Chapter 7

715 years ago: Outside Starswirl the Bearded’s cabin, Kingdom of Equestria

By all accounts Starswirl couldn’t have been more proud of his son. Over the past ten years he’d trained the colt in various forms of magic and not surprisingly Frostmere was more gifted as a ten year old colt than his adult counterparts were at twice his age. Not only was Frostmere incredibly gifted in magic but he seemed to have a knack for learning, he loved to read and acquired knowledge at a frighteningly fast pace. He was reading works at the Canterlot University level at only ten. Despite his gifts and with the help of the amulet, Frostmere still had some difficulty controlling his raw magical power. On more than one occasion the colt had accidently destroyed things due to a loss in concentration. One time he had accidently set fire to a poor earthpony’s barn while trying to help the farmer make hay bales. Luckily, Starswirl had been there as well and put out the fire before it could consume the entire barn. Oddly enough the farmer seemed to appreciate the help despite the accident and he forgave the colt, knowing that magic could sometimes be an unpredictable force. Starswirl had set up a long row of candles outside so that Frostmere could practice lighting them with magic fire. In this instance he wanted Frostmere to light only the wicks of the candles without burning the entire candle itself. This would teach the young colt how to exercise greater control.

“Magic can sometimes be a sword to destroy your enemies or it can be a needle to sew your cloak, however one can never sew a cloak with a sword. Frostmere, the reason I have brought you out here is because you need to learn how to use your magic in a more concentrated manner. While you excel at destruction magic, sometimes there will be instances where you need to be more subtle. I want you to light only the wick of the candle, without destroying the rest of the candle.”

Frostmere grinned. “This shall be easy as stealing candy from a foal.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure my child, it is far more difficult to limit the amount of magic you use than firing it in aggressive bursts.”

There were five candles lined up on an elevated wooden platform, Starswirl had erected a barrier around the area just in case of any magical mishaps. He really didn’t want to have to explain to Princess Celestia why half of the Everfree Forest was burned to the ground. Frostmere’s horn glowed blue as he concentrated on lighting the first candle. The candle exploded into a giant blue fireball. Frostmere gritted his teeth in frustration.

“Hahaha, see child I told you it wasn’t so easy. You’re concentrating too much power on the candle, just imagine your magic as a giant ball of gas then condense it mentally into a ball of water.”

Frostmere tried to light the second candle, this time the wick lit but it melted half the candle down due to the intensity of the flame’s heat.

“You’re beginning to understand the minimization property but you still need to dull the flame’s heat. One you compress the magic imagine a cool breeze or a winter morning’s frost.”

Frostmere did as his father commanded and concentrated on the third candle. A small blue flame lit the wick. The flame was hot enough to burn the wick but did not melt the candle. Just for good measure he lit the remaining candles in a similar manner.

Starswirl came over to Frostmere and ruffled his mane. “Excellent my boy, you’ve got it! Son, you never cease to amaze me with your natural affinity for magic. I swear you shall become a court mage by the time you are fifteen.”

“It was as you said father, I just imagined a frosty breeze and after that it became easier.”

“I’m so proud of you; how about as a reward we go into town and buy you a treat?”

Frostmere’s eyes lit up. “Ooohh I would love that! Can I get one of those zebra lollipops?”

Starswirl laughed. “Of course son, pick any kind you want.”

Starswirl and Frostmere teleported to the Canterlot Market District and found the local confection shop. It was a rather plain looking building but it sold the finest sweets in the whole kingdom. The candy shop was run by an eccentric zebra by the name of Zel’ kek. While contact with the zebra nation was not entirely unheard of, it was unusual to see one take residence in Canterlot. Initially Zel’ kek was looked upon with suspicion and even fear, but eventually the community warmed up to him especially its younger residents.

Zel’ kek was standing behind the counter filling some glass jars with various hard candies, whistling some exotic tune. He heard the doorbell ring as Frostmere and Starswirl entered the shop. Zel’ kek spoke in a deep guttural accent. “Ah a fine day to you Milord. What brings ya to my humble shop?”

“Hello Zel’ kek, I came here to buy a treat for my son. He’s been doing very well with his magical training and I felt he deserved a bit of a treat.”

Zel’ kek let out a booming laugh. “Glad to hear the lad is doin’ well in his studies. What will he be havin’?”

“Oh I believe he shall want one of your famous lollipops. You know his favorite flavor is raspberry, I suspect he loves raspberries because I put them his oatmeal from time to time. He wouldn’t touch the oatmeal if there wasn’t any fruit in it. He comes by it honestly; I hate bland food as well.”

“One raspberry lollipop comin’ right up!” Zel’ kek went over to a display case full of various lollipops and selected one that was dark purple. It was circular and had a large swirl in the middle. He handed the lollipop to an excited Frostmere. “Don’t eat that too quick lad, wouldn’t want ya to break your teeth, and don’t worry about the bits Milord it’s on the house today.”

Starswirl bowed slightly. “Are you sure I can’t pay you, that lollipop certainly took quite a bit of time and love to craft.”

Zel’ kek grinned. “Nope, it’s yours. I’m just doin’ my good deed for the day. It’s zebra tradition to commit at least one act of charity a day, it invites good spirits.”

“Thank you again Zel’ kek, I promise the next time you need herbs they will be free of charge.”

Starswirl and Frostmere walked down the cobblestone street entering the open market. It was around midday and many of the merchants were hawking various foodstuffs. A pink coated mare with red-blue highlights in her mane and tail sporting a cornucopia cutie mark was selling fruits and vegetables. Her stall was almost empty, suggesting that she had sold quite a bit of her wares to the hungry ponies of Canterlot. Suddenly, her shouts of advertisement were transformed into shouts of terror as a raggedly dressed earth pony came at her with a knife in his hoof.

“Give me your bits or die wench!”

The food vendor tried in vain to resist the thief as he dodged all of her kicks. Whoever the thief was, this was not his first attempt at armed robbery. He then kicked her in the mouth and slashed her leg so she couldn’t get up. The thief then stole her bag of bits and began to run.

Through sobbing cries the merchant yelled. “Somepony please help me, I’ve been robbed!”

Most of the ponies in the square noticed the struggle but did nothing to stop the theft or help the injured mare. The guards seemed to be nowhere in sight. Frostmere noticed the thief run into the alley and he pursued. Frostmere then blasted the thief’s leg with a blue fire ball, causing him to stumble onto the ground. A look of pure hatred filled Frostmere’s eyes.

Frostmere growled in a voice that should have belonged to a monster not a ten year old colt. “How…dare you do that to her, you filthy slug. I should roast you alive for what you did.”

The thief had a look of terror on his face. “Alright I-I’m sorry…here’s the bits just take them. I swear I won’t do it again.”

The thief’s cowardice further fueled Frostmere’s rage. His horn glowed dark blue as he levitated the thief in the air. “You are the absolute worst possible gutter scum, attacking an innocent mare. If that wasn’t bad enough you turn into a coward as soon as someone stands up to you. What a waste of flesh…”

Frostmere started slamming the thief into the wall of the alley repeatedly. The blunt force of the impact breaking bones and causing blood to spill out the thief’s mouth. The thief cried in agony for several moments until Starswirl arrived on the scene.

Starswirl shot a concussive blast at Frostmere to stun him, while using the Canterlot voice to augment his shout. “FROSTMERE STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!”

Starswirl cast a stasis field around the thief so that he wouldn’t die from the shock of his injuries or blood loss. He then summoned the guards to take the thief away, in order to treat injuries and incarcerate the criminal as well.

Starswirl trotted over to a slightly stunned Frostmere and put his hooves on the colt’s shoulders. “Why did you do something so reckless? You could have been stabbed, maimed, or worse yet killed. Not only that, but you very nearly killed that earthpony!”

Frostmere scowled at Starswirl. “That wretch deserved it. He robbed an innocent merchant and a mare no less.”

“Frostmere, I appreciate that you wanted to help that mare and see justice served but that thief didn’t deserve to be killed over it.”

“Didn’t he father? Nopony else seemed to care about the robbery. The guards seemed content to do nothing as well. I took action because I had the power to stop him! His death would have served as an example so other ponies…”

Starswirl interrupted Frostmere. “The guards can’t be everywhere at once, you know that. As for nopony doing anything, that is unfortunate but the thief had a weapon. It was simply a matter of ponies wanting to avoid injury.”

“That’s just the point father. We shouldn’t need to fear criminals. If Princess Celestia just had more harsh laws and greater guard patrols this wouldn’t happen. It amazes me how soft she is sometimes.”

“Frostmere, a sovereign who rules with an iron hoof is just a tyrant. Kings and queens need to temper their laws so that their population isn’t constantly living in fear. Running a country is all about balancing justice and mercy. Princess Celestia tries her best to run this kingdom and we should be grateful to live here.”

“She doesn’t try hard enough. If I ruled Equestria there would be guards in the streets to ensure no pony is ever robbed and I would enact punishments to enforce the law.” Frostmere spat.

Starswirl sighed. “Come Frostmere, let’s give the merchant her bits back and go home. It has been a taxing day. I’m sure once we get back to the cabin you will cool off; I’ll even make some herbal tea.”

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Present Day: Sugarcube Corner, Equestria

Iron Cross and Applejack made their way to Sugarcube Corner for their planned “hook-up” party hoping that the celebration wouldn’t get too out of hoof. Supposedly only Applejack’s closest friends were invited. They included: Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash. Iron Cross was glad that so few ponies would be attending, because he wasn’t much of a party animal himself but he did enjoy his alcohol. While he wasn’t always the life of the party he could hold his liquor like a sailor on shore leave. He would drink like a fish tonight that much was certain.

The outside of Sugarcube Corner was decorated with a large banner showing a picture of Applejack on one side and Iron Cross on the other. In the middle of the banner was a huge pink heart and in multi-colored lettering above, it said “Congratulations to AJ and IC”. As they entered the parlor Iron Cross heard a large bang and instinctively grabbed Applejack by the neck and threw himself to the ground.

All of the ponies in the room stared at Iron Cross and Applejack with looks of confusion and horror. “Iron, why in tarnation did ya do that for?”

Iron Cross blushed. “Oh…I’m sorry it’s just a force of habit from the war.”

Pinkie Pie was standing next to a silver cannon with pink wheels, confetti covering the floor. Her usually frizzy pink mane was completely flat, she wore a look of regret on her face. “That was super mean of me Iron, I forgot about the whole war thing. We ponies don’t usually get shot at so…sorry.”

Iron Cross let out a nervous laugh. “It’s alright Pinkie I know you were just trying to have fun. Just warn me next time you use a party canon.”

“I’m gonna go over yonder and chat with Twi, why don’t ya go introduce yerself ta Rainbow Dash?”

Iron Cross made his way over to the counter, usually used to seat customers in the bakery but today it was fashioned into a makeshift bar. A cyan coated pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail sat fidgeting on one of the stools. He looked over and saw Applejack downing a tankard of what looked like hard cider while chatting with Twilight. This was probably going to be awkward but he might as well chat with Rainbow Dash.

“Hello my name is Iron Cross. I presume you are Rainbow Dash?”

The cyan mare grinned. “Yeah I’m Rainbow Dash, the most awesome flier in all Equestria, inventor of the sonic rainboom, and future member of the wonderbolts.”

“Applejack told me about you Ms. Dash, I’m sorry that I didn’t introduce myself earlier I was busy working at the time.”

Rainbow Dash snickered. “It’s alright, me and Applejack were plenty entertained then.”

Iron Cross shot Rainbow Dash a confused look. “Ah that’s a relief. You’ll have to excuse me but I’m just not much of a party animal and I don’t know Applejack’s friends very well.”

“Pfft don’t worry about it. Consider yourself lucky to hang out with such a cool mare. All Applejack ever talks about is farming and Twilight is about as exciting as moss on a boulder. Rarity and Fluttershy tend to chat amongst themselves too.”

“At least I can drink. It’s been ages since I had some good whiskey.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up. “I bucking love whiskey. I didn’t think anypony around here liked it as much as I did. PINKIE GET YOUR PINK FLANK OVER HERE!!!”

Pinkie Pie bounced over from the party canon and threw on a bowtie, seemingly from nowhere. “Hiya Dashie what’ll it be?”

“Iron and I want a bottle of your finest Red Stallion whiskey.”

Pinkie ducked behind the bar producing a large glass bottle with a picture of a Red Stallion on the front. On the bottle it read: “Red Stallion, the finest spiced whiskey in all Equestria. Made by Trot Beam Co. Ltd.”

“Now that’s the stuff, thanks Pinkie!”

Pinkie giggled and bounced away. “Noooooo problemo”

Rainbow dash grabbed a couple of shot glasses and poured a round for herself and Iron Cross. Without a moment’s hesitation they both downed the shots.

Iron Cross whistled. “That is some damn fine whiskey. I have to hand it to you Rainbow Dash, you have excellent taste.”

“Well duh of course I do. By the way just call me Dash, it’s shorter.”

“Say Dash, how’s about we have ourselves a bit of a drinking contest?”

“You’re on!!! First pony to puke or pass out loses.”

Iron Cross and Rainbow Dash were on their tenth shot. Iron Cross was a bit tipsy but not quite drunk yet. “Hmm I guess alcohol affects me even less now that I’m a big ass horse. Dash on the other hand looks drunker than a skunk. She is lighter and smaller than me after all.”

Rainbow Dash was clearly drunk, her eyes were glossy and her wings seemed to sag off to her sides. If that wasn’t proof enough her speech was extremely slurred. “I’mm…not drunk off my fffflank yet. *Hic* You just…want….me to lose. I HATE LOSING!!! I’m mother bucking Flier Dash, the greatest rainbow in aaaallllll Equestria.”

Iron Cross bellowed in laughter. “You sound like one of those damned cocky Luftwaffe pilots, always thinking they were best thing since pork paste. If their dicks were anywhere near the size of their egos they could fuck an elephant.”

“W-what did…you call me? I’m an ELEPHANT NOW?? That’s it you’re…*Hic* asking for a fight buddy.”

Rainbow Dash despite being smaller than Iron Cross and completely drunk, threw a sucker punch at Iron Cross’s face. The hit surprised Iron Cross but he wasn’t upset. He loved bar fights and Dash looked like a scrapper. Iron Cross cracked his neck in anticipation.

“Oh it’s on sister.”

Rarity and Fluttershy were over by the punch bowl watching the drunken brawl between Iron Cross and Rainbow Dash. It didn’t seem like anypony cared to stop them, even Applejack was busy chatting with Twilight chugging down another hard cider.

Rarity let out a groan. “Uggh I swear Fluttershy those two can be such ruffians sometimes. Why can’t we just have a normal party for once?”

“Umm well Rarity…this is one of Pinkie’s parties so aren’t they always like this?”

“Oh I suppose you’re right dear. They just wouldn’t be Pinkie parties without the eccentricities. I dare say I would be bored without the usual antics.”

“Fluttershy did you have any of this delicious punch? It’s the cat’s meow, the flavor is divine with its blend of orange and a slight licorice aftertaste.”

“Oh yes Rarity I had three cups already. I think we really should thank Pinkie for making such delicious punch.”

“I suspect you’re right darling. Oh Pinkie Pie would you please come over here for a moment?”

“Hiya Rarity what’s up?”

“Hello Pinkie Pie you simply must tell me what is in this fabulous punch.”

“Oh that’s Gummy’s favorite punch. I like to call it Green Parasprite Punch. Hmm let’s see it’s got about one fourth orange juice and three fourths Green Pegasus.”

Rarity gave Pinkie Pie a confused look. “Pardon my ignorance dear, but what is Green Pegasus?”

“It’s Absinth silly. It’s a super duper licorice flavored booze that makes you hallucinate. I wouldn’t drink too much punch or you might starting seeing some pretty weird stuff. Ya know it’s weird for as strong as that stuff is, it sure takes a while to kick in. Anyway I gotta go do some dancing. Bye Rarity!”

Rarity stared at her glass of green colored punch in horror. “Sweet Celestia, Fluttershy we’ve already had four glasses of this sludge we really should…”

Rarity was interrupted by Fluttershy nibbling on her hoof. Fluttershy’s bright blue eyes were glassy and she seemed to wobble around while walking. “Rarity you know I’ve always thought you looked like a marshmallow. I bet you taste like one, all soft and squishy.”

“Hahaha I don’t think so darling I assure you that I am one hundred percent mare. I think it’s about time we….OHHHHHH my what are you doing Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy began to lick Rarity’s neck, and then proceeded to nibble on her mane. After she was done nibbling she gave Rarity a long sloppy kiss on the lips.

Fluttershy giggled. “You do taste like marshmallows.”

“Now Fluttershy dear, I do respect you as a friend but I’m afraid I don’t swing that way.”

Fluttershy ignored Rarity and continued to give her sloppy kisses, making her way down Rarity’s body. “Oh my there’s a little marshmallow down here, I bet it’s soft and squishy too. I should give it a quick nibble, just to see.”

“Hold on Fluttershy that’s a lady’s most secret…UGGNNNN SWEET CELESTIA!!”

Applejack and Twilight continued to chat observing their friends erratic behavior. “Ah reckon this is the most fun at a party I’ve had in ages Twi.”

Twilight clinked her wine glass with Applejack’s mug. “You said it AJ.”