4-Party and a Job

Daedalus awoke instantly, as always, and rolled out of bed, landing on four hooves. Taking a split second to smooth the silver coat and dark blue hair, he glanced out the window to see the sun rising.

Turning to the door, he stopped as he saw a piece of paper on the floor, as if it had been slipped under the door. He walked to it and picked it up, noticing the paper was lined with pink. He opened it up and saw the writing was done in pink as well.

Dear Gene Splice,

You've been invited to a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party at Sugarcube Corner, at 7:30 AM. Don't bring anything other than yourself!

~Pinkie Pie

He placed the invitation down before smiling to himself. It seems like Rainbow was right. A party in the morning. Since its so earlier, I should be able to make it easily before I have to meet Dust and finish the knife. Yeah, I'll go. I made a promise too.

He opened the door with a slight smile and walked downstairs, waving at Fire Brand and approaching the counter. "What time is it, Ms. Brand?"

She blinked once, then laughed. "Just call me Fire. Its 7, in the morning, obviously. You got somewhere to be, Gene?"

Daedalus nodded. "Yeah, I've been invited to a party by Pinkie Pie. It's starting in half an hour."

She smiled. "I remember when I had my own party. Truthfully, I've had several. That mare throws a party every chance she gets. You know your way to the Corner?"

He nodded and she continued. "Have fun, then! Give Pinkie my wishes."

"Don't worry, I will." Daedalus said with a smile as he left the Inn. When Daedalus stepped outside, he noticed an immediate lack of ponies. Seven in the morning shouldn't have been as desolate as it was. There should have been ponies around, going about their business, not an abandoned town.

The virus remembered his meeting with Princess Luna and suspected she had something to do with it. Maybe she chose to take care of him, or told the town what he was. Then he remembered the concern she looked at him with, the sadness when she learned he was forced to work for Mercer. He doubted she had anything to do with this.

On guard, he continued through the town, making his way to Sugarcube Corner. He rounded a house and caught sight of the building. Immediately, a curtain jerked as it was closed. Daedalus felt relief flow through him as he realized the party was simply bigger than he expected.

He arrived with more than ten minutes to spare. He stopped outside and listened with his unnatural hearing. He could hear a lot of ponies whispering to themselves before a familiar voice shushed them. "Shush! He might be right outside the door!"

Ironically, she was louder than the others, although quiet enough he shouldn't have been able to hear it, had he been normal. Of course, he wasn't normal. Shrugging, he pushed the door open and stepped into darkness.

Instantly, the lights flickered on. "Surprise!"

"Surprise!" Came an echoing call as Pinkie hopped out from behind a table, making the crowd laugh and the party start.

Chuckling and shaking his head, Daedalus approached Pinkie Pie. Before he could speak, she started talking at a rapid-fire pace. "Were you surprised? I bet you didn't expect so many ponies to come! I hope I got your favorite kind of cake, its chocolate with vanilla frosting! The muffins are banana nut, which I had a feeling you like, so I made plenty."

She likely would have continued if a cyan hoof hadn't covered her mouth, prevented her from speaking. Pinkie tried to continue, but even his hearing could only make out mumbles. Before Daedalus could say anything, Rainbow spoke. "Easy Pinks. You gotta give him time to answer."

Rainbow took her hoof away and wiped it on Pinkie's side. "And don't lick me next time."

She giggled, then snorted, something that made Daedalus crack a smile. "Sorry, Dashie. You know I get excited."

She turned back to the virus, clearly waiting for an answer. "I was surprised, especially since I didn't think this was a surprise party. I do like chocolate and vanilla cake. Banana nut is my favorite, too."

Pinkie's smile was large enough that, for a second, Daedalus thought she was actually an Evolved. Then he realized she was just odd. "I know ponies sometime let it slip out about my parties, so I started inviting them myself, so it isn't a surprise party. But when they get here, I yell 'surprise' anyway because they aren't expecting it!"

Daedalus blinked for a moment. "That's actually rather clever."

She only smiled in reply before a familiar pony approached. "I hope this party wasn't time inconveniently for you, Gene."

Daedalus looked over at Twilight and smiled. "No, it was earlier enough so I won't miss something I need to do later. I doubt this'll last until the afternoon."

Her head tilted, just as Princess Luna's had in his dream the night before. "What do you need to do?"

"Ms. Coal Dust is testing me to see if she'll hire me or not to help her around the shop. I forged a kitchen knife yesterday, and need to finish it up today." He explained.

"Good to hear you aren't forgetful." He heard a feminine voice say as Coal Dust approached. "That's the biggest problem with ponies trying to work for me. They don't pay attention."

Daedalus raised an eyebrow in reply. "I'm a little surprised you're here."

"When I heard the party was to welcome you, I figured why not. You've found a place to stay?" She asked.

"Yep. The Green Dragon Tavern. Nice place, and Fire Brand is pretty helpful." He replied.

"Hey, Gene?" Rainbow asked in the ensuing silence.

"Yeah, Rainbow?"

"Your cutie mark has nothing to do with a blacksmith, does it?" The cyan mare asked.

Daedalus, Twilight, and Dust chuckled at the familiarity of the question, confusing Rainbow. "Sorry, both Twilight and Ms. Dust have asked similar questions. The multi-colored shape is called DNA, representing life. The sign behind it means hazardous, showing my affinity with the more dangerous creatures of the world. Unfortunately, that isn't much of a job, so I'm grateful I'm good at learning things. Ms. Dust has been kind enough to give me a chance at her shop."

Rainbow nodded before Dust spoke. "He's picked up forging rather quickly, although there is more to it. He just needs to finish the blade. If its done well, he's hired.

She turned her attention to Daedalus, addressing the next part to him. "And stop calling me Ms. Dust! Just Dust is fine!"

That made him laugh. "It seems to me, not too many ponies are keen on formality."

Rainbow cocked her head, an action seemingly a trait amongst ponies. "Why do you speak so formally?"

He shrugged. "I've always been. I'm usually not bad about it unless I meet new ponies. I don't want to accidentally offend."

They started laughing, his caution being something uncommon around here. Rainbow Dash was the one to speak first. "In Ponyville, nopony worries about that. We try to be understanding."

In the following silence, Daedalus remembered something Twilight mentioned before. "Hey, Twilight, you mentioned some friends when we first met. I'm a little interested in meeting them."

She smiled brightly at that, glad to see someone interested in making friends. "You've met two, Rainbow and Pinkie. The others are Applejack, a farmer whose family own Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy, a veterinarian who lives near the Everfree Forest, and Rarity, a seamstress at the Carousel Boutique. They couldn't make it to the party today, but I'm sure you'll meet them another time."

"Looking forward to it." Daedalus mumbled, thinking of the artifacts they had wielded.

Alpha

Daedalus walked into the blacksmith, slightly excited to continue. The virus had to admit that metalworking was something he actually enjoyed, and was curious as to the differences between human and pony tactics. So far, he had seen no differences.

"Right on time, Gene. I'm not surprised." Dust called out, greeting him. The party had ended a couple hours ago, but even before then she had excused herself earlier to work on a project.

When he approached, he noticed the unfinished blade held in place by some clamps attached to the spine. Next to it was a file, leading Daedalus to suspect the next step, which Dust confirmed with her next sentence. "Next step is to file the blade evenly. Take a close look at it and tell me what you see."

Daedalus did so, noticing some things instantly. The first was that the metal was a duller shade than what you would actually see in a kitchen. The second was that the blade was a little rough. Unlikely anyone could hammer a perfectly straight edge.

"Besides the obvious lack of a handle, I've noticed that the metal is rather dull and that the blade is uneven and rough, not straight and sharp." Daedalus said.

"Sarcasm aside, the fact you noticed the dullness is promising. You didn't even know the step and noticed it. However, first, you'll fix the blade. Take the file and grind it even, as much as you can get, but don't worry about sharpening it."

The virus nodded and used his hoof to grab the file, then pressed against the blade and started filing it, the rough sound of metal scraping metal filling the air. As he filed down the metal, he allowed his mind to drift a little. Specifically, to Princess Luna and his dream.

Did she not recognize me? Granted, I was covered in viral plates when we fought, but I figured she would have recognized the blade, or the general body shape.

Although, how much am I going to tell them? I'm not sure how they'll react to the people I've killed, but they may understand that I had no choice. Perhaps they could even be allies. It would be nice to have friends in high places for if I ever get discovered.

Maybe I should just go for it and reveal it all. It would be nice to get it all off my chest, even if they don't understand it or know what I'm talking about.

Then, my immortality. Under Mercer, that wasn't a concern. My death was as possible as a human's, yet not so much now. Am I doomed to walk this world for eternity? If so, I better get to finding a way to kill my own virus strain.

The silver pony pulled the file away, seeing an almost-perfectly even blade. While it hadn't been sharpened as much as it could have been, the blade did have a noticeable edge. Dust examined it before nodding. "Good work. You see that crystal on the table?"

Daedalus followed her hoof and saw the pulsing gem he had examined before. When he nodded, she continued. "Go tap the blade to it. The magic will harden the metal enough to be durable while still soft enough to flex and be sharpened."

He unclasped the blade and carried it by the tang to the crystal before tapping the point against it, watching in interest as the gray energy coated the metal before fading. Looking closer, he noticed it was no longer dull and had actually before the bright sheen expected of kitchen knives. He was aware of Dust speaking. "Be careful with metal around that. It'll harden any metal touched to it, whether you wanted it hardened or not."

Daedalus turned around and brought the blade back before replying. "Magic certainly is useful. Hard to imagine what Equestria would be like without Unicorns."

She scoffed, but had a smile. "Not as bad as it would be without Earth Ponies."

Then she gestured to a small box made of bricks. "I prepared that earlier. Place to blade in it and let it stay for about an hour. That'll provide the final temper. After that, you'll attach a handle and sharpen it. I can say right now, you're definitely hired. I only had to explain each step once before you did it perfectly."

At that, Daedalus gave a honest smile. "I'm glad. Metalworking is something I've been interested in for a while, but haven't had a chance to learn." Again, not entirely a lie, yet not the whole truth. Daedalus had been interested in it before his infection, and never truly learned it until the day before. He simply had second-hand memories.

Dust waved him over to a table that had a black plastic square. "While that tempers, I'll show you how to make a handle. First, you..."

Beta

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, Pinkie threw another one of her famous 'Welcome to Ponyville' parties. A new stallion moved to town yesterday and rented a room in the inn.

I met him twice so far and he seems really nice, if a bit formal. In fact, when we first met, he called me 'Ms. Sparkle." He did the same with Rainbow Dash and Coal Dust (town metalworker).

Gene Splice told me he lived in a forest, away from any ponies, most of his life. I don't know how he was able to, ponies are a herd mentality species. This was shown by him saying he grew to miss company and chose to live in a small town.

I feel he'll be a great addition to the town because he's been kind to everypony and already has a job with Coal Dust.

Oh! Before I forget, can you tell me what a 'DNA strand' and 'Biohazard sign' are? They are his cutie mark, but no book I have describe or even mention them. He said they represent life and danger, respectively.

~Your student,

Twilight Sparkle

Celestia set the letter down with a smile, the golden glow of her magic fading away. It had been a while since she received a letter from her student, and she was glad to hear from her, even if it was about a new stallion in town. Heh, maybe she'll find a nice stallion soon.

The white marble door to her room opened and a familiar dark blue alicorn entered, closing the door behind her with her own blue magic. Luna walked over to her sister with a yawn before sitting down on the white bed, feeling her body sink into the comforter slightly. She then proceeded to flop on her back, wings stretched, hooves in the air, and eyes closed.

Celestia giggled at her sister's actions, then leaned down to nuzzle the blue mare. "Did you sleep well, sister?"

Luna cracked one eye open and gave a grunt, then hummed as Celestia ran a hoof through the feathers in her wing, sparking a unique feeling gifted only to those with the appendages. She smiled up at the alabaster mare above her, receiving a warm one in return, right before Celestia leaned down, the end of her muzzle brushing against Luna's. Soon after, their lips met.

Seconds later, Celestia pulled away, laughing behind her hoof when Luna's muzzle tried to follow. Quelling her humor, she spoke. "You need to attend night court, Lulu."

The Night Maiden flipped over onto her stomach, her hooves folded underneath her, and let her gaze wander over the room. Her eyes soon landed on the letter, and her curious face led Celestia to answer the unasked question.

"Its from my student, Twilight. A new stallion arrived in town. From what I can tell, he's kind, if formal, and has a strange cutie mark." Celestia explained. "They had his 'Welcome to Ponyville' party earlier today and it seems he's already employed."

"Sounds like a good stallion. Mayhaps you are hoping for Twilight to discover another, as of yet unexplored, aspect of friendship? I'm also curious as to what you mean by how cutie mark being strange."

"Well, if he and Twilight discover some feelings, then by all means, I wish them a happy time, as well as another other mares he may court. As for his cutie mark, it apparently consists of a DNA strand and biohazard symbol, neither of which I've heard of before. The biohazard, though, seems rather self-explanatory."

"Dangerous life." Luna said.

"Literally, if it can be taken at face value." Celestia said.

Luna thought for a moment, before realizing that Celestia left out a piece of information. "Pray tell, what is the stallion's name?"

"Gene Splice." The solar sister said after checking the letter again. She noticed the look of recognition on her sister's face. "You know him?"

Try as she might, she couldn't keep the slight tone of jealousy out of her voice at the thought. Luna, of course, noticed and giggled lightly. She leaned forward and kissed Celestia again, then nuzzled her when she pulled away. "Nay, you are mine, and I yours. I would never have a lover without your knowledge, acceptance, and presence."

Celestia blushed lightly, her cheeks turning a light pink. "You would only date a male if it was a herd and I a member?"

She nodded resolutely. "For thousands of years, we have been all the other had. Mortal suitors have grown old and died while we remained together. We may have a relationship that the world wouldn't agree with, but it has kept us away from insanity and loneliness. I will not abandon that for a stallion, even an immortal one."

Luna's words warmed her heart as she moved beside her sister, a wing covering the night mare. They nuzzled, taking comfort in each other's presence as they had for thousands of years, before Celestia leaned in to Luna's ear and whispering, "Now, about Gene Splice."

Celestia giggled again as the dark ear flicked from her breath as Luna spoke. "In the dream world last night, I came across a strange dream. It was structured with the rigidness of a memory rather than the fluid motion of a dream. The 'rememberer,' as it may be, was a species I had never before seen. It was bipedal and looked similar to a minotaur, except smaller and frailer, and with far less hair."

"I spoke to him, questioning him about his species. He didn't answer my questions, only introducing himself as Daedalus. He told me that he'll come her in a week and he'll explain then." Luna said.

"This is good to know, but what does this have to do with Gene Splice?" Celestia interjected.

"The Evolved, as he said he was, said to expect the name Gene Splice."

"And yet, his own name is Daedalus."

"Yes."

Celestia thought for a moment, then continued. "I'll let the guards know that if either arrive, to bring them to me."

She felt Luna shift under her wing. "I would like to be there as well."

She looked down at her sister. "Why? Chances are, he'll come during the day, while you sleep."

Luna huffed. "I don't always sleep during the day, just as you don't always during the night."

Then her eyes softened. "In the memory, I saw himself with a blade."

"So?"

Luna's wing drifted up, lightly brushing the severed tip of the solar mare's horn. "The exact same blade as the one that did this to you. It even was growing from his arm."

Celestia frowned, deep in thought. She stayed that way for a few minutes, then replied. "I believe we should listen to him. The being that attacked did not speak to us, rather try to kill us instantly. Not to mention being turned to stone by the Elements of Harmony. If he was released, and wishes to speak with us, I believe he deserves a chance. I'll have the guards awaken you, and be prepared in case he does try something."

Luna nodded, satisfied. "I'll check the old castle later, to see if the statue has changed. If it has, Daedalus just may be the beast from before."

Luna made her way out of Celestia's wing and off the bed, facing the door. She looked over her shoulder at her sister and spoke. "I really do need to attend night court now. I'll tell you my findings in the morning, so sweet dreams sister."

She received a yawn and smile. "Good night, Luna."

The blue mare flicked her sister's nose with her tail and sauntered away, her flank swaying and wings bobbing as she walked. Then she was gone. Celestia continued to stare at the door before whispering to herself. "Sweet Mother, I love that mare.

Delta

Princess Luna stood in the ruins of her old castle, staring at the previous location of the statue of the beast. Not even a single piece of rubble or dust remained. No magic she had could track the being, nor the statue. In her mind, this proved that Daedalus was the beast that hurt Celestia.

Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the ground, anger hiding in the teal orbs. "Whenever he shows up, he better apologize and have a bucking good reason for hurting her. If he doesn't, I hope he enjoys gray dust, for that's all he'll see for a thousand years."

Turning, she teleported away, leaving behind the remains of an age long past.