Brothers In Blood II

It was starting to get dark in Ponyville. The moon shone down on the quiet town, streetlights buzzing to life.  Some of the residents of Ponyville were just going to bed, tired from a long day at work. While most were at Sugarcube Corner; celebrating the return of a hero.

The bakery was crowded with ponies. Pinkie went all out to create this ‘Welcome Back’ party. Balloons and streamers littered the stores floor, multiple party decorations stuck on the walls and ceilings of the crowded store. Ponies socialized with each other or played the many party games Pinkie made.

Applejack was serving her prized cider to everyone, some even lining up to get more. Pinkie was already jumping up and down before Applejack could give her another mug of cider, a small grin on her face.

“Pinkie, y’all know where Clayton is?” Applejack  asked

“Yeah, he’s in the back. Something about ‘needing some air’.” Pinkie tossed the farmer mare some bits as she chugged down the cider like it was water. Applejack only rolled her eyes.

“Can ya take over f’me for a second Pinkie?” the pink mare nodded quickly, already starting to serve the party ponies their drinks. Applejack only rolled her eyes as she walked to the back door of the store.

The patio of Sugarcube Corner was small, two patio chairs and a table the only furniture that could fit. Clayton leaned on the patio railing, a small mug of cider in hand. His helmet sat on the small table, the metal reflecting the light from the patio door. He breathed in the cool night air, exhaling with a sigh. He looked up at the starry sky, the small lights illuminating the black abyss of space.

“Y’know it’s your party, right?” Clayton glanced over his shoulder to see Applejack stepping onto the patio, closing the slider doors quietly behind her.

“Yeah I know…” Clayton said with a sigh. He took a small sip of the cider and glanced up at the starry sky. Applejack rested her forelegs on the patio railing, standing on her back legs as she liked up at the sky.

“Something on your mind Clayton?” Applejack said, not leaving her gaze on the stars.

“No..” Clayton said softly, taking another sip of his cider. Applejack turned her head so she’s staring directly at him.

“Y’know you can’t lie to me Clayton…” she said softly. Clayton looked away, avoiding her gaze. The conversation went quiet, only the sound of the music from the party in the background. Applejack shifted steadily, looking back up at the stars. “So how’s the cider?”

“It tastes like apples…” Clayton grinned, taking another sip.

“There’s a reason why it’s called Apple Cider, Clayton.” This caused them both to chuckle softly.

“Beautiful night isn’t it?” Clayton smiled, watching two shooting stars fly past in the sky. Applejack watched them in silence.

“So how’d you get here Clay?” Applejack finally replied. “Applebloom said she found you at Zecora’s hut.”

“Woke up here last night.” Clayton began “Got attacked by a couple Timberwolves before Zecora found me. Nothing eventful.”

“There’s more to that, isn’t there?” Applejack looked back at Clayton. He could feel her gaze resting on him, causing him to take another sip of cider.

“Got attacked by a big Timberwolf.”

“The scratches on your helmet, how’d you get those?” This caused Clayton to look down. He can’t lie to Applejack forever.

“I got sent here after the war on my planet ended.” He lied. “it’s just a scratch from one of the creatures I faced…” he glanced over to Applejack just to meet her intense gaze. Her green eyes burnt through his soul, causing him to almost grunt in pain.

“…So the war ended on your planet?” Applejack asked, glancing back up into space.

“Y-Yeah…” Clayton stuttered. “It’s finally all over…”

“Yknow I dont like liars Clay…” Applejack said quietly. Clayton stood quietly, not even glancing at Applejack. The sound of the patio door sliding open caused Clayton to calm his nerves.

“Hey you two!” Rainbow Dash flew into the small patio, a bottle of Applejack Daniels in hoof. “Whatcha… Whatcha two doing here?”

“Talking...” Applejack said coldly. Clayton flinched at the sudden drop of temperature.

“Well stop your talking, because I want to introduce Clayton to one of my oldest friends!” Clayton turned around, only to freeze. “Clayton, meet my old friend Gilda!” the griffin walked into the patio, her gaze not leaving Clayton’s.

“So this is the alien dweeb?” she looked at Clayton up and down, avoiding his furrowed eyes. “He doesn’t look so tough.” She kept an unamused face but Clayton could tell she’s hiding something.

“You kidding me!? Clay over here single-handedly beat Sombra!” Rainbow paused, taking a swig on the whiskey. “Ofcouse, with some help from yours truly.”

“I guess that makes him barely tolerable.” Gilda extended her claw at Clayton, looking directly at him. “Nice to meet you then, dweeb.” Clayton gripped her small claw, his anger almost taking over as he clutched the griffin’s hand.

“Likewise…” Clayton said coldly through gritted teeth. They shook hands in a slow matter, their yes not leaving from each other. Applejack noticed the tension but didn’t say anything. Rainbow only laughed.

“Don’t worry Clayton, Gilda always was a hothead.” Rainbow’s flying was starting to get wobbly as she took another swig. “Then again, you’re no different.”

“Thanks for bringing up my self-esteem…” he finished the rest f the cider in his cup and glanced at rainbow. “Don’t get too drunk Dashie, we’re going to Canterlot in the morning.” Rainbow Dash didn’t even hear his warning and went back inside, Gilda in tow.

“I don’t think she’s gonna stop partner…” Applejack chuckled.

“Then prepare for the worst hangover in her life…”

CHAPTER V: TRAINS ARE *STILL NOT FAST TRAVEL*

The train to Canterlot was crowded today, mostly because of Clayton’s trip. It was barely the start of another day, the warm orange and yellow colors streaking on the cloudy sky as the sun slowly peeked over the horizon. The train horn blew loudly as it indicated that it was going to depart the Ponyville Train station. The train slowly jerked forward, before it started picking up speed on its route to Canterlot.

Rainbow was still asleep after the party ended in the morning. This caused Clayton having to carry the knocked out mare to the train station. Fluttershy was the first to be at the station, for she didn’t even go to the party.

“I left Zecora to take care of Angel for me.” She paused, looking down. “Wherever he is…”

“I’m sure he’s not far.. Just listen for small coughs and sneezes, since that’s probably the only sound rabbits make.” Fluttershy smiled at the positive attitude.

Applejack was third to arrive at the station, her hat covering her eyes to block out the light. Clayton grinned at the obvious hangover Applejack had.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it Applejack?” Clayton sneered.

“Shut up Clayton…” Applejack shot back, a small irritation in her tone. Rarity and Pinkie arrived at the same time. Which is unusual...? But nevertheless, they came. The sound of the train horn blared in the distance, causing Applejack to fall to the ground and cover her ears.

“Ride’s here!” Clayton chuckled at his loud voice. Applejack punched him right in the leg, as she groaned in pain.

So now the group are all sitting on the quiet train, only the hums of the wheels hitting the tracks echoing in the morning. Applejack fell back asleep after the train stopped blaring its horn. Rainbow was still asleep; her small body snuggled against the pillow on the chair. Pinkie had her face plastered on the window as she watched everything zoom past her.

Rarity was fixing her hair with a makeshift mirror she brought, her magic holding up combs and brushes. Fluttershy was sitting next to Clayton, her face facing the window to hide her small pink blush on her face.

“How do you think Twilight’s going to react when she sees me?” Clayton asked.

“Prepare for a lot of hugs darling.” Rarity responded, not leaving her gaze on the mirror. “What I want to know is how Celestia’s going to react.”

“Luna might know,” Clayton said. “Maybe she told her sister?”

“Doubt it; she’s probably keeping it a secret like how we are.”

“Hopefully.” Clayton glanced over to Fluttershy. “Hey Flutter’s, you’ve been quiet for a while. Everything OK?”

“Yes everything fine!” Fluttershy said sheepishly, not leaving her gaze off the window. Clayton raised an eyebrow, but didn’t address the issue.

“Pinkie’s been quiet too.”

“She’s asleep.” Rarity stated.

“Oh…” after twenty minutes of awkward silence, Rainbow finally woke up.

“Where are we?” she said, rubbing her eyes with her hoof. The train horn screamed as the train started to slow down. Rainbow gritted her teeth at the noise. The loud sounds woke up everybody on the train as it arrived in Canterlot station.

The city was buzzing with life as news of the arrival of Clayton spread like the plague. Mare’s and stallions tried shaking hooves with the noble hero of the land, slowing down the process to the castle. Guards kept their monotones expressions on their faces, but they were also surprised by the arrival of the human.

After finally arriving to the castle, they were bombarded by maids and butlers cleaning and decorating the castle. Guards were stationed at windows and doorways, some getting yelled at by maids for walking in with dirty hooves. Shining Armor was directing guards to station themselves on the roof when he caught the eyes of the visiting ponies.

“Clayton Carmine!” he exclaimed. They both shook hooves. “What in the name of Celestia are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d surprise Twilight,” Clayton glanced around the castle, watching maids clean every inch of the building. “But it seems that it’s not a surprise when everyone acts like this.” Shining Armor chuckled at the remark.

“Yeah this isn’t all a welcoming party for you Clay,” Shining beckoned the group to follow as he led them to the throne room. “Apparently, the king of the Gryphon Kingdom’s pissed.”

“Griffins are always hotheads darling,” Rarity said.

“Yeah but they usually don’t call council meetings unless absolutely necessary.”

“Well that explains why Gilda came back to Ponyville,” Rainbow commented. “She probably tried to get away from all the commotion.”

“Yeah, maybe…” Clayton grunted. Shining pushed opened the large golden double doors of the throne room, exposing the three princesses’ that sat on their thrones. They all were in a serious conversation, ignoring the group that entered. Shining cleared his throat, trying to get the attention of the princesses’.

“Princess Celestia, you have visitors.” Shining stated his grin a small infection to the group.  None of the princesses’ glanced at the group.

“Tell them we’ll talk later. We have a meeting to attend to.” Celestia responded.

“Yeah I heard about that,” Clayton chuckled. “Sounds boring to me, But if it’s so important, we’ll be on our way.” The princesses paused. They turned their heads to face the man they haven’t seen in 5 years. None of them moved a muscle, only their mouths dropped.

“C-Clayton?” Luna stuttered. Clayton nodded slightly, taking off his helmet. What he was met with was Twilights arms wrapped around his chest. She looked different from last time; becoming a princess does that. She now hand the wings and horn combo. Her height was taller than before, now almost having the same height as Celestia.

“How did you get back?” Celestia asked.

“We took the train Celly, it’s not like we walked or anything.”

“No, how did you get back to Equestria?” Twilight finally let go of Clayton, her eyes wet with tears. “It’s been 5 years, and now you just pop up?”

“I have a tendency to do that.” Clayton smiled. Before everyone could catch up on current events, a stallion in a black suit entered the throne room, beads of sweat running down his neck.

“Princess Celestia!” he cleared his throat, wiping the sweat off his forehead. “The council has arrived, including the Gryphon King.”

“That didn’t take long.” Celestia smiled. She walked over to Clayton and rested a hoof on his shoulder. “We’ll catch up after the meeting.”

“Actually,” the butler began. “The Gryphon King requests you bring the alien to the meeting.”

“For what purpose?” Luna asked.

“He never said.” The butler bowed before exiting the room, leaving everyone in confusion. Clayton only groaned and placed his helmet back on.

“I hate meetings…”

"Don't worry, it'll be fine." Celestia assured.

"Right..."