[Time Unknown]

[Teala’s POV]

I found myself walking along a tropical beach with a white sun dress, with the sun just setting over the horizon of the ocean, and the wind giving just a gentle breeze. A part of me was confused, but I was too distracted by the breathtaking scene that was before me to worry about it.

This is just so wonderful. It’s like this is exactly the way I could imagine the setting in some of the romance novels I read turned out to be. Next thing I know, there’ll be a handsome stallion coming along and—

“Ah, Teala. There you are my love,” a familiar voice called out to me while interrupting my thoughts.

I looked to the source, and my eyes widened at the sight. Cyan was walking towards me with a white, long sleeve dress shirt that was unbuttoned enough to show his toned chest, and a pair of black slacks. His black mane was slightly longer last I remembered, but the breeze was gently blowing it and his tail towards the ocean. He had a coconut in each hand with tiny umbrellas and straws sticking out from the inside while he had a warming smile in his expression. “Sorry for the wait, but the line for drinks was too long, so I just made these myself. I hope it’s to your liking,” he said before he handed me one of the coconut drinks, and I gingerly took it while I still stared at him.

… Okay, I have to admit impersonating Fabio Lanponi in the get up is a little cheesy, but who am I to complain? I mean there’s a handsome stallion right in front of me, and here I am drooling and blushing at the sight. And did he just call me his love? Is this really happening?

I shook myself out of it before I answered. “Th-thank you Cyan. This is really nice,” I took a sip of the coconut drink afterward. It was kind of different in taste than what I had expected, but who cares about that right now.

“Anything for the mare of my dreams, whose beauty transcends the sight of this glorious sunset,” Cyan said, which had me flushing red while rustling my wing as I giggled in embarrassment.

Sweet Celestia I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t know how I even got here, or where Cyan even came from, but I think my heart’s gonna explode twice from those words.

“A-am I really like that t-to you?” I stuttered, barely able to form such words.

“And so much more,” he replied before he set his drink down, and walked close to me. He held my face in his hand while our eyes locked in a passionate gaze. “You are like a princess to me. With that in mind I promise to be as loyal as your greatest knight, and will serve to your beck and call. I will always love you Teala Crystalwaters.”

“Cyan…” I sighed as I dropped my drink to the sand. We closed our eyes, slowly moved in, and locked lips into a passionate kiss. My heart was racing at an unbelievable rate while we were in the embrace, with everything inside me warming up. I moaned from how it felt like everything I had ever dreamed of, and so much more.

[Sunday Morning]

I slowly opened my eyes to where they were half-lidded, and I froze in place. Roxxie was in front of me with the same shocked expression I was doing before we screamed and jumped out of my bed. “Oh Goddess what did we just do?!” Roxxie asked in a panic.

“I think we just…” I said before my face flushed red as I covered my muzzle. “Oh Goddess I am SO sorry Roxxie! I thought I was kissing Cyan at the beach and-”

“YOU were kissing Cyan? I thought I was while we were in the mountains after our spar!” Roxxie interrupted. “What’s up with your wings by the way?”

“My wings?” I asked before I noticed a stiff feeling going on in my back. I used one of my hands to check, and sure enough, they were unfurled, very tightly I might add. I tried to bring them down, but panicked as I wasn’t feeling any changes. “Roxxie what’s going on?! I can’t seem to fold them back down!”

“Wait, doesn’t pegasi get their wings up when they’re… Feeling good?” Roxxie asked. “Didn’t you learn that from our health class that day?”

“I think I was sick that day. Oh Goddess, are you telling me I have a wing boner?!” I asked with my face heated up very high. “I thought that only happens in fiction! What should I do?!” Suddenly the door slammed open, revealing Sigmund was at the entrance.

“I heard screaming! Is everything… Oh dear…” Sigmund said before I realized there was a guy in my room, with my wings still erected while Roxxie was only in her tank top and panties. The two of us were standing there staring at him for what felt like an hour before he spoke again. “Um… I’ll just… Leave. Breakfast is ready downstairs,” he then quickly left the room and shut the door behind him.

“Oh Goddess this just can’t get any worse,” I cried with my face completely flushed while covering my face from the tears and embarrassment.

“Okay, I’ll have to kick that butler’s butt later, but right now, just calm down alright?” Roxxie asked me. “They said your wings should go down by themselves once you relax a little. Let’s just take a seat and wait it out okay?”

I sniffled a little before I looked up from my hands and nodded.

After about five to ten minutes of awkward silence, my wings finally came down before we changed clothes, and left my room. We arrived to the dining hall without speaking to each other. There was a large spread of our breakfast on the table with chefs coming in and out from the kitchen with more while taking the cleared dishes. Blaze was eating with his lack of table manners as usual, wearing the clothes he came in since we first met yesterday. He also had a sack lying on the side of his chair.

He looked in our direction and smiled with his stuffed cheeks while waving a fork with a piece of pancake stabbed in it. “Ey gufsh! Gum on und ead! Da foodsh gwade!” He exclaimed with his mouthful.

“Uh, right, we’ll do that,” Roxxie replied before the two of us grabbed our plates, and stocked our helpings from what was on the table. As we sat down, Nil was coming in the room while he yawned into his hat.

“Aw man! I can’t remember the last time I slept that well,” he said. “I’d bring that mattress with me everywhere I go if I could… What’s up with you guys?” He asked as he was referring to mine and Roxxie’s expressions of discomfort.

“Don’t ask,” we replied in sync. Nil raised his eyebrow before he shrugged and got his own food before he set his hat on his chair, and sat down. Despite Blaze making noise while he ate, the rest of us had our food in silence before Sigmund walked in the room, and cleared his throat to gain our attention.

“Good morning everyone,” he greeted. “How are you all doing today?” Roxxie, Nil, and me mumbled in response while Blaze was saying something incoherent with his mouth full. Sigmund cleared his throat at the awkwardness in the room, probably also what happened earlier this morning before he continued. “Yes, well, Master Teala, I’m happy to report the collateral damage of the statue has been cleaned up yesterday, and they are preparing a new fountain to take its place in a month’s time. I’ve notified this to your parents via letter, and everything has already been paid for. We’ve also provided Master Blaze enough clothes like the one he wore yesterday before he’s on his way.”

That must have been what was in the bag that was against Blaze’s seat earlier.

“Wonderful. Thank you Sigmund,” I replied before I got up and walked over to him. I whispered a request in his ear at a low enough volume that wouldn’t be heard from a distance.

“Right away milady,” Sigmund said before he walked out of the dining room.

Blaze sighed loudly in content after finishing his sixth plate of breakfast while he lied back on his chair. “I’m gonna miss this delicious food. Your chefs know how to cook ‘em Teala,” he complimented.

“Thank you Blaze. I’m glad you’re satisfied,” I replied. “Will you be on your way soon?”

“Just a trip to the bathroom, and Blaze the Dragon Buster will be on his way!” He declared to the heavens.

“I’ve been meaning to ask for a while,” Nil broke in as he put on his hat. “Just how many dragons have you slayed anyway?”

“Not slayed Nil. Defeated,” Blaze corrected. “I wouldn’t kill something as low in numbers as dragons compared to ponies. I’m just maintaining the balance between ponies and dragons so that each may live their own lives happily and peacefully.”

“Goodness… That’s very noble,” I pointed out.

“And how many dragons have you *ahem* defeated?” Nil asked with the correction to his question.

“ONE!” Blaze exclaimed proudly with a big smile, which left everyone in the room silent in a mixture of awkwardness and confusion.

“Uh… How long ago was that exactly?” Roxxie asked to break the silence.

Blaze took a moment to look up in thought and recall the tie he ‘defeated his first dragon before he answered. “Three months ago! Oh! And I got my cutie mark after I scared him off from sight!”

“Was it a small dragon?” I asked to be more aware of how big that accomplishment was.

“Nope! He was HUGE! He may take up most of the space in this room!” Blaze exclaimed.

The three of us scanned the dining room we were in to make an approximation on how big this dragon was. I took note how much the table took up most of the floor in the room that was sometimes filled with guests for our special, occasional gatherings, plus how high the artwork painted on the ceiling. To put it simply, it was, how you say, a ‘big ass’ dragon. I couldn’t believe how he even took on a dragon that size and lived to tell the tale.

“How old are you?” Roxxie asked him.

“Thirteen! I’ll be fourteen by this July!” He exclaimed proudly.

The three of us just sat there in silence trying to take in the concept that someone even younger than me was able to scare off such a dragon.

“I’ll admit, I’m still new to Dragon Busting,” Blaze interjected while stopping our thoughts. “But dragons have been a huge thing for me for as long as I can remember. My uncle had told many stories and times about his involvement with them before he passed away. Though he mentioned that there are good dragons out there, I still couldn’t believe there were bad ones who hate ponies so much they’d kill them just to show off their dominance in strength and superiority as a species! At that moment, I wanted to protect such ponies and the innocent from their wrath, vowing to keep the peace within our respective species whenever I’m near, and use my powers as a Fire Wielder for good. No matter how backed into a corner I am, I’ll keep fighting to my last breath until the very end, and I will never give up. That is my promise to the good of Equestria,” he finished with a big smile on his face.

My goodness… He seemed serious while explaining that, and I didn’t think he had that inside from what I’ve seen of him so far. Was his parents okay with him making such a pact? Or… Did something happen to them that would have him make such a decision? I should keep the question to myself. Though he looks strong, I can’t be certain how hurt he can be if I go into something personal.

“Well I’ll have to see how you do when you come across such a dragon one day,” Nil said as he got up from his seat. “I’m the kind of guy who believes it when he sees it, so I’m gonna hold you to that until I see the action in pony.”

“I promise you won’t be disappointed!” Blaze exclaimed with a thumbs up. “Now if you’ll excuse me,” he said before he walked to the exit before he stopped and turned to me. “Um… Where’s your nearest bathroom?” He asked.

“Down the hall on your left, and two doors down on your next left,” I informed.

“Thanks!” He exclaimed before he ran to said direction.

“Quite a strange pony isn’t he?” Nil asked the two of us in the room.

“Indeed,” I agreed.

“Same here, but you gotta give him some respect for what he’s fighting for,” Roxxie added in.

“Master Teala, I have returned,” Sigmund called as he came back to the room with two pouches and a paper bag in his hands.

“Excellent. Thank you Sigmund,” I said before I took the items.

“What’s in those?” Roxxie asked.

“A pouch with 80 bits inside, another with gems inside to help him on his journey, and a bagged lunch for when he’s hungry in his travels,” I answered.

“That’s certainly generous of you princess,” Nil pointed out.

“It’s the least I could do for him providing information about Cyan’s whereabouts. Not to mention the outcome of our Code Four cleaning with him,” I said with my face heated a little.

Though I admit what I did last night was a bit of an overreaction, it was still pretty funny.

“And Blaze Fullthruster is ready to depart!” He exclaimed as he walked back in the room, and grabbed his bag that was leaning against the chair he was sitting before. “It was awesome seeing all of you, and we’ll meet in Baltimare in a few months!”

“Just be sure to keep your powers hidden in public alright?” Nil asked. “Unless it’s under an emergency in a secluded area, we don’t want to bring too much attention to ourselves.”

“AW WHAT?! BUMMER! And I wanted to show off my stuff!” Blaze complained before he sighed. “I guess it makes sense, though sucky as it sounds.”

“Here Blaze, maybe these can help cheer you up while you’re on your way,” I said before I handed him his things.

“Gee thanks!” He exclaimed before he looked through one of the pouches, and his eyes brightened with joy at what he saw. “AW SWEET! GEMS!” He took an emerald that was in one of the pouches before he tossed it in the air. In a moment later…

CRUNCH!

Blaze started chewing the emerald he just caught in his mouth before he swallowed. “Mmm! TAS-TEE! Emeralds are my favorite out of all of them.”

The three of us had the same expression of shock, disbelief, and dare I say it, WTF on our faces while our jaws dropped to the floor. “Y-you just… Ate a gem…” Nil said to break the silence first.

“Well of course I did! Thanks for pointing it out captain obvious!” Blaze exclaimed.

“A-are you feeling alright?” I stuttered. “You didn’t break anything in your teeth did you?”

“Of course not! See?” Blaze asked before he pointed to his big smile, and sure enough, there wasn’t a single crack or crushed tooth to be found in his jaw. “Well thanks for the gifts! See ya in Baltimare!” He exclaimed before he left my mansion with his things, leaving us still standing there in awe.

…Okay, I heard Roxxie telling me once of a Neighzy Neighsbourne ate a bat’s wings at a concert once, and though repulsive as it sounded, it was certainly a feat to achieve. From what Blaze did? I think Roxxie would probably say something like ‘that was the most metal thing I’ve ever seen.’ Though I have no idea how that term came about, I can only guess it meant what he did took a lot of guts, and I can certainly agree. Who in the world IS this pony anyway?

“Note to self, perform THOROUGH examination on subject Blaze Fullthruster for analysis on his ponanity once I gather the proper equipment,” Nil said to himself as he wrote down notes in that book of his.

…I think that might have broken Nil’s brain if he sees Blaze as some sort of living science project now.

“W-well now,” I said after I cleared my throat. “I do believe it’s time we discuss our next course of action. To the study everyone,” I announced before I led the way to the room we were in last night while Nil, Sigmund, and Roxxie followed silently.

“Now to start things off, I may have a sort of idea that could help Nil in his research on our magic,” I broke in as we were in our same spots in the study from last night.

“Really now?” Nil asked with a raised eyebrow with a smirk. “You have my attention princess. The table’s yours.”

“To begin, there’s the annual Grand Galloping Gala that’s happening at the Canterlot Castle tomorrow on Monday night,” I explained.

“Ugh, I HATE that thing,” Roxxie interjected with a gagging gesture. “The snobbiest of snobs would be there to brown nose each other’s asses for their own gain.’

“Yes, well, there are plenty of those ponies that will be attending the event,” I continued. “And with so many nobles gathered in one place, the Royal Guard would need to up their security in case a disaster happens, ESPECIALLY since Princess Celestia is the main host.”

“…Go on,” Nil beckoned with a look of interest.

“In Canterlot Castle, there is a ponysonal library, the royal archives, containing all kinds of information that is not published to the library, media, it’s very much hidden from the public in general,” I explained. “In those archives are secrets, and what may be part of such hidden information?”

“…Our Element Magic?” Roxxie asked with a little shakiness in her voice.

“Indeed my dear friend,” I confirmed which made her shudder in place. “With most of the security focusing on the gala tomorrow night, that leaves less guards around other uninhabited parts of the castle, INCLUDING the royal archives.”

“Princess, if you’re thinking what I’m thinking, then I’m happy I underestimated the limits to your conniving nature,” Nil broke in with a sly smirk that slowly widened across his face.

…That’s certainly a new look I’ve never seen from him. I can’t imagine how scared someone would be with that expression if he WAS a molester. Anyway, time to bring it on home.

“I say while we attend the gala, we sneak into the castle’s royal archives, and find any clues that could help in our search for answers to our magic!” I declared while standing up proudly, and pointed a finger to the distance.

“NOOOOOOO!” Roxxie screamed as she jumped and hugged around my waist in protest. “Please please no! I beg of you Teala, anything but THAT!”

“Roxxie, I must say I am shocked!” I exclaimed in surprise. “I thought you’re the kind of pony who liked to get into trouble.”

“It’s not that,” Roxxie corrected. “If we’re going to the Grand Galloping Fucking Gala, that means I’ll have to… To!”

“…Wear a dress?” Nil asked in confusion.

“YES!” She replied in fear. “Oh the HORROR I had to go through with Mom when she made me the dress for the first time we went there even though I didn’t want to go! I don’t want to go through all of that again! Teala, I BEG of you as my best friend, PLEASE don’t let me go to the goddessdamned gala!”

Goodness… I didn’t think Roxxie felt this negative about wearing dresses. Still, I need her help if we want to get any progress in finding our magic’s secrets. *sigh* I hate going this far, but it’s the only way I can think of to change her mind.

I looked up with a finger on my chin while humming in thought before I answered. “…Alright, you don’t have to go.”

“REALLY?!” Roxxie asked in excitement.

“Indeed, but it would be such a shame,” I said as I broke my embrace, got up, and walked to the door with my back toward them while crossing my arms. “I was hoping we could take a picture of us looking in our best while we’re there to send to Cyan once Nil decides to leave. I’m sure Cyan would LOVE to see us looking beautiful for him, but if I just send him a picture of myself, which may have him give me more attention once we meet again, then I guess it can’t be helped.”

I stood there with my back still turned to them in silence, which left an air of uneasiness in the room as it seemed to last forever until…

“ALRIGHT FINE!” Roxxie exclaimed frustratingly before I turned my head to glance back, seeing her standing up with eyes clenched shut. “I’ll… Go to the stupid gala to help you guys out,” she said through her teeth.

“WONDERFUL!” I exclaimed as I zipped back and looked at her with glimmering eyes. “I promise you WON’T regret this Roxxie. If Cyan thought you were cute back then, just WAIT until he sees us in our dresses! Is everyone here in on the plan?”

“Hey I’m down with that,” Nil answered with a tip of his hat and a smirk. “Personally, I was gonna do that kind of thing myself before I moved on since academy students weren’t allowed to get into the archives. There hasn’t been any security I didn’t get caught in yet, but I’m sure I’ll be able to get in much easier with you two as back up.”

…Yet? Has he done this kind of thing before? I have a feeling there’s more to this guy then meets the eye, and I don’t think it’s pretty. I’ll have to keep him on a short leash so he doesn’t try any funny business.

“Excellent! Sigmund!” I exclaimed with a smile, and a few claps that masked my suspicions .

“Yes Master Teala,” he answered while he stood up at attention.

“Please have some of our finest servants specialized in tailoring to take our measurements and prepare our attire for tomorrow night! We’ve got a GALA to attend!” I exclaimed happily.

“At once milady!” He replied before he quickly left the room.

“Nil, could you leave me and Roxxie alone in the room for a bit while you wait for my servants?” I asked.

“Girl stuff?” Nil asked, to which I nodded in response. “You don’t have to ask me twice. I’ll see you girls later.” He said before he tipped his hat to us, and walked out of the room.

Roxxie and I were alone in the study with silence filling the room. “So about what happened this morning…” I said, starting the conversation first.

“Right… I think we can both agree that what happened back there was just a total accident,” she said. “Neither of us saw it coming, and we unconsciously moved to where our dreams wanted us to go. There’s something I want to ask that’s been on my mind though.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“That… Kiss you gave me last night,” she replied. “Though it wasn’t on the lips… That was all on you. Can I ask why you did that?”

“First, it’s ‘MAY I ask why you did that,’” I replied, correcting her grammar. “As for why I did… I don’t know to be quite honest. It just seemed to feel… Right at the time. I mean we’ve been close friends since you first moved into Canterlot, and you’re certainly more fun to be with than any other filly I’ve ever acquainted myself with. Now that we’re working together to reunite with Cyan once more, and the three of us forming a herd at that, I feel like you and I can… Get closer than we were before.

“I’ve read herd mates share intimate moments together whenever their stallion isn’t around, so it’s not like what I did last night would be strange in their standards. I have to admit, I was surprised how our… First kiss together turned out this morning, but despite the panic afterward, looking back on it now… I kind of liked it. Do you feel the same way Roxxie?” I asked her.

Roxxie took a moment to think back to this morning before answering. “Though it was accidental… Yeah, I kind of did. And you said that was normal between herd mates?”

“From what I’ve read, yes,” I responded. “They also go… Further than that together, but I don’t think we should worry about that right now,” I said as my face flushed red at the thought while trying to keep my wings down.

“Right, I think I can agree with ya there,” she said with a tint of red in her cheeks while scratching the back of her head, and looking to the side. “There’s something I want to do though if you’re up for it.”

“What might that be?” I asked while leaning my head to the side in curiosity.

“Since herd mates do things like that together like you said, and our first kiss this morning was something that caught both our guards off… Do you think we could try again intentionally? Just to see if we still like it or not?” Roxxie asked.

My eyes widened at the question in response. Though I’ve read things like that happen in herds, I didn’t think Roxxie would want that to continue considering how things turned out this morning. If she was willing to give it another shot… “I… Suppose confirming our suspicions is a good reason to try it once more,” I answered. “I don’t see why not.”

“So do we just get closer, and do what we did this morning? With the knowledge that we’re kissing each other than the Cyan in our dreams of course,” Roxxie pointed out in confirmation.

“That’s the idea,” I said as I walked up to her, and gazed into her yellow eyes. “Are you ready?” I asked.

“Yep… Should we go in on three?” Roxxie asked.

“I think we can do that,” I responded before we got into an embrace with my arms around her neck, and her hands on my waist. “Alright, altogether now,” I said before we started the countdown in sync.

“1… 2… 3…” We said as we slowly moved in closer until our lips locked after three, with our eyes closed. We kissed softly as we tried to take in the feelings we were experiencing at that moment, and quite frankly, I felt a lot more comfortable then compared to earlier. Roxxie seemed to like it too when I heard her moan a little, but I think that was accidental.

We broke out of our kiss after what felt like half a minute before we pulled back from our embrace while we looked into each other’s eyes. “So… How was that?” Roxxie asked first.

“It was… Much better compared to this morning,” I replied. “You?”

“Same here.”

“So if we did that again, you’d be okay with it?” I asked in confirmation.

“Pretty much.”

We stood there in silence while we looked to the side as we took in what we just did in that room. “Do you think Cyan would weird out if he knew we did this?” I asked with concern.

“I doubt it. If he’s like most of the guys Mom talks to her customers about sometimes, he’d probably welcome that,” Roxxie replied.

Oh goodness… Just the thought of Cyan watching us kiss like that is making my heart tremble, but in a strangely exciting way… Why is that?

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by some knocks from the study’s door. “Master Teala, we’re ready for your measurements now,” one of my mare servants said behind it.

“We’ll be right out!” I exclaimed before I lightly flew up to Roxxie’s height, and whispered in her ear. “I forgot to mention this last night, but you’re okay with keeping our herd thing a secret are you?”

“Oh yeah. I don’t think we’ll be revealing that for a while. I can’t imagine what Mom would do if I told her,” Roxxie replied.

“And I certainly don’t want to bring it up with my parents either, unless they start to get more persistent with setting me up with a suitor,” I added in. “Until then, let’s just act how we usually do with everyone, and we’ll try to bond more as a herd in private. Sound good?”

“Yep. Now let’s get out of here before your servants start to worry,” Roxxie suggested before I nodded in agreement, lowered back down to the ground, and we walked out of the study.

I must say, I’m getting rather excited about all of this. Not just what we’re gonna do at the gala, but what Roxxie and I are doing with our herd. So much secrecy, and doing something out of the social norm, I can see why Roxxie gets such a kick out of this. I also cannot wait to see how Cyan likes the two of us in our dresses at the gala. Oh how I wish I could see the look on his face when that happens. Then again, perhaps bringing up the news of us forming a herd in pony would probably be an even bigger shock to him than how we’ll look at the event. I certainly hope his feelings doesn’t change once we finally meet. Two and a half months seem like an awfully long time, and who knows what may happen along the way for the both of us? I guess I shouldn’t worry about that right now. We’ll cross the bridge when we get there. Until then, we need to get ready for the big night tomorrow. Next Chapter: Chapter 18: Truths Come Out Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 16 Minutes