The Chaos Theory

Entropy gently cupped his horseshoe-shaped bruise on the left eye as a nurse examined his broken nose. A tissue was held gently against his nostrils to hold back the bleeding. His nose was bent at an awkward angle, puffy and swollen red. A yelp escaped his mouth as the nurse set his nose in place, whispering an apology to him. His head throbbed with an intense pain, as if somepony was banging on some drums inside his skull.

“How's Rosary?” He asked, tracing the bruise with a finger.

“Well considering you broke her fall with both your body and your spell, she's perfectly fine.” She said with a joking smile, applying a thick- supportive plaster on his nose. “She feels awfully guilty though, you might want to talk to her later.” She levitated her equipment back into a small medical box and slid the box into a cupboard.

“I'll be off then.” Entropy slid off of the table that he was sat on and held it, shaking the dizziness out of his head before he walked out of the nurse’s office. “Ugh, I hate breathing through my mouth. I can literally taste the antee, the antieh, bugger, I can taste the chemicals in the air.”

“The word you're looking for is antiseptic.” The nurse said, amused as she busied herself with some paperwork.

“I knew that!” With a huff, he left the small room and into a waiting area, where he was attacked by a rather strong hug, metallic plates digging into his already sore body.

“I’m sooooo-ho-ho-oooo sorry I wasn't there to protect you!!” Yellow cried out, tears streaming down her face as she nuzzled his side. “What kind of guard am I if I can't even protect the person I'm assi-hii-gned too!?” Entropy bared the weight of the lieutenant with a deadpan stare. 'How did a mare like this get into mom’s guard?’

He huffed as he opened the door to his class, which went quite easily upon his entry, dragging the guard in with him, who promptly snapped out of her emotional state and swiftly trotted to a dark corner of the room. Her armor helping to blend her into the shadows trying to hide her from the class. That didn't stop the sniffles, however. Entropy slammed his head against his desk, an exasperated sigh leaving his lungs in embarrassment. Shortly after, the class returned to what they were doing, mostly ignoring miss Pinkheart and whispering in their little groups. 'Probably talking about what happened at break’.

rest of the day was an awkward one, what with Lt. Yellow 'sneaking’ behind Entropy in his shadow. Box was sent home, possibly for a few days, while his parents thought up a suitable punishment for him. Entropy talked to Rosary every chance he could, both in class and at lunch. Over the relatively short amount of time they had to talk, they had grown to be quite good friends, coaxing her to come out of her shell. This had a snowball effect on the rest of the class; groups coming up to her and Entropy, talking about random things. He was fifty-five percent certain that it due to a prince hanging out with a quiet mare like Rosary.

“So what are your plans for the rest of the day, Rose?” He asked her, arms behind his back as he breathed in the warm afternoon air.

“R-Rose?” She asked quietly, stumbling a little from the unexpected nickname.

“Yeah, I thought it would be easier to call you that rather than Rosary Pea or just Rosary. Why, do you not like it?”

“N-no! It was just, well, unexpected is all.” She said with a blush forming on her cheeks. “W-well I'm probably going to go to a garden and read a little.

“You like reading in gardens?” He asked curiously as he tilted his head.

“Uh-huh. It's a perfect time to on a beautiful day like this.” She sighed, her ears folding to the side of her head. “I would love to see to royal garden though. I hear it has all types of exotic plants and critters scurrying around.”

“Well hey, if you'd like, you can see them right now.”

“Really!?” She exclaimed, joy written all over her face, her second out of character moment today. “I- I mean if I'm allowed to, yes please!”

“Sure thing.” Entropy said with a laugh as Celestia's school popped into view. “We just have to pick up somepony first.” Entropy jogged over to the school, Rose quickly falling into place, jumping slightly as plated armor clanged behind her. The pair reached the school quicker than they thought, so, to recover some strength, the two sat down and leaned against the stone. Entropy dug around within his bag and pulled out three stones, each scaling up in size. The first stone fit comfortably within his palm, his fingers barely surrounding half the stone. The second stone was about the same size as his hand and the third was half the size of his head.

“Why are you lugging around three stones?” Rose asked as she tilted her head, her left ear flopping to the side.

“I'm practicing my magic. After all, I could barely hold you with that levitation spell. Soooooo, I decided to practice on stones that I found in the courtyard.”

“Ah.”

The same as all the other times, his aura encompassed the smallest stone, lifting it a good few feet into the air with, surprisingly, little resistance. Applying a small amount of force, the rock began to spin clockwise in place before orbiting Entropy. 'Alright, easy enough so far.’ He thought to himself as he watched the stone orbit him. 'Lets try the second one.’ The second stone raised into the air slightly above the first, albeit with a greater strain. The stone wobbled as he made the stone orbit him at an angled path, the stone spinning in an anticlockwise rotation. The addition of the second stone made the first one rock slightly as he divided his concentration between the two. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead as he lost himself in his thoughts.

Suddenly, he lost his grip on the stones, his matrix overtaxed from the strain. He yelped as the first stone pelted his head with a 'thwack’, narrowly missed by the second.

“Ow, owowowowowowow!” He held his head in his hands, reeling from both a horrendous headache and from the impact. A thin trail of blood leaked down his forehead and dripped off of his nose.

“Entropy? What's wrong?” Sunset asked as she descended down the steps, books caught in her magic.

“Eh?” Entropy turned to her, rubbing the spot where the stone hit him, smearing some blood into his hair, causing her to gasp after she noticed the painful looking bruise on his face. The gasp grew into a growl after she spotted Rose behind him covering her mouth.

“Did you do this!?” Sunset screamed as she walked closer to her, getting right in her face. “Well!?” She shouted, glaring at her as she stumbled backward, trying to get away from her as her ears pinned themselves to her head. “Answer me!”

“Sunset, calm down, she didn't do anything!” Sunset broke her glare from the filly, looking concerned as she quickly trotted over to her friend, making a big deal out of his wound. “Sunset will you just stop and listen for a sec? Please?”

“I,” she started before the harsh look from Entropy silenced her, “alright, I'm listening.”

“Thank you, I was only practicing my magic with those stones before it gave out and they dropped. Rose had nothing to do with this. Now say sorry or else!” With a glare, Entropy stared at her before, with a sigh, she gave up what she was going to say and turned to the young filly.

“I'm,” she paused before shaking her head, “I'm sorry about the way I acted, I just assumed things.” Sunset hung her head in shame.

“Its okay.” Rose whispered as she turned away from Sunset. An awkward silence filled the air as the three rubbed their necks.

“Right well, I don't think introductions are in order but I'll do it anyway. Sunset this is Rose, my new friend. Rose this is Sunset, also my friend.” The two nodded to each other, catching each other's gaze before turning away again. “Riiiiiiiight. Anyway, let's head to the castle!”

Sunset snarled under her breath as she watched the duo talk about random things children do, all the while being looked at every now and again. 'I know what you're planning.’ Sunset thought darkly as a hateful glint caught in her eye. 'You're planning to take him away from me, aren't you? I see how you hang off of his every word like he was a tankard of water and you're dying of dehydration, planning to take advantage of his title. Well it won't work! I won't let you take him. He's MY friend! My best friend. You're nothing, you'll only ever be nothing! He doesn't need any more friends, he only needs me!!’ She shouted in her head, her eyes were drowned in shadow as more and more dark and morbid thoughts crossed her mind.

“What about you Sunshine?”

“Huh?” Sunset snapped out of her thoughts. Entropy and Rose were staring at her. “I- I'm sorry, what was the question, I wasn't listening. could you repeat it?”

“Tch, dummy. I asked how you and your friends were doing.” Entropy asked with a beaming smile as he walked backwards.

“Huh, well I'm doing fine. And I wouldn't know, as I don't have any friends.” She said nonchalantly, staring blankly at the ground.

“WHAT?!” Entropy shouted, drawing the eyes of everypony around them, causing Sunset to, for some unknown reason other than base instinct, take a few steps back with her ears pinned to her head. “Why don't you have any other friends?”

“W-well, I-I don't need other friends. The only friend I need is you, nopony else.” She said with a huff, pointing her nose in the air.

“Suuuuuunnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyy.” He droned out, crossing his arms. “I know I'm wonderful and all that, but you need other friends apart from me. Ooh! I know, you and Rose can be friends. Yeah! Great plan Entropy! Score one for me!” He said proudly with a large, cocky smile as the two mares exchanged looks. “Let's hurry to the castle!” Entropy bolted towards the castle leaving the two mares in a state of shock.

“My lord, wait up!” Yellow shouted before taking off after him, pouncing from the shadows and frantically flapping her wings. ‘Where in Equestria did she come from!?’ Sunset thought to herself as the two shot out towards the castle. With a sigh her thoughts were drawn to the prince. ‘You have to admire his carefree attitude. One of the things that I like about him.’

Once again, a thick, awkward silence drifted between the two ponies as they walked, like a morning fog from the sea on a particularly hot day. A cold, condescending glare kept Rose from speaking, averting her eyes every time they met with Sunset’s. Their hooves echoed on the surprisingly empty streets, the sun just about to be submerged under the horizon.

By the time that they got to the castle and passed through its gates, it had become dark. Candlelight filled the streets and homes of Canterlot. Entropy sat on the steps leading into the castle, kicking his feet as he read a book, waiting for his friends.

“Ah, finally!” Entropy said, slipping his book into his bag and standing up. “It took you long enough! Did you two become friends yet?” He said with a hopeful smile etched onto his face. “Ooooooohhhh, please tell me you did!” Not wanting to dash his hopes, Sunset spoke, albeit with strain.

“Yes, I think we made some progress, right Rose?” She spat venomously, glaring at the filly.

“Eeep, Yes! T-the best of friends!” Timidly, she hid behind her mane, hoping to avoid further confrontation. Entropy, being the poor innocent soul he is, didn't pick up what was going on and instead smiled gleefully.

tween everything within the garden. It was as if they were viewing another world.

Entropy walked forward, patches of grass lighting up as his feet made contact before disappearing after a short moment. Hesitantly, the two ponies followed him, utterly tranced by the alien-like garden, silenced for its beauty. Strange and glorious smells filled their lungs as they breathed as deep as they could, lulling them into a sense of bliss. Leading them up a hill, Entropy sat down overlooking the small village of Ponyville, smiling sweetly to his friends as he patted the ground on either side of him. With a heavy blush, Rose sat down next to him as she hid her face behind her mane. Sunset followed suit, sitting on the other side of him and sending a hateful glare at Rose.

“W-woah.” Rose gasped out, holding a hoof to her face as she absorbed the sight before her. Ponyville was set ablaze with light from the street lamps, setting a warm glow from the village.

“Hm, you can't see much with your mane in the way Rose.” Entropy pushed a few locks of hair behind her ears and smiled as her gaze remained on Entropy as he looked back towards the village, the silver-white moon poking through the mountaintops beyond the village. The three of them remained there for what had to have been hours, just watching the stars, bugs and animals that scurried about. Before they knew it, it was time to leave, having said their goodbyes and going their separate ways, leaving Entropy alone walking down a hallway.

“........W……..p.” A voice called out in the void of darkness that Entropy found himself in. He stumbled forward like the undead, as if he was wounded badly, mostly blind and deaf to the world. The sound of his own ragged breathing echoing in his ears, his heart thumping in his head. A warm sticky substance oozed from his side, staining his shirt red with blood as the wound stung from the cold, heavy air. He let out a bloodcurdling scream. He screamed bloody murder as he fell to his knees, loud enough to shatter glass, but no sound reached his ears, as if he had mouth to begin with.

“P…...Wa……….P!” It shouted this time. The voice sent shivers down his body, chilling it like ice as pins and needles spread throughout. But, strangely, it killed his pain, silencing his voice. 'W-who is that? Wh-what it? That voice, why- why does it sound so familiar?’ Entropy asked himself as he shakingly stood up, his breath and his blood the only source of heat in the cold barren void, causing goosebumps to form on his skin. Blood dripped from his lips as he held back a cough, grimacing from the taste. He hugged his arms as he continued to walk, footprints of blood following in his wake. A cold sweat formed on his brow, the salty liquid mixing with the metal taste of blood.

“Plea….as...!” Like a veil being removed, he could suddenly hear the voice clearly, if only for a second. It echoed in his mind, bouncing off the bony walls of his skull. Like an addiction, he grew obsessed with it, overriding any other thought he had at that particular moment. He wanted, no he needed, to know who that was.

“WAKE UP!” The voice shouted, clearer and louder than before. With enough force to propel him through the void, beams of bright white light burned his eyes.

Entropy awoke with a gasp, his heart pounding and his body doused in sweat. The first of the sun's rays crept into the room as it rose above the horizon. Swiveling, he planted his feet onto the carpet, feeling the threads slide in between his toes. He breathed in the rather stale air of his room as he calmed himself, resting his palms over his knees. Focusing his magic, he pushed open the window of his room as he walked over to it, letting the fresh air fill his lungs. He sat down on the windowsill and watched the ponies of Canterlot go about their morning routine. Well, what little he could see, anyway.

“What was that dream just now?” He asked himself, wiping his face with a hand. He lost himself in thought as he stared blankly at the floor, leaning against the side of the window. He shivered as the light from the sun passed over him, warming his body as the sweat-covered shirt clung to his frame. He sat there for a solid hour, trying to figure out what the voice was, who it was and why it was talking to him. It sound so, motherly and gentle, but so desperate as well.

With a heavy sigh, he stripped down as he walked to the bathroom, dumping his dirty clothes into the hamper in the corner. Today was the day he was supposed to meet with Cadance, and he had to be at his best. So, shaking the thought of the dream out of his head, he stepped into the bath and let the hot water from the showerhead pour over him, warming him further.

Subconsciously, his hands drifted towards where the wound was, feeling nothing but smooth skin. He rested his forehead against the lukewarm bathroom tiles, the water cascading down his neck. With worried eyes, he turned the faucet off,mildly bugged by the squeak it made.

“Ugh, enough about that damn dream!” He shouted as he pounded the tiles with a fist before getting out and drying himself. Soon after getting out of the shower, Entropy was dressed in a light pink shirt and black tie, with a silver waistcoat and silver trousers with light gray shoes. It had been a few days since the whole Rose incident, and the bruise was looking much better. Less red and more yellowish-blue. The plaster came off in his sleep on the day he got it.

Humming a tune, the prince opened the door to his room and walked out into the hallway. He was greeted by a mostly empty pathway, the castle staff just getting to work, cleaning and dusting the vases. Entropy smiled and greeted everypony that he came across, which they returned.

“Howdy mom!” Entropy said, waving as he opened the door to the dining room. Celestia jumped, her fork embedding into the roof as it shot away from her magic, bits of tomatoes and lettuce dropping and sticking to her face. Tomato juice ran down the length of her horn as a single, lonesome cherry tomato was impaled. “Oh, um, oops?” With a smile, Celestia shook her head, using a cleaning spell before retrieving her fork.

“Good morning, my son. You're up early today, did you have a good sleep?” She asked gracefully as she continued to eat.

“Yeah, I had a pretty good sleep.” He lied, sitting next to Celestia. “I'm just really excited to meet Cadance. Is she here yet? Can I meet her?!” He asked, fidgeting in his chair as he looked to her with stars in his eyes.

.

“Yes, yes, in all due time. She only arrived last night so she may be asleep for a bit. Now will you calm down for just a few seconds?” Her serious face was betrayed by the mirth in her voice.

“Okie, doki.” He said with a mock salute, immediately sitting still as the chair wobbled slightly. Breakfast had already been served, as evident by the plate of eggs, lettuce and cucumber slices and a side plate of toast with butter spread upon them, accompanied by a glass of fresh orange juice.

Gorging himself on the food, Celestia could only watch in a stupor as bits of food were sent flying this way and that, clinging to his face and hair. She gave him a deadpan stare as Entropy gulped down his juice sloppily, shaking her head as it trickled down his chin.

“For goodness sake, Entropy.” Celestia muttered, Facehooving as he stopped momentarily, giving her an innocent, questioning stare before shrugging and finishing off his drink. “Entropy, please don't act like that, you're not a slob.”

“Oh, hehe, sorry.” He smiled sheepishly before Celestia cleaned him up with a spell, using a cloth to wipe away any remaining residue left behind.

“What's gotten into you? I mean, I know you have your spouts of randomness, but this is far from normal, well, your type of normal. I get you're excited for meeting Cadance, but still, that's no excuse.”

“I know, but I just can't help myself!” He shouted rocking back and forth. With a exasperated sigh, Celestia prepare herself to scold him before the doors opened once again.

“Morning, aunty.” A pink pegasus yawned out, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Her mane and tail was comprised of three colours, a moderate shade of violet with light rose and pale gold streaks. Her cutiemark depicted of a diamond Heart wreathed in golden lace. Her brilliant light purple eyes caught the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows in such a way that it captivated ponies around her.

“Good morning my dear. How was your slee-?” Celestia was cut off as Entropy hopped off of his chair and ran towards Cadance, sliding to a stop a few inches from her.

“Hiya!” He beamed, waving his hand in a large arc around him. Taken aback by his sudden appearance before her, Cadance fell onto her flank with an 'oof' in surprise.

“Um, hi?” She said cautiously, unsure of what to do. Suddenly, with a look of realization, she wrapped Entropy up with a tight hug. “Oooh! You must be Entropy! It's so good to see you!”

“Agh, you're choking me.” Entropy wheezed out, his face turning blue.

“Oops, sorry!” Cadance release him with a sheepish smile as he breathed in lungfuls of air. “I've just been so excited to see you! I could barely fall asleep.”

“Really?! I've been excited to meet you too!” With stars in his eyes, he began to laugh, with Cadance following his lead.

'Those two are the exact same.’ Celestia thought with a sigh and a smile. 'I can already tell they'll be good friends.’

ings. “Oh that reminds me, how is Shining Armor doing?”

“He's been doing good. He's still a trainee, but from what I've heard from captain Cross, he has potential to even surpass the likes of him and the ponies above him.” Celestia replied, keeping an eye on Entropy as he raced on ahead of them, running to the next place that he wanted to show them. They had already visited his school, the comic book store and were on their way to Doughnut Joe's. “But, having said that, he still has much to learn. Though I have to ask, why the interest in him?”

“Oh, uhm, no reason really. I was just, uhm, well he just crossed my mind is all, ehhehehe.” She said, with a heavy blush that spread from ear to ear.

“Hmmm.” Celestia hummed, amused by her actions.

“Come on, slowpokes! It'll be nightfall by the time we get to where we are going!” Entropy shouted, cupping his mouth.

“Yes, yes, we're coming dear!” Entropy watched with a grumpy face as they trotted a bit faster than before. 'That's not any better.’ He thought, crossing his arms and tapping the stone bricks beneath him.

“What are you so impatient for, En?” Sunset asked, speaking up out of nowhere. Entropy jumped from the sudden voice, leading him to fall on his behind with a filly-like scream.

“Where'd you come from!?” He shouted as he stood up, inches away from her face.

“Uh, out of my home, duh.” She pointed to a house directly behind her. “You've seen it before dummy, now answer my question, idiot.”

He harrumphed before answering. “If you must know, I'm heading to Doughnut Joe's with mom and Cadance.” he crossed his arms and turned away from her, sticking his tongue out at her.

“Again? You gonna get fat if you keep eating there. Wait, who's Cadance?” Entropy jabbed a thumb in their direction as they caught up with him.

“That would be me. Hello! Are you one of Entropy's friends?” Cadance asked, sticking a hoof in front of her.

“Erm, yeah. Names Sunset, good to meet you.” Sunset said, shaking Cadance's hoof with reluctance.

“Hey, Sunny! You want to come with us? Pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaase?” He nagged, giving Sunset the best puppy dog eyes that he could give. With a sigh she caved in and nodded.

“Fiiiine, I'll have to cancel my plans for the day but-”

“Yes! Come on Sunny, Candy! Let's go! You too mom!” He shouted as he ran down the street away from the dinner.

“Wrong way, dummy!”

“I knew that!!”

"Wait, I'm confused, who's Candy?” Cadance asked as she cocked her head.

“Knowing him, that's his nickname for you. Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Eventually.” Sunset shook her head and followed after him, Cadance following suit. “Tartarus, I've unknowingly been calling him ‘Em’ every now and then.”

“Huh.” Cadance hummed as she rustled her wings.

“Hey wait!” Celestia shouted after them, trying her best to catch up. “I have got to stop eating so many cakes.” She gasped out, unused to the exercise. “Great idea you had, Tia. Use less magic, you said, get more fit you said. Now I'm left behind.” She gasped once more before gaining a second wind, galloping after the trio.

It had taken a while but, eventually, she caught up to them, bursting into the store with a grunt. Immediately, everypony unused to the princess bowed respectfully to her before being dismissed. Celestia slumped into the table as she sat next to
Sunset.

“What? I'm just like everypony else you know, I get tired.” Celestia grumbled, taking note of the stares that she was receiving from the occupants. A long silence ruled over the group before the door opened, a royal guard made his way towards her before saluting.

“My princess, can I have a word with you, in private?” He asked seeking a look the group around her.

“Sure.” She sighed, standing up before flexing her wings as she trotted alongside him. “I won't be long, my little ponies.” As she walked off, Entropy fixed her a cold vacant look as she strolled over to the bathroom.

“She better not be sneaking cakes in there.” Sunset facehooved from the stupid remark.

“Entropy, we're at a bakery, she's going to eat fatty foods anyway, you idiot.” She fixed him a ludicrous stare. “Besides, she's going to talk with a guard, not stuff her face in secret!”

“Yeah, well then you obviously don't know my mom. And for your information, cakes are way fattier than doughnuts!” He snapped at
her, mocking a glare. “Besides, she said she was cutting down anyway, what kind of son would I be if I didn't push her along?” Pride welled up in his chest as he pounded his chest.

“Is he always like this?” Cadance whispered to Sunset, cocking an eyebrow.

“Pretty much, his antics keep on switching. At times he acts like a grown up, while at other times he's just a kid.”

“Am not!” He spoke up, blowing a raspberry in her direction.

“See?” She spoke with a monotone voice, as if she had to deal with this on a daily basis. “You sort of just get used to it. Just think of him as a poorly written character in a story.”

“That hurts, ya know?” He fixed Sunset with a deadpan stare. “That really hurts.”

“Oh, cry me a river.”

“Fine, I will.”

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

They harrumphed in unison, turning away from each other before bursting in laughter, wiping tears from their eyes. Cadance sighed, shaking her head. '

Cadance sighed, shaking her head.

“Alright, so what are we ordering?” Celestia asked as she sat back down, a noticeable dollop of pink frosting in the corner of her mouth.

“Moooom.” Entropy growled, glaring at her. “What's that in the corner of your mouth?”

“Hmm?” She dabbed her mouth with her hoof, her eyes widening at what she saw as she drew it back. With a sheepish smile, beads of nervous sweat rolled down her forehead as she turned to her son. “Would you believe me if I said toothpaste?” He didn't reply, the pillow thrown off of her face was enough of an answer.