The Forgotten Queen

Chapter 7

A road, en route to Sweet Apple Acres

Iron quietly hummed to himself, feeling better about his ideas concerning the proposal. Rarity could be a bit overbearing when it came to suggestions, but her heart was in the right place. How strange it was that Fluttershy seemed to be a balance to such behavior. Iron chuckled to himself realizing what a good match those two were. It was a sunny day outside with very few clouds in the sky, so Iron was puzzled to find a small cloud right above him. From the said cloud dangled a multi-hued tail, accompanied by the sound of snoring.

“Must be Rainbow’s nap time…ugh her snoring could wake the dead.”

With a smirk Iron grabbed a hunk of mud and threw it at the unsuspecting mare, whose face was promptly greeted by said mud with a squishy splat. Rainbow nearly fell off the cloud in surprise muttering something about pies. Once she gained her bearings, she gently glided down to the ground next to Iron with a less than amused look gracing her muzzle.

“What gives Iron, I was trying to take a nap! I outa smack the stuffing out of ya for that!”

Iron snickered. “I’m sorry I just couldn’t resist. It was too easy.”

Rainbow’s expression lightened somewhat. “Meh…alright I enjoy a good prank sometimes, but just remember I’ll get you back someday.”

“I look forward to it.”

“Anyway, what brings you here Iron?”

“I was on my way back from Fluttershy’s house.”

Rainbow hovered above Iron. “Oh and why did you need to see Fluttershy?”

“Not so much Fluttershy, as Rarity. I needed her advice on something.”

“Why would you need her advice for anyway?”

“I intend to propose to Applejack and I needed to have a wo-mare’s perspective.”

Rainbow’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Wait a minute…you’re going to MARRY AJ?!”

“Umm yes, I mean it’s not like we just started dating or anything but…”

Rainbow flew in circles several times giggling. “That is SO AWESOME!! Do I get to be the best mare, or oh better yet I can plan the bachelorette party.”

“Whoa slow down, I haven’t even popped the question yet.”

“Ugh you gotta be kidding me! You haven’t? What the hay are you waiting for?”

“Well…you know how AJ is Rainbow, she might not be ready to commit. She has the farm and her family to consider.”

Rainbow sniffed. “Aaannd what makes you think that you aren’t family material? Sheesh if you haven’t figured that out by now you’re one thick-headed stallion. Besides Granny Smith has been putting the fire under AJ’s plot to make some grandfoals for years now.”

Iron stared at Rainbow, utterly dumfounded. “I had no idea, well that makes me feel a little better I suppose. You have to understand it’s still a really big deal! I-I’ve never been married before.”

Rainbow punched him lightly. “Everypony gets nervous about that. I’ve known AJ for years and there’s no way she’s gonna say no to ya. From the sounds of it you already have Rares and Flutters on your side, but just in case I’ll pitch my hooves in as well.”

Iron gave her a million bit grin. “Thanks Rainbow, I owe you a beer.”

“Blegh I hate beer, just get me a cider and we’ll call it even.”

“Maybe we could grab a few drinks af…”

Before he could finish his sentence, large grey coated griffon swooped down between them. Due to its more muscular build Iron assumed it must be a male. This particular griffon had grey colored wings as well, but they had red tips. His crest was an off white color, almost that of eggshells. His claws were black. The most interesting part about this griffon aside from his coloration was that he wore light leather armor covering his chest and arms, which contained multiple pouches and weapons. The griffon fluttered above Iron for a few seconds and then with a dramatic flourish, landed next to him.

“Ahoy lad, would ya mind if I took a wee bit of yer time?”

“Umm…I suppose not.”

The griffon face-clawed. “Where are me manners? Here I am swooping down on a bunch o’ unsuspecting ponies and hardly have the courtesy to introduce meself. The name’s Bloodwing, what’s yours lad?”

“No harm done sir. My name is Iron Cross.”

“Wee bit of a strange name for a pony, but I digress. My crew and I are heading into Ponyville for a job ya see, and I was just wonderin’ where I might find some alcoholic libations.”

“Crew? I don’t see anyone else with you.”

“Oh that, well ya see they’re a bit slower than I am on a count that they can’t fly. They’ll be catchin’ up with me soon enough.”

Rainbow trotted up to the griffon and stuck her muzzle a hair’s length from his beak. “Hey bub what’s the big idea, interrupting me and my friend?!”

“My, my I do apologize but sometimes I get a tad excited and forget me manners. The name’s Bloodwing and what might your name be lass?”

“Rainbow Dash, only the most awesome flier in all Equestria!”

Bloodwing yawned. “Now isn’t that dandy? Well why don’t ya put that confidence to the test lass?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean we should make a wager, on a race if you will. I will race you. If I win, then you have to treat me to a nice dinner with drinks included of course.”

Rainbow smiled. “What do I get if I win?”

Bloodwing reached into his pocket. “I just so happen to have a limited edition Soarin plushie.”

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh *squee*”

“Hehehe I thought ye looked like a Wonderbolts fan. If ye beat me, the plushie is yours lass.”

“That plushie is as good as mine! Name the time and place dude.”

Bloodwing chuckled. “In due time lass. I gotta wait for me crew ta show up.”

Just as Bloodwing finished his sentence a motley collection of different species gathered behind him. To be more specific a diamond dog, a zebra, and a unicorn. All of them seemed to be wearing either cloaks or some type of light armor made from leather.

“Ah well speak o’ the devil and he’ll appear! This lot is me crew.”

The first creature that Bloodwing pointed to was an electric yellow unicorn stallion with grey eyes. His mane and tail were a splotchy mixture of black, orange and red. Oddly enough his cutie mark was a bundle of dynamite with a lit fuse.

“The unicorn over there is named Short Fuse, he’s my explosives expert. The lad also knows quite a bit about guns too.”

The second creature Bloodwing pointed to was the zebra. Iron wasn’t entirely sure but this zebra seemed to a have slightly thinner build, so as to suggest it was female. The cloak the zebra wore didn’t really help matters in determining its gender. After a few seconds the zebra pulled the hood of its cloak, to reveal that it was indeed a mare. She bore a slight resemblance to Zecora, but her mane was pulled back into a pony-tail. Her eyes were aquamarine, and she had a tattoo across the right side of her face.

“The zebra’s name is Sheba and she’s the potion expert, she also is quite handy with poisons.”

Last but not least, Bloodwing gestured towards a white coated diamond dog wearing a similar set of leather armor that he was. It was a definitely a female dog, due to her slender build but her coat color was extremely rare. Her eyes were pink.

“The bitch’s name is Snowflake, but don’t let her name fool ya she’s an unarmed combat expert. Also if I were you, I wouldn’t bring up the whole coat color thing. She’s a tad sensitive ‘bout that. From what I understand it’s some rare genetic mutation…albinism I heard it called. She thinks her colors are ugly, but I know all the dogs look at her with hungry eyes. Anyway that’s all of ‘em.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Ok now that you introduced everypony, can we please get to the racing?”

Iron put his hoof on Rainbow’s chest. “Now hold on Rainbow, we still don’t know why he’s near Ponyville in the first place.”

“Oh that well me crew and I are there for a bit of o’ pit stop on our way to Canterlot. As ya might have noticed we’re a band o’ mercenaries trying to gather up contracts. Apparently there’s a couple of pony fugitives that are wanted in the UTR. Somethin’ about an artifact and murder…I don’t really care I just want my gold.”

“Pony fugitives…that can’t be right.”

“Ah lad but it is. Accordin’ to me sources it’s some stuck up earth pony and a unicorn living near the Canterlot area. Since at least one of ‘em is a magic user I gotta consider them dangerous.”

“Why doesn’t Celestia just send in the guard after them?”

Bloodwing scratched his chin. “Why I imagine that would be paramount to declaring war. Let’s just say the political situation between the UTR and Equestria is tenuous at best. That’s why governments call in folks like me to deal with such…problems.”

Rainbow stomped her hoof on the ground. “Come on Iron enough about the stupid political stuff. I WANNA RACE!”

“Ok fine, I was just finishing up anyway. Have fun.”

“Listen up lass; for I’m only gonna tell ya rules once. I’m going to draw a line in the dirt right here next to this old oak tree. That is considered the start and finish line. We’ll fly straight up about half a kilometer and go into a dive and whoever crosses the finish line first after pulling out of the dive wins.”

“Pfft this is gonna be a piece of cake. You’re on feather-brain!”

Bloodwing shook Rainbow’s hoof. “I wouldn’t be so cocky lass, but it’s nice to see ya got some spirit in ya.”

Both fliers took off and within two minutes they had reached the half kilometer mark. Bloodwing took out a pair of goggles from one of them many pouches he had on his chest. Both pegasus and griffon immediately spiraled into a nose dive, tucking their wings behind them. Rainbow was beginning to gain a bit more momentum than Bloodwing as a smug grin appeared on her muzzle. She began to get a bit confused as it seemed that Bloodwing wasn’t even trying to keep up with her.

“What the hay is he doing? Oh well if he can’t keep up with me then it’s his loss. That Soarin doll is a good as mine.”

Rainbow was so absorbed in her own thoughts of victory that she didn’t notice Bloodwing reach into another one of his many pockets. He pulled out a bronze colored pistol with a large barrel and loaded a red colored slug into it. The griffon increased his speed slightly so that it put him about a body’s length from Rainbow and with careful aim he fired the pistol. The shell exploded in front of Rainbow releasing a cloud of rusty red powder.

As soon as the poor pegasus hit the cloud she was completely overwhelmed by a spicy taste in her mouth. Worse yet the stuff got into her eyes and throat as well. It felt like she was sucking on a bag of hot coals mixed with coarse sand. She immediately began to choke, losing her focus and sputtered out of her dive. Bloodwing let out a bellowing laugh and dove ahead of her, crossing the finish line.

Once Rainbow gained back some of her senses, she glared at Bloodwing. “You *cough* big fat cheater! What *cough* was that gunk?”

“Me, a cheater…no I think not lass. I only said that the first one to cross the finish line was the winner. I never said you couldn’t use any dirty tricks at your disposal. As for what that stuff is, it’s ground pepper dust. It’s nasty stuff for ponies, zebras and dogs but not so much griffons. Now, as I recall ye owe me dinner!”

Rainbow’s ears flattened against her head and she growled. “Fine, a deal’s a deal. There’s a nice restaurant in Ponyville called Château aux mille Fromages. It’s some Prench joint that Rarity likes; I dunno what the food’s like…never been there.”

“Oh I simply adore Prench cuisine. Your friend certainly has refined taste.”

“Yeah Rares is something alright. So when do you wanna go there?”

“Hmm…this evening should be fine. How about around five o’ clock?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Sounds good to me, see ya then.”

Iron trotted up to Rainbow and whispered into her ear. “There’s something odd about that griffon, I’m not quite sure what it is. It’s almost as if…no it’s not possible never mind.”

“What? He seemed like a pretty normal merc to me, why do you think something’s up?”

“It’s more of a hunch but if you be so kind as to allow me to accompany you on your dinner date, I could make sure that something fishy isn’t going on.”

Rainbow’s wings flared. “W-wait hold on Iron, this isn’t a d-date! I just lost a bet ok, nothing more than that. I’m a mare of my word and I never break a promise.”

“Rainbow calm down it was only a figure of speech. I’m sure everything will turn out just fine. I promise I’ll be discreet about it and sit a few tables away.”

“I’m not worried about you being there…although you do kinda suck at blending in.”

“Huh what are you talking about?”

“Well isn’t it obvious? You have a really unique cutie mark and not a whole lot of stallions have a black coat, it tends to draw attention. Plus you’re…umm…well really…handsome.”

Iron rubbed his temples. “Alright fine I suppose you have a point. How about you go and enjoy whatever it is you do in your spare time and I’ll stick around and have a chat with our feathered friend.”

“NO WAIT Iron…I mean hold on a sec. I have bit of a confession to make. But you have to promise me that you won’t laugh or tell anypony what I’m about to say.”

“I promise, now what is it that has you so worked up?”

Rainbow pawed at the ground. “Well…I uhh need some advice on what to do during a date.”

“Why the hell would you be asking me that?”

“Because I’ve never been on a date before…”

“You can’t possibly be serious. Rainbow this isn’t a date you said so yourself. You’re a perfectly attractive mare and you have an outgoing personality so why are you so upset?”

“Look I might have been exaggerating a teensy bit about my experience. Whenever I get nervous I talk a big game and I know it’s a problem but I seriously need help. I think stallions are intimidated by the way I act, but I’m just as nervous.”

“Rainbow I believe you’re over thinking, that’s what the problem is. When you go to dinner just act like you’re having dinner with one of your friends. Everything will be fine, I promise.”

“Ok…I’ll try but don’t be surprised if I end up a nervous wreck.”

Iron patted her on the back. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Now, why don’t you go home and freshen up a bit? You don’t want to be Sweaty Dash do you?”

Rainbow gave herself a tentative sniff and blushed heavily. “Yeah that sounds like a good idea. See ya later Iron!”

Without wasting any time Iron trotted over to the large silver griffon and was about to speak, when he was interrupted.

“I was wonderin’ how long it would take ya to start asking me questions. Go on lad, I’ve got plenty o’ time.”

“Wait so you knew I was suspicious of you?”

“Aye that I did. I’m willing to bet I know why.”

“Ok give me your best shot.”

“For starters ya got a strange mark on yer arse lad. It certainly ain’t any kind of pony symbol I’ve seen. In fact it’s a symbol I haven’t seen in years. Second, it’s the way I talk. Not too many folk ‘round here have this accent.”

“You said you haven’t seen a mark like mine in years. That would imply that you’ve seen it before, which can only mean you saw it…as a human.”

Bloodwing whistled. “Exactly lad, I knew ya were a smart one. I was starting to think that I was the only one in this bloody place. I take it you were once a man as well?”

“Yes, I was a soldier and somehow got transported here through a magic amulet.”

“Hmm is that so? Well my story is a wee bit more complicated than that.”

Iron laughed. “Try me I’ve seen some pretty strange things in the four months I’ve been here.”

“Only four months? Ha! I’ve been here for a decade lad.”

“You’re kidding…how on earth did you get here?”

“Originally I was from Glasgow. I served as a privateer under her majesty Queen Anne. The ship I captained was ironically called the Briny Mare. My crew and I had just recently resupplied in London and we were off to raid a Spanish treasure fleet near Jamaica. In order ta get there we had to go through what most of the old sailors called “The Devil’s Triangle”. They all claimed that ships would disappear and since in the blink of eye, I thought it was all a bunch of fairy tales. That is until we hit a rouge storm. It was like nothing I had ever seen, the waves were as tall as windmills and the clouds were an eerie shade of green with crackling lightning.”

Iron listened on in rapt attention.

“The seas began to get very rough and sure enough the sky lit up with tremendous bolts of green lightening. It was terrifying. I tried my best to keep the ship steady, but she ended up capsizing from a particularly large wave. I think that…most of my men drowned but I was lucky enough to grab onto a piece of the mainmast. I held onto it for dear life, prayin’ I wouldn’t die. Just when I thought I was about ta meet my maker, the sea began to glow and next thing I know I was lying on a beach. Not as a man, but a griffon.”

“Wait what you said can’t be possible. If I remember correctly Queen Anne ruled in the early 18th century. That would make you over two hundred years old!”

“Nay, lad I’m not that old. Like I said, I’ve only been here for ten years or so.”

Iron shook his head. “You don’t understand. I came here during the year 1945.”

Bloodwing’s face paled. “What…that’s no…it can’t be. How can that be possible?”

“That can only mean that the flow of time between this world and ours isn’t consistent. However, your appearance in Equestria can only mean that our world contains at least some magic.”

“Aye, that seems ta be the case lad. I’ve never been a fan o’ magic anyways, that’s why I have me crew practice it. I prefer guns and steel ta carry out my business. I suspect you and I are gonna be steadfast allies.”

Iron sighed. “I suppose so, but so help me if you do anything strange or hurt Rainbow Dash I won’t hesitate to crush your skull.”

Bloodwing bellowed with laughter. “What you mean the pegasus? Nay, I wouldn’t harm a single hair on her pretty little head. She’s a feisty one, I like that. You know I used to be opposed ta fuckin’ the animals ‘round here but after a while I realized that there ain’t no humans here. So I changed my tastes, as I’m sure you did lad. I take it you’ve found yer own bonny lass?”

“Yes, I have but that isn’t your concern.”

“I was just makin’ small talk is all, no need ta get yer balls in a twist. Oh and don’t worry about our little dinner date lad. I know the lass is cocky and brags more than a roman soldier back from conquest, but underneath it all she’s inexperienced. I won’t suggest anythin’ too forward.”

“You could tell just from meeting her for only a few minutes?”

“Aye, after all I was once a brash young pup. However, life happened to me and I learned the hard way. Well I best be takin’ a shower, can’t show up to the tavern smellin’ like a barrel o’ rotten fish. Take care lad.”

Hoity Toity’s Mansion, on the outskirts of Canterlot

Trixie awoke to find that she had a skull-pounding headache. Tentatively she smacked her lips, also to find that she had cotton mouth. She only remembered bits and pieces of the night before, but hadn’t realized that she fell asleep on the couch. Shrugging off the wool blanket, she made her way into the kitchen to find a pot of coffee already boiling. Trixie attempted to pour herself a cup but instead her horn fizzled and her headache became worst. With a pained grunt she dropped to the floor.

“Madam I would suggest not using magic so soon. In the mean time I shall attend to all of your needs.”

“Huh…eh Bertram what happened to me?”

“When the master brought you home last night, he used a powerful teleportation spell. The residual dark magic corrupted you, and thus you are experiencing magic fatigue. I suspect once you have rested for at least a day, you shall return to normal.”

Trixie blushed. “Oh…um if you wouldn’t mind could pour me some coffee, I feel like death warmed over.”

Bertram grabbed the cup with his teeth and placed it in her hooves. “Not a problem Miss Trixie. If you require anything else, please ask. I will be more than happy to accommodate you.”

Once Bertram left, Hoity trotted in pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Good to see you up and about my dear. Once you are feeling better, we have much to discuss.”

“Hoity I just wanted to thank you for helping me through all this. I know that you feel responsible for all of these…changes but I’m grateful that you saved my life.”

Hoity let out a sigh of relief. “That is indeed good news. You have no idea how much that has burdened me. Not to worry though, I’ve invited over a few family members to help you with your new powers.”

“I didn’t know you had any relatives.”

“You would normally be correct, however they aren’t blood related but we share the same…condition. All of my natural family died ages ago.”

Bertram cleared his throat. “Excuse me sir, but our guests have arrived. Shall I show them in?”

“Ah yes, please do. Come Trixie, meet your new family!”

When the doors opened Trixie was shocked to find two very famous ponies standing in front of her. One of them was the infamous photographer and fashion guru, Photo Finish. The other was a white unicorn with an unmistakable electric blue mane; it was none other than Vinyl Scratch. She was more commonly known as DJ-PON 3. Both mares immediately took off their eyewear, revealing ruby red eyes. Hoity went up to them and gave each a quick hug, motioning them over to the fireplace to take a seat.

“Greetings ladies, it is so good to see you both! I want you both to say hello to the newest member of the family.”

Vinyl grinned. “Whoa that’s The Great and Powerful Trixie! Maybe you could show us some of those totally bitchin’ tricks with the fireworks!”

Photo Finish face-hooved. “For Celestia’s sake Vinyl could you please keep ze svearing to a minimum? I’m sure zat Frau Trixie does not enjoy being harassed about silly parlor tricks. I apologize frau; Vinyl is not the most subtle of ponies.”

“That’s alright I know she didn’t mean any harm. As Miss Scratch said I am Trixie, but I don’t use that title anymore.”

“I see. Vell, at least you learned some humility which is more than I can say about somepony else.”

Vinyl scrunched her nose. “Hey it’s not my fault that I’m the most kick-flank DJ in all Equestria!”

Hoity tapped his hoof against the floor. “Now girls calm down, I won’t have any bickering while we have a guest present.”

“Ja, fine I understand.”

“Aww alright, but I still wanna see a magic trick…”

“Don’t worry about it everypony, I can do some tricks later once I’ve had enough rest.”

Vinyl did a hoof pump. “Yeah now that’s what I’m talking about! I’m sorry about asking you too soon, I had no idea that you had magic exhaustion.”

“Vinyl you of all mares should know about zat. Vith all that wubbing nonsense you seem to enjoy. What a waste of magic. You should try making vonderful orchestral music like your mare-friend Octavia.”

Vinyl huffed. “Hey don’t bring Tavi into this! I like that kind of music too…it just gets kind of boring sometimes.”

“Ah but of course, you’ve always had ze attention span of rodent. Concerning your mare, she is quite attractive. I think that I shall use her for my new spread next month. Ja that would be THE MAGICKS.”

Trixie poked Hoity in the ribs. “So how long have they been vamponies?”

“Hmm let’s see…Vinyl has been one for about 316 years and Photo around 100. As for me I’m probably the oldest at 10,050. I have to honest with you Trixie I’m most likely the oldest living creature on the planet right now.”

Trixie’s jaw dropped. “T-t-ten T-thousand?”

“Yes I’m completely serious. We vamponies are immortal, so whatever age we take on the blood we remain until we are killed. Of course we’re resistant to disease, poison and normal weapons so…it takes a bit of effort to kill us.”

“So I won’t get any older than this?”

“Nein Frau Trixie, such is how our powers work. I must warn you though; you may have to change your name at some point. Ve can’t have ponies knowing of our immortality. In fact Vinyl was once known as Melodia and she used to play ze flute and occasionally the violin. I suspect that is why she fancies Octavia.”

Vinyl blushed. “So I get around the music scene, it’s not that big of a deal. At least I don’t bang minotaurs after a photo-shoot!”

Photo snickered. “Ohh my yesss zat was lovely. Minotaurs have those lovely hands and such strong legs…all three of them.”

Trixie laughed while sipping her coffee, enjoying the antics of Photo and Vinyl. They were a strange pair of mares, but at least they were interesting. She was still shocked at how old all of them were, especially Hoity. Trixie wasn’t certain how old Celestia was exactly, but she bet her bits that Hoity was almost as old if not older. Perhaps they would be willing to teach her some new tricks, but for now she felt content. Content that she finally had ponies to call friends.