A Cure for a Toxin.

Chapters

Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Chapter One
Chapter Six
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Twenty

Chapter Two

The stairs stopped at level nine. Toxic expected that, especially if the ventilation systems were separate. He just had to hope an elevator was working.

He swiped the security card at the laboratory door, bright red in color to indicate a fire door.

Nothing.

Toxic tried again, but not even a flicker on the standard card-reader. He tried pushing the door-

and his hoof sank into the metal.

Toxic backed up a few steps, adrenaline spiking. Fear clouded his thoughts for a moment before he got himself under control. This wasn't right.

What were these ponies working on down here!?

For a supposedly secure facility, their precautions appeared to have failed spectacularly. His horn glowed brighter, light condensing around his head. Granted, Toxic wasn't the most powerful or adept magical user, but he had his specialized spells. In this case, he created a large bubble that isolated him from the outside world, if for but a minute or two.

He fished inside the saddlebag, pulling out the respirator the guard had given him. It was a heavier model, and appeared to be suited for this sort of thing. It was a step above the already fortified filters he had donned a few levels above. Even so, Toxic kept his light-armor the strongest around his head, lesser so for the rest of his body. To date, he hadn't found any chemical that could provoke a response on his skin or fur, but he'd rather not test that out. His eyes, mouth, and lungs, were sadly not as durable.

With a forceful kick, Toxic slammed the door open, the supposedly fire and chemical-proof metal folding like a bedspread. The lights in this area flickered, and the walls were...dripping?

Not good. A quick check insured the respirator wasn't harmed, and then Toxic carefully made his way down the hallway. The floor was a tad spongy, and considering it was suppose to be made of tile, made him more than a bit uneasy. The laboratories on either side were deserted, glass walls beginning to distort from the corrosive atmosphere. A few twists and turns later, and he made it to the main hallway, where the elevators were to be located.

At least, that was what Toxic had hoped.

Power was clearly fluctuating, and the elevator doors sat at canted angles, a dull glow from the elevator shaft casting creepy shadows across the walls. Toxic hated to send a call in to headquarters, but this wasn't on his 'ordinary jobs' list. He levitated a half-helmet onto his head, setting up the microphone and small camera.

He also hated dealing with the dispatchers. They couldn't get over his odd-sounding voice, since writing was out of the question.

“C-call HQ.” Toxic hoped the microphone would pick up his strange voice.

A brief pause...

“Toxic Shield. Your status?”

Wait, that wasn't the ordinary dispatcher. This one sounded more like a royal guard...

“Level n-nine. Cor-rosive air. Eleva-tors br-oken.”

There was the sound of a flurry of voices all clamoring for attention, but finally one boomed out among them all.

“ENOUGH!”

Ow. His ears would be ringing for a few minutes after that. Mr. Boom-voice began speaking then, his tone clipped and polished.

“Toxic, you need to get to level ten. There is a neutralizing agent there. The system should have engaged, but the electronics must have fried. You need to engage the tanks, and flood the area.”

“W-With wha-t?”

“Dang, your voice IS weird. Whatever. The substance is an emergency base concoction, strong enough to neutralize anything in there. It was suppose to engage in this sort of scenario.”

“Direct-tions?”

“The tanks are directly below you. First door on your right from exiting the elevator. You need to breach the tanks in the next room. Using a standard destructive spell should do it. Look, that stuff has eaten through the floors and containment areas, and it will eventually hit the water main, or an underground river. There should be a supply closet to your right, if this camera thing is working correctly. There is either an air duct to your left, where you can punch through to the lower system, or the elevator shaft. Anything we teleport in there will be degraded by that air- jeez, how is this guy even alive? These readouts are showing the air being corrosive to all types of metal! He should have melted by now!”

Toxic guessed he wasn't suppose to hear that last part. Supply closet it was. Trotting over to the door, Toxic gave it a nudge with his hoof. Thankfully, the metal didn't give as much. Maybe the supplies could be salvaged.

Even so, he was able to easily punch the lock and handle mechanism completely out from the door. He took a quick look inside, noting some durable rope and cable. That would have to do. There were also some spare respirator filters, the same filters as his current ones. Walking over to the elevator shaft, Toxic took a peek in-

And promptly couldn't breath.

Panic set in, and out of pure reflex he created a mini-bubble of clean air, ripping off his respirator as he backed away from the shaft. Now he was truly afraid. Toxic staring at the melted filters with wide eyes, not wanting to accept what he saw. What could melt these completely off? Even through his magic?

This was out of his league, but who else could help? The answer to that question caused him to pull out his personal respirator, which was considerably more durable than the others, but lacking the better filtration. A quick adjustment with the other spare filters, and that was remedied. So much for the elevator shafts.

As Toxic made his way over to the air vent, he took one of the one-use teleportation devices, keeping it tucked onto a specially-made holder on his shoulder. If things got bad, hopefully it would pull him to safety, assuming it didn't melt first.

For the first time that day, uneasiness began to creep into Toxic's heart. Sure, he had been scared a few times in the short hours he had been here, but this was different. Instead of an instance off fear, there was a pervading feeling. He wasn't used to that. Usually he was safe, the chemicals never being able to get through his protective gear. The few times they had, he knew exactly what he was dealing with. This was a complete unknown. Then again, that's why he signed up for this job, because he could improvise, because nobody else had his unique ability.

And because it got his mind off...things.

Toxic's eyes narrowed, the white glow flaring around his horn and body as he bolstered his armor. If need be, he could filter the air through his light-helmet, but that took a lot out of him. Well, there was only one route now.

He pushed the soggy metal aside, inching his way into the air duct. It supported his weight, but barely. Thankfully, someone must have been watching, because the eyepiece on the helmet refocused, showing the upcoming air shaft, and the best place to break through.

Unfortunately, he never got a chance to show that, because the air duct gave way.

Unknown to either Toxic or his dispatchers, there were others watching the live camera feed. In a large tower, deep in the heart of Canterlot, two alicorns sat in front of a large screen (one of the newer additions to the palace.)

“He fell from the air duct. Those chemicals must have eaten all the way through the ceiling and support braces.”

“Tell me, dear sister, did thy architects design said building, or didst you?”

“...I drew up the plans, they built it.”

“I see. Should we help him?”

“Of the many things I can do, survive in that sort of atmosphere isn't one of them, at least not for long. Neither can you Lulu.”

“Fine. Ah! He has stood up again! Thou was correct in summoning this one for the task. I am already impressed!”

“Hush. He's on the move again. Get ready to transport him out if need be.”

“Yes Tia.”

Author's Note

Woohoo! Another chapter! Let me know what you all think!
Also, thank you to all those who fav'd my story. It really means a lot =)

I request your feedback on an issue!

To show Toxic's speech impediment, I thought of trying this, to show a fluctuation in tone and pitch:
"SeE, lIKE thIS. BuT iT looKS a TAd aNNoyING"
^I think that just gave my eyes cancer....

Yea. I settled on using broken up works. 'Bea-cause'
Like that. But hey, let me know what you all think would flow the best/get the flow across!

Chapter Three

Ouch.

Toxic let out a muffled groan as he shook himself back to reality. The metal vent had collapsed. Stupid. He should have known it was too weakened to support him. To further complicate things, his helmet had bounced off, and was nowhere to be seen. On the bright side though, it looked like he had smashed through to the roof of the tenth level, so that solved one problem.

There was a small crawlspace between the ventilation ducts and the actual roof, all of which appeared to be a bit droopy. When everything was made of metal, 'droopy' was never a good term to describe it.

It was an easy task to poke through the half-dissolved roof and peer down into the corridors. Thankfully Toxic had landed on a metal support beam, otherwise he'd have fallen right through.

And directly into...that.

What it was, Toxic had no clue. It contrasted to the muted white-blue halls and floors, and the liquid fizzled and bubbled as though maintaining a consciousness of its own. It was a bright green, semi-solid goo, with purple and orange lines flowing this way and that. It obviously was a mixture of different substances. Ever so slowly, Toxic edged over, preparing to drop onto the few places of floor that weren't completely covered. Just as he slid over the edge, he realized the floor easily could collapse under his weight.

-THUNK-

Thankfully, that wasn't the case as his hooves hit the somewhat-solid floor. He made his way around the large pools of liquid, cringing as it seemed to climb up the lip surrounding a glass room, eating its way into the enclosure. Talk about nasty stuff. The grey floor was barely visible now, the mixture seeming to spread. How that was even possible, Toxic didn't know. What he DID know, was that a huge puddle of the stuff separated him from his target door, about thirty feet down the hallway.

He reached into his saddlebag, pulling out a testing rod-

and had it dissolve as soon as it left the cover of his light-armor.

Toxic bolstered the shield around him, looking down to see his legs trembling slightly. He was almost there...
Just need to focus.

The air was saturated with the stuff. It was a wonder that he could even breath. Even so, he could detect a faint taste in his mouth, partially spicy, and...minty?

A light tremor shook the building, and to Toxic's horror, more of the strange chemical began to boil up from farther down the hallway. Perhaps re-condensing over and over, and flowing upwards with the air?

Maybe, but there was time for that later.

Toxic narrowed his brow, fatigue starting to seep into his consciousness. He had never sustained his armor like this for so long, and at such a powerful level. It was a brief -pop-, and a loss of sight, but he appeared safely a short distance away. A strange sensation crept through his hoof, like ice was slowly encasing it.

Looking down, the unicorn's eyes widened as the strange green liquid-gel lapped at his hoof. That had NOT been there before. But, on the bright side, he wasn't dissolving.

Hahaha! Take that strange chemical experiments! Toxic Shield: One. Strange goop: Zero.

He was reminded of the severity of the situation when he tried to open the utility door, and his hoof promptly sped through the partially-dissolved metal as though it were paper.

Whoa...

About ten massive tanks, easily holding thousands of gallons of liquid loomed over him, a strange milky tan color. The door must have been fairly well sealed, because electronics still blinked on a few of the tanks. The loud pony at HQ had said to open the tanks no matter what. Somehow, Toxic had a feeling that was going to involve a bit of pain on his part.

Taking aim, Toxic fired off a lance of energy at the most distant tank.

-BANG!-

The tank blew into chunks, sending shrapnel flying every which way. A mixture of powder and liquid rushed everywhere, somewhere around the consistency of watered down mayonnaise. He barely had time to brush the goggle-portion of the respirator clear, than he heard a terrifying sound.

It sounded much like a teapot about to explode. In a room full of pressurized tanks, that meant only one thing.
Uh oh.

The last thing Toxic saw was the rupture of another tank, this one sending a large piece of metal flying straight at him. That's when everything went dark.
–

“Did you get him Luna?”

“Shame on you, dear sister. Of course we did! He is at the top floor. All I had to do was activate the device thou had cleverly designed for such things.”

“Hmm. Well I don't like to brag.”

“That 'tis a lie, and thou knowest it!”

“Fair enough. Will he be alright?”

“Probably. We knowest not what strange concoctions he was wading in, but most likely.”

“I'd say that's earned him lunch at least, what do you think?”

“Hmm. The sandwich vendor on yonder main street?”

“The very same.”

“Thou knows we cannot resist such delectable foods.”

Author's Note

Huzzah! The updates have been doubled!

I'm aiming for a certain princess-of-the-night's speech to be altering between her old habits and the newer speech pattern, because I'd imagine such things are pretty well ingrained.

A shorter chapter, but now things get interesting!

Chapter Four

The heart monitor kept time with the patients heartbeat, a few nurses occasionally flitting in to check on the dark blue unicorn. He had been brought in a few days ago, and remained in a coma of sorts. They suspected it was due to the massive blow to his head, or maybe the toxins he was exposed to. Either way, the hospital staff did their duty, and waited for the stranger to awaken.

The nurse on duty noticed the unicorn's legs twitching slightly. She shrugged, then going back to her duties. Probably just a dream.

Had Toxic known her thoughts, he would have laughed. A dream would have been a welcome reprieve.

He floated somewhere between sleep and unconsciousness, and partly in torment. The worst nightmare was the one that was true, that couldn't be escaped by merely waking. Some ponies were terrified of spiders or fire. Others, perhaps drowning.

His fear lay in that which he couldn't escape.

Darkness. Nothing was present in the cold metal room that formed around his helpless consciousness. A cold permeated his flesh and mind, and the accompanying dark figure. It was a large shadow, glowing soulless eyes that stared back at him. He knew this monster. It haunted him, whether he was waking or sleeping. It was composed of the darkest moments of his life, and it loved every minute of his misery. Be it an actual being or a figment of his imagination, Toxic didn't know. He only knew that when he awoke screaming, its laugh was always there, echoing through his mind.

The attack was swift, the creature slinging the most vile memories to the fore. School, laughing colts and fillies.

“Worthless.”

“Weirdo.”

“Cripple.”

“Freak.”

Even in his catatonic state, the emotions began to manifest themselves, the heart monitor in the real hospital beginning to beat faster.

Toxic shook himself out of the sludge-ridden memories, trying to shake free of their depressive hold. The creature in his mind had one last weapon to throw however, and it failed to miss.

The image of decorations, pink hearts and flowers. A banner- 'Hearts and Hooves Day.'

And her face. It was blurred by tears and time, but it still struck home. The young mare looked at him, then to his notepad again, to re-read the message, and then back to him-

And shook her head.

“Sorry. I'm 'busy.'”

Then came the smile, almost as an afterthought. It was a cocky and arrogant one, lacking any feeling. He knew the true reason for her refusal. It was the same reason he was so quickly labeled and mocked.

Different.

Freak.

Mute.

The monster then spoke.

“You are alone.”

Even in sleep, Toxic's limbs began to twitch, finally getting the attention of a few of the local nurses and doctors.

No longer was it a simple nightmare, it was torture. Rage, unfiltered and raw, boiled to the surface of Toxic's mind, but not finding any release. There was a touch of another consciousness, the image of a violet mare trying to speak- but the anger drowned out everything. Years of pent up emotion surfaced-

And lashed out.

The nurse looked over to the heart monitor, staring in shock as she watched it climb even higher. A doctor moved from the end of the bed, but a few steps to his right...

Those steps saved his life.

The dark blue stallion woke up. Sitting up with a terrible mask of anger on his features, a burst of white magic lashed out from his horn. The scream he uttered was enough to carve into the hardest of hearts. It was pure pain and agony. No coherence, just a raw explosion of emotion that was vocalized. Missing the doctor by a few inches, the magical beam tore into the wall, slicing a meter long gash through the solid drywall and metal backing. Daylight bled through the slice, the magical bolt having completely shredded through the hospital wall.

The emotions fled as quickly as they had arrived, leaving Toxic drenched in a colt sweat, and doctors and nurses staring. A few deep breaths, and the unicorn looked normal, as though he were just another patient.

“So-rry.”

More staring. He hated it when people stared. Then again, he fully deserved it this time.

“Well. I have to say you're one of the more unique patients we've had here, but we deal in physical, not psychological trauma.”

Toxic turned to look at the doctor who was speaking, a dark brown unicorn sporting a white mane that matched his lab coat. Thankfully, this doctor acted as though all was normal, unlike the still-gaping nurses and assistant. Then again, this sort of thing probably wasn't the oddest occurrence at a general hospital.

Probably.

“Physically speaking, you are perfectly healthy. You've been unconsciousness for about two days, after we found you at the top of that facility. We had to run the standard detoxification procedures and clean a few cuts and bruises, but other than that you seem to be in fairly good condition.”

Toxic let the information sink into his mind for a few moments. Two days? The foul taste in his mouth explained the detox procedure...
But now what did he do?

“Ah, yes. You are put on three days mandatory rest. You are fit to go home, but nothing more. That is a direct order.”

Toxic resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Probably from that loud-pony at HQ...

The doctor then continued, snapping Toxic back to reality.

“From Princess Celestia and Luna."

Yep. Just like he- wait, what?!

His wide eyes communicated all he needed to, and the doctor simply shrugged, moving to disconnect the various tubes leading from Toxic's body.

“I'm just as surprised as you are. You're not royalty, are you?”

A shake of the head was Toxic's response.

“Well, that makes things interesting I suppose. Do you need a ride to your residence?”

Toxic shook his head. Not a chance. His muscles felt weighted, but he had plenty of energy. He needed the exercise.

“Well, you're free to go. All IV's are out, and electrodes disconnected. The bill was paid by both your company, and from the royal coffers at that. Your belongings are at the front desk, locker 116.”
The royal coffers? What was going on?

Toxic nodded his thanks, making his way down the sterile halls and to the elevator. He made it to the bottom floor without any problems, aside from a few shaky legs.

“Lock-er one o-one six.”

The only sign of surprise from the desk-pony was a raised eyebrow, the dark green earth pony then walking back to retrieve the meager contents. Saddlebags, wallet, clipboard, enchanted quill, and the remnants of a respirator. The other items must have either been returned to HQ or been destroyed.
Thank you.

The desk-pony nodded, watching the unicorn make his way out the automatic doors, then shaking his head. They always got the strangest of patients...

Unfortunately, Toxic had been at Canterlot General Hospital, a good hour trot from his home on a good day. With nothing else to do, he took it easy, snagging a hearty lunch on his way, and picking up a few groceries. He liked the feeling of being productive, even in a small sense. By the time he had completed the journey home, it was late in the afternoon. Toxic's heart soared on seeing the fairly bland apartment complex, painted a dull lime color that matched the surrounding buildings.

Hated the color, but loved the price.

Second floor, third door on the right...and he was home. Toxic loved the feeling of entering his 'domain,' even if said domain was just a large room with a bed, kitchen area, and bathroom. It didn't matter, it was his. Sure, the colors were dull, maroon and tan (extremely ugly, but they were the best he could do) and off-blue walls, it certainly wasn't a mare-magnet, but it worked.

He slid the saddlebags off, and made a beeline for the shower. The hospital decontamination spells always left his fur sticking up, and feeling rather...frizzy.

A quick rinse and soap, and he felt like a new pony. That alone was an amazing feeling, but now he had a conundrum.

What to do for three days?

He forced himself to find a good book and start reading. The nightmare from earlier threatened to return to haunt his thoughts, but if he was going to dwell on that, Toxic would put it off as long as he could.
–

“So, I take it he didn't respond to your attempts Luna?”

“Indeed. We were not heard over the nightmare. I find myself a bit worried, dear sister.”

“Hmm. Perhaps tonight you'd like to extend our invitation, if the time is right?”

“Thank you 'Tia, it would be our pleasure.”

Author's Note

I'm getting favorites and thumbs up- it makes me so happy!
Enjoy this chapter. Delving a bit into Toxic's past. Poor Toxic.
As always, I would love any and all feedback! (especially if you detect any continuity, grammar, or spelling errors!)

Chapter Five

Toxic glanced at the digital clock on top of his dark-wood dresser, putting down the book. It wasn't like he was able to read anyhow. He had managed to get a few chapters into the adventure novel (recommended to those who enjoy Daring Do,) but his nightmare was weighing too heavily on his mind.

Well, he may as well get it out of his system.

He could feel the emotions churning, almost enough to give him a headache. It was just like in the hospital, or those pressurized tanks in the lab. If enough pressure built, the container would rupture. In this case, he'd probably just sob for a good hour, if he could.

That thought alone sparked a flare of anger as Toxic snagged his saddlebags and writing materials, making his way out the door. Still a bit sore from two days in the hospital, but nothing serious.

Maybe he'd write a letter tonight.

The air was brisk, enough to wake him up, but not so much that Toxic craved a sweater. Thank goodness for fur. It was a five minute trot to his favorite spot, a secluded location, as far as city parks go. It was on the very outskirts of Canterlot, and one of the areas largest parks. It encompassed part of a forest, but was mostly rolling grassy hills that lit up in spring with wildflowers, and a large lake feeding into a few smaller ponds, and then a river. In short, it was spectacular. At night, especially now, when the air was brisk and the skies were clear, he would just sit on the bank, underneath a large willow tree.

Toxic truly pitied anyone who mocked his odd mannerisms, because underneath it all, it just made sense. It made sense to him, of course, but also to anyone who bothered to ask. The night sky was something he had always appreciated, seeing the occasional comet or distant star twinkle. Being away from everything helped him think, and tonight was one of those nights.

He settled down onto the soft grass, smiling as a jumping fish sent ripples soaring across the lake's surface.

Toxic pulled one of his hooves to his body, prodding his chest experimentally. To anyone watching, it would certainly seem like an odd action, but Toxic wasn't sure what else to do.

He just couldn't feel anything deep. The worse part was, he didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.

Yep. Definitely time for a letter. It was a simple matter to pull out the quill and clipboard-parchment, and get started.

Dear Princess Celestia....

He stopped, crossing off the words. No, not her.
Dear Princess Luna.

But wait, he didn't want to show favorites. More crossing off.
Dear Princess Luna and Celestia.

Perfect. Showing slight preference, but courtesy to both.

He had first gotten the idea when hearing about Princess Celestia's student, Twilight Sparkle. Apparently she wrote letters every now and again, reporting her findings on various topics, specifically, friendship.

Unlike her, Toxic never sent these letters. He wrote them, and the ink just disappeared onto the page, just like any other time. It was nice though, to imagine someone reading the letters, and perhaps even writing back, even if it never happened. Sometimes thinking out loud was almost as good as talking to someone who DID exist. It was fun to pretend that they remembered his letters though, almost like a one-way pen pal of sorts.

Sorry for that confusion, but I guess Luna would be awake now. It's one of those letters again, but this time, I don't know what to say.

His rapid writing stopped for a second as he mulled over the murky thoughts in his mind, finally managing to strain out a few particular ones.

I guess, well, I'm writing to see where it takes me. You remember from a few letters ago, of why I can't write my parents. They're just not the same, not since everything changed.

His quill shook, even though held in a magical grip. The faint inklings of regret and grief pricked at his heart. Change. Sometimes it was good, other times bad...

Other times, catastrophic.

I want to be able to cry over them, my family that is. They're still doing well of course. I talk to them weekly, to check up on how they're doing. I love them, but...they're a different family than I grew up with. This might be a sensitive topic, but maybe you know what it's like, to return after a thousand years, and have to get to know those you love all over again, and sometimes, you don't like the changes.

Toxic sighed, not paying any mind to the gentle breeze that rustled the willow's long flowing arms.

Oh, by the way, my littlest sister is learning another instrument. She's such an adorable foal. I really wish-

I wish I could have my old family back.

Toxic felt the tears. They were right there, behind his eyes, but they refused to flow. How much he wanted to cry as he used to, feel things as he once did.

Yet he remained unable to do so. Did the royal sisters feel like that?

Do you ever cry? Or your sister? I'd like to. I used to. I know I'm a sensitive stallion, no need to rub it in, but yes, stallions cry, especially me.

You and your sister are all really the only ones I talk to nowadays. I was out cold for two days in the hospital, that's all that's new. I had another nightmare though, a bad one.

Toxic stared long and hard at the water before penning his next thought, one that ordinarily would have sent tears down his cheeks.

But not tonight. Tonight, all it did was cause a slight stirring in his heart, like a pebble dropped in a lake.

Am I really that difficult to be around? To be liked? I speak of love, and of friendship. Of something. Anything.

The distraught stallion continued to stare at the water, but had he looked up, a shooting star would have been visible directly above him.

Many miles away, in the royal castle, a dark blue alicorn stood in front of a large window overlooking the city, a parchment levitating in front of her. A few tears traced their way through her fur as she read the words that began to appear on the parchment before her. The tears began to flow more steadily as the writing on the material progressed.

Princess Luna paused, even as the writing continued, her eyes resting on a specific phrase, one that pierced her heart like a knife, for the pain was just as palpable.
-and sometimes, you don't like the changes.

Author's Note

Poor Toxic. I'm so mean.

Anyhow. I liked this chapter. Let me know what you all think! ^_^ (feedback appreciated!)

Chapter Seven

Don't stare.

Don't- I'm staring!

“Hello Toxic Shield.”

A weak squeak was all Toxic could utter as he bent on one hoof in respect. His mind accepted what his eyes were seeing, but still couldn't process it.

Luna smiled gently, shaking her head.

“No bowing is necessary. We come here as Luna, not as a royal Princess.”

Apparently there was a difference? Toxic wasn't sure what to think.

She turned to briefly look out across the lake.

“We can see why you come here. 'Tis beautiful.”

Toxic finally worked up the courage to simply sit, rather than bow. Then, he slowly levitated the parchment to write, and that alone took almost all the courage he had.

Yes, it is. It shows off your beautiful night sky very well. Princess Luna, if I may ask, why are you here?

Luna turned to look at him, the same gentle smile on her face as she beamed at the compliment.

“Please Toxic Shield, just Luna will suffice. And...”

His own magic was overpowered as the quill and parchment were gently lowered to the ground.

“We know that thou can speak with thy voice.”

Toxic's eyes widened with shock. Surely she didn't expect him to speak to her like that!

“I am serious, Toxic Shield. Will just Toxic do?”

Well, time to venture it then.

“Y-yes. Y-you do-n't m-mind my v-voi-ce?”

Luna's smile grew wider as she leaned down slightly.

“THOU FORGETS, WE TOO HAD SPEACH ISSUES UPON RETURNING TO EQUESTRIA!”

Toxic's mane was blown back briefly by the Royal Canterlot Voice, a smile twitching past his shocked expression.

“T-hank y-you. T-toxic is fi-ne.”

“Ahah! Success! Mine sister though we could relate on such a matter!”

Toxic's eyes widened.

“Yo-ur s-sist-er?”

Luna nodded briefly.

“Yes. Celestia and I have been watching your progress for a time, actually. She seeks to eliminate rumors of our royal distancing, and suggested various means to get to know our subjects better. Your situation provided us with a unique opportunity.”

Toxic was overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy. He had messed up on so many things...

“To answer your question, Toxic, I am here, because you asked me to be here.”

Rarely had Toxic been speechless, or textless for that matter. But for a moment, his mind went blank.

“W-what?”

Luna held up the parchment, indicating it with a nod. Her expression then faded to sympathy, laced with genuine sadness.

“We have read your letters, Toxic Shield, or at least those you addressed to us. Tonight though, you wrote something this night that we could not ignore.

Regarding the changing of family.”

It was as though a switch had been flipped in Toxic's mind. One minute, he was sitting next to Princess Luna, the being who had the power to raise the moon and paint the heavens with stars. The next, he was sitting next to a friend.

He had written every week or two, long and short letters to either Luna or Celestia, for well over a year. Never anything extremely personal, but always about his troubles, his mindset, and just his overall life.

And she had read them. They both had read them.

Toxic wanted to cry, both from happiness and just being overwhelmed, but, of course, couldn't.

“Y-you re-ead them?”

Luna nodded, and Toxic was amazed to see some dampness in her eyes, as well as an outpouring of compassion.

“Yes. We asked you, a few times, in thy dreams, if such was allowed. You of course, said yes.”

Toxic couldn't help but blush. In a few of the nightmares, he vaguely remembered someone speaking with him- but nothing more.

He did, however, remember giving said figure a hug.

“We know thy feelings on the matter, regarding family. My sister and I are on...different terms. One thousand years does change anypony.”

Luna's eyes then looked up at the moon briefly.

“I too yearn for a past that which I cannot get back.”

The Princess of the Night shook herself from her memories, turning back to Toxic.

“Unfortunately Toxic Shield, our time here is brief. We do wish to relay a simply message. Thou art invited to a lunch with my sister, for, sadly, business steals us away. 'Twill be at noon tomorrow, at the 'Hay-and-Barrel,' does thou knowest of the place?”

Toxic nodded, still in shock.

“Y-Yes. B-but a lunch?”

Luna laughed, the cheerful sound echoing across the lake, lifting the otherwise melancholy mood.

“Indeed! Celestia will explain more, for we have an assignment for you. Thy performance a few days ago was commendable, and helped Equestria more than you realize. Therefore, we deemed a thanks to be in order.”

Toxic could only stammer two words in reply.

“T-thank yo-u!”

Luna stood, nodding respectfully to Toxic as she trotted over.

“I know thou is curious as to why we go through all this trouble for thy sake?”

Toxic nodded. He could understand the royal sisters wanting to get to know their subjects more. So often they were put on a pedestal, yet Toxic had a feeling they just wanted casual interaction and friends, just like any other pony. He didn't think, however, that was the only reason for all of this.

Luna didn't move for a moment, but a mischievous glint sparkled in her eye briefly. She leaned down, hooking a foreleg around Toxic in a brief hug.

“We did not forget thy gesture in the dream.”

Cheeks burning, but returning the gesture nonetheless, Toxic could feel the emotions bubbling up. For a moment, he felt safe, as though held by a caring mentor.

Luna then stood, looking down at Toxic a final time.

“Toxic Shield. The last question thou asked us was difficult for you perhaps, but not us. We cry, and to answer your other question, in regards to yourself and friendship, among other things...”

Luna locked gazes with him, and Toxic was powerless to look away.

“Know this, Toxic Shield. Thou art a fine stallion. If we can return from exile, and find friendship, then surely, thou is worthy of such. As for more than that, thou has heard it spoken before, as did we long ago. Good things come to those who wait. We wish thee well Toxic, and perhaps in a night or two, we shall talk again?”

“T-that wo-uld be n-ice, Prin-Luna.”

The Princess then spread her wings, and jumped into the air, quickly fading from view.

Toxic stared at the sky for a good minute or two, her final words echoing in his mind. A strange warmth blossomed in his chest, perhaps because he believed her. Parents were suppose to tell their children that the future was bright. To hear it from someone else was comforting, especially someone as special as Luna.

After another minute, he came to the startling realization of the dilemma presenting itself tomorrow.

What in the world would he wear to a sandwich parlor with a meeting with royalty?

Back at the palace, Celestia nodded in greeting to her sister as the younger alicorn landed on the balcony.

“Did all go well?”

Luna nodded, still a bit distracted. It was not often she discussed her uneasiness about re-learning the culture of this time.

“Yes. He will meet thee tomorrow at noon.”

As they walked back to Celestia's personal study room, Luna couldn't help but grin slightly.

“Be nice 'Tia. I think he is still amazed, and rather terrified, that we take interest in him.”

“No exploding sandwiches?”

“Thy idea was extremely amusing, at least we though so. The fellow politicians did not seem to share our sentiments.”

Author's Note

Making up for the extremely short previous chapter!

Feedback EXTREMELY appreciated for this chapter in particular. I want to keep Luna in character.

Also...maybe was it all moving a bit fast? I'm trying to convey a semi-established relationship of sorts through Toxic's writing, but not a complete 'oh that makes sense' feeling.

Chapter Eight

Thirty minutes. That was the amount of time left before his unofficial 'lunch' with Princess Celestia. The first problem he had encountered; what to wear.

Toxic had finally settled on a simple light-blue bow-tie. The Hay and Barrel was a very informal restaurant, and it didn't seem right dressing up with a tuxedo to eat at a hole-in-the-wall place. Hopefully, that instinct would be correct.

Problem number two; what in the world was he going to talk about, or rather, how? Would he use the parchment, or risk his fluctuating voice?

Oh hayseeds. Enough over-thinking things.

Toxic lifted his new saddlebags onto his back, ensuring he had the usual items; wallet, parchment and quill, and a few other random items he enjoyed carrying around.

His hoofs click-clopping against the cobblestone street, Toxic passed by a club, this one strangely packed with ponies. A poster on the outside explained why.

DJ Pon-3- A daylight rave!

Huh. A day-time party? That was new, but not totally unexpected. There had been talk of the famous DJ wanting to shake things up a little.

Toxic was even further surprised to recognize the song, easily heard from outside. It was fairly easy to time his steps to the beat of the music, and with the tune carrying itself in his mind, he aimed down a side-street, a shortcut to the restaurant.

What could Celestia want to talk to him about? Toxic ran through a mental checklist, making sure he hadn't done anything accidentally illegal. Well, it wasn't that...

Maybe, just maybe, it was like Luna's visit?

After a few more streets, he stood outside the designated restaurant, not noticing anything different. Everything seemed to be as it should, ponies going in and out of the building. There was absolutely nothing indicating the presence of one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria.

There were some simple metal tables outside the doorway for sunny days, a few red umbrellas available to use if need be. The wood overhang, maroon in color and very weather-worn, spoke of how well-established the restaurant was, and there was a reason for such. It was famous for its simple yet amazing sandwiches, a reputation that had spread through all of Canterlot, and beyond.

Toxic checked the clock on the wall, smiling slightly. Perfect. Two minutes early.

He poked his head inside, taking a place along the wall, scanning for the only thing he expected to see; a large white alicorn. Somehow, he wasn't too surprised to not see such. Maybe she would just teleport-

“Ah! Toxic Shield!”

A light blue unicorn waved him over to a table, and Toxic cautiously approached the strange pony.

He pulled out the parchment, scrawling a quick message.

Umm, do I know you M'am?

There was a flash, and Toxic's eyes widened. Visible as a ghostly form around the unicorn, was-

Oh. That would be Princess-

“Please Toxic, if I may address you as that, sit down. I imagine you understand, but if I showed up in my usual form, we wouldn't be able to talk like this.”

At least that made sense. Toxic was so busy trying to realize that this unicorn was Princess Celestia, he barely noticed the tugging on his chest-

until the bow tie floated in front of him, held aloft by a golden aura. The ghostly view of Celestia had since faded, and the tie wiggled back and forth playfully, held in her magical grasp.

“I appreciate the gesture Toxic, but I hope you can see this as a casual meeting, no bow tie necessary.”

Her light-hearted voice and following chuckle actually eased Toxic's nerves slightly.

It's good to meet you officially, Princess Celestia.

The blue unicorn bowed her head in greeting as well, her eyes just as warm and welcoming as he remembered.

“And you, Toxic Shield. You are certainly a bit bigger than the colt I remember you as. I see the parchment and quill are adequate?”

Yes, I can't thank you enough for them-

Toxic found his quill stayed by a much stronger magic than his.

“Toxic, the joy in your eyes as a colt was more than enough thanks. I'm just happy to help.”

How could he reply to that? He still remembered being introduced to Princess Celestia as a youngster, his father's plea to help a troubled youngster not going unanswered. He had squeaked his thanks, but had no idea she'd still remember him.

“May I take your order, or do you need some more time?”

A banana-yellow earth pony with a lettuce cutie mark smiled at both of them, indicating the not-yet-looked-at menus.

“Toxic, do you trust me?”

The dark blue unicorn's eyes widened, and he nodded.

“Two of your specials please, with two waters.”

“Sure thing! Coming right up!”

Leaning forwards to scoop up the menu's, the mare then winked at Celestia.

“Good to see you again...Solar.”

Celestia smiled back, nodding to the waitress.

“You too Leaf.”

Toxic's look of curiosity obviously spoke for him.

“Lettuce Leaf knows I enjoy coming here, and Solar is my...not-so-royal persona name. You'll love their specials. It's actually the very same thing my sister orders. The first time she ordered however, she sent it back.”

The unicorn across the table let out a very not-so-royal giggle.

“I believe her exact words were, in the royal Canterlot voice- “The pickles on this sandwich need to be doubled!””

Toxic couldn't help but laugh. The tension and anticipation pent up over hours of worrying and fretting over the meeting dissipated like fog amid sunlight.

“See Toxic Shield? I might have more magical power than most ponies, but I still wish to laugh and live life. That is one of the reasons, actually, both Luna and I try to get out more, even if it is like this.”

Her expression then changed from almost carefree enjoyment, to that of a more caring ruler.

“However, there is a more business-oriented reason I wanted to meet with you as well.”

Toxic's eyes widened. Oh dear. There was only one thing at work that could be serious enough...

I didn't know there were flammable ingredients in the pie! I thought Barry wanted to microwave it, so I set it, and then it caught f-

Once again, his quill was stayed by the Princess's magic.

“Toxic, you worry far too much! This is why I try to meet with ponies like this!”

She sighed, and Toxic couldn't help but be a bit...concerned. The unicorn sitting across from him looked almost sad.

“So many ponies think I rule with an iron hoof, that I punish at the slightest offense. I do hope to change that viewpoint, sooner rather than later.”

She then looked up and smiled.

“However, the fact you caught a section of your company's food court on fire, due to microwaving a pie, is rather impressive. Luckily, nopony was hurt, and I suppose we could thank the fire alarms for that. I must say, an entire building section demolished, and no injuries, all due to a combusting pie? The report that we received had us laughing all night.

And that, is a very good thing.”

“Here you two go!” The waiter's voice quickly caught Toxic's attention.

Holy mother of sandwiches...

Two large sandwiches were placed in front of them, piled high with various greens, and literally dripping with at least two sauces. Two waters then followed.

“Enjoy!”

After Lettuce Leaf left, Celestia looked over to Toxic, levitating the sandwich in front of her.

“No fancy silverware, and no nobles watching...”

-CRUNCH!-

The look on Celestia's face was of utter bliss, despite the sauce dripping from her chin.

This had to be the strangest meeting ever. Not that Toxic was complaining.

He soon found out that it was, in fact, impossible to eat this sandwich without getting sauce somewhere, but oh, how it was worth it...

They ate in relative silence, largely because it was difficult to speak when one's mouth is full of sandwich ingredients.

To Toxic's surprise, the Princess finished first.

“While you're finishing Toxic, let me explain the more formal reason I requested we meet. I don't wish to rush, but my time here is limited, as regrettable as that may be.

Simply put, you are being reassigned.”

Thankfully, Toxic had just swallowed, otherwise he'd have chocked on the food.

“Wh-at?” He managed to exclaim, but thankfully not too loudly...

“That nasty concoction you managed to neutralize at the facility may not have been completely taken care of. A small amount may have leaked into an underground river, which takes it out of Canterlot, and right towards a small town. This is not an assignment from your employers, but rather, the official Canterlot Court. Your salary shall receive a small bonus of course, and all living expenses have been paid for.

Of course, if you don't wish to leave, I can change all that. I just thought I'd ask your opinion on the matter. I'd prefer this to be a preferred assignment, rather than a royal order. What do you think?”

Toxic was almost certain sparks were starting to leak from his ears. What? Reassigned? This almost was too good to be true...

“Your general duties would be to test the water from various sources. Daily for some, weekly for others. Also, we have some prototypes of a monitoring device that needs to be installed on any households willing to accept it. They would receive a small fund to compensate them for the trouble of course.”

Celestia stopped speaking, letting the overwhelmed unicorn try and absorb the information. After a minute or two she spoke again, this time smiling, much like a caring mother.

“And, you have certainly earned a break. Your employers report that none of your vacation days have been used.”

Toxic stiffened at this, and Celestia saw a complete change in his demeanor. A shield seemed to slide in front of his eyes, all emotion becoming dulled. The only emotion present in his gaze was raw agony, boiling and seething, and yet his expression changed very little.

“I'm so sorry Toxic. Has...there been any change?”

He shook his head, levitating the parchment.

No change. Sister still sick. Parents still...different.

Then, almost as an afterthought, he lowered the quill and scroll, meeting Celestia's gaze, his voice almost a whisper.

“Pl-ease. He-lp them. Plea-se.”

A single tear slid from each of Toxic's eyes, the only sign of the emotions unable to escape.

Celestia motioned the waiter over, mentioning something about a 'tab', then nodding to the exit.

“Come with me Toxic Shield. Please.”

He nodded mechanically, not meeting her gaze.

For a few moments, nothing was said. Only when his hooves hit grass did he look up.

Toxic briefly looked around, seeing that they were in the far end of the park where he had met Luna. A glow then caught his attention-

And he bowed to one knee out of reflex, seeing Celestia in her natural form standing before him. A hoof on his shoulder caused him to look up.

“Toxic....” Her voice was soft and loving, and Toxic couldn't help but be reminded of his mother.

Celestia didn't fully understand what was going through the young unicorn's mind, but she could see that Luna's assessment was correct. This poor pony was suffering an agony not easily healed.

Toxic dared to look up and meet Celestia's gaze, feeling a familiar lack of any emotion.

“I have personally assigned a team to work on your sister's condition. She is a rare case, but not the only one. I can't do much more than that.

There are some things that even my magic cannot fix.”

Her last words caused Toxic to look at the ground, another few tears managing to squeeze from his eyes. How much he wished to go back in time, to live with the family he once knew...

A warmth then flooded his frame, and it only partially surprised him to see Celestia leaning down, wrapping a foreleg around his shoulder. Had he not been so consumed with grief, Toxic would have found the entire situation a bit amusing. Two hugs from two Princesses in but two days? Who would have thought...

“Toxic, I need to go. I wish I had more than a mere hour to talk with you, but...”

She sighed, conjuring up a few slips of paper, teleporting them from who-knows-where.

“Here are tickets to the town you'll be staying in, along with your living quarters, if you decide to go. It is called Ponyville, the same where the Elements of Harmony reside. They won't be there however, for they are all assisting the rebuilding of the Crystal Empire for a time. If you choose to go, just pack your things. This paper will tell you where to stay once you arrive. If you wish to stay, just burn the tickets, and I'll be alerted...”

Celestia stopped as Toxic shook his head.

“I'll g-o.”

She smiled, nodding approvingly.

“Thank you Toxic. More directions will await you when you arrive. This is an informal assignment, just from an official figure, so don't worry to much. If it feels like a paid vacation with a few duties, then good. You deserve it.”

“T-han-k y-you. F-for eve-ryth-ing.”

The smile that she had so often displayed in their short meeting manifested itself again, radiating comfort. Toxic's tumultuous thoughts quieted themselves, as he began to realize that things were, for the moment, alright.

“It was my pleasure Toxic Shield. I hope to speak with you soon. Let me know how everything goes. That notepad works just fine, as Luna must have told you. I wish you well.”

She nodded to him again, and disappeared in a flash of light.

Toxic did exactly what his mind needed. He sat down on the grass, and tried to comprehend what had just transpired. He couldn't stay too long though.

He had to pack.

“Did thy meeting go well?”

Celestia nodded, glancing over a few forms that needed signing.

“I feel sorry for him. I think a listening ear would do him some good.”

“And for us as well.”

A surprised look was Celestia's reply. She hadn't expected her sister to be so...forthcoming.

“He knows of things...that thy counselors, and thyself, do not.” Her pensive tone caught Celestia's attention even further, and so she ventured a guess.

“Lulu, do you think he is-” Her sentence was silenced by an outstretched wing.

“No. Please do not mention such things right now 'Tia. Such a subject is very...sensitive to us. Toxic is another friend, and while a close friend, nothing more.”

Celestia nodded, getting the feeling her sister didn't wish to discuss the matter any further.

“I will inform him of the griffin situation in a month or two. He needn't concern himself with such things now.”

Luna nodded, then yawning as she plodded off back to bed.

“Thank you for the update, my sister. We are off to bed again.”

“Have a good rest Lulu.”

As her sister left, Celestia went out to the balcony, looking over the wide city.

“I hope, Toxic Shield, you find in Ponyville, that which my sister did. Friends...”

She took a deep breath, looking out across the city and to the countryside beyond.

“And, if you are lucky, that which my sister has yet to find. Perhaps you will find more...”

Chapter Nine

The rest of the day was a blur. He stayed out until dinner, purchasing a few traveling supplies, and also letting his mind mull over the idea of leaving.

In short, he loved the idea.

The tickets were for a train leaving the day after tomorrow, at almost mid-day. One day to get all his belongings in either storage, or a suitcase. Should be easy enough.

He hadn't been prepared for how caring Celestia was. Toxic had never expected someone of her status to remember him, let alone care. Add to the fact she was giving him this assignment and helping his family....

He didn't know what to think.

Night had since fallen, and Toxic had opted to eat out, seeing as how he already was bustling here and there. Besides, he didn't want to buy more food, since he only had one more day in the outskirts of Canterlot.

He passed by the now less-than-crowded club, which seemed to have attracted less at night than during the day. Toxic saw a few ponies in the ally adjacent to the club, a few stallions and a mare. He looked away respectfully as the mare glanced over to him, eyes wide with embarrassment. The stallion who had been nuzzling her neck glared Toxic's way.

Whoops.

Toxic continue to trot on, a strange feeling working its way into his heart and mind. He hadn't made it to the end of the block when it hit him. His legs slammed into the stones as his muscles tensed. The mare's eyes hadn't been wide with embarrassment.

It had been fear.

The stallion's eyes- he should have recognized that look. It was lust.

No...

Toxic's eyes narrowed as he turned and galloped up the street, breaths coming in short spurts. He wasn't an amazing athlete, but he wasn't out of shape either.

Making it back to the alley in but a fraction of the time, he skidded to a stop just in time to see the mare react. It was difficult to see in the nighttime, but she appeared to be a unicorn, but her color and cutie mark weren't visible.

-WHACK!-

There were three stallions, one of which had just been slammed into a wall by the mare's magic. Toxic began walking towards them, thinking maybe the mare had it under control-

When one of the two knocked her cold with a sneaky blow to the head. By now, he was close enough to hear them speak. More importantly, the one which had been slammed into the wall.

“Stupid mare. You grab her, then lets get going and have some fun.”

Toxic had never been in a fight, ever. A few times he had gotten close, when the bullies had gone too far. Thankfully, things had never escalated to that. The few times he had almost snapped, the other ponies had taken one look at him and backed down.

“HEY!”

The three earth ponies turned, looking at Toxic. His voice rang off the alley walls, devoid of any fluctuating tones, but carrying a deep and authoritative tone. In the few times the bullies had pushed him, or maybe stolen his books, his voice had lost all traces of errors. That was one of the things that made them back down.

“You let her go.”

The nearest stallion, a large shaggy-maned specimen, simply laughed.

“Whatever hero. Just keep walking.”

Toxic lifted the saddlebags off his back, placing them on the ground before walking towards them.

“I s-sai-d. L-let h-er g-go!”

Now all three stallions burst out laughing.

“You have GOT to be kidding me! Of all the ponies to stop, it's the cities own freak. Look buddy, you can't even talk right. Once you fix THAT, then we'll talk.”

“No!”

The lead stallion rolled his eyes, trotting up right to Toxic's face. Without warning, the larger pony swung, the blow glancing off Toxic's cheek. It was a poorly aimed blow, and had been easy to dodge. Toxic had a feeling the next wouldn't be so kind, especially with two more stallions emerging from the back of the alley.

That made five stallions, against him.

“Ok buddy. You asked for it then. Hey! Lets take this guy down, then we have some fun with the mare.”

Wiping the blood from the superficial cut on his cheek, Toxic looked up at the stallion, a smile forming on his lips. His eyes narrowed even further, and his horn sparked with power. Even though he knew that emotions could cloud his actions, he didn't care. Despite his emotionally dulled state, years of pent up feelings surged through his mind.

Anger at the ponies who had mocked him.

Degraded him.

Made him feel like an outcast.

Regret at his lost family.

Fear of a confrontation.

Fear for the well-being of this mare,

and duty to chivalry. He refused to stand by and let this mare suffer.

Another blow, this one also barely dodged. Even so, the blow put him on the ground. Toxic looked up to the building wall, spying a security camera on the corner nearest to them. A quick twist so it was pointed to the alley...

The lead stallion chuckled as the unicorn lay on the ground. Stupid pony. He should have just left-

For the second time, he was thrown against the brick wall, this time hard enough to send a ringing through his skull.

Toxic let magical power surge through his frame, adrenaline giving him an extra boost. Light-armor weaved across his body, solidifying into solid pieces. Modeled after the royal guard armor, it was thicker than the other version. It gave off a ghostly white glow, from greaves, to chest-plate, to helmet. In theory, it could withstand severe punishment.

The two other earth ponies lunged at him, their leader still recovering. Toxic twisted around, aiming a rear hoof at the nearest one, and sent him flying to join his fellow. The stallion collapsed in a heap.

That left three.

Toxic had taken some hoof-to-hoof combat classes, but he wasn't even aware as he used those techniques to block a punch, and deliver a snapping blow to the stallion's cheek. All he felt, and could focus on, was the emotion. For the first time in years, he could...feel!

Even if it was only anger.

The stallion wobbled on his feet, and Toxic's face split into a terrifying snarl. His hoof rocketed across the other pony's head, sending him into slamming into the ground.

That left two.

One must have been a unicorn, because a simple attack spell came flying at him, reflecting off the armor. Seeing his spell fail, the unicorn and other earth pony charged at him.

The turbulent feelings clouded his judgement, and one of their reckless blows hit his helmet, sending him to the ground with the force of the impact.

The remaining two stallions smiled, seeing their foe's armor flicker. They turned around, one of them giving the mare another cruel blow to the head and slinging her onto his back. They would leave their partners for the police. They on the other hand-

Before their thoughts began to spin into dark fantasies concerning the mare, they found out their hooves no longer touched the ground.

Blood running from his nose, Toxic stood his ground, his gaze not leaving the stallions. Their three fellow comrades floated next to them, along with some debris in the alley. His legs shook, but not with exhaustion. His eyes were slitted with rage, mouth still in a vengeful sneer. Pressure built up in his head and chest, sending spasms through his entire frame. His horn sparked with power, white sparks cascading to the ground as two unnoticed tears traced their way down his cheeks.

“Let. Her. GO!”

The resulting blast shook the walls of the buildings of the alley. Bricks and rock flew into the street, along with the listless bodies of the five stallions. They bounced off a lamppost and a few walls, before laying in the street, out cold.

His armor flickered and died, the last of Toxic's strength spent in ensuring the mare was unharmed from the blast as she floated to the ground, encased in a fading shield. Apparently, she was just starting to come around again, and for a brief moment, her eyes met his.

Even though he didn't know the color of her mane, or the symbol of her cutie mark, her eyes alone burned themselves into his memory.

They were a light amber, wide with surprise. It was the sort of color that could either be as soft and comforting as a fire on a cold night, or cold and unyielding like crystal.

Now though, they shimmered with fear, tears...

and thanks.

Darkness began to creep into Toxic's vision as he aimed his horn skyward, sending off a spell long-since memorized. A beam of light shot up, spiraling up and exploding with a thunderous -CRACK!- light reflecting off the surrounding buildings, and streamers falling to point at the alley. It was a distress spell, taught to any pony interested in first aid. He hadn't gotten a chance to use it until now...

“Thank you.”

The mare's voice, soft and shaky with nerves, seared itself into Toxic's memory. For some reason, that voice ignited some feelings he thought long since frozen inside his heart.

Everything then went black.

Chapter Ten

There was a familiar sound. It was hauntingly familiar, like an alarm clock calling him back to the land of the living...

'Beep.'

That beep.

Toxic's eyes snapped open, and he took a deep (and rather painful) breath. He had a fairly good idea of where he was...

Yep. Sand colored walls, and that unforgettable antiseptic smell. The hospital, it would seem. What had hap-

The mare!

Toxic turned his head far too quickly, and the world spun for a moment.

“Hey there, take it easy.”

He blinked as a unicorn nurse walked over to his bed, entering from the nearby hallway.

“My name is Nurse Shot....”

Indeed, her light yellow flank bore the image of a syringe.

“A not so fun name and cutie mark, I know. Lucky for you, no injections are needed. You were brought in last night. You had a few cuts and bruises, and were suffering from magical exhaustion.”

“T-the fi-ight?”

Nurse Shot's eyes widened at the sound of his fluctuating voice, but to her credit, she recovered quickly.

“Ah, the other stallions? That situation has already been handled. A few bystanders at the club saw the incident, and the security video somehow managed to catch most of it on tape.”

The nurse then tapped her hoof pensively on the floor, not meeting Toxic's gaze.

“We also got a message from Princess Luna. She urged us to get you up and on your hooves as soon as possible. Something about a train to catch. Anyhow, you're free to go. The overwhelming evidence negates the normal trial procedures for those brutes.”

Nodding gratefully to the nurse as she unhooked the IV's and heart monitors, Toxic then took a quick glance around the room. He seemed to be the only one in this particularly small room, the other two beds empty.

“Th-e ma-re?”

Nurse Shot helped him to stand, to which Toxic was quite proud of the end results. Standing and able to walk with only a few-

Ok. OW. A lot of pain, but manageable.

“The mare? Ah yes. She was checked out as only having some minor head wounds, and some cuts and scrapes like yourself. She was free to go after a brief check-up, no major harm done, thanks to you. If you'll follow me, I can show you to the check out desk.”

Toxic nodded, following the nurse down the halls, which were rather empty (which, in his opinion, was a good thing.)

“That was a very brave thing you did, saving her like that.”

He glanced over to the nurse in surprise, and she responded with a knowing look.

“Really, it was. Not many others would have helped. If you hadn't been there...”

“I w-wan-ted to h-elp.”

“And because you did so, she is fine. I'm glad there are stallions like yourself out there. We all to often see the results of...not so noble individuals.”

Toxic stayed silent, not sure what to say. The idea of more abusers roaming around made his blood boil.

“W-wha-t was h-er na-me?”

Nurse Shot stopped walking, having reached the simple check-out desk.

“I honestly can't remember. It's almost mid-day, and no official record was filed, since she was in good condition. Sorry.”

“T-than-k you f-for yo-ur he-lp.”

Shot bowed her head in farewell, turning to trot back to her patients, leaving Toxic to fill out some simple paperwork and retrieve his saddlebags. Again.

Massive deja-vu hit as he exited the hospital, but by this time tomorrow, he'd be on a train to Ponyville. Hopefully he'd be able to return home without running into any more incidents.

Now, to pack. Again.

Princess Celestia nodded approvingly as she reviewed the Canterlot General Hospital check-out log. Good, so Toxic Shield wasn't too badly injured. The five other individuals had numerous broken bones, to which she thought was a fairly light punishment for their intended actions. Nonetheless, she intended to have them in prison for a fair amount of time.

Toxic however, would hopefully be on his way to Ponyville in a day or so.

She pulled up the list of ponies traveling to the pleasant town in the coming day or two. One name stood out, and Celestia couldn't help but smile.

“Perhaps, my dear, you will get a chance to thank Toxic yourself. Goodness knows he needs some kindness shown to him, even if such is but words.”

Chapter Eleven

“Next stop coming up! Welcome to Ponyville!”

Toxic grudgingly pulled his head back inside the railcar. He loved the feeling of wind in his face and mane. Who cares if he looked like a dog in a carriage? His head had been out the window for most of the trip.

The fact that the smoke smelled faintly like a campfire was an added bonus.

With an expected but still sudden lurch, the train came to a halt. Toxic was one of the first out, gleefully retrieving his baggage and levitating as he walked the streets. Just the change of scenery was enough to put an extra bounce in his step, however painful each step may be.

Toxic certainly didn't mind wandering around a bit, casually getting the layout of the town, and searching for his specific apartment. Many ponies stopped to wave, a cheery smile on their features.

Everyone here seemed so...open!

Hmm. So the library was located inside a giant tree, and...well, it was clear to see what THAT building was for! Was that real frosting on the outside?

A good forty minutes later, Toxic finally located his apartment, a small single-room among a complex. It was on the outskirts of town, something he could appreciate. It was only a few minutes walk to the edge of the Everfree forest, and numerous lakes and streams.

Yep. He was going to like it here.

Opening the door and scanning the interior, Toxic nodded approvingly. The walls were made of a dark wood, giving the interior a 'cottage' feel. The single large window had dark tan curtains, matching the other fabric. On the bed was a very VERY large scroll, along with a few books.

Setting down his few suitcases, Toxic beelined for the scroll, reading it over briefly.

Dear Toxic Shield,

I am glad you made it! I think you will find Ponyville to be a most pleasant atmosphere. Oh. This is Luna by the way. We love writing instead of speaking! I mean, 'I' love it. So much easier to communicate without reverting-

I digress. My sister will explain more, further down on the scroll. As she had mentioned, you are largely here to ensure that the water isn't contaminated. This is to be achieved by using the equipment in the closet locker. Just simple tests at certain locations. Also, mentioned in this scroll and in the books, is the installation of some water monitors. You will have to get to know the locals first, for then it would be easier to ask to install said device. This is suppose to be an easy assignment, so be sure to relax in addition to the tests.

I shall let Celestia explain more. I wish you best of luck Toxic, and I hope to find time to speak with you in the next few days!

-Princess Luna.

p.s. If the Elements of Harmony return early, and you happen to meet a pink mare, do not worry, she is harmless.

Toxic shrugged, gravitating towards the equipment locker. Opening the large out-of-place green door, his eyes widened, as did his smile.

In short, he looked like a foal on Heart's Warming day.

From testing kits, to a full biohazard suit, the locker had it all. Toxic couldn't help but skip happily around the apartment a few times.

Finally composing himself, Toxic busied himself with unpacking. Getting settled should take him a while. Maybe he'd head out for a late dinner?

-30 minutes later-

Well, that didn't go as planned.

His belongings stored and organized after but half an hour, Toxic decided to to make use of the extra time to wander around, seeking a diner for a not-packaged dinner.

He settled for a cozy-looking eatery, most of its tables and chairs outside. As for the menu, it was nothing fancy, but the sandwich he got certainly filled him up, as did the apple.

A bit more exploring, and then Toxic finally made his way back to the apartment. He still had those large books to go through, along with the rest of the scroll.

Even as he set the various materials at the small desk in the room, his mind drifted to the mare he had helped but a night or so ago. Who was she? And was she ok?

Toxic's eyes narrowed as he turned to the books and the scroll. He didn't understand why he was so curious. She was discharged from the hospital, and therefore ok. End of story.

The thought that followed caused Toxic to look over at his parchment and quill with a brief glare of loathing.

Besides, since when had a mare ever been interested in him for a friend, let alone something more?

Chapter Twelve

“Hello there, how can I help you?”

Toxic bowed his head in greeting to the fellow unicorn, this one sporting a dark purple coloring. He levitated the parchment into view, displaying the brief message.

Good afternoon! I noticed you have a stream on your property, and I thought it appropriate to ask your permission to go there. I'm on orders from Canterlot to test the water quality of various streams, yours being one of them.

“Erm, if I may ask, why do you write?”

Ugh. He hated this question, but this mare as at least being civil about it.

“M-y voi-ce,”

The mare had a curious expression on her face, partially between a grimace and a grin. She had more social tact then most, and shook it off, looking at the parchment again.

“Sorry. I didn't mean any offense. Let me read this again...

The unicorn's features quickly shifted into a worried expression

“Test the water? Is something wrong?”

A fairly genuine smile dawned on Toxic's features as he shook his head, quickly writing another message.

Oh no, not at all. It's a precautionary measure, nothing too serious. I'd certainly let you know if there was something to be worried about though.

This answer seemed to satisfy the unicorn, and she nodded in agreement.

“Well, that makes sense. Hold on a minute, and I'll come with you to the creek. I left some pruning shears down there, and now is as good of a time as any to collect them.”

Toxic nodded, settling his pose to a more easygoing posture as the mare fished around for some boots, judging from her mumblings about the mess.

This was his third stop for the day. The first two had been easily accessible public streams, but this one was behind some fences that were clearly labeled 'Private Property.'

“Ah, there you are, you blasted boots! Alright, follow me.”

It was a short trot through some recently-plowed fields, when the mare spoke again.

“This is the reason for the Private Property signs. Just planting a new field, and sometimes visitors get curious and want to wander around. I like my fruits and vegetables whole rather than trampled, but that's just me.”

They made their way to the bottom of a grassy hill, where the surrounding area appeared to be slightly set down from the other hills, in a miniature valley of sorts.

“Ah, here we are!”

It was quite beautiful really, long grass waving to and fro, and the creek trickling through the recesses between hilltops. It led towards the Everfree forest, and a large cluster of dead trees stood nearby, evidence that the forest once had claimed this spot.

“Well, this is it. Those dead trees are such a pain to clear! Apparently they're leftovers from the forest, but good heavens, they won't budge!” The frustration in the mare's voice was apparent, but with a hint of tired amusement.

Would you like me to help you clear them?

The mare looked at the parchment, and then back to Toxic, a wide smile dawning on her features.

“You'd be willing to do that? I'd have to pay you of course-”

Nope! Free of charge.

The smile widened a little bit, making Toxic just that much more happy. He always enjoyed helping others, especially those who honestly couldn't perform a task.

“Umm. Let me see. Nothing fancy, honestly. You don't need to dig them up or anything, just chop them down at the trunks. Hmm. Are you sure you don't want payment? I was planning on hauling them to a separate pile for firewood.”

Toxic shook his head again.

'Tis fine ma'm.

The mare sighed, half-raising a hoof before realizing her muddied boots were still on. She settled for bowing her head briefly.

“Well, thank you. My name is Pepper Spice by the way.”

Good to meet you, I'm Toxic Shield.

He half expected her to comment about his name, but was pleasantly surprised by Pepper simply levitating the pruning shears and smiling to him again.

“Thank you so much Toxic Shield. I have been dreading that job for over a week. So...thank you.” The thanks in her voice was more than enough to lift Toxic's spirits.

No problem. I'll tell you when I'm finished. It might be a few days to get the entire thing done, but I'll see what I can do!

Pepper nodded, happily bidding him goodbye and literally bouncing back to the house with glee.

As he fished out his testing equipment, a fairly random though decided to manifest itself.

Two mares helped, and two hugs from Princess's.

Toxic Shield, you are quite the ladies-colt.

If his consciousness had a physical form, he would have given it a good smack for that. Well, first things first. Time to test the water.

The procedure was extremely simple.
1. Put water in beaker.
2. Put testing chemical in beaker.
3. Shake until dissolved completely.
4. Record if color changes from yellow to green. Yellow was good, green bad.
5. Repeat at a nearby location to ensure solid results.

It took all of about five minutes.

The records notebook stored in his saddlebags along with the beaker and chemicals, Toxic took a look at the grove of trees that had to be demolished.

This might have been a bigger job than he had intended. Luckily, he had quite a bit of free time...

And, for first impressions, he'd say he was doing rather well on that account.

He surveyed the site for a few minutes, having just eaten lunch a hour earlier. No sense in getting cramps if he could avoid it.

A sudden sense of solitude hit him. It was a strange feeling, the realization that he was completely alone in a large field. Sure, the town and Pepper's house was but a short walk away, but it still felt 'wilderness-y.'

Unfortunately, these thoughts led into others, some that he had barely suppressed the night before.

Solitude, in his case, was a close friend of loneliness. Toxic certainly enjoyed keeping to himself, but only sometimes.

Other times, he craved a different type of solitude; the kind that could be shared with some-pony.

The thought his brain had spawned last night then returned with a vengeance. Low self esteem was always his weak spot, despite reassurances from parents, and now Princess's, that he was a perfectly fine stallion.

But so many sources told him otherwise.

On the outside, Toxic changed very little, a shift in posture, and his eyes narrowed slightly. He put the saddlebags on the ground with a seemingly calm aura, but the turmoil in his mind told a completely different story.

However, he now knew exactly how to get rid of these trees.

Chapter Thirteen

Pepper looked at the wall clock, then glanced across her newly plowed orchard field. The water-testing pony had been out there for a while, easily two hours.

Maybe she should go check up him. Odd speaking aside, Toxic seemed to be quite a gentlecolt. It wasn't every day that someone showed up to clear some brush for free.

Carrying a bottle of water in her saddlebags for the stallion, Pepper trotted to the top of the hill, the largest one on the property in fact. It overlooked the stream, as well as as her other fields.

Pepper's jaw promptly fell open, and she carefully walked down the slope as she observed the incredible sight before her eyes.

Most of the trees had been felled, a few of them cut and stacked in a neat pile to the left of the stream. Toxic was busy cutting the final few down. The stallion's fur was wet with sweat, and splattered with a fair deal of mud as he seemed to dance across the marshy area that held the trees entombed.

It was his method of removing the trees, that Pepper couldn't take her eyes off of.

A single beam of light, about half a pony in length, and as wide as ones hoof, hovered in front of him, weaving to and fro. Toxic reared on his hind legs, sending the blade slicing down into the trunk of a tree, almost severing the pony-sized trunk. It was as though the blade was on a invisible rope or wire, moving with Toxic as he moved around the tree. His movements were a dance of destruction, the light moving to the already-felled logs, hacking them into smaller pieces.

A few steps backwards, and Toxic seemed to brace himself, sending the light blurring down at the last tree. The trunk was unable to withstand the assault, and the final dead tree came crashing down. The unicorn made short work of the wood, attacking it with frightening ferocity. As she got closer, Pepper saw the faint glow of armor surrounding his frame. Was he some sort of undercover spy?

As the light faded, Pepper got a glimpse of Toxic's eyes. His face had returned to its stolid expression, but his eyes told a different story. There was a feral energy in them, fading, but still burning brightly. His features seemed to relax as the light faded. The energy seemed to bleed out of him, his shoulders slumping as he glanced to the chopped up logs. Levitating a few at a time, he carried them over to a pile of already-stacked wood, then repeating the process.

It was on the second trip that his eyes met Peppers. The logs fell to the ground with a dull 'thunk' as he lost concentration.

For a few seconds they just stared, but it was Pepper who spoke first.

“Are you one of Celestia's guard?”

Toxic blinked, his shocked expression quickly being replaced by a slightly amused smile. He was interrupted however, as he began to levitated the parchment in front of him

“Ok, enough with the parchment, I don't care if you sound funny. Where did you learn to do all that?”

Toxic picked up the fallen logs, sending them flying to the other pile.

“I t-taug-ght mys-elf, so-rta. Le-earned the b-basi-cs, the-n res-earch-ed m-mor-e.”

Pepper finally sat down, shaking her head with wonder.

“I thought you had to be a royal guard, or something like that! That was amazing!”

Amazing? That wasn't what Toxic thought would be her reaction.

“R-rea-lly?”

Pepper nodded, indicating the felled trees with a hoof.

“Look at all this! It would have taken me days of work to do this! You did it in but an hour or two! I will admit, it was a tad scary, but still amazing. Would you like to stay for dinner? It's only an hour or so away...”

Wait, did she just invite him for dinner? Even after seeing his...outburst?

Well, not many would know it as that...

Toxic shook his head sorrowfully, not wanting to get into details.

“I wou-ld l-ike to, but n-ot ton-ight. Ma-ybe s-ome ot-her t-ime?”

Pepper nodded, still ecstatic her workload had been cut down so drastically.

“I understand. I can't thank you enough for this...”

Toxic just shrugged, levitating the final pieces of wood onto the large pile.

“My ple-asure.”

Pepper then returned to her home, not able to suppress a surprised smile after receiving another refusal by Toxic at any payment.

He, on the other hand, took the long road home, despite being exhausted. He hadn't used that spell in some time, and it had sapped most of his energy. He couldn't control the beam of light and his armor terribly well, hence his reluctance to use it on the alley against the stallions.

That, and it wasn't meant for incapacitation, nor felling trees. That spell...

His legs still shook slightly as the remnants of the pent up emotions bled away. For some reason, they ran deeper this time. The emotions usually were superficial.

But when he had been felling those trees, his emotions had finally bolstered him enough to perform that spell. It was one he was both terrified of using, yet it gave him an immense feeling of power and control every time he practiced.

No, it wasn't just the spell that frightened him. It was the emotions that came with it.

Sorrow. Loneliness. Frustration...all the negativity that was bottled up inside his mind. The more dominant emotions were what scared him the most.

Anger. Hate. Rage...

What scared Toxic Shield, was the fact he liked it.

Pepper stirred the pot of boiling soup, nodding approvingly as it began to simmer. Perfect, just in time.

A knock at the door caused the unicorn to happily prance to the front of the humble home.

“You made it!”

Throwing the door open, the two unicorns embraced, each laughing with delight.

She hadn't seen her friend in years...

A fellow unicorn like herself, Sky Duster had a light blue coat, contrasting her dark blue mane. Her cutie mark was that of a similarly-colored star with specks of white on it, almost like a sprinkled cookie. Her eyes were a soft amethyst, the kind capable of either being as sharp and fierce as crystal, or soft and as gentle as a flower.

She had met Pepper during their years of higher-up schooling, and had been inseparable ever since.

At least, until work and more school got in the way.

Pepper trotted into the kitchen, taking the soup off the stove before it burned. Her home was like many others in Ponyville, gentle colors blending into each other. The light green walls looked quite nice with the brown floorboards, at least she thought.

“Goodness Dusty, how have you been? I heard you had some trouble in Canterlot.”

Shooting Pepper a faked look of annoyance at the use of her childish nickname, Sky nodded, helping locate some dishes and such for the dinner.

“I'm surprised you heard about that...”

Pepper chuckled, poking her nose into a cupboard to search for some rolls, causing her voice to echo around the kitchen.

“Heard about it? It was all the talk in Canterlot I'd imagine, and then the news reached here. I'm just so glad you're ok! What happened exactly?”

The two were more than happy with an early dinner, and Sky began the story, unable to resist the eager eyes of her friend.

“Well, there were these stallions...”

Author's Note

Yay! Chapter thirteen! Lots of chapters today!
Another thank you for Ten Speed with helping me proof these chapters. ^_^

Also another thank you to the various users mentioning the small grammer/spelling errors that are missed! I try to fix those faster than Pinkie Pie eating a cake!
Which is to say....very fast!

Chapter Fourteen

“There were three of them?”

“Well, first there were three. I think I saw two more when I was on the ground, but I can't be certain. They smacked me over the head more than once.”

Pepper shook her head in amazement, quickly adjusting a couch cushion before settling down to listen. The two had finished their dinner, and Pepper couldn't help but be enthralled by Sky's story regarding her trouble in Canterlot. Sky had explained it briefly at dinner, but Pepper couldn't help but eagerly ask for every detail, despite the fact her friend had been knocked unconscious for most of the encounter.

“I DID manage to slam one of the thugs into a wall, but then got hit in the head by something...”

Sky could only shrug, wincing as she felt the back of her head with a hoof.

“Still a bit sore. I can't remember much after that. What I do remember is seeing a shield around me, and the alley in shambles. The thugs were tossed into the street like dolls, and this strange unicorn had some weird armor on him. I might have been seeing things, because it looked like it was made of light. I think he was the same one I had looked at, when the thugs first cornered me.”

Light-armor? That was-

Wait a minute. That water-testing pony had been wearing something like that, but it wasn't very defined. It could have easily been her imagination. Even so....

“I managed to thank him before he passed out, and I soon blacked out again. His eyes though....” Her voice then drifted off, the mare clearly musing over her thoughts.

Now she had Pepper's full attention. Sky Duster hadn't had the most active social life with the opposite gender. Sure she had her mare-friends, but nothing resembling a romantic interest in colts.

Not to say she didn't have an interest. It just never 'happened.' There was a really strange tone to Sky's voice, one that Pepper instantly picked up on.

“His eyes?” Pepper keeping her voice fairly neutral, as not to give away her excitement.

Sky Duster nodded, not meeting her friends's eyes, and instead focusing on a pillow.

“It was probably nothing, I was-”

“Oh no! Do tell!”

Shooting her friend a surprised look, Sky shrugged. It couldn't hurt to speak her mind.

Yea, like THAT had ever backfired more than a hundred times...

“There's that saying, I can't remember who it was by, but it's about how you can tell a lot about someone just by their eyes?”

“I think I know what you're talking about. What do you mean though?”

Pepper had never seen her best friend look so uncomfortable. Whether it was a conscious action or not, she was kneading one of the couch cushions with her hooves, still refusing to meet her friend's gaze.

“It was really weird. You can usually tell when someone is happy or something, but this was different. He looked really happy when I thanked him, but then....” Her voice drifted off, clearly something else occupying the mare's mind.

Pepper was in danger of falling off the couch from the angle created by her leaning towards Sky, hanging on every word.

“He looked sad. Not just the normal kind of down-in-the-dumps, but something...else.”

Sky shook her head, shrugging slightly, a smile creeping back onto her features.

“It's probably just me imagining things. That, or getting hit in the head. I can't even remember the unicorn aside from his face. Everything else is fuzzy.”

Pepper filed that conversation away in the 'be on the lookout' section of her mind. An idea then decided to jump to the forefront of her thoughts.

“Hey! I actually just met this unicorn named Toxic Shield. He's from the Canterlot area actually, a real gentlecolt. He helped me cut down those horrid dead trees I've been stuck with, and for free too! Anyhow. I saw him working, and he was using some strange spell, a light-sword thing. I could have sworn that I saw some weird armor on him when he was doing so. It looked like the kind the royal guards wear...maybe he's part of the Canterlot Guard reserve? I could ask to see if he knows of the unicorn who helped you!”

Sky's ears instantly perked up, and she nodded rapidly, a smile on her features.

“That'd be great! I'd love to get a chance to thank him in person, when we're both not battered and bruised.”

Their conversation then drifted to their general lives, catching up on a year of not seeing each other. Pepper couldn't help but noticed Sky becoming a bit more uncomfortable as bedtime neared.

“Hey Pepper? Do you know any cheap apartments around here?”

The odd question threw Pepper for a mental loop. Why would her friend need an apartment? She was here for a few weeks, then heading back to her small town outside Canterlot.

“I think so, but why? You're staying here for the weeks that you're visiting...”

Her friend's face quickly informed Pepper that something was terribly wrong.

“Sky, what's up?”

The usually happy unicorn didn't say anything for a good long minute.

“Those two suitcases I have? That's all I have left.”

She continued, despite Pepper's startled gasp.

“There was a fire in the complex. Most of my personal stuff was saved, thankfully. Everything else though is gone. I can't go back to my parent's home, because my dad is always gone on business trips, and my mom works. I would have gone to my brother, but....”

Sky sniffled, standing up and walking over to pepper with her head hung low. With a slight 'thump,' she planted her head next to her friend's front hooves.

“I didn't know where else to go, so I came here, hoping I could find a job.”

That's when the sobs hit. Thankfully, Pepper was there to give her a hug, one that Sky sorely needed. Once she was done, Pepper put a comforting hoof on Sky's shoulder,

“Don't worry, we'll figure something out. I know there's a few places hiring here, and you're always welcome at my home. I'd hire you myself, but I'm still trying to get started myself.”

Pepper then 'booped' her friend's nose gently, a reassuring smile on her features.

“Just remember, you're not alone in this town. We'll figure something out.”
–

It was almost midnight, the crescent moon casting a weak but sufficient shadow to see by. Toxic Shield sat near a small pond, looking up at the stars and listening to the wildlife sing their late-night songs.

It hadn't been a bad day, but he still could feel the tension winding up in his chest. All the emotions he wanted to feel, but just couldn't.

With nothing else to get his mind off thinking about depressing situations, Toxic pulled out a parchment and quill, and began to write.

Dear Princess Luna.

Well, I guess I'm just saying hello. I have arrived in Ponyville, and started my water testing. I met a nice mare today named Pepper Spice, and helped her remove some trees. Well, it was more of hack-the-trees-to-bits sort of work. I think I scared her a bit. I get like that when I'm...

I want to feel something other than anger. Not sure what else to write.

Toxic paused, savoring the brisk and fresh midnight air.

“Do you wish to speak about things, Toxic Shield?”

He almost jumped into the air with fright, but thankfully just twitched his entire body with surprise.

“P-Prin-cess Lu-na?”

The graceful alicorn nodded, settling down next to the unicorn.

“We are not in a castle, Toxic Shield. Luna will suffice.”

The princess then chuckled, shaking her head slightly.

“We do not hear our name without the title often enough. It is refreshing. My time here is regrettably short however.”

Toxic nodded, and was about to speak, but then levitated the parchment.

This is faster, and I know you must be busy, otherwise I would talk. You read my letter I guess?

Luna nodded, looking up to the sky briefly.

“Yes. We did. Thou only feels anger? We know this feeling well. I still feel it. Not at my sister, for she acted in the best interests of all. No, I feel anger at circumstance.

Dost thou feel the same?”

Toxic nodded, wanting so much to cry, but unable to do so. This only fueled his frustration.

I have nobody to blame, only circumstance, as you put it. I want to feel myself again, but am unsure how to. I want a family back that is, for lack of a better term, dead.

The family I grew up with will never return. Who, or what, can I blame but life? I just keep going, hoping things will change...for the better.

Luna may have been exiled for a thousand years, but she wasn't so witless as to not notice when a pony was in clear distress.

She scooted a bit closer, offering the comforting presence of a friend, knowing that even that would be welcome in a time like this.

“Thou art lonely.”

It wasn't a question, but a statement. It was a declaration from one who knew the true meaning of the word, the true pain that could be felt as painful as any knife to one's heart.

“Y-Ye-s!” His reply was soft, but laden with emotion, with pain.

Luna frowned, knowing her time was growing short.

“Toxic Shield, thou has already made a friend in Ponyville. Perhaps...”

The alicorn sighed, and for a second, Toxic saw her shoulders slump slightly.

“It is difficult. It was difficult for us as well, to admit to others to be in need of help. Perhaps thou shouldn't hide thy problems. Not to be sad all the time, but to allow others to help thee. That 'tis how I made friends with the Elements of Harmony on Nightmare night.”

Toxic nodded, finally smiling as he bowed his head gratefully to the Princess of the Night as she stood, obviously to take her leave.

“T-Thank y-yo-u L-Lun-a.”

He then turned to the parchment for a quick message.

Perhaps I'll return to Pepper's farm in a day or two, to ask about installing that testing device. It's nice to talk to some-pony who doesn't see me as a frea- oddity.

It was perfectly clear as to what he was writing, but Toxic crossed it out nonetheless out of habit.

“That, Toxic Shield, is the key to friendship, and much more. To find those who see such view of thyself.”

Toxic's vision then flashed purple, and Luna's voice echoed in both his mind and ears.

“We will see thee again soon Toxic Shield. Take care.”

The dark blue unicorn trotted back to his apartment with a great deal more spring in his step than before.

Chapter Fifteen

Pepper awoke with a start. A glow lit up the room as the unicorn's horn emitted a faint, reassuring light. What had woken her-

*'Snap.'*

The door shutting quickly clued Pepper into that simple fact. She looked out the window and saw her friend walking slowly towards the pond on her property. Not again...

Pepper sighed, going back to her bed, but not falling asleep. Sky Duster, that poor unicorn...

This wouldn't be the first time she had gone off in the middle night to think. Pepper knew there was a lot more going on in her family than Sky would admit. Why her friend kept it all bottled up, she didn't know.

What she did know, was that Sky refused to go into detail as to what was eating away at her. These past three days had shown Pepper one thing; her friend really needed some help. Something was terribly wrong with Sky, and Pepper didn't know what to do. It had started when her friend had gotten a letter, the day after arriving in Ponyville no less.

The pond was disturbed by a few ripples fanning out from the shore, the surface then returning to the smoothness of normalcy. The stars shone brightly, no clouds staying their splendor from view. The disturbance came again, spreading across the surface of the pond.

A few more tears fell from Sky Duster's face, hitting the water and sending ripples across the pond's surface.

Her head hurt. It wasn't a physical pain, but that of having so much bottled up inside, her mind and heart felt like it was going to burst. The worse part was poor Pepper. Sky knew her friend wanted to help, but there was no way she'd be able to help. She didn't know what it was like. Pepper's family was fairly tight-nit. They made sure to contact each other every week or two via mail, even if it was a single line saying hi.

Sky had since shredded the letter out of frustration, but the words still flashed through her mind, clear as if they were written in the water in front of her.

Hope you made it to Ponyville safely dear! Your father has an extra seat on one of those new sky-barges, and asked me to come along! I know we said we would visit in a week or so, but you know how things come up....

Oh yes. She knew perfectly well. It had started as small things, a school presentation, a field trip, simple things really. All those times, something had 'come up.' Then her brother.......

After that, it had gotten worse. Birthdays, holidays.

Comforting their daughter after she lost her home.

A burst of anger overtook Sky, and she sent a mini-tidal wave across the pond, her hooves shaking. A lot of good being out here was doing for her. Usually she'd be able to think through her frustration, but not tonight. That letter had been too much.

Sky Duster made her way back to the simple farmhouse, pausing to look up at the glorious night sky briefly.

“You know, some help would be nice. Nothing huge, just...something.”

A certain dark-furred alicorn smiled gently as the words echoed themselves around in her mind. The large telescope on their balcony did more than magnify sights, but also sounds. It was an archaic way to survey their kingdom, but effective.

“Lulu, what are you smiling about now?”

Princess Luna simply shrugged, nodding to a scroll that was being levitated by her sister.

“Nothing that would put the kingdom at risk, we assure thee. Has Toxic written us another note?”

Princess Celestia nodded, but her usually gentle features tightened as she relinquished her hold on the scroll.

“Yes, a simple question really. I saw what it was...” Celestia's voice softened into almost a whisper.

Now Luna was more than curious.

“Sister, what is wrong?”

Celestia shook her head, her well-practiced all-is-well smile plastering itself on her features.

“Nothing Luna. It just caused me to think.”

She could fool nobles with that smile, but not her sister.

Luna rolled her eyes, settling down to read the scroll. She had spoken to Toxic Shield a few days ago, so what new developments could merit a letter? Perhaps nothing, and he was merely saying hello. That was one of the many things Luna enjoyed about their exchanges, simple conversation.

Her expression softened as she read the report, but her features quickly changed to that of one deep in thought. Luna's eyes widened as she finished reading the short letter. Strange feelings breeched the dams set in place in her heart, and a very old pain wormed its way into her mind. She would visit Toxic soon, that much was certain.

In the meantime, Celestia would need to lower the moon tonight. Toxic's question, while very innocent, had stirred up some feelings Luna had hoped wouldn't return. The parchment was placed on a desk in Luna's study, where it usually lay. The princess of the night then stared out the large window, her thoughts mulling over the letter.

Dear Princess Luna,

All is going well here. I've met a few more ponies, and been keeping steady records of the tests. So far, nothing to report. Now that I'm familiar with a few of the townsfolk, I'll start asking to install those water house meters. Perhaps I'll talk to Pepper again. I meant to do so these past few days, but stuff just came up. Good stuff, not bad.

Oh. And I know you and your sister have probably been asked this before, but I am curious of something. I mean it in the nicest way of course, and don't wish to pry. It's a foalish question, really...

I was just wondering, do either you or Celestia wish you had some special somepony?

Regards,

Toxic Shield.

Luna looked up at the night's sky, shaking her head sadly. Toxic had no idea that such a simple question, however innocent, could be so painful. A few shooting stars crossed the sky, matching the tears that traced their way down the princess's cheek.

So very painful.

Toxic trotted happily down the street, the morning air brisk and cold. The sky was only a bit cloudy, apparently the Pegasus ponies were on schedule for a storm later this week. May as well enjoy the outdoors while he could.

First things first; sample water at Pepper's, and ask her if it would be alright to install the monitoring tool. It looked like a giant cube, part metal, part blueish crystal, that latched around the main pipe running into the house.

Which would be underground. Hooray digging.

For the first time in quite a few months, Toxic found his mind somewhat at ease. He had more than enough bits to cover expenses, and little do-dads that he enjoyed picking up at the market. Housing wasn't a problem, and he had a job- and a vacation job at that.

Toxic glanced around at the serene scene of the village starting to gain the low-key hustle and bustle of mid-morning. A few ponies were talking to early customers, while others just wandered around, looking into various shop windows. Where was that bridge-

It was a brief jab in his heart, nothing more. A flickering of emotion that was quickly squashed. Toxic turned and walked to the next bridge, averting his eyes from the two earth ponies on the nearest crossing. A happy squeal caused him to look up, and saw one of the ponies with her hooves to her mouth in shock. She was a light purple, and the stallion a dark tan. He was on a slightly-bent hoof, a small ornamental box in his mouth. The intention was obvious, as was the mare's answer as she grabbed the stallion in a hug.

“Yes!”

Toxic sped up to a trot now, filling his lungs with the clean air as though to cleanse his mind of the depressing thoughts that threatened to invade. No, not this early in the day.

He was certainly happy for the couple, but there was always that ending emotion, like a bitter aftertaste, that prevented him from being fully at peace.

Will I ever-?

Toxic stopped the thoughts there, instead aiming across the bridge towards the house in the distance. Ok.

Step one: Ask if it is alright to sample the water, because that would be the polite thing to do.

Step two: Sample water.

Step three: Ask to install monitoring device.

Step four: Figure out what to do for the rest of the day.

Author's Note

Ok! Sorry for another semi-short chapter.
This is going to change. I wanted to get SOMETHING out there for you all, while I work on both writing the new chapters, AND editing the previous ones. Going to add some detail/ect.

But expect the chapters to be longer in the future. I can't pinkie-promise it (because we all know what happens if you break one of those....)
But that's the plan! Enjoy!

Chapter Sixteen

Pepper set her book down on the small table beside the sofa as a few loud knocks rang out from the front door.

“Just a minute!”

Trotting over, she opened the heavy oak door, a smile quickly dawning on her features.

“Oh! Toxic Shield! What can I do for you today?”

Toxic smiled, nodding back in greeting and levitating the parchment.

Hey there Pepper! I was wondering....

Pepper scanned over the explanation, then looking up at Toxic as he levitated a strange cube into view.

“That's the water monitor...thing?”

A nod was his response.

“Well, that's fine with me. The best place would be by the pump, right beside the field. It draws water before the house. You might have to dig through a few feet of dirt to get to it though...”

A shovel then levitated out to float beside Toxic's parchment.

I guessed that was the case.

“Well, looks like you'll have no problems then! And I thought I told you that you can talk around me, no writing necessary.” Pepper's tone was slightly condescending, but infused with a bit of amusement and jesting.

“N-not as fa-st.”

Pepper shrugged, motioning Toxic to follow her. May as well show him the pump.

“Still, if speed isn't an issue, I don't mind hearing your voice at all...”

She sighed sorrowfully, shooting Toxic an apologetic glance.

“I'm guessing the ponies in Canterlot aren't as tolerant?” She kept her tone even, not wanting to make too big of an assumption.

“N-nope.”

The hint of sorrow was present in Toxic's tone, even with the stutter and voice inflection. Pepper quickly decided to change to a more pleasant and relevant topic.

She then pointed to the simple pump on the side of the house bordering the field as they trotted up to it.

“Well, that's it. Right where you're standing is where the pipe is. I don't mean to be rude, but I need to get back inside. My friend is staying here, and and I was hoping to catch her before she went out for today. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Toxic thought for a moment, then shook his head, placing the saddlebags down on the ground and levitating the shovel.

“I s-shou-ld be go-od!”

Toxic turned his attention to the shovel as Pepper made her way back inside. She was really nice...

But why?

Whatever the reason, he didn't really care. It was nice to get away from the social tension that flowed through Canterlot. Looking at the ground, he sent a simple detection spell into the ground, a satisfying 'ping' ringing through his mind. Yep. The pipe was here.

He could use his magic, but such a repetitive motion would quickly get annoying. Add to the fact that he didn't want to be exhausted by noon...

The earth-pony way it was, by hoof.

Hooray digging.

“Good to see you're awake! Did you shower and eat already?”

Sky nodded, the weariness from the previous night having faded.

Well, mostly.

“You doing ok?” Pepper posed the expected question.

Her friend nodded, settling on the couch.

“How long have you been up?”

Pepper shrugged, indicating the book with a nudge of her hoof.

“A few hours. A good thing too, someone came by to check the water, but I can explain about that later. What are you plans today?”

Sky took a deep breath, fiddling with a pillow in thought.

“Well, maybe I'll go out and look for a job...” Her tone was a bit shaky.

Pepper glanced over to her friend, not missing the lack of enthusiasm.

“You still bothered by what happened in Canterlot?”

Sky's head bobbed slightly in response.

“I guess so...”

The mare sighed, then moved to get up.

“I'll get over it. I probably should start looking before-”

“Nope!” Pepper was quick to jump up, push her back down onto the couch, and then return to a sitting position.

Sky shot her friend a surprised look.

“What do you mean?” She couldn't help but ask. Pepper usually wasn't so assertive....

Oh dear. She had a cheeky grin on her face.

“You need some time off, so no job searching for at least a day or two. Just wander around, read a book, try to relax!”

Pepper's eyes then grew wide, and she facehoofed, letting out a groan.

“Darnit! I knew I forgot something! Let me go ask him!” Pepper quickly shouted to her friend as she trotted out the door, leaving Sky Duster sitting on the couch in shock.

“Forgot what? And ask who?”
– --------

“Hey! Toxic!”

At the sound of his name, Toxic popped his head up above ground. Pepper's reaction was to burst out laughing- and for good reason. He must have looked like a large blue gopher. The hole was a good three feet deep and four or so wide...

“Y-yes?”

Pepper sat down, looking at the mound of dirt that had been excavated.

“Wow. You've been busy!” She couldn't help but comment. It was a big hole...

She shook herself back to reality, before she forgot again.

“I forgot to ask you! We- my friend and I, are trying to figure out who this stallion is, and I thought you might know him! He used magic similar to the stuff you used to cut down those trees. It was more like royal guard armor though, but made of light...”

Light armor? There weren't many who...hmm. Maybe one of his co-workers?

The armor spell was adapted for others in dangerous environments, he had just modified it for physical damage absorption.

“May-be one o-f my c-co wor-kers. On-ly a fe-w kn-ow a spel-l like t-that. S-sorr-y.”

Pepper nodded, her brow furrowed in thought.

“Hmm. Maybe we'll look up the roster then! Thanks for the info!” She spoke speaking over her shoulder, trotting back inside, leaving Toxic sitting in his hole.

Now that he was alone, Toxic couldn't help but have his mind wander. Who was this other pony? No matter....

A wide grin split his face as a childish idea entered his mind. He crept to the edge of the hole, making sure his head was below ground level. He then popped his head up, scanning the surroundings, then back down.

Back up.

Back down.

Back up.

Back down.

Tee-hee. I'm a prairie dog.

Pepper was glad to see her friend finally relaxed. They had chatted for about half an hour, topics ranging from Canterlot to favorite foods. For the most part, they relayed their experiences back and forth, catching up on the time spent away.

“So Pepper, who was it you were asking by the way, when you dashed out a while ago?” Sky almost yawned the question, settling back onto the couch cushions.

Her friend waved a hoof dismissively, indicating outside with a nod.

“Oh, his name is Toxic Shield. He's just installing some water-testing doohicky. I saw him use some cool magic the other day, and thought he would know who your stallion-in-shining-armor was. He has some co-workers who use spells like that, so maybe we could look it up.” A smile then meandered onto Pepper's face, prompting a questioning look from Sky.

“Oooh. Does Pepper have a crush?” Sky made her statement as loaded with eagerness as possible. Wait for it....

Bingo.

Pepper's face went as red as her name implied, the mare shaking her head.

“What? No! Not like that. I mean sure, he's nice, and quite a gentle-colt, but I barely know him! I was just thinking- he looked rather funny popping out of the hole he had dug in the ground. He seems rather nice, maybe you should go and say hello! He talks a little bit funny, but it's not that hard to understand at....all....” Pepper's voice drifted off as a strange look came over Sky's features.

“He talks funny?” Sky's tone was now very curious.

“Umm, yes. The people in Canterlot where he works apparently had given him a hard time for it. Usually he writes on some parchment. He has a stutter, and the pitch goes up and down. Understandable though.”

Pepper couldn't have expected the reaction from Sky Duster even if she had tried. The light-blue unicorn gasped, literally falling off the couch as she half-jumped into the air.

“Hayseeds Sky! What was that for?”

Her expression was unreadable, but Pepper guessed Sky was halfway between shock and being pleasantly surprised.

“The stallion who saved me had the same voice problem.”

Toxic nodded approvingly as the metal cube glowed a dull green, a red crystal emerging from the top. Perfect.

The crystal would gather information and send it back to the terminal at his apartment. If there were any strange readings from the station, he'd know.

“Hey! Toxic! You there?”

Where else would I be?

Poking his head above ground again, he elicited a giggle from Pepper as she spoke.

“There's someone who wants to say hello.”

It couldn't be...

Pepper stood back and watched her friend and Toxic closely. The stallion's expression was that of amusement for a moment, and then his eyes rested on Sky Duster. The reaction was almost instantaneous. His eyes widened, expression changing to that of utter shock.

Sky Duster simply stared, her expression very similar.

It was him.

Covered in dirt and sweat, but there was no mistaking those eyes. At first, he seemed as startled as her. Then, almost imperceptibly, his expression changed. Sky saw a gentleness ease across his feature, gaze softening as a small smile twitched onto his face. He climbed out of the hole, obviously feeling a bit awkward as his gaze alternated between the ground and her.

“I-I'm gla-d you-re o-k.”

Before Sky knew what she was doing, she had dashed over and wrapped her forelegs around the stallion's neck.

“Thank you!”

For a moment, Toxic had absolutely no idea what to do. He was filthy...and yet this mare had decided to give him a hug.

A very pretty mare mind you.

Oh stop thinking you dunce. Do what feels right.

He went with his brain's admonishment, and gently wrapped a single hoof around the mare's shoulder as she continued to whisper her thanks over and over again. After a moment, she let go, backing up a few steps.

“S-sorry....I didn't mean...I...”

What was she apologizing for? The hug?

“It-s ok.”

There was a moment of silence, an awkward feeling starting to edge in...

“My n-name is T-oxic Shield. I g-guess we have-n't off-icial-ly met.”

The mare smiled, a nervous, but genuine, smile.

“Sky Duster. I guess we haven't.”

Good heavens that was a beautiful name...wait, what?!

“Do y-you li-ve in Pony-ville?”

Pepper watched the two converse, her eyes flicking back and forth between her friend and Toxic. Despite an awkward introduction, the two appeared to be getting along quite well...

Wait a second.

While she loved her friend dearly, Pepper knew Sky was a bit oblivious when it came to the more subtle social things.

And by 'social things,' she meant dealing with stallions. Mainly from lack of experience mind you.

Was it normal for ponies who have just met to be chatting about who knows what like long-lost friends? Maybe, but not for Sky. This was the mare who was reluctant to share what her cutie mark meant. Pepper didn't miss how Toxic's stutter and inflections lessened slightly, nor how Sky seemed a bit apprehensive meeting Toxic's gaze.

The two now walked over to the large hole and looked inside, Toxic probably explaining what the water-testing thing did.

Now that her friend couldn't see, Pepper let a wide grin slide onto her face. The two ponies now had sat down and were talking about...something.

She had her work cut out for her.

Author's Note

Tada!
Enjoy! Feedback, as always, is appreciated!

Chapter Eighteen

The stars shone brightly overhead as a lone figure trekked across a few shallow hills, finally stopping at the edge of a large pond. A few cattails whipped back and forth in a gentle breeze, the air slowly taking on a slight chill.

Toxic prodded one of the cattails, a slight smile on his face as it bent back, then settling back into its normal swing of motion.

He wasn't going to write a letter tonight, all he wanted to do was just clear his thoughts.

In other words, Toxic intended to hash out exactly what he felt for Sky Duster, in his mind of course.

Well...do I like her? Sure, she's nice, that's a plus. She actually likes talking to me, I think.

She has a pretty name, and is rather cute...

Toxic's eyes widened, and he facehoofed.

Well, darn. Now what?

That thought truly stumped him. His last relationship, if he dared call it that, was one of the things that had stomped his self-esteem into bits and pieces. Dare he risk another?

To that question, he didn't have an answer.

Ok, so you're interested in her...

Admitting it to himself, check.

Do I want to move things forward? No, I need more time to sort out everything. So, I need more time to get to know her. Sure, I know the basics, where she is from, and that she has one older brother, but nothing in-depth...

Establish strategy, check.

Toxic's plans promptly wrapped themselves into a ball of yarn as he heard the soft hoof-falls of another pony. Who in the world would be out at night, in the middle of a field, let alone this field?

“Toxic?”

Ponyfeathers.

Sky apprehensively waited for a response from the quiet stallion, his demeanor screaming nervousness. Maybe she shouldn't have come here...it was clear she was interrupting him. Maybe she should leave...

“W-why?”

She blinked, not understanding. Toxic continued to stare out across the pond.

“Why what?”

The stallion then turned to her, his green eyes shining in the moonlight. Even with her uneasiness, the sight caused her heart to do a little flip. His expression wasn't that of hostility, or even anger.

It was of sad curiosity.

“W-why are y-you he-re?”

Sky stayed silent for a moment, and Toxic turned back to the pond, waiting for a response as the mare sat down, shifting restlessly.

“I saw you in the forest today.”

The reaction was immediate. Toxic's shoulders slumped, and he turned away from her slightly.

“Oh.”

The following silence wasn't as awkward as it was painful. Sky realized with an increasing obviousness that Toxic hadn't meant for anyone to see his little display, much less her.

“ Ple-ase d-don't te-ll an-yo-ne. T-then th-ey wi-ll thi-nk I'm a.....” Toxic's voice dropped off, and Sky could see his hooves shaking slightly. He turned to look at her briefly, and Sky almost gasped. Toxic's green eyes were wet with tears, and he then looked to his hooves.

He was terrified.

“Th-ey w-ill th-ink I'm a f-frea-k t-too.”

“I never said that I thought you were a freak.”

At that, Toxic's head snapped up to meet her gaze.

“W-what?”

Sky admitted that she wasn't the best at reading other ponies. Celestia knows Pepper had pointed that out plenty of times, much to Sky's displeasure.

Even so, only one thing stood out in the mare's mind of what to do. The question was, would Toxic be ok with it? It would help him, and maybe, just maybe, convey what she wanted to.

“I never thought you were a freak.”

Toxic simply stared for a moment, emotion churning in his eyes.

Sky buckled down on her own emotions, wishing she was as in-touch with her feelings as Pepper seemed to be. All she knew was that this stallion was hurting, and she wanted to help.

Sky also knew that she was definitely interested in him on some level, but that was about it.

“W-why no-t?” Toxic's voice carried a fair amount of suspicion with it, snapping Sky back to the present.

“Everyone has off days. Besides, sure you looked angry, but you looked...really sad.

I felt bad for you-”

Sky didn't get a chance to finish, Toxic's demeanor changing suddenly. His green eyes narrowed, and a disdainful snort left his nostrils as he turned away.

“You p-pity me t-then.”

His stutter was definitely reduced this time, but his voice was deadened, almost borderline angry.

“Well yes...”

–

Toxic forced his mind to settle somewhat, but a fair part of him wanted to teleport away. The attractiveness of this mare was rapidly dwindling as she said all the wrong things.

“S-o you cam-e here bec-ause you p-pitied me? F-elt sorr-y for me?” Toxic almost spat out the words like they were poison. He knew he was being a bit harsh. The mare had no idea how much he hated such comments, but he couldn't stop himself. His feelings boiled out of control.

He wanted to scream at her, but he channeled the emotions differently. What he spoke next was cold and calculating, his nerve and emotions shoving aside the stutter.

“I don't want ponies being around me just because they feel sorry for me!”

For once, he thought someone might want to talk to him out of free will. But he was wrong. Just another sorry-

“You think that's the only reason I came here?”

Toxic's thought slammed to a halt at the sound of Sky's voice. He turned to look at her, and was ashamed to see her startled, but he was more-so surprised to hear the slightly accusatory tone to her voice.

“Y-ou ju-st s-aid so.” His stutter and fluctuating tone returned, his emotions now in check.

“I said that I felt sorry for you, that was it. I came here because I'm curious!”

–

Sky Duster's eyes widened as she blurted out her intentions.

Oh. She had so NOT meant to say that out loud.

Toxic had lost all sense of anger and hostility, and now was looking at her curiously.

Which, Sky had to admit, was rather adorable.

Shut up brain. Think about the handsome stallion later.

“C-curious? Ab-out what?”

Well, so much for being subtle.

Sky hadn't been one to lie, and she figured that honesty would serve her well in this situation.

Well, it couldn't turn out badly, could it?

“I'm curious about you.”

Toxic's thoughts screeched to a halt, and then disappeared. His eyes widened, and he looked over to the embarrassed mare next to him, mouth slightly open in shock.

“W-what?”

There was a tightness in his chest, making it difficult to breath. There was no way Toxic had heard correctly.

“I'm curious about you.”

Sky met his gaze, and the anxiety in Toxic's chest dissolved into...something. Her gaze held no animosity, no deception, only curiosity.

She wasn't lying.

He still couldn't understand. Why would this mare be curious about him? The incident in the woods perhaps? No, that didn't make sense...

“Wh-y? I'm n-ot tha-t iner-esting...”

Toxic snapped his mouth shut, not having meant to let the last sentence slip out. He glanced away, not wanting Sky to see his expression. He knew the true meaning of that admittance. True, there was plenty that made him 'interesting.' A speech impediment. A strange job. The small oddities that cause him to stand out.

The things that made him a freak.

“You really believe that, don't you?”

The shock in the mare's voice caused Toxic to turn back around. Sky was looking at him with a strange expression, halfway between sorrow and amazement.

“I g-get it. I'm a b-bi-t str-ange. I ta-lk f-unn-y-”

“You don't understand, do you Toxic?” Sky interrupted him, somehow knowing where his thoughts were going.

Understand what?

Sky struggled to control the apprehension nagging at her mind as Toxic shook his head in response to her question. She couldn't lie to herself; this strange stallion was causing quite a few strange feelings to swirl in her heart. They weren't bad though, but they urged her onward. She had to explain herself, at least a little bit.

It was a simple action, but Sky knew it would get the point across.

Was it cheesy?

Extremely.

Did it feel right?

Yes.

She looked into his bright green eyes, that alone causing a smile to edge onto her face. Sky reached up a hoof, and poked his chest lightly.

“I'm curious what's in there.”

Toxic looked down to her hoof, his expression conveying his confusion.

“R-ibs?”

Sky placed her hoof back on the ground, shaking her head.

“I wasn't talking about how you speak, Toxic. I was talking about who is in there.” Sky punctuated her words by poking him again with a hoof.

“Y-you'r cur-ious ab-bout me? B-but w-hy?”

Maybe now he was understanding...

A few threads of dark emotion suddenly surfaced, and the mare couldn't restrain a bit of dampness from her eyes. She looked over to the shocked stallion, pointing towards the Everfree forest with a hoof.

“Why? Because I've been there Toxic!”

It was a sudden change, and the onslaught of emotions refused to let up in Sky's heart. She had been apprehensive and pleasantly nervous one minute, and now the bottled up emotions she had contained for so long came bursting out. A few tears slid from her eyes, and Sky shook her head slowly.

“I know what I saw in the forest! Sure, maybe it was a bit freaky, but I've...”

Sky didn't care any more, and started to cry. She just needed someone to listen, someone who might have a chance of seeing through her eyes. Her parents couldn't understand, nor could Pepper.

Maybe this stallion could.

“I don't know much about you, but I know something is hurting! Your scream...”

More tears, her sides beginning to shake. Why she was opening up to Toxic, Sky wasn't entirely sure. Maybe it was the stress. Maybe it was her interest in him. At that moment though, she didn't really care.

At that moment, her memories took over. She was no longer outside underneath the moon, but in a densely packed city. Rain poured down in torrents, and thunder crashed across the sky. She stood in the middle of an empty outdoor theater, and raised her face to the sky, her tears mingling with the rain.

“That scream was like mine, when I was all alone.”

–

“That scream was like mine, when I was all alone.”

Toxic stood stunned as Sky Duster broke down into tears, her admittance making the sobs worse. For a moment, he wasn't sure what to do. In but a short while, he had gone from feeling annoyed, to shocked, to curious...

And now, this.

She was miserable.

He scooted closer, and raised a forelimb. Toxic almost stopped himself, but pushed past the residual awkward feelings. He just wanted to make her feel better....

Sky drew a sharp breath in surprise as a warm foreleg wrapped itself around her shoulder. Of the ways she had wanted this meeting to go, this was not one of them.

And yet, she wasn't regretting it.

It took a minute or two, but finally her sobs subsided, Toxic removing his comforting forelimb accordingly.

“Thanks...sorry about that.”

Finally, a smile meandered onto Toxic's face, soft and gentle.

“No pro-blem.”

Sky swiped a few stray tears from her eyes, a smile managing to regain control again.

“I guess we both have stuff we're dealing with, huh?”

A wider smile appeared as he nodded.

“I gue-ss so.” His stutter was reduced slightly, Toxic's tone softer, more caring.

Wait, was she blushing?

“Toxic.....”

He looked over to her, and Sky's eyes widened with surprise.

He looked...different.

Gone was the insecure and troubled stallion from a few moments ago. A gentleness shone in Toxic's eyes as he glanced over to her, a few stray hairs from his mane meandering down in front of his eyes. The tension that had been so evident had fled, and his sides rose and fell with an even breath.

Toxic must have noticed her gaze, because even in the night, a blush was visible on his cheeks.

Wait, was she going to ask him?

Well, she had come this far. That wasn't the plan to begin with...

Or was it?

Sky swallowed the lump in her throat, managing to meet Toxic's eyes briefly.

“Do you...want to meet again sometime?”

–

Toxic's eyes widened, not blind to Sky's request.

Oh horseapples...is she asking me on a date? Should I ask her, to make sure that's what she means? No, if she doesn't think that-

“L-ike a d-at-e?”

Gee. Thanks brain.

Heat quickly rose to Sky's cheeks. She had not blushed this much...well, ever. At least she knew the answer to that question.

“Ummm. Yes?”

Sky could see the utter shock in Toxic's eyes. He really didn't understand why someone would be interested in him. He really didn't....

–

A mare was asking him on a date.

Apparently the only part of his brain that wasn't rendered speechless was the playful part, because before he knew it, he had bowed onto one knee, a smile on his face.

“It w-would be m-y hon-or, Sky D-Duster.”

He didn't have time to feel embarrassed as Sky burst out laughing. Carefree and light-hearted, her laugh echoed off the shimmering water, matching the stars that twinkled above. There was a glint of fire in her eyes, a roguish energy as she smiled. Her mane was slightly unkept, partially from her breakdown earlier...

All in all, she looked stunning.

“Not exactly how I imagined this evening would go.” Sky couldn't help but smile. Between her request and slight crying session earlier, all the tension she had felt was gone.

“B-but di-d it still go o-ok?”

Sky Duster looked over to him, and must have seen a bit of awkward nervousness on his expression.

“Toxic, can I try something I think will help you understand my answer to that question?”

The stallion nodded, obviously a bit apprehensive.

She wasn't going to.....?

The mare met his gaze briefly, steeling herself. Well, so much for being subtle, but it felt right.

Sky scooted closer to him, seeing his eyes widen slightly with surprise-

And wrapped her forelegs around his neck.

For a moment, Sky was terrified that she had done something wrong, because Toxic was as stiff as a board.

Good going Sky. The first stallion you're really interested in, and you've just-

A warmth then flooded her frame as Toxic returned the hug.

A few tears squeezed out of her eyes, but this time it wasn't of sadness. She knew this stallion as a friend, but hoped with all her heart that maybe, just maybe, she'd get a chance to know him better.

Maybe she'd finally learn who Toxic really was, underneath it all.

After a few moments, Sky relaxed her grip, an awkward silence starting to creep in.

“I'll t-ake tha-t as a y-yes. W-would in t-two day-s be o-ok? F-or l-unch? I h-ave wor-k stuff at night...”

A grateful smile came to Sky's face, Toxic's soft voice easily battering the awkwardness aside as she nodded.

“Maybe the sandwich restaurant on main street?” She winced slightly at her words. Wasn't the stallion suppose to plan it all?

Well, not like this had been a normal night anyhow...

Toxic nodded, an adventurous and daring smile twitching at his features, which cast aside all of Sky's doubts.

“B-but I p-pay.”

They began to walk back towards civilization, Sky's laugh echoing off the countryside.

Pepper heard the front door close, and she looked up from the couch, from where she had been reading an easy going novel.

“So, how did it go?”

Her friend proceeded to literally bounce around the living room ecstatically, her voice echoing off the walls of the small home.

“I have a date!”

Author's Note

Woohoo! Another chapter!
Things begin to pick up soon.....

And two new fics will come into appearance. They'll run parallel to this one.
Anyhow. Enjoy this chapter! Feedback always welcome!

Chapter Nineteen

“Tia! What is it?”

Luna's voice echoed around the vacant throne room, devoid of even guards.

Celestia didn't acknowledge her sister's presence, other than a quick glance. Her mouth was turned down in a frown.

“Sister?” Luna spoke a bit softer as she neared her sibling's side.

“Of all the times...read this Luna.”

The younger alicorn glanced over the letter, her eyes widening.

“Is this true, my sister? Can it not wait?”

Celestia shook her head, writing a quick and curt response, then sending the letter on its way.

“It cannot. If we wait, we risk another disaster like the one here in Canterlot. As good as this is for political relations...” Celestia's voice trailed off, knowing her sister was thinking the same thing.

“We shall tell Toxic. Whom should accompany us?”

At this, Celestia's mouth twitched into a smile.

“Other than the ambassador and your guards? Two names come to mind....”

He had a date.

He had a date toniiiight!

Toxic couldn't help but sing a happy song in his mind, not caring in the slightest that a goofy grin split his face.

He trotted into his apartment, an almost forgotten warm feeling edging into his heart. Placing the testing vials in the cataloguing device, he shrugged off his saddlebags, opting for a shower to get the grime and dirt off his coat.

As the luke-warm water pounded his back, Toxic let a genuine smile ease onto his face. This feeling....

He knew exactly what it was. It was hope.

The past two days, Sky had accompanied him on most of his stops. The topics they spoke of ranged from sharing school horror-stories, to explaining his job. They hadn't spoken much of their families, something Toxic found rather puzzling. It seemed neither of them wanted to delve deeper into that particular subject.

Then again, he'd known the mare less than a week.

Toxic shut off the shower, scrubbing the water from his fur. True, he could use magic, but he liked the feeling of a rough towel.

That was the other matter that he couldn't pinpoint.

For a moment, Toxic stood in the bathroom, trying to understand the workings of his own heart. It was a trivial matter to everyone but him. Then again, who else knew?

He wasn't the randomly-huggy kind of pony, not like a sports team or groups of friends seem to do. He never had been. It had always felt like an invasion of his personal space. Even as he had gotten older, it had been a bit unnerving to hug his own family.

Which, he admitted, was a bit troubling to him.

This mare though...he didn't understand what was going on.

The first hug didn't count- that was to make her feel better.

The few times after that though, there had been no chill up his spine, no creepy-crawly feeling under his fur.

Just...warmth. Comfort.

Toxic shook his head, trotting out of the bathroom. Now to see how those samples-

“GOOD DAY, TOXIC SHIELD. HOW DOST THOU FARE?”

The few neighbors that were home easily heard the high-pitched scream echo from the next-door apartment.

- – –

“A-are yo-u j-oki-ng?” The dismay in Toxic's voice was apparent, even with his stutter.

Luna shook her head, trying to hide a smile. That wouldn't appear very kind, but she still had the other news...

“We wish it was so. How long the assignment will last, we do not know. Your assistance will greatly strengthen political ties, to which is a good thing at this time. Before you become angry Toxic Shield, I said that there was other news. That is the bad news. Does thou wish for the good news?”

The stallion nodded, his gaze dropping to look at the floor. He felt a bit of dampness in his eyes, frustration raging in his chest.

Of course, the one night I have a date...

“The other pony to accompany us, is named Sky Duster. I believe you know her?”

Toxic stared at the alicorn for a moment in shock, then tossed all formality out the window. He jumped up, a wide grin on his features. His happy shout reverberated around the small apartment.

“YES!”

Pepper nodded approvingly at the rows of drying dishes, the kitchen having regained some semblance of order. Now, should she should go organize the-

A rapping at the door distracted the mare, and she trotted over to the large wooden door, more than a little curious as to who it was. She didn't get that many visitors, but perhaps it was Toxic Shield? He had needed to come by and adjust that water-cube-thingy yesterday...

She opened the door- and stared.

“Good day, Miss Pepper? We art looking for a Sky Duster.”

Pepper promptly fainted.

Having caught the mare just in time, Toxic levitated her onto the couch, not able to restrain a smile. Of the reactions from Pepper, he hadn't expected something like this.

“S-Sky? It-s m-e! T-oxic!” He aimed his voice upstairs, hoping she was home.

“Toxic? Be right down!”

At the sound of hoof-falls, Toxic looked over to the stairs, catching the smile on the alicorn's face.

“W-what?”

Before Luna could reply, there was a sharp gasp from the stairwell.

“P-Princess Luna?” Sky couldn't help but stutter with shock.

The princess bowed her head, smiling gently.

“Indeed it is. It would seem thou has picked up Toxic's manner of speech...”

The quip caught both unicorn's off guard, causing Sky to smile and Toxic to chuckle.

“Hmm. Celestia's joke advice 'tis most helpful it would seem. Thy friend fainted, and is on the couch. If you could wake her up, that would be most helpful. We must be quick, there is an urgent matter that needs our attention.”

Sky looked over to Toxic, her gaze both curious and a bit playful.

“Toxic...what did you do this time?”

As the stallion's eyes widened in innocent disbelief, Sky couldn't help but giggle as she trotted over to her passed out friend. Sky gave her a poke before fetching a large pitcher of cold water.

“BLARGLE!”

“Well, that was graceful Pepper....”

The sodden mare swiped the water from her eyes, looking around in a daze.

“Sky? Is that you? I had the strangest...”

She then caught sight of Luna and Toxic looking over to her.

“Horseapples.”

Sky wasn't sure what to think.

Her gaze alternated between Luna and Toxic, her usually quick mind short-circuiting with shock.

“Now?”

Luna nodded, annoyance briefly hardening her features, but Sky could tell it wasn't directed at her.

“Yes. We wish there was more that we could tell thee...but even we don't know what has transpired at the facility.”

“Zecora!” Pepper blurted out suddenly.

Everyone in the room glanced at the sound of the mare's voice, the embarrassed pony covering her mouth with a hoof.

“Erm. Sorry...”

Luna stared at the mare for a moment, then let out a loud laugh, to which the others couldn't help but join in.

“Art we not all allowed a rhyme now and again?” Luna's expression then saddened as she glanced to Toxic and Sky.

“We-I wish we had more time to spend with all of you ponies, but...we do not.

She sighed, shaking her head slowly. Luna's expression was...troubled? Frustrated?

“I could make this an order, but I do not wish that. I know it is short notice, and all we can offer is compensation for the inconvenience...”

Toxic wasn't sure what to expect as Luna cast him and Sky a knowing look, finishing her sentence.

“For ruining thy date.”

The stallion's eyes widened, cheeks blushing. Oh.

Sky didn't fare much better, ears slightly back with an equally obvious reddening of her cheeks-

Sky is really cute when she's embarrassed...

Wait. What?!

“Will thou accept this assignment then?”

Toxic nodded, then looking over to Luna.

“It-s my j-ob.”

He then looked over to sky, ears flattened with genuine remorse.

“So-rry...”

For a moment, Sky looked a tad put out, but a smile quickly asserted itself on her face.

“What are you apologizing for Toxic? You've got a job to do...and besides, I get to come with you! I am a bit curious about what you do, other than install strange boxes in random pony's yards...”

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and a slight smile twitched at Toxic's mouth at her jest.

“I g-guess th-is won't b-e too b-ad af-ter al-l...”

A few moments passed where no pony spoke, but finally Pepper piped up.

“Well darn it! It's going to be boring here for a while!”

The air blew through the interior as the chariot zipped through the sky, making a beeline for the Equestrian/Griffin Territories border. One of the occupants had his head poked out the window, mane whipping in the wind.

“Toxic, if thou could retract thy head for a moment, we will explain the situation.”

Pouting like a foal who had his candy stollen, Toxic nodded, pulling the window closed. Sky couldn't help but laugh at his new hairstyle.

“W-what?” He glanced over to her indignantly.

She shrugged, poking his mane with a hoof.

“Oh, nothing....”

The large and spacious chariot was enclosed, usually reserved for dignitaries traveling to and from meetings. In this case, it held Luna, Sky, and Toxic. For the past few hours they had simply chatted, Luna apparently wanting to ease any tension Sky still felt around her. As they neared the border though, it was clear that it was time for business. The princess had explained it briefly, but now would be the time for the details.

“So Pr-I mean Luna, basically there's a bunch of nasty chemicals at this place, and Toxic has to fix the broken safety systems?” Sky glanced over to the Luna curiously, hoping to sum up the situation for herself.

The alicorn pondered for a few moments, then nodding.

“More or less. It is the first combined equestrian and griffin facility. We thought it would strengthen ties between our kingdoms. Thus far, that has been the case, and there have been no incidents, until now.”

Sky then looked down at her hooves with embarrassment.

“Umm, well I can see why you need Toxic, but why do I need to come?”

Luna bent her head down to meet the mare's gaze.

“Because, Sky Duster, we need someone who has ties with the griffins. Any meeting where ponies and griffins can be at peace, is a step in the right direction. I believe you know a griffin by the name of Doctor Ironeye?”

Sky instantly squealed happily, bouncing in her seat with excitement.

“Soggy works there! How is he?”

Both Luna and Toxic stared at her, both speaking their question at the same time.

“Soggy?”

Sky smiled, shrugging briefly.

“I'll tell you about that later. Just don't call him that...inside joke and stuff.”

It was Toxic's turn to shrug, and he levitated a piece of normal parchment from his hastily-packed saddlebags.

“W-what do I ha-ve to d-o, whe-n I'-m ther-e?”

Luna proceeded to draw the rough layout of the facility, as well as the location of the spill, leaving Sky feeling a tad left out. That feeling only lasted for a few seconds though. Sky listened in on the conversation, and couldn't help but be intrigued. Toxic still retained his speech patters, but he seemed more professional as he went over the problem again. She couldn't understand the technical parts of it, but from what Sky could gather, the safety devices that usually stopped such a leak had strangely not been engaged, despite the facility being fairly new. The problem was also on a higher level then normal. All the nasty stuff apparently was stored far underground, away from anything that might cause a bad reaction.

So much for that...

“Also, one of my aids will be meeting us there. Hopefully, between all of us, we can make this a simple, helpful, operation.” Luna's voice was even, not betraying any signs of tension. At least that was good...

“Y-our a-id?” Toxic beat Sky to the question.

“Yes, one of my aids. It gets lonely at night, and once my basic duties are done, I have aids to help me...get re-acquainted with Equestrian culture and such. I see them as my friends, more than anything else. She is a griffin, and that aspect alone makes her a commonality, as basic as that may be.”

There was a slight bump as the chariot came to a halt.

“Ah, we are here. Do you have everything Toxic?”

His green eyes seemed more distant, the stallion nodding an affirmative.

“Then let us be off.”

Chapter Twenty One

First there was the noise. Discombobulated voices, wingbeats, yelling...then silence. Next came sensations. A strange tingling across my skin, and a chill that quickly began to permeate my fur.

Ugh. What happened?

The facility....attack. Blackness.

….

Sky Duster.

My eyes snapped open, then shut again as a massive headache attacked with a vengeance. There was a strange pressure on my horn-

A magic-suppression band. We were captured then.

Was there a we....?

I opened my eyes slower, just enough to get a glimpse of my surroundings.

Rusted metal bars stood right in front of me. The shoddy walls spoke of a warehouse of sorts, empty boxes scattered everywhere. The group of griffins was large, about twenty or so, stood in the center of the building. They seemed to be eating...

A deer. It was just a deer.

A groan sounded to my right, and I shut my eyes again as another griffin walked over.

“Huh. The female is stirring. Do you have anymore of the immobilization gell?”

I heard a clink of something being given to the nearest griffin (or so I assumed.)

“Don't break the needles next time. An injection would have knocked them out for days. Thank goodness for this gunk. Numbs them for hours...even if they could be awake. Remind me to thank our changeling friends.”

A strange chill ran down my fur again, and I assumed the griffin had poured something on both me and whoever was in the cage with me.

Numb? Wait a minute......

In any other situation, I would have burst out laughing. I could still feel the gel sliding through my fur.

I have a biohazard symbol for a cutie mark, you stupid griffins. You think I'm down and out?

A faint tingling did spread across my side, signs that the gel wasn't totally ineffective. Hmm. Potent stuff.

I cracked open my eyes again, and saw that it was indeed Sky Duster who lay next to me, a series of bruises on her head and back. A flurry of emotions broke through, concern closely followed by anger.

Those griffins did NOT just hurt her...

They'll pay for that.

My non-essential thoughts quickly ceased as the headache began to subside, and I could focus on the biggest problem; getting free.

I looked around, and saw Sky's eyes flicker open, then dart around rapidly, from the cage to the griffins. Her eyes widened even further, probably as she figured out that she couldn't move. Tears began to stream down her face-

Then her eyes met mine.

Even with a dull pain spreading from my head down my spine, I managed to smile slightly, mouthing two words;

It's ok.

Things weren't, of course, but having someone reassure you....

I knew the value of that.

The panic faded in her eyes, and she closed them briefly, then opening them again.

She understood. Now to get us out of here. She is numbed, and has a suppressor as well.

And the ponies called me crazy for learning these spells.....

“Ok. We leave in under an hour. NO trace. You know what happens to those who disobey.”

Well ponyfeathers. So much for having time to think of a way out....

I focused on a specific spell, or rather, magical method of channeling. The suppressor prevented spells from leaving me and affecting the target.

But, what if my target was the area below the suppressor?

From how loose it was, it was a hasty provision against possible magic use. Somewhat effective, but I had practice in breaking free of these.

The joy of having a bit of free time, and an interest in rare royal guard combat tactics for unicorns.

I felt the magic build up, the usual pressure peaking every now and again. I added bits of energy to the pool, drops in the bucket.

And yet, the pool grew.

It must have taken at least ten minutes of this agonizing trickle of energy, but I finally felt it move.

It was a brief shift, but it was enough. I probed the area in which my magic had moved, and felt it slither further down my horn.

I had found the crack.

When it was time, all I had to do was force all my energy through that area, and the flimsy suppressor would snap, leaving me with a surge of energy at my disposal.

I opened my eyes, having closed them with concentration, and saw Sky looking at me. Her gaze was softer now, a bit more secure rather than panicked.

All there was left to do, was wait. Forty or so minutes, or somewhere around that number, the griffins were shifting their few possessions or items around, causing quite a racket.

“Good. That's a faster breaking camp time than usual...well done. Now then. Someone grab the prisoners, then lets go. Last one out, torch the warehouse.”

Someone opened the cage door with a loud screech, and I heard heavy footfalls near my head.

I drew upon every scrap of magical energy and emotion I had-

NOW!

Author's Note

A new chapter? Yep!
Sorry it has taken so long! Good heavens. My writers block FINALLY has broken it would seem. Let me know how you like this PoV shift!

Chapter Twenty Two

If Sky Duster had been able to let out a shriek of fright, she would have. Unfortunately, her entire body felt like it had fallen asleep; having that aggravating pins-and-needles feeling. Well, almost all of her body. The bruises along her back still ached. That's what she got for trying to fight back.

She forgot it all though, her eyes wide as the events unfolded in front of her.

The griffin had barely unlocked the metal door to the cage when Toxic's eyes snapped open. A twinge of fear ran through Sky's heart.

He looks just like that one night, when those stallions....

With a surge of magic, the metal was ripped from its mounts, the cage door slamming into the griffin's face with enough force to send him flying across the warehouse. The other sides of the cage blew out, revolving in the air briefly before flattening the three nearest griffins. The remaining metal pieces shot out into the gaggle of griffins.

A piece of metal then ricochetted with a deadly hum, and she saw Toxic twitch his head to the side.

Toxic then looked at her, and a flurry of emotions skittered across his eyes. The metal must have only grazed his face, for a slight scratch shone through his blue fur on his right cheek. The shock of the pain seemed to have changed something. Toxic... was different.

Then only one emotion shone in his eyes.

Rage.

–

Toxic felt adrenaline spike into his bloodstream, his emotions feeding his magical energies. The slice on his cheek wasn't deep, but the shock of it had been more than enough to get his thoughts in order.

These creatures had kidnapped him.

They had hurt her.

One of the griffins hefted a large crossbow, but another slapped the weapon down.

“You idiot. You know the orders. Prisoners, alive only.”

Toxic extended his magical senses, and a dangerous smile formed on his face, despite over ten griffins encircling the cage.

Alive? Oh this was going to be fun.

Part of his mind recoiled at the thought of finding conflict fun, but another rejoiced. Finally, an outlet for emotions, a chance to use the pent up anger and helplessness.

Two things then registered in his mind, despite being clouded by emotions.

First, the area directly behind them, outside the warehouse wall, was open space.

Second, there was a large stack of flammable liquid twenty paces away, stacked up against the wall. They obviously meant to burn the place down to destroy evidence.

Well, he should be a gentle-colt and help them along.

“Boom.”

The few griffins close enough to hear him just raised their brows, glancing to their fellows. Was this pony insane?

One griffin apparently lacked the patience to wait, for he sprang forward, intent on slamming a large metal pole against Toxic's head.

The creature let out a surprised squawk as the weapon stopped mid-air, encased in a magical glow.

The griffin found himself lifted into the air and promptly slammed into the nearest object, which happened to be a pile of boxes. The metal pole drifted closer to Toxic, and the magical glow grew more intense.

The pole began to heat to a cherry red, and then a white hot mass that was almost too bright to look upon. Thankfully, they couldn't see Toxic straining from the effort, or the griffins might have taken advantage of the magically intense task.

Then again, it was a ball of molten metal controlled by an angry prisoner. Nobody wanted to get too close.

One of the griffins, a simple soldier, then met Toxic's eyes. It was only for a moment before the ball of white metal blinded him again, but it was enough.

The unicorn was smiling as he mouthed one word.

Boom.

The avian promptly turned and ran. The image of Toxic's face burned into his mind.

White hot metal then flew through the crowd, not unlike a lightning bolt. It slammed into the floor, sending bits of magically-heated ore cascading over the flammable liquids. The resulting explosion instantly lit the wall on fire, and the nearest griffins rolled across the floor, trying to extinguish the flames that ate at their feathers.

In the moment they were distracted, Toxic summoned the last bit of his energy, moving over to Sky Duster. His eyes flickered across her back briefly, once again seeing the bruises on her light blue fur.

His lips curled in an angry snarl, sweat dripping from his brow as he faced the few griffins still stupid enough to try and capture them. His magic was almost spent....

Sending out a few magical feelers, he encompassed himself and Sky in a magical bubble, focussing on one thing; the location of the teleport spell.

Away. Behind this wall. High in the air. Far away.

With a flash of light, the two unicorns vanished, leaving more than a few singed griffins, and a very happy fire licking away at the warehouse walls.

The world swirled, and for a moment Toxic was disoriented-

GROUND!

Another spell, this one at a diagonal direction. Apparently his 'up high and away' location had been just that; high up in the air, and they had been about to pancake into the ground.

Stupid. First rule of teleporting. KNOW where you were transporting to. Unfocused transporting was asking for trouble.

It still worked though.

Thankfully, they materialized only a few feet above the ground this time, missing the numerous trees that dotted...a mountainside?

Good thing they hadn't become one with a tree...

The rage in Toxic's mind faded, and as he slammed into the ground, he tried to stay consciousness...but knew it was a lost cause. As the world faded, he saw a log suspended over a small culvert. Rotten and probably inhabited with Celestia-knows-what, but a hiding place nonetheless.

Whether he made it there or not, Toxic wasn't sure. All he knew, was that he had to get to that hiding place with Sky Duster.

Was she ok?

Author's Note

Back to third person! I'm liking this more....hmm.
Well. Guess what everypony?
I'M BACK! HUZZAH!
And Toxic is still scary 0_O

p.s. as always, please mention any mistakes or the like!

Chapter Twenty Three

Sky Duster's world slowly returned to some sense of coherence. First came the smells as she breathed: woody, clean, and crisp.

Next came the sound: birds chirping, and the rustle of wind through vegetation.

She cracked open her eyes, expecting harsh sunlight-

but saw a much more peaceful scene.

Moving was out of the question, as her entire body still had the weird fuzzy-feeling of the tranquilizers. She rolled her eyes about, taking in her surroundings.

Ok. Keep calm...I'm in a forest, under a log. It looks to be about mid-afternoon. So far so good. The last thing I remember was that warehouse, a fight-

Toxic!

The unicorn mare frantically looked around, and finally saw a blue hoof at the corner of her vision. She listened carefully, and was thankful to hear him breathing. Good, at least he sounded ok.

Magic was out of the question, as Sky could still feel the restriction band on her horn, which left very few options.

Without much to do other than lay on the dirt floor of the forest, Sky's mind drifted back to their capture...

At the laboratories, prior to capture.

Sky Duster let out a gasp as Toxic's body flew across the room, the blast sending him slamming against the opposite wall.

The griffins poured into the room, quickly spreading out to try and separate the gaggle of pony/griffin scientists from each other. She wasn't sure when the fight started- probably right after the princess used her royal canterlot voice, but within seconds, Sky Duster found herself staring at three very nasty looking griffins. Toxic was out cold behind her, and the griffin security guard was tearing apart the offenders in his area...

Alright Toxic. You protected me...now it's my turn.

Her horn ignited with a light blue aura as a grim smile twitched across Sky's face. Taking aim at the nearest griffin, she sent a bolt of energy blasting his way. It sent the unfortunate griffin tumbling head-over-tail,

and the other two had manged to come within a few steps of her.

Letting out a surprised yell, Sky Duster reached out her magic and seized a clawed arm that was aimed for her throat. With a brutal 'SNAP' the offending limb was bent backwards, the griffin falling to the floor. The third managed to get a clawed hand around her neck, and began to squeeze.

Bad idea.

What the griffin apparently forgot was that lack of air didn't prevent spell-casting, at least for a moment. Unable to hit him directly, Sky Duster spread her magic out to grasp anything to use as an implement.

Her air supply fading, the last bit of restraint left her mind. Sky's expression morphing into a snarl, she promptly ripped a ball of metal from the floor and sent it rocketing into the leering face of the griffin that had her in a choke hold.

The thrill of taking out her attackers was short lived as more griffins poured through the opening in the opposite wall. Wielding her chunk of shredded metal, Sky bashed the faces of at least four more before something sharp stuck her in the leg.

That was when the world had gone fuzzy, and finally blackness had taken over.

And now, here she was, stuck on a forest floor. At least she was starting to be able to feel her hooves....

I. Hate. Feeling. Weak!

Of course, that thought completely contradicted the feelings in her heart when around Toxic. She liked opening up to him- which was a new and slightly scary feeling for her...

Her thoughts drifted back to their brief conversation, before their date turned into a fight for their lives. Specifically, she couldn't help but remember her own words;

“That scream was like mine, when I was all alone.”

Being totally alone. Maybe he can understand that...

...Some first date this turned out to be.

With the feeling in her hooves returning slightly, Sky managed to shift over a few inches, and saw that Toxic was sprawled out next to her. Judging from her limited view, he had carried her underneath the log, and then passed out.

This colt is amazing...how?! And...why....

The last question brought a bit of a blush to Sky's cheeks, even in their dire situation. She knew why- the same reason she had asked him on a date.

Apparently her body decided that the little exertion she demonstrated was more than enough, because the world began swimming again. Whether a side effect of teleportation and the strange numbing-salve, she didn't know. What Sky did know, was that sleep was starting to sound really nice.

Just before she passed out again, she managed to shift her hoof slightly, moving an inch at a time. With a final effort, she pressed her hoof against Toxic's, the simple contact sending a pleasant shiver through her numbed frame.

Darn it Toxic...if our first date almost got us killed, I'm at least going to hold your hoof for a bit...sort of.

That's when the darkness claimed her fading consciousness.

Ugh.

Toxic cracked open an eye, wincing at the jolts of pain that shot through his frame. Apparently teleporting, fighting, and being knocked unconscious wasn't the most leisurely event for his body.

That's when reality hit full force.

Looking around, Toxic noted the peaceful forest, and their protection by the large log overhead.

Where were they?

How far away did they teleport?

Was Sky ok?

The last question caused energy to flow to Toxic's frame-

Wait.

He looked down, and saw Sky's hoof on his own. She hadn't been like that before...at least, from what he could remember. It looked like a voluntary action, rather than her slumping down....

Did she...?

Toxic's jaw clenched at the thought of her actually... liking him. The dampness in his eyes at such a thought surprised even himself. They had to get out of here.

He nudged Sky Duster with his nose, hoping to shake her away.

No such luck.

Toxic slowly stood, wincing at the aches across his body. He poked his head out from under the log, noting the descending sun. They only had a few hours of sunlight left, and they needed to get away.

His emotions were calm, as they always were in a crisis. He didn't know why, but whenever there was some sort of conflict, Toxic rose to the occasion. The mask of calm threatened to shatter when he looked down on Sky Duster. She looked peaceful, a small smile on her face. Toxic's throat closed with emotion briefly as he encased the magic-suppression device in his own spell, shattering the metal. The only mare to possibly take interest in him, and she was lying unconscious at his hooves.

I will not fail her.

He picked Sky up with his magic and set her across his back. It wasn't his first choice, carrying her like a sack of apples, but he had no other options. Magic would drain him too quickly, so physically carrying her was all he could do.

Just like you did with your little sister.

The stress of the situation, coupled with this emotionally charged thought brought tears to Toxic's eyes. A few of them trickled down his face as he trotted through the forest, without direction, but with an unshakable purpose.

The scenery failed to change, just a rocky expanse with trees that slowly thickened, but settled into a dense pattern. The grass was patchy, rocky outcroppings being the primary feature. Every now and again, he would stop to adjust Sky on his back. More than once he couldn't help but look at her sleeping features. Even though dusty and a bruised... seeing her caused his heart to beat twice as fast, and twice as strong.

It was those small moments that forced him to ignore his aching hooves, pressing forward. He would go until there was no light left, then make a small fire and locate the basics: food and water.

One string of thought kept repeating itself through his mind as he walked;

Safe. We need to get somewhere safe. Sky Duster, please be ok. Please...please be ok.

Sky Duster awoke to the sounds of crickets. For a moment, she worried that she was blind; but turning her head alleviated that thought, and gave her a splitting headache. Groaning, Sky slowly moved her head- wait, she moved her head!

Experimenting with her limbs, Sky found that the numbing-goop had worn off for the most part, and all that was left was a strange tingling feeling.

“Mmm....Hello? Anyone? Toxic? Is anyone there?” She called out into the darkness. Horseapples it was dark...

“Sky?”

Her question was answered as Toxic apparently dropped... something, literally skidding to a stop next to her. A warmth ignited on her cheek as Toxic gave her a gentle nuzzle. Was he...crying?

“You're ok.....umm....”

Sky Duster shifted into a sitting position, looking over to the ecstatic stallion who now was blushing furiously as his mind caught up to his actions.

“You've been out for a while...” His tone was caring, and certainly relieved. Sky looked over to him, barely able to see him in the moonlight.

“What happened? The last thing I remember is...the attack, the griffins, and then teleporting...”

Toxic sat down next to her, relaying the information as best he could. Interestingly enough, his stutter was nonexistent.

“So...now what?”

Toxic shrugged, his horn lighting up to produce a bit of light.

“Well, I'm building a lean-to....bed....thing. It doesn't look too cloudy, but I'd rather have something over my head just in case. I've piled a bunch of the branches over there, and just need to put a bit more on the roof part...”

Sky blinked in surprise as she scanned over his work, her headache fading to a dull pressure, which still kept her from activating her own magic.

“A lean-to-bed-thing? Sounds...complicated.”

A slight snort of amusement was Toxic's response. He threaded a bushy branch through the lean-to's roof, then promptly set his horn against the rock, a dull glow emanating from the natural object.

“Erm, Toxic?”

He didn't respond for a moment, but finally prodded the rock with a hoof and nodded approvingly.

“Heated the rock. Should help for tonight. I think it's going to get cold. Oh! I found some...erm...food?”

He gestured to a small pile of berries and grass- not the most exciting meal, but that was the advantage of being a pony. If it wasn't poisonous, and a plant, you could eat it. Mostly.

“Got water in the stone up there. I purified it...at least, I think I did. Haven't done that spell for a while.”

Sky couldn't help but be impressed. She took a look on top of the rock, which required a bit of climbing, sending her muscles into protest. Unless Toxic had carried both her and the water, there had to be a stream nearby, because the large rock's hollow indentation was nearly full. The water was cold, and did quite a bit to sate her thirst.

“I take it you camped a lot?”

Toxic shrugged his shoulders, also snagging a drink before settling down on the pile of bushy branches in the lean to.

“Sort of. I like the outdoors, and my job requires being in remote places at times, so I picked up a few things. May as well eat these...it's pretty late....”

Sky nodded, quickly downing the allotted berries and foliage.

“Your stutter is better....”

Another shrug was Toxic's response.

“It's the stress. If there's a crisis, my stutter goes away. Well, sometimes. On the job, not so much. This is a bit more crazy than that. It'll probably be back tomorrow.”

Casting a look at the lean to, Sky tilted her head curiously, her mind still a bit clogged up with the rapid-fire events.

“Erm, where do I sleep-OH!”

If not for the darkness, the blush on Toxic's cheeks would have been quite evident.

“I...uh, well, it's cold and all...didn't really think you had a p-” He stopped talking as Sky settled down next to him.

“I never said I had a problem with it.” Sky's voice was soft, betraying the uncertainty that was beginning to seep into her heart.

They were silent for a moment, but it was Sky who spoke up.

“What do we do now? I mean... we can't stay here.”

Toxic nodded, his green eyes flickering across the dark forest.

“Tomorrow we can figure out which direction to head. I suppose we go to the border. We don't know how far we have to go...but at least we can get a direction.”

She returned the nod, shivering slightly. The night's air had chilled considerably in the past few minutes, or, more likely, the shock of waking up had worn off. She tried scooting over to the warm rock, but that only helped a bit...

“You alright Sky?”

She didn't speak for a moment, but finally shook her head.

“I...I guess you've had a few hours to think about it all. I'm just...I don't know what to do! I'm cold and scared..and...” Her voice failed her. She didn't want Toxic to hear her cry, and yet, at the same time...

Toxic thankfully picked up on her obvious distress, scooting closer until their sides were touching. The warmth cause Sky to sigh happily, despite the few tears in her eyes.

“I never thanked you, Toxic Shield...for getting me out of that griffin cage, and carrying me all this way. So, thank you.” She placed her hoof on his, the contact soothing her nerves slightly.

“You're welcome. I'm just g-glad t-that you are ok. B-blast-ed stu-tter...” His stutter emerged briefly, and the last few words betrayed his annoyance.

“I don't mind it. Never did.” Sky's voice was still soft, but sincere.

Toxic was very quiet at that, and for a moment, Sky wondered if she had said something wrong...

“R-rea-lly?”

Sky finally relinquished her pride, scooting closer to Toxic and laying her head on his shoulder as she nodded.

“Mmm hmm....”

Despite being extremely comfortable, and having her fears assuaged, part of Sky's mind was berating her. She was an independent mare! She certainly was tough, and could handle herself! She had taken on over four griffins, and survived this far!

So why did Toxic's touch just cause her to melt?

Her overwhelmed mind just didn't care at that moment.

Toxic Shield's mind raced, unsure what to do next, if anything. Apparently, his heart grew tired of waiting, and decided for him. Before he knew it, he leaned his head against Sky's, the physical contact of her body against his breeching the emotional barriers that held his emotions in check.

“I'm...scar-ed too. B-but...”

A slight smile twitched at his feature as Sky's breathing began to slow, a sign she was starting to fall asleep, or at least relax.

“F-for a fi-rst date, I t-thin-k it's b-een kin-da c-ra-zy.”

A slight laugh emanated from Sky's frame, causing Toxic's smile to solidify. Good, at least she was still laughing.

“I'm going to try to sleep Toxic...this is a lot to take in. Tomorrow we can plan some more.”

“G-ni-ght then.”

“'Night Toxic.”

Not but a few moments had passed before Sky spoke again, this time her words accompanied by a tender nuzzle to Toxic's neck.

“I'm so glad you're here Toxic....I'm glad that I'm not alone.”

Her last sentence rattled the stallion's heart, and he returned the gesture, wishing that fatigue wasn't preventing him from enjoying this more. Her muzzle against his neck sent an encompassing warmth through his entire body. It wasn't just the physical contact, but the knowledge that someone might care...

“You're not alone Sky...”

Sky nodded slightly, and Toxic felt one of her hooves brush his.

“Neither are you Toxic.”

The stallion now had to sniff back a few tears, and he fought with his own thoughts, struggling to not break down, even a little bit. It was too much for one day. How much of her affections was genuine or out of fear, he didn't know. Until he did, Toxic wasn't about to take advantage of Sky in any way.

“Goo-dni-ght Sky....”

“'Night Toxic.”

Author's Note

Let me know how you all like the pacing of this chapter.
As always, alert me of any errors/things that you find detract from the story!

So.Good.To.Be.Back!

Chapter Twenty Four

For sleeping in the middle of nowhere, and on a bed of branches, Toxic woke feeling surprisingly rested.

Well, until the pain set in.

Toxic wasn't out of shape, but he wasn't a star athlete either. Apparently carrying a pony while fatigued wasn't the best idea.

Even so, there was something different...

Oh.

The aches and pains were overridden by something else, a warmth that spread though Toxic's entire body. Opening his eyes, the stallion couldn't help but smile, emotion bringing a slight mist to his eyes. Sky Duster was snuggled up next to him, her head laying across his fore-hooves, Toxic's head resting across her neck. The bruises still showed on her back, and Toxic was careful to avoid accidentally nudging those...

Sky was still sleeping, or at least, it felt like she was. Having someone this close, even if it may not mean anything, was a very comforting feeling.

Almost automatically, he curled around Sky's sleeping form protectively, taking in the smell of her mane as he closed his eyes again. It was...piney? No, it was more like a hodgepodge of gentle herbs, very soft too.

His eyes shot open as he realized what he was doing.

I'm nuzzling her mane.

Emotion rose in Toxic's throat, his fatigued mind still processing what that meant.

Do I like her that much?

Well duh. You've been on a date with her...

So, do you pursue things? She certainly was fine being a bit close last light.

She was scared! How much of that was because of fear instead of actual feelings for me?

Then ask her.

Toxic resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Only he could lose an argument with himself. It was true though; he did need to ask Sky about that. It would eat away at him if he didn't.

“Hmmm....muh?”

Well, looks like she was waking up.

He opted for a semi-neutral gesture, nudging Sky's neck with his muzzle.

“Wak-ey wak-ey....”

The mare gasped, her breathing and heart rate skyrocketing before her mind caught up.

“So it wasn't all a dream? We're still.....”

He felt Sky slump slightly, then shifting as she scrubbed sleep from her eyes.

“And I was really comfy too...”

Toxic wasn't going to say anything, but then Sky nuzzled her head under his neck.

“Thanks Toxic.”

Well, if he hadn't already been blushing, he sure was now.

“N-o prob-lem.”

Sky stood up, stretching her neck and looking around at the forest, wincing slightly as the bruises on her back, but that faded. Her amethyst eyes sparkled in the morning sun, quickly shedding the dullness of fatigue and gaining a new life to them.

She's.....beautiful.

Toxic would certainly admit, she had caught his eye before...obviously, but seeing her now...

He looked away, a more prominent blush on his cheeks as she glanced his way. The stallion stood, stretching a bit before getting some water.

Smooth move. About as subtle as a parasprite swarm.

--- – –

A faint smile twitched at Sky Duster's features as she followed Toxic up the rocky depression to snag a drink as well. She hadn't missed his eyes on her, and she couldn't help but feel a very alien emotion.

Sky had seen a few stallions over the years glance at her- but it was always with a disturbingly lustful eye, or a downright creepy look. It sent shivers up her spine.

The brief time that Toxic's gaze had met hers, it ignited a completely different emotion in Sky's heart. The thought that Toxic Shield found her attractive sent warm tingles from her head to her hooves. No matter how tomboyish some females were, there was always one thing that remained true: mares liked knowing someone found them attractive.

Yes, and you've had loads of experience in that department...as if.

Her own thoughts threatened to betray her, and Sky's upbeat demeanor wavered, her eyes downcast for a moment.

Toxic had no idea how hard this was. She wanted to tell him- maybe she would?

No, not maybe. When.

Just...when it was right. It all hinged on whether he was actually interested in pursuing a relationship with her.

A relationship? I hope he's as inexperienced with that as I am...wait, he asked me something!

Toxic looked at Sky Duster curiously as he repeated his question.

“Are yo-u read-y to g-o? We nee-d to f-ind som-e food and d-irection.”

Interesting. His stutter seemed to be minimized...

She nodded, more than a tad embarrassed at her lapse in focus.

“As ready as I'll ever be. Any idea on which direction to go?”

Toxic looked up at the sky and sun briefly, and then nodded.

“Y-ep. Th-is wa-y. Eq-rest-ria is eventuall-y tha-t wa-y.”

He then shot her an apologetic glance- which, Sky had to admit, was rather adorable.

“Tha-t's th-e best I c-an do.”

Sky smiled, then winced as she walked up beside him.

“Hmm. Sun always rises in the east, so I guess that'd be it. Hopefully a bit of walking will make my back feel better....stupid griffins.”

As they walked, Toxic glanced over quickly to Sky's back.

No, NOT her flank. Not that it's not worth looking at.....be quiet brain!

Her back did show some severe bruising, dark purple showing through her fur.

“A-are yo-u su-re?”

Sky nodded back to him, but Toxic didn't miss that the gesture was through gritted teeth.

“Yes. I'll be fine. Lets just get some distance between us and...them.”

The stallion didn't bother mentioning that they could be headed toward their captors; he hadn't exactly specified a compass-inspired direction when teleporting. Sky seemed edgy for some reason....

Well, you're stuck somewhere in the griffin province, probably the separatist area, have no food, no water, and no idea where to go.

Oh. Right.

They walked in silence for a time, both focused on navigating the increasingly rocky terrain. He heard Sky occasionally hiss in what he guessed was pain every now and again. He could be wrong though...

As they walked, he let his mind wander briefly. Toxic didn't know why, but he managed to bottle his emotions in a crisis. This was extremely useful for his job, or for handling immediate emergencies.

For a long-term ordeal like this, not so much. Eventually he'd have to work through it.

He could feel the fear creeping in his mind, waiting for a chance to spring. Half of his confident demeanor was an act, the other based on pure logic. They knew which direction to go, so off they went.

Other than that...wait....

What in Celestia's name are we doing!? We're just walking, with no plan? We need to stop....

“W-e nee-d to st-op.”

Toxic's sharp eyes caught the relieved slump of Sky's shoulders, despite the fact they had been walking for but a short time.

“I...wha-t....”

Words failed him, and a few of the pent up emotions bubbled to the surface. Terror, anxiety....

Toxic couldn't move. For a moment, he just sat on a carpet of dead pine needles, staring at his hooves.

“Toxic? What's wrong?”

He simply shook his head, the bottled feelings from both this morning and the previous day's fight proving too conflicting. The result was a pair of silent tears that traced their way down his face.

“I do-n't kn-ow what t-o do....”

Sky appeared to shrug slightly, wincing as she did so.

“Well, I thought heading east was a good idea. At least we can head towards Equestria-”

“That's not good enough!” Toxic's voice growled out at her. His eyes then widened as Sky looked at him with a stunned gaze.

His own shoulders slumped, and he shook his head.

“I'm s-sorry Sky...yo-u didn't d-eserve th-at....I ju-st don't k-know wha-t to d-o.”

All the coherent thoughts that had previously inhabited Toxic's mind had long-since fled. For the first time since the ordeal began, he felt utterly lost and helpless.

And it wasn't even mid-day yet.

– - -

Sky Duster wasn't sure what to think. One moment, Toxic was acting like he had a handle on things.....

The next, he was acting....

Like a normal pony? He has probably been in shock, just like you. Yours wore off last night, his, today.

“I c-an't do t-this o-n my o-wn.” Toxic's voice whispered out, barely audible among the birds in the trees above.

Sky forced the pain in her back down, sliding up next to the distraught stallion.

“Toxic...you don't have to.”

When she touched his hoof with hers, it seemed to snap him out of the dazed state he was in. He looked up to her, smiling slightly.

“T-hanks.”

I never thought I'd find a stutter this cute....

The rather embarrassing admittance to herself was cut off by a sharp pain in her back. This was getting ridiculous.

“East?” Sky managed to say between gritted teeth.

Toxic nodded, swiping the remnants of the tears from his eyes.

“East.”

For an hour or so, the two ponies continued to walk, and the rocky landscape slowly leveled out into a decent forest, complete with a few clearings in which they managed to snag a snack: some grass.

Not the most tasty or nutritious, but it worked. The bonus of being herbivores.

Sky couldn't stifle a cry of pain as she landed awkwardly on a hoof, having mis-timed a step.

“S-sky? Y-you're no-t ok....” Toxic's voice was soft, and genuinely caring. Even so, a rebellious rebuttal rose in her throat. Am I too proud to admit that I need help? No...it's not that simple...I don't want him to think-

“I'll manage Toxic!”

Sky Duster hadn't taken more than a few more steps when a root decided to call her bluff, snagging her hoof and sending her sprawling. Despite being caught by Toxic's hooves, pain lanced up her back, enough to bring tears to her eyes.

Toxic's own heart ached at the sight of the mare in such pain. That fact took foremost priority in his mind almost automatically. He looked at her back carefully, his eyes widening with shock. The bruises were definitely not getting better.

The numbing salve. Perhaps it could have affected her body's normal healing abilities? I'll have to risk some magic then. Hooves only....

Toxic set Sky Duster down on a clear patch of young grass, recalling the basic spells to mind.

“Y-your back is b-ad. I'll t-ry to he-lp.”

He focused on channeling magic from his horn to his hooves, which would use significantly less magic than if he tried to use energy directly from his horn to the injuries. His hooves provided a medium, and it was a classic emergency medical technique, for unicorns at least, when trying to preserve power. The application of magic to a physical object took a decent amount of energy (when taking into account pressure and area,) so his hooves would eliminate that need.

“Y-ou shou-ld have t-old me....” He made sure to keep his voice light and gentle, but with a hint of condescension.

Sky nodded slightly, looking up at him with curiosity.

“I know. I.....-what are you doing?”

Toxic boosted the magic to his hooves again, gently laying them on her back.

“Hel-ping.”

Sky's immediate content sigh indicated that the spell was having an effect. From his limited medical knowledge, Toxic could detect the heavy bruising, and then the affected muscles around the area. Sections of Sky's back were knotted and tight, probably from the pain of trying to walk.

Silly mare. You should have told me that it was this bad...why didn't you?

The bruises he'd reduce, but wouldn't remove them entirely. A full healing spell would be much more taxing than just reducing the inflammation. A day or so would be all Sky needed to recover on her own after this. The spell would give her body a boost, overcoming the inhibiting effects of the numbing agent. He'd have to deal with the tight muscles to some extent, otherwise it would further stress the healing tissues.

Toxic hesitated, not sure if he should.....

Oh shut up brain. You know it will help, and you like her, so just do it.

He targeted the nearest pain-induced knot, right below Sky's left shoulder. Gently laying one of his hooves on it, he moved in a slow circle, letting both the spell and physical pressure ease the sore muscles.

Author's Note

On a ROLL!
As always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Twenty Five

Sky gritted her teeth, expecting a blast of pain. To her surprise, the spell had numbed the area rather well, at least temporarily. Now, Toxic....

All the tension bled from her back, and Sky couldn't help but close her eyes, the massage bringing a smile to her face.

A medical necessity or not, this stallion is one good masseuse...I could get use to this.

The relief from her tightened muscles clouded out the embarrassment of the blush on her cheeks. She could feel silly later...for now, in this brief moment, Sky just felt good.

“Mmmm. Running for our lives or not...that feels amazing. Where did you learn to massage like this?”

Toxic's face finally relaxed, slowly twitching into a smile as he continued to attack the knots in Sky's back.

“M-other, ha-s ba-ck probl-ems. Som-etimes, my d-ad wasn't ther-e, so I trie-d to hel-p her.”

He then chuckled softly as Sky let out a happy murmer.

“S-he sai-d I was pre-tty goo-d a-t it. G-uess sh-e was ri-ght...”

A simple hum was Sky's response, her eyes rolling with happiness under her closed lids. If not for the ever-present knowledge that they were in a constant state of danger, she'd be in complete heaven right now.

Yea. It's not THAT big of a deal. Just running for our lives in some Celestia-forsaken forest...oh shut up brain, let me enjoy this.

Sadly, only a few more minutes passed before Toxic poked her in the shoulder.

“I t-hink that w-ill do it fo-r no-w. A-re you fee-ling.......b-ett-er....?”

It took a moment for Sky to realize why Toxic's sentence had trailed off, because she was too busy leaning her head against his hoof. It felt....nice.

When her brain finally decided to snap back to awareness she scrambled to her hooves, a furious blush on her cheeks. She couldn't meet his curious gaze as she shrugged her shoulders expectantly, nodding with approval.

“Um...That seemed to have done the trick.....thanks.”

Toxic nodded back to the mare as they continued to walk, still rather confused on what had just transpired. He had touched her shoulder to get her attention, and Sky had tilted her head slightly to rest on his hoof. It wasn't the action itself that stuck in his mind. Rather, it was the gentle and peaceful smile on Sky's face that had appeared for but a moment.

Maybe she likes you?

Toxic had to restrain a disappointed huff at that thought. Sure, she agreed to go on a date with him, but how much of that...interest remained now?

So ask her, you doofus.

Soon enough he intended to, whenever that time came around.

It was Sky who broke the silence next as they walked, glancing up at the slowly darkening sky with a bit of worry.

“Hmm. Looks like a storm is coming.”

Toxic simply nodded, hoping that they were heading in the right direction now that the sun had faded behind the disturbingly fast moving clouds.

“Y-ye-p.”

There was another bit of silence as the two scrambled over a small ravine, but Sky finally looked over to the stallion, still a hint of a blush on her cheeks, but from exertion or emotion Toxic wasn't sure.

“How did you get your cutie mark, if I may ask? I'm fine with walking in silence, but if it's all the same to you, I like having someone to talk to...”

Toxic's ears perked up as he nodded.

“I'd b-e glad to t-ell you, as l-ong as y-ou don't m-ind the s-tutter.”

Sky Duster paused for a moment, and met Toxic's gaze with her own. Her eyes radiated something that he couldn't place. A warmth blossomed in his chest as Sky's eyes seemed to soften. They still retained a few fleck of fiery energy, but for the most part, her gaze was comforting and sincere.

“I already told you Toxic, I don't mind at all.” The mare's voice was soft, and the genuine tone caused that strange feeling in his chest to grow a tad stronger. He knew what it was, and it scared him.

But, at the same time, the knowledge that he still could feel something in that regard, gave him hope.

“A-ll ri-ght.”

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as h e remembered that unforgettable day.

Forgettable...as if. The entire event was in the papers. Not his cutie mark, but the incident that caused it.

“W-ell, I was you-ng, and a-bout ha-lf my c-la-ss alre-dy had th-eir cut-ie mark. W-e were w-orking on s-ome re-ally, re-EALLY bo-ring m-ath....”

Sky couldn't help but giggle, sympathizing completely.

Wait. You laugh, you don't giggle. Why did you giggle? Shut up brain and listen....

“App-arently, the che-mistry l-ab had b-een exper-menting w-ith something. S-omething in the a-ir made ev-eryone l-eave. I was f-occusing on m-y work, and h-ad a silenc-ing spell, to h-elp me focus. Apparently it w-was really b-ad. I re-emember lo-oking up af-ter lowe-ring the spell, a-nd getting t-apped on the should-er by a fire-pony, a-asking if I w-was ok.”

Toxic then shrugged, nodding to his cutie mark. He didn't seem to notice that his stutter diminished slightly while telling the story....not that Sky minded. She thought his voice inflections were rather cute...

“I c-ould b-reath fine, and g-ot this.”

Now Toxic chuckled, holding out a hoof to help Sky over a jagged set of rocks - to which she gladly took...moreso out of courtesy than actual need.

That, and a chance to hold his hoof...you sappy mare you...

“W-when applying f-or my j-ob, we did chem-mical tests. I t-took a hydro-cloric a-acic bath.”

Toxic laughed, a genuine and hearty sound that rang over through the trees.

“T-the loo-k on th-eir faces w-as awes-ome! I c-an't dri-nk the s-tuff, or breath i-t, but sk-in conta-ct is f-ine.”

He looked over at Sky, and the mare was pretty sure she heard her heart squeal with joy.

Oh dear. I've got it bad.....Celestia help me....I don't know what to do, let alone deal with this in the situation we're in.

“W-what a-bout y-ou Sky?”

Sky Duster snapped back to reality, looking over to Toxic, who was regarding her with a slightly curious gaze.

“Me? Oh! How I got my cutie mark?”

She glanced back to her flank, regarding the star with white speckles on it, then turning to see Toxic nod to her.

“Sure. Well...let me see...”

Sky couldn't help but smile slightly, the memory one of her most treasured ones.

“I was young as well, probably the first third in my school class to get their cutie mark. I was on a picnic with my family. My brother picked me up at school, and we met my mom and dad on a hillside. It was suppose to be a clear night, and a comet was suppost to appear, so I got to stay up past my bedtime. My brother played tag and other games with me for a few hours while my parents relaxed. We ate dinner...and then waited for it to get dark.”

She sniffed slightly, not too surprised that her eyes were watering. Toxic was looking at her, concern radiating from his gaze.

“I'm fine...umm. Once it was dark and the stars began to shine, my bother started naming off the constellations. He had learned all that stuff at the school he was going to; navigating airships and such....”

Sky took Toxic's hoof as they jumped another small ditch, this one having water running through it. She was extremely tempted to not let go, especially considering how she knew these memories would play out. But, if the sky was any indication...

And naturally, in her musing, she HAD failed to let go of Toxic's hoof, and he now had a very adorable blush on his features.

“Erm..was thinking...sorry.”

He shrugged, his eyes holding no anxiety or discomfort.

“'No problem...”

They continued walking, the landscape slowly shifting to a more lush valley. It was a nice change away from the rocky forest. It was still wooded, but more and more grassy areas began to emerge. Sky made a mental note of how Toxic hadn't stuttered that last time...probably nothing.

“Anyhow, once the stars had come out, and I began to recognize the constellations....I felt a weird magic building up on my horn. I heard my family gasp, and when I looked up, I saw the constellations glowing! When I focused on different stars, they lit up too. It was only when the comet appeared that I got my cutie mark. When I looked at the comet, and focused on my new magic spell...the comet became huge!”

Sky couldn't help but smile at Toxic's surprised expression.

“Long story short, apparently I can magnify astrological things temporarily. Comets, stars, highlight constellations, that sort of thing. I even figured out a trick to cause the stars to shine in a wave across the sky. It's only visible for a small area around where I cast the spell, but it's still quite a sight. ”

“Wow...t-hat sou-nds beauti-ful....”

She nodded briefly.

“It is...quite fun to do to. I'm just glad it fits my name, I think my parents wanted a Pegasus kid...from my dad's side.”

The stallion beside her chuckled, both out of sympathy and amusement.

“Is y-our bro-ther on an a-irsh-ip n-ow?”

It was an innocent question, seeing as how Sky hadn't given Toxic any reason to believe otherwise. She winced slightly, the pain still present.

“He....um....no. There was an accident....”

To Sky's eternal surprise, emotion clogged her through.

I thought I had gotten over this...but then again, when was the last time I talked to somepony about this?

Toxic had stopped, and looked over to the clearly agitated mare.

“S-sky...I'm so s-orry.....I did-n't-”

Something ran down one of Sky's cheeks, and the mare stopped to put a hoof to her face.

Tears? She was crying?

Why now, why do I have to look like a broken wreck now...

why do I care?

….you know why.

Sky was snapped out of her conversation with herself by a comforting warmth across her neck and back.

Toxic was hugging her.

Partially against her will, Sky returned the gesture, reveling in the feeling of his fur against hers, the comforting warmth the foreleg across her back provided.

She felt safe.

“You must think I'm such a weak mare, can't deal with anything...”

A bit of pressure on her back indicated Toxic shaking his head.

“I ne-ver sai-d that, or th-ought it.”

Fully aware that Toxic had been hugging her for a few moments, Sky reluctantly slid out from his grip, meeting his gaze briefly.

“Thank you...but I still will need your help tonight...”

The quizical look on Toxic's face was almost amusing, if not for what Sky new would happen as soon as the clouds gathered strength.

“W-ha-t do you m-ean?”

Sky knew she mumbled a response, but couldn't bring herself to speak any louder, not until Toxic looked at her expectantly.

“Thunderstorms. They bring bad memories.”

Apparently Toxic was full of surprises, because he simply gave her a gentle smile and shrugged, nodding towards some tall grass visible through the trees.

“We-ll, lets g-et somet-hing to eat. I d-on't min-d helping.

I d-on't like seeing you s-ad.”

Sky drew a sharp breath as she heard Toxic's last phrase, almost devoid of any stutter. It was softer than normal, and had a definite warmth to it. A blush colored her cheeks, the first of many to come she suspected.

Toxic...why are you being so nice to me? It would put my heart at ease just knowing how you felt about all this,

about me...

Toxic looked around the overgrown field, bypassing the brightly colored berries for a more familiar patch of blackberries and onions. Judging from the scattered patches of vegetables, it had once been a garden of some sort, a broken down cabin at one end of the field testament to that idea. As he picked the edible vegetation, he couldn't help but look over to Sky Duster, who was busy harvesting some garlic.

She is going to need help? If it's as simple as comforting her, I...like the closeness. If she doesn't feel the same way though,

I can't get close to someone who has different goals in their heart, not again. I guess tonight I have to ask her then.

Even with the dark clouds gathering, both figuratively and literally, Toxic couldn't help but feel a bit at ease. It was just...easier, to talk to Sky than other ponies....

Author's Note

As always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Twenty Six

(for music to go along to this piece: start at about 50 seconds, then begin reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbEob28Dxag )

The clouds overhead continued to gather, the two ponies staying in the general vicinity of the broken down cabin. Since it was clear a storm was approaching, the two decided that the ramshackle cabin was better than anything they'd be able to do on their own.

“I n-ever knew yo-u cou-ld cr-aft something lik-e this. It's ama-zing.”

Toxic examined the large earthen bowl he held in his magical grip, molded and then flash-fired by Sky's magic. It was a perfect container to hold some water from the coming storm.

“Wh-en did y-you lear-n thi-s?”

Sky glanced over to Toxic, then up at the darkening sky.

“When I was little. It's a really tricky spell. You have to get the clay, or make it, if necessary. Then comes the molding. The drying spell is the hardest part. It needs to be just hot enough to keep the clay hard, but not too hot as to cause it to crack.” She couldn't help but bounce a bit in her steps as she spoke.

“I'm actually quite happy how that bowl turned out.”

Toxic smiled, carefully stepping over a large root.

“Y-ou should b-e....GAH!”

The roots little brother snagged Toxic's hoof, sending the stallion tumbling to the ground.

“Toxic! You alright?”

He nodded, looking over to the bowl and grinning.

“S-aved the b-owl.” The stallion managed to stutter out as he tried to stand.

That proved to be a futile attempt, because Toxic instantly fell to his knees with a cry of pain. The foreleg that had caught on the root was wrought with daggers of pain at the slightest bit of pressure.

“Looks like it's sprained....” Sky said calmly, as she took a closer look at the limb in the fading light.

A low rumble then reached the two ponies ears, and Sky slid to Toxic's side.

“Here, lean on me...that thunder was close.”

To her surprise, Toxic looked at her with wide eyes.

“Tha-t wasn-t thund-er.”

Any possible jokes flew out of Sky's mind as the sound echoed around them again, this time mixing with true thunder. The original rumble rose in volume, now sounding from multiple angles.

“T-toxic....do they have timberwolves here?”

The other unicorn didn't respond he leaned against Sky's side, the two ponies making slow headway to the shack in the distance. They still were a few minutes away, especially at their impeded pace.

“I d-on't kno-w...” Toxic finally said, as the growling grew closer.

They had almost broken the treeline when the two ponies could finally see familiar glowing green eyes surrounding them.

A brilliant beam of red light blinded Toxic for a second, and it took him a moment to realize it emanated from Sky. The burst slammed into a pair of the green eyes, illuminating the strange creature. It was indeed a timberwolf, but with much thicker limbs, and strangely-colored wood. It made sense, a different part of the world would yield that....

“We're not going to make it....” Sky spoke into Toxic's ear as she urged him onwards. The number of eyes continued to grow- it must be an entire pack!

“Y-ou run f-or it, I'll t-ry-”

“Oh shut it Toxic!” Sky's vehement answer caused the stallion to clamp his mouth shut.

“What good would that do? You'd get eaten, then I would. The only difference is that you would be about fifty feet away.”

Another red beam lanced out, this one bouncing between two of the timberwolves, sending both into piles of kindling. A light rain began to fall, lightning now overhead, illuminating the scene with an eerie flash every now and again.

Toxic sensed that she was about to speak, but movement to his right drew his attention. Time seemed to slow as he turned to look. Mid-pounce, the timberwolf's front paws had already left the ground as it aimed itself at Toxic's exposed side. Its green eyes glowed not with innocent animal instinct, but distinctive malice and bloodlust.

He readied a protective spell, spreading his legs as he became slightly unbalanced-

“YAAAAAAAA!”

An earsplitting yell nearly deafened Toxic as something blurred by next to him. The timberwolf was met mid-jump by a brutal hoof to its face.

Sky Duster landed in front of the stricken wolf, caving its head in with a powerful kick. Her wet mane flapped in the wind, and her eyes shone with magical power.

“You...stay away from him!”

Toxic watched dumbfounded as another timberwolf launched itself at Sky Duster. The mare saw the attack coming, and charged the larger animal.

Her horn lit up with power, and the resulting blast sent the creature sailing back into the woods. Without missing a beat, Sky turned and kicked another wolf in the face with one of her back legs. The animal quickly splintered into a pile on the ground.

One wolf did manage to get through- but met its end as it tried to sneak up behind her. Toxic's attack sliced it neatly in half, quickly falling to pieces.

Sky shot him a quick grin- full of fear, daring, excitement, and.....something else....

The timberwolves were slowly retreating, deciding that this prey wasn't worth the trouble. One final wolf tried to chance it, but Sky's attack sent wooden shrapnel sailing back at the other pack. Her horn glowed a bright purple as she aimed it at each of the remaining wolves- about six in all. The creatures slowly retreated, their eyes fading into darkness, spurred on by a lower-intensity blast to their hindquarters from Sky's horn.

And then they were gone, leaving the two ponies alone in the thunder and rain. Sky's sides were heaving as she returned back to Toxic's side, helping him along towards the shack. It was a moment before either of them spoke, but finally Toxic broke the silence.

“S-ky....tha-t was a-maz-ing!”

She shot him another wry smile, this one more tired and fearful, but still full of energy.

“There wasn't anyone to cheap shot me in the head this time.”

Author's Note

Sky Duster- Don't mess with her!

shorter chapter, but hopefully still good ^_^
Oh. Selfish request: If you fav my story.....could you upvote it too? XD Shame on my for asking that....

Chapter Twenty Seven

Toxic couldn't help but smile. He had to admit, Sky Duster was quite a sight. A few close shaves with the wolves had given her a few light scratches on her neck, but otherwise she was no worse for wear. Part of her bangs hung lopsided on her face, and her eyes remained bright with an inner fire.
She's beautiful, even after having taken on a pack of timberwolves.

They made it to the shack without any other incidents, Sky even managing to levitate the forgotten bowl to their location.
A small area had been cleared out earlier, the junk and decayed wood shoved to a corner. The falling-down roof had been haphazardly patched, and served to block all the rain, but only for a few feet in either direction. However, it was enough. A simple pile of branches served as their bedding. Simple, but effective.

“H-old on S-ky.”
Toxic limped back out into the open, casting a brief spell to collect the water-
and promptly began to splash himself with it.
Sky couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him, mostly out of curiosity and disbelief.
“Umm. Toxic? What are you doing?”
It was the stallion's turn to shrug as he continued to splash the spell-collected water over his fur.

“T-his is t-he clo-sest I'll g-et to a sh-ower. S-o why n-ot?”
Sky Duster's returning look said it all- ' Fair enough. She dashed outside as well, and despite being rather cold, it did feel good to get some of the dirt and grime out of her mane.

The drying spell didn't work as well as she'd hoped, because both she and Toxic were still a bit damp after settling down on the springy branches. Both of their magic reserves had been low to begin with, and the warming spell had exhausted what little remained.
Unfortunately for Sky Duster, as soon as she settled down on the 'bed,' her memories flared up. Without imminent death serving as a distraction, Sky's mind was painfully reminded of the past with each passing flash of lightning and roar of thunder.

“We-ll. Tha-t was f-un. Gla-d we at-e something ea-lier. It l-ooks nast-y out th-ere.”
Sky detected a slight shift in Toxic's tone towards the end, most likely because the stallin had noticed that she was trying to sink into the floor.

“S-ky?”
Her head jerked at the sound of Toxic's voice, and she looked over to him.
– -
Toxic was struck by how dull Sky's eyes were. Moments before, her gaze had been bright and full of energy. Now, it was all hidden behind....pain?

“Remember when I mentioned that I'd need some help?”
Toxic simply nodded, honestly not sure what she wanted him to do.

Sky gritted her teeth, the barrage of foul memories almost more distressing than physical pain.
Now the hard part.
“I just..I need to know someone is there.”
Her stubbornness finally gave, the need for comfort outweighing her independent nature. She leaned over, resting her head on Toxic's shoulder.

Please understand Toxic...
The fact he scooted a bit closer and nodded brought tears to her eyes. He had no idea....
It's about time I told him something...
A minute or so passed, the only sound was the pitter-patter of rain accompanying the rolling thunder. An occasional lightning strike lit up the scene.

“Can I tell you something Toxic?”

A silly question, Sky admitted, but it was his choice to listen or not.
As expected, the dark blue stallion nodded, his eyes seeming to glow slightly in the lightning-lit surroundings.
“Thunderstorms. I use to like them. You....I..” Her words caught in her throat. Why was she telling him this?

Such a question answered itself as she felt Toxic shift to try and meet her gaze, no doubt checking to see if she was alright.

Toxic has trusted me this far, it's about time I do the same. Maybe...is he still is afraid of what I'll think after seeing that forest incident? I would be...He has a right to know something about me.
Especially if I want a chance at this to mean something more...
“Is there anything you are scared of?”

She felt the stallion nod slowly.
“Did...you ever have to face it?”

There was a pause, and to her surprise Sky felt Toxic scoot ever so slightly towards her.
“S-ort of. I h-ope I nev-er hav-e to face t-his fe-ar.”

Sky could respect that. Some fears weren't meant to be faced multiple times.
“Toxic, the reason I hate these thunderstorms, is because they remind me of when my fear came true.”
She sighed, shaking her head slowly. Sky had waited too long to share this with someone.

“When I mentioned that my brother....had died, I wasn't lying. But that day, I lost much more than my brother. At least I know he is in a better place....”
- -

Toxic Shield had a very strange feeling enter his heart. He didn't know what Sky would say next, but something caused the fur to prickle on the back of his neck. Losing more than someone....he could relate to....
--- --- –

“They changed. I didn't see it at first, but after a while, how could I just ignore it? My father was the first one I noticed. Mother...she tried. Oh to her credit she tried, but eventually she too couldn't handle it.”

The makeshift roof must have sprung a leak, because moisture slid down Sky's face.
“I lost my parents, or at least the ones I grew up with. They couldn't deal with my brother passing so suddenly. First it was just a few missed events, an awards ceremony there, or a first day of school, but eventually.....”

Now she knew it was tears on her face. Hot and burning, the moisture rammed home how painful these memories were.
“Being scared...that word can't even touch on how I felt that night.”

Her sides shook, despite the mare's best attempts to reign in her emotions. Fat chance of that. A few sobs escaped her frame, the torment she had tried to hide for so long seeking a release.

Toxic did the only action he could think of. Careful with lifting his sprained hoof, he shifted slightly, putting a forelimb over Sky's back, so her head rested more against his chest and under his head.
He didn't know what was tormenting Sky, but Toxic wanted nothing more than to see her smile again.

The feeling of the stallion's forelimb over her back only increased the flow of tears. These though, were of relief. How long had she wanted to feel safe, even in this infinitesimal amount?

“It was a simple thing, a play I was participating in during the summer. I had put a lot of work into my role...one of the main parts as a matter of fact. I even expected a stallion to show up....he said he would, a third date, as it were....”

Sky's hooves sought something to hold on to- which happened to be one of Toxic's. If the stallion was surprised or uncomfortable, he didn't show it at all.

“I thought maybe I hadn't recognized them in the crowd. Maybe they were late, and didn't get to the seats reserved for them.”
– – –

The mare looked up at him, and Toxic's heart ached at the sight of her tearful gaze, her features drawn back in a despairing expression. The look of despair on Sky Duster's features shook the stallion to the core.

“I stood outside that theater for an hour, in the pouring rain. Everyone else got their congratulations, meeting up with their families....

I just waited. I waited for something which never came. I...had nobody. They forgot. ”

Toxic couldn't stand it anymore. The conversation with Luna and Celestia flashed through his mind, and he wrapped his hooves around Sky's neck, his own tears staining his face.

Oh Sky Duster...I had no idea you bore the same pain as I did....as I still do....
A warmth blossomed in the stallion's heart as things began to fit into place. She didn't have to feel like that, not now...
Or, should things play out, ever again.

“I'm r-right here S-ky.... I'm n-ot goi-ing anyw-here.” Toxic's words were soft, but infused with a strength that surprised even himself.
The beautiful unicorn mare responded by nuzzling his chest, something that would have made Toxic blush furiously, had Sky's hooves not been shaking with emotion.

“How does it happen Toxic? How can my family just change like that? I even cast a changeling detection spell a few times, just to be sure. They...just don't care.”
Toxic instantly shook his head, taking a deep breath and trying to contain his own turbulent emotions on the matter.

“T-hey care. I d-on't know abo-out your par-ents...b-ut they j-ust don't kno-w how to hand-le things. W-hen ba-d things ha-ppen, ponies c-change.”
She then looked up at him, a curiosity in her eyes bordering on indignation.
“How can you know?”

Toxic's features would have hardened into a scowl, but instead his throat constricted, the compassion of the princess's coming to mind.

“Th-e family I gre-w up with....is d-ead.” Toxic's jaw was clenched, and tears ran down his cheeks. However true it was, it still hurt.

“Th-ey still l-ive, and I l-ove them, but.....t-hey are n-ot the ponies I kn-ew for ove-r half m-y life. T-hose ponies are d-ead.”
Luna's face was forever engraved on his mind. The sorrow in her eyes....
“And I w-on't get them b-ack. N-ot until a-fter.....”
He couldn't continue. Toxic's voice cracked, tears streaming down his face.
“A-and the worst p-art is, I d-id'nt kno-w what I had...un-til I l-ost it!”
Toxic felt Sky's arms around him, and he fulled her close, feelings her tears as well on his chest.
“Then you know...the pain.....”
Toxic nodded once in response.
“Can you....I...are your feelings......” Toxic's eyes widened at the sound of Sky's words. He knew what she was asking, and his first answer was a strong no.

And yet....

Sky's own horn ignited with magic, as did Toxic's. The two different-colored magics merged briefly, the pony's eyes flashing once.

She focused on only one thing: the pain she had felt that night. Sky wanted to know, did Toxic truly understand? That was the reason for the emotion spell. It allowed the other caster to experience the other's emotions. It could be used for something as simple to bring friends closer together, or, if used unwisely, could tear lovers apart.

Her vision blurred, a faint mist seeming to obscure her view. The spell hard worked then. The strange fog was the magical medium, from where for a brief time, she could feel Toxic's feelings, and him hers.

She couldn't help but draw a startled breath as a physical pain ignited in her chest. It was just a flash, but it was enough. It was like a canvas, but for one's heart: Toxic's....

The loneliness was enough to cause a physical ache, a dash of red among the mist. Then there was the suffocating blackness of hopelessness. Through it all, a faint spark of yellow hope that everything would be alright in the end.

He understood, in a way Sky would never have guessed.

She closed her eyes, sending her emotional snapshot his way. A sharp intake of breath indicated that the spell had done its job.

--- --- –

Toxic barely managed to swallow the lump of emotion in his throat. Sky's emotions had been much more specific than his own. Most likely due to the family frustration. Hers were of actual neglect, while his were just circumstance. The loneliness stood out though, that all too familiar physical ache...

And then it was gone, their magic sputtering out as nerves and exhaustion took its toll. The two ponies didn't say anything for a time, mulling their own thoughts over in their head.

That loneliness...she felt it too. I know how I feel...but dare I ask how she-

That was when Sky Duster nuzzled his shoulder, causing the spark of affection in his heart to spread to an all-encompassing warmth.

She's the one.

Toxic had to resist for a moment to wrap her up in a hug: he needed to know first...

“Sky...I ne-ed to kn-ow something.”

He took a deep breath, the rain and thunder actually somewhat calming....ish.

“Be-ing th-is close, is...do y-ou want that b-eac-ause of t-he s-torm, or...b-ecau.se........bec-ause you l-like.....”

He couldn't finish the sentence. He had to know. Was this due to her feelings, or was he just a temporary comforting mechanism? The stallion dared not leave his feelings unguarded, not unless they would be returned.
“I ne-ed to kn-ow, so I d-on't ge-t the wron-g Id-ea....p-lease.”

– – -

Did he just ask...how I feel about him?

For a brief moment, Sky forgot the storm. She even forgot they weren't in Equestria. The stallion she had definite feelings for had just asked her if she cared about him...

Oh Toxic. Even after I shared some of my most guarded feelings, you still want to know how I feel about you? Then again...perhaps you truly don't think somepony could ever....

“I...Toxic? Are you asking....how I feel about you, thunderstorms aside?”

Her question was met with him closing his eyes and nodding, apparently unwilling to meet her gaze.

He was scared. The stallion that had sent a timberwolf cowering, was...afraid.
Of her, or rather, her answer. So he really did wonder of her affections?
Sky decided to answer his question in the simplest way she knew how. It was reckless, and a bit daring, but why not?
She leaned up and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. Nothing fancy, but a very clear show of affection that couldn't be disputed, especially as she gently rested her head on his shoulder. Her own emotions then decided to lodge in her throat.

“Toxic, I care about you, thunderstorms or not. Why do you think I shared those feelings with you? Also, why was I jumping for joy when you asked me on a date?”

His entrancing green eyes then opened, and he looked down at her, clear astonishment on his features.
“Yo-u were t-hat happ-y?”
Sky nodded, now closing her eyes, a bit fearful at the unknown territory she was treading into. Despite it all, she managed a nervous chuckle.
“Yes. Ask Pepper. I recall hopping around the room a few times....you have no idea how happy that made me.”
Toxic was quiet for a moment, but Sky could feel him relaxing slightly.

“E-even afte-r the fo-rest.....I d-on't under-stand...” Even though his tone was soft and gentle, it harbored a fair amount of uncertainty.

Darnit Toxic. Do I have to say it again?
She reached over and prodded his chest with a hoof.
“Remember?”

Even if the stallion's expression showed confusion, Sky could see a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

“Y-ou're....intere-sted in m-e?” His tone was incredulous, as though Sky had just informed him that she had sprouted wings. The mare couldn't help but roll her eyes with slight amusement, her own nerves and fears vaporizing into nothing.
“I have a feeling I'll be reminding you of that many more times....”
Toxic winced slightly, scuffing the worn floorboards with a hoof.
“S-orry. I j-ust...I nev-er thought an-nypony w-ould find me-” Sky stopped him with a hoof to his nose.
“Toxic.....” Her tone was soft, but carried with it a strength that sent tingles down Toxic's spine.

He looked down slightly, meeting her amethyst gaze. Her eyes shone with an emotion that leaked into his heart, filling up gaps that life had torn from him.

“I care about you Toxic Shield, a lot. I just...” Now it was Sky's turn to have her words caught once again in her throat.

“I don't know if you feel the same. I....” She stopped, surprised at her own insecurities.

The memory flashed through her mind, bringing with it a few burning tears. Rain sliding against her face as she looked up at the stormy sky and cried. Never had she felt so abandoned and alone. The failed dates that followed had driven the painful experience home. Toxic had felt her pain at that event, and now it was her turn to lay her heart at his hooves. He knew the pain she had been through, and feared.

“I care about you....but do you feel the same about me? I....if not...I.....” Words failed her, and the thunder wasn't the only reason her hooves trembled slightly. Was this what it was like when you really cared for someone? You hung on their every word, hoping and praying that their heart was as set for you, as yours was to them? Even though the answer seemed clear, her own doubts suffocated any of her own personal hopes, dark thoughts infiltrating her assurances.

– – –

Very few times in Toxic Shield's life had ever rendered him speechless, yet Sky Duster had managed to do just that.

She cared about him. Him.
The freak....
The oddball.
And now she wanted to know if he felt the same?

Emotions pent up for years finally broke through. Burning through the shield around his heart, they surged to the fore, bringing tears to the stallion's eyes.
Someone cared about him.

Sky must have noticed his silence, because she had looked up at him expectantly. A warmth spread through his entire body, from the tips of his hooves to the top of his horn. The last time he had felt this, it had been uncertain and fleeting.
He didn't even try to hide the tears that ran down his cheeks. He had feared for so long that he wouldn't be able to feel this again....

– – –

Sky could see a change come over Toxic, and it fascinated her to no end. She could almost see walls being broken down in his mind. When his eyes turned to look at her, they shone with tears, thanks....
and love.....

She couldn't help but let out a surprised squeak as he shifted, wrapping a foreleg around her shoulders and pulling her close.

“I care abou-t you Sky....a lot.n-ever thought an a-mazing mare woul-d ever pay me any m-ind...but you proved me w-rong.” His voice had only a slight stutter, and just the sound of his soft tone in her ear had her heart singing with joy.
“You do?"
Toxic's reply was to nuzzle her mane, pulling her a bit closer. “V-ery m-uch”

They lay their, side by side for a time, just reveling in the feeling of being close to one another.

“So....Toxic....are we....erm...you know....”

“A c-couple?”

Sky nodded briefly, prompting Toxic to shift so he could look her in the eye.
“E-ven though it has b-een a lou-sy fi-rst date?”
She couldn't help but laugh, the sound breaking through the thunder and rain.
“First date? Toxic, I think this is counts as a first, second, and maybe third date.” She then smiled.
“And yes. For a first date, it may have been not very smooth...but.....” She nudged his hoof with hers.
“We're still here. Will....you be my coltfriend? Scary griffin territory aside?”
A very goofy (but adorable) grin meandered onto Toxic's face at her question.
“O-only if yo-u'll b-e my m-are-friend.”
A nuzzle was Sky's response, with a very soft “Yes.....
And Toxic? Thank you...”

The stallion's response was to gently caress her head with his, finally resting his cheek against hers. Sky had longed for this feeling for so long: the physical senstation of knowing somepony was there, to comfort and just...be there for her.

She had a feeling that Toxic felt something similar, a soft chuckle breaking from his lips as she gently stroked his cheek with hers, holding his not-sprained hoof.

“And t-thank you too...”

If his simple gestures of affection were any indication, Sky didn't think this relationship would be getting old anytime soon.

After a few moments, Toxic spoke up again.
“Sky?”
“Hmm?”
“So...w-e're a c-ouple...r-right?”
“I..guess so.”
“R-unning fo-r out l-ives, fr-om craz-y griffins.”
“Yea....”
“An-d have n-o id-ea wh-ere we a-re.”
“That about sums it up Toxic....”

He was quiet for a brief moment, and even though Sky couldn't see his face, she had a feeling the stallion had a smug smile on his face.
“B-est fi-rst dates ev-er.”
Sky's laugh once again drowned out the rain and thunder, the joyful sound making the dark forest seem a little bit brighter.

Author's Note

I'm guessing there are two reactions to this chapter:
1. D'AWWWWWW!
2. About frickin time.....

or any combination thereof. Be prepared for fluffyness. You have been warned!
No, no smoochy-woochy-poodie-pie stuff....fear not.
Just adorableness XD
Interesting note- I finished this chapter the night of an awesome lightning storm in our area.....hehe.

Chapter One

The dark grey unicorn rolled his eyes at his co-worker, then trying to immerse himself back into a scientific magazine. His cutie mark, a simple glass vial containing a blue liquid, matched their sterile laboratory environment. The off-white walls gave off an air of a clean and crisp environment, devoid of any unprofessionalism.

Well, almost.

“You know Beakers, if you keep poking that container, we're all going to be in trouble.”

Beakers, a light orange pony with a maroon mane, simply shrugged, giving the container another prod. The green liquid inside fizzed and frothed from the disturbance, but otherwise remained stable.

“Yes I know that Vial. I'm just bored! The blasted eggheads-”

He stopped, and would have face-hoofed had he not been wearing a splash-guard helmet.

“You mean the other eggheads I'm assuming? Because last time I checked, we are eggheads.”

A glare was shot his way, Beakers continuing to speak.

“You know what I mean. They're running those stupid tests two levels below, and we can't even get to our offices to do our job! How serious could draining the tanks be?”

Vial shook his head, looking back to his 'Scientific Reasons Revealed' magazine.

“Not my place to ask. Seriously though, I'd stop prodding that vial. The last time you didn't listen to me, we had to evacuate the entire building.”

Beakers' ears flipped up indignantly at the mention of the 'incident.'

“Hey, that was coincidence, I just happened to be nosing around a few bottles of chemicals, and an alarm went off for a different floor! Not my fault! So poke away I shall!”

No sooner had the pony touched the container again, a tremor shook the building, followed by a low rumbling sound, like a dragon clearing its throat. A few seconds passed before a large orange bulb began to flash, followed by a loud emergency klaxon echoing through the off-white laboratory.

“Told you.”

Numerous pony scientists streamed out of the squat building, the same off-white color as its interior. A few nudged him on their way out of the doors, clearly focused on getting as far away from the bland building as soon as possible. His black mane and tail blew in the slight breeze generated inside the structure, designed to keep out contaminants. A dark green streak ran through his mane and tail, only slightly matching his cutie mark; a bright lime-colored biohazard symbol. It was the pony's eyes that stood out. They burned with the same intensity that his cutie mark held; a bright green, seemingly lit from within.

He stood for a moment in the large room, avoiding the waterfall of ponies pushing out from the two doors on either side of the large reception desk. There was a general feeling of fear, no doubt spurred on by the warning lights that flashed a sinister orange. From what he could tell, he was the only one headed INSIDE, whereas everyone else was frantically trying to get as far away as possible.

Yep. He was in the right place.

“Are you Toxic Shield?”

Toxic turned to the security earth pony and nodded, observing the semi-official outfit and badge. The fact the guard's eyes were wide with shock suggested he hadn't been on the job very long.

Poor guy. He had no idea what he had gotten himself into.

“I take it that you know what's going on?”

Levitating a large clipboard, Toxic ran his magic across the surface briefly, neat letters swirling into view. He then turned the surface towards the guard. Hopefully he wouldn't have to explain his not-so-normal method of communication...

Only partially. I need to know what is inside this laboratory, as specific as you can recall. Along with that, I need to know what chemical or substance was being used, and how it was being used. Finally, I need to know where the problem is.

The guard nodded, handing Toxic his security badge.

“Well, the problem is on the lowest level, eleven floors down, my badge has clearance. As for what was being worked on...”

The guard lowered his gaze, shrugging apologetically.

“I honestly don't know. I don't work on the projects, I just stand near the door. The scientists can't tell you either. Apparently it was a classified project, all the way up to the Princesses. I do know there is some nasty stuff though, it makes hydrochloric acid look like salsa. Levels ten and eleven are on a separate ventilation system because of the dangers associated with it. Sorry, I wish I could tell you more, but we honestly don't even know what went wrong.”

Toxic raised an eyebrow to the last statement, causing the new guard to glance to the ground.

“We can't tell how far the contaminants have spread, or what it even is. We honestly don't know what's down there. All security features are...destroyed.”
Great.

A quick scrawling on the clipboard again, this time the guard instinctively looking over.
Self-destruct sequence?

A shake of the head was the guard's response.

“No, thankfully. We're still in Canterlot, so nothing too explosive, if that's what you mean. The doors in the facility are set to seal off in case of a breach, but my badge will get you past the checkpoints. There might still be ponies down there though...”
Ok, that would have been helpful to know from the start.

As Toxic made his way to the elevator, the guard followed, carrying a bag, to which he deposited next to him.

“Here's some specialized biohazard gear, not sure if you brought your own.”

This guy had to be REALLY new.

Toxic just nodded to the guard thankfully, stepping inside the elevator as he lowered his saddlebags to the floor, pulling the offered gear inside with him. He then tossed a dark grey box to the guard, a few red lights visible on the strange device's surface.

“I wi-ll s-send. Sur-vivors.” He stuttered.

The last thing the guard saw was the unicorn's eyes glowing with a strange green aura before the doors shut. The pony's voice still shocked him to the core. It hadn't had any focus on pitch or tone, and was as though he couldn't control it varying in speed and intensity.

The doors clicked shut, the elevator waiting for instructions.

Finally, alone at last.

Inserting the badge to the appropriate slot, Toxic then began to sift through his saddlebags as the elevator clanked down to the lowest levels. If nothing else, his job never got old.

At least it wasn't various magical concoctions being regurgitated from a toilet this time. That had been a nightmare.

His horn began to spit a few sparks, then igniting into a dull white glow that surrounded Toxic's entire body. Perfect. With the detection spell running, he'd get a warning if any anomalous particles impacted the shield, and, if he was lucky, would get an idea of what he was dealing with.

Hazardous Waste and Magical Material Removal; an interesting job, to say the least.

There were only two other ponies with his specific job, and he wasn't terribly surprised by that. Hazardous Waste and Magical Material Removal was only for a select few. Toxic wasn't terribly surprised at getting called to this specific site, especially if the spill was corrosive. He always got the nasty jobs, but for good reason.

Lucky him. The pay was good though, and he enjoyed the excitement-

-CLANK-

Well, most of the time.

The elevators light's flickered, but thankfully stayed on. Guess it was on hoof the rest of the way.

Toxic focused for a moment, teleporting his clipboard and other non-essentials back up to the top of the facility, putting the donated respirator into his saddlebag. No sense in losing any of that. The clipboard was enchanted by the Princess herself; a rare gift and privilege, one he was eternally gratefully to her for. As soon as a few pages of paper were filled, they reset, eliminating the need for more materials. Not being able to communicate like other ponies took quite a long time to explain, and a lot of parchment, and so that had been a nice reprieve.

Toxic shook himself out of his thoughts, and focused on the task at hoof. He stepped out of the elevator and into the hallway. It had the same feel and color as a hospital; dull white walls, and blue glass lining a few small cubical areas. This was level three, and from the looks of it-

-POP-

Toxic felt something poke at his detection shield. Well, it wasn't as much of a poke, as it was a needle-like jab at his consciousness.

That wasn't good. He wasn't sure what the ponies down here were experimenting with, but it must have been rather...toxic.

He couldn't help but groan aloud at his own poor pun, then enhancing his detection shield before taking a few more steps. If there were traces of this stuff on level three, the containment systems must have failed completely. So much for a sealed ventilation system....

Toxic quickly backtracked as more needles jabbed at his mental awareness. Ok, that was enough of that. The laboratory appeared normal, plain white fluorescent lights shining off the white sterile walls and tile floor. It was this sense of normalcy that was almost more unnerving than visually seeing something wrong. All he had was his spells and senses to indicate that something was amiss. It wasn't bad enough to get through the respirator, but just the intensity of the reaction to his shield wasn't comforting-

'WHAP!'

Toxic let out a muffled shriek, backpedaling a few steps as something fell onto his face. His heartbeat returned to normal as he looked at the banner, the flimsy cord holding it to the ceiling having snapped.

Take your child-to-work day! Please keep all activities on levels three and above!
The banner was written in pink marker on a simple off-white background. Child-to-work day?

Not good. He had to hurry. What if there was a filly down here?

Toxic took a minute to pause, collecting his thoughts. The thought that a filly or colt could be down here terrified him. The white aura around him shimmered, lessening in intensity. He hadn't needed to use this spell for a while...

The white light began to brighten, distinct shapes visible across his body. His natural resistance to chemicals would do the trick, but only to a certain extent. The substance wasn't in enough concentration here to do any physical harm, but as it increased, that much wasn't guaranteed. He would need that heavy-duty respirator before long.

Light continued to dance across his dark blue fur, forming into semi-solid plates that covered his entire body. The armor was an adaptation of a protection spell, and had taken quite a bit of time to perfect. The end result though, was a complete shield against harm. Not so much a spear flying at one's head, but anything that would dissolve a hoof or burn flesh was instantly negated, in theory. Quite ingenious really-

“Help! A-anyone there?” A filly's voice echoed down the hallway, stuttering slightly from fear.

Toxic instantly galloped down the misty hallway, following the faint voice that led him down a few twisting corridors. Skidding around a corner, he came to a small office area, chairs and papers strewn across the floor. Toxic looked under a few of the desks, but only found some staples and more papers. Where was-
Oh.

Two large light-blue eyes looked back at him, and Toxic found himself confronted by a terrified filly, no more than eight or nine years old. Her flank devoid of any cutie mark, her fur was a dark green, and she sported a bright blue mane. Eyes still wet with fearful tears, she was curled into a ball beneath one of of the desks, shivering slightly. Thankfully, a large bag-like object covered her head; an emergency escape helmet. Thankfully, this was the last unsecured level, and such devices were plentiful.

They stared at each other for a few seconds, and Toxic mentally kicked himself for leaving the clipboard. It would take too much energy to teleport it back now...

“Help. M-me?” The tiny filly squeaked.

The fact it was a question, and that the filly's orange eyes were filling with tears, was more than Toxic could bear.

“Yo-u'll. B-be.Ok.”

The filly's eyes widened even further as Toxic's voice echoed around the offices. It was halting and broken, fluctuating between pitches, but understandable.

“Ok.”

Toxic fished into his saddlebag, and handed the small earth pony a small disk, which pulsed a comforting purple.

“Tel-eport. Y-you. Safe.”

He pressed the large violet button in the middle of the grey metallic disk, which began to flash at an ever-increasing speed. The filly then ran forward, giving Toxic's light-armored leg a hug.

“T-thank you mister.” She whispered, just before disappearing in a flash of white light.

Toxic resumed his route, finally making it to the staircase which led to the lower levels. After swiping the security card at the door leading to the secured levels, he paused. He could sense the air getting thicker with...something. It would have caused any other pony to choke, but it was but a foul taste in his mouth. So far so good, but if it got any worse, he wouldn't be able to handle it. If only he was as resistant to chemicals on the inside as he was the outside.

Time for the heavy-duty filters then.

He dug out the appropriate mask from his saddlebag, and enjoyed a breath of not-so-nasty air, before continuing on to the lower levels.

Entered the workplace without too much hassle, and warm glow in his heart from saving a filly. Not a bad start to the day.

Author's Note

Feedback appreciated! I am always seeking to improve. *brohoof*

*edited* I added a few things, clarified a few points...
OH! And thank you to Vanost for providing some professional insight on how to REALLY handle a hazmat situation! As well to all the users out there willing to review my work ^_^

Chapter Six

The night had noticeably darkened by the time Toxic snapped out of his thoughts. Thankfully, the ink and parchment were enchanted to glow slightly, as to aid in writing at night. The past hour or so the dark blue stallion had just watched the water, and the nighttime critters edging into the park for a drink.

They had left about twenty minutes ago, but a couple had also looked at the view briefly, sitting at a distant edge of the lake. Toxic had opted to focus on the willow tree for the time they were here, both out of respect, and the fact a dull pain had entered into his heart. No doubt if he had been in a normal frame of mind, the sight would have sent him close to tears.

Curse his sensitive heart.

He didn't know what else to write, but decided that a few final words would wrap up the night.

Well, I guess that's all for tonight. I have the next few days off, to rest and such. Maybe I'll practice my defensive spells, or...I don't know. I haven't felt like doing much, other than my job, for so long. I'd give up these three days of leave time, no, ALL my leave time, all the time I have, to be able to feel again.

Toxic paused, letting the wind whip through his mane.

This is goodbye then. Thank you for listening, even if I never get to say these things to you.

The words faded, leaving a familiar blank parchment. He was about to put it away, when something caught his attention. It started as a simple line, but quickly moved like dark snakes, branching across the paper, forming words.

Toxic Shield.

Toxic's eyes narrowed with annoyance. This wouldn't be the first time someone had breached the enchantment of the parchment to write things to him, often not-to-pleasant things. Quite a low prank if he did say so himself....

Look up. Then to your right.

Toxic did, at first seeing nothing but the serene lake scene before him. He turned to his right-

And saw a dark blue alicorn sitting a few feet away, focused on a parchment floating in front of her.

His heart rate skyrocketed as, out of reflex, turned to his parchment again, more writing appearing.

Hello there, Toxic Shield. My name is Princess Luna. You can look over again, I don't bite, despite what you have heard about Nightmare Night.

Author's Note

I know, short chapter. It ended best there however.
Next chapter posting at the same time to make up for it!

Chapter Seventeen

“Sister, he needs more time, especially now.”

Celestia sighed, shaking her head wearily, returning inside after sending the sun on its nightly course downwards.

“I know Luna, I know. If something comes up however, I have to send him. Relationships have deteriorated completely, especially with the Council's fiasco that destroyed our research facility. The griffin separatists are still as volatile as ever. We need to secure some sort of connection with the main nation, and soon.” Her voice carried the weariness of hundreds of peace talks, and multiple visits to the large province.

“You think Toxic Shield is your solution? He has enough in his life to deal with as it is! We don't believe it wise to send him alone to the facility.”

For the first time that day, Celestia looked up to her sister, a soft smile on her face.

“I won't Luna. I have another pony in mind, one who has worked in the griffin nation before. I would also request that you accompany them.”

Two days, almost a full week since he had arrived in Ponyville. The past two days though, had been different.

Very, very different.

Toxic put the water sample into his saddlebag, pausing for a moment as his thoughts spun around inside his head. Two days ago, he had met Sky Duster. Knowing that she was safe and sound relieved a tension he hadn't known existed. She was fun to be around, and they had chatted for a good hour or two after he had finished explaining the workings of the water-monitoring device.

He had never done that before...

His eyes slammed shut, as though to block out the darkness that spilled into his mind. No, that wasn't true. Only one other time had he been so at ease upon first meeting another pony. That time had been strangely similar to this. Those years ago, she hadn't seemed to mind his speech patterns, and actually appeared to enjoy his company.

And we all know how well that turned out, don't we?

Toxic left his bags near the stream, speeding up to a quick canter as he aimed towards the Everfree forest. If he was going to vent, then he had to be far away from Ponyville.

He broke into a full gallop as the more-recent memory flooded back. It was so simple, foalish really...

A hug.

That was all it had been, yet somehow that simple gesture had torn through the barriers Toxic had placed around his heart. It had been brief, less than a minute, but having Sky Duster's forelegs wrapped around him...

There was a faint pulse in his chest, like a candle struggling to be lit. It flared briefly, the strange warmth pushing a few tears out of his eyes as Toxic dove into the edges of the everfree forest.

Only on the darkest of nights had he felt this comforting warmth, the knowledge that someone cared. For years after... she made her feelings known, the heavens hadn't even bestowed him that comfort, and now...

Now this curious mare had ignited a dangerous thought in his mind, one that threatened the stability everyone saw day to day.

Toxic stopped, looking around. He could see the light from the field through the trees, so he was still within running distance, should anything happen.

Not that he would run. Not now.

He charged up his magic, wanting nothing more than to burn through his magical reserves, to feel exhausted. The armor materialized over his frame, the beam of deadly light materializing in front of him.

His thoughts continued to boil as he hacked through the undergrowth methodically, leaf by leaf, branch by branch.

She had come to visit.
It must have been Pepper who told Sky his other sampling locations, there wasn't any other way she could have known. He had been testing the water samples on another stream a few miles north...

A day and a half ago....

“Hey there Toxic!”

His eyes widened as the familiar mare's voice reached his ears.

“S-sky Dust-er?”

She smiled, nodding an affirmative. Her saddlebags were filled with what Toxic assumed to be groceries, and her bright smile was rather infectious.

“Yep! I was on my way back from the market, and....umm. Pepper had told me you were sampling the water here and I was wondering if you'd be alright with explaining more of what you do if it isn't too much trouble I dont-” Sky's mouth snapped shut, a blush rising to her cheeks.

“Sorry. Started to ramble there...”

Toxic was still surprised by how cute Sky looked when she blushed, let alone appeared embarrassed.

“N-no probl-em. I c-could te-ll you mo-re, if y-you wan-ted.”

She quickly sat down, eyeing the vial in his magical grip curiously.

“I'd certainly be interested.”

The memory blurred there. Talking about his assignment had taken only a few minutes. The following hour or two had been spent chatting about everything else. What bothered Toxic, no, what scared him, was of how easy it was to relax around this mare.

An angry snarl split his face as he bisected a withered tree with the blade of light. It was a foalish crush, nothing more. How could it be anything more substantial?

Dare he think it was anything else?

A foul smell then reached his nostrils, accompanying a low growling.

Timberwolves.

At any other time, he would have fled, but emotion clouded his thoughts, dulling any possible fear of the creatures. There were three of them, edging from the shrubs towards him.

He turned to face them head-on, the magical aura around him brightening, matching the powerful emotions that refused to be silenced.

How could she have so easily led him on?

How could he have been so blind? It was so obvious now.

She had used him.

Pitied him perhaps.

Acted like his friend, like she cared.

A timberwolf lunged, but was caught mid air. Toxic let out a rage-filled yell, slamming the creature into a nearby tree, snapping off a few of its limbs. It had hardly begun to reassemble before it was hurled off again, this time shattering into shards.

Had been there to quiet his fears, only to snicker at them behind his back.

She laughed at him, when his back was turned.

She thought he was weak.

She had underestimated him.

Another lunged, and like the first, was stopped mid-air. This time Toxic savagely tore it in half, then dashing each piece against a tree. It would take hours to reassemble.

Which left one.

This one got closer, this time held off by Toxic's magical grip on its claws. It snapped its jaws close to him, not a pony-length away. He walked close to it, enough to feel its fowl breath on his face. Toxic met the timberwolf's feral gaze with his own.

She had gloated of how foolish he had been.

Torn him down behind his back.

And when he needed someone to be there...

She had thrown everything in his face.

The creature roared, but Toxic didn't even flinch.

He narrowed his eyes, and screamed back.

It bore all the hatred at life, the agony and sorrow that had stayed pressurized inside his heart. The betrayal by the one pony he had dared to trust. The fear that the insults others said were true. The ache of a family he couldn't confide in.

He screamed at the creature until the timberwolf's eyes had shrunk with fear, and its limbs began to shake slightly, instinct telling it to run.

He screamed until he had nothing left.

His emotions spent, Toxic hurled the beast over the treetops, not caring where it landed.

The unicorn's armor slowly faded, and he slowly began to walk back to his testing equipment, sweat dotting his flank. One question lingered in his mind.

Would Sky Duster do the same?

What he didn't see, was a pair of amethyst eyes wide with shock, and a pony trotting quickly away from the edge of the Everfree forest.

Pepper was tending to a few seedlings in her front yard, when she heard a voice ring out across the countryside.

“Pepper!”

Sky skidded to a stop next to her friend, waiting a few moments to catch her breath.

“You are not going be believe this...”

After rinsing off her muddied hooves, Pepper lay on the couch as Sky related the past hour to her. As time went on, Pepper's jaw dropped with shock.

“W-what? Are you saying he took on three timberwolves?!”

Sky nodded, her gaze now shifting to her hooves.

“Well, at least now we know he's...unstable.” Pepper couldn't keep the sadness from her voice. Toxic had seemed so nice.

Her eyes then met Sky's, and any further words died before they reached Pepper's lips. It was just a glance, but there was a darkness in her friend's gaze.

“Sky, are you ok?”

“You have never been depressed, have you?”

The response to Pepper's comment was instantaneous, and carried a fair bit of loathing. The hidden edge in the mare's voice made Pepper shrink back slightly, eyes wide with shock. Sky then shook her head briefly, looking over to her friend.

“Sorry Pepper, you didn't deserve that.”

The mare nodded, sliding closer to her friend.

“Sky, what aren't you telling me?”

The light-blue unicorn let out a sigh, settling her head on her hooves.

“Something is wrong with him.”

Pepper couldn't help but let out a snort.

“Well duh. He took out three timberwolves, one of which he screamed at.”

She then snapped her mouth shut as Sky's gaze hardened briefly.

“Not like that, Pepper. I mean, he's sad.”

Her friend couldn't help but raise her brow at that comment.

“Umm, Sky? He sounds angry, really, really angry. More like a mental case than sad.”

“Will you STOP with those comments!”

Sky's voice rang out across the small room, shocking her friend into silence. Pepper saw Sky's expression soften, a few tears trickling from her eyes.

“I'm sorry Pepper. I'm sorry....”

Now truly worried, Pepper scooted next to her childhood friend, putting a foreleg around her shoulder.

“Sky, what in the world is going on?”

The blue unicorn raised her eyes to Pepper's, jaw clenched with emotion.

“Pepper, I've been there. I've been that sad and angry before.”

She stayed silent, a squeeze on the shoulder urging Sky to continue.

“I can't explain it. Telling it to you, of course he sounds crazy. Being there was...different. Goodness Pepper, he was crying. The look on his face...”

Pepper found her friend's face buried in her shoulder, a few soft sobs emanating from the unicorn. Between shaky breaths, Sky managed to finish.

“He looked like I did, when I was at my lowest. When my parents forgot...”

She shook her head, then glancing up to Pepper.

“I can't tell you what I've been through these past few years Pepper. There has been some happy moments...but so much pain.”

Pepper held her friend close, rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.

“You don't have to tell me. I'll love you all the same.”

–

The two mares stayed huddled on the couch for a while, but it was Pepper who finally broke the silence.

“You should talk to him.”

That got Sky's attention.

“What?!”

Pepper looked over to her friend, shrugging slightly.

“Talk to him. Jeez, you've been more than happy to chat with him for a few hours the past few days, why not again?”

Her friend's response was a simple sigh.

“I can't just go up to his door. Hi there, I saw you freak out in the Everfree forest, want to talk about it?”

Now it was Pepper's turn to be silent for a moment.

“Well...meet him at the pond.”

Sky simply blinked with surprise.

“Pond?”

“Toxic Shield asked if he could come by some nights and look at the ponds. He said it helped him relax. The big one. Two minutes walk from the pond you usually go to at night.”

Sky's shocked gaze just caused her friend to shrug.

“I've seen you leave at night, so I know something is going on.” Pepper smiled as her friend wrapped her forelegs around her in a hug.

“Thank you Pepper. I'll try to explain everything-”

A hoof pressed itself gently to her mouth, Pepper shaking her head at Sky's words.

“Just because you're my friend, doesn't mean you have to tell me everything.”

Another hug was Sky's response.

Author's Note

Hope you all liked it! As always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Twenty

The sun shone off the mountains, large craggy things devoid of any greenery. Their brown color contrasted, but seemingly fit the dull grey structure nestled at its base. The border between Equestia and the griffin territories was a strange one, both in weather patterns and in looks. It was a desert on their side of the border, but that quickly changed into a lush and dense forest once one cleared the mountains. Through some conundrum of magic that nopony but Celestia understood, the griffin's weather, night, and day, all were like that in the Everfree forest- automatic and unchecked.

The blocky laboratory building was built from solid grey stone, a single spire reaching skyward, a strange red glow pulsing from the tall edifice. The walk up to the doors was a short one, up a set of large stone steps. The stone doors swung inward on silent hinges, and the two ponies followed Princess Luna inside, taking comfort that the alicorn seemed less nervous than they.

“Welcome, Princess Luna, and to you two as well. My name is Osfrid. If you will just follow me, I'll show you to where everyone is waiting.”

Luna smiled, nodding to the griffin, who appeared to have been waiting just inside the door for them. He was about the same size as the princess, about average for a griffin. Osfrid sported dark brown fur and white feathers, the most common colors among their race. There were black feathers that streaked his breast and forearms, giving him quite an exotic look.

What caused Toxic and Sky to stare was the fact Osfrid was clad in intimidating black armor, a pliable breastplate and greaves adorning his figure. A few smaller bits of metal led down to his claws, and a strange crystal-tipped metal baton hung from a latch on the lower part of the breastplate. The large room they stood in was obviously the meeting area, the receptionist's desk empty. The grey stone took on a more bluish-crystal tint as they ventured down a series of winding hallways. No fewer than seven doors stood in their way, apparently security checkpoints. Soon voices could be heard echoing from around a final bend, the stone finally shedding its grey color to a full blue crystal shine.

“...know they should have been here sooner. As soon as Osfrid gets his rump back here-”

The conversation stopped abruptly as the small party rounded the corner. They stood in a massive room, numerous wooden desks and tables apparently having been shoved to the side. Four elevator doors stood at the far end of the room, next to a larger door, probably the stairs. A group of five scientists, three griffins and two stallions, stood talking next to a large and complex-looking diagram. Five familiar royal guards also stood at attention, apparently having followed Luna and the two unicorns the entire time.

“Ironeye!”

The largest of the griffins present, grey feathers lining his head-crest and chest quickly turned at the sound of Sky's happy cry, a wide smile on his features.

“Sky Duster? I don't believe it!” Ironeye's deep voice rang off the crystal walls.

The two quickly dashed over, the smaller pony quickly enveloped by the griffins's hug.

“My goodness...it's been years! How have you been? My family will be so happy to see you...”

The older scientist chuckled, running a set of claws through his headfeathers as he shook his head.

“Listen to me ramble. After this is over, you must come by and say hello to everyone. First however, is business.”

He then turned to Toxic, nodding in greeting.

“Ah, and you must be....?”

Toxic opened his mouth to respond, but Luna beat him too it.

“His name is Toxic Shield. He'll be the one dealing with your problem.”

A shape moved beside the princess, and Toxic's eyes widened. A female griffin of average size sat next to the alicorn.

That must be Luna's aid...

She had a dark tan fur coat, with grey and black feathers speckling her chest and forearm feathers. Her eyes sent a slight chill down Toxic's spine as she glanced him over, and he felt much more like....

He was in the presence of a predator.

Thankfully, Doctor Ironeye sidled up next to the unicorn and indicated a table across the room with a claw. Toxic followed the scientist obediantelly, still feeling the gaze of Luna's aid burning into the back of his head. He was then snapped back to the present as Doctor Ironeye began speaking.

“Toxic Shield eh? Well, the mark on your flank is a biohazard symbol, so I'll assume you're up to the task. Follow me, and I'll explain the layout and what you need to do. It's rather simple really...”

Osfrid's tail swished back and forth as he watched the group, his companion sidling up beside him.

“You seem tense. What's up? Usually you're the one all...bouncy. Also, what's with the extra gear? The princess has her security, and this Toxic fellow will handle the spill. Problem solved.”

Osfrid's amber eyes flickered over the group, his fellow security guard only clad in a simple breastplate waiting for an answer patiently.

“I don't like it Eadric. Something is wrong. I don't know what, but...it just doesn't feel right.” The griffin's usually peppy tone was low and cautious, setting off more than one warning bell in Edric's mind.

“The place is locked down tight. Tail feathers Osfrid, nobody even knew about this visit!”

Osfrid looked over and saw Toxic Shield donning some protective gear, then setting down a strange crystal device near one of the elevators.

“I'll be right back.”

It was a long ride down.

The elevator was descending at a painfully slow rate, but about halfway down was when Toxic gained an appreciation for the pace. At first, it was just hard to breath-

Then he smelled melting plastic.

Tearing the respirator off his face, Toxic quickly encased his head in a magical bubble, taking a breath of the enchantment-filtered air.

A strange sensation then washed over him, like things were-

The unicorn blinked, looking down at his hooves as the remnants of the biohazard suit finished dissolving.

Ick. This stuff IS corrosive...

His detection spell confirmed the obvious; the air was saturated with an acidic compound. It didn't seem to harm crystal or stone, but plastics and other such materials were dissolved.

His light-armor shimmering into existence around his figure, Toxic waited patiently for the elevator to arrive. With luck, corrosive air would be the biggest problem he'd face today. From what Doctor Ironeye had explained, the mix of chemicals was one that never should have happened in the first place. The levels of the structure were divided to prevent acids from mixing, among other things.

They were suppose to be working on a way to treat arthritis in both griffins and ponies. Either the Doctor was lying, or somebody had picked up the wrong beaker when mixing the chemicals.

Hopefully, it was all an accident.

Toxic exited the elevator without any further issues, despite the fact he fully expected a mutant worm, or something akin to that, to try and eat him at any moment.

After hearing what sorts of chemicals the scientists had been working with down here, he wouldn't expect anything less. There was just a strange feeling here...

The hallways were the same blue crystal color, and the lighting gave no indication he was twenty stories underground. Apparently, all he had to do was engage the safety systems. No fancy explosions to rupture some tanks, just flick a switch.

Then again, the hardest of tasks often had a seemingly simple solution, but usually a hidden catch. One time came to mind...

'Oh. Just turn off the water main, and then seal the leak.'

'Wait, that didn't work? Why are you covered in magical sewage?'

Stupid potion-spouting toilet. Grrr.... Deep breaths Toxic. Deep breaths.

This was just another job...

What had Dr. Ironeye said...two lefts, then a right? The blue crystaline hallways all looke the same. Was it left? Or...

Or the door marked 'emergency countermeasures. Duh.

Toxic entered the room, looking around at the rows of large, dull-green cabinets. Apparently, this housed all the emergency measures for this floor. From what he could sense, the room hadn't been contaminated by the nasty chemicals...yet.

He still kept his armor active, better safe than sorry.

Now then... which one was it?

A flick of the switch to manually override things, and the air in this floor, and two floors above and below would be flooded with a neutralizing agent.

After his encounter with that disgusting mayonnaise-gunk in Canterlot, this would be a nice change.

He stopped at number 4, opening the large doors-

And stared.

There were the usual switches, buttons, and readouts, all blaring warnings as they should be, but what caught Toxic's attention...

was the large, red crystal jammed into the center of the control panel, a strange symbol carved on its side.

Well that's not normal.

Time for the microphone.

Careful to keep it inside his protective spell, Toxic continued to stare as he activated the communication's device.

“H-ello?”

There was a flurry of voices, but then Ironeye's shoved them aside.

“Toxic? What is wrong? Have you engaged the overrides yet?” The doctor's voice conveyed an understandable amount of fear and anxiety.

“A r-ed cry-stal. Lod-ged in cont-rol b-oard. S-tran-ge sym-bol c-arved in s-ide. Loo-ks l-ike a...pl-ant?”

A couple hundred feet above Toxic's location, Dr. Ironeye's eyes widened, any and all color draining from the griffin's face. His claws began to shake as he dropped the microphone, the full force of what was happening robbing him of all logical thought. The possibility had always been there, yes, but why now?

Why today?

“Doctor, what is wrong?”

The griffin turned to meet the princess's gaze, genuine fear piercing his heart.

“They are coming.”

The microphone having gone dead, Toxic shrugged, keying the selected switches. When in doubt, do the job. From what he could understand, the crystal didn't appear to be directly connected to any of the safety switches. Nothing appeared to be happening as the circuits began to whine, activating the suppression systems.

The red crystal then began to pulse, a low hum echoing through the room, throbbing with each flash of light.

Uh oh.

Toxic finally heard a hiss as the safety systems activated, but he had a feeling that the red crystal meant that something much worse was on its way.

A very strange feeling entered his heart, and his eyes began to flick left and right, magic surging through his mind. Something wasn't right. His armor flickered slightly, but then stabilized. A strange pressure was beginning to build in his forehead.

There was no response on the microphone as he trotted back to the elevator. Tapping the crystal to open the door, Toxic somehow wasn't surprised when nothing happened.

The lights went out.

Toxic wasn't afraid of the dark by any means. However, being trapped underground, in a confined space, and having a rather vivid imagination was never a good combination.

As fear started to set in, Toxic almost facehoofed as a sudden realization set in. He weaved together his teleportation spell and disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the underground labs behind. Toxic quickly reappeared outside the elevator next to the crystal grounding unit, back on the surface.

Haha! Dark creepy lab: 0. Toxic Shield: 1.

The situation that met his eyes however, was anything but laughable.

Princess Luna was in a heated discussion with a distraught Dr. Ironeye, Sky Duster standing beside the other scientists and Luna's aid. One of the security griffins was conversing with the five royal guards...

That's when he heard it. It was a strange whirr , slowly building in intensity. It seemed to be coming from the left wall of the room....

“H-HEY!”

Everyone stopped, Toxic's yell drawing their attention.

“W-what is th-at?”

Everyone in the room listened, slowly migrating towards the sound.

“We have not heard anything like it. Doctor Ironeye, is there anything behind this wall?”

The griffin shook his head, tapping the stone experimentally.

“About fifty feet of solid rock and magically strengthened crystal. I don't understand why there would be anything there.” Ironeye's voice was shaky, clearly betraying that something else was at stake other than a strange sound.

“W-what is g-oing on?”

Toxic had barely asked the question, when cracks began to appear in the crystal, bright white light emanating from the depths. He had barely back away, when the wall exploded.

Toxic felt his body slam into the opposite side of the room, and saw a flurry of figures in his vision. He heard screams, saw a magical bolts being tossed towards a newly-formed hole in the wall....

Then everything went black.

Author's Note

Tada!
I know, heart and hooves day and NOT a romantic chapter...shame on me.
However, this is a landmark chapter. From this point forward, the story splits.
You can either continue to follow Sky and Toxic,
Or...well, there are two other options. So, the next things posted will be two separate stories, spin-offs from the events in this chapter.