Blaze, Swirl, and August were walking down the street. The sun was high up, its rays pleasantly warming their backs and painting the street golden. August knew better than to be fooled by the serene surroundings. For a good while they were being followed. By whom and for what reason he could only speculate. His companions, despite lacking his arcane senses, also seemed tense, surely knowing that this deep into a gang’s territory they surely were under observation.

They soon saw a small group of ponies standing in their way, clearly waiting for them. A white pegasus with a blue mane and a fresh-looking scar on his neck walked ahead to meet them.

“Blaze Strike! Nice to see you again” he ignored everypony else and hugged Blaze with his wings.

Seeing that Blaze wasn’t surprised, August guessed they knew each other.

“Hi Stream Line. Listen, could we meet with Brick? Like, right now?” Stream Line took a step back and looked closely at Blaze and then August.

"You bring a strange unicorn with you and want to see the boss, eh? Listen, Blaze, I don’t think Brick will want to deal with something that even you didn’t want.”

“It’s not that, luckily. August Light here isn’t even from Canterlot. He is simply staying with us temporarily.”

“You found yourself a unicorn for your team? Does he know any good spells?”

“More of a tenant than a team member. The problem is Winter had enough of us and tried to throw us out.”

“So you decided to finally accept our offer and join us here at the Edge? Great, I’ve been waiting, so, so long for that! Let’s have a party tonight, I’ll show you some of our best pubs.” Stream Line didn’t try to hide how happy he was about it, despite the circumstances that forced Blaze to make such a decision.

“That’s not the full problem” Blaze hesitated for a moment “August here… might have cut off one of Iron’s legs and thrown him out when he came to evict us.”

That got the reaction from Stream Line and his ponies. They all looked at August with newfound respect, whispering among themselves.

“And here I thought that you were just some pampered noble” Stream Line approached August and bumped his hoof on the unicorn’s chest “You are a full-fledged mage, aren’t you?”

“Not fully fledged. I’m still a student. I never had my graduation ceremony” August explained, looking at the hoof still pressed against his chest and wondering if this was some local custom. He decided to simply ignore it.

“You have to have some skill to deal with Iron like that, an acknowledged mage or not” Stream Line stepped back and addressed Blaze again.

“I’ll take you to Brick. He always wanted to have you with us, and a competent mage is always welcome here. If you would like to join us, that is.”

“Not the kind of job I was imagining, but I’m willing to help if your demands do not prove too cumbersome. I will need a place and ingredients for my research. If you provide, I can help with any magic-related problem. Do not expect me to fight for you on the streets though.”

“Good enough for me. We will see if Brick agrees. Come.”

Stream Line turned around, Blaze walking right next to him with August and Swirl behind and the rest of Stream Line’s group, closing the small procession. After a few minutes of walking, interrupted only by Stream Line talking with Blaze about, from what August understood, some party he was at last week, they reached a small park, surprisingly well-maintained considering the part of the city it was in. It was even surrounded by a metal fence guarded by a pair of earth ponies. They nodded at Stream Line who nodded in return.

Their group made its way through lush trees and patches of colourful flowers. The whole park was empty and silent, the wind dancing among the leaves the only disruption. They soon approached the edge of the park, which also proved to be the edge of the town itself. A small viewing balcony above the cliff’s edge gave an amazing look at the plains surrounding the capital of Equestria.

From this height, August could see the surrounding villages he saw on the maps. Up to the horizon, the land was filled with colourful patches of different crops, undoubtedly tended to by farmers who made their living from sustaining the capital. There were no other mountains anywhere in sight, a strange occurrence as mountains rarely formed alone. Yet the only break in the blanket of fields and small houses was a large forest, growing defiantly in the hearth of the kingdom. Most likely a royal hunting grounds.

Next to the battlements, which also served as railings, stood a small table surrounded by four chairs. On one of them sat an orange earth pony with a short, brown mane, busy watching two small birds flying nearby.

“Brick,” started Stream Line “Blaze is here with an offer and some information. And a unicorn, named…eee…” he looked at August for help.

“August Light”

“Yes, August Light. An apprentice wizard”

Balanced Brick turns his head from the birds to the newly arrived. He raised his brows, as if surprised, but gave no other reaction. A short moment passed in silence before he finally spoke.

“Come, sit down Stream” he spoke slowly, but clearly, with a deep, calming voice “Welcome Blaze, Swirl, it’s been some time since we last met.” Brick stood up and extended his hoof to August.

“It’s nice to get to know you, August Light. I’m Balanced Brick”

August looked at the extended hoof, unsure what was expected of him. It’s not like he could grab it using his own hoof. Was he supposed to kiss it? Such a gesture was usually reserved for extremely specific circumstances and he never saw anyone do it here. He also never stood in front of a thug leader, neither in Equestria nor back home. He decided it would be best to simply ignore the extended hoof and use the fact of being from outside Equestria as a cover if needed.

“It is a pleasure, Balanced Brick” August answered after a few seconds of silence, bowing slightly. His current bow lacked the grace he learned in his previous form, as he tried to project the posture and movements from his old body to this one.

Seeing this, Brick finally lowered his hoof, watching August with interest in his eyes.

“Well then, Blaze, please, explain to me what brought you here in such an eccentric company”

“Winter is trying to kick me out of my home”

“I’m surprised it took so long for him to grow tired of you” Stream Line interjected

“I really don’t need the snark right now”

“I would love to help, but it’s a lot to ask for just to help you keep your house” Brick gave his answer.

“I wish it was that easy,” Blaze sighed “but August mutilated Iron Hooves when he told us to get out. I’m more afraid of losing my life now rather than losing a home”

“This guy?” asked Brick while looking at August with disbelief in his eyes. The unicorn looked prim and proper, pampered even. His manners, his words, everything screamed noble. And he supposedly maimed somepony?

“Despite how he looks, he is a quite skilled mage. Maybe best I’ve ever seen.”

“ You don’t need to advertise him so hard unless you can somehow make him work for me.”

“I’m willing to offer my help, in light of the fact that it was my rash action that aggravated the issue” interjected August.

“Huh, now, that changes things. Then sure, advertise him. I want to hear more.”

“Good mage, bad mouth, will insult ponies by accident.”

“A rather bland introduction. Put in some more effort, Blaze.”

“I told you all I know. You can ask the stallion himself.”

“Well then. You said you would offer your help. How far would that help extend?” Brick turned his attention to August.

“Consultations in matters of magic, protection against all magical threats, magical safety measures, and basic enchanting” August listed things he was willing to do here “All ingredients necessary have to be provided, small provision for each hour that a request takes. In exchange, I will need a place for my laboratory and help in acquiring any ingredients for my research. I will pay for them myself, but some of them may not be easily available”

“Hard bargain, but a trained mage is worth that. The question is, how well are you trained?”

“The best that there is”

“That is quite a confidence. I like it” one of the birds flew down and landed on Brick’s head “You managed to take down Iron, so I guess you are not just boasting. We have a deal for now, mister Light. Prove yourself and I'm sure we will have a long and fruitful cooperation.”

“Great, great. So, what about me?” Blaze indiscreetly steered the conversation back to her problem.

“I don’t want to deny you help, in the light of our past and you bringing Light here. You will have my protection and I won't butt into how you operate, but you know what I want in return. I made you this offer before.”

Blaze shifted on her legs, hesitating.

“I will have to ask her first. If she agrees, I can introduce you” she finally answered.

“All I ask for. Now, could you please give us a moment? I would like to talk to August Light, alone" Everyone started walking away before Brick spoke once more “Stream, you can stay.”

The pegasus obediently came back and took place behind his boss, who pulled three glasses from under the table.

“Some water? I wasn’t prepared for anypony coming to visit, so I unfortunately can’t provide anything else.”

“I’m grateful for the offer, but no."

“As you wish” Birck poured water for himself and Stream Line “I should be thanking you, honestly. It might have been Winter who forced Blaze to do this, but without you, she would have probably wiggled her way out” he took a sip of water and smiled “Now, I will finally have a shot at making my way to the upper city. First things first though. Winter. Stream, gather everypony.” Another sip “Despite his name, Winter has a hot temper, and he will try to retaliate against Blaze as soon as possible. We will try to catch him off guard then and turn the tides in our favour” Brick turned to August, still smiling “Unless you can cast a curse at him and spare us the hassle.”

August looked at the far horizon, lost in thoughts for a moment.

“I would need part of his body, preferably blood, a large diamond, a two-meter-wide slate of marble, and a chisel. Inferior materials would be acceptable if you would be satisfied with a non-lethal curse.”

“Ah, yes, um…” Balanced Brick quickly managed to control his expression “I don’t think it will be needed, but I will keep that in mind. Instead, I would much prefer you go personally.”

“I do not remember our agreement including errands.”

“It did not and it’s in no way required of you. I simply think it would be in your best interest.”

“I will be the one to judge that and I do not see how it would benefit me.”

“Let me explain then. While I’m sure we can deal with Winter, it will be a long, arduous process.” Brick circled the table, getting a little closer to August “But if we had an unexpected advantage, for example, a dangerous wizard, we could strike directly at their heart. We could end this whole dispute before the sun rises tomorrow.”

There was a lot of theatrics in the way that Brick spoke as if he was trying to give this situation more pathos than it deserved. August found it mildly entertaining.

“Indeed, that would be very beneficial for you. I still fail to see the benefits for me.”

“You could consider this an investment in your new business partner~” After a few seconds of silence from August, Brick continued “or you could consider it an investment in your own peace of mind. Like it or not, Winter will come for you. If not he personally, then Iron Hooves surely will, as soon as he is able.”

“I can easily deal with anything they try.”

“Yes, but why wait if you can deal with them right here and now before they get any chance to cause trouble?”

August took a moment to think about it. The logic was sound, and as much as he didn’t want to get dragged further into the problems of this city, Winter might already consider him an enemy and Iron considered him one for sure. The proposition sounded reasonable.

“Just this once. Consider it a favour from me.”

“I don't like favours, they are too dangerous. But I will remember your decision and make sure to show my gratitude in the future. Now, could you please join Blaze for a moment? If you need to do anything before we take on Winter, do it now. I have to organise everything with Stream, but then the game is on.”

“Of course” Still keeping his neutral expression, August stood up and walked towards Blaze and Swirl, who were currently enjoying a walk in the small park that surrounded them.

Stream Line and Balanced Brick watched the unicorn walk away, neither of them saying a word until he disappeared among the trees.

“Weird guy, don’t you think?” started Brick.

“Don’t you say, dude” came the answer, followed by silence “You think he was serious about that curse?”

“I’m not sure. Just keep in mind to never give him a marble slate.”

******

August found Blaze and Swirl standing next to a patch of bright red flowers that he couldn’t recognize. They were talking in hushed voices, one of Brick’s ponies standing just outside of hearing range and watching them. Hearing hoovesteps behind them they both turned around, but after seeing August they relaxed.

“What exactly did you promise Balanced Brick?” asked August who, curious by nature, always abhorred not having answers “I saw people sell their souls with less hesitation on their faces.”

They seemed confused, so he quickly explained.

“I never actually saw anyone sell their soul. It was a joke.”

His words seemed to do little to reassure them, judging by the look they gave him.

“Maybe my master was right, I should give up on humour and stick to the arcane” August sighed.

“No, it’s not that, it’s just… no, never mind. You wanted to know what my deal with Brick was?”

“If you could sate my curiosity, yes.”

“Remember how we met? That unicorn from upper city, Leaf, was with us.”

“I do remember”

“The important part of that is that he was from the upper city. Usually, nobles don’t want to associate with ponies like us, but sometimes they need our services. Most of them prefer to hire lower-city unicorns, or just send their own servants incognito. The only other way to get picked is to have someone in the upper city recommend you. And we happen to have a ‘friend’ amongst the nobility. That’s how we get our best jobs. Brick wants to contact them and get a hoovehold amongst nobles.”

“I thought no one here wants the attention of nobles. Was that not the reason that Winter tried kicking you out?”

“You are right, most ponies are content here, they don’t want more troubles than they can handle” Blaze cast a quick glance at the earth pony that was watching them and lowered her voice even more “Brick on the other hand wants to elevate himself. He is smart, but also a tad too ambitious. Sooner or later he will trip. That’s why I didn’t join him in the past”

“Why do it now then?”

Blaze snorted, which sounded more like a horse than a human. August was caught off guard by animal noise coming from someone with whom he was having a normal conversation.

“Back then I had a choice. Now, if not for Brick, Winter will break my wings.”

“You could leave the city. Do something else”

“I have friends here, I was born in this city. At my age finding a job in another place without any education or experience and with a doubtful background would be almost impossible. Outside of Canterlot the best I could land is working on some backwater farm.” Blaze took a few deep breaths “I’ve spent my whole life here. All my memories are here. I lived in this city, against the wishes of many, despite everything they did to try to get rid of me. I’m not going anywhere!”

Blaze seemed to be getting more and more agitated with each word. Her wings even spread slightly, likely a sign of aggression, as was the case with some other winged creatures. She seemed ready to continue her tirade with even the smallest prompting, but August decided that her personal story wasn’t of much interest to him.

Using her current silence, he took a few steps back, using distance to show he was no longer interested in talking. Not the most polite method, but hopefully direct enough that even she will understand. He took his eyes off her, watching the nearby patch of grass instead, intrigued by the fact that it seemed greener than the grass back home. While enjoying the local flora, something else caught his attention. He focused on Swirl, who was sitting nearby, looking up close at a patch of flowers. He studied her form for a moment. He had no problems with walking, but lying down proved unpleasant and sitting was an uncharted territory. He tried to imitate the position, sitting down, slowly repositioning his legs and torso, trying to find some comfort.

His attempts were interrupted by an angry-sounding Blaze.

“Excuse me? I thought we were talking. Why in Tartarus would you sit down and stare at Swirl? Are her hindquarters that much more interesting than our conversation?”

“You seemed to only grow more and more angry. I decided that it would be better to give you some time to calm down.” August explained, using telekinesis to slightly shift his hoof.

“And you thought that ogling my friend is a good way to do that?”

“I’m not ogling anyone. I’m trying something out” he heard one of his joints pop quietly.

“Trying something out? Trying something out!? How about I try and…” Blaze paused and took a deep breath “No, Blaze, calm yourself. He’s just an idiot. Wizard idiot. Powerful wizard idiot.” Another few deep breaths “I’m going for a quick flight, I’ll be right back.”

Distraction gone, August returned to his attempts at untangling his limbs. Unfortunately, Swirl took the silence as an invitation to start talking.

“Forgive Blaze, she has a short fuse.”

“I understand” Wait, her legs were positioned more like… this. Much better.

“Especially when she talks about politics and her family... history. Sometimes I’m afraid that she will one day try to burn down the city hall.”

“Politics are always controversial” he did it. Now he had to figure out how sitting on a chair worked.

“She is a good mare in her heart. Great friend.”

“Without a doubt” that Brick guy was sitting down on a chair. How was he doing it?

“Seriously, could you stop staring?” August finally heard the clear displeasure in Swirl's voice

“Ah, yes, of course” August stood up “I’m done anyway.”

“Do I even want to know what you are done with?”

August was no longer listening. Not like he was paying much attention before. He found a place nearby where he could see the place where Brick and Stream Line were sitting and talking. They were quite far away, but it was nothing that a small sight enchantment couldn’t mitigate.

This got the attention of an earth pony guarding them. Not wanting to get in trouble with the weird unicorn, he approached Swirl first.

“What is he doing?”

“Don’t ask me. Checking if he likes Canterlot stallions?”

At this moment August started bending his legs in some weird shapes.

“Is this his yoga routine or something?”

“I have no idea. I have known him less than a day”

August, still busy doing his weird poses, started suddenly levitating a few inches above the ground. It did not help with his movements, they only got weirder and wilder.

“You know what? As long as he is not throwing fireballs, I’m fine.” The guard turned around and went back to his post

This left Swirl alone, waiting with anticipation where will this lead. A unicorn, levitating in the air, weird gestures. Surely, it will all lead to some amazing spell. Hopefully not a fireball, that park was nice. The best in Lower City.

With a gust of wind, Blaze landed next to Swirl. She took a quick look at August and sighed.

“What is he up to now?”

“Who knows? I hope something cool.”

They stood side by side, calmly looking at the weird mage.

“Nice flank though” commented Swirl.

“You should be happy your coltfriend can’t hear you”

“I don’t hear you disagreeing.”

“Meh, I’ve seen better.”

“I know. I saw you looking at the last Wonderbolts show.”

Author's Note

Hello there everypony. I'm back, hopefully for longer. I finally managed to gather enough motivation to start posting again. The good news is that I have a few chapters ahead mostly written, they are just waiting for some editing. The bad news is that it is always the hardest part for me.
I love writing, it feels great to finally get a story from out of my head and into the paper (metaphorical one in this case). Editing lacks that feeling, it mostly boils down to a tedious hunt for small mistakes and little fixes. And trust me, there are a lot of them. Most of the dots in each chapter were added only in the edit and I still find some of them missing.
It also forces me to read my own work again, and nothing makes me cringe harder than that.
Alright, enough complaining. I'm honestly just stalling at this point.
Have an awsome day and I hope you will continue reading.