“So you have been stationed here?” Gene asked as he examined the three ponies standing before him at the gate of the Estate. One Unicorn, an Earth pony, and a Pegasus. Off to the side stood Night Shine, the Town Guard who had moved into the Estate just two days ago, a week after he and Snow had arrived at the Estate. When Gene received nods, he continued. “Introduce yourselves.”

The ponies could not have contrasted more, whether with their colors or their armors. The leftmost pony was a Unicorn, and he recognized her as a Royal Guard, her shining gold armor a clear giveaway. He spotted two small knives in her armor, and a steel spear clipped on her back. Her helmet was off, dispelling the illusion that disguised all the Royal Guards. Her coat was a deep blue, with her mane a soft white, making him internally grin at the inverted colors. Her Mark was hidden by her armor, so Gene didn’t bother trying to see it. The mare saluted him quickly and voiced out her name and rank with enthusiasm. “Private Lightning Spear of the Royal Guard, Solar Division!”

Gene nodded to her and turned his attention to the middle pony, examining the Pegasus. His armor, unlike the Royal’s, looked to be of silver rather than gold, marking him as a Town Guard, possibly from Ponyville. Otherwise, his armor was nearly identical to the Royal’s. He wore his full armor, though there was no illusion present, as he expected. His coat was a muddy brown in contrast to the silver, his gray mane finished the muted colors. He wielded blade wings and two hoof blades were clipped to his armor. As with Lightning, his Mark was covered. Unlike Lightning, he spoke with a much calmer tone. “Private Soaring Fury of the Town Guard, Ponyville Sector.”

The virus nodded again and turned his attention to the Earth pony, who seemed like a Juggernaut compared to the others. His solid steel armor covered him from his tail to his muzzle, with clear crystal-covered slits for his eyes to see out of. The armor was segmented into plates, with smaller plates covering the joints to add a little more armor while attempting to retain the full range of movement. His weapon was a single, large warhammer slung across his back. Gene couldn’t quite see his coat nor his mane, but his eyes were a light brown. He seemed to mull over his words for a moment, then spoke with a deep voice. “Private Iron Wall of the Equestrian Rangers.”

Gene felt his eyes widen momentarily before he forced them back to normal. There’s no way in hell it’s that easy! Of all the Rangers to be stationed here, it’s Iron Wall! Damn this world and its coincidences!

“Welcome to the Peace Estate, or the Everfree Expedition Staging Point, as it’s publicly known.” Gene said, not allowing his emotions to show. “I’ll leave Private Night Shine to get you set up in your rooms and explain what you’ll be doing here. I’ll be honest, it’s not much. Mostly, you’ll be doing what you’re used to. Protecting the town.”

Then he turned his attention to Iron Wall. “Private Wall, I recommend heading to Golden Oaks Library once you’ve settled in.”

“What about shifts, sir?” Lightning asked.

“Since we’re working in conjunction with the Town Guard already established in Ponyville.” He started with a nod to Soaring Fury. “The shifts won’t be as long or as often as you’re expecting, with the exception of when we have a guest. The schedule will be ready in a few days, each of you receiving a copy. It’ll change as new Guards and Rangers arrive as well, so expect updates.”

“And until the schedule is ready?” Fury asked. “What do we do?”

“Think of it as a few days off to rest, relax, and learn your surroundings. Private Lightning, I know you don’t know your way around Ponyville like you do Canterlot. Get a map from Town Hall and study it. Private Iron, feel free to take a look at the surrounding lands. I know the Rangers are more effective in the wild than in the city, so expect assignments related to that. You should get to know each other as well. You’ll be working together fr some time.”

The three nodded and went inside, led by Private Night Shine. When they left, Snow walked out of the house and came to his side, nuzzling him gently. “That went well.”

“I think so, too. As is, I don’t think we’ll have trouble with them.” Gene said.

“I agree. I sensed no distrust or hate from them. They’re prepared to work, and to do so professionally.” Snow added.

“Good.” Gene said, planting a gentle kiss on Snow’s muzzle. Gene pulled back after a moment only to be surprised when Snow followed him and kissed him again, more passionately then before. The virus returned the enthusiasm likewise, no complaints to be given. Only after she had her fill did she pull back, a light green blush on her muzzle.

“Thank you.” Snow said softly before he could say anything. Gene just gave her a confused look, not quite understanding what she was getting at.

“For what?”

“For caring for me like you do. Nopony else has.” She replied honestly only to pause at the stern look he leveled her way.

“Snow, you have an entire Hive that cares for you. Please don’t say that again.”

The Changeling rolled her eyes and lightly smacked his head with her wing. “Romantically, you fool. You’re the only one who cares for me romantically. There are plenty of Changelings who care for me platonically or familiarly, I know, but you are the only one who is romantically interested in me. Maybe it’s not love, not yet, but I hope it will be one day.”

Gene just leaned forward and nuzzled her, just as she had done to him earlier. “We shouldn't be in any hurry, Snow. We have all the time we need to grow closer.”

Snow enjoyed the slow nuzzle she was receiving, their soft fur rubbing softly against the other’s. After a moment, Snow dropped her head and gently nipped his neck, then stepped back as his entire body froze for a moment. “Snow…”

“I did that.” She said smugly. “What do you plan to do about it?”

Gene recovered slightly, though he couldn’t help the burning lust he felt at her show of affection. He walked forward slowly until their chests were touching, his head resting slightly higher than hers. He leaned down partly, then darted forward and nipped her own neck, using his abilities to ignite every pleasure point in her neck, causing her to gasp and freeze. Her joints locked up as her eyes went wide at the pleasure flowing over her. Then he let go and stepped back, returning her earlier grin with his own. “That.”

Then he turned slightly and walked through the gate, heading toward Ponyville. Snow stared in shock for a moment, then quickly caught up to him. “That was dirty, using your powers like that.”

“Yep. Teasing’s a bitch, isn’t it?” Gene asked with a small smile, seeing Snow glare at him from his side. “Of course, that makes it all the better when the teasing ends.”

“Hmm.” Snow hummed as she thought about that.

Gene couldn’t help the grin that crossed his muzzle. “Be careful with your fantasies. You don’t want other ponies knowing what you’re thinking of.”

That snapped her out of it and she discreetly casted a spell, stopping her arousal before it had a chance to begin. A quick glance and Snow was convinced even Gene hadn’t noticed her excited state, though he definitely knew what she had been thinking of.

“You know, if you are ready for ‘quality alone time’ with me, all you have to do is tell me. I’m not shy and we’re both mature. We’re not two teenagers giving in to hormones.” Gene said offhandedly, making Snow stumble and blush.

“W-what? But ponies only mate with those they-” Snow started only to be interrupted by Gene.

“Ponies, Snow. I’m not a pony. Yeah, we’ve been together for two weeks. ‘Mating,’ as you put it, this early would be unusual for humans and ponies. I’m done comparing myself to a human, though, and I’m not a pony.” Gene said as they continued walking toward Ponyville.

“Why haven’t you tried to do anything, then?” Snow asked curiously, though still slightly embrassed. She may have been several hundred years old but she had never had a mate, whether as a Changeling or as a pony. She had fooled around with a few ponies in the past while disguised but she had never let it progress past foreplay, though she had toyed with the idea of an heir once or twice.

“Because I’m still not quite sure how fast or slow you want to go with this. I’m a virus and you’re immortal. We have literally all the time in the world, so I’m in no hurry to progress our relationship. If you’re ready for intimacy, then I’m on board. If you want to wait, I’ll happily do so.” He answered honestly.

Snow was silent for a moment, clearly thinking. Gene led the way, content to let her think. There was simply no way in hell he was going to pressure her and possibly ruin the relationship they had. Sure, he made jokes about sex, was honest, and didn’t try to hide his lust for her whenever she would feed on his neck, but he was serious. He would wait as long as she needed, even if it was for a hundred years.

Gene cracked a small smirk. Though I’d be rather pent up by then.

They continued walking for several minutes. When they were only a minute or so from the border of Ponyville, Snow spoke. “Jay?”

The virus stopped and turned to face her, dropping the fake name for the time being. “Yeah, Chryssi?”

“I don’t think I’m ready. Not yet.” Snow said, looking down at the ground slightly.

Seeing that, her nervousness and worry, he couldn’t help but think that, even though she was a immortal mare, she was still a mare who worried about such mundane things as disappointing her special someone. Jay stepped forward and gently kissed her, showing that there were no hard feelings. She returned it, relieved, only for the two to part some seconds later and he spoke. “Then I’ll wait. There’s no shame in wanting to wait and be sure you want to give that part of yourself to me. Just because I made my decision fast doesn’t mean you have to as well. This doesn’t affect how I feel for you, Chryssi.”

She smiled at him, content to know he would wait for as long as she needed. “Thank you, Jay.”

Another quick kiss only made her smile more, and made him smile too. With a gesture of his head, the two continued on toward Ponyville, arriving at the edge of town a minute or two later. After waving to two ponies he recognized, Gene turned to Snow. “Why don’t we go to the park and relax for a while?”

Snow raised an eyebrow toward him. “I thought you had something to do?”

“Nope. I have absolutely no plans for today.” Gene said in reply.

The Changeling blinked twice. “But you started walking like you were in a hurry…”

“I just walk fast, and it’s even easier to walk fast with four legs.” Gene said.

“But…” Snow began to say, stopping when Gene leaned forward and kissed her once again.

“I have literally no plans. Now that we are both in Ponyville, do you want to do something to relax? It doesn’t have to be the park, that was just my suggestion.” Gene said softly, a genuine smile on his muzzle.

Snow sighed and leaned into his side for a moment, then spoke. “The park sounds fine. It’ll be nice to relax with you without having to worry about anything.”

Gene nodded, agreeing completely with her sentiment. It would be nice to be able to relax without anypony knocking on the gate, or thinking about the new Guards.

Twenty minutes was all it took to make it to one of the smaller, more secluded parks. A small, solid fence kept ponies from looking in, though there were several entrances around the park. Sporadic hedges were planted around the park, breaking the line of sight of other ponies in the park. It seemed like the entire park was built around giving the visitors privacy.

Gene loved it.

Snow couldn’t help but agree with him as they reclined on a small blanket she had summoned with her magic; after making sure nopony was around, of course. Gene was lying on his back and her head was on his chest as she listened to him breath. She could hear his heartbeat and feel the warmth of his blood, all of which surprised her partially. Snow knew that, if she had his powers, she would remove those organs to remove the weakness, and to allow her to make her body stronger. She wasn’t quite sure why he kept them. Then it hit her.

It was for her. Gene knew he would be uncomfortable to lie on if he was cold, silent, and as hard as steel. Instead, he was warm and soft, making Snow comfortable as she relaxed to the sound of his breathing. His eyes were closed, a fact she proved with a quick glance, and he seemed utterly content to simply lie there. Snow felt herself drifting off slowly as she relaxed, but she didn’t quite want to go to sleep.

“Gene?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you tell me something about you? Something you haven’t told me before?”

“Like what?” Gene asked curiously, his eyes opening as he looked to her.

“What’s something you discovered in your work?” Snow asked.

Gene hummed for a moment, thinking about it. Then he decided the story he would tell her and started speaking. “For a few years, I was known as the man who devised a way to discover the Graviton, which is the particle that is responsible for gravity.”

“Only a few years? What happened?” Snow asked, intrigued.

“Well, my theory was sound. Dozens of other scientists had checked my work, and it all made sense. Theoretically. Our technology was simply not advanced enough to prove it, but the theory remained sound for half a decade. Eventually, another theory was developed called ‘String Theory.’ The problem is, it proved part of my theory wrong.” Gene said.

“But the String Theory is a theory itself, how could it prove you wrong?”

“Because it explained several phenomenon in our world, a decade and a half of research supported it, and our machines began to actually detect it’s mechanics. My theory was dismissed, but I certainly wasn’t forgotten.” Gene explained.

“Why?”

Gene smirked to her. “Because my theory built the groundworks for String Theory. Remember, it proved only part of my theory wrong. The other half was proven, which was the half that String Theory was built on.”

“That must have been upsetting.” Snow said slowly. “A theory based off of yours proved part of your theory wrong.”

“Nah, I wasn’t upset.” Gene said. “It didn’t bother me. I’d prefer to further science than always be right, though I generally won't turn down a chance to be right.”

“So you don’t mind others speaking out against your theories?” Snow asked curiously.

“Not at all, Snow, as long as they can support their theories. If someone comes up with an idea and then tries to prove it using observations and experimentation, I don’t care if it goes against what I think or have found. Most likely, I’d work with them to try to find a solution, since two conflicting theories usually means one of us is wrong.”

Snow blinked at that, slightly confused by his wording. “‘Usually?’”

“Yeah, there’s a phenomenon where two opposite, contradictory explanations are completely true.” Gene said simply.

The Changeling straightened up more and turned to face him fully. “You can’t just say that and not explain it! What’s the phenomenon?”

The virus smiled sheepishly at her. “I’m not sure I can explain it in a way you’d understand entirely. You’d get the concept of it, but not the how. Equestrian technology, particularly in Physics, seems to be decades, if not a century, behind humanity’s.”

Snow just smiled at him. “I can definitely try. This is something you love, Jay, and I know you love talking about it. Maybe I won’t fully understand it, but I’ll try.”

Gene leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her muzzle. “That’s true, there’s no doubt.”

Then he collected his thought. “Essentially, the energies of the universe exist in a state known as ‘duality.’ It means they exist as both a wave of energy and a particle of matter at the same time, which should be impossible. Waves aren’t physical; you can’t touch them, but the energy can affect you. On the other hand, particles are solid; you can touch them, manipulate them, and feel them. The most common example of a duality is light. It’s an wave, hence color spectrum and solar energy, but it’s also a particle. That’s why, if a light beam hits a wall, it doesn’t go through it like energy does. It hits it and refracts, which is caused by the particles bouncing off the wall.”

“That’s…you were right, that’s a little hard to fully comprehend.” Snow said after a moment.

“I’m also not really that good of a teacher. I never had been, even in school.” Gene added, making Snow nod in understanding. After a moment, her eyes lit up as a thought struck her.

“So you say that all energy is also a particle?”

“Theoretically. We have evidence for it for a few energies, but we haven’t found the particle for others, like gravity.” Gene answered.

“What about magic?” Snow asked. “It’s an energy, like waves of electricity and pure heat, but it’s also solid, like shields and constructs. Would magic have a particle?”

Gene’s eyes widened for a moment as he considered it. After a moment of thinking, he spoke. “I don’t think so...not a normal particle, at least. Magic let’s a Unicorn affect gravity, but there’s a particle for that. Magic controls light, but that’s what photons do. Magic controls heat, but there’s supposed to be a particle for that already. Maybe the particle for magic is something entirely different? A particle humanity isn’t even capable of thinking of because of the lack of magic?”

“Or maybe it’s a collection of particles.” Snow said, thinking of what she knew of molecules and the atomic makeup of the world.

“A molecule.” Gene said, humming slightly. “A collection of particles combining the Elementary Particles in a configurations that allows Unicorns and other magic-wielding species to manipulate the world.”

“How would it work, though?” Snow thought aloud, beginning to enjoy thinking with Gene about it. She understood why he had dedicated his life to it before he was changed. “Maybe the molecule can be manipulated depending on which particle is needed?”

“Possibly? Focus on photons to manipulate light, and gravitons to change gravity. It would make sense. The only downside is that, to understand the magic particle, we’d need to find and study the particle for almost every energy in existence. That includes the theoretical ‘Dark Energy.’”

“We?” Snow asked, a little shocked.

Gene smirked in amusement. “Of course ‘we.’ I’d have never thought of this before if it wasn’t for you, Chryssi. There’s no way in hell I’d have considered a magic particle.”

“Why not?” She asked.

“Magic is considered the opposite of science on Earth. I doubt I would have ever started thinking of magic in a scientific way, so I would never have considered a particle responsible for magic. That was all you, Chryssi.” Gene explained.

Snow smiled softly and nuzzled Gene, happy to have been able to contribute something to his musings. She was no scientist; she was a magic-wielder and a politician, though she was able to forget that latter while she was around him, no matter his form. “Happy to have been able to help.”

The Earth pony’s solid hoof came down solidly on the oak door thrice, knocking loudly. Knowing it was a public space, Iron Wall entered the library without waiting for a reply. Shelves of books and wooden decor greeted his eyes, as he expected. A desk near the door was likely the checkout station, though he didn’t see the librarian. He saw a small bell on the desk and deciding to press it, the metal ringing echoing through the silent library.

From upstairs, he heard a slight thud as something was dropped, or somepony fell, and hoofsteps on the wood as somepony, Iron assumed the librarian, walked out of their room and onto the staircase. The Ranger felt himself tense slightly as the librarian spoke, her voice undoubtedly familiar. “Coming!”

Impossible. It can’t be her. He thought to himself as he considered leaving before she came down the stairs. Then a memory flashed before his eyes and he relaxed, deciding to at least get an answer as to why she had ignored him for so long before finally moving away.

Twilight came down her stairs, slightly surprised that she actually had a guest at the library. Considering that the pony had rang the service bell, it clearly wasn’t one of her friends. For a moment, she entertained the idea of it being Gene but ultimately dismissed it; he would usually call out for her instead of using the bell. When she reached the bottom, she was surprised to see a large Earth Pony, nearly the size of Big Macintosh. Then it struck her who it was.

For a time, she was speechless. He seemed to be too, if his opening and closing mouth was any indication. Neither of them knew what to say and both of them knew it. Mustering her courage, she forced herself to speak, though it came out hesitantly and weak. “I-Iron?”

“Ms. Sparkle.” He said in the same baritone voice she remembered, her voice having snapped him out of his inaction.

“W-what are you doing here?” Twilight asked slowly.

“I’ve been assigned a station at the Expedition Point.” He answered simply. “Can we talk?”

“Y-yes! Let me put some tea on!” Twilight said loudly, thankful for the distraction as she teleported into the kitchen to set the tea to boil. Ten minutes later, she and Iron sat at the kitchen table, each nursing a cup of tea. Momentarily, she was grateful that Spike was over at Rarity’s rather than being here.

“Why?” Iron asked simply, taking a small sip from his tea. He forced himself to keep his calm facade, although he was shaking from a mixture of nervousness and anger inside.

Twilight didn’t need to ask what he meant. “I didn’t know.”

“How?” He asked, looking up from the wood grains in the table. “I wasn’t exactly subtle with my affections. Years of gifts, presents, and even asking you out to dates and you didn’t know?”

“I was too focused on my studies and not focused enough on other ponies.” She said softly. “I’m not a sociable pony and I was too blind to notice!”

“That’s an understatement.” Iron said with a snort as he felt his anger rise, then drop off suddenly, replaced by a calm understanding.

“I didn’t find out until after I left Canterlot at the Princess’s behest. Princess Cadence eventually told me and I rushed back to Canterlot, trying to find you.” Twilight explained helplessly.

“But I had already joined the Rangers.” Iron guessed calmly, to which Twilight nodded. “Why did you look for me?”

“I wanted to apologize. I wanted to explain myself.” Twilight told him sincerely, then added softly. “I wanted to see where it would go.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing it myself.” Iron commented idly, though he felt strange. Moments ago he had been angry, and now he was considering going to lunch with her. His emotions had flipped fast, but he didn't particularly care.

Twilight blushed deeply, her face turning an even deeper purple. “W-would you like to get s-something to eat and c-catch up?”

Iron let a small smile spread across his face. “I would.”

The two stood up and left the building, tea forgotten as they both began speaking. Outside, a yellow mare with a green mane smiled, quickly writing a letter.

A flash of pink magic later and the letter was gone. The Unicorn left quickly, heading toward the Green Dragon tavern she was staying in for the time being. As she walked, she thought. Princess Cadence had to pull a few strings to get Iron stationed in Ponyville, but it seemed to have worked. A glance down the street showed the Unicorn and Earth pony laughing as she told one of her stories of Ponyville. Shine smiled, hoping she had helped yet another couple find love.

When she arrived in her room, a flash of cerulean magic deposited a letter onto her night stand. Instantly, she crossed the room and opened it.

Love Shine frowned, uncomfortable with the idea of dropping formalities with her Princess. Then she nodded, promising to herself that she would at least try if it was her desire. Putting the letter down, she decided to take a short nap before continuing her mission.

“By Celestia, what happened here?” Corporal Dancer mouthed silently as he and his squadron stood on a rise overlooking the burned out ruins of what was once Trotsdale.

The squadron of Rangers had been on their normal patrol, planning to stop in the town to restock their supplies, when they noticed an eerie silence from ahead of them. To their horror, they found the town had been entirely destroyed, burned to the ground.

“Let’s check it out; look for survivors.” The corporal said as he and his allies steeled themselves. They descended the hill and reached the edge of the town, entering quickly. The blackened wood and buckled steel was cool to the touch, any remaining embers having long since gone out. Whatever happened here was at least a week old, likely two.

“Corporal, look at this.” Private Steel called out and the Pegasus trotted over, looking at the immolated remains of Town Guard armor. Around the molten slag was a large pile of dust and the Ranger had to force himself from throwing up after he realized what had happened to the pony that wore the armor.

Two Pegasi Rangers landed beside him and one began speaking. “Sir, there doesn’t seem to be any survivors. Our initial sweep with the detection crystals found nothing anywhere in the city.”

The corporal nodded. “Begin a manual sweep anyway. We don’t know exactly how reliable the crystals are and I’m not taking any chances.”

The nearby Rangers saluted, clearly happy for his decision. “Yes sir!”

They spread out, beginning to search the town building by burned-out-building. Dancer, instead of searching, pulled out a quill and paper and began writing his preliminary report, leaving space for him to add to it after the search finished. After writing it, he stuffed it back into his saddle and joined his allies in the search.

The pseudo-stinger pierced the Manticore’s hide, forcing it to let out a scream of pain and fear as the horrific venom began doing it’s deadly work. Within moments, the feline’s body was nothing more than mush and energy. The scorpion-like monstrosity inhaled deeply, absorbing the energy. The red light making the celestial hunter pulsed once before the scorpion grew a few extra inches. Done with it’s hunt, the Leonis turned it’s attention northwest and started walking, it’s six legs scuttling across the logs, leaves, and plant matter making up the floor of the Everfree. It followed the signal that had awoken it, the final defense of an Everfree Alpha Wolf.

In the distance, the beast could sense three others of its kind making their way across the massive expanse of Forest, and it could hear a dozen more predators trampling, slithering, crawling, or flying northwest. All ancient predators had answered the call of the Wolf’s Curse. Not all would make it, of course. Infighting was a real problem.

The monster felt a trickle of amusement flow across it’s mind before it was replaced by animalistic anger and hunger. There was no room for higher thought in the celestial. Only disgust existed for those who allowed themselves to grow mentally, like the pathetic Ursas who embraced their intelligence. Disgusting.

Food.

The scorpion felt itself speed up as it caught the whiff of far-off ponies, a delicacy to the beasts of the Inner Forest. It hadn’t felt a hunger like this for thousands of years and it couldn’t even try to slow itself down as it heard it and dozens of others speed up slightly.

Another flicker of amusement passed through the beast as it imagined the screams and sounds of tearing flesh and crunching bones. Acidic saliva dripped onto the Forest floor as it fantasized about the taste of pony-flesh. It couldn’t wait.

It didn’t even notice that it had begun running, racing the dozens of other beasts competing to be the first to the ponies.

Author's Notes:

As always, don't hesitate to tell me what you think or point out errors you've spotted.