Carpe Diem

by Beta Code

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character, Comedy
Length: 8362

Silver Sheild is injured during training, grounding him for several months. He decideds to go back to his hometown in hopes it will take off some stress. But R&R may not be what he finds.

Silver Sheild was once a Canterlot gaurd, but was critically injured one day during a flying drill. With a broken wing he's worried that he may never be able to fly again. Deciding to return to Ponyville in hopes to get rid of his stress he comes across and old friend that he hasn't seen in years, Mixmatch.

Silver grew up years ago, while Mixmatch insists that the best medicine is just to have a little fun.

((It's not a real tragedy, but it has sad parts. The story is meant to be a Dramedey))

~Canceled until further notice~

Published 2013-04-02 00:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-11-02 20:26:07 UTC

Icarus

Carpe Diem

by Beta Code

-0-0-0-0-

~Chapter 1~

It was just another day.

The sky was clear, the wind gentle and cool, and the sun bright and warm. It was a good day, perfect for flight. I stretched out my wings and took off in to the sky. It had been a while since I was able to take such a leisurely flight, all the drills always took the fun out of it. I flew for minutes but might as well had been hours in my eyes, it felt so liberating.

My wings paddled through the air when suddenly they froze, clinging to my sides. It didn't take long before I started to spiral to the ground. Faster, and faster I went. I tried with all my might to open them but to no avail.

Faster, and faster I went...

Until-

-0-0-0-0-

My eyes suddenly jolted open. "Damn it"

With a heavy sigh I rolled out of bed. It has been a little over two months since my accident and I'm still not sure how it all happened, it was all so fast. I can recall doing a flight drill in my guard squadron, the sun, then hitting something only to wake up in the infirmary. I looked into the mirror, letting out another sigh. "Silver Shield, you look like crap."

I felt my right wing. It looked healed but in reality it wasn't nearly done. During my crash I suffered a stage 3b concussion (my ears still ring from time to time), a few broken ribs, my left hind leg had a complete fracture, and my wing suffered a nasty compound (my mates said it was barely hanging on). I may have a limp but at least I can walk on my leg, while my wing can barely move without pain. The doc said it wasn't healing right, and I’d be lucky to ever fly again.

And with that, I got ready for the rest of my day. I could already tell that it was going to be a long one.

-0-0-0-0-

The shop doorbell rang. "You're late Silver."

"Yeah I know, no need to announce it to the entire city." I grumbled, hanging my scarf. Since I've been on leave I've been helping Donut Joe. I don't get much, but it at least helps with the bills. I get pension, but I save it for the medical bills and therapy. "Am I working in the back today?"

"I want you on the register. Strawberry Breese needs more hooves-on time."

"You got it boss." Strawberry was an apprentice that Joe recently hired. The register might be boring but it's a lot easier than kneading donut dough in my opinion. At least it gave me some time to think, especially on slow days like these. Several hours passed and in my boredom I started to sing myself a little song.

"Will you quit singing that?" Strawberry objected, walking out of the kitchen

"What's wrong with All Time Low?"

"Nothing, you're just a terrible singer."

I responded with a rasp. "Hey Joe, it's ten till two. Mind if I leave a little early today? I got an apointment."

"Yeah, sure. Breese, take over for him."

I wrapped my scarf around my neck and headed out. It was starting to get chilly out, and only got colder as the days went by. Winter was coming rather early this year. The cold air is certainly going to be uncomfortable on my leg and wing. I slowly trotted through the streets of Canterlot, enjoying the scenes a bit as I traveled to my therapist’s office. The doctor suggested it, said that it'll help with my depression. I'll admit it's helped some, getting my thoughts off my chest, but I'm still haunted by nightmares; plagued with unhealthy thoughts to say the least.

But some help is certainly better than none. Even if it is expensive. Coming upon the office I let out a sigh and walked in.

"Hello Mr. Shield. The doctor is waiting for you in the back room." The receptionist chimed. She seemed a little too perky at times, but she was nice enough.

"Thanks Morning Glory." I walked down the halls 'till I came up to the office door, giving it a small knock before entering. "Hello Doctor Sofa."

"Hello Silver. If you sit down we shall get started."

I lied down on the adjacent sofa. For the next hour, I just spilled everything I had on my mind. My worries, my nightmares...it nearly brought tears to my eyes thinking about how I could never fly again. I never realized how much stress I was actually under. Luckily, the doc knew.

"You say you've still been having nightmares?"

"Yeah...I had one just last night, actually." I half whispered. "I thought that I was over the crash. Hell, I can barely remember it! Why is it haunting me?"

"Perhaps it's not the crash." Sofa retorted, chewing on his pencil. "You've said that you fear that you may not be able to fly, and these nightmares usually consist of you falling."

"You think it's because of my worries about my wing?"

He nodded. "Maybe what you need is some time to relax. You still have leave time, might I suggest taking a vacation?"

"Would that really help?"

"It could. Clearing your head might just be what you need." The dark brown stallion looked up to the clock. "Well, that's all the time we have for today. Think about my suggestion."

"Thanks, doc."

-0-0-0-0-

I lay in my bed looking at the ceiling, not really doing anything but thinking. Was I there minutes? Hours? I'm not really sure, could've been days for I cared. Should I really take a vacation? I mean, would that even work? More importantly, where would I go?

Finally I came up with a decision. I rolled out of bed and walked over to my desk. It had been a long time but I decided I’d send a letter to my parents.

"Done." Rolling up the parchment and brought it to the window sill, placing it next to some bird feed. It didn't take long for a carrier pigeon to come along and pick it up, carrying it off to the post office. I went to work on packing my things.

Tomorrow I'm heading for my hometown, Ponyville.

A Town Painted Red

~Chapter 2~

The next morning I headed to the station. Ponyville was only a few hours away but I wanted to get their early so I hopped on the five o’clock train, so it would’ve been about eight when I arrived; just in time for breakfast. With it being so early I thought I would at least try get some shut eye on the way.

Unfortunately I was my seat neighbor had the loudest bloody snore I ever heard. ‘Tia christ, I didn’t have a book or anything to keep me occupied. At least the bathroom stall was open so I could get some peace...wait a tick. “Oh for crap sake, I can hear it in here?!” I bangged my head against the wall in defeat. And again. And again.

The next three hours were perhaps the longest I ever had. But the train eventually pulled up to the Ponyville station. With a sigh I grabbed my things and began to walk off the train. “You look rather exhausted pal. You should get some more sleep.” I looked up to the stallion that had a logging mill for a nose. “Yeah, I’ll try.” I responded, while all I could think was ‘I’ll murder you in your sleep...’

Stepping onto the platform I took a long whiff of the fresh air. I couldn’t put my hoof on it but the air in Ponyville also smelt so different. More...homely. Maybe it was just that I’ve spend too much time in Canterlot. But either way it felt good to be back. I looked around the station trying to find my parents. You wouldn’t think that it would be hard to find them, especially in a small crowd like this. “Maybe they’re still on their way?” And as if on cue the two came walking around the corner, arguing as usual.

“I’m telling you Jitterbug, Silver just said that he’s coming over for a weeks visit.”

“And I’m telling you Gear Greaser, that he must have a reason to send us a message out of the blue. Something’s wrong!”

“Will you stop being so worried all the time! I’m sure he’s fine.”

“He’s been a Canterlot guard, and we haven't heard from him since his initiation. Not to mention the Changeling invasion that happened a few months ago.”

“Ahem...”

“Not now Silver...” My parents instantly did a double take before realising that I was there. “Silver! Hey there kiddo, where’ve you been?” My parents everybody, a spaz and a nag.

“Hi dad. Mum.”

“Silver, will you please tell your father the reason why you decided to visit us?”

“Well I’ve been on leave for a while, so I thought that I would come down and relieve a bit of stress. Now, can we get some breakfast? I’m starving.”

-0-0-0-0-

We went to a small restaurant that my parents insisted that we go to. Nothing real fancy, just an outside cafe. It didn’t take very long for a waitress to come up once we sat down. “Hello, can I get you guys anything?”

My mother spoke up first. “I’ll just have a few slices of French Toast. And he’ll have an egg white omelet. And we’ll both have orange juice to drink.” Dad tried to interject something but she just stopped him before he could. “You need to watch your cholesterol dear.” I rolled my eyes, sometimes I’m not sure what they saw in each other.

“And what will you have sir?”

“English breakfast please. Three eggs, poached. Coffee.”

“Someone’s eating big.”

“Hungry.” I laughed. “So how have to guys been?”

“We’ve been good sweetie. Recently my research team found a species of ants that originated from the Everfree Forest a few months ago called Camponotus leonardi. We even found out that they are more likely to be infected with Ophiocordyceps unilateralis-”

“You and your Entomology mumbo jumbo. What’s wrong with just saying ‘A carpenter ant that gets infected with some kind of brain fungus’? Geese hun, you’re going to bore the poor kid to death before the day ends. ” For once I had to agree with dad. Mum had a tendency to ramble on about her insect studies for hours. “And you know what I’ve been up to, fixing carts. So how have you been Silver?”

I gave a rather awkward smile and rubbed the back of my neck. “Well I had a bit of an accident a couple months ago. I broke my wing in the process.”

“Dear Celestia, are you all right?” My mum gasped. “See Gear I told you something was wrong!”

“I’m fine. But the doctors say that I’d be lucky to fly again.”

“Sorry to hear that bud. Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I’ve been busy. I’ve been going to see...a...” I started to trail off when I spotted something from the corner of my eye. A cornflower blue mare with a long brown mane. It was none other than Panda Doll, an old friend of mine that I haven't seen since my school years; but who was she talking to? “Excuse me.” I got up from the table and walked over to where Panda and her friend were sitting. “Panda Doll? Is that you?”

The mare looked up, a smile instantly growing on her face. “Good ‘Tia, Silver Shield? I haven't seen you in forever! How have you been?”

“I’ve been good.” I nodded. I looked across the table, noticing that she was talking to a night pegasus; or bat pony as they’re more commonly called. Rather odd to see one out so early in the morning considering that they’re nocturnal. “Who’s your friend?”

“Name’s Moon Flower.” she said introducing herself. “My my Dolly, you’re friend is rather cute. I wouldn’t mind taking a bite out of his neck.” My silver fur only made my red face shine brighter.

“Ignore her, she’s always like this. So what have you been up too?”

“I got a job as a Canterlot guard.”

“‘Grats. I’ve been a writer myself.” Their waiter came over and gave them the bill. Panda gave him the bits for their food before she stood up to leave. “Well I better get going, my editor is looking for my next chapter this afternoon.”

“I should be going to, it’s rather late for me.” Moon Flower said. “It was nice meeting you Silver.” She took off after Panda Doll.

“Panda, I’m sorry...” I called out. I didn’t get a response, forced to just stare at them as they walked away. I cursed at myself under my breath. I let out another sigh and went to sit back down with my parents.

-0-0-0-0-

Mum dragged me around shopping for afternoon. I kept telling her that being, ahem “volunteered”, to be her shopping buddy was not how I wanted to spend my week. Lucky for me I managed to slip away to a pub that was open. I’m not much of a drinker but at the moment a bit of liquor is sounding rather nice right now.

I just stared at my glass of whiskey, watching the condensation drip down the sides. “So much for a self promise of sobriety.” I mumbled before finally taking a drink. God I must look pathetic. Drinking alone at twelve thirty-six in the afternoon.

“Funny, I didn’t think you of a drinker Sil.” A voice said from beside me. Looking up I saw an all too familiar red pegasus.

“Mix?”

“What you don’t remember your old friend Mixmatch numbnuts?” he laughed.

“It’s pretty hard to forget someone who dunks their head in the punch bowl because they heard it was spiked.”

“It wasn’t even good punch to begin with. Tasted like somepony pissed in it.”

I playfully shook my head. Mixmatch was another of one of my good friends from my school years. The difference between him and Panda was that I didn’t completely screw it up. “So what have you been up to old buddy?”

“I could ask you the same thing. Didn’t you say you weren't going stop drinking?”

“Well I haven't exactly have had a good time recently.” I explained, taking another sip of my drink. “I got in an accident a few months ago. I got blinded by the sun and I guess I ran into one of my squadmates. I woke up in the infirmary some time later with fractured ribs, a broken leg, a rather nasty concussion, and with a wing that was barely even attached to me.

“The doctors said I would be lucky to ever fly again, and I’ve been having nightmares. because of it. And on top of thing I recently had to break up with a mare that I’ve been seeing. Turns out she was cheating on me. That’s karma I guess.”

“Harsh.” I nodded. “But I think I know what you need...And It’s not your friend Jack here.”

“And what would that be?”

“Easy, have a little fun. Ever hear of the saying Carpe Diem?”

I thought for a moment. It sounded familiar, but I really knew nothing about it.“Not really.”

“It means seize the day. Basically it’s YOLO for smart people.”

“Is that so? And exactly how do you plan on me doing that?”

“I’ll tell you want, you remember the seaside cliff where we used to hang out.”

“The one about thirty minutes out?”

“Yeah. Meet me there in about two hours, alright?”

“I guess I can find something to occupy myself for a couple hours.”

“Awesome, see ya then dude.”

-0-0-0-0-

Long story short, I did not. I was bored out of my mind for the next two hours. But when four came around I set out to meet my old friend. On my way to our old spot I couldn’t help but to think why we was asking me to head there. We used to go and fly around there, the sea breeze was great for practicing. So why would he want to meet there when I can’t fly?

I eventually came upon the cliff, and Celestia behold there was Mix waiting for me. “Hey bro what took you so long?”

“Bite me cardinal face. So why did you want me to meet you here?”

Mix nodded towards the horizon. “Take a look.”

Fixing my eyes upon the sea I looked for for whatever he was referring to. It was pretty yes, but nothing really spectacular. It was the same scene it was all those years ago. “I don’t see anything-” The next thing I knew I was pushed over the edge and was colliding with the water below. “Luna christ! What’s wrong with you!”

“GERONIMO!”

“OH CRAP!” I was barely able to swim out of the way of my friend cannonballing into water. “Dude, what the hell?!”

“You should’ve seen the look on your face.” he teased with a hearty laugh. I just splashed water at his face. “Oh come on you have to admit, cliff diving is fun.”

I said nothing at first. “Yeah, you’re right. Race you back up top.”

We spent the next few hours of the day just jumping into the water. Celestia it felt like forever since I had fun like this. We lost track of time and before we knew it the sun was starting to set. Shaking the water off we started to head back to town shooting-the-shit as we trotted back.

“Hey Sil, I got a gig tonight. Why don’t you head over later?”

“Gig?”

“Yeah, I work as a nightclub DJ.”

I mulled it over for a bit. “Yeah I guess I’ll check it out. What time do you go on?”

“Nine thirty.”

“Ok, I’ll check it out.”

“Sweet. I’ll be playing at the ‘Wub Club’. Trust me you can’t miss it.” And with that he was off.

I, on the other hoof, was completely dumbfounded by that name. “The Wub Club?”

-0-0-0-0-

That night my parents took me out to dinner to my favorite restaurant back when I was a foal. Compared to how breakfast went, it was a much more enjoyable time. I told them that latter I planned on going to the ‘Wub Club’...Celestia, I still can’t get over that name. Mum wasn’t exactly very happy, but dad just told me to have a good time.

So here I am now looking at the nightclub. Mix definitely wasn’t joking about it being easy to find. “Hey Sil!” Mix said.

“Oui. So this is the place huh?”

“Yup. What do ya think?”

“Silly.”

“Trust me, it’s a lot better inside.”

Before either of us could enter the building, a rather large black furred pony stood in our way. I’m not sure what was more intimidating, his large mohawk or the gratuitous amounts of jewelry around his neck. “Identification.”

“Relax Tea, he’s with me.”

The bouncer nodded and let us in. It was definitely better than on the inside. “Nice place.”

“Yup. I’ll introduce you to the owner, he’s cool.” He waved over to the pony behind the bar. “Yo Strobe Light!”

“Hey Mix, what’s up!”

“Not much. This is my friend Silver Shield.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“So you’re Silver.” Strobe said shaking my hoof. “Mix said you’re a pretty cool dude. By the way, you’ll want to get up there now bro. Your show is starting in a few minutes.”

“Right.” Mix headed up to the stage. “Alright everypony, get ready to make those plots clap ‘cause DJ Mixmatch is in the house!”

I playfully shook my head as my friend started his show. I turned back to Strobe and ordered some Jack on the rocks.

Mixs’ music played for several minutes, the ponies on the dance floor seemed to be having a good time. What I wasn’t expecting however was another DJ to come bursting through the doors to interrupt the show. “Hey Mix, I thought I told you that this was my territory! Or do I got to school you again?”

“Vinyl Scratch...We meet again, for the first time, for the last time.”

“Well my old rival, I sure do hope you know what this means.”

“But of course...”

“Oh boy...” Strobe mumbled, rolling his eyes.

“DUBSTEP OFF!” the two DJs yelled at once.

The amount of wubs that resulted was far too much for the anyone, let alone the building itself, to handle. It didn’t take long to be thrown against the wall from the sound. “I take it that Mix and Vinyl are at it again?” A grey mare asked me. She looked rather upper class, like she’d be an orchestral musician.

“Yeah.”

Well this night was certainly going well...

With Friends like these...

~Chapter Three~

I woke up the next morning rather sore. “That’s the last time I go out clubbing with Mixmatch.” I groaned as I sat up in my bed, running my hoofs through my mane. Honestly I really didn’t feel like getting out of bed today, but I would have to eventually. Letting out a reluctant sigh I got out of bed and took a quick shower.

It was still rather early in the morning so I quietly trotted my way down to the kitchen to make myself some breakfast. Here I am on vacation and I still can’t wake up after the morning sun rises; old habits die hard I guess. “Alright what do they have here...oatmeal, grits, corn flakes.” Sighing, I shook my head. I didn’t expect them to have much in the cupboards, but really? That’s all they had? “Fine, cornflakes it is.”

“Hey kiddo. What are you doing up so early?”

“Sorry dad, I didn’t wake you did I?”

“Oh no, I always wake up at five thirty. The shop opens usually opens at seven, but I got to be there at six to get everything ready.”

“Ah. By the way, is that really all that mum has in the pantry?”

He gave a small laugh. “Yeah. I’ve been trying to convince her to buy other things but she just rants back about how insects love sugar; and if you get one you can’t get rid of them.”

“Oh geese.”

“Hey Sil, since you’re here for the week you think you can help me a bit at the shop?”

“I don’t know know, I’m not exactly mechanically inclined like you. Besides you’re a unicorn, why would would you need my help?”

“Well we would be able to spend a little time together for starters.”

I thought for a moment. It sounded like a good idea, me and dad never really got much time to spend together. Especially now. “Alright. I guess I can be a ‘Go-fer’ guy.”

“Glad to hear it kiddo! So how did hanging out with your friend go last night?”

“You mean other then getting blasted into a wall by a massive wave of wubs? It went fine.”

“What’s a ‘wub’?”

“No clue, but that’s what Mix and Vinyl called them.” I finished my bowl of cereal, dubbing out the rest of the milk before washing the bowl. Dad seemed to immediately understand the situation when I mentioned Vinyl. I guess their Dubstep-offs must be a common sight.

Makes me wonder how they even get business. Let alone still have buildings standing. “Well I’m ready whenever you are dad.”

“Alright. Let me just finish my cup of coffee and we’ll be off.”

-0-0-0-0-

My dad gave me a quick rundown of how everything worked. What tool does what, safety procedures, and several things that I couldn’t remember to save my life. I really don’t know how he even remembers everything, but it all comes with experience I guess.

Honestly I didn’t even want to be here, but dad certainly knows how to guilt trip somepony when he wants something. As my father opened the shop I gave a mental sigh. It wasn’t at all that I didn’t want to spend time with him, I just knew mechanics about as much as I do being a dodo. Wait...

I really got to work on my analogies.

Over the next few hours I did what I could to help. Even if it was mostly just “Get me this wrench” or “Fetch me this socket” and what not. He even tried explaining some of the works of the mechanics, but it all just went in one in ear and out the other.I’m just glad he at least had a radio to listen too.

“Alright, thanks for listening in Ponyville, y’all been great!” I recognized the voice of the mare from last night, Vinyl Scratch. “This has been DJ Pon-3-”

“And DJ Mixmatch!”

“Sending your mornings off with a bang of bass! Anything you want to add before we head off Mix?”

“Other than my plot still being sore?”

“Ah get over it it. I totally whooped you in last night's competition, and you know it.”

“Bite me.”

She laughed. “You'd like that. Living Tombstone right now to send you off.”

I cocked my eyebrow. “Funny I wouldn’t think of Mix being a talk show host.”

“Oh yeah, he’s been doing that for a few years now. Him and that mare seem to have some sort of friendly rivalry.”

“Pfft, ‘friendly’ isn’t exactly the word I would have used last night.”

My dad shrugged and went back to work. “Makes good radio either way. Definitely have a good taste in music.”

“And I wouldn’t have thought you to be into dance music.”

“I like a lot of things Silver. Hey, can you hand me a 7/16 socket?”

With a roll of my eyes I fetched his tool. I’ve been walking back and forth so much today that I’m starting to wonder if I’m a pony or a dog. But luckily it was something I had to deal with for only another half an hour. Mix had trotted, rather casually might I add, right into my fathers’ shop. “Hey Sil, there you are! What are you doing under there?”

“Trying...to unscrew...this damned...oil filter!” I replied between grunts. I managed to finally get it to come off; unfortunately for me it decided to dump all its contents. “Celestia christ, IT GOT IN MY MOUTH!” Quickly, I rolled out from under the car and galloped to the sink.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to bath in that stuff bro.” Mix laughed.

I gargled water as hard as I could to get rid of that disgusting taste of motor oil out of my mouth. “Tell me about it...I got the filter off dad!”

“I heard, next try to use a pan instead of your coat.”

“So what brings you here Mix?” i asked as I continued to clean up.

“Well I finished my show and thought I would come to see if you were free.”

“Yeah I heard that. I thought you and Vinyl weren’t on good terms?”

“Nah, just a little dispute between rival DJ’s.”

“Little?! Dude you almost brought down the club house!” Mix just laughed at my statment like it was no big deal. “Anyways, yeah I’m free. I’ve just been a...hey dad what did you call me?”

“Other than a dumbass?”

“Oh haha...”

“I said you were my ‘Go-fer’ guy.”

“Yeah that...Did you have something in mind?”

Mix nodded. “Yeah, you know the hill right out of town?”

“Pretty hard to miss it.”

“I got a little...’activity’ lets call it.”

“Oh Tia, you and ‘activities’ should never be put in the same sentence.”

“Oh come on, you'll have fun!”

“That’s what you said last night before you imbedded me into a wall!” Again he laughed. I merely rolled my eyes in response. “Fine. I’ll meet you up there in a little bit. I at least want to get this goo out of my mane.”

“No problem broseph. Meet ya in a few!” And with that he trotted off. I shook my head and went back to degunking my mane.

-0-0-0-0-

After I finally managed to get all the oil cleaned off of me I trotted off to where Mix told me to meet him. “I swear to Celestia if he pushes me off again...” After much reluctant determination, and by that I mean grumbling the entire way, I made my way to the top of the hill. “Ok I’m here, what is it you...the frick is that?”

‘That’ of which I was refering to was a shopping cart tied to what appeared to be a makeshift slingshot. “Hey bro! Check it out!”

“I’m checking it out, I still have no idea what this is.”

“This is going to be our activity.”

“Are you high?!”

“...A little.”

I facehoofed. “Luna christ you’re an idiot. Ok, just how do you expect me to actually get in that thing.”

“I’ll buy us drinks.”

“...Free drink you say?” Needles to say that was all the motivation that I needed. Screw sobriety! The both of us climbed into the cart waiting for whatever the hell it was that Mix was planning. “Exactly what are you planning to do?”

“Easy, I pull this switch here and the band shoot the cart forward and down the hill!”

“...Are you sure that’s safe?”

“I have no idea! ALLONS-Y!”

“Wait, WHAT?!”

Mixmatch flipped the lever and we were off! It went well as much as you expected it to...The moment the rubber band snapped back (note to self, ask Mix where the hell he got that) we were shot like off like a cannon ball. It might had been fun if my wings actually worked so I could bail if I needed. When we finally came down we crashed through a barn and into a rather large pile of hay. How fortunate that I actually landed in something soft this time.

“That. Was. AWESOME!”

“I hate you Mix...”

Unfortunately our little crash landed had attracted some unwanted attention. “WHAT IN TARNATION IS GOIN' ON HERE?!”

I spit out some hay as I looked at the seething orange mare. “Um...Hi?”

-0-0-0-0-

The both of us stumbled into the bar still a little dazed from before. “Dude, I can’t believe we launched all the way to Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Yeah, me neither. What time is it?”

“A little after three I believe. Go ahead and get yourself something, I need to take a leak.”

“Fine but you’re still paying.” I sat myself at the bar counter. For whatever reason i had been spacing out and didn’t even notice the bartender walk over to me.

“So what will ya have, hun?”

I looked up from my stupor to see the night pegasus I saw the other day. “Wild Turkey, please. Moon Flower, right?”

“Yeah. Surprised you remembered.” she nodded with a smile. The dark grey mare turned back around to get my whiskey. “So what brings you here?”

“I could say the same thing. Not to sound rude or anything, but I thought you were nocturnal?”

“I am. I have to work the graveyard shift...well at least it is for me. I’ve been working here since one-thirty.”

I whistled. “Damn. That’s pretty early for you.”

“Tell me about it. I don’t get a whole lot of sleep anymore.” She comes back with my glass. “You know Panda has said a lot about you.”

Oh no. “Really now? Like what?” A took a sip, waiting for the worst.

“Well she said you guys had some kind of fallout, but she never told me what it was about.”

I sighed and nodded. “Yeah, I’m certainly not proud of what I did though.” I took another sip. “I’m sure she told you we were dating for a while?”

“Obviously.”

“Well, one night I had a little too much and...I ended up sleeping with her sister.” I downed the glass in a few gulps and handed it back to her for a refill.

“Smooth.” She turned back around to get a few drinks for other customers. I couldn't help but to stare as she worked. I have to admit, she has a really nice plot. When she came back I quickly snapped into attention. “I caught you lookin’, don’t lie.” she winked.

“S-sorry.”

“Anyways, Panda also said you were a pretty nice guy. For the most part anyways.”

“I try to be.”

“She also said you were pretty good lay.”

I choked on my drink, turning a brilliant red once again. It was also at this time that Mix had finally returned from the bathroom and sat right next to me. “Whoa easy there buddy. You’re supposed to drink it, not choke on it.”

“Eat me.”

“Oh hey Mix! You still having that party in a couple days?”

“Yeah. Really hope you can make it. Yuengling by the way.”

“Trust me, I need some form of relaxation.”

I turned my attention to my red furred friend as Moon went to fetch his beer. “You’re having a party?”

“Yeah, my birthday is in a few days.”

My eyes went wide-I had completely forgotten. “Oh crap, that’s right!”

Lucky Mix never takes anything seriously and just waved it off. “It’s fine bro. You’ve been busy with the guard and all.”

“Yeah I know, but I still feel like an ass.”

“Hey why don’t you show up? I’d bet you'd have lots of fun.”

Yeah...‘fun’. The last two times he said that I got thrown into a wall and launched in a shopping cart. “I don't know. I didn’t even get you anything.”

“Nah, you can just bring a six-pack. It’s cool.”

I thought it over for a little bit before I finally nodded. “Ok, why the hell not.”

“Here you go Mix.”

Mixmatch thanked her for his drink and quickly started to swing it.

“Pardon my curiosity, but exactly why are you working as a bartender?”

“Well actually I’m a botanist. I specialize in nocturnal breeds of plants. But I had to take a pay cut recently, so I’m here to help pay the bills. As long as the tips keep up I can make a couple hundred bits in a single night.”

“Well that has to suck. But at least I know how you feel. I’ve been in the guard, Air Patrol, and took a nasty crash some time ago which really screwed up my wing. If it’s not better by the end of this month they’re going to have to let me go.”

“Damn, and I really like a man in uniform.”

I hide my face under my hoof as again I blush. Why her name isn’t something like ‘Rosey Cheeks’ I don’t know.

“Oh relax, I’m only teasing.” she laughed. “But I am sorry to hear that. it’s always a shame to hear about a soldier getting hurt.”

“Well thanks anyways.” I finish my drink and stand up from the counter. “Well I'm going to head home for now.”

“Alright, see you later bro.”

“Hey Silver!” Moon called out. I turn around at the door, looking back in acknowledgment. “You should talk to Panda when you get a chance. Maybe reconcile a little bit.”

“I’ll try.” I waved and left.

Author's Note

Again I apologize for the previous Hiatus, and the fact it took me so long. After I lost the original file I lost a lot of motivation (and SWTOR doesn't help *sweat drop*).

Also, brace yourselves, the feels are coming...

Sticks and Stones

~Chapter 4~

I stared at the ceiling of my bedroom. I didn’t get much sleep last night to be honest, all I could think about was what Moon Flower had said to me last night:

“Hey Silver! Maybe you should talk to Panda when you get a chance. Maybe reconcile a little bit.”

Could I even do that?

I was so ashamedof myself I couldn’t even look her in the eye. And saying that she was seething would be an understatement. Even if I had the courage to look her straight in the eye and say ‘I’m sorry’ would she even accept that? Hell I’m surprised that she didn’t rip me in half when I saw her a couple days ago at the cafe.

But Moon was right, I have to try to at least talk to her. And yet, how could I do that? How could I even think for a second that I deserve to talk to her after what I did...

I guess I could use a little liquid courage to-NO! If I go to her plastered it would only make things worse. Damn it, I must look so pathetic right now. I looked at the clock next to my bed. Nine-thirty. Great, almost three hours of nothing but wallowing; I really am pathetic.

Reluctantly I rolled out of bed and went to take a cold shower in hope it would help clear my head. Luckily the restroom was just down the hall so even in my stupor it didn’t take long to trot over there; I really didn’t want to deal with my mum at the moment. I stood under the running water, not even bothering to shampoo my mane, and eventually my mind drifted to the to that very day.

-0-0-0-0-

My peaceful sleep was interrupted when the bedroom door was suddenly kicked open. “Get. Your ass. Downstairs. NOW!”

After I peeled myself off the ceiling and regained my composure the scene became evident. The mare that was next to me in bed was not my marefreind but rather her sister, Fox Plushie. And she looked just as horrified as I was. With heads hung low the two of us slowly made our way to the kitchen where Panda was impatiently waiting.

“So you mind telling me why you were in bed with my sister?”

I was silent. I tried to speak but it felt like the air around me was thin, and any words I tried to muster only got caught in my throat. And to make matters worse I found the tile at my hooves a lot more interesting than her.

“Panda look, I’m sorry. It was-”

“I bet you are Fox!” Panda spat sarcastically. “You know all our lives you always wanted what I had. But I never thought you would stoop as so Celestia damned low as to sleep with my freaking coltfriend!” She then turned her attention to me. “And what about you? What’s your excuse, hmm?”

Again words escaped me.

“Still giving me the silent treatment huh? Fine then, at least tell me...HOW IS YOUR HEAD FEELING?!”

I winced in pain. “Gah, not so loud.”

“Oh I’m sorry.” Panda then turned around and grabbed a pan from the cupboard, only to bang it several times against the counter. “How’s that?!”

“Just...fine.” I groaned through gritted teeth.

“SO I’ll ask you one more time, what is your excuse?”

“I..I don’t know. I was just drunk and-”

“Obviously. That has been your excuse since you’ve found the damned bottle. And would it hurt you to look at me?”

I finally lift my head up from the floor only to quickly look away. I couldn’t look at her. How could I?

“Get out...”

That got my attention. “What?”

“I said get out, we’re through. I want you gone and out of my life.”

“But...”

“Save it. I don’t want to see you. I want to hear from you. I don’t even want to think about you. Now get out of my house before I call the guards.”

-0-0-0-0-

“Silver, come on down to the kitchen when you’re done up there. I made biscuits.”

I snapped back to attention upon hearing my mothers voice. I was so caught up in my daydream that I didn’t even smell her backing. “I’ll be down in a jiff.” I called back as I stepped out of the shower. I quickly dried myself and trotted off downstairs. “Morning.”

“Hello dear.” she greeted as she placed a plate of cookies and milk in front of me. “I’d thought you’d like a little comfort food.”

Curse you mothers intuition! “Thanks mum.” I took a bite of one of the biscuits, mint chocolate chunk, my favorite and my mum’s specialty.

“So what's wrong? You don’t usually stay in the house this long.”

I was silent for a bit. I really didn’t feel like talking but I knew that she would just keep prying until I told her. “Just thinking.”

“About?”

I scratched the back of my neck. “Panda, mostly.”

“You mean Panda Doll, your old marefreind? I thought you two broke up?”

“We did, but we didn’t exactly leave on good terms. I’ve been thinking about going over and trying to reconcile.”

“Well I think that’s very admirable of you.”

“Not with what I pulled last time. I’m afraid to even face her.”

“While you’re still in town you should at least try to talk to her. She lives not to far off from her old house, just a few blocks.”

I nodded. “Yeah you’re right. I guess I’ll stop by Sugar Cube Corner on my way since I’m already heading in that direction.” I stuffed a few more cookies in my mouth and chugged down the last of the milk. “I’ll be back.”

-0-0-0-0-

I looked at the odd building in front of me in complete awe and wonder. When I was little Sugar Cube Corner had just opened and looked like a typical shop. But now it was renovated to look like a giant gingerbread house! I knew that the owners were...eccentric to say the least, but this really take the cake!

Pun fully intended.

After finally gawking over the building I stepped inside and immediately the scent of hot and fresh pastries of all kinds surged my nostrils. If there ever was a heaven…

“Hey there Little Sil, long time no see!” Mr.Cake greeted me with a smile so large you’d swear his face would crack.

“Yes it has been. I remember when the Corner was just a little shop.”

Suddenly I was face to face with a bright pink blur. “Hi there, I’m Pinkie Pie! What’s your name?”

The abrupt appearance of this overly hyperactive mare startled me, to say the least, causing my wings to flap open. “...You know for being broken you seem to want to work quite well. My name’s Silver Shield by the way.”

“Boy you have a funny accent. Where are you from?”

“My parents are from Trottingham.” Ok technically there from just south of Trottingham by a few mile, but details. I sniffed the air, smelling something...crispy. “Do you smell something burning.

“MY CUPCAKES!” And as quickly as she appeared she was gone. How exactly does she-Nope! No, not going to ask.

“Speaking of witch, can I have a half-dozen red velvet cupcakes? There for a friend.”

“No problem Silver.” He walks back into the kitchen and comes back out a couple minutes later with a small box in hoof. “Here you go! That’ll be twelve bits.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you guys later.” I pay for the treats and I continue my way onto Pandas house.

I pray to Celestia that my peace offering works.

Author's Note

I'm sorry for the short chapter, but I decided to cut it in half. I've actually been sick for a while witch has made it difficult for me to write and I didn't want you all to wait any more then you already have.

But Words Can Never Hurt Me

I paced in front of Pandas house for several minutes, stopping every now and again to knock on the door only to quickly draw my hoof away and start pacing again. It also didn’t help that my subconscious was at a total war with itself. ‘Oh come on it’s just one mare, you can talk to her.’

‘Yeah but this mare also just happens to be Panda Doll.’

‘Oh stop being such a pansy! You’re a soldier!’

‘I’m not being a pansy I’m being realistic you plothole!’

“Can you two be quite? I’ll question my mental stability later.”

“Um, can I help you?” A voice asked, startling me.

I fumbled the cupcake box for a moment trying to prevent them from falling. With them safe I sighed and regained my composure. “Oh, hi Panda.”

“Can you tell me why you’ve been pacing in front of my house for the past ten minutes?”

“I, um...I just want to talk. These are for you by the way.” I said, offering her the cupcakes. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” I followed her inside and sat upon one of her couches while she went to get some drinks.

“I hope you like tea.” she said handing me the mug.

“Thank you.” I actually would have preferred coffee over tea to be wholly honest. But if it meant staying on her good side, I’d chug down a barrel of cyi-

Ok maybe not that...

The air thick with ill at ease. Saying my guts were in knots would have been an understatement. The silence was finally broken when Panda chipped up. “So, how have you been?”

“Good. Had some time off so I’d thought I would pop up and say hi while I was in town.”

“I didn’t think you would come for a visit, to be honest.”

I was silent for a moment, trying to think of what to say. With a heavy sigh I said, “I’ve grown up a lot since then Panda. Not a day goes by that I think about what I did and regret it. And I want to apologize, so badly. But I know that no matter what I say or do that just saying sorry won’t be enough. But it's the only thing I can do...So I’m sorry.” She’s quiet. Oh Celestia, how bad did I just mess up for her to be quiet? I get it, if you want me to disappear off the face of Equestria I get it. But please just say something!

Nothing.

“I’ll...I’ll just see myself out.”

I give her the same kind of smile a foal would when in a toy store and are told they could get anything they wanted. “That’s all I want Panda.” An idea pops into my head. “Hey, I heard that there’s a little coffee shop in the park. You want to go and just hang out?”

“You know what. I’d like that.”

-0-0-0-0-

“Here you go, a mocha latte for you and plain black for me.” I chimed handing Panda her coffee, sitting beside her on the park bench.

“Thanks.” She goes to take a sip but quickly retracts sticking her tongue out.

“Careful, it’s hot.” I chuckled.

“I notithet. Ow...” She takes another sip but is more careful this time. “You know this is actually rather nice.”

“Yeah.”

“So how has been the guard?”

I shrugged. “Alright I guess. Not much has been going on since that whole changeling scare a little while ago. Been mostly drills and what not since then.”

I nod. “Yeah. During a drill I blackout and broke my wing. That was a couple months ago and it still hasn’t healed properly. Doctors say I’ll be lucky to fly again.”

“Sorry to hear that. I know you pegasi hold that dearly.”

“It’s fine. It’s not your fault. By the way, how did you meet Moon Flower?”

She laughs a bit. “It’s bit of a funny story. I was trying to work on one of my books and I was reaching the deadline for the chapter. I had one of my worst writers blocks at the time, I hadn’t been able to finish this chapter I’ve been working on for about a month and a half. One night I sat down in a Star Buck shop, completely pulling my mane out might I add, and one of the patrons comes up and sits with me. She asks me what's wrong and I told her that I had no idea how to write this chapter. After some discussion she actually had come up with a few ideas I could use. We’ve been friends ever since. That was a couple years ago.”

I playfully shake my head. “I’ve heard odder I suppose. She definitely seems like the kind of pony to do that though. She’s actually the one that convinced me to talk to you.”

“Yeah she’s a bit odd at times, but she has a good heart. “

“You find friends that are actually helpful while I find the ones that are borderline insane.” I laugh. “I like Mixmatch but I really worry about him sometimes you know. Did you know he actually strapped a shopping cart to a giant slingshot just for the yucks?”

Panda starts to laugh hysterically. “Oh my Tia, are you serious?!”

“Dead. He even managed to convince me to hope in it. Launched us all the way across Ponyville and into someponys barn.” She starts to laugh harder, almost spilling her coffee. “Whoa, careful there. You dont want to spill that on yourself.”

“Thanks.” She squeaked, wiping the tears from her eye as she handed me the cup. “I bet Applejack wasn’t all that happy about that one.”

“Furious! She chewed out our plots for almost an hour. I could barely understand her accent. And I’m the one with the thick accent!”

She finally manages to calm herself down, taking back her coffee. “Good princess, that’s just ridiculous!”

“You’re telling me. I swear that pony needs ritalin or something.”

“Thanks for hanging out with me today Silver. I needed an excuse for a break.”

“Thanks for giving a second chance.” We smiled at each other.

For the rest of the day we hung out, just enjoying each others company. We talked, got some lunch, I even bared shopping with her. But if it meant being friends again…

I was happy.

Author's Note

...I actually had this for a while and I completely forgot to upload it. Sorry

I is the derps < W >