Chapters Water, Water Everywhere...
Water, Water Everywhere...
I thought my life couldn't get any weirder.... It did finding out how a fight with my dad got me into the land of Equestria? Here I am getting ahead of myself.... I may as well introduce myself... My name is Travis and I am 17 years old. I have light brown hair and baby blue eyes. Most of my pals at school say i have my head in the clouds... Maybe because of my gambling habit at my age. And so let my story unravel...."
-At School-
"Travis? Travis!" My teacher Mr. Decker called from the front of the room breaking me from my day dream. He has an irritated look on his face... This is the third time I'd been caught zoning out in class today... Things just aren't going my way... "If you'd please answer this question for the class since you think you're smart enough to not pay attention."
* I probably should mention that Mr. Decker is my Math and science teacher... Tough break right? This guys life is wrapped around numbers.*
"What is the likeliness of getting 2 heads when you flip 2 quarters?"
"The answer is 25% or one-fourth." Mr. Decker's face turned a bit pale when I said the answer like he'd seen a ghost, but he continued the review.
*The Final Exams will be a total pain. Most of the exams are completely stupid. Easy... way to easy.*
- After School-
I hoped onto my bike. "Travis Rille!" I turned to a familiar voice to see a middle aged man heading in my direction. He is wearing a black suit and a purple tie with yellow poka-dots. Talk about no respect for fashion to make it worse he is wearing busted up athletic tennis shoes.
*At times like these being me is torturous...*
"Yes Principal Smith? Can I help you?" He gets right next to me wearing a sad face. He had given me three detentions in the past 2 months. So by the look of his face he was going to give me another one.
"You know why I'm here. It's about the look you gave Mr. Decker," His voice strict and intimidating but I could tell he didn't want to be because there was a slight waver in his voice.
*What face? I don't remember making a face....*
"What face? I don't recall doing that... if i did." I gave him a confused look that seemed to throw him off.
"He told me you gave him a terrifying death glare, but by the look on your face it seems you didn't do it on purpose. So I'll let you off the hook." He gave a sigh and turned away. "Have a nice day and a safe trip home."
"Sure thing Principal Smith. Have a nice day." I ride towards home pedaling a bit faster than i normally do because the more distance i get the freer i feel. School is a prison to me, something that holds me back. If only I could get out of it and fly away with wings of my own never being held down strapped to the ground.
Maybe dad is home so i can play him in chess or poker. Him and I have always played games after his long day of work and my school days. I open the door only to see the floor covered in water. "Looks like mom left the water running again." I made my way to the sink to find it isn't what is on. "That is weird... It's normally the sink... the only other water had to come from the bathroom." I make my way towards the bathroom to hear the sound of running water. I try to open the door but it's locked. "Well... that is great. Maybe i could bust the door down... No dad would kill me... He'd kill me for water being all over too. I'm going to get in trouble anyway so i guess busting it down won't be so bad."
*The door is made of a very thin wood I would know since my dad and I put it up. Since it is soaking wet it should easily break.*
"One." I touch my shoulder to the door. "Two." I lean away lowering my shoulder. "Three!" I ram the door with my shoulder making a sizable hole in it only big enough for my arm to go through. "Thank you water damage." I reach my arm inside the hole and unlock the door and open it.
"Mom must have left the sink on." It wasn't the sink. it was the tub, the cold water turned all the way on. "Dad is not going to be happy with this. May as well start cleaning after I turn this off." I turned the water off then went to the back room for some extra towels and started to wipe up the water.
-In Equestria-
A Changling is heading home to the hive. In order for him to gain rank in the army he must return alive with good information. What better information than a book of forbidden spells! It landed and went straight to the queen. She is going to be so proud.
"My Queen! I have brought you a book." The eager changling announced with excitement. He was tired from carrying the book but he was on a adrenaline high.
"A book? What book?" Chrysalis asked in a rather disgusted attitude still recovering from the wounds she received from the Canterlot wedding her mood is rather... sour.
"A-A book of forbidden spells." The changling said intimidated and less excited now. To be honest he was scared. So scared he nearly pissed himself.
"Forbidden you say? Interesting give it here." She said her tempered anger gone and replaced with a soothing voice.
The changling flew over with the rather large book and gave it over. Then turned flew back and sat down. His adrenaline high gone it was beginning to take it's tole. He slapped himself to keep awake.
Chrysalis looked through the book skimming each spell with no interest, until one caught her attention. "To summon a creature of destruction from another world. Most interesting. We shall try this spell tonight." She said with an evil laugh. All the changlings in the room laughed with her.She stopped laughing and at once all of them stopped. "Make preparations we will have a guest this evening and for many to come.
The front door swung open and my father stood in the doorway. He is a rather heavy built man. Looks about 35 but is actually 43 years old. His hair is the only thing that gives away his age being that it is turning grey. "She did it again didn't she?" His voice sad and wavering as if he would burst into tears any second.
"Yeah... Only this time it was the tub left on. Also I had to bust a hole in the door to unlock it." I said the last part a bit quieter than the first hoping he wouldn't be mad.
"You what?!" My father's voice turned angry almost hostile as his eyes hardened and glared at me. It made me rather uncomfortable that he was glaring at me with such hostility. He looked ready to beat the living daylights out of me.
"I had to bust a hole in the door so i could turn off the water because the door was locked." I said trying to keep my cool. I knew this pushed his buttons but when dad starts crying he doesn't stop till he passes out. He won't listen now I know. Years of dealing with him while mom haunts the house.
Dad literally turned so red that if he was in a old cartoon hot steam would be forcing it's way out his ear. Picturing that made my smile a bit but as i did he rushed me nailing me in the face with a solid punch. In a sudden reflex i twisted my left leg using the force of his punch and lifted the right and round-housed him in the hip. The kick floored him. Dad laid there stunned I was just about a shocked as he was. I remember taking Karate lessons from Uncle Luis but i never knew i could do that reflexively.
Dad stared at me like a cornered wounded animal. To be honest it scared the crap out of me. I never seen dad's face look like that. I took a glance outside it started to get dark. Dark enough that I would get lost in the woods if i ran. I cursed myself in my head and looked back at my father. He was sitting in his favorite chair now minus the wounded animal face. He now seemed very calm, relaxed even. I knew what this meant i was going to be sent to boarding school.
At the moment he opened his mouth it snapped closed and his eyes widened with shock as he gulped. I gave him a confused look and got the hint that something was behind me. I froze and looked to the left with just my eyes and looked back at dad and he nodded slightly. I slowly turned my head to the left to look behind me.
"WHAT THE HELL?!?!" A large black starry portal was on the wall with green tendrils of magic sticking out grabbed my left arm and another grabbed my right arm I felt them start to pull. I started to struggle to hold my ground. They had a tough grip to break. I looked at my father and smiled. I raised my hand and waved bye. "Love you dad." I jumped up and let myself get pulled in. I knew that I couldn't break free from the tendrils so I let them pull me inside.
I could hear my father shouting but then it died away as the tendrils pulled me. Then i could feel a pulse go through me then i coughed up a silvery substance. I stared at it until I lost consciousness.
Author's Note
Could you guys be kind enough to tell me if you see any spelling mistakes? Thanks.
Waking up
I hear the sound of flapping... And I'm unable to move. I don't even have enough strength to open my eyes. All I can do is listen and maybe groan. Nah, that takes a bit too much energy. I hear something sloshing like maybe someone is wadding in water. I would look to see what it is but I'm in no shape to do anything.
"Hey girls! I found somepony!" A random voice said as more sloshing started and it got louder as well. I couldn't get a grasp of what was around me but I have to say that I'll bet there is a lot of water. I think I've seen enough water for one day. I felt myself be moved onto my back. I'm not sure what it was the unknown things had for limbs but it was furry.
"He looks to be our age. Ah recon he's been out fer a few days." That is definitely a southern accent. Huh... Maybe that portal thing dropped me in Texas, but I'm sure I've heard that voice before. "Well Ah'll be... He has a lot of color for somepony that the changelings had. At least he's still breathing... Unlike the last one... Poor mare." Now I'm sure I recognize that voice! It was a Tv show character but, which one?
"I'd say your about right on the age assumption Applejack." The previous voice said rather calmly. Wait... What did she say? Applejack? I... Can't believe this... I'm in a little kids tv show. At least I'll have some freedom and it's not boarding school. "The only thing that has me confused is why he is still alive."
"Twilight, I don't think it is something we should worry about darling. He's alive that's all that matters." A new voice said from the side opposite of the other voices. "Don't you think you should send a message to Celestia?"
"I guess your right Rarity. First we should get him to a safe place. Rainbow do you think he could stay at your place?" Twilight said as I felt a tingly sensation all over. I couldn't feel the ground anymore either.
"I guess... I mean it is a mess, but I guess so. But only till he's better." Rainbow said. If I didn't know better I'd say that this Rainbow chick doesn't want me at her house. Wait hold on... Rainbow? As in Rainbow Dash? Her house is in the sky. How would I... No... Fucking... Way... I'm a Pegasus! I have wings!
"If you dont want to do it I could have him at my cottage, if you dont want too that is..." A small voice said.
"Nah it's alright Fluttershy. I'll do it." Rainbow stated. "Thanks for the offer though." I want to open my eyes look around but if I do will they expect me to walk? I'll just keep them closed.
"He's awake yet not awake." a excited voice said.
*Crap I've been comprised.*
"What are you talking about Pinkie? I'm sure he's not awake. If he was don't you think he'd have opened his eyes?" Twilight said with certainty.
*Thank you Twilight! Thank you!*
"Twilight he says thank you." Pinkie stated while the sloshing started to get loader.
"What do you mean he says thank you? It's either you can walk in others dreams like Luna or is it your Pinkie sence?" Twilight said with disbelief. "Honestly Pinkie the only time in going to believe your Pinkie sence is if things are falling from the sky again. Although if he is awake and not opening his eyes then why don't we try to talk to him? It may seem weird but maybe we'll get a response. If we get a response then maybe we'll find out where he lives." She declared with confidence.
"Ah think we should try to open his eyes then. If this fella is conscious then he may answer our questions." After saying that Applejack opened my eye to reveal soft baby blue eye looking back at her. Now that my eye is open I look at the three standing in front of me. An orange pony, a pink pony, and a cyan Pegasus with rainbow colored hair. "Ah guess you was right Pinkie he is awake."
"HimynameisPinkiePiewhatisyourname?!" Pinkie said jumping up and down like a little kid hopped up on mountain dew and pixie sticks.
I open my mouth to speak but before I could say anything Twilight came into view and started talking. "Sorry about Pinkie she gets a little excited about new ponies. My name is Twilight Sparkle. What is your name?" She said with a smile
"My... Name is...."
*Okay I probably shouldn't tell them my real name... But what should I tell them? Um.... What about something Chess related? Bishop? No to catholic. Knight? Nah too... Mid-evil. King? Nope too... Royal. Queen? Definitely not! Pawn? Nope I'm not sacrificial piece. What about Rook? I like it... Rook. But what should be the rest of my name... Um... Crown Rook? No. Regal Rook? Nope. Wait Texas... Tex Rook... Hmm... I like it!*
"My name is Tex Rook... Just call me Rook." I said my voice raspy and my throat hurts to talk. I look down to see there is quite a bit of large puddles. So that is where the sloshing sound came from. Go figure. "Um... What day is it?" I looked to Twilight for an answer.
"Today is Friday. Why do you ask?" Twilight asked with confusion written across her face.
"Friday? Really?" I asked and to which Twilight nodded. "Wait it was Tuesday when... Holy shit! I've been out for 3 days!"
Author's Note
Hey everypony! Silverstream here! I'm not sure if I'm going to add on more to this chapter... But I'm pretty sure this is a good place to stop for now. I'd like to hear your opinion on this so far but if you don't want to it's alright.
A Special Piece
Silence funny how all 6 of these ponies fell quiet and didn't say a word. I, myself didn't mind the silence in fact I loved it that is until the tingly feeling stopped. I feel down out of the air and landed on my stomach. "Ooof... W-what was that for?" I asked looking at Twilight with a scowl on my face.
Twilight looked down at me and shook her head. "Since your awake you should try to fly or at least walk." She said with a hind of irritation in her voice. I look toward Applejack for a second seeing if I can read her face so maybe I can find out how ticked Twilight is. But alas all I found was a blank hardened face with no emotion.
"Um... Applejack could you help me stand? I'm not sure I can get up when I'm positioned like this..." In all reality I'm not used to getting up at all in the form. I can only hope I can walk. On the topic of flying I wish I knew how. These wings are pretty useless when you do know how to operate them. I was so lost in thought I didn't notice Applejack grab my hoof and pull me up. "Thank you." Standing feels weird in this body but now I know how dogs and cats feel. I wonder how would they feel if they were turned into humans? Would they feel what I am? I guess I'll never know.
*Funny this feels just like crawling on my hands and knees*
By the time I'm used to walking the girls are way ahead of me. I still am finding it strange on how silent they are. Maybe they have nothing to talk about? That must be it. I finally caught up to them only to find now there are griffins, stuff out of books walking around. I held back a gasp as one walked over to me. "Hi." the griffin said calmly. It sounded like a girl. She is rather muscular compared to most of the giffins walking around this area. She is still about the same size as them though. She has golden cat-like eyes and her wings are brown with white speckles that are black at the tips. She is just about 4 inches taller than me in my current state.
*What should I do? I've never talked to a being of legend before....*
"Um.. Hello." I said calmly but inside I'm still doing backflips. I hope I don't look like a mess. Maybe I should have asked Rarity if I looked okay. No harm in asking right?
"If I can ask who are you? I know that the 6 you are following came here to find something but I don't think that involves you. Does it?" She asked obviously trying to pry me for information. She looked really uncomfortable her tail is swishing nervously and she is slightly clawing at the ground.
"To be perfectly honest... I'm not so sure myself." I said to which the griffin gave me a confused look. "I don't really know where I am or what I'm doing here. All I really can tell you is my name."
"Which is?" The griffin asked a bit impatiently. She has now started to look at me rather strangely. I've never had someone look at me like this before. It kinda throws me off.
"My name is Tex Rook. Just call me Rook," I said a bit bluntly. "May I ask for yours?"
The griffin looked shocked that I asked for her name as if no one asked before. She clicked her beak and regained her calm demeanor then responded. "My name is Cynthia, Cynthia Talon. Nice to meet you Rook." She held out her claw and I shook it. "This may be kinda weird but... Would you like to meet my dad?" She asked with a small smile.
I assume by the look on her face that she wants me to say yes but, considering that I should be following the Twilight and the others to where ever they are going. I don't know why Twilight is mad at me but finding out would be nice. "Um... I guess I could but only for a minute.I really should be following them." I said using my wing to gesture at them. I turn my head and look at my wing and raise my eyebrow. Then it falls back to my side. I turn my head back to Cynthia and see another griffin approaching us and by the look on his face he isn't at all happy.
"Cynthia why are you talking to that pony trash?" He said obviously trying to get under my skin because he's smirking as he says it. He is a bit bigger than Cynthia and appears to weigh about 25 pounds more. There was only really 3 differences between him and Cynthia. One he was bigger. Two his beak has a black spot on the end. Three his wings aren't speckled with white.
I looked at Cynthia to see annoyance spread across her face her smile now gone. "What did you want Falcon?" She said and by her tone she is on the verge of being ticked she is so annoyed. If i had half a brain i would still be able to tell she didn't like this guy.
"You know exactly what I want. I want you to be mine." He said as he looked at me his voice sounded venomous and he is glaring daggers. "This pony better not get in my way either."
"Falcon you know the rules! The only way to get my father to give me to somegiffin/somepony is if you beat him at Kings." She said getting closer by the looks of her to exploding and out right kicking his ass or trying to at least. Her tail is lashing around and her claws are tearing at the ground. I would hate to be the ground under her talons right now. If i was i know I'd be ripped to shreds by now.
"Excuse me." I said as Cynthia looks at me her rage gone and her claws stop murdering the ground. "What is this Kings?" They both look at me with a bit of shock as i asked. Cynthia recovered from it faster than Falcon did and answered me.
"Kings is a board game. I guess ponies call it Chess?" She said unsure with the last part but with some confidence and a ever so slight hint of hope. "In griffin culture the game is used to test the ones that ask for their talon in marriage. It has been used for 300 years."
I nodded and was about to speak when a screech was heard and everyone froze. They must they froze out of fear. Me, I froze out of the ringing in my ears. I looked over to my right to which the screech resonated from and gaze upon a older looking griffin. I can tell he is way older than all the other griffins in this vicinity. All his white fur is a silvery color and his brown and black wings are faded in color almost to the point of them being grey as well. One of his eyes is a clouded grey and has a scar running down that eye. He seemed to be a veteran of war and a very important one at that to make all the griffins in this area go immobile at his screech.
"Falcon," The old griffin's voice cracked as he spoke. "You have yet to earn the right to court my daughter. As her father you must beat me in a duel of my choosing. A game of Kings is what you will play me at if you want that right. As for you po-" His voice cut off as he started coughing. When he stopped he continued. "As for you pony you will play me first. If you win you may do with my daughter as you wish." After hearing this I could have fainted. As for Falcon, by the look on his face, he is madder than a cornered raddler.
I looked at Cynthia who gave me a pleading look as to silently beg me to play him. I knew I was good at Chess or 'Kings' as they called it here but it is a game of experience, wit, wisdom, and strategy. I'm pretty sure i had 3 of those 4 if i was pushing it. I looked at Falcon next to find he is now giving me a death stare. I just look at him with a blank expression as I nod in acceptance to the old griffin. To which another griffin walked out of a house behind him with a heavy looking stone tablet. I watch as he places the tablet in front of the griffin and walks away.
I walked over and looked at the tablet to see a checked patter of silver and gold which looked to be the real metals. I would have examined it further but two bags where placed in front of me. Then the old griffin spoke again this time his voice not cracking. "Choose a bag. This will determine who goes first." I stare at each bag for a minute each before grabbing the one on my left. I looked up and saw the old griffins face light up and crack a small smile before grabbing his own bag. I am unsure why he smiled but I have a feeling I made a good impression.
After the pieces were set up he spoke up again only this time in form of a question. "What in your mind is the most important piece on the board?" He is looking me straight in the eyes and my only option is to look back. I didn't expect to hear that question again. This isn't the first I heard that question. My father asked me the same question about a year ago.
"The piece that is most important to me... Would have to be the rook." I said barely thinking about it.
"Why would that be? Why do you choose a rook of all pieces?" The griffin said as he picked up one of his 2 knights and placed it in front of his bishop pawn on the queen's side. "G1 to F3."
"The rook is a defensive piece to some but, that isn't always the case. The rook has more than just a defensive side. It has 4 sides. Tasks if you will, if each task is done accordingly then you have more than just a piece, you have an ultimatum power. Defense, Offense, Discouragement, and finally Neutrality. All pieces have one of these 4 except the king. The rook is also important to me because the first time I played chess i won using the rooks for check-mate." I explain as i lift my king side knight and place it in front of my king side bishop. "B8 to C6."
After that silence ensued no one spoke the ones around us just watched as we used our pieces to talk for us.
"Check." The old griffin said calmly as he looked up at me. I just stared at him for a moment then looked at the board. I know he is taking it easy on me. Like he wants me to win. Why would he want that? What possible motive could he have for letting me win? I know he made expert moves that even i didn't see coming at all. Yet he stopped using them and went back to the basics. I don't understand but i will finish this before it goes as far as making a mistake on my part.
"A4 to F4" I said as I moved my rook to the right taking his queen. Now inline with his king that is now immobilized. "Check-mate." the whole crowd of giffins gasped at my victory. "Good game. I rather enjoyed playing with you. Although your talk on the board was fierce you are kind. I can see why everyo- er... everygriffin respects you."
The griffin smiled and nodded. "Your victory is well done and hard won. You have beaten me at the game I have selected. Thus... My daughter is yours." The griffin stood and shook himself popping his old joins as he did so.
"With all do respect sir, I would like to ask why you have this tradition of this game." I said as i got up from where I was sitting. He looked at me with a widening smile.
"To be sure my daughter is in kind and respectable... hooves, in your case." I stood there for a second in thought. Then I realized why he asked me what piece was closest to me... The rook is a piece of will and can be used in a multitude of ways to keep others safe. "I can now rest easy knowing she will be safe."
"Rest? As in...?" I asked slightly confused as to what he meant by rest. He simply nodded and returned to the house from which he came.
Author's Note
hey guys i know there is some grammatical error i need to wrap up and fix. And for those of you that like chess i may place a chapter on the chess game Tex and the old griffin had. (ONLY IF REQUESTED BY 30 OR MORE PONIES!)
Lucky Guess...? (My Lies...)
Lucky Guess...? (My lies...)
Everyone's eyes turned to me. As if expecting something from me. I am clueless as to what they want. I look to Cynthia for help but find she and Falcon are doing the same. I guess my only option is to say something but what to say.
*Meh actions speak louder than words so.... It's time I did something instead of doing nothing... But what? Maybe just walk off... No that would seem disrespectful... Um... Go to Cynthia and tell her to pack her stuff? No to ambitious and suggestive... Damn why me...*
"Um...," I silently swallow a lump that is starting to form in my throat. "I guess... You're expecting some victory speech or something of the sort... But I don't have one. Don't need it. No need to gloat... Or provoke other challengers and such... I just played an honest game. Nothing more nothing less. Gaining Cynthia wasn't my main objective... If that was what you thought... As for her..." I look her in the eyes. "Cynthia... You can do what you want. I don't own you. You may do as you wish with your life. Now if you'd excuse me... I must catch up with the ones I followed here."
I turn to leave but a claw lands on my shoulder softly. I look back to see Cynthia giving me a warm smile. "Thank you Rook..." She said quietly holding back tears. I only nodded and turned back to face the road Twilight and the others went down. Then I felt a wave of something strong raddle my insides.
*What is this?! I feel so warm yet... I... nothing but Cynthia's claw is touching me. What is this! What is wrong with me?!*
I turn my head back to Cynthia who is being glared at maliciously by Falcon. Was what i felt a warning? Maybe a cry for help? Only one way to get her away from him. "Cynthia? Would you like to come? With me I mean?" Cynthia's face lit up like a light blub. From tears to pure happiness she nodded her head and smiled. Falcon on the other ha- er... ho- no... claw was not so happy. I looked at him, a burning hatred flared in his eyes. If he had heat vision I'd be toast.
"I'll be right back with my things!" She said with the utmost enthusiasm as she went inside the same house the old griffin entered. Falcon whom I haven't removed my eyes from took a few steps toward me. I have to say I am a bit afraid of him but, I can't back down. I can only hope Cynthia doesn't take too long. He got face to face with me his beak and my muzzle are just inches apart. His fiery glare has yet to waver. I for one am getting a little creeped out but remain my blank expression almost stoic in stature.
After about 10 minutes of the stare-off Cynthia walks out of her house with a large purse looking object. Obviously carrying her things. She walked up to me and tapped my shoulder. My stare watered down to a smile and looked at her. "Ready to go?" I asked to which she nodded in response. I gave one final look in Falcons direction to find him gone.
Cynthia and I talked a lot on the road to catch up with Twilight and the rest. She told me many interesting things. Things like why Falcon wanted her and why she was in that position. Also, that she was grateful I offered to take her with me. Honestly I think it made a a good way to pass the time.
"And that is why I want to come with you." She said as as her explanation stops. I was too busy looking at a fork in the road to hear the first part of that explanation. The rest I got a grasp on. I looked down both paths wondering which way they went. I know flying is not an option since I can't even control my wings let alone hope to fly with them. Maybe Cynthia would be kind enough to teach me how. Then again I don't want to look stupid telling her I can't use my wings. Just down right embarrassing. Then again she is my friend now so why not.
"Cynthia I was wondering..." She looked at me quizzically as I continued. "Would you teach me to use my wings?" At first she looked at me like I was joking then she opened her wings and flapped slightly. "Um... Is that a yes? Or a no...?" I asked unsure of how to read her actions. At this point I can't really understand much of anything a griffin does but I will eventually if Cynthia sticks around. She'd figure it out eventually anyhow.
"You can't fly?" She asked. I nodded in response not sure of her opinion on me now. "You want me to teach you?" I nod again to answer her hoping she won't think lowly of me now. "Why can't you fly?" She asked clearly confused still.
"I um... Never learned how... My mother... Was the Pegasus of the family. She passed away before my wings matured. My dad couldn't teach me because he is a earth pony." I said making up part of it. I can't let her know what truly happened till I know better myself. Also I'd like for us to be close friends before I tell her something like that.
"I suppose that I could." She said averting her gaze from me to the 2 paths looking at each one. "But first... We have to figure out which way those ponies went." She said with a bit of what seemed to be anger. What could she be angry about? Not fully sure but I will ask and find out.
"Um... Cynthia?" Cynthia turned her attention to me again waiting for me to continue by the look she is giving me. "You.. Seem to be... Angry. Can I ask why?" Cynthia just stared at me for a moment and then sat down with a sigh. "I'll take that as a yes... So what is upsetting you?" I ask her as she looks at the ground averting her gaze trying not to look at me. She is hiding something I can tell that much.
"I'm... I am angry... Very angry. I just don't understand why those ponies didn't realize that you had fallen behind and came back to get you." She said still refusing to look at me. "I mean 2 of them are unicorns and those saddlebags they had were filled to the rim with stuff. One of them cod have poofed you a note telling you where to go..."
She was right. Why didn't they send me a message? Or some type of letter? If I think about it they could do that. From what I know about the 6 one of them had extremely high magical capabilities. I mean here telekinesis for a unicorn is simple but, from how long Twilight carried me without breaking a sweat. It does set off a few bells. "Cynthia... Your right to be a bit angry. After all I know a bit about griffins... Griffins as a race are proud and honor bound to never leave some.. Griffin behind."
"How do you know about that? I thought you didn't know about Giffin culture... How do you know about that?" Cynthia now looking at me with confusion and some shock written all over her face.
*Uh-Oh... Snap... I should have kept my big mou- er... Muzzle shut. Think of a lie... Think think think...*
"I um... Well part was... A lucky guess... The rest I got from playing your dad in chess... I could tell he was military by the way he played." I said slightly avoiding eye contact silently hoping to not get caught lying.
It seemed to work although something tells me she knows I'm hiding something by the new look she is now giving me. A mix of confusion, a dash of stern attitude and a tiny bit of malice. Very conflicting emotions in my mind.
"I guess I could... but later you're going to tell the truth if I do." I froze like a statue. "I know your lying but maybe you have good reason. I can under stand. It's because you don't trust me fully yet right?" I nodded slightly to answer her. That is all I could bring myself to do. Speaking was completely out of the question at this moment. "For now... I'll have to carry you..." Before I had the chance to say or do anything was lifted off the ground held tightly to Cynthia's chest with her front talons. I always thought feathers were warm. Her feathers are softer than silk and warmer than a wool. I drift off into slumber as she carries me away from the fork in the road.
Author's Note
There! I think that will do! Here you go readers!
Finding Out...
-*SMACK*-
I awoke as something collided with my cheek. Fighting off the urge to return to sleep, I look around for who or what struck me in the face. I look to the right to see Cynthia sitting there with an angry look on her face. Confused on what she is angry about I decide to speak. "Ow... What was the reasoning behind that, if I can ask."
"You lied..." she said bitterly. She raised her talon and placed a claw on my throat. Her golden iris are full of pain and betrayal. I don't understand why she is so angry. "You lied to me. Why... did you lie? Tell me..." I struggle to find words and understanding on the situation. I don't know what she caught me lying about. I had better find out.
"L-Lied about what?" I asked trying to stay calm. She blinked and confusion appeared replacing the pain and betrayal her eyes once held focused on me.
"You aren't... Aren't a pony." She stated bluntly with a slight rage mixed in, like chilly powder in your eyes. "You're a..."
"A what?" I asked as she pressed her claw down on my throat further starting to make it hard to breathe. I start to rationalize. I've been in a situation like this before only it was a kid from school. I faked passing out and he let go, the when he turned around I got up and floored him. Underhanded, maybe but it worked. I have to do something before I do pass out.
"A... A... Changling." She said with disdain. A shiver ran up my back. Did I hear right? Or am I dreaming? I close my eyes. I know that Changlings are more hated than anything everywhere. I guess dying won't be so bad. I'd rather die than be hated. Not in all the time in the strategic world of Chess could I have ever planned like that. All I can do now is die with a smile on my face. I smiled and waited for my air to run out.
"Rook... Rook?.... up..." I hear hazily as my mind starts back up again,"Wake... Rook... wake up." I feel myself being moved as the soft voice breaks thought the haze of my mind. I can't tell whose voice it is yet. I don't know who has such a soothing voice besides Fluttershy and she wasn't around the last time i checked. I'm starting to be able to feel more of what is around me because I feel warmth and something soft and fluffy. I remember feeling something like this before but I can't remember at the moment. I nuzzle into the soft warmth wanting to sleep. I hear a giggle and I open my eyes to see white, all white.
"C-Cynthia?"
"Yes? What is it Rook?" She said in the soft voice I heard as my head cleared.
"Am I... Dead? Or Dreaming?" I asked looking up at her eyes. The golden iris gleam in the setting sunlight as beautiful colors highlight the sky.
"No your not. Before you ask," She places a claw on my mouth and smiled. "You faced death with a smile on your face. Anyone would honor and respect that. I decided to let go after you blacked out. I can't allow such a good pony to die like that." I sat speechless of what I just heard. She spared me.
"Cynthia... I'm sorry about this..." She opened her mouth to speak but i placed a black porous hoof on her beak and continued,"I am going to tell you the whole truth... or what i remember anyway. I don't fully remember some of the days I was here. Okay.?" She nods as I remove my hoof from her beak and begin telling her everything.
"... And... That is the whole thing... I don't remember the first three days I was here. I'm not sure why... I'm not old enough to drink... So I wouldn't... I just don't know..." I stopped talking and looked at the ground, it was about midnight. The moon's light shown down on the land, perched high in the sky. It seemed as it too was curious and had it's gaze on me as well. I feel eminence pressure coming down on me as I think of that. Is it watching? Or am I imagining? I let my mind wander around the fact that Princess Luna could be watching the whole time. I dismissed the thought as Cynthia poked me to get my attention.
"Rook... I think we should get a move on. We can't get to Equestria by sitting here." Cynthia said with a smile spread across her beak. "We should get stepping towards the goal." I nodded in agreement and started to rise shakily to my hooves. It feels weird standing when I know my hooves have holes in them.
"Okay Cynthia, lets go." She drapes a wing over my back to keep me steady as we start walking forward. I only make it about 30 steps and i collapse face first into the ground. "Ow...." I look up from where I fell and see Cynthia covering her beak with a talon as if to hide the fact she's laughing at me.
"Rook are you alright?" Her voice wavering slightly trying to cover up her laughter but failing in the action. She reaches down and picks me up like a foal and places me on her back. "I guess I overdid it when i strangled you huh?"
"A little... But I can't blame you. I'm well aware that what I am is hated everywhere. I can't fully understand why but judging on your reaction... you have a grudge against what I am. I bet that is why twilight and the others left me. I seemed to be nice enough they let me go... or so it seems." Cynthia begins walking down the path with a nod.
"A grudge no... It's more like a burning hatred. It's one story, I don't want to talk about."
First Death... (sins of a killer)
First Death... (sins of a killer)
Cygnus is an easy pony to talk to but not so easy to get along with. His views are so different from Cynthia's that they tend to bicker if I don't find a way to turn the subject over to something more along the normal conversation. Seating in the royal guard car of the train is a awkward. It looks like the stereotypical guard bunks you see in the movies but with the clacking of the train tracks and the slight jerking of the car when the wheels slip a bit on the tracks. Some armor on the walls is the same gold color but a bit dull due to lack of polish and no use in years by all the dust on in. There are a few chests that line the side of the car in an organized line. By the basic look of them they are weaponry chests, but I dare not go over there even if my curiosity eats at me. I look to Cynthia who looks around the car with a bit of distaste and criticism. It is something she obviously isn't used to. Being a general's daughter must have some perks. Looking to Cygnus he is cleaning his spear with a burning purpose locked in his eyes. I may be in the dark to the reason why that is but I'll try to ignore it for now.
"Take an interest in those old chests, eh Tex?" I nodded and turned my head back to the chests. Something seemed mysterious and suspicious how they haven't been touched in years. "You can take a look inside 'em if you can manage to open 'em." He chuckled and continued his spear cleaning.
"So... Cygnus..." Cynthia began to speak but as I made my way to the chests all sound seemed to get blocked out except for the steady clacking of the tracks. I stopped in front of the chests and looked at each of the 6 with curiosity. One chest had a large cross on it, the next had a smaller more ordinate cross with a small jewel on it. The next three had a book, a small ax, and a great sword. The last chest in the corner had a shield stamped into a medal plate on the front just like the others but I find myself more interested in it than the others. I get in front of it and get a closer look the chest. It has a few words written on it but they have become illegible due to ware in the metal. The chest seems to be ordinary but I feel as if it has secrets of it's own. There doesn't seem to have a lock or a keyhole of any sort. It must be opened magically or maybe by a few choice words.
-BANG!-
"Watch out Tex!" I turned my head to the sound of Cygnus feinted to the right and jumped to the left closer to the chest I was inspecting. My eyes locked onto a cloaked figure of a pony with a sword in it's mouth. I glance at the chest and back at the cloaked figure. I gave a few more glances slowly back towards it as the pony advances. It is obviously a unicorn to hold Cynthia and Cygnus in place. But apparently it takes more power to hold them both than the assassin predicted. Giving me the advantage that he can't use anymore magic but the disadvantage of not being armed. I clenched my teeth together and backed against the chest and closed my eyes.
*Funny never thought some nameless assassin would be so heartless as to kill the innocent but that's life, huh? Shame I won't find out what's in the chest... I guess there's only one thing I can wish at this point...*
"I wish... To protect my friends... I may not have the right to ask... But please... Even if I die make sure they live." I said in a hushed voice to myself. I hear a soft click and a slight creek. I turn my head away from the assassin and lifted the lid of the chest. A set of cobalt colored armor sat in the chest along with a matching shield with a Onyx x in the middle of the shield. Accompanied by a ruby red contrast outlining the x making it to stand out like a black cat in a white room. It is a true work of art. I grabbed the shield and swung my arm with a glazed dark look I smashed the assassin in the face. The said assassin's sword fell to the floor as blood dripped from the bottom of the shield.
A bloody mess lay before the shield the reason is not a broken nose or jaw but a shattered skull with a blade stabbed through. The pool of blood gets bigger yet no pony or griffin moves to see if the said assassin is still living, although it is clear that no one pony or griffin, not even the princesses themselves would survive that. The pool of crimson blood started to absorb into the carpet but still leave a meeting appearance due to the carpet being white. It looks like someone spilled a fine red wine on the carpet.
"One..." I no sooner passes out collapsing into something soft.
Author's Note
Yeah this one is short... But I hope you like it anyway.
Awakened
"... No he has yet to awaken from the incident..." A voice said as I came back to consciousness.
"... I wish to meet the one who managed to open my sister's armor." Said a proud yet feminine voice.
I groan slightly and open my eyes to discover I'm no longer on the train but in a unknown room to me. A few bookshelves lined the walls here and there. The couch I lay on is bright yellow almost golden in color. The room seems to be a study of sorts. Looking around I see the armor I stared at before in the train in all it's glory. It seemed to be polished now and the shield cleaned and polished not even a trace of blood is on it. The armor looked a bit different now though it seems to be a lot smaller than before. I get up off the comfortable golden couch and walk over to the armor. It seems to be able to fit me if I were to put it on. The sound of talking stops as a door opening breaks me from my gaze at the armor and turn my head to the door.
"Princess this is Texas Rook," said Cygnus who opened the door. "Please don't be alarmed by appearance though, he is actually very sociable and friendly."
"Why would you say something li-" Princess Celestia stepped into the door way as Cygnus entered, her words broke off in shock. The shocked face only lasted for a moment before it turned back to a traditional Celestia smile. "Oh, so this is why you said I wouldn't believe if you told me." Cygnus shifted awkwardly but stood at attention the best he could. Celestia looked me over as I stood silently looking back with a blank face. "Texas Rook, correct?" I nod in response and move back to the couch and sit on the far end of the couch next to the arm of it. "I heard most of your story from Cygnus and Cynthia but, why come here to Equestria?"
"Why come here? Simple, I just want to live in peace... I know not of a better place to find that." I said sitting back and closing my eyes. "That is until I figure out how to return to my rightful home... If I can that is..."
"Your rightful home? What do you mean?" Celestia asked.
"Well... To be honest completely... It isn't even in this world... possibly not even in this universe." I opened my eyes to see Celestia's smile turn to a frown.
"Not in this universe?" After a long silence she spoke again. "So this is what the changelings' did with the book they managed to steal. They ripped you from you're universe and put you into a changelings' body. I pray you didn't tell them of anything of your world."
"I don't know if I did or not... I don't remember the first three days I was here, but something is telling me I didn't. I don't think the elements of harmony would have found me if I had."
This caught Celestia's attention. "You met Twilight and her friends?" I nod.
"Yes, but I had a disguise on at that time... I don't think they knew I was a changeling... nor did I until i changed on accident when Cynthia was carrying me. They know my name but nothing else about me. They kinda left me in the Griffin Kingdom by myself."
:"I'll be sure to talk to them about that later. For now how about you tell me about how you opened the chest to my sister's old armor and shield."
I started explaining exactly what happened on my end with a bit of help from Cygnus who filled in the parts I didn't see until after I turned around. I found it strange that Cynthia wasn't in the room with us but I held in the question of where is she till the end of my story. It was Cygnus who answered me. "Cynthia is on her way here. She went out and said she'd be back at around 6." I look at the clock hanging on the wall. The clock read 5:30. "At least I think she's on here way back... It would be easier if I were a unicorn." I nod and lower my head in thanks for the information.
Celestia took in the story I just told with a look of interest on her face as Cygnus and I had a small conversation on something completely off topic until she interrupted. "I think I understand." Cygnus and myself look over at Celestia who just spoke. "My sister's armor not only reacted due to your plea for help but due to your concern for your friends protection. Your willingness to put yourself at risk to protect them opened the chest and gave you ownership to the armor and shield. Which is how you were able to invoke the shield's power of 'Bashing Blade'."
"Bashing Blade?" I said confused and looked at Cygnus for help with the term.
"Bashing Blade is an ability only for the Shield of Moon. Remember on the train how the assassin had a blade through his skull?" I nod in response. "Well did you notice that the blade owned by the assassin was on the ground by him and not in his head?" I nod again. "Well the Onyx x on the shield is enchanted to summon a blade of some sort when it is hit against another sword or a body of an opponent according to the legend around it. The blade that went into his head came out of the x of the shield into his skull."
"Wow..." I said turning to look at the shield leaning against the armor. "That is rather nifty but too dangerous to play around with."
A knock on the door drew all of our attention as we all turned our heads to look at it. "May I come in?" Cynthia's voice come from outside. Celestia used her magic and opened the door for her. Cynthia stepped in and closed the door behind her. "Bout time you woke up Tex you had me worried for a second." She made her way over to the couch but sat on the floor next to the arm i was close to.
"It's nice to see you too, Cynthia." I said with a smile with my fangs slipping out of my lips on accident. "It's a good thing I woke up then, huh? Cause if i didn't I wouldn't get to see you smile anymore." That remark made her feathers puff up and a blush spread across her face. Cygnus cracked a smirk and Celestia giggled at Cynthia's embarrassment. "I'll say this... It's good to be awake and know what is going on..."
Second Death...
-Knock Knock-
It had been about an hour sense Celestia left the room. Cygnus looked up from the book he had been reading and looked at the door with confusion. I glanced at my shield and looked back at the door. Cynthia stretched her wings and walked to the door readying her left talon as she grabbed the handle with her right and pulled the door open. "Can I help you?" Cynthia asked.
"Yes actually, I'm here to see Cygnus." A masculine voice with a New Yorker accent said clearly so all inside could hear. "I have some news to bring to his attention. So, if you'll excuse me." The other side of the door opened up as a large stallion walked in with the same armor as Cygnus only it had a different marking as the crest. It must have something to do with military rank. From what I remember on military ranking the mark means he is a Lieutenant. While Cygnus is a Corporal this stallion out-ranks him and has news.If my suspicion is correct Cygnus is about to be moved and stationed somewhere else and in that position, with Cygnus out of the room, could lead to issues. I draw my thoughts back under lock and key and listen into the conversation between the stallion and Cygnus. "...So there you have it..."
*Damn, I was so caught in my own thoughts I missed the conversation...*
"So let me get this straight." Cynthia said sitting by the door drawing everyone's attention. "So, What you're saying is that Cygnus is being stationed somewhere else in the castle while you keep an eye on us?" The stallion nods silently not noticing as Cygnus and I share a wary glance at one another. "Sorry to disappoint, but Cygnus was assigned to us by the Princess. So, you'll have to find someone else to go on guard duty for you." The stallion got a scowl on his face as i give a questioning look to Cygnus to which he gave an affirmative nod of agreement.
"That so?" The guard said with anger in his heavily accented voice. "I got authority over you soldier and you will listen and obey my orders!" Cygnus squints at the guard with a burning suspicion in his eyes. As I went to stand up the soldier flashed in front of me and slammed his weight into me pushing me back onto the couch. The force of the impact made the air leave my lungs. I struggled to catch my breath as a pair of hoof cuffs were slapped on to my front hooves and a magic nullification ring on my horn. "Cygnus, I thought you were smarter than this. You can't leave a changeling without cuffs and magic nullification rings!" The cuffs where tight and the ring began to give me a head-ache.
"Get away from Tex you asshole!" Cynthia shouted at the guard and her front right talon scratched against the floor leaving a visible claw marks. "He has done nothing to you!"
"Whoa there missy it's protocol. It is rule in the castle." The guard said. "Now calm down before I have to restrain you as well." The guard licked the side of his mouth and had a strange look on his face that Cygnus clearly found offensive because he glared at the guard in anger. Cynthia's face turned form angry to discussed as she got stared at by the guard. "So what'll it be?"
"Neither."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes really... You... You sick demented pervert!" Cynthia shouted at him discussed.
The guard got a look of shock on his face as he stepped closer to her and away from me and Cygnus. "Cygnus." I whispered to get his attention. He looked over at me with a questioning look. I reach over to his spear that is resting on the other side of the couch from me and nudge it causing it to tip and start to fall to the floor. Cygnus jumped towards the falling spear and caught it just before the blade could nick the ground.
"Hey changeling. I can take I guess and say the griffin is yours right?" The guard asked with a sickening tone that made my stomach turn over.
It took a moment to try and ignore the feeling in my stomach to speak. "Yes. Cynthia is technically mine... Why?" I glace at Cygnus who is now holding his spear properly and pointing it at the guard. Cygnus looks at me and gives a nod and waits for further instruction.
"Oh... I just have this... Little fantasy..." Cynthia's back pressed against the large door as the guard continues to advance towards her. "I'll make a deal with you... Changeling... Tell your griffin to do as I say for the next 3 hours with no fuss or revolt... And I'll let you out of the cuffs and nullifying ring." Cynthia's pupils shrunk to pin-piricks in fear. She knew as well as I did that her or I attacking him was out of the question.
"That so... I would like to know what you plan to do with her if I take your proposed deal." I know damn well what'll happen but I need him to say it out loud so a spell on the room could play it back if there is one. Rooms like this always happen to have something like that. The guard is about a foot in front of Cynthia now I can't see his face but by Cynthia's I can tell it isn't a pleasant one I'd like to see.
"I guess I can tell you... After all no pony will believe a changeling, a Corporal, or a griffin. I plan to make her my bitch. Use her until she breaks and wants nothing but me." The guard started to laugh evilly and moved a hoof towards Cynthia's face. "Oh what fear..." His laughter filled with enjoyment that is making my stomach sicker. Looking to Cygnus he has a look of pure rage on his face and is grinding his teeth. "I'll enjoy breaking you."
I took a deep breath and cleared the feeling in my stomach away. "We might have a slight disagreement then..." The stallion's hoof stopped an inch from Cynthia 's face. "Cygnus. If you'd please do away with this... Intolerable perverted eyesore." No sooner than I had finished Cygnus vanished in a blink of an eye. Next thing I saw was the Lieutenant flying across the room away from Cynthia and over my head into the back wall. A loud crunch was heard as he impacted the wall. I looked over the back of the couch to see Cygnus standing on his hind legs pointing the spear at the guards neck. Cygnus looked to Cynthia as if waiting for something then to me when she just zipped from the door to tackle herself into the couch and shove her face into my chest. Lifting up my still cuffed hooves I drew my hooves across my neck and made a hangman gesture. I turned my face away as Cygnus silently nodded. I held Cynthia the best I could looking at the large doors. The next sound I heard was the sound of a bones being crushed along with the sound of liquid splattering all over the ground.
Cynthia began to cry softly her tears dampening my chest as I close my eyes and listen to nothing but her crying. I felt the nullification ring get taken off along with the hoof cuffs. Nothing else is said or done for a long time. Not until Cynthia's soft tearful sobs turned to the silence of sleep. I open my eyes and look around for Cygnus. I spot him by a book self in a recliner reading a dark blue book. I can only see part of the title which reads: Daring Do and the quest for. The rest I can't see. His spear is next to him sparkling clean and with a bit of shine from polish. I turn my attention to Cynthia who's upper half of her body is acting like a giant blanket for me. It is comfortable to say the least. I place my hoof down on her back softly and rub gently. I know that even for a strong, proud griffin those types of experiences can still be frightening and traumatic. It is hard to say how that will effect her but I know it will cause an issue sooner or later. The sound of a book closing catches my attention and I turn my head back to Cygnus.
"I'm going to go get Princess Celestia and bring her here and explain what happened as well as see to a different room with better classification on who can come in the room. Possibly even getting you military status so something like this won't happen again... That is if she believes us and doesn't have us thrown in jail." Cygnus said getting up off the chair and walking to the door. "I'm leaving my spear here... Watch over it would ya?" I nod as he disappeared behind the large doors.
"One... Two... We cut through you."
"A Pawn... A Knight... We killed in moonlight."
Meeting Blueblood. (What a Joke.)
Meeting Blueblood. (What a Joke.)
"Is that the whole story?" Celestia asked politely with a slight frown on her face.
Soon after Cygnus left the room he returned and told me to wake up Cynthia and follow him. We entered the thrown room of the castle and were told to explain what had occurred in the study. I explained in great detail what had happened but, something seems to be missing from the look Celestia has on her face. "Yes, that is everything Princess." I said in response to her question.
"I see... I will check the study later myself and check my surveillance spell." She said getting up from her thrown and walking to a window and looking outside. I looked to the guards by the doors to see them whispering about something but I can't make out what it is they are whispering about. Maybe if I had control over my magic it would be easier to hear them. Turning my attention away from them I notice Cynthia is staying closer to me and Cygnus than she normally does. Perhaps she still feels shock from what happened in the study. I feel Cygnus tap my shoulder to get my attention and gesture with his head towards Celestia who had been calling my name politely for the past minute or so without me noticing. "Texas. Are you alright? You seem to be spacing out."
"I'm okay. I was just thinking about something... Was there something you wanted to ask?" I asked after shaking my head slightly clearing my thoughts promising myself I'd get back to thinking later.
"Yes, there is." Celestia let out a soft sigh and continued. "I would like to ask of your assistance. Do you know of my nephew Blueblood?" I think for a moment then shake my head no. Which was only a partial lie but still a lie none the less. I really have to stop lying. "Well you see he is going to a specific and special place tonight. I am worried for his safety. He bares the title of Prince. Thus there may be ponies who would want him out of the way so to speak. Would you be willing to make time to guard him with Cygnus tonight?"
"Well... You see... I won't normally deny a request from royalty but... I'd rather not leave Cynthia alone... She had a bad experience today." I glance in Cynthia's direction to get a death glare from Cynthia. I try to ignore the glare the best I can pretending I never saw it. A shiver went up my spine. She was still glaring I could tell.
"Are you sure it isn't possible that you could? Is there anyway you would reconsider?"
"Hmm... I guess I could but I'd like it if Cynthia was in yours or your sisters sight the whole time Cygnus and myself are absent. I don't feel comfortable leaving to a party of sorts and Cynthia staying behind, alone." I could feel Cynthia's glare harden and drill into me like a drill bit in a high powered electric drill gun. She is angry. No angry is an understatement, she's furious.i continue to speak anyway but it is getting harder to ignore the glare. "If that'd be alright with you?"
"I believe that can be done." Celestia said nodding her head. "Lieutenant Flare would you please go get Blueblood and bring him here?" I glance to the guard i question. He was the guard who was whispering to the one next to him. Something about him seems off. Normally guards would never break the stoic look or attention at the least. Being relaxed while guarding the princess seems suspicious.
"Right away your majesty." Flare bowed his head and left the room. The door closed and I turned my attention to Cygnus.
"Cygnus... How much do you know about Lieutenant Flare?" I whispered to him. Cygnus turned his head confused but his face turned into one of thought.
"Lieutenant Flare? I don't know much about but, he is the relaxed type of pony. Although I am a bit on edge near him. He relaxes a bit to much when on duty." He whispered back. Cygnus' face turns back to a normal smile. "But what reason would you need to know that?"
"I'll tell you later. At the party." I answered with a nod. "Thanks for the information." I take some time to look around some more. Cynthia and Celestia were locked in a conversation so I don't think they heard us or even noticed us talking. None of the guards seemed to mind either as far as I know.
The large regal doors opened and I turned around. Cygnus followed in suite. A pristine white unicorn stood in the doorway with a smile on his face. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and a relatively nice suite with a rose on the left side of his suite. "Auntie! Did you call for me?" His voice was what you call royally annoying. While it was proper it had that particular whine to it that most found extremely annoying. His eyes locked on to me and he fell to the floor. I look to Cygnus whom had his eyebrow raised in confusion. He made his way over to Blueblood and checked him over.
"He's fine, just fainted. Probably because of Tex." Cygnus said walking back to my side. "Sorry to ya know, say it so bluntly no offense."
"None taken." I replayed nonchalantly with a shrug. "What can I say I'm terrifying."
*This guy's a prince? Haha! What a joke. Well he does have that whiny and annoying voice. He sure dresses like one too. Although he sure as hell doesn't have the courage part! He fainted! What a riot! I really wish I could say this out loud but I don't think id be the best idea* I couldn't resist smiling at Blueblood's expense. Poor stallion didn't see that coming.
The Party Crasher
Waiting for Blueblood to get ready for the party took forever. I am thankful for the illusion spell Celestia cast on me. She said I should wear my armor just in case. So after I'd put it on she used the spell to make me look like my previous disguise, my cutie mark is a shield with a rook in the middle. I look like a properly dressed stallion when underneath I'm a monster in armor. Celestia did warn me that the second my shield leaves my back the spell will be broken. I must be careful at all times. Cygnus said that I should just stick as close to Blueblood as possible but not be singled out as a tailer. I guess staying with Cygnus would be the best idea he does have training for this type of mission.
Blueblood exits his room and looks Cygnus and myself over. "So, you're the ones auntie said would be watching at the party?" He said with a traces of annoyance clear in his voice. Cygnus and I nodded in almost unison. "I guess you'll do, although I did ask auntie for female guards." He now had slight disappointment in his voice.
"Alright, look here Blueblood." I said getting his full attention, he had a scowl on his face, but I succeed in my first step. "Look Princess Celestia or your auntie specifically asked us to guard you because she knows you'll be safe with us around. She wouldn't have called us if she didn't believe you wouldn't be safe, understand. Right now your safe in our hooves. Cygnus here has years of experience in combat. I've taken marshal arts and am efficient with a few weapons as well. So you've got nothing to worry about."
Hearing this Blueblood visibly relaxed and coughed fake like into his hoof and nodded. "Alright then. Let us be off to the party. Sense you have experience you should know what to do, correct?" Cygnus nodded and started walking.
"I'll get inside the party and wait. I'll be waiting for your arrival. Leave five minutes after I do Blueblood. Tex, you enter the party two minutes after Blueblood enters to evade suspicion. Then wonder the party have one drink no more. Locate Blueblood but don't approach him. Keep him in your sights, I'll be doing the same." With that he trotted off. After five minutes Blueblood started walking to the party. I followed in suite two minutes just as Cygnus asked. I managed to get Blueblood in my sight after about a minute of trotting at a slow pace.
At the gate a sort line of ponies have gathered and are going in one by one. I spot Cygnus going inside as I get into the line. Soon after Blueblood entered. Then I, myself entered after about three others entering before me. Walking with my best posture I slowly scan the crowd and the decor. It is a rather fancy party normally the type that has slow dances and a lot of unneeded extremely fancy food. I take a seat in the middle of the party and look around casually. I spot Blueblood by the food looking at the selection as if he was inspecting it. I turned my attention away and looked around more and scanned the crowd again for Blueblood and spotting him again only all the way across the party near the drinks. I wonder how he got all the way over there so quick but then again he is a unicorn. Magic is really a complex thing I have yet to figure out. I'll have to ask Celestia or one of the guards to help me with magic or at least point me in the direction of a few books on the subject. I spot Cygnus walking around talking to a few ponies while still able to keep Blueblood in his line of sight so if needed he could be there in a blink of an eye. Taking another look about the decor is while it is very fancy it looks like it could conceal a weapon of sorts if need be, and if the location of the weapon or weapons were placed strategically it could go very badly in a few seconds.
"Here here!" I hear a clinking of glass. I swivel my ears in the direction of the sound and glance to the sound. A stallion in a well made suite placed down the spoon and everypony is looking in his direction. Then it hit me. What if this is a diversion. I whip my vision back to Blueblood and see a pony with a dagger making his way to him. This is it, the moment I let go. All of my limbs feel lighter and my heart beats faster. I raise from my chair and walk as if getting a drink for the toast, for mine was empty. As the pony raised the dagger, I dashed faster than I ever had in my life. I felt amazing to go at such speed. Next thing I can recollect is me in the way of the pony whom is a pegasus by appearance. I reach out and grab his hoof holding the dagger pull him towards me and my back hoof connects with his stomach. The pegasus released the dagger out of shock, which in turn landed in to my hoof. Shoving the pegasus down to the floor with a loud crash drew everypony's attention.
"Understand this pegasus, you'll not live to see the morning." I rotate the dagger in my hoof toss it to the ground and kick it across the floor to Cygnus. "Stand and face the penalties for you offense." The pegasus stood and prepared himself. "Death comes to thee WHO TRIES TO MURDER!"
Cygnus: What the hell?
Note: This chapter is told from Cygnus' view point
I hear a gasp and the clink of medal then it scrapping on the floor. I look down and step on the hilt of a dagger. Turning my head in the direction from which it came. There Tex said something i couldn't hear then he shouted in an octave close to the Canterlot royal voice. "... WHO TRIES TO MURDER!" That pegasus attempted assassination on Blueblood!
As I made my way over almost in full sprint it started. They began to fight hoof to hoof. With the shield still on Tex's back gives him a major advantage. If that pegasus tries to hit Tex he'll shatter his hoof at the least even if it is under a illusion spell.
I slid to a halt next to Blueblood and pull him away from Tex and the unnamed pegasus. I look around for a trusted member of high class as quickly as I could. I spotted FancyPants about to leave with a white pony, I swear I've seen in the news paper before. "Blueblood go with FancyPants. Follow him until you get at least two blocks from here. Understand?" Blueblood's eyes where stricken with terror as he rushed to follow FancyPants. After seeing Blueblood exit I hear a loud shattering of glass and the clanking of silverware hitting the floor. Turning my head to the sound I see a tipped over table, punch and silverware littered the floor. Tex is beating the day-lights out of the assassin. A straight punch followed by a right hook sent the assailant flying into the wall. A few moments pass and the pegasus rises and spits out a tooth. Tex making his move leaps forward, spun a 180 aiming is back at the pegasus.
The pegasus taking initiative jumped out of the way to the right as Tex slammed into the wall. A giant indentation was made in the shape of his shield. The pegasus' eyes widened as Tex dislodged himself from the wall and looked at him with an icy glare that could paralyze a cockatrice and scare off a dragon. The pegasus nearly frozen hesitated to move.
"Kneel." Tex said in a commanding voice that dropped the pegasus to his stomach his front legs knelt. I don't understand but, I, myself feel compelled to do the same. I shake my head and resist the feeling. Tex moved in front of the pegasus. "Speak your name."
The pegasus clearly is struggling against his body and mind. Could it be that Tex's magic, instead of going through his horn managed to go through his hooves when he made contact? Is that how he's making him kneel? "My... name is.. Bottle... Rocket." He said starting to grind his teeth so hard i can see his mouth starting to bleed.
"Who do you work for? Or what are your reasons for trying to assassinate Blueblood?" BottleRocket continued to struggle violently but stayed still as far as I myself could tell. Tex moved over to him and right hooked him across the face and yet he didn't budge only his face moved the the right. I know I should intervene but I'm unsure how Tex will react.
"I can't say who sent me... She'd kill me."
"She? So it's a mare..." Tex nails BottleRocket again only this time where his right wing connects to his back.
-CRACK-
"AAAAAAHHHH!" BottleRocket screamed in pain as his wing fell limp. "Please, no more... I'll talk..." Tex's face is cold and unforgiving as he goes to the other side of BottleRocket and prepares to strike the other wing.
"Start talking then." Tex placed his hoof on the join and started to push.
-POP POP-
A painful whine escaped BottleRocket as his wing made sounds it wasn't supposed to. "I don't know her name, she just gave me a picture and a bag full of bits telling me to kill him!" He was panicking and sounded frantic. "She said once I was done she would give me the other bag of bits she was carrying!" He whines in more pain as his explanation finishes. "Please, h-have mercy... spare me any more pain." Tex released his hold on Bottle's wing and suddenly Bottle dropped to the floor unconscious.
"Get out..." Tex's head cocked to the side and his chin is pushed towards his chest. "...Of my head..." Tex starts shaking and growling as he falls backwards onto his hindquarters grabbing his head. "YOU WILL NOT CONTROL ME, YOU WRETCHED BITCH!" He head shakes violently a few times like he is at war in his own mind now.
I shake my head and hustle to BottleRocket's side picking him up onto my back. I normally wouldn't move a critically injured pony like this, but I can't leave him here with Tex going nuts. I'm afraid of what is happening to him, could it be that due to him depriving himself of emotional energy that changelings need to survive is the cause? I cannot say, for I have little knowledge of changelings as it is.
"I'M NOT YOUR PAWN!" A flash of green light blinds me momentarily. When I look again, no longer blinded, Tex's illusion spell had been broken and his armor glowed and eerie purplish color. While his shield glowed another color, Turquoise. The turquoise color started to spread form the shield to the armor slowly ridding the eerie purple color from his armor.
As the turquoise spreads Tex slowly calms down and falls to the kneeling position that Bottle was in moments ago breathing heavily and tiredly. "Tex are you okay?" I ask as the glowing stops and he seems himself again. I cannot say he is fully himself but whatever that purple glow was, it was poisoning his mind.
"Y-yes... Cygnus... I-I'm fine... W-where is Blueblood? He safe?" He was struggling to remain conscious his voice staggering is a clear sign of fatigue even to the average pony.
"As far as I know he is, I told him to get away from here and to follow a fellow recognizable noble." I said this as Tex forced himself to stand. After staggering a bit getting his balance he made his way to the door. I followed just behind him lugging Bottle across my back thinking. Just what the hell was that purple glow and what did it do to Tex? I can't say why it happened but I'll be keeping a closer eye on him now.
Questions. (More Like Interrogation)
Questions. (More Like Interrogation
I couldn't shake the feeling of what came over me, had I been mind controlled or what was it that took control? Why did it affect me and nopony else? I'm so confused. Cygnus told me to return to the castle and relax, take a breather, and most of all chill out. I'm not sure what I did but it must've scared the bejesus out of him. I sit on a bench outside the castle walls and take a few deep breaths. I loved it when I was at home. I could play card games and chess with my dad to relieve stress maybe even win a few bucks off him in poker.
Thinking about home made me feel a clawing in my stomach and most of all lonely. I lift myself off the bench after a sigh of depressing sadness. "I'll just take a walk maybe I'll get my head clear of home and other stuff..." It's a good thing Celestia's spell happens to recast itself when the shield is placed back onto my back. Don't want panic now would I? I slowly walk through the street looking at all the shops and stores alike closed and clubs and bars open for the night-life in full swing. It was close to midnight now. Luna's moon hung suspended in the sky filled with stars. Stopping and looking around the street, I spot a sign in front of a box. I take a few steps closer to read it.
"To a good home." I scrunched up my nose in confusion but crept closer and looked inside. What was inside took the breath from my lungs. A child curled into a ball shivering with a tiny blanket barely covering the poor pony. Drawing in breath I turned around away from the sight and looked around for somepony in the vicinity. "No one. How could somepony be so heartless... I may not be the best pony in the world but this is... Just terrible." I look inside the box again and frown deeply. "Why?" I whisper under my breath. I shake my head and start to concentrate on myself. After a minute a green aura surrounds myself and the illusion Celestia had placed on me dispels and a green flame flickers across my body changing me back to what I had looked like in the griffin empire, only now I had on kickass armor and a huge shield on my back. "I just hope that someone of genuine kindness will take this child." I flap my wings hesitantly then shake my head. "Nope no flying for me. I still have to get lessons from Cynthia." Rearing up on my hind hooves I reach into the box and lift the kid out. Holding the sleeping kid in one hoof I lift my shield off my back and put the kid there after getting back down on all fours and placing my shield on the ground gently. I look back at the kid with pity and lift my wings and adjust them to partially cover the freezing figure. Taking up my shield I lift it over my back over the kid to prevent the elements from causing more problems. The way my wings where positioned held up the shield from crushing the kid with its weight. I start to walk down the street looking at the signs and taking a few turns away from the direction of the castle towards the lower districts of Canterlot.
I stopped to read a sign and a voice called out to me in my mind. 'What are you doing you fool, you can use this child to feed yourself...' I was starting to feel hunger claw at my stomach like a caged animal trying to get out. 'Get this child to love and adore you as a father, brother, or uncle. Love is your food and magic which will run out if you don't hurry to somewhere you can't be seen.' the voice was right I could feel my stomach churning and clawing begging to be filled, but how could I take care of this child on my own? I'm only 17 and know not a thing about fillies and colts. I feel pain shoot through my stomach and into my head. I turned around and started back towards the castle where I know I can find affection from Cynthia even if it is just a little bit.
"Damn it..." The pain continued to prod and torture my mind and stomach as the castle grew closer. It burned and I began to grind my teeth.
A few paces away from the gate I see the guard say something but the pain was too great and my ears were ringing making me unable to comprehend what he's saying. "G-get... C-Cygnus..." I feel my legs give out as my stomach impacted the ground. "Uuff..." It looked like the world was starting to spin as I see the guard run inside the gate. I place my head on the ground looking at the gate. "Damn it..." I waited for a few minutes and l started pulling myself forward toward the gates when said guard didn't return. Pulling myself forward inch by inch trying to get to the gate. I reached the gate with a gasp of air. "Finally... *pant pant* I made it...*pant pant* I.. Can't move anymore... Pray that this kid lives... Pray that... I do too. Fucking hell..." I close my eyes and wait.
I lift my head up only to have it slammed back down into a hard marble floor of gray and white. "Ow! What the hell was that for?" i try turning my head but whoever has a hold of me is holding me in place preventing me from doing so.
"What was that for?" A feminine voice copied from behind me. "You are going to tell me where the rest of the changelings are!"
"Look lady, I don't know where the changelings are! Even though I am one doesn't mean I'm connected to some damn destructive annoying bitch that tried to fuck up Equestria! W-wait where's my shield and... Where's the kid?!" I pushed against her magic holding me in place and looked around the best I could.
"Who is the filly to you changeling, just another meal or somepony you wanted to brainwash to take out Celestia and Luna?" The voice asked full of hate and disgust.
"I found her in a box out on the street what the hell would you expect anypony in my position to do? Would you have left her in a box abandoned with only a tattered blanket that barely covered her in the cold darkness?! I know damn well i never would! I actually have a fucking heart." I struggle more against her magical hold trying to force myself up to stand. "I'm going to ask nicely, Let me go please." Feeling a surge in slammed back into the marble floor. "UUFF! Damn it... Ugh...Cynthia, Cygnus... Where are you two?"
"I'm so terribly sorry but it seems the ones you've brainwashed can hear you." The voice said bluntly.
"Oh yeah? That's what you think huh?" I said trying to move my insect-like wings to prevent them from damaging. "Cygnus is my Pegasus friend. Cynthia is my griffin um... What is the word I'm looking for... Fiancé."
"Fiancé? A griffin? Do you think I'm going to just believe tha-" A bang on the door interrupted the unknown mare from speaking. I hear the clicking of hooves on marble then the sound of a door opening.
"Princess Candace! What in Equestria's name are you doing to Rook?" Celestia's voice said with force and clear anger. "Release him this instant! He is my guest here at the castle!"
I feel myself get tons lighter and I force myself to stand up and face the door. Standing I feel a few joints pop making me groan. "Ow, that didn't at all feel good." Looking to Celestia I made my way over slowly trying to make sure all my muscles were working so I don't pull something. "Thank you Celestia." Celestia smiled weakly and nodded.
"You're welcome Rook, I heard from Cygnus about what happened at the party and I greatly thank you for that as well even if he was a bit vague on the details when Luna asked him how you did it. Would you fill me in later?" I glance over at Candace and back to her and nod.
"Y-yeah, I'll tell you what I can remember about it." This brought a look of confusion to Celestia's face but it quickly reverted back to a small smile as she stepped out of the way giving me passage. I stepped out of the room but looked back to the room. "But first, where is the filly and my shield?"
"Filly? What filly?" Celestia turned her head to look at Candace asking her directly.
Candace had a look of guilt written all over her face. "She's in the changeling's room asleep. I left her and it's shield there. I... Rook... I hope you'll excuse my.. rash behavior."
"I'll forgive but I won't forget Princess Candace. I'll not hold a grudge, just memory." I turn away and start towards the stairs. Celestia followed me to my right keeping pace with me easily.
"So why don't you tell me what you remember. While I show you where your new room is."
"A-alright... It started when I was inspecting the decor...."
***
"After shouting I don't remember a whole lot. The best pony that could tell you would be Cygnus. I really can't remember but, I recall fighting with something for control. It was vicious and demented making me feel hate and sadness. The next I remember I'm walking back with Cygnus. Nothing else about the party is clear."
I look to Celestia who is standing next to my bed, while I'm laying down resting. Her smile had vanished and it was replaced by a look of overwhelming concern. I couldn't force myself to look at her, so I turn my head to the filly, whom was using my shield as a bed and has a quilt covering her. She had a silver mane and white fur. I couldn't help but smile at the sight but it disappeared soon after at the thought of how Cynthia would react. Thinking on that made me wonder what type of mother she'd be.
"Rook?" I turn my head to her putting my thoughts under lock and key for a while and listen. "Why did you pick up that filly?"
"Why?" I look down at the blanket covering me. "... Why? You'd do the same I'll bet. I just couldn't leave her out there alone with nothing. Starving, bastardized, and scared... I don't want somepony that has no defense, no pony to protect them."
"You took pity on her?"
"In a short sense... I kind of did, but if you want the truth... I'm hesitant to give it. Maybe in time I'll be comfortable telling you why... But for now, I'll just bide my time." I look at the filly again to see her stir slightly and open her soft purple eyes and stare at me. I do the best I can to make myself look non threatening with a smile and the closing of my eyes. "Glad to see you awake kiddo, you sleep okay?" I turn my head back to the Princess to find her gone. Maybe she used a teleportation spell to get out or and invisibility spell to sneak out later or to observe my interaction with the filly. I turn my head back to the filly to see that she had gotten up and was trying to get on the bed. "Do you want to come up?"
"Please?" The filly asked still trying to pull herself up.
I chuckled. "Sit still and I'll get you up kiddo." The filly stopped trying and sat on the floor waiting. I closed my eyes and my horn lit up with soft green magic and lift her up on to the bed. The magic on my horn faded and I opened my eyes to look at her. "There you go."
The filly being adorable as can be, sits there and cocks her head to the side her hair moving to the side of her face, revealing a unicorn horn that I failed to see the night before. I smile and lay back more into the pillow behind my head.
"Do you have a name?" I ask the filly who sat down next to me and shook her head. "No you don't have one? Or no you don't remember?"
"I don't remember."
"Would you like me to give you a new one until you remember?" She nodded and looked to me with anticipation in her eyes. "Hmm..." I looked her up and down a few times and thought. "How about StarLight? Do you like that name Starlight?" She smiles and nods her head. Her smile made me smile as she jumped on me and hugged my neck, nuzzling into my cheek.
-BANG BANG BANG-
Both the filly and myself snapped our attention towards the door and listened. "Tex? Are you decent?" Cygnus thank god it's him and not Cynthia.
"Yeah, Cynthia with you?"
"No, why? You want me to get her?"
"No, it's okay come on in." Cygnus opened the door and closed it softly. Cygnus' face when he saw the filly on my bed was priceless. First the 'what the fuck' look. Next came the classic 'How the fuck?' look. Finally came the 'Holy shit' look. I just barely was able to stop myself from bursting out laughing at him while the different looks crossed his face. I smiled and waited for his response.
Cygnus just stared from me to the filly and back to me. I was having an even harder time containing my laughter at the look on his face.
"Okay... Where'd the filly come from?" He made his way over to the side of my bed and looked at her with confusion.
"StarLight, meet your Uncle Cygnus."
"U-Uncle Cygnus? What are you talk-" Cygnus was cut off by StarLight tackle hugging into his neck.
"So Cygnus, where is Cynthia?" I said smiling at StarLight hanging on his neck with a vice grip hug.
"W-well," He started managing to pry the excited filly of his neck and set her on the bed. "She's in the Dining hall right now with Princess Luna. Luna's about to go to bed though so I believe you don't have much time until she hears about last night in the party." I bit my lower lip as he continued, "And I have no idea how she'll react to, ya know." He gestures with his head in Starlight's direction quickly enough to not be noticed by her.
Letting loose a sigh I pondered out loud, "The worst she could do is clock me in the head really, but I've seen her past her boiling point once." A shiver ran up my spine, "Lets just say I have hooves on experience with her anger. It's not fun." Snapping out of my thoughts I look to Cygnus who is clearly doing his best to stay perfectly calm about what I'd just said and Starlight was playing with her tail not really paying much attention by the looks of it. "I wish I had a little more time I'd be able to think out how to talk to Cynthia about this... Cygnus, I'd hate to ask this but, could you buy me a little time to think maybe distract her a bit with a story of war, or maybe of a battle in history? Something to stall her without it being obvious that you are doing it."
"Yes, but I'll only be able to buy you about ten minutes any more and I'm pushing my luck." He said with a slight frown on his face. "I'll try my best." He glances at StarLight, and a smile starts to tug at his lips as she is chasing her tail around in circles. He turns and leaves closing the door behind him.
Watching the door I start thinking hard on words to say to Cynthia while Cygnus is risking his hide trying for time, then I heard something that could've stopped my heart.
"Daddy?" I swallow hard and slide my vision, unmoving to my right side where StarLight is sitting staring at me. "Who is Cynthia?"
*Okay don't flip your lid... She just asked a question and called you her dad... Nothin wrong with that... Right?! Chill the fuck out! Take some deep breaths. Now this has to be the most stressful moment in my life and she called me the one word that seals everything. Now this puts even more pressure on me now that Cynthia is on her way. Think of something to say to her you moron!*
"W-w-well... Cynthia is... your..." I glance to the door now hoping and praying that it'll swing open and somepony'll save me from this situation "She's your moth-"
The door swings open with a loud bang and Starlight squeaked in fear jumping into the air and moving like a bullet under pillow next to me. Had I not known she was there I couldn't even tell she was hiding there. Direction my attention to the door quickly. I see Cynthia huffing with her wings flared up and her talons clenching and unclenching intimidatingly.
"Hey, Cynthia how was your time with Luna?" I said trying my best to remain as calm as possible and not look like a nervous-reck. She marched her way up to the bed next to me and stared me right in the eyes with enough rage to make me feel sick to my stomach. "Not in the mood for ide chitchat huh?" She shook her head and glared harder lifting her talon off the floor and moving it towards me. I watch it get closer and shake my head and move my head twice in the direction of the pillow the filly was concealing herself under. Clearly ignoring my gestures she continued to move her talon forward still glaring.
Then her talon stopped as I started to hear the sound of whimpering and crying. I glance up to the door to see Cygnus in the doorway panting trying to catch his breath as Cynthia crosses my vision going around the bed to to sound. I watched her make her way there and stare at the pillow. Her eyes had softened from the glare to something I remember seeing when I was younger. The look that mothers give there children when they are crying, the mixture of worry and warmth.
Cynthia reached out and grabbed the pillow gently uncovering the crying StarLight. Cynthia looked up at me then down at her. Cynthia placed her talon gently on StarLight's head and stroked her mane making her sobs and whimpers slow down and stop after about five minutes. Cynthia lifted her talon and Starlight looked up at Cynthia.
Nothing was said for a time, Cygnus and I exchanged a few glances until Starlight spoke. "M-momma?" I drew in a breath and waited for Cynthia's reaction.
Cynthia's face screwed up into confusion at first but, slowly returned to the soft motherly loving look from before. "Yes my dear?" Her voice was smooth and quite shocking to me to say the least glancing at Cygnus he seems to be having the same reaction I am, only he has his wings hanging to the floor, clear exhaustion written all over his face. I'll have to take him somewhere to relax for a bit when I get out of this situation and somehow get Cynthia to watch Starlight.
Looking back to Cynthia, Starlight is hugging her burying her face in Cynthia's neck. Cynthia gently held her there giving me a 'We will talk about this later' glare.
Getting the hint I got out of bed, and moved quickly to Cygnus to help him remain standing and nodded to her. "We'll make ourselves scarce for a bit, give you to a bit of time by yourselves." Before Cynthia could reply I get out the door holding on to Cygnus half dragging him along closing the door behind us. "I'm dead aren't I?"
"Ya think?" Cygnus said tiredly, "Damn Tex, you got yourself one hardcore griffin, I say that much." He leaned on me for support. "Ya mind helpin' me to the barracks?"
"I got a better idea how about we go to the spa and relax for a bit? It would help us both get over what we went through these two days. Sound good?"
"Eh, What the hell, why not. It's been a while sense I've been there, Aloe and Lotus will be surprised to see who I'm hanging around with though." I pondered what he said as we headed towards the front door of the castle.
"OH! I get it. It's cause I'm a changeling right?" He nodded in response. "Not to worry Cygnus, I can fix that. I'll do it before we get there for now it'll remain a surprise."
"A surprise? Are you kidding? You're kidding right?" I shake my head no and he continues. "What are you going to do?"
I chuckle at him and smile. "Too many questions have been asked of me today Cygnus. Just go with the flow for now."
Author's Note
Extra long chapter cause it's that time of year. Merry Christmas and a happy new year. If you'd like a better description of StarLight take SweetieBelle make her hair straight, and a pure silver color with purple eyes. Her voice is like a young Fluttershy if you can imagine that. I'd recommend rereading with this knowledge for a better addition to StarLight's voice and give a bit more character I think. :3 happy reading all youz out there. Your comments and suggestions are looked into so if ya see something that can be made better be sure to comment or IM me!
The Spa... (This'll be Fun!)
The Spa... (This'll be Fun)
"Umm, Tex we just past the spa." Cygnus said as we passed the building with the spa sign on it. I just smiled and ignored him and entered the ally next to it. "Tex? Where are we goin'?"
"The spa but I'll have to better disguise myself Cygnus. I just threw this forme on, I don't even have my cutie-mark... Unless of course you want the spa ponies flipping out and calling the guard thinking your hypnotized, or somethin' of the sort. Don't want them getting the wrong idea, right?" Cygnus' face screwed up in thought for a moment then shook his head no in response. "That's good because I for one don't." I start concentrating on my appearance and my forme flickers adding a chessboard cutie-mark, high-lighting my black mane in certain spots with midnight blue and a tad bit of purple. Opening my eyes and looking to Cygnus with a changed eye color of pure ocean blue. "So? Do I look like a regular pony to you?" In response Cygnus nods with a plain look of no emotional signs. "Good that means we can go in now and have a good time."
With a bit of effort and about three minutes I managed to lug myself and Cygnus into the spa and ring the bell on the desk next to a sign that says, 'Ring for assistance.' After that I placed the still slightly winded a exhausted Cygnus in a chair so he could try to recover his strength from chasing Cynthia trying to buy me some time with little success. Have to say I do owe him for that little time he did manage to hold her up. After waiting a bit longer and nopony appeared answered when I rang the bell I went over and rang it again only this time I hit it a bit harder making a louder ring than last time. When I still received no answer or any sort of sound of a reaction to the bell I looked to Cygnus who gave a shrug looking back at me. I turn my attention to the doorway clearly leading to the back where the spa treatments clearly take place. "You think there on lunch break or something? You know them are they?"
"No, I don't think so, Aloe and Lotus normally take turns eating lunch so there is little to no reason for them to leave while working hours. Adding to that they live here, up on the second floor so they barely ever leave unless of a dire emergency or grocery shopping which is done on Sunday while this place is closed." Cygnus explains in a normal voice but I could tell he was still recovering and would need a bit more time till he could run around or fly.
"Do you think they'd mind if I went back there for a look?" I ask looking to him to which he shook his head.
"Nope, I'm sure they'd be fine with it but if a door is locked don't go in unless you knock and declare your entering whither they like it or not and wait about a minute for a response. If you don't hear one then open it up and look around." I nod and walk to the doorway. "I'll join you in a minute or so if you don't find them. Need help and give me a holler I'll be up there in a minute flat."
"I'll keep that in mind Cygnus, thanks for the info." I fully enter and look around to see regular masseuse stations set up around with large candles that are lit everywhere. I look to the ceiling, under and around the stations looking for any sign of recent use or presence of anypony. Getting nothing I looked to a staircase on the far side of the room and start contemplating whither or not to go up them or to get Cygnus and go up there with me. I shake my head and head over to the base of the stairs and look up them to see what looks like a kitchen a the top but I could be wrong in that assumption. "Hey Cygnus, I'm going up stairs so meet me up there when you feel rested enough." I say loud enough to get a response of "Alright." from him.
With that I make my way to the top of the steps looking into a rather spacious part kitchen, part living room with a few posters of famous or well known ponies on the walls but one more than the others, which is Sorin' of the wonderbolts. Nothing else really grabbed my attention besides that. I made my way into the living room half and started to look around when I heard somepony speak behind me. "Hey, ya have any luck?" I look back to the staircase to spot Cygnus at the top of the staircase standing with his normal guard posture. I shake my head in response and resume my search of the room for anything. "Oh, well the only thing I can think is that they are asleep in their room or they left in such a hurry they didn't have time to lock up."
"I'm going to have to say that sounds about right." I reply walking to a door and checking the door knob to find it locked. "But, I don't think that is the case. Have Aloe or Lotus ever slacked off in their work to your knowledge?" I look to him and gesture with my head for him to come over. He shook his head as he walked over. "Well then something must be wrong, right?" I knock on the door turning my face to the door. "Hey, somepony in there? I rang the bell on the desk but nopony answered. Is everything okay?" I wait for a minute or so and receive no answer. I look to Cygnus again and he nods. I nod back looking back to the door and use my magic to unlock the door and open it up. "Hell-" My words stuck in my throat as I was shocked to what I now gaze upon. "In Celestia's name and all things heavenly what happened in here?" I slowly look to Cygnus who looked just as shocked as I was. He looked frozen with shock. Walking into the destroyed and messy room the twin beds where flipped upside down and broken, the two bed side lamps along with there respective bed side tables were shattered into bits and pieces. "Cygnus, turn on the lights would ya?" Asking that must have unfroze Cygnus because the light flicked on and the room became a lot brighter. "What the fuck happened here?"
Then I felt something wet drip onto my back and I look to Cygnus who was once again frozen looking up at the ceiling with his mouth hanging open moving as if he was trying to say something but nothing was coming out. I in turn look up to see two ponies plastered to the ceiling with a green slime looking substance, eyes closed and pale looking. "Oh my god..." was all I could think to say to the sight in front of my eyes.
"T-Tex," I hear Cygnus say but I don't look to him to see if he is looking to me, "C-Could you help me get them down?" I nod and use my magic to start snapping the green slime colored plaster and bring them down off the ceiling. I could think of nothing to say to Cygnus as I looked to him and gesture for him to follow as I brought the two ponies into the living area and laid them down. Getting a closer look at them and checking both of their pulse I smiled.
"Cygnus, your friends are some tough cookies, they're both alive." He brushed me aside and nudged one of them softly with his nose. I don't know how much these two mean to Cygnus but they must mean a lot for him to be as silent as he is right now. "Cygnus, I think we should get them to the hospital now. While they may be tough, in this condition, they could possibly die." I watch as he lifts one of them onto his back then gives me a nod.
"Yeah, we should." Cygnus responds after a few seconds and starts to the stairs. Following his example I lift the other onto my back with my magic gently and follow him down the steps. We walk out of the spa and start heading to the hospital.
Unfortunately we didn't go unnoticed getting there. A bunch of news reporters just happened to be around the corner and started asking questions and snapping pictures. This apparently pushed all of Cygnus's buttons because he snapped at them when they got in our way to ask the questions and take said pictures.
"SHUT UP!" Cygnus screamed at them stomping his hoof, "Don't you have something better to do then get involved in other ponies business! We are taking these two the hospital and you are in our way! Unless you want to be arrested you better move, NOW!" In the time I've known Cygnus I'd never had guessed he snap at anypony but I guess I was wrong.
The reporters and the photographers fell silent and not another photo was snapped as they moved out of our way. Cygnus pressed on toward the hospital and I followed slowly. "Oh, I may as well say this for him, if anypony puts those pictures in the paper I will personally hunt you down with a warrant for your arrest within minutes and you'll be in jail within a day. There better not be a word about it either. This is the first and only warning I'm going to give you." I turn back to the direction Cygnus walked in and walked as quickly as I could without jostling the pony on my back.
Catching up to Cygnus we entered the hospital and signed them into the hospital with a brief description of what we think happened but don't have any idea what is wrong with them. After that Cygnus and myself headed back to the castle where I transformed back into my original forme. After entering I told Cygnus to follow me and I led him around the castle until I found a balcony and sat down looking down on all the houses, stores, clubs and whatever else there is down there. Cygnus sat next to me looking out at the buildings with a look of deep concern written across his face.
"Wanna talk about it Cygnus?" I ask looking toward the sunset, more time had passed than I thought on the way back to the castle. "You don't have to if you don't want, but I think you'd feel better if you did."
There was a long silence and the sunset had just faded starting to reveal the stars from there hiding places when he spoke. "Tex, thanks for suggesting we go to the spa today. Even though it didn't end well off. I... No... Aloe and Lotus, we've been friends a long time. Ever since my first day in Canterlot, before I joined the guard, and before I even had a place to stay. I met them at a cafe on a Sunday afternoon."
Station Dilemma
Equestria.... It is a beautiful place. Right when Cynthia and I crossed the border into Equestria all I could see was a few farms and a train station. With just so little, it was still a sight to behold. It looked the fields in China on page 68 in my geography book back at home. Although I can't really call it that now can I?
The walk to the train station was rather lengthy at the least. I myself enjoyed the walk, but Cynthia seemed to get more and more nervous the closer we got to the station. She kept glancing around as if expecting something or being observant looking for something.
"Freeze changeling!" I heard somepony shout from some distance behind us. "Your under arrest." I turned around to look at him confused. A earth pony in a golden uniform that looks to be made of steel and painted golden yellow is trotting toward Cynthia and myself.
"What do you mean under arrest? I have done nothing wrong here." I said as the guard stops three quarters the way from where he previously stood and where we are. "I just came here from the Griffin Territory. As far as I know I've done nothing illegal."
The pony stared at me for a second. "You mean to tell me you weren't part of the Canterlot invasion?" He asked waiting for my answer.
"Umm... What? This is the first time I've ever placed a fo- er... Hoof in Equestria." I said giving him a questioning look. "Is knowing this of importance? Because I'd like to go now."
"That doesn't explain why you have that griffin following you. He your bodyguard?" As soon as he said that I facehoofed. Cynthia on the other hoof er.. Talon started scratching and clawing the ground. The guard froze and looked Cynthia over. His face turned red quicker than bursting fire crackers in July. Cynthia is giving off a fusion of emotion and it is making me sick. Burning hatred and intent of murder plus anger.
"Sir, you must pay better attention... She is a female griffin... With a rather short fuse..." Cynthia is raking the ground with her talons making a tiny spot look like a farmer just plowed there. Along with that she's giving the guardstallion a death glare. "Uhh... You may want to apologize... Before you lose something."
"I-I beg your pardon miss." He stammered backing off a few steps. I feel a wave of something foul hit me.
*Is this fear? I hate this foul feeling it feels disgusting and toxic.*
I sat down and shook my head to try and clear it. The guard raised an eyebrow at my reaction but continued to edge backward to avoid Cynthia. I start to feel more emotion waves hitting me from behind and turn my head to look.
A large white spear is being pointed at me. It's not even a yard from my rear. I shake my head and turn towards him. "What do you want? As I said... I have done nothing wrong. I just want to figure some things out then go home."
"What do you mean go home changeling? To your hive or to the pony you've brain washed?" The pony's spear gets a bit closer.as he takes a step forward.
"Look as far as I can remember the only pony's I know the names of are Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Pinkie Pie, Apple Jack, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and um... what was that last one... Zecora... as for griffins the only one I know is Cynthia, the griffin next to me." I stepped to the left and poked Cynthia softly on the side causing her to look behind her at me and the guard.
"Really? Is that so? How do you know the names of the Elements of Harmony the princesses and a zebra?" The guard with the spear asked lowering it a bit.
"Uhmm... I know them because I read the newspaper now and again and I see there names on headlines or adds in Zecora's case..." I give him a blank stare and wait for a response as Cynthia turns her attention back on the guard who mistaken her gender. I can't see her face but by the look she had she is still giving the poor stallion a death glare that would scare a cockatrice into submission.
"Come with me..." The guard said putting his spear on his back and started walking towards the train station.
I poke Cynthia to get her attention once again trying not to gag on her emotion and point to the stallion. "Let's go. He said to follow him."
"Okay..." She turns around and starts walking. I follow closer than I normally would given the circumstances. I am a bit nervous with the fact he said to follow him without explanation but I really don't have a choice. Getting closer to the station starts to scratch at my nerves even more. I glace at Cynthia and I can't tell how she is feeling by her facial expression if she is still angry or just indifferent on the situation.
Stepping onto the station platform seemed to make my mood worsen. I feel pressured now... Could it be a spell or just hunger... Not really sure. I look down at my hooves and wince as Cynthia's claws impact the marble platform with loud clicking. Adding to that the clanking of the guard's armored shoes makes it hard to calm down.
"Okay changling, do you have a name? Or an alias?" I look up at him and nod.
"Y-yeah... My name is Texas Rook, Or Tex Rook for short. I respond to Tex or Rook either is fine." I give Cynthia a glance. "I have no alias. As far as I remember... I woke up yesterday with no recollection of the three days before..." I look back as I say this.
"As for the griffin with you... Who is she to you?" The guard who pointed the spear at me asked.
"I'll answer that..." I glance at Cynthia again then back at the guard questioning us. He nods and his ears swivel in her direction not moving his stoic stare off me. "He entered the town I was staying in with my father... I saw him and he peaked my interest... It's not often that you see a pony in the Griffin Kingdom... He was in disguise but I thought he was different... So I decided to speak with him... We had a really pleasant conversation and I asked him to meet my dad... Then a griffin I didn't like showed up... He had been trying to get me to marry him for a while but no matter how many times he challenged my father for my talon... He lost... Brutality might I add... So he decided to verbally assault Tex. I wouldn't tolerate it... He had always been a total asshole... So Tex and him bickered for a while... That is when my father intervened... He challenged Tex to a game of chess. My dad asked him some unorthodox and weird questions but in the end he answered them honestly from what I could tell... The game commenced and at the end my father lost... I took it as a bit of a shock but a loss is a loss..." The guard took in that part with a rather inquisitive face on, like he had questions but wanted to save them for the end. He nodded at her.
"Is that all of the story? Or is there more?" The unarmed guard asked completely captivated by the story.
"There is more..." Cynthia's face changed a bit as she glanced my way a soft smile was on her beak. I nodded signaling for her to continue. "Well... You see. I wanted more than anything to get out of my town... I was the ideal prize of most male griffins in my town and the surroundings... Another trophy wife for status because my father was the head griffin and a general in the military. It makes me a large target... Tex... Since he won... Technically... I'm his... That is according to griffin law... To do what he wishes with me... He took me with him. Although he made a speech to the griffins present... Telling them wonderful things that would make anyone with an ounce of pride and honor understand. We left after that..." I nodded in reassurance to the guard staring at me. His gaze finally shifted to Cynthia and nodded.
"Really? A vhangling? With understanding of honor and pride... Do you have military background Texas?" I shake my head no in response to the question. "None at all? Really? No expirence with combat? No fighting styles or weaponry experience?" I think for a moment then shake my head. "You have a fighting experience? Care to share what weapons you use or fighting style you use?" His curiosity hit a peak by the smile now threatening to take over his stoic look.
"W-well... When I was younger... My uncle... He was a nice guy... Back then my dad worked a lot... I was about six when I started to learn how to protect myself... He taught me how to avoid conflict first... By convincing the other to calm down or think of a resolve so no fighting would be done... If that didn't work... He taught me how to make the other submit with a mind trick... It's really simple... Apologize... Make them believe they were right... They'll leave you alone most likely... If not then he taught me to fight.." I look down at my hooves and back at my insect-like wings. "But I don't think I can anymore..." That last statement through the two guards through a loop.
"R-Really? What do you mean? How came you can't anymore?" The unarmed guard asked according to his voice he seemed shocked.
"You see... My dad... He got mad at me not too long ago... He hit me... And without thinking I lashed out at him... I hurt him badly... I don't think he'll work again... I really did a number on his hip... But the look he gave me......" I closed my eyes and shook my head. "I don't want to talk about it anymore." I opened my eyes to see the guards faces turned rather pale even with the whiteness of their fur. They both turned and nodded to each other and nodded. I looked at Cynthia who just gave me a blank stare in return. No emotion just... Blank.
"I've heard enough..." The armed guard stated heading to the ticket booth. I raised an eyebrow and glanced at the other guard to which he shrugged. The guard returned and nodded to me and then to Cynthia. "Look... I know from all my experience you two aren't lying.... But... If you two go alone... You're sure to get stopped again... I don't think that'd be a just thing to happen. Having to explain that over and over... So..." He turned to the unarmed guard. "I'm going to take them to the princesses... So they can get a citizens passes... I know your a rookie... But I trust you can handle this quiet town?" the guard saluted and walked off whispering good luck to Cynthia and myself as he passed. "I got use free passage to Canterlot with my guard status but.... I'm unsure how Canterlot guards would react. That is why I didn't send you with him." He looked in the direction of the guard whom just left. "I'll accompany you to Celestia or Luna, then your on your own."
"Thank you." Cynthia lowered her head in a slight bow and I mimicked the gesture. "What is your name?" The guard froze for a second but smiled.
"My name is Cygnus. It is nice to meet you both."
Author's Note
No colored words this time... Lol too lazy. Here's the update although it'll be on Hiatus for a while longer... School and other stuff mmkay guys!? Sorry for not trying to keep up with one chapter a week thing... I just got really lazy... And I'm a big otaku... So anime and manga distract me from writin'... So I'll still try for one a week but it may not happen.
