A Hero's Days

A Hero’s Days

Chapter 1: Adversity

Twilight picked up several books with her magic and looked at the covers. “Thanks again for helping me out, girls. Usually I reshelve by myself, but I thought it would be a nice time to chat!” Rarity and Fluttershy both looked up from reading book titles.

“I’m just happy to help a friend,” Fluttershy meekly replied.

“Oh, Darling, it really is no trouble at all! I’m sorry about showing up so late, I was comforting Sweetie Belle again. You would think she would stop crying after three days, but given the circumstances, it is quite understandable. Oh the poor filly; out of all the worst things that could happen, this is the worst possible thing.” She emphasized the last statement with a hoof over her forehead in a stage like pose.

Twilight looked at the dramatic mare skeptically. “Rarity, it’s horrible what happened, but you make it sound like Dinky died! The doctor said she should come home from the hospital within a couple weeks. They also said it’s a miracle for her to be alive at all, let alone that she just has a few broken bones and a fractured bone.” Fluttershy cringed as the purple unicorn stated the injuries so matter-of-factly.

“Well Sweetie Belle did say the most peculiar thing this morning.”

“And what was that?”

“First, she said there was no way Dinky could not have seen the train coming, and she ran for the ball anyway.” Concern was written on the faces of both other mares.”But then she said after Dinky grabbed the ball, she just stopped. Then…” The listeners’ emotions became increasingly apparent as they attentively leaned forward. “…a yellow bubble popped up around her!” Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief and Twilight furrowed her brow in thought.

“But a protection spell can only be done by unicorns advanced in magic.”

“I’m well aware, is my dear sister so stressed out that she imagined this?!” The well read magician didn’t respond as she thought more about it, and the silence stretched on for an uncomfortable couple of minutes.

Fluttershy broke the trend by saying, “I don’t know how Ditzy will ever pay all those medical bills….being a single mother and all.”

“Yes, and I’m sure the low paying job as the mailmare doesn’t help either,” Twilight replied sadly, with her mind directed off the previous topic.

“Ideeaaa!” Rarity sung after a short silence. “I don’t know if you’re thinking what I’m thinking, darling, but we should hold a grand fundraiser for the pair!”

“I think that’s a great idea!”

“The ponies were really amazed with what you did for the princess and the delegates from Saddle Arabia. As much as I hated it, we could have a huge turnout for that….um if you don’t mind,” Fluttershy sheepishly suggested. The other two mares quickly agreed, and came up with plans for the event. Twilight would perform a complex magic show involving flying animals, Rarity would organize the rest since her organized friend would be all tied up, and Fluttershy would try very hard not to cry while her furry companions soared through the air. When the day was finished being decided (two weeks from the current date so Dinky could recover a bit), Rarity looked out the window.

“Oh my! If I am to show these plans to Ditzy, I simply must leave immediately.” Her friends new that she wasn’t exaggerating for once, for the pegasi were gathering clouds for a storm. The last couple of weeks didn’t get as much rain as was required so this was supposed to be rather powerful tempest. She said goodbye to her friends and walked out the door of the library. The clouds wouldn’t even begin to drizzle for a couple more hours, but Fluttershy and Twilight didn’t have to know that. After all, she didn’t want to ruin her luxurious mane!

~

Rainbow Dash once again flew with her comrades, the Wonderbolts. It was a beautiful day: no wind to inhibit flying, perfect weather, and the ever worshipping teammates always asking for autographs. Dash almost had to beat them off with a horseshoe because they wanted so much attention! She smiled as she flew downward as the first step in their fairly new signature trick that was invented by the best flyer on the team (Guess who that is!?), except when she looked to the side, they were not in position. The cyan mare laughed to herself about how the team would be nothing without her always leading them on.

“Guy’s? Aren’t we supposed to do that insanely awesome stunt now?”  Her smile melted as it was realized no other Pegasus was in sight. “Um, guys?!” A train’s whistle blasts through the now dark scene, and unruly wings snapped to their owner’s sides in bone chilling fear. The weather status quo had gone from the background of a happy painting to what seemed like a personalized hell.

Looking down, Rainbow saw a scene in which a unicorn filly desperately held her a ground. A unicorn filly with a life to live, and a loving parent, and undiscovered dreams, and much more to fulfill than an egotistical pegasus who only pretends that she may make something of herself.  Winds raged while tens of bolts of lightning came down, but the thunder was the sound of a train, and through it all the sound of mournful crying could somehow be heard. The only aesthetically colorful pony opened her arms to embrace the ground rushing to meet her. Tears and a cold sweat covered Rainbow Dash as she bolted upright in an unrecognized bed. Just a dream…

She pulled her right hoof half a foot before tension and rattling announced it was cuffed to a post behind her. Well this is kinky. Somepony outside the door must have heard the chain move, for the door knob turned as a deep and a masculine, accented voice (probably Saddle Arabian) called out, “I am coming in”.

The first thing Rainbow noticed was his strange attire: he wore white and puffed out clothes that had blue bands with golden buttons on the wrists. What seemed like a cape lay across his back and a large, round hat sat on top of his head. A blue feather stuck out in the middle, above a gleaming ruby. She jumped when the cape moved by itself, until it was concluded that he was a pegasus. This pony’s wealth and foreign status were apparent. The second thing she noticed about him was that he was incredibly handsome. His electric blue eyes were stunning with his sandy coat and hazel mane. Shaking those thoughts away, Rainbow looked to meet his gaze. “So you’re finally awake.” She merely blinked. “How are you feeling?” He looked genuinely concerned for a foalnapper who chains their captives to bedposts. The outsider smirked before he said, “Somehow, you were asleep for a full day and a half. You must be a regular sleepyhead or-“The angry mare cut him off.

“Or maybe it was because somepony hit me in the head with a shovel!” The stallion smiled wider as he got the reaction he wanted, but then grimaced.

“I deeply apologize for the actions of my servant; he thought you were attacking The Doctor so he did what he saw fit. That was no way to treat a beautiful mare, and once again I am very sorry. He is in my command so I’ll take full responsibility.” The not very book smart pegasus did know about servants of the royal family; partly because they were in a Daring Doo novel which were some of the only pieces of literature she read. Saddle Arabia was too far for the royal sisters to rule, so they instated a family to represent them. Every royal child born into that family is given seven ponies as guards that are specially trained to fight; some even say they get magically enchanted so their lives are entwined with their child. Once again his face actually looked truthful; who is this guy? A king?

Confidently moving forward the hoofcuffed limb, she inquired: “Well if you want to make up for it, how about you let me go?”

“I regret to tell you that, that’s impossible. My patron, who we call The Doctor, has given me strict orders to keep like this for another day until we clean up and renovate the safe house enough for you to roam.” Rainbow Dash wondered how rich this ‘Doctor’ would have to be to gain such absolute authority. “For now, the best I can do is ask: is there anything that would make you more comfortable?”

“What would make me more comfortable? How about you stop that annoying smile before I buck it off your face!” She was furious, but her grumbling stomach betrayed her. He visibly held back a grin.

“As you wish.” He turned to the door, took a couple steps forward, and stopped to say, “It’s just that, you remind me of someone… from another life,” before exiting. Was he coming on to her? With nothing to distract her, Rainbow’s thoughts once again were occupied by the little filly. The filly was dead, all because she was a lethargic fool; she was only fast from genetics, and napping was all she was truly good at. A pretend hero lived over somepony with her entire life to come by some cruel twist of fate. Maybe she didn’t deserve to li- “It seems the kitchen was fully functional all ready.” Colorful hair flew around as Dash shook the self-degrading thoughts from her head. A pony wearing a bow tie pushed a cart laden with breakfast and lunch foods. She figured it was late afternoon, even with the minimal light coming through the blinds.

“French toast: my favorite.” She smiled until her hoof was held back by the cuffs, reminding her of the present situation. The butler took the hint and put some French toast on a plate to set on the table next to her along with silver knife, fork, and a napkin. He exited the room, but left the cart within reach.

“If you don’t need anything else, I have some business to take care of.”

“There is one thing.” The stallion gave a ‘hmm?’ so she finished with, “your name.”

“Ganymede; Ganymede Sunstone. May I have the pleasure of yours?”

“No.” He chuckled and then left Rainbow to her own devices. She had planned on breaking out right away, but the plate of French toast was calling her name. The plate was messily gobbled down; not eating for almost two days can really make a pony hungry. She wiped her mouth then stuck the fork inside the keyhole on the cuff. Bringing a powerful hoof down several times, the prongs bent to fit the lock pins. It clicked open when she turned the fork with her mouth, and then let out a little laugh that it worked. Now to find a way out… Her ear pressed to the floor to look under the under it, into the hallway. There were surprisingly no guards so she tried to break down the door twice in vain. The barred windows would not budge and like hay she could bust through the wall. She remembered demolishing an old barn with smashing into it, but the once abundant energy wasn’t there anymore; it was utterly hopeless.

She sat on the bed, picked up the knife with both hoofs, and looked at her reflection in it. A second later it was thrown and stuck, quivering on the wall. Frustration over took and she rampaged around the room, tearing fabric, throwing the cart. The rage suddenly stopped as quickly as it came and tears streaked across her face as held in emotions from the previous hour were released all at once.

~

Derpy sat on a hospital chair, keeping her injured daughter company. She hadn’t left the room since the horrific accident because it wasn’t necessary with the kind residents of Ponyville bringing her and Dinky everything they needed. The Foal’s section of the medical facility was welcoming enough, but the protective mother did not want to leave her alone just yet.

The nurse stuck her head into the room and called out, “You have a visitor!” A snow white unicorn with heavy eye makeup stepped inside so Derpy put on a polite smile. Of course she knew the pony; it was common knowledge in town to know the Elements of Harmony by name and face.

She smiled back before greeting with “Hello Ditzy.” Without waiting for a response she rushed forward five steps to the bed and said “Hi darling, how are you feeling?”

Dinky happily responded: “Fine! Thanks for asking, Rarity. How’s Sweetie Belle?”

“She’s a little worried about her friend, but other than that she’s lovely.” She looked over the bandages on the filly. They covered the top of her head and all four legs, but only one cast was put onto a forleg.

Derpy wasn’t sure where the name ‘Ditzy’ had come from, but by some mistake roughly ninety percent of Ponyville referred to her as it. It started off with a small number of ponies, until the amount multiplied and she couldn’t correct them all. Acceptance sunk in even though close friends and family still said what she was born with.

Turning to face the mother, Rarity put on a more serious expression. “I was chatting with my friends, Ditzy, and we had a wondrous idea.” She paused until Derpy nodded her head. “We are going to hold a fundraiser to get you the money to pay off those hefty medical bills; a date was already picked and some performances will be held to attract philanthropists!”

The mare lowered her yellow eyes a little bit in shame. “That was very generous of everypony. I’m honestly grateful, but they are already covered.”

Rarity gasped. “Please accept it! Even if you already paid with your own bits, you still need to eat.”

Derpy shook her head and replied, “Oh no! It’s not like that. The Doctor, who was in charge of the ponies driving, has already made reparations for the accident. He gave a large sum of bits that covered it and more-a little too much, in my opinion.”

“A doctor? What was his name?”

“Doctor Forehoof, I believe. A gentlecolt, who was very apologetic; even rightfully so. He just left a suitcase of bits here and didn’t leave anything written. I think that was the first pony I’ve seen actually wearing a monacle.” Rarity opened her mouth to ask another question just as the door opened to admit a yellow filly with a pink bow on her head.

Dinky was the first to speak. “Apple Bloom!” She smiled sheepishly at her friends felicitous reaction at seeing her.

“Howdy, Dinky! I just came to check on you again.” This was in fact, her third visit after the accident only a day before.

“Mom, can you get me that thing for me?” Derpy gave a nod and reached into a droor to grab the baseball that somehow managed to stay undamaged. She passed it to her daughter who held it in her hooves for a second before holding it out to her friend. “Here you go, still good as new.”

Apple Bloom smiled broadly. “You kept it after everything? Thank you so much!”

“I remembered you telling me how important it was to get it back to your sister, so I ran after it when it was going to get crushed.” She hung her head and looked at the floor.

The filly’s smile diminished quickly. “You did that for…me? I-I don’t know what to say; now you’re hurt because-“

“No! Don’t blame yourself, Apple Bloom. I was the one who made that decision for me.” She leaned to whisper into a yellow ear. “And I don’t regret it at all.” Tears welled up in Apple Bloom’s eyes and she carefully hugged the injured unicorn around the bandages.

After a couple minutes of this, they separated and chatted until they lost track of time. Derpy and Rarity just watched; basking in the warm feelings the fillies radiated. “Oh my gosh, I need to get home before Applejack has a cow!” Dinky giggled at that for a bit before the friends exchanged remorseful goodbyes.

Derpy yelled to be careful as Apple Bloom walked out the door. Now, what were she and Rarity talking about? She couldn’t remember so she just thought about her beloved foal, and how lucky they both were for her to have survived, and even better- come out of the accident with minimal injuries. While still looking at her daughter, Derpy broke asked, “Rarity, can you please keep Dinky company while I get some things from the house; I would really appreciate it.”

The pretty white mare frowned at the brewing storm through the window. “Are you sure you can’t wait until after this vile weather passes?”

“That’s exactly it, I need to go before it gets too bad.”

“Go right on ahead Darling, we’ll be fine.” She said her thank you’s and kissed dinky on the forehead, above her horn. The nurse at the desk gave Derpy a curious glance as she walked out of the clinic.

~

Apple Bloom trotted down the road to Sweet Apple Acres as fast as she could. The wind kept pushing back at her, making her more tired than she already was with the wet cold sapping her energy. Celestia’s orb was impossible to see with the thick cloud cover. She had already gone a long distance, and once she reached about where they put up the cider stand, the lights of her house shone through the dark. Apple Bloom figured it was a good time to take a break since her destination was within sight. Not caring about getting dirty, she lay down on the ground. The door to the Apple family home opened up to let out AJ who instantly started trotting towards Apple Bloom. The filly cringed as she thought of how mad her big sister will be.

An especially strong wind blew water in her face, but she still didn’t have the will to get up. There was a cracking off the road next to her. “Apple Bloom!” Jeez I’ll be up in a minute she mumbled even though there was no way for the orange pony to hear. Once again AJ screamed her name, but this time desperation was evident. Another crackle sounded so Apple Bloom looked towards it to see a huge oak dangerously tilting towards her. Running the whole way was a bad idea because now stiff muscles wouldn’t obey her commands to move. Crack! The tree finally broke loose and was falling directly towards the filly that had just slipped when she finally got to her hooves.

Many things happened in those last few seconds before tree hit earth: Apple Bloom had shut her eyes in helplessness, but a second afterwards she was weightless with wind rustling her mane. Am I dead? She thought, until she realized she could still feel the rain. Opening her eyes she saw a dark form above her, taking her soul. No wait- it’s the town’s hero, Miss Mare Do-Well! They circled in the air twice before landing next to Applejack. The pony cloaked in shadows tipped her hat and flew away as quickly as she came.

~

A confident Ganymede sat with a friend inside his private chambers. He had removed his ceremonial clothing; that was only to impress ponies he was meeting for the first time. The well experienced player glanced at the black and white grid in front of him, before moving his Luna piece forward four squares. “I believe that’s check mate.” His friend looked up and shook his head from the other side of the table.

“That’s the fourth time in a row! I mean I always lose, but usually you give me a fraction of a chance. These last few times, you slaughtered my army and took my Celestia within a half hour each!”

“Sorry Lanturn, but I’m kind of antsy to see someone, and I only wanted to kill a little time.” The other stallion raised a bushy brown eyebrow.

“Eh? A filly I presume. That’s all fine and dandy, except for the fact that she’s in this town. They won’t really like us soon enough and you have to keep your priorities.” Ganymede sighed at the lecture, but took it all the same. Lanturn was one of his seven protectors and advisors, which merited respect.

“Well it’s even worse than that, you know that prisoner we took in yesterday around lunchtime?”

“Oh sweet mother of…You should be careful Mede. She’ll probably try anything to get out and you know what The Doctor said: we can’t let her go until we find the shrine.”

“I know, I know.” He got to his hooves.

“And where are you going?”

“I’ve taken it upon myself to watch our ‘guest’, so I’ll be checking on her now.” Without waiting for a response, Ganymede quickly left the room. Walking through the hallways was such an experience that everypony should be able to enjoy. The walls glittered gold with frames of fine artwork and the red carpet complemented the lavish décor. Trophies from across the world sat upon small display tables here and there.

He walked past a dark grey unicorn compulsively tilting a picture on the wall one way or another. His name Easy Fix matched what he always said about things having imaginary problems. For example, if something was not directly in the middle of a table, he would say ‘That’s an easy fix’ and spend five minutes trying to correct it. The other Servants called him a mad genius, because even with his quirks, there was no one with wisdom to rival his; Easy was one of the few ponies who could beat Ganymede at chess.

He kept walking until he heard the kitchen door shut next to him. The light was off so why… His mouth curved into a foalish grin as he charged in and illuminated the room. The fiery red pegasus inside let out a strangled gasp as he shook his yellow mane before trying to cover it up by clearing his throat.

“Ehem, you got me man.”

Ganymede let out a boisterous laugh and said, “I knew it was you stealing food again, Dragon Fang. You should really just get a big plate when the kitchens actually open.”

Dragon Fang, now smiling, responded with:”I already got yelled at twice for taking too much, and a couple days ago they didn’t mind in the least bit. Everypony must be still be mad at me for stopping that mare in her tracks.”

“Yes well, I forgive you because I understand your motives, but next time try not to hit such a pretty face.”

He smiled mischievously. “Ohhh so you’ve taken a liking to her, is that it?”

“It’s not like that…I mean..um –“

The other pegasus interrupted with, “Calm down, I’m just picking on you.”

“Thanks. I’m going to check on her now if you don’t mind.” The other stallion told him to go ahead, so Ganymede once again walked down the hall. For the remainder of the stroll, he wondered how the renovation team turned the interior of a broken down factory building on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest into a beautiful mansion so fast. Magic had its benefits with everything, and with building secret hideouts included.

He reached the heavyset door, but didn’t knock yet. Instead he thought of the mare of his past, and how alike she was to the rainbow colored mare inside. Sure, she wasn’t as colorful, but the same eyes and the same attitude made him compare them in his mind. If only she hadn’t…No. This won’t be thought about right now. Ganymede raised a hoof to knock, and already could hear her humorous responses and- wait, was that a sob? Opening the door, and fearing the worse didn’t ease his shock at all. A gasp escaped his lips as he took in his surroundings.

The curtains were torn down, the cart spilling its contents onto the floor from its side, and feathers from eviscerated pillows were everywhere. The flabbergasted stallion pushed the door open fully and a knife clanged to the floor on the other side. None of this chaos mattered once he saw the mare desperately crying in the middle of it all. She was laying down on her belly with one foreleg covering her face. Ganymede knew not of what caused her misery-she came across as too strong to break down when abducted by rich ponies who fed her well- but he wanted to fix it. She sat up when she heard him walking towards her. Her mouth opened but words did not come easily. “I-I-I’m..”

“Shhhhhh” He gave her a comforting embrace with his wings, but wasn’t sure what to say. “It’s okay, you’re safe.” She cried even louder so he opted to stay quiet and just hold her until the sorrows were washed away.