The Adventures of Thunder Strike and Ink Blot

Unfortunately for me, the excitement of catching up with Blot made my shift go by even more agonizingly slow. And still, nothing really interesting happened. By the time it was over, only ten ponies in all had passed me by, all clear. It was such a quiet and calm day. I guess I should be grateful for that though; as far as I knew, no pony got hurt or in trouble today.

Finally, four o'clock came, the moon shining bright in the clear, dark purple, starry sky. And right on the stroke and not a second later, two more guards marched up towards me and Fire Bolt.

I knew the drill. Keep looking ahead until they faced you. One black-furred stallion with green, serious eyes faced me, his hooves clicking with each sharp movement.

Three one-thousand, four-one thousand, five-one thousand,

Lift my spear,

Knocked on the floor twice,

Hold out spear for him,

With a firm grip, he takes it,

We gave each other a sharp salute,

Step aside,

He steps in,

I walk away. Fire Bolt is right behind me. We know it better to keep our armor on until we find a more private place to take it off.

"Not bad for our first day, huh Thunder?" Fire smiled at me, gruffly elbowing my side. He was tough, like all of us, but still playful.

"Yep. I guess we did good today," I nodded.

"Jeez!" He continued. "I am so freakin' stiff!" He flexed and stretched his arms and legs as he walked. "I had no idea we were going to be sitting around for that long!"

Thinking about it, I was pretty stiff myself. I would stretch when we got back to the barracks.

"And who would have thought you'd run into your old friend here of all places?" He went on.

"Yeah, shocker isn't it?" I replied, a little apathetically. "So what are you gonna do until your next shift?"

"I'm gonna hit the hay!" He replied in a smooth voice. "I don't know about you, but I've had enough thrill for today." He chuckled a little. "And this armor is killing me!"

"Hmph," I smirked, trying to sound like a laugh. It's always nice to have a guy with high spirits in the corp, the kind that could take even the bleakest situation, and make us all laugh a little. But of course, that kind of pony always got annoying at some point.

We were soon back at the barracks, where many other guards were sleeping. We quietly made our way down the hallway, past the white brick walls and the red tiled floors, until we reached our platoon's quarters, which was clearly labeled.

Inside, it didn't look that different from the barracks in the academy. The walls and floors were a little nicer, more elegant, but not much. The rows of beds all looked the same. The same colorless mattresses and blankets. Granted though, the black bars looked sturdier. A few dimly-lit lanterns hung from the low ceiling, giving off some light. Looking around, some of the thirty six beds were taken by some colts, some I recognized, either asleep or taking off their armor for the day.

"Good night, mate!" Fire Bolt whispered happily as he hovered over to what must have been his mattress. He checked the name card that was posted on the bed. It must have been his bed, because he nodded, then sat right down, and started taking off his armor.

I stepped in and looked around for whatever bed might have my label on it.

I found it quite quickly, to my delight.

I looked under the cot and found my foot locker, my pack, and extra trunk that we were all given to keep our non-essentials.

I slowly took off my armor, using my hooves rather than my magic. We had been trained to rely on our bare hooves just as much as our magic horns.

I actually did want to use my hooves for this; to feel the weight, and the shiny metal. I took a second to look over my helmet as I took it off, turned it so I could see my faint reflection, felt the soft, red brush at the top. It was still kind of hard to believe this was mine; I earned it. I was a sergeant of the guard.

I continued to take off the rest of the armor; the torso, then the horse shoes, then my shiny red sergeant insignia, and put them away beside my trunk under my mattress.

While down there, I pulled out the trunk. This trunk held all my personal items. Of course we did not have much in our careers, but we each got a small hard trunk to keep our stuff in. My trunk held my diary and pen, some toiletries, a few bits in case I ever needed them, some other small knick-knacks, and a folded-up cape.

I knew that sergeants would get better stays than privates; they were given their own small rooms. This would probably be my last night with the privates.

Using my magic, I levitated my cape out of the trunk and unfolded it. Fine black velvet outside, red on the inside, with a turned up collar and a silver chain to hold the neck together. It was just like the ones that aristocrats wore, or the kinds that high-class villains and monsters in plays. I remembered my father had given this to me one year for my birthday.

It was really intended for more formal occasions, but I figured I would wear it tonight and show Blot. He'd be impressed, or possibly intimidated even.

I slipped it on and buttoned it before heading out the door.

I walked through the streets of Canterlot, watching as the other ponies were out and about, going about their evenings, leaving work, off to dinner, strolling down the streets. I must admit it felt odd walking amongst civilians. It did every time I left the perimeters.

I liked a good chance to wear my cape just for fun. It always gave me a sense of pride, made me feel important. I strode past a few other fancy, high-class ponies who wore similar capes, I remember. It was a rather cold night as well. Glad I had that cape to keep me warm.

At last, I came to an intersection, and at the corner, the quant, calm, two-story building called Martini's Pub. I pushed into the circular door into the familiar scene. Yes, I had come up here a few times with some other guards when we had some time off.

A large room with dozens of tables, a few booths on the far wall. The walls covered with all kinds of framed pictures. Lanterns hanging from the ceiling. One pony playing soft piano close to the entrance. Waiters coming in and out of the back room carrying appetizers and snacks. In one corner there were two pool tables, two ping-pong tables, and a fooze ball table, and a couple targets for darts on the wall. Along several tables were clusters of ponies drinking, chatting, or playing cards.

Martini stood at the bar, filling a glass of tap cider with for one pegasus. I knew him. He was a very friendly guy, tall and orange earth pony, his black mane combed back nicely. He always payed attention and got to know his returning customers. I may stop by the bar and say 'hi' to him later.

But first, I noticed a certain short grey pony sitting alone at one table, a bottle of Applejack Daniels and two empty glasses with ice at his forelegs, as well as a bowl of something else I needed to get closer to see. Seeing him alone like that reminded me of the old trick I loved to play on him when we were little.

I thought of doing it now, but it may leave a burn mark on the floor, and draw a lot of attention to us, and we just wanted a quiet get-together here.

So I just crept closer to him, carefully, and tapped him on the shoulder, and dodged to the other side as he looked. His head turned back towards me and-

"Boo!"

"Woah!" Blot drew back, a look of pure shock on his face.

"Haha!" I laughed, "Got ya! Just like old times, huh man?"

"Yeah, jaja," Blot replied sarcastically as I took my seat. "Really missed that old thing."

"Oh, come on," I giggled, gently punching his foreleg, "Get a sense of humor already!"

His smiled returned though after that.

"Right. It's just good to see ya." He gestured the bowl before us. I saw that it was filled with tortilla chips and three dipping sauces. "So I got us some chips to snack on. We got here, uh, some salsa, bean dip, and uh- guacamole. I know you use to have a thing for beans, so I thought you might like that."

"Super!" I smiled. "You still remember that, huh?" I levitated a chip from the bowl, dipped it into the brown bean dip, and popped it into my mouth, savoring the creamy flavor.

"Yeah of course. I-I mean how could I forget you, ya know? Oh, I got us something to drink too." He gestured the bottle.

"Sweet!" I nodded. I levitated the bottle and our two glasses. I moved them all quickly and precisely, pouring the whisky without spilling a drop, then let his float back to him.

"I really shouldn't drink too much of this," I continued. "We have rules on how much we're allowed to drink."

"Oh, I totally understand," Blot nodded.

"I'll just have maybe this one glass and if I'm still thirsty, I'll get some water."

"Sounds good."

"Again, you don't mind paying, right?"

"Oh yeah, sure."

"Thanks mate."

"Hey, um-" He raised his glass. "Here's too, um... to um-"

"Being back together?" I answered for him. "Good health?"

"Uh- yeah. Those things!"

I reached across the table and clinked my glass against his before pulling back and sipping up half of the burning liquid.

Once I finished, I set my glass town and turned back to Blot. "So, how have you been?" I asked, popping another bean-covered chip into my mouth. "What's it been now? Six years?"

He took a breath and started. "Well, after we finished school, I went on the University of Canterlot for two years where I studied journalism. Things were going okay there. After that, I started looking around for places to work at; good papers, you know? It was kinda hard. Well, first for about three years, I worked Equestrian Geographic."

"Equestrian Geographic?" I repeated. "No way! That's incredible! So you got to travel all around Equestria? Cover ground? See some neat places?"

"Yep. I've seen some nice places. Been around with the rest of the crew. It was pretty fun. And then after that, I started writing for the Canterlot Gazette. That's where I've been the past year."

"You mean to tell me you quit working for Geographic? It seems like such a good job for you! Why would you leave?"

"Traveling was really cool, but, um... you see I didn't want to keep writing about scenery and nature for the rest of my life. I wanted to write about bigger things. That's why I went more into newspapers and journalism. And- and besides, things could get a little... ya know... dangerous."

"Oh, yeah. I see."

"So as I was saying before, earlier I saw your graduation ceremony. I wrote up about it after I met up with you, and sent it to my editors."

"Really? Nice. But how did you get it to them so fast? Surely you didn't walk all the way down to your office and back."

"Nope. I used... well... ya know Ratchet Industries?" He snatched a chip from the bowl and dipped it in salsa before popping into his mouth.

"Huh? No. What's that?"

"Well ya see, there's this inventor in Manehatten named Ratchet who owns this company. A um... an inventing company. And a while back, he invented this machine that can instantly sent papers and documents from one box to another. I use that."

That sounded amazing. "Really? Wow! That's cool!"

"It's a revolution in the world of communications. It runs on magic right now, but he's working on it so that it can run on electricity. Ratchet's a pretty cool guy too. We-um met him one time while we were on a trip to the area of Manehatten."

"That's cool." I nodded as I took another sip of my drink. "So um... how's your family doing?"

"Well my parents are doing great. We send each other letters every once in a while to check up. They're supportive as ever."

"You mean they're not in Canterlot anymore?"

"Nah. They- um moved to M-M-Manehatten. They said they were tired of this place. I think they're gonna retire soon too."

"Cool. And hey, how about your sister?"

"Abacus?"

"Yeah her. She still into numbers?"

"Oh yeah. She went on to working at this bank in Manehatten. I think she's like assistant manager now or something. So yeah she's doing great."

"Good. Glad to hear." And then I smiled as another thought crossed my mind. "How about you? Meet any mares lately?"

"Mares?" He stammered. "Well... ya see, um... nah. Not that much luck with mares. Got like... one or two dates in college, like one after that. None of them were really that into me though, ya know? And- and I didn't think I was ready for the-them either. Ya know? Wanna wait for just the right mare to settle down with, ya know what I mean... oh, I'm not a virgin anymore though, so give me a little cred for that."

I chuckled as I listened to his ramblings. "Oh, Blot," I smiled, "You haven't changed at all." I reached across the table and flicked him on the nose like I use to often.

He rubbed his nose and shot me an annoyed look. "I see you haven't changed either," He muttered aloud.

He reached for another chip and asked, "Alright. Your turn. How about you? How are things for you going?"

I quickly horsed down another chip before I began my story.

"Well, right after school, I enlisted for the Canterlot Guard, and I've been in training the past few years. The first four I spent as a private. It was really hard work, let me tell ya." As I said this, I remembered the days marching around the camp, both the hot, cold, and rainy. All the sweat that was poured out those days, how hungry I felt, all the times Valor spat on me.

"I remember interviewing Valor today," Blot stated. "He was very polite, but even then, he's a pretty intimidating guy. I-I hate to imagine what he's like during the drill sessions." He cringed.

"Oh, you don't know the half of it," I chuckled. I remembered one funny example I could give him.

"One time, there was this one trainee- Triumph, I think his name was... and he snuck a few chocolate-chip cookies into his hoof locker. Valor found out about it, and he was like 'What the buck are these, Private Triumph?' And then he went on about how it was our fault for not motivating Triumph enough. He made US do push-ups as penalty instead of him."

"Really?" Blot replied, wide-eyed. "That must have really sucked! That's not fair!"

"Well," I shrugged, "The point of it was to emphasize teamwork and learning that if one stallion bucks up, it could screw things over for the entire platoon. Besides, I'd take a little extra work-out over being chewed up by Valor any time!"

Blot took another sip and chomped down another chip before continuing. "Okay, so you were at the academy for four years. Then what?"

"Well, after I officially became a guard, we took on the standard guard duties, watching over the perimeters. Didn't get sent outside of Canterlot mostly though. And then after I became a private, I went into training to become a sergeant, and that's where I'm at now."

"Were you around for the changeling attack?"

"Unfortunately no." I hung my head in shame. I was so upset with myself for missing that. "We were out on a hike for training that day. And by the time we found out about it, the situation was already dealt with. You don't know how much I regret missing that!" I downed the rest of my drink.

"Don't worry about it," Blot smiled. "It's over. Every pony is safe. That's the important part, right?"

"Yeah. I guess. And hopefully I'll get to face off with those nasty buggers soon enough! I want a good chance to prove myself... to put my training and skills to the test!"

"I'll admit, I'm a bit scared of them. I mean for all we know, any one of these ponies here could be a changeling."

"That's unlikely. We've recently developed a spell that lets us detect Changelings. You can sleep safely, don't worry."

"Oh. Okay. Good. Thanks." He took a breath and decided to keep moving the conversation along. "So, how's a sergeant different than a private?"

"I'll get to command a small group of privates soon, and I get some more privileges," I smiled. "And hey, if you ever want an update or anything for your writing, come and talk to me. I'm sure my job will keep me updated on the big things going on around Canterlot."

"Oh, sure. Thanks. Appreciate it," he nodded. He poured himself more whisky before continuing. "Hey, um... by the way... do you remember that dream you had when we were little?"

"About me trying to become the next ruler of Equestria?"

"Yeah. You're not still following it, are ya?"

"Of course I am," I replied. "That's a major reason why I joined the guard; to try and get an in with royalty."

Blot shook his head. "Oh, no," He whispered.

"What? What about it?" I asked.

"Thunder, we're grown stallions now," He said. "I was hoping you had matured and seen how life works by now."

"Oh, I see what you mean," I said. "Don't worry about it. I already have a plan to reach my goal. It may take years, but I'll achieve it."

"Yeah? Well how does it go?"

"It starts off with me joining the guard. Now that I'm there, I plan to work hard, and be the best soldier I can be. I even signed up for all possible guard jobs should they be needed. Through my career, I'll rank-up, gain trust and acknowledgment from many ponies and allies, and you'll see where it goes from there. In my spare time, I also plan on spending some time in the royal library, going through books on magic, expanding my spell arsenal and exercising my potential. Who knows? One day I may even be as powerful as Princess Celestia! I mean I'm already pretty powerful. I know some basic unicorn spells you know, plus there's the basic protection spells that all guards know, and you know... my weather-control spells."

"Well, actually, you kinda need some experience in politics to be a king. To be honest, part of me was kinda expecting you to be a senator or something if I ever saw you again."

"High-ranking officers in the guard do actually get involved in politics," I countered. "I'll get my experience then. Besides, I wanted to go for a career where I would get to use my talent in magic. Something with action, you know?"

"And that is why another part of me expected you to join some weather team," Blot muttered.

"Nah. Pegasi are more suited for that than us unicorns." I still felt some pride when I said that, still knowing I was a unicorn, higher and greater than those simpleton pegasi. They're better than earth ponies though, I gotta say.

"Thunder," Blot continued, "you have to realize that sometimes, it doesn't matter how hard you work. Some things are just... out of reach to us."

I felt like he was talking to me alike a foal. I did not like that, especially not from such a little guy.

"Idiot!" I snapped. "I'm a stallion. I know how the world works I've seen plenty of it! I know some things are out of reach. But if you know exactly how to go about trying to grab that thing," I calmed down and a coy smile. He himself eased up, after being taken aback by my outburst.

"Sorry about that. Don't worry," I continued more calmly, "Like I said, I have a plan on how to go about reaching my dream. I'll keep you updated on it, and include you in on it as much as I can."

"Well... okay, if you say so," Blot replied, nervousness in his voice. "I just hope you know what you're doing..."

"Don't worry," I nodded. "I'm sure of it." And then another argument entered my head. "Look, you know Captain Shining Armor from the guard?"

"Yeah?"

"Him, a simple unicorn, no different from me, became the captain of the guard, AND married a princess. He's practically a prince now himself! If he can do it, surly I can do it!"

Blot fidgeted with his glass as my words sank in. "Well, I guess that's a good point there..."

I smiled and bit into another chip. It was so wonderful sitting here, catching up with Blot, enjoying this little snack he bought for us. Over the years, I had forgotten how much fun we had together. I had buried any thought of seeing him again a while ago, and tried to forget him. But here he was again, and now things could be just like old times again... of course with us living our grown-up lives now.

And I could not wait to possibly include him in my plan to take the throne. I knew he could be a big help to me. I would need his support.

I looked over behind me at the corner with all the games, and noticed a few ponies tossing darts at the target. The especially drunk ones kept hitting the wall.

I turned back to Blot. I sat up and and walked up to him, then gave him a pat on the back.

"Hey, come on," I murmured, "Let's play some darts."

"Huh? Okay. Sure." He got up from his seat and pushed in his chair as we walked over. I levitated our drinks and chips along with us.

Darts was one of our favorite games when we were little, I remember. Of course I tossed my darts with my magic, occasionally with my mouth. Blot... he always had this fancy way of throwing his darts. He would toss it, letting it twirl in the air, then catch it by the tail in his hoof, and then throw. And every time he threw like that, he almost always hit his target, right in the final ring before the bull's eye.

I use to joke that if he was not such a good writer, his cutie mark talent would have been darts, and his mark would have been a few darts, or perhaps a bull's eye.

And tonight he was just as good as back in the day. Maybe not as accurate as I remember, but I think that's mostly because of the whisky. He still almost always hit the target, often in one of the two rings closest to the bull's eye.

We continued to enjoy our game for about an hour, eventually joining some other colts, or switching to pool, before we realized how late it was, and he payed our check and we headed back to the palace.

He told me his room's location for whenever I wanted to stop by and see him.