Chapter 4 - Well well well

The days once again fell into a routine, Happy would patiently wait for Pill to arrive In the morning from there He would follow her, listening as she explained the duties and roles of the manor staff, city laws, and that he was essentially an exotic pet for a rich possessive woman who controlled the city's policing force, that revolution helped him decide trying an escape was an Ill advised endeavor, so he did as he was told, which today seemed to be starting off different.

Hard Pill was late, well from what he could gather having no way to accurately gauge the movement of time from the dark confines of his room which of course was just a dim cell.

The sound of hoofs clacking against the stone stairs pulled him from his thought, he would soon have company and from the sound of it more than one pony was approaching, which was uncommon and frankly made him slightly nervous, being attached to Pill's hip for most of the time he's spent in House Crimson's manor only seeing other ponies in passing and not to mention being mute had done nothing to help breach the social gap between him and the quadrupeds that inhabited this land.

Hard Pill entered his room with a beaming smile clearly excited, following close behind was Eclipse whose expression was more subdued, Pill waved a wing in greeting, "Hi Happy, You're going to be so thrilled when you hear this!" She exclaimed.

"Hello Happy," Eclipse greeted him and continued "I am certain today's task will be very exciting for you, Because of my obligations I am unable to deliver some financial paperwork for the city's guard to the Coin's, So I have decided to send Hard Pill in my place," Happy looked over at the aforementioned batmare still bursting with excitement.

Eclipse continued "And because she has been pestering me about letting you leave the manor grounds I have decided to allow you to accompany her."

Pill cut in "This is going to be great, I'll be able to show you all my favorite hangouts in the city and introduce you to my friends, I can't wait!" Pill exclaimed, prancing in place barely containing Her excitement at the prospect of chaperoning Happy's first excursion into the heart of the city.

Eclipse raised her eyebrow at her worker's antics "Well then I shall take my leave, Here is the paperwork," She reached a wing into her saddle bag and retrieved a bundle of papers, passing them to Pill, she left with a warning, “Remember Miss Pill you will be representing House Crimson in this matter, Do not disappoint.”

“I'll do my best Mistress Eclipse,” she saluted her retreating boss. She turned back to Happy “How about we get you ready for a night on the town?” she trotted over to a sac she left near the entrance “I'm sure you don't mind but during your medical examination I decided to take some quick measurements to pass along to Solid Hoof, You wouldn't have guessed looking at her but she's spectacular with a needle,” she hoofed the sac into Happy's waiting hands. “Go ahead and try it on.”

He complied setting the bag aside and changing out of the rudimentary clothes that Pill had made for him, he carefully folded and set them down on his bed gratefully for her dedication, unperturbed by her standing in the room as he changed having spent most of his time with Pill in his recovery, he had become fond of her and if he still could speak would openly consider her a friend.

He retrieved the bag and pulled out a pair of pants, colored black with gray stripes running down its legs, no zipper just a set of three bronze buttons, next was a red long-sleeve collared shirt, a waistcoat, and a coat that matched the design of the pants, lastly, a black bow tie to finish the outfit.

“You look great,” Pill complimented “Hoof must have taken inspiration from Crimson Striker's usual outfits, I'm sure Eclipse will love it, maybe we can catch her on the way out.” Pill began to leave and Happy quickly moved to walk at her side.

They reached the manor's main doors shortly after, Unfortunately, Eclipse had not been present In her office when they passed, Pill decided to surprise her with Happy's new outfit when they returned.

Happy was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to get a look at the city, he was able to see small sections from the manor's outer garden but that paled in comparison to the full view of which he was currently receiving as Pill and himself descended a basalt brick road from the Crimson family's manor, With the new perspective he was able to drink in the sight of the cavern built city, many of the homes appeared to be carved right into the walls and ceiling, being easily accessed by the flying inhabitants.

The buildings that had not been carved into the surrounding rock appeared to be, if not completely, mostly made of the same basalt bricks that compromised nearly every other structure, many looked like they would be right at home in a Victorian countryside painting.

He watched many of the bat ponies go about their nightly activities roused from his observation when Pill suddenly began to address him.

“Happy, remember what I said about the Coins? They are a ruling family like the Crimson's so it would be wise to be on your best behavior.”

Happy only heard half of what Pill had been saying, His attention being torn to a pony approaching on the road ahead of him, and although it was something to note this was the first pony Happy had seen without wings, in their stead the Stallion possesses a single horn, in the dead center of his forehead.

‘A unicorn? yeah, Pill told me about those she said they can use magic focused from their horn, I wonder if that's the reason why his armor has that gold shimmer covering it?’ Happy thought being so entranced by the incorporeal substance that as he passed the unicorn he reached out and ran a hand over the unicorn amour and was equal parts mystified and horrified as the magic seemed to attach to his hand pulled by some unseen force up his arm, over his shoulder, and Into the bronze mask that covered his skull he could feel the mask hum with an unfamiliar energy.

Concerned that he had somehow unintentionally altered the unicorn's armor, He stopped and turned to see if the pony had noticed, his worries seemed to be unfounded the unicorn continued seemingly unbothered or simply did not realize the loss of magic.

Pill stopped soon after, curious as to why she was suddenly walking by herself, she turned and called back to her companion “Happy! Come on we can't be late dropping this paperwork off Eclipse will have our heads!” Happy jogged up to the mare, his long legs making quick work of the short distance once he reached her they resumed their walk unobstructed for some time before they ran into a bat mare that Pill must have known since both mares had been conversing for several minutes now, Happy began to wonder if the paperwork was actually time sensitive or not.

Their conversation took an apparent sudden topic change when both thestral mares turned to look at Happy one expectantly and the other with a bright welcoming smile, Pill, upset with his lack of action repeated herself “Happy I said this is my friend Night Blossom.” He reasoned that she wanted him to greet the mare, and out of habit he extended his hand down toward her, Blossom met his hand with her hoof and they exchanged a short shake, satisfied by the short greeting Blossom returned her attention to Pill “Dark Cherry is going to be livid I got to meet him first, you know she got put on guard duty at the Crimson’s? She’s been bragging about it for the last couple of days. I can't wait to rub this in.” she laughed to herself then gave them both a farewell and left.

Once they reached the Coin’s manor Pill asked Happy if he would like to wait outside “You just haven't been very attentive today so I don't want to cause a possible misunderstanding with Coin Counter I hear he can be very Ill-tempered,” Happy for his part nodded his head in agreement glad to shake the responsibility.

Pill continued “Why don't you check out the garden. I also hear the family spends a small fortune to keep one of the best in the city. I bet it’s really something to see, Just behave yourself okay?” Happy nodded once more, Pill trotted down the path leading to the door and entered.

Happy not knowing much about the property and much less about the location of this fabled garden, chose to walk the perimeter of the gigantic home after several minutes of walking he did find what could have been a garden but nothing of the sort that Pill had described, the ground nearly desolate, not counting the lifeless shrubs and several trees that dotted the “garden”. Off on the edge of the garden, he spied a well with several items appearing to be strewn around its basalt brick base, walking closer to inspect the loosely scattered items, picking two of the closest up he retrieved a ledger and an abacus finding it odd such things would be lying about he continued forward giving the well itself an inspection the outside appeared just as you'd expect the only exception being the missing rope and bucket, Peering down into to the well, curious to know if he’d be able to see the combo, He lurched back the sudden surprise at seeing a pair of piercing gold eyes gaze back from the bottom nearly stopped his heart.

Taking a moment, He collected himself the situation had become evident, A pony had fallen into the well Happy peered once more over the rim of the well, and he was able to discern the pony in greater detail, Her wet and matted coat a burnt gold, the membrane of her bat-like wings matched her mane a muted silver. She was clinging to the wall treading water with her back legs, the mare called out to him “Hello as you can see I'm in quite a predicament at the moment If you would be so obliged to provide assistance I would be immensely grateful” Happy looked at the walls of the well the mortar holding the bricks receding with age would allow him an easy descent, Nodding down at the mare to convey his willingness to help.

He stood up and removed his coat and waistcoat setting them on the ground next to the brick face of the well, and sat on the rim, Swinging his legs over the well wall he slowly eased himself down, Fitting his fingers into the grooves on the brickworks exposed face, several minutes and feet had gone by while he carefully made with way further into the darkness of the well, his false eyes not giving him any ability to see in the dark wasn't the only danger present he learned when the brick his right hand had hold of slipped from its stone confines the mortar long deteriorated led him to freefall nearly to the water's surface before he could arrest his decent scuffing up his back and hands in the process, unable to voice his discomfort he spared a quick thought ‘shoddy work’ and carefully continued his decent reaching the mare without further incident.

After grounding his feet firmly into the wall he reached his right arm down, The mare accepted his outreached arm with zero hesitation, He then pulled her close she maneuvered herself to rest against his back forelegs wrapped around his neck.

The chokehold and not to mention the additional weight would no doubt make the climb a herculean task and he soon found this to be true each minute warped into an hour, and each foot climbed felt like a mile, by the time they approached the end of the arduous task he was exhausted, his trembling legs burning with effort, lungs gasping for air due not only to exertion but strangulation that mercifully came to an abrupt end. He crested the rim of the well, the thestral mare dismounted his back as he composed himself leaning against the wood frame that once held the water bucket to recover.

The mare used the opportunity to introduce herself “Hello Sir, My name is Coin Seeker, I cannot thank you enough for your prompt rescue I fear I would have been nearly at the end of my rope if you had not stumbled upon me exhaustion would certainly left me in an aqueous grave” Seeker retrieved a wooden case from the ground one of the many aforementioned items scattered around the foot of the well from her earlier stumble and subsequent fall.

“This will have to do for now, Please consider it a small token of my gratitude, I shall also ask my father to arrange an additional reward more fitting.”

Happy couldn't think of anything that could be better than the reward he was currently receiving. Inside the wooden case neatly rested five rows of five gold coins.

Pill had already explained their currency, a copper coin being the lowest then on to silver which was twenty-five copper coins, second greatest in value being gold equivalent to one hundred copper coins and last but certainly not least was platinum the rare coin almost exclusively traded between banks and other financial powerhouses, and here this sopping wet thestral mare was offering him two thousand five hundred dollars in their local currency.

‘Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth,’ He thought to himself gently taking the box.

He removed two gold coins from the case and slipped them into his breast pocket then tucking the case under his waistcoat leaving an odd outline on his midsection that was subsequently hidden beneath his Jacket, Looking toward the sky an attempt to gauge time availed little, the Thestrals being nocturnal lived their lives in the night's dark embrace that meaning no sun, and no moon in sight, the extinct volcanoes vent only allowing a limited view of the night sky.

“Excuse me, Would you not like to introduce yourself? It is considered rude to not give a name when one has so readily provided their own.’

He returned his attention and line of sight back to Coin Seeker ‘Damn really shouldn't be pissing off a scion of the Coins’ He had no way to verbally communicate with the notable mare and with no desire to embarrass himself with an impromptu game of charades, He shuffled in place, an awkward silence began to permeate the cool night air, fortunately, a voice cut through the silence sparing Happy further discomfort at his unfortunate lack of communicative ability.

“Happy there you are, The garden is on the other side of the property dummy,” Hard Pill galloped towards the odd Human and thestral pair, Coming to an abrupt halt before Coin Seeker she quickly addressed the mare “Greetings Miss Seeker I apologize for intruding and sincerely hope Happy hasn't caused you any trouble, May I offer you any assistance?”

“None whatsoever, If Happy,” Seeker gestured a hoof at the aforementioned creature, “had not come along when he did, I wouldn't be nearly as talkative and no I shall not require any more assistance than what has already been rendered Miss Pill, Thank you for asking” Seeker paused covered her muzzle with a hoof and let out a small yawn before continuing.

“Miss Pill forgive me for drawing our conversation to an early end but this incident has left me exhausted and In need of a stiff drink please give my regards to both Crimson Stricker, and Eclipse.” Coin Seeker retrieved the last of her belongings from the wells vicinity and departed the old dead garden

Hard Pill and Happy exited the property diverting from the road they arrived on, Why? A question Pill answered before Happy could start to wonder.

“A stiff drink sounds like a fantastic idea, I don't know how your run-in with Seeker went,”

‘Not the worst I've had’ Happy thought while shrugging at the thestral mare.

“But Counter just wouldn't shut up about the budget, It's not even something I'm in charge of for moon's sake" Pill complained as they continued down the stone path.

Pill smirked at Happy as they rounded a building “So that and to introduce you to my other friend is why we're stopping at my favorite Pub,” Pill stood on her rear legs and flourished her forelegs “The Wet Fang!”

Happy gave a polite clap at Pill's antics while looking over the Pub, It seemed like a decent place a medium-sized two-story building constructed of the same material found in many of the buildings in Mount Vurdusk, A warm glow casting out from the dyed glass panes, a song being sung just inside, and the gentle murmur from the inhabitants mended together to create a warm welcoming atmosphere that radiated from The Wet Fang.

Pill finished her display before ushering Happy into the warm embrace of the Pubs heated air, a fire gently danced in the middle of the establishment a hanging chimney captured and removed any smoke long before it could bother the patrons, Tables and chairs filled the floor while booths sat neatly nestled against the outer walls.

Sitting within one on the far right wall of the pub, Two mare's, One Happy recognized as the Thestral mare he met earlier that night on the road ‘Night Blossom I think her name was so the other must be Dark Cherry’ he reasoned.

Pill quickly moved towards her friends seated herself next to Blossom, leaving Little Choice for Happy, he sat in the booth with the unfamiliar mare Dark Cherry.

Happy Extended a hand in greeting towards Cherry, she in tone awkwardly Slapped her amour clad hoof against his hand.

“Hey it's cool to meet you, Pill's talked alot about you,”

Happy nodded his head while rubbing His now sore hand ‘mean handshake.’ He thought.

Cherry gave him a quizzical look “Not a big talker are ya?”

Pill abruptly chimed in “He's incapable of speech,” then returned her attention to Night Blossom.

“So, He's stupid?” Dark Cherry questioned aloud

Happy looked at the mare, surprised and offended by her incorrect assumption.

“No, in fact I've found him to be surprisingly intelligent, So you might want to apologize.” Pill explained.

“Well geez I didn't mean anything by it, tell you what I'll Get you a drink as an apology, That Sound fair?.” Dark Cherry offered.

Happy gave her a thumbs up and replied internally ‘Sounds like a plan to me, apology accepted.’

The thestral mares began to chat amongst themselves, Happy not too interested in the topic at hand moved his attention outward towards the rest of the taverns patrons, unsurprisingly the majority appeared to be Thestrals,

The exception being two ponies sitting in a booth on the far wall of the tavern, one of the two looked familiar. ‘That's right the guard from just before we reached the Coin's place, I hope they aren't here looking for me,’ Just as the thought raced through his mind he made eye contact with the unicorn stallion.

The unicorn hastily turned his vision back to his companion, They traded words while taking quick glances in Happy's direction.

Dark Cherry looking over Happy's shoulder noticed the pair and called out to them in a joking manner “Hey if you stare into his eyes long enough he'll steal your soul!”

Happy and the two mare's turned to her, perturbed by her sudden outburst Hard Pill was the first to speak up “come on Cherry knock that stuff off he already has a hard Enough time fitting in, He doesn't need you spreading crazy rumors.” Pill chastised.

Cherry responded defensively “What the hell I was just trying to get his back, Those Ponies were staring at him.”

Night Blossom looked past Pill “I don't see any ponies over there.”

“Well…whatever, can we just get back to what we were talking about?” Cherry asked, exasperated by the sudden attention her actions caused.

“You should really just ask him if he's willing to go.” Pill Suggested.

“I guess you're right,” she conceded to Pill, Then bumping Happy's arm to grab his attention she asked “Happy some of the guards transferring to the Crimson manor post are my friends and they really want to meet you as well, Do you think you could drop by tomorrow?” Dark Cherry asked while giving her best puppy eye’s imitation.

Happy for his part looked to Hard Pill for approval not really catching any of the previous conversation left him mildly in the dark, Pill nodded and gestured At him with her hoof conveying that it was his decision.

‘Well I Don't really have much else going on, So sure why not,’ Happy gave the Thestral Mare a thumbs up ‘I just hope your joke doesn't cause surprise problems.’

The waitress arrived and hastily dispensed their drinks, after giving a polite hello rushed off to serve the next booth.

‘Thanks' Happy thought grabbing his drink and slowly bringing the glass to rest against His prosthetic with a dull Ping, as he drank small traces of dark brown beer trickled out between his skill and prosthetic, realizing this he set His beer down and retrieved the cloth napkin it being little more than a small rag it would have to do.

‘Damn still not used to drinking with this thing on, I'll need to practice with something less sticky.’ Happy thought sliding his prosthetic face up several inches exposing his gold rune filled skeletal face.

As he did his vision faded slowly with the runes delicate magical connection disconnected ‘I'm gonna have to get used to this too’ he thought, wiping his skull clean he returned the rag to the table and his prosthetic back to its regular resting place restoring his vision.

“Wow,” Dark Cherry exclaimed, her face only about a foot away closely examining Happy's prosthetic face “Those sure look fancy.”

“Happy,!”Pill harshly whispered “you can't expose your face like that in public, some of those runes are from the Crimson Family's secret archives.”

Happy nodded his head in understanding ‘sure thing my bad.’ He thought.

“Anyway I suppose now we have to get back to the Manor, I'll see you two girls later have a good night.” Pill sayed Her goodbye and exited the booth leaving some change on the table to Pay for her and Happy's drink, Happy taking the hint that they were leaving, stood up and followed Hard Pill out waving goodbye to the two Thestral mares.

The walk back was slow and filled with an awkward silence usually filled by Pill's informative nature that was until Pill suddenly dispelled the silence speaking Just over a whisper she attempted to explain herself “I'm sorry Happy… and not just for my outburst at the Wet Fang, But the Runes as well I should have told you sooner,” Hard Pill Fell silent clearly trying to collect her hectic thoughts, ultimately failing in her pursuit of clarity she remained consumed by thought and subsequently silent all the way back to The Crimson's manor.

When they arrived back they were quickly escorted to the dining hall. Apparently they had Important guests, The Coins had come for an unexpected visit.

Coin Counter was the first to address the two as they entered the dining hall with a subdued wave and friendly smile “Finally the Stallion of the hour has arrived, Now I must say It is fine indeed to meet the brave Gentlebat that rescued my precious Seeker.”

Happy waved back to the Stallion while he followed Hard Pill to their seats next to Eclipse and her father Striker.

“Yes…Finally I can be informed as to why Silent Echo intercepted an Equestrian wire transmission detailing a large, magic consuming bipedal creature, care to enlighten me Hard Pill?” Crimson Eclipse demanded an explanation from her employee.

“Well you see-” Pill began only to be interpreted by Seeker “Preposterous such things are myth.”

Only to be corrected by her father Coin Counter “Not so my dear, In Fact during the war between sun and moon such curiosities were employed by Crimson Rune, nonetheless the truly Preposterous idea is that Celestia would allow its existence.”

“Which begs the question father,” Seeker began locking eyes with Crimson Eclipse “How does one summon a Creature that doesn't exist?”

Eclipse's normally stoic expression turns sour, A deep frown graced her face realizing she had been caught red hooved she explained herself.

“Yes as you have so cleverly sleuthed out The creature Happy is to my knowledge not of this world”

“Wondrous, but are you certain it is not dangerous?” Counter asked.

“Hardly so, by the moon's light, Is the creature's benevolence not the reason for your presence tonight,” Crimson Striker paused, taking a deep pull from his chalice then continued. “That and the matter of unreported compensation received From your daughter.”

“Pesky law's alway complicating simple matters, Yes we will require the sum to be returned as you are aware unsanctioned exchanges between families are not to be tolerated.” Counter replied.

“I'm well aware” Crimson Eclipse sharply replied, Anger tainting her words “Happy return the sum of your reward to The Coin's.”

All eyes shifted to Happy as he sat in defiance unwilling to relinquish his grossly overcompensated reward ‘To hell with that, I earned this gold and I'm damn well going to keep it.’ Happy thought crossing his arms over the hidden case of gold under his shirt.

Then came the command
“Return the gold now.”

He tried to fight the compulsion, His body stood rigid arms locked at his sides by a considerable mental effort, The runes under his false face glowed with increasing intensity.

“Haha fantastic!” Coin Counter exclaimed “As stubborn as an ox and greedy as any dragon, a Stallion of my own fang.” and Continued to observe the Creature's doomed struggle.

Happy's arm moved at a pace easily described as miniscule, a stiff sweat covered hand retrieved the coin filled case pulling it from its cloth covered hiding place and unceremoniously dropping it on the table retrieved by a maid and hoofed over to Coin Seeker.

Seeker accepted the case while expressing an Inquiry “It would seem the creature has a will of its own, What compels it to abide by your command?”

“A network of runic spells forces his will to become subservient to my own, And the consequence of defiance is it's expansion If he does not follow my will magic builds up and allows the runes to expand further into the creature's flesh making it all the more susceptible.” Eclipse explained.

Seeker looked over Happy's limp form, Now collapsed over the ornate wooden chair, Small whiffs of smoke lazily ascended from the edges of Happy's bronze false face, Freshly formed runic chains flowed partly down his neck reminiscent of a plant's roots.

“Brusque but not without a curtain eloquence, Although I did, Or rather, My father and I have prepared a gift that is well within the confines of such bothersome laws,” Seeker said as she signaled a servant on standby.

With a practiced step he moved forward while producing a small wooden case from under his wing bearing the Coin’s insignia proudly on its lid, Carefully placing the gift on the large wooden dining table opening the case two gold hinged arms held the case open exposing a lush velvet padded interior on which rested two finely crafted ornate vials.

Crimson Eclipse's eyes widened for a mere moment; a slip up, One she quickly brushed past “A more extravagant gift could not be prepared, I am certain he will be delighted with your offering.” Eclipse accepted the gift on Happy's behalf, Signaling one of her own servants to collect the case.

After the exchange silence ruled for several moments, that is until Happy silently roared back to life, His fist striking the table with a mighty thud, Spilling Several drinks with his other hand he tore the mask from his face and sent it careening across the dining room.

‘Damn you to hell! You Goddamned monster I won't be your puppet forever just remember that!’ Happy Roared in his mind.

Coin Counter once again amused by the creature's antics posed an idea to his counterpart “Say Striker let's have the creature accompany us on our upcoming hunting trip, It could prove most interesting.”

“He would need to be trained and outfitted for such an excursion, Although I believe the guard captain should be up to the task, yes why not, See to it that it is done Eclipse.” Striker replied.

“Yes father, as you command,” answered Eclipse then turned to Pill to issue a command “Hard Pill collect Happy's prosthetic and bring him to his cell, Then see to it Tempered Short begins his training with the recruits tonight.”

“It will be done, Mistress.” Pill excused herself from the table and collected Happy as a maid passed her his prosthetic and the two swiftly left the Remaining occupants to converse amongst themselves, Happy was despondent the entire trek to his dwelling, Reluctantly dawning his false face after a gently convincing from Hard Pill he was then left alone bereft of his reward.

‘Well not exactly” He thought reaching into his pocket and retrieving two gold coins gazing upon them with a thousand yard stare, his flesh burned from the heat of the gold runes that had burrowed their way into his skin, Dark thoughts of revenge and hopelessness teared at his mind.

His fist closed around the coins with a vice-like grip then with gritted teeth he swore vengeance against his master followed by a fitful slumber that would leave him in poor shape for the challenges to come.

Author's Note

Well only about 5k on this one but It's a start on my goal of a 10k chapter, still no proofreader so sorry for the inevitable bad punctuation and such, I hope you enjoyed it though.