Chapter 5 - Who Are You?

Morning dawned on Canterlot, Celestia's Sun shining it's warm rays of light over all of Equestria. Princess Celestia slowly awoke from her slumber, yawning before making her way to her bathroom to groom herself. After applying her crown and her royal hoof guards, she stepped outside, summoning two Royal Guards.
"Awake the others and bring them down for breakfast," she ordered, the two stallions bowing in respect and trotting off to fulfill their task. Casually trotting down the hallway, Princess Celestia soon reached her sister's room, gently knocking on her door.
"Luna?" she called, no response.
"Luna?"" she tried once more. Getting irritated by her sister's lack of response, Princess Celestia tried a new approach.
"Lulu!" she exclaimed, the door flying open and an irritated Luna glared back at the sun princess.
"Good to see you're up. Get ready, we'll be meeting with the others today," Princess Celestia informed, trotting away only to find the two guards she sent running towards her.
"Princess! They're gone! The four are gone!"

Kozak groaned, his head throbbing while his memory of last night remained fuzzy. Slowly rising from his bed, Kozak began to gently massage his temples. Suddenly memory of Fluttershy's discovery of his locket flooded into his conscious. Slowly Kozak blushed as he remembered the events that happened last night.
"Could it have just been a dream?" he muttered, feeling his chest for the beaten up locket. Sure enough, he felt the item secured firmly around his neck and resting against his coat. He sighed, remembering that he had tossed the locket aside into one of the drawers in whatever room he was in.
"I guess it was too good to be true… Where the hell am I?" he muttered, his eyes glancing around. A single room, no roommates or anything. The drapes were open, allowing the warm rays of light to hit the silky green sheets that he lay beneath. Two large fluffy white pillows lay on the bed while a thin silk royal red velvet was drawn around the upper frame of the bed.

"Ok, did I break into here or something?" he groaned, feeling more stiff than usual. Groaning, Kozak fell onto his back, letting the cloud like mattress to envelope his body. A pair of hooves suddenly wrapped themselves around Kozak's waist, pulling him closer to another pony. The fragrance of strawberries filled his nose while a soft whine rang through his ears. Slowly lowering his gaze, his eyes picked up two things: a pink mane and a yellow coat. Soon baby blue eyes opened and a gentle kiss was pressed against his lips.
"Good morning Sven," Fluttershy giggled, nuzzling into his coat.
"Thank Celestia last night wasn't a dream… Wait… Sven?!" Kozak thought, trying to remember if he ever brought that name up. Realization hit him when he remembered uttering, "I, Sven, swear to protect you Fluttershy. I love you," before falling asleep last night. He didn't expect the yellow pegasus to be awake since she was supposedly sleeping next to him. Thinking about denying the name, he mentally sighed and decided to allow it. It had been a long time since he was called his actual name. And as long it was Fluttershy calling him Sven, then he was okay with it.

"Good morning Flutters. Sleep well?" Sven smiled, kissing Fluttershy gently on the lips, the yellow mare blushing. Fluttershy nodded her head, holding Sven tightly, Sven pulling the yellow mare closer to him.
"Where are we?" he asked, remembering the first question that came to his mind upon awakening.
"Oh, I requested a private room and the guards gave us one," Fluttershy blushed. Sven smiled and pulled her down with him beneath the covers.
"Well, I'm going to assume a special mare had a good night's sleep?" he teased, gently poking Fluttershy in the nose. The yellow pegasus yelped in surprise before bursting into a fit of giggles.
"Oh, so you want to play that way?" Fluttershy grinned, her gaze sending a chill down Sven's spine. Slowly, Fluttershy traced her hoof down Sven's chest, stopping as she drew near to his lower region. Looking up, A massive blush had exploded across Sven's face, Fluttershy softly laughing at the stallion's embarrassment.

"Where did you learn that?!" Sven exclaimed, surprised at Fluttershy's boldness.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash told me how to do that onetime when she went on a date. Said something about stallion's loved it," Fluttershy smiled.
"She really is innocent… Fluttershy, stay innocent forever," Sven mentally prayed.
"Well… did you enjoy that?" Fluttershy asked, her voice suddenly laced with worry. Sven nodded, his gaze turned from Fluttershy to try and hide the streak of crimson on his cheeks. However, his efforts were in vain, Fluttershy squealing in delight and turning his head to kiss him.
"Wow, you're blushing a lot… you're almost as red as Big Mac!" Fluttershy giggled, Sven blushing even harder.
"Oh now you're gonna get it," he playfully growled. All that could be heard from outside the door were the sounds of giggles and laughter.

"Those traitors! I knew they couldn't be trusted!" Princess Celestia yelled. Both she and Princess Luna were standing in their private study, Princess Celestia fuming at the disappearance of the four ShadowHawks.
"Well the guards reported that Kozak and Fluttershy checked in last night. At least he holds his honor," Princess Luna spoke.
"Then bring him in here! I don't care if you have to cut his legs off but bring him in here now!" Princess Celestia yelled, six Royal Guards nodding and quickly departing.
"Honestly… the nerve to abandon Equestria when war is brewing…" Princess Celestia spat, anger.
"My dear sister, wasn't it you who banished them though? IF you think about it, it doesn't really surprise anyone that they left. Though why Kozak stayed behind is still quite a mystery since you hated him the most," Princess Luna spoke, Princess Celestia shooting her a glare. A loud bang suddenly echoed through the room, all but one of the mane six bursting into the room, Twilight leading them all.
"Princess! Vex and Aurora! They're gone!" she exclaimed, panting to catch her breath.
"I know, Twilight, I know. I've also been told that Archimedes and Strings have vanished as well. Only Kozak remains," Princess Celestia replied, anger still laced in her voice.

"Well, we also can't find dear Fluttershy either!" Rarity exclaimed, worry plastered on her face. This seemed to intrigue Princess Celestia, the princess pondering a thought before smiling.
"I see. So only he stays because of love," she chuckled, the other mares in the room gasping in shock.
"Wait, are you saying that creep Kozak is in love with OUR Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked, a hint of annoyance in her tone.
"It would seem that way, Shinning Armor? Retrieve the two," Twilights brother nodding and trotting off with four Royal Guards. The mares began to chat amongst one another, idle talk being the main subject of their conversation as to avoid the subject of war. A few minutes later, Sven and Fluttershy were brought into the room, Sven covered in his cloak and Fluttershy giggling as she wore his detachable hood.
"You summoned me?" Sven spoke, bowing to both princesses.

"I would assume you are aware your teammates left you last night?" Princess Celestia asked, surprise taking over when Sven's face showed shock.
"What?! When? How?" Sven demanded, his mind still in shock. The ponies that he had fought along side with and vouched for abandoned him.
"Shining Armor, present the evidence," Princess Celestia ordered, the pony hovering a red box towards Sven. Slowly opening the box, Sven's eyes widened when they fell upon the four orbs that rested inside. He quickly rushed towards the window, throwing it open and desperately yelling out his teammates names. Alas, his efforts were in vain as silence was all that returned to him.

Anger welled up within the pony's heart, his teeth were clenched tightly and his heartbeat increased. Fluttershy rested her hoof over his back, nuzzling gently beneath his head to try and calm him. Sven slowly calmed down, nuzzling back and moved to place a gentle kiss on Fluttershy's lips, only to find Rainbow Dash had suddenly pushed him away.
"Get away from her! You monster!" the rainbow mane mare yelled, her eyes glaring at Sven. Applejack and Rarity quickly stepped in between Sven and Fluttershy, blocking his path. Sven glared at the mares, noticing Twilight's gaze before muttering something beneath his breath. Turning to Celestia, he spoke.

"I will assume you know where to find me," he growled, suddenly vanishing in a puff of smoke. Fluttershy had broken past Rainbow Dash, her eyes darting around the room searching for Sven. Angrily, she turned to her friends, giving them the stare before running out of the room.
"Shy!" Rainbow Dash yelled, beginning to take off before Princess Celestia's magic held her back.
"My little ponies… don't you think you were a bit harsh towards him?" she calmly asked.
"Why are you suddenly defending him? Weren't you snapping at him and getting angry yesterday?" Twilight asked, confused by her mentor's actions.
"I was, yes. But if any of you had realized, he stuck around. Doesn't that make him loyal?" Princess Celestia asked.
"And what about Fluttershy? If she loves him, do you have the right to intervene with her love?" Princess Luna asked, her eyes fixated on the door where Fluttershy had ran out earlier. Guilt soon washed over the faces of the mane six mares.

"You ponies should be ashamed of yourselves," Shinning Armor glared at them, his sister in particularly. Sighing, the excused himself to return to his duties.
"Anyway, the situation will be discussed later. Twilight, keep the others informed with the letters I will send you. You may return to Ponyville now," Princess Celestia sighed, her horn glowing and a bright light engulfing the mares. In a matter of seconds, they were gone, Princess Luna turned to her sister.
"Do you really trust him?" she asked, resting on the floor. Princess Celestia sighed, her eyes wandering towards the open window of their study.
"I see no choice…" she muttered, turning her attention to the stack of papers that were pilled high on her desk.
"And what happens if we win? What will be his fate?" Princess Luna asked, walking towards the door to leave.
"I don't know... he is still a wanted criminal…" Princess Celestia sighed, looking up to find her sister had vanished.

"Honestly Rainbow Dash dear, acting so brashly," Rarity scolded, the flier swamped with guilt.
"Well, I thought…" Rainbow Dash began, being cut off by Twilight.
"Why did you suddenly push him away? He was just going to… actually what was he going to do?" Twilight asked, Applejack whispering into her ear what would've happened.
"Wait… Rainbow… do you… like mares?" Twilight asked cautiously, the pegasus blushing profusely at the question.
"N-n-no!" Rainbow Dash yelled, obviously flustered at the question, but now Pinkie Pie pressed the subject.
"Dashie… do you like Fluttershy?" the pink mare asked, Rainbow Dash's face lighting up brighter than a tomato.
"You do! You do like Fluttershy! Oh dearie I'm so happy for you!" Rarity squealed with glee, Twilight and Pinkie Pie nodding in agreement with sincere smiles.
"Now wait just a darn tootin' minute here. Ya'll tellin' me that Rainbow here's a fillyfooler?" Applejack asked, the others shocked that she'd use such a derogatory word.

"Applejack!" Rarity gasped, noticing Rainbow's ashamed gaze to the ground.
"Now, now. I ain't sayin' that I disapprove, I'm just shocked that's all. Why, I reckon you and Shy' may get something going!" Applejack clarified, smiling at her friend.
"Rainbow, this is nothing to be ashamed of, sure others may not look at this as natural or approving, but your friends do and that's what matters right?" Twilight assured, patting Rainbow Dash on the back. The pegasus turned her gaze to her four friends who smiled back her before a goofy grin spread across her lips.
"Yeah! That's right! Who cares what others think! I'm in love with Fluttershy and I'm proud of it!" the pegasus laughed, flying into the skies to her cloud home to relax.
"Well… I reckon' we should all get back to our daily routines. Twi, promise you'll keep us up to date?" Applejack asked, the scholar nodding before trotting off to the library. The rest of the mares dispersed, still with the morning's events at Canterlot weighing on their minds.

"Oh my! Dear Rainbow Dash is in love! I simply must make her a dress to wear so she can take Fluttershy out!" Rarity giggled giddily as she trotted down the street. Making her way towards the various shops, she picked up fabric, thread, accessories, and many other supplies that she needed. As she was heading back, she heard a soft voice from in between the buildings.
"Spare bits? Please? My sister and I have nowhere else to go. Spare bits? Please?" the voice begged. Rarity began searching for the source of the voice before her eyes fell upon a pair of sorrowful light blue eyes, a dark purple mane, and a dirty white coat wrapped up in torn and beaten up garbs of street cloth. Lying next to her, coughing was another pony, her soft amber yellow eyes looking back at Rarity with hope and pain while bits of dust and dirt laced within the hairs of her yellow mane and light grey coat.
"Vex… Aurora…" Rarity gasped, dropping her bags, the two ponies cowering and slowly retreating back from the fashionista.
"W-w-who are you?" Aurora whimpered, Vex hiding behind her.
"What happened to you…" Rarity murmured.

"Howdy sis! Did ya'll fix whatever needed fixing in Canterlot?" Applebloom greeted, galloping with all her might to greet her returning sister. Big Macintosh waved from the orchard, Applejack returning the gesture before hugging her sister.
"Haha, yup!" she smiled, sending the filly back into the house before joining her brother out in the orchard.
"We bucking as usual?" Applejack asked, noticing the multitude of wooden barrels scattered beneath the trees.
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh replied, kicking a tree and sending the golden apples down into the bucket. Applejack chuckled at her brother's usual one word replies before heading out to kick some trees as well. Twenty minutes passed and Applejack was barely breaking a sweat. However, on her way to another tree, she found three apple cores lying on the ground, the bite marks fresh.

"Varmints!" the farm girl cursed, galloping off to a small clearing where she found…
"There you go Rayne, eat up… we've got to leave soon anyway and find a place to stay. This place has no cover against rain or winds," a soft voice cooed as a bird cawed in return. Applejack peered around one of the trees to find a stallion sitting in the clearing, a small pile of apple cores surrounding him and what appeared to be a black phoenix.
"Wait just a minute…" Applejack thought, observing the stallion.
"Emerald eye, black eye patch, scar across the right eye, black hat like mine, long black mane, grey coat… Archimedes!" Applejack mentally gasped, stepping into the clearing and startling the two.
"Who are you?" the stallion gasped, Rayne flying into the air and landing on his back, cawing at Applejack.
"Archimedes! What in tarnation are you doing here on my farm?" Applejack asked shocked when she saw the pony's confused gaze.

"Archimedes? Are you talking to me?" the pony asked, confusion in his visible eye.
"Archimedes… it's me, Applejack. Remember? We met in Canterlot," the farm girl replied, seriously confused about what was happening. The stallion thought for a moment before shaking his head.
"I've never been to Canterlot. I don't have any money to do anything there anyway," the pony replied.
"You're kidding right? You assassinate ponies for a living!" Applejack exclaimed, shock filling the stallion's face.
"I could never!" the pony gasped, horror in his eye. Applejack sighed in frustration, something wasn't right here.
"Look, stop playing dumb, I'm getting annoyed," she growled.
"I'm sorry but I really don't know who you are. And sorry for trespassing, come on Rayne, let's go," the stallion sighed, the bird cawing as its owner began to slowly trot away.

"Wait just a minute!" Applejack yelled, the stallion freezing in place.
"What are you doing AJ…" the farm girl mentally thought.
"Look, ya'll can stay here in the barn, I don't mind and I'm sure as Spring that Big Mac or Applebloom won't mind either," Applejack spoke, a look of hope spreading on the stallion's face.
"You sure? It's not big deal… we can just leave and find another place to stay," the pony replied, Applejack shook her head.
"Naw, I reckon here may be the best place for you two anyway. C'mon, I'll take you to the barn," the farm girl smiled, trotting away with the stallion and Rayne in tail.
"What in tarnation am I doing…" she thought to herself, her gaze slowly turning to the pony in tail.
"What's going on here. He's as clueless as, well, him," she thought, the barn slowly coming into view.

"Hey! Welcome back Twilight!" Spike greeted, smiling as his adopted sister slowly trotted into the library.
"Hey Spike, if any letters from Princess Celestia come through, come get me immediately please," Twilight smiled, patting Spike on the head before making her way to the kitchen.
"Spike, are we out of lettuce?" Twilight called out, the purple dragon thinking for a moment before responding.
"I think so, sorry about that," he apologized.
"It's fine, I think I may eat out actually instead," the lavender unicorn replied, trotting out the door and making her way to the restaurants of Ponyville.

Trotting through Ponyville, Twilight took in the familiar surroundings of her home. She found it strange that while in Canterlot, it felt like she was gone for months or years. Brushing the thought aside, she recalled that a new restaurant had opened up recently. Deciding on that particular restaurant, she changed course and made her way to the center of town. While walking, she suddenly heard the sweet melody of a violin floating through the air. She noticed that there was a small crowd of ponies that surrounded the source of music. Curiosity took over and Twilight gently made her way to the front of the crowd to find a lone stallion standing up right and playing the violin. His coat was light grey while his mane was short and dark brown. Sharp grey eyes stared calmly at the strings of his instrument while his hoof drew the bow gently back and forth.

"Strings? What are you doing here?" Twilight asked, anger suddenly beginning to bubble within her. The violinists stopped playing, the crowd cheering before tossing bits into the open violin case at the stallion's hooves.
"I don't follow. Are you talking to me young lady?" the stallion asked, packing up his violin and slowly limping along the road, Twilight following.
"Yes! What are you doing here in Ponyville? You were supposed to be in Canterlot earlier today!" Twilight exclaimed, surprised as the stallion looked at her confused.
"Canterlot? Why, I've never been to that place. Always wanted to go though, even when I was a young filly," the stallion chuckled. Twilight looked at the stallion, now officially confused by what was going on.

"You… don't remember anything?" Twilight asked.
"I'm sorry young lady but I think you've mistaken me as someone else. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go," the stallion excused himself before trotting off, leaving Twilight standing in place, stumped.
"What?"

"W-w-where are we?" Vex stuttered, holding onto Aurora tightly as the two mares were led into Carousel Boutique.
"You're at Carousel Boutique! My own personal shop and my home!" Rarity replied proudly, noticing Vex's fascination with the variety of dresses while Aurora's eyes were fixated on the drawing designs that littered the trash bins or were hung on the walls.
"Why did you bring us here?" Aurora asked, holding Vex close to her.
"Well I couldn't possibly let two mares live on the streets now could I?" Rarity replied, smiling brightly at the two.
"But won't we get in your way?" Vex asked, now feeling courageous enough to venture out from behind her sister and admire the dresses up close.
"Oh no! I take care of my sister after all so it's no worry," Rarity smiled, calling Sweetie Bell to the main entrance to introduce her. The tiny filly bounced down the stairs, making her way towards Rarity.

"Hi Rarity! Who are these?" she asked, eyeing Vex and Aurora, Vex who had now taken refuge once again behind Aurora.
"Sweetie Belle dear, these are two of my friends, Vex and Aurora," Rarity explained, Sweetie Belle nodding before bouncing around the two mares.
"Hey! I'm Sweetie Bell! I'm still trying to get my Cutie Mark! Oh! How'd you two get yours? I'm sure it must've been doing something super awesome!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, unaware of how loud she was being. Rarity spotted Vex had constantly began to hide behind Aurora to avoid Sweetie Bell's persistent questioning.
"Sweetie Belle dear, can't you see you're making our guests nervous?" Rarity scolded, the younger pony stopping her bouncing.
"Now, go along and play with your friends," Rarity spoke, smiling sweetly as her sister's eyes widened and a goofy smile spread across her lips. Rarity waved goodbye as Sweetie Belle galloped out the door.

Now turning her attention to Vex and Aurora, she gently smiled at the two mares.
"Now come along, let's find you a place to sleep," Rarity announced, motioning for the two mares to follow her. Leading Vex and Aurora upstairs, Rarity used her magic to pull a latch to drop a hidden staircase.
"Up here is the attic and believe it or not, it's actually two rooms!" Rarity explained proudly, showing off the pristine décor and design of the room. Aurora and Vex awed at how beautifully designed the rooms were. In both rooms, there was a queen sized bed with a red silky blanket and two fluffy white pillows. Both rooms shared a bathroom with a toilet, shower, and a bathtub.
"You two will be staying up here. Feel free to come get me if you need anything," Rarity smiled, suddenly feeling Vex's hooves wrapping around her.
"Thank you. We thought that you'd just give up a bit or two and be on your way but you've shown us the most compassion we've ever seen. You gave us a roof and a bed, two things we never had," Aurora thanked, bowing to the white unicorn. Rarity blushed, not used to being bowed to.

A soft squeak came from Vex's lips as she tried to properly thank Rarity like her sister.
"T-t-t-thank you miss," she stuttered, her body shaking lightly before going limp and collapsing.
"Vex!" Aurora gasped, rushing to her sisters side only to collapse to the floor as well.
"Darlings?!" Rarity gasped, checking the pulses of both ponies. A soft smile suddenly spread across the fashionista's lips.
"They're both exhausted… time for bed!" she giggled, using her magic to lift Aurora and tuck her into bed, bringing the sheets up to her neck. Rarity began to float Vex to the other room before she came to a realization. Smiling, she turned around and tucked Vex into Aurora's bed, watching as the white mare wrapped her hooves around Aurora's waist and pull her closer.
"Well this warms my heart!" Rarity giggled gleefully, watching as Aurora turned over and wrapped her hooves around Vex.

"But I still can't help but wonder. Why can't they remember anything?" Rarity wondered, trotting downstairs to finish an order that came in two days ago.

"You sure about this miss? This is too kind of you."
"I insist. Ain't no way I'm gonna let a stallion and his bird or anypony without a home wander around without shelter and food!"
"You're too kind. Say thank you Rayne."
"Caw!"
"If ya'll need anything, just come on into the house, I'll be inside in the late afternoon."
"Ok.. Once again, thank you miss."
"Just call me Applejack hon'."

Applejack trotted out of the barn, turning and waving at the pony who was once Archimedes and the black phoenix Rayne.
"What in tarnation is going on here? That's Archimedes alright but why can't he remember me or anything?" Applejack wondered, trotting into her house where Applebloom and Granny Smith were busying themselves with making dinner.
"Howdy ya'll! I'm here to help!" Applejack smiled, relieving her grandmother from her position and taking over.
"So what're we making?" Applejack asked, Applebloom pointing to the cookbook that rested in a pile of dough.
"Apple Fritters? For dinner?" Applejack asked, confused.
"Well I don't know, Big Mac said something about it so I thought that's what we were doing," Applebloom replied, Applejack facehoofing.
"Big Mac!" she yelled, the older stallion slowly coming down the stairs.
"Eeyup," he replied, in his usual tone.

"Why are we doing Apple Fritters for dinner?" Applejack asked, eye her older brother suspiciously.
"Well I reckon' since you got that new pony in the barn," Big Macintosh replied, trotting off, "I reckon you could take him on a nice date."
"Date?! My sister's got a coltfriend?" Applebloom giggled, eye Applejack.
"What?! No! I-I-I don't got no coltfriend! Big Mac!" Applejack yelled.
"Now, don't let your hat fall off your pretty little head," Granny Smith smiled, patting Applejack on the back.
"Aw, thanks Granny Smi-" Applejack began before Granny Smith suddenly burst out into laughter.

"Let your coltfriend do it when you to make me grandfoals!"
"Granny!"
"Grandfoals?!"
"Applebloom!"
"Eeyup."
"Big Mac!"
"PINKIE PIE!"
"WHO LET YOU IN?!"