Chapter 5 - last voyage of The Mercy's Veil.

When guards are reposted to serve at House Crimson's manor, they must undergo intense retraining, Destroying and rebuilding these already tenured soldiers from the ground up.

Unfortunately for Happy, he was scheduled to join these proceedings under Captain Tempered Short a diminutive mare known for her torture-like methodology towards training and a hatred for different species explicitly those of greater stature of which Happy just so happened to be both and so followed two weeks of brutal training that Short took a sadistic pleasure in applying.

Fortunately, Tonight would be a brief hiatus Solid Hoof had completed her task of providing Happy's armaments consisting of a European Bronze sword and a set of iron scale armor, Happy had just finished donning said armor when Captain Tempered Short burst through the door yelling obscenities “How Dare You, How dare a donkey brained shit head like you possibly believe you could skip out on MY training!” Short virtually screeched as she stomped up to Happy.

Hard Pill stepped in “Eclipse gave me explicit instructions to bring Happy to receive his equipment tonight.” only to become another target of Short's ire.

“Oh isn't that a surprise,” Short said in a sickly sweet tone that did little to mask the malice that permeated each word while she slowly rounded on the mare “I guess it's true, you two are attached at the hip I bet more than figuratively~.”

“And what exactly do you mean by that!” Pill exclaimed, stopping mere inches away from Short's face, Her bat-like wings flared, She snarled revealing two pearly white Fangs protruding from her upper jaw.

‘Fangs, how the hell did I miss that?’ Happy thought as he watched the two mares square up to one another, He knew full well that Short would resort to violence when questioned and attempted to apprehend the mare before she could strike.

His hand had only made contact with the Captain's armor before he found himself on his back, A dagger expertly slid in-between the iron scales of his new armor neatly embedded into his right shoulder along with three long gashes across the scaled metal surface of his chest no doubt from her hoof blades.

‘I should have seen that coming.’ Happy thought as Pill rushed to his side, he pulled the dagger from his shoulder, The leather lining prevented the blade from biting deep into his flesh leaving Happy with a sore chest and shallow cut ‘Well at least we know it works’ He thought to himself dreading his inevitable return to Short's nightmarish training, the aforementioned mare seems to have disappeared after her attack.

“I can't believe that dreadful mare Happy, are you injured, Can you stand?” Pill asked as she assisted him in standing.

He waved her off as he stood ‘I'm fine it's nothing serious, especially compared to what I'm going to be subject to now.’ He silently answered a twirling ball of dread forming in his gut.

That which he would soon find to be completely warranted, In her anger Tempered Short made it her mission to torture Happy, Even forgoing the other recruits In favor of this goal, so it was after two months of relentless one-on-one “Training” he found himself gazing down at his reflection in the barracks bath house, One of the few places in the Manor he had been able to witness his reflection, The whole place being curiously devoid of mirrors.

‘A mystery for another time.’ He thought lowering his bruised and scared body into the cool water, this being the last day of his time under Tempered Short he allowed his worries to be carried away on the water's gently shifting surface, Although that peace was inevitably short-lived and disturbed by the sharp cadence of a distinct set of armor-clad hoofs.

‘Oh no,’ Happy bemoaned ‘What the hell could she want now’ Happy thought, sinking deeper into the water in an ill-fated attempt to protect himself from the demented mare.

Tempered Short trotted into the bathhouse Sporting a smile that would make a demon cringe, Happy was sure she had come with malicious intent.

“Hello shit for brains, your whore not around to ride your hips?” She asked in a manner that made his skin crawl. Happy shot up filled with furious indignation as Short besmirched his good friend.

“Oh calm yourself I've come for a reason, I plan to leave you with a gift so you never forget our wonderful time together.” Her snarl of a smile exposed a set of fangs much like those possessed by Hard Pill a query he had still yet to solve, Nonetheless, he stood in defiance of her attempt at intimidation not to say he wasn't petrified of the mare, Just too full of pride to let it show.

‘Keep it, you rancid woman.’ He silently answered giving her a dismissive wave of his hand, The action doing little more than enraging the mare, Leaving Happy little time to react as she launched forward latching her jaw onto Happy's neck and sending the startled human plunging into the water below, Letting lose a noiseless scream as searing pain erupted from his pierced flesh.

The pair thrashed amongst the water both drowning as Happy grabbed hold of the small thestral mare tearing her along with a bit of flesh from his neck, throwing the mare from his body, Short slid several feet from the bathing pool before standing on all fours coughing and hacking up blood “Putrid I suspected as much, But now you'll never forget little old me” Short cackled through a blood-filled mouth as she made her exit.

Happy leaned against the far wall of the pool in near shock, Hand clamped firmly over his weeping neck but as the adrenaline left his body so did his strength, He once again let his body sink into the water's cool embrace only to later be found unresponsive slumped over the pools edge by Silent Echo who pulled him from the water and applied first aid to the injured creature, she didn't have to try hard to grasp what had happened the malicious Captain Tempered Short had branded the creature out of malice, an undoubtedly cruel action.

Happy awoke in the infirmary to assurances from Hard Pill that the ordeal was finally over; he had survived and been freed from Tempered Short's grasp.

Several days later, He was in decent enough condition to return to his room. The night after started oddly, The usual cold bowl of nutritional-rich slop had not been left outside. Thankfully it tasted alright but certainly nothing to write home about.

‘Not the problem right now’ Happy thought, and justly so, the guard and more importantly Hard Pill had not been present like usual, he had never been truly left alone, Always watched, Always followed he had noticed that early enough.

‘Do I take the opportunity to explore and possibly escape or just sit here?’ Happy asked himself silently weighing the pros and cons ‘Worst they just throw me back in here right ... .screw it, I'll take door number one!’ He joked to himself pushing open the heavy door he moved forward with ease already familiar with the corridors of the manor having been escorted through them many times, So it didn't take long to reach the back gate mysteriously also absent of the usual guards.

‘Where did they all go,’ He wondered, pushing past the small access gate beside the door. ‘Oh well,’ He shrugged ‘I better take the chance, well I have it’ Walking down the road the thought just kept picking at his mind ‘Something is off here.’ His slow pace transitioned into a jog, his nerves getting the best of him, several minutes of jogging through the city he took a corner at random and nearly ran right into a thestral mare.

It was Midnight Blossom “Happy!... What are you doing out here? Didn't Pill tell you about the recruit's graduation ceremony today”

‘No she didn't’ He silently replied, shaking his head from side to side.

“Geez, I can't believe that mare sometimes,” she said rubbing her forehead in exasperation “Especially after all the work she put into that outfit….” She paused and looked at Happy with a sheepish expression “She didn't say anything about that either did she?” Again, Happy shook his head no “Just forget I said anything and follow me.”

Happy hesitated, Looking out into the empty city he wrestled his thoughts ‘I'd hate to crush Pill if she's going through such an effort just for me…’ Happy decided against abandoning his friend, Sprinting to catch up with Blossom who was lazily gliding just above the street.
They swiftly arrived at the ceremony grounds, Happy was promptly brought to a room by a guard where Hard Pill had been waiting when he entered Pill quickly addressed him.

“Stars above Happy! You had me so worried,” Pill trotted forward and rested her wing against his back ushering him further into the room “I was just about to head out to find you when a guard told me you had been found and brought here by Midnight no less, What a coincidence right? but forget that for now,” Pill gently pushed Happy towards a chair that contained a dark gray military suit, Gold epaulets adorned the shoulders, the buttons made of bronze each containing a large rubie.

“I hope you like it,” she nervously rubbed her neck and continued “The girls helped me out with it, Cherry told me how it should look and Blossom helped me make it.” Happy had dressed himself while she spoke.

‘Your just too sweet Hard Pill and I'm the asshole that was just about to abandon you without even saying goodbye…’ Happy stared down at Pill.

“You don't like it do you…?” Pill asked, Happy responded by picking the surprised mare up with a firm hug.

‘Thanks, Pill, but what's it for?’ Happy set her down and gave a questioning gesture with his hands at the suit while tilting his head.

“Oh I forgot to tell you, didn't I? I asked Eclipse to let you participate in the ceremony and she said yes, she agreed that you deserved it,” Pill explained “We should get you in formation with the rest of the graduates, follow me.”

Soon Happy stood in line behind numerous similarly outfitted thestrals only recognizing Dark Cherry who occupied a space much further up in the formation, Before long he heard what sounded like a speech, he was too far from the entrance to make out anything in particular, But by the sound of applause and the slight rumble of the building, It must be good, Suddenly a pause then after a moment the procession began to move forward.

A name was called, Then a move forward, Rinse and repeat until it was his turn, The announcer called out his name the crowd started to applause, An applause that died as soon as Happy walked through the stone portal, The coliseum-like structure was filled ‘I guess I figured out where everyone went’ He mused to himself, His makeshift leather boots echoing over the mostly silent crowd as they begin to murmur amongst themselves, many in attendance had previously doubted his existence knowing only rumors and testimony from the few ponies that had seen him.

He reached the middle of the stage where the others stood at attention, several grand balconies adorned the wall they faced each respectively Housing one of the ruling Bloodlines, He recognized several, others he did not.

This time It was Crimson Striker who spoke. “My Friends, It is time we welcome into our ranks a group of extraordinary individuals that will no doubt maintain the peace and prosperity of our great city, now please let us once more applaud these great Mares and Stallions!” the ceremony went on for several hours, After which Happy met up with his friends, Namely Pill, Cherry, and Blossom. However, there seemed to be a fourth mare he did not recognize, she had a lean frame, Sleek black fur, and large penetrating pink eyes that locked with his gaze conveying a sparkling curiosity.

“Hi I'm Silent Echo It's great to meet you finally…well when you're awake that is.” She extended her hoof greeting Happy, Who accepted It with a firm hand and stern shake.

‘Nice to meet you too and thanks for patching me up.’ Happy silently replied to the mare.

Echo continued "I'm a part of the detachment heading out on Striker's Hunting trip tomorrow. I look forward to serving with you.”

Pill was surprised by this “Tomorrow I thought it wasn't for several weeks?”

“Yes, Striker decided to travel by sea aboard the Mercy's Veil instead of simply taking a chariot, Which makes the trip considerably longer.” Explained Echo.

Dark Cherry cut in “Bummer I wanted to take the big lug out to celebrate.”

Pill sighed “Sorry girls I suppose I have to go help Happy get ready for the trip, we'll have to celebrate when he gets back, I'll catch up to you all later, Follow me Happy.” He did After waving the girls goodbye.

The night went fast while Pill helped Happy get ready for a now much longer trip having to supplement most of his supplies from her personal belongings, Which was the catalyst for Happy to learn about Hard Pill's apparent love of erotic socks, Much to the mare's embarrassment.

The next night his journey was about to begin, Happy waited next to a large carriage with the other guards, Whom he was unfamiliar with he watched them take glances ‘I can't blame them for that I'd be curious too although this one might be a problem’ He thought looking at the stallion that was currently unabashedly staring at him, Happy gave the stallion a awkward waive, The stallion stood from his seated position a beaming smile while he trotted over to Happy.

“Hi I'm Clean Sweep,” He introduced himself. “We'll be spending a lot of time together so I thought it would be nice to get to know each other you know…oh and sorry for staring I just think you're interesting”

‘Weird, No one told you I'm a mute? Buddy, that's embarrassing.’ Happy thought simply staring down at the stallion unable to verbally respond to his greeting.

Lacking a response from the looming creature, Sweep took a tactical retreat “Sorry for bothering you um, Maybe we can chat later.” He moved on to talk with the guard he had been seated by before his awkward one-sided greeting with the creature Happy.

The sound of numerous hoofs alerted Happy and his fellow guards to stand at attention as Crimson Striker and his entourage marched past, Striker nodding in acknowledgment of the guards as he passed.

‘Looks like we're heading out then’ Happy thought as he reached down and grabbed his case loading it next to the other's luggage then he took a seat in the large carriage. The others took their seats as well, Happy was fortunate enough to have a seat next to the window, Allowing him to wave goodbye to Hard Pill when the small caravan of carriages pulled through, Then down through the city, out of a carved tunnel leading into the forest that surrounded Mount Vurdusk, The guards took shifts pulling the carriage Happy was spared this task not being compatible with the harness.

The first Leg of the trip took a total of three days, it was at the end of the third night their group of carriages had begun to near the small military-operated trading town, Wetwing.

Happy rested his metal face against the carriage's small glass window, lazily peering at the beginning of a fiery orange and red twisting sky while Clean Sweep chatted with another guard, Swift Caster.

The slim dark gray thestral was a skilled rune magic user sometimes that was uncommon but not exactly rare in the thestrals appointed to serve directly under House Crimson.

“So you really think it could do magic?” Sweep asked.

“I don't see why not. I mean if you look closely it's got golden runescript on its neck and you know gold is the best magic conductor, So I'd almost bet it could.” Caster replied while pointing a metal-clad hoof at the resting creature, causing the aforementioned creature to perk up, noticing that he was now the topic of the discussion.

‘What's going on now?’ Happy thought.

A third voice cut in, Projected in a timid upper-class accent belonging to a two-toned purple and black-furred mare named Reaping Plum, Whose mark consisted of a sickle piercing a plum.

“I would discourage you from this undertaking, I believe no good could come from teaching such a thing magic,” She raised a hoof towards Happy. “I mean you don't even have the faintest idea what it even is do you?” Plum calmly berated.

Sweep replied first “I'm not too worried about that if Striker's the one who decided to bring it along and you know it could be fun.” He said Shrugging at the mare.

Happy turned bodily towered Caster then gave him a thumbs up ‘I agree with him that does sound pretty interesting.’

Caster correctly takes Happy's action as avidity “See it wants to learn.” He said pointing his hoof at Happy mirroring plums action.

“Fine,” Plum scuffed. “What could go wrong.” She said with no small amount of sarcasm.

Caster dismissively waved his extended hoof “Don't worry I'll teach it something everypony does naturally,” Caster picked up his helmet with his hoof “Most ponies don't even realize they are using a type of levitation when they pick stuff up with their hoof, so It can't hurt to teach it that right?” He motioned Happy to move closer “Come over here and I'll show you how to do it.”

‘Alright, But don't try anything weird’ Happy thought standing up, His head nearly grazing the carriage’s wooden roof, He shuffled past Sweep, Stopping in front of Caster, Happy looked down expectantly at the mage.

“Big fella aren't you haha,” Caster chuckled nervously at the looming creature “Okay, So what they teach the magically impaired ponies is to imagine your forehoof is a pathway, Then will the energy in your body into that pathway, Once your magic or energy is concentrated in your appendage you should be able to grab hold of my helmet with your claw, Just remember not to use your digits.”

‘Alright, let's give it the old college try,’ He extended his arm. ‘Energy, Feel the energy,’ he flexed his muscles, Hand open palm trying to summon forth any magic. ‘I don't think it's happening.’ Happy thought shaking his head.

“Now try to pick It up.” Caster pushed his helmet into Happy's palm, Unknowingly completing a circuit with Happy's magic devoid body.

‘I think I feel it!’ It began at his palm, a tingling sensation like the one you get when your hands have gotten too cold, Happy looked to Caster, The stallion appeared frozen, Eyes wide in apparent shock as the magic drained from his body into the creature, Sweep acted first, jumping in between the two and shoving them apart.

“What in tartures was that!” Exclaimed Caster while he struggled back to his hoofs wheezing from the effort.

Happy sat where he had fallen, He could feel the magic around him, He could see its subtle glow permeating throughout all things and he could feel the magical void inside himself that hungered to be filled as if something had clicked into place, A dormant or perhaps until now non-existent need to consume magic. For a moment Happy saw the thestrals as nothing more than food. ‘What the hell did they do to me’ He thought, Vigorously shaking his head in an attempt to return to his senses.

“Will you all settle down in there!” Stoic Shield yelled from the front exterior of the carriage currently taking his shift pulling the vehicle. “You better get your act together we're pulling into Wetwing now.”

Sweep helped Happy to his seat tensing when the creature rested his hand on his back worrying what had befallen Caster would happen to him as well only relaxing when the biped was back in his seat. “So caster, What caused that to happen?” Sweep asked the disheveled stallion while he returned to his seat.

“I can only guess but I think the creature simply lacks any innate magic,” Caster answered rubbing his forehead attempting to strive off an emerging migraine.

“Impossible everything possesses some quantity of magic, Everypony knows that,” Plum said not believing Caster's explanation.

“You didn't feel what I felt,” Caster looked at Happy with a thousand-yard stare “Like I was losing parts of myself in an endless maw,” He answered with a barely suppressed shiver. “I could use a stiff drink that's for sure.”

Unaffected by the abysmal mood Sweep proposed a plan “I know a great drinking hole that we can crash once we are off duty.” The carriage slowed to a halt, they had arrived.

The thestrals exited first followed by Happy, Standing at attention outside Happy quickly drew the attention of many of the local population, Sailors and soldiers alike gawked at him several seemed unnerved and hastily went about their business, One particularly important-looking thestral mare approached the group, The guards saluted as she neared.

“Who's in command of this detachment?” The mare asked.

“That would be me, good Morning Admiral Tempest Blue.” Crimson Striker greeted the mare.

“Lord Striker, I was unaware you were due to arrive today.”

“Indeed. Now if you would be so kind I would like to retire, The day is already upon us.”

“Yes Lord Striker,” Blue saluted and motioned for the stallion to follow her. “I will instruct the guards to pull your carriages into storage until your return.”

The two left meanwhile happy and the rest of the accompanying guards collected their belongings and then after a short walk deposited them in a small prison-like barracks, the walls made of dull gray stones, the floor, and ceiling made of concrete supported by aged and rusted iron beams, Several coats dotted the depressing hall, But certainly not enough for all eighteen of them.

‘Man, this shits depressing’ Happy grumbled resigning himself to the floor and easily realizing the chance of getting a cot was slim to none, That and the size difference would leave the slung fabric essentially useless.

Just as he laid his head on his borrowed travel case Clean Sweep meandered up to his leg and gave him a light kick. “Hey come on let's go get a drink.”

Happy gave it a moment's thought ‘Yeah I could have a drink but you're buying,’ He stood up and gestured for Sweep to lead the way.

“Awesome let's grab Caster and head out.” The two maneuvered around the others in the crowded room until they reached Swift Caster. “Hey buddy wanna grab that stiff drink?”

“Sorry Sweep I’m just not feeling great, I think whatever happened earlier took more out of me than I thought I'll have to pass on this one.” Indeed the stallion did look worse for ware his complexion lighter, demeanor sluggish, and eyes unfocused contrary to Happy who at the time felt invigorated no doubt from the magic that was now coursing throughout his body.

“Well don’t worry about it, and try to get some rest you look like you need it,” Sweep said patting the resting stallion on the back. “I’m sure you'll be up and at’em in no time, see you later.”

The two left the stallion to rest, and under the morning sun made their way to the “Hole” Sweep had mentioned before a description that easily fit the Drowned Fish, the decrepit bar did not fill Happy with confidence appearing to be constructed of repurposed ship timber, Patches both new and old adorned its exterior like craters on the moon surface, the roof bowed down as if its age carried with it an invisible weight.

They passed through a set of batwing doors into a dimly lit interior, Wood beams sporadically supported the responsibly condemnable building from the inside, Sweep trotted over to the left side of the building which was noticeably dimmer than the right no doubt having largely to do with its occupants consisting of manly thestrals and some large bipedal dogs, to the right beams of light streamed through crown glass windows much more fitting for the pony races that thrived in the day filling the tables with unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies several possessing the recognizable gold amour of an equestrian guard.

‘I wonder why they're here?’ Happy thought sitting down with Sweep in the dimly lit portion of the establishment soon after a dolled up thestral mare sauntered up to the two. “What can I get you to gentlebats?” she asked.
“Well take the house special and a bowl of plums,” Sweep answered.

“It'll be right out sweety.” The mare replied

Soon after their drinks had been served and plums provided the two happily drowned their troubles in surprisingly good beer and each chewed through a helping of plums, Happy leaned back in his chair and took a look over to the right of the bar ‘Why do I keep seeing all these equestrian guards could they be an occupying faction?’ One of the equestrians noticed him staring and leaned over to say something to his fellow guardsmen.

“Hey! Get that freaky ass thing out of here its bad enough they let those dirty fucking dogs in!” The earth pony yelled across the room pointing an accusatory hoof at Happy

“What you say mud pony!” One of the dogs responded with a howl throwing his chair to the side “Gut you good howler will!” the other dogs joined in jeering and slinging obscenities at the ponies, A pit started to form in Happy stomach as several dogs equipped themselves with anything that could be used as a weapon and made to advance on the equestrians.

Clean picking this moment to throw his own two cents in “Yeah we aren't gonna take that shit from you sun kisser!”

“And what the hell are you gonna do about it bloodsucker?” a unicorn jeered in response.

“I'll show you!” He yelled back and before Happy could even stand Clean Sweep had launched across the room his bare hoof firmly connected with the unicorn's jaw, A second later the establishment burst into violence paw and hoof collided, Chairs and tables were thrown, Magic projectiles blasted against the thick wooden walls.

Happy dropped to the ground to avoid an errant axe. ‘What in the hell did I get myself into!’ He thought crawling several feet before being accosted by the earth pony stallion from before.

“Your mine now monster!” The stallion roared rearing up onto his back hoofs no doubt in an attempt to trample him.

‘The hell I am.’ Happy thought sending his heel into the stallion’s carpus fracturing the bone cluster causing the guard to fall backwards with a painfilled scream. Happy jumped to his feet trying to locate his wayward drinking companion he pushed, shoved, ducked, and weaved through the brawl, He found Sweep raining blows on some unfortunate bastard just as he made to grab the thestral a force enveloped his neck slamming him into the beer and blood covered floorboards, His hands shot to his neck only to be met by nothing ‘Its magic the sonofabitch is choking me with magic.’ The culprit announced himself the unicorn that Sweep had sucker punched leered down at Happy, Lip split and oozing blood he spit onto Happys false face.

“We were told to observe and report back, but I doubt Celestia would mind if I took care of you here and now.” The stallion said leaning in confident in his ability to restrain the creature.

‘He’s trying to kill me!’ Happy thought in a panic ‘I got to stop his magic.’ That’s when it occurred to him, He could feel unicorn’s magic being pulled into his mask but that was slow and wasn't enough to stop his strangulation he had to do something desperate, His arms lurched at his assailant's neck like coiled snakes he felt the stallions magic as soon as his palms connected concentrating on the feeling he pulled at the intoxicating energy with all the willpower he could muster soon the constricting force around his neck flickered and disappeared.

Happy pulled the panicking unicorn’s head closer to his own, Locking his gaze against the feebly struggling pony, He could nearly see the manic thoughts racing through his mind as his own was filled with a newfound invigoration, But before the unicorn could meet his unfortunate end at Happys hand the batwing doors burst open as a metaphorical wave of thestral guards burst through the door separating and apprehending anyone in sight including Happy who took an armored hoof to the head bouncing his skull against the floor and sending him into unconsciousness.

Happy awoke strapped to a dolly wearing an Ill-fitting muzzle and thick iron cuffs he was currently being carted over towards the docks by Swift Caster and Clean Sweep.

Sweep noticed Happy had come around first “Hey, you. You’re finally awake, Sorry about the chains and stuff it's the only way Tempest Blue would allow us to take you onto the ship also you have to stay in the brig for the duration something about you potentially attacking ponies on the ship,” He shrugged “You really should have bolted when the dock guards got their, Like I did.” He said with no small hint of pride.

‘How the hell was I supposed to know that.’ Happy complained as they rounded a building the docks came into view Happy could see several ships being both loaded and unloaded one stood out compared to the other trade ships, A Barque that had been repurposed from hauling coal into a personal sailing vessel for House Crimson, Its name proudly displayed on its stern The Mercy's Veil.

The two thestral stallions carted Happy up the gangway and onto the ship escorting him bellow deck and into a strap-iron cage that had been fastened to the ship haul.

“Sorry we can't take the shackles off Tempest has the keys, Maybe we can convince her to be lenient and let you out,” Caster said trying to reassure the bound creature.

‘I won't hold my breath but thanks anyway,’ He slumped his back against the cramped cage that barely afforded him the room to stand as the duo trotted off to assist in loading the ship ‘I don't see how this could get any worse,’ He lamented before promptly cringing at Ill luck bringing thought ‘Damn I just had to go and say it didn't I.’

Author's Note

Alright here's another one hopefully it's not too much of a steaming pile lol, Thanks again for reading.