I'd like to take a moment to recommend this really cool comic on webtoon! It's called 'New Magical Me' and the premise is basically this (spoiler alert for the first 3 episodes): A transmasc magical girl is, alongside his team, engaged in the final battle against their big bad evil sorceress. He uses the clash of their final blows to fake his death freeing himself from the public eye and social obligation to his friends and family, affording himself the opportunity to transition in privacy and peace. 8 years later, he returns to his home city, now a literal self made man, but finds that the threat of evil magic still persists. He knows that transforming again would be bad for him on a psychological level, and so has to reestablish connections to the rest of his old squad, who, without him to hold them together as friends, have all fallen out of touch with each other and are each pursuing their own adult lives and problems, with varying degrees of success as well as varying reactions to him still being alive and having transitioned. Drama, both heartwarming and heartwrenching, ensues, with a backdrop of high octane magical girl heroics to emphasize the grounded emotional notes.
Erika is the city's strongest Magical Girl and leader of the dazzling Star Chroma group! But when she sacrifices herself to defeat the terri
-A WIP progress story written by Wind the Mama Cat -
Authors note: This is a birthday story written for @ask-de-writer. It features an AU version of our Original Characters. Essentially, all the characters are Gender-bent, or Rule 63, versions of themselves (except one or two characters).
This story will be an ongoing Work in Progress. All new added text will be posted in bold.
Enjoy!
Chapter 1, Chapter 2
At mid-day, Shimmer stopped her performance, put all the coin she had earned in a coin purse on her belt, which, to Fizzle’s surprise, didn’t seem to get any fuller, and the two girls, made their way down the midway of the fair and into Ponyville proper. Fizzle lead them to the eatery that she had mentioned. Once they had arrived at Caramel’s Sweet Treats, they sat down at a double table outside, wanting to enjoy the warm weather. They both rested their staffs against the wall, and waited to be served.
Fizzle looked Shimmer up and down. “So, um, I’ve been meaning to ask, you and your brother, Gust… aren’t originally from Equestria, are you?”
Shimmer shook her head no. “We aren’t. We’re from another world called Erdrea. Interestingly, we weren’t brother or sister until we came to Equestria.”
“You…” Fizzle began to ask, but stopped as a beige female pony, with a blonde mane, walked up to them.
“Howdy. I’m Caramel. What can I get for you ladies?” The tall pony asked kindly.
Shimmer smiled at the friendly pony and looked at the menu on the table. “This sample platter looks good.” She looked at Fizzle. “What do you think, Fizzle? It’s big enough to share.”
Fizzle nodded. “Oh. Yes. And, um, two apple ciders to go with it, please.”
Sweet smiled wrote down their order and left.
“So, um, you came from another world, and, you and Gust aren’t actually brother and sister?” Fizzle repeated in a confused tone.
“His parents and my parents were rulers of neighboring nations.” Shimmer explained. “Two weeks after Gust was born, we were invited to what should have been the Royal celebration of him becoming the first born and first Prince of his Father’s line.” She sighed. “No one ever expected a full-on Demon Evasion.”
Fizzle gasped. “How bad?”
“Worst than the Changeling Invasion.” Shimmer explained. “My mother, De Poet, she, well, after I told her what happened, she searched our world. She didn't find anyone. Within a single night, hundreds of thousands of demons invaded, and wiped it clean. No life remains.”
Fizzle teared up. “I’m so sorry for your lost, Shimmer.”
Shimmer reached out and touched the back of Fizzle’s left hand with her right. “Thanks, Fizzle.” She sighed deeply. “It feels good talking to someone about this. Almost, therapeutic.”
“So, um,” Fizzle said, blushing hard. “You were a Princess? And Gust was a prince?”
“Once upon a time.” Shimmer nodded. “Not anymore. Can’t really be a princess without a world to rule, right?”
“Would you mind if I called you Princess?” Fizzle asked with a coy smile. “Not for nothing, but your gold dyed Freedom looks like a crown. And, well, you’re certainly as beautiful as the Princesses I read about.”
Shimmer’s cheeks burned as the turned crimson. Fizzle certainly knew how to lay on the charm thick. She nodded, unable able to form the words for a few seconds. “Ah… yes? Yes. You may call me Princess.”
Fizzle leaned towards Shimmer, and Shimmer, guessing what was coming, leaned towards the mare, half closing her eyes as they moved closer to each-other, their lips a mere inch away.
“LOOK!” A pony shouted suddenly.
Fizzle and Shimmer pulled apart and looked at the pony. So did everyone else in the immediate vicinity.
The pony, who turned out to be Radiance, was pointing up at the sky. Everyone looked to where the fashion pony was pointing.
There was a collective gasp as what could only be described as a shooting star, or a small meteor, came falling from the sky towards Ponyville.
Shimmer immediately sprung into action, and grabbed her staff. She ran over to Radiance and pointed it to the sky. Her eyes and the end of her staff lit up pink, as she tried to use a gravity spell to slow the meteor down.
It slowed some, but not enough.
“Let me help you.” Radiance said as he touched her shoulder and added his magic to hers.
Fizzle had also grabbed her staff and pointed it at the meteor as well, trying to slow it down.
“It’s not working!” Shimmer gasped, trying with all her might.
With a POP! All three Princes, Eventide, Celestial and Lunar appeared next to Shimmer.
“We can’t slow it down.” Celestial said. “However, we can redirect it. Send it to the lake.”
“Right!” Shimmer nodded.
Together, Shimmer, Fizzle, Radiance, and the Princes used their magic to redirect the meteor towards the lake. The meteor moved to the left of where it was falling, and moved out of sight of the ponies and Shimmer. After a few moments, a large column water, about a hundred feet high, erupted from behind the trees surrounding town.
Shimmer ebbed her magic, and fell to her knees, using her staff to support herself. She panted heavily and looked at Fizzle and Radiance. “That was tough...”
Fizzle was panting as well, but was managing to remain upright. “You did most of the work, but yeah. That was tough.”
Celestial looked at Lunar. “Very odd for a shooting star to actual come into the atmosphere.”
Lunar nodded. “Indeed. It's also odd that it made it past the magical barrier that deflects heavenly bodies.”
Eventide looked towards the lake. “I should send a team-”
“No need, Prince.” De Poet said suddenly, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. “I can go investigate the meteor. Along with Gust. He's part otter, and can hold his breath for a long time.”
“That sounds like a reasonable plan, De Poet.” Eventide smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
De Poet walked over to Shimmer, and helped her stand up. “Are you alright, Kitten?”
The blue cat nodded as her legs wobbled a little. “I'll be okay, Mama. I just need some food.”
Fizzle moved and hugged and supported Shimmer around her waist. “I'll help her back to Sweet's Treats.”
De Poet quirked her eyebrow as she smiled. “Thank you, Fizzle. I'll leave her in your capable hands.”
Shimmer blushed as Fizzle helped her back to their table.
“Princes, with your permission, I take my leave.” She bowed to the three princes, turned, and left.
She walked back to her camp, and approached Gust, Twig, Lily and Dusk as they sat around the fire eating a veggie stew.
The four stopped talking as the Rom Matriarch approached them.
“Hey Mama.” Gust smiled. “Is Shimmer okay?”
De Poet blinked. “You... felt her magic?”
Gust nodded. “Yeah.”He tapped his ears. “They were really twitching.”
De Poet narrowed his eyes. Gust always had the ability to sense when someone was using magic, but he was never able to tell who was using the magic. She suspected that Twig, whom was a magically powerful being herself, was enhancing his ability via their special bond they had.
“Shimmer is okay. She had help from Radiance, a new friend, and the three princes helping her.” De Poet answered. “However, I need your help.”
Gust perked up. “You do?”
De Poet giggled. “Yes. That meteor landed in the lake. I would like you to come with me, and swim to the bottom of the lake and investigate it.”
Gust sprung up and nodded excitedly. “Of course!”
Lily gasped. “Wait, Mother. The lake is really deep. I'll go with you to help monitor him.”
Glee looked around at the group. “I can swim, as well. Deep diving is part of my combat training. I know an air bubble spell. I can help him as well.”
Gust looked at her. “I can actually hold my breath for a long time.” He looked at Lily. “What was my best time?”
Lily smirked. “20 minutes. But, you're still injured, so don't push it.”
Glee blinked at how long Gust could hold his breath. “Well, um, just for safety, why don't you use my air spell? It's good for an hour, and that way, we don't have to rush our investigation.”
De Poet spoke up, “Good idea, Glee.”
Dusk looked at his family. “Well, if you're all going, I might as well go. Besides, the meteor might have some rare metal, I could use it for my forge.”
Gust looked down at Twig as the bun-bun scratched his leg. He smiled at her, and picked her up cradling her in his arms. “She wants to come too.”
De Poet smiled at her family. “Okay. Let's go.”
She and her Rom walked out of their camp and headed to the lake. Once they arrived at the edge of the 3 acre lake, Gust set Twig down on the ground, and then pulled off his shirt, boots, and pants, leaving only his underpants on.
Glee blushed as she looked at him. “Um...”
“I always swim without clothing. My fur is hydrophobic. Doesn't get wet.” Gust explained as he waded into the shallows. He looked back at Glee. “Are you coming?”
Glee, blushing heavily, pulled her dress off and handed it to De Poet, leaving her in her bra and underwear. Her horn lit up as she cast the air bubble spell around hers and Gust's head. “So, the lake at it's deepest, is 300 feet.” She waded into the shallows next to Gust. “Most likely, the meteor is somewhere near the middle.”
“Don't dive down until you reach the middle.” De Poet said. “I only want you to spot the meteor. Don't touch it, or try to pull it up. Once we know where it is, come back and tell us. Lily and I can pull it out.” She cautioned the young ones. “Okay?”
“Yes, Mama.” Gust nodded.
“Of course, De Poet.” Glee agreed.
Gust and Glee walked out until the water hit their chests. They then started swimming towards the middle of the lake. After 5 minutes of swimming, Gust and Glee nodded, and dove down into the depths.
“Whoa.” Gust said as the air bubble kept the water away from his head, like an upside down fish bowl. It also seemed to speak underwater as well. “This spell is great.”
“It can be useful for swimming,” Gust admitted. “It can be really useful for exploring areas that have been affected my magical overdose.” She looked below them. “But come, my Dearest, we have a task to complete.”
Gust nodded, and together, the two lovers swam deeper, easily swimming down to the deepest part of the lake at 300 feet. Since the light of the sun couldn't go that far, Gust used his night vision that was inherent to his cat side. Glee summoned magic to her horn, using it as a glorified flashlight. After a few minutes of swimming around and searching, Gust pointed off 50 feet to Glee's right.
“Look.” He said, spotting a blurry object.
Glee looked to where he was pointing, and spotted the blurry object as well.
“Remember, Gust. No touching.” Glee reminded him.
“Right.” Gust said as they swam over the meteor.
As they got closer, they got a better look at it. Glee increased the light of her horn so they could see it even better.
“What the?” Gust gasped as he looked at the meteor.
It looked like a chunk of raw amber, and had to be at least 5 feet tall and a circumference of 4 feet.
“No wonder Shimmer and the princes couldn't stop it.” Glee said as they swam up to the meteor, keep a safe distance of 3 feet. “Amber is know for its... magic absorbing properties. They had no choice but to redirect it.”
“Yeah. If they tried to stop it any longer, it would have drained all of them.” Gust agreed. He squinted his eyes as he spotted something inside the large chunk. “Look, Glee. There's... something inside it.”
Glee looked closer at the gem. There was indeed something inside. A large... blurry shape. Almost as there was someone inside it, curled up int a fetal position.
“That... can't be a... person, could it?” Glee said in disbelief.
“Can you scan... them?” Gust asked. “See if they're... alive?”
Glee nodded. “I can try...” She sent out a tendril of magic, being careful and mindful of the gem. The tendril found a fracture in the wall, and pushed inside to the... “being” within. “They're alive-”
The gem cracked, splitting in two, and a geyser of bubbles rose up out of it. Gust gasped as the being inside was now exposed to the water and started to float to the surface, clearly unconscious judging by the dead-man float position they were in. He quickly swam behind them put his hands under their armpits, and swam quickly up to the surface, using his power tail to hel him.
Glee was stunned are just how fast he was, taking a second to think that he had been holding back his full speed when they swam together. However, she put that aside as she swam up to the surface after Gust. She broke the surface, and looked around for him and... the mysterious being.
Gust had... the odd looking being in a standard water rescue recovery pose. Except, he was on his back with the being, whom was still unconscious, on his chest, face up. Glee swam over to them.
“Are you, okay, Gust?” She asked.
“I'm fine.” He said. “I can float. Check to see if she's breathing.”
Glee looked at the being's chest, which she see, while it was half covered in a thick brown fur, did have beasts. She watched as it lifted up and down, though subtly.
“She's breathing. Can you swim to shore?” The mare asked.
Gust shook his head no. “No. Can you send up a spark for help?”
“Yes.” She said as she summoned magic to her horn, and sent up a rescue spark. It went up 40 feet and hung in the air. “There.”
“Hang on to me, Glee, while we wait.” Gust said. “I can support both of you.”
Glee gripped his arm and stopped treading water. She looked the girl and noticed her hands, tail, large ears and feet. They were typical of a monkey. “I wonder who she is and where she came from?”
“Might be a dimensional being.” Gust said. “Like me and Shimmer.”
“True.” Glee agreed. “But her... meteor came from space.”
Gust didn't have time to answer as Lily and De Poet arrived in a row boat, propelled by magic, and pulled next to them.
“Mama!” Gust sighed in relief. “We found this girl inside the meteor.”
De Poet nodded and easily pulled the girl into the boat and set her on the floor in a side recovery position. Lily countered the boat as Glee and Gust climbed in.
“You guys okay?” Lily asked them as they sat down.
“We're okay.” Gust said. “Check on the girl.”
De Poet turned the boat around, and, using her magic, jetted back to shore. While they traveled, Lily checked the girl's pulse.
“Her pulse it slow, but steady.” The black mare said. “Though, I really don't know what that could mean. I've never treated a monkey being before.” She looked at Gust and Glee. “She was inside the meteor?”
“Yeah. Encased in it.” Glee answered. “A large chunk of amber. Bigger than she was.” She looked at the girl. “I was... just scanning her... you know, just to she if she was alive. There were micro fissures in the gem. My magic... cracked it open and she started floating out of it.”
They reached the shore, and De Poet climbed out of the boat. She picked the girl up bridal style, and without a word, started walking back to camp. Lily followed her. Meanwhile, Dusk handed Gust his shirt, which the catter pulled on over his head. Dusk handed Glee her dress, which she didn't pull on, as she was still dripping wet.
He looked to where De Poet was walking. “What the heck is going on?”
“We found a monkey girl in the meteor which turned out to be a large piece of amber.” Gust said simply.
“Oh, so nothing out of the ordinary, then.” Dusk said with a smirk. “You guys go back to camp. I'm going to hire a dive team to recover the meteor.” He spread his wings, and took off silently, much like an owl would.
Gust looked at Glee. “Shall we?”
Glee nodded. “Let's.”
The two headed back to camp, followed by Twig.
By the time they had got back to camp, Glee had dried off enough to put her dress back on, and Gust had put his pants and boots back on. The two horses, and Twig, looked around the camp, and noticed that neither De Poet, Lily, nor the mysterious monkey girl, were outside, which lead them to make the deduction that all three of them were in De Poet's caravan.
They sat down by the fire, so that Glee could dry her mane. Twig hopped onto Gust's lap and started kneading.
(Who was that strange being?) She asked.
(Gust doesn't know. He has never seen anyone like that being before. She is not a pony, goat, zebra, or any species from Equestria.) Gust answered honestly.
(Twig has seen small versions of that being. They live is the Everfree.) She explained. (They call themselves monkeys. Though she has never seen monkeys that large.)
(That being is not a monkey from the Everfree.) Glee explained. (She came from outer-space. You saw that sky rock? She was inside that.)
(Large monkey is from the stars?) Twig asked out of shock and awe. (She is special then.)
Meanwhile, inside De Poet's caravan, on Gust's old bed, De Poet and Lily were examining the strange, alien, monkey girl.
“What do you think, Mom?” Lily asked as she scanned the girl's brain with her magic. “Have you ever heard of or seen anything like her?”
De Poet nodded. “Oh yes. Once upon a time, on another planet in a distant galaxy, in a far away dimension, as far as one can go, really.” She sighed. “These Monkey beings, or rather, as they called themselves, Yajin, were power warriors.”
The monkey girl opened her eyes slowly. Lily noticed that her pupils were a dark black, her irises where a stark white, and lined with a black band. The girl sat up and back pedaled, pressing herself against the wall of the caravan.
“What is happening? Who are you?” She asked in a strange language, sounding confused, angry and panicked.
De Poet held up her hands. “(Be calm).” She spoke in the girl's language. “(My name is De Poet. I am a friend. A friend).”
“Friend?” The monkey girl repeated in Equestrian. She then reverted to her language, “Where am I? How did I get here?”
“Mom?” Lily asked, not knowing what to do.
“Go get my fruit bowl, Lily.” De Poet said simply, not breaking eye contact with the alien girl. “(What is your name, proud Yajin warrior)?”
“You speak Yajin?” The girl asked in Equestrian, seeming to pick up more words as time went by. “How do you know my words?”
“(I know all words.)” De Poet asked as Lily returned with her fruit bowl, piled high with fresh fruit of all kinds. She took the bowl from Lily and offered it to the monkey girl. “(Are you hungry? I know your people eat fruit).”
The girl grabbed an apple faster then either De Poet or Lily could blink, and munched it in two bites.
“Thank you.” She said after she swallowed. “Is good.”
Lily looked at De Poet. “She's learning Equestrian rather quickly.”
“Not really.” De Poet watched as the girl grabbed a bunch of grapes, and eat them as quickly as the apple. “You see large earring on her right ear? That is a universal translator. It must have been damaged in the crash, and is resetting itself.”
The monkey girl blinked. “Zucci. My name is Zucci. Where is ship?”
“In the middle of a lake.” De Poet answered. “You traveled to this planet, this dimension, by ship?”
Lily balked. “They travel by rare gems?”
“Living gems.” Zucci clarified. “Yajin grow the gems that we can... pilot with thoughts.” She grimaced as her translator failed.
“Wow... living ships. Amazing.” Lily said in awe. “Why did you, um, come here? To this world?”
“Escaped.” Zucci said, as her translator started working again. “Whole planet-” She snapped “-boom. Sucked into... empty space. Black space.”
De Poet walked over to Gust's wardrobe and pulled out some of his old clothing. She set a orange Gi, a black under shirt, a pair of white baggy pants, a black belt, and a pair of boots on the bed.
“Here, Zucci. You can wear this clothing.” The mare offered.
Zucci looked at the clothing, and then at herself. “Oh. I am... naked. Did not... have time to dress before planet went away.”
She grabbed the clothing and started getting dressed.
“I wonder how she knew to come to Equestria?” Lily asked De Poet as they turned their backs to give her privacy. “Or if that was her intention.”
Zucci finished dressing, and wrapped her tail around her waist. “I do... not know how I came to this world. Or Dimension. Maybe black hole in space... was gate way?”
De Poet turned and faced her. “As good of an explanation as any, I suppose.” She noticed, now that Zucci was standing at her full height, that she was shorter than Gust, at 4'11. “Would you like to come outside, Zucci?”
Zucci nodded confidently. “Yes.”
Lily, De Poet and Zucci walked out of the caravan and into the sun. Zucci looked around and took a deep breath. Her ear twitched and she spotted the other Rom camps. She gasped.
“So many tribes!” She exclaimed. She then looked to the camp fire, and noticed that her ship, broken in half, was right next to it.
“My Ship!” She ran over to it, and pushed the three strangers aside. She examined it closely. “It is damaged.”
Gust picked himself up off the ground, and helped Glee stand up. “Hey. What's the big idea?”
Zucci's eyes snapped to Gust. “This is MY ship.” She bared her teeth.
Gust growled and bared his teeth, unsheathing his once inch claws. “Apologize for knocking me over.”
“Yajin do not apologize.” She growled in return.
The others backed away from the two, giving them a large birth. De Poet knew not to interfere. Gust was too proud to be saved by his mother, and Zucci was too proud to back down without a fight.
Zucci rushed at Gust, throwing a wide, left punch. Gust threw up his right forearm and blocked it, much to Zucci's surprise. He countered, and did and open palm strike to her chest, knocking her back a foot.
The monkey gasped. “You strong.” Her eyes flashed as her body seemed to glow with a subtle aura. She rushed him again, throwing nonstop punches and kicks, forcing him back as he blocked each kick and punch.
He ducked one punch aimed at his head. It hit thick birch tree, snapped its trunk and fell over. Zucci paused her attack.
“What?!” She exclaimed. “How you so fast?”
Gust cracked his knuckles. “You're not the only one with the ability to focus your Ki.” He rushed her this time, throwing rapid kicks and punches, putting her on the defense.
“They're both so fast...” Glee said as she tried to follow the action. “They're like blurs.”
“Okay. So her species can focus her energy. I get that.” Dusk said as he watched. “But since when can Gust do the same?”
De Poet chuckled. “He's one of many versions of himself. He exists in co-existence with others, like him, across the multi-verse. I don't know how, but he tapped into their strength.” She explained. “Zucci is using her own energy, called Ki. Gust is using all of his versions energy called Chi.”
“Why didn't he use it during the Championship?” Glee asked.
“There was no need.” De Poet answered.
“Okay. So how do we stop them from killing one another?” Lily asked.
De Poet looked at Zucci, who had just dodged one of Gust's kicks, knocking over a large maple tree. The monkey flipped backwards, putting 3 yards between them. She then placed her finger tips together, forming a ball with her hands.
De Poet gasped as she saw a Ki ball start to form between her hands.
“Enough!” De Poet shouted, as she ran and stood between the two. “Are you both planning to destroy the forest?”
Zucci stopped her Ki and ebbed her aura. Gust retracted his claws.
“You both can fight, and you were both in the wrong.” De Poet said, looking at both of them. “Gust, that is her ship, and she was in a panic. While she didn't mean to shove you so hard, you can see how powerful she was. She had little control over how hard she pushed you.”
Gust looked abashed.
De Poet looked at Zucci. “Zucci, Yajin may not say sorry on your planet, but they do on this world and in our culture.” She crossed her arms. “And you owe Gust your life. He saved you from drawing in the lake where your ship crashed.”
Zucci blushed and looked embarrassed. “He saved me?”
“Yeah. I did. You ungrat-” Gust started to say, but De Poet silenced him with a look.
“Both of you come and stand in front of me. Now.” She ordered in a stern voice.
Zucci and Gust walked over to the mad mare, both hanging their heads in shame. De Poet huffed.
“Shake hands and apologize.” She said. “And mean it.”
Gust held out his right hand and looked at Zucci. “I'm sorry for... getting mad at you, Zucci.”
Zucci placed her hand in his and shook it a few times. “I am...” She glimpsed at De Poet, whom in turn narrowed her eyes, “...sorry. For pushing you and your mate so hard.” She sighed. “Thank you for saving me from the lake.”
Gust nodded as they broke the handshake. “You fight quite well. What was that attack you were about to use?”
Zucci rubbed the back of her head as she blushed. “You fight quite well, as well. The attack I was about to use is called The Mansenko... I can, um, focus my Ki and send it at my opponent.”
“Whoa.” Gust said in surprise and delight. “That's amazing.”
De Poet sighed. “I'm glad you two are getting along now. But come back to the fire.” the three walked back to the fire, and watched as Lily used her magic to not only lift the trees they had broken back onto the stumps, but also mend the cracks so that they were as good as new.
Zucci blinked. “You all can use Ki?”
“Magic.” Lily clarified. “But yes, all species in Equestria have their own version of magic. I am a particular good surgeon, be it a living being, or a tree.”
Zucci looked at her ship and examined it. “My ship is beyond repair. It seems I am... on this world for good.” She sighed and slumped to the ground.
Dusk walked up to her and squatted in front of her. “Being stuck here isn't so bad. You can live with the Rom, or, you can travel the world on your own.”
Zucci looked at Dusk and tilted her head. “Rom?”
“That's our tribe.” He said with a smile. “All the tribes here.” He gestured to the other camps. “You can join our tribe, or, join another. Up to you.”
Zucci smiled warmly. “You are very kind... Dusk is your name?” He nodded.
“I am Dusk.” He pointed to the others. “You know De Poet, Lily and Gust. The others are Glee, and Twig.” She pointed to the town. “Shimmer, my sister, is in town. You'll meet her later.” He looked at the ship. “What do you wish to do with your ship?”
“It is useless.” Zucci answered as she stood with a huff. “A hunk of rock. It does not respond to my thoughts any longer. Best to destroy it.”
“Well, if I may,” Dusk said as he stood up as well. “Your ship is made of Amber. It's really rare. So rare, in fact, that to find... two pieces this large... someone would have to dig for months on end to find it. Amber, on this planet, would take over 10, 000 years to form, longer to form a piece half the size of your ship.”
Zucci looked at her ship and them at Dusk. “Amber is valuable on this world?” He nodded. “How valuable?”
“Your ship could easily sell for a hundred gold bits per pound.” De Poet chimed in. Zucci looked confused at the term ' bits'. “Sorry. Gold coins, or bits, is what we use for money.” She explained. “Your whole is ship could sell for 100,000 bits.”
Glee coughed/choked out of shock. “By the Goddesses!”
Zucci blinked. “It would best to sell it piece by piece. Safest that way.”
“Of course.” De Poet nodded in agreement. “But for now, let us place in my caravan, and go to the fair.” She smiled at Zucci. “Do you wish to come with us?”
Zucci took a deep breath and looked at the town. “Will I be... judged?”
“Well, yes.” De Poet answered honestly. “More so for that fact that no one has ever seen one of your species before. They will be more curious then afraid.”
“Alright then.” She smiled. “Show me this town and, um, fair.”
The group of Rom left their camp and headed back to the fair.
-A WIP progress story written by Wind the Mama Cat -
Authors note: This is a birthday story written for @ask-de-writer. It features an AU version of our Original Characters. Essentially, all the characters are Gender-bent, or Rule 63, versions of themselves (except one or two characters).
This story will be an ongoing Work in Progress. All new added text will be posted in bold.
Enjoy!
-------------------------------
Raised by the Rom
Sheena, Gust, and his dearest friend, a young female kitten named Star Shimmer, ran through the rain soaked, dark forest.
Star Shimmer wore a simple cotton jerkin. Sheena, Gust's mother, wore a wool cloak over her nightgown. Gust, being barely two weeks old, was swaddled in a soft, silk blanket.
Star Shimmer tried her best to keep up with Sheena as they ran though the forest. Star Shimmer chanced a glance over her shoulder, trying to spot the monsters that were pursuing them.
“Eyes forward, Star Shimmer.” Sheena said with a sharp breath. “Eyes on our goal.”
“Yes, Sheena...” Star Shimmer, the four year old kitten said, as they kept running.
After a few more moments, The older cat stopped for a brief moment as she tried to gain her bearings. She was breathing heavily, yet oddly steadily. She looked back towards where they came from and shook her head. She then looked down at her son, in the crook of her right arm.
“Star Shimmer?” Sheena said as she looked down at the young girl, still holding onto her right hand. “You know the way to the Dragon arch, yes?”
“Yes, Sheena.” She nodded confidently as she pointed West. “Just that way.”
“T-take... take Gust.” Sheena gulped as she handed the kitten to her. “Also...” She removed her sword and belt from her waist. “Take my sword, and run as fast as you can to the arch. Don't look back. Once you reach the arch, call out Equestria. Do you understand?”
Star Shimmer nodded as Sheena strapped the sword, nearly the size of her, to her back. She cuddled Gust against her chest. “What do I do once I'm, through the portal?”
Sheena smiled as she stroked Star Shimmer's rain soaked hair. “Find a nice horse, called De Poet. She will greet you. She will help you and Gust.”
“You're not-?” She began to ask, but Sheena shook her head no.
“I will lead the monsters in the other direction.” The older cat said. “Go.”
She ran off to the East.
Star Shimmer held Gust even tighter against her chest as she ran her fastest to the West.
She reached the Dragon arch some moments later. “Equestia!” She called out to the stone arch.
The dragon runes, carved into each stone, lit up and glowed a bright blue. A sparkling, swirling, blue portal opened in the middle of the arch. With a final look back at the dark forest, the brave kitten, with her young charge, closed her eyes as she walked through the portal.
Once she was on the other side, she opened them. It was still night, but it wasn't raining. She also found herself in a clearing next to a cobble stone road.
In the clearing, sitting around a roaring fire, sat several, anthro horses. A blue female unicorn, with a white mane, was speaking to several others. A tall black female unicorn, also with a white mane, sat next to the blue one. A tall, white, male... unicorn with wings, with a flowing rainbow mane sat across from the fire. Next to him, was another unicorn with wings. However, he had dark blue fur, with a flowing blue name, shot with stars.
Star Shimmer blinked. She took a nervous breath, and walked over to the group, stopping just two feet short of them, “H-hello?” she squeaked out nervously. “I'm looking for, um, De Poet?”
All four horses turned and looked at the small kitten.
“I am she.” the blue unicorn said. “Whom might you be, Young one?”
“I'm Star Shimmer. Or, Shimmer.” Star Shimmer greeted. “A cat n-named Sheena, t-told me to come here for help.” She tilted the bundle to the group. “This is Gust. His mama, Sheena, gave him to me to protect.”
De Poet stood up and walked over to Star Shimmer. “I know Sheena. She is a Dear friend of mine.”
“I think she might be gone...” Star Shimmer whimpered. “There were monsters and... she ran to protect us...” she saif as held the bundle that Gust was in, as gently as she could, up to De Poet.
The mare took the bundle, and cradled the kitten in the crook of her left arm, and used her right hand to move the blanket so that she could see his face.
The young kitten eyes opened and looked at her. He cooed happily and grabbed her finger with both his hands.
The black unicorn, along the others, joined De Poet.
“I'm Black Lily.” She greeted kindly to Star Shimmer as she knelt in front of the young kitten. “Did Sheena want us to raise both you and Gust?” The black unicorn asked.
Star Shimmer nodded. “She said you would help us.” She removed the sword from her back, and held it towards Lily. “This is her sword. Can you keep it until Gust is old enough?”
Lily nodded and took the sword from her. She examined the blade as she held it by the handle “Hm. It's well balanced. Does it have a name?”
Shimmer shook her head. “She didn't mention a name.”
“I am Celestial, or, here among the Rom, they call me Blaze.” The white horse greeted. “my brother, Lunar, also called Night.”
Shimmer gulped. “A pleasure to meet all of you.”
Gust suddenly started crying.
“Sounds like this young one is hungry.” De Poet said as she shushed him. “Come along, Star Shimmer. Let's get food for both of you.”
.....
Gust's bright blue eyes focused on his target intensely. His breath was steady as ghosted his way through the bushes as he stalked his prey. He stop and paused just on the edge of the forest clearing, moving not a muscle, beside from the tip of his tale. With a quiet growl, her launched himself towards his goal, like a spring loaded trap.
De Poet sighed and caught him in a web of her magic. “Nice try, Kitten.”
Gust let out a defeated sigh, as his Mother lifted him up and over her head, and set him on the log bench next to her.
“How come I can never sneak up on you?” The 21 year old catter said as De Poet handed him a bowl of beef stew.
“I'm your mother, I know everything.” She chuckled as she looked at him. “Now, where were you? Lunch was ready 10 minutes ago.”
Gust shot her a goofy grin. “I thought you knew everything?”
Shimmer and and Gust's half brother, Dusk, a small black Pegasus, with a white mane, sat down on the log bench across from him and De Poet.
“He was scouting Ponyville.” Shimmer giggled as De Poet handed a bowl of stew to both her and Dusk.
Shimmer had grown up along with Gust over the last 21 years, becoming a very protective sister to him. She had made a promise to his other mother, Sheena, to always keep him safe, and she intended to do so. She was now a very proficient Druid-mage, having being trained in non-equine magic by Lily, Celestial and Lunar. She didn't protect him too much, mind you, as to not let him get into trouble, or cause trouble, but she always kept a close eye on him. Be it her own eyes, or a magical eye via the animals of the forest.
“Scouting Ponyville?” De Poet asked as she quirked an eyebrow at her son. “We'll be there this afternoon for the beginning of the fair.” She looked at Shimmer. “What was he doing?”
“Using his spy glass on the overlook to the town.” Dusk answered for him. “He was using it to look at something.”
Gust blushed and started eating his stew, averting his gaze from his Mother.
“You've been to Ponyville before, Gust,” She said as she looked intently at the back of his head. “Why were you spying on the town?”
Gust turned his head back to De Poet. “I... was looking at the new Crystal Castle. Never seen it before...”
Shimmer giggled, but quickly turned it into a cough. Dusk gently patted her on the back as Gust shot her a dirty look.
“Gust? Was that the only reason?” De Poet asked him rhetorically.
“Mph~” Gust grunted frustratingly though a mouth full of stew. He swallowed his food thickly. “I... I was watching someone...”
De Poet tilted her head, waiting for him to continue.
“Ugh, Fine.” He huffed. “Knight Captain Gleaming Shield... is in town. For the Knight Tournament. I...”
Shimmer and Dusk shared a chuckled as Gust turned a bright red. Almost as red as his hair. He let out a throaty grow and flattened his ears at them.
“Gust...” De Poet warned him. His ears snapped up.
“Mama!” He protested, looking at her, a wounded look in his face, while gesturing towards his siblings. “So I think she's pretty, I can't help it.”
“She's also the sister to Prince Eventide Shining.” De Poet mentioned. “Which makes her Royalty. Do you really wish to pursue her?”
Gust stuck out his chin in defiance. “The rules of the Tournament says that whomever wins the contest gets to spend a week with her, or, if the pony or horse lives out of town from Ponyville, she'll spend the week with them. I... I just want a chance to...”
De Poet nodded solemnly. Gust was always very committed to an idea once it popped into his head. Over the twenty years, once he wanted to do something, he stuck to it. When he was five, while at the fair in Trottingham, he heard and saw a pony playing a wooden Ocarina. So, he wanted to learn how to play, which he did. When he was seven, he wanted to learn how to use Sheena's sword, which he did.
“Fair enough, Gust.” De Poet said with a nod. “If you want to enter the Knight Tournament, you can. Keep in mind, however, that all the best swordsmen and swordswomen in Equestria will be entering as well. So, if you lose, don't be disappointed.”
Gust nodded. “I... I understand, Mama.”
“So long as you do.” De Poet smiled.
“So long as he... does what?” Wind's other sister, Black Lily, asked as she came out of her caravan.
Gust rolled his eyes as he kept eating.
Shimmer wasted no time in explaining to Lily what Gust had been up to and what he planned to do during the Ponyville Fair.
To Gust's surprise, Lily didn't laugh at his crush. “Well, that's not really surprising. She's a beautiful mare. But, um, Gust? Did you read the entire contest scroll?”
Gust blinked rapidly at Lily. “Not... really.”
“Ah.” Lily nodded knowingly. “Well, the reason why the winner of said contest gets to spend a week with Captain Shield is so she can get to know them before she becomes engaged with them.”
Gust's eyes went as wide as dinner plates while his pupils turned to narrow slits. “...Engaged?”
“Yes. Engaged. As in Marriage.” Lily explained kindly.
De Poet looked at her son. “Do you wish to marry Gleaming Shield?”
“I...” He blushed, “Um...”
“All that is moot, however.” Lily continued. “Only those whom are Royalty, have Royal blood, or have been Knighted can enter the contest.” She looked at Gust intently.
“Well... De Poet, you're like family to the Ruling Princes...” Shimmer pointed out. “Wouldn't that count for something since Gust is your Son?”
“Perhaps elsewhere in the Multiverse,” De Poet answered. “Where I possibly helped raise a version of our twins, I could have been a Duke or Duchess, and by that extension, my family could be Ducal Princes and Princesses...” She shook her head. “Alas, in this reality, I am not. I am just a friend and a consultant.”
“Oh.” Shimmer said simply.
Gust sighed heavily. “So much for me entering the contest...” He said as he finished his stew.
As if by Fate, Blaze and Night landed in the camp and smiled at the gathered Rom.
“Hello, our Rom family...” Blaze smiled as his Royal suit melted into simple garb. Night's clothing did the same. “We've come to help pull and will joining the fair in secret...”
He stopped speaking as he looked a the down trodden Gust. “What's the matter, Gust?” he asked out of concern.
“I know that look...” Night said knowingly as the two twins walked over to the fire and sat on a log adjacent to the other Rom. “Gust, do you have another crush?”
Gust had a habit, ever since reaching the age of maturity for a catter, of developing a crush on any pretty girl, or boy, that would catch his eye. Over the last 4 years, this had happened 4 times. His first crush was a lithe flutist stallion from Oakenville. Sadly, his crush was, well, crushed when said flutist didn't want to leave his town when the Rom did. His second crush was a milkmaid from Roan-Oak. They dated for the summer months, but eventually broke up when he proposed. His third crush was a Wonderbolt from Cloudsdale, an adorable Male Pegasus named Rainbow Blitz. Sadly, Blitz's hectic schedule meant that their relationship couldn't last. His last crush lasted nearly a year. She was a cute Cherry picker from Dodge Junction. Unfortunately, she grew tired of the Road life, and moved back home.
Gust looked at his father figure with a heavy sigh. “...yes...”
“Who are they?” Blaze asked gently.
“Knight Captain Gleaming.” Gust answered honestly. “I wanted to... enter the contest, but I'm not Royalty, or a Knight...”
Night and Blaze shared a look, then turned their attention back to Gust.
“We're in charge of the contest, Gust.” Blaze chuckled as he looked at De Poet. “De Poet? Are you okay with him entering? Considering what the prize is?”
De Poet thought for a moment. “I am. I admit, he is skilled with a sword. Skilled enough to win? Well, we shall see.”
“But... but...” Gust stammered, “I'm not a knight... or...”
“You are the closest thing we have to a son, Gust. Aside from Eventide. Whom are we to deny you from doing something you so strongly want to do?” Night said with a shrug as he stood up. He drew his rapier. “Come a kneel in front of me.”
Gust, dumbfounded, stood up walked over to the dark blue horse. He knelt in front of him.
“Do you swear to protect the lands of Equestria from all enemies both foreign and domestic? To help those whom cannot help themselves?” Night asked sternly.
Gust nodded. “I swear.”
“Then I dub thee Sir Gust of the Rom.” Night said as he touched his blade to Gust's shoulders. “The first Free Knight of Equestria.” He smiled and sheathed his sword. “Stand and be recognized, Sir Gust.”
Gust blinked and stood up. Night's horn lit up as a silver pin, in the shape of kite shield, was summoned onto Gust's jerkin. He looked down at it. It had two swords crossed on it. He barely had time to examine it, as he suddenly found himself being hugged by this Rom family. De Poet gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Blaze chuckled. “Congratulations, Gust. Now... shall we clean up and head to Ponyville? The fair will be starting soon.”
The Rom washed the dishes from lunch and packed up. Shimmer and Gust took their usual place with De Poet pulling their caravan. Shimmer was set up as the lead horse, while De Poet and Gust were set up on a double tree.
Lily and Dusk were set up on a double tree in front of the twins, pulling Lily's caravan.
Shimmer called out the cadence, “Pull right, pull left! Pull all! Pull to Ponyville!”
As De Poet's Band pulled their way to Ponyville on the Royal road, they were slowly joined by other bands, becoming a large caravan for the Ponyville Fair. They were in the middle of a popular song, “That's What Sweet De Poet hates!” when they reached the fair grounds. They pulled into several semi-circles of caravans and set up their camps for the week long fair.
Once the camps were ready, the Rom dispersed to the Midway to set up their booths. De Writer set up her jewellery booth, with help from Gust. Gust set up his busking stool and collection basket just to the left of her booth. Next to his busking station, Black Lily set up her dancing square, so that she could dance to his ocarina music. To the right of De Poet's booth, Dusk set up his blacksmith booth and forge. Star Shimmer set up her station next to Dusk's forge. She would perform “magic” tricks, and illusions, such as sleight hand. Blaze and Night, incognito, had their snack bar next to Shimmer's act. They would sell different Rom pastries made from Ka'chek flour .
Gust took a few practice puffs on his ocarina to warm up. He then launched into a song that he remembered from his young kitten-hood that his other mother, Sheena used to sing to him (A/N:Zelda's Lullaby).
As he played, a small audience started forming. First it was the younglings, ponies, Rom, zebras and even diamond dogs. Then the older children showed up. Lastly, as the song ended, the adults showed up. His song was music to their ears, while the sound of falling coin into his basket was music to his.
He stood up and bowed as the group applauded and the Rom trilled. He put his flute away as he gathered the wayward coin that had either missed his basket, or had bounced out.
“That's a beautiful flute.” He heard a voice say to his back. “And a lovely song, is it an original piece?”
Gust stood up and turned around to speak to the owner of the voice. He was dumbstruck when he saw who it was.
Knight Captain Gleaming Shield, and two pony escorts, two knights dressed in the Purple Royal Armour, bearing Eventide's Cutie-mark, stood in front of him.
He quickly bowed to her.
“T-thank you, Knight Captain.” Gust said nervously. “My... my instrument is called actually an Ocarina. But, um, no... the song I played was a song... my mother used to sing to me.”
“Please stand straight.” Gleaming said kindly. Gust righted himself as she smiled sweetly at him. “Please, Good sir, tell me your name?”
“I'm Gust of the Rom.” He answered, trying to hide his blush.
“Ah. Yes.” She nodded. “The first Free Knight of Equestria.” At his confused look, she pointed to the pin on his shirt. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Gust smiled. “A pleasure to meet you as well, Knight Captain. If I may ask, why are you here among the common folk?”
“I am simply enjoying my Brother's Kingdoms fair.” She smiled. “The reason I am here, with you, Sir Gust, is that I have never heard ocarina music before. You play very sweetly.”
“Thank you. Again.” The catter nodded.
“I also wish to know, are you to enter the Contest tomorrow?” She asked.
“I... yes.” He admitted honestly.
Gleaming giggled. “Excellent.” She removed the ring from her right hand. “Prithee, take this ring as a favour. I pray it brings you luck.”
Gust held out his right hand, palm up. Gleaming placed her ring, bearing the Royal Crest into it.
“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” She smiled. She then nodded at him, and continued her way down the midway.
Lily walked up to her dumbstruck brother and giggled. “Do you know the meaning of her giving you that ring, Gust?”
Gust shook his head to snap himself back to reality. “Huh? Uh... no?”
“It's called a Lady's favour.” Lily explained. “Essentially, The Knight Captain expects to get that ring back. She wishes to see you face to face again.”
Gust put the ring on his ring finger on his right hand. “Oh...”
Black Lily smiled as she shook her head. “Could you play the Green Vines, please? I wish to start my act.”
The catter sat on his stool and started to play his sister's request.
Some time later, and after several songs, He decided to take a break. He collected his coins as Black Lily did the same.
After putting his coins into his waist pouch, he walked over to his mother's booth to get some advice. He walked behind the counter to help her with the customers.
De Poet smiled as her son joined her. “I saw and heard everything. You're very lucky to get a favour from Gleaming.”
“Right...” Gust said as he collected coins from a small female goat, as De Poet handed her a set of horn clips.
“I want to ask you something, Mama... and I want you to be as honest. As you always are.” He said. “Am I being foolish in pursuing Gleaming? Do you think... she'll ever marry me? Live with me on the road?” He sighed deeply. “She's a... Princess and I'm a Pauper... just like the book you read to me.”
De Poet put a closed sign on her counter, and lead her son into the tent that she kept behind her booth.
“Have a seat, Kitten.” She said as she pointed to a padded stool. He sat down, as She sat on another stool opposite of him. “I don't think you're foolish. She's a beautiful mare, and you have as much right to pursue her as anyone else does.” She smiled at him. “As for her, potentially, marrying you? I can't answer that.” She took his right hand in her left hand. “However, this is no small, or meaningless, gesture. She might like you more than you know.”
Gust blushed. “Mama...”
She moved and kissed his forehead. “Trust your feelings, trust your instincts, and be confident.” She winked. “No doubts, okay?”
Gust nodded. “Thanks, Mama.”
“Now, go back to playing. We are at a fair after all.” She said as she stood up. She patted his back out of her tent.
As the rest of the day went by, Gust played, and Lily danced. In between dances, Gust would simply play to the gathered crowd, playing either Rom songs, or songs requested by the listeners. They seemed to be impressed with ability to play any song they called out, going by the coins landing in his basket.
Soon, however, night had fallen, and the fair closed for the day. Gust folded up his chair, and placed it behind his mother’s stand. He then gathered up his coins and placed them into his overflowing belt pouch. His sister, Lily, did the same.
“We’ll need a larger basket and, perhaps, a lockbox, if we keep earning this much coin…” She pointed out. “I wonder why our acts are so popular this year?”
“I’ve never taken requests before.” The catter said with a shrug. “While our Rom music is unique, I expect the locals prefer to hear their own music too.”
“A fair, and excellently observed, point.” Lily said.
“Hey.” A brutish voice suddenly called out.
Gust and Lily looked up at a tall, seemingly inebriated, bull. He was two heads taller than Gust was, and a head taller than Lily.
“Yes, Sir?” Gust asked kindly.
“You that flutist taking my business away from me.” He grunted, gesturing wildly to Gust’s ocarina.
“It’s not a flute, Sir.” Gust explained. “It’s actually called…”
“Don’t care.” He grunted. “I’m a real flutist. Been playing for 20 years. Ain’t no way a youngin’ like you can play better than me.”
“Well, Sir…” Lily said sweetly. “He has travelled the world, and learned from the best players in Equestria.”
“Bah!” He harrumphed. “It’s a trick!” He moved suddenly, and snatched Gust’s ocarina from his hands, while shoving the catter to the ground.
“Give that back!” Lily demanded angrily. “You have no right treating my brother in such a manner!”
“Silly little flute.” He grunted. “What’s it made of? Cheap wood?” He squeezed it and shattered it into splinters.
“No!” Gust gasped as the bull dropped the pieces to the ground. “My… my ocarina…”
The bull was suddenly on his chest, with two royal knights, dressed in Celestial’s Royal armor, pinning him there. They quickly had irons on his wrists and ankles.
“How dare you assault that young man!” Celestial himself, no longer incognito, and dressed in his royal suit, demanded as he stood in front of Gust.
De Poet ran quickly to Gust’s side and picked him up. She hugged him as his lower lip quivered, looking at the broken pieces in his hands. Shimmer and Dusk joined quickly after.
“He is a Free Knight of Equestria, and therefor under Our personal protection. As such, and attack directed at a Knight, is treated as an attack on the crown itself.” Celestial continued as her guards picked the bull up. “Therefore, your charges are thus: you have assaulted a free citizen of our realm. Destroyed his personal property. Injured his income. Assaulted a Free Knight of Equestria. Public intoxication. And drunk and disorderly conduct at a fair. There will be no Trial. You are sentenced to five years hard labor on the Royal roads. There will be no chance of parole.” He nodded to his knights. “Take him away.”
As his knights lead the drunken bull away, He then turned to Gust. “Sir Gust? Are you injured?”
He sadly shook his head no, slowly. “N-no…”
De Poet took the pieces from his hands, and examined them. “I’m afraid that your ocarina can’t be fixed, Kitten.”
Gust nodded sadly. “I’ll… I’ll buy a…” he fell silent as tears welled in his eyes. He had had it since he was seven. He couldn’t believe that it was gone.
“You needn’t worry about a new ocarina, Sir Gust.” Celestial said confidently. “As part of being a Free Knight, you are entitled to a Royal benefice. Since that instrument is your livelihood, We shall replace it for you.” He smiled and placed a consoling hand on his shoulder, and whispered to him “Chin up, okay?”
Gust managed a half smile. “Thank… you, Prince…”
De Poet led her son back to camp. The mare sat him down on a log bench as she, Dusk, and Lily made dinner.
Shimmer, knowing Gust the best out of all the Rom, sat next to him on the log. She didn’t say anything, just simply took his right hand in her left hand and held it. She knew that he that he was a sweet, sensitive… individual, and words wouldn’t make him feel better. All she had to do, or anyone had to do, was to be there for him, and let him work things out for himself.
After 10 minutes of silence (aside from the bustling of dinner being made) and hand holding, Gust sighed and whispered “Thanks, Star…”
Shimmer smiled and nudged his shoulder with hers. He was the only one who called her that.
“Any time, Runt…” She said. That was her nickname for him. He was the shortest horse (all Rom were Horses) in their band, after all.
De Poet handed them a plater with a foot long burrito stuffed with beef and all the fixings. “Here, Kitten.” She said with a motherly smile. “Your favorite.”
Gust and Shimmer took the platters from De Poet and started eating as the others joined them. Lily and De Poet’s burritos didn’t have meat, obviously.
Blaze and Night joined the fire about an hour later, just in time for dessert. They had brough boxes of their leftover pastries from their booth for the day, saving of course, the leftover powdered donuts for Gust, as they were his favorite.
As Gust was busy with getting icing sugar over his muzzle, a thought popped into his head.
“Um, why were you guys so late coming to camp?” He asked Night and Blaze, after swallowing his third donut. “You’re usually here for dinner.”
“We wished to dine with Eventide and Gleaming tonight, Gust.” Blaze said with a kind smile. “Usually when we dine with them, it’s for a large dinner party.”
At the mention of Gleaming’s name, Gust’s heart skipped a beat. “O-oh…”
Moon and Blaze shared a chuckle and a glance.
“Gleaming and Eventide heard about what happened, as they often do when something of that nature occurs in Ponyville.” Night said. “They both wish to extend their sincere apologies. Prince Eventide wanted to assure you that his subjects respect the Rom, and that bull is not representative of them.”
Gust nodded. “You can tell the Prince that I thank him for those kind words, and I don’t blame him, or anyone else, for what happened.”
“Also…” Blaze pulled out a highly polished oak box, about 6 inches by 12 inches. He opened it, and revealed a similarly polished, brand new, ocarina sitting on a bed of soft blue silk. It was black stained oak, with a gold band painted on the mouthpiece.
Gust gasped as his eyes went wide. “…for me…?”
Night nodded happily. “We said we would replace your instrument.”
With shaky hands, after wiping them with a cloth, Gust picked the ocarina up from the box and held it gently. “I…” he shook his head in disbelief “It’s mine? Truly?”
De Poet giggled and stroked Gust’s hair. “Yes, Kitten. It really is yours.”
“Thank you.” He said. “It’s… perfect. Where did you get it?”
Night nodded at De Poet. “An ancient Rom, nearly as old as your mother, named Nore, made all the instruments that Rom played when they were freed, and still play to this day. That ocarina was the second piece she ever made.”
Shimmer looked at the instrument, and then at Night. “How did you get it?”
“Sadly, when the Rom came to Equestria, we had naught but the belongings on our backs.” De Poet explained. “As our songs explain.” The others nodded. “Well, in order get money and food, we Rom did a lot of trading. Dear Nore sold a lot of his creations to do so.”
“I came upon that Ocarina many years ago.” Blaze said simply. “I recognized it immediately, and paid a kings ransom for it.” He smiled. “All of Nore’s instruments that he had to sell, it is safe to say, are now back among the Rom.”
“Are you going to play it, Gust?” Dusk asked gently.
“I…” the catter blinked. He brought the ocarina up to his mouth, and played three notes, three times. It sang beautifully. More sweetly, he admitted to himself, than his old one.
“It’s perfect…” He said. “Thank you.” He smiled. “I’ll play more tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is the Knight’s tournament.” Lily reminded him. “First rounds. Remember?”
“Oh. Right.” Gust blushed as he remembered. “Okay… let me think.” He thought for a second, and started played a song he heard today from the local pastry chef, Berry Pie, called “Smile, Smile, Smile”.
By the end of the song, the other Rom bands had come over to hear him play, and of course, dance. As he finished playing, they trilled happily.
Gust smiled happily.
“Come, my Rom.” De Poet said, as the crowd disappeared back to their camps. “We have a big day tomorrow.” She booped Gust on his nose. “Some more than others.”
The gathered Rom climbed into the canvas hammocks that were hanging between the caravans. Gust, feeling more nervous, due to the contest tomorrow, and seeing Gleaming again, waited for his mother to climb into hers. He then, ever so cutely, chirruped at her, asking permission to sleep with her.
De Poet smiled at her kitten, and patted the cot next to her.
He smiled and climbed in, purring softly as he snuggled next to her. She sighed happily and hugged him gently. Even though he was 20, he was still her kitten, and, she wouldn’t give that up for all the gold in Equestria.
The next morning, Gust woke up by himself in the cot. He blinked and sat up, wondering where De Poet was. He spotted her, and his Rom family, sitting around the campfire, cooking breakfast.
He hopped out of the hammock and walked over to join them. He sat next to his mother and held his hands to the flame.
“What time is it?” He asked with a fang bearing yawn.
“Just after 7.” Shimmer answered. “The Knight contest starts at 9.”
He nodded as he poured himself some Rom black tea. He looked at Blaze “How many have entered the contest?”
“16 have entered. Including you, Gust.” Blaze answered.
Gust blinked. “Sixteen?” He shivered at the thought. “How will that work?”
“Well…” Night said as he used his magic to conjure up a holographic chart “The sixteen contestants will be split into two groups of 8.” He populated the chart with 16 fake names, and then split them into two groups on the left and the right. “As the first-round progresses, and fighters are eliminated, the winners progress to the second round, or the quarterfinals.”
Gust nodded. “Okay. So… on each side, 8 becomes 4, and then then 4 becomes 2, and then… it’s the final round with the last two fighters from each side?” He asked, as Night’s magic chart followed his explanation.
“Exactly.” Night said as his chart disappeared as his magic waned. “The first round, quarterfinals and semifinals will be held today. Tomorrow will be the finals.”
“Each Knight will be required to wear a set of sparring armor, and, since we don’t want them cutting each other to ribbons, all swords will have a protection spell on the edge.” Blaze explained. “Now, even with the protection spell, there’s still a risk of broken bones. Therefore, instead of hitting one another, each fighter will have four wooden shields.”
“If all four shields are shattered, the fighter is eliminated.” Night continued. “Should there be a draw, for whatever reason, each fighter will get one more shield, and the first strike to whichever shield wins.”
Gust nodded in understanding. “Uh… I don’t have armor.” He admitted.
“We know.” Blaze said. “You needn’t worry about that. You will have a set waiting for you in the change rooms at the contest grounds.”
“You’re… giving me a set of armor?” He almost gasped.
De Poet giggled. “Still trying to wrap you head around being a free Knight, aren’t you Kitten?” She sighed happily as she handed him his breakfast.
“Normally, a knight is gifted a set of armor at their Knighting ceremony,” Night explained. “However, since YOUR ceremony was last minute, to say the least, we didn’t have time to give you a set. Once we reached Ponyville, we had our Royal Armorer deliver a set, in your size, to Prince Eventide’s castle.”
Now it was Shimmer’s turn to gasp. “Wow. Is there anything else he gets?”
“Let’s see…” Night said as De Poet served breakfast to her family. “There’s the Royal benefice – a sum of five hundred gold bits every month. A set of armor. Access to the Royal Library in Canterlot…”
“Training with our Royal Master-At-Arms, should he require or request it.” Blaze continued. “And, should his sword break during any Knightly duty, our master forger will repair it.”
Dusk coughed and cleared his throat.
“Well, yes, Dear Dusk. Of course You would be the one to repair it.” Night said with a chuckle. “However, should it be unrecoverable, one would have a pick from any sword in the Royal Armory.”
Gust was speechless.
“And while De Poet and Lily are two of the best surgeons in Equestria, should you become injured when they aren’t around, say, during a battle,” Night continued “Hypothetically, or course. That, or if an injury is beyond their skill, treatment, and recovery at the Royal Horsepital.”
“Sheesh.” Shimmer said in awe. “Lucky.”
“All of which, extends to all close family members.” Blaze said with a smile. “Aside from the armor and sword, of course.”
“So, the benefice…?” Gust began to ask, but stopped when Night shook his head.
“That’s to help YOU provide for your family.” He explained. “Now, don’t panic, but should you pass, the benefice will go to your next of kin.”
“Ah.” Gust nodded.
“Indeed.” De Poet said. “Now, eat up Gust.” She nudged his shoulder with hers. “You got a big day-“
She stopped talking when they suddenly heard Royal trumpets blare. The Rom, all the Rom, looked towards the Castle.
A Bright, white carriage, with gold leaf trim, flying by itself with…. Large whit wings, swooped over Ponyville in a wide loopty-loop, landing in front of the castle, gracefully.
“Oh no…” Blaze said suddenly. “It’s… Prince Blueblood.”
“Your 52 times removed nephew?” Lily asked incredulously.
Night nodded. “Yes.”
“You don’t…” Dusk said in realization, “Do you think he’s here to enter the contest?”
Blaze’s horn lit up as a scroll popped into thin air in front of him. He caught it, and unfurled it. He nodded as he read the list. “Indeed he is in the contest. First to sign up, actually.”
Night looked at the scroll, and then at Gust. Gust had stopped eating and looking worried. For good reason too. Prince Blueblood was considered the best swords stallion in Equestria. Second only to the Princes themselves.
“Oh, come on now, Gust.” Dusk scoffed. “No need to worry about Blueblood. He’s just a stuffed up old noble. I’m certain all those stories about how good he is with a sword were told by him to inflate his already over-inflated ego.”
“But…” the catter began to protest.
“He has never even been in a proper fight. Never fought in a skirmish or a war.” Blaze said, with a nod. “He’s all icing and no cake. Trust me.”
“But… he’s never lost a duel.” Gust argued. “And I’ve never fought in a war, either…”
“It’s been rumored that those ponies were paid to lose.” Lily said simply. “Besides… he’s never fought a wily catter before.”
Gust chuckled at that. “Yeah. I guess not.”
De Poet sent a quiet wink at Lily.
The Princes stood up and set their dishes in the wash bin.
“We have to go and get ready for the Tournament.” Blaze said. “And…” he shivered “Greet Blueblood…”
“Gust?” Night said. “When you are ready, go down to the castle grounds, and show the guards at the gate-“ he paused and handed him a golden foil ticket “This. They will let you in. Once they do, one of Eventide’s staff will lead you to your changing room.”
Gust was admiring the ticket as he responded. “Oh. Okay. Sure.”
The Twins bowed to their Family, and then, took off into the sky, flying towards the castle.
Gust placed his ticket into a pouch on his belt, and continued eating his breakfast. Like his mother had said, he needed to eat if he wanted to have enough strength for the contest.
“Are you guys going to come and watch?” He asked his family as he served himself seconds.
“I will.” Lily said with a nod. She then added with a giggle, “Since you won’t be playing for me, I won’t be able to dance.”
“I’m going to be one of the safety officers.” Dusk said. “So, I’ll be there anyways.”
De Poet ruffled Gust’s forelock. “Of course, I’ll come Kitten.”
“Me too.” Shimmer said with a nod and a smile. “Besides, with the contest going on, I wouldn’t expect the fair to be too busy for the next two days.”
Gust finished his second helping of breakfast quickly, and then used the washtub next to his mother’s caravan to wash up. He then headed inside to change. He didn’t have any really… fancy clothes, well, fancy enough for Royalty, but he figured, he could at least put on a shirt that didn’t have holes in it, or stained from the road. He also changed his boots to his least worn ones. He then took his sword of its wall hook, along its harness, and strapped it to his back.
Once he was satisfied with appearance, he exited his mother’s caravan. He held his arms out, silently asking his family for their approval.
“I didn’t even know you had any unstained shirts, Gust.” Shimmer giggled.
De Poet shushed her before Gust did. She walked up to him and kissed his cheek. “You look very handsome, Gust. Go to the contest grounds. We’ll see you later.”
“T-thanks, Mama.” He nodded.
He then took off at a brisk pace towards the castle, arriving at the main gates 15 minutes later. ‘Ponyville is a lot bigger than I thought’ he thought to himself as he walked up to the guards.
They crossed their spears as he approached.
“State your business.” The guard on the left said.
“Oh.” Gust said, as he took his golden ticket out of his pouch. He showed it to the guards. “Sir Gust De Poetson. I’m here for the contest.”
The guards examined the ticket. “Well, Sir Gust.” He nodded at his partner, and together, they opened the gates. “Head inside.”
Gust walked past the gates, and looked around for Eventide’s staff member.
A tall, purple, female dragon, with green head spikes, walked up to him. “Sir Gust? I’m Spines.” She smiled at him. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Gust blinked and his jaw dropped slightly at the sight of the lady dragon in front of him. He always thought that the Princes and Lily were tall. Somehow, she was even taller than they were. He, himself, was 5 heads 9 inches. She was even taller then the bull from yesterday.
“Whoa...” He squeaked out.
“First time seeing a dragon, Sir Gust?” She asked with a giggle. He nodded in silent awe. “If you need to know, I'm 8 and half heads tall. Interestingly, I'm not even tall for a dragon.” She smiled. “But, I digress. She used her right hand to motion to her left. “Allow me to show you to you dressing room.”
She started to walk towards the buildings that she indicated. Gust followed next to her, trying his best to keep up with her long strides.
“You're Rom, aren't you?” She asked as they walked.
Gust nodded. “Yeah. I am, Lady Spines. I guess my Freedom gave it away, huh?”
Spines nodded. “That, and how you're treating me as your equal, not as an... underling.”
“Why...” He pulled a confused look. “Why would I do that?”
“You would be surprised...” She shrugged her shoulders. “Many visiting Nobles have to be put in their place by Prince Eventide. I'm not a Knight, nor a noble, but he did hatch me, and treats me as a sister. Therefor, he made me a Lady of his court when he became prince. Most stuffed shirts don't seem to grasp that.”
“Would you believe me, Lady Spines, if I told you that I know exactly how that feels?” The catter asked. “We Rom are treated as the lowest of lows. Aside from a few exceptions, every pony with a hint of nobility treats us badly.” He smiled at her. “I would never treat anyone like that.”
She stopped walking as they reached the building they were walking to. The wooden door said 7 on it. “You're very polite, Sir Gust. And cute.” He blushed at that. “You will find your armour on a rack inside. Don it, and then wait for the royal trumpets. When you hear them, go out the other door and line up with the other knights in the courtyard.”
Gust nodded and dipped his head in respect. “Thank you, Lady Spines.”
“Polite, handsome, and well mannered...” She placed her hands on her hips. “The trifecta. No wonder she likes you.”
“Huh?” Gust blinked.
“Never mind.” She smiled as she opened the door. “Good luck, Sir Gust.”
Gust frowned slightly as he walked inside the well-lit room. As Spines shut the door behind him, he looked around.
The room had cobblestone walls and flooring. It was well light by candles on the walls, and a frosted window on the wall with the door. On the opposite wall, where the other door was, was a wooden wardrobe, which, he assumed, was for his clothing once he changed. In front of the wardrobe was a wooden bench. In front of the bench, in the middle of the room, was his armour.
He looked it up and down. It was very fancy. Well, fancier than anything that he ever owned. The helmet, shoulder, forearm, shin, tail and knee plates were a polished steel. The leather boots and gloves were a rich brown. The black padded shirt and pants were a light and soft cotton. A rich leather belt, with brass scabbard hooks and buckle was also included. A fine mesh chain-mail shirt, made from a silvery metal he had never seen before, glittered light diamonds. He had never seen links so small.
However, all of that paled in comparison, when he saw that coat of arms on the white, cloth, jerkin. To his surprise, it was Knight Captain Gleaming Shield's cutie mark embroidered on it.
“What...?” he blinked. “So just not her ring... but I'm her chosen champion as well?” He heaved a heavy sigh. “Well... best get dressed.”
He undressed, putting his clothes into the wardrobe. He, sadly, also had to take his freedom off, as it wouldn't fit under his helmet.
He donned his armour. It fit remarkably well and was really light. He had a feeling that the Princes weren't really honest with him when they told him that they had their armourer “assemble” the pieces for him.
Once he was dressed, he hooked his sword, with its half scabbard, onto the belt. He then sat on the bench, and waited for the trumpets.
He didn't have to wait long.
His heart was beating loudly as he donned his helmet, and exited out the door leading to the courtyard.
Gust and the other knights were greeted by the cheering crowd of all the species of Equestria, sitting above them on circular wooden stands.
All the Knights walked to the centre of the courtyard, and stood shoulder in two lines of eight, horizontally. They faced the Royal box, where Prince Eventide, Celestial, Lunar, Knight Captain Shield , Lady Spines, and two others, which Gust assumed were Eventide's and Gleaming's parents.
Prince Eventide stood up and held his right hand up. The crowd silenced immediately.
“Welcome one and all to the Royal Ponyville Knight Championship.” Eventide said. “Knights from across Equestria, and of all species, have come here, to my Kingdom, to win a chance to win Knight Captain Gleaming Shield's hand.”
The crowd erupted in cheers. After a few seconds, Eventide held his hand up again. He looked at the knights for a few seconds. His eyes settled on Gust. They narrowed as he spotted his coat of arms. He then looked at Gleaming. Gleaming, took her eyes off Gust, and then looked up at her brother. She quirked her eyebrow. Eventide smirked and then looked at the knights again.
“Knights. Today the first rounds, Quarter finals, and Semi-finals will be held.” He continued. For those two knights that are not eliminated, the Finals will be held tomorrow.” He took a deep breath. “Those Knights that had even numbered doors, please form a group to my right, your left. The other knights – form a group to my left, your right.”
The Knights separated into their groups. Gust noticed that a white pony unicorn, in highly polished, gilded, armour, was in the opposite group. He HAD to be prince Blueblood.
Eventide clapped his hands twice. The ground in front of the Knights began to shake as eight wholes split open in front of them, and eight wooden platforms, with shield racks, and eight safety officers, Dusk included, rose up from them.
Gust was impressed.
He also noticed that each platform had even and odd numbers. 2 and 15. 4 and 13. 6 and 11. 8 and 9. 10 and 7. Gust gulped as he saw his number. 12 and 5. 14 and 3. And lastly, 16 and 1.
Eventide gestured to the Knights. “Knights, please make your way to your platforms.”
The crowd cheered as Gust walked over to his platform, as did a tall female griffon. He nodded at her. She, in turn, nodded to him.
“Knights, you each get four shields. You are to attack only your opponents shield. Any strike other then to their sword or shield will count against you. Three fouls, and you will be eliminated and forfeit. Ring outs also count.” He held up a finger for emphasis. “No magic is allowed either. If anyone is caught using magic, they will also forfeit.”
Dusk handed Gust his first shield. He then walked over to the female griffon and handed her a shield.
“Knights, draw you swords, so that the safety officers can apply the safety spells to the blades.” Eventide ordered.
The sound sliding metal mas heard as all sixteen knights drew their various swords. Gust was taken aback as his opponent drew a broadsword that ended in an bearded axe head.
Dusk used a pendant from his belt and traced it along his blade. His sword shimmered as the safety spell was cast. Dusk then walked over to the griffon, and did the same to her sword.
“Knights, at the bell... the contest shall begin.” Eventide said. “May the best knight win.”
A brass bell was rung, and the contest began. The crowd, again, erupted in cheering.
Gust raised his shield over his chest and held his sword tip towards the griffon. The griffon smirked, and left her shield down as she leapt at him, swinging her sword in a downward motion.
The catter rolled to his left as her sword-axe hit the platform where he had just been. He quickly got to feet. She grunted as her sword was stuck, refusing to come out of the wood. Gust took the advantage and ran at her, aiming his shoulder and her shield. He hit it square on, and the stumbled and fell on his butt.
The shield cracked and shattered.
“Point to Sir Gust!” Dusk said, raising a flag. “Sir Gust, to your side.” He looked at the Griffon. “Lady Grey, do you need help?”
Lady Grey, visibly angry, shook her head no as she ripped her sword out of the platform. Gust walked to his side, as Grey returned to hers. She yanked a second shield off her rack, and then readied herself.
Dusk nodded. “Ready? Begin!”
Gust rushed Grey, rolling forwards as she swiped her sword horizontally at his shield. He got his feet, and hit her shield vertically with his sword. She hopped a foot back, and countered with her own vertical swing at his shield. He twisted his sword, and caught it with the back spines, locking them together. He drove the two blades down to the platform, and then used the edge of his shield to strike her shield in the spot where he had cut previously.
Her shield snapped in half, while his shield snapped cracked, but was still together.
“Point to Sir Gust!” Dusk said as he raised hi flag. “Knights, to your sides.”
Gust unhooked his sword from Grey's.
“He cheated!” She shouted. “He... he... used that weird sword of his to disable mine!”
“No, he didn't.” Dusk said as he came over. “It's not against the rules to use your sword as it is designed.”
She huffed as Gust returned to his side. He watched as Grey picked up her third shield.
Dusk returned to his spot, and then nodded. “Ready? Begin!”
Grey crossed her sword across her chest as she circled to the right. Gust did the same as he too, circled to the right.
With an almighty screech that drowned out the crowd, Grey rushed Gust, sweeping her sword in an underhand swipe.
Gust swiped his sword down, and locked the blades together. Again. He then braced his shield against her breast plate, pivoted on his feet, and using her momentum against her, flipped her over his shoulder, and out of the ring. He landed on her back with a grunt.
“Ring out!” Dusk announced. He looked at Eventide for a second opinion.
Eventide stood up and held his hands out. The crowd went silent. “Sir Gust wins by ring-out!” He then looked at Lady Grey. “Medics to ring 5, please!”
Two unicorn ponies, dressed in white robes, and carrying medical bags, ran over to Lady Grey. Gust removed his helmet and handed it to Dusk. He then ran over to Lady Grey.
“Is she okay?” He asked in a panicked tone. “I-I didn't mean to... I was just...”
The lead medic scanned the griffon with her magic. “She's fine, Sir Gust. Just had the wind knocked out of her.”
Gust sighed as he knelt beside Lady Grey. “Lady Grey...” He placed his right fist on his chest. “You fought well.”
With a grunt, Lady Grey placed her right fist on her chest. “You... too...”
The medical ponies placed her on a stretcher and carried her off to the first aid tent.
Dusk walked over to Gust as he stood up. He handed his helmet back to him, and then took his right hand in her left, and hoisted it to the crowd. The crowd cheered in response. Gust spotted De Poet trilling as loud as they could over the other Rom trills and cheering.
“Return to your dressing room, Sir Gust.” Dusk said as he lowered their arms. “When you hear the trumpets again, that will signal the quarters finals.”
Gust nodded and walked back to his change room. Once he had closed the door, he sat on the bench with a huff.
“First round...” He sighed happily as he stretched the collar of his under shirt to cool himself down. “Phew...”
An hour later, Gust, who was laying on his back on the bench in his changing room, with his hands folded in his chest, suddenly heard the Royal Trumpets, signaling the next round, or the quarterfinals, of the Knight Contest.
He stood up, stretched, grabbed his helmet from his armor rack, and placed it on his head. He then walked out of his room, and back into the Courtyard. He and the other Knights, including, he noticed, Prince Blueblood, once again lined up in two groups of four. The crowd was cheering loudly
Prince Eventide stood up and raised his hands to silence the crowd. “Congratulations Knights, on making it past the first round and onto the Quarterfinals.” He clapped his hands twice, and the ground in front of the Knights spilt open. Only this time, four platforms came up instead of eight.
Gust looked for his number, without moving his head. He spotted it on platform 2, or the second from the right. The sign read 7 and 8. The others read 1 and 4, 16 and 6, and 10 and 15. He had no idea who 8 was, but he knew that they would be tougher then Lady Grey.
Prince Eventide gestured to the platforms. “Knights. To your platforms, please.”
Gust made his way to the platform. Where, once again, he spotted Dusk. He winked at him, and then turned and faced his opponent. A male Earth pony, dressed in silver armor, bearing Lunar’s crest, was his opponent this time.
Gust placed his right fist on his chest, and dipped his head in respect. The pony did the same.
Dusk handed Gust his shield, and then walked over to the pony, and handed him a shield as well. The catter noticed that the shield was metal.
“Knights, for the second round, your goal is not to break your opponents Shield.” Prince Eventide explained. “For this round…” He gestured to the safety officers. Dusk walked over to Gust and taped three small beanbags to his torso. Two on his chest, and one on his stomach. He then walked over to the pony and did the same. “Your goal is cut the three beanbags on your opponent’s chest.”
Gust swallowed hard.
“As with the first round, only strikes to the bags counts. Any other hits other then to the sword or shield, do not. Should you strike their arms, legs, or heads, it counts as strike against you. Three strikes and you forfeit the round.” He continued. “Unlike the first round, however, there will be no pauses between points.”
Gust and his opponent drew their swords and brought the blades vertically up to their face in a salute. Gust noticed that the pony had a simple, standard issue, broadsword.
“At the bell, knights, begin.” Eventide said as He sat down.
Gust kept his eyes on his opponents. A brass bell rang, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
The pony raised his shield, and slowly advanced on Gust. Gust raised his shield and advanced towards him.
Once they reached the middle, the pony made a horizontal swipe. Gust countered with his shield with a back hand motion, driving the blade away. The pony was thrown off balance, leaving his right beanbag exposed. Gust took advantage of the opening and struck with forward thrust. The bean bag split open.
“Point to Sir Gust!” Dusk called as he raised his flag.
The pony gritted his teeth and raised he shield as Gust made a horizontal cut for the bag on his stomach. Gust’s sword struck the edge of the shield. The pony quickly brought his sword down on his blade, knocking it down. Gust spun out of reach of they pony.
He didn’t have much time to recover.
The pony made an overhead swipe. Gust had just enough time to raise his shield. The sword crashed on his shield, driving the catter to his knees. The pony pressed his advantage, and kept hammering on the shield.
Gust acted quickly. The ceaseless hammering was making his shoulder really sore. Gust thrusted his sword out and then using the back spines, caught the right edge of the pony’s shield, and quickly shoved it to the left, causing the pony to stumble, again, and leaving his chest fully exposed. Gust leapt to his feet and made two quick cuts, spilling the pony’s other two bags.
“Sir Gust wins!” Dusk announced. “All of Sir Silvermane’s bags are cut!
The crowd erupted in loud cheers and even louder Rom trills.
The pony blinked “I lost?” He shook his head. “To a Rom?”
Gust, breathing heavily, looked at Sir Silvermane. “So what if I’m Rom?”
“I… I was supposed to win…” He growled. “You…” He ran towards Gust, and using his armored fist, punched the right side of his helmet.
Gust fell onto his back. The crowd started booing as Silvermane went for another punch
Dusk reacted quickly. He tackled Silvermane onto his back, and quickly sat on his chest. He pulled a knife, seemingly from nowhere, and had it at the pony’s neck.
“Sir Silvermane!” Dusk gasped. “Move not a muscle!”
The Medics reacted quickly and where next to Gust in nearly a flash. They had his helmet off and were scanning him with their magic.
“Sir Gust?” The same medic that treated Lady Grey asked him, “Do you know where you are?”
“Uh… P-ponyville?” He grumbled as his head pulsed with pain and his vision swam.
“How old are you?” She asked next.
“I’m… twenty?” He answered.
“How many horns do you see?” She asked.
“Uh… two?” He frowned.
The head medic turned to Prince Eventide and the Royal box. The crowd went silent. “Sir Gust has a minor concussion. He will need a few hours of bedrest before the next round.”
Eventide stood up. “Take him to the medical tent and treat him. We will start the next round once he is medically fit.”
Gust felt himself being placed on the stretcher, and then being carried of the field by the two medics. His vision swam as he looked for his mother in the crowd, but couldn’t see her.
After a few moments, Gust felt himself being lifted off the stretcher and placed onto a soft bed. He then felt his armor and clothing being taken off. He was then dressed in soft, warm, pajamas.
The lead medic used her magic to reduce the swelling on the side of Gust’s head. “Quite the goose egg…” She hummed as Gust felt the swelling subside and his vision return to normal.
“Is it bad?” He asked in a concerned tone.
“I’ve seen worst head injuries.” She answered honestly. “Nothing to worry about, Sir Gust. You’ll be as right as rain in several hours.” She hummed some more. “You also have a sprained shoulder.” She moved her magic to his right shoulder, and began mending the muscles. “Not surprising, really. Considering how you fell, plus the beating your shield arm had taken before that.”
Gust nodded. “Thank you… Doctor?”
“Nurse Hope.” She corrected him. “The doctor is busy with another Knight.”
Gust smiled embarrassingly “Well, thank you, Nurse Hope. I feel a lot better.”
“You are very welcome, Sir Gust.” She looked to her left. “You have visitors.”
Gust looked at his feet. Shimmer, De Poet Dusk, and Lily came into his room.
Nurse Hope looked at them. “I’ll give you 10 minutes, and then that’s it. He needs some rest if he’s to fight in a few hours.” She left the room.
De Poet sat on his bed and used her magic to scan him. Not that she didn’t trust the Nurse’s skills, but she knew her Kitten better than anyone. She sighed in relief as she found that he wasn’t seriously injured.
“How are you feeling, Kitten?” She asked as she ebbed the flow of her magic.
“Sore…” He grunted. “Tired…” he looked at Dusk. “Thanks, Dusk.”
Dusk smiled. “Eh. No worries, Gust. Eventide’s guards were quick to react. Had him irons a few minutes after I had him pinned.”
I wonder what made him do that?” Shimmer asked. “To risk your carrier over a contest?”
“Losing to a Rom…” Gust sighed. “Said so right before…” He winced in pain and closed his eyes.
“Okay, Rom.” De Poet said as she shooed them out. “Let’s give him some rest.”
She tucked him into bed as the other Rom left the room. She kissed him where the bump was, and then sat on the chair next to his bed. She had always watched over him whenever he was injured or sick, and that would never change.
“Thanks… Mama…” her murmured as he fell asleep.
Nurse Joy popped her head around the divider. “Oh. Hello Ma’am…”
“I am watching over my son.” De Poet explained simply as she crossed her legs, and folded her hands on her knees. “I will call someone when he wakes up.”
Nurse Hope smiled and nodded, and dipped her head back behind the divider.
Some time later, De Poet snorted and woke up. She must have drifted off. She looked at Gust, who was still sleeping. She then looked at the door to his “room” and spotted… someone she didn’t expect.
“Knight Captain Gleaming.” She greeted the Royal Unicorn.
“Just Gleaming, please.” She smiled. “How is he?”
“He’s sleeping, but he’ll recover.” De Poet answered.
The white pony placed a hand on her heart and sighed in relief. “I’m glad.” She then blushed as she looked at De Poet.
“You must be De Poet. I subscribe to your newsletters.” She smiled. “If I may ask, Madam… Gust isn’t from Equestria, is he?”
De Poet shook her head no. “No, he isn’t. He and Shimmer came to me when he was two weeks old, and she was 4 years old. I have raised them as my own since then.” She quirked her eyebrow. “If I might ask, Gleaming, why are you so interested in my kitten?”
“I…” She blushed harder. “Stories of his exploits have reached me in Canterlot. He’s so noble and generous… and kind.” She folded her hands behind her back. “When I met him… the way he looked at me, not as Royalty… but as me… made my heart flutter.” She glanced at his armor. “That’s why I gave him my ring. Why I gave him my crest.”
“What if he doesn’t win the contest?” De Poet asked her. “What if someone else wins?” She crossed her arms. “I won’t have you breaking his heart.”
Gleaming looked at De Poet. “I am to spend a week with the winner to see IF I will, potentially, marry them. I am not promised to them. If Gust wins, that would be ideal. If not? Well…” She blushed more. “He will have to wait a week before I see him again.”
“You mean…?” De Poet asked in shock.
“My parents aren’t happy with my news, but Ultimately, as my older brother pointed out, it is my choice.” She heaved a sigh. “I am going to renounce my rank as Knight Captain, and join Gust as a Free Knight.”
“So… this contest is pointless?” De Poet asked.
“Not at all.” Gleaming shook her head no. “The contest has served its purpose. See, by the time I had met Gust, it was too late to cancel. Even my brother couldn’t do that. Bad for our reputation, and all that. Besides, it has drawn more of a crowd to his fair than normal.” She smiled. “It has also shown my parents that Gust is an exceptionally skilled Knight. More skilled then our formally trained Knights.”
De Poet nodded at that. “So, you’re willing to travel with us? On the road? In the mud and rain, and pulling a caravan? Cooking? Bugs biting you?”
“It… will take some adjustment, surely.” Gleaming answered confidently, “However, I am willing to do all that. Live a life… not pampered.”
De Poet looked at Gust. “Oh… you needn’t worry about being pampered, Dear.”
Gleaming blushed more. “I… I need to get back.” She smiled. “Please, Madam. I want this to be a surprise for Gust. Don’t tell him until I do?”
De Poet nodded. “I promise.”
As Gleaming left the room, Nurse Hope walked in.
“Why was Knight Captain Shield here?” She asked as she approached Gust's bedside.
“She was simply checking on her Champion.” De Poet answered. “Making certain he wasn't injured too seriously.”
Nurse Hope nodded. She gently placed a hand on Gust's shoulder and shook him. “Sir Gust?”
Gust murmured and opened his eyes slowly. “Nurse Hope?”
“How do you feel?” She asked kindly. “Is Your headache gone? Any soreness? Stiffness?”
Gust sat up in his bed. “Uh... no. I'm feeling much better.”
She used her magic to scan him as she used her fingers to press gently on his shoulder and on the side of his head. “Hm. Any tenderness?”
Gust shook his head no. “No.”
“Fair enough.” She nodded, seemingly satisfied. “I hereby declare you medically fit. You are free to continue with the contest.”
Gust smiled at that. “Awesome.” He blinked as he spotted De Poet. “Hey Mama. Have you been here the whole time?”
De Poet quirked her eyebrow. “Of course I have, Silly Kitten.”
Gust chuckled. “Oh.”
“You can dress yourself in your armor, Sir Gust.” Nurse Hope said. “I'll let Prince Eventide know of your condition.” She nodded and left the room.
De Poet stood and kissed his nose. “Good luck in the semifinals, Kitten.” She smiled and left the room as well.
Gust stood up and removed his pajamas and folded them, placing them on the bed. He then dressed in his armor, placing his sword back on his bed. He then made his way out of the medical tent, and back into the courtyard. As he entered, the crowd erupted in cheers and Rom trills.
He walked over to the other Knights. Much to his dismay, Prince Blueblood was still in the contest. The other two Knights, a female pegasus, and a tall Bull were also stood next to him in Rank. He stood next to the bull as they faced the Royal box.
Prince Eventide stood up. The crowd fell silent. He looked at the remaining Knights, pausing as he looked at Gust. “Sir Gust, it is good to see you well. “
Gust placed his right fist on his chest, and bowed.
The Prince nodded. “Welcome, Knights, to the Semifinals of the Knight Contest.” He clapped his hand. This time, two wholes opened and two platforms rose up. “Sir Gust? Sir Bulk? You are to spar on platform 2.” He looked at Prince Blueblood and the female Pegasus. “Prince Blueblood? Duchess Cloud? Platform 1.”
Gust and... Bulk walked over to their platform. Gust nodded at Dusk. He then turned and faced Bulk.
“For this round, Knights, you are to disarm your opponent.” The Prince explained. “You are to only strike your opponent's weapon. Any strike on their body will be a strike. Three strikes and you forfeit.” He nodded. “By disarming, you are to attempt to knock their weapon from their hand. You are not to attempt to break their weapon. If that does happen, you will forfeit the match.”
Gust let out a long breath and drew his sword. Bulk drew what appeared to be a hand and half... broadsword, and ended in a diamond shaped... mace. Sure, Bulk was bigger and taller then he was... but that didn't bother him.
He saluted with his sword to Bulk. Bulk returned to the salute.
“Knights... at the bell, you may begin.” Prince Eventide announced.
The brass bell rang out. The crowd started cheering. Again.
Bulk wasted no time as he rushed at Gust. He was wielding his sword-mace in both hands over his head. Gust waited for the the downswing. As Bulk got close enough, he swung down. Gust simply sidestepped the attack. Bulk's weapon slammed into the platform, sending splinters of wood everywhere. Gust swung his sword down as hard as he could just at the hilt of Bulk's weapon.
Bulk grunted, but held onto his weapon. He lifted it, and using his right hand, swung it at Gust's sword. Gust used both his hands to block the attack with the flat of the blade.
He grunted as the two swords met. He pivoted his sword, and drove Bulk's sword down to the platform. He then did a backwards somersault to get out of Bulk's reach.
The crowd 'ooh'd' at his acrobatics.
Gust landed on his feet, just as Bulk got to his. Bulk looked shocked at just how nimble Gust was. He snorted and seemed to readjust his assumptions about the catter.
Gust rushed the bull. Bulk readied his weapon, holding it at a 45 degree angle with both hands. Gust struck at Bulk's sword-mace quickly. So quickly, his arms and weapon and arms appeared as a blur.
Bulk grunted as his grip began to wain. Growing frustrated, he countered with a horizontal swipe, catching Gust's sword, and knocking Gust backwards.
Gust fell to his left knees.
Bulk bellowed ans raised his sword-mace above his head and brought is down towards Gust's raised sword.
As Bulk's sword-mace connected with Gust's sword... the catter's blade cracked and shattered into small shards and splinters.
“Sir Bulk, you are disqualified!” Dusk shouted as the crowd fell silent.
Gust was in shock as he held the handle to his broken sword in his left hand. “My... mother's sword...”
Dusk was quick to Gust's side. “Gust...” he whispered.
Gust simply shook his head no repeatedly. “Nononono... please... not my sword.” He looked at Dusk, tears forming in his eyes. “Dusk... fix it. Please. You have to fix it...” he handed the hilt to him. “Please... please...”
Dusk looked at the hilt. Even it was cracked down the side. “Gust... I don't think I can.”
De Poet appeared next to her son. “Gust... come with me. Come on, Kitten.” She lifted him up by his right arm, and carried/pulled him towards his changing-room.
Gust called out “Please! Dusk!”
As the Catter disappeared into room, Dusk examined the the broken shards. He barely heard the other safety officer call Blueblood as the other victor. He was took focused on Gust's sword. It was strange. His blade mas Damascus steel. It shouldn't have shattered like... glass. Prince Eventide had joined him silently.
“I have never seen a sword... break like that.” He admitted to Dusk.
“It shouldn't have, Prince.” Dusk said. “Not without...” He looked at Bulk's sword-mace as the bull stood next the ring awkwardly. “Sir Bulk. Give me your sword.”
Sir Bulk walked over to him. “Here.”
Dusk looked at Eventide. “Prince... could you scan this weapon?”
“What am I looking for, Dusk?” The Prince asked Dusk held the weapon in both his hands towards him.
“A spell. Aside from the safety spell.” Dusk answered.
Eventide nodded and used his magic to scan the blade. He blinked after a few seconds. “I Do sense two spells on this weapon. One is the safety spell. The other... is a metal-glass enchantment.”
He turned looked at Sir Bulk. “Guards. Bring Sir Bulk to his change-room. He is to remain there until further notice.” He then waved for another guard to come over.
Two guards ran over to Sir Bulk. They then lead him to his change-room. The third guard joined Eventide on the platform.
“Take that weapon from Officer Dusk, and place it in the armory.” The Prince said as Dusk handed the weapon over to the Guard. “Do not let it touch anything metal.”
The Guard took the weapon, and bowed. “Yes, My Prince.” He quickly left the courtyard.
Eventide turned his attention to back to Dusk. “Can... you do anything for Gust? He was devastated...”
“This sword... was his mothers. His birth mothers. It is all that he had left of her.” He sighed. “I will see what I can do.” He pulled a leather bog of his belt, and gathered up the shards. He then stood up and spread his wings. He took off, heading towards his forge.
Meanwhile, De Poet were sitting on the bench in her son's locker-room. Gust was beside himself in grief as he took off his armor in frustration.
“Mama...” He whimpered. “I... my sword...”
“I know, Kitten.” De Poet said, trying to comfort her grieving son. “I know how much that sword means to you.”
“I...” He fell silent as he as he ripped open his wardrobe and dressed himself in his Rom clothing.
“I know, Kitten. I know...” She sighed sadly. “Come here.” She said as she patted her lap. “You're angry, upset, and feeling overwhelmed. Let me help you.”
Gust walked over to the bench and laid down on his back, placing his head on De Poet's comfortable lap. The mare started stroking his hair, trying to ease his emotions.
Meanwhile, at Dusk's forge, the black horse worked with the curtains closed. He didn't want any peeping eyes. However, that was until Lily and Shimmer walked in.
“Dusk...” Shimmer said. “Can you do anything to fix his sword?”
“I can shape it into something new. Use the pieces and forge a new blade and hilt.” Dusk said as he lit his coals. “But remake it?” He shook his head as he removed his Safety officer's jacket, and pulled on his blacksmith coat. “That's impossible. Even for me.”
He began his work, using the cracked hilt and shards to make his Brother's sword whole again...
A few hours later, Lily walked into her brother's change-room. She saw her mother with Gust's head on her lap.
“Gust? Mother?” She said.
Gust sat up, his eyes red from crying. “Huh? Lily?”
“Yes, Dear?” De Poet asked.
“Dusk requests... that you come to his forge.” Lily said. “He has something to show you.”
Gust and De Poet stood up, and followed Lily out of the room. They walked through the castle yard, and though the gate. She lead them up the midway to Dusk's forge. She pulled the flap to the forge open, letting De Poet and Gust inside. She followed.
Gust blinked as he saw Dusk and Shimmer standing inside.
Dusk was holding a sword. It was shaped like a cutlass, but the back spine was straight. The blade was also blue and had stylized etchings on it. The hilt and handle were brass, and wrapped in a brown leather.
“What...” Gust said. “What is that?”
“I created a sword for you, Gust, using the pieces from you mother's sword.” Dusk explained. “It was the only way to save it.”
“It's... blue.” Gust said.
Dusk nodded as he held it towards Gust. “Had to use my special flux and and other materials. Also, it's due to the heat treating process I used. ”
The catter took the sword and examined it. “Whoa... it's so light and well balanced. Better then my old one...” He looked at the hilt and noticed that didn't have a hand guard, but it fit his hand mush more comfortably. “I...”
“You're conflicted.” Dusk nodded. “It's okay to be.”
Gust nodded and looked at Shimmer. “You gave me my mother's sword...”
She walked over to him and smiled as she place her hands on his shoulders. “It kinda still is. All the pieces are there, just... in a different shape.”
Gust sighed and nodded. “I know. I guess I'm just... going to have to get used to that...” He turned his
head and looked back at Dusk. “Thank you, Dusk. It's a beautiful sword.”
“You are very welcome, Gust.” The dark Horse nodded. “I'm just glad you like it.”
“Well... it is a beautiful sword, Gust.” De Poet said. “Now we can properly celebrate you reaching the finals. Let's go back to camp. I'm certain the other Rom will want to celebrate with us.”
De Poet's Rom walked out of the forge, and headed back to their camp.
Gust noticed that all the Rom, and the Princes, in their disguises, were standing in his families camp. They were all looking sullen. That is, until Blaze looked at the sword on his hip.
“Gust...” He said in shock and awe. “Is... that...”
Gust and his family stopped walking as they reached their fire. Gust drew his new/old sword and held it up for all the Rom to see.
They gasped in unison.
Gust lowered his sword to his side. “Dusk...” He glanced at his brother, and then looked back at Blaze. “He... used the pieces from my sword, and other metal and reforged it. Made it into... something new.” He thought for a second. “I guess he made it into a hybrid... just like me.”
Blaze smiled. “Well, it certainly is an impressive sword.” He nodded his approval. “So now, we have two reasons to celebrate tonight.”
The catter nodded. “Heh. I guess we do.”
The Rom dispersed to start the party. A group of Rom started cooking fires and began cooking food for all the bands. Another group of Rom cleared, and set up a large dancing square. Other went and gathered their instruments, and chairs, to form a band to play music.
Gust, still feeling a little overwhelmed from all the events that happened today, sat on the log by his Mother's caravan. As he did, he examined his new sword. He always knew that Dusk was a skilled smith, but he was always surprised by his level of skill. Most other smiths, yes even some Rom, would have told him to get a new sword. Start fresh. Dusk, on the other hand, was they only smith that he knew that could manage to create a new sword, using the pieces from his old one.
“Gust...” His mother giggled.
Gust snapped put of his reverie and looked at De Poet, who had managed to sit next to him without him realizing. “Huh. Oh. Hi Mama.”
“I know you're fascinated with you new sword. I am as well.” She said as she gave him a sideways hug around his shoulders. “It's very pretty. However, the other Rom are waiting for you to join them.”
Gust blinked. “Oh. Okay.” He stood up and walked into his caravan. He sheathed his sword, and hung it up on its wall hook. He then went outside and joined the others so that they could celebrate his victory of making it to the finals.
Gust and his family spent the next 3 hours eating, dancing, and talking with the other Rom bands. All of the gathered Rom congratulated Gust on making it to the Finals of the Knights Contest. They also congratulated him and Dusk on such a fine, and unique replacement sword for his old one. . Some had expressed their hopes that he gives Prince Blueblood a proper trouncing.
He smiled and nodded and then went to ask Blaze and Night as to why Blueblood was so poorly thought of by not only the Rom, but by his… 52 times removed Uncles as well.
“It’s because his Title of Prince is misleading.” Blaze explained. “In Equestria only Alicorns are considered to be Princes. Eventide, us, and Prince Cadent are true princes. Blueblood…” He sighed, “Isn’t, and never will be, an Alicorn. The reason why he’s even called a Prince is to avoid confusion, and because he is distantly related.”
“To avoid confusion?” Gust asked.
“Yes.” Blaze nodded. “Technically, he’s a Duke. And he would be called Duke Blueblood, but, as I said, he is related to us.”
“Okay… but why do the Rom and you dislike him?” Gust asked again.
“He abuses his title and uses it to demean and belittle all those whom he considers to be beneath him.” Night answered. “So, other then us Princes… that’s everyone.”
“So… I guess he isn’t too happy with a Rom being in the finals fighting him?” Gust asked innocently.
“I would imagine so.” Blaze nodded sadly. “I would also imagine, that if you should win, he will protest the result.”
Gust’s eyes went wide. “Okay. Now I get it.”
“What you should be getting, is getting to bed.” De Poet said as she hugged him from behind. “Go on, Kitten.”
Gust giggled and rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mama.”
Gust bid goodnight to his family, and headed into his mother’s caravan. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out.
The next morning, Gut found himself roused out of bed by Shimmer. He ate his breakfast and made his way back to the castle grounds. The Knights at the gate saluted him, and allowed him to enter without any issue.
He then made his way to his locker-room, and removed his Rom clothing, and dressed in his armor. As he was pulling his padded undershirt on, he noticed that it had been washed from the day before. Good thing too, as he had worked up quite the sweat yesterday.
Once he was finished getting dressed, aside from his helmet, he secured his new sword and harness to hi belt, and then sat on the bench, waiting for the Royal trumpets.
He didn’t have to wait long.
He placed his helmet on his head, and walked out of his room and into the courtyard/arena. Prince Blueblood did the same, except, well, he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Now that Gust thought about it, the Prince hadn’t worn a helmet for the entire tournament.
He mentally laughed. The pompous pony probably didn’t want to mess up his mane.
The crowd cheered and twilled as the two final knights made their way to in front of the Royal Box.
Prince Eventide stood up and the crowd fell silent.
“Prince Blueblood. Sir Gust of the Rom. Congratulations on making it to the Finals of the Knights Contest.”
The Prince clapped his hands twice, and a single platform raised up. Gust blinked. Surprisingly, Dusk wasn’t the safety officer.
Gust made his way onto the platform. As did Prince Blueblood.
He turned and faced the pony. He blushed as he got a good look at him. If he wasn’t such a… Royal pain to the Rom, he would have found him really attractive. He shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts.
“Now, My Good Knight and Prince-“ Eventide began to say, but stopped as Dusk suddenly appeared beside him.
The crowd started murmuring as the two whispered.
Gust noticed that Prince Blueblood started to look more and worried the more they whispered to one another, and even more when Celestial and Lunar joined them.
After a few minutes of whispering, Prince Celestial looked down at Blueblood. “Prince Bloodblood, you are hereby disqualified from this Tournament.” He looked at Gust. “Sir Gust? You are the winner-“
“What?!” Blueblood yelled. “I demand to know why!”
“Oh, but of course.” Celestial nodded. “I was going to do this privately, however, I will do so know at your request.” He cleared his throat. “You tampered with a Knights weapon, enchanting it to break Sir Gust’s sword. You also paid off several other knights to allow you to win, thus guaranteeing your placement in the Finals.”
“You did all that?” Gust asked in shock.
Blueblood looked at him and smiled. “I did. Yes. But Blueblood didn’t.” There was a flash of light, and Blueblood became a Changeling.
“A Changeling?” Gleaming gasped “But… we are at peace with your Queen.”
“I made no such peace.” He hissed. “My plan was to capture you, Night Captain. However…” He looked at Gust “The love this boy has… is delicious. I must have him.”
“Uh… no.” Gust shook his head. “I’m happy staying with my family, thanks.”
The Changeling hissed and faster than anyone could react, had his sword drawn, and had struck Gust’s helmet. A crack formed as the catter’s right eye was slashed.
Gust fell to his knees as he grabbed his right eye, trying to stem the bleeding.
The changeling hissed in laughter as he was dragged away from him by several guards.
“Now no one will love you, Rom!”
Gleaming jumped out of the Royal Box and was next to Gust in a heartbeat. Gust felt her magic envelope his cut.
“Gust!” She shouted in concern.
Gust looked at her with his one good eye. “Gleaming…”
The Medics were next to him almost as fast as Gleaming was. The propped him up under his arms, and lead him away, leaving his damaged helmet behind.
As they lead him away, Gleaming picked up his helmet and hugged it tightly. She didn’t care that it was covered in blood and making her clothing dirty. She didn’t care that tears were streaming down her face was she watched her… dear Gust be lead to the hospital tent.
Gust laid on the surgical bed in the medical tent. He had been put into a magically induced coma so that the Doctor, a female Zebra, could operate on him without him squirming. That, and of course, to spare him the pain of having his face cut.
The cut was shallow at the two ends, and deep in the middle near his eye. It almost form a perfect 45-degree angle, and was four inches in length. Fortunately, due to his helmet, his eye was relatively unscathed. However, the cornea was scratched, which meant that while he would keep it, he would need to keep it covered for a week. She got to work stitching the wound closed.
She sighed as she bandaged his face. The poor guy had been through a lot over the last two days, now, he had to live with a scar. She removed her gloves and looked at her nurses.
“Move Sir Gust to the recovery room he was in yesterday.” She said. “Remove his armor, and send his coat of arms to be cleaned.”
“Yes, Doctor Victoria.” They acknowledged as they followed her orders.
She nodded, and then went to speak to his family. As she entered the waiting room, she was taken aback as she spotted not only Rom, but all three princes and Knight Captain Gleaming as well. They spotted her and waited.
“Gust is past the surgery and is resting.” Dr. Victoria announced. “I managed to stich the wound closed and stem the bleeding. He won’t lose his eye, but he will need to keep it covered and clean over the next week.”
De Poet sighed in relief. “Can we see him?”
“He’s sleeping right now.” The doctor answered. “I had to put him in a magical coma/sleep so I could operate.” She thought for a second. “You can watch over him, if you wish, Madam.”
“I want to.” Gleaming said as she stood up, still holding Gust’s damaged helmet. She looked at De Poet pleadingly. “Please, Ma’am. I-if you don’t mind… I want to be there when he wakes up.”
De Poet smiled and nodded. “Of course, Dear.”
Dusk spoke up. “Um, Knight Captain? Did you want me to take his helmet? I might be able to repair it.”
“Oh.” Gleaming said. She looked at the helmet. “Um, yes.” She handed the helmet to Dusk. “Could you strengthen it? I don’t even know how that fiend managed to cut through it.”
Dusk took the helmet. “Changeling weapons are magically imbued. Well, his was anyways. Equestrian armor isn’t shielded against it. I can make certain to add the proper protections.”
Gleaming nodded. “Thank you, Dusk.”
De Poet tapped her on the shoulder. “Um, Gleaming? You’re dress is covered in blood. Perhaps you would like to change?”
The mare gasped as she looked at her formerly white dress. “Erm…,” She looked at Eventide. “Could you send someone along with a change of clothes?”
Eventide nodded. “Of course, Sister.”
Gleaming smiled. “Thank you.” She then left the group, and walked in Gust’s room. She sniffled as she look at the sleeping catter, with his right eye heavily bandaged. She sat down on the same chair that De Poet was sitting on yesterday. She then took his right hand in both of hers.
She thought back to what the changeling had said. That the original plan was to capture her, but, he changed his mind when he sensed how much… love Gust had. She was certain that it was his love for his Rom family that it had sensed. Though, she had to wonder if… it was for her as well.
She sighed deeply. She also saw the fear in his… eye when she was next to him, trying to stop the bleeding. What the changeling had said: That no one would love him.
She shook her head no. A scar wouldn’t change her mind about how she felt. She made a promise to his mother, De Poet. She wouldn’t stop caring for him, just because of his scar. In fact, if anything it strengthened her resolve.
He murmured groggily and opened his left eye.
“…Gleaming?” He asked sleepily. “Am I dreaming?”
She shook her head no. “No, Gust. You aren’t. I am here.”
“…why are you here?” He asked sadly.
“Do you think I would stop caring for you because of your injury?” She asked kindly. “Nonsense. Why would you think that?”
“I have a scar.” He said as he turned his head away from her.
Gleaming shook her head. “I don’t care. It is not your looks I care for, Gust. It is how you treat others. How you… treat me. You are kind and loving, and gallant… brave. Above all that, you are modest and caring.” She blushed. “Also… I liked how you looked at me when we first met.”
Gust turned his face back towards her.
“You… didn’t look at me as Knight. Or as a noble. You looked at me… with admiration. With a blush.” She said, just above a whisper. “Your eyes sparkled, just as it is now. Like I was the only mare in Equestria.”
“I…” He blushed hard.
“I was going to wait to tell you, but, well…” She smiled. “I renounced my title as Knight Captain. I’m now a Free Knight. Like you. Free to travel Equestria as I see fit.” She smiled sweetly. “With whomever I wish…”
Gust’s jaw dropped open slightly. “You wish to travel with me?”
Gleaming nodded. “Yes.”
“Well… um, it’s going to be crowded in my mother’s caravan, then…” He stammered.
She giggled. “Actually, it’s not. I commissioned a caravan from the Rom. It will be ready by weeks end.” She used her right index finger to close his mouth. “You are free… to join me in living in it, if you so desire…”
Gust’s eye went wide. “…what?”
“Well, take some time to think about it.” She smiled. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
Gust could swear his cheek was on fire from her kiss. “Um, Gleaming… I’ve been meaning to ask, and please feel free to not answer me… but, um, how old are you?”
Gleaming smiled. “A fair question. I’m 25. Does that gap bother you?”
Gust shook his head no. “N-no. Not at all.”
“I’m glad.” She smiled sweetly at him. “Now, get some more rest, Gust. We’ll talk more later.”
He nodded and closed his eye, and was asleep almost instantly.
Gust woke up with a snort, and unable to to move his left arm. He looked at it with his uncovered left eye and his heart started beating rapidly. Gleaming was sleeping next to him on side side, facing him, curled up with her hands tucked under her chin. Fortunately, he was under his blankets, while she was on top of them.
“Um, G-gleaming?” He stammered.
Gleaming hummed as she opened her eyes. “Hm?” She then sat up, stretched, and yawned. “How are you feeling?”
“Better...” He blushed. “W-why were you sleeping next to me?”
“I was tired, Dear Gust.” She said as she shuffled off the bed. “Have you never had anyone sleep next to you?”
Gust noticed that Gleaming was wearing a comfortable looking cotton dress. He blinked and looked at her face. “Huh? Oh... um, yeah. I've slept next to others... But, I was the one sleeping next to them.”
Gleaming sat down on the chair and smiled at him. “Now, that is a subject I wished to discuss with you. Have you ever dated anyone before?”
The catter frowned. “Yes. Of course I have. I've had four relationships over the last four years. And, if you must know, they have been both female and male.”
“Oh.” She blushed. “You prefer both...?”
“I do.” Gust said as he re-positioned his pillow and sat up. “Two males and two females. My longest has been a year... a Cherry farmer named Blossom. She... well, I had hoped to marry her, but she didn't find the road comfortable.”
Gleaming blinked. So, that is what De Poet meant about not wanting Gust's hear broken again.
“I must admit... I have had several gentlemen callers in my years, but never to the point of engagement.” Gleaming admitted. “They were all... Royals from other lands wanting to improve their social status.” She smiled. “Thus, another reason why I... I like you so much, Gust. I don't believe you would even think of anything like that.”
Gust nodded in agreement. “No, Gleaming. I would never use another for personal gain.”
“Excuse me?” Nurse Hope said as she walked into the room. “Sir Gust? How do you feel?”
Gust huffed. “I'm feeling much better. Thank you.”
Nurse Hope nodded as she approached the right side of his bed. She used her magic to cut the bandages to examine the his cut. Gleaming averted her gaze to give him privacy. The nurse then used her magic to scan it.
“Your cut is healing quickly.” She said in a slightly surprised tone.
Gust shrugged. “My Ma.. mother noticed that too. She said it's a result of my mixed heritage. My... metabolism is really high. I heal twice as fast as any pony.”
“Impressive.” Nurse Hope said. Gust's stomach suddenly jolted and growled. “Speaking of which...” she giggled. “Well, your mother is out in the waiting-room.” She pulled out fresh bandages and re-wrapped his eye. “Since your healing faster then the Doctor anticipated, I'll discharge you to her care.”
Gust nodded as his stomach jolted again. “Ugh... what time is it anyway?”
“Just past 1PM,” Gleaming answered.
“Wait... I've been asleep for a whole day?” He blustered. “Whoa...”
“1PM the same day.” Gleaming corrected him. “You've been asleep for 5 hours.”
“Oh. Well, still... no wonder why I'm so hungry.” He said.
Nurse Hope chuckled. “I'll go and let your mother know she can come and see you.” She then left the room.
Gust smiled brightly as his mother came in shortly after. “Hey Mama.”
“Hello, Kitten.” She smiled as she placed a change of clothing on his bed. “The Nurse said you can leave. Why don't you get changed and we can all go have some lunch.”
“I'll take a rain-check on lunch.” Gleaming said suddenly. “I have to... well, go pack.”
“Pack?” Gust blurted out.
“Well, if I'm to travel with you and your family, I am going to need some clothing.” She explained. “Nothing too extravagant. I'll be able to blend in with the Rom.”
Gust nodded. “Oh. Okay. Will... I see you soon?”
“I'll be ready later this afternoon.” Gleaming reassured him. She kissed him on his cheek. “See you later, My Champion.”
Gust blushed as he watched her leave. He then looked at his mother. “Heh...”
De Poet smiled. “You are one lucky Catter, Gust.”
“I am?” He said in a confused tone.
“A former Knight Captain pursuing you?” She asked kindly. “A lovely mare so smitten with you that she's willing to give up her life of luxury to travel and live with you? What else would you call that?”
Gust thought for a second. “Uh, I guess you're right.”
I'm glad you think so, Kitten.” She pointed to his clothing. “Now, get dressed.” She turned her back to give him some privacy.
The catter hopped out of bed and got dressed. He placed an hand on her shoulder to let her know he was decent. “I'm ready, Mama.”
She smiled and took his hand. “Let's go.”
As they walked through the Courtyard, and Ponyville, Ponies, Zebras, and everyone they passed, stopped and either bowed, curtsied, or dipped their head in respect to Gust.
Gust dipped his head in return. He looked up at De Poet. “I've been meaning to ask, Mama... what happened to that Changeling that was... impersonating Blueblood? And... where is the real Blueblood?”
De Poet nodded. “Blueblood was found safe and sound in castle. He did enter the contest, however, he was drugged by the Changeling. As for the Changeling, well, after a brief communication with Queen Chrysalis, it turns out he was indeed acting on his own.”
“Oh.” Gust said. “So, what...”
“Well, he was surrendered to her Guards, and she promised he would be punished accordingly.” De Poet explained as they entered the Rom campgrounds.
“I should thank Dusk for finding out his plan before anything happened.” He said as they made their way to into their camp.
Lily was at the fire, making a stew. A savoury fish stew, from what Gust could smell. Shimmer and Dusk weren't there.
“Hi Gust.” Lily greeted her brother. “I made fish stew for you, with Ka'chek flour dumplings.” She said as she spooned a bowl for, and handed it to him.
He took it and sat down on his log. “Thanks, Lily.” He looked around “Where are Dusk and Shimmer?”
“At their act and forge.” De Poet said as she sat next to him. “We are still at the fair, after all.”
Gust nodded as he started eating. “What about you, Lily?”
“Well, I was running mother's booth while she waited for you, Gust.” She said, “Did you feel like playing later today?”
He thought for a second. “Actually, if you guys don't mind, I'll... stay here in camp.” He admitted honestly. “I don't feel like facing any more crowds today.”
De Poet nodded and ran her hands through his hair. “I understand, Kitten. Stay here and relax.”
Lily removed the stew from the fire, and set the pot on a stand. “We'll see you later, Gust.” She smiled as she and De Poet stood up and left the camp.
He finished his lunch, and washed his dishes. He then noticed that the firewood was getting low. So, he retrieved the axe from Lily's and Dusk's caravan and started to chop so wood, being careful, of course, of his bandages and eye.
After 30 minutes of chopping and piling wood, Gust felt like they had enough wood for the rest of the fair. He returned the axe to the caravan. He then walked over to the wash barrel, and removed his tunic, hanging it on the side of his Mother's caravan. He grabbed a cloth, wet it, and started rubbing his fur with cool water.
“Gust?” A voice called out suddenly.
Gust froze, recognizing Gleaming's voice. He turned around, and came face to face with her.
She was dressed in simple leather garb. She had also, seemingly, died her mane and tail, and cut it short. He was looking at her face, but she was looking at his torso. A dreamy look in her eyes.
“Oh, my...” She breathed out. “Gust... I had a feeling that you were in good shape... but, wow...” She said as she examined his trim, but muscular, figure.
“Uh... well...” He gulped, uncertain as to what to do. “Lots of pulling, dancing, and sword training...”
She moved her eyes off his torso and blushed as they locked with his uncovered eye. “I, uh...”
He quickly grabbed his shirt and went to put it on, however, he stopped as Gleaming hugged him from behind around his shoulders.
“Don't be shy, Gust...” She whispered in his ear. “You're very, VERY, good looking.”
He shivered as her warm breath hit his ear. “I, uh, well, my Mama always taught me to be... decent... around company...”
She giggled. “Alas, I am not company. I am hoping to be your marefriend, Dear Gust...”
He bit his lower lip. “I...”
“Am I making you uncomfortable?” She asked kindly.
“N-no...” He admitted as he turned in her arms and returned her hug. “Just... you're just seeing more of me a little sooner then I had thought... you would.”
She giggled as her eyes half closed. “Gust... may I... kiss you?”
He yes nodded silently.
She closed the inch between their faces, and kissed him tenderly. She closed her eyes fully as he returned the kiss. After a few seconds, they broke the kiss and rested their heads on each-others shoulder.
“That was my first kiss...” Gleaming said happily. “I'm glad I could share it with you...”
Gust lifted his head and pulled back so that he could look at her. “I was your first kiss?”
She nodded. “Well... yes. Like I said, Gust... I've been courted a few times... but that's it. Not much romance involved. I'm innocent in every way.”
Hie jaw dropped. “Oh. Okay. Um... well, since we're admitting that... I'm... not... innocent.”
Gleaming shook her head. “That's fine. A handsome Rom like you? I wouldn't expect you to be.” She smiled. “But, um, anyway....” She cleared her throat and stepped away from him. “Do you like my mane?”
He nodded as he pulled his shirt on. “Yeah. I do. It's different.”
“Well, since I'm going to be travelling with you, I wanted to be... well... not be Gleaming.” She said. “Instead, I'm Glee, free Knight of Equestria.”
“Glee?” Gust said. “Okay. Sure. I like it.” He looked behind her, and spotted her bags. “Uh... wow.”
She looked back at the five bags. “Well, I wanted to be prepared. Also... one of those bags is a tent. I didn't want to be a bother and sleep in your mother's caravan, and I since my caravan won't be ready for five more days, I thought...”
“Did you need help setting it up?” He asked.
She nodded. “Oh, yes please.” She said in a relieved tone. “I have never even been camping...”
He chuckled and pulled the tent out of it's bag. “No worries.” He winked and started setting up the tent, showing his... marefriend all the parts and where they went.
Gleaming, or, rather, Glee, watched as Gust set up her tent. She kept fanning herself as she kept eyeing the catter’s taught arm muscles work, and imaging his back muscles, through his loose shirt. She had to keep reminding herself that they had just started dating, and that pouncing on him wouldn’t be very appropriate behaviour.
After about fifteen minutes, and after securing the rope to the last wooden stake, Gust stood up and stretched. “There you go, Glee. One tent all set up.”
Glee walked up next to him and admired his work. “Thank you, Gust. You managed to set it up rather quickly.”
He rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand. “Well, to be fair, I’ve had a lot of practice setting up tents… and whatnot. I have lived on the road all my life, after all.” He looked at her. “So, um... speaking of which…”
Glee looked at him and smiled. “I can manage, Gust.” She took his left hand in her right. “I made a promise. I want to live with you and be with you… no matter what.”
“You made a promise?” Gust asked. “To whom?”
“Your mother, Gust,” Glee answered honestly. “I promised that I wouldn’t break your heart.” She let go of his left hand, and took his right hand in hers. “I’ll make the same promise to you. On your ring. I won’t ever leave you Gust.”
Gust blushed heavily. “Well then, I promise that I won’t break your heart, either.”
She smiled and kissed him briefly. “Thank you Gust.”
The catter blushed more. “So, um… did you pack a sleeping bag, or something? What were planning on sleeping on?”
The mare had to stop herself from saying ‘your chest’, and said “Oh, um… until my caravan is ready… I have a folding cot bed. It should be comfortable enough.” She pointed to a trunk. “It’s in there.”
Gust walked over to it, and opened it. “Okay.” He pulled the bed out of the trunk, and carried it into the tent, which, he found, was tall enough for him to walk around without ducking. He unfolded the cot, and set it up, noticing just how wide it was.
“Uh…” He said as he looked back at Glee. “There’s, um…”
“Enough room for two?” Glee said as she joined him inside. “I’m used to sleeping in large beds, Gust. So, I picked this one… temporarily.” She shrugged. “I know I said I’ll give you time to think if you wanted to live in my caravan… but could we just try sleeping in the same bed?”
Gust thought about that. He also thought about what his Mama said. To trust his instincts and be certain of himself. “Sure. We can.”
She beamed at that.
He thought for a second. “You know, Glee... if you're going to be living Among the Rom, would you like me to teach you the parts of the harness?”
The mare nodded. “Of course. Also, while I subscribe to De Poet's newsletter, I would like to know about the Rom's history.”
Gust chuckled. “All 500 years of it?”
Glee blinked. “The Rom are that old?”
The catter nodded. “And my mother was there at the beginning. She lead the Rom from the Desert of Saddle Arabia to Equestria.”
Glee's eyes went wide at that information.
“De Poet is 500 years old?” She gasped.
“Older.” Gust said as he lead her to his mother's caravan. He walked inside of it, along with Glee. He walked up to two bookshelves and pulled a thick tome off one of them. He held it out to Glee. “Here.”
She took the leather-bound book and read the front. “A Brief History of the Rom... Equestrian translation.”
Gust chuckled. “Yeah. We Rom have our own language called Gyptian. Which, by the way, Mother will teach you how to speak and read.”
She blinked and opened the book. She saw the publishing date, and the name of the author. There was De Poet's name as plain as day.
“Did... or rather... does De Poet have any children other than you and Shimmer?” She asked.
“Black Lily is hers. As far as I know, she's her only child.” He shrugged. “She's had a few mates over the centuries. Like me, they've been both male and female. Her last husband, Hoofdancer, taught Lily how to dance.”
“What happened to Hoofdancer?” Glee asked as they walked out of the Caravan and then sat side-by-side by the fire.
“Old age.” Gust answered. “He travelled to the Lake 2 years before I came to the Rom.”
“The Lake?” she asked. “Oh, you mean the Rom afterlife?”
He nodded. “The Lake of Paradise. Where all Rom travel to after their physical bodies pass.” He thought for a second. “Also, the Lake refers to the markers at the side of Roads where we lay the body of the Rom. Along with their possessions.”
“I've seen those.” Glee said. “They have semi-precious stones on them.”
“Right.” He smiled. “Flowers fade and wilt. Stones last forever.”
Glee bit her lower lip. “Gust? Your mother said that you came to the Rom... 20 years ago, correct?”
Gust heaved a sigh as his ears drooped. “Yeah. When I was 2 weeks old. My mother, well, my birth mother...” He looked at the fire. “She was a Queen of her world. She ruled along with my father, King Donovan. One night, the castle was attacked by demons. My Father and his knights held them at bay while my mother fled with me and Star Shimmer.”
He paused and heaved another sigh. “Star Shimmer was visiting from another land, along with her Father, who was also a King. He also stayed behind to fight the demons...”
“What happened to you mother?” Glee asked softly.
“I don't know.” He said. “She gave me and her sword to Shimmer, and sent us here. Shimmer said that the demons were getting close to us. So, my mother ran in the opposite direction.” A tear ran down his uncovered cheek. “I don't think she made it...”
Glee set her book down, and pulled him into a tight hug. “I'm sorry...”
Gust gripped her back tightly as he returned the hug, but didn't say anything. After a few moments, he pulled back.
“Thank you, Glee...” He smiled weakly.
She used her right hand to wipe his cheek. “Thank you for sharing that with me, Sweet Gust.”
De Poet suddenly joined them by the fire. “Gust...”
Her son looked at her while tilting his head. “Mama?”
She sat down across from him, a sad look on her face. “I think it's time that you knew the truth. I wanted to tell you this before, but the timing never seemed right.” She sighed. “20 years ago, after you came to me, and Shimmer told me what happened, I went searching for your mother. She and I had been good friends for nearly all of our lives. Practically sisters.”
“You were?” Gust asked out of shock.
“Yes, Kitten. We were.” De Poet said. “I looked for your mother, any sign of her, for nearly a month. Unfortunately, the invading demons were very thorough. All the lands fell. No survivors.” She gestured to him. “Except for you and Shimmer.”
Gust swallowed hard. “I had a feeling...”
“I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.” De Poet said. “I guess I just wanted to keep you... happy.”
He stood up and walked over to her. He then knelt in front of her and hugged her tightly. “It's okay, Mama. I understand.”
She smiled and returned the hug. “Thank you, Kitten.”
When Gust let go, De Poet looked at Gleaming. “Oh. Gleaming .I almost didn't recognize you. I love your mane.”
Gleaming blushed as she rubbed her mane with her hands. “Oh. Well, I wanted to be... incognito. And um, I go by Glee now...”
De Poet giggled. “Glee. Very well. Your dress is lovely. Is it cotton?”
The younger mare shook her head no. “It's wool... and leather.”
The older mare winced. So did Gust.
“What?” Glee asked as she smoothed skirt. “No good?”
De Poet grimaced and nodded her head. “Well, it's fine for... sitting. But you don't want to be pulling in that. You'll be sweating within half an hour.”
Glee blinked. “Oh... um, well... all my dresses are like this.” She gestured to her trunks. “My dress maker assured me that this is what that Rom were wearing.”
“Well, I suppose the pattern is fairly spot on.” De Poet said, reassuring her choice. “And wool would be... warm in the winter.”
“Oh...” Glee said simply.
“Well... I could take her shopping, Mama.” Gust said. “I could use some new shirts as well.” He patted his belt pouch. “I have my benefice.”
“Oh, um, Gust...” Glee giggled. “You don't... you don't have to spend that on me.” She gestured to a small chest, that was was one foot wide, a half foot deep, and one and half foot tall. “My parents insisted on me taking some money.”
Gust blinked. “Oh. Wow.” He rubbed his chin. “How much?”
“Just... two thousand bits.” Glee said simply. “Enough to help me get started.”
Gust and De Poet shared a look.
“...what?” Glee asked nervously.
“Well, that's all fine and good. For a start.” De Poet said. “But it's common that Rom have an act or skill that they use to create income.”
“Oh. Um...” Glee thought for a moment. “Well, I did take lyre lessons when I was younger.”
“Do you still play?” Gust asked. “You could play with me.”
Glee smiled weakly. “I could use some practice, Gust. It's been a few years since I've played.”
De Poet stood up. “I think I know how I can help.”
She walked into her caravan. Gust and Glee could hear her ruffling around, and then declare “Ah-ha!” She came out with richly carved, flat box. She handed it to Glee.
Glee opened the lid, revealing a lovely carved lap lyre.
“Wow...” the young mare said with a soft breath. “It's so beautiful.”
“It was the first instrument carved by Nore.” De Poet explained. “He was the first wood carver and one of the first Rom. He made that lyre out of a tree called the Eldar wood, and the strings are gold spun filament.”
“Are you certain that you want me to have such a precious treasure?” Glee asked as she held the lyre on her lap.
De Poet smiled wamrly. “You already have one of my most precious treasures. I'm certain you can take of another.”
Gust blushed red. “...Mama...”
Glee looked at Gust and then at De Poet. “Than I shall care for this lyre as just as much as I care for Gust.”
