[Saturday Afternoon]

[Teala’s POV]

Me, Sigmund, and Blaze were the only ones left in my mansion’s living room after Roxxie and Nil left for their errands. I stood on one side of the room for a moment to think about my next course of action.

“OH SHIT!” Blaze exclaimed as he jumped up from the couch he was lying in, interrupting my thoughts.

“Is something a matter Blaze?” I asked with curiosity.

“With all the excitement this morning, I forgot to ask for all of your names!” He exclaimed.

… Seriously? THAT’S the thing he’s worried about? And Cyan says I make a big deal out everything. I’m sure we referred each other’s names at least once, did he somehow tuned that out?

“Um… Okay, I guess I could make the introductions,” I replied. “I’m Teala Crystalwaters, and this mansion is my home if you haven’t figured that out already. This is my most trusted head butler on staff, Sigmund,” I gestured to him who was standing next to the entrance to the kitchen.

“A pleasure to meet you Master Blaze,” Sigmund greeted with a bow.

“Master Blaze huh? I like the sound of that,” Blaze commented while rubbing his chin in thought. “Can you tell me the other main ponies that were here? Plus the one you thought I saw last night?” He requested.

“I’ll try to explain with the best information I could muster,” I complied. “First there’s one of my closest friends you’ve seen who moved the statue pieces earlier, and is striving to be the best fighter in Equestria, Roxxie Stone.”

“He’s the loud earth pony colt right?” Blaze asked for clarification.

“…Colt?” I asked in confusion.

“Yeah! He looked super tough!” He exclaimed with excitement. “With the sweatshirt and sweatpants he came here with, and how he punched that first big piece like it was nothing? I gotta get into a sparring match with him soon, ESPECIALLY if he’s planning to be the best fighter in Equestria. He’d have to get through a Dragon Buster like me before he’s well on his way,” he commented with a confident smirk.

… Ohhhh Blaze. If Roxxie were here right now, I think you’d be getting more than what you ask for… And yet, I can’t help but keep this from him JUST to see where this will go.

I cleared my throat while trying to hide my giggles before I continued. “Anyway, the pegasus stallion in the hat you saw was Nil Thunder. From what I could gather, he’s an ex-cadet from the E.U.P. Guard Academy who he claims to be the top genius of his squad, and apparently has information about our powers that we’ll be discussing about later tonight.”

“There’s something about him I want to ask,” Blaze requested.

“Yes Blaze?” I replied, ready to answer his question.

“What is a pervert, and why do you call him that sometimes anyway?” He asked with arms crossed, and a raised eyebrow.

“Pardon the intrusion Master Teala, but I’d have to agree with Master Blaze on the latter,” Sigmund added in. “I’m curious myself as to why you called him such as well.”

…Horseapples. I didn’t think Sigmund would catch on. But how does Blaze not know what a pervert is? I didn’t think he’d be this dense. Then again, if he’s actually that innocent, despite his wild appearance, I’d rather not destroy it so soon yet since he seems to be around our age.

“Erm… I’ll tell you later,” I concluded. “Moving on, there was also Nil’s acquaintance he mentioned who’s able to use the power of Light so to speak. I’d like to know this mare’s name, but it seems she’s someone you don’t want to mess with if she’s as brutal as Nil claimed… Oh dear, even though I know Cyan is the kind of pony who tries not to get on anyone’s bad side, I certainly hope he pulls through with her okay.”

“Oh yeah, she DID sounded tough now that I remembered. A worthy opponent for me to best in a fight if I get the chance to meet her,” Blaze added in.

What is with this colt wanting to get into fights? Does he do this with EVERY tough sounding pony? I thought he was a Dragon Buster, not a Pony Buster. Come to think of it, has he REALLY beaten a dragon before? I’ll have to ask him that later.

“Anyway, the last pony to mention is the one in question that got everyone joined here in the first place: Cyan Dusknight, the kindest, sweetest, and most mature unicorn stallion I’ve ever known, and my other closest friend in our triad,” I ended while looking up in thought, fluttered my wings, and sighed dreamily while laying my head against my hands together.

“What makes him so special anyway?” Blaze asked with skepticism.

“He’s only the most amazing, well-behaved, and handsome gentlecolt I’ve ever known in Canterlot, possibly in all of Equestria. Always putting me and Roxxie first before himself in times of trouble, trying to keep us in high spirits, and defend us from whatever comes our way. Unfortunately, he had somehow ran away from home last night after revealing what we’re all guessing his Shadow powers to his parents, whom they somehow didn’t respond so well. So much that his parents apparently saw him as some kind of monster of sorts, and wanted to take him away someplace where no one would ever find him.”

“Sheesh, sounds like we have our parents of the year right here,” Blaze commented with sarcasm.

“Indeed," I agreed. "Just the very notion of them disowning my sweet Cyan is just unheard of! What makes this more confusing, is that when his parents found out he left, they sobbed in sadness like they had still cared for him! It just doesn’t make any sense! We’ll have to bring this question up later tonight when everyone returns from their errands.”

“Well if this Cyan’s Shadow powers make him that strong, I’d-”

SHHING!

Blaze commented before I quickly drew my rapier from my scabbard with sounds of steel filling the room, pointed the tip at his neck, and froze him from saying anything else.

“I may not know what your deal is with picking a fight with everyone around you,” I interrupted with a cold tone. “But if you even as to dare lay your filthy hands on my darling, then expect a ‘Skewered Blaze Fullthruster Cabob’ served on a silver platter as your very last meal. Do I make myself clear?” I threatened while glaring him down.

Blaze gulped while beads of sweat were trickling down his forehead. “Y-yes ma’am,” he responded before I withdrew my blade, and sheathed it back to my scabbard before I set it back in its case.

“Now then, with introductions out of the way, I think I know my next course of action that should have been done as soon as you stepped in my mansion,” I addressed.

“A-and what might that be?” Blaze asked with a shake in his voice, still frightened from the warning earlier.

“Four words: Get. You. A. Bath,” I declared while counting the words on my fingers. “I mean for Celestia’s sake, when was the last time you scrubbed yourself down? I think you may attract dirty rats with your disgusting odor.”

“Um… I can’t remember?” Blaze answered with uncertainty and a sheepish grin.

With that answer, my eye twitched at Blaze’s questioning of his last cleaning. The very notion of a smelly, filthy colt running around in my home in such an undignified manner, not to mention him just lying there on our fine, satin furniture while rubbing his grime on it just drove me to the brink of stress, frustration, and rage. “SIGMUND!” I screamed loudly.

“Yes, Master Teala?” Sigmund asked.

“Have three, no, FOUR of our finest maids take Blaze to the bath house for a Code Four cleaning, STAT!” I ordered.

“Yes milady,” Sigmund complied before he took out a bell, and rang it loud in the air.

Soon enough, four of my best maids appeared in the living room, standing at attention behind the couch where Blaze sat up before they bowed. “What are your demands sir?” The four asked in sync.

“Whoa, okay, that’s just creepy,” Blaze commented.

“Please take this young colt to the bath house for a Code Four cleaning if you will please,” Sigmund requested while gesturing to Blaze.

The maids gasped in surprise at the request, and looked at Blaze for what they were working with. “At once sir,” they replied before one of each grabbed Blaze’s arms and legs, and lifted him off the couch.

“H-HEY! WHAT’S GOING ON?! GET ME DOWN! I DON’T THINK I WANNA TAKE A BATH!” Blaze objected as he struggled while being taken away. Shouting and screaming before his voice was out of auditory range.

I sighed in relief as the smell was out of the room for the moment. “While he’s being washed Sigmund,” I continued. “Please be sure that whatever he had touch is disinfected, have some clean clothes prepared for him when he’s finished, have his and Nil’s rooms tidied up for their stay, and my bed chambers ready for mine and Roxxie’s sleepover tonight.”

“At once Milady,” Sigmund complied before he walked out of the room, and I headed towards the mansion’s personal library.

I skimmed through the bindings on one of the shelves before I found the book I was looking for, and turned to the page that came to my interest. I read through a specific passage before I smiled, marked the page with a nearby bookmark, and closed it before I held it against my chest with a heavenly sigh. I took out the rolled up parchment Cyan had left me, and stared at it content. “Just wait a little longer my dear Cyan,” I said to myself. “As Celestia as my witness, I promise the three of us will be together once more, and happier than ever before,” I skipped out of the room with the scroll and book in hand while humming a delightful tune.

[Nil’s POV]

I sighed frustratingly as I walked back to my room at the academy. I recalled the events that occurred this morning, questioned why I was taking orders from kids, and how that got me across with three other Element Wielders (four if the kid missing turns out to have the last one) of the Six Titans’ Magic mentioned from the legend in one day.

Honestly, of all the things I had put up with in my life, why are mares the most troublesome of them all? It was nice that I got some tidbits on how to treat and respect them properly from Lumina, but that can only take me so far. It’s strange how I didn’t take such interest on this subject until now, especially with some of the few fillies and mares I ran into before this. One of them who I REALLY hope I don’t have to run into ever again. Still, despite being so scary and frightening, it’s a wonder how they had such… Fascinating bodies. When I saw Lumina in her undergarments the first time that day, I swore I felt like I just died and went to heaven from the wondrous sight of her curvature, roundness, and how her bra and panties just brought a certain mystery of what’s hidden underneath them; but soon afterward, I dropped from the clouds of heaven, to the pits of hell after I got sucker punched by that same mare to the wall across the room. I believe that was the beginning of submission to my bottomless fascination to the female body.

I sighed once more as I got to my room, packed my things in the suitcase I came here with, and closed it before I took off my hat and stared at it intently.

Old geezer… Have YOU ever had this much trouble with mares before? Should this be something to learn like how you taught me the skills I've used up to now? How would you handle something like this? I REALLY wish you would have told me at least SOMETHING about this sooner before you—

“Nil! There you are!” A voice exclaimed that interrupted my thoughts. I looked to the source, and saw that it was Shining Armor. He was panting harshly like he just came back from his first day of training since we attended here.

I stood up, and put on my hat once more before looking at him. “Ah, Shining Armor, how can I help you? Don’t we have a day off from training today?” I asked with curiosity while crossing my arms.

“Yes yes, but that’s not the reason why I was tired,” Shining Armor replied. “Have you seen Lumina around? I talked to her roommate, and she told me Lumina had resigned from the academy last night, and left in anger. Do you have any idea on why that is?”

I looked up while pretending to think about the reason why even though I already did. “Hmm… Can’t say I have Shining, can’t say I have,” I lied.

“Ugh! Why didn’t she come see us with what’s wrong with her?!” He asked frustratingly. “I thought she was comfortable with us enough to tell us anything on her mind!”

“Can’t say that I know Shining,” I lied. “But are YOU in a position to say something like that?” I asked with skepticism.

Shining’s ears perked with the question. “What do you mean?” He asked with confusion.

“Come inside, and cast the sound-proof spell in the room please,” I requested. He complied as he walked inside before he shut the door behind him, and cast the spell with a reddish-pink glow that coated the room. I furrowed my brow while holding the rim of my hat before I spoke. "Now then, when were you going to tell us, your so called ‘friends,’ that you were seeing a princess?” I asked with a pressing stare.

Shining’s eyes shot wide open with his pupils and irises shrinking to the size of pins. “W-what? Me? Dating a princess? Where in the world did you get that crazy idea buddy?” He asked while laughing nervously.

“Did I SAY you were dating her?” I asked with emphasis which got his mouth shut.

“Um… No? I just assumed you were referring to it,” Shining reasoned defensively. “Besides, I said before that I wasn’t seeing anyone.”

“True, but you never really explained as to WHY you weren’t seeing anyone,” I argued back. “Maybe it’s because you were already taken? Now who was the pony I was referring to? Alicorn like Princess Celestia, pink coat with purple tips on her wings, long, curly mane and tail with colors of violet, yellow, and maroon. These defining features can easily help me narrow down to one mare in particular. What was her name again? Princess… Mi Amore Cadenza I believe?” I asked as I walked around him, scanning his body for any reactions to the questions I was asking. “Does that ring any bells, Shining Armor?” I asked while staring at him intently.

“Uh, n-nope,” Shining answered while he was sweating bullets. “But she sounds beautiful though. I’m sure whoever courts Cadance is a lucky stallion,” he commented before he covered his muzzle with his hand as soon as he realized what he had said.

“Cadance huh? I think I got you now Shining Armor,” I announced while stood up close in his personal space, staring in his cobalt blue eyes intently. “Now spill it, and don’t hold out. I’ve read into enough psychology to notice overt, behavioral signs, and the guilt is written all over your face,” I concluded while crossing my arms, waiting for my answer.

Shining sighed in defeat with his head hanging low, and ears folded. “How and when did you know?” He asked solemnly.

“Just last night actually,” I answered. “I was watching you sucking faces with her at the balcony while I was on the thunderclouds,” Shining blushed at my blunt statement. “How long were you seeing her?”

“After the Fall Formal Gala at Canterlot Academy,” he answered. “We actually knew each other for a while because she would come and foalsit my sister from time to time.”

A princess foalsitting? I would think she would have all the money she needed while staying at the castle. Why bother putting up the business?

“At the Gala, she came with this self-indulging jock,” Shining continued. “She left him after my friends and I called him out on how he’s ‘the greatest stallion in school,’ and ‘deserves to be dating royalty,’” he explained with air quotes from the last two statements. “After giving him a taste of his own medicine, Cadance and I spent the rest of the night together in each other’s arms, danced the night away, and have been an item ever since,” he finished while gazing up dreamily, as if he was looking back to the events he described.

“Why did you held this out on us?” I asked.

“I didn’t want to bring too much attention to myself and get any special treatment here if that was possible,” Shining reasoned. “Cadance understood that, but she was stubborn for us to still see each other. So I snuck out late at night to see her, twice a week at the same place, spending time together and… Well, you know the rest,” he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment while blushing. “I was going to introduce you and Lumina to her after the three of us join the guard if it’s any consolation. Unfortunately, I guess Lumina left the academy like you are about to right now,” he looked down with ears folded in guilt. “I didn’t even get the chance to say good-bye to Lumina before she left, and see why she was so angry. I gotta admit, before seeing Cadance, I wasn’t good with mares really. I couldn’t even get to say at least a few sensible words with one before they laughed at how much of a big geek I was.

“Lumina was an awesome mare to have as a friend, probably the best I got to know despite her brash behavior sometimes. I’m sure she’ll find a lucky stallion, or mare, to be with in the future,” Shining finished.

Well, depending on how good this Cyan guy is, and how flexible Lumina is with other colts/stallions, she may already be well on her way with that. I’ll say that much.

“I’m sure she will,” I agreed with a nod before I picked up my suitcase. “Well, I better be on my way then. Best of luck being in the Royal Guard. Aim to be the next Captain, the rank suits you,” I commented.

He chuckled at the remark. “I’m not so sure about that, but I’ll do my best,” he replied before we bumped fists. “It was great getting to know you Nil. Best of luck in wherever you go.”

“Thanks,” I replied with a nod.

“Oh, and can you do me a favor?” Shining asked.

“What’s that?”

“If you ever see Lumina again… Can you tell her that I wish her the best of luck, hope she’s doing well, and it has been a pleasure being her friend over the year?” He asked.

I looked up in thought to think about it. “I’ll see if I can bring that message across,” I replied with a nod. “As for why Lumina may have been angry last night, I think you may need to reflect on everything you’ve done with her over the past year. I’m sure you’ll find your answer then,” I suggested before I tipped my hat to him. “Take care, buddy,” I finished before I passed him, leaving him staring ahead while taking in what I said.

Well… It’s not like I COMPLETELY broke my word with Lumina last night. I just left him something to think about is all. Sure, he may have been dense over the year, but he is a pretty good guy in the end though. I’m not sure what was on Lumina’s mind when she left, but it may be best that I tell her what happened today. Maybe that can be the closure to their ‘relationship’ in the end.

With that mental note in my head, I walked down the hall and out of the bunker. As I unfurled my wings and started to fly out of the area with suitcase in hand, I could hear the Drill Sergeant yelling from below.

“HEY! WHO BROKE IN THE STORAGE AREA AND STOLE TWO CAMPING SETS?!” He asked at the top of his lungs.

And that’s my cue to get the heck out of here.

I thought as I flew away a little faster, but not so much to bring any suspicion. After a few minutes of flying away at a safe enough distance, I softly landed to a secret hiding space where the second camp set I had hidden before I gave Lumina hers last night. I sighed in relief as I found the set still there, picked it up, and went on my way back to the mansion.

Another day, another successful steal. Sure, I may only play thief for good intentions sometimes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t save something for myself now and then can I? Old geezer, you may not have taught me anything about mares, but no matter how long since I’ve stopped stealing as part of my life, your teachings just never seem to fail and fade away. Old habits die hard I suppose. Now to get on back to the mansion, kick back, and plan my next move. The girls may be a pain in the neck, but I think I see some potential for growth in my research if I keep sticking around with them. Then there’s the missing kid in question’s father, Marine Dusknight. Looks like there’s more to this than what I had originally thought if one of the Commanders of the Royal Guard itself won’t disclose what happened last night about his son’s new magic. There’s a secret here that’s just begging to be stolen, and Nil Thunder is just the ex-professional thief to take the challenge.

I mused with a cunning smirk as I fixed my hat, and continued my way to Teala's mansion.

[Roxxie’s POV]

“Roxxie… That is just… Terrible,” Mom replied after I told her everything that happened this morning over a late breakfast except for what happened after seeing Cyan’s parents, our powers, how Teala ran into the pervert, and her fencing hobby. I was too distracted and impressed with how much Blaze had ate earlier at such a pace, and Teala’s awesome swordsmanship to remember to eat, which is why I was having a late breakfast at my house when I had gotten home. I changed out of my sweatshirt and sweatpants into a pair of jeans, a green tank top, and my favorite black jacket Mom had made for me before I ate.

“Yeah. I’m still ticked off about Marine though,” I admitted before I ate another bite of my favorite breakfast, and continued. “I mean why the fuck wouldn’t he explain what happened last night? It’s pretty clear THEY’RE the ones that drove Cyan away according to the letter I got, and even then, THEY still cried their eyes out. I thought Cyan’s family was complicated and estranged enough, but THIS?!”

“Ah have ta admit, that is pretty conflicting,” Mom agreed. “Cyan was a sweet young stallion too. He surprised me when he wanted ta learn how ta design and tailor clothes after Ah fixed a tear in his jeans one day. His art classes he mentioned he took back in school certainly helped his creative side fo’ sure.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think he’d be into that,” I commented in. “He did pretty good when he helped fixed tears in my own clothes now and then when he got better. I honestly thought he’d get a cutie mark related to tailoring.”

“That would be something,” she added in. “There aren’t a lot of male designers in Equestria. Then again, there are more mares in dis land than stallions anyway, so that certainly narrows da possibility down. Gotta snag ‘em while they’re hot Ah always say,” she remarked with a giggle.

Ugh, why does that sound so wrong when she puts it like that? Was that part of how Dad got with Mom? Bleck.

“Anyway, it’s a shame Cyan left in such a fashion,” Mom continued. “Ah thought you and him would be shoulder ta shoulder by now.”

I stopped midway from my next bite with wide-eyes. “W-what do you mean?” I asked nervously.

“Don’t play dumb Roxxie,” she replied with a wag of her finger. “Ah’ve seen your ‘sparring matches’ with Cyan now and then. Ah know when a mare’s got a crush when Ah see it, and Roxxie, you had it BAD,” she concluded with a giggle.

My face heated up like flames from what she was implying, and I couldn’t help but look down in embarrassment while squirming in place. “…Was it really that obvious?” I asked shamefully.

“Girl, Ah’m surprised ya didn’t make a move on him after staring at him in some positions for what seem like ages,” Mom remarked. “It’s cute, but it gets so cringing ta see when ya don’t follow it up with that toned body of yours.”

“MOM! Do you HAVE to put it out that way?!” I asked loudly, my face getting hotter from what she was talking about.

“Ah’m just sayin’ sugah,” she replied with a shrug. “Ya had PLENTY of chances, but ya just couldn’t step it up. Ah’m sure Cyan would have welcomed da gesture even from all the losses in your matches with him.”

I just sat there still looking down, and drank it all in before I responded. “… You’re right. I DID have plenty of chances. I didn’t even know what I was feeling for him back then though. Cyan’s a great guy, especially since the first day I met him and Teala at elementary school after we moved here. Everyone would make fun of my accent because of where I grew up, even now I still have trouble changing it, but Cyan and Teala stepped in and stood up for me when I wasn’t so tough to stand my own ground back then. We spent time together ever since, and I wanted to be strong like Dad after listening to his career from you so I could protect them like they did with me.

“It’s funny. From all the times I hurt myself when I get too rough in my sparring practices in the gym, I liked how Cyan got so concerned for me even when I knew I was gonna get some injuries. He would even treat my wounds even though I kept telling him I was fine. I actually WANTED to get hurt in my future sparring practices after that, JUST so I could have him treat me with the same concern and care he had before. Even after all of that, and the time we spent together outside of school, a part of me was actually afraid that Cyan saw me as some kind of colt in a filly’s body, and I was just ‘one of the guys.’ All the ‘non-lady like’ actions I’ve done in the past didn’t really help me either.”

I moved my hand up to one of my new silver studded ear piercings in my ear, and caressed the area around it while I smiled sadly. “But when Cyan told me how cute I looked with these piercings last morning? I felt like my chest was going to burst from how I was proved happily wrong that he actually DID see me as a mare, and not only that, but attractive as well. I didn’t know WHY I was feeling like that really. I didn’t think ANYTHING like it would happen, especially since it was from Cyan of all ponies. But it wasn’t until he ran away after the Magic Duel yesterday, and this morning when I found out Cyan had left Canterlot that I felt the world around me just crumbled, and I didn’t realize how much I…” I paused  before tears started to well up in my eyes, and continued with a crack in my voice. “I didn’t realize how much I had loved him until he was gone.”

“Oh sweetie…” Mom replied before he walked over, and hugged me tightly.

“Why didn’t I follow him yesterday Mom?” I sobbed while tears were streaming down as I hugged her back tightly. “Why wasn’t Ah there ta help him get through his loss? Or when his parents of all ponies wanted ta send him away? Ah promised myself Ah would protect him and Teala at all costs, and Ah can’t even do THAT right!” I exclaimed, not caring that my Manehattan accent came back as I cried in her shoulders.

“This isn’t your fault Roxxie,” Mom assured as she rubbed my back. “You didn’t know dis would happen as much as Ah did. Ah’m sure your father would be proud ta see how much of a strong, grown mare you’ve become like Ah am right now.”

“Ah miss Cyan Mom, Ah really do,” I confessed while I still cried.

“Ah miss him too sweetie. Ah miss him too,” she replied.

I calmed down after letting myself go a couple minutes later. I asked Mom if it was alright if I could stay at Teala’s place for the next few days to get my head straight, and get ready for finals coming up. She gave the okay before I went up to my room, packed all the clothes, school stuff, and training gear I needed before I came back downstairs.

“Do you have everythin’ ya need sweetie?” Mom asked with concern.

“I should be fine,” I responded. “I’ll be back the day before finals to get myself ready. After that,” I said before I looked at my clenched fist. “Teala and I are gonna put in everything we can to find Cyan, and I’ll tell him how I really feel after that,” I declared with determination.

“Ah’m sure you will Roxxie,” Mom agreed with a smile. “You take care now, and Ah’ll see you when ya get back.”

“Okay. Bye Mom,” I bid before I opened the door with my things, and headed back to Teala’s place.

I swear I’ll find you Cyan, and as Celestia as my witness, I won’t let you slip out of my sight again when I do. I’ll crush anything that stands in my way, and when I see you again, I’m gonna confess my true feelings to you. Even if other ponies see you as some kind of threat like you wrote in the letter, I’ll show them what kind of monster I can be. In the meantime, I’ll pray that you’re strong enough to get by with the pervert’s friend on your own. Until then, just wait for me a little longer.

With my new goal in mind, I approached Teala’s mansion minutes later. I pressed the button on the intercom, waited to gain entry inside, and planned my next course of action to finding our friend. Next Chapter: Chapter 15: Meeting New Coworkers Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 46 Minutes