Yes. I play the guitar, now if you don't mi-" The other pony was interrupted.
"Oh oh! Another guitar player! My name is Kiniro! I can't say I've been looking for another guitar player but finding you! Oh my Celestia, its such an honor! Whats your name?" I quickly asked.
"Look my name is Meadow Song, and I'm rather busy, I'd love to stop and talk shop with you, but I'm rather busy, so if you don't mind." The other pony stated, brushed off Kiniro and began walking away.
"Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't know you were busy. I'll leave you be then." I responded with a saddened tone.
"Don't worry about him K-kiniro, he's probably just busy and didn't m-mean it." Fluttershy commented.
"Yeah don't put to much thought in it Kini, we know you love music, but I'm sure you'll run into another pony who can play the guitar soon." Twilight comforted me.
"Y-yeah Kiniro, Twilight is probably right." Fluttershy squeaked.
Upon hearing the word Twilight, the other pony which I had just been talking to quickly turned around. "Twilight? As in Twilight Sparkle?" Meadow Song had asked as he approached her.
"Yeah, I'm Twilight Sparkle. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes... there is..." Meadow Song's voice quickly retreated from its normal sounding pitch to something much deeper, he quickly wiggled the guitar off his back, and stood on his hind legs to stand erect and grabbed his guitar with his front hooves. I looked back at the pony in awe thinking that I was going to see him play. Instead he positioned his guitar in a very familiar position and I quickly reacted.
"Twi look out!" I quickly shoved Twilight out of the way and we both hit the ground.
"Ugh... What was that for?!" Twilight yelled at me.
"THATS WHY!" I shouted and pointed my hoof quickly at what appeared to be an arrow lodged between two rocks that formed the road of the square. "GET BACK YOU TWO."
"They are the Elements of Harmony... they must..." I heard Meadow Song stutter. "I won't! I won- I must get rid of the elements."
I looked slightly confused at the pony, as if he was arguing with himself with those last words. "I don't know who you are, but what is it that you want!" I said as I got up, and wiggled the guitar off my back. "Why did you try to hurt Twilight!" I stood up on my hind legs and picked up my guitar with my hooves and held by its neck ready to swing.
"I...can't... I must... I have to get rid of the elements of harmony... BUT I WON'T" The pony yelled out, only to see his green eyes turn into a grey color. "I will get rid of the Elements, even just one will render them all useless, now get out of my way."
"Oh no you don't!" I shouted.
"Very well then, you'll fall with the rest of them!" The pony stated as he slid back pulling back on a lever on his guitar.
The first thought that appeared in my mind... a lever... just like my guitar. I quickly reacted and played the first 5 chords of The Rift and I felt the sudden surge of adrenaline in me, and time slowed down. I saw him aiming his guitar straight at me, and saw an arrow escaping from the head of the guitar, just like my current guitar was designed to work, and quickly I dodged out of the way, not even a moment to spare, as I hit deck I felt the arrow fly through my mane on my neck. I had only summoned enough power from The Rift to get me out of that tight spot. "How did you get that guitar!" I shouted. I quickly looked over to the direction the arrow headed and saw it break upon the impact of a wall then looked back at the pony to await a response.
"It's mine... I made it." The pony commented with a mono-tone voice and again pulled the lever of his guitar, only to hear a click.
I had recognized the click, he had used his last arrow in the slot. Just like mine it would click if I tried to depress the lever if there was no arrow to fire. "You're out of arrows Meadow Song!" I shouted and I quickly recovered from the ground. I saw the first arrow he had fired stuck between the rocks in the road beside me, and I stepped on it to break the shaft of the arrow.
"But I don't need arrows to do what I need." The pony quickly raised his guitar and charged at me with it ready to swing as he ran on his hind legs. I met his charge with one of my own and as we both got close enough, both our guitars made contact. Both of us reaching a stalemate.
"You're strong... Aren't you!" I yelled out.
"Yes and I'm stronger than you are!" The other pony yelled as he quickly kicked me with his hind leg to trip me and break the stalemate. I had fallen to the ground, laying flat in front of him. "Pathetic, stay down you sad excuse." Suddenly I felt a blunt object hit me on my back hard. Knocking the wind out of me, followed by a kick from one of his front legs on the side of my face.
I was in such horrible pain, and I felt like I couldn't move. I turned my head to see the pony still having his guitar at the ready to swing as he approached Twilight and Fluttershy. "Watch... out." I tried to say, but I was unable to speak due to how much pain I was in.
"Get back! I'm not afraid of you!" Twilight shouted.
"You should be..." Meadow Song said with an unsettling voice. I could see Twilight's horn beginning to glow in a purple aura, and trying to levitate his guitar away from him. "That won't work!" The pony yelled out still holding on to his guitar tightly, and stood firm like a rock.
"Gah! Why isn't this working!" Twilight yelled.
"Twilight d-do something!" I heard Fluttershy whimper. I tried desperately to get up, slowing pushing myself up with my front hooves, but I fell back to the ground.
"Get... away from... them." I said as I coughed up some blood. "Get... away... you... asshole..." I tried to yell.
"My magic isn't working! Fluttershy we have to get away!" Twilight shouted.
"I-I'm not leaving you Twilight!" Fluttershy tried to yell.
"You two are sad you know that." Meadow Song commented and I thought the Elements of Harmony were stronger than this.
"Fluttershy you gotta get out of here! Move it!" Twilight stated as she had her horn glow brighter and with in a blink she teleported away.
"Eek!" Fluttershy whimpered. "W-what do I do, w-what do I do!"
"You perish my dear!" I heard Meadow Song call out.
"Fly Fluttershy... fly!" I tried to yell as I still laid on the ground. I saw her trying to get a running start, opening her wings to take off, but the pony caught her by one of her wings and held her down from taking off. Fluttershy had tried to struggle trying to escape. But Meadow Song swung his guitar at Fluttershy's right wing and I saw it bend in such a way that did not look normal. I saw Fluttershy fall to the ground and heard a loud shriek what I assumed was from the pain, and I heard a constant whimper coming from Fluttershy as she curled up into a ball.
"Get up Kini... get up!" I heard Twilight call out to me. I turned my head around to see her standing beside me, nudging me trying to get me up. I had heard another shriek from Fluttershy.
"Help me up... quick!" I yelled out to Twilight as I coughed up more blood. I felt Twilight use her magic lift me up on my four legs and I turned to Meadow Song to see him switch the position of his guitar from a swinging stance to a playing stance.
"And now my dear... its time..." I heard Meadow Song say.
"N-no please... no... " I heard Fluttershy whimper.
I tried my best to then stand on my hind legs, but I felt the immense pressure and pain go up and down my spine. I was in so much pain, but I had to do something. Twilight had levitated my guitar into my hooves. I heard Meadow Song began to play a song, and the chords of a song they quickly called out to me. I had recognized the song. "NO THERE'S NO WAY HE CAN KNOW THAT SONG!" I yelled as quickly positioned my guitar to be able to swing and I began running with a limp toward the other guitar playing pony. "Get away from her... you son... of a bitch!" He had his back turned to me and as I reached him. I put my left front leg out grabbing him with my hoof turning him around. Seeing him playing the guitar, seeing it glow a yellow aura. As I turned him completely I jabbed him with my left hoof disrupting his song play.
"You will regret that!" The pony yelled out to me and pushed me off him, and I fell to the ground. He kicked me back some ways and he positioned himself further apart from me. "You may have stopped me once, but you won't stop me this time, but just to make sure, I'm taking you out first, instead of this pathetic yellow Pegasus." He began playing the same chords from earlier.
"I have to get, up, otherwise I won't make it." I called out to myself as I pushed myself off the ground, lifting myself up. "That song... how does he know it..." I saw his guitar began to glow yellow again knowing that I'd only have moments to spare. I pushed myself up and grabbed my guitar, from its neck, with mouth and charged at him while on all fours. As I reached with in striking distance, I saw his guitar glow a brighter yellow and I knew what I had to do, but I wish I could have done something else. I swung my guitar striking his guitar directly. Right as they made contact, the yellow aura of the guitar had engulfed Meadow Song, but that's where it would stop. My guitar glowed its bright blue and absorbed the energy of the that his had produced. Causing a massive amount of blinding light that knocked both of us quite some distance apart and making a loud booming sound.
As my eyesight returned I felt myself slouched up against a wall close to the ground. I quickly tried to survey what had resulted, coughing up blood one again. I saw Fluttershy still whimpering with her eyes closed where she originally lay. I saw Twilight in front of me, talking to me but I could not make out the words due to the loud ringing in my ears. But slowly the words began to form and I could slowly hear again. "-ni we need to get out of here, especially if he gets up again! I'll go get Fluttershy!" I heard Twilight say. I looked around again as Twilight rushed over to Fluttershy, I saw Meadow Song laying on the ground, hurt, and he was out cold with his guitar not far from him.
"My... guitar..." I said as I looked around only to see pieces of my acoustic guitar scattered around surrounding me. I began to hear whistles and sirens approaching. Only to see Royal Guards in their golden armor and other ponies which looked like a police force arrive. I saw a guard come and approach me and he recognized me.
"Your that pony from earlier at the court yard!" I heard him say.
But I could barely talk from all the pain. So I just gave a simple nod to give him his confirmation of who I was. "Who did this?!" The guard asked. Again unable to respond, I just pointed in the direction of the fallen pony who had attacked us. He quickly looked over in that direction to see what I had pointed to. "Understood! Guards take that pony into questioning! We has a lot of explaining to do when he comes to!" I saw several of the guards use their magic to levitate the pony up and carry him away.
I had gotten up slowly, and limped my way over to the other guitarist's instrument that now laid in the street unattended. I slowly picked it up and tried to investigate it and as I turned it around I saw a small engraving on a silver plate on the back side of the neck that stated. "To my d-ar fri--d A---, K-ng --is-am." As I tried to decipher what the engraving meant. It began to glow white and it began to levitate away from me, I turned around to see a Royal Guard levitating it away.
"I'm sorry sir, but that's evidence I'll have to take that from you." I heard the guard call out .
Again still unable to talk, I nodded in agreement and let him take it. I surveyed the square again to see Twilight attending to Fluttershy.
"I know it hurts Fluttershy but we have to get you out of here. I'm going to take you to the Canterlot Hospital. Just try not to move, I'm going to carry you there." Twilight called out, while slowly levitating Fluttershy up with her magic. "Kini are you ok to walk with us? I can't carry both of you."
"I'll make... it." I tried to say, but it was enough for Twilight to see that I was ok enough to walk. In an extreme amount of pain but I could walk.
"Just follow me Kini, I know the way and try to be still Fluttershy, we'll get you both some help soon!" Twilight's words seemed to comfort us both.
"P-please h-hurry T-t-t-wilight, i-it h-hurts s-so b-ad." Fluttershy said trying to hold back her sobbing from the pain followed by several whimpers.
"What was that Kiniro?" Twilight asked. "What caused that feedback?"
As we left the square, I looked back at the remains of my guitar that laid broken and scattered. I felt tears running down my face, not just from pain, but from sadness, that the guitar I had carried with me since I was a teenager in Midgard was now gone. I had to sacrifice it so that we could live. The one thing I had from my home... gone, my entire life seemed gone in just a sheer moment. The guitar that I had carried into battle several times, that brought me to this wonderful place, allowed me to stay in Equestria and it was gone. I knew its sacrifice would not be in vain, but how could that pony know that song, I sacrificed it to stop that pony from playing that song. "Ragnarok" I muttered under my breath only to see a shocked reaction from Twilight and a whimper from Fluttershy.
End of Chapter 10.
Bonus Chapter: The Letter from Luna
This chapter is purely flavor and happens after the ending and is not necessary to read (unless you really want to.) It is only a response to the letter that Kiniro wrote to Luna. To make it easier to understand the original letter will be written as well.
The Missing Bard
Bonus Chapter: The Letter from Luna
My Dear Friend Princess Luna,
I may not be able to state it enough, but I wanted to say thank you for saving me from the great void many months ago and giving me the opportunity to have a new life here in Equestria because of which. No simple words or even a song could express my gratitude toward you.
However I am also sending you this letter as a response in my findings in friendship and my magic. As far as friendship is concerned, these past few months I have discovered, that no matter how tarnished a pony's view on life can be, there can be that moment or that pony that can cause him or her to change his or her mind about life. Even to the point where that pony opens up and is able to cherish the greatness of friendship. I am fortunate enough to have learned this here in Equestria due to the great friends I have made here.
Finally as far as my magic is concerned, I have recently undergone a battle with a mysterious pony by the name of Meadow Song. While I'm sure you've witnessed fights between ponies before, but this was no ordinary pony. As we did battle, he wielded a guitar just like I do, but what I find very troubling is that he was able to play and activate the song of Ragnarok as he attempted to kill my friends and I in Canterlot Square earlier this morning. While I'm sure you have heard something of it by now, I'd prefer you know what happened from the ponies involved. This guitar playing pony troubles me immensely considering he does know how to harness the power of Ragnarok, but what troubles me more is that there is a very strong possibility that this pony might be just like me. Another from Bard from Midgard, but how he got here or what's his purpose here I am unaware. During the battle I was fortunate to knock him out unfortunately at the expense of my guitar and he is currently being held by your royal guards. Please do consider him very dangerous as he mentioned something about eliminating the Elements of Harmony. I hope your guards can keep him contained and if not, believe that he will come after the Elements of Harmony. If that happens I will do in my utmost capability to stop him to prevent this from happening. Please do take appropriate precautions my Princess and please do respond with any information you might have about this pony, as it might aid in discovering his identity.
Thank you, Forever in your debt,
-Kiniro the Bard.
My Loyal Subject and Dear Friend Kiniro,
I apologize for the late response to your letter. You need not thank me for what gift you have been given to stay here in Equestria, you yourself have earned that.
I am also very pleased to hear that you have learned much in the magic of friendship, and that your perspective on life has changed drastically during your stay and I am very happy to hear that you have made great friendships along the way.
I also thank you for the warning of this mysterious pony, but based on my information, the pony is not acting on is own. Please take note of this, there have been reports by my personal guards who have been investigating him that he is reporting behavior that is very similar to the effects of being controlled by my greatest enemy Discord. Please try to save him if possible, but if you must do the unspeakable to protect the Elements of Harmony, let us hope it does not come to that. I have also readied my own personal contingent of guards if necessary to assist you upon your response to this letter. But I also have my utmost faith in you as the Element of Justice to seek out righteous action to protect your friends and to save this fallen pony.
As for any additional information, I do remember almost a year prior to you arriving, I remember feeling a magical signature similar to yours from the void in which I rescued you. But thought about trying to save the poor soul I located there originally, I remembered my sister's golden rule and left him there presumably to die as his signature disappeared from the void within minutes. I felt so horrible about what I had done, knowing that I could have made the difference saving that poor soul, and when you finally came along, I disobeyed my sister's golden rule. If this pony is from your world based on your information and the method of transit between both of our worlds that we are aware of, please try your hardest to save him, on my behalf. Because I fear he might be the one I might have left behind... I wish I had more to give you. Please best of luck my dearest friend, and thank you in believing in me and defending my actions in saving you when we first met.
Your Friend,
-Princess Luna
Sequel: The Minstrel's Coda
Twilight told me recently that dreams have a way of reminding us of of important things gone by. But these past few days, especially with my encounter with Meadow Song, my dreams did just that. Even alluding to me of things that were so long in my past, that played an integral role in my discovery of the missing bard's elusive past. But as of lately, ever since my first encounter with Meadow Song, I had a small nightmare about the return of my former nemesis from Midgard, the dreaded Queen Xellie. But each night, the dream has reoccurred, each time adding more detail to the dream until it has become extremely vivid where every night since I've awoken in cold sweats in extreme bouts of worry and despair. Now I begin to ponder the thought, are my dreams just dreams, or are they much more than I've anticipated? And should I be worried?
The Minstrel's Coda